Orthodontic mirror image brackets to removably receive the end portions of lingual arch wires

摘要

Mirror image orthodontic brackets of an overall elongated block configuration are provided for attachment to bands, in turn secured to molars, to receive respective horizontal ends of lingual arch wires terminating in ninety degree bend portions. The overall elongated block configuration has: one medial surface for attachment to a band to be secured to lingual side of a molar; one interrupted occlusal surface presenting a longitudinal slot to receive a horizontal end of a lingual arch wire; one forward, i.e., mesial, interrupted surface presenting the entry of the longitudinal slot; one rear, i.e. distal interrupted surface presenting the exit of the longitudinal slot; one interrupted surface presenting the exit of a vertical slot or hole, which in turn joins the longitudinal slot, and upon the securement of the lingual arch wire receives the ninety degree bent portion; and one interrupted lingual surface opposite the surface to be attached to the band presenting a flexure portion to move upon the insertion and withdrawal of a horizontal end of a lingual arch wire, or presenting a recessed portion to accommodate a limited deflection of the lingual arch wire, upon the insertion and withdrawal of this wire and a protuberance in the longitudinal slot located by the flexure portion, or by the recessed portion in another bracket to provide a snap in and snap out function to receive and to discharge the horizontal end of a lingual arch wire, whereby these shaped lingual arch wires are snapped into place using the longitudinal slot and the intersecting vertical slot, and are then held securely in respect to all three geometric planes to provide their accurate control in respect to the molars, with the lingual arch wire being adapted with accuracy, without special pliers at the dental chair locale, saving time, effort, and expense.