ADJUSTABLE ORTHODONTIC APPARATUS AND INSTRUMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to orthodontic treatment and in particular, to an adjustable orthodontic apparatus and orthodontic instrument for use therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The science of orthodontics has been advancing at a rapid pace. Stainless steel wires traditionally used to apply orthodontic forces to teeth have in large part been replaced by high-tech alloy wires. These more flexible "memory" archwires employ the use of titanium, niobium, copper and other more efficient materials. Heat activated, these wires allow for lower, longer acting forces with more allowable deflection of the wire to engage brackets adhered to malpositioned teeth. Once engaged, the archwires are maintained within the brackets using steel ligatures, elastomeric ties, and most recently, self-ligating brackets of various designs.

[0003] Bracket placement has always been important in orthodontic therapy; the introduction of the self-ligating bracket has increased its importance. Because bracket position directly effects the force application of the archwire on, and ultimately the final position of, the tooth, proper bracket placement during treatment is critical. To aid in the positioning of the bracket at a tooth location which will bring the teeth to a desired physiologic final dental arch form, positioning instruments have been developed, indirect

bonding has been used, and most recently, computer aided indirect bonding has been introduced.

[0004] Even using the newest and most advanced types of orthodontic brackets, a treatment visit is still required at about 6 months after the initial application of the brackets in order to refine bracket position to better achieve desired physiologic parallel root form. Using radiographic images for root repositioning guidance, this treatment visit is scheduled for all patients and often needs to be to be repeated during the treatment course, resulting in multiple time consuming bracket repositioning visits.

[0005] Sliding, reduced friction mechanics, the basis of modern orthodontic therapy, relies on using high-tech memory wires without bends. Because the metallurgic properties of modern high tech wires do not permit bending of these wires to compensate for less than ideal bracket placement, final tooth position is dependent upon ideal bracket placement. Therefore, during the course of treatment, additional time consuming bracket repositioning visits must be scheduled for those teeth that could not accommodate initial ideal bracket placement, further adding both time and expense to orthodontic treatment.

[0006] Bracket holders typically used in orthodontics are the self closing type which allow the operator to grip the bracket by the wings exposing the back mesh pad for application of the bonding material. Using the bracket holder, the bracket is positioned by the clinician onto the outer surface of the tooth. Typically, the bracket holder grips and holds a bracket while in its neutral, or resting state. After proper positioning of the

bracket, the bracket holder is disengaged from the bracket by squeezing the bracket holder handle.

[0007] The adjustable orthodontic apparatus described in detail below presents new challenges for orthodontic instruments such as bracket holders. For example, the bracket holder must easily engage a connector portion of the adjustable bracket, yet not engage the base portion, thereby permitting easy repositioning of the connector portion in relation to the base portion.

[0008] Accordingly, there is still a continuing need for improved orthodontic apparatus and instrument designs. The present invention fulfills this need and further provides related advantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] To overcome these bracket repositioning problems, the present invention provides for designs that allows the bracket to be repositioned on a base without having to remove and re-adhere the base to the tooth. The novel designs create a repositionable interface between a bracket archwire slot and the base and can be used on any bracket design, for example, a standard style design requiring separate wire ligation or a self ligating design.

[0010] The novel apparatus of the present invention is strong, simple to use and allows for multiple options in bracket positioning, both vertically and horizontally. Application of this novel apparatus will reduce the need to reposition brackets by, for

example, recementing or rebonding, and will reduce or eliminate the need to place compensating bends when traditional (stainless steel) archwires are used. The present invention will also reduce treatment time requirements as well as increase treatment efficiency, enabling patients to complete treatment in less time.

[0011] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an adjustable orthodontic apparatus comprising: a base plate comprising opposing sides, a first side being a tooth engaging side and a second side comprising a first device for engaging and adjusting the vertical and horizontal position of a connecting plate; the connecting plate having opposing sides, a first side comprising a second device for engaging the second side of the base plate and allowing for the vertical and horizontal movement of the connecting plate as it relates to the base plate; and a securing device for locking the connecting plate to a desired position onto the base plate.

[0012] In another embodiment, the securing device for locking the base plate to the connecting plate comprises a pin. In one embodiment, the pin comprises a rod with a ball hook on one of its ends. In another embodiment, the pin may be straight elongated rod or pin.

[0013] In yet another invention, the apparatus further comprises an orthodontic device and wherein a second side of the connecting plate comprises a surface for attaching the orthodontic device to the connecting device. In still another embodiment, the orthodontic device is selected from a group consisting essentially of an archwire

receiving bracket, an archwire receiving eyelet, springs, elastomeric hooks and mixtures thereof.

[0014] In addition, a bracket comprises: a base which is either bonded to the tooth by incorporating a mesh pad on the back of the bracket that bonding cement is mechanically puttied into and then adheres to the tooth or is welded or brazed to a band which is cemented around a tooth; one or more archwire slots designed for receiving the archwires; and occlusal and gingival flanges or wings designed to receive elastic or metal ligatures used in holding the archwire into the slot. Self ligating brackets incorporate a sliding door that closes over the slot holding the wire in place.

[0015] In still another embodiment, the first device of the second side of the base plate comprises at least two vertically positioned protrusions and at least two horizontally positioned protrusions and the second device of the first side of the connecting plate comprises at least two vertically positioned protrusions and at least two horizontally positioned protrusions. In still yet another embodiment, there are a plurality of spaces in between each of the protrusions in the second side of the base plate and the first side of the connecting plate, the plurality of spaces provides for channels for protrusions to move during adjustment of the connecting plate relative to the base plate and the securing device is situated within the channel when the connecting plate is locked onto the base plate.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the first device of the second side of the base plate comprises a plurality of vertical and horizontal column of protrusions and the second

device of the first side of the connecting plate comprises a plurality of vertical and horizontal column of protrusions, and the plurality of column of protrusions provides for a plurality of vertical and horizontal channels.

[0017] In another embodiment, the channels provides the protrusion to move during adjustment of the connecting plate relative to the base plate and the securing device is situated within the channel when the connecting plate is locked into a certain position relative to the base plate. In yet a further embodiment, the protrusions are designed to move vertically and horizontally within the channels during the adjustment of the connecting plate relative to the base plate. In still a further embodiment, the at least one of the protrusions of the connecting plate and at least one of the protrusions of the base plate engage one another when the securing device locks the connecting plate to the base plate.

[0018] In still yet a further embodiment, the tooth engaging side of the base plate is generally concave to conform with the curvature of a tooth. In still yet another further embodiment, the protrusions of the base plate and the second device have geometric shapes, and at least one of the protrusions of the base plate has a geometric shape that creates a retentive undercut with the opposing geometric shape of the second device.

[0019] In another embodiment, the present invention provides for an adjustable orthodontic apparatus comprising: at least one base plate comprising opposing sides, a first side being a tooth engaging side and a second side comprising a plurality of vertical and horizontal columns of protrusions and plurality of vertical and horizontal channels

created by the columns of protrusions; at least one connecting plate having opposing sides, a first side comprising a plurality of vertical and horizontal columns of protrusions and plurality of vertical and horizontal channels created by the columns of protrusions, and the protrusion designed to travel vertically and horizontally within the channel during an adjustment stage; and a securing device for locking the connecting plate to a desired position onto the base plate.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, the securing device for locking the base plate to the connecting plate comprises a pin. In still another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an orthodontic device and wherein a second side of the connecting plate comprises a surface for attaching the orthodontic device to the connecting plate. In still a further embodiment, the second side of the connecting plate comprises an orthodontic device.

[0021] In still yet another embodiment, the orthodontic device is selected from a group consisting essentially of an archwire receiving bracket, an archwire receiving eyelet, spring, hook, elastomeric hook and mixtures thereof. In a further embodiment, at least one of the protrusions of the connecting plate and at least one of the protrusions of the base plate engage one another when the securing device locks the connecting plate to the base plate.

[0022] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an adjustable orthodontic system comprising: a plurality of orthodontic apparati comprising at least one base plate comprising opposing sides, a first side being a tooth engaging side and a

second side comprising a plurality of vertical and horizontal columns of protrusions and plurality of vertical and horizontal channels created by the columns of protrusions; at least one connecting plate having opposing sides, a first side comprising a plurality of vertical and horizontal columns of protrusions and plurality of vertical and horizontal channels created by the columns of protrusions, and the protrusion is designed to travel vertically and horizontally within the channel during an adjustment stage, a second side comprising an orthodontic device; and a device for securing and locking the connecting plate to a desired position onto the base plate.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, the plurality of the apparati are attached to a patient's teeth and each apparati are adjusted vertically and horizontally to desired positions, then locked into the desired position using the securing means, and braces are then attached to each of the apparati. In still another embodiment, the device for securing and locking the base plate to the connecting plate comprises a pin. In still yet another embodiment, the orthodontic device is selected from a group consisting essentially of an archwire receiving bracket, an archwire receiving eyelet, springs, hooks and mixtures thereof.

[0024] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an orthodontic bracket which comprises: a bracket housing having at least two opposing sides, a rear side which is a tooth engaging side and a front side having a cavity for receiving at least one wire; and a cover plate pivotally attached to the front side of the bracket housing, and the cover

plate is designed to be moveable from an open to a closed position to secure and hold the wire within the cavity of the front side of the bracket housing.

[0025] In another embodiment, the bracket further comprises a locking device for locking the cover plate in the closed position, and the locking device is selected from a group consisting essentially of snaps, loop and hook, latch and latch screw, and mixtures thereof. In yet another embodiment, the cavity runs horizontally across the front side of the bracket housing. In still another embodiment, the cavity forms two opposing portions of the front side of the bracket housing.

[0026] In still yet another embodiment, the cover plate is pivotally attached to the first portions of the front side of the bracket housing. In a further embodiment, the front side of the bracket housing comprises a protrusion or a latch screw. In another further embodiment, the cover plate comprises an indentation or latch for receiving the protrusion or latch screw during the closed position. In still a further embodiment, the protrusion is situated on the second opposing portion of the front side of the bracket housing.

[0027] In yet a further embodiment, the cover plate is moved in a downward (or gingival) direction to the closed position when the bracket is placed on a lower tooth of patient's mouth and the cover plate is moved in an upward (or gingival) direction to the closed position when the bracket is placed on an upper tooth of patient's mouth. In still yet a further embodiment, the cover plate is moved in an upward (or occlusal) direction to the opened position when the bracket is placed on a lower tooth of patient's mouth and

the cover plate is moved in a downward (or occlusal) direction to the opened position when the bracket is placed on an upper tooth of patient's mouth.

[0028] In another embodiment, the brackets are placed on the upper and lower teeth at a position that allows the bite of the patient to assist in the locking of the cover plate onto the bracket.

[0029] In another embodiment, the bracket further comprises at least one wire such as an archwire and an instrument for opening and closing the cover plate.

[0030] In another embodiment, the present invention provides for an orthodontic bracket system, and the system comprises: a base plate having a rear side and a front side, the rear side is designed to engage a patient's tooth, and the base plate comprises a channel for receiving an archwire, and the channel leads to an opening on the front side of the base plate; a cover plate for closing the opening of the channel and securing the archwire within the channel of the base plate; and a device for locking the cover plate in the closed position.

[0031] In yet another embodiment, the opening of the channel runs horizontally across the front side of the base plate. In still another embodiment, the channel forms two opposing portions of the front side of the base plate.

[0032] In still yet another embodiment, the cover plate is pivotally attached to the first portion of the front side of the base plate. In a further embodiment, the front side of the base plate comprises a protrusion. In another further embodiment, the cover plate

comprises an indentation for receiving the protrusion during the closed position. In yet another further embodiment, the protrusion is situated on the second opposing portion of the front side of the base plate.

[0033] In still another embodiment, the locking device is selected from a group consisting essentially of snaps, loop and hook, latch and latch screw, and mixtures thereof. In a further embodiment, the system further comprises at least one archwire and a tool for opening and closing the cover plate.

[0034] In another embodiment, the present invention provides for an adjustable orthodontic apparatus with a self ligating bracket, and the apparatus comprises: a base plate comprising opposing sides, a first side is a tooth engaging side and a second side comprises a first device for engaging and adjusting the vertical and horizontal position of a connecting plate; the connecting plate having opposing sides, a first side comprising a second device for engaging the second side of the base plate and allowing for the vertical and horizontal movement of the connecting plate as it relates to the base plate, a second side having an archwire channel for receiving an archwire, the archwire channel leads to an opening on the front of the second side; a securing device for locking the connecting plate to a desired position onto the base plate; a cover plate for closing the opening of the archwire channel and securing the archwire within the channel of the base plate; and a device for locking the cover plate in the closed position.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to an adjustable orthodontic system with a self ligating bracket, the system comprises: at least one base

plate comprising opposing sides, a first side is a tooth engaging side and a second side comprises a plurality of vertical and horizontal columns of protrusions and plurality of vertical and horizontal channels created by the columns of protrusions; at least one connecting plate having opposing sides, a first side comprises a plurality of vertical and horizontal columns of protrusions and plurality of vertical and horizontal channels created by the columns of protrusions, and the protrusion is designed to travel vertically and horizontally within the channel during an adjustment stage, a second side having an archwire channel for receiving an archwire, the archwire channel leading to an opening on the front of the second side; a securing device for locking the connecting plate to a desired position onto the base plate; a cover plate for closing the opening of the archwire channel and securing the archwire within the channel of the base plate; and a device for locking the cover plate in the closed position.

[0036] In yet another embodiment, a plurality of the apparati are attached to a patient's teeth and each apparati are adjusted vertically and horizontally to desired positions, then locked into the desired position using the securing means, and wires are then attached to each of the apparati. In still another embodiment, the device for securing and locking the base plate to the connecting plate comprises a pin. In still yet another embodiment, the orthodontic device is selected from a group consisting essentially of an archwire receiving bracket, an archwire receiving eyelet, springs, hooks and mixtures thereof.

[0037] In another embodiment, the invention comprises a bracket housing having at least two opposing sides, a rear side which is a tooth engaging side and a front side having a cavity for receiving at least one wire and a locking cover plate pivotally attached to the front side of the bracket housing. The cover plate is designed to be moveable from an open to a locked closed position to secure and hold the wire within the cavity of the front side of the bracket housing.

[0038] In another embodiment, the present invention provides for an orthodontic bracket system comprising a base plate having a rear side and a front side, the rear side designed to engage a patient's tooth. The base plate further comprises a channel for receiving an archwire, the channel leading to an opening on the front side of the base plate; a cover plate for closing the opening of the channel and securing the archwire within the channel of the base plate; and an element for locking the cover plate in the closed position.

[0039] In another embodiment, the present invention provides for an adjustable orthodontic apparatus with a self ligating bracket. The apparatus comprises a base plate comprising opposing sides, a first side being a tooth engaging side and a second side for engaging and adjusting the vertical and horizontal position of a connecting plate. The connecting plate has opposing sides; a first side for engaging the second side of the base plate and allowing for the vertical and horizontal movement of the connecting plate as it relates to the base plate, and a second side having an archwire channel for receiving an archwire. A securing device locks the connecting plate to a desired position onto the base

plate and a cover plate closes the opening of the archwire channel to secure the archwire within the channel of the base plate. A locking element locks the cover plate in a closed position.

[0040] In another embodiment, to overcome these bracket repositioning problems, the present invention provides for an orthodontic bracket holder which comprises a handle, a working end comprising opposing beaks, and a depth limiter attached to one beak and slidably received by the other beak.

[0041] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an orthodontic instrument for disengaging a self ligating bracket locking member comprising a handle and a working end comprising two legs, the first leg for engaging a first bracket portion, the second leg to disengage the locking member.

[0042] One advantage of the present invention is that the connector could be cast, milled or injection molded as part of existing bracket designs, either traditional or self ligating, and would greatly enhance their mechanical ability to align teeth.

[0043] Another advantage is that the present invention may also be used with all ceramic and composite bracket designs as well as with stainless steel or titanium or other metal brackets.

[0044] Another advantage of the present invention is the ability of the instrument to easily and rapidly engage a bracket connector plate while not engaging a bracket base plate.

[0045] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention. These drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0047] FIGURE 1 is an exploded view of one of the embodiments of the present invention;

[0048] FIGURE 2 is a front perspective view of one of the embodiments of the base plate of the present invention;

[0049] FIGURE 3 is a back perspective view of the base plate in FIG. 2;

[0050] FIGURE 4 is a frontal perspective view of one of the embodiments of the connecting plate of the present invention;

[0051] FIGURE 5 is a back perspective view of the connecting plate in FIG. 4;

[0052] FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the securing device of the present invention;

[0053] FIGURE 7 is a side perspective view of the interaction of the connecting plate and the base plate of the present invention;

[0054] FIGURE 8 is a frontal view of FIG. 7 showing the relationship and movement of the connecting plate relative to the base plate;

[0055] FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the orthodontic system of the present invention fully assembled on a patient's tooth;

[0056] FIGURE 10 depicts an exploded view of another embodiment of the orthodontic apparatus of the present invention with a connecting plate that has an opening and closing door;

[0057] FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of FIG. 9 fully assembled on a patient's tooth;

[0058] FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of system of the present invention fully assembled on a patient's teeth;

[0059] FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of the self-ligating bracket of the present invention in a closed position;

[0060] FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of the self-ligating bracket of the present invention in an opened position;

[0061] FIGURE 15 is a side view of the self ligating bracket system of the present invention;

[0062] FIGURE 16 is a front perspective view of the self ligating bracket and locking pin in an open position;

[0063] FIGURE 17 is a front perspective view of the self ligating bracket and locking pin in a closed position;

[0064] FIGURE 18 is a side view of self ligating bracket with locking system; and

[0065] FIGURE 19 is a side view of self ligating bracket with locking system showing a bracket opening instrument in use.

[0066] FIGURE 20 is a perspective view of a bracket opening instrument in a passive state for disengaging a locking member.

[0067] FIGURE 21 is a perspective view of an instrument in an active state for disengaging a locking member.

[0068] FIGURE 22 is a perspective view of a bracket holder in a bracket engaging state.

[0069] FIGURE 23 is a perspective view of a bracket holder in a storage state.

[0070] FIGURE 24 is a side view of a bracket holder engaging a bracket connector plate.

[0071] FIGURE 25 is a perspective view of a bracket holder depicting the internal serrations.

[0072] FIGURES 26 and 27 are perspective views of a double ended instrument.

[0073] Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0074] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. The figures are not necessary to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0075] For purposes of this invention, a bracket is defined as any device which is fixed to the surface of a tooth and designed for attachment of archwires or auxiliaries such as for example, springs or elastics; used to transmit forces from these archwires and/or auxiliaries to the tooth and its supporting structures.

[0076] In most cases, tooth moving forces are stored in the archwire and/or auxiliaries and delivered through a bracket to the tooth and supporting structures by deflection of the archwire or auxiliary from a passive to an active state.

[0077] Traditionally, a bracket comprises a base; one or more archwire slots designed for receiving an archwire; and occlusal and gingival flanges or wings designed to receive elastic or metal ligatures used to maintain the archwire within the slot. The bracket is affixed to a tooth by direct bonding through the use of a mesh pad incorporated into the back of the bracket or the bracket is welded or brazed to a band which is cemented around the tooth. Newer, self ligating bracket designs incorporate, for example, a sliding door that closes over the slot, thereby holding the wire in place and obviating the need for separate ligatures.

[0078] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates one of the embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, an adjustable orthodontic apparatus 1 is provided. The apparatus 1 comprises a base plate 2 comprising opposing sides, 2a and 2b respectively, a first side 2a being a tooth engaging side and a second side 2b comprises a first device 3 for engaging and adjusting the vertical and horizontal position of a connecting plate 4. The connecting plate 4 has opposing sides, 4a and 4b respectively, a first side 4a comprises a second device 6 for engaging the second side 2b of the base plate 2 and allowing for the vertical and horizontal movement of the connecting plate 4 as it relates to the base plate 2. The apparatus 1 further comprises a securing device 5 for locking the connecting plate 3 to a desired position onto the base plate 2.

[0079] The securing device 5 for locking the base plate 2 to the connecting plate 3 comprises, for example, a pin. The second side 4b of the connecting plate 4 comprises an orthodontic device 7. The orthodontic device 7 may be, for example, an arch wire receiving bracket or an archwire receiving eyelet.

[0080] FIGS. 2-5 relate to the front and back views of the base plate 2 and connecting plate 4 of the present invention. The first device 3 of the second side 2b of the base plate 2 comprises at least two vertically positioned protrusions, 12a and 12b respectively, and at least two horizontally positioned protrusions, 14a and 14b respectively, and the second device 6 of the first side 4a of the connecting plate 4 comprises at least two vertically positioned protrusions, 11a and 1 Ib respectively, and at least two horizontally positioned protrusions, 13a and 13b respectively.

[0081] There are a plurality of spaces in between each of the protrusions, 11a, l ib, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b, 14a and 14b respectively, in the second side 2b of the base plate 2 and the first side 4a of the connecting plate 4. The plurality of spaces provides for channels 15 for protrusions, 11a, l ib, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b, 14a and 14b respectively, to move during adjustment of the connecting plate 4 relative to the base plate 2 (described in greater detail below) and the securing device 5 is situated within the channel 15 when the connecting plate 4 is locked onto the base plate 2.

[0082] FIG. 6 illustrates the securing device 5 which comprises an elongated shaft 50 designed to fit within the channels between the protrusions and also has opposing ends, 5 a and 5b respectively. One side 5 a has extended stop portion 25 and the opposing side

5b has a bendable portion 35 designed to lock the position of the connecting plate to the base plate. In another embodiment, side 5a is slightly bent at an angle.

[0083] In another embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 7-8, the first device 3 of the second side 2b of the base plate 2 comprises a plurality of vertical and horizontal column of protrusions 20 and the second device 6 of the first side 4a of the connecting plate 4 comprises a plurality of vertical and horizontal column of protrusions 40, and the plurality of column of protrusions, 20 and 40 provides for a plurality of vertical and horizontal channels 15. The channels 15 provides the protrusion 20 and 40 to move during adjustment of the connecting plate 4 relative to the base plate 2 and the securing device 5 is situated with the channel 15 when the connecting plate 4 is locked into a certain position relative to the base plate 2. The protrusions 20 and 40 are designed to move vertically and horizontally within the channels 15 during the adjustment of the connecting plate 4 relative to the base plate 2. At least one of the protrusions 40 of the connecting plate 4 and at least one of the protrusions 20 of the base plate 2 engage one another when the securing device 5 locks the connecting plate 4 to the base plate 2.

[0084] The protrusions 20 and 40 of the base plate 2 and the connecting plate have geometric shapes, and at least one of the protrusions 20 of the base plate 2 has a geometric shape that creates a retentive undercut with the opposing geometric shape of at least one of the protrusions 40 of the connecting plate 4.

[0085] FIG. 9 shows the orthodontic system 10 of the present invention assembled onto the tooth 100 of a patient. The tooth engaging side 2a of the base plate 2 is

generally concave to conform with the curvature of a tooth 100. The orthodontic device 7 comprises at least two u-shaped protrusions, 71 and 72 respectively, on opposing ends 7a and 7b respectively; and a central cavity 73 for receiving a wire 19. At least one rubber band or steel ligature 18 is used to secure the wire 19 to the orthodontic device 7 within the cavity 73. The orthodontic device 7 is attached to the connecting plate 4 which is secured to the base plate 2 with the pin 5.

[0086] FIGS. 10-12 depict another embodiment of the present invention wherein the orthodontic device 7 has a door 60 for enclosing the central cavity 73 to thereby lock the wire 19 into place. The orthodontic device 7 comprises at least two u-shaped protrusions, 71 and 72 respectively, on opposing ends 7a and 7b respectively; and a central cavity 73 for receiving a wire 19. The orthodontic device 7 is attached to the connecting plate 4 which is secured to the base plate 2 with the pin 5. FIGS. 11-12 shows the apparatus 1 assembled onto a patient's teeth 100.

[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, the present invention provides for a bracket housing or connecting plate 4 comprising at least two opposing sides, a rear side being a tooth engaging side and a front side 4b having a cavity 7 for receiving a wire (not shown); and a cover plate 80 pivotally attached to the front side 4b of said bracket housing 4, the cover plate 80 is designed to be moveable from an open to a closed position to secure and hold the wire within the cavity 7 of said front side 4b of the bracket housing 4.

[0088] The front side 4b of the bracket housing 4 comprises a protrusion 82. The cover plate 80 comprises an indentation 84 for receiving the protrusion 82 during the closed position. The cover plate 80 is attached to a pivot point 81 attached to the front side 4b of the bracket housing 4.

[0089] The cover plate 80 is moved in a downward direction to the closed position when the bracket is placed on a lower tooth of patient's mouth and the cover plate 80 is moved in an upward direction to the closed position when the bracket is placed on an upper tooth of patient's mouth. In all other respects, the connecting plate is as described above.

[0090] FIGS. 16-19 depict another embodiment of a bracket housing or connecting plate 4 of the present invention showing a cover plate 80 pivotally attached to the front side 4b of a bracket in both the open and closed position. The cover plate 80 is designed to be movable from an open to a closed position to secure and hold the wire within the cavity 7 of said front side 4b of the bracket housing 4.

[0091] The front side 4b of the bracket housing 4 comprises a cover plate locking device first member, for example, spring clip 82b. The cover plate 80 comprises a cover plate locking device second member, for example, an opening 84b for receiving the spring clip 82b during the closed position. A ridge 84c is located just above the opening 84b and is used to engage an opening instrument 86, for example, a bracket door opening instrument, for unlocking the cover plate 80 from the closed position. In a preferred embodiment, spring clip 82b comprises a first end 92 being attached to the bracket

housing 4 and a second end 94 having a protrusion 82d for engaging the aperture 84b of the cover plate 80 during the locked position.

[0092] The cover plate 80 is moved in a downward direction to the closed position when the bracket is placed on a lower tooth of a patient's mouth and the cover plate 80 is moved in an upward direction to the closed position when the bracket is placed on an upper tooth of a patient's mouth.

[0093] As the cover plate 80 is moved into the closed position, spring clip 82b is displaced from bracket housing 4b as cover plate 80 slides under spring clip 82b. Upon cover plate 80 reaching it fully closed position, spring clip 82b engages opening 84b to lock cover plate 80 in its closed position. To open cover plate 80, opening instrument 86 is used to apply opening forces to ridge 84c, thereby causing spring clip 82b to disengage from opening 84b and allowing cover plate 80 to move to its open position.

[0094] As depicted in FIGS. 20 and 21, preferably, instrument 86 comprises a handle 112 and two legs 88, 90, for example, cross-over legs. The first leg 88 contacts ridge 84c and the second leg 90 disengages the spring clip 82b from the aperture 84b of the cover plate 80, for example, by sliding wedge 110 positioned at the end of second leg 90 under spring clip 82b.

[0095] FIG. 20 depicts instrument 86 in a passive, resting state and FIG. 21 depicts instrument 86 after it has been activated. Due to its cross-over design, once first leg 88 is

positioned against ridge 84c, as the handle 112 is squeezed, instrument 86 is activated, thereby causing wedge 110 to slide under spring clip 82b.

[0096] As explained above, during a course of therapy, the bracket may need to be repositioned. The novel bracket holder 87 described below was developed to deal with the new challenges posed by the interlocking connector of my novel bracket system. Grasping the connector plate 4 (FIG.l) without also inadvertently grasping the base plate 2 (FIG. 1) becomes very difficult, if not impossible using known bracket holders. If the base plate 2 is grasped, repositioning of the connector plate 4 is impossible because the base plate 2 is fixed to the tooth.

[0097] By using the bracket holder of the present invention, the clinician is able to easily grasp the connector plate 4 and move it up or down, right or left, without also grasping the base plate 2. Since the brackets themselves are very small, ease of manipulation is important to the success of my system.

[0098] FIGS. 22 and 23 depict a first embodiment of the bracket holder 87 of the present invention in both an open and closed position. Preferably, the bracket holder 87 comprises a handle comprising cross over legs, for example first leg 96a and second leg 96b. Optional, but preferred member, for example, hinge clip 100 mounted to handle first leg 96a allows the bracket holder beaks 89a, 89b to spring closed when hinge clip 100 is in an open position (FIG. 22). When the hinge clip 100 is in a closed position, for example, engaging handle second leg 96b (FIG. 23), the beaks 89a, 89b are sprung open allowing engagement of the connecting plate 4 (FIG. 1), described in detail below. At the

same time, a depth limiter, for example, wire 102, is protected from being deformed during storage of the bracket holder 87. When the hinge clip 100 is closed (holding beaks 89a, 89b open), the wire 102 does not extend past a second beak 89b, thereby preventing the wire 102 from becoming bent while stored. In remaining open, the beaks 89a, 89b protect the integrity of the wire 102 during storage.

[0099] The wire 102, for example, an .018 stainless steel wire, is attached at a first end to a first beak 89a. A second end is slidably engaged through a hole 97 fabricated in second beak 89b. Wire 102 is positioned at a limiting depth from the end of the beaks 89a, 89b, preferably equal to the depth of the central cavity 73 (FIG. 10). The depth is preferably about .030", which is the depth of conventional and self-ligating bracket slots for .018 X .030 and .022 X .030 standard bracket prescriptions. The wire 102 has a stop 92, for example, a round ball, at its second end, used to limit the amount of opening between the two beaks 89a, 89b. In a preferred embodiment, the wire is normal to the contact surfaces, however any angle that allows for engagement with the central cavity is acceptable.

[00100] FIG. 24 depicts a connector plate 4 engaged by the beaks 89a, 89b of the bracket holder 87. When depth limiting wire 102 is seated within central cavity 73 (FIG. 10), beaks 89a, 89b engage the connecting plate 4, for example, by squeezing bracket wings 94, 95 but are prevented from grasping base plate 2 (FIG. 1), thereby permitting connecting plate 4 to be repositioned as described above. Optionally, as depicted in FIG.

25, interior of beaks 89a, 89b may comprise serrations 104 to improve their grasping ability.

[00101] In this manner, the novel bracket holder of the present invention allows for easy and rapid grasping, moving and ultimately re-positioning of the connector plate 4.

[00102] In use, the hinge clip 100 is open allowing the clinician to spread the beaks 89a, 89b by squeezing the handles 96a, 96b together to position the beaks 89a, 89b over the connector plate 4. The engagement of the depth limiting wire 102 within the central cavity 73 prevents the beaks 89a, 89b from inadvertently grasping base plate 2. Upon release of the handles 96a, 96b, bracket holder 87 engages connector plate 4, thereby allowing the bracket to be positioned without disturbing the base plate 2 which is affixed to the tooth.

[00103] In another embodiment depicted in FIGS. 26 and 27, the operative features of the opening instrument 86 and the bracket holder 87 described above are combined into a single instrument 120. FIG. 26 depicts the opening instrument end 122 in an activated state and the bracket holder end 124 in a non-grasping, storage state with the hinge clip 100 closed. FIG. 27 depicts the opening instrument end 122 in a passive, resting state and the bracket holder end 124 in a grasping state with the hinge clip 100 open.

[00104] Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific examples and embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is capable of other variations and modifications within its scope. These

examples and embodiments are intended as typical of, rather than in any way limiting on, the scope of the present invention as presented in the appended claims.