| 主权项 |
1. An apparatus for applying corrective forces to shape a palate of a patient, the apparatus comprising:
a first attachment member capable of being attached to a first molar when the apparatus is installed in the patient's mouth; a second attachment member capable of being attached to a second molar when the apparatus is installed in the patient's mouth; a first extension wire including a first proximal portion and a first distal portion, the first proximal portion extending from the first attachment member, the first distal portion extending from the first proximal portion and terminating at a first distal end; a second extension wire including a second proximal portion and a second distal portion, the second proximal portion extending from the second attachment member, the second distal portion extending from the second proximal portion and terminating at a second distal end; and a palatal archwire including a right portion, a middle portion, and a left portion, the right portion extending from a right side of the middle portion to the first attachment member, the left portion extending from a left side of the middle portion to the second attachment member, wherein the middle portion includes a left loop, a middle loop, and a right loop, the left, middle, and right loops being manipulatable to apply corrective buccal, labial, and transverse forces to thereby unilaterally or bilaterally rotate, torque, or angle the first molar, the second molar, or both, and wherein the middle portion has a generally M-shaped configuration such that the right and left loops are oriented in a direction generally toward the first and second distal portions and the middle loop is oriented in a direction opposite the direction in which the right and left loops are oriented. |
