SELF-LIGATING ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE

摘要

Provided are orthodontic appliances including a bonding base, a body extending outwardly from the base and an elongated slot thereon extending along a generally mesial-distal direction, and first and second protrusions disposed on the body on opposite sides of the slot. A clip is slidably engaged to the body and movable between open and closed positions. When operating the clip, the first protrusion extends into the clip to retain the clip to the body in an interference fit while the second protrusion extends into the clip when in its closed position. Optionally, the clip comprises at least one deflectable portion aligned along a reference plane extending over the slot, where the deflectable portion resiliently bends out of the reference plane to traverse the second protrusion as the clip moves between open and closed positions.

主权项

1. An orthodontic appliance comprising:
a base having a bonding surface for attachment to a tooth; a body extending outwardly from the base and an elongated slot thereon extending along a generally mesial-distal direction; first and second protrusions disposed on the body with the slot extending therebetween; and a clip slidably engaged to the body and movable between open and closed positions, the first protrusion extending into the clip to retain the clip to the body in an interference fit and the second protrusion extending into the clip in its closed position selectively, wherein the clip comprises at least one deflectable portion aligned along a reference plane extending over the slot and wherein the at least one deflectable portion resiliently bends out of the reference plane to traverse the second protrusion as the clip moves between open and closed positions.