SELF-LIGATING ORTHODONTIC BRACKET

摘要

A self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly includes a bracket including a transverse archwire slot. A first anterior surface of the bracket to one side of the slot terminates at one side slot surface. It is free of any anterior projections that would otherwise obscure viewing of the archwire slot opening by one installing or adjusting the bracket. A second anterior surface terminates at the remaining side slot surface. A ligating slide is guided within a pair of guides having inwardly facing guide slots located to the second side of the archwire slot. The ligating slide is movable between a retracted position and a cantilevered position over the archwire slot. The ligating slide is differentially colored with respect to the bracket. Various detents, both integral to the ligating slide or external to it and recessed within the bracket, are used to hold the ligating slide in its desired position relative to the supporting bracket structure.