| 摘要 |
<p>An orthodontic device (10) is attached between an upper attachment portion secured to the maxillary teeth (16) and a lower attachment portion secured to the mandibular teeth (18) such that the device is proximal the cheek. The device is formed from a single flexible resilient spring element having a curved body portion (46) defined to lie in a plane relative to a plane defined by the cheek. The element has first and second end portions (48, 50) configured to directly attach to the upper and lower attachment portions, respectively, to displace the maxillary teeth relative to the mandibular teeth. The first end portion includes a primary bend (70) that is disposed substantially within the plane of the body portion to vary the effective length of the element where the variation in the length of the spring element varies the force directed to the teeth. The second end portion terminates in a loop (60).</p> |
