ORTHODONTIC BRACKET ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF INSTALLATION

摘要

Transversely spaced tying lugs (12) project from the base (10) for attachment to a tooth or tooth band. Lugs (12) include opposed extensions (13, 14) for orthodontic attachment purposes. Anterior lug surfaces (17) are interrupted by an archer slot. A movable cover (21) slidably engages the anterior surface (17). Cover (21) spans the full width of the tying lugs (12) and has a perpendicular width greater than the width of the archwire slot across the anterior surface (17). The cover (21) is supported on the bracket by a pair of guides (22) that slidably engage opposed side surfaces (15) of the tying lugs (12). The closure can form a complete tube encircling an archwire (66) across the full width of the bracket when the cover (21) is in a closed position. The bracket lugs (12) and cover (21) can also be arranged obliquely across a base (10) to provide a tipping angle across the bracket. Bracket placement is facilitated by an encircling shield (80) or cap (87), including at least one producing extension (85) to aid in aligning and locating the bracket on a supporting tooth surface.