Lingual placement device

Abstract

A lingual placement device for positioning orthodontic attachments, such as, brackets, on the lingual side of teeth is described. The device includes a handle which is pivoted to a handle extension to permit access to both anterior and posterior teeth in the mouth of a patient. A tooth engagement plate, which engages the front side of a tooth, is pivoted about a horizontal transverse axis. An orthodontic bracket holder is mounted to the handle extension for both horizontal and vertical movement to permit placement of an orthodontic bracket on the lingual side of a tooth. In operation, the tooth engagement plate is positioned in engagement with the front side of the tooth, the bracket is located in its desired position adjacent the lingual side of the tooth by up and down movement of the handle and vertical movement of the bracket holder. The bracket, to which adhesive is applied, is drawn into engagement with the lingual side of the tooth to grip the tooth between the front plate and the bracket until the adhesive has cured sufficiently to adhere the bracket to the tooth. The bracket then is released and the device is removed from the mouth.