Orthodontic brackets

Abstract

The invention provides a new orthodontic bracket consisting of a bracket body having a mesio-distal extending arch wire receiving slot that opens to the labial surface. A latch member of 'comma' transverse cross-section is accommodated in a recess in the body, being pivoted thereto by two spaced pivot pins passing through the latch member body portion, while the latch member tail portion moves between a closed position in which it closes the arch wire slot to retain an arch wire therein, and an open position in which the arch wire can be inserted in and removed from the slot. A load spring for applying corrective forces to the arch wire is accommodated within the body to the lingual side of the slot and is a thin bowed sheet spring convex toward the latch so that it urges the arch wire toward the latch lingual surface, the gingival part of which is inclined lingually for cooperation with the arch wire in controlling the movements of the bracket on the arch wire. The latch preferably comprises a latch spring also accommodated within the body, and also a thin bowed sheet spring convex toward the latch member and engagable in the latch closed position with a mesio-distal detent ledge on the latch body; the latch spring is accessed for release of the latch by inserting a probe tool through a bore passing through the latch member.