Orthodontic accessory for corrective force application to orthodontic

Abstract

An improved orthodontic accessory for transmitting corrective forces from a corrective force generation device to an orthodontic bracket securable on a tooth generally includes a pin interconnected at one end with a channel defining member. The pin is insertable in a pin receiving slot of an orthodontic bracket also having a primary arch wire slot for receiving an arch wire therethrough. The bracket may be an Edgewise orthodontic bracket and the pin receiving slot may extend vertically. The channel defining member defines a channel, which extends laterally in at least one of a mesial and a distal direction and which may be closed, for receiving a corrective force generation device therethrough. Corrective forces applied by the corrective force generation device to the channel defining member are transmittable to the orthodontic bracket by the pin. A method of applying corrective forces to a patient's tooth involves attaching an orthodontic bracket to the tooth, inserting the pin of the disclosed orthodontic accessory device into a vertically extending slot of the bracket, and engaging a corrective force generation device in the channel of the accessory device. A portion of the pin may be bent to secure the accessory device to the bracket, and, after the corrective forces are applied to the tooth for a period of time, the corrective force generation device may be disengaged from the channel and the pin may be removed from the vertically extending slot to remove the accessory device from the bracket.