Patent ID: 9561089
Date: 2017-02-07
CPC Classifications: A61C

Claim:
1. An orthodontic appliance for cooperating with an archwire, the appliance comprising: a base having a substantially uniform thickness extending the length of the appliance; at least one archwire tube connected to said base, the at least one archwire tube comprising: (i) a first aperature, (ii) a second aperature, and (iii) a passageway having a length between said first and second aperatures, wherein the passageway is adapted for receiving the archwire; wherein the passageway comprises interior sides; wherein the interior sides comprise a gingival side, an occlusal side, a lingual side and a buccal side; wherein the buccal side comprises a friction reducing feature and wherein at least one of the group consisting of the gingival side, the occlusal side and the lingual side comprises a friction reducing feature; wherein a first of the friction reducing features comprises a projection extending substantially the length of said passageway and extending into said passageway; wherein the first of the friction reducing features reduces contact of the archwire with a first predetermined portion of the passageway; wherein a second of the friction reducing features comprises a plurality of separate projections residing along the length of said passageway, projecting into said passageway and spaced apart from each other along the length of said passageway; wherein the second of the friction reducing features reduces contact of the archwire with a second predetermined portion of the passageway; wherein said passageway has a tapered mesial end; and wherein the appliance has a hook for attaching a device to the appliance.