Patent ID: 6626664
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
An orthodontic appliance for use in the positioning of teeth comprising:a first tooth receiving trough in an upper portion for positioning an upper row of teeth, and a second tooth receiving trough in a lower portion for positioning a lower row of teeth, said troughs being defined by lingual and labial-buccal flanges and including an isthmus interconnecting said flanges, said upper portion isthmus and said lower portion isthmus being separated at an anterior end of said appliance, but connected at a posterior end of said appliance to form a hinge connection between said two portions, said upper portion isthmus having a lower surface facing an upper surface of said lower portion isthmus, and at least one of said lower and upper surfaces having a surface feature thereon such that said surfaces are not complementary in shape; said appliance being formed of an extra soft plastic material having a durometer reading hardness, as measured in the Shore A range in accordance with ASTM-D2240, in the range of 30-50.