Patent ID: 6659767
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
An orthodontic bracket comprising:a bracket base adapted to receive at least one arch wire; a resiliently deformable ligation cover having a first end that is non-slidably affixed to the base and a second end distal to the first end, the ligation cover being selectively movable by deformation of the cover between an open, non-ligating position relative to the bracket base and a closed, ligating position in which the arch wire is ligated relative to the bracket base; a latch member configured so as to permit selective locking and unlocking of the second end of the ligation cover relative to the bracket base; a hinge element interposed between the base and ligation cover comprising a region having a reduction in material cross-section compared to material cross-sections of the base and ligation cover immediately adjacent to the hinge element so as to form an integral living hinge that attaches the resiliently deformable ligation cover to the base, and that is not biased toward the closed position, and the ligation cover, base and hinge element together being injection molded so that they comprise a one-piece plastic orthodontic bracket.