Patent ID: 7695277
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: A61C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An orthodontic bracket comprising: at least two structural portions comprising a base and a ligation cover integrally formed as one contiguous piece to prevent unwanted separation, said base and ligation cover substantially rigidly connected through one or more webs at a hinge mechanism having one of a pin or axle, said bracket adapted to receive an archwire between the cover and the base, said one or more webs being frangible to allow the at least two structural portions to move relative to each other when said one or more webs are sheared, said base and ligation cover remaining interlocked by said hinge mechanism after said one or more webs are sheared; a plurality of locking recesses provided on one of the cover or the base that allow archwires having different cross-section sizes to be inserted and fixed in one of said plurality of locking recesses by closing the cover to different opening widths; an interlocking mechanism operatively associated with the ligation cover to secure said ligation cover to the base at a location spaced apart from the hinge mechanism when the ligation cover is closed; wherein said one or more webs are configured in one of a horizontal, vertical, or radial position from said pin or axle and have one of a helical or curved form extending along at least a portion of said hinge, said one or more webs having an area of reduced thickness where fracturing forces are directed; and wherein said base has at least one void space operatively associated with one of said pin, axle or ligation cover, said void space having a shape selected from the group consisting of round, oval, square, rectangular, hexagonal, trapezoidal, and polygonal.