Patent ID: 8235714
Filing Date: 2012-08-07
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. An orthodontic bracket having (a) a base attachable to a tooth surface and having an archwire slot sized to receive an archwire said base having lateral cutout portions, (b) a removable archwire slot cover having laterally extending tabs adapted to matingly fit within said lateral cutout portions in said base so as to cover at least a portion of said archwire slot and to enable said bracket to function as a buccal tube, said removable archwire slot cover capable of being removed from said bracket base without removal of said bracket from said tooth surface so as to provide an open archwire slot for continued orthodontic treatment subsequent to removal of said removable archwire slot cover, and (c) a plurality of bendable protrusions formed in said lateral cutout portions of said base and selectively bendable toward and away from said archwire slot, said bendable protrusions being bent to bear against said tabs of said slot cover to retain said slot cover in said base.