Patent ID: 8220195
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. An orthodontic appliance, comprising: a substantially planar base for bonding the appliance to a tooth; a body extending from the base; an archwire slot extending across the body in a generally mesial-distal direction and opening in a generally occlusal-gingival direction; and a resilient retention device associated with the slot and having a curved portion in between two ends that are each supported within the body, wherein one of the ends slides within the body in an occlusal/gingival direction and the other of the ends slides within the body in a buccal/labial direction; wherein in a rest position of the retention device the curved portion partially obstructs the opening of the archwire slot and when urged from its rest position due to pressure from the archwire each of the two ends freely slide further into the body in their respective directions thereby permitting the retention device to absorb the pressure, wherein the curved portion may be caused to recede from the opening to a release position in which the archwire may be inserted or removed from the archwire slot, wherein the retention device is biased to the rest position thereby to retain the archwire.