Patent ID: 6325622
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
An orthodontic bracket assembly comprising:an orthodontic bracket having a base, a body extending from the base and an archwire slot extending in a generally mesial-distal direction, the body having an occlusal side and a gingival side, the bracket also including at least one gingival tiewing located gingivally of the gingival side, at least one occlusal tiewing located occlusally of the occlusal side and a passage extending in a generally occlusal-gingival direction; anda latch having a first portion and second portion, wherein the second portion is movable between a slot-closed position for retaining an archwire in the archwire slot and a slot-open position for removal or insertion of an archwire in the archwire slot, wherein the second portion is connected to the first portion adjacent one of the occlusal side and the gingival side, wherein the second portion engages the lingual side of at least one of the tiewings adjacent the other of the occlusal side and the gingival side when the second portion is in the slot-closed position and is released from such engagement when the second portion is in the slot-open position, and wherein the first portion is received in the passage.