Patent Publication Number: US-2010129765-A1

Title: Orthodontic apparatus and orthodontic member

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/116,766, filed Nov. 21, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention is generally related to an orthodontic apparatus and orthodontic member and, more particularly, to an orthodontic apparatus and member for use with orthodontic brackets. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Orthodontic brackets represent a principal component of corrective orthodontic treatments devoted to improving a patient&#39;s occlusion. In conventional orthodontic treatments, an orthodontist or an assistant affixes brackets to the patient&#39;s teeth and engages an archwire into a slot of each bracket. The archwire applies corrective forces that coerce the teeth to move into orthodontically correct positions. Traditional ligatures, such as small elastomeric O-rings or fine metal wires, are employed to retain the archwire within each bracket slot. To this end, ligatures of this type are often used to actively engage one or more tie wings of the bracket and the archwire to retain the archwire in the slot and prevent relative motion between the bracket and archwire. By retaining the archwire therein, the archwire may apply predetermined directional forces to the bracket, and thus the tooth, to bring the tooth into proper position. 
     Brackets may be positioned on the labial or lingual surface of the tooth in close proximity to the occlusal plane. However, the position may create concerns in cases where a clinician has to treat a patient exhibiting a type of malocclusion in which one or more teeth on the opposing arch contacts the bracket when the patient&#39;s jaws close. In this situation, where a tooth contacts a bracket, the contact between the two may wear away the tooth enamel at the area of contact. In order to prevent any damage to the tooth that may occur by such contact, bumpers may be secured to the brackets. The bumper is typically positioned occlusally of the bracket so as to be between the bracket and the opposing tooth. The bumper, therefore, is positioned to protect the tooth and the bracket. However, when secured to the bracket, these bumpers may contact or otherwise interfere with the archwire or may be designed to actively engage the archwire much like a traditional ligature. Thus, the bumpers can and often do introduce unwanted forces on the archwire that may, for example, prolong treatment or result in other undesirable effects on orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, these bumpers often fail to remain in place due to forces that normally occur during mastication. As a result, the bracket may become exposed to tooth contact during treatment not withstanding use of conventional bumpers. 
     There is, therefore, a need for an apparatus that includes an orthodontic member configured to be coupled to a bracket which does not interfere with the relative motion between the bracket and the archwire and which remains in place when exposed to normal mastication forces in the oral environment. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, an orthodontic member is provided for use with an orthodontic bracket having a tie wing and an archwire slot that is configured to receive an archwire therein. The orthodontic member includes an engaging member that is configured to engage the tie wing to removably couple the orthodontic member to the bracket. The orthodontic member further includes a first bumper that extends from the engaging member and that is configured to cover a first side of the bracket. When the archwire is positioned in the archwire slot and the orthodontic member is coupled to the bracket, the orthodontic member and the archwire are in non-contact relation with each other such that the orthodontic member exerts no active forces on the archwire. 
     In another embodiment, an orthodontic apparatus for use with an archwire includes an orthodontic bracket that is configured to be mounted on a tooth, and an orthodontic member that is configured to be removably coupled to the bracket. The bracket includes a tie wing, an archwire slot that is configured to receive the archwire therein, and a movable closure member. The movable closure member is positionable relative to the archwire slot in an open position to allow insertion of the archwire therein, and in a closed position to capture the archwire within the archwire slot. The orthodontic member includes an engaging member that is configured to engage the tie wing to removably couple the orthodontic member to the bracket. The orthodontic member further includes a first bumper that extends from the engaging member and that is configured to cover a first side of the bracket. When the archwire is captured in the archwire slot and the orthodontic member is coupled to the bracket, the orthodontic member and the archwire are in non-contact relation with each other such that the orthodontic member exerts no active forces on the archwire. 
     In another embodiment, an orthodontic member is provided for use with an orthodontic bracket having a tie wing and an archwire slot that is configured to receive an archwire therein. The orthodontic member includes a main body, an engaging member, and a nub. The main body is configured to cover at least a portion of the bracket when the orthodontic member is coupled to the bracket. The engaging member extends from the main body and is configured to engage the tie wing to removably couple the orthodontic member to the bracket. The nub extends from the main body and is configured to project into the archwire slot so as to be in non-contact relation with the archwire. When the archwire is positioned in the archwire slot and the orthodontic member is coupled to the bracket, the orthodontic member and the archwire are in non-contact relation with each other such that the orthodontic member exerts no active forces on the archwire. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an orthodontic apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 1A  is an enlarged side view of the encircled portion  1 A of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective, partially disassembled view of the orthodontic apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective, partially disassembled view of another embodiment of an orthodontic apparatus; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective, partially assembled view of the orthodontic apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective, fully assembled view of the orthodontic apparatus of  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is an enlarged side view of the encircled portion  5 A of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective, partially assembled view of another embodiment of an orthodontic apparatus; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective, partially disassembled view of the orthodontic apparatus of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective, fully assembled view of the orthodontic apparatus of  FIGS. 6 and 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective, fully assembled view of another embodiment of an orthodontic apparatus; 
         FIG. 9A  is an enlarged side view of the encircled portion  9 A of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective, partially disassembled view of the orthodontic apparatus of  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective, partially disassembled view of another embodiment of an orthodontic apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to the figures and, more particularly, to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an orthodontic apparatus  10  includes a bracket  12  configured to be mounted to a tooth  14  (shown in phantom) and an orthodontic bite bumping apparatus, bite bumper, or simply an orthodontic member  16  configured to be secured to the bracket  12 . The bracket  12  has an archwire slot  18  that is configured to receive an archwire  20  (shown in phantom) therein. As is known in the art, the archwire  20  and bracket  12  are used in orthodontic treatment to apply corrective forces to the tooth  14  to bring it into the correct orthodontic position. As shown in  FIG. 1  and described in more detail below, when the orthodontic member  16  is coupled to the bracket  12 , the orthodontic member  16  prevents or reduces the likelihood of contact between portions of the bracket  12  and objects, such as food, surrounding tissues, and/or the patient&#39;s teeth on the opposing jaw (not shown), during normal mastication. Furthermore, the orthodontic member  16  does not interfere with or alter the relative movement between the bracket  12  and the archwire  20  or otherwise effect the forces exerted on the bracket  12  by archwire  20 . 
     The orthodontic apparatus  10 , unless otherwise indicated, is described herein using a reference frame with the apparatus  10  attached to a labial surface of a tooth on the lower jaw. Consequently, as used herein, terms such as labial, lingual, mesial, distal, occlusal, and gingival used to describe the apparatus  10  are relative to the chosen reference frame. The embodiments of the invention, however, are not limited to the chosen reference frame and descriptive terms, as the orthodontic apparatus  10  may be used on other teeth and in other orientations within the oral cavity. For example, the apparatus  10  may also be located on a tooth in the upper jaw or maxilla and be within the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the descriptive terms used herein may not directly apply when there is a change in reference frame. Nevertheless, the invention is intended to be independent of location and orientation within the oral cavity and the relative terms used to describe embodiments of the apparatus are to merely provide a clear description of the examples in the drawings. As such, the relative terms labial, lingual, mesial, distal, occlusal, and gingival are in no way limiting the invention to a particular location or orientation. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the bracket  12  includes a body  22  and a movable closure member, such as ligating slide  24 , for captivating the archwire  20  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) within the archwire slot  18 . While self-ligating brackets (i.e., those that utilize a latch, clip, or ligating slide to keep the archwire in the archwire slot) are shown and described herein, embodiments of the invention may include orthodontic brackets that are not self-ligating, i.e. those brackets that may rely on other features to capture the archwire in the archwire slot. With reference specifically to the body  22 , when the body  22  is mounted to the labial surface of a tooth carried on the patient&#39;s lower jaw, the body  22  has a lingual side  26 , an occlusal side  28 , a gingival side  30 , a mesial side  32 , a distal side  34 , and a labial side  36 . The lingual side  26  of the body  22  is configured to be secured to the tooth in any conventional manner, including for example, by an appropriate orthodontic cement or adhesive or by a band around an adjacent tooth (not shown). 
     As shown best in  FIG. 2 , the lingual side  26  may further be provided with a pad  38  that defines a bonding base  40  adapted to be secured to the surface of the tooth  14 . The pad  38  may or may not be integrally formed with the bracket  12 . The body  22  may further include one or more tie wings. As shown best in  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment the bracket  12  may be formed with two occlusal tie wings  42   a,    42   b  projecting from the occlusal side  28  and two gingival tie wings  42   c,    42   d  projecting from the gingival side  30 . The tie wings  42   a - 42   d  permit coupling of other orthodontic elements such as, ligatures, power chains, among others, to the body  22 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 2 , the body  22  includes a base surface  44  and a pair of opposed slot surfaces  46 ,  48  projecting labially from the base surface  44  that collectively define the archwire slot  18  in the body  22 . The archwire slot  18  extends in a mesial-distal direction from mesial side  32  to distal side  34  of the body  22  and may be configured to receive the orthodontic archwire  20  in any suitable manner. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 1A , the ligating slide  24  has a labial side  50  and a lingual side  52 . The ligating slide  24  is movable between an open position to allow the clinician to insert the archwire  20  into the archwire slot  18  and a closed position (the ligating slide  24  is in the closed position in  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A, and  2 ) to retain the archwire  20  in the archwire slot  18  during treatment. With continued reference to  FIG. 1A , while the ligating slide  24  is in the closed position, a portion of the lingual side  52  opposes the base surface  44  to form a boundary or encasing portion  54   a.  That is, portions of the lingual side  52 , opposed surfaces  46 ,  48  and base surface  44  form a four-sided boundary that defines the encasing portion  54   a  relative to a portion of archwire  20 . During treatment, the archwire  20  may contact one or more of the base surface  44 , the opposed slot surfaces  46 ,  48 , and the lingual side  52  of the ligating slide  24 . In addition, the archwire  20  has cross-sectional dimensions that are generally less than the corresponding cross-sectional dimensions of the encasing portion  54   a,  as shown. In this way, the archwire  20  is not tightly restrained in encasing portion  54   a,  but instead may move relative to bracket  12  depending on the particular orthodontic treatment. 
     In contrast to the encasing portion  54   a,  and with reference to  FIG. 1A , bracket  12  also defines a non-encasing portion  54   b  which refers to portions of the archwire slot  18  other than the encasing portion  54   a  and which is in non-contact relation with the archwire  20  when the ligating slide  24  is in the closed position. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1A , when the ligating slide  24  is in the open position, the clinician may pass the archwire  20  through the non-encasing portion  54   b  and into the encasing portion  54   a.  However, when the ligating slide  24  is closed, the archwire  20  may contact the surfaces defining the encasing portion  54   a  but not contact portions of non-encasing portion  54   b.    
     As set forth above and in one embodiment, the orthodontic member  16  is configured to releasably couple to the bracket  12  and, when coupled to bracket  12 , prevents or reduces the likelihood of contact between bracket  12  and opposing teeth. To this end, in one exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the orthodontic member  16  includes a pair of engaging members extending from a main body  60  (described in more detail below) of the orthodontic member  16  and which is configured to permit releasable coupling of the orthodontic member  16  with bracket  12 . For example, in one embodiment, the engaging members may include a pair of stretchable closed loops  56 ,  58  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment of the invention, the orthodontic member  16  includes a bumping member or bumper  62  that extends therefrom. For instance, the bumper  62  may extend from the first closed loop  56 , as shown. When bracket  12  is mounted onto the tooth  14  and the orthodontic member  16  is coupled with bracket  12 , the bumper  62  extends in the buccal-lingual direction (arrow  55 ) and is positioned generally occlusally of bracket  12 . Specifically, for example, the bumper  62  may cover or overlie the tie wings  42   a  and  42   b  or another occlusal-most portion of the body  22 . In other words, the bumper  62  covers the occlusal side  28  of the bracket  12  to prevent or reduce the likelihood of objects approaching from the occlusal direction (in particular a tooth on the opposing jaw) from contacting the bracket  12 . Rather than a potentially-damaging, object-bracket contact, the opposing tooth or object comes into contact with the orthodontic member  16 , and specifically the bumper  62 , thereby preventing or reducing the amount of damage to the opposing tooth and/or the bracket  12 . 
     In this aspect, the bumper  62  may made of a suitably chosen material to provide comfort to the patient as well as durability sufficient to withstand repeated contact. For example, and without limitation, bumper  62  may be made from an elastomeric polyurethane-based material and may further be injection-molded according to methods known in the art to conform to the shape of the bracket  12 . Bumper  62  may be formed integrally with one or more of the closed loops  56 ,  58  and the main body  60 . However, it is contemplated to be within the scope of the invention for the bumper  62  to be a separate element which is coupled to the orthodontic member  16 . With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A, and  2 , the bumper  62  of this exemplary embodiment has a generally continuous rectangular cross-sectional shape (when viewed in the occlusal-gingival direction of arrow  65 ). However, the bumper  62  may have other shapes. For example, the bumper  62  may be made of multiple portions separate and/or spaced from one another or even have a single portion (like bumper  62 ) but have an opening, irregularity or other structure such that the bumper has a non-continuous shape. 
     In order to keep the bumper  62  positioned on the occlusal side  28  of the bracket  12 , each of the closed loops  56 ,  58  may be stretched around one or more tie wings, such as opposing pairs of tie wings  42   a,    42   b  and  42   c,    42   d.  The orthodontic member  16  may engage an underside portion of each of the tie wings  42   a,    42   b,    42   c,    42   d,  such as along recesses  64 ,  66  of the body  22  (shown best in  FIG. 2 ). In this regard, when so coupled, the closed loops  56 ,  58  prevent or otherwise limit substantial buccal-lingual movement (as indicated by arrow  55 ) of the orthodontic member  16  relative to bracket  12  such that the bumper  62  remains positioned substantially occlusally of the bracket  12 . Additionally, the elasticity of the closed loops  56 ,  58  permits the loops to tightly engage the tie wings  42   a,    42   b,    42   c,    42   d  so as to resist rotation of member  16  relative to bracket  12 . In this regard, the closed loops  56 ,  58  are pivotally bendable relative to the main body  60  to facilitate engagement of the underside portions of the tie wings  42   a,    42   b,    42   c,    42   d  as the member  16  is installed onto bracket  12 . The closed loops  56 ,  58  thereby restrict or limit (i.e., prevents or at least minimizes) rotation of member  16  relative to bracket  12 . Thus, the closed loops  56 ,  58  reduce the probability that the bumper  62  may slide around to the mesial side  32  or distal side  34  of the body  22 , or otherwise expose the occlusal side  28  of the bracket  12 . 
     In addition, as described above, when the orthodontic member  16  is coupled to the bracket  12 , as shown best in  FIG. 1A , the closed loops  56 ,  58  are in a non-interfering relation with the encasing portion  54   a  of the archwire slot  18 . More specifically, each of the closed loops  56 ,  58  may be positioned such that the closed loops  56 ,  58  do not exert active forces on the archwire  20  as the archwire extends from the mesial or distal sides  32 ,  34  of the body  22 . Accordingly, the engagement of the orthodontic member  16  with bracket  12  does not alter relative movement that would exist between the bracket  12  and the archwire  20  by exerting drag or frictional-type forces on the archwire  20  during the orthodontic treatment. In this regard, in one embodiment, the member  16  is configured to be in non-contact relation with the archwire  20  during orthodontic treatment. This may be referred to as “passive ligation” as opposed to “active ligation,” where an orthodontic member (e.g., ligature, o-ring, etc.) imposes a force on the archwire  20  to force the archwire toward the base surface  44  of archwire slot  18 , for example. Therefore, unlike ligatures used to actively force and hold an archwire in an archwire slot, as are generally known in the art, the orthodontic member  16  may be particularly useful when passive ligation is desired (i.e., where the bracket  12  and the archwire  20  are permitted to move relative to each other without significant interference). For example, in some orthodontic treatments, passive ligation is particularly desirable during the early stages of treatment. 
     Although the orthodontic member  16  is shown with two engaging members formed as closed loops, embodiments of the invention are not so limited. For example, in one alternative embodiment, the orthodontic member  16  may have a single engaging member (e.g., a single closed loop). Further, it is contemplated that in alternative embodiments, the engaging members may take forms other than closed loops, such as hooks or J-shaped engaging members (not shown). Moreover, it is also contemplated that the closed loops  56 ,  58 , hooks, J-shaped members, etc. may have sizes and/or shapes different from one another. 
     As set forth above and with reference to  FIG. 1 , in certain classes of malocclusions, the opposing teeth (not shown) may contact the bumper  62 . The bumper  62  therefore is configured to protect the opposing teeth as well as the structural integrity of the bracket  12 . When such contact is made, the bumper  62  remains in position as set forth above and, to that end, may be supported against the bracket  12 . For example, in one embodiment a body portion or support pad  68  protrudes gingivally from bumper  62 . In this embodiment, when the bumper  62  is forcibly contacted from the occlusal direction, the support pad  68  engages the occlusal side  28  of the bracket  12  to distribute the contact load across the occlusal side  28  of bracket  12 . The support pad  68  may reduce the compression and/or deformation of the bumper  62  by spreading the load across more surface area of the body  22 . 
     As shown, the support pad  68  may be shaped to conform to the shape of the occlusal side  28  of the body  22 . For instance, the support pad  68  may be shaped to fill the space between occlusal tie wings  42   a,    42   b,  as shown. In addition to supporting the bumper  62  against the body  22 , the conforming shape of the support pad  68  may also keep the member  16  from moving mesially or distally to such a degree that would expose the occlusal side  28  of the bracket  12 , and particularly, expose one of the occlusal tie wings  42   a,    42   b.  The support pad  68  may include a mesial-distal portion  70  that fills residual space between the occlusal tie wings  42   a,    42   b  and the pad  38  that is not otherwise occupied by the closed loop  56 . The mesial-distal portion  70  may further limit movement of the bumper  62  in the labial-lingual direction. In one aspect, a malocclusion that may cause contact between the bracket  12  and an opposing tooth may be treated more quickly (i.e., shorter treatment time) due to a reduction or elimination of damage to the bracket  12  and, as a consequence, the time required to replace damaged and non-functional brackets. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the orthodontic member  16  may include decorative elements such as colors and/or decorative prints (e.g., numbers, letters, stars, or flowers, among others) associated with an outward, visible surface of the member  16 . In this regard, different portions of member  16  may include colors that are different from one another. Further, member  16  may include identifying indicia on its surface (e.g., numbers, letters, other characters or symbols or combinations thereof) permitting identification of the particular member  16  and/or identification of a particular combination of member  16  and bracket  12  (or other type of bracket). The decorative elements and identifying indicia are generally assigned the numeral  72 . These may be present in any number and/or combination and may be located anywhere on the member  16 . For example, and without limitation, these decorative elements and/or identifying indicia may be located on one or more of the closed loops  56 ,  58 , main body  60 , and/or bumper  62 . 
     While the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A, and  2  includes a member  16  having a single bumper  62 , it is contemplated that alternative embodiments may include additional bumpers having the same or different size and/or shape as the first bumper  62 . By way of example and without limitation, an alternative embodiment (not shown) may include the same structure as member  16 , but additionally have a second bumper similar to first bumper  62  positioned oppositely therefrom (i.e., gingivally of bracket  12  when coupled thereto) configured to prevent or reduce the likelihood of contact between bracket  12  and other parts of the mouth, especially surrounding tissue. This second bumper may, for example, be desirable with patients having tight musculature or a tight orbicularis oris to provide comfort to the patient during the orthodontic treatment period. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  5 A, in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A, and  2 , another embodiment of an orthodontic apparatus  100  includes a bracket  102  and a bite bumper or an orthodontic member  104  similar in many respects to the bracket  12  and member  16  of  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A, and  2 , the description of which may be referred to for an understanding of the structure, material, and functions of apparatus  100  as well. In one embodiment of the orthodontic apparatus  100 , the bracket  102  includes a body  106  and a movable closure member, such as ligating slide  108  (shown in the closed position). However, as is set forth above, the bracket  102  may not include such a movable closure member. As shown best in  FIG. 3 , the body  106  has a single occlusal tie wing  110  and a pair of gingival tie wings  112   a,    112   b.  An occlusal recess  114  is formed between the occlusal tie wing  110  and the pad  38 , and a gingival recess  116  is formed between the gingival tie wings  112   a,    112   b  and the pad  38 . 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the orthodontic member  104  includes two closed loops  118 ,  120  that are sized differently from one another to facilitate engagement to a single occlusal tie wing  110  and an opposed pair of gingival tie wings  112   a,    112   b  of the body  106 . In this regard, closed loop  118  is smaller than closed loop  120  such that closed loop  118  fits within or engages an underside portion of the occlusal tie wings  110 , e.g., such as along occlusal recess  114 , and closed loop  120  fits within or engages the underside portion of gingival tie wings  112   a,    112   b,  e.g., such as along gingival recess  116 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , in another embodiment, the bite bumper or orthodontic member  104  includes a pair of nubs  122   a,    122   b  that extend from a main body  124  of the member  104 , generally in a buccal-lingual direction (arrow  55 ). As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the nubs  122   a,    122   b  may be spaced apart to straddle the ligating slide  108  and may be sized to be inserted into the archwire slot  18  when the member  104  is secured or otherwise coupled to the bracket  102 . Once inserted into the archwire slot  18 , the nubs  122   a,    122   b  restrict or limit (i.e., prevent or at least minimize) rotation or twisting of the member  104  in a plane substantially parallel to the main body  124 . The nubs  122   a,    122   b  also resist sliding movement of the orthodontic member  104  in the occlusal-gingival direction (illustrated by arrow  65 ) caused by repeated movement of the buccal mucosa, as well as food or other matter in the oral cavity, across the surface of the main body  124  during normal mastication. Further, when nubs  122   a,    122   b  straddle the slide  108 , the nubs  122   a,    122   b  may also limit mesial-distal motion. To that end, nubs  122   a,    122   b  extend into the archwire slot  18  and are sized and shaped to fit snugly therein. For example, the nubs  122   a,    122   b  may be formed from a resilient, but elastically deformable, material such that the nubs  122   a,    122   b  may be compressed as they are inserted into the archwire slot  18 . Furthermore, the nubs  122   a,    122   b  cooperate with the tight coupling provided by the closed loops  118 ,  120  around bracket  102  to prevent or at least minimize relative rotation between the member  104  and the bracket  102 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5A , when member  104  is coupled with bracket  102 , the nubs  122   a,    122   b  extend only into the non-encasing portion  54   b  of the archwire slot  18 . In this regard, therefore, a portion of lingual surface  128  of ligating slide  108  together with portions of the base surface  44 , and opposed slot surfaces  46 ,  48 , form four sides of the encasing portion  54   a  of archwire slot  18 . The nubs  122   a,    122   b  stay clear of the encasing portion  54   a  and therefore may not actively force, hold, or touch the archwire  20  in the slot  18  in a manner that alters the movement of the archwire  20  relative to the bracket  102 . In addition, the closed loops  118 ,  120  may be positioned such that they do not exert active forces on the archwire  20  as the archwire extends from the mesial or distal sides  32 ,  34  of the body  106 . Thus, the orthodontic member  104  does not exert drag forces or frictional-type forces on the archwire  20  during the orthodontic treatment in a manner that alters relative movement between the bracket  12  and the archwire  20 . In one embodiment, the orthodontic member  104  may be configured to be in non-contact relation with the archwire  20  when coupled to a bracket during orthodontic treatment. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , during such deployment, following insertion of the nubs  122   a,    122   b  into the archwire slot  18 , each of the closed loops  118 ,  120  may be stretched about each of the tie wings  110 ,  112   a,    112   b  for engagement with the corresponding underside portions (e.g., recesses  114 ,  116 ). The nubs  122   a,    122   b  keep the main body  124  substantially in a fixed position. This may be particularly desirable, for example, when closed loops  118 ,  120  must be stretched to different extents relative to one another to engage alternative brackets having recesses that are spaced at varying distances from the archwire slot  18 . 
     In one embodiment, and with continued reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  5 A, a bumper  130  extends outwardly from loop  118  and may be connected to the loop  118  by one or more tabs  132  (one shown). The bumper  130  is similar in structure and function to bumper  62 , set forth above. In this regard, therefore, the bumper  130  may be integrally formed with closed loop  118  or separately coupled to member  104 . When the closed loop  118  is positioned in recess  114 , the bumper  130  is configured to cover the occlusal tie wing  110  and may reside in contact therewith. 
     While the exemplary embodiment of the member  104  in  FIGS. 3-5  is illustrated with a single bumper  130 , it is contemplated that alternative embodiments may include additional bumpers having the same size and/or shape as bumper  130  or a size and/or shape different from those shown. By way of example, and without limitation, the orthodontic member  104  may further include an additional or a second bumper (not shown) that may be similar to bumper  130 . However, the second bumper may be connected to closed loop  120 , such that it is positioned generally gingivally of bracket  102  when coupled thereto to prevent or reduce the likelihood of contact between bracket  102  and surrounding tissue. The second bumping member may, for example, be desirable for patients having tight musculature or a tight orbicularis oris as the second bumper may be more comfortable for patient during the orthodontic treatment. 
     Like the orthodontic member  16  of  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A, and  2 , orthodontic member  104  of  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 , may include decorative elements such as colors and/or decorative prints (e.g., numbers, letters, stars, flowers) associated with the surface of the member  104 . In this regard, different portions of member  104  may include colors that are different from one another. Further, member  104  may include identifying indicia on its surface (e.g., numbers, letters, other characters or symbols or combinations thereof) permitting identification of the particular member  104  and/or identification of a particular combination of bite bumper  104  and bracket  102  (or other type of bracket). The decorative elements and identifying indicia are generally assigned the numeral  72 . These may be present in any number and/or combination and may be located anywhere on the member  104 . For example, and without limitation, these decorative elements and/or identifying indicia may be located on one or more of the closed loops  118 ,  120 , main body  124 , nubs  122   a,    122   b  and/or bumper  130 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 , in another embodiment, an orthodontic apparatus  200  includes the bracket  102  (also shown in  FIGS. 3-5 ) and a decorative apparatus or decorative orthodontic member  204 . Decorative member  204  is similar in structure and materials to orthodontic members  16 ,  104 , set forth above. For ease of explanation, like reference numerals in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8  refer to like features in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  5 A. Unlike orthodontic member  104 , decorative member  204  does not include a bumper and therefore it has a primarily decorative or aesthetic function. However, a main body  206  of the decorative member  204  may provide some protection by blocking entry of food and debris into the archwire slot  18 . The cover  206  may also provide some comfort for some patients. 
     Similar to the nubs  122   a,    122   b  shown for example in  FIG. 3 , the orthodontic member  204  may have nubs  212   a,    212   b  that project from the main body  206 . In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the nubs  212   a,    212   b  are configured to be positioned to straddle the ligating slide  108 , shown best in  FIG. 7 . The nubs  212   a,    212   b  may act to resist occlusal-gingival movement of the main body  206  when positioned in the archwire slot  18 . In this aspect, the nubs  212   a,    212   b  may simplify coupling the member  204  to the bracket  102 . For example, the nubs  212   a,    212   b,  when placed into the archwire slot  18 , may act to stabilize the member  204  on the bracket  102  while the clinician positions closed loops  208 ,  210  over the occlusal tie wing  110  and the gingival tie wings  112   a,    112   b.  Also, the nubs  212   a,    212   b  may act to resist occlusal-gingival movement of the member  204  that is caused by passage of tissue, food, and other material across the surface of the main body  206 . 
     As with the other orthodontic members  16 ,  104 , when coupled with bracket  102 , closed loops  208 ,  210  and nubs  212   a,    212   b  and other portions of decorative member  204  are in a non-interfering relation with the encasing portion  54   a  of the archwire slot  18  (best shown in  FIG. 8 ). As described above with regard to  FIG. 1A , the closed loops  208 ,  210  do not exert drag or frictional forces that would tend to impede or alter the relative motion between the bracket  102  and the archwire  20 . In other words, the closed loops  208 ,  210  result in coupling of the decorative member  204  with bracket  102  such that decorative apparatus exerts no active forces onto the archwire  20 . Thus, the bracket  102  may move relative to the archwire  20  without interference from the member  204 . 
     In accordance with one of its functions, the decorative member  204  may include decorative elements such as colors and/or decorative prints (e.g., numbers, letters, stars, flowers) associated with the surface of the decorative member  204 . In this regard, different portions of decorative member  204  may include colors that are different from one another. Further, decorative member  204  may include identifying indicia on its surface (e.g., numbers, letters, other characters, or symbols or combinations thereof) permitting identification of the particular decorative member  204  and/or identification of a particular combination of decorative member  204  and a bracket. Decorative member  204  may, for example, be available in different colors to provide a selection of aesthetic choices for the decorative member  204 , in accordance with a user&#39;s preferences. The decorative elements and identifying indicia are generally assigned the numeral  72 . These may be present in any number and/or combination and may be located anywhere on the decorative member  204 . For example, and without limitation, these decorative elements and/or identifying indicia may be located on one or more of the closed loops  208 ,  210 , main body  206 , and/or nubs  212   a,    212   b.    
     With reference to  FIGS. 9 ,  9 A, and  10 , in which like reference numerals refer to like features of  FIGS. 1-2 , another embodiment of an orthodontic apparatus  300  includes a bite bumper or orthodontic member  302  coupled to the bracket  12 . As shown, the orthodontic member  302  includes an engaging member  304  in the form of a closed loop  306  that engages the recesses  64 ,  66  (shown best in  FIG. 10 ) between tie wings  42   a,    42   b,    42   c,    42   d  of the body  22  and pad  38 . Engaging member  304  includes first and second generally C-shaped body portions  308 ,  310 , each having a central portion  312 ,  314 , respectively. The occlusal central portion  312  has mesial and distal leg portions  316   a,    316   b  that are configured to extend from the central portion  312  in the gingival direction. Similarly, the gingival central portion  314  has mesial and distal leg portions  318   a,    318   b  that are configured to extend from the central portion  314  in the occlusal direction. The first and second body portions  308 ,  310  are configured to be coupled to one another to form the closed loop  306 , as is shown in  FIG. 9 . The closed loop  306  is, therefore, defined by the central portions  312 ,  314  and the mesial and distal leg portions  316   a,    316   b,    318   a,    318   b.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , in one embodiment, the body portions  308 ,  310  may be configured to be coupled together where the mesial leg portions  316   a  and  318   a  form the mesial side of the closed loop  306 . Similarly, the distal leg portions  316   b  and  318   b  form the distal side of the closed loop  306 . The body portion  308 ,  310  may be coupled, for example, where the leg portions  316   a,    316   b,    318   a,    318   b  have respective complementarily-shaped engagement surfaces  320   a,    320   b.  For example, engagement surfaces  320   a,    320   b  may include respective serrations  322   a,    322   b  that permit the first body portion  308  to be coupled to the second body portion  310 . The serrations  322   a,    322   b  may include a plurality of teeth which may be oriented to ease installation of the orthodontic member  302 , but make accidental separation of the first body portion  308  from the second body portion  310  unlikely. The ratchet-type coupling between the first and second body portions  308 ,  310  permits a unidirectional snap-fit coupling, such that engagement between the engagement surfaces  320   a,    320   b  is easier than disengagement thereof. In this regard, during deployment, the leg portions  316   a,    316   b,    318   a,    318   b  may be moved toward one another generally along the occlusal-gingival direction (i.e., in the general direction of arrows  319 , see  FIG. 10 ), such that the respective serrations  322   a,    322   b  ratchedly engage one another, thereby facilitating secure coupling between the first and second body portions  308 ,  310  and forming of the closed loop  306 . However, other alternative, but suitable, structures may provide coupling between the first and second body portions  308 ,  310 . In this regard, for example, the first and second body portions  308 ,  310  may instead be adhesively coupled to one another or coupled via fasteners such as screws, pins or the like, on, at, or through the engagement surfaces  320   a,    320   b.    
     While the embodiment of  FIGS. 9 and 10  includes first and second body portions  308 ,  310  that are coupled to one another generally along the occlusal-gingival direction (arrow  319 ), it is contemplated that an alternative embodiment may have first and second body portions that are coupled along a direction transverse to the occlusal-gingival direction (not shown). For example, and without limitation, they may be coupled generally along a mesial-distal direction. 
     When the first and second body portions  308 ,  310  are coupled to one another, a bumping member  326  extends outwardly from the first body portion  308  and in the buccal-lingual direction (arrow  55 ). The bumper  326  is consequently positioned substantially occlusally of the bracket  12  and covers at least a portion of the occlusal side  28  of the bracket  12  to prevent or reduce the likelihood of contact between bracket  12  and opposing teeth, for example. In this exemplary embodiment, the bumper  326  is integrally formed with the first body portion  308 , though the bumper  326  may be a separate component that is secured to the first body portion  308  with adhesives or by another technique known in the art. 
     In one embodiment, the dimensions of the member  302  may be configured specifically for a particular bracket to improve the likelihood that the bumper  326  remains properly located. In this regard, a close fit of the engaging member  304  within the recesses  64 ,  66  of bracket  12  may restrict movement of the orthodontic member  302  relative to the bracket  12 . Specifically, a close fit may restrict occlusal-gingival motion (arrow  65 ), labial-lingual motion (arrow  55 ), as well as restricting motion in other lateral (e.g., arrow  303 ) and rotational directions. As set forth above with orthodontic members  16 ,  104 , and  204 , the coupling of the engaging member  304  with the bracket  12  is such that the engaging member  304  is in non-contact relation with the archwire  20  and thus does not actively engage the archwire  20  during orthodontic treatment. Specifically, as shown best in  FIG. 9A , the engaging member  304  does not encroach upon the engaging portion  54   a,  which is defined by portions of the base surface  44 , opposed slot surfaces  46 ,  48 , and the lingual side  52  of the ligating slide  24 . Thus, like previous embodiments, in one embodiment, the orthodontic member  302  does not define any portion of the encasing portion  54   a  nor does it come into contact with the archwire  20  on either the mesial or distal sides  32 ,  34  of the bracket  12 . However, unlike embodiments set forth above, in which the orthodontic members were configured to be positioned labially of the archwire  20 , in this embodiment, the orthodontic member  304  is positioned lingually of the archwire slot  18  (i.e., between the tooth surface and the archwire  20 ). This placement may be advantageous in that the insertion and removal of the archwire  20  from the archwire slot  18  may not require prior removal of the orthodontic member  302  from the bracket  12 . Accordingly, the orthodontic member  302  may ease replacement of the archwire  20  during treatment. 
     Like the previous embodiments, the orthodontic member  302  may include decorative elements such as colors and/or decorative prints (e.g., numbers, letters, stars, flowers) associated with a surface of the orthodontic member  302 . The decorative elements and identifying indicia are generally assigned the numeral  72 . In this regard, different portions of orthodontic member  302  may include colors that are different from one another. Further, orthodontic member  302  may include identifying indicia (e.g., numbers, letters, other characters or symbols or combinations thereof) on its surface permitting identification of the particular orthodontic member  302  and/or identification of a particular combination of orthodontic member  302  and bracket  12  (or another type of bracket). These may be present in any number and/or combination and may be located anywhere on the orthodontic member  302 . For example, and without limitation, these decorative elements and/or identifying indicia may be located on one or more of the first and second body portions  308 ,  310  and/or bumper  326 . 
     In addition, orthodontic member  302  may be made of a variety of suitable materials, though these may differ from the materials that any of the orthodontic members  16 ,  104 ,  204  are made from. In part, the orthodontic member  302  may be made of relatively rigid materials rather than elastic materials, because the direct engagement of the first body portion  308  with the second body portion  310  does not require stretching of either first or second body portions  308 ,  310  around the occlusal tie wings  42   a,    42   b  or gingival tie wings  42   c,    42   d.  For example, the engaging member  304  may be made of a material that includes a polycarbonate. 
     With reference to  FIG. 11 , in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 1-2  and  FIGS. 9 and 10 , another embodiment of an orthodontic apparatus  330  is similar to orthodontic apparatus  300 , the description of which may be referred to for an understanding of apparatus  330 . Orthodontic apparatus  330  includes an orthodontic member  332  configured to be secured to the bracket  12 , as shown. The orthodontic member  332  includes an engaging member  334  that permits coupling thereof with the bracket  12 . As with orthodontic members set forth above, the engaging member  334  does not contact the archwire  20 , exert drag or active forces tending to resist relative motion between the bracket  12  and the archwire  20 , or otherwise effect the relative movement between the two. To this end, engaging member  334  has first and second body portions  336 ,  338 , similar to the first and second body portions  308 ,  310  of the exemplary orthodontic member  302  shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Orthodontic member  332  includes a first bumper  340  that extends from the first body portion  336  and a second bumper  342  that extends from the second body portion  338 . The first bumper  340  may be similar to the bumper  326 , described above. The second bumper  342  may be positioned substantially gingivally of the bracket  12 . In this exemplary embodiment, the second bumper  342  may be integrally formed with the second body portion  338  or may be a separate component that is secured to body portion  338 . Second bumping member  342  extends generally in the buccal-lingual direction (arrow  55 ) to prevent or reduce the likelihood of contact between bracket  12  and other parts of the mouth, especially surrounding tissue. The second bumper  342  may, for example, be desirable with patients having tight musculature or a tight orbicularis oris to provide comfort to the patient during the orthodontic treatment period. 
     While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus, and illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.