Patent Publication Number: US-2022218445-A1

Title: Single arch mandibular advancer

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 17/169,728, having a filing/371(c) date of 8 Feb. 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/087,025, having a filing/371(c) date of Sep. 20, 2018 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,952,822), which is a U.S. National Stage of PCT/GB2017/050844, filed Mar. 24, 2017 (expired), which is a non-provisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/312,555 that was filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 24, 2016 (expired). The entire disclosure of each patent application set forth in this Cross-Reference to Related Applications section is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to the field of orthodontics and, more particularly, to facilitating the disposition of a patient&#39;s upper and lower dentitions in Class I occlusion. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Class II malocclusions exist when an individual&#39;s upper jaw or maxilla protrudes further out from the individual&#39;s face than his/her lower jaw or mandible. Conversely, Class III malocclusions exist when an individual&#39;s lower jaw or mandible protrudes further out from the individual&#39;s face than his/her upper jaw or maxilla. Treatment of a Class II malocclusion may entail exerting a functional orthopedic force on the individual&#39;s lower jaw or mandible so as to advance the same in a mesial or anterior direction. 
     One way in which orthodontic treatment forces have been applied to address a Class II malocclusion is through a facebow to retract the upper jaw or maxilla to match the position of a retruded mandible. As a large percentage of Class II malocclusions are due to a deficient mandible, it is more beneficial to the patient to advance the mandible than to retract the maxilla. This results in a better profile and a more balanced facial appearance compared to orthodontic techniques which retract the maxillary teeth to match the position of a retrusive mandible. The disadvantage of this approach is that the nose continues to grow, when the maxilla is retracted, and the nose becomes unduly prominent in the profile, while the maxilla and mandible are retracted to a retrusive position. This approach may align the anterior teeth, but at the same time, is detrimental to the patient&#39;s facial appearance. 
     An alternative to a functional orthopedic approach to correct a mandibular retrusion would entail a combination of orthodontic and surgical correction to align the teeth and advance the mandible to match the correctly positioned maxilla. Orthopedic correction achieves a similar result by correcting the mandibular position without surgery in many cases. It may be important to integrate orthopedic techniques with conventional orthodontic techniques in order to allow the simultaneous correction of skeletal and dental abnormalities. 
     Another option which has been utilized to affect mesially-directed mandibular advancement is through what has been characterized in the orthodontic industry as “bite blocks.” Bite blocks generally include a planar surface which is disposed at an angle relative to an individual&#39;s occlusal plane when the bite blocks are installed on the patient. Typically a pair of bite blocks are installed on the occlusal surface of the patient&#39;s upper dental arch on opposite sides thereof (i.e., one on the right side of the upper dental arch, and another on the left side of the upper dental arch), while a pair of bite blocks are also installed on the occlusal surface of the patient&#39;s lower dental arch on opposite sides thereof (i.e., one on the right side of the lower dental arch, and another on the left side of the lower dental arch). Each of these bite blocks are installed so that there is a camming-like action between the two bite blocks which are occlusally installed on the patient&#39;s upper arch and their corresponding bite blocks which are occlusally installed on the patient&#39;s lower arch. 
     Both fixed and removable attachment techniques have been suggested for bite blocks generally of the above-noted type. “Fixed” in the orthodontic treatment sense means that a particular appliance is installed on the orthodontic patient in such a manner so that at least in theory the orthodontic patient will not be able to readily remove the appliance, but so that the appliance may be removed by the orthodontic practitioner utilizing the proper tool(s). “Removable” in the orthodontic treatment sense means that a particular appliance is installed on the orthodontic patient in such a manner so that the appliance may be readily removed by both the orthodontic patient and practitioner. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is directed to and/or uses an orthodontic appliance that is installed on only one dentition of a patient (i.e., on a single patient dentition), that includes an occlusal protrusion that is disposed over at least one cusp of at least one tooth in this dentition (with such a cusp being on the occlusal surface of such a tooth), that directly engages the opposite dentition of the patient (i.e., this orthodontic appliance does not cooperate with an orthodontic appliance that is installed on the opposite dentition), and that encourages or facilitates disposing the patient&#39;s upper and lower dentitions into Class I occlusion. Typically such an occlusal protrusion will be disposed over corresponding teeth on each side of a midline of a common dentition (e.g., one occlusal protrusion being disposed over a first molar on one side of a patient&#39;s dentition (the lower dentition or the upper dentition), and a different occlusal protrusion being disposed over a first molar on the opposite side of this same dentition). 
     The above-noted orthodontic appliance may be installed on the relevant dentition of a patient in any appropriate manner. For instance, the noted occlusal protrusion may be mounted to a single tooth in the relevant dentition (e.g., via or using an orthodontic band installed on a single tooth in the relevant dentition). Another option in this regard is to integrally form an occlusal protrusion on an occlusal surface of a crown. Multiple occlusal protrusions could be formed on an overlay that is installed over multiple teeth in the relevant dentition, typically such that a single such occlusal protrusion is disposed on each side of a midline of this overlay. 
     A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of using an orthodontic appliance. A first orthodontic appliance is installed on a first dentition of a patient and includes a first portion that protrudes beyond an occlusal plane between the patient&#39;s first and second dentitions. When the patient&#39;s first and second dentitions are in a first relative position in a mesial-distal dimension (also referred to as a mesio-distal dimension), the first portion of the first appliance will engage the second dentition (e.g., an occlusal surface) to obstruct closure of the patient&#39;s jaws. The patient&#39;s lower jaw is moved relative to the upper jaw to dispose the first and second dentitions in a second relative position in the noted mesial-distal dimension. With the first and second dentitions being in this second relative position, the patient is now able to close the jaws as a result of the first portion of the first appliance being directed into a space between an adjacent pair of teeth in the patient&#39;s second dentition. The orthodontic appliance may be used to force or direct the patient&#39;s first and second dentitions into the noted second relative position in the mesial-distal dimension. 
     A number of feature refinements and additional features are separately applicable to at least the first aspect of the present invention. These feature refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any combination in relation to at least the first aspect. The first appliance is preferably retained in a fixed position relative to the first dentition on which the first appliance is installed. Moreover, the first appliance may be installed in any appropriate manner on the first dentition. The first appliance may be installed on the first dentition using a single tooth. For instance, the first appliance may utilize an orthodontic band that is installed on a single tooth, where the first portion may be characterized as being disposed occlusally above the same tooth on which this orthodontic band is installed. Another option in this regard is for the first appliance to be in the form of an orthodontic crown, where the first portion is an occlusal protrusion on an occlusal surface of such a crown. The first appliance may be in the form of an overlay that is disposed over multiple teeth of the first dentition, and the noted first portion may be an occlusal protrusion that is incorporated on an occlusal surface of this overlay. 
     The first appliance may be installed on the patient&#39;s first dentition and its first portion may directly engage the patient&#39;s second dentition in a manner so as to retain the first and second dentitions in the noted second relative position (i.e., there is direct contact between the first portion of the first appliance and the second dentition at least when the patient&#39;s first and second dentitions are in the noted second relative position). One embodiment has the first dentition being the patient&#39;s lower dentition. Another embodiment has the first dentition being the patient&#39;s upper dentition. The first portion of the first appliance may be configured and/or located to address a Class II malocclusion (e.g., the noted first relative position in the mesial-distal dimension), both when the first appliance is installed on the patient&#39;s lower dentition as well as when the first appliance is installed on the patient&#39;s upper dentition. Similarly, the first portion of the first appliance may be configured and/or located to address a Class III malocclusion (e.g., the noted first relative position in the mesial-distal dimension), both when the first appliance is installed on the patient&#39;s lower dentition as well as when the first appliance is installed on the patient&#39;s upper dentition. 
     A second aspect of the present invention is directed to an orthodontic appliance that includes a band (e.g., configured to encircle a tooth on which the band is installed), a lingual attachment disposed/fixed on a lingual surface of this band, and an attachment. This attachment is installed with the lingual attachment and includes an occlusal protrusion. The occlusal protrusion of the attachment is disposed over a mesial-lingual cusp and a mesial-buccal cusp of a tooth when the band is installed on this tooth, or is disposed over a distal-lingual cusp and a distal-buccal cusp of a tooth when the band is installed on this tooth (depending on whether the orthodontic appliance is installed on the lower dentition or the upper dentition, and on whether the orthodontic appliance is being used to address a Class II malocclusion or a Class III malocclusion). 
     A number of feature refinements and additional features are separately applicable to at least the second aspect of the present invention. These feature refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any combination in relation to at least the second aspect. For instance, the orthodontic appliance of the second aspect may be used in the execution of the method for the first aspect. The occlusal protrusion preferably does not appreciably deflect when engaging the opposing dentition, for instance in the execution of the method for the first aspect. 
     The occlusal protrusion may be of any appropriate configuration, for instance in the shape of a wire, a square or rectangular rod, a wedge (e.g., formed over such a wire or rod), or the like. This occlusal protrusion may have a free end that is disposed at least generally at the buccal of the corresponding dentition when the orthodontic appliance of the second aspect is in the installed configuration. A pair of orthodontic appliances in accordance with the second aspect may be installed on a common dentition, typically on a corresponding tooth on each side of this common dentition. For instance, one orthodontic appliance of the second aspect may be installed on a first molar on one side of a patient&#39;s dentition, and another orthodontic appliance of the second aspect may be installed on a first molar on the opposite side of this same dentition. Another option would be for one orthodontic appliance of the second aspect to be installed on a second molar on one side of a patient&#39;s dentition, and for another orthodontic appliance of the second aspect to be installed on a second molar on the opposite side of this same dentition. The attachment may be an integrally-formed structure, such that there is no joint throughout the entirety of the attachment. 
     A third aspect of the present invention is directed to an orthodontic crown for installation on a single tooth of a patient&#39;s dentition. This crown includes an occlusal surface, as well as a mesial side, a distal side, a lingual side, and a buccal side that each project toward a corresponding tooth surface when the crown is in an installed configuration. The occlusal surface of the crown includes a first occlusal protrusion that extends at least generally from the lingual of the crown (e.g., where crown&#39;s occlusal surface intersects the lingual side) to the buccal of the crown (e.g., where the crown&#39;s occlusal surface intersects the buccal side), a first occlusal surface that extends from this first occlusal protrusion to the mesial of the crown (e.g., where the crown&#39;s occlusal surface intersects the mesial side), and a second occlusal surface that extends from this first occlusal protrusion to the distal of the crown (e.g., where the crown&#39;s occlusal surface intersects the distal side). The first occlusal surface and the second occlusal surface are each recessed relative to the first occlusal protrusion (e.g., its apex). 
     A number of feature refinements and additional features are separately applicable to at least the third aspect of the present invention. These feature refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any combination in relation to at least the third aspect. For instance, the orthodontic crown of the third aspect may be used in the execution of the method for the first aspect. 
     The occlusal protrusion may be disposed over the location of a mesial-lingual cusp and a mesial-buccal cusp associated with a tooth on which the crown is installed, or may be disposed over the location of a distal-lingual cusp and a distal-buccal cusp associated with a tooth on which the crown is installed (depending on whether the orthodontic appliance of the third aspect is installed on the lower dentition or the upper dentition, and on whether the orthodontic appliance of the third aspect is being used to address a Class II malocclusion or a Class III malocclusion). A pair of orthodontic crowns in accordance with the third aspect may be installed on a common dentition, typically on a corresponding tooth on each side of this common dentition. For instance, an orthodontic crown of the third aspect may be installed on a first molar on one side of a patient&#39;s dentition, and another orthodontic crown of the third aspect may be installed on a first molar on the opposite side of this same dentition. Another option would be for one orthodontic crown of the third aspect to be installed on a second molar on one side of a patient&#39;s dentition, and for another orthodontic crown of the third aspect to be installed on a second molar on the opposite side of this same dentition. 
     A fourth aspect of the present invention is directed to an orthodontic appliance in the form of an overlay that is installable over multiple teeth of a patient&#39;s dentition. The overlay includes a first occlusal protrusion and a separate second occlusal protrusion that each extend at least generally from the lingual of the overlay to the buccal of the overlay (i.e., the first and second occlusal protrusion are on the occlusal of the overlay). The first occlusal protrusion is on a first side of a midline for the overlay, while the second occlusal protrusion is on the opposite second side of this same midline for the overlay. 
     A number of feature refinements and additional features are separately applicable to at least the fourth aspect of the present invention. These feature refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any combination in relation to at least the fourth aspect. For instance, the orthodontic appliance of the fourth aspect may be used in the execution of the method for the first aspect. The first and second occlusal protrusions may be the occlusal-most surfaces of the overlay—the entire remainder of the occlusal surface of the overlay may be characterized as being recessed relative to the first and second occlusal protrusions. 
     The first and second occlusal protrusions each may be disposed over a mesial-lingual cusp and a mesial-buccal cusp of a corresponding tooth of the dentition on which the overlay is installed, or may be disposed over a distal-lingual cusp and a distal-buccal cusp of a corresponding tooth of the dentition on which the overlay is installed (depending on whether the orthodontic appliance of the fourth aspect is installed on the lower dentition or the upper dentition, and on whether the orthodontic appliance of the fourth aspect is being used to address a Class II malocclusion or a Class III malocclusion). For instance, the first occlusal protrusion of the fourth aspect may be installed over the relevant cusps of the first molar on one side of a patient&#39;s dentition, while the second occlusal protrusion of the fourth aspect may be installed over the relevant cusps of the first molar on the opposite side of this same dentition (e.g., the overlay may be disposed over all teeth that are located mesially of the first molars, and/or could also be disposed over one or more teeth that are located distally of the first molars). Another option would be for the first occlusal protrusion of the fourth aspect to be installed over the relevant cusps of the second molar on one side of a patient&#39;s dentition, and for the second occlusal protrusion of the fourth aspect to be installed over the relevant cusps of the second molar on the opposite side of this same dentition (e.g., the overlay may be disposed over all teeth that are located mesially of the second molars, and/or could also be disposed over any teeth that are located distally of the second molars). 
     A fifth aspect of the present invention is directed to an orthodontic appliance in the form of an overlay that is installable over multiple teeth of a patient&#39;s dentition. The overlay includes a first occlusal protrusion and a separate second occlusal protrusion. The first occlusal protrusion is on a first side of a midline for the overlay and extends above a single cusp of a tooth when the overlay is installed, while the second occlusal protrusion is on the opposite second side of this midline for the overlay and extends above a single cusp of a tooth when the overlay is installed. 
     A number of feature refinements and additional features are separately applicable to at least the fifth aspect of the present invention. These feature refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any combination in relation to at least the fifth aspect. For instance, the orthodontic appliance of the fifth aspect may be used in the execution of the method for the first aspect. The first and second occlusal protrusions each may be referred to as a lingual cuspal extension. The first and second occlusal protrusions may be the occlusal-most surfaces of the overlay—the entire remainder of the occlusal surface of the overlay may be characterized as being recessed relative to the first and second occlusal protrusions. 
     The first and second occlusal protrusions each may be disposed over a mesial-lingual cusp of a corresponding tooth of the dentition on which the overlay is installed, or may be disposed over a distal-lingual cusp of a corresponding tooth of the dentition on which the overlay is installed (depending on whether the orthodontic appliance of the fifth aspect is installed on the lower dentition or the upper dentition, and on whether the orthodontic appliance of the fifth aspect is being used to address a Class II malocclusion or a Class III malocclusion). For instance, the first occlusal protrusion of the fifth aspect may be installed over the relevant lingual cusp of the first molar on one side of a patient&#39;s dentition, while the second occlusal protrusion of the fifth aspect may be installed over the relevant lingual cusp of the first molar on the opposite side of this same dentition (e.g., the overlay may be disposed over all teeth that are located mesially of the first molars, and/or could also be disposed over one or more teeth that are located distally of the first molars). Another option would be for the first occlusal protrusion of the fifth aspect to be installed over the relevant lingual cusp of the second molar on one side of a patient&#39;s dentition, and for the second occlusal protrusion of the fourth aspect to be installed over the relevant lingual cusp of the second molar on the opposite side of this same dentition (e.g., the overlay may be disposed over all teeth that are located mesially of the second molars, and/or could also be disposed over any teeth that are located distally of the second molars). 
     A sixth aspect of the present invention is directed to an orthodontic appliance that includes a band (e.g., configured to encircle a tooth on which the band is installed), a lingual attachment disposed/fixed on a lingual surface of this band, and an attachment. This attachment is installed with the lingual attachment and includes an occlusal protrusion in the form of a loop. The occlusal protrusion of the attachment is disposed over a single cusp of a tooth when the band is installed on this tooth, where this single cusp is a lingual cusp. 
     A number of feature refinements and additional features are separately applicable to at least the sixth aspect of the present invention. These feature refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any combination in relation to at least the sixth aspect. For instance, the orthodontic appliance of the sixth aspect may be used in the execution of the method for the first aspect, and may be adapted to address a Class II malocclusion or a Class III malocclusion. 
     A pair of orthodontic appliances in accordance with the sixth aspect may be installed on a common dentition, typically on a corresponding tooth on each side of this common dentition. For instance, one orthodontic appliance of the sixth aspect may be installed on a first molar on one side of a patient&#39;s dentition, and another orthodontic appliance of the sixth aspect may be installed on a first molar on the opposite side of this same dentition. Another option would be for one orthodontic appliance of the sixth aspect to be installed on a second molar on one side of a patient&#39;s dentition, and for another orthodontic appliance of the sixth aspect to be installed on a second molar on the opposite side of this same dentition. The attachment may be an integrally-formed structure, such that there is no joint throughout the entirety of the attachment. 
     A seventh aspect of the present invention is directed to an orthodontic model that includes a first dentition model having a first plurality of modeled teeth, along with a second dentition module having a second plurality of modeled teeth. A first appliance is installed on the first dentition and includes a first portion that protrudes beyond an occlusal plane between the first dentition model and the second dentition model. In a first configuration where the first and second dentition models are in Class I occlusion, the first portion of the first appliance is disposed within a space between an adjacent pair of modeled teeth in the second dentition model. 
     A number of feature refinements and additional features are separately applicable to at least the seventh aspect of the present invention. These feature refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any combination in relation to at least the seventh aspect. The orthodontic appliance of the second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth aspects may be used by the seventh aspect. The orthodontic model of the seventh aspect may be a physical model or may be a digital model. 
     An eighth seventh aspect of the present invention is directed to an orthodontic appliance that may be installed on a single dentition. The orthodontic appliance includes an occlusal protrusion. When the orthodontic appliance is in an installed configuration on a first dentition: 1) the occlusal protrusion is disposed over the occlusal of a tooth in the first dentition; 2) the occlusal protrusion extends beyond an occlusal plane between this first dentition and an opposing second dentition; 3) the occlusal protrusion will contact an occlusal surface of a corresponding tooth in the second dentition when the first and second dentitions are not in Class I occlusion; and 4) the occlusal protrusion is sized for disposition within a space between an adjacent pair of teeth in second dentition when the first and second dentitions are in Class I occlusion and where the corresponding tooth is one of the adjacent pair. 
     A number of feature refinements and additional features are separately applicable to at least the eighth aspect of the present invention. These feature refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any combination in relation to at least the eighth aspect. The orthodontic appliance of the eighth aspect encompasses those addressed above regarding the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is an occlusal view of a lower arch/dentition and an upper arch/dentition. 
         FIG. 1A  is an enlarged occlusal view of the lower arch/dentition shown in  FIG. 1 , with the lower second bicuspid and the lower second molar having been removed from one side of a midline for the lower arch/dentition. 
         FIG. 2  is a lingual view of one side of the lower arch/dentition and upper arch/dentition, and where the molars of the lower arch/dentition and the molars of the upper arch/dentition are in Class II malocclusion. 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  are sequential lingual views of one side of the lower arch/dentition and upper arch/dentition, along with a schematic of an orthodontic appliance that facilitates changing from at least one type of malocclusion to a Class I occlusion. 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  are sequential lingual views of one side of the lower arch/dentition and upper arch/dentition, along an occlusal wire that facilitates changing from at least one type of malocclusion to a Class I occlusion. 
         FIG. 4D  is a perspective view of the occlusal of the lower arch/dentition, along with a pair of orthodontic appliances that are disposed on opposite sides of the midline of the lower arch/dentition, where each appliance includes an occlusal wire of the type shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C . 
         FIG. 4E  is an occlusal view of an orthodontic band and a lingual attachment that may be used to install the occlusal wire shown in  FIG. 4D . 
         FIG. 4F  is a perspective view of one of the orthodontic appliances that is shown in  FIG. 4D , where a pair of posts are used to dispose the occlusal wire over the occlusal of the corresponding tooth. 
         FIG. 4G  is a perspective view of a variation of the portion of the orthodontic appliance that is shown in  FIG. 4F , where a pair of posts are used to dispose an occlusal bar over the occlusal of the corresponding tooth. 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  are sequential lingual views of one side of the lower arch/dentition and upper arch/dentition, along an occlusal wire loop that facilitates changing from at least one type of malocclusion to a Class I occlusion. 
         FIG. 5D  is an occlusal view of an orthodontic band with a lingual attachment for installing an occlusal wire loop of the type shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C . 
         FIG. 5E  is a perspective view of an orthodontic band with a lingual attachment for installing an occlusal wire loop of the type shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C . 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  are sequential lingual views of one side of the lower arch/dentition and upper arch/dentition, along an occlusal wedge that facilitates changing from at least one type of malocclusion to a Class I occlusion. 
         FIG. 6D  is an enlarged view of the occlusal wedge shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C . 
         FIG. 6E  is a perspective, occlusal view of the lower arch/dentition, along with a pair of orthodontic appliances that are disposed on opposite sides of the midline of the lower arch/dentition, where each appliance includes an occlusal wedge at least generally of the type shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C . 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view (looking both occlusally and from a distal or posterior location) of an orthodontic appliance that includes a pair of lingual cuspal extensions that are disposed on opposite sides of the midline of the lower arch/dentition and that facilitate changing from at least one type of malocclusion to a Class I occlusion. 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective, anterior view of the orthodontic appliance shown in  FIG. 7A , and when installed in a patient&#39;s mouth. 
         FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of the occlusal of the lower arch/dentition, along with a variation of the orthodontic appliance shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B  but that still facilitates changing from at least one type of malocclusion to a Class I occlusion. 
         FIG. 7D  is a schematic of a portion of the orthodontic appliance of  FIG. 7C  that includes one of the lingual cuspal extensions. 
         FIG. 8A  is an occlusal view of a crown that incorporates an occlusal ridge that facilitates changing from at least one type of malocclusion to a Class I occlusion. 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the crown shown in  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8C  is an occlusal view of a crown and representative positions for an occlusal ridge that facilitates changing from at least one type of malocclusion to a Class I occlusion. 
         FIG. 9A  is an occlusal view of an orthodontic appliance in the form of an overlay that is disposed over multiple teeth of a dentition and that incorporates a pair of occlusal ridges that are disposed on opposite sides of the midline of the corresponding dentition and that facilitate changing from at least one type of malocclusion to a Class I occlusion. 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of the overlay shown in  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9C  is an enlarged perspective view of one of the occlusal ridges incorporated by the orthodontic appliance shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments of orthodontic appliances will be described with regard to the above-noted figures. Each of these embodiments have the following common characteristics: 1) they are installed on a single dental arch or dentition (e.g., a patient; a model); 2) they include at least one portion that protrudes beyond an occlusal plane of the corresponding dentition; 3) each such protrusion directly engages the opposing dentition (i.e., the dentition that is opposite of the dentition on which the orthodontic appliance is installed) to prevent jaw closure than other than when the dentitions are disposed in Class I occlusion (versus engaging an orthodontic appliance on the opposing dentition)—the protrusion provides an occlusal obstruction unless/until the upper and lower dentitions are disposed in Class I occlusion; 4) each such protrusion may cam off of or engage a surface of a single tooth in the opposing dentition (e.g., a distal aspect or a mesial aspect of the tooth) to facilitate or encourage advancement of a corresponding jaw in a mesial or anterior direction so as to dispose the upper and lower dentitions in Class I occlusion; and 5) each such protrusion may be disposed in a space between a pair of adjacent teeth in the opposing dentition when the upper and lower dentitions are in Class I occlusion (and that allows closure of the jaws). In a preferred embodiment, a protrusion of the above-noted type is disposed on opposite sides of the midline of the dentition on which the orthodontic appliance(s) is installed, preferably on corresponding teeth on opposite sides of this midline (e.g., on a first molar on each side of the midline for the corresponding dentition; on a second molar on each side of the midline of the corresponding dentition). That is, preferably one occlusal protrusion is disposed on one side of a midline of a patient&#39;s dentition, while another occlusal protrusion is disposed on the other side of the midline of this same dentition. 
     In the case of a Class II malocclusion, the patient&#39;s mandible (lower jaw) is in a retracted or retruded state or condition relative to the patient&#39;s maxilla (upper jaw). In this case, the embodiments described herein may be used to facilitate or encourage mandibular growth (in the mesial or anterior direction) and/or to restrict maxillary growth (in the mesial or anterior direction), all to cause the molars of the upper and lower dentitions of the patient to occlude in a Class I molar relationship. In the case of a Class III malocclusion, the patient&#39;s maxilla is in a retracted or retruded state or condition relative to the patient&#39;s mandible. In this case, the embodiments described herein may be used to facilitate or encourage maxillary growth (in the mesial or anterior direction) and/or to restrict mandibular growth (in the mesial or anterior direction), all to cause the molars of the upper and lower dentitions of the patient to occlude in a Class I molar relationship. 
     The orthodontic appliances described herein are preferably installed on a first molar of the relevant dentition, but alternatively could be installed on a second molar as noted. The noted protrusion of each such appliance preferably engages and cams off of a single tooth in the opposite dentition, preferably a first or a second molar, all to encourage or facilitate movement of one of the upper jaw or the lower jaw in the mesial or anterior direction (e.g., if an orthodontic appliance with an occlusal protrusion is installed on a first molar in one of the patient&#39;s dentitions, the occlusal protrusion should engage the corresponding first molar in the other of the patient&#39;s dentitions; if an orthodontic appliance with an occlusal protrusion is installed on a second molar in one of the patient&#39;s dentitions, the occlusal protrusion should engage the corresponding second molar in the other of the patient&#39;s dentitions). The protrusion of a given appliance may be disposed over a mesio-lingual cusp (or which may be also referred to as a mesial-lingual cusp) and a mesial-buccal cusp of the tooth on which the appliance is installed, or may be disposed over a distal-lingual cusp and a distal-buccal cusp of the tooth on which the appliance is installed, depending upon whether the appliance is installed on the upper dentition or the lower dentition, and further depending upon whether a Class II malocclusion or Class III malocclusion is being addressed by the orthodontic appliance. The occlusal protrusion of the orthodontic appliances described herein, in order to function in the manner described herein, may be characterized as being located close to but spaced from either the mesial aspect or the distal aspect of the corresponding tooth (again, depending upon whether the appliance is installed on the upper dentition or the lower dentition, and further depending upon whether a Class II malocclusion or Class III malocclusion is being addressed by the orthodontic appliance). 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a lower dental arch or dentition  2 , along with an upper dental arch or dentition  20  of a patient. The lower dental arch  2  generally includes the same type of teeth on each side of a midline  40  thereof. Teeth on one side of the midline  40  include an “a” designation, while teeth on the opposite side of the midline  40  include a “b” designation. The lower dental arch  2  includes the following teeth: a lower central  4   a  and  4   b,  a lower lateral  6   a  and  6   b,  a lower cuspid  8   a  and  8   b,  a lower first bicuspid  10   a  and  10   b,  a lower second bicuspid  12   a  and  12   b,  a lower first molar  14   a  and  14   b,  and a lower second molar  16   a  and  16   b.  The upper dental arch  20  generally includes the same type of teeth on each side of a midline  50  thereof. Teeth on one side of the midline  50  include an “a” designation, while teeth on the opposite side of the midline  50  include a “b” designation. The upper dental arch  20  includes the following teeth: an upper central  22   a  and  22   b,  an upper lateral  24   a  and  24   b,  an upper cuspid  26   a  and  26   b,  an upper first bicuspid  28   a  and  28   b,  an upper second bicuspid  30   a  and  30   b,  an upper first molar  32   a  and  32   b,  and an upper second molar  34   a  and  34   b.    
     The lingual for each of the lower dentition  2  and the upper dentition  20  is identified by reference numeral  62  in  FIG. 1  (e.g., the tongue side of the corresponding dentition), while the labial or the buccal for each of the lower dentition  2  and the upper dentition  20  is identified by reference numeral  64 . The mesial direction is identified by the arrow  66 , while the distal direction is identified by the arrow  68  in  FIG. 1  (“mesial” and “distal” being defined in relation to the midline of the corresponding dentition; e.g., the mesial direction on a given side of a given dentition means proceeding in the direction of the corresponding midline and along the corresponding dentition). 
       FIG. 1A  shows the lower dentition  2 , with the lower second bicuspid  12   b  and the lower second molar  16   b  having been removed to enhance labeling of the lower first molar  14   b.  The lower first molar  14   b  includes an occlusal surface  70 , a lingual side  72  (i.e., located on the lingual  62  of the lower dentition  2 ), an oppositely disposed buccal or labial side  74  (i.e., located on the buccal  64  of the lower dentition  2 ), a mesial side  76  (i.e., located on the mesial of the lower first molar  14   b ), and a distal side  78  (i.e., located on the distal of the lower first molar  14   b ). Each tooth in each of the lower dentition  2  and the upper dentition  20  of course may be similarly defined. 
       FIG. 2  is a lingual view of one side of the lower dentition  2  and the upper dentition  20 , for the case where the lower dentition  2  is retracted relative to the upper dentition  20  (e.g., a Class II malocclusion). This undesirable “offset” is further indicated by the line on the upper first molar  32   a  and the line on the lower first molar  14   a.  An occlusal plane  60  is also depicted in  FIG. 2 . The occlusal plane  60  may be characterized as a reference plane that is at least generally tangent to each of the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  when the mandible and maxilla are in a closed position. A Class III malocclusion would be the inverse to what is shown in  FIG. 2 . In a Class III malocclusion, the upper dentition  20  is retracted relative to the lower dentition  2 . 
     Various embodiments of orthodontic appliances will now be described. Although these orthodontic appliances may be illustrated as being installed on the lower dentition  2  of a patient, alternatively they could be installed on the upper dentition  20  of the patient. Each of these embodiments includes at least one occlusal protrusion. Each such occlusal protrusion is the occlusal-most portion of the corresponding appliance—the remainder of the appliance is recessed relative to each such occlusal protrusion (e.g., its apex). 
     A schematic of one embodiment of an orthodontic appliance in accordance with the foregoing is illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3C  and is identified by reference numeral  80 . The orthodontic appliance  80  is installed on the lingual  62  of the lower dentition  2  in  FIGS. 3A-3C , and includes a first portion  82  that protrudes beyond the occlusal plane  60 .  FIG. 3A  illustrates the lower dentition  2  in a retracted position relative to the upper dentition  20  (e.g., a Class II malocclusion). With the dentitions  2 ,  20  being in this relative position, the first portion  82  of the orthodontic appliance  80  prevents closure. That is, the first portion  82  of the orthodontic appliance  80  on the lower dentition  2  will engage the upper dentition  20  (e.g., the occlusal surface  70  of the upper first molar  32   a ). Directing the lower dentition  2  in the mesial direction  66  (or the anterior direction) will align the first portion  82  of the orthodontic appliance  80  with the space between the upper first molar  32   a  and the upper second bicuspid  30   a  of the upper dentition  20  ( FIG. 3B ). At this time the dentitions  2 ,  20  may be moved to the closed position illustrated in  FIG. 3C  where the first portion  82  of the orthodontic appliance  80  (lower dentition  2 ) will be disposed within the space between the upper first molar  32   a  and the upper second bicuspid  30   a  (upper dentition  20 ) and which should retain the lower dentition  2  in this position relative to the upper dentition  20  (e.g., in Class I occlusion). 
     A schematic of another embodiment of an orthodontic appliance in accordance with the foregoing is illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4C . This orthodontic appliance is installed on the lower dentition  2  in  FIGS. 4A-4C , and includes an occlusal wire  92  that is disposed on/above the occlusal surface  70  of the lower first molar  14   a.  This occlusal wire  92  may be anchored to the lower first molar  14   a  on the lingual  62  of the lower dentition  2  in any appropriate manner. This occlusal wire  92  may extend across a substantial portion of the occlusal surface  70  of the lower first molar  14   a  (e.g., the occlusal wire  92  may extend from the lingual  62  of the lower dentition  2  and may terminate at or near the buccal  64  of the lower dentition  2 ). 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates the lower dentition  2  in a retracted position relative to the upper dentition  20  (e.g., a Class II malocclusion). With the dentitions  2 ,  20  being in this relative position, the occlusal wire  92  prevents closure. That is, the occlusal wire  92  on the lower dentition  2  will engage the upper dentition  20  (e.g., the occlusal surface  70  of the upper first molar  32   a ). Directing the lower dentition  2  in the mesial direction  66  (or the anterior direction) will align the occlusal wire  92  with the space between the upper first molar  32   a  and the upper second bicuspid  30   a  of the upper dentition  20  ( FIG. 4B ). At this time the dentitions  2 ,  20  may be moved to the closed position illustrated in  FIG. 4C  where the occlusal wire  92  (lower dentition  2 ) will be disposed with the space between the upper first molar  32   a  and the upper second bicuspid  30   a  (upper dentition  20 ) and which should retain the lower dentition  2  in this position relative to the upper dentition  20  (e.g., in Class I occlusion). 
     When the occlusal wire  92  is installed on a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) for addressing a Class II malocclusion: 1) the occlusal wire  92  may be disposed over a mesio-lingual cusp and a mesio-buccal cusp of a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ); and 2) the occlusal wire  92  may engage a mesial aspect of the corresponding upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the mandible in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. When the occlusal wire  92  is installed on a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) for addressing a Class III malocclusion: 1) the occlusal wire  92  may be disposed over a distal-lingual cusp and a distal-buccal cusp of a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ); and 2) the occlusal wire  92  may engage a distal aspect of the corresponding upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the maxilla in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. 
     When the occlusal wire  92  is installed on an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) for addressing a Class II malocclusion: 1) the occlusal wire  92  may be disposed over a distal-lingual cusp and a distal-buccal cusp of an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ); and 2) the occlusal wire  92  may engage a distal aspect of the corresponding lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the mandible in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. When the occlusal wire  92  is installed on an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) for addressing a Class III malocclusion: 1) the occlusal wire  92  may be disposed over a mesio-lingual cusp and a mesio-buccal cusp of an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ); and 2) the occlusal wire  92  may engage a mesial aspect of the corresponding lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the maxilla in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. 
       FIGS. 4D-4F  show one implementation of the occlusal wire  92  of  FIGS. 4A-4C .  FIG. 4D  shows the lower dentition  2  with an orthodontic appliance  100  being installed on the lower first molar  14   a,    14   b  on each side of the midline  40 . A band  110  is installed on the lower first molar  14   a,  and another band  110  is installed on the lower first molar  14   b.  A lingual attachment  112  is installed on the lingual of each band  110 . Each lingual attachment  112  includes a pair of vertically oriented (extending in an occlusal/gingival dimension) tubes  114 . The orthodontic appliance  100  is in the form of (or includes) an attachment having a pair of posts  104  (disposed in the tubes  114  of the lingual attachment  112 ), and an occlusal wire  102  (corresponding with the above-described occlusal wire  92 ). The orthodontic appliance  100  could be viewed as what is shown in  FIG. 4F , or what is shown in  FIG. 4F  in combination with the orthodontic band  110  and lingual attachment  112  of  FIGS. 4D and 4E . In any case, the occlusal wire  102  is illustrated as having a free end  103 , which may be disposed at least generally at the buccal  64  of the lower dentition  2  (e.g., the occlusal wire  102  may extend from the intersection of the occlusal surface  70  with the lingual side  72  of a lower first molar  14   a  or  14   b,  to the intersection of the occlusal surface  70  with the buccal side  74  of this same lower first molar  14   a  or  14   b ). 
       FIGS. 4G  shows a variation for the orthodontic appliance  100  of  FIGS. 4D-4F . The orthodontic appliance  100 ′ presented in  FIG. 4G  would be installed on the lingual of each band  110  ( FIGS. 4D and 4E ). The orthodontic appliance  100 ′ is in the form of (or includes) an attachment having a pair of posts  104 ′ (disposed in the tubes  114  of the lingual attachment  112 — FIGS. 4D and 4E ), and an occlusal bar  102 ′ (corresponding with the above-described occlusal wire  92 ). The occlusal bar  102 ′ is illustrated as having a free end  103 ′, which may be disposed at least generally at the buccal  64  of the lower dentition  2  (e.g., the occlusal bar  102 ′ may extend from the intersection of the occlusal surface  70  with the lingual side  72  of a lower first molar  14   a  or  14   b,  to the intersection of the occlusal surface  70  with the buccal side  74  of this same lower first molar  14   a  or  14   b ). The occlusal bar  102 ′ has a slight curvature proceeding from the lingual to the buccal, and with the apex of this curvature being at least generally midway between the lingual and the buccal (e.g., the apex projects in the mesial direction). 
     A schematic of another embodiment of an orthodontic appliance in accordance with the foregoing is illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5C  and is identified by reference numeral  120 . The orthodontic appliance  120  is installed on the lingual  62  of the lower dentition  2  in  FIGS. 5A-5C , and includes an occlusal wire loop  122  that protrudes beyond the occlusal plane  60 . An aperture  124  of this occlusal wire loop  122  projects or faces in the mesio-distal dimension. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates the lower dentition  2  in a retracted position relative to the upper dentition  20  (e.g., a Class II malocclusion). With the dentitions  2 ,  20  being in this relative position, the occlusal wire loop  122  of the orthodontic appliance  120  prevents closure. That is, the occlusal wire loop  122  of the orthodontic appliance  120  on the lower dentition  2  will engage the upper dentition  20  (e.g., the occlusal surface  70  of the upper first molar  32   a ). Directing the lower dentition  2  in the mesial direction  66  (or the anterior direction) will align the occlusal wire loop  122  of the orthodontic appliance  120  with the space between the upper first molar  32   a  and the upper second bicuspid  30   a  of the upper dentition  20  ( FIG. 5B ). At this time the dentitions  2 ,  20  may be moved to the closed position illustrated in  FIG. 5C  where the occlusal wire loop  122  of the orthodontic appliance  120  (lower dentition  2 ) will be disposed with the space between the upper first molar  32   a  and the upper second bicuspid  30   a  (upper dentition  20 ) and which should retain the lower dentition  2  in this position relative to the upper dentition  20  (e.g., in Class I occlusion). 
       FIGS. 5D and 5E  show one implementation of the occlusal wire loop  122  of  FIGS. 5A-5C . A band  110  may be installed on the lower first molar on each side of the midline  40  of the lower dentition  2 . A lingual attachment  112 ′ is installed on the lingual of each band  110 . The orthodontic appliance  130  is in the form of (or includes) an attachment having a first portion  133  (e.g., a mesio-distally extending wire segment) that is appropriately anchored to the lingual attachment  112 ′), and an occlusal wire loop  132 . The occlusal wire loop  132  defines an aperture  134  that projects (or is oriented) in the mesio-distal direction. 
     When the occlusal wire loop  122  is installed on a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) for addressing a Class II malocclusion: 1) the occlusal wire loop  122  may be disposed over a mesio-lingual cusp of a lower first molar  14  (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ), and including being disposed over a single cusp of this lower first molar; and 2) the occlusal wire loop  122  may engage a mesial aspect of the corresponding upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the mandible in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. When the occlusal wire loop  122  is installed on a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) for addressing a Class III malocclusion: 1) the occlusal wire loop  122  may be disposed over a distal-lingual cusp of a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ), including being disposed over a single cusp of this lower first molar; and 2) the occlusal wire loop  122  may engage a distal aspect of the corresponding upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the maxilla in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. 
     When the occlusal wire loop  122  is installed on an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) for addressing a Class II malocclusion: 1) the occlusal wire loop  122  may be disposed over a distal-lingual cusp of an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ), including being disposed over a single cusp of this upper first molar; and 2) the occlusal wire loop  122  may engage a distal aspect of the corresponding lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the mandible in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. When the occlusal wire loop  122  is installed on an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) for addressing a Class III malocclusion: 1) the occlusal wire loop  122  may be disposed over a mesio-lingual cusp of an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ), including being disposed over a single cusp of this upper first molar; and 2) the occlusal wire loop  122  may engage a mesial aspect of the corresponding lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the maxilla in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. 
     A schematic of another embodiment of an orthodontic appliance in accordance with the foregoing is illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6C . This orthodontic appliance is installed on the lower dentition  2  in  FIGS. 6A-6C , and includes an occlusal wedge  142  that is disposed on/above the occlusal surface  70  of the lower first molar  32   a.  This occlusal wedge  142  may be anchored to the lower first molar  32   a  on the lingual  62  of the lower dentition  2  (e.g., via an orthodontic band  110  and a corresponding lingual attachment  112 ) or in any other appropriate manner (e.g., by being incorporated into an overlay, for instance at least generally in accordance with  FIGS. 9A-9C  that are discussed below). This occlusal wedge  142  may extend across a substantial portion of the occlusal surface  70  of the lower first molar  32   a  (e.g., the occlusal wedge  142  may extend from the lingual  62  of the lower dentition  2  and may terminate at or near the buccal  64  of the lower dentition  2 ). 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates the lower dentition  2  in a retracted position relative to the upper dentition  20  (e.g., a Class II malocclusion). With the dentitions  2 ,  20  being in this relative position, the occlusal wedge  142  prevents closure. That is, the occlusal wedge  142  on the lower dentition  2  will engage the upper dentition  20  (e.g., the occlusal surface  70  of the upper first molar  32   a ). Directing the lower dentition  2  in the mesial direction  66  (or the anterior direction) will align the occlusal wedge  142  with the space between the upper first molar  32   a  and the upper second bicuspid  30   a  of the upper dentition  20  ( FIG. 6B ). At this time the dentitions  2 ,  20  may be moved to the closed position illustrated in  FIG. 6C  where the occlusal wedge  142  (lower dentition  2 ) will be disposed with the space between the upper first molar  32   a  and the upper second bicuspid  30   a  (upper dentition  20 ) and which should retain the lower dentition  2  in this position relative to the upper dentition  20  (e.g., in Class I occlusion). 
       FIG. 6D  shows a schematic of an orthodontic appliance  140  that includes the occlusal wedge  142 . The occlusal ram  142  may include an inclined surface  144  and an inclined surface  146 . One of these inclined surfaces  144 ,  146  may engage a mesial or a distal aspect of the corresponding first molar in the opposite dentition (depending upon whether the appliance  140  is installed on the lower dentition  2  or the upper dentition  20 , and further depending upon whether a Class II or Class III malocclusion is being addressed), and which may be used to advance either the mandible or the maxilla in the mesial or anterior direction (to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion). 
       FIG. 6E  shows one implementation of the occlusal wedge  142  of  FIGS. 6A-6C .  FIG. 6E  shows the lower dentition  2  with an orthodontic appliance  140 ′ being installed on the lower first molar  14   a,    14   b  on each side of the midline  40 . A band  110  is installed on the lower first molar  14   a,  and another band  110  is installed on the lower first molar  14   b.  A lingual attachment  112  is installed on the lingual of each band  110 , and the occlusal wire  102  is interconnected therewith via disposing the posts  104  in the tubes  114  ( FIGS. 4D-4F ). The occlusal wedge  142 ′ may then be formed over the occlusal wire  102  (e.g., using a light-curable material). 
     When the occlusal wedge  142  is installed on a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) for addressing a Class II malocclusion: 1) the occlusal wedge  142  may be disposed over a mesio-lingual cusp and a mesio-buccal cusp of a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ); and 2) the occlusal wedge  142  (inclined surface  144 ) may engage a mesial aspect of the corresponding upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the mandible in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. When the occlusal wedge  142  is installed on a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) for addressing a Class III malocclusion: 1) the occlusal wedge  142  may be disposed over a distal-lingual cusp and a distal-buccal cusp of a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ); and 2) the occlusal wedge  142  (inclined surface  146 ) may engage a distal aspect of the corresponding upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the maxilla in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. 
     When the occlusal wedge  142  is installed on an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) for addressing a Class II malocclusion: 1) the occlusal wedge  142  may be disposed over a distal-lingual cusp and a distal-buccal cusp of an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ); and 2) the occlusal wedge  142  (inclined surface  146 ) may engage a distal aspect of the corresponding lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the mandible in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. When the occlusal wedge  142  is installed on an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) for addressing a Class III malocclusion: 1) the occlusal wedge  142  may be disposed over a mesio-lingual cusp and a mesio-buccal cusp of an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ); and 2) the occlusal wedge  142  (inclined surface  144 ) may engage a mesial aspect of the corresponding lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the maxilla in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. 
     Another embodiment of an orthodontic appliance in accordance with the foregoing is illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B  and is identified by reference numeral  160 . Here the orthodontic appliance  160  is in the form of an overlay that is disposed over multiple teeth in the lower dentition  2  (including multiple teeth on each side of the midline of the corresponding dentition). This overlay may be an Essix appliance, a retainer, or a positioner. A lingual cuspal extension  162  may be integrally formed with the overlay on each side of the midline. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 7A and 7B , each lingual cuspal extension  162  is actually disposed over/extends occlusally from a mesio-lingual cusp of the corresponding lower first molar  14   a,    14   b.  A first molar that has a mesio-lingual cusp, a mesio-buccal mesial cusp, a distal-lingual cusp, and a distal-buccal cusp.  FIG. 7C  presents a variation of the embodiment of  FIGS. 7A and 7B , namely with regard to the shape of the lingual cuspal extension  162 ′.  FIG. 7D  is a schematic of a portion of the overlay for the orthodontic appliance  160 ′ that includes a lingual cuspal extension  162 ′. In the case of the appliances  160  and  160 ′, each lingual cuspal extension  162 ,  162 ′ is disposed over and extends occlusally from only the mesio-lingual cusp of the corresponding lower first molar  14   a,    14   b —the appliances  160 ,  160 ′ do not include any cuspal extension over the mesial-buccal cusp of the corresponding lower first molar  14   a,    14   b.    
     When the orthodontic appliance  160  ( FIGS. 7A-7B ) or the orthodontic appliance  160 ′ ( FIG. 7C ) is installed on the lower dentition  2  for addressing a Class II malocclusion: 1) each lingual cuspal extension  162 ,  162 ′ may extend occlusally from a single, mesial cusp of a tooth in the lower dentition  2  (e.g., a mesio-lingual cusp of a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b )); and 2) each lingual cuspal extension  162 ,  162 ′ may engage a mesial aspect of the corresponding upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the mandible in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. When the orthodontic appliance  160  ( FIGS. 7A-7B ) or the orthodontic appliance  160 ′ ( FIG. 7C ) is installed on the lower dentition  2  for addressing a Class III malocclusion: 1) each lingual cuspal extension  162 ,  162 ′ may extend occlusally from a single, distal cusp of a tooth in the lower dentition  2  (e.g., a distal-lingual cusp of a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b )); and 2) each lingual cuspal extension  162 ,  162 ′ may engage a distal aspect of the corresponding upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the maxilla in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. 
     When the orthodontic appliance  160  ( FIGS. 7 a    and  7 B) or the orthodontic appliance  160 ′ ( FIG. 7C ) is installed on the upper dentition  20  for addressing a Class II malocclusion: 1) each lingual cuspal extension  162 ,  162 ′ may extend occlusally from a single, distal cusp of a tooth in the upper dentition  20  (e.g., a distal-lingual cusp of an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b )); and 2) each lingual cuspal extension  162 ,  162 ′ may engage a distal aspect of the corresponding lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the mandible in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. When the orthodontic appliance  160  ( FIGS. 7 a    and  7 B) or the orthodontic appliance  160 ′ ( FIG. 7C ) is installed on the upper dentition  20  for addressing a Class III malocclusion: 1) each lingual cuspal extension  162 ,  162 ′ may extend occlusally from a single, mesial cusp of a tooth in the upper dentition  20  (e.g., a mesio-lingual cusp of an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b )); and 2) each lingual cuspal extension  162 ,  162 ′ may engage a mesial aspect of the corresponding lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the maxilla in the mesial or anterior direction to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. 
     It should be appreciated that a lingual cuspal extension  162 ,  162 ′ of the type that is incorporated by the orthodontic appliance  160  ( FIGS. 7A-7B ) and the orthodontic appliance  160 ′ ( FIG. 7C ) could be incorporated by an orthodontic appliance that is installed on a single tooth (e.g., a lingual cuspal extension  162  or  162 ′ could be integrated with an orthodontic band via a corresponding lingual attachment). In such a case, an orthodontic appliance that incorporates such a lingual cuspal extension  162 ,  162 ′ would typically be installed on each side of the corresponding dentition (lower dentition  2  or upper dentition  22 ). Both Class II and Class III malocclusions could be addressed in the same general manner as described above with regard to the embodiments of  FIGS. 7A-7C . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  present an orthodontic appliance in the form of a crown  170  that is installed on a single tooth in the corresponding dentition. The crown  170  includes an occlusal ridge  172  that extends across an occlusal surface  174  of the crown  170 , typically from the intersection between the occlusal surface  174  and a lingual side  176   a  of the crown  170  to the intersection between the occlusal surface  174  and a buccal side  176   a  of the crown  170 . One portion of the occlusal surface  174  of the crown  170  extends from the occlusal ridge  172  to the intersection between the occlusal surface  174  and a mesial side  178   a  of the crown  170 . Another portion of the occlusal surface  174  of the crown  170  extends from the occlusal ridge  172  to the intersection between the occlusal surface  174  and a distal side  178   b  of the crown  170 . The occlusal surface  174  may be characterized as being defined entirely by the occlusal ridge  172  and a remainder of this occlusal surface, where this remainder is recessed relative to the apex of the occlusal ridge  172 . 
     The occlusal ridge  172  could be of the same configuration as the above-noted occlusal wedge  142  ( FIGS. 6A-6C ). However, the occlusal ridge  172 , particularly when integrally formed with the crown  170 , may be configured to include only a single inclined surface (e.g., one of inclined surfaces  144 ,  146  from  FIG. 6D ).  FIG. 8C  is a schematic of the crown  170 , and illustrates two representative positions for the occlusal ridge  172   a  and  172   b ).  FIG. 8C  also illustrates the occlusal ridge  172  having a peak  173  that exists between a pair of inclined surfaces (e.g., surfaces  144  and  146  shown in  FIG. 6D ). 
     When the crown  170  is installed on a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) for addressing a Class II malocclusion: 1) the occlusal ridge  172  of the crown  170  may be disposed over a mesio-lingual cusp and a mesio-buccal cusp of a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ); and 2) the occlusal ridge  172  of the crown  170  (corresponding with inclined surface  144  in  FIG. 6D ) may engage a mesial aspect of the corresponding upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the mandible in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. When the crown  170  is installed on a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) for addressing a Class III malocclusion: 1) the occlusal ridge  172  of the crown  170  may be disposed over a distal-lingual cusp and a distal-buccal cusp of a lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ); and 2) the occlusal ridge  172  of the crown  170  (corresponding with inclined surface  146  in  FIG. 6D ) may engage a distal aspect of the corresponding upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the maxilla in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. 
     When the crown  170  is installed on an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) for addressing a Class II malocclusion: 1) the occlusal ridge  172  of the crown  170  may be disposed over a distal-lingual cusp and a distal-buccal cusp of an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ); and 2) the occlusal ridge  172  of the crown  170  (corresponding with inclined surface  146  in  FIG. 6D ) may engage a distal aspect of the corresponding lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the mandible in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. When the crown  170  is installed on an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) for addressing a Class III malocclusion: 1) the occlusal ridge  172  of the crown  170  may be disposed over a mesio-lingual cusp and a mesio-buccal cusp of an upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ); and 2) the occlusal ridge  172  of the crown  170  (corresponding with inclined surface  144  in  FIG. 6D ) may engage a mesial aspect of the corresponding lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the maxilla in the mesial or anterior direction to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. 
     The orthodontic appliance  180  shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C  is in the form of an overlay that is disposed over multiple teeth in the lower dentition  2  (including multiple teeth on each side of the midline of the corresponding dentition, and further including where the overlay is disposed over an entirety of the dentition on which it is to be installed). This overlay may be an Essix appliance, a retainer, or a positioner. The orthodontic appliance  180  includes an occlusal ridge  182  that extends across an occlusal surface  184  of the appliance  180 , typically from the lingual  62  to the buccal  64 . The discussion of the occlusal ridge  172  for the crown  170  is equally applicable to the occlusal ridge  182  for the appliance  180 . 
     When the appliance  180  is installed on the lower dentition  2  for addressing a Class II malocclusion: 1) each occlusal ridge  182  may be disposed over a mesio-lingual cusp and a mesio-buccal cusp of a corresponding lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ); and 2) each occlusal ridge  182  (corresponding with inclined surface  144  in  FIG. 6D ) may engage a mesial aspect of the corresponding upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the mandible in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. When the appliance  180  is installed on the lower dentition  2  for addressing a Class III malocclusion: 1) each occlusal ridge  182  of the crown  170  may be disposed over a distal-lingual cusp and a distal-buccal cusp of a corresponding lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ); and 2) each occlusal ridge  182  (corresponding with inclined surface  146  in  FIG. 6D ) may engage a distal aspect of the corresponding upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the maxilla in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. 
     When the appliance  180  is installed on the upper dentition  20  for addressing a Class II malocclusion: 1) each occlusal ridge  182  may be disposed over a distal-lingual cusp and a distal-buccal cusp of a corresponding upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ); and 2) each occlusal ridge  182  (corresponding with inclined surface  146  in  FIG. 6D ) may engage a distal aspect of the corresponding lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the mandible in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. When the appliance  180  is installed on the upper dentition  20  for addressing a Class III malocclusion: 1) each occlusal ridge  182  may be disposed over a mesio-lingual cusp and a mesio-buccal cusp of a corresponding upper first molar (e.g.,  32   a  or  32   b ); and 2) the occlusal ridge  182  (corresponding with inclined surface  144  in  FIG. 6D ) may engage a mesial aspect of the corresponding lower first molar (e.g.,  14   a  or  14   b ) to encourage or facilitate movement of the maxilla in the mesial or anterior direction  66  to dispose the lower dentition  2  and upper dentition  20  in Class I occlusion. 
     The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 
     The following claims encompass the present invention. The orthodontic appliances that are addressed in the following method claims are themselves also within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is also encompassed by an orthodontic model (e.g., a stone model or digital model of both an upper dentition and a lower dentition for a patient), where a pair of occlusal protrusions (incorporated by a single orthodontic appliance, or where each occlusal protrusion is associated with a separate orthodontic appliance) are disposed on opposite sides of the midline of a common dentition.