Patent ID: 8052420

Claim:
A handheld apparatus for adjusting orthodontic wire, comprising: a first handle portion pivotably coupled to a second handle portion such that the first and second handle portions are capable of pivoting with respect to each other at a pivot axis; and a jaw portion extending from the first and second handle portions, the jaw portion comprising: a first prong extending from the first handle portion; and second and third prongs extending from the second handle portion, the second and third prongs separated from each other by a slot, the second and third prongs each comprising: an inner surface that partially defines the slot, the inner surface disposed substantially along a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis; and first and second outer surfaces joined together by a transition region, the first outer surface closer than the second outer surface to the plane of the inner surface perpendicular to the pivot axis, the second outer surface closer than the first outer surface to the pivot axis, the first and second outer surfaces disposed opposite from the inner surface; and wherein the first and second handle portions are further configured to pivot with respect to each other at the pivot axis such that the first prong opposes the slot separating the second and third prongs; wherein the maximum distance between the first outer surfaces of the second and third prongs along a line parallel to the pivot axis is less than or equal to 6 mm; and wherein the minimum distance between the second outer surface of the second and third prongs along a line parallel to the pivot axis is greater than or equal to 4 mm.