Patent ID: 7731496

Claim:
An adjustable orthodontic apparatus comprising: a base plate comprising opposing sides, a first side being a tooth engaging side and a second side comprising at least two base plate protrusions positioned in a height wise base plate axis and at least two base plate protrusions positioned in a widthwise base plate axis, the base plate protrusions having a plurality of base plate spaces between them forming intersecting base plate channels; a connecting plate having opposing sides, a first side comprising at least two connecting plate protrusions positioned in a height wise connecting plate axis and at least two connecting plate protrusions positioned in a widthwise connecting plate axis, the connecting plate protrusions having a plurality of connecting plate spaces between them forming intersecting connecting plate channels; and a securing device for locking the connecting plate to a desired position onto the base plate, wherein the base plate protrusions mechanically engage and are freely movable within the connecting plate channels and the connecting plate protrusions mechanically engage and are freely movable within the base plate channels while the base plate and the connecting plate are engaged, such that separation of the base plate and connecting plate can occur during an adjustment phase; the securing device mechanically engages a channel formed by the engaging base plate and connecting plate to prevent further free movement and separation once the desired position is obtained; and at least one of the protrusions of the base plate has a geometric shape that creates a retentive undercut with an opposing geometric shape of at least one of the protrusions of the connecting plate to form the mechanical engagement.