Patent ID: 7871267

Claim:
A method for using an orthodontic device, comprising the steps of: attaching a first bracket to a tooth, said first bracket having a passageway therethrough and a pawl extending into said passageway, and, said pawl includes an extension arm wherein a sheath resides over said extension arm; attaching one end of an extendable archwire having a loop spring to an anchor; inserting an adjustment portion of said extendable archwire into and through said passageway of said first bracket, said adjustment portion includes locking surfaces; extending said extendable archwire by applying force to said archwire to move said adjustment portion including said locking surfaces distally with respect to said anchor; removing said sheath from said extension arm; tensioning said archwire by activating said loop spring; interengaging said pawl and respective ones of said locking surfaces as said adjustment portion is forced through said passageway of said first bracket; and, ratcheting and securing said archwire wherein said pawl interengages a respective desired one of said locking surfaces and prevents said loop spring from retracting said extendable archwire.