An orthodontic system utilizes a plurality of ligation caps securable to tooth mounted brackets for retaining an arch wire within the respective brackets. In embodiments, the ligation cap has an outwardly extending support ridge to maintain the arch wire within an arch wire slot of the bracket. In other embodiments, the ligation cap has a substantially C-shaped cross sectional profile for frictionally engaging a pair of outwardly extending wings on the bracket. A pair of symmetrically disposed dimples midway along its length dimension to prevent inadvertent mesial-distal displacement of the ligation cap body relative to the attached bracket. A removal tool with at least one actuating part is used to remove the caps from the brackets.

An orthodontic system utilizes a plurality of ligation caps securable to tooth mounted brackets for retaining an arch wire within the respective brackets. In embodiments, the ligation cap has an outwardly extending support ridge to maintain the arch wire within an arch wire slot of the bracket. In other embodiments, the ligation cap has a substantially C-shaped cross sectional profile for frictionally engaging a pair of outwardly extending wings on the bracket. A pair of symmetrically disposed dimples midway along its length dimension to prevent inadvertent mesial-distal displacement of the ligation cap body relative to the attached bracket. A removal tool with at least one actuating part is used to remove the caps from the brackets.

Die sets and tools using such die sets, are described which promote axial alignment of the dies during die closure. In addition, jaw sets for tools are described that promote axial alignment of the jaws during die closure. Also described are related methods using the die sets and/or tools with such die sets.

Die sets and tools using such die sets, are described which promote axial alignment of the dies during die closure. In addition, jaw sets for tools are described that promote axial alignment of the jaws during die closure. Also described are related methods using the die sets and/or tools with such die sets.

A device for removing orthodontic aligners. The device comprises a hinge mechanism that enables a tweezing motion, allowing a wearer to grasp an orthodontic aligner in between two contact regions precisely and easily. Tips and extensions extending from these contact regions ensure comprehensive contact with aligner ridges and bases, while central segments in between them, possibly with textured surfaces, enhance grip. The device's design, including tips having sloped segments, guide the aligner ridges into the tips, ensures a snug fit. Variations include acute or obtuse angles between extensions and central segments for effective aligner positioning, and textured leg surfaces for improved user grip.

A device for removing orthodontic aligners. The device comprises a hinge mechanism that enables a tweezing motion, allowing a wearer to grasp an orthodontic aligner in between two contact regions precisely and easily. Tips and extensions extending from these contact regions ensure comprehensive contact with aligner ridges and bases, while central segments in between them, possibly with textured surfaces, enhance grip. The device's design, including tips having sloped segments, guide the aligner ridges into the tips, ensures a snug fit. Variations include acute or obtuse angles between extensions and central segments for effective aligner positioning, and textured leg surfaces for improved user grip.

An orthodontic bracket and archform system that uses friction-free mechanics are disclosed. The archform can have a male fastener that can be retained within an orthodontic bracket. The orthodontic bracket can have varying locking mechanism, such as deflectable tabs, springs, locking pins, and others, that can cooperate with features of the male fastener to prevent sliding between the archform and the bracket.

The orthodontic cinch back instrument is an orthodontic tool used for cinching back an end of an orthodontic wire. The orthodontic cinch back instrument includes an elongated handle portion which extends along a longitudinal axis and has opposed first and second ends. First and second shank portions are respectively secured to, and extend longitudinally from, the first and second ends of the elongated handle portion. First and second arcuate head supports are respectively secured to, and extend from, the first and second shank portions. The first and second arcuate head supports are positioned and contoured antisymmetrically with respect to one another about a lateral axis. First and second heads are respectively secured to the first and second arcuate head supports and are positioned and angled antisymmetrically with respect to one another about the lateral axis. Each of the first and second heads has a slot formed therein.

Systems and methods are disclosed to prevent interference between two physical tooth models in a physical dental arch model by acquiring the coordinates of a plurality of points on the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models and digitally representing the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models by a mesh of points in three dimensions using the acquired coordinates. The meshes representing the surfaces of the two physical tooth models intersect at least at one point to form an overlapping portion. The method also includes calculating the depth of the overlapping portion between the two meshes to quantify the interference of the two physical tooth models.

Systems and methods are disclosed to prevent interference between two physical tooth models in a physical dental arch model by acquiring the coordinates of a plurality of points on the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models and digitally representing the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models by a mesh of points in three dimensions using the acquired coordinates. The meshes representing the surfaces of the two physical tooth models intersect at least at one point to form an overlapping portion. The method also includes calculating the depth of the overlapping portion between the two meshes to quantify the interference of the two physical tooth models.