An orthodontic ligature has a decorative member, a ligature member, and an optional sticker member. The decorative member is connected to the ligature member and extents over the ligature member. After the ligature is installed to a bracket, the decorative member can at least partially cover the bracket. The decorative member and/or the optional sticker member can be configured to have various colors, shapes, patterns, etc., so as to provide cosmetic, attractive, and/or protective effects.

A cover for an orthodontic bracket having an arch wire laterally extending therethrough includes a body having a forward-facing planar surface and a rearward-facing recess configured for at least partially receiving the orthodontic bracket therein. The body includes first and second slots located on opposed lateral sides of the body and each configured so that the arch wire passes laterally through the first and second slots and the recess of the body when the cover is positioned over the orthodontic bracket. The forward-facing planar surface is provided with decorative indicia thereon. The cover is configured so that the cover does not bind movement of the arch wire relative to the orthodontic bracket, does not secure the arch wire to the orthodontic brackets, and does not alter the functioning of the dental braces.

An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.

The present invention employs a self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprising a body having a pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of laterally spaced occlusal tie wings, the gingival and occlusal tie wings projecting from a labial surface of the body; an arch wire slot extending mesially-distally across the body and between the gingival and occlusal tie wings to accommodate an arch wire; a free-sliding, controlled-locking, or pivoting clip wherein the clip allows placement and removal of the arch wire when in the open position and prevents the displacement of the arch wire from the bracket member when in the closed position.

Various embodiments of an orthodontic appliance are provided. In one embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance comprising: a body; at least one ring-shaped member connected to the body via at least one connecting portion; wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member are oriented adjacent to one another; and wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member are not coplanar when in an unloaded state.

An elongated cord segment is inserted into a mouth. The elongated cord segment comprises at least one non-absorbent food-grade material. The elongated cord segment having a cross-sectional shape consisting of convex surfaces, and a uniform density. The elongated cord segment is positioned to cause separation between orthodontic hardware and at least one of the following: cheek tissue inside the mouth, or lip tissue inside the mouth, without the elongated cord segment contacting the orthodontic hardware.

An orthodontic member for attaching to the brackets or axillary orthodontic products associated with an orthodontic appliance includes a tray or strip-shaped member forming a flexible substantially U-shaped channel. The channel is sized to seat around the brackets of braces and is shaped to be held in place on the brackets without additional assistance. The tray is for holding an ingredient or being coated with an ingredient for transmission to the teeth, gums or orthodontic appliances. The member also includes at least one flap attached to one or more of the upper edge of the tray or the lower edge of the tray, said flap being sized to cover at least part of the teeth and/or gums of the patient.

An elongated cord segment has at least one non-absorbent food-grade material. The elongated cord segment has a uniform density. The elongated cord segment has a cross-sectional shape consisting of convex surfaces. The cross-sectional shape is mechanically configured, when fitted in a mouth of a user, to cause separation between orthodontic hardware and at least one of the following: cheek tissue inside the mouth, or lip tissue inside the mouth, without the elongated cord segment contacting the orthodontic hardware. The elongated cord segment has a length.

An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.