An elongated member is used to create tension to move teeth en masse to correct Class II and Class III malocclusions. The elongated member has a constant force spring that, when stretched, provides tension along the elongated member. A mesial end of the elongated member is attached to a bridge assembly which is attached to a row of teeth, and a distal end of the elongated member is attached to an anchor. The spring member provides a constant tension which moves the bridge assembly, and hence the row of teeth, a precalibrated distance.

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.

Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a fitting device for an orthodontic apparatus, including: the following steps: making a first image of a row of teeth in an initial position, and a second image of the orthodontic apparatus; the apparatus including two attachment elements connected by a bridge, each attachment element capable of being connected to a tooth; making a third image of the orthodontic apparatus joined to the teeth in the initial position; then making a fourth image of the fitting device, including a contact surface capable of being joined to the teeth; two complementary first cavities of the attachment elements; and a second cavity capable of receiving the bridge; then additively manufacturing the fitting device from the fourth image.

Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a fitting device for an orthodontic apparatus, including: the following steps: making a first image of a row of teeth in an initial position, and a second image of the orthodontic apparatus; the apparatus including two attachment elements connected by a bridge, each attachment element capable of being connected to a tooth; making a third image of the orthodontic apparatus joined to the teeth in the initial position; then making a fourth image of the fitting device, including a contact surface capable of being joined to the teeth; two complementary first cavities of the attachment elements; and a second cavity capable of receiving the bridge; then additively manufacturing the fitting device from the fourth image.

A method of forming an arch member comprising an arch member body and an arch member coupling integral with the body, comprising: providing a substrate comprising a resilient material; and removing a portion of the substrate to form the arch member. The arch member body including a cross-sectional geometry that varies along a length of the body. Also a method of designing an orthodontic appliance comprising: providing a proposed specification of the orthodontic appliance, wherein the orthodontic appliance comprises an arch member comprising an arch member body and an arch member coupling integral with the body, and a set of anchors, providing a first digital image representing a first dental arrangement associated with the orthodontic appliance; deriving a target digital image representing a target dental arrangement; revising the proposed specification of the orthodontic appliance based in part on the target digital image; and forming the orthodontic appliance based on the revised proposed specification.

A method of forming an arch member comprising an arch member body and an arch member coupling integral with the body, comprising: providing a substrate comprising a resilient material; and removing a portion of the substrate to form the arch member. The arch member body including a cross-sectional geometry that varies along a length of the body. Also a method of designing an orthodontic appliance comprising: providing a proposed specification of the orthodontic appliance, wherein the orthodontic appliance comprises an arch member comprising an arch member body and an arch member coupling integral with the body, and a set of anchors, providing a first digital image representing a first dental arrangement associated with the orthodontic appliance; deriving a target digital image representing a target dental arrangement; revising the proposed specification of the orthodontic appliance based in part on the target digital image; and forming the orthodontic appliance based on the revised proposed specification.

Process for programming an orthodontic component from a shape memory material starting from an initial shape of the orthodontic component into a target shape to be programmed of the orthodontic component, wherein the target shape compared to the initial shape at least sectionally has a severe bending, the process comprising the following steps: a. providing an orthodontic component (1) of a shape memory material in an initial shape, b. creating a target baking mold for the orthodontic component (1), c. inserting the orthodontic component (1) into the target baking mold, and d. baking the orthodontic component (1) in the target baking mold in order to program it into the target shape, characterized by the following steps after step a) e. creating at least one intermediate baking mold for the orthodontic component (1), in which intermediate baking mold the orthodontic component (1) has an intermediate shape between the initial shape and the target shape, f. inserting the orthodontic component (1) into the intermediate baking mold, and g. baking the orthodontic component (1) in the intermediate baking mold.

Process for programming an orthodontic component from a shape memory material starting from an initial shape of the orthodontic component into a target shape to be programmed of the orthodontic component, wherein the target shape compared to the initial shape at least sectionally has a severe bending, the process comprising the following steps: a. providing an orthodontic component (1) of a shape memory material in an initial shape, b. creating a target baking mold for the orthodontic component (1), c. inserting the orthodontic component (1) into the target baking mold, and d. baking the orthodontic component (1) in the target baking mold in order to program it into the target shape, characterized by the following steps after step a) e. creating at least one intermediate baking mold for the orthodontic component (1), in which intermediate baking mold the orthodontic component (1) has an intermediate shape between the initial shape and the target shape, f. inserting the orthodontic component (1) into the intermediate baking mold, and g. baking the orthodontic component (1) in the intermediate baking mold.

Disclosed is a system and method for treating mal-alignment of teeth using super-elastic nickel titanium, heat activated nickel titanium coated or uncoated orthodontic wires with composite resins in order to effectuate desired tooth alignment. The composite resin is formed into beads that hold the wire in place preferably on the lingual surface of the teeth. Alternate embodiments using composite brackets are disclosed. The overall purpose of this invention is to provide a close contact, low profile orthodontic system, in particular, a lingual orthodontic system that is significantly more comfortable than existing orthodontic systems, completely concealed and effective.

Disclosed is a system and method for treating mal-alignment of teeth using super-elastic nickel titanium, heat activated nickel titanium coated or uncoated orthodontic wires with composite resins in order to effectuate desired tooth alignment. The composite resin is formed into beads that hold the wire in place preferably on the lingual surface of the teeth. Alternate embodiments using composite brackets are disclosed. The overall purpose of this invention is to provide a close contact, low profile orthodontic system, in particular, a lingual orthodontic system that is significantly more comfortable than existing orthodontic systems, completely concealed and effective.