Method and apparatus for applying orthodontic brackets and the like

Claim 2

In an orthodontic method, the steps which comprise: making a dental cast of the patient, selectively positioning and detachably applying brackets to the dental cast positioned as desired on the patient''s teeth, applying a molding material into conforming engagement with the dental cast and brackets to define a mold which assumes the configuration of the dental cast and captures the brackets, removing the mold and captured brackets from the dental cast, applying said mold and brackets to the patient''s teeth to properly position the brackets relative to the teeth, securing the positioned brackets to the teeth, and removing the mold from the teeth while leaving the brackets secured.

Claim 3

The orthodontic method according to claim 1, further characterized in effecting said detachable application by interposing a tacky material between said brackets and cast.

Claim 4

The orthodontic method according to claim 1, further characterized in drying said teeth before applying said mold and brackets.

Claim 5

An orthodontic method according to claim 1, wherein said molding material is thermoplastic, and further characterized in heating said thermoplastic molding material before said applying step.

Claim 6

An orthodontic method according to claim 1, further characterized in chemically securing said brackets to the teeth.

Claim 7

An orthodontic method according to claim 1, further characterized in mechanically securing said brackets to the teeth.

Claim 8

An orthodontic method according to claim 6, further characterized in applying bands to the teeth before applying said mold and brackets, and securing said brackets to the bands for securement to the teeth.

Claim 9

Orthodontic apparatus comprising, in combination, a dental cast of a patient, a plurality of brackets removably applied to the teeth of said dental cast at selected locations thereon, a positioner of resiliently flexible material in conforming engagement with said dental cast teeth and applied brackets for removal together with said brackets from said teeth, said positioner with said brackets being conformably engageable with the patient''s teeth to selectively locate the brackets in facing relation with the patient''s teeth, and adhesive interposed between the brackets and patient''s teeth for effecting securement therebetween, whereby said positioner is removable from the patienT''s teeth while leaving the brackets selectively located on the patient''s teeth.

Claim 10

Orthodontic apparatus comprising, in combination, a dental cast of a patient, a plurality of brackets removably applied to the teeth of said dental cast at selected locations thereon, a positioner of resiliently flexible material in conforming engagement with said dental cast teeth and applied brackets for removal together with said brackets from said teeth, said positioner with said brackets being conformably engageable with the patient''s teeth to selectively locate the brackets in facing relation with the patient''s teeth, and adhesive interposed between the brackets and patient''s teeth for effecting securement therebetween, whereby said positioner is removable from the patienT''s teeth while leaving the brackets selectively located on the patient''s teeth.

Claim 11

Orthodontic apparatus according to claim 8, said positioner engaging in undercut regions of said brackets to capture the brackets for removal from the dental cast and enabling separation of the positioner from the brackets on the patient''s teeth.

Claim 12

Orthodontic apparatus according to claim 8, in combination with bands circumposed about the patient''s teeth and secured to the brackets by said adhesive.