Orthodontic appliance and use method

Abstract

To provide an orthodontic appliance assembly that corrects abnormal occlusion of class II and class III.SOLUTION: An elongated member 12 includes a spring having a certain force for applying a tension along the elongated member when being stretched. A proximal end 16 of the elongated member is attached to a bridge assembly 30 attached to a tooth row, and a distal end of the elongated member is attached to an anchor 22. The spring member applies a certain tensile force of moving the bridge assembly and also the tooth row in a distance calibrated in advance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Incorrect alignment of teeth or misalignment of teeth between the upper and lower dental arches is known as malocclusion. Dental professionals generally classify malocclusions into three classes designated Class I, Class II, and Class III. Class I malocclusions are conditions in which individual teeth are not adequately aligned with each other and / or with the corresponding teeth in the opposing jaw, for example, due to gaps in the teeth or crowding problems. Class II malocclusions are when the upper jaw is not properly positioned relative to the lower jaw, causing the upper teeth to protrude in front of the lower teeth. The excessive horizontal overlap between the upper and lower teeth in this type of malocclusion is typically also referred to as an overbite. Class III malocclusions occur when the lower jaw is positioned too far forward relative to the upper jaw. This type of malocclusion is typically also referred to as an underbite.

[0002] The most frequently treated type of malocclusion is Class I malocclusion. Historically, practitioners have treated Class I malocclusion by placing braces on the patient's teeth, where brackets are placed on each individual tooth and connected to an archwire to guide the movement of the teeth to the desired bite position.

[0003] While fixed braces are suitable for correcting Class I malocclusions, the devices cannot be used alone to correct Class II and Class III malocclusions. Instead, additional orthodontic devices must be used to apply force to the jaw bones and muscles to physically adjust them into the proper bite position, thereby forcing the jaws into their proper bite position. For patients wearing fixed braces, the brace hardware can provide a platform for mounting springs, rubber bands, or other appliances that apply force to move the upper and lower jaws into their proper relative bite position.

[0004] As with all orthodontic treatment plans, the focus continues to be on addressing Class II and Class III malocclusions in a manner that is not only therapeutically effective but also provides efficiency of treatment and orthodontic delivery. With regard to the latter, orthodontic appliances that can be easily attached, adjusted, replaced, and removed provide numerous benefits. However, many prior art appliances rely on the patient to maintain compliance with the system. For example, during orthodontic treatment, patients are required to replace rubber bands after a certain period of time because the elastic strength of the bands decreases significantly over time, which stops applying the force required for tooth movement. Some patients who do not follow the procedure to replace rubber bands are known as non-compliant patients. Due to their non-compliance, tooth movement stops or slows down, resulting in delays in orthodontic treatment. The present invention transforms existing products that rely on compliance into assemblies that do not rely on patient compliance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, an orthodontic appliance includes an elongated elastic member having a distal end and a proximal end, and a first retention member attached to the distal end, the first retention member having a first opening for releasable attachment to an anchor. A second retention member is attached to the proximal end of the elongated elastic member and has a second opening for releasable attachment to a bridge assembly. The bridge assembly is attached to a number of teeth such that the teeth move en masse. Tension is generated in the elongated elastic member which is stretched axially when the first retention member is releasably attached to the anchor and the second retention member is releasably attached to the bridge assembly. The elongated elastic device is pre-calibrated to provide a constant tension and is preferably formed from a polymer having elastic properties. The elongated elastic member is pre-programmed to stop at a predetermined distance of movement. Movement of the elongated elastic member causes the bridge assembly to move the teeth en masse to correct Class II and Class III malocclusions.

[0006] In another embodiment, the orthodontic appliance comprises an elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end. A first retention member is attached to the distal end of the elongated member and has an opening for engaging the anchor. A second retention member on the proximal end of the elongated member has a second opening for engaging the bridge assembly. The bridge assembly is attached to a number of teeth such that the teeth move en masse. A spring member associated with the elongated member provides tension by drawing the first retention member and the second retention member toward each other, thereby applying tension to the anchor and the bridge assembly. Preferably, the spring member is pre-calibrated to provide a constant tension, and is preferably formed from a superelastic alloy such as Nitinol. The elongated member is pre-programmed to stop at a predetermined distance of movement. Movement of the elongated member causes the bridge assembly to move the teeth en masse to correct Class II and Class III malocclusions.

[0007] The following drawings are illustrative of certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, and not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Shows normal bite position of the mandible and maxilla. [Diagram 2] 1 shows the orientation of the mandible and maxilla relative to each other in a Class II malocclusion. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows the orientation of the mandible and maxilla relative to each other in a Class III malocclusion. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an orthodontic appliance assembly of the present invention for treating a Class II malocclusion. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of an elongated member having a spring mounted thereon, showing a gap between the spring member and a retaining member. [Figure 6] 6 is a plan view of the elongated member of FIG. 5 showing the gap between the spring member and the retaining member when closed. [Figure 7] 6 is a side view of the elongate member of FIG. 5 showing the end of the spring attached to the retaining member. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are enlarged plan views of a portion of a spring attached to an elongated member and a retaining member to form a gap. [Figure 9A] 13 is a side view of another embodiment of an elongated resilient member attached to a retaining member and forming a gap. FIG. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a side view of a portion of the elongated elastic member of FIG. 9A showing the gap closed. [Figure 9C] 11 is a plan view of a proximal end of the elongated elastic member and a second retention member. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an orthodontic assembly having a removable cap for attaching an elongated member to a bridge assembly. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an orthodontic assembly having a removable cap for attaching an elongated member to a bridge assembly. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an orthodontic assembly having a removable cap for attaching an elongated member to a bridge assembly. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of an orthodontic assembly having a removable cap for attaching the elongated member to the bridge assembly. [Figure 14A] FIG. 13 is an enlarged, partial, top perspective view of an orthodontic assembly having a removable cap for attaching an elongated member to a bridge assembly. [Figure 14B] FIG. 13 is an enlarged, partial, side perspective view of an orthodontic assembly having a removable cap for attaching an elongated member to a bridge assembly. [Figure 14C] FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial end perspective view of the base pad showing the openings. [Figure 14D] FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial side view of a cap and post for attachment to a base pad. [Figure 14E] FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial bottom view of the base pad with the posts inserted. [Figure 14F] FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial bottom view of a base pad without posts. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an orthodontic assembly having a removable cap for attaching an elongated member to a bridge assembly. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of an orthodontic assembly having a removable cap for attaching an elongated member to a bridge assembly. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a side view of an orthodontic assembly having a removable cap for attaching an elongated member to a bridge assembly. [Figure 18A] FIG. 13 is an enlarged, partial, top perspective view of an orthodontic assembly having a removable cap for attaching an elongated member to a bridge assembly. [Figure 18B] FIG. 13 is an enlarged, partial, side perspective view of an orthodontic assembly having a removable cap for attaching an elongated member to a bridge assembly. [Figure 18C] FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial end perspective view of the base pad showing the fixed posts. [Figure 18D] FIG. 13 is an enlarged, partial side perspective view of the retaining cap and the arcuate portion; [Figure 18E] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial side view of the base pad. [Figure 19A] FIG. 13 is a partial top perspective view showing the arm, anchor assembly and hook assembly. [Figure 19B] FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing the hook assembly and the anchor assembly. [Figure 19C] FIG. 13 is a partial side view showing the arm, anchor assembly and hook assembly. [Figure 19D] FIG. 13 is an intraoral end section view of the anchor assembly showing the arcuate portion that receives the arms. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention includes an orthodontic appliance assembly that is attached to the upper and lower jaws to apply a moving force to the lower jaw to reposition it relative to the upper jaw to correct the patient's occlusion. The present invention is particularly useful for treating Class II or Class III malocclusions. As shown in Figure 1, the teeth and the upper and lower jaws are positioned in normal occlusion. Figure 2 shows the orientation of the mandible and maxilla relative to each other in a Class II malocclusion. Figure 3 shows the orientation of the mandible and maxilla relative to each other in a Class III malocclusion.

[0010] In accordance with the present invention and as shown in Figures 4-8B, an orthodontic appliance assembly 10 (sometimes referred to herein as a non-compliant motion device) includes an elongated member 12 having a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16. A first retention member 18 is attached to the proximal end 16 of the elongated member and has a first opening 20 for engaging a bridge assembly 30. A second retention member 26 on the distal end 14 of the elongated member 12 has a second opening 28 for engaging an anchor 22. The anchor 22 is typically attached to either the maxillary molars (maxillary 6 or maxillary 7) or the mandibular molars (mandibular 6 or mandibular 7). The anchor 22 is typically attached by an adhesive in a known manner and has a hook 24 for engaging the second opening 28 of the second retention member 26. The bridge assembly 30 is a structural member known in the prior art for use in treating Class II and Class III malocclusions. For example, one commercially available prior art bridge assembly is the Carriere® Motion 3D™ Class III appliance sold by Henry Schien Orthodontics, Inc. (Carlsbad, Calif.). The bridge assembly 30 comprises an elongated rod 32 having a first end 34 and a second end 36 with a hook assembly 38 attached to the second end 36. The first end 34 and the second end 36 each have a base pad 40 that is attached to the tooth surface, typically by adhesives known in the art. When the bridge assembly 30 is attached to the teeth, it spans approximately two to four teeth. The purpose of the bridge assembly is to move the teeth together to correct a Class II or Class III malocclusion.

[0011] As further shown in FIGS. 4-8B, the elongated member 12 made from a soft plastic material has a spring member 42 attached to the elongated member. In one embodiment, the soft plastic material of the elongated member 12 is molded around a first portion 44 of the spring member 42 such that the majority of the length of the spring member is contained within the soft plastic on the mold of the elongated member 12. As more clearly shown in FIGS. 5-7, the multiple coils 46 of the spring member 42 are spread apart to ensure a greater connection force with the molded plastic of the elongated member. The remaining coils are tightly wound coils 48, with 2-6 tightly wound coils 50 extending from the distal end 14 of the elongated member 12 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The 2-6 tightly wound coils 50 are wound through a first slot 52 and a second slot 54 on a tab 56 of the second retaining member 26. The process of winding 2-6 coils 50 tightly wound through the first slot 52 and second slot 54 of the tab 56 is sufficient to securely attach the coils to the second retaining member 26, and adhesives, welding, soldering, brazing or laser welding 58, etc. may be used to permanently secure the attachment.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the spring member 42 is formed from a superelastic material such as NiTi (Nitinol®), Cu-Al-Ni, Fe-Mm-Si, Co-Cr-Ni, and Elgiloy®. Elgiloy® is comprised of 39-41% cobalt, 19-21% chromium, 14-16% nickel, 11.3-20.5% iron, 6-8% molybdenum, and 1.5-2.5% manganese. The superelastic nature of this material provides the spring member 42 with a constant spring force over time. When the spring member 42 is stretched, it provides a tension that remains constant over time along its length, even if the overall length of the spring member 42 is reduced. Preferably, the spring member 42 exerts a constant force in the range of 3-12 ounces, and more preferably in the range of 7-9 ounces.

[0013] To treat a patient with a Class II malocclusion, as shown in Figures 4-6, bridge assembly 30 is adhesively attached to the teeth of the upper dental arch or upper jaws 3-6 in a known manner. Anchors 22 are adhesively attached to the teeth of the mandible 7 in a known manner. A Class III malocclusion is treated by attaching the bridge assembly over the teeth in the mandibular dental arch in a known manner (not shown).

[0014] The elongated member 12 is then attached to the bridge assembly 30 by first hooking the first opening 20 over the hook assembly 38. The elongated member 12 is then stretched by stretching the spring member 42, more specifically by stretching the tightly wound coil 48, until the second opening 28 hooks over the anchor hook 24. The spring force of the now stretched spring member 42 causes the elongated member to be in tension such that the first retention member 18 is pulled towards the second retention member 26, which then causes the bridge assembly 30 to move the teeth. Because the spring member 42 is formed from a superelastic material, its tension remains constant during the treatment. Because the tooth movement is constant, treatment time is dramatically reduced and the patient may avoid one or more visits to the orthodontist.

[0015] One important feature of the present invention is the pre-programming of the orthodontic appliance assembly 10 to stop movement at a predetermined distance. As more clearly shown in Figures 5 and 6, a gap 60 exists between the distal end 14 of the elongated member 12 and the proximal end 62 of the tab 56. The size of the gap 60 is pre-programmed when the spring member 42 is extended when the elongated member 12 is attached to the bridge assembly 30 and anchor 22. In one embodiment, the gap 60 is pre-calibrated to be between 1.0 mm and 12.0 mm. In another embodiment, the gap 60 is pre-calibrated to be between 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm. In another embodiment, the gap is pre-calibrated to be between 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm. In one embodiment, the gap 60 is pre-calibrated to be 2.0 mm. As the orthodontic treatment progresses, the bridge assembly 30 applies a force to the teeth and moves the teeth collectively a predetermined distance to correct the Class II or Class III malocclusion. The distance the teeth move is slightly less than the distance of the gap 60. As an example, if the gap 60 is set to 3.0 mm, the bridge assembly 30 and teeth will move a distance that is less than 3.0 mm and greater than or equal to the range of 2.6 mm to 2.9 mm. Regular visits to an orthodontist allow for accurate and detailed monitoring of the tooth movement.

[0016] In another embodiment shown in Figures 9A-9C, an elongated elastic member 70 is used to provide tension to the bridge assembly 30. The elongated elastic member 70 has a distal end 72 and a proximal end 74 and is tapered along its length. A first retaining member 76 is attached to the distal end 72 and has a first opening 78 for releasable attachment to the hook 24 of the anchor 22. A second retaining member 80 is attached to the proximal end 74 and has a second opening 82 for releasable attachment to the hook assembly 38 on the bridge assembly 30. The elongated elastic member 70 is formed from a stretchable polymer such as a hydrophobic cross-linked gel. The elongated elastic member 70 is attached to the bridge assembly 30 and the anchor 22 and stretched in the process to create tension along the length of the elongated elastic member. More specifically, the elongated elastic member is stretched so that the first opening 78 can be hooked over the anchor hook 24 and then the second opening 82 can be hooked over the hook assembly 38 of the bridge assembly 30. The support member 84 has a first end 86 attached to the distal end 72 of the elongated elastic member 70 and a second end 88 attached to the first retention member 76. A gap 90 is formed between the distal end 72 of the elongated elastic member 70 and a proximal surface 92, and as tension in the elongated elastic member 70 begins to cause movement of a tooth attached to the bridge assembly 30, the gap 90 begins to narrow until the distal end 72 contacts the proximal surface, thereby stopping the tooth movement. In one embodiment, the gap 90 is precalibrated to be between 1.0 mm and 12.0 mm. In another embodiment, the gap 90 is precalibrated to be between 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm. In another embodiment, the gap is precalibrated to be between 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm. In one embodiment, the gap 90 is precalibrated to be 2.0 mm. As the orthodontic treatment progresses, the bridge assembly 30 applies force to the teeth and moves the teeth collectively a predetermined distance to correct the Class II or Class III malocclusion. The distance the teeth move is slightly less than the distance of the gap 90. As an example, if the gap 90 is set to 3.0 mm, the bridge assembly 30 and the teeth will move a distance that is less than 3.0 mm and greater than or equal to the range of 2.6 mm to 2.9 mm.Regular visits to the orthodontist allow for accurate and detailed monitoring of tooth movement.

[0017] After the gap 90 has been closed, the elongated elastic member 70 is removed from the anchor 22 and bridge assembly 30 by the orthodontist and a new elongated elastic member 70 is installed, if necessary, to continue treatment. This procedure is repeated until the Class II or Class III malocclusion is corrected.

[0018] In both the embodiments shown in Figures 4-8B and 9A-9C, only the orthodontist can install and remove the elongated member 12 or elongated elastic member 90, eliminating the need for patient compliance with constantly replacing elastics between visits to the orthodontist.

[0019] In another embodiment shown in Figures 10-18E, an orthodontic appliance assembly 110 (sometimes referred to herein as a non-compliant motion device) includes an elongated member 112 having a distal end 114 and a proximal end 116. A first retention member 118 is attached to the proximal end 116 of the elongated member and has a first opening 120 for engaging an anchor assembly 138. A second retention member 126 on the distal end 114 of the elongated member 112 has a second opening 128 for engaging an anchor 122. The anchor 122 is typically attached to either the maxillary molars (maxillary 6 or maxillary 7) or mandibular molars (mandibular 6 or mandibular 7). The anchor 122 is typically attached by adhesive in a known manner and has a hook 124 for engaging the second opening 128 of the second retention member 126. The bridge assembly 130 comprises an elongated rod 132 having a first end 134 and a second end 136 with an anchor assembly 138 attached to the second end 136. The first end 134 and the second end 136 each have a base pad 140A, 140B which are typically attached to the tooth surface by adhesives known in the art. When the bridge assembly 130 is attached to the teeth, it spans approximately two to four teeth. The purpose of the bridge assembly is to move the teeth together to correct a Class II or Class III malocclusion.

[0020] The anchor assembly 138 includes two embodiments. First, in Figures 10-14F, the anchor assembly 138 has a cap 142 with a post 144 attached thereto and extending therefrom. The post 144 extends through an opening 146 in the base pad 140B. The post 144 has a number of slits 148 along the periphery of the post 144 and a locking ridge 130 at an open end 152 of the post. To attach the elongated member 112 to the bridge assembly 130, the cap 138 is positioned over the opening 146 in the base pad 140B such that the orthodontist can insert the post 144 through the first opening 120 in the elongated member 112 and into the opening 146. As the orthodontist presses on the cap 142, the locking ridge 150 on the open end 152 of the post 144 engages the ridge 154 in the base pad 140B, thereby locking the anchor assembly 138 to the base pad 140B and attaching the elongated member 112 to the bridge assembly 130. The post 144 extends through the first opening 120 on the bridge assembly 130 to attach the bridge assembly 130 to the elongated member 112. When treatment is complete, an orthodontic appliance is pushed under the cap 142 to apply force to the locking ridge 150 on the post 144 to release it from the ridge 154 in the base pad 140B.

[0021] In a second embodiment of the anchor assembly 138, as shown in FIGS. 15-18E, the base pad 140B has a fixed post 160 extending therefrom and is configured to receive a retainer 162. The fixed post 160 has a concave portion 164 configured to matingly receive an arcuate portion 166 having a diameter 168 slightly smaller than a diameter 170 of the concave portion 164. To attach the elongated member 112 to the bridge assembly 130, the first opening 120 is positioned over the fixed post 160, and then the orthodontist positions the retainer 162 so that the arcuate portion 166 aligns with the concave portion 164 in the fixed post 160. The orthodontist then presses forcefully on the retainer 162 so that the arcuate portion 166 snaps around and locks into the concave portion 164, thereby retaining the elongated member 112 and attaching it to the bridge assembly 130. 18A-18E, the anchor assembly 138 is further secured to the base pad 140B by inserting a tab 172 into a slot 174 in the base pad 140B. The tab 172 has a latch 176 that snaps into a port 178 on the base pad 140B to releasably attach the retainer 162 to the base pad 140B, and thus the elongated member 112 to the bridge assembly 130.

[0022] The two embodiments of anchor assembly 138 shown in Figures 1-18E are preferably molded from a polymeric material in a known manner. It is also contemplated that anchor assembly 138 may be machined from a polymeric material or a metal alloy in a known manner.

[0023] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 19A-19D, an anchor assembly 196 is configured to be removably attached to an arm 198 having a base pad 200 and a hook assembly 202. While the base pad 200 and the hook assembly 202 are preferably a single molded piece, they may be separate pieces secured together by known means such as adhesives. The anchor assembly 196 has a labial surface 206, a buccal surface 208 (facing the teeth), and an opening 210 configured to receive the hook assembly 202. The hook assembly 202 comprises a hook 212 having a first end 214 and a second end 216 attached to a top surface 218 of the hook assembly 202. The labial surface 206 of the anchor assembly 196 has a recess 220 configured to receive the first end 214 of the hook 212. A gap 222 exists between the first end 214 and the recess 220 so that the second retention member 26 (FIG. 5) can be pulled through the gap 222 and captured by the hook 212 during treatment. The gap 222 is smaller than the nominal diameter of the second retention member 26 so that it must be stretched slightly when pulled forcefully through the gap 222. The diameter of the second retention member 26 may decrease when stretched, making it easier to pull through the gap 222. After the second retention member 26 is placed on the hook 212, it is difficult to remove by accident.

[0024] The hook assembly 202 is inserted into the opening 210 of the anchor assembly 196 by snapping it into place. As shown more clearly in FIG. 19D, the anchor assembly 196 has an arcuate portion 224 on the buccal surface 208 that is configured to receive the arm 198 and the hook assembly 202. The arcuate portion has a first ridge 226 and a second ridge 228 that are spaced apart a distance less than the diameter of the arm 198, thereby forming an interference fit during assembly. The arm 198 must be forcefully snapped into the arcuate portion 224 by moving it past the first ridge 226 and the second ridge 228. The arm 198, and thus the anchor assembly 196, remain securely attached to one another during treatment. The anchor assembly 196 may be formed of a metal or metal alloy as is commonly known and used in the orthodontic field.

[0025] The anchor assembly 196 may be used with any of the embodiments of the bridge assembly 130 disclosed herein, for example as shown in FIG.

[0026] Although the orthodontic appliance assemblies disclosed herein have been described for treating Class II and Class III malocclusions, their use is not so limited. The materials and dimensions disclosed herein are by way of example and may vary depending on the needs of the patient and the requirements of the orthodontist.

Claims

1. an elongate member having a distal end and a proximal end; a first retention member attached to the distal end of the elongate member and having a first opening for engaging an anchor; a second retention member on the proximal end of the elongated member having a second opening for engaging a bridge assembly; and a spring member associated with the elongated member for providing a tensioning force drawing the first retention member and the second retention member toward one another, thereby applying the tensioning force to the anchor and the bridge assembly; 1. An orthodontic appliance assembly comprising:

2. 10. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 1, wherein the spring member is precalibrated to provide a constant tension.

3. 3. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 2, wherein the spring member is precalibrated to move the first and second retention members toward one another a predetermined distance.

4. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 3 , wherein the spring member is contained within a tubular portion of the elongated member.

5. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 4 , wherein the spring member has a distal end and a proximal end.

6. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 5 , wherein the proximal end of the spring member is attached to the tubular portion of the elongated member and the distal end of the spring member is attached to the second retaining member.

7. 7. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 6, wherein 2 to 6 coils of the spring member are wound on the retainer member.

8. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 6, wherein between 2 and 6 coils of the spring member are attached to the retainer member.

9. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 8, wherein the two to six coils of the spring member are attached to the retainer member by any of the following: adhesive, welding, laser welding, soldering, overmolding, and brazing.

10. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 1 , wherein the spring member is formed from a superelastic material.

11. 11. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 10, wherein the superelastic material is selected from the group of materials including NiTi, Cu-Al-Ni, CuNiTi, Fe-Mn-Si, and Co-Cr-Ni alloys.

12. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 10, wherein the superelastic material is Elgiloy.

13. 13. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 12, wherein the Elgiloy alloy consists of 39-41% cobalt, 19-21% chromium, 14-16% nickel, 11.3-20.5% iron, 6-8% molybdenum, and 1.5-2.5% manganese.

14. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 1 , wherein as the spring member is stretched, a gap is formed between the distal end of the elongated member and a proximal end of a tab on the second retention member.

15. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 12, wherein the gap is a precalibrated distance in the range of 1.0 mm to 12.0 mm.

16. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 12, wherein the gap is a precalibrated distance in the range of 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm.

17. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second retention member has a second opening configured to engage the bridge assembly.

18. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 17 , wherein the anchor further comprises an arm and hook assembly.

19. 20. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 18, wherein the hook assembly comprises a hook having a first end and a second end attached to the hook assembly.

20. 20. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 19, wherein the anchor has a recess adjacent but not contacting the first end of the hook, thereby forming a gap.

21. 21. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 20, wherein the gap is large enough to permit the second retention member to be pulled therethrough.

22. 22. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 21, wherein the hook assembly is inserted into an opening in the anchor.

23. 23. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 22, wherein the anchor has an arcuate portion and a first ridge spaced from a second ridge.

24. 24. The orthodontic appliance assembly of claim 23, wherein the hook assembly has a tubular arm configured to be snapped into the arcuate portion by sliding over the first and second ridges in an interference fit.

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