Orthodontic bracket and method

Abstract

An orthodontic bracket and method for treating a malocclusion. The orthodontic bracket includes a bracket base for contacting a surface of a patient's tooth, which can be removed at the end of an orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic bracket further includes a bracket member which can engage with an archwire within the bracket slot, for providing first, second and third order movements to a malpositioned tooth for correcting its orientation to a neutral position. The base member and the bracket member are connected so as to allow for pivotable movement, which provides for precise control over the torque third order movement of a tooth, by modulating the torque.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTIONORTHODONTIC BRACKET AND METHODRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024903185 entitled “Orthodontic Bracket and Method” filed 2 October 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates generally to orthodontic brackets. More particularly, the present invention relates to selectively adjustable orthodontic brackets. The invention also relates a method of applying orthodontic brackets and an adjustable dental brace assembly.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Orthodontic brackets are used in dental braces for aligning and / or repositioning teeth. Conventionally, an orthodontic bracket is applied to a single tooth with an adhesive to bond the orthodontic bracket to the tooth. A force is then applied via an archwire to the orthodontic bracket for realigning the tooth that the bracket is connected to. The archwire is connected to the orthodontic bracket via an element on the bracket to receive the archwire, with said archwire extending between adjacent orthodontic brackets.

[0004] The archwire in a conventional orthodontic brace assembly is secured to the orthodontic brackets by a plurality of circular elastic ties (also referred to as elastics). One of the modern orthodontic bracket systems do not rely on the use of circular elastic ties to secure the archwire and instead rely on a sliding gate to secure it. Orthodontic brackets of this type are commonly referred to as self-ligating brackets.

[0005] A tooth may be proclinated and flared outwardly from the mouth, or alternatively may be retroclined and flared inwards towards the mouth. Neither displacement of the tooth is desirable. This type of rotation of the tooth is clinically described as rotationaround an x-axis. To remedy rotation of the tooth around the x-axis, torque is applied perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth, via the orthodontic bracket.

[0006] In the past, a clinician would apply torque for rotating a patient's tooth around the x-axis (buccal-lingual), by twisting and / or bending the archwire and securing it into the slot of an orthodontic bracket connected to the tooth. With this approach, in a clinical setting, it is not possible to accurately calculate or determine the appropriate amount of force needed to achieve the desired movement. Consequently, because of the imprecision with this approach, treatment times may be extended before the desired tooth alignment is realised, or applying and increased torque values using wire bending or auxilliries may have negative consequences on theet position by moving it out the bone boundaries.

[0007] More recently, the torque applied to a tooth is varied by the inclination of the slot receiving the archwire. With this approach, different orthodontic brackets with various slot inclinations need to be prepared. Commonly manufacturers of these type of orthodontic brackets supply three different types, for each of the orientations of a tooth around the x-axis, i.e. , a procline bracket (also referred to as a high torque bracket), a neutral bracket (also referred to as a medium torque bracket) and a retrocline bracket (also referred to as a low torque bracket). In a clinical setting, it is therefore imperative that the correct type of orthodontic bracket is applied to a tooth, based on the orientation of the tooth about the x-axis, for aligning and / or reposition the tooth. These techniques of bending the archwire and / or changing the bracket increased chairside time in making adjustments to the orthodontic dental brace assembly. Moreover, these existing approaches are relatively imprecise, such that undesirable movement of teeth may occur when attempting to correct their orientation.

[0008] Alternatively, the transmission of torque to applied from the archwire to the teeth via an orthodontic bracket, can be modulated by having an orthodontic bracket with an adjustable archwire receiver connected to a bracket base. However, such orthodontic brackets have a number of setbacks. Adjustable orthodontic brackets have a plurality of slots or grooves and as such provide a limited, restricted number of pre-set angles in which the bracket can be set to. This is undesirable since the degree in which a tooth is proclinated or retroclined is continuous, as opposed to being at a set angle. Moreover, these existing orthodontic brackets do not provide any facile means to quickly identify the angle of the bracket, when in use and applied to the tooth.

[0009] For existing adjustable orthodontic brackets, to adjust the torque applied rotationally perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth, the archwire wire must be removed from the bracket. This is a time consuming procedure, and it may increase the chance of damage and breakage of the bracket itself and also the archwire. Existing adjustable orthodontic brackets, rely on thin pins or shallow gear teeth for restricting the movement of the orthodontic bracket to a desired angle. However, thin pins or shallow gear teeth can easily become loose and are more prone to breakages when force is applied to the orthodontic bracket by an archwire. Existing adjustable orthodontic brackets may set the angle of the bracket by fastening across the rotational axis of said bracket. This arrangement is more prone to become loose once a torque force from the archwire is applied to it, especially if the fastener is of the screw and nut type. In such instances, when the fastener becomes loose, the angle of torque applied to the adjustable orthodontic bracket is not maintained.

[0010] It is therefore, desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or disadvantages associated with existing orthodontic brackets, or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

[0011] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim in this application.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided an orthodontic bracket comprising: a base member for interfacing with a surface of a tooth; a pin member engageably received by the base member; a bracket member cooperatively mated with the pin member for providing pivotable movement of the bracket member relative to the base member from a first position to a second position, said bracket having a transversely disposed archwire slot; anda fastening member disposed in the base member, wherein the fastening member can reversibly extend substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the bracket member for securing the bracket member against pivotable movement.

[0013] In some embodiments, the pivotable movement of the bracket member relative to the base member is continuous from the first position to the second position between a range of 0 to 32 degrees.

[0014] In some embodiments, the pivotable movement of the bracket member relative to the base member can be secured between a continuum of ranges between 0 to 32 degrees.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fastening member is substantially parallel lengthwise to a lengthwise length of the tooth.

[0016] In some embodiments, the fastening member is a screw.

[0017] In some embodiments, the screw is a full-threaded, headless screw.

[0018] In some embodiments, the orthodontic bracket further comprising a friction member interfacing the fastening member.

[0019] In some embodiments, the friction member contacts the bracket member to secure the bracket member against pivotable movement.

[0020] In some embodiments, the friction member is adapted to receive the bracket member for resisting pivotable movement of the bracket member.

[0021] In some embodiments, the friction member has a concave morphology adapted to receive the bracket member having a convex morphology.

[0022] In some embodiments, the bracket member contacts with the base member at the first and second positions.

[0023] In some embodiments, the bracket member pushes against the friction member at the first position at an angle perpendicular to a widthwise length and lengthwise length of the tooth.

[0024] In some embodiments, the base member includes a mesh surface for contacting the surface of the tooth.

[0025] In some embodiments, the base member includes one or more markings for visual inspection to determine an angle of pivot between the bracket member and the base member.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention provides an adjustable dental brace assembly, including: an orthodontic bracket comprising: a base member for interfacing with a surface of a tooth; a pin member engageably received by the base member; a bracket member cooperatively mated with the pin member for providing pivotable movement of the bracket member relative to the base member from a first position to a second position, said bracket having a transversely disposed archwire slot; and a fastening member disposed in the base member, wherein the fastening member can reversibly extend substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the bracket member for securing the bracket member against pivotable movement; and an archwire secured to the orthodontic bracket.

[0027] In some embodiments, the adjustable dental brace assembly further comprises an adhesive for securing the orthodontic bracket to a surface of a tooth.

[0028] In yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of applying an orthodontic bracket, said orthodontic bracket comprising: a base member for interfacing with a surface of a tooth; a pin member engageably received by the base member; a bracket member cooperatively mated with the pin member for providing pivotable movement of the bracket member relative to thebase member from a first position to a second position, said bracket having a transversely disposed archwire slot; and a fastening member disposed in the base member, wherein the fastening member can reversibly extend substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the bracket member for securing the bracket member against pivotable movement; to a tooth, the method comprising the steps of: applying adhesive on the base member to be bonded to a surface of the tooth; applying the base member of the orthodontic bracket according to the present invention, against the tooth surface; and curing the adhesive.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of: providing an archwire; and inserting the archwire into a transversely disposed archwire slot of the bracket member.

[0030] Further aspects of the technology, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the technology.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] One or more embodiments of the technology will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the orthodontic bracket.

[0033] Figure 2 is a front view of one embodiment of the orthodontic bracket.

[0034] Figure 3 is a top view of one embodiment of the orthodontic bracket.

[0035] Figure 4 is a side view of one embodiment of the orthodontic bracket.

[0036] Figure 5 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the orthodontic bracket.

[0037] Figure 6 is an alternative perspective view of one embodiment of the orthodontic bracket.

[0038] Figure 7 is a side sectional view of one embodiment of the orthodontic bracket in a first position.

[0039] Figure 8 is a side sectional view of one embodiment of the orthodontic bracket in a second position.

[0040] Figure 9 is an alternative perspective view of one embodiment of the orthodontic bracket, wherein the gate is in the open position.

[0041] Figure 10 is an alternative perspective view of one embodiment of the orthodontic bracket, wherein the gate is in the closed position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENITON

[0042] In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an orthodontic bracket (1) comprising: a base member (2) for interfacing with a surface of a tooth; a pin member (3) engageably received by the base member (2); a bracket member (4) cooperatively mated with the pin member (3) for providing pivotable movement of the bracket member (4) relative to the base member (2) from a first position (A) to a second position (B), said bracket (1) having a transversely disposed archwire slot (5); and a fastening member (6) disposed in the base member (2), wherein the fastening member (6) can reversibly extend substantially perpendicular (C) to a rotational axis of the bracket member (D) for securing the bracket member (4) against pivotable movement.

[0043] The orthodontic bracket is of the type suitable for treating a malocclusion. Preferably the orthodontic bracket is for use in humans, but is not restricted to that use. The base member (2) is adapted for releasable attachment upon a facing surfaceof a patient’s tooth. In some embodiments, the base member is adapted for releasable attachment upon a lingual surface of a patient’s tooth. However, preferably, the base member (2) is adapted for releasable attachment upon a buccal facing surface of a patient’s tooth. The bracket base has a first surface (7) and a second surface (8) with a thickness dimension therebetween. The first surface may have at least in part a mesh profile for interfacing with a surface of a tooth to allow bonding the bracket to the tooth surface using an orthodontic adhesive material. In other embodiments the base member may have at least in part a non-mesh profile. In some embodiments, the non-mesh profile may include one or more dimples. In some embodiments, the bracket member contacts with the base member at the first position (A) and second position (B). Preferably, the bracket member may engage with the second surface (8) of the bracket base, at the first position (A) and the second position (B). This engagement of the bracket member (4) with the bracket base (2) restricts pivotable movement of the bracket member to only between the first and second positions. In some forms, the bracket member (4) pushes against the friction member (9) at the first position (A) at an angle perpendicular to a width-wise length and lengthwise length of the tooth. This prevents it over-rotation of the bracket member (4), which would otherwise cause unwanted teeth movements out of bone support which may be risky, or damage to the bracket.

[0044] The bracket member (4) has a first edge portion (10), and a second edge portion (11) substantially parallel to the first edge portion. The first surface (7) of the bracket base extends between the first edge portion (10) to the second edge portion (11). In some embodiments the first surface is substantially flat. In other embodiments the first surface (7) has a curvature of approximately 3.5° and 9.5° between the first edge portion(10) and the second edge portion (11). Extending from a first edge portion (10) of the bracket base (2) is a first arm member (12), and extending from the second edge portion(11) of the bracket base (2) is a second arm member (13). The first arm member (12) includes a first void (14) adapted to receive a lengthwise portion of the pin member (3). The second arm member (13) includes a second void (15) adapted to receive a lengthwise portion of the pin member (3). Together the first and second voids (14, 15) can engageably receive the pin member and allow it to rotate whilst being received by the voids. In some embodiments, the pin member (3) may extend substantially across the bracket base (2), between the first edge portion (10) to the second edge portion (11).

[0045] In some embodiments the pin member may be formed from high- density polyethylene or ultra-high-molecular weight polyethylene to provide for a low frictioncoefficient. However preferably, in other embodiments the pin member may be formed from stainless steel. The bracket member (4) is cooperatively mated with the pin member (3) for providing pivotable movement of the bracket member (4) relative to the base member (2). The pivotable movement of the bracket member (4) relative to the base member (2) may be continuous. In other embodiments the pivotable movement of the bracket member relative to the base member may be between discrete positions. In some forms, the pivotable movement from the first position (A) to the second position (B) is between a limited and predetermined range of adjustment between 0 degree to 60 degrees which will allow the tooth movement to keep the root within the biological boundaries to keep it supported within the alveolar bone. In some embodiments, the pivotable movement may be between a range of 0 to 50 degrees, 0 to 40 degrees, 0 to 35 degrees, 0 to 32 degrees, 0 to 30 degrees, 0 to 25 degrees, or 0 to 20 degrees. Preferably, the pivotable movement of the bracket member (4) relative to the base member (2) is continuous from the first position (A) to the second position (B) between a range of 0 to 32 degrees.

[0046] In some forms, the base member (2) includes one or more markings for visual inspection to determine an angle of pivot between the bracket member (4) and the base member (2). In some embodiments, the one or more marking may be engraved lines provided on the first arm member (12) and / or the second arm member (13). This provides for rapid identification of the precise torque value in a clinical setting, as the angle that the bracket member (4) has been set relative to the base member (2) can be quickly determined visually. Moreover, this can provide an orthodontic bracket allowing for calculation of torque applied to a patient's tooth around the x-axis (buccal-lingual) in a clinical setting.

[0047] The bracket member (4) may have one or more wing members (16) for receiving a metal or elastic band that secures archwire in place. In some embodiments, the one or more wing members (16) may be in the form of a hook to securely retain a metal or elastic band. In some embodiments the bracket member (4) may have two or three wing members (16). In preferred embodiments, the bracket member (4) has four wing members (16).

[0048] The bracket member (4) has a transversely disposed archwire slot (5). The archwire slot (5) is adapted to receive an archwire. The archwire slot (5) may have two spaced apart parallel side walls, a slot opening and a base wall opposite the slot opening. In some embodiments, the bracket member (4) includes a movable gate (17). Preferably, the movable gate (17) is slideable. The movable gate (17) can be positioned between an openposition relative to the opening of the archwire slot (5), and a closed position relative to the opening of the archwire slot (5). In the open position, the archwire slot (5) can receive an archwire. In the closed position, the archwire slot (5) may be a four-sided arch wire channel having a cross-sectional, quadrilateral shape that is defined by four angles which are not necessarily right angles. In some embodiments, the quadrilateral shape is a parallelogram. Moreover, in the closed position, the archwire slot (5) can substantially enclose and cooperate with the archwire to apply a force to the bracket member (4) and orthodontic bracket (1) so as to effect first, second, or third order movements to a tooth in which the orthodontic bracket (1) is applied to. For purposes of this patent application, the term “third order movement” is synonymous with the term “torque expression” as used hereinafter is defined as the force moment providing rotation of a patient's tooth around the x-axis (buccallingual).

[0049] In use, the orthodontic bracket (1) of the present invention and archwire secured to orthodontic brackets form an adjustable dental brace assembly. In some embodiments the assembly includes an adhesive for securing the orthodontic bracket(1) to a surface of a tooth. The orthodontic bracket (1) may be applied to a tooth by first applying adhesive on a surface of the tooth, then applying a base member (2) of the orthodontic bracket (1) against the adhesive, and then curing the adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be photo-sensitive. In other embodiments, the adhesive may be self-curing. An archwire may then be applied to the orthodontic bracket (1), by inserting the archwire into the transversely disposed archwire slot (5) of the bracket member (4). The archwire can then be secured by closing a movable gate (17) of the bracket member (4) and / or by use of a metal or elastic band to securely retain the archwire.

[0050] The fastening member (6) can reversibly extend substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the bracket member (4) for securing the bracket member against pivotable movement. In some embodiments, the fastening member (6) is substantially parallel lengthwise to a lengthwise length of the tooth. The fastening member (6) allows the pivotable movement of the bracket member (4) relative to the base member(2) to be secured between a continuum of ranges. In some embodiments, the continuum of ranges is between 0 to 50 degrees, 0 to 40 degrees, 0 to 35 degrees, 0 to 32 degrees, 0 to 30 degrees, 0 to 25 degrees, or 0 to 20 degrees. Preferably, the pivotable movement of the bracket member (4) relative to the base member (2) can be secured between a continuum of ranges between 0 to 32 degrees. Accordingly the orthodontic bracket may have a continuum of angles for adjusting the torque applied to a patient's tooth around the x-axis(buccal-lingual). Preferably, the fastening member (6) is a screw. Preferably, the screw is a full-threaded, headless screw. In some embodiments the fastening member (6) may be an adhesive, or pin.

[0051] In some forms, the orthodontic bracket (1) includes a friction member (9) interfacing the fastening member (6) for securing the bracket member (4) against pivotable movement by contacting with the pin member (3) and / or the bracket member (4).

[0052] Preferably, the friction member (9) is discretely formed. In some embodiments, the friction member (9) may be integrally formed with the fastening member (6). In some forms the friction member (9) provides a high friction coefficient between the friction member (9) and the pin member (3) and / or the bracket member (4). In use, fastening member (6) exerts a force upon the friction member (9) so that it contacts the bracket member (4) to secure the bracket member (4) against pivotable movement. If the force exerted upon the friction member (9) by the fastening member (6) is decreased, this reduces the contact force between the friction member (9) and the bracket member (4) and / or pin member (3), allowing for pivotable movement of the bracket member (4). In some embodiments, the friction member (9) is adapted to receive the bracket member (4) for resisting pivotable movement of the bracket member (4). More preferably the friction member (9) has a concave morphology adapted to receive the bracket member (4) having a convex morphology. In some embodiments, the friction member (9) has a bracket member engaging surface, and a fastening member engaging surface which are opposed. The bracket member engaging surface may be concave, whilst the bracket member surface may be convex. In some embodiments the fastening member engaging surface is substantially planar or may be adapted to interface with the fastening member (6). The use of a friction member (9) is preferable to ensure the bracket member (4) does not pivot, when a torque expression is applied to the teeth.

[0053] The fastening member (6) and / or friction member (9) secure the bracket member (4) against pivotable movement, so that the bracket member (4) remains fixed at a desired torque angle. This allows for control of the torque expression applied to a tooth.

[0054] The orthodontic bracket (1) or its constituent parts thereof may be formed from any material that it is used for fabricating orthodontic brackets. Preferably the orthodontic bracket (1) is formed from the metal alloy. More preferably the metal alloy is a nickel alloy, titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium, or steel alloy. Preferably the steel alloy isstainless steel. In some embodiments the orthodontic bracket (1) or its constituent parts thereof may be gold plated or platinum plated. In other embodiments, the orthodontic bracket (1) or its constituent parts thereof may be formed from a plastic. In some embodiments the plastic may be a polycarbonate, polyurethane, or a composite thereof. In other embodiments, the orthodontic bracket or its constituent parts thereof may be formed from a ceramic. Preferably the ceramic is a monocrystalline alumina, polycrystalline alumina, or polycrystalline zirconia.

[0055] The orthodontic bracket according to the present invention, may be used to treat and / or prevent a malocclusion. The orthodontic bracket of the present invention when used in combination with any conventional orthodontic archwire can provide a multiple precise values of torque expressions. This applied torque value can be activated, increase, or decrease while the orthodontic bracket (1) and the archwire system remain in situ. Further, the orthodontic bracket negates the prior art practice of bending the engaged arch wire to achieve a tooth torque movement. In other words, the orthodontic bracket of the present invention can be employed to achieve first, second and third order movements, without clinically predetermined manipulation, bending, twisting, or rotation of the arch wire, or the often-repeated replacement of this arch wire during the orthodontic treatment period. Moreover, the orthodontic bracket of the present invention, eliminates the need to use accessories to apply a torque force.

[0056] The orthodontic bracket of the present invention provides for the accurate and safe application of torque force, when compared to existing adjustable orthodontic brackets. Torque values can be easily, and quickly adjusted and controlled when the orthodontic bracket is in use (connected to a patient’s teeth) and connected to an archwire. The archwire does not need to be disconnected from the orthodontic bracket whilst the torque value is adjusted. This is because the fastening member (6) is accessible since it is disposed in the base member (2). In some embodiments, the fastening member (6) is disposed in the second surface (8) of the base member (2), so that it is accessible for adjusting the angle of pivot between the bracket member (4) and the base member (2) without having to remove the archwire. In some embodiments, an actuation tool may be used to manipulate the fastening member to control the pivotable movement of the bracket member (4).

[0057] Alternatively, it is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least substantially ameliorate, the disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art.

[0058] Other objection and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0059] The control over the application of torque in turn provides for precise manipulation of a tooth. The present invention can readily shorten patient treatment times, and also achieve superior treatment results, and increased patient comfort, in a manner not possible, by utilizing the prior art appliances or practices.

[0060] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0061] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

[0062] Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

[0063] The technology may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

[0064] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

[0065] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present technology.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An orthodontic bracket, comprising: a base member for interfacing with a surface of a tooth; a pin member engageably received by the base member; a bracket member cooperatively mated with the pin member for providing pivotable movement of the bracket member relative to the base member from a first position to a second position, said bracket member having a transversely disposed archwire slot; and a fastening member disposed in the base member, wherein the fastening member can reversibly extend substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the bracket member for securing the bracket member against pivotable movement.

2. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 1 , wherein the pivotable movement of the bracket member relative to the base member is continuous from the first position to the second position between a range of 0 to 32 degrees.

3. The orthodontic bracket according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the pivotable movement of the bracket member relative to the base member can be secured between a continuum of ranges between 0 to 32 degrees.

4. The orthodontic bracket according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the fastening member is substantially parallel lengthwise to a lengthwise length of the tooth.

5. The orthodontic bracket according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the fastening member is a screw.

6. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 5, wherein the screw is a full- threaded, headless screw.

7. The orthodontic bracket according to anyone of claims 1-6, further comprising a friction member interfacing the fastening member.

8. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 7, wherein the friction member contacts the bracket member to secure the bracket member against pivotable movement.

9. The orthodontic bracket according to any one of claims 7-8, wherein the friction member is adapted to receive the bracket member for resisting pivotable movement of the bracket member.

10. The orthodontic bracket according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein the friction member has a concave morphology adapted to receive the bracket member having a convex morphology.

11. The orthodontic bracket according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the bracket member contacts with the base member at the first and second positions.

12. The orthodontic bracket according to any one of claims 7-11, wherein the bracket member pushes against the friction member at the first position at an angle perpendicular to a widthwise length and lengthwise length of the tooth.

13. The orthodontic bracket according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the base member includes a mesh surface for contacting the surface of the tooth.

14. The orthodontic bracket according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the base member includes one or more markings for visual inspection to determine an angle of pivot between the bracket member and the base member.

15. An adjustable dental brace assembly, including: an orthodontic bracket according to any one of claims 1-14; and an archwire secured to the orthodontic bracket.

16. The adjustable dental brace assembly of claim 15, further comprising an adhesive for securing the orthodontic bracket to a surface of a tooth.

17. A method of applying an orthodontic bracket according to any one of claims 1-14 to a tooth, the method comprising the steps of:(i) applying adhesive on the base member to be bonded to a surface of the tooth;(ii) applying the base member of the orthodontic bracket against the tooth surface; and(iii) curing the adhesive.

18. The method of applying an orthodontic bracket according to claim 17, the method further comprising the steps of:(iv) providing an archwire; and(v) inserting the archwire into a transversely disposed archwire slot of the bracket member.

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