Orthodontic device and method for treating malocclusions

A convertible orthodontic device for connecting a mandibular jaw with a maxillary jaw, the convertible orthodontic device comprising:

• a tubular first member;
• a second member telescopically received within said first member to define a tubular space, said first and second members arranged for relative movement as the mandibular jaw moves relative to the maxillary jaw;
• a biasing member positioned within said tubular space;
• and
• a spacer capable of being positioned on said second member, said spacer adapted to cause said biasing member to exert a biasing force opposing relative movement of said first and second members when said spacer is positioned on said second member.

An orthodontic treatment method for repositioning a mandibular jaw relative to a maxillary jaw, comprising:

• securing inner and outer telescoping members of an orthodontic device between the mandibular jaw and the maxillary jaw;
• operating the inner and outer telescoping members of the orthodontic device in a Herbst operating mode to reposition the mandibular jaw relative to the maxillary jaw;
• and
• activating a biasing member carried by the telescoping members of the orthodontic device to convert the orthodontic device from the Herbst operating mode to a second operating mode in which the active biasing member applies a biasing force directed to reposition the mandibular jaw relative to the maxillary jaw.