Orthodontic eyelet with crimpable portions and related methods

Abstract

An orthodontic eyelet (12) includes an engaging portion (20) configured for coupling onto an orthodontic implant (16). A crimpable portion (18) is coupled to the engaging portion (20) and has first and second configurations different from one another. In the second configuration the orthodontic eyelet (12) permits coupling to an orthodontic corrective device (14). The second configuration may be such that it hinders rotation of the orthodontic eyelet (12) relative to the orthodontic implant (16). The second configuration may additionally or alternatively permit adjustment of a position of the corrective device (14) to which the orthodontic eyelet (12) is coupled relative to the orthodontic eyelet. The engaging portion (20) may include an opening defining a first shape that substantially matches a second shape corresponding to the orthodontic implant (16). In this regard, the first shape may cooperate with the second shape to move the orthodontic eyelet (12) and the orthodontic implant (16) into locking engagement with one another.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.