Convertible, self-ligating, archwire positioning orthodontic bracket

An orthodontic bracket assembly comprising:

• a. a base structure having transverse and integral upper and lower semi-cylindrical extensions and also containing a transverse slot between said extensions to receive an archwire;
• b. a cover plate formed at both ends into semi-cylindrical sections, the top cylindrical section being of greater circumference and incorporating a tab at each side and adapted to slide over the said top semicylindrical extension and thus act as a hinge, the lower semi-cylindrical section acting as a clip to fit over and lock with the lower semi-cylindrical extension, said cover plate being able to remain in any open position by friction in the hinge;
• c. an archwire seating member incorporated in the cover plate so as to be aligned with the slot in the base structure when the cover plate is rotated to a closed position;
• whereby the cover plate can be rotated into the open position, an archwire introduced into the slot and the cover plate rotated closed until said clip engages with the lower semi-cylindrical extension, forcing the seating member against the archwire and achieving various degrees of play and seating against the bottom of the slot depending on the archwire size and configuration and the size of the seating member;
• conversely disengaging the clip permits the cover plate to be rotated into its open position thus unlocking the archwire, the process being easily repeatable for the number of cycles required during the course of the treatment without the bracket being subject to accidental opening and disassembly during normal activities by the patient, said tabs being bent at right angles to the rest of the plate thus confining the plate axially with respect to the semi-cylindrical extensions and restricting its movement to a radial direction.