| abstract |
Rails (38) project from a mesial edge (40) and a distal edge (42) of a base (28) of an orthodontic appliance (30) forming a gap between the base (28) and a surface (32) of a tooth (34). At least one post (44) projects from the base (28) between the rails (38). The rails (38) and post (44) are dimensioned to substantially preclude post/tooth contact and reduce the likelihood of appliance detachment from a curved tooth surface. The posts (44) are formed to resist shear forces associated with mastication and to facilitate the smooth flow of bonding material about the posts (44) when the base (28) is pressed against a tooth surface (32) during bonding. |