Apparatus for Applying Corrective Forces to Shape Palate

Abstract

An orthodontic apparatus for installation in a patient's mouth is disclosed. The orthodontic apparatus includes a first extension wire, a second extension wire, and a palatal archwire. Each of the first and second extension wires includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal and distal portions and the palatal archwire are manipulatable to apply corrective buccal, labial, and transverse forces on the patient's dento-alveolar complex (DAC), to correct the shape of the patient's palate.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for applying corrective forces to shape a palate of a patient, the apparatus comprising:
 a first support member;   a second support member; and   a palatal archwire, an end of which is directly or indirectly connected to the first support member and another end of which is directly or indirectly connected to the second support member,   wherein at least a portion of the first support member and at least a portion of the second support member are overlapped with each other at a predetermined position,   wherein the palatal archwire includes at least one loop which is oriented in a first direction towards the predetermined position, and   wherein the palatal archwire includes at least one loop which is oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction.