Abstract:
An orthodontic expansion arch and sheath and sheath insert are provided for use in applying maxillary and mandibular lingual orthodontic appliances for expansion of the arches. The sheath permits use of appliances employing multiple wires composed of non-weldable metal alloys in a more convenient manner and in a greater variety of appliances.
Abstract:
The invention provides a ligature that has a defining formed shape and is affixed and integrated with the formed shape of the orthodontic bracket. The ligature can be repeatedly opened, closed, locked, or unlocked, in its integrated relation to the bracket. If necessary, the entire integrated ligature can be removed and replaced. Also, the removed ligature can be replaced by a similar ligature having a variance in the defining formed shape thereof. The integrated ligature has properties of, shape memory, elasticity, flexibility, and resistance to fatigue. The bracket has one or more arch wire receiving channels therein. The bracket also has, in addition to its relation to the integrated ligature, retention concavities in the upper and lower sides of the bracket to provide retention areas for auxiliary devices and/or supplemental ligatures. The integrated ligature and orthodontic bracket has a unique mechanical flexation response mechanism providing for continuous used and repeatable, opening, closing, locking and unlocking, of the ligature in its integrated relation to the bracket.
Abstract:
An orthodontic coil spring is made of a shape-memory alloy wire which is wound into a coil and heat treated into a superelastic state. The coil spring imparts a predetermined spring force within a superelastic zone of deflection.
Abstract:
An orthodontic bracket in which the archwire is locked in place by a resilient locking loop member which snaps into and out of engagement over the bracket. The locking loop member is a nickel-titanium wire of high resilience and shape memory which not only locks in the archwire but imparts force against it as a function of the shape memory of the locking loop member.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a female part of a coupling for fixing a dental prothesis in the mouth. It comprises a casing 5 having a central void 7,8 provided with a shoulder 9. A contact piece 10 of synthetic ruby has a waisted aperture defining a fixing edge 11 of smaller diameter. This contact piece 10 is maintained against the shoulder 9 through a fixing ring 12 welded to the casing 5.
Abstract:
An orthodontic system including an ultraelastic archwire having a transformation temperature of normal body temperature of about 37.degree. C. is provided. Only a small load is applied to the teeth when the orthodontic system is disposed in a patient's mouth. An increased load is applied to the teeth only when the temperature in the mouth is increased by placing a material having a higher than body temperature in the mouth. As a result, the temperature in the patient's mouth can be controlled without inflicting pain during natural every day actions. The orthodontic effect is available intermittently by raising the mouth temperature for producing higher stress or load which serves to move the teeth orthodontically. The ultaelastic alloy is preferably Ni-Ti alloy containing at least about 50.5 atomic percent of nickel and preferably about 50.7 atomic percent.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for applying to elicit desired tooth movement, e.g., to align teeth, including one or more attachments that each include a base region that may rigidly attach to a tooth, a top region that may couple with an orthodontic appliance, and one or more elastically deformable biases that allows the top region to move relative to the base region force is applied to the top region. The attachment may apply a restoring force to move one or more teeth when the top region is deformed.
Abstract:
An orthodontic device (10) comprising, a first opening (11) for receiving a first anchoring structure, a second opening (12) for receiving a second anchoring structure and a third opening (13, 14, 15) for receiving a third anchoring structure, the first, second, and third anchoring structures being attached in a mouth of a subject, and an intermediate structure (18) connecting the first, second and third openings, wherein one or more of the openings are stretchable, and wherein the intermediate structure and the openings are made from a creep resistant material.
Abstract:
Systems, methods, and devices for producing appliances for expansion of the arch of a patient are provided. An arch expanding appliance comprises a force generating portion to apply an arch expansion force and a retention portion to hold the force generating portion on the teeth. The retention portion comprises a flexible portion and a stiff portion. The force generating portion applies a force to move teeth associated with the flexible portion, while the stiff portion resists movement of its associated teeth. The orthodontic appliances can be designed according to the specifications provided herein and manufactured using direct fabrication methods.