CA1128786A - Orthodontic appliance - Google Patents
Orthodontic applianceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1128786A CA1128786A CA326,550A CA326550A CA1128786A CA 1128786 A CA1128786 A CA 1128786A CA 326550 A CA326550 A CA 326550A CA 1128786 A CA1128786 A CA 1128786A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- base
- appliance
- wings
- length
- tooth
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C7/00—Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
- A61C7/12—Brackets; Arch wires; Combinations thereof; Accessories therefor
- A61C7/28—Securing arch wire to bracket
- A61C7/282—Buccal tubes
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An orthodontic appliance is molded either from a ceramic material or metal. When a ceramic material is used, the color of the appliance may be a coordinated with that of a tooth. The appliance has a domed outwardly facing surface which is entirely curved in both the length and width directions and which is free of angular edge surfaces. The appliance may be adapted either for bonding directly to a tooth surface or for welding to a tooth encircling band.
An orthodontic appliance is molded either from a ceramic material or metal. When a ceramic material is used, the color of the appliance may be a coordinated with that of a tooth. The appliance has a domed outwardly facing surface which is entirely curved in both the length and width directions and which is free of angular edge surfaces. The appliance may be adapted either for bonding directly to a tooth surface or for welding to a tooth encircling band.
Description
ORT~1ODONTIC APPLIANCE
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to orthodontic app:Liances, and more particularly to edgewise brackets and buccal tubes.
:: ~
378~
BACKGROUND AND SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
Although the practice of orthodontics can be traced back at least to the time of the Egyptian mummies, modern developments in the art began in the 1920's when Dr~
Edward Angle developed the first edyewise bracket. Such a bracket is for the purpose of connecting an orthodonkic archwire to a tooth, as opposed to simply wrapping wires around the tooth and ligating to an activating archwire as had been the practice previously. Later on the so-called twin bracket was developed by Swain to permit the use of the bracket to apply a greater rotating and torquing force to the tooth. Still later developments included the Lewis gull wing bracket, the Steiner spring wing bracket, and the Lang stiff wing which incorporated a hole for ligating to rotate the tooth.
Brackets for orthodontic use were originally hand made from gold. In the late 1930's brackets machined from stainless steel were introduced. Stainless steel is generally satisfactory as an orthodontic bracket material, but prior to the present invention has presented numerous problems. First, it has heretofore been necessary to individually machine each bracket. This is costly, and also results in highly angular edge surfaces which are very uncomfortable for the patient. Another difficulty involved the dîstinctive appearance of stainless steel, which many patients find objectionable.
In an attempt to overcome the foregoing and other difficulties, plastic orthodontic brackets were introduced. Plastic brackets can be fabricated so as to eliminate the angular edges of machined stainless steel brackets, and are therefore more comfortable for the patient. It is also possible to make plastic brackets in almost any desired color, including highly transparent brackets. It has been found in practice, however, that the use of polycarbonate plastic orthodontic brackets presents a different set of problems. First, plastic brackets are too weak to withstand desired torquing 7~36 stresses, so that breakage and failure are not uncommon.
Second, in the environment of the mouth plastic ortho-dontic brackets tend to rapidly discolor due to stains caused by various foods, tobacco, beverages such as tea and coffee, etc.
The present invention comprises improvemen~s in the art of fabricating orthodontic appliances such as edge-wise brackets, buccal tubes, and the like which overcome the foregoing and other difficulties long since associated with the prior art. In the broader aspects of the inven-tion, orthodontic appliances are fabricated from either ceramic materials or metals utilizing an injection molding technique. Orthodontic appliances manufactured in accord-ance with the invention exhibit superior strength and toughness, are very comfortable for patients to use, are aesthetically pleasing, and do not stain or discolor in use.
According to the invention there is provided an ortllodontic appliance comprising: a base having an inwardly facing surface adapted for attaching the appliance to a supporting structure; a body extending from the base and having a length substantially equal to the length of the base and a width substantially narrower than the width of the base; a pair of wings extending from the body and each having a length sub-stantially shorter than the length of the body and a width substantially greater than the width of the body to define wire receiving slots between the base and the wings; the wings tapering from a relatively narrow incisal surface at one end of one of the wings to a relatively wide gingival surface at the opposite end of the other wing so that food tends to move past the appliance during patient chewing; the undersurface of the wing having the gingival surface being substantially displaced from the base to prevent impingement of gingival tissue; the wings defining an outwardly facing domed surface which is , 378~
- 3a -entirely curved in both the length and width direction and thereby presents a comfortable surface to the mouth tissue of the patient characterized by an absence o angular edges; and a slot extending lengthwise between the wings and into the body and dimensioned to receive therein a dental appliance of predetermined di~ensions, Other aspects of this invention are claimed in an application filed as a division of this application.
Orthodontic appliances incorporating the invention are characterized by a domed outwardly facing surface.
The domed outwardly facing surface is entirely curved in both the length and width dimensions, and is entirely free of angular edge surfaces.
In accordance with more specific preferred forms of the invention, orthodontic appliances may be fabricated from ceramic materials such as aluminum oxide. The color of each appliance can be made to correspond closely with the color of the tooth upon which the appliance will be used. Orthodontic appliances formed from ceramic 20 ~ materials are preferably adapted for bonding directly to the tooth surface. In such instances, the inwardly facing surface of the appliance may be scored to faci-litate bonding, and may be provided with a noncircular aperture for receiving a quantity of bonding material and thereby preventing the appliance from rotating relative to the tooth, as the torquing forces are applied, via the rectangularly shaped wire.
;3 :, ~
.., --DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
A more complete understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the followin~ Detailed Description , when ta~en in conjunction with the aCcompanyintJ Drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an edge~lise bracket comprising the Eirst embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 2 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIGVRE l;
FIGURE 3 is an end view of the bracket shown in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 4 is a top view of the bracket shown in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 5 is a bottom view of the bracket shown in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 6 is a bottom perspective view of the bracket shown in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 7 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 showing a modiflcation of the first embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 8 is a view similar to FIGURE 3 showing another modification of the first embodiment;
FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of a buccal tube comprising a second embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 10 is an end view of the buccal tube of FIGURE 9;
FIGURE 11 is a top view of the buccal tube of FIGURE
10;
FIGURE 12 is a side view of the buccal tube of FIGURE 10;
FIGURE 13 is a view similar to FIGURE 10 illustratin~
a modification oE the second embodiment of the inven.ion;
FIGURE 14 is a view similar to FIGURE 12 illustrat-ing another modification of the second embodiment;
~:
. .
5 1~7~
FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of a bracket comprisinc~ a third embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 16 is a top view of the brack~t o~ FIGURE 15;
and FIGUI~E 17 is an end view of the bracket of FXGURE 15.
:~
l~B~8~i DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the Drawings, and particularly to FIGURE 1 thereof, there is shown an orthodontic appliance 20 incorporating the first embodimen~ of ~he invention.
The orthodontic appliance 20 comprises an edgewlse bracket formed from a ceramic material, preferably aluminum oxide.
The colour of the bracket 20 is preferably selected to substantially match or otherwise conform to the color of the tooth upon which the bracket 20 will be used.
The bracket 20 comprises a unitary molded ceramic structure. The bracket 20 is preferably fabricated in accordance with the Wiech process, which involves mixing a particulate material, in this case aluminum oxide, with plasticizing and other ingredients, blending in accordance with appropriate physical and chemical procedures, molding the blended material to provide a shaped product, and then firing the shaped product to achieve the desired final dimensional and desired final physical property state~
The assignee of the present application is the exclusive licensee for orthodontic appliances under the Wiech process, which is fully disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
4,197,118 issued on April ~, 1980 to Parmatech Corporation (inventor Raymond E. Wiech, Jr.).
The bracket 20 comprises a base 22, a body 24 ex-tending from the base 22, and wings 26 and 28 extending from the body 24. The bracket 20 is adapted for bonding directly to the tooth of a patient by means of bonding techniques which are well known in the art, for example, bonding techniques of the type disclosed in Muller Patent No. 3,345,745 granted October 10, 1967. As is best shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, the base 22 of the bracket 20 has an inwardly facing surface 30 which is preferably scored in a cross-hatched pattern so as to facilitate the adhesion thereof to the bonding agent. An aperture 32 .:
~, , : :.
.:.
7 112~8~;
is formed in the surface 30 of the base 22 to receive a mass of bondin~ material, thereby providinq additional strength. The aperture 32 preferably has a substantially noncircular configuration so that the mass of bonding material received therein tends to resist forces tendin~
to twist or turn the brac~et 20 relative to the underlying tooth.
Referring now to FIGURE 3, the body 2~ o~ the bracket 20 is substantially equal in length to the base 22 thereof. 11O~7ever, the wings 26 and 28 are substantially shorter in length than either the base 22 or the body 24.
As is best shown in FIGURE 2, the body 24 of the bracket 20 is substantially narrower in width than the base 22.
The wings 26 and 28 have a combined width ~hich is substantially greater than that of the body 24, thereby providing a pair of wire receiving slots 34 extending between the wings 2~ and 28 and the base 22. ~hese slots are also designed to receive small plastic rings or modules used in binding an archwire to the bracket.
FIGURES 2 and 3 also illustrate an important feature of the invention comprising the outwardly facing domed s~rface of the bracket 20. The outwardly facing surface of the bracket engages the mouth tissue of the patient, and therefore the configuration of the outwardly facing surface is extremely important with respect to patient comfort. In accordance with the present invention, the outwardly facing surface of the bracket 20 is entirely curved in both the length and width directions. Of equal importance is the fact that the outwardly faclng surface is entirely free of angular edges. In practice, it has been found that the outwardly facing surEace of the bracket of the present invention comprises a substantial improvement in orthodontic appliances with respect to patient co~fort.
Referring to FIGURE 4, the wing 26 of the bracket 20 has a relatively narrc,w incisal surface 36, and the wing : . -. - . : j :
.:
8 ~ 786
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to orthodontic app:Liances, and more particularly to edgewise brackets and buccal tubes.
:: ~
378~
BACKGROUND AND SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
Although the practice of orthodontics can be traced back at least to the time of the Egyptian mummies, modern developments in the art began in the 1920's when Dr~
Edward Angle developed the first edyewise bracket. Such a bracket is for the purpose of connecting an orthodonkic archwire to a tooth, as opposed to simply wrapping wires around the tooth and ligating to an activating archwire as had been the practice previously. Later on the so-called twin bracket was developed by Swain to permit the use of the bracket to apply a greater rotating and torquing force to the tooth. Still later developments included the Lewis gull wing bracket, the Steiner spring wing bracket, and the Lang stiff wing which incorporated a hole for ligating to rotate the tooth.
Brackets for orthodontic use were originally hand made from gold. In the late 1930's brackets machined from stainless steel were introduced. Stainless steel is generally satisfactory as an orthodontic bracket material, but prior to the present invention has presented numerous problems. First, it has heretofore been necessary to individually machine each bracket. This is costly, and also results in highly angular edge surfaces which are very uncomfortable for the patient. Another difficulty involved the dîstinctive appearance of stainless steel, which many patients find objectionable.
In an attempt to overcome the foregoing and other difficulties, plastic orthodontic brackets were introduced. Plastic brackets can be fabricated so as to eliminate the angular edges of machined stainless steel brackets, and are therefore more comfortable for the patient. It is also possible to make plastic brackets in almost any desired color, including highly transparent brackets. It has been found in practice, however, that the use of polycarbonate plastic orthodontic brackets presents a different set of problems. First, plastic brackets are too weak to withstand desired torquing 7~36 stresses, so that breakage and failure are not uncommon.
Second, in the environment of the mouth plastic ortho-dontic brackets tend to rapidly discolor due to stains caused by various foods, tobacco, beverages such as tea and coffee, etc.
The present invention comprises improvemen~s in the art of fabricating orthodontic appliances such as edge-wise brackets, buccal tubes, and the like which overcome the foregoing and other difficulties long since associated with the prior art. In the broader aspects of the inven-tion, orthodontic appliances are fabricated from either ceramic materials or metals utilizing an injection molding technique. Orthodontic appliances manufactured in accord-ance with the invention exhibit superior strength and toughness, are very comfortable for patients to use, are aesthetically pleasing, and do not stain or discolor in use.
According to the invention there is provided an ortllodontic appliance comprising: a base having an inwardly facing surface adapted for attaching the appliance to a supporting structure; a body extending from the base and having a length substantially equal to the length of the base and a width substantially narrower than the width of the base; a pair of wings extending from the body and each having a length sub-stantially shorter than the length of the body and a width substantially greater than the width of the body to define wire receiving slots between the base and the wings; the wings tapering from a relatively narrow incisal surface at one end of one of the wings to a relatively wide gingival surface at the opposite end of the other wing so that food tends to move past the appliance during patient chewing; the undersurface of the wing having the gingival surface being substantially displaced from the base to prevent impingement of gingival tissue; the wings defining an outwardly facing domed surface which is , 378~
- 3a -entirely curved in both the length and width direction and thereby presents a comfortable surface to the mouth tissue of the patient characterized by an absence o angular edges; and a slot extending lengthwise between the wings and into the body and dimensioned to receive therein a dental appliance of predetermined di~ensions, Other aspects of this invention are claimed in an application filed as a division of this application.
Orthodontic appliances incorporating the invention are characterized by a domed outwardly facing surface.
The domed outwardly facing surface is entirely curved in both the length and width dimensions, and is entirely free of angular edge surfaces.
In accordance with more specific preferred forms of the invention, orthodontic appliances may be fabricated from ceramic materials such as aluminum oxide. The color of each appliance can be made to correspond closely with the color of the tooth upon which the appliance will be used. Orthodontic appliances formed from ceramic 20 ~ materials are preferably adapted for bonding directly to the tooth surface. In such instances, the inwardly facing surface of the appliance may be scored to faci-litate bonding, and may be provided with a noncircular aperture for receiving a quantity of bonding material and thereby preventing the appliance from rotating relative to the tooth, as the torquing forces are applied, via the rectangularly shaped wire.
;3 :, ~
.., --DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
A more complete understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the followin~ Detailed Description , when ta~en in conjunction with the aCcompanyintJ Drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an edge~lise bracket comprising the Eirst embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 2 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIGVRE l;
FIGURE 3 is an end view of the bracket shown in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 4 is a top view of the bracket shown in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 5 is a bottom view of the bracket shown in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 6 is a bottom perspective view of the bracket shown in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 7 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 showing a modiflcation of the first embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 8 is a view similar to FIGURE 3 showing another modification of the first embodiment;
FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of a buccal tube comprising a second embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 10 is an end view of the buccal tube of FIGURE 9;
FIGURE 11 is a top view of the buccal tube of FIGURE
10;
FIGURE 12 is a side view of the buccal tube of FIGURE 10;
FIGURE 13 is a view similar to FIGURE 10 illustratin~
a modification oE the second embodiment of the inven.ion;
FIGURE 14 is a view similar to FIGURE 12 illustrat-ing another modification of the second embodiment;
~:
. .
5 1~7~
FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of a bracket comprisinc~ a third embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 16 is a top view of the brack~t o~ FIGURE 15;
and FIGUI~E 17 is an end view of the bracket of FXGURE 15.
:~
l~B~8~i DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the Drawings, and particularly to FIGURE 1 thereof, there is shown an orthodontic appliance 20 incorporating the first embodimen~ of ~he invention.
The orthodontic appliance 20 comprises an edgewlse bracket formed from a ceramic material, preferably aluminum oxide.
The colour of the bracket 20 is preferably selected to substantially match or otherwise conform to the color of the tooth upon which the bracket 20 will be used.
The bracket 20 comprises a unitary molded ceramic structure. The bracket 20 is preferably fabricated in accordance with the Wiech process, which involves mixing a particulate material, in this case aluminum oxide, with plasticizing and other ingredients, blending in accordance with appropriate physical and chemical procedures, molding the blended material to provide a shaped product, and then firing the shaped product to achieve the desired final dimensional and desired final physical property state~
The assignee of the present application is the exclusive licensee for orthodontic appliances under the Wiech process, which is fully disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
4,197,118 issued on April ~, 1980 to Parmatech Corporation (inventor Raymond E. Wiech, Jr.).
The bracket 20 comprises a base 22, a body 24 ex-tending from the base 22, and wings 26 and 28 extending from the body 24. The bracket 20 is adapted for bonding directly to the tooth of a patient by means of bonding techniques which are well known in the art, for example, bonding techniques of the type disclosed in Muller Patent No. 3,345,745 granted October 10, 1967. As is best shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, the base 22 of the bracket 20 has an inwardly facing surface 30 which is preferably scored in a cross-hatched pattern so as to facilitate the adhesion thereof to the bonding agent. An aperture 32 .:
~, , : :.
.:.
7 112~8~;
is formed in the surface 30 of the base 22 to receive a mass of bondin~ material, thereby providinq additional strength. The aperture 32 preferably has a substantially noncircular configuration so that the mass of bonding material received therein tends to resist forces tendin~
to twist or turn the brac~et 20 relative to the underlying tooth.
Referring now to FIGURE 3, the body 2~ o~ the bracket 20 is substantially equal in length to the base 22 thereof. 11O~7ever, the wings 26 and 28 are substantially shorter in length than either the base 22 or the body 24.
As is best shown in FIGURE 2, the body 24 of the bracket 20 is substantially narrower in width than the base 22.
The wings 26 and 28 have a combined width ~hich is substantially greater than that of the body 24, thereby providing a pair of wire receiving slots 34 extending between the wings 2~ and 28 and the base 22. ~hese slots are also designed to receive small plastic rings or modules used in binding an archwire to the bracket.
FIGURES 2 and 3 also illustrate an important feature of the invention comprising the outwardly facing domed s~rface of the bracket 20. The outwardly facing surface of the bracket engages the mouth tissue of the patient, and therefore the configuration of the outwardly facing surface is extremely important with respect to patient comfort. In accordance with the present invention, the outwardly facing surface of the bracket 20 is entirely curved in both the length and width directions. Of equal importance is the fact that the outwardly faclng surface is entirely free of angular edges. In practice, it has been found that the outwardly facing surEace of the bracket of the present invention comprises a substantial improvement in orthodontic appliances with respect to patient co~fort.
Referring to FIGURE 4, the wing 26 of the bracket 20 has a relatively narrc,w incisal surface 36, and the wing : . -. - . : j :
.:
8 ~ 786
2~ has a relatively wide gingival surface 38. The bracket 20 is always mounted with the incisal surface 36 facing the cutting edge of the tooth, that is, downwardly when the bracket 20 is mounted on an upper tooth and upwardly when the bracket 20 is mounted on a lower tooth. The wings 26 and 28 have side walls 40 tapered graclually from the relatively narrow incisal surface 36 to the relatively wide yingival surface 38. The win~s 26 and 28 thereEore provide a gentle wedge shape, thereby causing food to move past the bracket 20 during patient chewing without applying undue force thereto.
Referring to FIGURE 2, the slot 34 between the gingival wing 2~ and the base 22 is substantially wider than the slot 34 between the incisal wing 26 and the base 1~ 22. This positions the undersurface of the wing 28 a substantial distance from the underlying tooth s~rface, thereby allowing for exuberent gingival tissue growth that often occurs as treatment progresses.
As is best shown in FIGURES 2 and 4, a slot 42 extends between the wings 26 and 28 and into the body 24 of the bracket 20. As is now common in the art of orthodontic appliances, the slot 42 is sized to matingly receive an archwire having predetermined dimensions.
This facilitates precise registry of the bracket with the archwire, whereby the bracket may be utilized to apply force between the archwire and the tooth to which the bracket is attached.
FIGURE 7 illustrates a modification of the ~irst embodiment of the invention wherein the slot 42 extends angularly. It will be understood that the slot 42 rnay have any desired orientation with res~ect to the r~irling components of the bracket 20. The slot 42 may also be angulated with respect to the length of the bracket.
In FIG~RE 8 there is shown an edgewise bracket 44 comprising a further modification of the first embodiment of the invention. The bracket 44 includes numerous component parts which are substantially identical in ~: . : ~. , ~' ~'21~786 construction and function to component parts of the bracket 20 illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 6, and such identical component parts are designated in FIGURE 8 with the same refexence numerals utilized hereinbe~ore in the description of the bracket 20, but are difer-entiated therefrom by means of a prime (') designation.
The bracket 44 is similar to the bracket 20 in that it is fabricated by means of the above-described Wiech process. The primary difference between the bracket 44 and the bracket 20 involves the fact that the bracket 44 is formed from a metal, such as stainless steel. Although ceramic materials are generally considered preferable for the fabrication of edgewise brackets, primarily due to the capability of coordinating the color of ceramic brackets with the color of the underlying tooth, the use of metal edgewise brackets may be considered preferable in some instances. In particular, the use of metal may be considered preferable in those instances in which it is necessary or desirable to attach the bracket to a tooth encircling band. ~or this reason, the bracket 44 is provided with extensions 46 on the opposite ends of the base 22 to facilitate the welding of the bracket 44 to a tooth encircling band, or a steel disc with a convex under side that is suitable for bonding to the tooth surface.
Another manufacturing technique involves forming the bracket from a first metal using the Weich process, and subsequently infusing or plating the formed bracket with another metal. For example, brackets formed from plain carbon steel by means of the above-described Wiech process and subsequently infused with stainless steel to a depth of about 3 millimeters by means of the Dilex process have proven satisfactory in actual practice.
Referring now to FIGURE 9, there is shown an ortho-dontic appliance 50 comprising a second embodiment of the invention. The appliance 50 comprises a double buccal or terminal tube, it being understood that the invention is equally applicable to single, double, or triple buccal ~' B~
or terminal tubes. The buccal tube 50 is preferably formed from stainless steel in accordance with the above described Wiech process.
The buccal tube 50 comprises a base 52 and a body 54 extending from the base 52. Base 52 is greater in length than the body 54, primarily to provide a plurali~y of flanges 56. The purpose of the flanges 56 is to facilitate the welding of the buccal tùbe 50 to an underlying tooth encircling band.
As is best shown in FIGURES 10 and 11, the body 54 of the buccal tube 50 is substantially equal in width to the base 52 thereof. However, the ~ody 54 projects outwardly from one side of the buccal tube 50, and the base 52 projects outwardly from the opposite side. The body 54 has a rectangular Fassageway 58 formed therethrough which is sized to matingly receive an archwire having predeter-mined dimensions. The body 54 also has formed there-through a passageway 60 which is sized to matingly receive a cervical retractor of predetermined dimensions.
As is best shown in FIGURES 11 and 12, the body 54 of the buccal tube 50 has a portion 62 extending bey~nd the remainder thereof. A tie back slot 64 extends between the portion 62 of the body 54 and the base 52. By this means a wire may be connected between the archwire extending through the passageway 58 and the tie back slot 54 of the buccal tube 50, which in turn facilitates the application of force between the archwire and the tooth underlying the buccal tube 50.
Referring particularly to FIGURES 10 and 12, the buccal tube 50 has a domed outwardly facing surface. That is, the outwardly facing surface of the buccal tube 50 is entirely curved in both the length and width directions.
Of equal importance is the fact that the outwardly facing surface of the buccal tube 50 is entirely free of any angular edge surfaces. In practice it has been found that the use of a domed outwardly facing surface in the buccal ;
t ` `' ; '~ : , ::, 371~36 tube 50 is highly important in substantially inc~easing the comfort of patients requiring the buccal tube.
Referring to FIGURE 13, there is s~wn a buccal tube 50 comprising a modification of the second embodiment of the invention. The buccal tube 50 of FIGUR~ 13 is identical in all asFects to the buccal tube 50 shown in FIGURES 9 through 12, but differs therefrom in that the passageway 58 extends angularly with respect to the bottom surface of the buccal tube. This is to facilitate those applications in which it is necessary or desirable to exert a twisting force against the underlying tooth from the archwire through the buccal tube. It will be understood that the passageway 50 may extend at any desired angle in accordance with the particular require-ments, Referring to FIGURE 14, there is shown a buccaltube 66 comprising the further modification of the second embodiment of the invention. The buccal tube 66 includes numerous compDnent parts which are substantially identi-cal in construction and function to component parts ofthe buccal tube 50 as described hereinabove in connection with FIGURES 9 through 12. Such identical component parts are designated in FI~URE 14 by means of tne same reference numerals utilized in oonnection with the description of the buccal tube 50, but are differentiated therefrom by means of a prime t') designation.
~ ike the buccal tube 50, the buccal tube 66 is Eormed by means of the Wiech proces~. The primary differentia-tion between the buccal tube 66 and the buccal tube 50 involves the fact that the buccal tube 66 is formed from a ceramic material, for example, aluminum oxide. This permits the color of the buccal tube 60 to be coordinated with the color of the underlying tooth.
Since buccal tubes formed from ceramic materials are not readily weldable, the base 52' of the buccal tube 66 is shortened to eliminate the flanges 56 of the buccal tube 50. The inwardly facing surface 68 of the buccal ~!
tube G6 is scored in a cross-hatch pattern sa as to facilitate the adhesion thereof to a bondin~ agent. ~1~ , the surface 68 is provided with an aFerture 70 to receivc a mass of bonding agent and thereby providing addi~ional strength. The aperture 70 is preferably provided with a substantially noncircular or even rectangular confiyuration and thereby resists forces tending to twist or -turn the buccal tube 60 relative to the underlying tooth.
Referring to FIGURES 15, 16 and 17, there is shown a bracket 78 comprising a third emkodiment of the invention.
The bracket 78 comprises a pair of bracket portions 80 each of which is substantially identical to the bracket 20 described hereinabove in connection with FIGURES 1-6. The bracket portions 80 are interconnected by a common base 82 which serves to maintain the bracket portions 80 in a predetermined spaced apart relationship.
The bracket 78 functions similarly to the twin brackets which are currently in use. By means of the bracket 78, an increased torque can be applied to the tooth, whereby the force tending to rotate the tooth is substantially increased.
The bracket 78 is preferably formed by means of the above-described Wiech process. The bracket 78 may be formed from a ceramic material such as aluminum oxide in which case the color of the bracket may be substantially matched to the color of the underlying tooth. Ceramic brackets are preferably secured directly to the tooth surface. The bracket ~8 ma~ also be fabricated from stainless steel, in which case the bracket is adapted for welding to a tooth encircling band. Alternatively, the bracket may be formed from plain carbon steel utilizing the Wiech process, after which stainless steel may be infused into the material of the bracket utilizing the Dilex process.
1~219786 ~ lthouc3h particular e~l~oc'ir.~ents of the invention have been i1lustrated in the acco~panying ~ra~iincJs and describecl in the foregoi.n~ Dctailed Description, it ~
be unc1erstood that the invention is not lir~ited to the 5 er~lbodir.~ents clisclosed, but is capable of nu~erous rearranyerneTlts, ~oc1ificationc, anc1 substitut:ions o~ p~ts and eler.lents without clèL~arting fro~l t~]e spirit of the illVent iOIl .
,, ~
`:
Referring to FIGURE 2, the slot 34 between the gingival wing 2~ and the base 22 is substantially wider than the slot 34 between the incisal wing 26 and the base 1~ 22. This positions the undersurface of the wing 28 a substantial distance from the underlying tooth s~rface, thereby allowing for exuberent gingival tissue growth that often occurs as treatment progresses.
As is best shown in FIGURES 2 and 4, a slot 42 extends between the wings 26 and 28 and into the body 24 of the bracket 20. As is now common in the art of orthodontic appliances, the slot 42 is sized to matingly receive an archwire having predetermined dimensions.
This facilitates precise registry of the bracket with the archwire, whereby the bracket may be utilized to apply force between the archwire and the tooth to which the bracket is attached.
FIGURE 7 illustrates a modification of the ~irst embodiment of the invention wherein the slot 42 extends angularly. It will be understood that the slot 42 rnay have any desired orientation with res~ect to the r~irling components of the bracket 20. The slot 42 may also be angulated with respect to the length of the bracket.
In FIG~RE 8 there is shown an edgewise bracket 44 comprising a further modification of the first embodiment of the invention. The bracket 44 includes numerous component parts which are substantially identical in ~: . : ~. , ~' ~'21~786 construction and function to component parts of the bracket 20 illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 6, and such identical component parts are designated in FIGURE 8 with the same refexence numerals utilized hereinbe~ore in the description of the bracket 20, but are difer-entiated therefrom by means of a prime (') designation.
The bracket 44 is similar to the bracket 20 in that it is fabricated by means of the above-described Wiech process. The primary difference between the bracket 44 and the bracket 20 involves the fact that the bracket 44 is formed from a metal, such as stainless steel. Although ceramic materials are generally considered preferable for the fabrication of edgewise brackets, primarily due to the capability of coordinating the color of ceramic brackets with the color of the underlying tooth, the use of metal edgewise brackets may be considered preferable in some instances. In particular, the use of metal may be considered preferable in those instances in which it is necessary or desirable to attach the bracket to a tooth encircling band. ~or this reason, the bracket 44 is provided with extensions 46 on the opposite ends of the base 22 to facilitate the welding of the bracket 44 to a tooth encircling band, or a steel disc with a convex under side that is suitable for bonding to the tooth surface.
Another manufacturing technique involves forming the bracket from a first metal using the Weich process, and subsequently infusing or plating the formed bracket with another metal. For example, brackets formed from plain carbon steel by means of the above-described Wiech process and subsequently infused with stainless steel to a depth of about 3 millimeters by means of the Dilex process have proven satisfactory in actual practice.
Referring now to FIGURE 9, there is shown an ortho-dontic appliance 50 comprising a second embodiment of the invention. The appliance 50 comprises a double buccal or terminal tube, it being understood that the invention is equally applicable to single, double, or triple buccal ~' B~
or terminal tubes. The buccal tube 50 is preferably formed from stainless steel in accordance with the above described Wiech process.
The buccal tube 50 comprises a base 52 and a body 54 extending from the base 52. Base 52 is greater in length than the body 54, primarily to provide a plurali~y of flanges 56. The purpose of the flanges 56 is to facilitate the welding of the buccal tùbe 50 to an underlying tooth encircling band.
As is best shown in FIGURES 10 and 11, the body 54 of the buccal tube 50 is substantially equal in width to the base 52 thereof. However, the ~ody 54 projects outwardly from one side of the buccal tube 50, and the base 52 projects outwardly from the opposite side. The body 54 has a rectangular Fassageway 58 formed therethrough which is sized to matingly receive an archwire having predeter-mined dimensions. The body 54 also has formed there-through a passageway 60 which is sized to matingly receive a cervical retractor of predetermined dimensions.
As is best shown in FIGURES 11 and 12, the body 54 of the buccal tube 50 has a portion 62 extending bey~nd the remainder thereof. A tie back slot 64 extends between the portion 62 of the body 54 and the base 52. By this means a wire may be connected between the archwire extending through the passageway 58 and the tie back slot 54 of the buccal tube 50, which in turn facilitates the application of force between the archwire and the tooth underlying the buccal tube 50.
Referring particularly to FIGURES 10 and 12, the buccal tube 50 has a domed outwardly facing surface. That is, the outwardly facing surface of the buccal tube 50 is entirely curved in both the length and width directions.
Of equal importance is the fact that the outwardly facing surface of the buccal tube 50 is entirely free of any angular edge surfaces. In practice it has been found that the use of a domed outwardly facing surface in the buccal ;
t ` `' ; '~ : , ::, 371~36 tube 50 is highly important in substantially inc~easing the comfort of patients requiring the buccal tube.
Referring to FIGURE 13, there is s~wn a buccal tube 50 comprising a modification of the second embodiment of the invention. The buccal tube 50 of FIGUR~ 13 is identical in all asFects to the buccal tube 50 shown in FIGURES 9 through 12, but differs therefrom in that the passageway 58 extends angularly with respect to the bottom surface of the buccal tube. This is to facilitate those applications in which it is necessary or desirable to exert a twisting force against the underlying tooth from the archwire through the buccal tube. It will be understood that the passageway 50 may extend at any desired angle in accordance with the particular require-ments, Referring to FIGURE 14, there is shown a buccaltube 66 comprising the further modification of the second embodiment of the invention. The buccal tube 66 includes numerous compDnent parts which are substantially identi-cal in construction and function to component parts ofthe buccal tube 50 as described hereinabove in connection with FIGURES 9 through 12. Such identical component parts are designated in FI~URE 14 by means of tne same reference numerals utilized in oonnection with the description of the buccal tube 50, but are differentiated therefrom by means of a prime t') designation.
~ ike the buccal tube 50, the buccal tube 66 is Eormed by means of the Wiech proces~. The primary differentia-tion between the buccal tube 66 and the buccal tube 50 involves the fact that the buccal tube 66 is formed from a ceramic material, for example, aluminum oxide. This permits the color of the buccal tube 60 to be coordinated with the color of the underlying tooth.
Since buccal tubes formed from ceramic materials are not readily weldable, the base 52' of the buccal tube 66 is shortened to eliminate the flanges 56 of the buccal tube 50. The inwardly facing surface 68 of the buccal ~!
tube G6 is scored in a cross-hatch pattern sa as to facilitate the adhesion thereof to a bondin~ agent. ~1~ , the surface 68 is provided with an aFerture 70 to receivc a mass of bonding agent and thereby providing addi~ional strength. The aperture 70 is preferably provided with a substantially noncircular or even rectangular confiyuration and thereby resists forces tending to twist or -turn the buccal tube 60 relative to the underlying tooth.
Referring to FIGURES 15, 16 and 17, there is shown a bracket 78 comprising a third emkodiment of the invention.
The bracket 78 comprises a pair of bracket portions 80 each of which is substantially identical to the bracket 20 described hereinabove in connection with FIGURES 1-6. The bracket portions 80 are interconnected by a common base 82 which serves to maintain the bracket portions 80 in a predetermined spaced apart relationship.
The bracket 78 functions similarly to the twin brackets which are currently in use. By means of the bracket 78, an increased torque can be applied to the tooth, whereby the force tending to rotate the tooth is substantially increased.
The bracket 78 is preferably formed by means of the above-described Wiech process. The bracket 78 may be formed from a ceramic material such as aluminum oxide in which case the color of the bracket may be substantially matched to the color of the underlying tooth. Ceramic brackets are preferably secured directly to the tooth surface. The bracket ~8 ma~ also be fabricated from stainless steel, in which case the bracket is adapted for welding to a tooth encircling band. Alternatively, the bracket may be formed from plain carbon steel utilizing the Wiech process, after which stainless steel may be infused into the material of the bracket utilizing the Dilex process.
1~219786 ~ lthouc3h particular e~l~oc'ir.~ents of the invention have been i1lustrated in the acco~panying ~ra~iincJs and describecl in the foregoi.n~ Dctailed Description, it ~
be unc1erstood that the invention is not lir~ited to the 5 er~lbodir.~ents clisclosed, but is capable of nu~erous rearranyerneTlts, ~oc1ificationc, anc1 substitut:ions o~ p~ts and eler.lents without clèL~arting fro~l t~]e spirit of the illVent iOIl .
,, ~
`:
Claims (10)
1. An orthodontic appliance comprising:
a base having an inwardly facing surface adapted for attaching the appliance to a supporting structures a body extending from the base and having a length substantially equal to the length of the base and a width substantially narrower than the width of the base;
a pair of wings extending from the body and each having a length substantially shorter than the length of the body and a width substantially greater than the width of the body to define wire receiving slots between the base and the wings;
the wings tapering from a relatively narrow incisal surface at one end of one of the wings to a relatively wide gingival surface at the opposite end of the other wing so that food tends to move past the appliance during patient chewing;
the undersurface of the wing having the gingival surface being substantially displaced from the base to prevent impingement of gingival tissue;
the wings defining an outwardly facing domed surface which is entirely curved in both the length and width direction and thereby presents a comfortable surface to the mouth tissue of the patient characterized by an absence of angular edges; and a slot extending lengthwise between the wings and into the body and dimensioned to receive therein a dental appliance of predetermined dimensions.
a base having an inwardly facing surface adapted for attaching the appliance to a supporting structures a body extending from the base and having a length substantially equal to the length of the base and a width substantially narrower than the width of the base;
a pair of wings extending from the body and each having a length substantially shorter than the length of the body and a width substantially greater than the width of the body to define wire receiving slots between the base and the wings;
the wings tapering from a relatively narrow incisal surface at one end of one of the wings to a relatively wide gingival surface at the opposite end of the other wing so that food tends to move past the appliance during patient chewing;
the undersurface of the wing having the gingival surface being substantially displaced from the base to prevent impingement of gingival tissue;
the wings defining an outwardly facing domed surface which is entirely curved in both the length and width direction and thereby presents a comfortable surface to the mouth tissue of the patient characterized by an absence of angular edges; and a slot extending lengthwise between the wings and into the body and dimensioned to receive therein a dental appliance of predetermined dimensions.
2. The orthodontic appliance according to Claim 1 wherein the inner surface of the base is adapted for bonding directly to the tooth of a patient, and further including an aperture formed in the inner surface of the base for receiving a quantity of bonding material.
3. The orthodontic appliance according to Claim 2 wherein the aperture in the base has a substantially noncircular configuration and thereby serves to prevent rotation of the appliance relative to the tooth.
4. The orthodontic appliance according to Claim 1 wherein the length of the body is substantially equal to the length of the base and the length of the wings is substantially less than the length of the body.
5. The orthodontic appliance according to Claim 1 wherein the entire appliance comprises a unitary molded structure formed from a material selected from the group including ceramics and metals.
6. The orthodontic appliance according to Claim 5 wherein the appliance is formed from aluminum oxide.
7. The orthodontic appliance according to Claim 6 wherein the appliance has a color coordinated with the color of a tooth.
8. An orthodontic appliance comprising:
a base having an inwardly facing surface adapted for bonding directly to the tooth of a patient;
the inwardly facing surface of the base having a noncircular aperture formed therein for receiving a quantity of bonding material and thereby preventing the appliance from rotating relative to the tooth of a patient;
a body extending from the base and having a length substantially equal to the length of the base and a width substantially narrower than the width of the base;
a pair of wings extending from the body and each having a length substantially shorter than the length of the body and a width substantially greater than the width of the body to define wire receiving slots between the base and the wings;
the wings tapering from a relatively narrow incisal surface at one end of one of the wings to a relatively wide gingival surface at the opposite end of the other wing so that food tends to move past the appliance during patient chewing;
the undersurface of the wing having the gingival surface being substantially displaced from the base to prevent impingement of gingival tissue;
the wings defining an outwardly facing domed surface which is entirely curved in both the length and width directions and thereby presents a comfortable surface to the mouth tissue of the patient characterized by the absence of angular edges;
a slot extending lengthwise between the wings and into the body and dimensioned to receive therein a dental appliance of predetermined dimension; and the entire appliance comprising a unitary, molded structure formed from a material selected from the group including ceramics, steel and stainless steel.
a base having an inwardly facing surface adapted for bonding directly to the tooth of a patient;
the inwardly facing surface of the base having a noncircular aperture formed therein for receiving a quantity of bonding material and thereby preventing the appliance from rotating relative to the tooth of a patient;
a body extending from the base and having a length substantially equal to the length of the base and a width substantially narrower than the width of the base;
a pair of wings extending from the body and each having a length substantially shorter than the length of the body and a width substantially greater than the width of the body to define wire receiving slots between the base and the wings;
the wings tapering from a relatively narrow incisal surface at one end of one of the wings to a relatively wide gingival surface at the opposite end of the other wing so that food tends to move past the appliance during patient chewing;
the undersurface of the wing having the gingival surface being substantially displaced from the base to prevent impingement of gingival tissue;
the wings defining an outwardly facing domed surface which is entirely curved in both the length and width directions and thereby presents a comfortable surface to the mouth tissue of the patient characterized by the absence of angular edges;
a slot extending lengthwise between the wings and into the body and dimensioned to receive therein a dental appliance of predetermined dimension; and the entire appliance comprising a unitary, molded structure formed from a material selected from the group including ceramics, steel and stainless steel.
9. The orthodontic appliance according to Claim 8 further characterized in that the appliance is formed from aluminum oxide.
10. The orthodontic appliance according to Claim 9 further characterized in that the appliance is colored in accordance with the color of a tooth.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA390,934A CA1128787A (en) | 1978-08-03 | 1981-11-25 | Orthodontic appliance |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US930,577 | 1978-08-03 | ||
| US05/930,577 US4216583A (en) | 1978-08-03 | 1978-08-03 | Orthodontic appliance |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1128786A true CA1128786A (en) | 1982-08-03 |
Family
ID=25459470
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA326,550A Expired CA1128786A (en) | 1978-08-03 | 1979-04-27 | Orthodontic appliance |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4216583A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1128786A (en) |
| CH (1) | CH637283A5 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2913509A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (38)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4386908A (en) * | 1976-11-15 | 1983-06-07 | Kurz Craven H | Lingual orthodontic appliance system for the mandibular arch |
| US4322206A (en) * | 1978-08-03 | 1982-03-30 | Zulauf Inc. | Orthodontic appliance |
| US4337037A (en) * | 1980-02-11 | 1982-06-29 | Kurz Craven H | Fixed lingual orthodontic appliance for the maxillary arch |
| US4669981A (en) * | 1982-09-20 | 1987-06-02 | Kurz Craven H | Lingual orthodontic appliance system |
| US4470809A (en) * | 1983-06-06 | 1984-09-11 | Klepacki Frank H | Orthodontic appliance |
| JPS60113015U (en) * | 1984-01-06 | 1985-07-31 | 藤田 欣也 | orthodontic appliance |
| CA1279215C (en) * | 1984-04-23 | 1991-01-22 | Johnson & Johnson Dental Products Company | Crystalline alumina orthodontic bracket |
| US4789649A (en) * | 1985-11-04 | 1988-12-06 | Veb Jenaer Glaswerk | Micaceous-cordierite-glass ceramic |
| US4735569A (en) * | 1986-04-03 | 1988-04-05 | Munk Charles F | Orthodontic appliance and method of preparation thereof |
| CA1326382C (en) * | 1986-05-08 | 1994-01-25 | John Steven Kelly | Ceramic orthodontic appliance |
| US4784606A (en) * | 1986-10-22 | 1988-11-15 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products, Inc. | Orthodontic brackets made from ion exchange strengthened glass |
| US5064369A (en) * | 1987-01-27 | 1991-11-12 | Tomy, Inc. | Orthodontic device |
| US4973357A (en) * | 1987-05-06 | 1990-11-27 | Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company | Ultrasonic machining tool for machining orthodontic brackets |
| US4838786A (en) * | 1987-05-06 | 1989-06-13 | Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company | Orthodontic bracket |
| US4957550A (en) * | 1987-05-06 | 1990-09-18 | Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co. | Ultrasonic machining tool for machining orthodontic brackets |
| US4819316A (en) * | 1987-07-29 | 1989-04-11 | Rmo, Inc. | Method of making a pre-adjusted orthodontic bracket assembly |
| DE3742568A1 (en) * | 1987-12-15 | 1989-01-19 | Mathias Struwe | Bracket with shear key |
| US5071344A (en) * | 1990-02-07 | 1991-12-10 | Ormco Corporation | Orthodontic bracket |
| US5018259A (en) * | 1988-09-21 | 1991-05-28 | Wildman Alexander J | Method of design and manufacture of laminated orthodontic brackets |
| US5219283A (en) * | 1989-09-28 | 1993-06-15 | Ormco Corporation | Orthodontic bracket, method of making an orthodontic bracket, and method of applying an orthodontic bracket to the tooth |
| US5575644A (en) * | 1993-03-11 | 1996-11-19 | American Orthodontics | Orthodontic appliance |
| US5380197A (en) * | 1993-03-24 | 1995-01-10 | Hanson; G. Herbert | Orthodontic arch wire sleeves for use with orthodontic arch wires and brackets |
| US5366372A (en) * | 1993-11-29 | 1994-11-22 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Method and apparatus for debonding ceramic orthodontic brackets |
| US5439379A (en) * | 1993-11-29 | 1995-08-08 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Ceramic orthodontic bracket with debonding channel |
| US5618174A (en) * | 1994-05-11 | 1997-04-08 | Mors; Wayne A. | Orthodontic bracket and system |
| US5681165A (en) * | 1995-05-09 | 1997-10-28 | Feldman; Randy Mark | Ceramic orthodontic bracket and method of manufacturing |
| US5711665A (en) * | 1995-12-19 | 1998-01-27 | Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing | Method and apparatus for bonding orthodontic brackets to teeth |
| US6039564A (en) * | 1999-04-05 | 2000-03-21 | Hendrick; Paul P. | Buccal sheath and improved orthodontic system and method using same |
| US6482002B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2002-11-19 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Orthodontic appliance providing enhanced adhesive cure |
| US6878456B2 (en) | 2001-12-28 | 2005-04-12 | 3M Innovative Properties Co. | Polycrystalline translucent alumina-based ceramic material, uses, and methods |
| US6648638B2 (en) | 2001-12-28 | 2003-11-18 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Orthodontic appliances including polycrystalline alumina-based ceramic material, kits, and methods |
| US7140875B2 (en) * | 2004-02-03 | 2006-11-28 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Orthodontic bracket with reinforced tiewings |
| US20050244777A1 (en) * | 2004-04-30 | 2005-11-03 | Schultz Charles J | Buccal tube having flared mesial and distal ends |
| JP5215381B2 (en) * | 2007-04-30 | 2013-06-19 | スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー | Ceramic orthodontic bracket with improved release characteristics |
| US8585398B2 (en) * | 2008-08-13 | 2013-11-19 | Ormco Corporation | Aesthetic orthodontic bracket and method of making same |
| US20100092905A1 (en) * | 2008-10-10 | 2010-04-15 | Martin Laurel R | Orthodontic power arm |
| AU2009238317B2 (en) * | 2008-11-14 | 2011-10-06 | Ormco Corporation | Surface treated polycrystalline ceramic orthodontic bracket and method of making same |
| US9877804B2 (en) | 2010-12-08 | 2018-01-30 | Strite Industries Limited | Orthodontic gripping device |
Family Cites Families (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3250003A (en) * | 1960-12-08 | 1966-05-10 | Michael B Collito | Orthodontic method |
| US3250002A (en) * | 1962-02-26 | 1966-05-10 | Michael B Collito | Dental methods employing a cyanoacrylate |
| US3178821A (en) * | 1962-04-30 | 1965-04-20 | Peter C Kesling | Orthodontic appliance |
| DE1228754B (en) * | 1964-02-20 | 1966-11-17 | Dr Gerhard Mueller | Process for attaching orthodontic or orthodontic appliances and removable dentures using so-called >> attachments << and devices for this |
| US3372484A (en) * | 1964-08-28 | 1968-03-12 | Everett D. Mumaw | Orthodontic method |
| CH444376A (en) * | 1965-03-15 | 1967-09-30 | Stomatol Sandhaus Sami Dr Med | Implant for bone surgery |
| US3504438A (en) * | 1966-07-27 | 1970-04-07 | Harold P Wittman | Dental apparatus and methods |
| US3657817A (en) * | 1970-05-18 | 1972-04-25 | Peter C Kesling | Holder for an orthodontic bracket |
| US3727299A (en) * | 1971-05-26 | 1973-04-17 | Krupp Gmbh | Method for making a dental appliance |
| US3775850A (en) * | 1971-10-28 | 1973-12-04 | M Northcutt | Orthodontic apparatus |
| US3745653A (en) * | 1971-12-06 | 1973-07-17 | M Cohl | Method of orthodontia |
| US3793730A (en) * | 1972-05-05 | 1974-02-26 | Tp Labor Inc | Lock spring pin appliance |
| US3797115A (en) * | 1972-06-07 | 1974-03-19 | E Silverman | Orthodontic element |
| US3874080A (en) * | 1973-03-05 | 1975-04-01 | Melvin Wallshein | Buccal end tube |
| US3922787A (en) * | 1974-05-07 | 1975-12-02 | Kenneth J Fischer | Plastic orthodontic bracket |
| US3964165A (en) * | 1974-05-23 | 1976-06-22 | Stahl Lee W | Elastomeric orthodontic apparatus |
| US4107844A (en) * | 1976-11-15 | 1978-08-22 | Kurz Craven H | Orthodontic appliance |
-
1978
- 1978-08-03 US US05/930,577 patent/US4216583A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1979
- 1979-04-04 DE DE19792913509 patent/DE2913509A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1979-04-10 CH CH336779A patent/CH637283A5/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1979-04-27 CA CA326,550A patent/CA1128786A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4216583B1 (en) | 1994-03-01 |
| DE2913509A1 (en) | 1980-02-28 |
| US4216583A (en) | 1980-08-12 |
| CH637283A5 (en) | 1983-07-29 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1128786A (en) | Orthodontic appliance | |
| US4878840A (en) | Orthodontic appliance | |
| US4322206A (en) | Orthodontic appliance | |
| US4371337A (en) | Orthodontic bracket | |
| US5154607A (en) | Low friction orthodontic brackets | |
| US4659309A (en) | Orthodontic bracket with rhomboidal profile | |
| JP2709101B2 (en) | Braces for orthodontics | |
| CA1043595A (en) | Plastic orthodontic bracket | |
| CA1228494A (en) | Orthodontic bracket | |
| US4842512A (en) | Combination edgewise bracket | |
| US5076789A (en) | Metal-porcelain dental restorations, dental veneers, dental bridges and metal foil for use therein and methods for making dental appliances | |
| US4492579A (en) | Dental jacket crown, coping and method of construction | |
| US4180912A (en) | Orthodontic light wire appliance | |
| EP0442150B1 (en) | Metal-porcelain dental restorations, dental veneers, dental bridges and metal foil for use therein and methods for making dental appliances | |
| USRE33271E (en) | Dental jacket crown, coping and method of construction | |
| CA1131055A (en) | Convertible light wire - rectangular wire orthodontic appliance system | |
| US5044946A (en) | Universal orthodontic rotation wedge | |
| EP0585231B1 (en) | Metal porcelain dental bridges | |
| US4459112A (en) | Dental jacket crown, coping and method of forming a crown | |
| EP0128474B1 (en) | Orthodontic appliance | |
| US20050244770A1 (en) | Flexible dimension crown shells | |
| US6257892B1 (en) | Shells for temporary and provisional crowns with an hourglass shaped occlusal profile | |
| EP0389223A2 (en) | Improved dental bracket configuration | |
| US4897036A (en) | Torquing auxiliary | |
| EP0326758B1 (en) | Uprighting spring for use with an orthodontic bracket |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |