By Device Having Means To Apply Outwardly Directed Force (e.g., Expander) Patents (Class 433/7)
  • Patent number: 9877803
    Abstract: An orthodontic/orthognathic device for correcting and changing tooth placements and bone structure, and a method of using orthodontic/orthognathic device for tooth movement, correcting syndromic conditions of the mouth and osteogenetic correction. The device may be used for maxillary distraction and expansion as well as mandibular separation and expansion. The device can be controlled by computer to direct tooth and bone placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Bandar Alyami
  • Patent number: 9744005
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance that postures the lower jaw forward and connects the lower jaw to the upper jaw, comprising two upper palate bases, a labial bow located in a front region of the appliance, a lower incisor support wire located in a front region of the appliance, an upper incisor support wire located in the a front region of the appliance, a lateral incisor support wire, cuspid support wires located in a front region of the appliance, a palatal bar which connects the two bases of the appliance, and landing gear reminders to engage the soft tissue covering the mandible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: William M. Hang
  • Patent number: 9642679
    Abstract: Rapid palatal expander which has an actuator element provided with a drive head and with two threaded stems, as well as a first and a second main bodies provided with aligned female threads, each engaged by a threaded stem of the actuator element for guiding a simultaneous movement of the main bodies. A plurality of longitudinal seats are provided on a peripheral surface of the drive head. A plate is connected to one of the two main bodies and is provided with a flexible tab elastically in abutment against the peripheral surface of the drive head and able to be selectively engaged with its profile in the longitudinal seats of the head at angular adjustment positions assumed by the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: VISOTTICA INDUSTRIE S.P.A.
    Inventor: Rinaldo Montalban
  • Patent number: 9566432
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a reusable intra-oral device for treating xerostomia. The device having a structure adaptable for oral cavities of multiple users. The hermitically sealed housing comprises of an electronic module having a signal generator configured to generate electrical signals based on one or more values of one or more predefined parameters. Further, the device comprises of electrodes connected to the electronic module. The electrodes are configured to apply the electric signals for stimulating lingual nerves in the oral cavities to induce salivation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventors: Andy Wolff, Ben Zion Beiski
  • Patent number: 9017070
    Abstract: Orthodontic anchoring method and custom apparatus affixed to teeth, TADS and/or tooth positioning and stabilization appliances and/or orthodontic auxiliaries. Each appliance has mechanical fasteners structured to secure segments of a curable flexible resin rope called a flex fit module (FFM). The FFM is moldable and adaptable to the oral cavity between mechanical fasteners in an uncured first mode where it is cut to length, positioned around the anatomy of the mouth and attached to clamps or fasteners at each end. Each fastener has a clamp attached to orthodontic auxiliaries, orthodontic appliances or onto a TAD for anchorage purposes. One end of this custom appliance is usually attached via a clamp manufactured as part of a bracket or band to a tooth. The other end is connected to an appliance, tad or auxiliary. Once connected together the system is cured and becomes a solid entity ready to accept orthodontic forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Justin Parker
  • Patent number: 9011145
    Abstract: A palatal expansion orthodontic appliance comprising, an advancer for advancing the upper front teeth, an expansion screw for controlling the expansion of two acrylic halves that each contain a Hang Clasp and optionally a molar intrusion wire. The two acrylic halves share and anchor the wire ends of the advancer, the Hang clasps and any molar intrusion wires. The orthodontic appliance simultaneously expands the maxillary arch and advances the upper front teeth. Methods of manufacture, including kits for the manufacture of the orthodontic appliance are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: William M. Hang
  • Publication number: 20150056566
    Abstract: A maxillary skeletal expander includes a pair of bodies, an extending screw adjusting a space between the pair of bodies, guide rails having both sides inserted into the pair of bodies and guiding a movement of the bodies, a key hole integrally formed with the extending screw, screw insertion portions integrally formed with the bodies and having screw insertion holes guiding mini-screws implanted to an upper jaw, arms having one end fixed to the bodies and the other end extending toward teeth, and a teeth fixing part integrally formed with the arms and fixed to teeth of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Won Moon
  • Publication number: 20150044624
    Abstract: An orthodontic/orthognathic device for correcting and changing tooth placements and bone structure, and a method of using orthodontic/orthognathic device for tooth movement, correcting syndromic conditions of the mouth and osteogenetic correction. The device may be used for maxillary distraction and expansion as well as mandibular separation and expansion. The device can be controlled by computer to direct tooth and bone placement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Bandar ALYAMI
  • Publication number: 20150024334
    Abstract: Rapid palatal expander which comprises an actuator element (2) provided with a drive head (3) and two sterns (4) with opposite threads, as well as a first and a second main body (5, 6) provided with aligned female threads (7, 8), each, engaged by a threaded stern (4) of the actuator element (2). Guide means (9) are provided for guiding the simultaneous movement of the main bodies (5, 6) along the longitudinal extension direction Y of the actuator element (2) following the rotation of the drive head (2) and anti-rotation means for preventing the rotation of the drive head (3) in the second rotation sense opposite the first rotation sense to close the expander (1). Such anti-rotation means comprise a plurality of longitudinal seats (61) obtained on the peripheral surface (3A) of the drive head (3) and each having an abutment face (62) at least partially directed in the sense of the second rotation sense.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Rinaldo MONTALBAN
  • Publication number: 20150024333
    Abstract: Rapid palatal expander which comprises an actuator element (2) provided with a drive head (3) and with two stems (4) with opposite threads, as well as a first and a second main body (5, 6) provided with aligned female threads (7, 8) that are each engaged by a threaded stem (4) of the actuator element (2). Guide means (9) are provided for guiding the simultaneous movement of the main bodies (5, 6) along the longitudinal extension direction Y of the actuator element (2) following the rotation of the drive head (2). Such guide means (9) comprise: a first and a second pair of rods (11, 12), which are fixed in a single body with the first and the second main body (5, 6), respectively, and are slidably mutually engaged with each other in a form relationship in order to guide the movement of the two main bodies (5, 6) with a single degree of freedom in the aforesaid longitudinal direction (Y).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: VISOTTICA INDUSTRIE S.p.A
    Inventor: Rinaldo Montalban
  • Patent number: 8821156
    Abstract: An expansion screw for regulating teeth has two expansion-screw bodies, the spacing between which can be changed by means of a spindle, and has at least one guide pin which is aligned parallel to the spindle and engages in guide openings of the two expansion-screw bodies, the spindle having a first and a second threaded portion, each of which is connected to an expansion-screw body, and an actuating portion, with at least one point for application of a tool for rotating the spindle, and the expansion screw has a locking mechanism which interacts with the actuating portion in order to secure the spindle against unintended rotation. The locking mechanism has at least one locking element with a locking member which is disposed laterally alongside the actuating portion and subjects the actuating portion to an axial spring force when the spindle is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Dentaurum GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Walter Ehrenberger, Simon Trautwein
  • Publication number: 20140186788
    Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a maxillary protraction device is provided for treating Maxillary Transverse Discrepancies in young orthodontic patients and in skeletally mature patients using only local anesthesia and without administering general anesthesia. The maxillary protraction device comprises a hyrax provided with an adjustable screw and a plurality of bands connected to the hyrax through a connecting wire. A tongue plate is connected to the hyrax through the connecting wire. A tongue sprue wire is provided and soldered to an anterior segment of a premolar band to reinforce the tongue plate. The connecting wire holds the tongue plate in a position to resist a tongue pressure. The physiological tongue forces produced during swallowing are used to move the maxilla in forward, sagittal and vertical directions. The parasagittal osteotomy is employed to reposition the individual segments in a widened transverse dimension, and to facilitate 3-dimensional movements of the maxilla.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Abdulrahman Showkatbakhsh, Ahmad Sheibani Nia
  • Publication number: 20140170585
    Abstract: Orthodontic anchoring method and custom appliances affixed to teeth, TADs and/or tooth positioning, moving and stabilization appliances and/or orthodontic auxiliaries. Each appliance has mechanical fasteners structured to secure segments of a curable flexible resin rope called a flex fit module (FFM). The FFM is moldable and adaptable to the oral cavity between mechanical fasteners in an uncured first mode where it is cut to length, positioned around the anatomy of the mouth and attached to clamps or fasteners and/or flex fit wafers FFW(s) at each or one end. Each fastener has a clamp or fastener attached to orthodontic auxiliaries, orthodontic appliances or onto a TAD for anchorage purposes. One end of this custom appliance is usually attached via a clamp or fastener manufactured as part of a bracket or band to a tooth. The other end is connected to an appliance, tad, flex fit wafer or auxiliary. Once connected together the system is cured and becomes a solid entity ready to accept orthodontic forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Justin Parker
  • Patent number: 8696352
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for correcting facial features and oral function in a subject. Also provided are a plurality of intra-oral appliances, which make up the system. The intra-oral appliances each include an appliance body configured for engaging one or more of the gingival-buccal area, the gingivolabial area, and the vestibular area of the subject's mouth, and include one or more extensions for at least partly defining the cavity in the vestibule of the subject's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Judy Lanfried
  • Patent number: 8689795
    Abstract: A TemporoMandibular Joint (TMJ) balancing appliance and a method for using the same are provided, in which a first base portion accommodates incisor teeth, a second base portion is extended from a left side of the first base portion and accommodates left molar teeth, and a third base portion is extended from a right side of the first base portion and accommodates right molar teeth. The first base portion includes an upper part for accommodating upper incisor teeth and a lower part for accommodating lower incisor teeth and has a center for accommodating the upper and lower incisor teeth higher than the left and right sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Jinbiotech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Jun Lee, Hwa-Jeong Lee, Kyung-Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20140080084
    Abstract: Provided herein is a cyclic interruptive force orthodontic device and a system comprising the same. Methods of making and using the same are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: B. Chia Soo
  • Patent number: 8667972
    Abstract: TENS can be applied to the TMJ of an athlete for a period of time to deprogram muscles. After TENS, a desired position of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw can be determined and recorded. The desired position can be a physiological resting position, or a performance position in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly relative to the physiological resting position. A mouthpiece can be prepared including bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws according to the desired position, and substantially prevent movement of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A connecting portion connects the bite portions within the mouth, and may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: 3162212 Nova Scotia Limited
    Inventors: Anil Kumar Makkar, Trevor Robert Laingchild, Preston Joseph Dokuchie
  • Patent number: 8667971
    Abstract: A spacing member can be positioned between teeth of the athlete to obtain a desired position between the upper and lower jaw. At least one bite registration can be recorded while the lower jaw is in the desired position. The desired position can range from the physiological resting position, to a performance position, in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly in relation to the physiological resting position. The mouthpiece can be formed to include a pair of bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws generally according to the desired position, and a connecting portion can connect the bite portions within the mouth. The connecting portion may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nova Scotia Limited
    Inventors: Anil Kumar Makkar, Trevor Robert Laingchild, Preston Joseph Dokuchie, Joseph Youssif Andary, Kris Shailer Astaphan, Deryl Dangstorp
  • Publication number: 20130323664
    Abstract: Orthodontic anchoring method and custom apparatus affixed to teeth, TADS and/or tooth positioning and stabilization appliances and/or orthodontic auxiliaries. Each appliance has mechanical fasteners structured to secure segments of a curable flexible resin rope called a flex fit module (FFM). The FFM is moldable and adaptable to the oral cavity between mechanical fasteners in an uncured first mode where it is cut to length, positioned around the anatomy of the mouth and attached to clamps or fasteners at each end. Each fastener has a clamp attached to orthodontic auxiliaries, orthodontic appliances or onto a TAD for anchorage purposes. One end of this custom appliance is usually attached via a clamp manufactured as part of a bracket or band to a tooth. The other end is connected to an appliance, tad or auxiliary. Once connected together the system is cured and becomes a solid entity ready to accept orthodontic forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Justin Parker
  • Publication number: 20130252195
    Abstract: An orthodontic maxillary palatal expander device in accord with at least some aspects of the present concepts includes a mid-palatal bar having a first set of connection points configured to permit securement of the mid-palatal bar to the palate and a second set of connection points extending along at least a portion of a length of the mid-palatal bar, the first set of connection points comprising through holes in the mid-palatal bar. A screw assembly includes a left side member, a right side member, at least one arm connector formed in at least one of the left side member or right side member, at least one mid-palatal bar connector configured to releasably connect to the second set of connection points of the mid-palatal bar, and a screw mechanism adapted to, upon activation of the screw mechanism, cause outward lateral movement of the left side member and right side member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventor: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
  • Publication number: 20130230820
    Abstract: Orthodontic splint devices may include one or more bases and connectors. Various attachment members configured to, during use, couple the device to a portion of the patient's mouth may also be included on the device. In some implementations, a base may include an attachment member that includes a conduit and a sheath. Also provided are orthodontice devices comprising peripheral members and transpalatal members. The various orthodontic devices may move teeth individually or as a set in the subject's mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Roberto J. Carrillo Gonzalez, Roberto Carrillo Fuentevilla
  • Patent number: 8496008
    Abstract: An oral device for use in radiotherapy of the head and neck includes a base member and a bite member or “mouthpiece,” which is selectively positionable relative to the base member. The device provides immobilization of the tongue for accurate reproducible administration of radiation therapy. The device fits within the oral cavity of a patient and is maintained in position by a bite member that fits over the maxillary teeth of the patient. The position of the bite member relative to the base member may be adjustable to accommodate differences in mouth cavities and bite profiles. For example, the base member may include a platform or series of members configured to be removably coupled to the bite member in multiple different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Oncologics, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Westbrook, Sheila Wartelle, Grover Bass
  • Patent number: 8435031
    Abstract: A new and useful orthodontic clasp that is more resistant to breakage, and when in use is unlikely to separate from its associated orthodontic appliance should breakage occur, comprising two metal wires crossed at an angle and held together with a weld/solder joint, said weld/solder joint having four wire segments extending from said two metal wires crossed at the weld/solder joint, two of said wire segments adjacent and longer in length and two of said wire segments adjacent and shorter in length, said four wire segments each having a clasp wire bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: William M. Hang
  • Patent number: 8414291
    Abstract: A method and system for treatment of maxillary deficiency using miniscrews including placement of self drilling Titanium alloy miniscrews in the lower jaw, and Class III elastic tractions connecting the miniscrews to a tightly fitting upper removable appliance. The method intensifies correction of maxillary deficiency and increases convenience of the device usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Abdolreza Jamilian
    Inventors: Abdolreza Jamilian, Abdulrahman Showkatbakhsh
  • Publication number: 20130071802
    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), thereby correcting the shape of the patient's palate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Sue S. Lee
  • Publication number: 20130052603
    Abstract: A palate fixture includes: a base portion including at least four sides, a palate surface and an oral inner surface; a pair of fixing pieces, each fixing piece extending from a side of the base portion that is opposite the other, and offset from the base portion; and a pair of ring pieces, each ring piece extending from a side of the base portion that is opposite the other, and sloped toward the oral inner surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Jang Hoon Ahn
  • Patent number: 8356603
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus for treating a breathing condition includes a body, a threaded member, a hook, and a receiver. The body comprises a front stop, a rear stop, and a guide extending between the stops. The threaded member couples between the stops and rotates relative to the body. The hook couples to the guide, comprises a threaded passage and an arm that engages a lower arch, and travels in a forward direction along the guide to adjust the position of the lower arch. The receiver couples to the lower arch and comprises a shelf that engages the arm of the hook. The apparatus may include an extender coupled to the receiver and providing a shelf that is more rearward than the shelf of the receiver. The apparatus may include a post that couples the apparatus to another device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: AirWay Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: W. Keith Thornton
  • Patent number: 8348663
    Abstract: A dental device (10) for temporarily filling a toothless gap (50) following extraction of a tooth. The dental device is arranged so as to be located in a space between two adjacent teeth (30, 40) bordering, on each opposed side, the toothless gap. The dental device comprises a central block (11) and two arms (12, 13) located on opposite sides of the central block (11). The two arms (12, 13) are extendible between a retracted position and an extended position. Each arm carries, at a free end thereof, at least one support (14, 15) adapted for resting respectively on a surface of the adjacent teeth when the arms are in the extended position. The central block includes an adjusting mechanism (19) for moving the two arms into the extended position, and a lock (20, 21, 22) locks the adjusting mechanism when the arms are in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Dynadent Sarl
    Inventors: Mahfoud Maadi, Abd-Al-Qadir Maadi, Karim Maadi
  • Patent number: 8333202
    Abstract: An adjustable dental device for use with a CPAP system in the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring is comprised of an upper bite block, a lower bite block having one or more tongue retainers, means for adjustably connecting the upper bite block to the lower bite block, and means for connecting the dental device to a CPAP system. The adjustable dental device is compatible with a variety of CPAP systems, including systems that utilize nasal inserts and systems that utilize a nasal mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Donald Richard Lyons
  • Patent number: 8313327
    Abstract: Devices for applying orthodontic forces. A device includes an adaptor having a housing section configured to fit directly onto a sheath of a molar band and a tube section having an elongated bore. The device also includes a pin having a head portion and a tail portion, where the tail portion is slidably mounted into the elongated bore of the tube section. The head portion of the pin is adapted to slide into the sheath to thereby detachably lock the adaptor to the molar band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Joon Won
  • Publication number: 20120244487
    Abstract: A head positioning instrument is provided for accurately modeling the position of a patient's jaw for orthodontic treatment planning. The horizontal distance between a pair of reference points that are visible on an x-ray are measured. These reference points are then utilized to ensure that substantially true vertical and substantially true horizontal are reflected in a radiograph. The patient's lower jaw hinge is accurately located, and the upper jaw is located using a bite fork attached to the lower jaw hinge axis locator. The lower jaw hinge axis locator with the bite fork attached are removed from the head positioning instrument and transferred to an axis mounting stand for accurate reproduction. The patient's individual characteristics are accurately preserved throughout the transfer and modeling process, resulting in accurate correspondence between the model and radiograph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Ryan Tamburrino, Ken Tamburrino
  • Patent number: 8261748
    Abstract: A device for treating sleep apnea, the device comprising a tongue attachment member and a maxilla attachment subassembly. The tongue attachment member is fabricated having a sheath interlock member extending upward from a dorsal side of a sheath. The sheath is shaped to conform to a surface of an individual's tongue. A tongue receiving cavity is formed within the sheath, the cavity comprising an opening provided at a proximal end for receiving the individual's tongue. The sheath is referenced having a dorsal side and a ventral side. A sheath interlock member extends outward from the dorsal side. The maxilla tray is shaped to conform to and removably engage with an individual's upper dental arch. A tray interlock member extends from an interlock side of the maxilla tray and is positioned to interlock with the sheath interlock member, whereby the system extends an individual's tongue forward to treat sleep apnea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Howell Goldberg
  • Patent number: 8257077
    Abstract: An orthodontic corrective appliance for correcting malpositioned molars, wherein one end of the appliance is mounted on a supporting device, and the other end is applied to the given molar with spring loading includes a pusher element which is guided axially in a sleeve and is acted upon by a compression spring, and the free end of the pusher element extends from the sleeve and is provided with a connecting piece which is applied to the supporting device. Several small tubes on the outer surface of the sleeve have inner bores that guide and support a spacer bar that extends parallel to the sleeve. The end of the spacer bar that points towards the connecting piece is supported on one of the tubes, and the end of the spacer bar that faces away from the connecting piece is supported on a transpalatal arch, a Gashgarion lock or similar element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Heinz Winsauer, Promedia A. Ahnfeldt GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Winsauer, Hartwig Ahnfeldt
  • Patent number: 8257078
    Abstract: An orthodontic corrective appliance for correcting malpositioned molars, wherein one end of the appliance is mounted on a supporting device, and the other end is applied to the given molar with spring loading includes a pusher element which is guided axially in a sleeve and is acted upon by a compression spring, and the free end of the pusher element extends from the sleeve and is provided with a connecting piece which is applied to the supporting device. Several small tubes on the outer surface of the sleeve have inner bores that guide and support a spacer bar that extends parallel to the sleeve. The end of the spacer bar that points towards the connecting piece is supported on one of the tubes, and the end of the spacer bar that faces away from the connecting piece is supported on a transpalatal arch, a Goshgarian lock or similar element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Promedia A. Ahnfeldt GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Winsauer, Hartwig Ahnfeldt
  • Patent number: 8215312
    Abstract: An upper tray adapted to receive a wearer's maxillary teeth. A lower tray adapted to receive the wearer's mandibular teeth. A first upper ridge is carried on a maxillary occlusal surface of the upper tray. A second upper ridge is carried on the maxillary occlusal surface of the upper tray posterior to and spaced from the first upper ridge. A lower ridge is carried on a mandibular occlusal surface of the lower tray received between the first upper ridge and the second upper ridge. The lower tray is movable to a forward position where the lower ridge abuts the first upper ridge to limit forward movement of the lower tray in relation to the upper tray, and the lower tray is movable to a rearward position where the lower ridge abuts the second upper ridge to limit rearward movement of the lower tray in relation to the upper tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventors: Charles Garabadian, Renee McPhee
  • Patent number: 8205617
    Abstract: An oral appliance is provided for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The oral appliance includes an upper tray adaptable to conform to a user's maxillary dentition and a plurality of lower trays, each of the lower trays adaptable to conform to the user's mandibular dentition. At least some of the lower trays are structured to engage the upper tray, each of the lower trays are structured to impart a different fixed amount of mandibular advancement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Eugene N. Scarberry, Gary Lotz, Lance Busch, Robert Dale Parks, Christopher Stygar, Ronald B. Kemnitzer
  • Patent number: 8201560
    Abstract: A flexible dental appliance a left posterior occlusal pad having a base and an outer wall including a plurality of loops; a right posterior occlusal pad having a base and an outer wall including a plurality of loops; and a support bridge between the left posterior occlusal pad and the a right posterior occlusal pad. The plurality of loops create gaps in the outer wall and extend over a buccal aspect of the teeth of an upper jaw for enhancing retention of the dental appliance. The plurality of loops engage the teeth at interproximal spaces and cementoenamel junctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Jay L. Dembro
  • Patent number: 8192196
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention consists of a non-rigid, epigenetic-pneumopedic appliance comprising a wire-type framework supporting bow, bands, brackets or a clasp. The appliance includes active elements adapted to provide brief doses of cyclic forces to induce sutural osteogenesis. The active elements are vibrational, ultrasonic or oscillatory components. The epigenetic-pneumopedic appliance cooperates with an actuator or other expansion mechanism, such as suture spring, that straddles the midline of the appliance. The appliance further includes tooth-contacting material having high-elasticity, such as pre-formed alloys that form 3-D axial springs, which adapt to the long axis of the palatal/lingual surfaces of the teeth. The appliance also includes a plurality of micro-screws 2 along with driving means preferably consisting of either an electrical, ultrasonic (vibrational) meso-motor, or, alternatively, a micro-motor. The epigenetic-pneumopedic appliance may be used with directional bite props.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Gurdev Dave Singh
  • Publication number: 20120129117
    Abstract: An Orthodontic teeth positioning appliance comprising an anterior positioning component, a posterior component and a resilient means connecting the anterior and posterior components. The anterior positioning component is configured to be in contact with, in order to push against, the lingual faces of a plurality of anterior teeth, when worn by the user and the posterior component is configured to be anchored to at least one posterior tooth, when worn by the user in order that the resilient means urges apart the anterior positioning component from the posterior component. The appliance is preferably removable by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: ORTHO-PRO-TEKNICA LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew McCance
  • Patent number: 8146601
    Abstract: A bite block is to be positioned between opposing upper and lower teeth in a patient's mouth. The bite block includes an elongate member having a top and a bottom. First and second sidewalls are coupled to the elongate member on opposite sides thereof. Each sidewall extends above and below the top and bottom of the elongate member to define upper and lower teeth spaced apart transverse notches defined in an upper surface thereof. In addition, the second sidewall has a second set of spaced apart receiving channels. The first sidewall has a first set of transverse notches defined in an upper surface thereof. The first sidewall may also have a third set of spaced apart transverse notches defined in a lower surface thereof. In addition, the second sidewall may also have a fourth set of spaced apart transverse notches defined in a lower surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: John M. James, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8113826
    Abstract: A biased palatal bone expander attaches directly to the palatal bone in the roof of the mouth of a patient. The expander has dual, biased, mutually parallel rods. The rods extend from coaxial tubes and have coaxial springs. The expansion of the springs urges the rod outwardly from the center of the expander thus widening the maxillary arch incrementally without a connection upon the teeth. The tubes and rods each attach to two mutually parallel bars perpendicular to the rods. Each bar has two opposite ends with an eyelet upon each end. The eyelets receive screws for securing the expander to a patient. Additionally, the appliance may include a thermoformed shell that a surgeon or orthodontist uses to guide positioning the appliance for installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Michael O. Williams
  • Patent number: 8100131
    Abstract: A “boil and bite” mouthguard including projections to improve moulding of the mouthguard to the user's teeth is described. The mouthguard also includes a base-wall configuration that acts to minimise thinning of the base during moulding and use of the mouthguard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: OPRO International Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Swann, Peter Searle
  • Publication number: 20120003600
    Abstract: An orthodontic corrective appliance for correcting malpositioned molars, wherein one end of the appliance is mounted on a supporting device, and the other end is applied to the given molar with spring loading includes a pusher element which is guided axially in a sleeve and is acted upon by a compression spring, and the free end of the pusher element extends from the sleeve and is provided with a connecting piece which is applied to the supporting device. Several small tubes on the outer surface of the sleeve have inner bores that guide and support a spacer bar that extends parallel to the sleeve. The end of the spacer bar that points towards the connecting piece is supported on one of the tubes, and the end of the spacer bar that faces away from the connecting piece is supported on a transpalatal arch, a Gashgarion lock or similar element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicants: PROMEDIA A. AHNFELDT GMBH
    Inventors: Heinz WINSAUER, Hartwig AHNFELDT
  • Patent number: 8074656
    Abstract: An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Apnicure, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Vaska, Jonathan Podmore, John Edwards Crowe
  • Publication number: 20110287377
    Abstract: A new and useful orthodontic clasp that is more resistant to breakage, and when in use is unlikely to separate from its associated orthodontic appliance should breakage occur, comprising two metal wires crossed at an angle and held together with a weld/solder joint, said weld/solder joint having four wire segments extending from said two metal wires crossed at the weld/solder joint, two of said wire segments adjacent and longer in length and two of said wire segments adjacent and shorter in length, said four wire segments each having a clasp wire bend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: William M. Hang
  • Patent number: 8028705
    Abstract: A tongue retaining system is disclosed herein generally having, in one variation, a two-part system. A covering can be sized to fit at least partially over or upon a tongue of a patient, where the covering has an engagement mechanism positioned thereon. A retaining device, sized to fit within a mouth of the patient, may be positioned upon the teeth and have a corresponding engagement mechanism positioned thereon for temporarily coupling with the engagement mechanism on the covering. Such a system can be used to maintain or hold a natural position of the tongue within the mouth of the patient to maintain patency of the airway passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Kasey K. Li
  • Patent number: 7975700
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible and/or hyoid bone. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue. Methods and devices are also disclosed for manipulating other soft tissue structures, including the soft palate and pharyngeal airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Andrew Frazier, Mark Hirotsuka, Chad C. Roue, Jasper Jackson, Erik van der Burg, Michael Dineen
  • Publication number: 20110143300
    Abstract: A dental device for the correction of upper jaw transversal micrognathism in adult patients, which makes it possible to apply a slow expansion orthopedic technique, without osteotomy with osseo fixation by means of micro-implants, which comprises an expansion component, bilateral palatine support components, and a fixation component. The expansion component is an expansion screw joined to the palatine support components by means of lateral arms that extend out of it, where said palatine support components have perforations for receiving the fixation components defined by the micro-implants. The invention also provides a procedure for building the device and for setting up a surgical guide for said device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Raul Horacio VILLAALBA
  • Patent number: 7955075
    Abstract: A device has a metal wireframe with two lateral fastening elements which are connected through metal lingual and vestibular springs to a frontal fastening element and executed in the form of metal wireframes clasping teeth of dentition's lateral segments and performed of lingual and vestibular details located at necks of teeth from the one side and dispersedly mounted along the height of teeth from the other side and connected by crosspieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Mayadontics LLC
    Inventor: Pavel D. Mailyan
  • Patent number: 7887324
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an osteogenetic-orthodontic appliance, device, system, and method optimizes craniofacial homeostasis by means of a 3-D axial spring that influences the patient's genome and thereby addresses problems existing primarily within the mid-facial region, as well as the other contiguous regions. Growth and development of the craniofacial structures can be influenced by foundational (skeleto-dental) correction in concert with functional (myo-spatial) correction, according to the genome of a particular patient by means of the method and systems of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Gurdev Dave Singh