Abstract: The present invention relates to a palatal expansion device that has a screw having one or more activation arms wherein the screw connects two blocks, each block having an opening for receiving the screw; a stabilizer attached to the blocks; and a spring extension positioned opposite the activation arms, wherein the spring extension is attached to the stabilizer. The present invention involves methods for expanding the maxillary arch, and kits including the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices for insertion into the mouth for the application of heat or cold to oral tissue to provide a therapeutic effect. The device 10 includes an upper member 11 substantially conforming to a contour of an upper gum line, a lower member 12 substantially conforming to a contour of a lower gum line, a first hinge member 13, and a second hinge member 14, wherein at least one hinge member 13, 14 is configured to exert a compressive force to maintain the upper member 11 substantially in contact with an upper gum and the lower member 12 substantially in contact with a lower gum.

Abstract: An orthodontic palatal expander appliance comprising an expansion screw, extensions leading from opposite ends of the expansion screw and contoured tooth engaging portions fixed to the ends of the extensions and being entirely of thermoplastic material and being shaped to conform to and grasp selected ones of a patient's teeth. The buccal, linqual and occlusal surfaces are completely covered by the thermoplastic material. The material is trimmed carefully to match the gingival contour around each tooth. The inner tooth contacting surface of each contoured tooth engaging portion is abrasively etched by means of a pressurized spray of micron-size abrasive particles. A physically bonding orthodontic adhesive, such a resin modified glass ionomer adhesive, is applied to the abrasively etched surfaces to releasably bond the contoured tooth engaging portions to the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A maxilla extension apparatus that extends the maxilla in lower forward direction, wherein a band is installed on the maxilla dentition, fixed onto a slide rail, and an arm is fixed onto the zygomatic bone. With this embodiment, a maxilla extension apparatus can be offered, an apparatus of which can accurately and less invasively extend the maxilla in a short time.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for expanding the mandibular or maxillary arch comprises a first forward orthodontic band; a second forward orthodontic band; a first spring-loaded rod and tube assembly between said first and second forward orthodontic bands; a first rear orthodontic band and a second rear orthodontic band; a second spring-loaded rod and tube assembly connecting said first forward and first rear orthodontic bands; and a third spring-loaded rod and tube assembly connecting said second forward and second rear orthodontic bands. Where both a maxillary and mandibular arch expander are used, they can be connected by a Herbst-type telescoping connector. The telescoping assembly has a first end connected to one of said forward and rear bands of said mandibular arch expander and a second end connected to the other of said forward and rear bands of said maxillary arch expander. The telescoping assembly includes a tube assembly and a rod slidably received in the tube assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides for a prefabricated appliance for correcting many types of malocclusions particular useful for young children. The appliance for use for adults is called a mandibular advancement appliance. The appliance engages the front upper teeth of a patient in a box. There are lateral occlusions extending to the back of the appliance, Below the retention box there are two independent from each other and depending inclines which engage to the rear of the front teeth. The inclines are hinged in a friction fit. The appliance can be used by an adult for improved breathing as well as by a child with malocclusions. There is a C-shaped bridge, bridging the two lateral occlusions to thereby form a channel into which the adult's tongue or a child's tongue can extend for a comfortable swallowing fit. The adult's appliance does not exert any tension to the interior of the lower teeth.

Abstract: The invention describes an orthodontic expansion screw having two bodies (1 2) whose mutual spacing can be varied by means of a spindle (3) acting upon the two bodies (1, 2),

Abstract: An improved dental appliance system, and methods for using and fabricating the improved appliance, including a polymeric overlay or shell having a teeth-receiving cavity formed therein. The dental appliance having the necessary stiffness or strength to firmly secure the appliance on the teeth and provide controlled forces required for repositioning the teeth, until such time as removal of the appliance is desired. The appliance may be configured for use with a removal mechanism. The removal mechanism provides for selective release of the appliance from the teeth as the removal mechanism undergoes a state change stimulated by an environmental stimulus or environmental switch.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an orthodontic mechanical force module having a jack screw whose rotation is controlled by a ratchet. In one embodiment, a pair of housings are interconnected with the patient in any appropriate manner, and are further rotatably interconnected with a rotatable spindle. At least one of these housings is also threadably engaged with the spindle. A ratchet is associated with the spindle to selectively allow the spindle to rotate only in a direction that increases a magnitude of the treatment forces being exerted on the patient by changing the spacing between the pair of housings by a movement of at least one of the housings along the spindle due to its rotation. That is, in an active position the ratchet precludes the spindle from rotating in a direction that would tend to reduce the magnitude of the treatment forces being exerted on the patient.

Abstract: A rapid palatal expansion device is provided having first and second housing parts joined by a threaded spindle which controls the relative position of those housing parts, the spindle incorporating a ratchet/stop system to prevent unwanted screw slippage or backwinding while exerting expansion force to the appliance. Each housing part includes at least one extending rod for transmitting the expansion force to the patient's teeth or body parts. The housing parts may be oriented with respect to each other by a pair of guide rods extending through them. Directional indicia may be formed on one or more of the housing parts to facilitate spindle adjustment by the orthodontist.

Abstract: The invention describes a composite palatal arch for the correction of the position of teeth, which is built up from a plurality of wire sections (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) made from different materials. One of the materials is a shape-memory alloy that assumes a superelastic state at the temperatures prevailing in a human mouth. The palatal arch comprises two end sections (2, 3), which are intended to fix the palatal arch in a tooth lock (16, 17) and which are made from of a normal-elastic material. The superelastic section (4, 5) of the arch is softer than are the normal-elastic sections (1, 2, 3). The superelastic material is present only in two intermediate sections (4, 5) between the two end sections (2, 3) and a central section (1), the two intermediate sections (4, 5) are each arranged adjacent one of the end sections (2, 3), and the central section (1) of the palatal arch consists of a normal-elastic material.

Abstract: An easy to install tooth spreading and uprighting device that is positioned on a temporary basis across an edentulous space between a pair of teeth in the mouth of a dental patient to correct and prevent the teeth from tipping and loosing their upright alignment which awaiting the implantation of a dental crown. The size of the tooth spreading and uprighting device is selectively adjustable depending upon the spacing between the patient's teeth so as to establish a tight fit and thereby apply a suitable holding pressure to prevent a misalignment of the teeth while awaiting the installation of the dental crown to replace a natural tooth which has been removed from the patient's mouth. The size of the tooth spreading and uprighting device is selectively adjustable by an inner body that is received within and slidable axially through a hollow outer body. An optional locking feature is provided to prevent a displacement of the inner body relative to the outer body.

Abstract: This invention describes a thin, substantially clear removable expansion appliance used in the field of orthodontics and dentistry. The removable expansion appliance comprises a polymeric tray with tooth receiving cavities intended to receive a patient's dentition and an expansion mechanism attached to the tray capable of producing forces perpendicular to the patient's palatal suture. Preferably, the tray has at least two lingually positioned protrusions. Each protrusion comprises a hole intended to receive a prong located at the end of a leg of the expansion mechanism. Alternatively, the prongs of the expansion mechanism are bonded to the tray with acrylic. The expansion mechanism either produces the desired expansion forces by compression of a length of wire when the appliance is placed on the patient's dentition, or by utilizing a screw for rigidly expanding the patient's arch.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for making an expansion screw and a screw thus made; the expansion screw (100, 100′) has two bodies (1, 2) that can be spaced apart by acting on the driving portion (6) of a double screw (3) housed within threaded central bores (30) provided in the two bodies (1, 2); each of the bodies (1, 2) has at least one bore (5, 50) parallel to the threaded bore; also provided is at least a hollow cylindrical guide (9) housed within a corresponding pair of parallel bores (5, 50) disposed on the two bodies (1, 2) in facing relationship; inserted in each guide (9) is a pin (4) for sliding therein; each guide (9) is fixed to one of the bodies, while the relevant pin (4) held therein is fixed to the other body, and the sliding of the pin (4) relative to the guide (9) takes place with friction owing to the force exerted upon assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an orthodontic mechanical force module having a jack screw whose rotation is controlled by a ratchet. In one embodiment, a pair of housings are interconnected with the patient in any appropriate manner, and are further rotatably interconnected with a rotatable spindle. At least one of these housings is also threadably engaged with the spindle. A ratchet is associated with the spindle to selectively allow the spindle to rotate only in a direction that increases a magnitude of the treatment forces being exerted on the patient by changing the spacing between the pair of housings by a movement of at least one of the housings along the spindle due to its rotation. That is, in an active position the ratchet precludes the spindle from rotating in a direction that would tend to reduce the magnitude of the treatment forces being exerted on the patient.

Abstract: A mandibular and maxillary arch expansion apparatus having a first and second forward orthodontic bands and first and second rear orthodontic bands. The respective forward and rear orthodontic bands are interconnected by an expansion sheath element. The two forward bands are connected by a substantially straight, solid rod. The expansion sheaths exert lengthening forces while the solid rod resists lateral or widening forces. Also provided is a maxillary apparatus connected to a mandibular apparatus by a telescoping contraction connector. The device is positioned to exert adjustable contracting pressure for the correction of Class II malocclusions or overbite. Also provided is an arch expansion apparatus with a centrally disposed expansion element having two forward connector wires extending outwardly therefrom and two rearward connector wires extending outwardly. Each connector wire has an orthodontic band on the terminal end.

Abstract: For maxillary molar distalization a newly developed maxillary molar distalization appliance is introduced. Maxillary first molars and first premolars were banded. On the palatal side of the Class II first molar bands 0.45 inch diameter tubes were soldered. First premolar band were attached with 1.1 mm in diameter s.s. retaining wires to a wide acrylic Nance button. The acrylic button also included an anterior bit plane. The purpose of creating an anterior bit plane was to disocclude the posterior teeth, enhance the molar distalization and correct the anterior deep bit. On the palatal side of molars 0.9 mm in diameter s.s. wires were embedded into the acrylic about 5 mm apical to the gingival margin of the first molars, which passed through the tube and oriented parallel to the occlusal plane. This force system would allow applying consistent force at the level of center of resistance of the first molars.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having at least one displacement element is provided for displacing bone parts. The apparatus includes an implantable, flat housing in which an adjusting device for the displacement element(s), embodied as bolts, is arranged. The adjusting device can be operated from outside the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for orthodontic treatment employs a cast mass-type appliance with a labial bow and combinations of labial and lingual springs to produce multiple coupled forces on selected teeth. The lingual spring has a stem embedded in the appliance and a plurality of pairs of activation loops at its active, tooth-contacting end, which extend laterally outward from the longitudinal axis of the stem. The labial spring has a pair of lateral wings for attachment to a labial bow, and one or more rabbit ears extending selectively either occlusally or gingivally along the labial surface of the tooth.

Abstract: Apparatus for the expansion of the palate with an extension part which may be lengthened and/or shortened it its length, which has on each of its two ends a fixation part the improvement wherein each fixation part (7, 18, 30) is constructed in the form of a single-point bone connection.

Abstract: A device for maxillary jawbone and dentition expansion and/or retraction is configured for mounting within the mouth and connects the right and left halves of the skull. The maxillary distraction device includes at least two implantable anchors configured to be implanted in the maxillary bones of the skull on opposite sides of a midline of the skull. A facebow having two posterior ends is connectable to the implantable anchors and is configured to extend from the maxillary regions entirely within the mouth across the midline of the skull. The facebow has at least one expandable section for bone lengthening. The facebow is connected to the anchors and is lengthen periodically to lengthen the maxillary bones. The facebow may provide horizontal, vertical, and transverse distraction.

Abstract: Various embodiments of lingual arch developers are disclosed that have at least one telescoping force generator module assemblies for exerting at least generally mesio-distally directed forces on each side of the patient's arch for arch lengthening, as well as at least one telescoping force generator module assembly for exerting at least generally transversely directed forces on the patient's arch for arch expansion.

Abstract: An orthodontic distalizing apparatus comprises at least one force generating element positioned intermediate a force dissipating element secured to the hard palate and/or alveolar ridge and a first tooth (e.g., a molar) that is being distalized. The at least one force generating element is positioned to apply a distalizing force on the molar in a direction substantially along a longitudinal axis of the dental arch and at a low level of the basal gingiva. The at least one force generating element may be configured to prevent inadvertent disassembly thereof during installation, adjustment and/or conversion of the apparatus between an active and a passive state. In addition, the at least one force generating element may be configured to be reversibly convertible between an active state and a passive state without requiring removal of the device from the patient's mouth.

Abstract: An orthodontic palatal expander appliance comprising an expansion screw, extensions leading from opposite ends of the expansion screw and contoured tooth engaging portions fixed to the ends of the extensions and being entirely of thermoplastic material and being shaped to conform to and grasp selected ones of a patient's teeth. The buccal, linqual and occlusal surfaces are completely covered by the thermoplastic material. The material is trimmed carefully to match the gingival contour around each tooth. The inner tooth contacting surface of each contoured tooth engaging portion is abrasively etched by means of a pressurized spray of micron-size abrasive particles. A physically bonding orthodontic adhesive, such a resin modified glass ionomer adhesive, is applied to the abrasively etched surfaces to releasably bond the contoured tooth engaging portions to the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A new a telescoping assembly or advancing sheath and a expansion complex are provided for a maxillary or mandibular arch expander. The advancing sheath is provided with a spring which extends between a forward end of the anterior tube and a forward end of the posterior tube. The spring urges the anterior tube rearwardly relative to the posterior tube to compensate for jaw pressure and to help prevent the jaw pressure from threading the anterior tube rearwardly. The expansion complex includes an outer housing and an advancing member which is telescopically received in the outer housing. The two portions of the expansion complex are received in opposed halves of a plate which fits against the mandibular or maxillary arch. An threaded rod and a parallel post extend through the housing. An activation nut is received on the threaded rod, and an activation plate is journaled about both the rod and the post. The activation plate is moved by movement of the activation nut.

Abstract: Jackscrew for use in correcting misalignments of teeth, comprising two main bodies (1,2), whose mutual separation can be adjusted by means of a spindle (3) provided with an operating part (5) and, continuous with that part, one or two screw-thread sections (7,11) the operating part (5) being rotatably mounted in one body (1) and one screw-thread section (11) being rotatably mounted in the other body (2), further comprising straight-line guide elements (22,23) which engage with both bodies (1,2) and guide them in a straight line while also preventing any relative rotation when the separation between the bodies is altered, and a threaded sleeve (13,14) on each of the screw-thread sections (7,11) of the spindle (3) the threaded sleeve (13,14) being guided inside a recess (6,10) in the respective body (1,2) and along the spindle (3) so as not to rotate relative to the body and transmitting its sliding motion to the bodies (1,2) via a spring (18,19) which determines the expansion force.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for expanding the mandibular or maxillary arch comprises a first forward orthodontic band; a second forward orthodontic band; a first spring-loaded rod and tube assembly between said first and second forward orthodontic bands; a first rear orthodontic band and a second rear orthodontic band; a second spring-loaded rod and tube assembly connecting said first forward and first rear orthodontic bands; and a third spring-loaded rod and tube assembly connecting said second forward and second rear orthodontic bands. Where both a maxillary and mandibular arch expander are used, they can be connected by a Herbst-type telescoping connector. The telescoping assembly has a first end connected to one of said forward and rear bands of said mandibular arch expander and a second end connected to the other of said forward and rear bands of said maxillary arch expander. The telescoping assembly includes a tube assembly and a rod slidably received in the tube assembly.

Abstract: An orthodontic expansion device which may be used for expanding the palate of a patient or for other orthodontic treatments. The expansion device is a compact design which essentially uses tubular-shaped screw actuating structure and rod-shaped screw actuating structure for connecting first and second legs which are respectively attached to a patient's teeth. When at least one of the screw actuating structures is rotated, expansion of the legs may be effected during the treatment of a patient. The legs may be connected rigidly to the screw actuating structure or may form part of the screw actuating structure.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for making an expansion screw and a screw thus made; the expansion screw (100, 100′) has two bodies (1, 2) that can be spaced apart by acting on the driving portion (6) of a double screw (3) housed within threaded central bores (30) provided in the two bodies (1, 2); each of the bodies (1, 2) has at least one bore (5, 50) parallel to the threaded bore; also provided is at least a hollow cylindrical guide (9) housed within a corresponding pair of parallel bores (5, 50) disposed on the two bodies (1, 2) in facing relationship; inserted in each guide (9) is a pin (4) for sliding therein; each guide (9) is fixed to one of the bodies, while the relevant pin (4) held therein is fixed to the other body, and the sliding of the pin (4) relative to the guide (9) takes place with friction owing to the force exerted upon assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthodontic expansion screw for the generation of an expansion force between a first and a second fastening elements, for the fastening to oppositely lying sides of the upper jaw, and an adjusting element connected with the fastening elements for the alteration of the mutual spacing of the fastening element. The invention is characterized in that each fastening element has at least two mounting wires with at least three free ends of the anchoring of teeth of the upper jaw.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance (10) for treating anterior teeth of a patient includes a support structure (12, 14) having labial and lingual components for applying opposed forces to a set of targeted teeth. The labial component includes a labial arch (20) having an encapsulated (26) labial bow (34) and distal extending portions (27) extending through sleeves (18) attached to clasps (16), and compressed springs (25) disposed between hooked ends (22) of the wire and the sleeve ends (19). The lingual component includes a lingual rod (30) having a mushroom-shaped center (34) encapsulated in a hard acrylic body (35) and distal extending portions extending through sleeves (36). Compressed springs (40) are disposed between the sleeve end (38) and the hard body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intrabuccal stretcher having essentially a supporting bar and a pushing part formed at each distal end of the supporting bar; the pushing parts having such a thickness and such a roundish shape as are suitable for pushing internal sides of buccae; the supporting bar being bent symmetrically with respect to the vertical axis; the pushing parts being extended outward from the distal ends of the supporting bar; wherein the pushing par-n are inserted into an oral cavity with the supporting bar remaining partly outside the oral cavity to push and simulate internal sides of the buccae.

Abstract: This orthodontic distalizing appliance includes a forward support assembly having an anchoring base in the roof of the mouth. A rearward laterally disposed spring assembly is provided having outer ends removably received within associated sheaths attached to maxillary molars. A centrally disposed adjustment assembly extends between the anchoring base and the spring assembly for applying a force to the spring assembly which is transmitted to the molars to be distalized.

Abstract: A elastic expansion appliance for correcting misalignments of teeth, which has two members connected by linear guidance element(s), a spacing between which can be modified via a spring arranged between them, wherein in order to adjust the distance over which the spacing of the two members can be modified, a stop of variable length (measured in the direction of the linear guidance elements) is provided for the spring or for a spring arrangement of more than one spring and/or for one of the two members.

Abstract: A device (10) for improving a user's breathing includes an upper arch (12) that is adapted to receive at least some of the user's upper teeth and a lower arch (14) that is adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth. A deformable material (16) couples the upper arch (12) to the lower arch (14) and includes an aliphatic polyester. The deformable material (16) is bonded to the upper arch (12) and bonded to the lower arch (14) to fix the forward position of the lower arch (14). The aliphatic polyester may include a polycaprolactone polymer. The deformable material (16) may be placed in a deformable state to allow the lower arch (14) to be adjusted to a new position.

Abstract: A device especially for osteodistraction, configured for attachment to different bone parts that have been separated, and that are bound together by the device which holds the bones parts in a pre-set position and/or simultaneously exerts pressure for distancing or bringing together the bone parts. The device includes at least two elements configured for fastening to two bone parts that are separate from each other. The two elements are coupled together and movable along at least one pre-set direction, there being inserted between them an elastic element for providing a thrust in the distancing or traction direction. The device may be removably coupled to the bone parts to facilitate installation.

Abstract: A new a telescoping assembly or advancing sheath and a expansion complex are provided for a maxillary or mandibular arch expander. The advancing sheath is provided with a spring which extends between a forward end of the anterior tube and a forward end of the posterior tube. The spring urges the anterior tube rearwardly relative to the posterior tube to compensate for jaw pressure and to help prevent the jaw pressure from threading the anterior tube rearwardly.

Abstract: A contracting connector between a maxillary apparatus and mandibular apparatus to treat an underbite. The connector has a telescoping outer sheath connected at its posterior end to the maxillary apparatus. A rod is slidingly engaged in the sheath. And connected at its anterior end to the mandibular apparatus. A spring connected between the rod and the posterior end of the sheath exerts adjustable contraction pressure on the rod and thus the mandible. In another embodiment, the rod has separate anterior and posterior segments The posterior segment of the rod is attached to the maxillary apparatus and the anterior segment is attached to the mandibular apparatus A spring connected between the anterior and posterior segments exerts adjustable contracting pressure on the two rod segments and thus on the maxilla and the mandible. In either embodiment the contracting pressure on the spring is adjusted by changing the length of the telescoping outer sheath. An improved channel lock for connectors also is disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of lingual arch developers are disclosed that have at least one telescoping force generator module assemblies for exerting at least generally mesio-distally directed forces on each side of the patient's arch for arch lengthening, as well as at least one telescoping force generator module assembly for exerting at least generally transversely directed forces on the patient's arch for arch expansion.

Abstract: Apparatus for the expansion of the palate with an extension part which may be lengthened and/or shortened it its length, which has on each of its two ends a fixation part the improvement wherein each fixation part (7, 18, 30) is constructed in the form of a single-point bone connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthodontic expansion screw for the generation of an expansion force between a first and a second fastening elements, for the fastening to oppositely lying sides of the upper jaw, and an adjusting element connected with the fastening elements for the alteration of the mutual spacing of the fastening element. The invention is characterized in that each fastening element has at least two mounting wires with at least three free ends of the anchoring of teeth of the upper jaw.

Abstract: Jackscrew for use in correcting misalignnents of teeth,. comprising two main bodies (1,2), whose mutual separation can be adjusted by means of a spindle (3) provided with an operating part (5) and, continuous with that part, one or two screw-thread sections (7,11) the operating part (5) being rotatably mounted in one body (1) and one screw-thread section (11) being rotatably mounted in the other body (2), further comprising straight-line guide elements (22,23) which engage with both bodies (1,2) and guide them in a straight line while also preventing any relative rotation when the separation between the bodies is altered, and a threaded sleeve (13,14) on each of the screw-thread sections (7,11) of the spindle (3) the threaded sleeve (13,14) being guided inside a recess (6,10) in the respective body (1,2) and along the spindle (3) so as not to rotate relative to the body and transmitting its sliding motion to the bodies (1,2) via a spring (18,19) which determines the expansion force.

Abstract: A rapid palatal expander for stretching a patient's upper jaw bone sideward horizontally and forward to accommodate front teeth. It has a dual-joint jack screw with two rocker arms having respectively one end pivotally engaged with two spaced fulcrums and another end engageable with a screw bar. Turning the screw bar will move the rocker arm moving outward to push upper barrel bands mounted on the molar and premolar horizontal outward to expand the upper jaw bone. There is an elastic means with two ends engaged with the upper and lower barrel bands mounted respectively on the upper and lower molar and premolar. When patient's mouth is closed, the elastic means will be compressed to produce a horizontal force to push the upper barrel band forward. Thus the upper jaw bone and the teeth may also receive a constant forward pushing force for expanding purpose.

Abstract: An expander for lengthening a patient's palate comprises two substantially rigid sections, each of which sections has one or more downwardly extending members capable of being affixed to a surface; and a threading system attached to each section, the threading system being capable of predictably adjusting the spacing between the rigid sections. The expander is useful for lengthening a patient's palate, for example, for the treatment of velopharyngeal incompetence.

Abstract: An orthodontic expansion device which may be used for expanding the palate of a patient or for other orthodontic treatments. The expansion device is a compact design which essentially uses tubular-shaped screw actuating structure and rod-shaped screw actuating structure for connecting first and second legs which are respectively attached to a patient's teeth. When at least one of the screw actuating structures is rotated, expansion of the legs may be effected during the treatment of a patient. The legs may be connected rigidly to the screw actuating structure or may form part of the screw actuating structure.

Abstract: Expansion appliance for correcting tooth misalignments having the following features: a first member (1), a second member (2), a spindle (3) which, for changing the distance between the first (1) and the second member (2), engages the two members (1, 2) in such a way that the distance can be varied by a predeterminable limited magnitude in the longitudinal direction of the spindle (3) in the stationary condition of the latter. There are provided two parallel guide rods (21), located on both sides of the spindle (3). For guiding the member (1, 2) in straight alignment the guide rods (21) are received and guided in holes (20) in the two members (1, 2) which extend in parallel one to the other and each of which is open toward the respective other member (2, 1). A compression spring (2) is tensioned between at least one end of each guide rod (21) and the respective opposite end of the hole (20), this end of the hole (20) being closed.

Abstract: Mandibular widening by symphyseal distraction osteogenesis is accomplished with the use of an appliance having first and second elongated support arms and an intervening displacement mechanism which, by rotation upon a horizontal axis, performs in the manner of a turnbuckle to force the arms apart. Lower apertures on the arms are attached to the mandibular bone, and upper apertures on the arms are attached to the teeth. Following a mid-symphyseal osteotomy and a latency period, the displacement mechanism is rotated according to a precise schedule to achieve widening of the lower jaw.

Abstract: A dental article coated with a friction-reducing coating and methods for coating dental articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the dental device first is coated with an adhesion layer, followed by application of a friction-reducing coating. The friction-reducing coating is selected to create a hard, inert, friction-reducing layer on the device. The presence of the continuous outer coating of on the device reduces adhesive wear and friction on the device, and significantly improves its frictional properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suture expansion device. The suture expansion device comprises a central stretching screw support; on either side of the stretching screw support, a right and a left fixing means support for fixing to the right and, respectively, the left section of the jaw; and two stretching screws which are parallel to one another extending between the fixing means supports and accommodated in screw passages made in the stretching screw support and threaded to match the relevant stretching screw. The stretching screws can be screwed outwards in mutually opposed directions out of the stretching screw support in order to push the right-hand and left-hand fixing means supports apart. For each fixing means support a guide system is provided that prevents rotation of the relevant fixing means support relative to the stretching screw support and guides movement of the fixing means support in the longitudinal direction of the stretching screw.

Abstract: An orthodontic expansion device which may be used for expanding the palate of a patient or for other orthodontic treatments. The expansion device is a compact design which essentially uses tubular-shaped screw actuating structure and rod-shaped screw actuating structure for connecting first and second legs which are respectively attached to a patient's teeth. When at least one of the screw actuating structures is rotated, expansion of the legs may be effected during the treatment of a patient. The legs may be connected rigidly to the screw actuating structure or may form part of the screw actuating structure.