Bracket Patents (Class 433/8)
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Patent number: 7625206Abstract: A method of orthodontic treatment includes fastening a first bracket to an inside surface of a first tooth in a patient's mouth, fastening a second bracket to an outside surface of a second tooth, the second tooth being adjacent the first tooth, fastening a third bracket to an outside surface of a third tooth, the third tooth being adjacent the first tooth and generally opposite the second tooth, passing a wire between the first and second teeth, positioning the wire around the first tooth adjacent the inside surface and the first bracket, passing the wire between the first and third teeth, and connecting the wire to the first, second and third brackets.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Inventor: Pablo Rojas-Pardini
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Publication number: 20090286195Abstract: Force magnitudes and/or directions may be determined objectively using orthodontic brackets having an elastomeric member which allows one portion of the bracket to be resiliently moveable relative to at least on other portion of the bracket. In a preferred embodiment, the brackets include a lower base member, an upper bracket member, and an elastomeric layer interposed between the lower base and upper bracket members. The orthodontic bracket is advantageously employed as part of a system whereby the orthodontic bracket includes an elastomeric member which allows at least one portion of the bracket to be resiliently movable relative to at least one other portion of the bracket in response to an applied force, and at least one force-responsive sensor operatively associated with the orthodontic bracket for generating a detectable signal in response to movement of the at least one and other portions of the bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2007Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventors: Robert S. Sears, William S. Trimmer
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Patent number: 7597553Abstract: An orthodontic bracket enables orthodontic treatment to be performed without resetting of a bracket body and an arch wire relative to the tooth, even in an advanced stage of the treatment. The orthodontic bracket comprises a bonding plate having a bonding surface matching the curvature of the tooth, a base having a bottom surface united with the bonding plate and an upper surface serving as a sliding surface parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tooth and taking an approximately rectangular shape in plan with a convex curve formed in accordance with the long axis of the tooth. A bracket body is mounted on the sliding surface of the base so as to be slidable along the tooth axis. The base has, at opposing sides of the sliding surface, grooved parallel rails for slidably holding the bracket body therebetween. Each rail has, at its opposite ends, stoppers to prevent detachment of the bracket body. The sliding surface has a central longitudinally-extending visible median line.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Inventor: Norifumi Kimura
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Patent number: 7581950Abstract: An orthodontic appliance, and more particularly an orthodontic bracket to be used in conjunction with other brackets on centrals, laterals, cuspids and bicuspids for moving teeth in the orthodontic treatment of patients, and which includes a closed archwire slot that preferably functions to allow crown tipping, limiting root uprighting, and controlling torque, and a horizontally open rectangular archwire slot for controlling tip, torque and rotation in the final stage of patient treatment. The bracket is made by configuring a front section having a horizontally open rectangular archwire slot of metal, ceramic or plastic, and molding a rear or back section of a suitable plastic resin onto the front section such that the rear section preferably includes a closed mesiodistally extending archwire slot.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Inventor: Andrew C. Kesling
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Publication number: 20090181337Abstract: A wire disengagement tool for removing an archwire from an archwire slot of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket, including a handle, a center arm, and at least one side arm for grasping a portion of the archwire extending laterally from the bracket. The center arm includes a head portion having an engagement surface for contacting inner flanges of upper portions of at least one tie wing of the bracket. In use, the tool is placed on a bracket so that the side arm engages the archwire along side of the bracket and the head portion of the center arm contacts a retentive component of the bracket, such as a tie wing. An orthodontist then applies a downward force, and the head portion yields a lateral wedge-like force on the retentive component so that the retentive component flexes laterally and outwardly to provide access to the archwire. The archwire is grasped between the side arms and the head portion of the center arm and easily lifted from the archwire slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2009Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventor: James A. Nicholson
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Publication number: 20090162806Abstract: The present invention relates to a replacement tooth that includes a tooth body and a bracket. The bracket is coupled to the tooth body and includes at least one prong for communicating with an orthodontic apparatus. The bracket also includes a retaining plate that is embedded within the tooth for anchoring the bracket to the tooth body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventor: Keith Wickizer
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Publication number: 20090136889Abstract: Orthodontic brackets include a bracket base, at least one arch wire slot formed in the base adapted to receive and arch wire therein, and means for selectively narrowing the width of at least a portion of the arch wire slot so as to allow for engagement of an undersized arch wire having a width less than the slot width. The means for selectively narrowing the width of the arch wire slot may comprise one or more spaced apart cuts disposed in at least one side wall defining the arch wire slot so as to define a bendable portion of the sidewall.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2007Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
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Patent number: 7538055Abstract: A primary sintered body having a density of 95 % or more obtained by sintering a zirconia powder comprising an yttria main component as a stabilizer under ordinary pressure is set in a vessel of a semi-sealed state and subjected to HIP treatment (secondary sintering) at a temperature of from 1,600 to 1,900° C. under a pressure of 50 MPa or higher, and according to need, heated treated in an oxidizing atmosphere, thereby producing a polycrystalline sintered body of zirconia having high transparency of an in-line transmission of 50% or higher.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Tosoh CorporationInventors: Koji Tsukuma, Isao Yamashita
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Publication number: 20090111067Abstract: In the conventional alumina sintered bodies, a sintered body having high flexural strength, high toughness and high translucency in combination is not obtained, and a translucent alumina sintered body suitable for a dental material requiring both strength and sensuousness was not obtained. A translucent alumina sintered body having fracture toughness of 4.5 MPa·m0.5 or more, flexural strength of 350 MPa or more, and all light transmittance (sample thickness: 1 mm) to a visible light having a wavelength of 600 nm, of 60% or more is provided. The sintered body wherein sintered crystal grains are slender plate-like and/or columnar shape having an average aspect ratio of 1.5 or more and an average long axis length of 15 ?m or less is preferred.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: TOSOH CORPORATIONInventors: Koji Tsukuma, Isao Yamashita, Hitoshi Nagayama
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Publication number: 20090104578Abstract: A method for producing an orthodontic bracket is comprised of sintering a molded body of highly-pure alumina fine powder at a temperature of 1,200° C. to 1,300° C. to obtain a sintered body composed of crystals having a relative density of 96% to 99.5% and an average crystal grain size of at most 1 ?m, and thereafter subjecting the sintered body to an HIP treatment at a temperature of 1,200° C. to 1,350° C., under a pressure of at least 50 MPa. Such an orthodontic bracket has high strength and high translucency, can be processed into a complicated shape, similar to that of a metal bracket, and maintains excellent translucency.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: TOSOH CORPORATIONInventors: Koji Tsukuma, Toru Tsuyoshi
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Publication number: 20090098501Abstract: The invention relates to a dental retraction device to be used for retracting the gingiva from a prepared tooth structure, the retraction device having the shape of a cord with a radial (x- and y-direction) and longitudinal direction (z-direction) and comprising an absorbing agent and optionally a retarding agent, wherein the retraction device is able to expand in the radial direction (x- and/or y-direction), but essentially does not expand in the longitudinal direction (z-direction) upon contact with fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2007Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Thomas Klettke, Ruediger Hampe, Robert F. Peez, Jens Gramann, Marc Peuker, Helmut Pauser
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Publication number: 20090081603Abstract: Then invention relates to an orthodontic bracket comprised of a base (2) for the fastening on a tooth and a bent yoke (3a) that can swivel between an open position, in which between the base (2) and a free end of the yoke (3a) is space for the inserting of a wire (4), and a closed position in which the yoke (3a) embraces an inserted wire (4), that is then held between said yoke and the base. Pursuant to the invention it is provided that on the base (2) is fastened a holding tongue (5) for the twisting-resistant holding of a wire (4) embraced by the yoke (3a).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Rolf Forster
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Publication number: 20090075226Abstract: Polymeric resin matrix phase (thermoplastic, thermosetting or biomass) is reinforced with fiber filament or fine particles to enhance the mechanical properties (particularly, bending strength and bending stiffness), impact strength while keeping its original transparency. Plastic brackets (either previously reinforced as mentioned above or un-reinforced) can be surface-treated by plasma coating with thin film or simply ultra violet radiation to enhance the surface mechanical properties as well as anti-frictional force against the archwire's movement while again maintaining its transparency. Accordingly, the present invention can provide orthodontic brackets made of plastics with high mechanical strengths and clearness, so that aesthetic appearance is improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: Yoshiki Oshida, Masahiko Itakura, Tatsuya Nakata
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Publication number: 20090004617Abstract: Self-ligating orthodontic brackets and bracket systems. The orthodontic bracket includes a contact point on its bracket body and a contact point on a movable member used to self-ligate an archwire in an archwire slot defined in the bracket body. The contact points are arranged such that different portions of a tip on an orthodontic hand tool can be placed in a contacting relationship with the contact points and used to place the movable member in an open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: ORMCO CORPORATIONInventors: Todd I. Oda, Hamid Sheikh, William W. Wood
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Publication number: 20080311533Abstract: An orthodontic instrument that provides for improved placement of direct bond brackets, particularly in the difficult posterior locations. An ergonomic, lightweight, ambidextrous parallel moving jaw assembly which utilizes a familiar hypodermic syringe style interface, enables a practitioner to efficiently and accurately place and bond brackets. Two different jaw blade widths allow engagement with and angular pre-bonded adjustment of Cuspid and Bicuspid brackets.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: David D. Gillanders, Kimberly Kim-Chi Nguyen
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Patent number: 7451767Abstract: A dental oral appliance for use with patients who suffer with sleep disorders, to reduce or eliminate snoring and to open the airway for a sleeping individual who suffers with obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance covers the inside (lingual) of the upper teeth and has an open palate. Retention for the appliance is provided by either clasps placed over the upper right and left molars and a retainer in the anterior area or by an occlusal coverge of the upper teeth. A raised incisor ramp that extends from the incisal tip (biting edge) of the incisors toward the lingual, or posterior raised ramps, separate the posterior teeth to reduce spasm on the temporalis muscle. A transverse, transpalatal ramp, which extends from the inside (lingual) of the upper right molars to the inside of the upper left molars, covers the tongue and holds it down, opening the airway.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Inventor: Bryan Keropian
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Patent number: 7442039Abstract: An orthodontic bracket has a clip which is curved substantially in U-shape as covering at least one part of an opposite side to a base in an arch wire slot. Catching end portions which are provided at an upper end part of the clip may be caught to enable to creep under a cover portion supported by the bracket main body. The clip is formed at the upper end part thereof with a concave portion as a recess portion which enables to catch a clip release tool for releasing the clip.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2003Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Tomy IncorporatedInventors: Perry Opin, Shingo Katayose, Kousei Endo, Masaaki Orikasa
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Publication number: 20080248439Abstract: An orthodontic device includes a bracket having a body and the body includes external surfaces. An archwire passageway is formed in the body. An aperture extends from one of the external surfaces of the body to the passageway. A pawl is attached to the body and includes stop and cam surfaces which extend into the aperture. An extendable archwire includes an adjustment portion having a locking surface and a loop-spring therein and the adjustment portion is inserted into and through the passageway. The pawl and the locking surface form a ratchet. The cam surface of the pawl interengages the extendable archwire as the extendable archwire is extended through the bracket under the application of force to the extendable archwire. The stop surface of the pawl interengages the locking surface of the adjustment portion of the extendable archwire preventing retraction of the extendable archwire upon discontinuation of the application of force.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: RICHARD J. GRIFFITH, William Koenig
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Patent number: 7422430Abstract: A method and apparatus for arch wire receptacle (e.g., brackets, bands, headgear tubes, etc.) optimization includes processing that begins by obtaining a digital model of an orthodontic structure of an orthodontic patient. The processing then continues by retrieving a digital model of an initial arch wire receptacle that was selected from a plurality of digital models of arch wire receptacles. The processing then continues by digitally placing the digital model of the initial arch wire receptacle on a given tooth of the digital model of the orthodontic structure to provide a digital arch wire receptacle placement. The process then proceeds by retrieving a digital model of an arch wire. For the given tooth, the processing continues by digitally modeling a force system on the tooth based on the digital model of the initial arch wire receptacle, the digital arch wire receptacle placement, and the digital model of the arch wire.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: OraMetrix Inc.Inventors: Rohit Sachdeva, Rudger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Friedrich Riemeier
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Publication number: 20080213718Abstract: A green metal body is comprised of metal particles and a binder in the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or base plate. The green metal body is fabricated by being laser-cut with a laser to shape the green metal body into the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or or to carve recesses and/or undercuts into the bonding surface of the bracket. The green metal body is sintered to shrink its volume into a denser and less porous sintered metal body configured to be an orthodontic bracket. The resultant sintered orthodontic bracket includes recesses and/or undercuts in the bonding surface to provide a mechanical aspect when bonded to a tooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: Ultradent Products, Inc.Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus-H. Backes
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Patent number: 7410357Abstract: An indirect bonding apparatus is made by initially placing spacer material over a replica of the patient's tooth structure. A tray is then formed over the spacer material and hardened. Next, the spacer material is removed from the tooth replica and orthodontic appliances are placed on the replica at desired locations. A matrix material is placed between the tray and the replica and allowed to harden. Optionally, the apparatus includes features for facilitating removal of the transfer apparatus after the bonding procedure has been completed, and features for applying firm, uniform pressure to the appliances during the bonding procedure. Other aspects of indirect bonding are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James D. Cleary, David K. Cinader, Oliver L. Puttler, John E. Sanker
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Publication number: 20080153051Abstract: A hand instrument for detaching orthodontic brackets from a patient's teeth has first jaw, a second jaw and a blade that extends between the first jaw and the second jaw. The blade is received in a channel of a bracket during a debonding procedure, and serves to releasably clamp mesial and distal sections of the bracket to the hand instrument as the sections are detached from the tooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: JOSEPH D. HART, Joyce C. Ho, Glenys A. Thorstenson, William E. Wyllie, Philip P. Soo, John J. Palmer
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Patent number: 7377777Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a latch that comprises at least one clip for retaining an archwire in an archwire slot of the appliance. The clip includes a first section, a second section opposed to the first section and a third section that interconnects the first section and the second section. The third section is adjacent the base and includes an outer edge having a convex shape in contact with a wall portion of the base. The convex shape facilitates opening the clip during insertion of an archwire into the archwire slot of the appliance.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ming-Lai Lai, Ajay Myer
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Publication number: 20080108007Abstract: A cosmetic dental apparatus for ornamental purpose and does not simulate the appearance of an actual human teeth and gum and a method of wearing the cosmetic dental apparatus is described. A uncured silicone material is placed in the cosmetic dental apparatus wherein the uncured silicone material provides temporarily adhesion to the cosmetic dental apparatus and the wearer's teeth so that the cosmetic dental apparatus remains sufficient stable in the wearer's month until it is removed physically either by hands or through a device for removing the cosmetic dental apparatus. The cosmetic dental apparatus includes an inner portion wherein the inner portion comprises at most three clips for supporting a front portion of the apparatus. The three clips are adjustable. They are adjusted to provide sufficient support so the apparatus may be fitted to the wearer's teeth.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2006Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: Seong Kon Kong, Chan Soo Yoo
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Patent number: 7367800Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket or buccal tube has a latch for retaining an archwire in an archwire slot. The appliance also includes built-torque in order to reduce the need for the practitioner to manually bend the archwire by twisting the archwire about its longitudinal axis during the course of treatment. The latch comprises at least one clip having certain features that significantly reduce strain during opening movements of the clip. As a result, the fatigue life of the clip is enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ming-Lai Lai, Jirina V. Pospisil
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Publication number: 20080081309Abstract: An orthodontic article and method of making the orthodontic article, where the orthodontic article includes a fine-grain ceramic bracket and a metal liner secured in an archwire slot of the bracket with a brazing alloy comprising silver, copper, and at least about 1.5% by weight titanium.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventors: William E. Wyllie, John J. Palmer, Glenys A. Thorstenson, David S. Arney, John S. Kelly
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Publication number: 20080074643Abstract: This invention takes advantages of color characteristics of medical devices for the cosmetic and indication purposes. For example, the appearances of the metallic brackets used in orthodontics are improved with colors other than the original metallic color by surface treatment using plasma techniques. For example, orthodontic brackets are made with piezochromic materials. When the archwire's torsion and bending forces are fading due to the movement of the teeth, the color of the pressure sensitive brackets will be changed, and the need of archwire's readjustment to have proper torsion and bending forces is signalized. For example, rehabilitation equipments are made with piezochromic materials. When the pressures exerting on the rehabilitation equipments are different, different colors of the equipments are displayed, and the therapists can then act accordingly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2007Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: National Tsing Hua UniversityInventors: Sinn-Wen Chen, Feng-Ling Chen, An-Ren Zi, Jee-Jay Chen
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Publication number: 20080070182Abstract: A medical device, particularly an orthodontic element, that includes a surface having a polymeric film disposed thereon (e.g., a liner disposed in an archwire slot of an orthodontic bracket), wherein the film comprises a fluorinated polymer and a treated surface having an adhesive thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: William E. Wyllie, Naiyong Jing, Joan V. Brennan, David S. Arney
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Patent number: 7335020Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly with selectively removable self-ligation features is configured to provide a low profile to minimize labial-lingual prominence. A clip is configured to snap into the base of the bracket and close over the archwire slot to retain the archwire in the slot. The clip is easily moved to an open position when the archwire is changed out during routine treatment. The clip includes spaced apart arms that, along with the bracket tie-wings, straddle the most outwardly prominent site on the crown of the tooth thereby minimizing labial-lingual profile. The self-ligation capability is achieved without any increase in occlusal-gingival height or measial-distal width of the orthodontic bracket.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Lancer OrthodonticsInventors: Daniel L. Castner, David Winer
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Patent number: 7326051Abstract: A system for repositioning teeth comprises a plurality of individual appliances used with braces. The appliances are configured to be placed successively on the patient's teeth and to incrementally reposition the teeth from an initial tooth arrangement, through a plurality of intermediate tooth arrangements, and to a final tooth arrangement. The appliances may be substituted with braces as appropriate to optimize the treatment of the teeth.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventor: Ross Miller
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Patent number: 7306457Abstract: Self-ligating orthodontic bracket which comprises a support body (6) intended to be fixed onto a tooth and provided with a slot (9) for receiving an arch wire (5) capable of imparting a corrective action to the tooth and retaining means (10) able to interfere with the wire (5) so as to lock it inside the slot (9) The retaining means (10) are formed by a pair of lugs (10?) made as one piece with the support body (6) and having a retaining portion (11) which delimits the slot (9) at the top and interferes with the wire (5). The said lugs (10?) are provided with two opposite faces which delimit an opening (21) of a channel (20) for access to the slot (9).Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Inventor: Valter Vigolo
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Patent number: 7264468Abstract: An edgewise orthodontic bracket for use in an edgewise or straight-wire technique having a standard horizontally opening rectangular archwire slot and a mesiodistally extending tunnel or lumen separate from and vertically angled to the archwire slot for receiving a relatively small flexible wire during the use of an undersize rectangular archwire in the archwire slot to apply a force to the bracket for capturing lost torque.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Inventors: Peter C. Kesling, Richard C. Parkhouse, Christopher K. Kesling
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Patent number: 7247019Abstract: Orthodontic brackets are manufactured from at least one type of crystalline polymer that enhances the physical properties of the brackets. In one aspect, orthodontic brackets according to the invention may comprise at least one type of polyaryletherketone or crystalline polyamide. Fibers, fillers, flow additives and other components may be added as desired. One or more amorphous polymers may be blended with the crystalline polymer. Crystalline polymers are especially well-suited for the manufacture of self-ligating orthodontic brackets that include a bracket base and ligation cover so as to provide sufficient strength for the bracket base and ligation cover while also providing sufficient flexibility for the hinge element to bend or flex.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus-H. Backes
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Patent number: 7234935Abstract: An orthodontic bracket system includes a plurality of orthodontic brackets, each bracket sized and configured to be placed on a particular tooth of a patient during an orthodontic treatment procedure. Each bracket includes at least two arch wire slots that lie in different planes. The arch wire slots are positioned relative to the bracket base so that when the patient's teeth have become properly aligned as a result of the orthodontic procedure, the corresponding arch wire slots of all the brackets will be substantially aligned.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus-H. Backes
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Patent number: 7223099Abstract: To determine the required torque angle of a bracket for the orthodontic treatment of teeth malposition the angle between the bracket plane and the axis-orbital plane is determined, for the respective tooth a guiding straight line or guiding plane is determined, the anatomy of the tooth on its front side is measured, and the torque angle of the bracket to be used is calculated in consideration of a predetermined angle of intersection between the guiding straight line or guide plane and the axis-orbital plane.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventors: Andreas Niederwanger, Wolfgang Heiser, Siegfried Kulmer
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Patent number: 7192274Abstract: An orthodontic appliance has a ceramic body and an archwire slot liner that is received in a channel of the body. The archwire slot liner has occlusal, gingival and lingual sections, and the lingual section is thicker than the occlusal or gingival section. The archwire slot liner helps resist fracture of the ceramic when the appliance is in use in the oral cavity, and yet need not adversely affect the aesthetic appearance of the appliance. A notch in the archwire slot liner is aligned with a channel in the body and provides a passageway for receiving a vertical auxiliary device.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Allen J. Stadtmiller, William E. Wyllie, II, Jirina V. Pospisil
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Patent number: 7188421Abstract: A quantity of a photocurable composition, such as an orthodontic adhesive containing a photoinitiator, is placed between the base of an orthodontic appliance and a replica of a patient's tooth structure. The replica is made using a material that transmits actinic radiation. As the appliance is pressed into firm contact with the replica tooth structure, an outer surface of the photocurable composition assumes the configuration of the underlying portion of the replica tooth structure. Actinic radiation is then directed to the photocurable composition, and at least part of the actinic radiation is directed through the replica tooth model in order to harden the photocurable composition. The hardened composition provides a contoured bonding surface having a shape that matches corresponding regions of the patient's tooth structure. Methods are also disclosed for making an orthodontic indirect bonding transfer apparatus for use with appliances having a contoured bonding surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James D. Cleary, David K. Cinader, Oliver L. Puttler
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Patent number: 7175428Abstract: Self-ligating orthodontic brackets which are at least partially formed of materials exhibiting shape memory each of which includes a base from which extends two spaced and opposing pairs of tie wings each pair of which define an archwire guide slot therebetween. Each of the opposing tie wings include portions which are normally spaced to retain an archwire within the archwire guide slot but at least a portion of one of each pair of opposing tie wings is yieldable relative to the other to permit insertion and/or removal of the archwire relative to the archwire guide slot. Portions of the brackets may be coated to reduce friction between the archwire guide slot and the archwire and to promote aesthetics and overall bracket appearance.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Inventor: James A. Nicholson
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Patent number: 7140875Abstract: An orthodontic bracket has at least one tiewing and a groove behind the tiewing for receiving a ligature. The groove extends along a path that is inclined in a direction away from an archwire slot of the bracket as a central, upright reference plane bisecting the bracket is approached. In addition, the depth of the groove decreases as the reference plane is approached. Preferably, an outermost edge of at least one tiewing is inclined in a direction away from the archwire slot as the adjacent side of the bracket is approached. The tiewing is less likely to fracture during the course of orthodontic treatment, and yet the ease of ligation is not compromised.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ming-Lai Lai, Jirina V. Pospisil
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Patent number: 7140876Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a latch that comprises at least one clip with a region for receiving an archwire. The clip also includes a recess for receiving a post of the appliance, and the recess is not in communication with the archwire-receiving region. The post functions to secure the clip to remaining components of the appliance, such as a body or base of the appliance. Optionally, the clip may include a second recess for receiving a second post of the appliance.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: David K. Cinader, Jirina V. Pospisil, James D. Cleary
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Patent number: 7134872Abstract: An orthodontic bracket that includes coloring means for coloring to create a desired aesthetic appearance. The orthodontic bracket includes a bracket base, an arch wire slot formed in the bracket base, and a ligation cover hingedly connected to the bracket base and selectively rotatable relative to the bracket base between an open, non-ligating position relative to the arch wire slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the arch wire slot. According to one embodiment, the coloring means a colored dye or pigment impregnating the thermoplastic resin from which the bracket base and/or ligation cover are formed. According to another embodiment, the coloring means for coloring comprises a curable resin containing a colored dye or pigment that has been applied and cured over at least a portion of the bracket base and/or ligation cover.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus-H. Backes
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Patent number: 7118373Abstract: An orthodontic bracket includes a bracket base and an arch wire slot in the bracket base. The bracket base comprises a polymer resin that is reinforced with glass or ceramic fibers and/or a particulate filler (e.g., a glass spherical particle filler). The bracket may include a ligation cover, which may be hingedly connected to the bracket base and rotatable relative to the bracket base between an open, non-ligating position and a closed, ligating position. The combination of reinforcing fibers and particulate filler provides substantially increased overall strength and durability while providing increased flexibility and toughness to the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
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Patent number: 7097449Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dental bracket and associated kit used to attach a medicament-releasing pellet on a tooth. The kit is designed to provide slow release of fluoride or other medicament over a desired period of time. The medicament release kit includes a medicament-releasing pellet and a dental bracket. The bracket comprises a base and a socket configured to receive and retain the pellet at least partially therein. The device may be installed by a dental practitioner and remain attached to a patient's tooth for a few months or up to 20 years. The medicament-releasing pellet, designed to slowly release small quantities of fluoride or another medicament, may be replaced, for example, every 6 months to 2 years. Replacement of the medicament-releasing pellet may be performed at home or at a dentist's office.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.Inventors: Neil Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Paul Lewis, Dan Bills, Dan E. Fischer
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Patent number: 7094052Abstract: Self-ligating orthodontic brackets include a marking system for identifying which tooth or subset of teeth a specific bracket within a set of non-identical brackets pertains and/or for assisting in aligning a bracket on a tooth. The bracket includes a temporarily visible mark that is visible during placement of the bracket onto a tooth but which does not remain visible during long term use of the orthodontic bracket to straighten teeth. The marking may be removable or it may be hidden during use of the bracket to straighten teeth. The orthodontic brackets are advantageously included within a set or kit intended for placement onto the teeth of a patient. They advantageously include a ligation cover selectively movable between an open, non-ligating position relative to an arch wire slot in a bracket base and a closed, ligating position relative to the arch wire slot.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
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Patent number: 7074038Abstract: A system for repositioning teeth comprises a plurality of individual appliances used with braces. The appliances are configured to be placed successively on the patient's teeth and to incrementally reposition the teeth from an initial tooth arrangement, through a plurality of intermediate tooth arrangements, and to a final tooth arrangement. The appliances may be substituted with braces as appropriate to optimize the treatment of the teeth.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventor: Ross Miller
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Patent number: 7063530Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket includes a bracket base, an arch wire slot in the bracket base, and a ligation cover. The bracket base and the ligation cover comprise a polymer resin reinforced glass or ceramic fibers, and further comprising a particulate filler. The cover is hingedly connected to the bracket base and rotatable relative to the bracket base between an open, non-ligating position and a closed, ligating position. The combination of reinforcing fibers and filler (e.g., spherical glass particles) provides substantially increased overall strength and durability while providing increased flexibility and toughness in the region of an optional hinge connection between the ligation cover and the bracket base.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus-H. Backes
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Patent number: 7063529Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket includes a bracket base, an arch wire slot in the bracket base, and a ligation cover. The bracket base and the ligation cover comprise a polymer resin reinforced with c-glass fibers. The cover is hingedly connected to the bracket base and rotatable relative to the bracket base between an open, non-ligating position and a closed, ligating position. Reinforcing the polymer resin with c-glass fibers provides substantially increased overall strength and durability while providing increased flexibility and toughness in the region of the hinge connection between the ligation cover and the bracket base.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus-H Backes
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Patent number: 7063531Abstract: A novel orthodontic bracket system comprised of orthodontic appliances, such as brackets or buccal tubes, with a vertical instead of conventional horizontal slot orientation. The occlusal-gingival slot orientation minimizes the risk of unintentional debonding of the bracket as a result of insertion and removal of the archwire. An archwire retention mechanism designed to guide, retain and/or seat the archwire. The archwire retention mechanism releases the archwire from the archwire slot whenever appropriate force is applied, or manipulation of physical properties of the material are altered by the operator.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Inventors: Rolf Maijer, Dwight Schnaitter, Steve Fillipp
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Patent number: 7033170Abstract: An orthodontic bracket assembly has a bracket having base with a mounting portion for attachment to a patient's tooth, and a plurality of arms forming a bracket slot to receive a rectangular archwire. A clip can be removably inserted into the bracket slot along the axis of the bracket slot and archwire, and is retained by the bracket slot. The assembled bracket slot and clip form a rectangular channel to removably secure the archwire in the bracket slot. Two of the archwire surfaces are engaged by the clip and the remaining two archwire surfaces are engaged by walls of the bracket slot.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Inventor: Mark Andrew Cordato
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Patent number: 7022173Abstract: The invention relates to uses of glasses and glass-ceramics in dental and orthodontic applications.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kevin M. Cummings, Jacqueline C. Rolf, Anatoly Z. Rosenflanz, Richard P. Rusin, Jerome E. Swanson