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: 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: 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: From a negative impression of a patient's teeth, a positive hard duplicate pattern such as a stone model of the teeth is made. A digitized three dimensional coded image of the teeth is then generated by means of a coordinate measuring machine or by laser scanning. The central axis of each tooth is then displayed in an exploded image of the set of teeth and each tooth is moved in virtual space to a desired position and orientation using torque, tip and angulation values as well as in/out position information provided by the selected orthodontic bracket system. The optimum position of each tooth-mounted orthodontic appliance bracket and its attachment point to its associated tooth for moving the tooth to a desired orientation and position is then determined using the digitized coded images of each tooth including its central axis in its initial and final desired position and orientation.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic assembly and method is disclosed. The orthodontic assembly includes opposing complementary bite blocks separately mountable utilizing separate mounting assemblies. Preferably, the mounting assembly for at least one of the upper or lower bite blocks of each upper/lower set allows for selective antero-posterior positioning. Each bite block preferably comprises a preformed portion and a formable layer that can be adapted to an occlusal surface for flush mounting thereupon.

Abstract: Rails (38) project from a mesial edge (40) and a distal edge (42) of a base (28) of an orthodontic appliance (30) forming a gap between the base (28) and a surface (32) of a tooth (34). At least one post (44) projects from the base (28) between the rails (38). The rails (38) and post (44) are dimensioned to substantially preclude post/tooth contact and reduce the likelihood of appliance detachment from a curved tooth surface. The posts (44) are formed to resist shear forces associated with mastication and to facilitate the smooth flow of bonding material about the posts (44) when the base (28) is pressed against a tooth surface (32) during bonding.

Abstract: Rails (38) project from a mesial edge (40) and a distal edge (42) of a base (28) of an orthodontic appliance (30) forming a gap between the base (28) and a surface (32) of a tooth (34). At least one post (44) projects from the base (28) between the rails (38). The rails (38) and post (44) are dimensioned to substantially preclude post/tooth contact and reduce the likelihood of appliance detachment from a curved tooth surface. The posts (44) are formed to resist shear forces associated with mastication and to facilitate the smooth flow of bonding material about the posts (44) when the base (28) is pressed against a tooth surface (32) during bonding.