UNIMPEDED DISTALIZING JIG
An unimpeded distalizing jig, comprising a pair of tooth bond pads, an intra dental arch telescoping assembly, comprising a rod-like insertion and a tubular shell, which constrains the rod-like insertion to move with respect to the tubular shell along an elongated axis, which may be a radial path; and a force generating structure configured to supply an off-axis distalizing force to the intra dental arch telescoping assembly, such that the distalizing force is provided to the posterior tooth substantially without applying an anteriorizing force on the anterior tooth. The force generating structure may be an elastic band fixed by a hook to the tubular shell on one side, and to a molar on an opposing dental arch on the other side.
The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/687,573, filed Nov. 18, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,395,179, issued Jul. 19, 2022, which is a Non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/771,495, filed Nov. 26, 2018, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an orthodontic appliance for distalizing molars.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONPatient compliance is the one treatment variable that orthodontists historically have had, and currently still have, the least control over, and yet it remains a significant factor in treatment success and the time required to realize those assigned treatment objectives. There remains an unrelenting need to create or modify orthodontic appliances that would promote a greater willingness of the patient to invest the necessary time and effort to satisfy the requisite compliance.
For example, the once highly utilized headgear appliance, intended to generate additional space and/or orthopedically influence skeletal balance and symmetry between the opposing jaws, has lost favor with orthodontists because of the requisite wear-time commitments coupled with the frustrating inability to cultivate patient compliance to fulfill those desired objectives. Therefore, the need to create comparatively less intrusive appliances that will prove user-friendly and that can effectively supplant the dependency on past appliances is the creative goal with this proposal.
Carriere Lluch, U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,070 (“Segmental distalisation element for orthodontic treatments”), as shown in
The Carriere Lluch prior art requires a flexible metal structure, as shown in
Carriere Lluch, U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,839, (“Auxiliary device for the segmental distalization of the canine-to-molar posterior maxillary area in orthodontic treatments”) as shown in
The Carriere Motion 3D, a product according to Carriere Lluch U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,839, seeks to orthodontically distalize (or push back) the permanent first molars, hereinafter referred to as the molar benefactor. The Carriere Motion 3D prior art generates space by increasing the arch circumference (as measured from the mesial contact point of one first molar to the same contact point on the contralateral side), and/or to establish an improved dental articulation or interarch relationship between the opposing molars. The Carriere Motion 3D is size dependent, requiring a measurement of the actual distances between the first molars and the anterior units of fixation that will serve as the appliance's stabilizing abutment. Therefore, the Carriere Motion 3D prior art requires that the operator maintain an inventory of various sizes to particularly suit patient variations in measured distances.
In the prior art, the orthodontic forces are introduced through the employment of interarch elastic bands that extend from a hook on the bonded pad intrinsically associated with the stabilizing dental unit, to the opposing dental arch, which has been mechanically established as the anchor unit, as shown in
Sheikh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,578,672, shown in
See, U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,582,570; 1,908,853; 2,104,192; 3,162,948; 3,293,747; 3,690,003; 3,800,420; 3,835,540; 4,192,070; 4,348,177; 4,354,834; 4,373,914; 4,416,627; 4,427,380; 4,431,411; 4,462,800; 4,468,196; 4,483,674; 4,490,112; 4,496,317; 4,525,143; 4,571,178; 4,592,725; 4,595,361; 4,676,745; 4,708,646; 4,713,000; 4,795,342; 4,802,849; 4,818,226; 4,867,679; 4,871,310; 5,002,485; 5,007,828; 5,011,404; 5,022,855; 5,064,370; 5,066,224; 5,087,196; 5,092,768; 5,183,388; 5,205,736; 5,240,413; 5,277,581; 5,281,133; 5,299,935; 5,310,340; 5,334,015; 5,399,087; 5,429,501; 5,439,377; 5,505,616; 5,538,422; 5,562,445; 5,599,183; 5,622,493; 5,632,618; 5,645,422; 5,645,423; 5,645,424; 5,681,164; 5,697,779; 5,697,781; 5,711,667; 5,738,514; 5,752,823; 5,769,631; 5,775,907; 5,785,520; 5,820,369; 5,829,970; 5,829,971; 5,829,975; 5,846,074; 5,853,291; 5,873,715; 5,895,217; 5,897,313; 5,919,042; 5,938,437; 5,944,518; 5,964,588; 5,967,772; 6,036,488; 6,039,564; 6,082,996; 6,089,862; 6,113,390; 6,120,289; 6,162,051; 6,193,509; 6,220,856; 6,241,517; 6,322,357; 6,328,562; 6,341,956; 6,358,046; 6,382,966; 6,402,510; 6,425,758; 6,435,870; 6,520,772; 6,558,160; 6,607,382; 6,626,665; 6,655,959; 6,669,474; 6,719,557; 6,729,876; 6,783,361; 6,827,574; 6,877,982; 6,908,306; 6,913,460; 6,932,598; 6,976,839; 7,018,202; 7,094,051; 7,104,790; 7,108,508; 7,156,654; 7,238,022; 7,322,987; 7,331,781; 7,357,636; 7,416,407; 7,435,083; 7,458,810; 7,578,671; 7,578,672; 7,618,257; 7,785,102; 7,837,904; 7,878,803; 7,880,751; 7,905,724; 7,930,189; 7,955,075; 7,963,768; 7,970,627; 7,970,628; 7,985,070; 7,987,099; 8,099,305; 8,126,726; 8,192,196; 8,257,077; 8,257,078; 8,282,392; 8,348,664; 8,371,846; 8,439,672; 8,807,996; 8,807,998; 8,874,452; 8,882,499; 8,900,282; 8,905,754; 8,930,219; 8,932,054; 9,017,070; 9,101,437; 9,107,722; 9,144,474; 9,237,941; 9,242,118; 9,308,389; 9,333,053; 9,393,085; 9,414,897; 9,492,245; 9,517,113; 9,532,854; 9,539,066; 9,636,192; 9,649,176; 9,687,318; 9,730,780; 9,731,365; 9,814,543; 9,827,072; 9,844,424; 9,848,960; 9,861,451; 9,867,681; 9,877,803; 9,925,019; 9,980,791; 9,987,104; D751208; D794804; D802145; D847349; D848001; RE35170; 10,004,574; 10,064,706; 10,092,375; 10,111,730; 10,299,892; 10,383,704; 10,413,385; 10,433,932; U.S. Pub. App. Nos. 20020025502; 20030064344; 20030091952; 20030170585; 20070218415; 20090035715; 20100285422; 20110300502; 20120028208; 20130089828; 20130177861; 20140072928; and Foreign Patent Nos. EP0931518; ES2049306. Each patent or other reference cited herein is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe unimpeded distalizing jig has been designed for segmental distalization with the ultimate intent of improving the interdigitation between opposing dental arches and to create additional intra-arch space to adequately deliver and align the permanent teeth.
This design, is a substantial improvement over the Carriere Motion 3D, U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,070,
While Sheikh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,578,672,
The present invention provides a telescoping structure, with a distalizing force preferably generated by an inter-dental arch elastic element. The sagittal vector of force is inappreciably sustained by a bondable attachment to a selected anterior stabilizing dental unit, e.g., a canine tooth, therein delegating the applied distalizing force to the posterior, intra-dental fixation point located on the molar benefactor. The telescoping structure is preferably curved, which achieves two purposes: first, it provides appropriate clearance over a range of applications, and thus minimizes the need for an orthodontist to inventory multiple appliances (the length of the rod may be adjusted in-procedure).
In a typical case, the distalization process applies a force on the labial surface of the intended dental-unit benefactor that acts independently from the anterior stabilizing dental-unit with respect to the magnitude of distalization to be realized, and therefore, a universal joint is provided in the attachment of the molar to the jig. Conversely, the jig may be rigidly bonded or attached to the anterior fixation unit, since no force is applied to the anterior unit except to normalize the force vector supplied by the elastic, which is a low force that typically will induce no repositioning of the anterior fixation unit.
On the other hand, in some cases, the universal joint may be replaced with a single axis joint or a rigid attachment, as may be necessary to introduce a physical couple with a counter moment designed and intended to mitigate the rotational influences or moments that would otherwise be realized with the application of a single force, thus achieving distal translation of the molar benefactor. In this case, the joint need not be directly on the tooth surface, by may be extended from the surface by 1-5 mm. Note that due radius of the telescoping structure provides potential rotation of the molar while it is distalized, due to the changing angle of rotation, if the distal fixation is not a universal joint. While this angle is fixed per the radius of curvature of the telescoping structure, it is possible to supply different radii structures for special cases. The radius may be, for example 3-12 inches, with the “standard” design for adolescents about 8-10 inches. The short radius may be appropriate for infants and large rotation situations, while the larger radii appropriate for adults and situations where rotation is undesired.
The anterior fixation is typically by means of a rigid joint, e.g., the rod extending as an integral extension from a bond pad. The posterior fixation is typically by means of a universal joint as discussed above, which is connected to the tubular structure.
In some cases, it is desired to apply only a horizontal force to the molar, and therefore instead of a universal joint fixation, the posterior fixation may be a horizontal rotatable pivot. In other cases, the rotation of the distalizing molar is desired to be greater than the radius of curvature of the rod, and this may be achieved by providing a vertical rotatable constrained pivot, with the rotational moment dependent on the distalization extent and the distance of the vertical rotatable pivot from the molar central axis. Typically, use of a rigid joint on the molar fixation is undesired, in that it complicates installation without substantial benefit.
Because the force is applied between the intra-dental arch and the tubular structure, the force on the anterior fixation unit is limited to the normalizing force to correct the angle of the rod to the angle of the elastic, and is a small value which does not cause substantial movement of the anterior fixation unit.
Because the structure does not flex during use, components may be formed of stainless steel, e.g., 304, 316, 17-4 PH SS, SR-50A, SR-6DX SFSS SR-3Mo, and avoid substantial risk of adverse material reactions. Clear plastic materials, or matched tooth color materials, or decorative color materials, may also be used. The distalizing jig may be 3D printed, or some or all components may be 3D printed, such as from polymer or powdered metal (e.g., laser sintered).
The distalizing and anchor fixations are typically through standard adhesive bond pads, though as required alternate fixation may be employed.
It is therefore an object to provide an unimpeded distalizing jig, comprising: a pair of tooth fixation mechanisms; an intra dental arch telescoping assembly, comprising a rod-like insertion and a tubular shell, which constrains the rod-like insertion to move with respect to the tubular shell along an elongated axis; and a force generating structure configured to supply an off-axis distalizing force to the intra dental arch telescoping assembly, such that the distalizing force is provided to the posterior tooth substantially without applying an anteriorizing force on the anterior tooth.
It is also an object to provide a method for unimpeded distalization, comprising: affixing a pair of tooth fixation mechanisms between teeth on the same dental arch; connecting the pair of tooth fixation mechanisms with an intra dental arch telescoping assembly, comprising a rod-like insertion and a tubular shell, which constrains the rod-like insertion to move with respect to the tubular shell along an axis of movement; and generating an off-axis distalizing force to the intra dental arch telescoping assembly, such that the distalizing force is provided to the posterior tooth along the axis of movement of the telescoping assembly, substantially without applying an anteriorizing force on the anterior tooth.
It is a still further object to provide an orthodontic distalizing appliance, comprising: a curved rod having an adhesive tooth of tooth fixation pad at one end; a curved tube, having a universal joint linkage to an adhesive tooth fixation pad at one end; the curved rod and the curved tube being operable to form a radially-operable telescoping assembly; and a hook, affixed to the curved tube, configured to supply a distalizing force from an elastic band to separate the adhesive tooth fixation pad of the curved rod and the adhesive tooth fixation pad of the curved tube.
It is also an object to provide a distalizing kit, comprising: a curved rod having an adhesive tooth of tooth fixation pad at one end; a curved tube, having a first portion of a universal joint linkage at one end, having a hook configured to supply a distalizing force from an elastic band to separate the adhesive tooth fixation pad of the curved rod and the adhesive tooth fixation pad of the curved tube, the curved rod and the curved tube being operable to form a radially-operable telescoping assembly; and an adhesive tooth fixation pad having a second portion of a universal joint linkage.
The pair of tooth fixation mechanisms may comprise at least one universal joint. The pair of tooth fixation mechanisms comprises at least one rigid joint. The pair of tooth fixation mechanisms comprises a universal joint and a rigid joint.
The tubular shell may be adapted to be connected to the distal tooth through a first tooth fixation mechanisms and the rod-like insertion is adapted to be connected to the anterior tooth through a second tooth fixation mechanisms.
The tubular shell may be adapted to be connected to the anterior tooth through a first tooth fixation mechanism and the rod-like insertion is adapted to be connected to the posterior tooth through a second tooth fixation mechanisms.
The force generating structure may comprise a hook for receiving an elastic loop.
The force generating structure may comprise a hook for receiving an elastic loop which is fixed on a tooth on an opposite dental arch, to provide an intra dental arch distalization force.
The orthodontic distalizing appliance may be used in conjunction with an elastic band attachment adapted for mounting on an opposed dental arch. The orthodontic distalizing appliance may further comprise a custom fitted anchor unit (e.g., of clear plastic), which exposes the elastic band attachment, to maintain the teeth of the opposed dental arch in relative position.
The intra dental arch telescoping structure may be circularly curved, to provide a radial axis of movement of the rod-like structure with respect to the tubular shell.
The unimpeded distalizing jig may further comprise an O-ring at an open end of the tubular shell, configured to seal the tubular shell around the tubular rod. The O-ring may be made of Teflon.
The rod and tube are preferably formed of stainless steel. However, the components may be formed of other suitable materials, and, for example, may be formed of transparent plastic.
The unimpeded distalizing jig according to the present invention, as depicted in
After installation, the unimpeded distalizing jig appears as shown in
The practitioner performing the installation can cut this rod to size, as predicated by the existing distance between the involved molar benefactor and its associated anterior, stabilizing unit 2.
The cylindrical-tube 8 may have a Teflon O-ring 12, as shown in
The O-ring 12 also avoids lodging of food in the cylinder, which can lead to loss of radial freedom of movement and bacterial overgrowth.
In general, the cylindrical-tube 8 need not be linear (e.g., consistent with
A small hook 10 extends inferiorly from the anterior open-end of the cylindrical-tube 8 when the apparatus is installed on the maxillary arch (as shown in
It is noted that the tube and rod may be reversed from the preferred layout, with a rod fixed posteriorly and a tube fixed anteriorly. However, this arrangement requires that the elastic band hook be attached to the rod.
Of course, alternate elastic or spring tension may be applied, instead of the standard elastic bands, however, due to their availability, convenience, low cost, simplicity, non-toxicity, and functionality, elastic bands are preferred. Tensile forces may alternately be applied by steel or memory metal (typically nickel-titanium alloys), pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, magnetic (e.g., permanent magnet) or electromagnetic motors or actuators, without particularly altering the three basic components of the invention, other than their linkage to the force applying element.
It is important to define resistance as the cumulative imposition of movement of a dental unit or units in response to the introduction of an applied force. In the Carriere Motion 3D prior art shown in
The unimpeded distalizing jig according to the present invention provides the following advantages not currently available in the prior art:
Flexibility in customizable sizing features, thus reducing the operating costs to maintain adequate inventory; and,
The unrestrained, independent cylindrical-tube contrivance is without any appreciable resistance or impedance from the anterior stabilizing component, thus allowing for more effective distalization of the molar benefactor.
While the unimpeded distalizing jig may share a visual resemblance to the Carriere Motion 3D prior art shown in
Various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used in lieu of the above components. Further, while the invention has been shown and described with reference to an embodiment thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that the above and other changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. An unimpeded distalizing jig, comprising:
- a rod having a first tooth fixation mechanism;
- a tube having a second tooth fixation mechanism and a hook element configured to receive a force from an elastic; and
- the tube being sealed around the rod to form a displaceable telescoping mechanism with the rod constrained to move within the tube.
2. The unimpeded distalizing jig according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second tooth fixation mechanisms comprises a universal joint.
3. The unimpeded distalizing jig according to claim 1, wherein the first tooth fixation mechanism comprises a rigid fixation and the second tooth fixation mechanism comprises a universal joint.
4. The unimpeded distalizing jig according to claim 1, wherein the tube is adapted to be connected to a distal tooth through the second tooth fixation mechanisms and the rod is adapted to be connected to the anterior tooth through the first tooth fixation mechanisms.
5. The unimpeded distalizing jig according to claim 1, further comprising the elastic loop.
6. The unimpeded distalizing jig according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic band retaining attachment pad configured for bonding to a molar.
7. The unimpeded distalizing jig according to claim 1, wherein the telescoping mechanism is curved.
8. The unimpeded distalizing jig according to claim 1, further comprising an O-ring at an open end of the tube, configured to seal the tube around the rod.
9. The unimpeded distalizing jig according to claim 1, wherein the tube has a weep hole.
10. The unimpeded distalizing jig according to claim 1, further comprising an O-ring at an open end of the tube, configured to seal the tube around the rod.
11. A method for unimpeded distalization, comprising:
- affixing a pair of tooth fixation mechanisms comprising a first tooth fixation mechanism attached to an anterior tooth and a second tooth fixation mechanism attached to a posterior tooth on the same dental arch;
- connecting the pair of tooth fixation mechanisms with an intra dental arch telescoping assembly, comprising a rod displaceable in a tube, the tube being sealed around the rod to form a telescoping mechanism, and a hook element configured to receive a force from an elastic; and
- generating a distalizing force on the hook element to displace the posterior tooth through the second tooth fixation mechanism, substantially without applying an anteriorizing force on the anterior tooth through the first tooth fixation mechanism.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the second tooth fixation mechanism comprises a universal joint affixed to a posterior tooth.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the first tooth fixation mechanism comprises a rigid fixation affixed to an anterior tooth.
14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the hook element receives a force from an elastic loop attached to an opposite dental arch, to provide an intra dental arch distalization force.
15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the intra dental arch telescoping structure is curved, to provide a radial movement of the rod in the tube.
16. The method according to claim 11, further comprising an O-ring at an open end of the tube, configured to seal the tube around the rod.
17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the tube comprises a weep hole.
18. An orthodontic distalizing appliance, comprising:
- a rod having an adhesive tooth fixation pad;
- a tube, having a universal joint linkage to an adhesive tooth fixation pad;
- the rod being sealed ay an opening of the tube and being operable to form a displaceable telescoping assembly; and
- a hook, affixed to the tube, configured to supply a distalizing force from an elastic band to separate the adhesive tooth fixation pad of the rod and the adhesive tooth fixation pad of the tube.
19. The orthodontic distalizing appliance according to claim 18, wherein the tube is curved, and adapted to be connected to the posterior tooth, and the rod is curved and is adapted to be connected to the anterior tooth.
20. The orthodontic distalizing appliance according to claim 19, further comprising an elastic band attachment adapted for mounting on an opposed dental arch with respect to the anterior tooth and the posterior tooth.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 17, 2022
Publication Date: Nov 3, 2022
Inventors: Anthony T. Suriano (Sea Girt, NJ), Justin T. Suriano (Montclair, NJ)
Application Number: 17/866,528