Means To Transmit Or Apply Force To Tooth Patents (Class 433/18)
  • Patent number: 9907628
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide implants for an artificial tooth that does not require a period, for integration of implant bodies and a jawbone as in the background art, enables treatment even of a patient whose jawbone is small in bone amount or thickness, can reduce the treatment period and the number of times of treatment for many patients, and can lighten the mental and physical burden of a patient by minimizing the impact to the jawbone, and this invention is characterized by the following means, an artificial tooth, implant device with an arrangement where at least two implant bodies, each having a shaft portion, form a pair, a hook portion, hooked in a hook hole bored in a jawbone, is provided on the shaft portion of each implant body, the hook, portion is bent with respect to the shaft portion, and when the respective implant bodies are hooked onto the jawbone, tip portions of the hook portions are positioned so as to face each other inwardly, the arrangement being provided with a fixing means fo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: TOSA ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akinori Katto
  • Patent number: 9801755
    Abstract: A tongue grasping and restraining device holds the tongue securely during sleep in order to minimize the risk of the tongue slipping back and blocking the throat. Plural tongue gripping projections are coupled to upper and lower supports. One or more of the upper and lower supports are biased together into a tongue engaging position. A tongue depressor can extend rearwardly and downwardly from the upper support to depress the user's tongue to further open the user's airway. The position of the tongue depressor can be adjustable. The upper support is coupled to the user's upper jaw, for example, to a denture, dental appliance or other form of an upper jaw coupler and can be pivoted thereto. The lower support can be hinged to, fixed to, or otherwise joined to a lower jaw coupler. A tube and rod mechanism can couple the jaw couplers together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: John D. Summer
  • Patent number: 9795460
    Abstract: A tooth-positioning appliance for closing spaces has at least two appliance segments, each segment having a thin elastomeric shell with recesses for removably engaging a set of teeth, and tooth-clasping elements for removably engaging bonded attachments protruding from the teeth. One of the appliance segments includes a flat receptacle extending horizontally on the thin shell of the appliance segment, and the other appliance segment has a thin elongated tab extending laterally from the second appliance segment spanning the space to be closed, and in sliding engagement with the flat receptacle of the other appliance segment. An activating element is connected between the appliance segments to exert a force to change the size of the space between the sets of teeth as the tab slides with respect to the flat receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventors: Martin G. Martz, Andrew S. Martz
  • Patent number: 9795456
    Abstract: An orthodontic system includes an orthodontic bracket that defines an arch wire slot. The bracket includes a gear system, a motor to drive the gear system, and an integrated circuit to control the motor, an arch wire placed in the arch wire slot, and a computer server to send instructions to the integrated circuit in the orthodontic bracket. The integrated circuit is configured to control the motor according to the instructions from the computer server to drive the gear system to apply a force to the arch wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Naif Bindayel
  • Patent number: 9744006
    Abstract: An oral apparatus for mandibular jaw manipulation which in some embodiments may include: an upper tray configured to receive a plurality of maxillary teeth and which may have a first upper anchor member coupled to a first side of the upper tray and a second upper anchor member coupled to a second side of the upper tray; a lower tray configured to receive a plurality of mandibular teeth and which may have a first lower anchor member coupled to a first side of the lower tray and a second lower anchor member coupled to a second side of the lower tray. The first upper anchor member may be configured to contact the first lower anchor member and the second upper anchor member may be configured to contact the second lower anchor member to adjust the positional relationship between the mandible and the maxilla of a mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Gregory K. Ross
  • Patent number: 9649176
    Abstract: Orthodontic devices for segmental distalization in a patient are provided. The orthodontic device includes an elongated central arm; a distal part comprising a distal base surface adapted for attachment to a lingual surface of a molar, wherein the distal part is located at a distal end of the central arm. The device also includes a mesial part comprising a mesial base surface adapted for attachment to a lingual surface of a premolar, wherein the mesial part is located at a mesial end of the central arm. The mesial part and/or distal part comprising a first retention element for retention of a first end of an elastic element. The central arm is shaped to substantially follow a lingual side of a set of teeth. The present disclosure further relates to orthodontic kits and to methods for mounting orthodontic devices and to methods for treatment of malocclusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: ORTHODONTIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. S.L.
    Inventor: Luis Carriere Lluch
  • Patent number: 9615896
    Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus for installation in a patient's mouth is disclosed. The orthodontic apparatus includes a first extension wire, a second extension wire, and a palatal archwire. Each of the first and second extension wires includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal and distal portions and the palatal archwire are manipulatable to apply corrective buccal, labial, and transverse forces on the patient's dento-alveolar complex (DAC), to correct the shape of the patient's palate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Sue S. Lee
  • Patent number: 9539066
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance has a post attached to a first upper tooth, and a button with a recess attached to a second upper tooth. An elongated arm has an eye at one end through which the post is inserted to allow the elongated arm to rotate about the post, and a tip at the other end for removable insertion into the recess of the button. The length of the elongated arm is selectable to maintain a desired spacing between the first and second upper teeth (e.g., by cutting the tip of the elongated arm). An elastic extends from either the post or button to an attachment point on the patient's lower dental arch to exert a force between the patient's maxilla and mandible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Todd Evan Dickerson
  • Patent number: 9028250
    Abstract: A variety of improvements to the vibrating devices for dental remodeling are provided, including improved bite plate designs that accommodate common patient bite structure, a connector for a bite plate, a sizing tray for same, as well as better motors providing improved performance characteristics for an extraoral vibrator, and a completely intraoral vibrating dental plate with very thin cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Spaulding, Jeremy Ling, Michael E. Kaufman, Michael K. Lowe
  • Publication number: 20150118633
    Abstract: Method of assembling a distalizer comprising a mesial element and a distal element, and an arm connecting the distal element with the mesial element, the arm comprising a ball member at one end of the arm and the distal element comprising a receptacle for receiving said ball member, the method comprising providing the distal element with an opening of the receptacle that is large enough to introduce the ball member substantially without deformation, providing the arm with the ball member, introducing the ball member into the receptacle, and reducing the opening of the receptacle. The disclosure further relates to a distalizer obtainable by such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: ORTHODONTIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, S.L.
    Inventor: Luis Carriere Lluch
  • Patent number: 9017070
    Abstract: Orthodontic anchoring method and custom apparatus affixed to teeth, TADS and/or tooth positioning and stabilization appliances and/or orthodontic auxiliaries. Each appliance has mechanical fasteners structured to secure segments of a curable flexible resin rope called a flex fit module (FFM). The FFM is moldable and adaptable to the oral cavity between mechanical fasteners in an uncured first mode where it is cut to length, positioned around the anatomy of the mouth and attached to clamps or fasteners at each end. Each fastener has a clamp attached to orthodontic auxiliaries, orthodontic appliances or onto a TAD for anchorage purposes. One end of this custom appliance is usually attached via a clamp manufactured as part of a bracket or band to a tooth. The other end is connected to an appliance, tad or auxiliary. Once connected together the system is cured and becomes a solid entity ready to accept orthodontic forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Justin Parker
  • Patent number: 8979529
    Abstract: A medical apparatus including a bar with a first attachment loop, a second attachment and a plurality of hooks, wherein the medical apparatus is an arch bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Marcus
  • Patent number: 8939762
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a faster method of orthodontic remodeling, where a patient wears an orthodontic fixed appliance biting an orthodontic remodeling device, the orthodontic remodeling device comprising: an extraoral housing containing a power source operably coupled to an actuator operably coupled to a processor that controls the actuator and captures and communicates device usage data; the extraoral housing operably connected to an intraoral U-shaped bite plate; the bite plate having upper and lower vertical rims on a facial edge thereof to contact both arches of teeth; and wherein during use the orthodontic remodeling device vibrates at a frequency from 0.1 to 400 Hz. The patient then activates the orthodontic remodeling device for about 20 minutes daily. The method provides accelerated tooth movement as compared to without using the orthodontic remodeling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael K. Lowe
  • Publication number: 20140363778
    Abstract: A curable orthodontic FFM resin rope appliance connecting orthodontic anchoring and custom appliances affixed to teeth, TADs and/or tooth positioning appliances, which serve in moving and stabilization if teeth by connecting said appliances and/or orthodontic auxiliaries. The FFM resin rope appliance is moldable and adaptable to the oral cavity and positioned to be secured between any type of fasteners including mechanical fasteners, which accept the FFM resin rope in an uncured first mode where the FFM resin rope is cut to length, positioned around the anatomy of the mouth and attached to clamps or fasteners and/or flex fit wafers FFW(s) at each or one end. Once connected together the FFM resin rope is cured and becomes a solid entity ready to accept orthodontic forces to hold or move teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Justin Parker
  • Patent number: 8905754
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method relating to bidirectionally anchoring an anchor tooth. The apparatus may include an adjustable length brace and may be utilized in conjunction with an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic temporary anchorage device (TAD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Seth E. Ernstberger
  • Patent number: 8882499
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a flexible vesica containing a fluid, and a support structure supporting the vesica relative to the patient's dental anatomy. The support structure holds the vesica in compression against selected teeth, so that the fluid within the vesica exerts a therapeutic pressure on the teeth. For example, the support structure can include an arch-shaped trough to support a tubular vesica. The fluid can be an incompressible material, such as glycerin or water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Velton C. White
  • Publication number: 20140302451
    Abstract: A removable orthodontic retainer for correction of minor irregularities and to retain the corrected positions of the teeth which includes a labial bow having biasing means that causes the labial bow to be continually active on the anterior teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: TP Orthodontics, Inc.
    Inventor: TP Orthodontics, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140272757
    Abstract: A device for moving at least one tooth includes at least one grip bonded to the at least one tooth and a strip including at least one receiving feature. The strip is configured to receive the at least one grip for attachment to the strip, and attachment of the strip to the at least one grips generates a tooth-moving force. A method of moving at least one tooth includes bonding at least one grip to the at least one tooth, providing a strip including at least one receiving feature, attaching the strip to the at least one grip for attachment to the strip, and generating a tooth-moving force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Zia CHISHTI
  • Publication number: 20140272756
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating the temporomandibular joint, comprising a pad (1) for resting against the occlusal surface of the molar on the left-hand side and a pad (1) for resting against the occlusal surface of the molar on the right-hand side, wherein the pads (1) are formed from a sleeve produced from a flexible material, said sleeve being filled with a fluid, and wherein the two pads (1) are interconnected via a tube (3) for fluid exchange. To improve the wearing comfort of the device, it is proposed in accordance with the invention for a wire (4) for stabilising a shape of the tube (3) to be provided in the tube (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Aladin SABBAGH
  • Publication number: 20140272758
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a first connector member, selected from one of a connector element and an element receiver, and a second connector member, selected from the other of the connector element and the element receiver, is coupled to a patient. The connector element and element receiver cooperate to secure and release the orthodontic appliance to and from the patient. The connector receiver includes a housing and a clip, wherein the housing receives the connector element and the clip is movable along an axis between a release and blocked positions, but is biased toward the blocked position. The connector element is capable of being inserted into and removed from the housing when the clip is in the release position, and the connector element is captured within the housing when the clip is in the blocked position. A method for coupling an orthodontic appliance to a patient is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ORMCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jason A. Mohr
  • Patent number: 8821156
    Abstract: An expansion screw for regulating teeth has two expansion-screw bodies, the spacing between which can be changed by means of a spindle, and has at least one guide pin which is aligned parallel to the spindle and engages in guide openings of the two expansion-screw bodies, the spindle having a first and a second threaded portion, each of which is connected to an expansion-screw body, and an actuating portion, with at least one point for application of a tool for rotating the spindle, and the expansion screw has a locking mechanism which interacts with the actuating portion in order to secure the spindle against unintended rotation. The locking mechanism has at least one locking element with a locking member which is disposed laterally alongside the actuating portion and subjects the actuating portion to an axial spring force when the spindle is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Dentaurum GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Walter Ehrenberger, Simon Trautwein
  • Publication number: 20140242535
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biteplates for use with various orthodontic remodeling devices, wherein the bite plate releases fluoride during use, thus encouraging remineralization on enamel. Additionally, bite plates with a colorant or color-changing matrix that serve as indicators for fluoride concentration are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Orthoaccel Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. LOWE, Dwight SCHNAITTER
  • Patent number: 8807998
    Abstract: An orthodontic fixing apparatus is provided, wherein the apparatus includes a linear fixing body, bisymmetrically defined, having a plurality of connection grooves in each left and right sides thereof, and a plurality of cylindrical fixing rings arranged on the upper and lower sides of the central portion of the fixing body with a connection member being placed between the upper and lower sides, wherein a screw is inserted, to thereby fix the fixing body to the palate. Each fixing ring may protrude by a width of 0.1 mm to 4 mm in a direction of contact with the palate to minimize the contact of the fixing ring or the fixing body with the palate. The fixing ring may include a taper having a diameter that gradually decreases from an inlet to an outlet along an insertion direction of the screw, wherein an internal thread is arranged in the fixing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Cheol-gyu Lee
  • Patent number: 8770970
    Abstract: A device (1) for placing a dental splint (2) which is intended to be fixed at the level of the lingual, palatal or vestibular surfaces of at least two adjacent teeth (10) to immobilize the teeth. The placing device (1) has at least one flexible and elongated guiding support (3) carrying the splint (2), at least one positioning element (4, 4?), mounted so as to slide on the guiding support (3) behind the splint (2), and arranged for being positioned substantially in front of an interproximal gap (9) between the at least two adjacent teeth (10). A pressing mechanism (5, 5?) coupled to the positioning element (4, 4?) and arranged to bring the positioning element (4, 4?) close to the at least two adjacent teeth (10) to be interlocked, when pressed, to bring the splint (2) in contact and conform with the lingual, palatal or vestibular surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Dynadent Sarl
    Inventors: Youssef Haikel, Abd-Al-Qadir Maadi, Karim Maadi, Mahfoud Maadi
  • Patent number: 8727769
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dentition retaining apparatus that includes a joint between a holding member and a supporting member. The holding member is elastically deformable and terminates in an end segment having a length with an outer diameter. The joint includes a coil extending from the supporting member and having an inner diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the end segment of the holding member. The coil is placed around at least a portion of the end segment of the holding member. The coil compresses the end segment of the holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Paul William Griffiths
  • Patent number: 8708697
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus's for improving orthodontic treatments. In an embodiment, an orthodontic system including a tactile object is provided for modulating an engagement between a tooth attachment and an orthodontic appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chunhua Li, Jennifer Chen, John Morton, Jon Moss, Clark Kaufhardt, Heng Cao
  • Patent number: 8703026
    Abstract: Methods of making a removable dental positioning appliance include forming a sheet of transparent crystalline polymeric material into a shell having cavities shaped to receive and reposition teeth from a first orientation to a successive orientation. The polymeric material may then be annealed at a temperature above its glass transition temperature or cured if a curable material to enhance characteristics of the polymeric material. The polymeric material may be coated with a second transparent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. DeSimone, Robert E. Tricca
  • Patent number: 8689795
    Abstract: A TemporoMandibular Joint (TMJ) balancing appliance and a method for using the same are provided, in which a first base portion accommodates incisor teeth, a second base portion is extended from a left side of the first base portion and accommodates left molar teeth, and a third base portion is extended from a right side of the first base portion and accommodates right molar teeth. The first base portion includes an upper part for accommodating upper incisor teeth and a lower part for accommodating lower incisor teeth and has a center for accommodating the upper and lower incisor teeth higher than the left and right sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Jinbiotech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Jun Lee, Hwa-Jeong Lee, Kyung-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8667972
    Abstract: TENS can be applied to the TMJ of an athlete for a period of time to deprogram muscles. After TENS, a desired position of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw can be determined and recorded. The desired position can be a physiological resting position, or a performance position in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly relative to the physiological resting position. A mouthpiece can be prepared including bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws according to the desired position, and substantially prevent movement of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A connecting portion connects the bite portions within the mouth, and may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: 3162212 Nova Scotia Limited
    Inventors: Anil Kumar Makkar, Trevor Robert Laingchild, Preston Joseph Dokuchie
  • Patent number: 8667971
    Abstract: A spacing member can be positioned between teeth of the athlete to obtain a desired position between the upper and lower jaw. At least one bite registration can be recorded while the lower jaw is in the desired position. The desired position can range from the physiological resting position, to a performance position, in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly in relation to the physiological resting position. The mouthpiece can be formed to include a pair of bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws generally according to the desired position, and a connecting portion can connect the bite portions within the mouth. The connecting portion may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nova Scotia Limited
    Inventors: Anil Kumar Makkar, Trevor Robert Laingchild, Preston Joseph Dokuchie, Joseph Youssif Andary, Kris Shailer Astaphan, Deryl Dangstorp
  • Patent number: 8662889
    Abstract: A dental arch bar system includes upper and lower dental arch bars having movable transverse arms and ligature connectors. Fasteners secure the transverse arms to a subject's maxilla and mandible. Ligatures are secured around upper and lower ligature connectors to achieve intermaxillary fixation. A method is also disclosed for using the arch bar system to achieve intermaxillary fixation by securing the arch bars against opposing dental arches with ligature connectors of the upper and lower arch bar generally aligned. In some embodiments, a single dental arch bar is utilized and one or more ligature connectors (such as screws) are fixed directly in the bone of the opposite jaw. Ligatures then are secured to arch bar ligature connectors and the opposing ligature connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Georgetown University
    Inventor: Stephen B. Baker
  • Publication number: 20140038122
    Abstract: An orthodontic connection tool for attaching to a screw that has been embedded in a bone in the oral cavity an upper structural body to which an orthodontic tool is fixed, the orthodontic connection tool being provided with a base plate that is engageable with the screw; and a structural body fixture that is engaged with the base plate at an arbitrary position thereof and that fixes the upper structural body in a detachable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: OKADA MEDICAL SUPPLY CO.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Itsuki, Norihisa Okada, Junichi Kono
  • Publication number: 20140023982
    Abstract: The skeletal anchorage device according to the invention for attaching at least one orthodontic element to be used for orthodontic treatment comprises an anchorage element (10) which has an anchorage section (12) that is arranged to be attached skeletally, and also has an attachment section (14) that is arranged to be coupled with the at least one orthodontic element. According to the invention, the attachment section (14) is provided with an attachment arrangement that is designed such that the orthodontic element may be clamped to the attachment section (14) with continually adjustable clamping force at least in certain sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Enrico PASIN
  • Patent number: 8624167
    Abstract: A device for making a muffle, with which dental restoration parts can be produced with the aid of an embedding compound, at least one press blank and a pressing device, the device having a muffle base, a tubular sleeve surrounding the muffle base and at least one muffle insert which is arranged on the muffle base and can be separated from it. At least two cylindrical press-channel forming elements (16, 18, 20) extend parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another from a flat-formed portion of the muffle insert (12), which can be burned out at least with respect to the forming elements, which elements are formed in a closed manner, and in particular with thin walls, at least on one free end face opposite from the flat-formed portion (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventor: Diethard Bertsch
  • Publication number: 20130323664
    Abstract: Orthodontic anchoring method and custom apparatus affixed to teeth, TADS and/or tooth positioning and stabilization appliances and/or orthodontic auxiliaries. Each appliance has mechanical fasteners structured to secure segments of a curable flexible resin rope called a flex fit module (FFM). The FFM is moldable and adaptable to the oral cavity between mechanical fasteners in an uncured first mode where it is cut to length, positioned around the anatomy of the mouth and attached to clamps or fasteners at each end. Each fastener has a clamp attached to orthodontic auxiliaries, orthodontic appliances or onto a TAD for anchorage purposes. One end of this custom appliance is usually attached via a clamp manufactured as part of a bracket or band to a tooth. The other end is connected to an appliance, tad or auxiliary. Once connected together the system is cured and becomes a solid entity ready to accept orthodontic forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Justin Parker
  • Patent number: 8591226
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Richard J. Griffith, William Koenig
  • Publication number: 20130302744
    Abstract: An orthodontic separator to simultaneously separate a mesial and a distal aspect of a tooth is disclosed. The orthodontic separator comprises a first separating unit and a second separating unit adapted to be connected with each other through a connecting bar and the connecting bar is provided to prevent dislodgement of said orthodontic separator from the said tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Sudhanshu Kansal
  • Publication number: 20130295515
    Abstract: An orthodontic arch stabilization device comprises a plurality of ā€œsā€ shaped links connected, in double rows; to form an elongated chain is provided. The device is secured through selected links directly to a patient's teeth which are to be stabilized. The links can be rigid and of metal, such as stainless steel or a noble metal. A method of stabilizing teeth employs the arch stabilization device includes preparing the lingual surfaces of the teeth to be stabilized, applying adhesive to the lingual surfaces of the teeth, placing the device in direct contact with the adhesive on the lingual surfaces to affix the device in close proximity to the teeth within the mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: David R Musich, Paul Gange
  • Patent number: 8556624
    Abstract: The present invention provides an orthodontic appliance having a load applying mechanism. To correct malocclusion, the load applying mechanism may include a projection fixed to the specified tooth in the teeth so as to project from the specified tooth in the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Teruko Yamamoto, Hiroshi Kamioka, Taiji Adachi, Shogo Fukushima, Takumi Sakimura
  • Patent number: 8523564
    Abstract: An orthodontic retainer system including retainer modules that are applied to adjacent teeth in a patient's mouth. The retainer modules may be provided in the form of mutually attracted members, such as magnets, that are temporary coupled on opposites sides of a delivery member for positioning and bonding to an adjacent pair of teeth. In one exemplary embodiment, the retainer modules have rounded and/or chamfered edges and sloped and curved lingual surfaces, and may include a magnet that is received and sealed within an enclosure or cover that has the same shape or profile as the magnet and is made of a wear-resistant biocompatible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Eugene L. Dellinger, Aron E. Dellinger
  • Patent number: 8517726
    Abstract: Methods and devices utilizing a dental appliance having a resilient portion are disclosed. One such appliance is a removable dental positioning appliance that includes, a plurality of shell portions each having one or more cavities shaped therein to receive one or more teeth and wherein each of the plurality of shell portions is formed to be separate from each of the other plurality of shell portions; a resilient component attached to a side of at least two shell portions; and wherein at least one of, the resilient component and one or more of the shell portions, provides one or more forces to reposition one or more teeth from a first orientation to a successive orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Kakavand, Vadim Matov, Jennifer C. Chen, Jon F. Moss, Jihua Cheng
  • Patent number: 8500446
    Abstract: A bite plate allowing for contact with occlusal and facial and/or lingual maxillary and mandibular teeth is coupled to an extraoral housing containing a rechargeable battery coupled to a vibrator coupled to a processor coupled to data and charging port or ports. The housing is at least water resistant, and a hatch allows access to the data and charging port or ports only. The device is fitted with a very smooth and quiet vibrator, with minimal variance on operating specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Orthoaccel Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Michael K. Lowe
  • Patent number: 8500445
    Abstract: Orthodontic braces include at least one thread 2 and at least one tightener 3, wherein the thread 2 is wound around one or more teeth ā€œDā€ and is appropriately tensioned by the tightener 3, so as to exert at least one force on the one or more teeth ā€œDā€ in order to treat malocclusions, labioversions, and mandibular regressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Franco Borri
  • Publication number: 20130189640
    Abstract: A support member for correcting tooth irregularities is provided. The support member includes: a main body that extends in a longitudinal direction and includes a hook portion formed on an end portion thereof; and a plurality of leg portions each of which extends in a radial direction from a central portion of the main body and has a through-hole formed in an end portion thereof, wherein each of the plurality of leg portions is obliquely formed with respect to a line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body. The support member may be simply fixed to a palatine bone by fixing a fixing screw to the palatine bone without cutting a mucus membrane and may maintain a stable fixed state because the plurality of leg portions are fixed in an area other than a midpalatal suture area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Yoon Ah Kook, Kyu Rhim Chung
  • Patent number: 8469706
    Abstract: An activatable dental appliance. A concave trough conforms to a plurality of teeth when placed over the plurality of teeth. A first force applying region is configured to apply a first force to at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth for repositioning the tooth. A second force applying region is configured to be selectively activated, wherein when selectively activated the second force applying region applies a force to at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Kuo
  • Publication number: 20130130190
    Abstract: Orthodontic force modules for use in correcting class II and/or class III malocclusions. In one embodiment, the force module (100) includes an elongate body (102) extending between a distal end (104) and a proximal end (106), a movable member (108) extending between a proximal end (112) and a distal end (110) that is slidably disposed relative to the elongate body (102), a movable piston (108) disposed at or near the distal end (110) of the movable member, a stop (118) disposed at or near a proximal end (106) of the elongate body (102) and proximal to the movable piston (108), and an elastomeric member (120). A proximal end (112) of the elastomeric member (120) is cooperatively coupled to the stop (118), while a distal end (110) is cooperatively coupled to the movable piston (108) so that when the movable member is moved distally relative to the body, the elastomeric member (120) stretches so as to apply a counter-force to the movable member (108).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: ULTRADENT PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Paul E. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8414581
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for fixing a patient's jaw by using arcuate arch bars which are fastened to both the upper and lower teeth using a plurality of zip ties. The arch bars are provided with bores and zip ties are passed through these bores and fastened to the patient's teeth. Each arch bar is provided with interarch receptacles which receive and engage a zip tie. The receptacles are rotatable and are generally aligned between the upper and lower arch bars. Additional zip ties with opposed teeth are passed through the upper and lower pairs of arch bar receptacles and tightened to fix the lower jar to the upper jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mercy Medical Research Institute
    Inventors: Bharat Shah, Kara Childers, Keela Davis
  • Patent number: 8403663
    Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus for direct placement of a ligature for tooth extruding. The apparatus has a body having a first end and a second end. The first end has a reservoir for receiving adhesive and a ligature having a first end and a second end. The first end is releasably embedded in the reservoir and the second end extends through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Reliance Orthodontic Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Hilgers, Paul Gange
  • Patent number: 8388341
    Abstract: Orthodontic spacer and floss set-ups are organized on a set-up holder which is a thin square or rectangular piece of plastic that has a plurality of complementary notches formed across opposite sides. The spacer is positioned more or less in between the notches on the set-up holder and one length of floss is disposed in one notch while the other length of floss is disposed in the complementary notch on the opposite side of the holder. In a supply of two or more spacer set-ups, the set-ups are separated from each other in this manner so that a particular one does not have to be untangled from a jumble of other set-ups. Kits provide pre-made set-ups already organized on a piece of notched plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Regina L. Keltgen
  • Publication number: 20130052605
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a buccal fixture for orthodontic use, including a base part having at least two screw holes and a hook piece which extends from the base part toward the side. The hook piece includes: a first hook part at which a first opening is opened to one side direction and a second hook part at which a second opening is opened to a direction opposite to the opened direction of the first opening are formed on the hook piece. According to the present invention, the buccal fixture to be implanted to a gum at a molar tooth side can be used for both left and right side or upper jaw and lower jaw. Accordingly, an error can be prevented originally that the buccal fixture is implanted to a wrong position due to confusion between the left and right fixtures by an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Jang Hoon Ahn