Abstract: A dental apparatus for use with a connecting member coupled to a jaw in a patient's mouth. The apparatus includes an orthodontic device and a connecting device carried by the orthodontic device. The connecting device includes a receptacle adapted to partially receive the connecting member and a blocking member. The blocking member is moveable relative to the receptacle between an opened position in which the connecting member may be disengaged from the receptacle and a closed position in which the connecting member is captured within the receptacle for pivotally engaging the orthodontic device with the connecting member. The orthodontic device may further include a biasing member selectively activated to provide a spring-biased force to the jaw. A method of using the dental apparatus includes moving the blocking member to capture/release the connecting member in the receptacle and activating/deactivating the biasing member to operate the apparatus in a different mode.

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.

Abstract: A medical tube securing device for a patient is disclosed, comprising at least one bite block and a support frame integral with said bite block, said support frame comprising a protruding extension with at least one inwardly recessed portion so as to avoid contact with the patient's mouth, said protruding extension operable to receive an adjustable medical tube retaining device without contacting the face of the patient.

Abstract: An orthodontic implant structure including: an upper structure body having an insertion hole; a pair of bolts each having a head thread portion, a hexagonal locking portion, an engaging ring, and an embedding thread portion; and a base plate in which are formed a first locking hole and a second locking hole that lock with the hexagonal locking portions and having a projecting thread portion. Both bolts are embedded in bone, the first locking hole is locked on the hexagonal locking portion and a first nut is screwed onto the head thread portion, and the insertion hole is fitted over the projecting thread portion and a second nut is screwed onto the projecting thread portion.

Abstract: Intra-oral devices for distraction osteogenesis are described. Utilizing a medical model, bone-traced fixation plates with undercut portions are custom-fitted to the skeleton of the patient. To these plates rigid distraction platforms are connected. In the pre-surgical stage, skeletal segments are placed in the post-operative position and occlusal splints are constructed. The occlusal splints are modified to interengage the distraction platforms and to provide docking therefor. One or more distractors are mounted on the rigid platform and, upon operation thereof, guide the segment to the distraction endpoint. Optionally, after distraction and during consolidation, the distractors may be removed.

Abstract: A dental appliance that includes at least a first member presenting a first sloped surface and configured for attachment to a first tooth of a patient. Preferably, the first member interacts with a second member presenting a second sloped surface and configured for attachment to a second tooth of the patient. The preferred embodiment includes the interaction between the first and second member's sloped surfaces re-align the patient's jaw to correct mandibular disharmonies. In the preferred embodiment, each of the first and second members includes a laterally extending extraction feature to facilitate separation of the first and second members from the patient's teeth.

Abstract: Implant with fastening means (2) to be fixed to the bone of a person's upper jaw (5) or lower jaw (30), with a mounting element (3) for mounting orthodontic appliances, whereby said mounting element (3) is connected to fastening means (2) by means of a connecting piece (4) formed by a rod with a circular section or an elliptic section, which is adapted to extend through the person's gum surrounding the corresponding bone to which said fastening means (2) are intended to be fixed, whereby said fastening means (2) are formed of an osteosynthesis plate which is provided with several recesses (6,7,8,9) through which fit screws (10,11,12,13) for fixing the implant to the bone of said upper or lower jaw, wherein said connecting piece (4) forms an extension of the osteosynthesis plate.

Abstract: An orthodontic maxillary micro implant includes a plate and a corrective accessory. The plate is implanted into the keratinized epidermal tissue in the maxilla of the orthodontic patient's oral cavity. First and second locking elements are passed through first and second locking holes situated at both ends of the plate respectively to secure the plate to the maxilla, and finally a third locking element is affixed through a fourth locking hole situated on the corrective accessory and a third locking hole situated on the plate to secure the corrective accessory to the maxilla. The orthodontic maxillary micro implant overcomes the difficulty of tongue operation and reduced oral hygiene maintenance caused by the large surface area that a conventional maxillary device occupies. With the use of orthodontic wires, the orthodontic maxillary micro implant becomes an orthodontic accessory allowing the patient's teeth to be moved backward, pulled forward, pushed sideways or retracted.

Abstract: A temporary anchorage device is disclosed having a head located at an exposed end of the device, a square neck attached to the head, a tapered shaft having threads at an implanted end which is opposite the head, and a transmucosal collar positioned between the tapered shaft and the square neck. A visible colored section is attached to the device between the exposed end and the transmucosal collar. In a second embodiment, a cap having a decorative feature is placed over the head of the implant. The visible colored section and decorative feature may be detachable from the implanted device and exchangeable. The present invention also includes a method for aesthetically enhancing a temporary anchorage device.

Abstract: An upper tray adapted to receive a wearer's maxillary teeth. A lower tray adapted to receive the wearer's mandibular teeth. A first upper ridge is carried on a maxillary occlusal surface of the upper tray. A second upper ridge is carried on the maxillary occlusal surface of the upper tray posterior to and spaced from the first upper ridge. A lower ridge is carried on a mandibular occlusal surface of the lower tray received between the first upper ridge and the second upper ridge. The lower tray is movable to a forward position where the lower ridge abuts the first upper ridge to limit forward movement of the lower tray in relation to the upper tray, and the lower tray is movable to a rearward position where the lower ridge abuts the second upper ridge to limit rearward movement of the lower tray in relation to the upper tray.

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 “D” and is appropriately tensioned by the tightener 3, so as to exert at least one force on the one or more teeth “D” in order to treat malocclusions, labioversions, and mandibular regressions.

Abstract: The description relates to a self-drilling threaded screw implant, particularly for orthodontics. According to the invention there is in at last one thread groove (15) of the thread (10), delimited by two flanks (13), a cutting edge (16) extending transversely to the two flanks (13) without traversing the two flanks (13).

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for utilizing metallic portions in dental positioning appliances. One embodiment includes a removable dental positioning appliance having a shell having one or more cavities shaped to receive and reposition one or more teeth from a first orientation to a successive orientation and where at least a portion of the shell is formed from a metallic mesh material.

Abstract: An orthodontic retainer system includes retainer modules that are applied to adjacent teeth in a patient's mouth, and a method and apparatus for delivering the system. The retainer modules may be provided in the form of mutually attracted members, such as magnets, that are temporarily coupled on opposites sides of a delivery member for positioning and bonding to an adjacent pair of teeth. The delivery member may include pusher elements that contact the retainer modules for exerting a force against the modules to press same firmly against the teeth in order to enhance bonding between the modules and the teeth.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an orthodontic appliance capable of efficiently applying vibration to teeth to be aligned and enabling a treatment to be easily and safely continued even at home. This appliance is provided with a load applying mechanism and a vibration generating actuator. The load applying mechanism is mounted on teeth to apply a load for the malocclusion correction to a specified tooth in the teeth. The vibration generating actuator includes a contact portion that is inserted into a buccal cavity containing the teeth and can come into contact with a part of the load applying mechanism corresponding to the specified tooth or the specified tooth, and applies a vibration force from the contact portion to the specified tooth or the part of the load applying mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plastic tray orthodontic device (11) which may have embedded activators (10) and which is provided with an over-shell (12). The over-shell (12) acts as a force module.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance is provided for controlling positioning of a patient's teeth. The appliance includes at least one dental encasing component formed to overlay at least one of the patient's teeth and at least a portion of a palate of the patient. The at least one dental encasing component has a lingual surface and a labial surface. The appliance also includes at least one rigid component fused to an entire length of the lingual surface of the at least one dental encasing component and over a portion of the at least one dental encasing component overlaying a portion of the palate of the patient.

Abstract: Anchor apparatus for orthodontic appliances for moving a molar or the like. A first anchor is attached to the cortical bone adjacent to one side of the molar. The first anchor is elongated and has an outer head portion for attachment to an orthodontic appliance, and an inner threaded portion in engagement with the cortical bone. A second anchor is disposed on the side of the molar opposite to the one side. The second anchor has an outer head portion for attachment to an orthodontic appliance and is attached to the first anchor. The second anchor also may have an inner threaded portion in engagement with the cortical bone. The first and second anchors are substantially longitudinally aligned with each other to minimize the space taken up by the anchors adjacent to the molar.

Abstract: An orthodontic space-closing appliance has an anterior component that can be secured to the anterior part of one of the patient's dental arches; a posterior component that is slidably connected to the anterior component and that can be secured to teeth in the patient's dental arch distal to the teeth to which the anterior component is secured; and an urging member acting on the posterior and anterior components to urge those components towards one another. The posterior component has a support block that is adapted to act against the underside of an attachment fixed to the lingual surface of the tooth to which the posterior component is attached. The support block applies force to resist tipping of the tooth as the tooth is displaced anteriorly.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance including labial and lingual bodies having teeth-contacting surfaces for acting against targeted anterior teeth of a patient and associated labial and lingual components incorporating spring-loaded biasing means for causing the labial and lingual bodies to act in generally opposed directions and in unison against the surfaces of the targeted anterior teeth. Bands for attaching the appliance to molars and a lingual support component also are provided. The foregoing is applied to a fixed spring aligner, a habit appliance and a bonded crossbite appliance, as well as appliances having new and improved labial and lingual components. The habit appliance includes a labial component to pull anterior teeth into an ideal position, and the aligner and crossbite appliances include labial and lingual components for applying corrective forces to the respective labial and lingual surfaces of the anterior teeth.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for maxillo-mandibular fixation. For example, according to one representative embodiment, an apparatus for maxillo-mandibular fixation includes a plurality of connectors, a fixation belt, and a release. The connectors include one or more anchors configured to attach to bone and a fixation belt attachment. The fixation belt includes a plurality of fasteners each fastener attachable to a fixation belt attachment and a flexible mesh disposed between the plurality of fasteners. The release is disposed on the fixation belt and has an engaged position restricting movement between the plurality of fasteners and a disengaged position allowing movement between the plurality of fasteners.

Abstract: A customized orthodontic bracket system is provided. The system can include a bracket having a customized bracket bonding pad for bonding the bracket to a tooth of a patient and a bracket slot adapted to receive a customized archwire. The customized archwire is adapted to be positioned in the bracket slot to form a precise bracket slot-archwire interface. The bracket slot and the archwire when positioned in the bracket slot can be positioned substantially adjacent the tooth surface to reduce induced vertical error when the tooth is in a finished position and substantially parallel to the directly adjacent portion of the tooth surface to reduce bracket thickness. The bracket slot can also be configured to have a bracket slot width substantially matching a dimension of a cross-section of the archwire to reduce torque rotation around an axis of the archwire when positioned therein to further enhance end-of-treatment tooth positioning and reduce overall treatment time.

Abstract: The segmental distalization element includes a smoothly arcuate central body equipped at one end with a head for adaptation to the canine and at the other end with a head for adaptation to the molar, connected to the arcuate body of the element via a zone of reduced cross-section to increase the resilience of the distalization element in the zone and obtain direct, easy adaptation.

Abstract: An orthodontic system includes a tap, a screw and a tool. A user can maneuver the tool to drive the tap and screw. The tap is used to make a hole in an alveolus bone. The screw is used for firm insertion in the alveolus bone through the hole made with the tap.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methodologies and compositions for coating materials, which can be used in a variety of dental applications.

Abstract: The segmental distalization element includes a smoothly arcuate central body equipped at one end with a head for adaptation to the canine and at the other end with a head for adaptation to the molar, connected to the arcuate body of the element via a zone of reduced cross-section to increase the resilience of the distalization element in the zone and obtain direct, easy adaptation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthodontic screw with a self-ligating fixing system for orthodontic apparatuses with a filiform part comprising a head equipped with at least one longitudinal slot for the insertion of said filiform part, a threaded shank to be applied to the bone of the mouth and a stop means to reversibly block said filiform part. The stop means is a fork comprising at least two teeth and the head features at least one through hole made in one of the walls which delimit the slot, and said hole has a corresponding second through or not through hole in the opposite wall delimiting the slot and in which the axis that runs through both holes is located above the filiform part insertable in said slot. In addition, the invention regards a related system and an orthodontic kit comprising said screw.

Abstract: An orthodontic retainer system including retainer modules that are applied to adjacent teeth in a patient's mouth, and a method and apparatus for delivering the system. 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.

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.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic tensioning device having an elastomeric resilient body portion and first and second connectors which are securely attached to the elastomeric resilient body portion and have elements for connecting with a connecting structure. The orthodontic tensioning device preferably is applied by the orthodontist thus eliminating any dependency on the patient to faithfully wear his elastics. This provides control by the dental professional, and generally may improve results by reducing or eliminating tendencies of those who fail to replace or use elastics.

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.

Abstract: An impacted tooth appliance including a micropin bone anchor with a quadrilateral aperture formed therein, a rigid apertured ribbon secured to the impacted tooth by means of a rotatable bracket secured to the tooth, the ribbon pivoted on the bracket, and the ribbon and the micropin interconnected by means of spring-biased quadrilateral wire.

Abstract: An orthodontic anchor having a stem with a connecting portion and an emerging portion secured respectively to the ends thereof. The connecting portion is connected to bone by screws disposed in angled apertures and a cap envelops the emerging portion. A first transverse rib secured to the lower edge of the cap and a second transverse rib secured to the anchor between the connecting and emerging portions and an elastic band enveloping both transverse ribs.

Abstract: An orthodontic anchor device (10) for a surgical traction element is described. The anchor device includes a fixing device (12), which can be fixed in or to a bone in the mouth region, as well as a clamping device (18) coupled to the fixing device (12). The clamping device (18) has at least one locating region for the traction element as well as an oblique surface which can rotate relative to the locating region or which co-operates with a rotatable element. In order to produce a clamping force which fixes the traction element, a relative rotation takes place between the oblique surface and the rotatable element or between the oblique surface and the locating region.

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.

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.

Abstract: An orthodontic chain elastic is disclosed. The orthodontic chain elastic includes end portions, two intermediate portions disposed between the end portions and a middle portion disposed between the two intermediate portions. Pluralities of apertures are formed in each of the end portions, the intermediate portions, and the middle portion. The end portions have a greater cross section than that of the intermediate portions that in turn have a greater cross section than that of the middle portion.

Abstract: A fixing wire, in particular for applying treatment forces to a tooth, is intended to be protected in an extremely simple manner against translatory and rotational displacements and against being dislodged, with the mounting and dismantling time kept short. For this purpose, the fixing wire has a widened region produced by plastic deformation, for the longitudinal fixing thereof in a corresponding fixing recess of an orthodontic anchoring screw.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for anchoring orthodontic appliances or the like in the mouth wherein anchor screws of different constructions are installed in the bone in different areas of the mouth to insure adequate bone contact and retention. Each of the anchor screws has a threaded portion and a washer portion at the outer end of the threaded portion which is of sufficient width to engage the adjacent exterior bone surface when the threaded portion is installed in the bone to provide lateral support for the threaded portion. In some cases, the threaded portion is provided with threads of different sizes and the washer portion is provided with an exterior thread for cutting through gum tissue to enable the washer portion to engage the underlying adjacent exterior bone surface when the threaded portion is installed in the bone. Each anchor screw is provided with a lateral bore at the outer end thereof for receiving a ligature or the like therethrough to prevent the anchor screw from falling in the mouth.

Abstract: An orthodontic anchorage system (10) is provided having a bone attachment portion (20), a bracket attachment plate (40), and a transmucosal neck (30) connected between the bone attachment portion and the bracket attachment plate. The bracket attachment plate has a mating surface (41) configured for adhesive attachment to a complementary mating surface (50) of an orthodontic bracket (51). The mating surface of the bracket attachment plate at least partially defines an internal void (44) that retains a portion of the adhesive (53) when the orthodontic bracket is attached to the bracket attachment plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering an orthodontic retainer system wherein pairs of magnets are applied to adjacent teeth in a patient's mouth. The retainer system may include a pair of dental modules, in the form of mutually attracted members, that are temporary retained on a delivery member and positioned on a patient's teeth. In one exemplary embodiment, the dental modules have rounded and/or chamfered edges and a sloped lingual surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the delivery member is substantially L-shaped. Advantageously, the substantially L-shape of the delivery member allows an orthodontist to enter only a small portion of the patient's oral cavity to position the dental modules on a patient's teeth. Further, the substantially L-shape of the delivery member eases the orthodontist's delivery of the dental modules into a patient's mouth by substantially eliminating the need for the orthodontist to manipulate or otherwise move the patient's lips, tongue, and/or cheeks.

Abstract: An orthodontic bone anchor comprising an anchor plate, a tube affixed to the emerging end of the anchor plate and, a rod slidable within the tube, a groove formed in the rod, a plate attached to the tube at one end and having a V-shaped notch at the other end, and the V-shaped notch adapted to cooperate with the groove to prevent movement of the rod with respect to the tube.

Abstract: A bite corrector for moving the relative positions of the jaws includes a telescoping assembly with an outer member and an inner member received in the outer member. The outer and inner members have matching, curved configurations. Both of the members remain in close proximity to the patient's dentition during opening and closing movement of the jaws and the likelihood of contact of the bite corrector with adjacent tissue in the patient's oral cavity is reduced.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing wrinkled dental aligner for a patient's tooth includes developing a digital dental aligner model specifying at least one wrinkled surface on a dental aligner and producing a dental aligner having the wrinkled surface in accordance with digital dental aligner model.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for realigning one or more teeth in the intra oral cavity of a subject, includes a base having formed therein one or more guiding cells arranged to fit over a preselected tooth sought to be realigned from an initial position to a final position, each said guiding cell including a guiding structure defining a predetermined trajectory specific to the preselected tooth, along which the tooth is sought to be moved from the initial position thereof to the final position thereof; and apparatus, arranged within each guiding cell, for urging a predetermined tooth along its trajectory.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for anchoring orthodontic appliances or the like in the mouth wherein anchor screws of different constructions are installed in the bone in different areas of the mouth to insure adequate bone contact and retention. Each of the anchor screws has a threaded portion and a washer portion at the outer end of the threaded portion which is of sufficient width to engage the adjacent exterior bone surface when the threaded portion is installed in the bone to provide lateral support for the threaded portion. In some cases, the threaded portion is provided with threads of different sizes and the washer portion is provided with an exterior thread for cutting through gum tissue to enable the washer portion to engage the underlying adjacent exterior bone surface when the threaded portion is installed in the bone. Each anchor screw is provided with a lateral bore at the outer end thereof for receiving a ligature or the like therethrough to prevent the anchor screw from falling in the mouth.

Abstract: An orthodontic device for shifting a molar tooth along the maxillary arch includes an elongated guide element, on whose one end a first securing element is installed to secure the guide element relative to the maxillary arch. A first tube is formed to be shiftable on the guide element, wherein the first tube has a first securing device for optionally securing the first tube relative to the guide element. A second tube is guided on the first tube like a telescope arm, wherein the second tube has a second securing element for securing to the molar tooth. A spring is disposed to act between the first and the second tube which forces the second tube in a direction away from the first securing device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mounting device for a pair of orthodontic retainer elements intended for attachment to a pair of adjacent teeth in a dental arch during passive orthodontic treatment. The retainer elements include approximal surfaces formed complementary to each other so as to form contact surfaces capable of stabilizing each other when the pair of retainer elements is attached to the pair of adjacent teeth, thereby also stabilizing the pair of teeth. The mounting device comprises a jig to which the pair of retainer elements is releasably connected and is maintained in a specific spatial relationship, which allows the approximal surfaces to form the stabilizing contact surfaces when mounted on the pair of teeth. The invention also concerns a method of maintaining a correct spatial relationship between the pair of retainer elements, especially when attaching them to the pair of teeth.

Abstract: The present invention embodies to a palatal expansion device that includes one or more stabilizers attached to the blocks; a ratchet that engages the screw; and a built-in activator that communicates with the ratchet. This design allows essentially unidirectional rotation of the screw. The ratchet system embodies a pin/pocket arrangement, or a ratchet wheel/spring arrangement. The present invention involves kits and methods for expanding the maxillary arch or mandible using the palatal expansion devices of the present invention.

Abstract: A screw-type orthodontic anchor having an upper member with a pair of slots formed therein with the slots being of different depths. A head portion disposed below the upper member with a collar or cap enveloping the upper member and having a protrusion formed on the inner surfaces thereof which is positioned in a hole extending through the head portion.