Abstract: A microimplant placement guide is disclosed. The microimplant placement guide includes a jig having a through-hole and a guide hole for guiding a dental drill or a microimplant to be inserted into an alveolar bone, a supporting member including a flexible wire which passes through the through-hole of the jig and is deformed according to a placement position and direction of the microimplant, and a holder which is manufactured based on a patient's teeth model and fixes both ends of the supporting member while determining the accurate placement position and direction of the microimplant. Since the microimplant placement is achieved by the microimplant placement guide obtained from the patient's teeth model, the accuracy and safety of the operation are increased.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for changing the form of the jaw and facial bones of an adult patient that did not develop fully during childhood. The method utilizes a device having a plate body with an expansion screw device that fits within the mouth of the patient, flap springs that project from the plate body and an overlay extending from the plate body. The device is placed within the mouth of the patient so that the overlay is in a position between at least two opposing teeth. In this position the flap springs press against selected teeth that are out of alignment in order to urge those teeth back into place. This force on the teeth causes the jawbone to expand to accept the teeth in their proper position(s). Also, the device is arranged such that the opposing teeth contact the overlay during swallowing, which causes the patient's facial muscles to intermittently pull on the facial bones.

Abstract: A dental retainer device for stabilization, so-called retention, of pairs of teeth or groups of teeth in a lower jaw and/or an upper jaws in orthodontic treatment. The retainer device is formed of a pair (2) of retainer elements, consisting of two preferably individual, but in the position of use cooperating, retainer elements (4, 6). Each of the retainer elements (4, 6) is formed in with a retainer approximal surface (16, 18), the retainer approximal surfaces (16, 18) being formed complementary relative to one another. In use, one or more pairs (2) of retainer elements is/are positioned and secured with its/their individual elements (4, 6) preferably on the inner face of a tooth (20, 22) each of a pair of adjacent teeth, so that in the position of use the retainer approximal surfaces (16, 18) bear on each other and support, possibly lock, each other.

Abstract: An adjustable bite ramp includes a tooth-attachment element and ramp element. The tooth-attachment element is sized and configured for bonding to the lingual surface of a person's tooth, while the ramp element is hingedly or bendably adjustable relative to the tooth-attachment element. The ramp element provides a ramp at a desired angle for engaging a corresponding tooth of the opposite dental arch when the person's mouth is closed. The engagement between the ramp element and the corresponding tooth of the opposite dental arch causes the lower jaw to move forward relative to the upper jaw, thereby incrementally correcting the deep bite condition.

Abstract: An orthodontic anchor appliance having elongated titanium anchor plate adapted for attachment to bone, anchoring tab formed on the emerging end of the anchor plate, a nontitanium sleeve enveloping the anchoring tab, and an elongated bar attached to the sleeve.

Abstract: An orthodontic tensioning assembly, comprising a tensioner attachment body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the tensioner attachment body has an opening adapted to removably receive a dental anchorage structure, and wherein the second end of the tensioner attachment body is adapted to removably couple a tensioning element.

Abstract: An orthodontic anchor is disclosed. The orthodontic anchor has an anchor plate to be embedded between the mandible or maxilla bone and the covering mucous membrane and an engagement plate that remains exposed in the oral cavity. The anchor plate includes a protrusion and tissue openings. The protrusion is to be integrated with a bore prepared in the mandible or maxilla bone and the tissue openings are to be filled in with tissues to provide anchorage. The engagement plate includes engagement openings which are used to engage with a ligament device for correction of malocclusion.

Abstract: The element consists of two elements, a mesial segment composed of an anterior enlargement which with its inner base is fixed to the canine by means of adhesive and with its external portion facilitates retention of an elastic element, an arched extension in the shoulder, finished off by a ball-and-socket member at its end which is introduced into a receptacle located in the middle portion and outside of the distal segment by its base is joined by means of adhesive to the upper molar, that ball-and-socket member having a plurality of channels which facilitate its connection to a plurality of pivots in the lateral parts of the receptacle, the rotation between the two being limited by complementary projections provided in each segment, wherein the device can advantageously be produced from translucent or transparent materials.

Abstract: A bite ramp includes a tooth-attachment element and ramp element. The tooth-attachment element is sized and configured for bonding to the lingual surface of a person's tooth, while the ramp element may be either fixed or else hingedly or bendably adjustable relative to the tooth-attachment element. The ramp element provides a ramp at a desired angle for engaging a corresponding tooth of the opposite dental arch when the person's mouth is closed. The engagement between the ramp element and the corresponding tooth of the opposite dental arch may cause the lower jaw to move forward, rearwardly, or not at all relative to the upper jaw, thereby incrementally correcting a deep bite or other abnormal orthodontic condition. A kit may be provided that includes multiple bite ramps, at least two of which initially include different ramp angles.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance including at least one orthodontic component comprising a thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments the thermoplastic polymer is a rigid backbone polymer including at least one of a compatibilizing side roup or a solubilizing side group. The thermoplastic polymer may be heat processed to form the orthodontic component.

Abstract: The invention comprises a jaw orthopedic device for the movement and/or correction of teeth in the tooth arch with a synthetic resin element and/or at least one mature element or tooth contacting or tooth movement, whereby the synthetic resin element is comprised of a hard synthetic resin material and the synthetic resin element (1) has at least one soft plastic element (3) integrated therewith for tooth contacting or tooth movement.

Abstract: A screw device for orthodontic treatment comprises a screw-body part, a platform part integrally formed with the screw-body part, and a head part. The head part is detachable from and exposed outside the screw-body part and is operatable to hook a spring (or rubber band) for orthodontic treatment. Since the head part is detachable, various types of head parts can be chosen to attach on the same platform part and screw-body part for performing different orthodontic treatments. Cost to manufacture the screw device is lower, and flexibility and convenience to use the screw device are higher. The threads of the screw-body part are divided into at least a first thread portion located near to the platform part and a second thread portion located away from the platform part. The threads of the first thread portion are designed to have relatively narrower width and smaller pitch, while the threads of the second thread portion have wider width and larger pitch.

Abstract: A screw device for orthodontic treatment comprises a screw-body part, a platform part integrally formed with the screw-body part, and a head part. The head part is detachable from and exposed outside the screw-body part and is operatable to hook a spring (or rubber band) for orthodontic treatment. Since the head part is detachable, various types of head parts can be chosen to attach on the same platform part and screw-body part for performing different orthodontic treatments. Cost to manufacture the screw device is lower, and flexibility and convenience to use the screw device are higher. The external threads of the screw-body part are slightly loosened and tapered at a portion away from the platform part and relatively concentrated at another portion near to the platform part.

Abstract: A screw device for orthodontic treatment comprises a screw-body part, a platform part integrally formed with the screw-body part, and a head part. The head part is detachable from and exposed outside the screw-body part and is operatable to hook a spring (or rubber band) for orthodontic treatment. Since the head part is detachable, various types of head parts can be chosen to attach on the same platform part and screw-body part for performing different orthodontic treatments. Cost to manufacture the screw device is lower, and flexibility and convenience to use the screw device are higher. The screw device further comprises a detachable auxiliary unit which can be firmly clamped between the head part and platform part. The auxiliary unit has a hollow ring portion having a center hole, a first accessory member and a second accessory member. The size of the center hole is smaller than a flat cap of head part, such that it can be clamped between the head part and platform part.

Abstract: A mandibular and maxillary arch expansion apparatus having a first and second forward orthodontic bands and first and second rear orthodontic bands. The respective forward and rear orthodontic bands are interconnected by an expansion sheath element. The two forward bands are connected by a substantially straight, solid rod. The expansion sheaths exert lengthening forces while the solid rod resists lateral or widening forces. Also provided is a maxillary apparatus connected to a mandibular apparatus by a telescoping contraction connector. The device is positioned to exert adjustable contracting pressure for the correction of Class II malocclusions or overbite. Also provided is an arch expansion apparatus with a centrally disposed expansion element having two forward connector wires extending outwardly therefrom and two rearward connector wires extending outwardly. Each connector wire has an orthodontic band on the terminal end.

Abstract: The invention involves an attachable orthodontic hook system for the attachment of an orthodontic hook to a vacuum formed orthodontic appliance, the hook designed for the reception of orthodontic elastics used to correct the patient's bite.

Abstract: A method for producing orthodontic aligners uses a CAD system to modify a digital model of the patient's oral anatomy to incorporate features that accommodate attachment of aligner auxiliaries to the completed aligner(s).

Abstract: An orthodontic device allows direct attachment to orthodontic wires. A force module central portion is coupled to upper and lower end caps. The end caps have clip members that permit direct clipping onto the orthodontic wires to thereby retain the force module on the orthodontic wires. The clip members comprise first and second spaced apart curved members curving in a first direction and an intermediate curved member curving in the opposite direction. One or more of the curved members may flex to allow passage of the orthodontic wire. Alternatively the curved members have different radii of curvature to form a gap that is slightly smaller than the expected size of the orthodontic wire to permit the orthodontic wire to be forced between the gap and retained within a receiver portion formed by the curved members.

Abstract: A tooth moving method and appliance for securing a space for an incoming permanent tooth to arrive includes two lingual buttons to be fixed to two teeth, respectively, to spread out a space therebetween or correct a dentition therebetween. An inner wire is pivotally connected to a first lingual button at an end thereof, and a tube is loosely fitted onto the inner wire and pivotally connected to the other lingual button at an end thereof. An open coil is loosely fitted onto the tube, and a split stop is provided for adjusting the tensile force of the open coil. Thus the tensile force of the open coil is adjusted by the split stop to move at least either of the two teeth, so as to spread out the space therebetween to a desired extent.

Abstract: An externally mounted fixation device for craniomaxillofacial distraction osteogenesis, the device having a helmet to secure the device in a relatively rigid and immobile manner to the head of a patient, support structure to receive distraction components in fixed or adjustable spatial location relative to the patient's head, and distraction components to apply traction to the bones of the patient to be distracted.

Abstract: Orthodontic appliance for limiting relative longitudinal movement between the upper and lower jaws to correct malocclusions and/or to prevent snoring. The appliance includes a first component for engaging the upper jaw, and a second component for engaging the lower jaw. A projection is provided on one of the first and second components to abut the other of the first and second components, laterally offset from the jaws.

Abstract: An orthodontic separator, dimensioned such that it can be inserted between adjacent teeth. The separator is characterized in that it exhibits an increase in compressive force after insertion between adjacent teeth in the oral environment. The separator, after insertion, exerts sufficient force on the adjacent teeth to push the teeth apart.

Abstract: Auxiliary element for the segmented distalization of the posterior jawbone sector from canine to molar in orthodontic treatment. The element consists of two elements, a mesial segment composed of an anterior enlargement which with its inner base is fixed to the canine by adhesive and with its external portion facilitates retention of an elastic element, an arched extension in the shoulder, finished off by a ball-and-socket member at its end which is introduced into a receptacle located in the middle portion and outside of the distal segment by its base is joined by adhesive to the upper molar, that ball-and-socket member having a plurality of channels which facilitate its connection to a plurality of pivots in the lateral parts of the receptacle, the rotation between the two being limited by complementary projections provided in each segment, wherein the device can advantageously be produced from translucent or transparent materials.

Abstract: An easy to install tooth spreading and uprighting device that is positioned on a temporary basis across an edentulous space between a pair of teeth in the mouth of a dental patient to correct and prevent the teeth from tipping and loosing their upright alignment which awaiting the implantation of a dental crown. The size of the tooth spreading and uprighting device is selectively adjustable depending upon the spacing between the patient's teeth so as to establish a tight fit and thereby apply a suitable holding pressure to prevent a misalignment of the teeth while awaiting the installation of the dental crown to replace a natural tooth which has been removed from the patient's mouth. The size of the tooth spreading and uprighting device is selectively adjustable by an inner body that is received within and slidable axially through a hollow outer body. An optional locking feature is provided to prevent a displacement of the inner body relative to the outer body.

Abstract: An orthodontic force module is made of an elastomeric material and includes one or more eyelet segments along with one or more connector segments coupled to the eyelet segments. The configuration of the eyelet segments and the connector segments is arranged so that a substantially constant cross-sectional area is provided throughout the working length of the force module. As a result, the resistance to elongation is substantially uniform throughout the working range of the force module and premature degradation and failure due to relatively high, concentrated stresses are avoided.

Abstract: The present invention is a device (18) and method for applying posteriorly directed pressure to a patient's upper posterior tooth, and anteriorly directed pressure to the lower teeth and lower jaw (50). The device includes a tooth attachment (22) fixed to a lower posterior tooth. A mounting base (20) is connected to the tooth attachment, and serves to mount a bumper unit (62), which extends from the lower posterior tooth to the upper posterior tooth. The bumper unit includes a bite bumper (32), for contacting the upper tooth. In the patient's retruded or uncorrected jaw position, the obstruction surface (38) of the bite bumper strikes the occlusal surface (41) of the upper posterior tooth, obstructing full closure of the jaws. Because this obstruction causes discomfort to the patient, the lower jaw is protruded into the forward or corrected jaw position. During protrusion, the bite bumper slides forwardly and upwardly into the adjacent opening (54) immediately anterior to the upper posterior tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic distalizing apparatus comprises at least one force generating element positioned intermediate a force dissipating element secured to the hard palate and/or alveolar ridge and a first tooth (e.g., a molar) that is being distalized. The at least one force generating element is positioned to apply a distalizing force on the molar in a direction substantially along a longitudinal axis of the dental arch and at a low level of the basal gingiva. The at least one force generating element may be configured to prevent inadvertent disassembly thereof during installation, adjustment and/or conversion of the apparatus between an active and a passive state. In addition, the at least one force generating element may be configured to be reversibly convertible between an active state and a passive state without requiring removal of the device from the patient's mouth.

Abstract: The invention is an orthodontic bondable offset tooth eyelet which is attached to the lingual surface of an impacted tooth placing an orthodontic force attaching eyelet on an unattachable labial or buccal surface, the labial placement assures the tooth will arrive in its final position rotationally correct.

Abstract: An orthodontic implant having a pair of cross members with an anchoring block disposed thereon, the uppermost of the anchoring block being disposed in a cap, and a wire extending from the cap and being attached to an archwire by an elastic.

Abstract: An anchor implanting device for orthodontics used for implanting an wire supporting anchor supporting a teeth supporting wire which supports a plurality of teeth and correct the teeth, comprises a tooth supporter supportedly enclosing a portion between a pair of neighboring teeth elastically in a transverse direction relative to an array direction of the teeth; a locating projection projected inward in a radial direction from the tooth supporter and positioned between the pair of neighboring teeth and a gum; at least one anchor positioning unit extended from the tooth supporter, positioned on the side of the gum so as to establish an implanting position of the wire supporting anchor. With this configuration, the present invention provides an anchor implanting device for orthodontics, allowing a wire supporting anchor to be implanted on the predetermined position of the gum in an easy manner.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for expanding the mandibular or maxillary arch comprises a first forward orthodontic band; a second forward orthodontic band; a first spring-loaded rod and tube assembly between said first and second forward orthodontic bands; a first rear orthodontic band and a second rear orthodontic band; a second spring-loaded rod and tube assembly connecting said first forward and first rear orthodontic bands; and a third spring-loaded rod and tube assembly connecting said second forward and second rear orthodontic bands. Where both a maxillary and mandibular arch expander are used, they can be connected by a Herbst-type telescoping connector. The telescoping assembly has a first end connected to one of said forward and rear bands of said mandibular arch expander and a second end connected to the other of said forward and rear bands of said maxillary arch expander. The telescoping assembly includes a tube assembly and a rod slidably received in the tube assembly.

Abstract: An orthodontic pin includes a pin body and a fastening member screwed into the pin body. An elastic element is connected at an end to the orthodontic pin by extending the fastening member through a ring provided at the end of the elastic element before screwing it into the pin body. When the elastic element becomes loose due to any change in the position of a tooth being corrected, it can be determined the elastic element needs replacement. Since the fastening member can be easily loosened from the pin body of the orthodontic pin, the elastic element can be conveniently removed from the pin body to facilitate quick replacement of the elastic element.

Abstract: An orthodontic hook appliance for use with an orthodontic bracket having at least a pair of tie-wings, the appliance comprising an elastic bracket-engaging portion formed with one or more apertures for engagement with the tie-wings, and a hook formed with the elastic bracket-engaging portion.

Abstract: A system and method for repositioning teeth in a patient jaw includes an attachment bonded to a tooth. The attachment has at least one force receiving component for receiving a force. A polymeric shell repositioning appliance is positioned over at least some of the teeth in the patient jaw. The polymeric shell has at least one force transmitting component for engaging the force receiving component to form a locus of engagement. The locus of engagement transmits the force and moves but is maintained as the tooth is repositioned. In specific embodiments the locus of engagement is maintained over a substantial range of motion. The force transmitted at the locus of engagement increases in response to the tooth lagging an intended position. A space between the positioned appliance and the tooth permits the tooth to move into an intended position.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance anchored to the bone of the patient's mouth, the appliance having a wire guide for use with orthodontic tension bands to alleviate the use of other teeth as anchors. The device and method utilize a thin plate anchor body having at least one aperture, a bone fastener receivable through the anchor body aperture, and a tension band and/or wire guide channel affixed to the anchor plate body.

Abstract: Auxiliary element for the segmented distalisation of the posterior jawbone sector from canine to molar in orthodontic treatment.

Abstract: Traditional orthodontic treatment often involves the use of basic repositioning devices, such as braces, and the use of supplementary devices, components or accessories to achieve desired end results. Such components may be mounted on fixed, non-removable devices or they may be part of a removable appliance typically worn prior to the application of the fixed devices. As with traditional treatment, it may be desired to utilize similar components when repositioning teeth with removable elastic repositioning appliances. Due to the nature of elastic appliances, such components may take a variety of forms ranging from readily available traditional accessories to specially created devices. Thus, traditional components may be mounted on or embedded in an elastic appliance, or the appliance may be formed to provide similar components. Likewise, the appliance may be modified to provide additional features for specific orthodontic treatments.

Abstract: An anchor for use in an orthodontic application having an outer portion and an inner portion joined together with multiple scallops extending from the junction thereof. A circular or angular cap envelops the outer portion with attachments secured to the cap. Angular wires are affixed to the cap to deliver a variety of forces with varying vectors. The cap is also utilized in connection with various implants including stemplants and miniscrews.

Abstract: An orthodontic implant having a pair of cross members with anchoring means disposed thereon, the uppermost of the anchoring means being disposed in a cap, and a wire extending from the cap and being attached to am archwire by means of an elastic.

Abstract: A screw device for orthodontic treatment comprises a screw-body part, a platform part integrally formed with the screw-body part, and a head part. The head part is detachable from and exposed outside the screw-body part and is operatable to hook a spring (or rubber band) for orthodontic treatment. Since the head part is detachable, various types of head parts can be chosen to attach on the same platform part and screw-body part for performing different orthodontic treatments. Cost to manufacture the screw device is lower, and flexibility and convenience to use the screw device are higher. The external threads of the screw-body part are slightly loosened and tapered at a portion away from the platform part and relatively concentrated at another portion near to the platform part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for orthodontic and/or orosurgical purposes, the device comprising an elongated, dimensionally stable, self-supporting profiled element, some sections of which are curved and approximate to the vestibular side of a dental arch, the profiled element being held by at least one front fixing element that can be anchored in the bone and is allocatable as a rule to the interforaminal region of the submaxilla or to the anterior mandible, and the profiled element forming at least one anchorage point, upon which a retaining member is acting, for a segmental distraction or a bone-supported orthodontic tooth displacement.

Abstract: An orthodontic implant system for tooth mobilization, comprising an implant which has a shaft which can be implanted in a jawbone and a head adjoining the shaft, on which head fastening means are present in order to fix at least one tensioning or retaining element on the head. The fastening means have at least one elongate recess which is formed on the head and extends substantially transversely or obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the shaft and is open on at least one longitudinal end to receive a section of the at least one tensioning or retaining element. A curing or curable adhesive composition is provided for fixation of the section of the at least one tensioning and retaining element in the at least one recess.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus having a tube shaped attachment. A wire is threaded through the attachment, the wire having a shape whereby it can generate torsional forces on the attachment. The attachment may be secured to either a primary bracket which is secured to a tooth or to a primary wire. Either the primary arch wire can be used in conjunction with the attachment or a secondary wire can be used in addition to a primary wire. By way of this arrangement, forces can be generated along and around all three major axes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental brace for distalization of the molars (4, 4′) of a patient that are located on the left and right sides of the lower jaw.

Abstract: A generally elastic orthodontic ligature in the shape of an O-ring is provided with a semi-rigid retaining arm for the general purpose of attaching a rubber band between teeth. The retaining arm is integral with the O-ring although the two may be made of different materials. The O-ring may have projections therein for preventing rotation of the ligature during use, and the projections may include unidirectional barbs. Further, variations in the angle or shape of the arm may be provided as desired.

Abstract: An orthodontic force module is made of an elastomeric material and includes one or more eyelet segments along with one or more connector segments coupled to the eyelet segments. The configuration of the eyelet segments and the connector segments is arranged so that a substantially constant cross-sectional area is provided throughout the working length of the force module. As a result, the resistance to elongation is substantially uniform throughout the working range of the force module and premature degradation and failure due to relatively high, concentrated stresses are avoided.

Abstract: A screw device for orthodontic treatment is formed with a platform part that has a relatively large radial width between a head part and a screw-body part of the screw device, and a neck part that has a radial width smaller than that of head part is also formed between the platform part and the head part. Therefore, a hook ring at the end of a spring (or rubber band) used for orthodontic treatment may be directly fitted from the head part and be positioned at the neck part without worrying about being dropped off. The thickness of the platform part may prop the spring up the gingiva for keeping from friction. By screwing the screw-body part into the maxilla (or mandible) to make the platform part abutted against the maxilla (or mandible), not only may a stable screwing force be provided for securing the screw, but also does the side surface of the platform have a function of facilitating the gingiva tissue to grow, so the healed-over wound will be more even and good looking.

Abstract: A screw device for orthodontic treatment is formed with a platform part that has a relatively large radial width between a head part and a screw-body part of the screw device, and a neck part that has a radial width smaller than that of head part is also formed between the platform part and the head part. Therefore, a hook ring at the end of a spring (or rubber band) used for orthodontic treatment may be directly fitted from the head part and be positioned at the neck part without worrying about being dropped off The thickness of the platform part may prop the spring up the gingiva for keeping from friction. By screwing the screw-body part into the maxilla (or mandible) to make the platform part abutted against the maxilla (or mandible), not only may a stable screwing force be provided for securing the screw, but also does the side surface of the platform have a function of facilitating the gingiva tissue to grow, so the healed-over wound will be more even and good looking.

Abstract: A contracting connector between a maxillary apparatus and mandibular apparatus to treat an underbite. The connector has a telescoping outer sheath connected at its posterior end to the maxillary apparatus. A rod is slidingly engaged in the sheath. And connected at its anterior end to the mandibular apparatus. A spring connected between the rod and the posterior end of the sheath exerts adjustable contraction pressure on the rod and thus the mandible. In another embodiment, the rod has separate anterior and posterior segments The posterior segment of the rod is attached to the maxillary apparatus and the anterior segment is attached to the mandibular apparatus A spring connected between the anterior and posterior segments exerts adjustable contracting pressure on the two rod segments and thus on the maxilla and the mandible. In either embodiment the contracting pressure on the spring is adjusted by changing the length of the telescoping outer sheath. An improved channel lock for connectors also is disclosed.

Abstract: An orthodontic pin includes a pin body and a fastening member screwed into the pin body. An elastic element is connected at an end to the orthodontic pin by extending the fastening member through a ring provided at the end of the elastic element before screwing it into the pin body. When the elastic element becomes loose due to any change in the position of a tooth being corrected, it can be determined the elastic element needs replacement. Since the fastening member can be easily loosened from the pin body of the orthodontic pin, the elastic element can be conveniently removed from the pin body to facilitate quick replacement of the elastic element.