Metallic Spring Patents (Class 433/21)
  • Patent number: 11957536
    Abstract: Hybrid orthodontic archwire designs are disclosed. Hybrid archwires may have bracket-archwire sections and interproximal archwire sections in which each section can vary in cross-section shape, size, and/or material properties. Bracket-archwire sections may be configured to promote torque control and may have rectangular cross-sections. Interproximal archwire sections may be configured to be bent into force-promoting loops and may have round cross sections. Each archwire section may be straight or bent into any shape. Hybrid archwires may have sliding sections and non-sliding sections. Non-sliding sections may have male connectors configured to prevent the archwire from sliding relative to the orthodontic brackets and/or may have cross-sectional shapes, sizes, or coatings that resist sliding relative to sliding sections. Sliding sections may have linear archwire segments. Hybrid archwires may have distal or posterior non-sliding sections and an intermediate anterior or medial sliding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Swift Health Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh, Robert Lee
  • Patent number: 11497586
    Abstract: In one aspect an appliance includes a plurality of discrete shell segments, each including one or more cavities shaped to receive at least portions of teeth. The discrete shell segments are joined by an elastic material to form a single appliance shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Avi Kopelman
  • Patent number: 11246682
    Abstract: Systems and methods for moving teeth are discussed. In particular, an orthodontic spring that is configured to extend between an upper and lower dental arch of a patient is discussed. While the spring can include any suitable feature, in some cases, it includes a tension coil spring, a first coupler that is disposed at a first end of the tension coil spring and that is configured to couple to a first anchor that is coupled to the upper dental arch, and a second coupler that is disposed at a second end of the tension coil spring and that is configured to couple to a second anchor that is coupled to the lower dental arch. In some cases, the tension coil spring, the first coupler, and the second coupler comprise one continuous wire. In some cases, the tension coil springs tapers at its ends. Additional implementations are discussed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventor: Elliott Jolley
  • Patent number: 11229505
    Abstract: A device for correcting misaligned teeth, the device including an arc element; and at least two transmission elements, wherein each of the at least two transmission elements is configured to cooperate with a respective tooth surface and includes a respective coupling portion wherein each of the at least two transmission elements is connected or connectable in the respective coupling portion with the respective arc element in a force transmitting manner, wherein the arc element has an overall parabolic cambered shape that is adapted to a lower jaw or an upper jaw of a patient, wherein the arc element includes at least one activation section which is arranged between two adjacent transmission elements of the at least two transmission elements and configured so that the arc element is at least locally elastically deformed in an installed condition of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventors: Pascal Roman Schumacher, Yong-Min Jo
  • Patent number: 11139076
    Abstract: Approaches presented herein enable cognitive oral health management. Specifically, data from at least one internet of things (IoT) sensor and data from at least one visual image sensor are collected over time for a user via one or more sensors operatively coupled with one or more personal daily oral care devices as the user is performing a periodic oral care activity with the one or more personal daily oral care devices. Collected data are subjected to cognitive diagnostics to identify abnormalities in a user's oral healthcare regimen and physiological abnormalities within the oral cavity by categorizing data. A report for a medical professional may be generated providing recommendation of potential diagnoses and treatment options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ebony C. Adams, Michael Bender, Christian Compton, Jeremy R. Fox, Manjunath Ravi
  • Patent number: 11094415
    Abstract: Approaches presented herein enable cognitive oral health management. Specifically, data from at least one internet of things (IoT) sensor and data from at least one visual image sensor are collected over time for a user via one or more sensors operatively coupled with one or more personal daily oral care devices as the user is performing a periodic oral care activity with the one or more personal daily oral care devices. Collected data are subjected to cognitive diagnostics to identify abnormalities in a user's oral healthcare regimen and physiological abnormalities within the oral cavity by categorizing data. A report for a medical professional may be generated providing recommendation of potential diagnoses and treatment options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ebony C. Adams, Michael Bender, Christian Compton, Jeremy R. Fox, Manjunath Ravi
  • Patent number: 11058520
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Patent number: 10980614
    Abstract: Systems and methods of repositioning teeth, using one or more appliances for installing on a patient's teeth are described. The appliance includes an arch shaped member; a plurality of spring members coupled to or provided on the arch shaped member; and a plurality of securing members for securing to a corresponding plurality of the patient's teeth on a one-to-one basis, the securing members being supported by the arch shaped member. The arch shaped member and the plurality of springs, together, comprise a two dimensional structure having a length dimension and a width dimension with varying widths along the length dimension, that is bent into a three dimensional structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Brius Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Seyed Mehdi Roein Peikar, James Sylvester Wratten, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10881489
    Abstract: Hybrid orthodontic archwire designs are disclosed. Hybrid archwires may have bracket-archwire sections and interproximal archwire sections in which each section can vary in cross-section shape, size, and/or material properties. Bracket-archwire sections may be configured to promote torque control and may have rectangular cross-sections. Interproximal archwire sections may be configured to be bent into force-promoting loops and may have round cross sections. Each archwire section may be straight or bent into any shape. Hybrid archwires may have sliding sections and non-sliding sections. Non-sliding sections may have male connectors configured to prevent the archwire from sliding relative to the orthodontic brackets and/or may have cross-sectional shapes, sizes, or coatings that resist sliding relative to sliding sections. Sliding sections may have linear archwire segments. Hybrid archwires may have distal or posterior non-sliding sections and an intermediate anterior or medial sliding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Swift Health Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh, Robert Lee
  • Patent number: 10849718
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices and a method for orthodontic torquing. For the various embodiments, a pliers for crimping coils of an orthodontic torquing spring to an arch wire includes: a pair of plier halves, each of the plier halves including a handle, a jaw, and a pivot section, each of the jaws including a crimping face defined by a distal edge having a length in a range of 200 percent to 400 percent of a diameter of the orthodontic spring, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge, the edges defined by a radius of curvature in a range of 0.1 millimeters to 0.5 millimeters, a textured surface on at least one of the crimping faces to frictionally engage the coil of the orthodontic spring, and a pivot joint connecting the pivot sections of the pair of plier halves such that the handles can be manipulated to cause the crimping faces of the jaws to move together to crimp a coil of the orthodontic torquing spring to the arch wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventor: Phillip M. Goodman
  • Patent number: 10617490
    Abstract: An orthodontic device and methods thereof for correcting an arrangement of teeth are provided. The orthodontic device includes a plurality of brackets for attaching to teeth; a plurality of spring anchoring units, wherein each of the plurality of spring anchoring units is attached to one of the plurality of brackets; and a spring having a tension, two-dimensional longitudinal deformability and two-dimensional rotational deformability, wherein the spring is attached to each spring anchoring unit, wherein the tension is zero prior to attaching the plurality of brackets to the teeth, wherein further the tension is greater than zero immediately after attaching the plurality of brackets to the teeth, wherein further the tension is zero when the plurality of brackets is attached to the teeth and in an optimal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventors: David Regev, Daniel Harel, Ehud Ayalon
  • Patent number: 10357335
    Abstract: Orthodontic appliances for correcting teeth irregularities and for retaining the position of teeth are disclosed. According to an aspect, an orthodontic appliance may include an arch component configured to engage one of teeth and gums of a patient. Further, the orthodontic appliance may include a spring having a teeth engaging portion and an anchor portion. The teeth engaging portion may be shaped to engage the incisors of the patient. The anchor portion may be attached to the arch component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Apex Ortho Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Jeff Paul
  • Patent number: 10123855
    Abstract: A method of using an orthodontic device to effect movement of an impacted or malpositioned tooth includes providing an orthodontic device, the orthodontic device including a bracket, a coiled spring, and an anchoring assembly, bonding the bracket to an impacted or malpositioned tooth, connecting a first end of the spring to a first spring attachment portion supported by the bracket, connecting a second end of the spring to a second spring attachment portion supported by the anchoring assembly, and coupling the anchoring assembly to a second orthodontic device that is installed in the patient's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Grant G. Coleman
  • Patent number: 10092375
    Abstract: The present invention provides an invisible orthodontic appliance with a molar distalization device, comprising an orthodontic invisible aligner, and further comprising a molar distalization device arranged on the orthodontic invisible aligner, wherein the molar distalization device comprises a lip bumper arranged just in front of the orthodontic invisible aligner close to the lip side, and a connector connected with the lip bumper, and the end of the connector is connected to the molar position of the orthodontic invisible aligner. The end of the connector forms a U-shaped structure and the tail end of the U-shaped structure is connected to the molar position of the orthodontic invisible aligner. The novel orthodontic appliance provided by the present invention has the advantages of ensuring the attractiveness and greatly improving the orthodontic effect, improving the orthodontic speed and shortening the service cycle of the aligner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Jialiang Huang
  • Patent number: 10028807
    Abstract: The dental appliance-holding bracket assembly includes a plurality of housings attached to a corresponding tooth band, each of the tooth bands being cemented to the crown of an adjoining tooth. Each housing defines a socket of a ball-and-socket joint. The assembly further includes a plurality of bracket arms, each bracket arm having a shank including a proximal end and an opposing distal end. The proximal end of the shank has a ball pivotally captured within the housing socket to form a ball-and-socket joint, while the opposing distal end of the shank includes a ring adapted for supporting a dental appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: KING SAUD UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Khalid Abdullah Ibrahim Alruhaimi
  • Patent number: 9427291
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Patent number: 9237941
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance and system are provided for adjusting the relative positions of mandibular and maxillary arches. The orthodontic appliance includes a telescoping assembly including a plurality of telescoping members, and at least a first end member supportably retaining at least a portion of a spring member. The end member is adapted to slidably receive an end of a first telescoping member for selectively interconnection and disconnection therebetween. When interconnected, the spring member extends into an open end of the first telescoping member and is operative to apply spring-force to a second telescoping member. A plurality of interchangeable end members may be provided for use with the telescoping assembly, wherein the different end members have different spring-force delivery attributes. The orthodontic appliance may be installed utilizing an attachment device selectively interconnectable to and disconnectable from orthodontic archwires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew Hayes
  • Patent number: 9089385
    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: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventor: Sue S. Lee
  • Patent number: 8712733
    Abstract: Herein are provided methods, systems, computer-readable media, techniques and processes for adjusting dental prostheses based on soft tissue. These include allowing an operator to define the surface of a dental prosthesis, such as an abutment, that is proximal to the patient's gum relative to a 3D scan of the patient's gums. The operator can define the offset of that surface as well as the limits of that surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Biocad Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Auclair Beaudry, David Giasson
  • Patent number: 8641235
    Abstract: A patient module for use in a medical setting is provided. The patient module includes a patient seating assembly and at least one of a medical instrument for use in providing treatment to a patient. At least one member having an articulated joint is provided. The member has a first end configured for engagement with a structure and a second end configured for engagement with a light for illuminating a treatment area of the patient. A display screen is carried by the light for displaying images for viewing by the patient. The display screen may be integrally formed with the light within a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: David E. Galatas
  • Publication number: 20120058444
    Abstract: A variable extension spring with two anchoring ends. Each anchoring end connected to an anchoring mechanism having engagement mechanisms. Engagement mechanisms may be eyelets. Engagement of the engagement mechanisms to intraoral features at different engagement positions allows variability in the extension length of the spring. Such variability allows the user to adjust the force exerted by the spring on the intraoral features. As intraoral features move overtime due to the force exerted by the spring, the extension length of the spring may change. Adjustment of the spring extension length is accomplished by engaging a different engagement mechanism to provide an engagement position that will extend the spring the desired length. The user is able to reduce inventory by being able to use the same spring several times to provide a desired range of forces for adjusting orthodontia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy J. Allesee
  • Publication number: 20110311937
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: ORTHO-PRO-TEKNICA LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew McCance
  • Publication number: 20110195370
    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: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Paul William Griffiths
  • Patent number: 7934927
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Mohamadreza Yazdi
  • Patent number: 7837468
    Abstract: A long-arm type upright molar tooth spring includes a lingual groove rest, for resting the spring at a lingual groove of a first molar tooth; a loop, for surrounding and fixing the periphery of the second molar tooth; a buccal bracket rest, for resting the spring at a buccal bracket of the first molar tooth; a reactivating area, being an area between the first molar tooth and the second premolar tooth; a lever, for applying a force onto the second molar tooth; and an arc, extended from an adjacent wall between an engaging surface of the first molar tooth and an engaging surface of the second molar tooth, and fixed at a root of the second molar tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Chi-Ming Teng
  • Patent number: 7785102
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Moschos A. Papadopoulos
  • Publication number: 20100178628
    Abstract: An orthodontic device and an orthodontic method that can prevent an orthodontic treatment from being eccentrically performed while aligning straightly tooth. The orthodontic device includes teeth-attachment unit attached to an orthodontic tooth object; and hook member provided in the teeth-attachment unit and having a connection part of traction unit for orthodontic treatment that is located in the vicinity of a center of resistance (CR) of a tooth. In addition, the orthodontic device includes teeth-attachment unit; and hook member provided in the teeth-attachment unit and having a connection part of traction unit for orthodontic treatment that is located in the vicinity of at least gingiva. Since the teeth-attachment unit of a bracket or a button is substantially horizontal to a traction line of the traction unit, it is possible to perform the orthodontic treatment effectively without eccentric phenomenon in which the tooth and a dental root are tilted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Ok Kyoung Kim
  • Publication number: 20100129766
    Abstract: An orthodontic retraction arch (10) includes an arch section (12) and two distal spring sections (14). Distal ends of spring sections (14) have eyelets (16) for ligation to orthodontic implants (18). An orthodontic retraction spring (20) has first and second spring segments (22, 24) and structures to engage an archwire (a crimpable archwire slot 28) and an orthodontic implant 18 (an eyelet 26). Retraction arch (10) and retraction spring (20) may also include recumbant loops (15, 23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: ORMCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: James Jay Hilgers
  • Publication number: 20100092906
    Abstract: A method, an orthodontic system, and orthodontic assembly (10), and a corrector assembly (8) with a telescopable portion (19), an attachable portion (18), and an engaging portion (20). The attachable portion (18) is attached to the telescopable portion (19) and is configured for coupling to a corrective device (14). The engaging portion (20) is attached to the telescopable portion (19) and is configured for coupling to an orthodontic implant (44). The telescopable portion (19) may be configured for pivotally coupling to the engaging portion (20). The attachable portion (18) may be configured for coupling to a corrective device (14), such as by crimping. The engaging portion (20) may be configured for rotatably coupling to an orthodontic implant (44). A process for attaching the corrector assembly (8) is provided by the method. By having a telescopable portion (19), an attachable portion (18), and an engaging portion (20), multiple modes of adjustability and direction of movement are possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: ORMCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jefferson Sabilla, John Warren Graham
  • Patent number: 7578672
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventors: Hamid Sheikh, Dwight Damon, Kevin Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20090191501
    Abstract: A long-arm type upright molar tooth spring includes a lingual groove rest, for resting the spring at a lingual groove of a first molar tooth; a loop, for surrounding and fixing the periphery of the second molar tooth; a buccal bracket rest, for resting the spring at a buccal bracket of the first molar tooth; a reactivating area, being an area between the first molar tooth and the second premolar tooth; a lever, for applying a force onto the second molar tooth; and an arc, extended from an adjacent wall between an engaging surface of the first molar tooth and an engaging surface of the second molar tooth, and fixed at a root of the second molar tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Chi-Ming Teng
  • Publication number: 20080138759
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for orthodontic treatment includes first and second eyelets connected to coil spring at each end of the coil spring, thereby forming a double eyelet and spring unit. In one embodiment, a connector for detachably attaching a spring to an orthodontic appliance includes a means for engaging an appliance. In one embodiment the connector is an eyelet having an aperture in its central region for allowing the spring to be detachably attached to the orthodontic appliance. The aperture may have a variety of shapes. Alternatively, the connector may comprise a hook or equivalent structure for facilitating the spring to be attached to the orthodontic appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Neal D. Kravitz, David Wolf, Leon W. Laub
  • Publication number: 20080020339
    Abstract: An orthodontic device for shifting a molar tooth along the mandibular arch includes an elongated guide element, on whose one end a first securing element is installed to secure the guide element relative to the madibular 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: Moschos A. PAPADOPOULOS
    Inventor: Moschos A. Papadopoulos
  • Publication number: 20070196781
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: UNDER DOG MEDIA, LP
    Inventor: Jason B. Cope
  • Patent number: 7182596
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Bredent Dentalgerate und Materialien Fach-und Organisationsberatung Peter Brehm
    Inventor: Werner Paulus
  • Patent number: 7156654
    Abstract: A force adjusting mechanism for an orthodontic appliance wherein the appliance functions to move teeth and/or to expand the dental arch. The mechanism includes a shaft operatively coupled at opposite ends between a first portion of the appliance which is anchored in the patient's dental arch and a second portion of the appliance which applies force to one or more of the patient's teeth. A lock is slidable along the shaft to compress a spring between the lock and the second portion of the appliance. Co-operating structures on the shaft and on the lock provide a unidirectional ratchet movement of the lock along the shaft. Thus, the lock may be advanced one step at a time in one direction only, preferably manually using an implement for engaging the lock, to compress the spring to apply force to one or more of the patient's teeth. Advantageously, this may be done by the patient or a parent or guardian without the need for an office visit to a clinician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Donal P. Inman
  • Patent number: 7018202
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Nobuhisa Teramoto
  • Patent number: 6964566
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Schubert L. Sapian
  • Patent number: 6935859
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a removable orthodontic appliance with lingual springs using a model of a patient's teeth. One or more ideal reference grooves (e.g., a central ideal reference groove, occlusal ideal reference groove, or gingival ideal reference groove) are cut into the lingual surfaces of the model teeth reflecting the desired, ideal positions of these teeth after orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic appliance is then cast on the model with the stem of each lingual spring stem embedded in the appliance and the tooth-contacting end of each lingual spring positioned in the reference groove of a model tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Velton C. White
  • Patent number: 6908306
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: American Orthodontics Corp.
    Inventors: Steven Jay Bowman, Mauro Testa, Aldo Carano
  • Patent number: 6905334
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Neil John Graham
  • Publication number: 20040265769
    Abstract: A force adjusting mechanism for an orthodontic appliance wherein the appliance functions to move teeth and/or to expand the dental arch. The mechanism includes a shaft operatively coupled at opposite ends between a first portion of the appliance which is anchored in the patient's dental arch and a second portion of the appliance which applies force to one or more of the patient's teeth. A lock is slidable along the shaft to compress a spring between the lock and the second portion of the appliance. Co-operating structures on the shaft and on the lock provide a unidirectional ratchet movement of the lock along the shaft. Thus, the lock may be advanced one step at a time in one direction only, preferably manually using an implement for engaging the lock, to compress the spring to apply force to one or more of the patient's teeth. Advantageously, this may be done by the patient or a parent or guardian without the need for an office visit to a clinician.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Donal P. Inman
  • Patent number: 6818076
    Abstract: A stranded wire having improved fatigue characteristics and made of a shape memory and/or superelastic material, such as Ni/Ti or alloys thereof. Further, the stranded wire may be coiled along the entire length of the wire or only a portion thereof to form one or more coil springs. The stranded and optionally coiled wire is heat treated to set the wire in the twisted configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventor: Farrokh Farzin-Nia
  • Publication number: 20040197726
    Abstract: A clip type anchor for orthodontic treatment comprises piercing portions for piercing a skin and fitting a bone, and a connection portion connecting the piercing portions to each other. The connection portion biases the piercing portions toward the bone. A connection portion is substantially U-like shaped, and piercing portions fit an inside and an outside of an alveolar bone, thereby fixing the anchor to the alveolar bone. In an anchor comprising piercing portions for piercing a skin and fitting a bone, and a connection portion connecting the piercing portions to each other, the connection portion biases the piercing portions so as to either increase or decrease a distance between the piercing portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Shouichi Miyawaki, Isao Koyama, Teruko Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20040185411
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Neil John Graham
  • Patent number: 6655959
    Abstract: An orthodontic device for retraction or extension of teeth. The orthodontic device utilizes a spring and concentric sliding members to apply a biasing force to a patient's teeth in a manner that translates the teeth without rotation or tipping either tooth to which it is attached. A removable activation structure is adapted to hold the sliding members in a locked condition which maintains the device at a fixed length prior to fixation of the device to the teeth. When the activation structure is removed to provide a released condition, a corrective force is applied to the teeth for accomplishing an orthodontic treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventors: Farrokh Farzin-Nia, Rohit Chaman Lal Sachdeva
  • Publication number: 20030198915
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a removable orthodontic appliance with lingual springs using a model of a patient's teeth. One or more ideal reference grooves (e.g., a central ideal reference groove, occlusal ideal reference groove, or gingival ideal reference groove) are cut into the lingual surfaces of the model teeth reflecting the desired, ideal positions of these teeth after orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic appliance is then cast on the model with the stem of each lingual spring stem embedded in the appliance and the tooth-contacting end of each lingual spring positioned in the reference groove of a model tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Velton C. White
  • Publication number: 20030157455
    Abstract: In a tooth moving method and appliance for securing a space for an incoming permanent tooth to erupt, there are provided two lingual buttons to be fixed to two teeth, respectively, to spread out a space therebetween or correct a dentition therebetween; an inner wire to be pivotally connected to one lingual button at an end thereof; a tube to be loosely fitted onto the inner wire and pivotally connected to the other lingual button at an end thereof; an open coil loosely fitted onto the tube; and a split stop for adjusting tensile force of the open coil, whereby 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Nobuhisa Teramoto
  • Publication number: 20030157454
    Abstract: An orthodontic separator, said separator dimensioned such that it can be inserted between adjacent teeth, said separator being characterized in that when inserted between adjacent teeth in the oral environment, it exhibits an increase in compressive force, wherein the separator exerts sufficient force on the adjacent teeth to push the teeth apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James D. Hansen, Tsi-Zong Tzou
  • Patent number: 6604943
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for orthodontic treatment employs a cast mass-type appliance with a labial bow and combinations of labial and lingual springs to produce multiple coupled forces on selected teeth. The lingual spring has a stem embedded in the appliance and a plurality of pairs of activation loops at its active, tooth-contacting end, which extend laterally outward from the longitudinal axis of the stem. The labial spring has a pair of lateral wings for attachment to a labial bow, and one or more rabbit ears extending selectively either occlusally or gingivally along the labial surface of the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Velton C. White