Plier Type Patents (Class 433/4)
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Patent number: 12102500Abstract: A device for removing orthodontic aligners. The device comprises a hinge mechanism that enables a tweezing motion, allowing a wearer to grasp an orthodontic aligner in between two contact regions precisely and easily. Tips and extensions extending from these contact regions ensure comprehensive contact with aligner ridges and bases, while central segments in between them, possibly with textured surfaces, enhance grip. The device's design, including tips having sloped segments, guide the aligner ridges into the tips, ensures a snug fit. Variations include acute or obtuse angles between extensions and central segments for effective aligner positioning, and textured leg surfaces for improved user grip.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2024Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Inventor: Rohit Madan
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Patent number: 12016744Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing customized ceramic labial/lingual orthodontic brackets by additive manufacturing may comprise measuring dentition data of a profile of teeth of a patient, based on the dentition data, creating a three dimensional computer-assisted design (3D CAD) model of the patient's teeth, and saving the 3D CAD model, designing a virtual 3D CAD bracket structure model for a single labial or lingual bracket structure based upon said 3D CAD model, importing data related to the 3D CAD bracket structure model into an additive manufacturing machine, and directly producing the bracket with the additive manufacturing machine by layer manufacturing from an inorganic material including at least one of a ceramic, a polymer-derived ceramic, and a polymer-derived metal.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2022Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: LightForce Orthodontics, Inc.Inventors: Alfred Charles Griffin, III, Kelsey A. Fafara
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Patent number: 11678957Abstract: A debonding tool for removal of orthodontic brackets includes a handle. An arm extends from the handle. The debonding tool includes first and second opposed fingers. A collar is translatable along the arm and operates to effect relative movement of the first and second opposed fingers between the open and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2020Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: American Orthodontics CorporationInventors: Eric W. Nimmer, Lindy Couwenhoven, Juan Montes de Oca
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Patent number: 10653504Abstract: Electromechanical systems, methods, orthodontic brackets, and tools for adjusting orthodontic prescriptions of orthodontic brackets with adjustable archwire passages are disclosed herein. The methods include operatively engaging an orthodontic bracket with an engagement structure of an electronic orthodontic adjustment tool, electronically determining a present orientation of an archwire slot of the orthodontic bracket, displaying a displayed orientation of the archwire slot, and adjusting the orientation of the archwire slot based on the displayed orientation. The orthodontic brackets include a base, a body, a retention structure, an orientation-determining structure, and a transmitter. The tools include an engagement structure, an orientation-determining structure, and an orientation indicator.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Inventor: Christopher C. Cosse
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Patent number: 10588716Abstract: Pliers for making measurable torque bends in orthodontic archwires include upper and lower grips that are pivotally connected to each other. The upper grip is attached to a lower jaw having a first lower wing and a second lower wing. At least one slot is defined in an upper surface of each lower wing for receiving a portion of an archwire therein. The lower grip is attached to an upper jaw. The upper jaw includes a first upper wing and a second upper wing. A pivoting rod is pivotally connected to the first and second upper wings. A lever arm slidably engages a central portion of the pivoting rod. End portions of the pivoting rod extend through the upper wings and are connected to protractors. The lever arm includes at least one channel on a bottom surface for receiving a portion of the archwire between the lower wings.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2019Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: King Saud UniversityInventors: Hessah Abdullah M. Alhuwaish, Abdullah Mohammad Aldrees
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Patent number: 10420628Abstract: A device for removing a dental covering having: (a) an engagement portion, having a first plate portion which is substantially flat, that is configured to contact a portion of the dental covering along only one of a facial side or a lingual side of the dental covering; (b) a load applying portion, connected to the engagement portion and having a second plate portion which is substantially flat, which is adapted to rest upon an adjacent surface relative to the dental covering; and (c) an intermediate portion which is integral with and adjacent to both the engagement portion and the load applying portion; and wherein the first plate portion is parallel to the second plate portion. The device may be a dental covering removal tool which may find particular use in removing dental coverings, such as temporary and permanent crowns.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Inventor: Sami Maassarani
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Patent number: 10034723Abstract: A tooth bracket extraction device which comprises a motor housed within a motor housing, and a motor shaft extending from the motor. A gear cover is fastened to the motor housing, and a first shaft is coupled to the motor shaft, where the first shaft receives the drive from the motor via the motor shaft. A first gear is attached to the first shaft, and a second shaft comprises a second gear, where the second shaft is in communication with the first shaft via engagement of the second gear to the first gear. A torque generated from the motor is transferred to the second shaft, and the second shaft comprises a head receiver member which is configured to receive and mount a plurality of heads. Each head is configured to transfer the torque to a bracket section attached to teeth, thereby removing the bracket section from the teeth.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Inventors: Abdolhossein Mozaffari, Mohsen Shirazi
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Patent number: 9801695Abstract: A tool for forming a hump along a substantially flat surface of a dental matrix, Said tool having first and second forming surfaces for urged together to form said hump on said matrix inserted therebetween, said forming surface having one portion part-spherical and another transverse convex arch-shaped project and a flat forming surface extending around of said project, and said second forming surface having one portion part-circular and another transverse concave arch-shaped cavity opposite said project.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventor: Euler R Ferrer
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Patent number: 9351814Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for seating or orienting a component relative to a dental fixture. The device comprises three arms, each having a gripping surface, for holding said component, and the device further comprises a driver tube and a driver having an interchangeable tip for engaging the head of a screw for securing the component to the dental fixture.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Inventor: Gregory Jay Mahl
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Patent number: 8951281Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular medical instrument having a hollow shaft, a handle equipped with at least two gripping members and positioned on the proximal end of the shaft, and at least one push-pull rod that is mounted in the hollow shaft and has a tool consisting of at least two jaw members. For opening and closing at least one jaw member of the tool, said push-pull rod can be coupled with at last one rotatable gripping member of the handle, and the hollow shaft and handle can be releasably connected to one another by means of a coupling mechanism. To create a coupling mechanism that is simple to operate, it is proposed with the invention that the coupling mechanism should be configured as a combined clamping and snap-on device.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Uwe Renger, Martin Blocher, Uwe Bacher
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Publication number: 20140370452Abstract: An orthodontic system includes a dental appliance and an auxiliary arrangement unit. The dental appliance includes a main body defining a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of a dentition of a user therein. The main body is formed with a main projection projecting outwardly away from the receiving space. The auxiliary arrangement unit includes an attaching member to be bonded to a tooth of the dentition, and a restraining member interconnecting the main projection and the attaching member for moving the tooth toward the main projection.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventor: Chen-Wen TSENG
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Patent number: 8657851Abstract: The invention provides tweezers for microsurgery, in particular opthalmological surgery, the tweezers comprising a one-piece working part (1) of U-shape, with the free ends (2a, 3a) of each branch (2, 3) being shaped into a point, the part being derived from a flat blank of thickness (e) constituting the dimension perpendicular to the plane (P) in which the branches (2, 3) move, and elements for manipulating the working part together forming a handle for gripping the tweezers, wherein each element is in the form of an elongate body (4, 5) presenting a convex outside surface (4a, 5a) and a substantially plane surface (4b, 5b) having a longitudinal groove (6, 7) hollowed out therein to house one of the branches (2, 3) of the working part (1), the end of each handle element facing towards the points being provided with centering means (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b) co-operating with a complementary centering member of the corresponding end of the other element.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Moria SAInventors: Jean-Luc Aufaure, Antoine Sempe
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Publication number: 20130273489Abstract: An adapter device for extension of miniplates used in orthodontic treatments, which provides for the extension of the plate for the most anterior or posterior and superior or inferior positions, and also the fixation of orthodontic accessories, which can be used for various skeletal anchorage systems available on the market, pliers for the attachment of the device, and a method for extension and attachment of miniplates by use of the adapter devices of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: União Brsileira De Educação E Assistência Mantenedora Da PUC RSInventors: Luciane Macedo De Menezes, Tatiana Siqueira Gonçalves, André Weissheimer, Eduardo Martinelli Santayana De Lima, Susana Maria Deon Rizzatto, Mário Vian
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Publication number: 20130183631Abstract: A single pair of pliers for bending orthodontic arch wires in all quadrants of a patient's mouth. Includes first and second actuating members, each including a handle portion for grasping in the hand, and a head portion that projects at an angle. The actuating members are pivotally joined so that the head portions can be moved toward and away from each other into respective closed and open positions. A first occlusal jaw on head portion of the first actuating member has an internally angled channel profile and a second occlusal jaw on the head portion of the second actuating member also has an internally angled channel profile facing the other internal channel. A gingival jaw member having upper and lower externally angled corners is adapted to mate with the internally angled profiles of the upper and lower occlusal jaws, respectively, when the head portions are in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Inventor: Suhail A. KHOURI
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Publication number: 20130040259Abstract: 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 defmed 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: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Inventor: Phillip M. Goodman
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Patent number: 8246350Abstract: A safety attachment for application to orthodontic wire in the mouth of a patient comprises a safe-end portion to be crimped onto the orthodontic wire, which once in place on the wire has no sharp edges. The safety attachment comprises upper and lower portions secured to each other by a hinge. One or both of the inner surfaces of the attachment may be textured to improve grip on the wire. The safety attachment may include means for retention by application pliers. Pliers designed for application of a safety attachment have upper and lower beaks, wherein the upper beak includes means to crimp the safe-end portion onto an orthodontic wire and the lower beak includes means to retain the safety attachment prior to applying the safe-end portion to the wire and after application release the safe-end portion leaving it in place on the wire in the patient's mouth.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Inventor: Helen Taylor
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Patent number: 8210845Abstract: A two piece orthodontic pliers having a pair of arms separably hinged together, in which a first hinge portion on a first arm includes a shaft having a central, axially projecting protrusion, and a second hinge portion on a second arm includes a bore having a central recess for receiving the shaft and the central protrusion of the first hinge portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Inventor: Luis Ingels
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Patent number: 8162661Abstract: A dental tool having a pair of releasably and pivotably connected opposing jaw members. A biasing mechanism connected to at least one of the jaw members biases the jaw members toward a proximate rest position. A separating mechanism is connected to at least one jaw member for separating the jaw members. An ultrasonic vibrator is connected to the jaw members for vibrating them. A fastening device may be used to connect the pair of opposing jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Zbigniew Pona
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Patent number: 8128400Abstract: An instrument for debonding an orthodontic bracket from a tooth surface includes first and second plier portions coupled for relative pivotal movement. A lever arm pivotally movable relative to the first and second plier portions has a tooth engaging member on a first end. The tooth engaging member may be positioned on the lever arm for movement between a jaw of the plier portions and the tooth surface when a second end of the lever arm is pivotally manipulated in a direction toward a handle of the plier portions. At least part of at least one plier portion may be flexible relative to the lever arm such that the lever arm moves the tooth engaging member relative to a jaw of the plier portions after the bracket engaging portions are engaged with the orthodontic bracket and the handles and lever arm pivotally manipulated toward one another.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Ormco CorporationInventor: Farrokh Farzin-Nia
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Patent number: 8052420Abstract: A handheld apparatus for adjusting orthodontic wire includes first and second handle portions and a jaw portion. The first handle portion pivotably couples to the second handle portion such that the first and second handle portions are capable of pivoting with respect to each other at a pivot axis. The jaw portion extends from the first and second handle portions. The jaw portion includes: a first prong extending from the first handle portion; and second and third prongs extending from the second handle portion. The second and third prongs each include: a respective inner surface that partially defines a slot between the second and third prongs; and first and second outer surfaces joined together by a transition region.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Inventor: Carlos F. Navarro
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Patent number: 7967602Abstract: A pliers for forming orthodontic wires has opposing beaks with complementary wire-forming surfaces that include interfering portions. A hinge mechanism enables the beaks to open and close by rotating about an axis, and also allows a range of axial motion between the beaks sufficient to prevent interference between the wire-forming surfaces as the beaks are closed. By preventing such interference, novel over-bending capabilities can be achieved to form useful bending of low spring rate wire. A spring, such as a Belleville washer, exerts a biasing force parallel to the hinge axis to maintain alignment of the beaks, but allows the required range of axial motion between the beaks to prevent interference.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Inventor: John Theodore Lindquist
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Publication number: 20110143299Abstract: The invention relates to a method and pliers for removing an orthodontic bracket from the surface of a tooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventor: Rolf FOERSTER
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Publication number: 20110104629Abstract: A handheld apparatus for adjusting orthodontic wire includes first and second handle portions and a jaw portion. The first handle portion pivotably couples to the second handle portion such that the first and second handle portions are capable of pivoting with respect to each other at a pivot axis. The jaw portion extends from the first and second handle portions. The jaw portion includes: a first prong extending from the first handle portion; and second and third prongs extending from the second handle portion. The second and third prongs each include: a respective inner surface that partially defines a slot between the second and third prongs; and first and second outer surfaces joined together by a transition region.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventor: Carlos F. Navarro
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Publication number: 20110003263Abstract: Tweezers including two manipulating arms with elastic elements that are terminated by two bits for gripping the lock also include: two projections facing one another, made on the two inside surfaces of the two bits, able to work in a removable manner, with adjustment, with two recesses opposite one another made on the two lateral surfaces of the lock, at least one extension that extends from a free end of at least one of the bits with an incline and over a suitable length at which the extension is able, when the tweezers are in use, to extend essentially parallel to the axis of the tooth in the direction of the occlusal surface, at least one return extending crosswise from a free end of at least one extension, able, when the tweezers are in use, to come to a stop on the occlusal surface of the tooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventor: Charles Clor
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Patent number: 7845941Abstract: An instrument is provided, having a handle and at least one working end. In a first embodiment, the working end has a first leg and a second leg, the second leg for disengaging a spring clip. In a second embodiment, the working end has a first leg and a second leg for grasping a connector plate of an orthodontic bracket, and a depth limiter attached to the first leg for preventing inadvertent grasping of an orthodontic bracket base plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Inventor: Mark Minium
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Publication number: 20100279244Abstract: A method for removing an archwire from a slot of an orthodontic bracket having at least one retentive component involving creating a gap either between portions of a retentive component or between the retentive component and another component of the bracket and removing the archwire from the slot through the gap. The present invention is also directed to wire disengagement tools. Each tool includes a handle and a head portion which engages the retentive component. When the orthodontist applies a force, such as a rotational or plier-like motion, to the handle of the tool, the head portion exerts a force on the retentive portion to create a gap between portions of the retentive component or between the retentive component and another component of the orthodontic bracket. Each tool also includes a side arm, which lifts the archwire from the slot through the gap created by the head portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventor: James A. NICHOLSON
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Patent number: 7722353Abstract: This invention pertains to pliers for increasing the interproximal retention of thermoplastic appliances by denting the appliances in the interproximal areas between the teeth, especially denting the thermoplastic material at the interproximal gingival area.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Inventor: Neil John Graham
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Publication number: 20100086889Abstract: A pliers for forming orthodontic wires has opposing beaks with complementary wire-forming surfaces that include interfering portions. A hinge mechanism enables the beaks to open and close by rotating about an axis, and also allows a range of axial motion between the beaks sufficient to prevent interference between the wire-forming surfaces as the beaks are closed. By preventing such interference, novel over-bending capabilities can be achieved to form useful bending of low spring rate wire. A spring, such as a Belleville washer, exerts a biasing force parallel to the hinge axis to maintain alignment of the beaks, but allows the required range of axial motion between the beaks to prevent interference.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2008Publication date: April 8, 2010Inventor: John Theodore Lindquist
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Publication number: 20100055633Abstract: A crimping machine includes a platform having a substantially flat upper working surface and a first crimping jaw fixed on the platform. An arm is slidably attached to the platform, the arm having a second crimping jaw provided thereon, the arm being slidable at least between a first, crimping position in which the first and second jaws are opposed and adjacent one another and spaced apart by a first distance sufficient to crimp a workpiece between the first and second jaws, and a second, open position in which the first and second jaws are opposed and spaced apart by a second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance and sufficient to insert an uncrimped workpiece therebetween. A resilient biasing element is provided for biasing the second jaw towards the first jaw. An actuator is provided for forcing the arm into the first, crimping position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventor: Arthur L. Wool
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Patent number: 7670140Abstract: A hand instrument for detaching orthodontic brackets from a patient's teeth has first jaw, a second jaw and a blade that extends between the first jaw and the second jaw. The blade is received in a channel of a bracket during a debonding procedure, and serves to releasably clamp mesial and distal sections of the bracket to the hand instrument as the sections are detached from the tooth.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Joseph D. Hart, Joyce C. Ho, Glenys A. Thorstenson, William E. Wyllie, II, Philip P. Soo, John J. Palmer
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Patent number: 7621742Abstract: A system of tools for use in an orthodontic setting made up of a series of individual tools. Each tool comprises a pair of flat, generally elongated arms placed in an adjacent lengthwise relationship and connected at each first ends in a manner so as to force the remaining portions of the arms apart. Each of the tools has specially modified features that allow the tools to perform specific functions such as: scraping teeth and orthodontic devices; grasping orthodontic brackets; placing orthodontic brackets onto a tooth without disturbing other free-floating brackets; measuring the distance between portions of a tooth so as to ensure proper bracket placement; measuring the distance between orthodontic brackets; and aseptically retrieving objects from a drawer.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Inventor: Dennis J. Michaelson
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Publication number: 20090274988Abstract: An instrument for debonding an orthodontic bracket from a tooth surface includes first and second plier portions coupled for relative pivotal movement. A lever arm pivotally movable relative to the first and second plier portions has a tooth engaging member on a first end. In one embodiment, the tooth engaging member is positioned on the lever arm for movement between a jaw of the plier portions and the tooth surface when a second end of the lever arm is pivotally manipulated in a direction toward a handle of the plier portions. In another embodiment, at least part of at least one plier portion is flexible relative to the lever arm such that the lever arm moves the tooth engaging member relative to a jaw of the plier portions after the bracket engaging portions are engaged with the orthodontic bracket and the handles and lever arm pivotally manipulated toward one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2009Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: ORMCO CORPORATIONInventor: Farrokh Farzin-Nia
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Publication number: 20090253093Abstract: The invention pertains to a tool or pliers for effecting a torque bends or twists to orthodontic rectangular arch wire. The pliers have two handles pivotally associated by a core, the core having a slot therein. One of the handles has a bifurcated head with the other handle having a single head adapted to fit within said bifurcated head and pivot on the core. The bifurcated headed handle has at least one slide reciprocally associated with a side of the bifurcated headed handle, the slide having a slot in an end thereof, the slide being manipulated so that its slot into aligned association with the slot in the core. The core is detachably secured to the single headed handle. Slots are in the single and bifurcated headed handles to access their bores so that all the slots can be aligned to accept an arch wire being passed through the slots in the handles and into the slots of the core and slide. Squeezing of the handles causes relative rotation between the core and slide to impart a twist to the wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2007Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventor: Mazin M. Albaya
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Patent number: 7581949Abstract: An instrument for debonding an orthodontic bracket from a tooth surface includes first and second plier portions coupled for relative pivotal movement. A lever arm pivotally movable relative to the first and second plier portions has a tooth engaging member on a first end. In one embodiment, the tooth engaging member is positioned on the lever arm for movement between a jaw of the plier portions and the tooth surface when a second end of the lever arm is pivotally manipulated in a direction toward a handle of the plier portions. In another embodiment, at least part of at least one plier portion is flexible relative to the lever arm such that the lever arm moves the tooth engaging member relative to a jaw of the plier portions after the bracket engaging portions are engaged with the orthodontic bracket and the handles and lever arm pivotally manipulated toward one another.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Ormco CorporationInventor: Farrokh Farzin-Nia
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Patent number: 7556499Abstract: The invention relates to a dental forceps with two articulated parts, which are connected to each other at a pivot and which each exhibit a handle at one end and at the other end a working end with an inside area, such that the inside area exhibits a corrugated area which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and such that a longitudinal groove is positioned within the inside area, starting at the distal end of the working end and running along the longitudinal axis of the working end, and such that a recessed cavity is positioned in the longitudinal groove, starting at the distal end, and the radius of curvature of the recessed cavity is smaller than the radius of curvature of the longitudinal groove.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Helmut Zepf Medizintechnik GmbHInventor: Helmut Zepf
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Patent number: 7549860Abstract: A hand instrument for debonding an adhesively bonded orthodontic bracket from a patient's tooth includes two jaws, each of which includes a contact pad for engaging opposite sides of the bracket. When the jaws are moved together, at least a majority of the area of each contact pad that contacts the side of the bracket is located beneath the archwire slot of the bracket in a lingual direction in order to facilitate fracture of the adhesive bond and release of the bracket from the tooth surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Philip P. Soo, Fay T. Salmon, John A. Verdouw, Ming-Lai Lai, James D. Clearly
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Patent number: 7475694Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus and method for cleaning teeth, particularly in individuals undergoing cosmetic and orthodontic treatment. The apparatus includes members having a tooth contact portion and a handle portion. Connected to the tooth contact portion is a floss tip enclosure element capable of receiving floss that is capped. The invention can be used easily and conveniently to enable a person to floss underneath bridges, or orthodontic wiring, without damage to the gingival tissue.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Inventor: Thomas Stelmach
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Publication number: 20080274435Abstract: Orthodontic crimping pliers include a first member having a first handle at a first end and a first jaw at a second end, the first jaw having a first flat edge, a second member having a second handle at a first end and a second jaw at a second end having a second flat edge and a pivot connecting the first and second members and allowing the first and second members to pivot with respect to one another so that pivoting the first handle towards the second handle causes the first jaw and the second jaw to move from an open position with the first and second jaws spaced apart toward a closed position with the first flat edge of the first jaw and second flat edge of the second jaw adjacent one another. In the closed position, the first flat edge of the first jaw and second flat edge of the second jaw are parallel and adjacent one another over a width of 0.005 to 0.015 inches.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventor: Arthur L. Wool
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Publication number: 20080153051Abstract: A hand instrument for detaching orthodontic brackets from a patient's teeth has first jaw, a second jaw and a blade that extends between the first jaw and the second jaw. The blade is received in a channel of a bracket during a debonding procedure, and serves to releasably clamp mesial and distal sections of the bracket to the hand instrument as the sections are detached from the tooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: JOSEPH D. HART, Joyce C. Ho, Glenys A. Thorstenson, William E. Wyllie, Philip P. Soo, John J. Palmer
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Publication number: 20080118884Abstract: A dental punch tool for use with a dental overlay is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The dental punch tool includes a first tool portion including a first jaw portion, a first grip portion, and a first pivot aperture located between the first jaw portion and the first grip portion. The first jaw portion includes an anvil. The dental punch tool further includes a second tool portion including a second jaw portion, a second grip portion, and a second pivot aperture located between the second jaw portion and the second grip portion. The second jaw portion includes an anvil aperture that substantially matches the anvil. The dental punch tool further includes a pivot member that passes through the first and second pivot apertures and pivotally affixes the first tool portion to the second tool portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2006Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventor: Laurel R. Leslie-Martin
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Publication number: 20080118883Abstract: A dental impression system is provided. The system includes a decorative dental overlay shaped to fit over one or more teeth of a person and a dental impression tool for creating a decorative impression in the overlay. The tool includes a first tool portion including a first jaw portion, a first grip portion, and a first pivot aperture located between the first jaw portion and the first grip portion, the first jaw portion including a projection. The tool further includes a second tool portion including a second jaw portion, a second grip portion, and a second pivot aperture located between the second jaw portion and the second grip portion, the second jaw portion including a depression that substantially matches the projection. The tool further includes a pivot member that passes through the first and second pivot apertures and pivotally affixes the first tool portion to the second tool portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2006Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventor: Laurel R. Leslie-Martin
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Patent number: 7258047Abstract: The present invention relates to a pliers that includes first and second arms that are pivotally interconnected utilizing an appropriate mechanical fastener. A spring is generally disposed about the mechanical fastener to bias the pliers toward an open condition. Further, a bearing is generally located between the first and second arms to hinder friction between the first and second arms, facilitate movement of the pliers between open and closed conditions, and provide some control for the range of pivotal motion of the first arm relative to the second arm.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Inventors: Thomas J. Wolter, Steven A. Galella
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Patent number: 7182595Abstract: A flush cutter of wires located on a patient's teeth has at least one pivotably carried cutting edge. An outer surface of the edge can be positioned adjacent to a surface from which the wire protrudes. An elastic insert or clamp, for griping cut wire ends, is carried adjacent to the edge. The insert has first and second spaced apart ends. A rigid surface is located to pivot toward the edge. The elastic clamp extends, in part, to the inner surface of the edge. As the cutting edge moves toward the rigid surface to cut the wire, the elastic clamp grips the cutoff wire end for removal. The rigid surface can be formed as a second cutting edge that moves toward the one cutting edge.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., Inc.Inventors: Larry E. Smith, Andy Gurczak, Ravi P. Seeralan, Ronald J. Schindler
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Patent number: 7179083Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying orthodontic brackets to teeth. The apparatus includes a bracket container having a bracket housing defined therein and a bracket placer positioned relative to the bracket housing to receive a bracket from the bracket container. The bracket housing is configured to house a plurality of brackets. Furthermore, the bracket container includes biased means for biasing brackets in the bracket housing forwardly toward the bracket placer.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Sergio Zanghellini
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Patent number: 6984126Abstract: Pliers adapted to lock wires within thermoformed dental appliances following the partial enclosure of wires during the thermoforming process.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Inventor: Neil John Graham
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Patent number: 6910890Abstract: A dental pliers appliance and associated method for removing teeth from a patient's gum line and bone. First and second pivotally connected handles are provided, each including a user grasping portion. The first handle terminates in an arcuately extending jaw exhibiting a substantially pointed end, the second handle terminates in an opposing and offset support exhibiting a support surface with an ergonomic configuration substantially matching that of the patient's gum line. Upon aligning the support along a selected location below the gum line, and further aligning the jaw in abutting fashion against an inwardly facing side of a tooth, the offset support defining a center point of rotation proximate to an edge location of the gum line and bone. The handles are subsequently rotated in an outward fashion away from the patient's gum line to forcibly dislodge the tooth from the patient's gum line and bone.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Inventor: Richard Golden
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Patent number: 6848902Abstract: A dental tool for installation of orthodontic brackets is provided which has an adjustable gripping mechanism for gripping the orthodontic bracket and a centering mechanism for centering the bracket on the tooth. The tool is adjustable to fit a wide variety of orthodontic brackets and the tool is further adjustable to enable the bracket to be installed at the proper mesial-distal, occlusal/incisal-gingival position on teeth of a wide variety of sizes and lengths, posterior and anterior teeth.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Inventor: Saadallah Jabri
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Patent number: 6814574Abstract: Pliers for forming and removing bumps for the dental appliance without heating are disclosed. The eraser pliers for erasing a bump on an appliance include a first elongated member having a first jaw portion at one end and a handle portion at the other end, the jaw portion having flat surface mounted at a distal end of the first jaw portion; and a second elongated member joined to the first elongated member, the second elongated member having a second jaw portion at one end and a second handle portion at the other end, the second jaw portion having a second flat surface mounted at a distal end of the second jaw portion, the first and second flat surfaces adapted to engage and flatten the bump.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventors: Amir Abolfathi, Brian K. Asselin, Eric Kuo, Loc X. Phan
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Publication number: 20040219470Abstract: An orthodontic bracket comprises a bracket body, a base on the bracket body, and mechanical bonding structure on the base. An adhesive is applied to and mechanically bonded with the mechanical bonding structure to secure the bracket body and the base to a tooth. A portion of the base has a bond strength with the adhesive which is reduced relative to the bond strength between the remainder of the base and the adhesive. A debonding method includes applying a debonding force to the bracket at a first area of reduced adhesion between the bracket and the tooth, and removing the bracket from the tooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Ormco CorporationInventor: Farrokh Farzin-Nia
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Patent number: 6786719Abstract: An apparatus that includes a handle; a pair of opposed gripping members, each member comprising a gripping surface, each gripping surface comprising a forward edge; and a gripping member position and orientation indicator (GMPOI) positioned between the handle and the forward edges. A method of coupling an orthodontic bracket to a tooth comprising: providing a bracket holder comprising a gripping member position and orientation indicator (GMPOI); utilizing the bracket holder to grip a bracket and to place the bracket on a tooth; while viewing the position and orientation of the GMPOI relative to the tooth on which the bracket is being mounted, rotating and/or moving the bracket holder so as to set the orientation and position of the bracket; subsequently causing the bracket holder to release the bracket; inserting a portion of the bracket holder into the bracket; and rotating the bracket holder so as to rotate the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Progressive America, Inc.Inventor: Benson McGann