Cemented To Tooth Patents (Class 433/9)
  • Patent number: 11931222
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, computing device readable medium, devices, and systems having a dental attachment formation structures. One dental appliance includes a body having a first surface shaped to abut an exterior surface of a tooth and a well portion of the first surface shaped to form an attachment that is to be attached to the exterior surface of the tooth, a release layer formed over a surface of the well to allow the attachment to be removed from the well, and an attachment material that is used to form the attachment positioned within the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Webber, Yan Chen, Jihua Cheng, Bastien Pesenti, Chunhua Li, Jennifer C. Chen
  • Patent number: 11872101
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: LightForce Orthodontics, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Charles Griffin, III, Kelsey A. Fafara
  • Patent number: 11819379
    Abstract: A method of producing a positioning guide for an orthodontic bracket is provided. The method includes determining and fixing a position of the orthodontic bracket in relation to a side surface of a corresponding tooth of a setup dental model, wherein the setup dental model has a dentition state of the patient's dental arch after orthodontic treatment; forming a rigid guiding structure with a first part covering the outer surface of each orthodontic bracket and a second part covering the occlusal surface of the corresponding tooth; and forming a flexible linking structure to connect the first part and the second part of the rigid guiding structure to obtain the positioning guide for the respective orthodontic bracket, wherein the rigid guiding structure is inflexible and the flexible linking structure is elastic and retains form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventor: Cheng-Hsiang Hung
  • Patent number: 11607293
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for constructing at least one dental prosthetic part or a bracket, with at least one adhesive surface, in which a 3D model is made of the dental prosthetic part. Recesses are constructed on the adhesive surface of the 3D model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.
    Inventors: Oliver Nowarra, Joachim Pfeiffer, Peter Fornoff
  • Patent number: 11596502
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, computing device readable medium, devices, and systems having a dental attachment placement structure. One dental attachment placement apparatus includes a body having an attachment placement surface that is to be placed on an attachment affixing surface of a tooth and wherein the attachment placement surface includes a portion that is shaped to allow placement of an attachment at a particular position on the affixing surface of the tooth and a portion of the body having a contour that is shaped to correspond with a contour of an alignment surface of a tooth and when the contour of the body and the corresponding contour is aligned, the attachment is located at the particular position and can be secured to the affixing surface of the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Webber, Ryan Kimura, Chunhua Li, Srinivas Kaza
  • Patent number: 11554000
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, computing device readable medium, devices, and systems having a dental attachment formation structure. One dental attachment formation apparatus includes a body having a first surface shaped to conform to the contours of an exterior surface of a tooth and including a portion of the first surface shaped to accommodate an attachment that is to be attached to the exterior surface of the tooth and a light source attachment structure for attachment of a light source to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Webber
  • Patent number: 11510851
    Abstract: The invention relates to an application device with a handle part and an application part, the application part having a surface onto which a redox initiator system is located, the redox initiator system comprising either hydrophilic oxidizing agent(s) and hydrophobic reducing agent (s), or hydrophobic oxidizing agent(s) and hydrophilic reducing agent(s). The invention also relates to a kit comprising the application device, a method of producing the application device and a method or curing a curable composition using the application device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Christoph H. Thalacker, Henry Loll
  • Patent number: 11478337
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: LightForce Orthodontics, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Charles Griffin, III, Kelsey A. Fafara
  • Patent number: 11471255
    Abstract: Dental assemblies and related methods of making are provided. The dental assemblies include a dental article with a bonding surface an adhesive having both a compressible material and at least one hardenable dental composition extending across the bonding surface. The compressible material is coupled to the dental article by a first quantity of hardened dental composition extending at least partially through the compressible material and contacting the bonding surface. The hardened dental composition extends over less than the entire bonding surface. Adjacent portions of the compressible material contain a second quantity of unhardened dental composition, preserving flexibility of the compressible material. Advantageously, this configuration was found to enhance bond reliability and facilitate manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David K. Cinader, Jr., MaThazin Aung, Lee C. Yick, James D. Cleary
  • Patent number: 11452578
    Abstract: An orthodontic retention system includes a fixed component that remains on teeth and a component that attaches to this fixed component. The fixed component and the component have mating or interlocking parts. The component that mates with the fixed component can be removable. The component that mates with the fixed component can be adjustable. The retention system also can include magnetic retention components to retain the removable component with respect to one or more teeth. The retention system also can include an element that replaces as tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventor: Cosmo Haralambidis
  • Patent number: 11432911
    Abstract: A dental appliance comprising a veneer, bridge, or crown with an integrated brace together formed as a single piece of material. The braces, crowns, veneers, and bridges may be printed with 3-dimensional (3D) software and SLA milling. Embodiments of the present invention provide the printed veneer, crown or bridge with an orthodontic portion (“brace” or “bracket”) that is all one piece. This can be used to move teeth orthodontically and provide a degree of esthetics. The appliance may include identification marks, which may guide placement of the appliance in a patient's mouth. The brace and identification marks can be removed, leaving the veneer, crown, or bridge behind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Paul Ouellette
  • Patent number: 11382722
    Abstract: The present invention relates to orthodontic brackets designed for use with the deciduous teeth and method for its use. The brackets provide one or more debonding tabs which reduces the potential for damage to the deciduous tooth due to the application of excessive force during the debonding process. The small size of the brackets allow the brackets to fit available crown space on the deciduous teeth. Further the brackets are shaped to minimize mechanical forces applied to the deciduous teeth when engaged with an archwire. The bracket bases are shaped to conform to the morphology of the deciduous tooth crown surface thereby providing an optimal adhesive interface with the deciduous tooth. The deciduous brackets provide proper adhesion to avoid unwanted detachment of the brackets which often occurs when the use of permanent brackets is attempted on the deciduous teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventor: Cameron Mashouf
  • Patent number: 11304781
    Abstract: A detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system includes bracket bases, brackets, and an arch wire for guiding alignment of teeth. The bracket bases are positioned on a lingual surface and/or a facial surface of the teeth. Each bracket base includes a first surface, a second surface, and at least one first interlocking element. The first surface is rigidly attached to the lingual surface and/or the facial surface of the teeth. The second surface opposes the lingual surface and/or the facial surface of the teeth. The first interlocking element is attached to and positioned in a direction substantially perpendicular to or parallel to the second surface of each bracket base. The brackets include at least second interlocking element that interlocks with the first interlocking element. The arch wire is inserted through a slot channel of each bracket. The bracket and the arch wire are infused and rigidly anchored within enclosing layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: HANKOOKIN INC
    Inventors: James Jiwen Chun, Andrew Youngho Chun, Angela Soyoung Chun, Jennifer Miseong Chun
  • Patent number: 11123155
    Abstract: A dental ultrasonic tool configured to connect to a magnetostrictive or piezoelectric transducer of a dental instrument operating in the frequency range between 18 kHz and 50 kHz. The tool includes a tip and a singular surface marking having a minimum width of 0.5 mm disposed on the tip. The tip includes a distal point as a datum. The singular surface marking is spaced-apart from the distal point of the tip and defines at least one edge. The at least one edge is not coincident with a first flexural node of the tip at an operating frequency of the tip. Dental ultrasonic tip wear measurement tools for measuring the wear on a tip are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Paschke Ultrasonix LLC
    Inventor: Richard H. Paschke
  • Patent number: 11103330
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, computing device readable medium, devices, and systems having a dental attachment placement structure. One dental attachment placement apparatus includes a body having an attachment placement surface that is to be placed on an attachment affixing surface of a tooth and wherein the attachment placement surface includes a portion that is shaped to allow placement of an attachment at a particular position on the affixing surface of the tooth and a portion of the body having a contour that is shaped to correspond with a contour of an alignment surface of a tooth and when the contour of the body and the corresponding contour is aligned, the attachment is located at the particular position and can be secured to the affixing surface of the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Webber, Siobhan O'Leary
  • Patent number: 11045284
    Abstract: A dental brace is formed with a bracket main body portion, an opening/closing lid portion, 3a and a tooth abutting plate portion. The tooth abutting plate portion includes, on one surface side, a first surface portion which abuts on the surface of a tooth T on the side of a tongue and includes, on a side opposite to the first surface portion, a second surface portion to which the bracket main body portion is adhered, and a charge hole portion is formed which penetrates from the first surface portion to the second surface portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignees: KIRISHIMA SEIKO CO., LTD., MEDICAL CORPORATION KYOUJIN-KAI SHIMODA ORTHODONTIC CLINIC, GC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi Nishishige, Tetsuya Shimoda
  • Patent number: 11033364
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthodontic bracket that is capable of coping with stress applied in various directions in oral environments to stably treat malocclusion. According to the present invention, the orthodontic bracket includes: a base having a bonding reference surface coming into contact with a tooth and a plurality of unit engraved patterns slant inward to given depths from the bonding reference surface to allow a bonding agent for bonding the tooth thereto to be accommodated therein; and a body provided on top of the base and having a slot adapted to insert a wire thereinto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: BIOCETEC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung Hee Yoon
  • Patent number: 10482192
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for marking a dental aligner. A method for marking a dental aligner includes receiving a digital model corresponding to a dental aligner. The digital model includes a dental arch comprising a plurality of teeth. The method further includes determining whether a section of teeth on a right side or a left side of the dental arch includes flatter occlusal surfaces and selecting the section with the flatter occlusal surfaces, identifying surfaces on the teeth of the selected section that are flat relative to other surfaces on the teeth of the selected section, determining a line of best fit between the flat surfaces, and marking the dental aligner with a marking based on the line of best fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: SmileDirectClub LLC
    Inventors: Josh Long, Christopher Yancey, Tony Solarek, Clete Culp
  • Patent number: 10398532
    Abstract: Dental assemblies and related methods of making are provided. The dental assemblies include a dental article with a bonding surface an adhesive having both a compressible material and at least one hardenable dental composition extending across the bonding surface. The compressible material is coupled to the dental article by a first quantity of hardened dental composition extending at least partially through the compressible material and contacting the bonding surface. The hardened dental composition extends over less than the entire bonding surface. Adjacent portions of the compressible material contain a second quantity of unhardened dental composition, preserving flexibility of the compressible material. Advantageously, this configuration was found to enhance bond reliability and facilitate manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: 3M iNNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David K. Cinader, Jr., MaThazin Aung, Lee C. Yick, James D. Cleary
  • Patent number: 10383706
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for placing prefabricated orthodontic attachments (i.e. purchase and retention points) with precision and reliability. The invention incorporates the use of one or more prefabricated attachment shapes, each employed in conjunction with a corresponding retention register, etching stencil having an etchant limiting dam, and attachment delivery tray having a soft inner shell and rigid outer shell to ensure accurate attachment delivery. The disclosed invention will result in more accurate tooth movement and less excess bonding plastic (i.e., flash) on patent teeth after attachment placement, which will result in more desirable patient outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Inventor: Richard Portalupi
  • Patent number: 10039618
    Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire having a ligature to a tooth includes a bracket body configured to be mounted to the tooth, the bracket body including an archwire slot opened to one side of the bracket body and adapted to receive the archwire therein. At least two tie wings extend from the bracket body, the at least two tie wings each having a tip region and an under tie wing region, and the under tie wing region is configured to receive the ligature. The under tie wing regions each include a curvature in a plane parallel to a longitudinal axis of the archwire slot and extending in the same direction that the archwire slot opens at a location adjacent an outer end of the under tie wing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin Mark Nazeck
  • Patent number: 9949805
    Abstract: An orthodontic bracket attachment system featuring brackets for orthodontic braces. The system features a wing located on a bracket facial side. The system features an adhesive indention located on a bracket lingual side. The orthodontic bracket is designed to be affixed to a surface of a tooth. Adhesive is applied to the bracket lingual side flowing into the adhesive indention. The bracket is affixed to the surface of the tooth via the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Hung M. Thai
  • Patent number: 9925025
    Abstract: Provided packaged orthodontic assemblies and methods compressively retain an orthodontic appliance in a container along opposing sides of the appliance adjacent the bonding surfaces of its base. This can be done using a mechanism that limits contact between the appliance and the container while accommodating a substantial range of transverse base dimensions. This engagement mechanism allows an adhesive-coated appliance to be retained in a consistent orientation for convenient dispensing, while limiting potentially adverse interactions between the adhesive and the container. By avoiding loss of the adhesive components during storage, these assemblies and methods can extend shelf life and provide consistent adhesive handling properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alan F. Conley, John A. Verdouw
  • Patent number: 9883924
    Abstract: A pocket orthodontic bonding pad for attaching orthodontic attachments to teeth wherein the orthodontic attachment is mechanically secured within a bonding pad pocket with a design that allows a slight buffering flexibility under masticatory stress and ease of removal of the orthodontic attachment. Upon removal of locking tabs the orthodontic attachment may be removed with minimal force, and the remaining bonding pad polished from the teeth with ease, which is most advantageous for brackets that tend to break upon removal and create high stress forces upon tooth structure. The ease of removing orthodontic attachments allows maximum bonding strengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Robert T. Rudman
  • Patent number: 9877805
    Abstract: A method of shaping a green body provides a shaped green body comprised of a plurality of sinterable particles and an organic binder. Such a method includes: (1) molding a mixture of sinterable particles and organic binder into the shape of an initial green body or intermediate, wherein the sinterable particles include at least one of metal particles or ceramic particles; and (2) shaping the green body intermediate with at least one of a stream of energy or a stream of matter, wherein the shaping yields a green body having a desired shape. The shaped green body can be sintered in order to provide a hardened body having substantially the shape of the shaped green body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Patent number: 9682036
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental adhesive materials that can create a reversible bond. In addition, example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental impression materials that can be used to accurately and efficiently obtain a dental impression. Moreover, example embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for use with the hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials disclosed herein. The hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials can provide dental professionals with dental materials that are more effective, efficient, and easier to use when compared to conventional dental adhesive materials and conventional dental impression materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: CAO Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven D. Jensen
  • Patent number: 9636191
    Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is described, and which includes a bracket base, which is releasably affixed to a patient's tooth; a bracket body borne on the bracket base, and which defines an arch wire slot, and which further has a selectively adjustable cross-sectional dimension; and an arch wire is received within the arch wire slot, and where the described embodiment of the bracket body, acting in combination with the arch wire is adjustable so as to provide a multiplicity of selective torque expressions, which act upon a patient's tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Premier Orthodontic Designs, LLLP
    Inventors: Paul L. Damon, Dwight H. Damon
  • Patent number: 9549789
    Abstract: Disclosed is an orthodontic bracket and a method of manufacturing the same in which a bonding pattern is formed by irradiating a laser beam onto a base face of the orthodontic bracket that a machining process has been completed, and the bonding pattern formed on the base face is coated with an adhesive for attachment to teeth, thereby allowing the adhesive for attachment to teeth to firmly hold the orthodontic bracket on, and at the same time significantly reducing the processing time that takes to process the base surface for enabling for the adhesive to hold the orthodontic bracket on thereby enabling the mass production of the orthodontic bracket of high quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Jeng Soo Choi
  • Patent number: 9539064
    Abstract: A method of shaping a green body provides a shaped green body comprised of a plurality of sinterable particles and an organic binder. Such a method includes: (1) molding a mixture of sinterable particles and organic binder into the shape of an initial green body or intermediate, wherein the sinterable particles include at least one of metal particles or ceramic particles; and (2) shaping the green body intermediate with at least one of a stream of energy or a stream of matter, wherein the shaping yields a green body having a desired shape. The shaped green body can be sintered in order to provide a hardened body having substantially the shape of the shaped green body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus-H. Backes
  • Patent number: 9480540
    Abstract: Dental assemblies and related methods of making are provided. The dental assemblies include a dental article with a bonding surface an adhesive having both a compressible material and at least one hardenable dental composition extending across the bonding surface. The compressible material is coupled to the dental article by a first quantity of hardened dental composition extending at least partially through the compressible material and contacting the bonding surface. The hardened dental composition extends over less than the entire bonding surface. Adjacent portions of the compressible material contain a second quantity of unhardened dental composition, preserving flexibility of the compressible material. Advantageously, this configuration was found to enhance bond reliability and facilitate manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David K. Cinader, Jr., Ma Thazin Aung, Lee C. Yick, James D. Cleary
  • Patent number: 9277973
    Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is described and which includes a base member defining an archwire slot having an opening, and at least one projection extending outwardly from the base member; a ligating slide moveable between a first position which is clear of the archwire slot, and second position where the ligating slide projects over the opening of the archwire slot; and a biasing member borne by the ligating slide, and resiliently cooperating with the projection, and wherein the biasing member has a first portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the first position, and a second portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventor: Dwight H. Damon
  • Patent number: 9126925
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds of formula (I): wherein n, R1, and R2 are defined herein. Methods of oligomerizing/polymerizing the compounds of formula (I) and methods of making the compounds of formula (I) are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Michael L. Tulchinsky
  • Publication number: 20150147710
    Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to laser etched, sintered ceramic orthodontic brackets. Such a bracket can comprise a working surface including an archwire slot and a ligating structure. The bracket can also include a laser etched tooth attachment surface that is laser etched after sintering of the ceramic orthodontic bracket. In another example, a method of increasing the average bonding strength of a sintered ceramic orthodontic bracket can comprise laser etching a tooth attachment surface of the sintered ceramic orthodontic bracket. In one specific example, the method can further comprise the preliminary steps of forming a ceramic material into a shape of an orthodontic bracket and sintering the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Lewis
  • Publication number: 20150125803
    Abstract: The invention provides a tube to be used in orthodontics wherein said tube replaces the use of brackets in an orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic tube of the present invention is surrounded by a resin and this resin also serves as a bond agent to affix the tube to a patient's tooth. The orthodontic tube serves as a conduit for an archwire in order to impose upon each tooth only the force required to reset the position of the tooth to a desired configuration relative to the other teeth in the patient's mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Joqquin T. Ariza
  • Publication number: 20150111166
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an orthodontic system and a method of using the same to perform orthodontics. In one example, an orthodontic system is presented. The orthodontic system includes a tube having at least one sidewall and two opening ends, and a luting agent. The luting agent is disposed on at least a portion of one or more of the at least one sidewall of the tube and a portion of a surface of a tooth onto which the tube is directly attached or adhered. The two opening ends of the tube remain substantially open so that a wire can move along the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Joaquin T. Ariza
  • Publication number: 20150099237
    Abstract: An orthodontic bracket extension system for orthodontic braces, the orthodontic bracket extension system including a plurality of bracket base extensions adapted for coupling one each to a corresponding plurality of brackets to increase a bracket bonding surface area for greater securement of each of the plurality of brackets to each of a corresponding plurality of teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Brandon Owen
  • Publication number: 20150064642
    Abstract: This invention is a dynamic orthodontic bracket system which allows brackets to be adjusted for particular angulations required for each individual tooth of a patient, while the frames are continuously attached to tooth surface. The orthodontist manually adjusts the relationship of a bracket and a frame during treatment eliminating the necessity of a full repositioning of all components. The bracket can be locked or unlocked within the frame with the use of a plate having a tapered thickness. The bracket is positioned such that it can move in various directions to achieve a proper angulation for tooth repositioning. The exterior of the frame can also be textured to provide more secure attachment to the surface of the tooth. This system leads to lower treatment cost, a more stable bracket system, and quicker adjustments of the orthodontic bracket system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Hessam Rahimi
  • Publication number: 20150044625
    Abstract: Provided is an orthodontic splint and related methods, which use two or more bonding pads and a flexible connector beam that deflects in response to stress, effectively reducing the amount of stress felt by the adhesive. The connector beam has a non-uniform cross-section along its length, thereby shifting the maximum stress away from the ends of the beam and toward the mid-point of the beam. Further, the connector beam attached to each base along locations remote from the outer edge of the base. These splint configurations can decrease the likelihood of bond failure and improve fatigue performance by causing stress, and associated strain, encountered during treatment to be spread more evenly along the length of the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Ming-Lai Lai, Sung Kim
  • Publication number: 20150037747
    Abstract: Disclosed is an orthodontic bracket and a method of manufacturing the same in which a bonding pattern is formed by irradiating a laser beam onto a base face of the orthodontic bracket that a machining process has been completed, and the bonding pattern formed on the base face is coated with an adhesive for attachment to teeth, thereby allowing the adhesive for attachment to teeth to firmly hold the orthodontic bracket on, and at the same time significantly reducing the processing time that takes to process the base surface for enabling for the adhesive to hold the orthodontic bracket on thereby enabling the mass production of the orthodontic bracket of high quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jeongsu Choi
  • Publication number: 20150017596
    Abstract: An adjustable orthodontic bracket is described which includes a body member having an orthodontic archwire fixing member and a first faying surface; a bonding base member having a second faying surface and a tooth bonding surface; and a connecting member that includes a layer of a thermoplastic polymer, and which connects the first faying surface of the body member to the second faying surface of the bonding base member. Methods of repositioning and manufacturing the adjustable orthodontic brackets are also described. A method is also provided for reducing a bond strength of an orthodontic appliance adhered to a tooth structure with a cured adhesive composition, which includes treating the orthodontic bracket with ultrasonic energy thereby reducing the bond strength more than about 20%. The cured adhesive composition includes an ultrasonic energy responsive filler, and under the ultrasonic energy stimulation, the cured adhesive composition softens thereby reducing the overall bonding strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Raymond F. Wong, Jason Tabb, Aaron Goodall, Stanley S. Huang, Albert Ruiz-Vela
  • Publication number: 20140363782
    Abstract: A customized orthodontic bracket system is provided. The system can include a bracket having a customized bracket bonding pad for bonding the bracket to a tooth of a patient and a bracket slot adapted to receive a customized archwire. The customized archwire is adapted to be positioned in the bracket slot to form a precise bracket slot-archwire interface. The bracket slot and the archwire when positioned in the bracket slot can be positioned substantially adjacent the tooth surface to reduce induced vertical error in tooth positioning. The bracket slot can be configured to have a bracket slot width substantially matching a cross-section of the archwire to reduce torque rotation around an axis of the archwire when positioned therein to further enhance end-of-treatment tooth positioning and reduce overall treatment time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Dirk Wiechmann, Ralf Paehl, Rüdger Rubbert, Thomas Wiese
  • Patent number: 8882498
    Abstract: Coordinated metal and ceramic orthodontic bracket systems (100) allow a practitioner to insert one or more ceramic brackets (102, 104, 106, 108) into a metal bracket system (1001), replacing selected metal brackets (102?, 1041, 106?, 108?) with ceramic brackets (102, 104, 106, 108), and vice-versa. Thus, both a ceramic bracket system (100) and a metal bracket system (1001) are provided, in which corresponding brackets of each system include substantially identical “in-out” slot floor cross-sectional thicknesses so that corresponding brackets are interchangeable with each other, without any need for compensating bends or later treatment to correct unintended buccal-lingual tooth movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Lewis, Dwight P. Schnaitter
  • Patent number: 8875873
    Abstract: Orthodontic assemblies and related methods are provided where an adhesive coated orthodontic appliance is received in a container that includes a substrate and a lid having a retaining member. When the lid is closed, the retaining member is complemental to the shape of the appliance and engages with the appliance. By conforming to the shape of the appliance, the retaining member constrains the appliance from shifting in lateral and vertical directions within the container. When the lid is opened, the associated retaining member disengages from the appliance, thereby facilitating user access to the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David K. Cinader, Jr., Alan F. Conley
  • Publication number: 20140302448
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treating mal-alignment of teeth using super-elastic nickel titanium, heat activated nickel titanium coated or uncoated orthodontic wires with composite resins in order to effectuate desired tooth alignment. The composite resin is formed into beads that hold the wire in place preferably on the lingual surface of the teeth. Alternate embodiments using composite brackets are disclosed. The overall purpose of this invention is to provide a close contact, low profile orthodontic system, in particular, a lingual orthodontic system that is significantly more comfortable than existing orthodontic systems, completely concealed and effective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Benjamin Cassalia
  • Publication number: 20140272751
    Abstract: Orthodontic bracket assemblies with torque-adjusting drums. The drum defines at least a majority of the archwire slot of the corresponding bracket assembly, and the drum may be selectively rotated about its longitudinal axis to adjust the prescriptive force that is applied to a patient's tooth during orthodontic use of the bracket assembly. The bracket assembly includes a positioning assembly that selectively retains the drum in a selected orientation relative to the base of the bracket assembly, thereby defining a prescription to be imparted by the bracket assembly to a patient's tooth. In some embodiments, the bracket assembly includes a biasing mechanism that selectively urges the positioning assembly to a position in which the drum is, or is not, retained in a selected position. In some embodiments, the bracket includes a release mechanism that selectively disengages the positioning assembly to permit adjustment of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher C. Cosse
  • Publication number: 20140272750
    Abstract: Provided are orthodontic appliances including a bonding base, a body extending outwardly from the base and an elongated slot thereon extending along a generally mesial-distal direction, and first and second protrusions disposed on the body on opposite sides of the slot. A clip is slidably engaged to the body and movable between open and closed positions. When operating the clip, the first protrusion extends into the clip to retain the clip to the body in an interference fit while the second protrusion extends into the clip when in its closed position. Optionally, the clip comprises at least one deflectable portion aligned along a reference plane extending over the slot, where the deflectable portion resiliently bends out of the reference plane to traverse the second protrusion as the clip moves between open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Ming-Lai Lai
  • Patent number: 8834156
    Abstract: The orthodontic bracket system includes a bracket having a base for attachment to a tooth surface, a stem above the base, tie wings extending from the stem for securing ligatures, and an archwire slot for receiving an archwire defined by the stem and tie wings. Distal and mesial side surfaces of the bracket base are perpendicular to the archwire slot to allow a rotational device to apply rotational force to a tooth perpendicular to the archwire with direct vector-line guidance. Occlusal and gingival edges of the bracket base between the tie wings are scooped-out or recessed to provide more space to receive a tool under an elastic ligature, and select corners of the tie wings are beveled enlarging space to facilitate entry of instruments for removing wire ligatures, to facilitate instrument access for removal and replacement of ligatures, while streamlining tooth rotation to make arch correction more efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ortho Organizers, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence F. Andrews, Will A. Andrews
  • Publication number: 20140255865
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance consisting of a two-component bracket assembly and a customized wire where the tooth component of the bracket assembly is semi-permanently glued to the tooth surface and the wire component of the bracket assembly is securely attached to the customized wire. The customized wire has a configuration that is derived from characteristics of both the mal-aligned and aligned states of the teeth. The series of wire components of the bracket assembly are separated by an inter-bracket distance and are specifically oriented along the customized wire to form the customized wire-bracket device. When the wire component and the tooth component of the bracket assembly are engaged, the alignment of the teeth occurs due to the elastic recoil of the customized wire. The customized wire-bracket device is completely detachable and re-attachable to the tooth component of the bracket assembly as are the two components of the bracket assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Pawan Gautam
  • Patent number: 8821157
    Abstract: An orthodontic adhesive includes a curable resin monomer component; a quaternary curing initiator system; and filler. Another orthodontic adhesive having a W/C ratio (working time to curing time ratio) of at least 10, 12, 14 or 20, includes a curable resin monomer component; a curing initiator system; and filler. The adhesives are suitable as light-curing and may include a colorant. Suitable colorants include reversible, thermochromic dyes. The adhesive may also include a resin toughening component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond F. Wong, Kevin Corcoran
  • Patent number: RE45743
    Abstract: A bilayer base for attaching appliances selected from the group consisting of a component of a dental appliance, an orthodontic appliance, or an orthopedic appliance to a bony part of the human body wherein the appliance part to be attached to the bony part of the body may be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. The base permits the appliance to be ready for mounting and includes a cured layer of polymer resin mounted on the appliance and an uncured layer of substantially the same polymer resin over the cured layer which when cured becomes integral with the cured layer in attaching the appliance to a bony part of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: TP ORTHODONTICS, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew C. Kesling