Dentistry – Orthodontics – Means to transmit or apply force to tooth
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-11
2001-07-03
Lewis, Ralph A. (Department: 3732)
Dentistry
Orthodontics
Means to transmit or apply force to tooth
Reexamination Certificate
active
06254384
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to improvements in my earlier three part interarch dental appliance entitled “Apparatus for Cushioned Bite Jumping and the Correction of Class II Maloccluslons” which was patented on Oct. 21, 1997 (U.S. Pat No. 5,678,990). This device, by applying mechanical linkages and cylinders enclosing a force module to achieve the forward backward orthodontic-orthopedic forces between upper and lower teeth (and supporting bone), creates a normal bite. The teeth and bone structures are thus moved into proper orientation under controlled conditions. This apparatus, however, employs a relatively complex force mechanism between its parts. This force mechanism is expensive to manufacture and complex to assemble or replace when adjusting the appliance during treatment. In the present invention, a simplified U shaped compression force module has been substituted for the previous mechanism with no tubing or guide pins. Attachment to the rest of the apparatus is simple and carried out by means of two loosely riveted connections.
PRIOR ART
The present invention, like its predecessors, makes use of links and link housings. The housings are coupled to orthodontic upper and lower molar bands previously installed in the mouth by mounting pins which insert into corresponding mounting tubes attached to orthodontic molar bands by their mounting bases.
The links and link holders, attached to the upper and lower molars permit correction forces to be applied during closure of the mouth. In my earlier issued patents (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,382,783 and 4,472,139) the upper and lower set of links were joined by adjustable, threaded members. These were inherently weak and tended to disengage or break under the transverse forces developed during mouth closure. In my last improvement (U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,990 cited above) the junction between the upper and lower links was accomplished by telescoping hollow cylinders, the inner cylinder containing a force element. The movement of the force element was guided by the inner surface of the smallest cylinder. The overall orientation of the cylinders was maintained by guide pins. Although this arrangement has proven satisfactory, it is still expensive to manufacture, complex and difficult to assemble.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The use of a simple external, “U” shaped compression force module permits a simplified approach that was not possible using the prior art. The force module flexes in a direction parallel to its mounting plane. The strength of the force module can be varied by changing its length, thickness, or altering the “rest width” of the open end of the “U” or its height or overall size.
In the present invention, the upper and lower sets of teeth are connected by this “U” shaped compression module, coupled by pivoted links to housings which in turn connect, by way of mounting pins, into their respective mounting tubes whose bases are attached to orthodontic molar bands placed on selected teeth in each side of the mouth. Additionally, the embedding of the mounting tube bases in appropriate molar areas of corresponding removable non-metallic upper and lower dental arch appliances and templates enhances its use. When the mouth is closing with the invention in place, the pivoted links act on the “U” shaped compression force module to redirect the closing forces into forward-backward force vectors. The invention makes use of this “U” shaped compression force module to transmit forces between the upper and lower teeth and their supporting bone. If a “light” force module is employed, the invention may be used to bring about orthodontic-tooth movement. With a “heavy” force module, orthopedic jaw displacement (as well as tooth movement) may be realized. The assembly of each molar gear unit is considerably simplified by this improvement and fabrication cost is lowered. If the position of the compression force module and the mounting components are reversed, the appliance will exert backward and downward forces on the lower teeth, and upward and forward forces on the upper teeth. This will produce forces during mouth closure which can be used in selected cases to treat class III protrusions.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4472139 (1984-09-01), Rosenberg
patent: 4592725 (1986-06-01), Goshgarian
patent: 4708646 (1987-11-01), Jasper
patent: 5246366 (1993-09-01), Tracey
patent: 5645423 (1997-07-01), Collins, Jr.
patent: 5678990 (1997-10-01), Rosenberg
patent: 5697782 (1997-12-01), Klapper et al.
patent: 5823772 (1998-10-01), Vogt
patent: 6113390 (2000-09-01), Sirney
Kivenson Gilbert
Lewis Ralph A.
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