Dentistry – Orthodontics – Tool
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-10
2001-09-18
Wilson, John J. (Department: 3732)
Dentistry
Orthodontics
Tool
Reexamination Certificate
active
06290495
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to orthodontic dentistry. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tool used to assist an orthodontist in gluing a bracket for orthodontic braces in a centralized position on a tooth.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Modern orthodontic braces include a series of brackets connected by wires. The single bracket is attached to each tooth and then the brackets are connected by wires which are used to apply lateral pressure to the teeth. The brackets are attached to the teeth by glue or cement.
A problem exists in attaching brackets to back teeth or rear molars. Specifically, orthodontists have a difficult time in positioning the brackets on the individual teeth due to the difficult location of the rear molars. Currently, orthodontists simply estimate the appropriate center position for the bracket and glue the brackets to the individual teeth. However, inaccuracies can result when gluing the brackets to the rear molars or, even the front teeth as well. Further, if the brackets are not glued to the teeth in an appropriate laterally centered position, the orthodontic treatment provided by the braces is compromised.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method or apparatus for installing orthodontic brackets on teeth in a proper laterally centralized position on the tooth.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention satisfies the aforenoted need by providing a tool for installing an orthodontic bracket on a tooth in a laterally centralized position on the tooth. The tool of the present invention comprises a handle comprising an end, a generally vertical inner member and a generally vertical outer member. Both the inner and outer members extend generally perpendicularly inward from the end of the handle and are slidably connected to the handle. At least one of the inner and outer members is biased towards the other of the inner and outer members for holding the orthodontic bracket between the inner and outer members. The other of the inner and outer members are adjustable laterally with respect to the handle. A top member is connected to the handle. The top member extends generally perpendicularly inward from the handle and vertically above and beyond the inner and outer members. The top member is for engaging a top of the tooth and centering the inner and outer members with respect to the tooth.
In an embodiment, the top member is vertically adjustable with respect to the inner and outer members.
In an embodiment, the handle further comprises height indicia to indicate the relative height of the top member with respect to the inner and outer members.
In an embodiment, the inner member is adjustable laterally with respect to the handle.
In an embodiment, the handle further comprises indicia to indicate the lateral position of the inner member with respect to a horizontal center of the top member.
In an embodiment, the top member is an arched plate.
In an embodiment, the top member is a plate having inverted V-shape having an obtuse angle.
In an embodiment, the top member comprises a bar.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides a tool for installing an orthodontic bracket on a tooth in a laterally centralized position on the tooth. The tool comprises a handle comprising an end and a support member connected to the end of the handle. A generally vertical inner plate and a generally vertical outer plate extend generally perpendicularly inward from the support member. At least one of the inner and outer plates is biased towards the other of the inner and outer plates for holding the orthodontic bracket between the inner and outer plates. The other of the inner and outer plates is adjustable laterally with respect to the support member. A top plate is connected to the support member. The top plate extends generally perpendicularly inward from the support member and vertically above and beyond the inner and outer plates. The top plate is for engaging a top of the tooth and centering the inner and outer plates with respect to the tooth.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides a tool for installing orthodontic brackets in laterally centralized positions on teeth disposed on opposite sides of a patient's mouth. The tool comprises a handle comprising a first end and a second end and a first support member connected to the first end of the handle. A generally vertical first inner member and a generally vertical first outer member extend generally perpendicularly inward from the first support member and are slidably connected to at least one of the support member or handle. At least one of the first inner and first outer members is biased towards the other of the first inner and first outer members for holding the orthodontic bracket between the first inner and first outer members. The other of the first inner and first outer members is adjustable laterally with respect to the first support member. A first top member is connected to the first support member. The first top member extends generally perpendicularly inward from the first support member and vertically above and beyond the first inner and first outer members. The first top member engages a top of a first tooth and centers the first inner and first outer members with respect to said first tooth. The tool also comprises a second support member connected to the second end of the handle and a generally vertical second inner member and a generally vertical second outer member that extend generally perpendicularly inward from the second support member. At least one of the second inner and second outer members is biased towards the other of the second inner and second outer members. The other of the second inner and second outer members are adjustable laterally with respect to the second support member. A second top member is connected to the second support member, the second top member extends generally perpendicularly inward from the second support member and vertically above and beyond the second inner and second outer members. The second top member engages a top of a second tooth and centers the second inner and second outer members with respect to said second tooth.
In an embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for installing an orthodontic bracket on a tooth. The method comprises the following steps:
grasping the bracket between inner and outer members of a tool comprising a handle comprising an end, both the inner and outer members extending generally perpendicularly inward from the end of the handle and being slidably connected to the handle, at least one of the inner and outer members being biased towards the other of the inner and outer members for holding the bracket between the inner and outer members, the other of the inner and outer members being adjustable laterally with respect to the handle, a top member connected to the handle, the top member extending generally perpendicularly inward from the handle and vertically above and beyond the inner and outer members;
applying glue to at least one of the tooth or the bracket;
engaging a top of the tooth with the top member thereby centering the inner and outer members with respect to the tooth;
sliding the tool inward until the bracket engages the tooth;
holding the bracket against the tooth until the glue sets.
It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide an improved tool for installing orthodontic brackets on teeth in a laterally centralized position on the teeth.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved method for installing orthodontic brackets on teeth in a laterally centralized position.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and appended claims, and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3686762 (1972-08-01), Sutter
patent: 4424029 (1984-01-01), Maijer et al.
patent: 4850864 (1989-07-01), Diamond
Bumgarner Melba
Marshall O'Toole Gerstein Murray & Borun
Wilson John J.
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