Dentistry – Orthodontics – Bracket
Utility Patent
1999-10-09
2001-01-02
Manahan, Todd E. (Department: 3732)
Dentistry
Orthodontics
Bracket
C433S013000
Utility Patent
active
06168429
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention pertains to orthodontic brackets, and in particular, to twin edgewise orthodontic bracket inserts employed to maintain the archwire in the proper relationship to the bracket.
2. Description of the Related Art
Orthodontics is that field of dentistry which deals with changing the position of the teeth within each dental arch as well as the fit of the teeth in each dental arch against the opposing teeth. When teeth are not in the correct position, the resulting condition is termed malocclusion. Malocclusions may result from jaw shape, position, or size discrepancies. For example, the upper jaw may be too narrow in width as compared to the lower jaw, resulting in an incorrect fit of the lower teeth against the upper teeth. Or, the jaw size may be too small in comparison to the tooth sizes, resulting in crowding, which affects both alignment of the teeth within the same arch and the fit of the teeth in each arch against the opposing teeth as the jaws close together.
Tooth position changes are accomplished by the application of carefully calibrated mechanical forces applied by mechanisms attached to the patient's teeth. Generally, these mechanisms are comprised of precisely engineered brackets cemented to the surface of each tooth and a small diameter resilient wire (the archwire) that is attached to each bracket with a ligature. As the resilient wire is deflected from its original shape by being tied with the ligature into a slot within each bracket (the archwire slot), it applies force to the teeth as it attempts to rebound to its original form. The biologic system of the patient responds to this applied force with cellular alterations that allow the position of the teeth to change. For the desired movement to occur, the archwire and ligature must not only provide the motive forces, but also must allow the brackets to slide along the archwire. Binding of the bracket slot against the archwire (friction) alters the dynamic of forces at work within the mechanism, confuses the biologic response and disrupts the smooth flow of the treatment process.
In 1928, Edward H. Angle, the father of modern orthodontics, introduced the Edgewise Bracket. While orthodontic brackets have evolved since 1928 into a myriad of shapes and designs, Angle's edgewise bracket and its variations still comprise the vast majority of orthodontic brackets used today. The edgewise bracket such as that shown in
FIG. 1
includes a translateral, horizontal slot that is rectangular in cross-section with an open face that allows insertion of the archwire. The open face allows for a more convenient placement of the wire, as opposed to threading the wire through an enclosed tube. The open face also allows the wire to be adjusted to apply individualized forces to each specific tooth. The rectangular slot provides a mechanism for applying a twisting force to each tooth if a rectangular wire is used. As the rectangular wire rotates, its edges (hence the term edgewise) engage the walls of the slot, providing the clinician the ability to control movement of each tooth in all three planes of space, i.e. vertical, horizontal and rotational. The tiewings provide a secure support and attachment for the ligatures, which hold the archwire into the slot by passing over the archwire as it exits each side of the slot. The double tiewings provide exceptional rotational control over a single tiewing design.
Ligation of the archwire, while necessary to hold the archwire into the slot, adds significantly to the friction of the system. Friction impedes the smooth movement of the archwire through the edgewise bracket and the sliding of the teeth along the archwire. Friction requires an increase in the applied levels of force and reduces the efficiency of the mechanism by creating rapid decay of the applied forces. In practical terms, force decay requires the mechanism to be reactivated more often so the practitioner must see patients at time intervals that could otherwise be much longer. The financial implications of this phenomenon are clear.
Nevertheless, the twin edgewise bracket continues to be the most popular orthodontic bracket used today. The design has been adapted over the years with preadjustments manufactured in the edgewise slot to increase efficiency and improve the result. Other design adaptations have changed the outside shape of the tiewings to a rhomboid to effect better bracket placement, among other things. Several edgewise brackets have been designed with caps, lids, slides or locks that capture the archwire in the archwire slot. These mechanisms overcome the friction problem by eliminating the need for ligatures. In each of these designs, the basic twin edgewise, or single edgewise shape, has been altered to accept the cap, lid, slide or lock. In other words, in each of the designs, the individual edgewise bracket is altered to receive the cap, lid, slide or lock, and the design consists of both pieces, the custom bracket and the custom cap, lid, slide or lock.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide an orthodontic bracket insert which fits between the tiewings of a conventional twin edgewise bracket and the overall insert construction is substantially concentric with respect to the configuration of the bracket tiewings.
A further object of the invention is to provide an orthodontic bracket and insert assembly which permits the insert to be located above an archwire located in the bracket slot without binding the archwire in any manner.
Another object of the invention is to provide an orthodontic bracket and insert wherein extensions are defined upon the insert to be located under and concentric to the underside of the tiewings to insure that the insert is firmly anchored, and the need for a ligature is eliminated.
Another object of the invention is to provide an orthodontic bracket and insert wherein the extensions are defined upon the insert to be located under and concentric to the underside of the tiewings and to provide enough additional space to allow the anchoring of another ancillary device on top of this device.
Another object of the invention is to provide an orthodontic bracket and insert assembly wherein the insert includes positioning stops or shoulders which permit the insert to be accurately located over the archwire slot to prevent the insert from binding with respect to the archwire.
An additional object of the invention is to provide an orthodontic bracket and insert assembly wherein the horizontal sleeves from the main body of the device cover the archwire slot and extend beyond the slot. These sleeves afford excellent rotational control of the tooth, and provide a rest for other ancillary products anchored to the bracket by way of a ligature. The rest does not allow the ancillary device to touch the archwire, therefore it eliminates binding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The bracket with which the insert of the invention is utilized is of a generally conventional nature having a pad body concave roughened support surface which engages the tooth, or the body is welded or brazed to a bonding pad which engages the tooth. The longitudinal length of the pad body defines an axis and tiewings extend laterally from the body in opposite directions from the axis and define an archwire receiving slot therebetween. The tiewings include extensions extending beyond the lateral sides of the pad body, and the underside of such extensions are utilized by the insert anchors in accord with the invention to maintain the insert assembled on the bracket body.
The insert retainer includes a central portion adapted to overlie the bracket archwire slot, and this central portion includes shoulders or abutments which will maintain the insert central portion in a predetermined spaced and superimposed relationship with respect to the archwire which does not produce binding.
The insert or retainer is maintained upon the bracket by anchors defined upon the lateral sides of the insert. Depending upon the material of which the ret
Jelaga Incorporated
Manahan Todd #E.
Young & Basile P.C.
LandOfFree
Orthodontic bracket insert does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Orthodontic bracket insert, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Orthodontic bracket insert will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2442206