System and method to bioengineer facial form in adults

Details System and method to bioengineer facial form in adults System and method to bioengineer facial form in adults

2004-05-19

2008-01-01

O'Connor, Cary E. (Department: 3732)

Dentistry

Orthodontics

Method of positioning or aligning teeth

C433S007000, C433S018000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07314372

ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus are provided for changing the form of the jaw and facial bones of an adult patient that did not develop fully during childhood. The method utilizes a device having a plate body with an expansion screw device that fits within the mouth of the patient, flap springs that project from the plate body and an overlay extending from the plate body. The device is placed within the mouth of the patient so that the overlay is in a position between at least two opposing teeth. In this position the flap springs press against selected teeth that are out of alignment in order to urge those teeth back into place. This force on the teeth causes the jawbone to expand to accept the teeth in their proper position(s). Also, the device is arranged such that the opposing teeth contact the overlay during swallowing, which causes the patient's facial muscles to intermittently pull on the facial bones. This intermittent application of force to the facial bones causes these bones to further develop toward a symmetrical appearance of the face and the positioning of out of place teeth/tooth into proper position. The device can be adjusted by small motors under the control of a microprocessor located on the body plate based on readings from sensors on the flap springs.

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