Orthodontic devices for use with arch wires

Abstract

An orthodontic bracket or convertible buccal tube for use with arch wires has the usual mesial distal extending slot having one side open to receive the wire. The open side is closed by a shutter pivoting on a pivot pin, or coaxial pins, about a mesial distal axis, the shutter being latched in slot closed position to retain the arch wire by a latch having one latch member on the pivot pin / s and a cooperating member on an annular part of the shutter surrounding the pin / s. Preferably the latch members are a mesial distal extending cam shaped recess in the pivot pin / s and a projection protruding from the annular shutter part, or vice versa. The part of the annular shutter part carrying the latch member is made flexible by a mesial distal extending through slot dividing it to form a movable segment of about 200° to 270° of the total circumference; a tool can be inserted into the slot to assist in disengaging the latch. The shutter member can have parts thereof that with the shutter in slot closed position are an interference fit against the device body providing an additional retaining force against opening movement. Preferably the device includes an attitude controlling spring member consisting of a thin sheet metal spring within the body having a free end extending into the arch wire slot to engage an arch wire therein, or alternatively consisting of a flexible extension of the part of the shutter member that closes the slot.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention is concerned with improvements in or relating to orthodontic devices consisting of orthodontic brackets and tubes of convertible type that are used in orthodontic procedures in cooperation with arch wires, and particularly such devices which have arch wire attitude controlling spring means as a permanent part thereof. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Orthodontic procedures almost always employ a plurality of orthodontic brackets that are attached to respective teeth, usually by cementing them thereto, although in some circumstances the bracket may still be attached to a metal band which embraces the tooth. Each bracket has a mesial distal extending slot therein, usually of rectangular cross section in a gingival occlusal plane, and the brackets are connected together using an arch wire, so called because it is preformed to an optimum arch shape corresponding to the desired conformation of the teeth at the conclusion of the procedure. In...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention provides new orthodontic devices, particularly small ones for use in lingual techniques, that can be easily inserted into the mouth and have a unique design for engaging an arch wire. The devices have a pivot member and a shutter member that can be opened and closed to retain the arch wire. The shutter member has a pivot portion, a slot closure portion, and latch means for retaining the shutter member in the closed position. The devices can be used in conjunction with an attitude controlling spring and a flexible extension of the shutter member. The technical effects of the invention include improved control over the arch wire, reduced size of the device, and improved aesthetics for lingual techniques."

Problems solved by technology

This is not always convenient, and may not be possible when the tube is on an intermediate tooth, and the solution is then to use a tube of the so-called convertible type, with which one side of the tube bore can be opened when required for insertion of the wire therein, or its removal.

There is increasing interest in the lingual technique, even though such procedures are more difficult to implement.

The compromise is not so suitable for older patients who tend to show their lower teeth more, and in some cases primarily display their lower anterior teeth.

Attempts simply to reduce the size of existing devices are not generally successful, at least partly because changes in scale affects size parameters in different ratios, e.g. areas decrease in square ratio while volumes decrease in cube ratio, with the result that it becomes increasingly difficult, especially with the tiny spring members required, to find materials of the necessary properties.

Images