Orthodontic kit and methods for same

Abstract

A method for providing orthodontic therapy. The method includes the steps of providing a kit that includes an enclosure and tools and components for providing orthodontic therapy using braces to a single patient, applying the braces to the single patient's teeth using the tools, placing the tools back into the kit, storing the kit, and reusing the kit at all of the single patient's subsequent visits during the term of the orthodontic therapy.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to orthodontic kits and, more particularly, to orthodontic kits and methods for using same.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Dentists performing orthodontics use a number of different tools and components to apply and adhere orthodontic brackets to teeth, prepare the teeth for the brackets and then attach wires and other tensioning devices to move the teeth.[0003]Some dentists use indirect bonding trays to conveniently and accurately position all of the braces on the teeth. The bonding tray is made on a model of a patient's teeth and the brackets are included within the tray. These custom trays are then used to effectively bond the braces to the patient's teeth.[0004]One issue with the current bracket attachment system is that bonding trays are made by independent orthodontic labs and the braces are made by separate orthodontic suppliers. The dentist typically inventories the brackets, and, after making the mold of t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The present invention provides a kit wherein the process of making indirect bonding trays is consolidated with providing the brackets and other tools / components. Practitioner inventory costs are reduced by eliminating the need to stock brackets, wires, metal and rubber ligature ties, and reproximation disc, strips and burs, etc. Preparation time is reduced because tools do not need hot sterilization, which can degrade the effectiveness of the tools because they are maintained for the particular patient in a convenient and reusable storage box. The components become unique tools to be used only on that patient. The present invention also helps eliminate the risk of cross contamination between patients.

Problems solved by technology

One issue with the current bracket attachment system is that bonding trays are made by independent orthodontic labs and the braces are made by separate orthodontic suppliers.

In addition to the time expended ordering components from multiple suppliers, many of the tools or components may not match the requirements of the particular patient's teeth.

Also, many of the tools or components, such as the diamond disc, strip and bur require hot sterilization if they are to be used on multiple patients.

Due to the high temperature and pressure, the hot sterilization damages and / or degrades the functionality of these tools over time.

The need for the dentist to inventory supplies, such as wires, brackets, metal and rubber ligature ties, bonding adhesive resin, cheek retractors and orthodontic cement, as well as the need to sterilize and dispose of other components is time consuming, ineffective, costly and a hassle for the dentist.

This puts a lot of responsibility on the dentist and it also increases the risk that the patient will be inconvenienced if there is a problem with inventory control or shipping.

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