Cast orthodontic retainer system

Abstract

A cast orthodontic retainer system for reducing discomfort and improving durability. The cast orthodontic retainer system generally includes a palatal portion for positioning against the palate of a patient's mouth and a retention portion for extending across an anterior portion of the patient's teeth. The palatal portion of the present invention is fabricated of a cast metallic material, thus allowing for the palatal portion to be substantially thinner than the palatal portions of retainers in the prior art. In a preferred embodiment, the palatal portion of the present invention will be fabricated of a combination of cobalt, chromium and molybdenum (generally marketed under the trademark VITALLIUM). The palatal portion of the orthodontic retainer is preferably cast from the metallic material utilizing the “lost wax” technique of casting.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not applicable to this application.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable to this application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates generally to an orthodontic retainer and more specifically it relates to a cast orthodontic retainer system which includes a thin palatal portion cast from a metallic material for improving the comfort of a patient utilizing an orthodontic retainer.[0005]2. Description of the Related Art[0006]Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.[0007]Orthodontic retainers have been in use for years in the orthodontic field for providing orthodontic retention after completion of an active phase of orthodontic treatment. The most commonly utilized orthodontic retai...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The invention generally relates to an orthodontic retainer which includes a thin palatal portion cast from a metallic material and a method for fabricating the same. The retainer is generally comprised of a palatal portion for positioning against the palate of a patient's mouth and a retention portion for extending across an anterior portion of the patient's teeth. The palatal portion of the present invention is comprised of a cast metallic material, thus allowing for the palatal portion to be substantially thinner than the palatal portions of retainers in the prior art. In a preferred embodiment, the palatal portion of the present invention will be comprised of a metal alloy comprised of carbon, silicon, manganese, cobalt, chromium and molybdenum (generally marketed under the trademark VITALLIUM by Howmedica, Inc.). The palatal portion of the orthodontic retainer is preferably cast from the metallic material utilizing the “lost wax” technique of casting.

Problems solved by technology

However, the use of such materials for the palatal portion of orthodontic retainers generally suffers from a number of shortcomings.

The acrylic and plastic materials utilized for such palatal portions will generally require a minimum thickness of 1.5 millimeters or more to provide the requisite structural strength, thus resulting in discomfort for a patient who must wear such a retainer for hours each day.

Further, the acrylic or plastic material utilized for the palatal portion of previously-existing retainers often breaks easily, requiring costly repairs or replacement of the orthodontic retainer.

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