Orthodontic device

Abstract

An orthodontic device (10) comprising a first opening (11) for receiving a first locking structure, a second opening (12) for receiving a second locking structure and a third opening (13, 14, 15) for receiving a third locking structure, the first, second and third locking structures being attached to the oral cavity of a subject, and an intermediate structure (18) connecting the first, second and third openings, wherein one or more of the openings is stretchable, and wherein the intermediate structure and the openings are made of a creep resistant material.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of European Patent Application No. 20382367.9, filed on May 4, 2021.

[0002] This disclosure relates to orthodontic appliances, and more particularly to orthodontic appliances that are mounted to locking structures such as brackets. This disclosure also relates to kits and methods for orthodontic treatment. Background Technology

[0003] Correcting dental irregularities and malocclusions by applying controlled forces to the teeth has become commonplace. For example, the use of orthodontic brackets is well-known. Orthodontic brackets are typically attached directly to the front of each tooth and come in various styles and sizes, including self-ligating brackets, lingual brackets, and titanium brackets. The brackets act as handles for the archwire that holds the moving teeth. A single elastic element or ligature is placed around the periphery of the bracket that holds the archwire in place. As the teeth continue to move, the straps need to be changed or adjusted at scheduled monthly intervals.

[0004] Orthodontic treatment, including braces, can be combined with the use of an orthodontic "kinetic chain." An orthodontic kinetic chain consists of connected, elastic ligatures that are typically used to seal spaces between teeth during orthodontic treatment. This method typically uses a row of connected, elastic O-rings attached to brackets, creating uniform tension across several teeth. This tension helps seal spaces between teeth or groups of teeth and is often used near the end of treatment. For example, US 2004 / 0096798 discloses an orthodontic force module made of an elastic material.

[0005] Typically, orthodontists see patients monthly or every few weeks. During each visit, the orthodontist will adjust the orthodontic brackets as needed for treatment. Similarly, a suitable orthodontic kinetic chain can be installed around the brackets during these visits.

[0006] Orthodontic dynamic chains are typically made of silicone rubber. Silicone rubber is used in many medical applications and is therefore biocompatible. Furthermore, silicone rubber has good elasticity. When an orthodontic dynamic chain is installed, portions of the chain are stretched. The openings of the chain are arranged around the brackets. The tension between the subsequent openings of the chain forces the teeth closer together.

[0007] However, silicone rubber also has many drawbacks. First, under constant pressure, saliva, and humidity, the kinetic chain loses its activity or effectiveness quite quickly, for example, within a few days. Therefore, the orthodontic kinetic chain has almost no effect between visits to the orthodontist. Furthermore, the color of the kinetic chain can be affected by saliva. Additionally, the greater friction between silicone rubber and metal brackets affects the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment in correcting malocclusion.

[0008] The use of coil springs is also well-known. Open coil springs are used when two teeth are too close together. The coil spring passes through the archwire to separate the teeth. Closed coil springs can have small holes at both ends, which may pull the teeth closer together when stretched.

[0009] US 2012 / 0058444 discloses a variable tension spring having two locking ends. US 2007 / 0196781 discloses an orthodontic tension assembly including a tensioner attachment body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the tensioner attachment body has an opening adapted to removably receive a tooth locking structure, and wherein the second end of the tensioner attachment body is adapted to removably engage a tension element.

[0010] The eyelets of a coil spring can be fitted around locking points, such as brackets bonded to teeth. When a coil spring is stretched during installation, its natural tendency is to shorten, thus bringing the teeth closer together. To pull multiple teeth closer together, multiple coil springs must be used simultaneously.

[0011] This disclosure provides methods and apparatus for orthodontic treatment in various instances, which at least partially address some of the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0012] In a first aspect, an orthodontic device is provided. The orthodontic device includes a first opening for receiving a first locking structure, a second opening for receiving a second locking structure, and a third opening for receiving a third locking structure, the first, second, and third locking structures being connected in the oral cavity of a subject. The device also includes an intermediate structure connecting the first, second, and third openings, wherein one or more of the openings are stretchable, and wherein the intermediate structure and the openings are made of a creep-resistant material. The orthodontic device can be configured to deform by increasing its length and decreasing its width.

[0013] According to this aspect, orthodontic appliances include at least three openings for mounting around locking structures such as brackets. Therefore, multiple teeth can move relative to each other. By manufacturing orthodontic appliances from creep-resistant materials, treatment can be more effective than using silicone. The activity of the appliance can be maintained between visits to the orthodontist, which may be an interval of two to six weeks. For example, if there are two months or more between two visits, the activity can be maintained for even longer. And in some cases, the same appliance can be used throughout the entire treatment. One or more of the openings are stretchable and therefore deformable, meaning they change their shape when tension is applied. Therefore, they can fit around various locking structures in different parts of the mouth.

[0014] Orthodontic appliances are deformable, particularly by lengthening the structure by reducing its width. The appliance can be lengthened without significantly straining the material.

[0015] Orthodontic appliances can be deformable, meaning that when stretched to fit around a locking mechanism, the width of the appliance can be reduced by, for example, 25% or more, particularly 50% or more. In some instances, the width of the appliance can be reduced by 70% or more when stretched to fit around a locking mechanism.

[0016] As used throughout this disclosure, creep is the tendency of a solid material to slowly move or permanently deform under sustained mechanical stress. It can occur due to prolonged exposure to high levels of stress that are still below the material's yield strength. Creep is more severe in materials subjected to prolonged heating and typically increases as they approach their melting point. Creep can occur in polymers and metals.

[0017] As used throughout this disclosure, anti-creep materials can be understood as materials that do not exhibit any significant creep behavior within the temperature range and humid environment of the user's oral cavity.

[0018] The openings and intermediate structures can be made of elastic materials.

[0019] Throughout this disclosure, an elastic material can be understood as a material that allows for a high degree of deformation prior to plastic deformation. In particular, the elastic limit, i.e., the strain that a material can withstand before plastic deformation occurs, can be 5% or more, especially 10% or more.

[0020] In some instances, the material can be a hyperelastic metallic material.

[0021] In some instances, superelastic metallic materials can be nitinol. Nititanium, also known as nickel-titanium alloy, is a metallic alloy of nickel and titanium, in which the two elements exist in approximately equal atomic percentages. Different alloys are named according to the weight percentage of nickel, such as nitinol 55 and nitinol 60. Nititanium 50 will have 50% nickel and 50% titanium by weight. It exhibits shape memory effect and superelasticity at different temperatures. Around body temperature (37°C), nitinol typically exhibits superelastic behavior.

[0022] Depending on the alloy chosen, the transformation temperature can be higher or lower. In some instances, the alloy can be selected such that the transformation temperature is at, for example, 50°C or 60°C, allowing it to be reached intermittently. For instance, the transformation temperature may be reached when a patient drinks a cup of coffee or tea, and when this temperature is reached, the material of the device will tend to return to its original shape. Therefore, a significant change in force may occur temporarily.

[0023] In some cases, copper can be added to nitinol. Copper can alter the temperature at which shape memory transformation occurs.

[0024] In other instances, the device can be made of high-performance thermoplastics, such as polysulfone, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polyketones such as PEEK (polyether ether ketone).

[0025] In some instances, the device may be made from a single, integrally formed body. In some instances, the intermediate structure and opening may be formed from one or more woven or braided wires or bundles of wires. In other instances, the orthodontic device may include a mesh. In instances where the opening and intermediate structure are formed from a single, integral body, hooks or other attachments can be avoided, thus preventing, for example, the component's impact on the patient's cheek.

[0026] In a second aspect, an orthodontic device is provided, comprising a first opening for receiving a first locking structure, a second opening for receiving a second locking structure, and a third opening for receiving a third locking structure, wherein the first, second, and third locking structures are attached to the oral cavity of a subject. The device also includes an intermediate structure connecting the first, second, and third openings, wherein the openings and the intermediate structure are made of a hyperelastic material such as nitinol. The orthodontic device can be configured to deform by increasing its length and decreasing its width.

[0027] In a third aspect, an orthodontic device is provided, comprising a first opening for receiving a first locking structure, a second opening for receiving a second locking structure, and a third opening for receiving a third locking structure, wherein the first, second, and third locking structures are attached to the oral cavity of a subject. The device also includes an intermediate structure connecting the first, second, and third openings, wherein the width of the device is reduced by 50% or more when assembled around the locking structures.

[0028] On the other hand, a kit including an orthodontic appliance and multiple brackets is provided. The orthodontic appliance includes a first opening for receiving a portion of a first bracket, a second opening for receiving a portion of a second bracket, and a third opening for receiving a portion of a third bracket. The appliance is made of a superelastic material, such as nitinol. In use, the first, second, and third (and additional brackets) can be bonded to the patient's teeth. In use, the openings of the orthodontic appliance can be fitted around portions of the brackets. The orthodontic appliance can be configured to deform by increasing its length and decreasing its width.

[0029] For the first aspect, any of the second, third, and other aspects may be combined with any of the features disclosed herein by example.

[0030] In any of these aspects, the first, second, and third openings (and optionally additional openings) may be aligned along the longitudinal axis of the orthodontic apparatus, which extends between one end and the opposite end of the longitudinal axis. In particular, the first, second, and third openings may be aligned along a central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axis may form a symmetrical longitudinal axis. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1A and 1B Two examples of orthodontic devices according to this disclosure are illustrated schematically;

[0033] Figure 1C Another example of an orthodontic device is illustrated schematically;

[0034] Figure 2A -2C schematically illustrates another example of an orthodontic device;

[0035] Figure 3A and 3B Another example is illustrated schematically;

[0036] Figure 4 An example of an orthodontic appliance arranged around brackets in a patient's mouth is schematically shown; and

[0037] Figure 5 This illustration shows some of the terminology used in the field of orthodontics. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates the arrangement of teeth in the mandible (mandible). The anterior portion of oral cavity 110 may be referred to as the mesial region. The posterior portion of oral cavity 120 may be referred to as the distal region. In orthodontics, mesial and distal refer to the terms closest to and furthest from the central midline of the dental arch, respectively.

[0039] The molar region can be found in the distal area of ​​the oral cavity. The molar region may include the first molar, the second molar, and possibly the third molar (“wisdom tooth”). The interior of the oral cavity 130 behind the teeth may be referred to as the lingual region (the area where the tongue is located). The exterior of the oral cavity 140 may be referred to as the labial region (the area where the lips are located). The mesial-distal direction 115 relative to a specific tooth (the first molar) is schematically shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 The diagram also shows a lingual-labial direction of 135 relative to the same tooth. This terminology will be used in this disclosure.

[0040] Although the mandible is shown in this particular figure, it should be clear that the same terminology applies to the maxilla.

[0041] Figure 1A A first example of an orthodontic device 10 is schematically shown. The orthodontic device 10 defines a longitudinal axis 200. The orthodontic device 10 includes a first opening 11 for receiving a first locking structure, a second opening 12 for receiving a second locking structure, and a third opening 13 for receiving a third locking structure. In this example, additional openings 14, 15, and 16 are present for receiving additional locking structures. All openings can be aligned substantially along the central longitudinal axis 200. The orthodontic device can be substantially symmetrical along the central longitudinal axis 200.

[0042] The first, second, and third locking structures (and other structures) are connected in the patient's oral cavity. Locking structures can be, for example, hooks, temporary locking devices (TADs), and / or (partial) brackets positioned on the patient's teeth. In another instance, the locking structure can be an attachment to an aligner (a housing surrounding the dental arch). Brackets may have, for example, hooks that can be used as locking structures, but other possible locking structures include, for example, around the archwire (groove) or other orthodontic appliances (e.g., Wings arranged for sports equipment.

[0043] The orthodontic device 10 also includes an intermediate structure connecting the first, second, and third openings, wherein the first, second, and third openings are stretchable, and the device 10 is deformable. When the user pulls any end of the device, the device 10 elastically deforms, meaning that when the force is removed, the device 10 returns to its original shape. When tension is applied, the openings 11, 12, and 13 deform and become flatter, i.e., narrower and longer. Significant changes in the overall length of the device can be achieved without significant elongation of the material.

[0044] The intermediate structure and openings can be made of elastic materials, especially ultra-elastic metallic materials.

[0045] The orthodontic appliance 10 in this example is made of braided wire. The appliance is constructed from a single, integrally formed body, avoiding hooks, attachments, and other fasteners that could potentially damage or injure the patient's oral cavity. The wire forms an opening that accommodates the locking mechanism and an intermediate structure between the openings. In an alternative example, a bundle of wires may be used instead of a single braided wire.

[0046] As used herein, weaving can be interpreted as any form of passing material segments or strands over and under each other, and of interlacing threads or wires to form a pattern. Throughout this disclosure, weaving is meant to include, for example, knitting and braiding.

[0047] In this example, the wire cross joints 18 between openings 11-15 are welded. These cross joints, which are welded or brazed, provide anchor points and limit the stretching of the openings, thus helping them maintain their original shape. In an alternative example, one or more of these joints where the wires cross can be secured by silicone or metal rings. The rings around the joints can allow some displacement of the wires within the rings. Alternatively, a portion of the wire can be twisted around another portion of the wire at the joint. The joints can include single or double kinks to ensure the joint remains in place.

[0048] exist Figure 1A In this example, six openings are provided. Therefore, the orthodontic device 10 can be mounted around up to six different locking points. In some instances, not all openings need to be mounted around the locking structure. That is, for example, only the opening at the end of the device may be used. Or, there may be an opening at the end of the device and one or more openings therebetween.

[0049] Figure 1B Examples of an orthodontic appliance in a first retracted or "shrunken" state and an example of the same appliance in a second "expanded" state are shown. The orthodontic appliance 20 may be manufactured, sterilized, fitted, and delivered to an orthodontist or dentist in the retracted state. The retracted state can be the appliance's natural state, i.e., the state in which the appliance will return to its original position without any external force. The expanded state (which may also be referred to as the "expanded" or "stretched" state) refers to the appliance once it is positioned around a locking point in the patient's mouth.

[0050] exist Figure 1B In this example, four openings 21, 22, 23, and 24 are provided, and the device 20 is made of a single metal wire or a bundle of single metal wires. The intermediate structure between the openings is designed to... Figure 1A The example is formed in the same way by cross-joints of metal wires or bundles of metal wires. The opening and intermediate structure are again made of a single, integral structure. Also in this example, the opening is arranged along the central longitudinal axis 200. The orthodontic device has a central longitudinal axis.

[0051] and Figure 1A In contrast, in this example, the cross joints of the wires are not welded or bound. Figure 1B In the extended state shown, the locking points are schematically shown at either end of the device. Because the device 20 has expanded to fit around the locking structure, it will tend to shorten or retract to its natural state. This will provide a force at the locking points to move them closer together. If the locking points are, for example, located on teeth within the same dental arch (i.e., the maxilla or mandible), this will provide a force that brings the teeth closer together.

[0052] exist Figure 1A and 1BIn the example, all openings 11-16 and 21-24 are formed by the intersection of metal wires. The metal wires or bundles of metal wires form endless loops.

[0053] In the examples, all openings have substantially the same dimensions. When these devices are elongated, the openings 11, 16, 21, and 24 at opposite ends can be deformed smaller than the opening at the center. That is, the openings 11, 16, 21, and 24 at opposite ends will remain wider and shorter than the opening at the center. In further examples, the openings may not all have the same dimensions. In particular, the openings at opposite ends may be wider than the other openings of the same device.

[0054] Figure 1C Another example of an orthodontic device is illustrated schematically. Figure 1C Orthodontic devices are roughly similar to Figure 1B Examples include four openings 21-24 formed by intersecting metal wires. Figure 1C In this example, the orthodontic device is formed by welding at either end 26, 28 of two metal wires. Between the ends, the two wires are braided as described above. The openings at the opposite ends of the device have sharp, straight ends extending in the longitudinal direction, compared to the more rounded opening in the middle. This longitudinal extension helps to elongate or stretch the orthodontic device, particularly the openings at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0055] Figure 2A -2C shows another example of an orthodontic device. Figure 2A In this example, two openings 31 and 32 are located at one end, and a third opening 33 is located at the opposite end. A helical spring is placed between openings 32 and 33, forming an intermediate structure between the second and third openings. The helical spring and the openings can be made of nitinol as before. The helical spring 35 can be welded, brazed, or brazed to the opening at either end. The helical spring can have a greater capacity to expand before plastic deformation than the pure braided structure of Figure 1.

[0056] Figure 2B It shows something similar to Figure 2A An alternative example is to provide two helical springs 34, 36 between the first opening 31 and the second opening 32, and between the second opening 32 and the third opening 33, instead of a single helical spring. The connector (in this case, a helical spring) in its unstretched state between the first and second openings may have a different length than the connector (also a helical spring in this specific example) between the second opening 32 and the third opening 33.

[0057] Figure 2CThe example is slightly different. In this example, four openings 41, 42, 43, and 44 are provided, each for receiving and fitting around the locking structure or locking point. The intermediate structure 46 between the third opening 43 and the fourth opening 44 is also formed by a spring. A serpentine spring is used instead of a coil spring. The serpentine spring reduces the risk of injury to the inside of the patient's mouth.

[0058] exist Figure 3A and 3B Another alternative is shown in the diagram. Figure 3A A device 50 is shown, made of a nitinol mesh structure in a "natural" or retracted state. The mesh forms openings and intermediate structures connecting them. The mesh can be woven, knitted, or braided. The ends of the meshes 52 and 54 can be welded.

[0059] The ends of the mesh can be glued rather than welded.

[0060] Figure 3B The same device 50 in its extended state is shown. It should be understood that a single device can have different extended states. That is, depending on the specific application, the device can be stretched to different degrees to fit around the locking point. Figure 3B In the example, three locking points are shown: locking member 62 at one end, locking member 64 at the opposite end, and locking member 66 in the middle.

[0061] One aspect of the mesh structure, such as that shown in Figure 3, is that it includes numerous openings that can accommodate different locking mechanisms. This makes the mesh structure very versatile and suitable for a wide variety of processing methods.

[0062] Figure 4 An embodiment of an orthodontic device similar to the embodiment of Figure 1 is shown, wherein the opening and intermediate structure are formed by braiding or weaving metal wires or bundles of metal wires. The implementation shown is similar to conventional use as an orthodontic kinetic chain.

[0063] Figure 4 The diagram shows how the openings 21-24 of the device 20 are fitted around different locking structures. Figure 4 A portion of maxillary teeth 81, 83, 85, 87, and 89 is shown. Brackets 91, 93, 95, 97, and 99 can be bonded to consecutive teeth. Brackets 95, 97, and 99 serve as locking mechanisms; specifically, the wings surrounding the archwire grooves serve as locking mechanisms. Therefore, teeth 85, 87, and 99 are pulled closer together.

[0064] Bracket 93 and tooth 83 are not used as locking structures. It should be clear, depending on the specific treatment needs, that not all consecutive brackets are required. Tensile strength can be increased by increasing the space between the openings (and thus increasing the tension of the intermediate structure between the two openings).

[0065] In any of the instances disclosed herein, the locking point or locking mechanism may be part of a bracket or molar tube, such as a hook, and a wing arranged around the archwire groove. In all the instances shown herein, the opening for receiving the locking mechanism is at least partially circular. That is, a portion of the opening is substantially circular, spherical, oval, or elliptical.

[0066] In any of the examples disclosed herein, the wires or bundles of wires forming the openings and / or mesh can have various cross-sections. Furthermore, the cross-section may not be constant along the entire device. Both the size and shape of the cross-section can vary. By changing the cross-section, local weaknesses in local stiffness can be provided, allowing the orthodontic device to deform in a customized manner during use.

[0067] In any of the disclosed examples, the opening configured to receive the locking structure can be aligned substantially along the longitudinal axis of the orthodontic device. That is, the center point of each opening can be located substantially on the longitudinal axis, particularly on the central longitudinal axis.

[0068] Although only a few examples are disclosed herein, other substitutions, modifications, uses, and / or equivalents are possible. Furthermore, all possible combinations of the described examples are covered. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to any particular example, but should be determined only by a reasonable reading of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An orthodontic device (10; 20; 30; 40) having a first end and a second end and defining a central longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, the orthodontic device comprising: A first opening (11; 21; 31; 41) for receiving a first locking structure, a second opening (12; 22; 32; 42) for receiving a second locking structure, and a third opening (13; 23; 33; 43) for receiving a third locking structure, the first, second, and third locking structures being attached to the oral cavity of the subject, and the first, second, and third openings being aligned along the central longitudinal axis (200). The intermediate structure connecting the first, second, and third openings. One or more of the said openings are stretchable. Furthermore, the intermediate structure and the opening are made of a superelastic material, and wherein, The orthodontic devices (10; 20; 30; 40) are configured to deform by increasing their length and decreasing their width. Furthermore, the opening is formed by one or more woven or braided metal wires or wire bundles forming an endless loop, and the opening is formed by crossing the metal wires or wire bundles.

2. The orthodontic device (10; 20; 30; 40) according to claim 1, wherein, The material is a superelastic metallic material.

3. The orthodontic device (10; 20; 30; 40) according to claim 2, wherein, The superelastic metallic material is nickel-titanium.

4. The orthodontic device (10; 20; 30; 40) according to claim 3, wherein, The device is made from a single, integrally formed body.

5. The orthodontic device (10; 20; 30; 40) according to claim 1, wherein, One or more cross joints of the metal wire are welded.

6. The orthodontic device (10; 20; 30; 40) according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate structure includes a first connector between the first opening and the second opening, and a second connector between the second opening and the third opening, wherein, in the unstretched state, the length of the first connector is different from the length of the second connector.

7. The orthodontic device (10; 20; 30; 40) according to claim 1, comprising an additional opening for receiving an additional locking structure.

8. A kit comprising a first bracket (93) for attachment to a first tooth (83), a second bracket (97) for attachment to a second tooth (87), and a third bracket (99) for attachment to a third tooth (89), and the kit further comprising an orthodontic device (10; 20; 30; 40) according to claim 1, configured to fit around the first bracket (93), the second bracket (97) and the third bracket (99).

9. The kit according to claim 8, wherein, The orthodontic device (10; 20; 30; 40) is configured to engage with wings disposed on the first bracket (93), the second bracket (97) and the third bracket (99).

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