Active self-ligating fixed appliance

Abstract

The application discloses an active self-locking fixing appliance, which comprises a bracket, a self-locking device and an arch wire. The application is beneficial to torque expression of the arch wire in the bracket, and can effectively realize torque, axial inclination and torsion control of the arch wire on teeth and improve the expression rate of the arch wire. Compared with the existing fixed-wing bracket arch wire ligation method, the application discloses a method of abandoning the ligation wire or ligation ring, and effectively realizing the fixation between the arch wire and the bracket through rapid pressing and assembling, thereby saving a large amount of intraoral operation time, improving the treatment efficiency, and reducing the troubles of the patient and the doctor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of orthodontics, specifically to an active self-ligating fixed orthodontic appliance. Background Technology

[0002] In orthodontic treatment, self-ligating brackets can generally be divided into two main categories: passive and active.

[0003] Passive self-ligating brackets do not constrain the archwire, allowing it to slide freely within the slots and thus controlling tooth movement. This creates a low-friction environment in the early stages of treatment, facilitating rapid alignment and gap closure. Active self-ligating brackets, on the other hand, use flexible components to embed the archwire into the bracket slots. These components create a constraint between the archwire and the flexible component, which also stores and gradually releases energy, transmitting a continuous, gentle force to the teeth and supporting structures. This produces precise and controllable movement, effectively controlling the torque expression of the archwire within the slots, allowing for fine-tuning and adjustment of the teeth.

[0004] Although active self-ligating brackets allow the archwire to be inserted into the archwire groove via elastic elements on the bracket, in order to better control the torque expression of the archwire within the groove, clinicians often need to reinforce the connection between the archwire and the bracket. Currently, the commonly used clinical method is the fixed-wing bracket archwire ligation method. Specifically, the clinician needs to prepare stainless steel ligating wire or rubber ligating loops. One end of the ligating wire or loop is tied to the ligating wing (bracket wing) of the bracket, and the other end is tightened to the archwire, thus fixing the archwire and its accessories within the archwire groove of the bracket, thereby increasing the archwire's expression rate. The entire ligation procedure needs to be performed directly inside the patient's mouth, resulting in a long chairside time, reduced treatment efficiency, and the need for frequent follow-up visits for ligation loop insertion and removal, causing considerable inconvenience and trouble. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide an active self-aligning fixed orthodontic appliance that can solve the problems of long chairside time, many follow-up visits, and complicated operation of the current fixed wing bracket archwire ligation method.

[0006] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] An active self-ligating orthodontic appliance includes: a bracket with a bracket groove; a self-ligating device including: a core and an elastic body; the elastic body includes an integrally formed or fixedly connected spring piece and a wrapping portion fastened to the outer surface of the core; the core has an archwire groove for threading an archwire; an archwire threaded through the archwire groove and radially fixed relative to the core; the self-ligating device is housed in the bracket groove, one end of the spring piece abuts against a side wall of the bracket groove and undergoes elastic deformation to drive the self-ligating device against the opposite side wall of the bracket groove, thereby radially fixing the archwire and the bracket.

[0008] Furthermore, the core includes: a receiving portion and limiting portions fixed at both ends of the receiving portion; the receiving portion is disposed in the bracket groove; the outer diameter of the limiting portion is larger than the inner diameter of the bracket groove, and the two limiting portions respectively abut against the two outer surfaces of the bracket groove, so that the core is axially fixed relative to the bracket.

[0009] Furthermore, the receiving portion of the core is also provided with a snap-fit ​​structure, which extends protrudingly along the lip; the bracket is provided with a corresponding slot structure that matches the snap-fit ​​structure; the snap-fit ​​structure is adapted to be fastened and fixed with the slot structure.

[0010] Furthermore, a raised strip structure is provided on the bottom of the groove, and the raised strip structure abuts against the elastic body of the self-locking device.

[0011] Furthermore, the elastomer also includes a connecting portion for connecting the spring sheet and the wrapping portion; the connecting portion is connected to both the spring sheet and the two wrapping portions.

[0012] Furthermore, the accommodating portion of the core has a cuboid structure, and the groove of the support is a square groove that matches the accommodating portion; the limiting portion has a cylindrical structure, and the wrapping portion of the elastomer has an annular structure that matches the limiting portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the spring is a C-shaped spring or an arc-shaped spring.

[0014] Furthermore, the bowwire groove in the core is a square groove, and the bowwire is a square bowwire. The square bowwire passes through the square groove so that the bowwire is radially fixed relative to the core.

[0015] Furthermore, a groove is formed on the side of the receiving portion near the spring piece, and the width of the groove is not less than the width of the spring piece.

[0016] Furthermore, the bracket includes: a base plate for bonding to the patient's tooth surface and a body portion protruding from the base plate; the base plate has a base plate bonding surface for bonding to the lingual or labial surface of the patient's tooth; the body portion protrudes from the opposite surface of the base plate bonding surface; the bracket groove is formed on the mesiodistal upward of the body portion.

[0017] Compared to existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: the core and the elastic element together form a self-ligating device independent of the bracket. The archwire is threaded through the archwire groove of the core, and then the self-ligating device is pressed into the bracket by hand or orthodontic aids. The core and the elastic element are housed together in the bracket groove, while the spring undergoes slight deformation and abuts against one side wall of the bracket groove. The restoring force of the spring drives the self-ligating device to press against the other side wall of the bracket groove, while the archwire is radially fixed relative to the core. This achieves stable fixation between the archwire and the bracket, which is beneficial for the torque expression of the archwire in the bracket, and more effectively realizes the control of the archwire's torque, tilt, and torsion on the teeth, thus improving the archwire's expression rate. Compared to existing fixed-wing bracket archwire ligation methods, this invention abandons the use of ligature wires or ligature rings. Through rapid pressing and assembly, the fixation between the archwire and the bracket can be effectively achieved, saving a lot of intraoral operation time, improving treatment efficiency, and reducing trouble for patients and doctors. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the overall assembly of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 As shown Figure 1 The front view;

[0020] Figure 3 As shown Figure 1 Side view;

[0021] Figure 4 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic of the bracket structure;

[0023] Figure 6 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the self-locking device;

[0024] Figure 7 The diagram shown is a schematic of the core structure.

[0025] In the diagram: 10. Bracket; 11. Bracket groove; 12. Slot structure; 13. Base plate; 14. Body; 15. Raised strip structure; 20. Self-locking device; 21. Core; 211. Receiving part; 2111. Groove; 212. Limiting part; 213. Buckling structure; 214. Archwire groove; 22. Elastomer; 221. Spring; 222. Wrapping part; 223. Connecting part; 30. Archwire. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] This invention discloses an active self-locking fixation appliance that can be used for lingual or labial orthodontic treatment.

[0031] See Figures 1-4 This active self-ligating orthodontic appliance includes: bracket 10, self-ligating device 20, and archwire 30, wherein the self-ligating device 20 is independent of bracket 10. (See also...) Figure 5 The bracket 10 has a bracket groove 11 for installing the self-locking device 20. (See reference...) Figure 6 The self-locking device 20 includes a core 21 and an elastic body 22. The elastic body 22 specifically includes a spring piece 221 and a wrapping portion 222. The spring piece 221 and the wrapping portion 222 are fixedly connected or integrally formed. The wrapping portion 222 is fastened to the outer surface of the core 21, which can be achieved through welding or other methods. (See reference...) Figure 7 The core 21 has a bowwire groove 214 formed near the center for inserting the bowwire 30. The bowwire 30 passes through the bowwire groove 214 and is radially fixed relative to the core 21. (See reference...) Figures 1-2 The self-locking device 20 is housed in the bracket groove 11. One end of the spring piece 221 abuts against one side wall of the bracket groove 11 and produces a slight elastic deformation, thereby driving the self-locking device 20 to abut against the opposite side wall of the bracket groove 11 to complete the radial fixation between the archwire 30 and the bracket 10.

[0032] The core 21 and the elastic body 22 together form a self-ligating device 20 independent of the bracket 10. Before installation, the archwire 30 is first threaded into the archwire groove 214 of the core 21. Then, the self-ligating device 20 with the archwire 30 is pressed into the bracket groove 11 of the bracket 10 by hand or orthodontic aids. The core 21 and the elastic body are housed together in the bracket groove 11. At the same time, the spring 221 undergoes slight elastic deformation and abuts against one side wall of the bracket groove 11. The reset force of the spring 221 drives the self-ligating device 20 to press against the other side wall of the bracket groove 11. Meanwhile, the archwire 30 is radially fixed relative to the core 21, thus stably achieving the fixation between the archwire 30 and the bracket 10. This facilitates the torque expression of the archwire 30 within the bracket 10, more effectively controlling the torque, tilt, and torsion of the teeth by the archwire 30, and improving the expression rate of the archwire 30. Compared to existing fixed-wing bracket archwire ligation methods, this invention abandons the use of ligature wires or ligature rings. Through rapid pressing and assembly, the fixation between the archwire 30 and the bracket 10 can be effectively achieved, saving a lot of intraoral operation time, improving orthodontic efficiency, and reducing the trouble for patients and doctors.

[0033] It should be noted that the fixation between the archwire 30 and the bracket 10 in clinical practice and in this embodiment mainly refers to the radial fixation between the archwire 30 and the bracket 10. During orthodontic treatment, the archwire primarily controls the torque and axial tilt of the teeth. The teeth move continuously during treatment, and the bracket moves synchronously with the teeth, causing the archwire to slide relative to the bracket groove. The force used to close the interdental spaces is achieved through additional traction. In this field, whether it is an active or passive self-ligating bracket, the archwire will slide axially relative to the bracket; the difference is that passive self-ligating brackets facilitate archwire sliding within the groove, while active self-ligating brackets cause the archwire 30 to move more slowly and continuously. The fixed-wing bracket archwire ligation method used in the prior art also aims to achieve radial fixation of the archwire relative to the bracket groove.

[0034] Furthermore, in conventional active self-locking brackets, the elastic moving parts are directly molded within the bracket. In this embodiment, the core 21 and the elastomer 22 together form a self-locking device 20 independent of the bracket 10. When the spring 221 fails, the self-locking device 20 can be directly replaced without replacing the bracket 10. Brackets are quite expensive, and replacing them would impose a significant financial burden on patients. Moreover, it requires physicians to reposition the adhesive, and the accuracy of the adhesive placement directly determines the success or failure of the orthodontic treatment, thus incurring high labor costs. This invention solves these problems by directly replacing the self-locking device 20 and applying it to the same bracket 10.

[0035] Specifically, see Figure 7 The core 21 includes a receiving portion 211 and limiting portions 212 fixed at both ends of the receiving portion 211 (along the proximal-distal direction). The receiving portion 211 is the part of the core 21 installed in the bracket groove 11, and the limiting portions 212 serve to fix the core 21 axially relative to the bracket 10. The outer diameter of the limiting portions 212 is larger than the inner diameter of the bracket groove 11, and the two limiting portions 212 respectively abut against the two outer surfaces of the bracket groove 11 along the proximal and distal directions to prevent the core 21 from axially loosening from the bracket 10. In conjunction with the action of the elastic body 22, the self-locking device 20 is radially pressed into the bracket groove 11, making the fixation of the core 21 (with bowwire 30) more stable.

[0036] To ensure a more stable engagement of the self-locking device 20 within the bracket 10, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 7The receiving portion 211 of the core 21 is also provided with a snap-fit ​​structure 213, which extends protruding along the labial and lingual direction. Correspondingly, the bracket 10 is provided with a corresponding slot structure 12 that matches the snap-fit ​​structure 213. Through the cooperation of the snap-fit ​​structure 213 and the slot structure 12, the core 21 cannot move upward along the gingival margin; combined with the deformation and restoring force generated by the spring 221, the core 21 with archwire 30 is fixed more securely. Further, see [reference needed]. Figure 3 , Figure 5 The bottom of the bracket groove 11 is also provided with a protruding strip structure 15. When the self-locking device 20 is engaged in the bracket groove 11, the protruding strip structure 15 abuts against the elastic body 22 of the self-locking device 20.

[0037] During installation, the self-locking device 20 with the archwire 30 is inserted into the bracket groove 11. The spring piece 221 undergoes slight deformation and abuts against an inner wall of the bracket groove 11, applying a gingival force to the core 21. Simultaneously, the protruding structure 15 at the bottom of the bracket groove 11 compresses the corresponding elastic body 22, applying a lingual force to the core 21 (based on the lingual orthodontic appliance in this embodiment). Together, they drive the snap fastener 213 into the slot structure 12, completing the fixation of the self-locking device 20. During disassembly, the snap fastener 213 is pressed, and a force opposite to the insertion direction is applied to the self-locking device 20. The spring piece 221 is compressed, allowing the self-locking device 20 and the archwire 30 to be removed.

[0038] Specifically, see Figure 6 The wrapping portion 222 of the elastomer 22 tightly wraps around the limiting portion 212 of the core 21, thereby transmitting the elastic force of the spring piece 221 to the core 21 through the wrapping portion 222. More specifically, the elastomer 22 also includes a connecting portion 223 for connecting the spring piece 221 and the wrapping portion 222, and the connecting portion 223 is connected to both the spring piece 221 and the two wrapping portions 222.

[0039] More specifically, the receiving portion 211 of the core 21 has a cuboid structure, and the bracket groove 11 is a matching square groove, which better prevents the core 21 from rotating within the bracket groove 11. The limiting portion 212 is exposed outside the bracket groove 11 and can easily come into direct contact with the patient's oral cavity. Therefore, the limiting portion 212 is designed as a cylindrical structure to make its outer periphery smoother and reduce the risk of injury to the oral cavity. Correspondingly, the wrapping portion 222 that wraps around the outer surface of the limiting portion 212 has a corresponding annular structure.

[0040] The spring 221 is specifically a C-shaped spring 221 or an arc-shaped spring 221. The arc structure makes it easier for the spring 221 to enter the slot, and vice versa when it leaves the slot.

[0041] To achieve radial fixation between the archwire 30 and the core 21, the archwire groove 214 within the core 21 is a square groove with a square cross-section, and the archwire 30 is a square archwire 30 with a square cross-section, preventing the archwire 30 from rotating within the archwire groove 214. Of course, the shape of the archwire 30 does not necessarily have to be square; it can be other shapes, as long as it can provide radial restraint with the archwire groove 214.

[0042] When the spring piece 221 undergoes compression deformation, it bends towards the core 21. Therefore, to avoid interference between the spring piece 221 and the core 21 during compression, refer to... Figure 6 A groove 2111 is formed on the side of the core 21 receiving part 211 near the spring piece 221. The width of the groove 2111 is not less than the width of the spring piece 221, thereby achieving the function of preventing air leakage.

[0043] Specifically, see Figure 5 The bracket 10 includes a base plate 13 for bonding to the patient's tooth surface and a body portion 14 protruding from the base plate 13. The base plate 13 has a base plate bonding surface, which can be used to bond to the lingual surface of the patient's teeth, making the present invention a lingual fixed orthodontic appliance; it can also be used to bond to the labial surface of the patient's teeth, making the present invention a labial fixed orthodontic appliance. The body portion 14 protrudes from the opposite surface of the base plate bonding surface, and the bracket groove 11 is formed in the mesiodistal direction of the body portion 14.

[0044] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. An active self-ligating fixation orthodontic appliance, characterized in that, include: The bracket has a bracket groove. The self-locking device includes: a core and an elastic body; the elastic body includes an integrally formed or fixedly connected spring piece and a wrapping part fastened to the outer surface of the core; the core has a bowwire groove for threading the bowwire. The bowwire passes through the bowwire groove and is fixed radially relative to the core. The self-locking device is housed in the bracket groove, and one end of the spring plate abuts against one side wall of the bracket groove and generates elastic deformation to drive the self-locking device to abut against the opposite side wall of the bracket groove so as to radially fix the archwire and the bracket. The core includes: a receiving portion and limiting portions fixed at both ends of the receiving portion; the receiving portion is disposed in the bracket groove; the outer diameter of the limiting portion is larger than the inner diameter of the bracket groove, and the two limiting portions respectively abut against the two outer surfaces of the bracket groove, so that the core is fixed axially relative to the bracket.

2. The active self-locking fixation orthodontic appliance as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving portion of the core is also provided with a snap-fit ​​structure, which extends protrudingly along the lip; the bracket is provided with a corresponding slot structure that matches the snap-fit ​​structure; the snap-fit ​​structure is adapted to be fastened and fixed with the slot structure.

3. The active self-locking fixation orthodontic appliance as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the groove is also provided with a raised strip structure, which abuts against the elastic body of the self-locking device.

4. The active self-ligating fixation orthodontic appliance as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The elastomer further includes a connecting portion for connecting the spring sheet and the wrapping portion; the connecting portion is connected to both the spring sheet and the two wrapping portions.

5. The active self-locking fixation orthodontic appliance as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The accommodating portion of the core has a cuboid structure, and the groove of the support is a square groove that matches the accommodating portion; the limiting portion has a cylindrical structure, and the wrapping portion of the elastomer has a ring-shaped structure that matches the limiting portion.

6. The active self-ligating fixation orthodontic appliance as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The spring is a C-shaped spring or an arc-shaped spring.

7. The active self-ligating fixation orthodontic appliance as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bowwire groove in the core is a square groove, and the bowwire is a square bowwire. The square bowwire passes through the square groove so that the bowwire is radially fixed relative to the core.

8. The active self-ligating fixation orthodontic appliance as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A groove is formed on the side of the receiving portion near the spring piece, and the width of the groove is not less than the width of the spring piece.

9. The active self-locking fixation orthodontic appliance as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket includes: a base plate for bonding to the patient's tooth surface and a body portion protruding from the base plate; the base plate has a base plate bonding surface for bonding to the lingual or labial surface of the patient's tooth; the body portion protrudes from the opposite surface of the base plate bonding surface; the bracket groove is formed on the mesiodistal upward of the body portion.

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