Self-locking orthodontic appliance and orthodontic system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a self-locking orthodontic appliance and orthodontic system.The self-locking orthodontic appliance comprises a bottom plate, a main body and a cover body, an opening groove is formed in the first end of the main body, the opening groove is adjacent to the cover body under the condition that an arch wire groove is closed by the cover body, bosses are arranged on the periphery of the opening groove, and the cover body is provided with an end face facing the opening groove; the boss is roughly flush with the end face in height, or at least the highest position of the end face is roughly flush with at least the lowest position of the boss, so that no offset or small offset exists at the connecting position of the cover body and the opening groove, and the end face, facing the opening groove, of the cover body does not form a stress face. A patient is not easy to open / close the cover body frequently by himself without the help of a special opening tool. Furthermore, the service life of the cover body can be ensured, and the cover body is prevented from beforehand failure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of orthodontic technology, and in particular to a self-ligating orthodontic appliance and orthodontic system. Background Technology

[0002] Self-ligating orthodontic appliances typically include self-ligating brackets and self-ligating buccal tubes, which are essential components used in orthodontic treatment. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the existing self-ligating orthodontic appliance 1 on the market mainly includes a base plate 11, a main body 12, a cover 13, and an elastic component (not shown). The first end 14 of the main body 12 is provided with an opening groove 15. Under normal circumstances, a special opening tool is inserted into the opening groove 15, forcing the cover 13 to slide relative to the main body 12. Through the cooperation between the main body 12, the cover 13, and the elastic component, the cover 13 opens the archwire groove 16. When it is necessary to close the archwire groove 16, the cover 13 is pushed to slide in the opposite direction, and the archwire groove 16 can be closed through the cooperation between the main body 12, the cover 13, and the elastic component.

[0003] However, due to the discontinuity (also known as height difference) at the connection between the cover 13 and the opening groove 15, such as... Figure 1 (as indicated by point A in the middle), causing a force-bearing surface to form on the end face of the cover 13 facing the opening groove 15 (such as...). Figure 2 (as indicated by section B) This allows the patient to frequently open / close the cover 131 without the aid of a special opening tool. Since the lifespan of the cover 13 is limited, if the patient frequently opens / closes the cover 13 by themselves, it is easy to reach the limit of the opening and closing lifespan of the cover 13, accelerating the failure of the cover 13. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a self-locking orthodontic appliance and orthodontic system that can effectively prevent patients from opening / closing the cover themselves, in order to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] A self-ligating orthodontic appliance includes a base plate, a main body, and a cover. The main body is disposed on the base plate, and an archwire groove is provided on the main body along the mesiodistal direction. The archwire groove has a first end and a second end on opposite sides. The cover is disposed on the top of the second end of the main body and is slidable relative to the main body to open or close the archwire groove. The first end of the main body has an opening groove. When the archwire groove is closed, the opening groove is adjacent to the cover. A boss is provided around the opening groove. The cover has an end face facing the opening groove. The boss is flush with the height of the end face, or at least the highest point of the end face is flush with at least the lowest point of the boss, so as to eliminate or reduce the discontinuity at the connection between the cover and the opening groove, thereby eliminating the stress surface.

[0006] In one embodiment, the boss is fixedly disposed at the first end; or

[0007] The boss is integrally formed with the first end.

[0008] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the boss is an arc surface.

[0009] In one embodiment, the curvature of the outer surface of the boss is the same as the curvature of the outer surface of the first end.

[0010] In one embodiment, the curvature of the outer surface of the boss is different from the curvature of the outer surface of the first end.

[0011] In one embodiment, the boss is a continuous, uninterrupted boss.

[0012] In one embodiment, the boss is an enclosing boss surrounding the opening groove, the general outline of which is adapted to the opening groove.

[0013] In one embodiment, the outer and inner surfaces of the boss are transitioned by an arc surface.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one of the following features is also included:

[0015] The top of the cover is provided with an axial tilt line or an axial tilt groove, which extends to the end face of the cover facing the opening groove;

[0016] The top of the first end is provided with an axial tilt line or an axial tilt groove, which extends to the opening groove;

[0017] The opening groove is roughly rectangular or trapezoidal;

[0018] The opening groove is roughly semi-circular.

[0019] An orthodontic system comprising at least two self-ligating orthodontic appliances as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0020] The aforementioned self-ligating orthodontic appliances have at least the following advantages:

[0021] Because the first end of the main body has an opening groove, which is adjacent to the cover when the archwire groove is closed, and a boss is provided around the opening groove, the cover has an end face facing the opening groove. The boss and the end face are approximately level, or at least the highest point of the end face is approximately level with the lowest point of the boss. Therefore, there is no discontinuity or only a small discontinuity at the connection between the cover and the opening groove. The end face of the cover facing the opening groove does not form a force-bearing surface, making it difficult for the patient to frequently open / close the cover without the aid of a special opening tool. This ensures the lifespan of the cover and prevents premature failure. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention.

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 A side view of an existing self-ligating orthodontic appliance;

[0025] Figure 2 A structural diagram of an existing self-ligating orthodontic appliance from another perspective;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a self-ligating orthodontic appliance in one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The main view;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A diagram from another perspective;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 3 Side view;

[0030] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A sectional view.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 1. Orthodontic appliance; 11. Base plate; 12. Main body; 13. Cover; 14. First end; 15. Opening groove; 16. Archwire groove.

[0033] 100. Self-ligating orthodontic appliance; 110. Base plate; 120. Main body; 130. Cover; 121. Archwire groove; 122. First end; 123. Second end; 124. Opening groove; 131. End face; 125. Boss. Detailed Implementation

[0034] It should be noted that the orthodontic appliances mentioned in this utility model refer to orthodontic brackets or buccal tubes, or other orthodontic appliances with similar functions and structures.

[0035] Unless otherwise stated, the following structural description requires the use of a frame of reference for the maxillary teeth to describe embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, as used herein, terms such as labial, lingual, mesial, distal, occlusal, and gingival, used to describe orthodontic appliances, are relative to the selected frame of reference. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the selected frame of reference and the terms described, as orthodontic appliances can be used with other teeth in the oral cavity and in other directions.

[0036] For example, brackets or buccal tubes can also be coupled to the lingual surface of the teeth and fall within the scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the descriptive terms used herein may not be directly applicable when there are changes in the frame of reference. However, embodiments of this invention are intended to be independent of position and orientation within the oral cavity, and the related terminology used to describe the embodiments is merely to provide clear illustration of the embodiments in the drawings. Similarly, the related terms labial, lingual, mesial, distal, occlusal, and gingival in no way limit this invention to a particular position or orientation.

[0037] The terms labial, lingual, mesial, distal, occlusal, and gingival are industry terms used in orthodontic treatment. Taking an upper jaw tooth as an example, the tooth surface can be roughly divided into six surfaces. The surface of the tooth that occludes with the lower jaw teeth is the occlusal surface; the surface of the tooth that connects to the attached gingival tissue is the gingival surface; the occlusal surface and the gingival surface are opposite each other, and the direction formed by the occlusal surface and the gingival surface is also called the gingio-occlusal direction. The surface of the tooth facing the lips is the labial surface, and the surface of the tooth facing the tongue is the lingual surface; the labial surface and the lingual surface are opposite each other, and the direction formed by the labial surface and the lingual surface is also called the labiolingual direction. The two surfaces of the tooth that contact adjacent teeth are the mesial surface and the distal surface, the difference being their distance from the center; the direction formed by the two is also called the mesiodistal direction, or mesiodistal direction.

[0038] Furthermore, in the description of direction, "lip-tongue direction" generally refers to two directions. However, "lip-tongue direction" specifically refers to a single direction, that is, from the side of the lips to the side of the tongue, and this is used to distinguish them.

[0039] Please see Figures 3 to 7This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a self-ligating orthodontic appliance 100 in one embodiment. The self-ligating orthodontic appliance 100 in this embodiment is specifically described using an orthodontic bracket as an example. Of course, in other embodiments, the self-ligating orthodontic appliance 100 can also be a buccal tube.

[0040] The self-ligating orthodontic appliance 100 includes a base plate 110, a main body 120, and a cover 130. The main body 120 is disposed on the base plate 110. For example, the main body 120 can be welded to the base plate 110, or the main body 120 can be integrally formed with the base plate 110. An archwire groove 121 is provided on the main body 120 along the mesiodistal direction. The archwire groove 121 is mainly used to place the archwire (not shown). The archwire groove 121 has a first end 122 and a second end 123 on opposite sides. The first end 122 is higher than the second end 123. The outer surfaces of both the first end 122 and the second end 123 are smooth curved surfaces, which can reduce irritation and damage to the oral mucosa and improve comfort. It should be noted that the top surface of the second end 123 is not part of the outer surface; the outer surface refers to the surface of the second end 123 that is exposed. The top surface of the first end 122 is part of the outer surface. Of course, in other embodiments, the top surfaces of the first end 122 and the cover 130 may both be planar, while the sides may be smoothly curved. Alternatively, the top surfaces of the first end 122 and the cover 130 may be partially planar, while the remaining parts may be smoothly curved, and the sides may also be smoothly curved.

[0041] The cover 130 is disposed on the top of the second end 123 of the main body 120 and is slidable relative to the main body 120 to open or close the bowwire groove 121. Specifically, a slide rail can be provided on the cover 130, and a corresponding slide groove can be provided on the top of the second end 123, thereby enabling the cover 130 to be slidably disposed on the top of the second end 123. The cover 130 achieves a self-locking function with the main body 120 through a locking mechanism. Since the locking mechanism is not an improvement in this embodiment, the locking mechanism can adopt any structure in the prior art that can achieve the self-locking function.

[0042] Please see Figure 3 , 47. The first end 122 of the main body 120 is provided with an opening groove 124. An opening tool can act on the opening groove 124 to push the cover 130 to slide away from the first end 122, thereby opening the archwire groove 121. The opening groove 124 can have various shapes. For example, the opening groove 124 is generally a semi-circular structure, and a doctor can use an opening tool such as a probe to act on the semi-circular opening groove 124 to open the cover 130. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the opening groove 124 can also be generally a rectangular or trapezoidal structure. For example, the opening groove 124 is a rectangular or trapezoidal structure with rounded corners, or the opening groove 124 is a standard rectangular or trapezoidal structure, all of which should fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0043] With the bowwire groove 121 closed in the cover 130, the recess 124 adjacent to the cover 130 is opened. For details, please refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 7 When the cover 130 is in the closed state, the opening groove 124 is adjacent to the cover 130. The cover 130 has an end face 131 facing the opening groove 124, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the end face 131 of the cover 130 and the side wall of the opening groove 124 itself enclose the opening groove 124 to form a groove structure with a top opening.

[0044] Please see Figure 3 A boss 125 is provided around the opening groove 124. The cover 130 has an end face 131 facing the opening groove 124, and at least the highest point C of the end face 131 is flush with the lowest point D of the boss 125. The top surface of the cover 130 is an arc surface, and the top surface of the first end 122 is also an arc surface. Therefore, the height of the end face 131 of the cover 130 facing the opening groove 124 is not completely equal. Similarly, the height of the opening groove 124 is not completely equal, and correspondingly, the height of the boss 125 is not completely equal. Therefore, as long as the highest point C of the end face 131 is flush with the lowest point D of the boss 125, it can be ensured that there is no discontinuity or a small discontinuity at the connection between the cover 130 and the opening groove 124. The end face 131 of the cover 130 facing the opening groove 124 will not form a force-bearing surface, and the patient will not easily open / close the cover 130 frequently without the aid of a special opening tool. This ensures the service life of the cover 130 and prevents it from failing prematurely.

[0045] Generally speaking, the highest point C of the end face 131 usually appears in the middle of the end face 131 of the cover 130. Similarly, the lowest point D of the boss 125 usually appears in the middle of the boss 125. The highest point C may be a point, a line, or a surface; similarly, the lowest point D may be a point, a line, or a surface. Of course, in other embodiments, the highest point C of the end face 131 may not appear in the middle of the end face 131 of the cover 130, and similarly, the lowest point D of the boss 125 may not appear in the middle of the boss 125.

[0046] It should be noted that the alignment of the highest point C of the end face 131 with the lowest point D of the boss 125 includes at least the following options: ① The highest point C of the end face 131 is aligned with the lowest point D of the boss 125. In this case, other parts of the end face 131 may be higher or lower than other parts of the boss 125; ② The highest point C of the end face 131 is aligned with the lowest point D of the boss 125. Other parts of the end face 131 may also be aligned with other parts of the boss 125.

[0047] It should be noted that "flush" here includes both absolute flush and approximate flush. Absolute flush means that the two surfaces are completely flush. Approximate flush means that there may be a difference in height between the two surfaces, as long as this height difference is within the allowable error range in this field, and as long as this height difference can achieve the purpose of eliminating discontinuities and stress surfaces.

[0048] In other embodiments, the boss 125 is flush with the end face 131. For example, when the top surface of the cover 130 is flat and the top surface of the first end face 122 is flat, the heights of all parts of the cover 130 facing the end face 131 of the opening groove 124 are equal. Similarly, the heights of all parts of the boss 125 around the opening groove 124 are also equal. In this case, the heights of the end face 131 of the cover 130 facing the opening groove 124 and the boss 125 are flush. Alternatively, when the top surface of the cover is flat and the top surface of the first end face is curved, the heights of all parts of the cover facing the end face of the opening groove are equal, but the heights of the bosses around the opening groove are unequal. In this case, the height of the end face of the cover facing the opening groove is at least flush with the lowest point of the boss.

[0049] In this specific embodiment, the boss 125 and the first end portion 122 are integrally formed. In this case, there is no clear boundary between the boss 125 and the first end portion 122. For example, the self-ligating orthodontic appliance 100 in this embodiment can be manufactured by injection molding. Therefore, the boss 125 and the first end portion 122 are injection molded using the same mold to form a single unit. This simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs. Of course, in other embodiments, the boss 125 can also be fixedly disposed on the first end portion 122. In this case, the boss 125 and the first end portion 122 can be separate structures, formed through different injection molding steps. For example, the boss can be welded to the first end portion, in which case the boss and the first end portion are connected by a weld layer.

[0050] Specifically, in this embodiment, the outer surface of the boss 125 is an arc surface. It should be noted that the outer surface of the boss 125 refers to the surface that contacts the labial side of the boss 125 after the self-ligating orthodontic appliance 100 is installed on the outer surface of the tooth. Alternatively, if the self-ligating orthodontic appliance is installed on the inner surface of the tooth, the outer surface of the boss 125 refers to the surface that contacts the lingual side. Having an arc surface on the outer surface of the boss 125 can reduce rubbing against the labial or lingual side, improving comfort. Specifically, the curvature of the outer surface of the boss 125 can be different from the curvature of the outer surface of the first end 122. Of course, in other embodiments, the curvature of the outer surface of the boss 125 can be the same as the curvature of the outer surface of the first end 122. This satisfies the design requirements of different structural configurations, all of which contribute to improved comfort.

[0051] Specifically, in this embodiment, the boss 125 is a continuous, uninterrupted boss 125, reducing the probability of dirt and grime accumulating. The boss 125 is an enclosing boss 125 surrounding the opening groove 124, and its general outline is adapted to the opening groove 124. The outer surface and inner surface of the boss 125 (that is, the side wall of the boss 125 facing the end face 131) are transitioned by an arc surface. Specifically, the boss 125 and the side wall of the opening groove 124 facing the end face 131 smoothly transition, that is, the side wall of the boss 125 facing the end face 131 and the side wall of the opening groove 124 facing the end face 131 smoothly transition and connect, forming a whole, which improves comfort.

[0052] Specifically, in this embodiment, an axial tilt line (not shown) is provided at the top of the first end 122, extending to the opening groove 124. For example, the axial tilt line can be formed by laser printing. The main function of the axial tilt line is to facilitate the positioning of the self-ligating orthodontic appliance 100. When the self-ligating orthodontic appliance 100 is attached to the tooth surface, the axial tilt line aligns with the clinical coronal axis of the tooth, making it easier to attach the orthodontic appliance to the appropriate position on the tooth. Of course, in other embodiments, an axial tilt groove can also be provided at the top of the first end 122, extending to the opening groove 124. And / or, an axial tilt line or an axial tilt groove can also be provided at the top of the cover 130, extending to the end face 131 of the cover 130 facing the opening groove 124.

[0053] This application also provides an orthodontic system comprising at least two self-ligating orthodontic appliances 100, which can be any of the types described in the foregoing embodiments. For example, the orthodontic system includes twenty self-ligating orthodontic appliances 100, which are respectively used to be bonded to the surface of the patient's teeth. When the cover 130 is opened, the archwire can be placed in the archwire slot 121. Then, when the cover 130 is closed, the archwire is confined within the archwire slot 121.

[0054] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0055] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

[0056] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0057] 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0058] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0059] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0060] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

Claims

1. A self-ligating orthodontic appliance, characterized by, The self-locking orthodontic appliance comprises a base plate, a main body and a cover body. The main body is arranged on the base plate. An archwire slot is arranged on the main body along the mesial-distal direction. The archwire slot has a first end portion and a second end portion on opposite sides. The cover body is arranged on the top of the second end portion of the main body and is slidable relative to the main body to open or close the archwire slot. The first end portion of the main body is provided with an opening groove. The opening groove is adjacent to the cover body when the cover body closes the archwire slot. A boss is arranged around the opening groove. The cover body has an end face facing the opening groove. The height of the boss is flush with the end face or at least the highest point of the end face is flush with at least the lowest point of the boss, so as to eliminate or reduce the gap at the connection between the cover body and the opening groove, thereby eliminating the stress surface.

2. The self-ligating orthodontic appliance of claim 1, wherein, The boss is fixedly arranged on the first end portion; or The boss is integrally formed with the first end portion.

3. The self-ligating orthodontic appliance of claim 1, wherein, The outer surface of the boss is a circular arc surface.

4. The self-ligating orthodontic appliance of claim 3, wherein, The curvature of the outer surface of the boss is the same as that of the outer surface of the first end portion.

5. The self-ligating orthodontic appliance of claim 3, wherein, The curvature of the outer surface of the boss is different from that of the outer surface of the first end portion.

6. The self-ligating orthodontic appliance of claim 1, wherein, The boss is a continuous uninterrupted boss.

7. The self-ligating orthodontic appliance of claim 1, wherein, The boss is a surrounding boss around the opening groove, and the general outline of the boss is matched with that of the opening groove.

8. The self-ligating orthodontic appliance of claim 1, wherein, The outer surface of the boss is connected to the inner surface thereof through a circular arc surface.

9. The self-ligating orthodontic appliance of claim 1, wherein, The following at least one feature is further included: The top of the cover body is provided with an axis inclination line or an axis inclination groove, and the axis inclination line or the axis inclination groove extends to the end face of the cover body facing the opening groove. The top of the first end portion is provided with an axis inclination line or an axis inclination groove, and the axis inclination line or the axis inclination groove extends to the opening groove. The opening groove is generally rectangular or trapezoidal. The opening groove is generally semicircular.

10. An orthodontic system characterized by, The self-locking orthodontic appliance comprises at least two self-locking orthodontic appliances according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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