Orthodontic hook
By designing an orthodontic hook with a wide slot opening and a narrow slot contraction, the problem of controlling tooth position with elastic rubber hooks was solved, achieving stability of tooth movement and simplified installation of clear aligners, reducing irritation to patient tissues.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520028707.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-11-26
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing elastic rubber hooks are difficult to effectively control tooth position during installation and use, especially when the teeth are short, and the elastic force is far from the resistance center of the teeth, making it difficult to move the teeth as a whole.
An orthodontic hook has been designed, comprising a base and a hook body. The hook body has a cantilever section and a groove structure. The groove opening is wide and the constriction section is narrow. The groove gradually narrows from the opening to the center, providing stable rubber band guidance. The two parts are connected by a connector component. The groove design reduces irritation to surrounding tissues.
It improves the stability of the elastic band and the control of tooth movement, reduces irritation to the tongue and buccal mucosa, simplifies the installation process of clear aligners, and makes tooth movement more holistic and effective.
Smart Images
Figure CN223944498U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present utility model relates to an orthodontic hook for use in dentistry, and in particular to an orthodontic attachment or appliance forming a hook. BACKGROUND
[0002] While clear aligners can straighten teeth, they do not align the upper and lower teeth to bite together. Dental elastic materials can be used in conjunction with clear aligners to treat malocclusion or misalignment. Other orthodontic appliances, such as the known Carriere® Motion Appliance, also use elastic rubber bands to correct the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
[0003] Currently, there are a variety of hook options available for elastic rubber bands. Such conventional hook options are referred to as elastic rubber hooks. When a patient has short crowns, it can be difficult to install elastic rubber hooks. In some cases, after making a clear aligner cut for an elastic rubber hook, the clear aligner does not easily control the position of the teeth. At the same time, the elastic rubber hook is distanced from the center of resistance of the teeth, making it difficult for the teeth to move as a whole. For these reasons, an improved elastic rubber hook is presented herein to address these issues. SUMMARY
[0004] The above disadvantages can be addressed by providing an orthodontic hook attachable to one of a tooth surface and an orthodontic appliance. The hook includes: (a) a base pad attachable to one of a tooth surface and an orthodontic appliance; and (b) a hook body including a connecting portion extending from the base pad and a cantilever portion extending laterally from the connecting portion, the cantilever portion including a first component and a second component separated from the first component by a slot formed in the cantilever portion, the cantilever portion further including a joint component disposed alongside the connecting portion. The joint component is connected between the first component and the second component. The joint component is disposed at an end of the slot. The first component defines a first end proximate the second component to a greatest extent, and a third end distal from the joint component to a greatest extent. The second component defines a second end proximate the first component to a greatest extent, and a fourth end distal from the joint component to a greatest extent. A slot opening is formed between the third end and the fourth end, and a slot constriction is formed between the first end and the second end. The slot narrows continuously from the slot opening to the slot constriction. A first distance between the third end and the fourth end is at least 2.2 times a second distance between the first end and the second end.
[0005] The first end of the first component can form a first protrusion that protrudes toward the second component, and the first protrusion continuously tapers from the third end at its base to the first end at its tip. The second end of the second component can form a second protrusion that protrudes toward the first component, and the second protrusion continuously tapers from the fourth end at its base to the second end at its tip. A third distance between the third end and the first end can be greater than the second distance. A fourth distance between the fourth end and the second end can be greater than the second distance. The third distance between the third end and the first end can be at least 1.2 times the second distance. The fourth distance between the fourth end and the second end can be at least 1.2 times the second distance. The slot opening can be positioned at a terminal edge of the cantilever portion. When the slot opening is positioned at a terminal edge of the cantilever portion, a fifth distance between the first end and a first side edge of the cantilever portion at the first component can be at least 3 times a sixth distance between the third end and the first side edge. When the slot opening is positioned at a terminal edge of the cantilever portion, a seventh distance between the second end and a second side edge of the cantilever portion at the second component can be at least 3 times an eighth distance between the fourth end and the second side edge. The slot opening can be positioned at a side edge of the cantilever portion, and a ninth distance between the second end and a terminal edge of the cantilever portion can be at least 3 times a tenth distance between the fourth end and the terminal edge. The second distance can be less than 0.8 mm. The second distance can be less than 0.6 mm. The first distance can be at least 2.6 times the second distance. The third distance between the third end and the first end can be at least 1.5 times the second distance. The fourth distance between the fourth end and the second end can be at least 1.5 times the second distance. The third distance between the third end and the first end can be at least 2 times the second distance. The fourth distance between the fourth end and the second end can be at least 2 times the second distance. The first distance can be at least 3 times the second distance. The slot can continuously narrow from the slot opening to the slot constriction. The slot can continuously widen from the slot constriction to the slot center. The second distance can be less than 0.5 mm. The slot opening can be positioned at a side edge of the cantilever portion, and the ninth distance between the second end and a terminal edge of the cantilever portion can be at least 0.8 mm greater than the tenth distance between the fourth end and the terminal edge.
[0006] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects and features of the present application will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of the embodiments of the application taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are provided for purposes of illustration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] Various objects, features and advantages of the present application will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon review of the following description of the embodiments of the present application taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are provided for purposes of illustration. The drawings are not intended to be an explanation of the principles of the application, the only purpose of the drawings is to provide illustrations of various embodiments of the present application.
[0008] Figure 1 Perspective view of a first embodiment of an orthodontic hook.
[0009] Figure 2 Top view of a first embodiment of an orthodontic hook.
[0010] Figure 3 Side view of a first embodiment of an orthodontic hook.
[0011] Figure 4 Perspective view of a second embodiment of an orthodontic hook.
[0012] Figure 5 Top view of a second embodiment of an orthodontic hook.
[0013] Figure 6 Side view of a second embodiment of an orthodontic hook.
[0014] Figure 7 Perspective view of a third embodiment of an orthodontic hook.
[0015] Figure 8 Top view of a third embodiment of an orthodontic hook.
[0016] Figure 9 Side view of a third embodiment of an orthodontic hook.
[0017] Figure 10 Perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an orthodontic hook, showing a connecting portion as a bracket with two archwire slots.
[0018] Figure 11 Top view of a fourth embodiment of an orthodontic hook.
[0019] Figure 12 Side view of a fourth embodiment of an orthodontic hook. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] An apparatus for holding an elastic band, comprising: (a) a means for receiving an elastic band; (b) a means for guiding the elastic band through a slot constriction and into a slot center, the slot constriction having a width of less than 0.8 mm; (c) a means for engaging with an aligner to align teeth; and (d) a means for positioning the slot in a cantilevered portion of the means.
[0021] Figure 1 Perspective view of a first embodiment of an orthodontic hook, and Figure 2Top view of a first embodiment of an orthodontic hook 10. The orthodontic hook 10 can be attached to one of a tooth surface (not shown) or an orthodontic appliance (not shown). The hook 10 includes a base pad 12 that can be attached to the tooth surface. In some other embodiments, the base pad 12 is instead attached to the orthodontic appliance. The base pad 12 can have different shapes, such as a circular, rectangular, oval, or irregular shape. In the first embodiment, the outer surface of the base pad 12 for bonding to the tooth surface is a flat surface. In some embodiments, the base pad 12 has a curved surface that conforms to the tooth surface.
[0022] The orthodontic hook 10 includes a hook body 52 that includes a connecting portion 14 that extends from the base pad 12. A cantilever portion 50 of the hook body 52 extends laterally from the connecting portion 14. The connecting portion 14 can be an orthodontic appliance such as a Carriere® Motion Appliance, a buccal tube, an attachment, or a bracket, among others. The cantilever portion 50 includes a first component 18, a second component 16, and a joint component 20. A slot 28 is formed in the cantilever portion 50, and the first component 18 and the second component 16 are separated from each other by the slot 28. The joint component 20, which is alongside the connecting portion 14, connects the first component 18 to the second component 16, and the joint component 20 is between the first component 18 and the second component 16. The joint component 20 is disposed at an end of the slot 28. An end of the first component 18 forms a first protrusion 30 that protrudes toward the second component 16. The first protrusion 30 has a shape that tapers continuously from a third end 42 at a bottom of the first protrusion 30 to a first end 32 at an end of the first protrusion 30 that is closest to the second component 16. In this embodiment, the first end 32 is also the end 32 of the first protrusion 30. A second end 34 of the second component 16 is closest to the first component 18, a slot constriction 24 is formed between the first end 32 and the second component, the slot constriction 24 is formed in and defined by the cantilever portion 50, and the slot constriction 24 extends between the first end 32 and the second end 34. In this embodiment, the slot 28 has a slot opening 22 at one of the two side edges 62 of the cantilever portion 50. However, in other embodiments, the slot opening 22 can be at the other side edge 62 or at the end edge 60 of the cantilever portion 50. A third end 42 is defined on the first component 18 that is farthest away from the joint component 20, and a fourth end 40 is defined on the second component 16 that is farthest away from the joint component 20. The slot opening 22 extends between the third end 42 and the fourth end 40. A slot center 26 is surrounded by the first component 18, the second component 16, the joint component 20, and the first protrusion 30. The slot 28 narrows continuously from the slot opening 22 to the slot constriction 24, and widens continuously from the slot constriction 24 to the slot center 26. A first guide surface 36 is formed between the third end 42 and the first end 32, and a second guide surface 38 is formed between the fourth end 40 and the second end 34. The narrow slot constriction 24 and the large slot opening 22 make the longer guide surfaces 36 and 38 very advantageous. When an elastic rubber band (not shown) is captured by the slot opening 22, the elastic rubber band can be easily guided through the longer guide surfaces 36 and 38 into the narrow slot constriction 24, further into the slot center 26. These large guide surfaces 36 and 38 make the narrow slot constriction 24 work well in the clinic, and at the same time, the design of the narrow slot constriction 24 of the hook 10 has minimal irritation to the surrounding soft tissue, and the narrow slot constriction 24 effectively prevents the elastic rubber band from accidentally coming out when pulling the elastic rubber band in different directions.In some other embodiments, the end of the second component 16 can form a protrusion that protrudes toward the first component 18, which can have a tapered shape and taper toward the second end 34, and the end of the first component 18 does not form a protrusion that protrudes toward the second component 16. Unless otherwise noted, in any given embodiment, the second component 16 can have any of the features of the first component 18. Additionally or alternatively, in any given embodiment, the first component 18 can have any of the features of the second component 16.
[0023] The protrusion 30 of the first component 18 has a tapered shape that gradually decreases in cross-sectional area from its base to its end, such that the protrusion 30 tapers from the third end 42 of its base toward the first end 32.
[0024] The slot opening 22 is formed between the third end 42 and the fourth end 40. The slot constriction 24 is formed between the first end 32 and the second component 16. The first distance between the third end 42 and the fourth end 40 is at least 2 times the second distance between the first end 32 and the second component 16. The first distance is also the width of the slot opening 22, and the second distance is also the width of the slot constriction 24. In some embodiments, the first distance is at least 2.2 times the second distance. In some embodiments, the first distance is at least 2.6 times the second distance. In some embodiments, the first distance is at least 3 times the second distance. In some embodiments, the first distance is at least 4 times the second distance. In the first embodiment, the first distance is at least 1.8 mm. In the first embodiment, the second distance is less than 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, the second distance is less than 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, the second distance is less than 0.7 mm. In some embodiments, the second distance is less than 0.6 mm. In all of these embodiments, the second distance is also the distance from the first end 32 to the second end 34, and in such embodiments, the second distance is also the distance from the second end 34 to the first component 18. In the first embodiment, the third distance between the third end and the first end is at least 0.8 mm. In the first embodiment, the fourth distance between the fourth end and the second end is at least 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, the third distance is at least 1.0 mm, and in some embodiments, the fourth distance is at least 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, the third distance is at least 1.2 mm, and in some embodiments, the fourth distance is at least 1.2 mm.
[0025] In some embodiments, the slot opening 22 is positioned at the terminal edge 60 of the cantilever portion 50, and a fifth distance between the first terminal end 32 and a first side edge 62 of the cantilever portion 50 at the first component 18 is at least 3 times a sixth distance between the third terminal end 42 and the first side edge 62; and a seventh distance between the second terminal end 34 and a second side edge 62 of the cantilever portion 50 at the second component 16 is at least 3 times an eighth distance between the fourth terminal end 40 and the second side edge 62. In some embodiments, the slot opening 22 is positioned at the side edge 62 of the cantilever portion 50, and a ninth distance between the second terminal end 34 and the terminal edge 60 of the cantilever portion 50 is at least 3 times a tenth distance between the fourth terminal end 40 and the terminal edge 60.
[0026] In a first embodiment, the slot 28 is continuously tapered from the slot opening 22 to the slot constriction 24. That is, there is no discontinuity or abrupt change in the profile of the slot 28 edge from the slot opening 22 to the slot constriction 24. The relatively wide slot opening 22 is very helpful in grasping the elastic rubber band (not shown) at the beginning of the process of placing the rubber band into the slot 28. The constriction 24 can be used to prevent the elastic rubber band from accidentally falling out or otherwise accidentally exiting the slot 28. In this embodiment, the elastic rubber band must be pulled in a certain direction to remove the elastic rubber band from the slot center 26 of the orthodontic hook 10. The relatively large and smooth guide surfaces 36 and 38 have no sharp edges to irritate the tongue and buccal mucosa minimally. The orthodontic hook 10 can be made of, for example, metal, plastic, ceramic, composite resin, or any other suitable material.
[0027] The connecting portion 14 can be an attachment to a clear aligner to improve the control of the aligner on tooth movement, especially for the canines. By using the orthodontic hook 10, the clear aligner (not shown) can cover the connecting portion 14 of the hook 10, and the connecting portion 14 can have the form of a clear aligner attachment. In various embodiments, the clear aligner (not shown) does not need a cutout to place the orthodontic hook 10. When the hook 10 is bonded to the crown, the cantilever portion 50 and the slot 28 can be directly positioned lateral to the root, so the elastic force of the elastic rubber band placed on the orthodontic hook 10 is closer to the center of resistance of the tooth, thus facilitating the overall movement of the tooth. The hook 10 can be smooth to irritate the tongue and mucosa minimally.
[0028] In Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the slot 28 includes a slot opening 22, a slot guide portion defined by a first guide surface 36 and a second guide surface 38, a slot constriction 24, and a slot center 26 defined by a cantilever portion 50.
[0029] Figure 3 A side view of a first embodiment of the orthodontic hook 10. Figure 1 andFigure 3 The cantilever portion 50 is not directly above the base pad 12. In some embodiments, a portion of the cantilever portion 50 is directly above the base pad 12. In some embodiments, the entire cantilever portion 50 is directly above the base pad 12. The top surface 56 of the connecting portion 14 and the top surface 58 of the cantilever portion 50 are on the same plane (i.e., coplanar). In this embodiment, the top surface 56 of the connecting portion 14 is at the same vertical height above the base pad 12 as the top surface 58 of the cantilever portion 50. In other embodiments, the top surfaces of different portions of the hook body 52 can be at different vertical heights above the base pad 12, i.e., the vertical distance from points on different portions of the top surface of the hook body 52 to the base pad 12 can be different.
[0030] The elastic band (not shown) used in conjunction with the orthodontic hook 10 in orthodontic treatment can have a first thickness when stretched and a second thickness (typically larger) when relaxed. The second distance of the slot constriction 24 is less than the second thickness of the elastic band, but greater than the first thickness of the elastic band. The second thickness of the elastic band used in orthodontic treatment is typically greater than 1.0 mm. In the first embodiment, the second distance D2 is less than 1.0 mm. The first distance of the slot opening 22 is greater than the second thickness of the elastic band so that the slot opening 22 can capture the elastic band and the elastic band, when stretched by the force F, has the first thickness, can slide along the guide surfaces 36 and 38 and can pass through the slot constriction 24 and then into the slot center 26. The slot constriction 24 can be sized to hinder but not prevent removal of the elastic band from the slot center 26.
[0031] Unless otherwise stated herein, every distance from a point to a surface is the shortest distance from the point to the surface, and every distance between two points is the shortest distance between the two points. Unless otherwise stated herein, height refers to the vertical distance from a point at a portion of a top surface to the ideal plane of the base pad 12.
[0032] Figure 4 Perspective view of a second embodiment of an orthodontic hook, and Figure 5FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of an orthodontic hook 10. The orthodontic hook 10 can be attached to one of a tooth surface (not shown) and an orthodontic appliance (not shown). The hook 10 includes a base pad 12 that can be attached to the tooth surface. The orthodontic hook 10 includes a hook body 52 that includes a connecting portion 14 that extends from the base pad 12. A cantilever portion 50 of the hook body 52 extends laterally from the connecting portion 14. The connecting portion 14 can be an orthodontic appliance, such as a Carriere® Motion Appliance, a buccal tube, an attachment, or a bracket, among others. The cantilever portion 50 includes a first component 18, a second component 16, and a joint component 20. A slot 28 is formed in the cantilever portion 50, and the first component 18 and the second component 16 are spaced apart from each other by the slot 28. The joint component 20 connects the first component 18 and the second component 16, and the joint component 20 is located between the first component 18 and the second component 16. The joint component 20 is disposed at an end of the slot 28.
[0033] One of the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment is that the end of the second component 16 in the second embodiment forms a second protrusion 44 that protrudes toward the first component 18. The second protrusion 44 has a shape that continuously tapers from its bottom to its end, i.e., continuously tapers from the fourth end 40 of the bottom of the second component 16 to the second end 34 of its end, while the first protrusion 30 also has a shape that continuously tapers from its bottom to its end, i.e., continuously tapers from the third end 42 of the bottom of the first component 18 to the first end 32 of its end. In this second embodiment, the first protrusion 30 extends from the end of the first component 18 toward the second component 16, and the second protrusion 44 extends from the end of the second component 16 toward the first component 18, such that the slot constriction 24 is formed between the end 32 of the first protrusion 30 and the end 34 of the second protrusion 44. The slot 28 narrows continuously from the slot opening 22 to the slot constriction 24, and widens continuously from the slot constriction 24 to the slot center 26. Between the slot opening 22 and the slot constriction 24, the first guide surface 36 is located at the first protrusion 30, and the second guide surface 38 is located at the second protrusion 44. The second protrusion 44 also has a tapered shape that tapers toward the end 34 of the second protrusion 44; the end 34 is also the second end 34 of the second component 16 that is closest to the first component 18; and the end 32 is also the first end 32 of the first component 18. In the second embodiment, the slot constriction 24 is formed between the first end 32 and the second end 34. The slot center 26 is surrounded by the first component 18, the second component 16, the joint component 20, the first protrusion 30, and the second protrusion 44. The third end 42 is defined on the first component 18 that is farthest away from the joint component 20, and the fourth end 40 is defined on the second component 16 that is farthest away from the joint component 20. In this second embodiment, the slot opening 22 is located at one of the side edges 62 of the cantilevered portion 50. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the slot opening 22 can be located at the other side edge 62, or at the end edge 60 of the cantilevered portion 50.
[0034] In this embodiment, the slot 28 includes the slot opening 22, the slot guide portion defined by the first guide surface 36 and the second guide surface 38, the slot constriction 24, and the slot center 26 defined by the cantilevered portion 50.
[0035] A slot opening 22 is formed between the third end 42 and the fourth end 40. In the second embodiment, a slot constriction 24 is formed between the first end 32 and the second end 34. A first distance between the third end 42 and the fourth end 40 is at least 2.6 times a second distance between the first end 32 and the second end 34. In some embodiments, the first distance is at least 2 times the second distance. In some embodiments, the first distance is at least 3 times the second distance. In some embodiments, the first distance is at least 4 times the second distance. In the second embodiment, the first distance is at least 1.8 mm. In the second embodiment, the second distance is less than 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, the second distance is less than 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, the second distance is less than 0.6 mm. In the second embodiment, the second distance is also the distance from the first end 32 to the second end 34, and the second distance is also the distance from the second end 34 to the first component 18. In the second embodiment, a third distance between the third end and the first end is at least 0.8 mm. In the second embodiment, a fourth distance between the fourth end and the second end is at least 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, the third distance is at least 1.0 mm, and in some embodiments, the fourth distance is at least 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, the third distance is greater than the second distance, and in some embodiments, the fourth distance is greater than the second distance. In some embodiments, the third distance is at least 1.2 times the second distance, and in some embodiments, the fourth distance is at least 1.2 times the second distance. In some embodiments, the third distance is at least 2 times the second distance, and in some embodiments, the fourth distance is at least 2 times the second distance. In some embodiments, the third distance is at least 1.5 times the second distance, and in some embodiments, the fourth distance is at least 1.5 times the second distance. The third distance is the length of the first guide surface 36, and the fourth distance is the length of the second guide surface 38. The large guide surfaces are a feature of embodiments in this application, and the two large guide surfaces allow the elastic band to enter the small slot constriction 22, and there is less irritation to the surrounding mucosa and gums of the patient. In this embodiment, the second guide surface 38 forms an acute angle greater than 50 degrees with the end edge 60.
[0036] In this embodiment, the slot opening 22 is positioned at the side edge 62 of the cantilever portion 50, and a ninth distance between the second end 34 and the end edge 60 of the cantilever portion 50 is at least 3 times a tenth distance between the fourth end 40 and the end edge 60; the ninth distance is at least 0.8 mm greater than the tenth distance.
[0037] Figure 6 A side view of a second embodiment of an orthodontic hook 10. Figure 4 and Figure 6The distance of a point on the top surface 58 of the cantilever portion 50 from the plane of the base pad 12 is shown to be greater than the distance of the top surface 56 of the connecting portion 14 from the plane of the base pad 12. In this embodiment, the top surfaces of different portions of the hook body 52 are at different heights above the base pad 12. The portion of the cantilever portion 50 next to the connecting portion 14 is directly above the base pad 12. However, the slot constriction 24 is not directly above the base pad 12. A portion of the slot center 26 is directly above the base pad 12.
[0038] Figure 7 A perspective view of a third embodiment of an orthodontic hook 10 is shown. Figure 8 A top view of a third embodiment of an orthodontic hook 10 is shown. In this embodiment, the orthodontic hook 10 can be attached to one of a tooth surface (not shown) and an orthodontic appliance (not shown). The hook 10 includes a base pad 12 that can be attached to the tooth surface. The orthodontic hook 10 also includes a hook body 52. The hook body 52 includes a connecting portion 14 that extends from the base pad 12 and includes a cantilever portion 50. The cantilever portion extends laterally from the connecting portion 14. The cantilever portion 50 includes a first component 18, a second component 16, and a joint component 20. A slot 28 is formed in the cantilever portion 50 and the first component 18 and the second component 16 are separated from each other by the slot 28. The joint component 20 is connected to the first component 18 and the second component 16 next to the connecting portion 14 and the joint component 20 is between the first component 18 and the second component 16. The joint component 20 is disposed at an end of the slot 28. The third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment and one of the differences between these two embodiments is that the slot opening of the third embodiment is at the terminal edge 60 of the cantilever portion 50. In the third embodiment, the slot constriction 24 is also at the terminal edge 60 of the cantilever portion 50. This third embodiment provides a design for receiving different directions of traction of an elastic rubber band (not shown). For example, the hook 10 can receive elastic rubber band drag forces from a mesial or distal direction.
[0039] A third end 42 is defined on the first member 18 furthest away from the joint member 20 and a first end 32 is defined closest to the second member 16. A fourth end 40 is defined on the second member 16 furthest away from the joint member 20 and a second end 34 is defined closest to the first member 18. A slot constriction 24 is formed between the first end 32 and the second end 34. The slot 28 has a slot opening 22 at an end edge 60 of the cantilever portion 50. The slot opening 22 extends between the third end 42 and the fourth end 40. A slot center 26 is surrounded by the first member 18, the second member 16, the joint member 20, the first protrusion 30 and the second protrusion 44. The slot 28 continuously narrows from the slot opening 22 to the slot constriction 24 and continuously widens from the slot constriction 24 to the slot center 26. A first guide surface 36 is formed between the third end 42 and the first end 32 and a second guide surface 38 is formed between the fourth end 40 and the second end 34. An end of the first member 18 forms a protrusion 30 that protrudes towards the second member 16, the protrusion 30 having a tapered shape with a cross-sectional area that continuously decreases from a bottom to an end, and continuously narrows from the third end 42 at the bottom of the protrusion 30 to the first end 32 at the end of the protrusion 30. An end of the second member 16 forms a protrusion 44 that protrudes towards the first member 18, the protrusion 44 having a tapered shape with a cross-sectional area that continuously decreases from a bottom to an end, such that the protrusion 44 continuously narrows from the fourth end 40 at the bottom of the protrusion 44 to the second end 34 at the end of the protrusion 44.
[0040] A slot opening 22 is formed between the third end 42 and the fourth end 40. A slot constriction 24 is formed between the first end 32 and the second end 34. A first distance between the third end 42 and the fourth end 40 is at least 2.2 times a second distance between the first end 32 and the second end 34. In some embodiments, the first distance is at least 4 times the second distance. In some embodiments, the first distance is at least 2.6 times the second distance. In some embodiments, the first distance is at least 3 times the second distance. In a third embodiment, the first distance is at least 1.8 mm. In the third embodiment, the second distance is less than 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the second distance is less than 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, the second distance is less than 0.6 mm. In the third embodiment, the second distance is also the distance from the first end 32 to the second component 16, and the second distance is also the distance from the second end 34 to the first component 18. In the third embodiment, a third distance between the third end and the first end is at least 0.8 mm. In the third embodiment, a fourth distance between the fourth end and the second end is at least 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, the third distance is at least 0.6 mm, and in some embodiments, the fourth distance is at least 0.6 mm. In some embodiments, the third distance is at least 1.0 mm, and in some embodiments, the fourth distance is at least 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, the third distance is at least 1.2 mm, and in some embodiments, the fourth distance is at least 1.2 mm. In some embodiments, the third distance is at least 2 times the second distance, and in some embodiments, the fourth distance is at least 2 times the second distance. In this embodiment, the third distance is greater than the second distance, and the fourth distance is greater than the second distance. In some embodiments, the third distance is at least 1.5 times the second distance, and in some embodiments, the fourth distance is at least 1.5 times the second distance. In this embodiment, the second guide surface 38 forms an acute angle with the second side edge 62 that is greater than 40 degrees, and the first guide surface 36 forms an acute angle with the first side edge 62 that is greater than 40 degrees.
[0041] In this embodiment, the slot opening 22 is positioned at the end edge 60 of the cantilevered portion 50, and a fifth distance between the first end 32 and a first side edge 62 of the cantilevered portion 50 at the first component 18 is at least 3 times a sixth distance between the third end 42 and the first side edge 62; and the fifth distance is at least 0.8 mm greater than the sixth distance. No tab extending away from the second component 16 is placed at the end of the first component 18. No tab extending away from the first component 18 is placed at the end of the second component 16. A seventh distance between the second end 34 and a second side edge 62 of the cantilevered portion 50 at the second component 16 is at least 3 times an eighth distance between the fourth end 40 and the second side edge 62; the seventh distance is at least 0.8 mm greater than the eighth distance.
[0042] In this embodiment, the first component 18 and the second component 16 can be at different heights from the plane of the base pad 12. In use, an archwire (not shown) can pass through the slot center 26. One or more hooks 10 can be bonded to different teeth in the same dental arch, and the archwire can pass through the slot center of the hooks to align the different teeth. The width of the slot center 26 between the joint component 20 and the first component 18 can be about 0.018 inches, and the width of the slot center 26 between the joint component 20 and the second component 16 can be about 0.018 inches. Ligating wire (not shown) can enter the slot center 26 to secure the archwire.
[0043] Figure 9 is a side view of a third embodiment of an orthodontic hook 10 showing that the top surface 56 of the connecting portion 14 and the top surface 58 of the cantilever portion 50 are not at the same height above the plane of the base pad 12. The top surface 58 of the cantilever portion 50 is farther from the plane of the base pad 12 than the top surface 56 of the connecting portion 14, such that the vertical distance from a point at the top surface 58 to the plane of the base pad 12 is greater than the vertical distance from a point at the top surface 56 to the plane of the base pad 12. Only a portion of the cantilever portion 50 is directly above the base pad 12. In this embodiment, the first component 18 and the second component 16 can be at different heights from the plane of the base pad 12.
[0044] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an orthodontic hook. Figure 11 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of an orthodontic hook 10. This fourth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment, and one of the differences between these two embodiments is that the connecting portion 14 of the fourth embodiment is a bracket having two archwire slots (76 and 78). The two archwire slots include a first rectangular archwire slot 76 near the lingual side, which has an opening toward a second archwire slot 78 near the labial side. The cross-sectional area of the first archwire slot 76 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second archwire slot 78. Also, the cross-section of the second archwire slot 78 is larger at the mesial and distal sides than at the middle portion of the second archwire slot 78. These two archwire slots are defined by the mesial component 72 of the bracket and the gingival component 74 of the bracket. Also, a portion of the gingival component 74 is the cantilever portion 50. A portion of the cantilever portion 50 is directly above the base pad 12. The slot 28 formed in the cantilever portion 50 has the opening 22 at the terminal edge 60 of the cantilever portion 50, and the slot constriction 24 is formed between the first terminal 32 and the second terminal 34.
[0045] Figure 12A side view of a fourth embodiment of an orthodontic hook 10 showing that the first archwire slot 76 is located at the lingual side of the second archwire slot 78 and has an opening toward the second archwire slot 78. Also, the cross-section of the first archwire slot 76 is smaller than the cross-section of the second archwire slot 78. The cross-section of the first archwire slot 76 has a rectangular shape and the cross-section of the second archwire slot 78 has a rectangular area that is larger than the first archwire slot 76. The cantilever portion 50 is also part of the gingival component 74 of the bracket. In the fourth embodiment, only a portion of the cantilever portion 50 is directly located over the base pad 12.
[0046] In all embodiments, each of the first, second, third, and fourth termini can form a single point, line, or area.
[0047] The various features of the present application are described in, and will be apparent from, the description and drawings of the specific embodiments presented herein. Descriptions of one or more embodiments related to a particular feature of the application should not be construed as applying to any other embodiment not related to that particular feature, unless otherwise specifically stated.
[0048] Reference signs associated with the drawings
[0049] Orthodontic hook 10
[0050] Base pad 12
[0051] Connecting portion of hook body 14
[0052] Second component of cantilever portion 16
[0053] First component of cantilever portion 18
[0054] Joint component of cantilever portion 20
[0055] Slot opening 22
[0056] Slot constriction 24
[0057] Slot center 26
[0058] Slot 28
[0059] First protrusion 30
[0060] First terminus 32
[0061] Second terminus 34
[0062] First guide surface 36
[0063] Second guide surface 38
[0064] Fourth terminus 40
[0065] Third terminus 42
[0066] second protrusion 44
[0067] cantilever portion 50
[0068] hook body 52
[0069] top surface of the connecting portion 56
[0070] top surface of the cantilever portion 58
[0071] end edge of the cantilever portion 60
[0072] side edge of the cantilever portion 62
[0073] mesial component of the bracket 72
[0074] gingival component of the bracket 74
[0075] first archwire slot 76
[0076] second archwire slot 78
[0077] While embodiments of the present application have been described and illustrated, these embodiments should be considered illustrative of the present application only. The present application can include modifications as would be known by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the embodiments described and illustrated herein should not be considered to be limiting of the present application as interpreted by the appended claims.
Claims
1. An orthodontic hook attachable to one of a tooth surface and an orthodontic appliance, the orthodontic hook comprising: (a) a base pad attachable to the one of the tooth surface and the orthodontic appliance; and (b) a hook body including a connecting portion extending from the base pad and a cantilever portion extending laterally from the connecting portion, the cantilever portion including a first component and a second component separated by a slot formed in the cantilever portion, the cantilever portion further including a joint component disposed alongside the connecting portion, the joint component disposed at an end of the slot and connected between the first component and the second component, the first component defining a first end proximate the second component, the first component further defining a third end distal the joint component, the second component defining a second end proximate the first component, the second component further defining a fourth end distal the joint component, a slot opening defined between the third end and the fourth end, a slot constriction defined between the first end and the second end, the slot continuously narrowing from the slot opening to the slot constriction, wherein a first distance between the third end and the fourth end is at least 2.2 times a second distance between the first end and the second end. the slot continuously widens from the slot constriction to a slot center, and a first end of the first component forms a first protrusion projecting toward the second component, and the first protrusion continuously tapers from the third end at a bottom of the first protrusion to the first end at an end of the first protrusion.
2. The orthodontic hook of claim 1, wherein, a second end of the second component forms a second protrusion projecting toward the first component, and the second protrusion continuously tapers from the fourth end at a bottom of the second protrusion to the second end at an end of the second protrusion.
3. The orthodontic hook of claim 2, wherein, a third distance between the third end and the first end is greater than the second distance.
4. The orthodontic hook of claim 3, wherein, a fourth distance between the fourth end and the second end is greater than the second distance.
5. The orthodontic hook of claim 4, wherein, the slot opening is positioned at an end edge of the cantilever portion.
6. The orthodontic hook of claim 1, wherein, a fifth distance between the first end and a first side edge of the cantilever portion of the first component is at least 3 times a sixth distance between the third end and the first side edge.
7. The orthodontic hook of claim 6, wherein, a seventh distance between the second end and a second side edge of the cantilever portion at the second component is at least 3 times an eighth distance between the fourth end and the second side edge.
8. The orthodontic hook of claim 7, wherein, the slot opening is positioned at a side edge of the cantilever portion, and wherein a ninth distance between the second end and an end edge of the cantilever portion is at least 3 times a tenth distance between the fourth end and the end edge.
9. The orthodontic hook of claim 3, wherein, the first distance is at least 2.6 times the second distance.
10. The orthodontic hook of claim 1, wherein, the second distance is less than 0.8 mm.
11. The orthodontic hook of claim 1, wherein, the first distance is at least 3 times the second distance.
12. The orthodontic hook of claim 3, wherein, the third distance between the third end and the first end is at least 1.2 times the second distance.
13. The orthodontic hook of claim 1, wherein, 14. The orthodontic hook of claim 1, wherein, A fourth distance between the fourth end and the second end is at least 1.2 times the second distance. A fourth distance between the fourth end and the second end is at least 1.2 times the second distance.