Nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover and self-ligating bracket

Abstract

The nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover comprises a sliding sheet, a connecting sheet and a clamping sheet which are connected in sequence, the sliding sheet, the connecting sheet and the clamping sheet are connected to form a sheet-shaped structure with a U-shaped rotary section, a limiting protrusion is formed on the face, close to the clamping sheet, of the sliding sheet in a protruding mode, and the limiting protrusion is connected with the clamping sheet. The nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is made of nickel-titanium alloy. The nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is made of nickel-titanium alloy, and the nickel-titanium alloy has hyperelasticity, a shape memory effect and good biocompatibility and is not prone to deformation in orthodontic treatment. In addition, a limiting protrusion is formed on the face, close to the clamping piece, of the sliding piece in a protruding mode, compared with a traditional mode of adopting an elastic arm, the limiting mode of the limiting protrusion is better in structural reliability, the pressure of an orthodontic wire and the external force applied to the sliding cover by a patient can be well borne, deformation is not prone to occurring in the treatment process, and the service life of the sliding cover is prolonged. And the structural stability is further ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of orthodontic instruments, and in particular to a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover and self-locking bracket. Background Technology

[0002] Orthodontic treatment is a highly specialized branch of dentistry, primarily addressing deformities of the teeth, jawbone, and face. It involves gradually restoring normal occlusion by fixing orthodontic appliances inside the mouth. Brackets are a crucial component of orthodontic appliances, mainly bonded to the anterior teeth, canines, and premolars. Orthodontic treatment guides misaligned teeth to their ideal positions by installing orthodontic wires within the bracket slots. Traditionally, brackets use ligatures or elastic bands to fix the archwire in the slots, but this method has drawbacks such as being time-consuming and inconvenient to perform, causing significant friction, and resulting in poor comfort. In recent years, the emergence of self-ligating bracket systems has introduced new methods for the orthodontic treatment of malocclusion.

[0003] The most significant feature of self-ligating brackets is that they replace traditional ligature wires (loops) with a self-ligating structure to ligate the orthodontic wire, reducing internal friction and significantly increasing treatment efficiency. This makes them a fast, comfortable, and safe fixed orthodontic device. The self-ligating structure is typically an added sliding cover to a traditional bracket, securing the orthodontic wire within the groove. During orthodontic treatment, the sliding cover of the self-ligating bracket bears the pressure of the orthodontic wire and the external force applied by the patient. Traditional sliding covers are often made of stainless steel, which lacks fatigue resistance and is prone to deformation during treatment.

[0004] Document CN1 03340691A discloses a self-locking bracket with an anti-dislocation sliding cover. The sliding cover is a one-piece structure, integrally molded from elastic metal, including nickel-titanium shape memory alloy, nickel-titanium-based shape memory alloy, titanium-based alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy, etc. The sliding cover has a U-shaped rotating plate structure, including a slider for sliding within the slide, a card at the end that can be locked into a slot, and a connecting piece connecting the slider and the card. The slider and the card are located on the two arms of the U-shape, respectively. The slider includes two elastic arms, and the outer edges of the two elastic arms are interference-fitted with the inner wall of the slide, so that the slider can only slide forward or backward under the action of external force. When the external force is removed, the slider is locked in its current position within the slide. However, although the use of nickel-titanium metal in the above-mentioned slider can improve fatigue resistance, the locking structure of the sliding cover relies on the two elastic arms at the front end of the sliding cover. The structure of the elastic arms is still prone to deformation, which affects the treatment experience. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover and self-locking bracket that is not easily deformed, has super elasticity, good shape memory effect, and good biocompatibility.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover, comprising a sliding piece, a connecting piece, and a card connected in sequence, wherein the sliding piece, the connecting piece, and the card are connected to form a sheet-like structure with a U-shaped rotating cross section, characterized in that the sliding piece has a limiting protrusion protruding on the side near the card, and the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is made of nickel-titanium alloy.

[0007] In one embodiment, the limiting protrusion is formed at the end of the slider away from the connecting piece;

[0008] In one embodiment, the limiting protrusion is an arc-shaped limiting protrusion, and an arc-shaped groove is formed on the other side of the slider;

[0009] In one embodiment, the card has an operating hole.

[0010] In one embodiment, the thickness of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is 0.15-0.50 mm;

[0011] In one embodiment, the overall width of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover ranges from 1.0 to 4.0 mm.

[0012] In one embodiment, the thickness of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is 0.15-0.25 mm;

[0013] In one embodiment, the overall width of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover ranges from 1.5 to 3.0 mm.

[0014] Secondly, this application provides a method for manufacturing a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover, wherein the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover as described in any of the above embodiments, and the manufacturing method includes the following steps:

[0015] Provide nickel-titanium alloy bars or nickel-titanium alloy sheets;

[0016] The nickel-titanium alloy rod or sheet is processed into a sheet-like structure with a U-shaped cross-section formed by a sliding plate, a connecting plate, and a card;

[0017] An operating hole and a slot for engaging with a self-locking bracket are machined on the card;

[0018] A limiting protrusion is formed on the slider;

[0019] The surface of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is subjected to surface treatment, which includes at least one of chemical treatment, polishing and mechanical grinding.

[0020] In one embodiment, the austenite transformation end temperature of the nickel-titanium alloy rod is not higher than 50°C, the diameter of the nickel-titanium alloy rod is in the range of 3 to 15 mm, and the cold deformation of the nickel-titanium alloy rod is 20-70%.

[0021] In one embodiment, the austenitic transformation end temperature of the nickel-titanium alloy sheet is not higher than 50°C, the cold deformation amount of the nickel-titanium alloy sheet is 20-70%, and the thickness of the nickel-titanium alloy sheet is 0.1-0.5 mm.

[0022] In one embodiment, the cold deformation of the nickel-titanium alloy rod is 30-50%; and / or, the cold deformation of the nickel-titanium alloy sheet is 30-50%; and / or, the thickness of the nickel-titanium alloy sheet is 0.1-0.25 mm.

[0023] In one embodiment, a nickel-titanium alloy rod is machined into a sheet structure with a U-shaped cross-section formed by a sliding plate, a connecting plate, and a card using a wire cutting forming machine or a CNC machine tool; or, a nickel-titanium alloy sheet is machined into a sheet structure with a U-shaped cross-section formed by a sliding plate, a connecting plate, and a card using a stamping process.

[0024] In one embodiment, a limiting protrusion is formed on the slide using a thermoforming process or a stamping process.

[0025] Thirdly, this application provides a self-locking bracket, including a bracket body and a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover as described in any of the above embodiments. The bracket body has a slide and a slot, the slide piece is slidably installed in the slide, and the end of the card away from the connecting piece is snapped into the slot.

[0026] In one embodiment, the self-locking bracket further includes a base plate connected to the bracket body and used to cover the slide.

[0027] The aforementioned nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is made of nickel-titanium alloy, which possesses superelasticity, shape memory effect, and good biocompatibility, making it less prone to deformation during orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, this application features a limiting protrusion on the side of the slide near the card. Compared to the traditional method using an elastic arm, the limiting protrusion structure offers better reliability, better withstanding the pressure of the orthodontic wire and the external force applied to the sliding cover by the patient, and is less prone to deformation during treatment, further ensuring structural stability. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a self-locking bracket according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a self-locking bracket according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the structure of an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate state structure of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover during the manufacturing process of a method for manufacturing a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate state structure of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover during the manufacturing process of a method for manufacturing a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 6a This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate state structure of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover during the manufacturing process of a method for manufacturing a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 6b This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate state structure of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover during the manufacturing process of a method for manufacturing a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 6c This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate state structure of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover during the manufacturing process of a method for manufacturing a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate state structure of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover during the manufacturing process of a method for manufacturing a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a self-locking bracket according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a self-locking bracket according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 10a This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate state structure of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover during the manufacturing process of a method for manufacturing a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 10b This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate state structure of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover during the manufacturing process of a method for manufacturing a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 10c This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate state structure of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover during the manufacturing process of a method for manufacturing a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate state structure of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover during the manufacturing process of a method for manufacturing a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To facilitate understanding of this utility model and to make the aforementioned objects, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent, the specific embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this utility model, and preferred embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, this utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this utility model. This utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and similar modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this utility model; therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the utility model. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0045] Firstly, please refer to Figure 1 This application provides a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover 10, including a sliding piece 11, a connecting piece 12, and a clip 13 connected in sequence. The sliding piece 11, the connecting piece 12, and the clip 13 are connected to form a U-shaped rotating sheet structure. A limiting protrusion 111 is formed on the side of the sliding piece 11 near the clip 13. The limiting protrusion 111 serves as a locking and limiting device for the sliding cover, and plays a limiting and locking role when it cooperates with a self-locking bracket. In this application, the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is made of nickel-titanium alloy. Nickel-titanium alloy possesses superelasticity, shape memory effect, and good biocompatibility, making it less prone to deformation during orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, the limiting protrusion formed on the side of the sliding piece near the clip provides better reliability compared to the traditional elastic arm method. It can better withstand the pressure of the orthodontic wire and the external force applied to the sliding cover by the patient, and is less prone to deformation during treatment, further ensuring structural stability.

[0046] In one embodiment, the limiting protrusion 111 is formed at the end of the slide 11 away from the connecting piece 12; thus, it can play a better limiting and locking role. For example, the limiting protrusion 111 is an arc-shaped limiting protrusion, and the arc-shaped limiting protrusion has an arc-shaped groove 112 formed on the other side of the slide 11; thus, it can be formed by stamping process, and the processing process is simple and convenient.

[0047] In one embodiment, the card 13 has an operating hole. Thus, when orthodontic treatment is performed, the doctor uses a probe or other tool to open the sliding cover of the self-locking bracket.

[0048] In one embodiment, the thickness of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is 0.15-0.50 mm; for example, the overall width of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover ranges from 1.0-4.0 mm. Alternatively, the thickness of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is 0.15-0.25 mm; for example, the overall width of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover ranges from 1.5-3.0 mm. This results in good structural robustness.

[0049] Secondly, this application provides a self-locking bracket, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 2 to 4 and combined Figure 1 The self-locking bracket includes a bracket body 20 and a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover 10 as described in any of the above embodiments. The bracket body 20 has a slide 21 and a slot 22. The sliding piece 11 is slidably mounted on the slide 21, and the end of the card 13 away from the connecting piece 12 is inserted into the slot 22. For example, the bracket body 20 also has a placement slot 23 for placing orthodontic wires. When the card is inserted into the slot, it covers the placement slot to ensure the fixation of the orthodontic wires. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover 10 with a self-locking bracket when it is not locked. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the locking state of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover 10 with a self-locking bracket. Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a self-ligating bracket. For example, the self-ligating bracket also includes a base plate 30, which connects to the bracket body 20 and covers the slide rail 21. In practical applications, the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover 10 can be installed on the bracket body 20 first, and then the base plate can be welded to the bracket body 20. During orthodontic treatment, the doctor uses a probe or other tools to open the sliding cover through the access hole.

[0050] Thirdly, this application provides a method for manufacturing a nickel-titanium alloy slider, wherein the nickel-titanium alloy slider is as described in any of the above embodiments, and the manufacturing method includes the following steps:

[0051] Provide nickel-titanium alloy bars or nickel-titanium alloy sheets;

[0052] The nickel-titanium alloy rod or sheet is processed into a sheet-like structure with a U-shaped cross-section formed by a sliding plate, a connecting plate, and a card;

[0053] An operating hole and a slot for engaging with a self-locking bracket are machined on the card;

[0054] A limiting protrusion is formed on the slider;

[0055] The surface of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is subjected to surface treatment, which includes at least one of chemical treatment, polishing and mechanical grinding.

[0056] In one embodiment, the austenitic transformation end temperature of the nickel-titanium alloy rod is no higher than 50°C, and the diameter of the nickel-titanium alloy rod ranges from 3 to 15 mm; the cold deformation amount of the nickel-titanium alloy rod is 20-70%. For example, the austenitic transformation end temperature of the nickel-titanium alloy sheet is no higher than 50°C, and the cold deformation amount of the nickel-titanium alloy sheet is 20-70%; the thickness of the nickel-titanium alloy sheet is 0.1-0.5 mm. For example, the cold deformation amount of the nickel-titanium alloy rod is 30-50%; and / or, the cold deformation amount of the nickel-titanium alloy sheet is 30-50%; and / or, the thickness of the nickel-titanium alloy sheet is 0.1-0.25 mm. This ensures that the nickel-titanium alloy rod / sheet has good superelasticity, meeting the requirement of repeated opening and closing of the sliding cover in the oral environment without deformation. By using the above-mentioned nickel-titanium alloy rod or sheet, it is further ensured that the nickel-titanium alloy has superelasticity and shape memory effect, making it less prone to deformation during orthodontic treatment.

[0057] In one embodiment, a nickel-titanium alloy rod is machined into a U-shaped sheet structure formed by a sliding plate, connecting plate, and card using a wire cutting machine or CNC machine tool; or, a nickel-titanium alloy sheet is machined into a U-shaped sheet structure formed by a sliding plate, connecting plate, and card using a stamping process; for example, a limiting protrusion is formed on the sliding plate using a hot forming process or a stamping process. In one embodiment, after forming the limiting protrusion, the entire nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is subjected to heat treatment. The heat treatment temperature range is 250-750℃, preferably 400-580℃, and the heat treatment time is 2 minutes to 100 hours. After heat treatment, the lower layer of the sliding cover has a protrusion, and the sliding cover has good elasticity and fatigue resistance.

[0058] The following describes the process of fabricating nickel-titanium alloy sliding covers and installing them onto the bracket body to form a self-locking bracket, using both nickel-titanium alloy rods and nickel-titanium alloy sheets as examples.

[0059] In one embodiment, the method for manufacturing a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover using a nickel-titanium alloy rod and the method for installing the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover onto the bracket body to form a self-locking bracket include the following steps:

[0060] 1. Select nickel-titanium alloy bars or blocks of suitable size, with appropriate austenite transformation completion temperature and mechanical properties. Ensure the nickel-titanium alloy bars possess good superelasticity to meet the requirement of repeated opening and closing of the sliding cap in the oral cavity environment without deformation. The diameter range of the nickel-titanium alloy bars is 3–15 mm, and the cross-sectional length of the nickel-titanium alloy blocks is 3–15 mm. The austenite transformation completion temperature should not exceed 50℃. The nickel-titanium alloy bars should have good elasticity, with a cold deformation rate of 20–70%, preferably 30–50%. This ensures that the nickel-titanium alloy bars possess good superelasticity to meet the requirement of repeated opening and closing of the sliding cap in the oral cavity environment without deformation.

[0061] 2. Forming Process: The selected nickel-titanium alloy rod is cut to the length required for processing the sliding cover. It is then processed according to the machining drawings using wire cutting machines, CNC machine tools, or other methods to shape the nickel-titanium alloy rod into the desired basic form. The sliding cover consists of two layers: an upper card and a lower sliding piece. The connection between the card and the sliding piece is a connecting piece. The upper card is used to install the orthodontic wire into the groove of the bracket body, and the lower sliding piece is used to place it into the slide rail of the orthodontic bracket body to which it is assembled. The thickness of the sliding cover ranges from 0.15-0.50 mm, preferably 0.15-0.25 mm; the overall width of the sliding cover is 1.0-4.0 mm, preferably 1.5-3.0 mm. The processed shape is as follows... Figure 5a or Figure 5b As shown.

[0062] 3. Fine Processing: The sliding cover, already in its basic shape, is processed using laser cutting machines, CNC wire cutting machines, and other CNC machine tools. Holes (operation holes) are machined into the upper layer of the sliding cover. During orthodontic treatment, the doctor uses a probe or other tools to open the sliding cover through these holes. Combined with the shape of the orthodontic brackets assembled with the sliding cover, the sliding cover is further processed into different shapes, such as... Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 6c As shown, the corresponding structure is designed to fit the card slot.

[0063] 4. Machining the locking structure: Place the sliding cover in a tooling fixture, apply force to the end of the lower part of the sliding cover, and shape it through heat treatment to machine a protrusion at the front end of the sliding cover, which is the limiting protrusion. This protrusion is higher than the other parts of the lower part of the sliding cover, and it serves as the locking and limiting device for the sliding cover. The heat treatment temperature range for the sliding cover is 250-750℃, preferably 400-580℃, and the heat treatment time is 2 minutes to 100 hours. After heat treatment, the lower part of the sliding cover has a protrusion, and the sliding cover has good elasticity and fatigue resistance. Figure 7As shown.

[0064] 5. The surface of the sliding cover can be treated with chemicals, polishing, or mechanical grinding to make the surface of the sliding cover bright and smooth.

[0065] 6. Assemble the sliding cover with the main body of the orthodontic bracket. The main body of the orthodontic bracket has a sliding track in the middle of its lingual side. The width of the sliding track is 1-2.5 mm, preferably 1.2-1.8 mm. The height of the sliding track is 0.15-1.2 mm, higher than the non-protruding part of the lower layer of the sliding cover and lower than the protruding part at the front end of the lower sliding cover. The lower layer of the sliding cover is placed in the sliding track of the orthodontic bracket main body, and the upper layer of the sliding cover is placed above the working wing of the bracket in the gingival direction and inserted into the slot of the main body, covering the bracket groove.

[0066] 7. Assemble the orthodontic bracket base plate to the bracket body by welding, such as... Figure 9 The diagram shows the sliding cover after it has been opened. When the sliding cover is closed, the upper sliding cover covers the groove of the bracket. When it is necessary to insert or replace the orthodontic wire, the upper sliding cover is pulled open towards the occlusion. Both the upper and lower sliding covers move from the gingival direction towards the occlusion. After the upper sliding cover no longer covers the groove, the lower sliding cover reaches the edge of the bracket's sliding track. Because the height of the sliding track is lower than the protrusion of the lower layer of the sliding cover, the protrusion cannot pass through the sliding track, thus preventing the sliding cover from moving further. Figure 8 As shown. Due to the constraints imposed on the slide cover by the slide rail, the upper support groove, and the lower base plate, the slide cover is prevented from detaching from the slide rail when it is opened, and the movement distance of the upper slide cover is limited. The movement distance of the slide cover ranges from 0.5 to 2 mm, preferably from 0.7 to 1.0 mm.

[0067] In one embodiment, the method for manufacturing a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover using a nickel-titanium alloy sheet and the method for installing the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover onto the bracket body to form a self-locking bracket include the following steps:

[0068] 1. Select nickel-titanium alloy sheets with appropriate thickness, austenite transformation end temperature, and mechanical properties to ensure good superelasticity, meeting the requirement of repeated opening and closing of the sliding cover in the oral cavity environment without deformation. The thickness of the nickel-titanium alloy sheet is 0.1-0.5 mm, preferably 0.1-0.25 mm; the width ranges from 1-4 mm, preferably 1.5-2.0 mm. The austenite transformation end temperature of the nickel-titanium alloy sheet should not exceed 50℃. The sheet should have good elasticity, and the cold deformation of the rod should be 20-70%, preferably 30-50%. This ensures good superelasticity, meeting the requirement of repeated opening and closing of the sliding cover in the oral cavity environment without deformation.

[0069] 2. Forming Process: Using precision stamping technology, the nickel-titanium alloy sheet is stamped into the basic shape of the sliding cover based on its design and dimensions. The accuracy of the stamping die must be controlled within ±0.1mm to ensure that the dimensional accuracy of the sliding cover meets the assembly standards of the self-locking bracket. The end used for subsequent processing into the lower sliding cover can have a protrusion formed during the stamping process (e.g., ...). Figure 10a , Figure 10b , Figure 10c (As shown).

[0070] 3. Fine Machining: Heat treatment is used to shape the basic form of the sliding cover into the required bent shape. The sliding cover consists of two layers: an upper clip and a lower slide, with a connecting piece in between. The upper clip is used to install the orthodontic wire into the groove of the bracket, while the lower slide is placed in the slide of the orthodontic bracket to be assembled. The upper and lower layers of the cover are connected by the connecting piece. During the stamping process, if the lower end of the sliding cover does not have a protrusion, it is formed during this heat treatment process by applying external force and heat treatment; this protrusion is the limiting protrusion. The protrusion is higher than the rest of the lower layer of the sliding cover, serving as a locking and limiting device. The shaped sliding cover is as follows: Figure 11 As shown. The temperature range for heat treatment of the sliding cover is 250-750℃, preferably 400-580℃, and the heat treatment time is 2 minutes to 100 hours. After heat treatment, the lower layer of the sliding cover is machined with protrusions, giving the sliding cover good elasticity and fatigue resistance.

[0071] 4. The surface of the sliding cover can be treated with chemicals, polishing, or mechanical grinding to make the surface of the sliding cover bright and smooth.

[0072] 5. Assemble the sliding cover with the main body of the orthodontic bracket. The main body of the orthodontic bracket has a sliding track in the middle of its lingual side. The width of the sliding track is 1-2.5 mm, preferably 1.2-1.8 mm. The height of the sliding track is 0.15-1.2 mm, higher than the non-protruding part of the lower layer of the sliding cover and lower than the protruding part at the front end of the lower sliding cover. The lower layer of the sliding cover is placed in the sliding track of the orthodontic bracket, and the upper layer of the sliding cover is placed above the gingival working wing of the bracket and covers the bracket groove.

[0073] 6. Assemble the orthodontic bracket base plate to the bracket body by welding, such as... Figure 9 As shown. When the sliding cover is closed, the upper sliding cover covers the groove of the bracket. When it is necessary to insert or replace the orthodontic wire, the upper sliding cover is pulled open towards the occlusion. Both the upper and lower sliding covers move from the gingival direction towards the occlusion. After the upper sliding cover no longer covers the groove, the lower sliding cover reaches the edge of the bracket's sliding track. Because the height of the sliding track is lower than the protrusion of the lower layer of the sliding cover, the protrusion cannot pass through the sliding track, thus preventing the sliding cover from moving further. Figure 8As shown. Due to the constraints imposed on the slide cover by the slide rail, the upper support groove, and the lower base plate, the slide cover is prevented from detaching from the slide rail when it is opened, and the movement distance of the upper slide cover is limited. The movement distance of the slide cover ranges from 0.5 to 2 mm, preferably from 0.7 to 1.0 mm.

[0074] The aforementioned nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover, its preparation method, and self-locking bracket are described. The nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is made of nickel-titanium alloy, which possesses superelasticity, shape memory effect, and good biocompatibility, making it less prone to deformation during orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, this application features a limiting protrusion on the side of the sliding piece near the card. Compared to the traditional method using an elastic arm, the limiting protrusion structure offers better reliability, better withstanding the pressure of the orthodontic wire and the external force applied to the sliding cover by the patient, and is less prone to deformation during treatment, further ensuring structural stability.

[0075] The technical features of the embodiments described above can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other, it should be considered within the scope of this specification. It should be noted that the terms "in one embodiment," "for example," and "as in another example" in this application are intended to illustrate the application and are not intended to limit the application.

[0076] 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.

Claims

1. A nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover, comprising a sliding piece, a connecting piece, and a card connected in sequence, wherein the sliding piece, the connecting piece, and the card are connected to form a sheet-like structure with a U-shaped rotating cross-section, characterized in that, The slider has a limiting protrusion on the side near the card, and the nickel-titanium alloy slider is made of nickel-titanium alloy.

2. The nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting protrusion is formed at the end of the slider away from the connecting piece.

3. The nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting protrusion is an arc-shaped limiting protrusion, and an arc-shaped groove is formed on the other side of the slider.

4. The nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to claim 3, characterized in that, The thickness of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is 0.15-0.50 mm.

5. The nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to claim 4, characterized in that, The thickness of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover is 0.15-0.25 mm.

6. The nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to claim 4, characterized in that, The overall width of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover ranges from 1.0 to 4.0 mm.

7. The nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overall width of the nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover ranges from 1.5 to 3.0 mm.

8. The nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The card has an operating hole.

9. A self-locking bracket, characterized in that, The device includes a tray body and a nickel-titanium alloy sliding cover as described in any one of claims 1 to 8. The tray body has a slide and a slot, the slide piece is slidably mounted on the slide, and the end of the card away from the connecting piece is engaged in the slot.

10. The self-locking bracket according to claim 9, characterized in that, The self-locking bracket also includes a base plate, which is connected to the bracket body and serves to cover the bracket. slide; And / or, the width of the slide is 1-2.5mm, and the height of the slide is 0.15-1.2mm.

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