Lockless orthodontic bracket

Abstract

This invention provides a knot-free orthodontic bracket, comprising a base plate and a meander-patterned archwire groove structure disposed on the back of the base plate. The meander-patterned archwire groove includes two opposing large L-shaped plates and a small L-shaped plate, which, together with the base plate, form the meander-patterned archwire groove structure. This invention uses a combination of a base plate and two L-shaped plates, achieving archwire placement and fixation through the meander-patterned space. Compared to traditional brackets, this invention is quicker and more convenient to operate, possesses the advantages of self-ligating brackets, and reduces manufacturing costs and improves cleaning efficiency by eliminating the cover plate of traditional self-ligating brackets. It also avoids the problem of damage caused by repeated opening and closing of traditional self-ligating brackets in the later stages of orthodontic treatment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of orthodontic bracket technology, and in particular to a lockless orthodontic bracket. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, orthodontic brackets primarily fix the archwire using traditional ligation or self-ligating methods. Traditional ligation methods use ligatures or wires to secure the archwire to the bracket via fixation wings, which is cumbersome and difficult to clean. Furthermore, the presence of ligatures or wires generates significant friction, hindering the alignment of crowded teeth and prolonging treatment time. While self-ligating brackets reduce friction, their structure is more complex, costly, and prone to damage after repeated opening and closing. Existing technologies fail to adequately balance ease of use, cost, and structural durability. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a ligature-free orthodontic bracket. By improving the bracket structure, this design can shorten the ligation and closing time while ensuring archwire stability, thereby improving operational efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a knot-free orthodontic bracket that uses a meander-shaped space to place and fix the archwire, making the operation faster and more convenient. It has the advantages of a self-locking bracket, reduces manufacturing costs, improves cleaning efficiency, and avoids the damage problems of traditional self-locking brackets.

[0004] According to the purpose of this utility model, this utility model provides a lockless orthodontic bracket, including a base plate and a zigzag archwire groove structure disposed on the back of the base plate. The zigzag archwire groove includes two opposing large L-shaped plates and a small L-shaped plate, which together with the base plate form the zigzag archwire groove structure.

[0005] Furthermore, the small L-shaped plate is provided with ligation wings on its outer side, and the large L-shaped plate is provided with ligation grooves on both sides.

[0006] Furthermore, the large L-shaped plate and the small L-shaped plate are stably connected to the base plate to form an integral structure.

[0007] Furthermore, one end of the large L-shaped plate and the small L-shaped plate are respectively fixedly connected to the base plate, and the other ends of the large L-shaped plate and the small L-shaped plate are respectively provided, with the opening of the small L-shaped plate facing the inside of the large L-shaped plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the small L-shaped plate is wrapped inside the large L-shaped plate.

[0009] Furthermore, one end of the small L-shaped plate is perpendicular to the base plate, and the vertical end of the small L-shaped plate and the base plate is flush with the edge of the large L-shaped plate or located inside the large L-shaped plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the opening height of the large L-shaped plate is not lower than the height of the small L-shaped plate.

[0011] Furthermore, there is a gap between the small L-shaped plate and the large L-shaped plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the gap between the small L-shaped plate and the large L-shaped plate is greater than or equal to the diameter of the archwire.

[0013] Furthermore, the meander groove structure of the bowwire, formed by the small L-shaped plate and the large L-shaped plate, has a meander space greater than or equal to the diameter of the bowwire.

[0014] The technical solution of this utility model adopts a combination of a base plate and two L-shaped plates, and realizes the placement and fixation of the archwire through the meandering space. Compared with the traditional bracket, the solution of this utility model is faster and more convenient to operate, has the advantages of a self-locking bracket, and reduces manufacturing costs and improves cleaning efficiency by eliminating the cover plate of the traditional self-locking bracket, thus avoiding the problem of the cover plate of the traditional self-locking bracket being easily damaged by repeated opening and closing. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a side view of one side of the small L-shaped plate in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a side view of one side of the large L-shaped plate in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a top view of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Base plate; 2. Large L-shaped plate; 3. Small L-shaped plate; 4. Ligation groove; 5. Ligation wing. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", 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.

[0023] 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 one or more of the stated features. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly; for example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] like Figures 1-4 As shown:

[0026] A ligature-free orthodontic bracket includes a base plate 1 and a meander archwire groove disposed on the back of the base plate 1. The meander-shaped space design of the meander archwire groove allows the orthodontic archwire to be placed directly through the meander space without the need for additional ligature wires or ligature rings.

[0027] In this embodiment, the base plate is a square or rectangular structure, and its size is determined according to the condition of the patient's tooth surface. The design of the base plate enables it to be firmly bonded to the tooth surface.

[0028] Specifically, the meander-patterned archwire groove includes two opposing large L-shaped plates 2 and small L-shaped plates 3. The large L-shaped plates 2 and small L-shaped plates 3 fix the orthodontic archwire through the meander-patterned space. One end of the large L-shaped plates 2 and small L-shaped plates 3 is fixedly connected to the base plate 1, and the other two ends of the large L-shaped plates 2 and small L-shaped plates 3 are respectively arranged so that the opening of the small L-shaped plate 3 faces the inside of the large L-shaped plate 2.

[0029] The small L-shaped plate 3 is wrapped inside the large L-shaped plate 2. Specifically, one end of the small L-shaped plate 3 is set perpendicular to the base plate 1, and the vertical end of the small L-shaped plate 3 and the base plate 1 is flush with the edge of the large L-shaped plate 2 or located inside the large L-shaped plate.

[0030] The opening height of the large L-shaped plate 2 is not lower than the height of the small L-shaped plate 3. Therefore, there is a gap between the small L-shaped plate 3 and the large L-shaped plate 2, which allows the archwire to easily enter the interior of the small L-shaped plate and the large L-shaped plate. The small L-shaped plate 3 locks the archwire in place. Through the meander pattern archwire groove formed by the small L-shaped plate 3 and the large L-shaped plate 2, the archwire enters and is placed inside the small L-shaped plate 3 through this meander pattern space. It can also restrict the archwire in four directions (up, down, left, and right) to ensure that the archwire is not easy to fall out in the bracket.

[0031] The small L-shaped plate 3 has ligation wings 5 ​​on its outer side, and the large L-shaped plate 2 has ligation grooves 4 on both sides of its vertical section. The cooperation of the ligation wings 5 ​​and the ligation grooves 4 facilitates the ligation of the archwire. When ligating the archwire, the ligation wire needs to be inserted into the ligation wings 5 ​​and the ligation grooves 4 for stability. This function is similar to the ligation wings of a traditional bracket. In this embodiment, the small L-shaped plate has ligation wings 5 ​​vertically, and the large L-shaped plate has ligation grooves on both sides of its vertical section. If needed during treatment, the patient can use the ligation wings 5 ​​of the small L-shaped plate 3 and the ligation grooves 4 of the large L-shaped plate 2 to ligate the archwire using traditional methods, ensuring the archwire's fixation and transforming the bracket into a traditional ligation bracket. This design allows the herringbone bracket to also function as a traditional bracket.

[0032] The orthodontic bracket provided by this invention eliminates the need for complex ligatures or loops during operation. The small and large L-shaped plates form a meander-shaped archwire groove, creating a space resembling a meander pattern when viewed from the side. The archwire enters and exits through this meander space and is placed inside the small and large L-shaped plates. The archwire only needs to pass through the gap between the small and large L-shaped plates to enter the meander-shaped archwire groove, preventing it from falling out of the bracket and greatly improving operational efficiency.

[0033] The knot-free orthodontic bracket proposed in this invention aims to improve the connection efficiency between the bracket and the archwire during orthodontic treatment, simplify the operation process, reduce treatment time, and improve the experience of doctors and patients.

[0034] Orthodontic brackets are the core component of fixed braces. They are devices made of materials such as metal or ceramic, bonded to the tooth surface during use. The archwire is ligated to the bracket, connecting the teeth and the archwire, transmitting the corrective force generated by the archwire to the teeth, thereby achieving tooth movement and alignment correction. During orthodontic follow-up appointments, the archwire needs to be loosened, adjusted, or replaced, and then re-ligated to the bracket. Each patient needs to repeat the loosening and ligation process approximately 20 times during each follow-up appointment. If repeated archwire adjustments are required, this number increases. This is a major reason for the high time consumption by both doctors and patients. Since most orthodontic patients are school-aged teenagers who require follow-up appointments on weekends and holidays, the concentrated appointment times lead to busy doctors and long waiting times for patients. Therefore, improving the ligation method of brackets and archwires, while ensuring the locking effect of the brackets on the archwire, and shortening the time for opening and ligating the archwire, can improve operational efficiency and benefit both doctors and patients.

[0035] (a) Currently, there are two main ways to lock the archwire in the bracket: the traditional ligation method and the self-locking method.

[0036] 1. Traditional ligation methods:

[0037] In this method, the bracket typically has ligation wings on both sides. The doctor inserts the archwire into the groove of the bracket and then secures it to the bracket using small, elastic ligatures (rubber bands) or stainless steel ligatures. The ligatures or ligatures wrap around the ligation wings of the bracket and the archwire, thus firmly securing the archwire within the groove of the bracket.

[0038] 1) Elastic ligatures are small, flexible rubber rings that secure the archwire to the bracket through their elasticity. 2) Stainless steel ligature wires are thin metal wires that are twisted and secured to the ligature wings of the bracket to lock the archwire in place.

[0039] 2. Self-locking method:

[0040] The self-ligating bracket has a built-in locking mechanism, eliminating the need for additional ligatures or ligature wires. A cap that can be opened and closed is located above the groove of the self-ligating bracket. After the doctor inserts the archwire into the groove, closing the cap locks the archwire within the bracket.

[0041] (ii) The brackets for traditional ligation methods are called traditional brackets, while the brackets for self-locking ligation methods are called self-locking brackets. Both types of brackets have their own advantages and disadvantages.

[0042] 1. Traditional bracket:

[0043] 1.1 Advantages:

[0044] a. Lower cost: Traditional brackets are generally more economical. The cost of replacing damaged or lost brackets is low.

[0045] b. Wide application: Due to its long history of use, many orthodontists are very familiar with it.

[0046] c. Wide range of indications: Applicable to various complex orthodontic cases.

[0047] 1.2 Disadvantages:

[0048] a. Difficult to clean: Tie loops easily accumulate food residue and bacteria, requiring more careful cleaning.

[0049] b. High friction: Ligating wires or ligation loops may increase the friction between the archwire and the bracket, which may prolong the treatment time.

[0050] c. Lower comfort: The ligation wire may puncture the soft tissues of the mouth, causing discomfort.

[0051] d. Longer consultation time: Each adjustment requires the doctor to cut and remove the ligature wires one by one, and then tie them back up again after each adjustment. This results in a longer consultation time.

[0052] 2. Self-locking bracket:

[0053] 2.1 Advantages:

[0054] a. Easy to clean: There are no ligatures or ligatures, which reduces the accumulation of food residue and bacteria, making it easy to clean.

[0055] b. Low friction: The self-locking design reduces friction between the archwire and bracket, which may speed up the treatment process.

[0056] c. High comfort: There is no puncture wound from ligation wires, which improves patient comfort.

[0057] d. Short consultation time: The bowwire can be loosened or ligated by opening, closing or locking, and the time is shorter per operation than when using ligature wire or ligature loop.

[0058] 2.2 Disadvantages:

[0059] a. Higher cost: Self-locking brackets are more complex to manufacture and are usually more expensive than traditional brackets.

[0060] b. The bracket cover plate is prone to problems: the orthodontic archwire can only be fixed by traditional ligation methods.

[0061] 1) In the later stages of orthodontic treatment, the self-locking bracket cover is prone to deformation and damage after repeated opening and closing.

[0062] 2) When large square wires are used in orthodontic treatment, it is difficult to close the cover plate.

[0063] 3) Excess bracket adhesive and tartar buildup can also hinder the normal opening and closing of the cover plate.

[0064] This utility model improves the bracket locking method and has the following advantages:

[0065] 1. The orthodontic archwire simply needs to be hung on the bracket. Removing and placing the archwire is quicker and more convenient. It saves more operation time compared to existing self-locking brackets.

[0066] 2. It possesses most of the advantages of self-locking trays. Moreover, because the cover plate is eliminated, the structure is simple, the manufacturing process is low, and it is easy to clean.

[0067] This invention relates to a simple orthodontic bracket structure that avoids the cover plate component found in self-ligating brackets, reducing damage caused by repeated opening and closing of the cover plate. The elimination of the cover plate makes cleaning the bracket easier, reducing food debris accumulation and contributing to improved oral health for patients. This invention retains most of the advantages of self-ligating brackets while having lower manufacturing costs, making it easier to implement on a large scale.

[0068] This new type of bracket effectively reduces friction between the archwire and the bracket, accelerating the treatment process. It has broad applicability and can be used for various orthodontic treatment programs, especially for school-aged patients.

[0069] This invention employs a specially designed base plate combined with two L-shaped plates, using a meander-shaped space to place and fix the archwire. Compared to traditional brackets, this invention is quicker and more convenient to operate, possesses the advantages of a self-locking bracket, and reduces manufacturing costs, improves cleaning efficiency, and avoids the damage problems associated with traditional self-locking brackets by eliminating the cover plate.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A lockless orthodontic bracket, characterized in that, It includes a base plate and a meander archwire groove structure disposed on the back of the base plate. The meander archwire groove includes two opposing large L-shaped plates and a small L-shaped plate, which together with the base plate form the meander archwire groove structure.

2. The lockless orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The small L-shaped plate has ligation wings on its outer side, and the large L-shaped plate has ligation grooves on both sides.

3. The lockless orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The large L-shaped plate and the small L-shaped plate are connected to the base plate to form an integral structure.

4. The lockless orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the large L-shaped plate and the small L-shaped plate are respectively fixedly connected to the base plate, and the other ends of the large L-shaped plate and the small L-shaped plate are respectively provided, with the opening of the small L-shaped plate facing the inside of the large L-shaped plate.

5. The lockless orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The small L-shaped plate is wrapped inside the large L-shaped plate.

6. The lockless orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the small L-shaped plate is perpendicular to the base plate, and the vertical end of the small L-shaped plate and the base plate is flush with the edge of the large L-shaped plate or located inside the large L-shaped plate.

7. The lockless orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening height of the large L-shaped plate is not lower than the height of the small L-shaped plate.

8. The lockless orthodontic bracket according to claim 7, characterized in that, There is a gap between the small L-shaped plate and the large L-shaped plate.

9. The lockless orthodontic bracket according to claim 7, characterized in that, The gap between the small L-shaped plate and the large L-shaped plate is greater than or equal to the diameter of the bowwire.

10. The lockless orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The meander pattern archwire groove structure, through the small L-shaped plate and the large L-shaped plate, forms a meander space that is greater than or equal to the diameter of the archwire.

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