Self-ligating orthodontic bracket

Abstract

The utility model discloses a self -locking orthodontic bracket, including the bracket body and the sliding cover, the sliding groove includes the first section in the proximal end and the third section in the distal end, and the width of third section is greater than the width of first section, and first section is equipped with the locking position on the opposite two side walls of archwire groove, and the sliding cover is installed with the elastic member, and the elastic member both sides are equipped with the convex, when the sliding cover closes archwire groove, the convex is located in the locking position to lock the sliding cover, and the width of sliding groove third section is greater than the maximum width of elastic member, and when the convex is located in the third section, the elastic member is in the release state, and the archwire groove is the open state. When assembling, the elastic member can be placed in the sliding groove without extruding the elastic member, and when replacing the archwire, the elastic member is in the release state, and it is favorable to the elastic member recovery elastic performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of orthodontic instruments, specifically to a self-ligating orthodontic bracket. Background Technology

[0002] Orthodontic brackets are orthodontic appliances used in clinical treatment to align teeth, improve the patient's bite, and achieve a healthy and aesthetically pleasing stomatognathic system. During orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist or assistant attaches the brackets to the patient's teeth and fixes the archwire in the groove of each bracket. The archwire applies corrective force by deforming, moving the teeth to the correct position.

[0003] Patent CN 219230189 U discloses a self-locking bracket with an elastic element, which facilitates opening and closing of the bowwire slot for easy bowwire replacement. However, during assembly, the elastic element needs to be manually squeezed and deformed before it can enter the slot, making installation inconvenient, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Furthermore, each time the bowwire is replaced, the bowwire slot is open, and the elastic element is compressed by the slot wall. Prolonged compression can weaken or eliminate the elasticity of the element, leading to jamming and a short lifespan. Therefore, the elastic element needs to be made of high-cost, high-performance materials. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a self-locking orthodontic bracket, which mainly solves the problem that existing self-locking brackets require the elastic element to be squeezed into the slide groove during assembly, resulting in inconvenient, time-consuming, and labor-intensive assembly.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0006] This utility model provides a self-locking orthodontic bracket, including a bracket body and a sliding cover. The bracket body has an archwire groove and a sliding groove. The sliding cover is slidably disposed in the sliding groove and is used to close and open the archwire groove. The end of the sliding groove closer to the archwire groove is defined as the proximal end, and the end farther from the archwire groove is defined as the distal end. The sliding groove includes a first segment located at the proximal end and a third segment located at the distal end. The width of the third segment is greater than the width of the first segment. The first segment is connected to the archwire groove, and locking positions are provided on the two opposite side walls of the first segment.

[0007] The sliding cover is equipped with an elastic element, and the elastic element has protrusions on both sides. When the sliding cover closes the archwire groove, the protrusions are in the locking position to lock the sliding cover. The width of the third section of the sliding groove is greater than the maximum width of the elastic element. When the protrusion is in the third section, the elastic element is in the released state, and the archwire groove is in the open state.

[0008] Preferably, the chute further includes a second section, the width of which gradually decreases from the far end to the near end. The width of the second section is set such that the width of the part where it intersects with the first section is the same as the width of the first section, and the width of the part where it intersects with the third section is the same as the width of the third section.

[0009] Preferably, the two elastic arms are spaced apart and opposite each other at the ends near the bow wire groove, and the ends of the two elastic arms away from the bow wire groove are connected by a connecting part. Each of the two elastic arms has a protrusion on its outer side, and the top surface of the connecting part protrudes to form a fixing protrusion, which is fixed to the sliding cover.

[0010] Preferably, the two elastic arms are arc-shaped, and the elastic element is an open annular shape.

[0011] Preferably, a limiting pin is installed in the bracket body, and a limiting groove is provided on the bottom surface of the sliding cover. The upper end of the limiting pin extends into the limiting groove, and the limiting groove and the limiting pin cooperate to limit the movement stroke of the sliding cover.

[0012] Preferably, the bracket body and / or elastic element are made of stainless steel.

[0013] Preferably, the bracket body has two process holes. The lower end of the process hole penetrates the bottom surface of the bracket body, and the upper side of the process hole forms a locking hole that connects to the slide groove at the locking position. When the protrusion enters the locking hole, it locks the slide cover.

[0014] Preferably, the bottom of the bracket body is provided with a base plate, and the bottom surface of the base plate is a mesh surface.

[0015] Preferably, the bracket body is provided with a receiving hole for accommodating the limiting pin, the lower end of the receiving hole penetrates the bottom surface of the bracket body, and the upper end of the receiving hole is connected to the bottom of the slide groove.

[0016] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] The width of the groove at the end furthest from the bowwire groove is greater than the maximum width of the elastic element. During assembly, the elastic element can be placed in the groove without squeezing it, saving time and effort and reducing assembly difficulty. When replacing the bowwire, the elastic element is in a released state, which helps it restore its elastic properties and maintain a longer service life. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a side view of a self-locking orthodontic bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket in this embodiment;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Exploded view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the slide cover closing the bowstring groove;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the bowwire groove in the open state;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment discloses a self-locking orthodontic bracket, including a bracket body 3 and a sliding cover 1. The bracket body 3 is provided with an archwire groove 6 and a sliding groove 7. The sliding cover 1 is slidably disposed in the sliding groove 7 and is used to close and open the archwire groove 6.

[0027] The end of the slide groove 7 closest to the archwire groove 6 is defined as the proximal end, and the end furthest from the archwire groove 6 is defined as the distal end. The slide groove 7 is divided into a first segment 71, a second segment 72, and a third segment 73 connected sequentially from the proximal end to the distal end. The width of the third segment 73 is greater than the width of the first segment 71. The width of the second segment 72 gradually decreases from the distal end to the proximal end. The first segment 71 is connected to the archwire groove 6. The width of the third segment 73 is greater than the maximum width of the elastic element 2.

[0028] The first section 71 has two opposite side walls with locking positions (the location of the locking hole 33). The sliding cover 1 is equipped with an elastic element 2. The elastic element 2 has protrusions 21 on both sides. When the sliding cover 1 closes the bow wire groove 6, the protrusions 21 are located in the corresponding locking positions to lock the sliding cover 1. The width of the third section 73 of the sliding groove 7 is greater than the maximum width of the elastic element 2. When the protrusions 21 are located in the third section 73, the elastic element 2 is in the released state, and the bow wire groove 6 is in the open state.

[0029] The width of the second segment 72 is set such that the width at the junction with the first segment 71 is the same as the width of the first segment 71, and the width at the junction with the third segment 73 is the same as the width of the third segment 73. In other words, the second segment 72 serves as a transition segment between the first segment 71 and the third segment 73, allowing the protrusion 21 to slide smoothly from the first segment 71 to the third segment 73 and vice versa. The groove wall of the second segment 72 can be an inclined surface (as shown in the figure) relative to the groove walls of the first segment 71 and the third segment 73, or it can be a smooth curved surface.

[0030] When the elastic element 2 is in the first section 71, the protrusion 21 is squeezed by the groove wall of the first section 71 of the slide 7, and the elastic element 2 is in a compressed state; when the elastic element 2 is in the third section 73, it is in a released state (no elastic deformation occurs).

[0031] During assembly, after the elastic element 2 is fixedly installed on the sliding cover 1, the sliding cover 1 is inserted into the sliding groove 7. When the elastic element 2 is located in the third section 73 of the sliding groove 7, it is in a fully released state, eliminating the need for manual compression of the elastic element 2 and reducing assembly difficulty. As the sliding cover 1 is pushed closer to the bow wire groove 6, the protrusion 21 is gradually compressed by the second section 72 of the sliding groove 7, and the width of the elastic element 2 gradually decreases.

[0032] The elastic element 2 is embedded in the bottom surface of the sliding cover 1. In the specific structure, the elastic element 2 includes two elastic arms 22. The two elastic arms 22 are spaced apart and opposite each other at the end near the bow wire groove 6. The two elastic arms 22 are connected by a connecting part 24 at the end away from the bow wire groove 6. A protrusion 21 is provided on the outer side of each of the two elastic arms 22.

[0033] A fixing protrusion 23 is formed on the top surface of the connecting part 24, and the fixing protrusion 23 is fixed to the sliding cover 1. The fixing protrusion 23 can be fixed to the sliding cover 1 by means of interference fit, welding, screw locking, etc. Preferably, the bottom surface of the sliding cover 1 is provided with a groove for accommodating the fixing protrusion 23, and the fixing protrusion 23 is interference fitted with the groove. When the elastic member 2 is compressed, the proximal ends of the two elastic arms 22 move closer to each other. Preferably, the two elastic arms 22 are arc-shaped, and the elastic member 2 is an open annular shape. In other embodiments, the shape of the elastic member 2 is not limited to this.

[0034] To prevent the slide 7 from completely detaching from the bracket body 3, a limiting pin 4 is installed in the bracket body 3. A limiting groove 11 is provided on the bottom surface of the slide cover 1. The upper end of the limiting pin 4 extends into the limiting groove 11. When the slide cover 1 slides, the relative position of the limiting pin 4 in the limiting groove 11 changes accordingly. The limiting groove 11 and the limiting pin 4 cooperate to limit the movement stroke of the slide cover 1. The limiting pin 4 cannot detach from the limiting groove 11, thereby preventing the slide cover 1 from detaching from the bracket body 3. The two elastic arms 22 of the elastic element 2 are located on both sides of the limiting groove 11.

[0035] In this embodiment, the sliding cover 1, the bracket body 3, the limiting pin 4, and the elastic element 2 are all made of stainless steel, preferably by powder metallurgy.

[0036] Specifically, the bracket body 3 is provided with a receiving hole 31 for accommodating the limiting pin 4. The lower end of the receiving hole 31 penetrates the bottom surface of the bracket body 3, and the upper end of the receiving hole 31 connects to the bottom of the slide groove 7. In other embodiments, the installation method of the limiting pin 4 is not limited to this. For example, a blind hole can also be provided on the bottom surface of the slide groove 7, and the limiting pin 4 can be interference-fitted with the blind hole. The blind hole can be formed by pulling the core upward.

[0037] The tray body 3 has two process holes 32. The lower end of the process hole 32 penetrates the bottom surface of the tray body 3. The upper side of the process hole 32 forms a locking hole 33 that connects to the slide groove 7 in the locking position. When the protrusion 21 enters the locking hole 33, it locks the slide cover 1. The receiving hole 31 and the process hole 32 will not damage the outer surface of the tray body 3, reducing external holes and improving the entry of food residue.

[0038] The molding block used for molding the receiving hole 31 and the molding rod used for molding the process hole 32 are both removed from the bracket body 3 by pulling the core downwards, so that no molding marks are left on the surface of the bracket body 3, thus avoiding the addition of gaps or holes on the outer side of the bracket body 3.

[0039] This embodiment of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket also includes a base plate 5. The bracket body 3 is mounted on the base plate 5 (by laser welding, adhesive bonding, etc.), and the bottom surface of the base plate 5 is a mesh surface. In use, the base plate 5 is attached to the patient's teeth. Preferably, the base plate 5 is made of stainless steel and manufactured using powder metallurgy.

[0040] In other embodiments, the components of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket described in this embodiment are not limited to being made of stainless steel, nor are they limited to being made using processes other than powder metallurgy.

[0041] The self-ligating orthodontic bracket provided in this embodiment has a simple structure and principle, and better stability. When the self-ligating structure is opened, the elastic element 2 can be in a released state to prevent deformation and wear caused by long-term pressure. It is designed with two positions, a locking position and a release position (the third section 73 of the slide 7). When the self-ligating orthodontic bracket is difficult to observe in the inner tooth position, it can also provide the operator with sufficient feedback (by the feel of the protrusion 21 entering the locking and release positions, the operator can know whether the slide cover 1 has been closed or the archwire groove 6 has been opened), which can greatly increase the success rate in clinical practice.

[0042] In this embodiment, the elastic element 2 adopts a ring structure. Compared with other existing elastic element 2 structures, it can make the ring move in a directional direction along the set track (slide groove 7) during the elastic deformation process to a large extent. Therefore, it is beneficial to ensure the stability of the elastic deformation process.

[0043] The sliding cover 1, the bracket body 3, the limiting pin 4, and the elastic element 2 in this embodiment can also be manufactured using machining or other processes.

[0044] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this 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 of the technical features. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model. Therefore, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A self-ligating orthodontic bracket, comprising a bracket body and a sliding cover, wherein the bracket body has an archwire groove and a sliding groove, and the sliding cover is slidably disposed in the sliding groove and is used to close and open the archwire groove, characterized in that: The end of the slide closer to the archwire groove is defined as the proximal end, and the end farther from the archwire groove is defined as the distal end. The slide includes a first section located at the proximal end and a third section located at the distal end. The width of the third section is greater than the width of the first section. The first section is connected to the archwire groove, and locking positions are provided on the two opposite side walls of the first section. The sliding cover is equipped with an elastic element, and the elastic element has protrusions on both sides. When the sliding cover closes the archwire groove, the protrusions are in the locking position to lock the sliding cover. The width of the third section of the sliding groove is greater than the maximum width of the elastic element. When the protrusion is in the third section, the elastic element is in the released state, and the archwire groove is in the open state.

2. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chute also includes a second section, the width of which gradually decreases from the far end to the near end. The width of the second section is set such that the width of the part where it intersects with the first section is the same as the width of the first section, and the width of the part where it intersects with the third section is the same as the width of the third section.

3. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic element includes two elastic arms, which are spaced apart and opposite each other at the end near the bow wire groove, and connected at the end away from the bow wire groove through a connecting part. Each elastic arm has a protrusion on its outer side, and the top surface of the connecting part protrudes to form a fixing protrusion, which is fixed to the sliding cover.

4. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to claim 3, characterized in that: The two elastic arms are arc-shaped, and the elastic element is an open ring.

5. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting pin is installed in the bracket body, and a limiting groove is provided on the bottom surface of the sliding cover. The upper end of the limiting pin extends into the limiting groove, and the limiting groove and the limiting pin cooperate to limit the movement stroke of the sliding cover.

6. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket body and / or elastic element are made of stainless steel.

7. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bracket body has two process holes. The lower end of the process hole penetrates the bottom surface of the bracket body. The upper side of the process hole forms a locking hole that connects to the slide groove in the locking position. When the protrusion enters the locking hole, it locks the slide cover.

8. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom of the bracket body is provided with a base plate, and the bottom surface of the base plate is made of mesh.

9. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bracket body is provided with a receiving hole for accommodating the limiting pin. The lower end of the receiving hole penetrates the bottom surface of the bracket body, and the upper end of the receiving hole connects to the bottom of the slide groove.

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