Orthodontic appliances, orthodontic systems and methods of use

Abstract

The orthodontic appliance includes a body defining a slot, the slot including an insert portion including an open end and a receiving portion spaced from the open end and in communication with the insert portion. A locking member is at least partially and movably received within the opening. The locking member is movable along at least a first axis between a locked state and an unlocked state and is normally biased to the locked state. In the locked state, the locking member extends at least partially within the insert portion to releasably retain an archwire within the receiving portion. In the unlocked state, the locking member is displaced from the locked state into the opening along the first axis such that, upon application of an external force, the locking member is movable to the unlocked state to allow movement of the archwire between the insert portion and the receiving portion.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to orthodontic appliances, orthodontic systems, and methods, and more particularly to orthodontic appliances for receiving an archwire, an orthodontic system including a plurality of orthodontic appliances, and methods for use with the archwires and orthodontic appliances. [Background technology]

[0002] Orthodontic appliances, such as orthodontic brackets, can be used by dentists in orthodontic treatment to move one or more of a patient's teeth from malposition to a desired position in the patient's dentition. Orthodontic treatment can improve the patient's facial appearance. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can also improve the function of the teeth by improving the bite during chewing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an orthodontic appliance for removably receiving an archwire. The orthodontic appliance includes a body defining a slot. The slot includes an insert portion. The insert portion has an open end. The insert portion extends from the open end along a first axis. The insert portion is configured to removably receive an archwire within the insert portion via the open end. The slot further includes a receiving portion spaced from the open end and in communication with the insert portion. The receiving portion extends along a second axis inclined at an oblique angle relative to the first axis. The body further defines an opening in communication with the insert portion of the slot and spaced from the receiving portion of the slot. The orthodontic appliance further includes a locking member at least partially and movably received within the opening. The locking member is movable along at least the first axis between a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking member is normally biased to the locked state and is movable to the unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking member extends at least partially within the insert portion of the slot. The locking member is displaceable from the locked state into the opening along a first axis in the unlocked state. When an external force is applied, the locking member is movable to the unlocked state to allow movement of the archwire between the insertion portion and the receiving portion. Further, when the external force is removed, the locking member is movable to the locked state to releasably retain the archwire in the receiving portion of the slot.

[0004] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an orthodontic system for a plurality of teeth. The orthodontic system includes an archwire. The orthodontic system further includes a plurality of orthodontic appliances. At least one orthodontic appliance of the plurality of orthodontic appliances is configured to at least partially and removably receive an archwire therein. Furthermore, at least the orthodontic appliance is configured to be removably coupled to a corresponding tooth of the plurality of teeth. The at least one orthodontic appliance includes a body defining a slot. The slot includes an insert portion. The insert portion has an open end. The insert portion extends from the open end along a first axis. The insert portion is configured to removably receive an archwire within the insert portion via the open end. The slot further includes a receiving portion spaced from the open end and in communication with the insert portion. The receiving portion extends along a second axis inclined at an oblique angle relative to the first axis. The body further defines an opening in communication with the insert portion of the slot and spaced from the receiving portion of the slot. The at least one orthodontic appliance further includes a locking member at least partially and movably received within the opening. The locking member is movable along at least a first axis between a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking member is normally biased to the locked state and is movable to the unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking member extends at least partially into the insertion portion of the slot. In the unlocked state, the locking member is displaced from the locked state into the opening along the first axis. When an external force is applied, the locking member is movable to the unlocked state to allow movement of the archwire between the insertion portion and the receiving portion. Furthermore, when the external force is removed, the locking member is movable to the locked state to releasably retain the archwire in the receiving portion of the slot.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for use with an archwire and an orthodontic appliance. The orthodontic appliance includes a slot with an insert portion extending along a first axis and a receiving portion extending along a second axis oblique to the first axis. The method includes movably and at least partially receiving a locking member within an opening of the orthodontic appliance such that the locking member is normally biased to a locked state. The locking member extends at least partially within the insert portion of the slot in the locked state. The method further includes inserting an archwire into the insert portion of the slot such that the archwire engages the locking member and moves the locking member from the locked state into the opening along the first axis. The method further includes inserting an archwire into the receiving portion of the slot such that the locking member is biased to the locked state and removably retains the archwire within the receiving portion of the slot. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more fully understood by consideration of the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the following figures. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures indicate like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to indicate a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure that is indicated with the same number. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an orthodontic system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an orthodontic appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an orthodontic appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an orthodontic appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an orthodontic appliance without a cap portion and locking member shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A]1A-1C are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, with the cap portion not shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] 1A-1C are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, with the cap portion not shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] 1A-1C are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, with the cap portion not shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4D] 1A-1C are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, with the cap portion not shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 1A-1D are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 5B] 1A-1D are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 5C] 1A-1D are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 5D] 1A-1D are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of an orthodontic appliance without a cap portion shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an orthodontic appliance without a locking member shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an orthodontic appliance without a locking member shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an orthodontic appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an orthodontic appliance without a cap portion shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a locking member of an orthodontic appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A]1A-1C are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, with the cap portion not shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] 1A-1C are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, with the cap portion not shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9C] 1A-1C are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, with the cap portion not shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9D] 1A-1C are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, with the cap portion not shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an orthodontic appliance without a cap portion shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an orthodontic appliance without a cap portion shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] 1A-1C are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, with the cap portion not shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] 1A-1C are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, with the cap portion not shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11C] 1A-1C are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, with the cap portion not shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11D] 1A-1C are schematic perspective views of an orthodontic appliance in different stages of function, with the cap portion not shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart illustrating various steps of a method for use with archwires and orthodontic appliances according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to orthodontic appliances for removably receiving an archwire. The present disclosure further relates to an orthodontic system for a plurality of teeth including a plurality of orthodontic appliances. The present disclosure further relates to methods for use with the archwire and the orthodontic appliances. The orthodontic appliances can be used in orthodontic treatment to move one or more of a patient's teeth from malposition to a desired position in the patient's dentition.

[0009] The orthodontic appliance includes a body defining a slot. The slot includes an insert portion. The insert portion has an open end. The insert portion extends from the open end along a first axis. The insert portion is configured to removably receive an archwire therein via the open end. The slot further includes a receiving portion spaced from the open end and in communication with the insert portion. The receiving portion extends along a second axis inclined at an oblique angle relative to the first axis. The body further defines an opening in communication with the insert portion of the slot and spaced from the receiving portion of the slot. The orthodontic appliance further includes a locking member at least partially and movably received within the opening. The locking member is movable along at least the first axis between a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking member is normally biased to the locked state and is movable to the unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking member extends at least partially within the insert portion of the slot. The locking member is displaceable from the locked state into the opening along a first axis in the unlocked state. When an external force is applied, the locking member is movable to the unlocked state to allow movement of the archwire between the insertion portion and the receiving portion. Further, when the external force is removed, the locking member is movable to the locked state to releasably retain the archwire in the receiving portion of the slot.

[0010] Conventional self-ligating brackets used in orthodontic treatment typically have complex designs and large footprints or profiles, which can increase chair time and treatment complexity. Additionally, conventional self-ligating brackets may not be suitable for certain applications.

[0011] The orthodontic appliance of the present disclosure may allow tool-less ligation of an archwire to the orthodontic appliance. Specifically, the archwire may be inserted through the open end of the insert portion and removably held in the receiving portion of the slot without the need for additional tools. Thus, the orthodontic appliance may reduce the chair time of the patient during dental treatment. Furthermore, the orthodontic appliance may have a robust design because the locking member securely secures the archwire to the orthodontic appliance. Thus, the orthodontic appliance may be less prone to failure. Furthermore, the combination of the slot, including the insert portion and the receiving portion, and the locking member that is normally biased to the locked state may allow the orthodontic appliance of the present disclosure to have a simpler design and a smaller profile compared to conventional self-ligating brackets. Thus, the orthodontic appliance may be suitable for orthodontic treatment requiring a small profile orthodontic appliance.

[0012] Referring now to the figures, Figure 1 illustrates an orthodontic system 10 for a plurality of teeth 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The plurality of teeth 50 may be of a patient undergoing orthodontic treatment. The plurality of teeth 50 may include one or more of central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, bicuspids, first molars, second molars, and third molars. Furthermore, the plurality of teeth 50 may be of the mandibular dental arch or the maxillary dental arch of the patient.

[0013] The orthodontic system 10 includes an archwire 70. The archwire 70 can be configured to apply a force to the plurality of teeth 50 to move one or more teeth 50 from a malposition to a desired position in the patient's dentition. In some embodiments, the archwire 70 can include a nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy. In some other embodiments, the archwire 70 can include any suitable material for applying a force to the plurality of teeth 50. For example, the archwire 70 can include a metal, a metal alloy, a non-metal alloy, a composite material, and combinations thereof.

[0014] The orthodontic system 10 further includes a plurality of orthodontic appliances 100. At least one orthodontic appliance 100 of the plurality of orthodontic appliances 100 may be a self-ligating orthodontic appliance. The at least one orthodontic appliance 100 includes a body 110. The at least one orthodontic appliance 100 of the plurality of orthodontic appliances 100 is configured to at least partially and removably receive an archwire 70. Additionally, the at least one orthodontic appliance 100 is configured to be removably coupled to a corresponding tooth 50 of the plurality of teeth 50.

[0015] At least one orthodontic appliance 100 is removably coupled to a corresponding tooth 50 at a labial surface of the corresponding tooth 50, i.e., the tooth surface that faces toward the patient's lips. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each orthodontic appliance 100 is a labial orthodontic appliance. However, in some other embodiments, at least one orthodontic appliance 100 may be removably coupled to a corresponding tooth 50 at a lingual surface of the corresponding tooth 50, i.e., the tooth surface that faces toward the patient's tongue. In other words, at least one orthodontic appliance 100 may be a lingual orthodontic appliance.

[0016] FIG 2A illustrates a perspective view of an orthodontic appliance 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG 2B illustrates a side view of the orthodontic appliance 100. The orthodontic appliance 100 defines mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. The X and Y axes are in-plane axes of the orthodontic appliance 100, while the Z axis is a transverse axis disposed along the thickness of the orthodontic appliance 100. In other words, the X and Y axes are disposed along the plane of the orthodontic appliance 100, while the Z axis is perpendicular to the plane of the orthodontic appliance 100.

[0017] 2A and 2B, the orthodontic appliance 100 includes a body 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A and 2B, the body 110 includes a cap portion 112. The body 110 may further include a base portion (not shown) disposed opposite the cap portion 112 along the Z-axis. The base portion of the body 110 may be configured to be removably coupled to a corresponding tooth 50 (shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the base portion of the body 110 may be custom-made for the corresponding tooth 50 (shown in FIG. 1) of a patient. The body 110 may be made from any suitable material by any suitable manufacturing process. For example, in some embodiments, the body 110 may be made from a metal alloy by an additive manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the body 110 may be manufactured as a single piece. In some other embodiments, different pieces of the body 110 may be manufactured separately and then assembled by a suitable process. For example, the cap portion 112 and the base portion (not shown) may be manufactured separately and then attached to one another (eg, by laser welding) to form the body 110 .

[0018] The body 110 defines a slot 120. The slot 120 can be configured to removably receive and retain an archwire 70 (shown in FIG. 1 ) therein. Specifically, the slot 120 is open from opposite ends of the body 110 such that the slot 120 can removably retain the archwire 70 therein. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the cap portion 112 of the body 110 can at least partially define the slot 120. The slot 120 includes an insertion portion 122 and a receiving portion 124.

[0019] The insert portion 122 has an open end 123. The insert portion 122 extends from the open end 123 along a first axis 170. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the first axis 170 is substantially aligned with the Y-axis. Thus, the insert portion 122 extends from the open end 123 substantially along the Y-axis. The insert portion 122 is configured to removably receive the archwire 70 (shown in Figure 1) within the insert portion 122 via the open end 123.

[0020] The receiving portion 124 is spaced apart from the open end 123. In some embodiments, the receiving portion 124 can be spaced apart from the open end 123 by a distance along the first axis 170. The receiving portion 124 is in communication with the insert portion 122. In other words, the archwire 70 (shown in FIG. 1 ) can be movable between the insert portion 122 of the slot 120 and the receiving portion 124. The receiving portion 124 extends along a second axis 180 inclined at an inclination angle α (shown in FIG. 2B ) relative to the first axis 170. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the second axis 180 is substantially aligned with the Z-axis. Thus, the receiving portion 124 extends substantially along the Z-axis.

[0021] 2A and 2B, the inclination angle α is about 90 degrees. Thus, the slot 120 may have a generally "L" shape along the plane formed by the first axis 170 and the second axis 180. In other words, the slot 120 may have a generally "L" shape along the YZ plane. However, in some other embodiments, the inclination angle α is between about 70 degrees and about 110 degrees.

[0022] In some other embodiments, first axis 170 and second axis 180 may be curved. In such embodiments, a tangent to first axis 170 and a tangent to second axis 180 at the intersection of first axis 170 and second axis 180 define an inclination angle α. Further, in such embodiments, inclination angle α may be in a range between about 50 degrees and about 130 degrees.

[0023] Orthodontic appliance 100 further includes a locking member 140. In other words, at least one orthodontic appliance 100 further includes a locking member 140. Locking member 140 is described in more detail below with further reference to Figure 3A.

[0024] Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of the orthodontic appliance 100. In Fig. 3A, the cap portion 112 of the body 110 is shown transparently by dashed lines. Fig. 3B shows a perspective view of the orthodontic appliance 100 with the cap portion 112 and the locking member 140 each removed.

[0025] 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, the body 110 further defines an opening 130. The opening 130 communicates with the insertion portion 122 of the slot 120. As shown in FIG. 2B, the opening 130 is spaced from the receiving portion 124 of the slot 120. The opening 130 can be spaced from the receiving portion 124 along a second axis 180. The opening 130 is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2B.

[0026] Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, the width 130W of the opening 130 is equal to the width 122W of the insert portion 122. In some embodiments, the width 130W of the opening 130 is equal to or less than the width 122W of the insert portion 122. The width 130W of the opening 130 and the width 122W of the insert portion 122 may be along the second axis 180. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the second axis 180 is substantially aligned with the Z-axis. Thus, the width 130W of the opening 130 and the width 122W of the insert portion 122 may be substantially aligned with the Z-axis.

[0027] In the embodiment shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, the opening 130 has a first end 131 (as shown in Figure 3B) proximal to the insertion portion 122 of the slot 120. The first end 131 has a width 131W. The opening 130 further has a second end 133 (as shown in Figure 3B) opposite the first end 131. The second end 133 has a width 133W. The width 131W of the first end 131 and the width 133W of the second end 133 may each be along an axis perpendicular to the first axis 170 and the second axis 180, respectively. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3B, the width 131W of the first end 131 and the width 133W of the second end 133 may be substantially along the X-axis.

[0028] In some embodiments, the opening 130 tapers from the insert portion 122 of the slot 120. Specifically, the opening 130 tapers from a first end 131 adjacent the insert portion 122 to a second end 133. As shown in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the opening 130 can include an opposing pair of first portions 130A, an opposing pair of second portions 130B, an opposing pair of third portions 130C, and an opposing pair of fourth portions 130D. The opening 130 can have different widths along the X-axis corresponding to the different portions 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D. The first portions 130A of the opening 130 define a first average width therebetween. The second portions 130B of the opening 130 define a second average width therebetween. The third portions 130C of the opening 130 define a third average width therebetween. The fourth portions 130D of the opening 130 define a fourth average width therebetween. In some embodiments, the width of the opening 130 along the X-axis may decrease monotonically from the first end 131 of the opening 130 to the second end 133 of the opening 130, as shown in FIG. 3B. In some embodiments, the first average width between the first portions 130A, the second average width between the second portions 130B, and the third average width between the third portions 130C may be greater than the second average width between the second portions 130B, the third average width between the third portions 130C, and the fourth average width between the fourth portions 130D, respectively, along the X-axis. Specifically, the first average width between the first portions 130A is greater than the second average width between the second portions 130B. Furthermore, the second average width between the second portions 130B is greater than the third average width between the third portions 130C. Additionally, the third average width between the third portions 130C is greater than the fourth average width between the fourth portions 130D.

[0029] In some embodiments, each of the first portion 130A, the second portion 130B, the third portion 130C, and the fourth portion 130D of the opening 130 may have a different taper slope. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, each of the first portions 130A has a first taper slope. Each of the second portions 130B has a second taper slope. The first taper slope is greater than the second taper slope. Similarly, each of the third portions 130C has a third taper slope, and each of the fourth portions 130D has a fourth taper slope. The second taper slope of the second portion 130B is greater than the third taper slope of the third portion 130C, and the third taper slope of the third portion 130C is greater than the fourth taper slope of the fourth portion 130D.

[0030] However, the openings 130 may have different configurations depending on the desired application attributes. In some embodiments, the configuration of the openings 130 may depend on the locking member 140.

[0031] The locking member 140 is at least partially and movably received within the opening 130. That is, the locking member 140 is movable along at least a first axis 170 between a locked state 141 (shown in FIGS. 2B and 3A) and an unlocked state 143 (shown in FIG. 4B). As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3A, the locking member 140 is normally biased to the locked state 141 and is movable to the unlocked state 143. In the locked state 141, the locking member 140 extends at least partially within the insertion portion 122 of the slot 120. In the locked state 141, the locking member 140 can "block" or removably retain the archwire 70 (shown in FIG. 4D) within the receiving portion 124 of the slot 120. Furthermore, in the unlocked state 143 (shown in FIG. 4B), the locking member 140 is displaced from the locked state 141 into the opening 130 along the first axis 170. In some embodiments, the locking member 140 engages with the body 110 in each of the locked state 141 and the unlocked state 143. Specifically, the locking member 140 can engage with a surface of the cap portion 112 of the body 110 in each of the locked state 141 and the unlocked state 143. Thus, the locking member 140 can only bear the compressive force applied by the archwire 70 (shown in FIG. 1 ). In other words, the locking member 140 cannot bear the bending force applied by the archwire 70. Therefore, the locking member 140 cannot be accidentally deformed during use of the orthodontic appliance 100, and thus can provide a strong lock of the archwire 70.

[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the locking member 140 includes a V-shaped clip. Specifically, the locking member 140 includes a pair of resilient arms 145 connected to each other. In some embodiments, the resilient arms 145 can provide a biasing force to the locking member 140. The biasing force provided by the resilient arms can normally bias the locking member 140 to the locked state 141. Each of the resilient arms 145 extends at least partially into the insertion portion 122 of the slot 120 in the locked state 141. As shown in FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, the maximum thickness 145T of each of the resilient arms 145 is equal to or smaller than the width 122W of the insertion portion 122 of the slot 120. In some embodiments, the maximum thickness 145T and the width 122W may be along the second axis 180. Thus, the maximum thickness 145T of each of the resilient arms 145 and the width 122W of the insertion portion 122 may be substantially along the Z-axis.

[0033] In some embodiments, the locking member 140 defines an eyelet 142. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A, in some embodiments, the body 110 further defines a cavity 114. Specifically, the cap portion 112 of the body 110 defines a cavity 114. The cavity 114 is disposed in communication with the eyelet 142 in the locked state 141 of the locking member 140. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-3B, the eyelet 142 is disposed outside the opening 130 proximal to the second end 133. In some embodiments, a maximum width 142W (as shown in FIG. 3A) of the eyelet 142 is greater than a width 133W of the second end 133 of the opening 130. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the maximum width 142W and the width 133W may be substantially along the X-axis.

[0034] The locking member 140 can be secured to the orthodontic appliance 100 when the locking member 140 is received within the opening 130. In other words, the locking member 140 cannot be accidentally removed from the orthodontic appliance 100. Specifically, the locking member 140 can be secured to the orthodontic appliance 100 because the maximum width 142W of the eyelet 142 is greater than the width 133W of the second end 133 of the opening 130. Thus, the eyelet 142 can prevent the locking member 140 from being slidably removed from the opening 130 through the first end 131. In other words, the eyelet 142 can prevent the locking member 140 from being slidably removed from the opening 130 along the direction from the second end 133 to the first end 131. Furthermore, the width 133W of the second end 133 of the opening 130 may depend on the maximum width 142W of the eyelet 142. Specifically, the width 133W of the second end 133 can be adjusted by deforming the eyelet 142 within the elastic limits of the material of the locking member 140 such that the eyelet 142 is insertable through the first end 131 of the opening 130 along the first axis 170.

[0035] In some embodiments, the locking member 140 comprises a superelastic metal. For example, the locking member 140 may comprise a shape memory alloy. Examples of suitable shape memory alloys may include, but are not limited to, titanium and its alloys, nickel titanium alloys (NiTi), copper nickel titanium alloys, cobalt chromium alloys, heat treated stainless steel, and the like. However, in some other embodiments, the locking member 140 may comprise a resilient material, such as plastic, silicone, and various combinations of resilient materials and metals.

[0036] During assembly of the orthodontic appliance 100, the eyelet 142 can be compressed such that a maximum width 142W of the eyelet 142 is less than a width 133W of the second end 133 of the opening 130. After compression, the locking member 140 can be at least partially and movably received within the opening 130. Specifically, the eyelet 142 can be inserted through the first end 131 of the opening 130 such that the eyelet 142 is disposed outside the opening 130 proximal to the second end 133 of the opening 130.

[0037] In an embodiment of the locking member 140 including NiTi, compression of the eyelet 142 can be assisted by cooling the locking member 140 to soften the NiTi. Additionally, after at least partially and movably receiving the locking member 140 within the opening 130, the temperature of the NiTi can be increased to an operating temperature, and the maximum width 142W of the eyelet 142 can be greater than the width 133W of the second end 133 of the opening 130. Similarly, the combined maximum width of the resilient arms 145 of the locking member 140 in the unlocked state 143 (shown in FIG. 4C ) can be greater than the width 133W of the second end 133 of the opening 130. Thus, the resilient arms 145 can prevent the locking member 140 from being slidably removed from the opening 130 through the second end 133. In other words, the resilient arms 145 can prevent the locking member 140 from being slidably removed from the opening 130 along a direction from the first end 131 to the second end 133. Thus, when locking member 140 is received within orthodontic appliance 100, locking member 140 cannot be accidentally removed from orthodontic appliance 100. Specifically, when locking member 140 is received within opening 130, locking member 140 cannot be accidentally removed from orthodontic appliance 100.

[0038] Figures 4A-4D show an archwire 70 and an orthodontic appliance 100. Specifically, Figures 4A-4D show various steps for use with the archwire 70 and the orthodontic appliance 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, Figures 4A-4C show various steps for releasably retaining the archwire 70 within the receiving portion 124 of the orthodontic appliance 100. The cap portion 112 of the body 110 is not shown in Figures 4A-4C for purposes of illustration.

[0039] 4A and 4D, the locking member 140 is normally biased to a locked state 141. As shown in FIG. 4A, the locking member 140 extends at least partially into the insertion portion 122 of the slot 120 in the locked state 141. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, each resilient arm 145 extends at least partially into the insertion portion 122 of the slot 120 in the locked state 141. The insertion portion 122 is configured to removably receive the archwire 70 therein via the open end 123. In other words, the archwire 70 can be inserted through the open end 123 of the insertion portion 122.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4B, an external force F1 is applied by the archwire 70 during insertion of the archwire 70 into the insertion portion 122 of the slot 120. However, in some other embodiments, the external force F1 may be applied by other means (e.g., by pulling down the eyelet 142). In some embodiments, the external force F1 can be substantially along the first axis 170. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the first axis 170 is substantially aligned with the Y-axis. Thus, the external force F1 can be substantially along the Y-axis. The external force F1 can be applied to the locking member 140 via the archwire 70.

[0041] When an external force F1 is applied, the locking member 140 is movable to the unlocked state 143 to allow movement of the archwire 70 between the insertion portion 122 and the receiving portion 124. The external force F1 may be large enough to move the locking member 140 to the unlocked state 143. Thus, the locking member 140 moves to the unlocked state 143 when the external force F1 is applied. Further, in the unlocked state 143, the locking member 140 is displaced from the locked state 141 (shown in FIG. 4A ) into the opening 130 along the first axis 170. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B , in the unlocked state 143, each of the elastic arms 145 at least partially retracts into the opening 130. Specifically, when the external force F1 is applied, the locking member 140 moves along the first axis 170 relative to the opening 130 such that each of the elastic arms 145 of the locking member 140 elastically moves along the third axis 190. The third axis 190 is substantially perpendicular to each of the first axis 170 and the second axis 180. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the third axis 190 is substantially aligned with the X-axis. Thus, each elastic arm 145 of the locking member 140 elastically moves along the X-axis. Furthermore, after applying an external force F1 to the locking member 140, a force E1 can be applied to the locking member 140.

[0042] 4C, a force E1 can be applied to the archwire 70 to move the archwire 70 from the insertion portion 122 of the slot 120 to the receiving portion 124 of the slot 120. In some embodiments, the force E1 can be substantially along the second axis 180. For example, the force E1 can be applied to the archwire 70 by a dentist.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4D, the archwire 70 is inserted into the receiving portion 124 of the slot 120. By inserting the archwire 70 into the receiving portion 124 of the slot 120, an external force F1 (shown in FIG. 4B) applied by the archwire 70 to the locking member 140 can be removed. After the external force F1 is removed, the locking member 140 is biased to the locked state 141 to releasably hold the archwire 70 in the receiving portion 124 of the slot 120. Specifically, when the external force F1 is removed, the locking member 140 is movable to the locked state 141 to releasably hold the archwire 70 in the receiving portion 124 of the slot 120. In some embodiments, when the external force F1 is removed, the locking member 140 is held in the unlocked state 143 (shown in FIG. 4C). The locking member 140 can be held in the unlocked state 143 due to friction between the elastic arm 145 of the locking member 140 and the body 110. In some embodiments, the locking member 140 can be held in the unlocked state 143 by incorporating a notch or the like in the body 110. Thus, another external force may be required to overcome the frictional force and move the locking member 140 from the unlocked state 143 to the locked state 141.

[0044] In some other embodiments, when the external force F1 is removed, the locking member 140 moves to the locked state 141 to releasably hold the archwire 70 in the receiving portion 124 of the slot 120. More specifically, when the external force F1 is removed, the resilient arm 145 of the locking member 140 is biased to move to the locked state 141. The resilient arm 145 can releasably hold the archwire 70 in the receiving portion 124 of the slot 120. In some cases, the resilient arm 145 can engage the archwire 70 in the locked state 141 to prevent the archwire 70 from being slidably removed from the receiving portion 124 of the slot 120. In some embodiments, a portion of the locking member 140 that extends into the insertion portion 122 and adjacent the receiving portion 124 can be chamfered and have a chamfered edge. The chamfered edge can facilitate the insertion and removal of the archwire 70 into and from the receiving portion 124.

[0045] Figures 5A-5D show an archwire 70 and an orthodontic appliance 100. Specifically, Figures 5A-5D show various steps for use with the archwire 70 and orthodontic appliance 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, Figures 5A-5D show various steps for removing the archwire 70 from the receiving portion 124 of the orthodontic appliance 100. The cap portion 112 of the body 110 is not shown in Figures 5A-5C for purposes of illustration.

[0046] 5A and 5D, the locking member 140 is normally biased to the locked state 141. As shown in FIG. 5A, a tool 150 is at least partially inserted into the eyelet 142. In some embodiments, the tool 150 may include a probe. However, the tool 150 may include any orthodontic tool having at least one end adapted to be at least partially inserted into the eyelet 142 of the locking member 140. The insertion of the tool 150 into the eyelet 142 of the locking member 140 may be guided by the shape of the cavity 114 of the cap portion 112 (shown in FIG. 2A).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5B, an external force F2 is applied by a tool 150 that is at least partially inserted into the eyelet 142 through the cavity 114. As described above, when a sufficient amount of external force (e.g., external force F2) is applied, the locking member 140 is movable to the unlocked state 143 to allow movement of the archwire 70 between the insertion portion 122 and the receiving portion 124. In the illustrated embodiment, when the external force F2 is applied, the locking member 140 is movable to the unlocked state 143 to allow movement of the archwire 70 between the insertion portion 122 and the receiving portion 124 of the slot 120. Thus, the locking member 140 moves to the unlocked state 143 when the external force F2 is applied by the tool 150. As shown in FIG. 5B-FIG. 5C, the locking member 140 can be kept in the unlocked state 143 by continuously applying the external force F2 by the tool 150.

[0048] 5C, in the unlocked state 143 of the locking member 140, a force E2 may be applied to move the archwire 70 from the receiving portion 124 of the slot 120 to the insertion portion 122 of the slot 120. The force E2 may be applied to the archwire 70 to move the archwire 70 from the receiving portion 124 of the slot 120 to the insertion portion 122 of the slot 120. In some embodiments, the force E2 may be along the second axis 180. For example, the force E2 may be applied to the archwire 70 by the dentist while continuously applying an external force F2 with a tool 150 inserted into the eyelet 142.

[0049] As shown in FIG 5D, the archwire 70 can then be removed from the insertion portion 122 of the slot 120 via the open end 123 of the insertion portion 122. After removing the archwire 70 via the open end 123, the tool 150 can be removed from the eyelet 142. That is, the external force F2 can be removed from the locking member 140. After the external force F2 applied by the tool 150 is removed, the locking member 140 is biased to the locked state 141 (as shown in FIG 3A).

[0050] 6 illustrates a front view of the orthodontic appliance 100 with the cap portion 112 removed. As discussed above, the opening 130 tapers from the insertion portion 122 of the slot 120. The taper of the opening 130 can be substantially symmetrical about a central axis 160. In some embodiments, the central axis 160 can be substantially aligned with a first axis 170 (shown in FIG. 3A ). The average taper of the opening 130 is indicated by a taper axis 162.

[0051] The design of the opening 130 and the locking member 140 may depend on various design parameters. The design parameters may include a coefficient of friction μ between the locking member 140 and the body 110. The design parameters may further include an opening angle θ of the opening 130. The opening angle θ may be a half angle. The opening angle θ may be defined between the central axis 160 and the taper axis 162. The design parameters may further include a spring force FS exerted by the locking member 140 against a portion of the body 110 corresponding to the opening 130.

[0052] 6, the locking member 140 is shown in an unlocked state 143. The elastic arm 145 of the locking member 140 exerts a spring force FS against a portion of the body 110 corresponding to the opening 130. When the opening angle θ is in the range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees, the normal force FN exerted by the elastic arm 145 on the body 110 can be calculated by the following formula: FN=FS*cosθ

[0053] The lifting force FL exerted by the resilient arm 145 along the taper axis 162 can be calculated as follows: FL=FS*sinθ

[0054] The friction force FF applied against the lifting force FL and the movement of the locking member 140 from the unlocked state 143 to the locked state 141 can be calculated as follows: FF=μ*FN

[0055] Therefore, the effective force Feff exerted by the elastic arm 145 can be calculated as follows: Feff=FL-FF

[0056] Substituting the equations for lifting force FL and friction force FF from the above equation, we get the following: Feff = (FS*sinθ)-μ*(FS*cosθ)

[0057] The effective force Feff exerted by the elastic arm 145 needs to be positive in order to be able to bias the locking member 140 into the locked state 141 (shown in FIG. 4C), i.e. the lifting force FL needs to be greater than the friction force FF (FL>FF).

[0058] Furthermore, the normal force FV exerted by the resilient arm 145 due to the spring force FS can be calculated as follows: FV=Feff*cosθ

[0059] Substituting the equation for effective force Feff from the above equation, we get the following: FV=FS*(sinθ-μ*cosθ)*cosθ

[0060] As mentioned above, the effective force Feff must be positive (because the normal force Fv is positive). Therefore, (Fs*sinθ)≧(μ*Fs*cosθ) which means sinθ≧μ*cosθ Or, tan θ≧μ means...

[0061] Thus, the material of the locking member 140 can be selected according to the coefficient of friction μ to satisfy the above formula. Furthermore, the width of the opening 130 along the third axis 190 can be adjusted to adjust the opening angle θ. With an increase in the coefficient of friction μ, it may be necessary to increase the opening angle θ, i.e., it may be necessary to increase the width 131W (shown in FIG. 3B) of the first end 131 of the opening 130.

[0062] 7A and 7B show perspective views of the body 110 without the locking member 140. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the body 110 further includes a first surface 115 and a second surface 116 opposite the first surface 115. The second surface 116 may be defined in the cap portion 112 of the body 110. In some embodiments, the first surface 115 and the second surface 116 at least partially define an insertion portion 122 of the slot 120 therebetween. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the maximum length 115L of the first surface 115 along the first axis 170 is less than the maximum length 116L of the second surface 116 along the first axis 170.

[0063] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the body 110 further includes a third surface 117, a fourth surface 118, and a fifth surface 119. The third surface 117 is adjacent to the first surface 115 and is inclined relative to the first surface 115. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the third surface 117 is inclined at about 90 degrees relative to the first surface 115. However, in some embodiments, the third surface 117 may be inclined at about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees relative to the first surface 115. The fourth surface 118 is adjacent to the second surface 116 and is inclined relative to the second surface 116. The fourth surface 118 is disposed opposite the third surface 117. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the fourth surface 118 is inclined at about 90 degrees relative to the second surface 116. However, in some embodiments, the fourth surface 118 may be inclined relative to the second surface 116 at an angle between about 70 degrees and about 110 degrees.

[0064] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the maximum length 117L of the third surface 117 along the second axis 180 is less than the maximum length 118L of the fourth surface 118 along the second axis 180.

[0065] 7A and 7B, the opening 130 extends from the fourth surface 118. Specifically, the opening 130 extends from the fourth surface 118 along a first axis 170.

[0066] Further, in the embodiment shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the fifth surface 119 extends between the third surface 117 and the fourth surface 118. In some embodiments, the third surface 117, the fourth surface 118, and the fifth surface 119 at least partially define the receiving portion 124 of the slot 120 therebetween. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the maximum length 119L of the fifth surface 119 along the first axis 170 is less than the maximum length 116L of the second surface 116 along the first axis 170. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, each of the first surface 115, the second surface 116, the third surface 117, and the fourth surface 118 are substantially planar.

[0067] Figures 8A and 8B show an orthodontic appliance 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The orthodontic appliance 200 shown in Figures 8A and 8B has one or more structures and functions substantially similar to the structures and functions of the orthodontic appliance 100 shown in Figures 2A-7B. However, the orthodontic appliance 200 has a different configuration than the orthodontic appliance 100 with respect to locking and unlocking the archwire 70 (shown in Figure 1).

[0068] Orthodontic appliance 200 includes a body 210 having a different configuration than body 110 of orthodontic appliance 100. Specifically, body 210 does not include cavity 114 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A ) of body 110. More specifically, cap portion 212 (shown in transparency with dashed lines) of body 210 does not include cavity 114.

[0069] Body 210 defines a slot 220 that is substantially similar to slot 120 (shown in FIGS. 2B and 3A ) of body 110. Thus, slot 220 defines an insert portion 222 and a receiving portion 224 that are substantially similar to insert portion 122 and receiving portion 124, respectively, of slot 120 of orthodontic appliance 100. Additionally, insert portion 222 has an open end 223 that is substantially similar to open end 123 of insert portion 122.

[0070] Body 210 further defines an opening 230 having a similar function to that of opening 130 in body 110. However, opening 230 has a different configuration than opening 130 in body 110. In the embodiment shown in Figures 8A and 8B, body 210 further defines a pair of apertures 213 disposed on either side of opening 230.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 8A, the orthodontic appliance 200 includes a locking member 240. FIG. 8C illustrates the locking member 240. With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8C, the locking member 240 includes an elongated portion 242 that is movably and at least partially received within the opening 230. In some embodiments, the elongated portion 242 may have a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the elongated portion 242 may have a polygonal, elliptical, oval, rectangular, or square cross-section. In some embodiments, the locking member 240 further includes a head 244 connected to the elongated portion 242. The head 244 is disposed distal to the insertion portion 222 of the slot 220. In some embodiments, the locking member 240 may be T-shaped.

[0072] 8A and 8C, the elongated portion 242 further defines a hole 246 therethrough. In other words, the hole 246 is a through hole. In some embodiments, the hole 246 may be substantially circular, as shown in FIG. 8C. In some other embodiments, the hole 246 may have any suitable shape, such as, but not limited to, a polygonal shape, an elliptical shape, an oval shape, etc.

[0073] The locking member 240 is movable along at least the first axis 170 between a locked state 241 and an unlocked state 243 (shown in FIG. 9B ). Further, the locking member 240 extends at least partially into the insertion portion 222 of the slot 220 in the locked state 241. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A , the elongated portion 242 extends at least partially into the insertion portion 222 of the slot 220 in the locked state 241.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the orthodontic appliance 200 further includes a biasing member 245 that is at least partially received within the opening 230. Additionally, the biasing member 245 is at least partially received within the hole 246 of the elongated portion 242. The biasing member 245 is configured to normally bias the locking member 240 to the locked state 241. In some embodiments, the biasing member 245 includes a superelastic metal. For example, the biasing member 245 can include a shape memory alloy. Examples of suitable shape memory alloys can include, but are not limited to, titanium and its alloys, nickel titanium alloys, copper nickel titanium alloys, cobalt chromium alloys, heat treated stainless steel, and the like. However, in some other embodiments, the biasing member 245 can include any material that can normally bias the locking member 240 to the locked state 241. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the biasing member 245 is a resilient bar. In some embodiments, the resilient bar is received via the hole 246 of the elongated portion 242. In some embodiments, the resilient bars are at least partially received within each aperture 213 of the body 210. Thus, the resilient bars can be attached to the body 210 via the apertures 213.

[0075] 8A and 8B, the opening 230 includes a first portion 232 that communicates with the insertion portion 222 of the slot 220. In some embodiments, the first portion 232 has a substantially uniform width 232W. The width 232W of the first portion 232 may be along the third axis 190. In other words, the width 232W of the first portion 232 may be substantially along the X-axis.

[0076] In some embodiments, the opening 230 further includes a second portion 234 disposed adjacent the first portion 232. In some embodiments, the second portion 234 tapers away from the first portion 232. Additionally, each aperture 213 of the body 210 communicates with the second portion 234 such that the resilient bar is at least partially received within the second portion 234 of the opening 230. In some embodiments, the second portion 234 has a maximum width 234W. The maximum width 234W of the second portion 234 may be along the third axis 190. In other words, the maximum width 234W of the second portion 234 may be substantially along the X-axis.

[0077] In some embodiments, the opening 230 further includes a third portion 236 disposed adjacent to the second portion 234 opposite the first portion 232. In some embodiments, the third portion 236 has a substantially uniform width 236W. The width 236W of the third portion 236 may be along the third axis 190. In other words, the width 236W of the third portion 236 may be substantially along the X-axis.

[0078] 8A and 8B, the maximum width 234W of the second portion 234 is greater than the widths 232W, 236W of the first portion 232 and the third portion 236, respectively. Additionally, each of the first portion 232, second portion 234, and third portion 236 at least partially receives the elongated portion 242.

[0079] 9A-9D show an archwire 70 and an orthodontic appliance 200. Specifically, FIGs. 9A-9D show various steps for use with the archwire 70 and orthodontic appliance 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, FIGs. 9A-9D show various steps for releasably retaining the archwire 70 within the receiving portion 224 of the orthodontic appliance 200. The cap portion 212 of the body 210 is not shown in FIGs. 9A-9D for purposes of illustration.

[0080] 9A and 9D, the locking member 240 is normally biased to a locked state 241. As shown in FIG. 9A, the locking member 240 extends at least partially into the insertion portion 222 of the slot 220 in the locked state 241. Specifically, the elongated portion 242 extends at least partially into the insertion portion 222 of the slot 220 in the locked state 241. The insertion portion 222 is configured to removably receive the archwire 70 therein via the open end 223. In other words, the archwire 70 can be inserted via the open end 223 of the insertion portion 222.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 9B, an external force F3 is applied by the archwire 70 during insertion of the archwire 70 into the insertion portion 222 of the slot 220. However, in some other embodiments, the external force F3 may be applied by other means. For example, the external force F3 may be applied by gripping the head 244 of the locking member 240. The head 244 may be gripped by a tool such as a fork. In some embodiments, the external force F3 may be substantially along the first axis 170. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, the first axis 170 is substantially aligned with the Y-axis. Thus, the external force F3 may be substantially along the Y-axis. The external force F3 may be applied to the locking member 240 via the archwire 70.

[0082] Upon application of an external force F3, the locking member 240 is movable to an unlocked state 243 to allow movement of the archwire 70 between the insertion portion 222 and the receiving portion 224. As shown in FIG 9B, the locking member 240 moves to the unlocked state 243 upon application of an external force F3. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG 9B, in the unlocked state 243, the elongated portion 242 is at least partially retracted into the opening 230.

[0083] 9C, a force P1 can be applied to the archwire 70 to move the archwire 70 from the insertion portion 222 of the slot 220 to the receiving portion 224 of the slot 220. In some embodiments, the force P1 can be along the second axis 180. For example, the force P1 can be applied to the archwire 70 by the dentist.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 9D, the archwire 70 is inserted into the receiving portion 224 of the slot 220. By inserting the archwire 70 into the receiving portion 224 of the slot 220, the external force F3 applied by the archwire 70 (shown in Fig. 9B) can be removed from the locking member 240. As shown in Fig. 9D, after the external force F3 is removed, the locking member 240 is biased to the locked state 241, releasably retaining the archwire 70 within the receiving portion 224 of the slot 220. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9C, when the external force F3 is removed, the elongated portion 242 extends at least partially into the insertion portion 222 of the slot 220, releasably retaining the archwire 70 within the receiving portion 224 of the slot 220. In some embodiments, in the locked state 241, a portion of the locking member 240 that extends into the insertion portion 222 and is adjacent to the receiving portion 224 may have a chamfered edge to facilitate insertion of the archwire 70 into the receiving portion 224.

[0085] The steps for removing the archwire 70 from the receiving portion 224 may be similar to the steps for removing the archwire 70 from the receiving portion 124 of the orthodontic appliance 100 described with reference to Figures 5A-5D. However, an external force F3 is applied to the head 244. That is, the external force F3 may be applied to the head 244 by a tool, for example a fork.

[0086] 10A and 10B illustrate an orthodontic appliance 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The orthodontic appliance 300 has one or more structures and functions substantially similar to the structures and functions of the orthodontic appliance 100 shown in Figures 2A-7B and the orthodontic appliance 200 shown in Figures 8A-9C. However, the orthodontic appliance 300 has a different configuration than the orthodontic appliance 100 and the orthodontic appliance 200 with respect to locking and unlocking the archwire 70 (shown in Figure 1).

[0087] Orthodontic appliance 300 includes a body 310 that has a different configuration than body 110 of orthodontic appliance 100. Specifically, body 310 does not include cavity 114 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A) of body 110.

[0088] Body 310 defines a slot 320 that is substantially similar to slot 120 (shown in FIGS. 2B and 3A ) of body 110. Thus, slot 320 defines an insert portion 322 and a receiving portion 324 that are substantially similar to insert portion 122 and receiving portion 124, respectively, of slot 120 of orthodontic appliance 100. Additionally, insert portion 322 has an open end 323 that is substantially similar to open end 123 of insert portion 122.

[0089] Body 310 further defines an opening 330 having a functionality similar to that of opening 130 in body 110 of orthodontic appliance 100. However, opening 330 in orthodontic appliance 300 has a different configuration than opening 130 in orthodontic appliance 100.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 10A, the orthodontic appliance 300 includes a locking member 340 that is substantially similar to the locking member 240 of the orthodontic appliance 200. Specifically, the locking member 340 includes an elongated portion 342 and a head 344 that are similar to the elongated portion 242 and the head 244, respectively, of the locking member 240. Additionally, the locking member 340 has a locked state 341 and an unlocked state 343 (shown in FIG. 11B) that are similar to the locked state 241 and the unlocked state 243, respectively, of the locking member 240. However, the locking member 340 may not define the hole 246 of the locking member 240. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, the locking member 340 further includes a tail 348. In some embodiments, the tail 348 may be connected to the elongated portion 342 and disposed distal to the head 344 of the locking member 340. In some embodiments, maximum width 348W of tail 348 may be greater than maximum width 342W of elongated portion 342. Maximum width 348W of tail 348 and maximum width 342W of elongated portion 342 may be substantially along the X-axis.

[0091] In some embodiments, the orthodontic appliance 300 further includes a support member 314 disposed adjacent the opening 330 and distal to the insertion portion 322 of the slot 320. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the support member 314 is a washer. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the support member 314 includes a hole 314H therethrough. In some embodiments, the maximum width 314W of the hole 314H is greater than the maximum width 342W of the elongated portion 342. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the maximum width 314W of the hole 314H is substantially along the X-axis. Additionally, the maximum width 314W of the hole 314H may be less than the maximum width 348W of the tail portion 348. In some embodiments, the support member 314 is fixedly coupled to the body 310 by any suitable method, such as welding, adhesives, brazing, mechanical fasteners, and the like. In some embodiments in which a cap portion (not shown) of body 310 is formed separately from body 310, support member 314 can be formed integrally with body 310. In some embodiments, support member 314 is comprised of two or more pieces that are assembled after elongated portion 342 of locking member 340 is at least partially received within bore 314H of support member 314.

[0092] 10A and 10B, the body 310 further includes a support surface 316 disposed adjacent the opening 330 and proximal to the insertion portion 322 of the slot 320. The support surface 316 may be a shoulder that extends into the opening 330.

[0093] Orthodontic appliance 300 further includes a biasing member 345 that is different from biasing member 245 of orthodontic appliance 200. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, biasing member 345 is a coil spring. The coil spring is supported between support member 314 and support surface 316. The coil spring can bias locking member 340 into insertion portion 322 of slot 320 in normally locked state 341. Specifically, the coil spring can bias elongated portion 342 into insertion portion 322 of slot 320 in normally locked state 341. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, the coil spring can bias tail 348 into insertion portion 322 of slot 320 in normally locked state 341.

[0094] 11A-11D illustrate an archwire 70 and orthodontic appliances 300. Specifically, FIGURES 11A-11D illustrate various steps for use with the archwire 70 and orthodontic appliances 300, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, FIGURES 11A-11D illustrate various steps for releasably retaining the archwire 70 within the receiving portion 324 of the orthodontic appliances 300.

[0095] 11A and 11D, the locking member 340 is normally biased to a locked state 341. As shown in FIG. 11A, the locking member 340 extends at least partially into the insertion portion 322 of the slot 320 in the locked state 341. Specifically, the elongated portion 342 extends at least partially into the insertion portion 322 of the slot 320 in the locked state 341. Specifically, the coil spring can bias the tail 348 into the insertion portion 322 of the slot 320 in the normally locked state 341. The insertion portion 322 is configured to removably receive the archwire 70 therein via the open end 323. In other words, the archwire 70 can be inserted through the open end 323 of the insertion portion 322.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 11B, an external force F4 is applied by the archwire 70 during insertion of the archwire 70 into the insertion portion 322 of the slot 320. However, in some other embodiments, the external force F4 may be applied by other means. For example, the external force F4 may be applied by gripping the head 344 of the locking member 340. The head 244 may be gripped by a tool such as a fork. In some embodiments, the external force F4 may be substantially along the first axis 170. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11B, the first axis 170 is substantially aligned with the Y-axis. Thus, the external force F4 may be substantially along the Y-axis. The external force F4 may be applied to the locking member 340 via the archwire 70.

[0097] When an external force F4 is applied, the locking member 340 is movable to the unlocked state 343 to allow movement of the archwire 70 between the insertion portion 322 and the receiving portion 324. As shown in FIG. 11B, the locking member 340 moves to the unlocked state 343 when an external force F3 is applied. Specifically, the elongated portion 342 retracts at least partially into the opening 330 in the unlocked state 343. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11B, when the external force F4 is applied, the coil spring compresses and the tail 348 of the locking member 340 retracts at least partially into the opening 330. As described above, when the locking member 340 is in the unlocked state 343, it can allow movement of the archwire 70 between the insertion portion 322 and the receiving portion 324.

[0098] 11C, a force G1 can be applied to the archwire 70 to move the archwire 70 from the insertion portion 322 of the slot 320 to the receiving portion 324 of the slot 320. In some embodiments, the force G1 can be along the second axis 180. For example, the force G1 can be applied to the archwire 70 by the dentist.

[0099] As shown in FIG 11D, the archwire 70 is inserted into the receiving portion 324 of the slot 320. By inserting the archwire 70 into the receiving portion 324 of the slot 320, the external force F4 applied by the archwire 70 (shown in FIG 11B) can be removed from the locking member 340. As shown in FIG 11D, after the external force F4 is removed, the locking member 340 is biased to the locked state 341 and releasably holds the archwire 70 within the receiving portion 324 of the slot 320. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG 11C, when the external force F4 is removed, the elongated portion 342 extends at least partially into the insertion portion 322 of the slot 320 and releasably holds the archwire 70 within the receiving portion 324 of the slot 320. In some embodiments, in the locked state 341, a portion of the locking member 340 that extends into the insertion portion 322 and is adjacent to the receiving portion 324 may have a chamfered edge to facilitate insertion of the archwire 70 into the receiving portion 324.

[0100] The steps for removing the archwire 70 from the receiving portion 324 may be similar to the steps for removing the archwire 70 from the receiving portion 124 of the orthodontic appliance 100 described with reference to Figures 5A-5D. However, the external force F4 is applied to the head 344. That is, the external force F4 may be applied to the head 344 by a tool, for example a fork.

[0101] FIG. 12 shows a flow chart illustrating a method 400 for use with the archwire 70 and orthodontic appliances 100, 200, 300 (shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, 5A-5D, 9A-9D, and 11A-11D). The orthodontic appliances 100, 200, 300 include respective slots 120, 220, 320 including respective insertion portions 122, 222, 322 extending along a first axis 170 and respective receiving portions 124, 224, 324 extending along a second axis 180 inclined relative to the first axis 170. The method 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A-10B. The method 400 includes the following steps:

[0102] At step 410, the method 400 includes movably and at least partially receiving the locking member 140, 240, 340 within the opening 130, 230, 330 of the orthodontic appliance 100, 200, 300 such that the locking member 140, 240, 340 is normally biased to the locked state 141, 241, 341. In the locked state 141, 241, 341, the locking member 140, 240, 340 extends at least partially within the insertion portion 122, 222, 322 of the slot 120, 220, 320.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 3A , in some embodiments, movably and at least partially receiving the locking member 140 within the opening 130 of the orthodontic appliance 100 further includes movably and at least partially receiving a pair of resilient arms 145 of the locking member 140 within the opening 130.

[0104] 9A and 10A , in some embodiments, movably and at least partially receiving the locking member 240, 340 within the opening 230, 330 of the orthodontic appliance 200, 300 further includes movably and at least partially receiving the elongated portion 242, 342 of the locking member 240, 340 within the opening 230, 330. In some embodiments, the method 400 further includes biasing the locking member 240, 340 to the locked state 241, 341 with a biasing member 245, 345.

[0105] The method 400 includes, in step 420, inserting the archwire 70 into the insertion portion 122, 222, 322 of the slot 120, 220, 320 such that the archwire 70 engages the locking member 140, 240, 340 and moves the locking member 140, 240, 340 from the locked state 141, 241, 341 along the first axis 170 into the opening 130, 230, 330.

[0106] 5A-5B, in some embodiments, the method 400 further includes moving the resilient arms 145 of the locking member 140 along the first axis 170 relative to the opening 130 such that each resilient arm 145 moves resiliently along a third axis 190. As discussed above, the third axis 190 is substantially perpendicular to each of the first axis 170 and the second axis 180.

[0107] The method 400 includes, in step 430, inserting the archwire 70 into the receiving portion 124, 224, 324 of the slot 120, 220, 320 such that the locking member 140, 240, 340 is biased to a locked state 141, 241, 341 to removably retain the archwire 70 within the receiving portion 124, 224, 324 of the slot 120, 220, 320.

[0108] In some embodiments, the method 400 further includes moving the locking member 140, 240, 340 from the locked state 141, 241, 341 to the unlocked state 143, 243, 343 along the first axis 170 to at least partially retract the locking member 140, 240, 340 into the opening 130, 230, 330.

[0109] In some embodiments, the locking member 140 is moved from a locked state 141 to an unlocked state 143 by a tool 150, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C.

[0110] In some other embodiments, the locking member 240,340 is moved from the locked state 241,341 to the unlocked state 243,343 by grasping the head 244,344 of the locking member 240,340.

[0111] In some embodiments, the method 400 further includes moving the archwire 70 from the receiving portion 124 , 224 , 324 to the insertion portion 122 , 222 , 322 along the second axis 180 .

[0112] In some embodiments, the method 400 further includes removing the archwire 70 from the insert portion 122 , 222 , 322 .

[0113] The orthodontic appliances 100, 200, 300 and method 400 of the present disclosure may enable tool-less ligation of the archwire 70 to each of the orthodontic appliances 100, 200, 300. Specifically, the archwire 70 may be inserted through the open end 123, 223, 323 of the insertion portion 122, 222, 322 and removably retained within the receiving portion 124, 224, 324 of the slot 120, 220, 320 without the need for additional tools. Thus, the orthodontic appliances 100, 200, 300 may reduce the patient's chair time during dental treatment. Furthermore, the orthodontic appliances 100, 200, 300 may have a robust design because the locking members 140, 240, 340 securely secure the archwire 70 to the orthodontic appliances 100, 200, 300. Thus, the orthodontic appliance 100, 200, 300 can be less prone to failure. Furthermore, the combination of the slot 120, 220, 320 including the insert portion 122, 222, 322 and the receiving portion 124, 224, 324, and the locking member 140, 240, 340 normally biased to the locked state 141, 241, 341, can allow the orthodontic appliance 100, 200, 300 of the present disclosure to have a simpler design and a smaller profile compared to conventional self-ligating brackets. Thus, the orthodontic appliance 100, 200, 300 can be suitable for orthodontic treatments requiring small profile orthodontic appliances. The locking member 140, 240, 340 of the present disclosure is not subjected to bending loads by the archwire 70, and can only be subjected to non-hazardous compressive loads. Thus, the locking member 140, 240, 340 can provide a robust lock of the archwire 70.

[0114] It will be understood that the configurations presented herein can be modified in any number of ways while remaining within the scope of the disclosure herein.

[0115] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, quantities and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term "about." Accordingly, unless specifically indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the above specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0116] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the specific embodiments illustrated and described may be replaced by various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. 1. An orthodontic appliance for removably receiving an archwire, comprising: A body defining a slot, said slot comprising: an insert portion having an open end, the insert portion extending from the open end along a first axis and configured to removably receive the archwire within the insert portion through the open end; a receiving portion spaced from the open end and in communication with the insertion portion, the receiving portion extending along a second axis inclined at an oblique angle relative to the first axis; a body, the body further defining an opening in communication with the insertion portion of the slot and spaced from the receiving portion of the slot; a locking member at least partially and movably received within the opening, movable along at least the first axis between a locked state and an unlocked state, the locking member normally biased to the locked state and movable to the unlocked state, the locking member extending at least partially into the insertion portion of the slot in the locked state and displacing along the first axis from the locked state into the opening in the unlocked state, whereby: the locking member is movable to the unlocked state upon application of an external force to allow movement of the archwire between the insertion portion and the receiving portion; and a locking member movable to the locked state when the external force is removed to releasably retain the archwire within the receiving portion of the slot; and An orthodontic appliance comprising:

2. the locking member includes a pair of resilient arms connected to one another, each resilient arm extending at least partially into the insertion portion of the slot in the locked state and retracting at least partially into the opening in the unlocked state; The opening tapers from the insertion portion of the slot, whereby: when the external force is applied, the locking member moves along the first axis relative to the opening such that each resilient arm of the locking member moves resiliently along a third axis substantially perpendicular to each of the first axis and the second axis; and The orthodontic appliance of claim 1 , wherein the resilient arms of the locking member are biased to move to the locked state when the external force is removed.

3. The locking member is an elongated portion movably received at least partially within the opening; a head portion connected to the elongated portion and disposed distal to the insertion portion of the slot; Equipped with the elongated portion extends at least partially into the insertion portion of the slot in the locked state and retracts at least partially into the opening in the unlocked state. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1 .

4. a biasing member at least partially received within the opening and configured to normally bias the locking member toward the locked state; The orthodontic appliance of claim 3 , wherein the elongated portion further defines a bore therethrough, the biasing member being at least partially received within the bore.

5. 1. An orthodontic system for a plurality of teeth, comprising: Archwires and a plurality of orthodontic appliances, wherein at least one orthodontic appliance of the plurality of orthodontic appliances is configured to at least partially and removably receive the archwire therein, and the at least one orthodontic appliance is configured to be removably coupled to a corresponding tooth of the plurality of teeth, and the at least one orthodontic appliance comprises: A body defining a slot, said slot comprising: an insert portion having an open end, the insert portion extending from the open end along a first axis and configured to removably receive the archwire therethrough; a receiving portion spaced from the open end and in communication with the insertion portion, the receiving portion extending along a second axis inclined at an oblique angle relative to the first axis; a body, the body further defining an opening in communication with the insertion portion of the slot and spaced from the receiving portion of the slot; a locking member at least partially and movably received within the opening, movable along at least the first axis between a locked state and an unlocked state, normally biased to the locked state and movable to the unlocked state, wherein the locking member extends at least partially into the insertion portion of the slot in the locked state and is displaced along the first axis from the locked state into the opening in the unlocked state, such that upon application of an external force, the locking member is movable to the unlocked state to allow movement of the archwire between the insertion portion and the receiving portion; and a locking member movable to the locked state when the external force is removed to releasably retain the archwire within the receiving portion of the slot; and An orthodontic system comprising:

6. 6. The orthodontic system of claim 5, wherein the locking member comprises: (a) a pair of resilient arms connected to one another, each resilient arm extending at least partially within the insertion portion of the slot in the locked state and at least partially retracted within the opening in the unlocked state; or (b) an elongated portion movably and at least partially received within the opening, a head connected to the elongated portion and positioned distal to the insertion portion of the slot, and a biasing member received at least partially within the opening and configured to normally bias the locking member toward the locked state, wherein the elongated portion extends at least partially within the insertion portion of the slot in the locked state and is at least partially retracted within the opening in the unlocked state, the elongated portion further defining a hole therethrough, and the biasing member is at least partially received within the hole.

7. 1. A method for use with an archwire and an orthodontic appliance, the orthodontic appliance comprising a slot having an insert portion extending along a first axis and a receiving portion extending along a second axis oblique to the first axis, the method comprising: movably receiving and at least partially receiving a locking member in an opening in the orthodontic appliance such that the locking member is normally biased to a locked state and in the locked state extends at least partially into the insertion portion of the slot; inserting the archwire into the insertion portion of the slot such that the archwire engages the locking member and moves the locking member from the locked state into the opening along the first axis; inserting the archwire into the receiving portion of the slot such that the locking member is biased to the locked state to releasably retain the archwire within the receiving portion of the slot; A method comprising:

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