Orthodontic appliance and manufacturing method

Abstract

An orthodontic appliance for partial distalization of a posterior mandibular region is disclosed. The appliance includes a mesial element having a mesial base surface configured for attachment to a premolar or canine, a protrusion for connecting to a retraction element, and an arm. The arm includes a lateral pivot at a distal end of the arm. The appliance further includes a distal element having a distal base configured for attachment to a molar and a distal cap, the lateral pivot being disposed between the distal base and the distal cap. A method of assembling the orthodontic appliance is also provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 446.191, filed February 16, 2023.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to orthodontic appliances, and more particularly to orthodontic appliances for partial distalization of the posterior mandibular sector. The present disclosure further relates to methods of manufacturing and assembling such appliances. [Background technology]

[0003] A variety of orthodontic treatments are available, depending on the patient's malocclusion. Some of these treatments may require tooth extraction to create space for the remaining teeth. Some treatments may use distal elements, possibly in combination with one or more tooth extractions.

[0004] As used herein, a tooth segment is defined as a group of adjacent teeth, i.e., two or more adjacent teeth. Distalization of tooth segments relates to moving a group of teeth together. Specifically, in this disclosure, distalization refers to moving a group of teeth in a distal direction of the mouth. The tooth group may be located in the maxilla (upper jaw) or mandible (lower jaw).

[0005] Certain distal elements are known, for example, from EP 1 433 435 and EP 1 649 824. These distractors are particularly adapted for partial distalization of the posterior maxillary region from the canine to the molar. The distractors of these documents comprise a mesial element that can be fixed by a base to the upper canine, and further comprise a distal element that can be fixed by a base to the upper molar, in particular the first molar.

[0006] The mesial element in these designs includes both a base and an arm connecting it to the distal element. The arm may be substantially arcuate and may include a ball member at one of its ends that is received in a receptacle on the distal element that has a shape complementary to the ball member.

[0007] The mesial element may include a substantially anteriorly extending blunt protrusion that may function as a hook element. In use, a bracket with the hook may be attached to a mandibular molar, and an (orthodontic) rubber band may be suspended around the hook and the hook element on the mesial element.

[0008] In this way, a force is created that pulls the maxillary canines backward. For example, if the patient is wearing a splint (or another retainer) that acts as a solid anchor and holds the mandibular teeth in place, it can ensure that the mandibular teeth do not move forward and that the maxillary canines are pulled backward.

[0009] Therefore, the connection between the mesial and distal elements of the distractor can also push the maxillary molars backward. At the same time, due to the shape of the arms between the canine and molars and the position of the distal elements on the molars, a rotational force is also exerted on the molars. This rotational force can cause the maxillary molars to pivot around the palatal roots. This can also cause the molars to rotate distally ("uprighting"). Therefore, a retraction force and a rotational force can be applied to the molars simultaneously.

[0010] To prevent the maxillary molars from rotating too far distally (i.e., in this case, they would assume a posteriorly tilted orientation), the receptacle and ball member are shaped so that, with a predetermined rotation of the ball member relative to the upper molar, the ball member contacts the inside of the receptacle and is unable to rotate any further. To this end, both the mesial and distal elements are attached at the correct height of the molars and canines, and are attached substantially straight along the mandibular-maxillary (straight up-down) direction locally defined on the tooth surfaces. The arms are provided at a predetermined angle relative to the ball member. When both the canines and molars are actually straight, this angle ensures that the ball member or arms of the mesial element contact the boundary of the receptacle and are unable to rotate any further.

[0011] Similarly, the shape of the ball member and the boundaries of the receptacle may be such that rotation of the upper molar about its palatal root is limited: once a predetermined rotation is reached, the arms may contact the boundaries of the receptacle and the ball member cannot rotate any further.

[0012] Thus, distalization of the canine-molar segment can be reliably combined with an appropriate (re)orientation of the teeth in the posterior maxillary region.

[0013] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0244414 provides a centrifugal device with a reduced height compared to the devices described in EP 1433435 and EP 1649824. The centrifugal device of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0244414 consists of a single element connected to the canine / premolar and molar teeth. The ball-and-receptacle coupling is not present in this device. While this allows for a reduced height and allows the device to be used in the treatment of many patients in the mandible, it limits the functionality of the centrifugal device because rotation of the mesial element relative to the distal element and the corresponding impact point of the ball or arm and receptacle are eliminated. Therefore, these devices have limited ability to adjust the position of the molars in both "uprighting" and torsion.

[0014] Another distalization device is known from International Publication No. 2018 / 219858. This prior art document discloses an orthodontic device for partial distalization of the posterior mandibular region, comprising a mesial element including a protrusion for connecting to a traction element and an arm including an elongated lateral pivot at the distal end of the arm. An elongated lateral pin is received in a receptacle in the distal base. The elongated lateral pin can pivot relative to the distal base, thus enabling partial distalization in combination with uprighting and rotation around the palatal root of a molar. The interior of the receptacle limits the pivoting movement of the elongated lateral pin. In one example, the elongated lateral pin is substantially condylar-shaped. These devices provide effective partial distalization and have a low height, which can facilitate their use, particularly in the patient's mandible.

[0015] WO 2018 / 219858 describes an assembly process for a centrifugal device in which the receptacle of the centrifugal base is slightly enlarged relative to the pin so that the pin can be introduced without deforming the pin. After the pin is introduced, the opening of the receptacle may be reduced, for example, to include a localized deformation or a complete boundary deformation. In particular, a localized deformation accompanied by coining is a preferred example.

[0016] The present disclosure provides further improvements to centrifugal devices and methods of manufacture and assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0017] According to a first aspect, an orthodontic appliance for partial distalization of a posterior mandibular region is provided. The orthodontic appliance includes a mesial element having a mesial base surface configured for attachment to a premolar or canine, a protrusion for connecting to a traction element, and an arm. The arm includes a lateral pivot at a distal end of the arm. The orthodontic appliance further includes a distal element having a distal base configured for attachment to a molar and a distal cap. The lateral pivot is disposed between the distal base and the distal cap.

[0018] In a further aspect, a method for assembling a centrifugal device is provided. The method includes providing a mesial element having a mesial base surface configured for attachment to a premolar or canine tooth, a protrusion for coupling to a retraction element, and an arm, the arm including a pivot at a distal end of the arm. The method further includes providing a distal base having a distal base surface configured for attachment to a molar tooth and positioning the pivot on the distal base. Next, the method includes placing a distal cap on the pivot to enclose the pivot between the distal base and the distal cap, and joining the distal cap to the distal base.

[0019] The method according to this aspect can be used to assemble a centrifugal device according to the first aspect.

[0020] These aspects provide an orthodontic appliance and assembly method that can ensure accurate and effective distalization. For accurate and reliable distalization, it is important that the mesial element can pivot relative to the distal element (or vice versa). Pivoting allows for continued movement even when uprighting of a molar and / or rotation about the palatal root of a molar occurs.

[0021] At the same time, the ability to pivot is preferably limited to a certain maximum rotation. That is, the orthodontic appliance can be designed so that, once a certain amount of rotation is reached, the distal and mesial elements come into contact, thereby limiting the rotation. These contact points are preferably precisely defined. The assembly process is such that the mesial and distal elements can be precisely manufactured and does not introduce deformation into either element. The pivot is placed on the distal base and then sealed by placing a distal cap on the pivot. No deformation of the distal element, pivot, or any other element occurs.

[0022] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method for assembling a centrifugal device is provided. The method includes providing a mesial element having a mesial base surface configured for attachment to a premolar or canine tooth, a protrusion for coupling to a retraction element, and an arm, the arm including a pivot at a distal end of the arm. The method further includes providing a distal base having a distal base surface configured for attachment to a molar tooth and positioning the pivot on the distal base. The method then includes additively manufacturing a distal cap onto the pivot to encapsulate the pivot between the distal base and the distal cap, and bonding the distal cap to the distal base.

[0023] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for assembling a centrifugal device is provided. The method includes providing a mesial element having a mesial base surface configured for attachment to a premolar or canine tooth, a protrusion for coupling to a retraction element, and an arm, the arm including a pivot at a distal end of the arm. The method further includes providing a distal base having a distal base surface configured for attachment to a molar tooth and having a receptacle for receiving the pivot. The method then includes introducing the pivot into the receptacle in a first orientation and manipulating the pivot to assume a second orientation after insertion into the receptacle. The receptacle and pivot are shaped such that the pivot cannot be removed from the receptacle when the pivot is in the second orientation.

[0024] This aspect provides an assembly method that allows the pivot to be installed in only one specific orientation, i.e., it is impossible to make a mistake. After installation, the pivot may be rotated or otherwise manipulated to assume a second orientation that cannot be removed from the receptacle. Thus, during use, it is impossible for the pivot to become dislodged from the receptacle.

[0025] In some examples, the lateral pivot has a mesial surface and a distal surface, and the interior shape of the distal cap is shaped to allow the lateral pivot to rotate about a first axis through an angle between 1° and 45°, and rotation about the first axis is limited by the mesial and / or distal surfaces contacting the inside of the receptacle. That is, the interior shape of the distal cap is shaped to allow rotation within the indicated range.

[0026] The lateral pivot according to this embodiment may have a low height compared to the ball member, thus avoiding contact between the inside of the cheek and the appliance, or between the maxillary molars and the appliance, and may therefore be attached to the patient's lower jaw without causing any discomfort to the patient.

[0027] The lateral pivot, whose mesial and distal surfaces contact the inside of the receptacle to limit rotation about the first axis, provides the function of limiting uprighting of the molar.

[0028] In some examples, the lateral pivot can rotate about the first axis through an angle of 5° to 20°, particularly 8° to 12°, i.e., the pivot and centrifugal cap are such that the indicated range of rotation is permitted.

[0029] In some examples, the lateral pivot may be substantially cylindrical. In further examples, the cross-sectional dimension of the lateral pivot may gradually decrease from the center point of attachment to the arm toward the ends of the pin. In one embodiment of the gradual decrease, contact between the distal and mesial surfaces of the lateral pivot and the interior of the receptacle smoothly increases as the lateral pivot rotates about the first axis.

[0030] In some instances, the lateral pivot may be shaped substantially as a condyle, i.e., a rounded protrusion that may be found at the end of a bone, such as the mandibular condyle, allowing the lateral pivot to mimic a joint that may be found in the human body.

[0031] In some instances, the lateral pivot may have a longitudinal axis, and the receptacle may be such that the lateral pivot can rotate about the longitudinal axis through an angle between 0° and 60°, particularly between 15° and 45°. The degree of rotation allowed along the longitudinal axis may be limited by the arm impinging on the inside of the distal cap and / or the distal base. The degree of rotation allowed determines the rotation of the molar about its palatal root. Combined with the low profile of the appliance, rotation about the first and second axes allows for different dental scenarios and treatment of patients with various malocclusions.

[0032] In some examples, the lateral pivot has an upper surface and a lower surface, and the interior shape of the receptacle is such that the lateral pivot can rotate about the second axis through an angle of 1° to 30°, particularly 5° to 15°, and rotation about the second axis is limited by the upper and / or lower surfaces contacting the interior of the distal cap and / or distal base. In these examples, moments and forces caused by torsional forces along the arms of the orthodontic appliance can be adequately absorbed by the receptacle.

[0033] In some instances, a central plane is defined by a first axis and a second axis (at the height of the arms of the mesial element), and the lateral pivot is symmetrical about the central plane. In some instances, a central plane is defined by a first axis and a second axis, and the receptacle may be asymmetric about the central plane. Asymmetry may be introduced into the device to allow more rotation in one direction than the other. Asymmetry may exist in the lateral pivot and / or inside the distal cap.

[0034] In some examples, a third axis is disposed perpendicular to the first and second axes, and the angle between the third axis and the longitudinal axis of the lateral pivot may be between 0° and 15°.

[0035] In a further aspect, a kit is provided that includes an orthodontic appliance according to any of the examples disclosed herein and one or more rubber bands. A rubber band is an example of a retraction device. Alternative retraction devices, including pistons, pins, or other elements, may be used as long as they are capable of providing centrifugal force to the centrifugal device. Optionally, the kit may further include a distal anchor for coupling to the rubber band. In some examples, the anchor may be a bracket. In other examples, a temporary anchor device (TAD) may be used.

[0036]

[0009] Additional objects, advantages, and features of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a grinding apparatus for grinding a root portion of a wind turbine blade is provided. The grinding apparatus includes a base for mounting the grinding apparatus to the wind turbine blade, a hub mounted to the base, and an arm rotatably mounted relative to the hub. The grinding apparatus further includes a grinding wheel mounted on the arm and a power source for providing power for operation of the grinding apparatus configured to move with the base.

[0037] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates some of the terms used in this specification. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 illustrates some of the terms used in this specification. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of mesial and distal elements of an orthodontic device according to one implementation. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of mesial and distal elements of an orthodontic device according to one implementation. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of mesial and distal elements of an orthodontic device according to one implementation. [Figure 2D]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of mesial and distal elements of an orthodontic device according to one implementation. [Figure 2E] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of mesial and distal elements of an orthodontic device according to one implementation. [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional top view of a lateral pivot disposed between the centrifugal base and the centrifugal cap. [Figure 3B] FIG. 10 is a side view of the mesial element. [Figure 3C] 10 is a cross-sectional top view of a lateral pivot disposed between a centrifugal base and a centrifugal cap according to a further example. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Reference will now be made in detail to examples of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation only, and not by way of limitation. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one example can be used with another example to yield a still further example. It is therefore intended that the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0040] FIG. 1A shows a schematic representation of the arrangement of teeth in the mandible (lower jaw). The front of the mouth 110 can be referred to as the mesial region. The back of the mouth 120 can be referred to as the distal region. The inner portion of the mouth 130 behind the teeth can be referred to as the lingual region. The outer portion of the mouth 140 can be referred to as the labial region. FIG. 1A also shows a schematic representation of the mesial-distal direction 115 for a particular tooth (the first molar). FIG. 1A also shows a lingual-labial direction 135 for the same tooth. This terminology will be adhered to in this disclosure.

[0041] 1B shows a schematic representation of a molar tooth. The mesial side of the molar is designated by reference numeral 110, and the distal side of the molar is designated by reference numeral 120. Reference numerals 130 and 140 designate the lingual and labial sides of the molar, respectively.

[0042] In the present disclosure, a first axis is defined as an axis substantially perpendicular to the base surface of a distal element attached to the lingual surface of a molar. In FIG. 1B, the first axis is designated by the reference numeral 1. A second axis may be defined as extending along a mesial-distal direction substantially parallel to the base surface of the distal element. The second axis 2 is perpendicular to the first axis 1.

[0043] 2A-2E show schematic implementations of an orthodontic appliance used for partial distalization. The orthodontic appliance includes a mesial element 10 and a distal element. The mesial element 10 has a base 11 that can be configured to be attached to a canine tooth. The distal element can be configured to be attached to a molar tooth.

[0044] In one example, the mesial element may be attached to the maxillary canine and the distal element may be attached to the maxillary molar or premolar. An anchor for attaching a retraction device, such as a rubber band, can then be attached to the mandible.

[0045] In one example, the mesial element may be attached to a mandibular canine tooth 51 and the distal element may be attached to a mandibular molar tooth 53. In this scenario, the anchor 30 may be attached to the maxilla (see FIG. 2E).

[0046] In either case, anchor 30 may be a TAD, bracket, or molar tube, or any other device capable of holding a traction element. In the case of elastic band 40, the elastic band may be held on hook 32 of anchor 30.

[0047] The mesial element 10 includes arms 13 that extend in a generally mesial-distal direction and terminate in a lateral pivot 14. The lateral pivot in this example may be substantially condylar shaped. In other examples, other shapes may be selected.

[0048] As shown schematically in Figures 2A and 2B, the lateral pivot 14 may be disposed ("sandwiched") between the distal base 18 and the distal cap 16. The distal cap 16 has an opening on its mesial side through which the arm 13 extends.

[0049] The centrifugal base has a substantially flat top surface in this example. The bottom surface of the centrifugal cap may also be substantially flat to facilitate placement of the centrifugal cap on the centrifugal base. In other examples, the top surface of the centrifugal base may be sloped or have another shape, and the bottom surface of the centrifugal cap may have a complementary shape.

[0050] The centrifugal base 18 in this example has three holes 20. The function of these holes is to receive three pins 24 located at the bottom of the centrifugal cap 16. Thus, the holes and pins 24 form a male-female coupling for securely attaching the centrifugal cap 16 to the centrifugal base 18. At the same time, in this example, the holes and pins function as an alignment mechanism that allows for accurate positioning / alignment of the centrifugal cap relative to the centrifugal base. Such a configuration can ensure accurate positioning of the centrifugal cap 16 relative to the centrifugal base 18.

[0051] In other examples, the alignment features may be separate from the male-female connectors for connecting the two elements together. In yet other examples, alignment features may be provided, but the male-female connectors are not present.

[0052] The centrifugal base 18 may further include a positioning feature 19 that facilitates accurate positioning of the lateral pivot prior to assembling the centrifugal cap 16 to the centrifugal base 18. The positioning feature may be, for example, a marking on the centrifugal base. The positioning feature may also be a protrusion or protruding flat surface on the centrifugal cap. In yet another example, the positioning feature may be a recess in which the pivot can be positioned. The recess may have a shape complementary to the convex bottom surface of the pivot. In yet another example, the pivot may include a protruding portion (e.g., a dovetail or hook) that can mate with a recess in the centrifugal base. In an example, the mating may include a snap fit.

[0053] In other examples, other numbers of pins and holes may be used. In further examples, other male-female coupling elements or connectors may be used. For example, the male connector may be a dovetail and the female connector may have an appropriate dovetail slot. The arrangement of the male and female coupling members may also be interchanged; for example, pins may be provided on the centrifuge base and received in openings in the centrifuge cap.

[0054] In an example, after the centrifugal cap is positioned on the lateral pivot and on the centrifugal base 18, the pin can be welded to the hole, optionally using ultrasonic welding. In another example, an adhesive can be used to bond the pin to the hole. In yet a further example, the pin can be riveted or otherwise mechanically deformed, for example, using coining or stamping. These joining methods can also be combined. The same applies to alternative male-female connectors, for example, dovetails and dovetail slots.

[0055] In addition to or instead of the male-female coupling described above, the centrifugal cap and centrifugal base may be joined to one another in other ways. In some examples, the centrifugal cap can include a flange configured to fit around the centrifugal base, and joining the centrifugal cap to the centrifugal base includes swaging the flange onto the centrifugal base.

[0056] In some examples, the centrifugal cap and centrifugal base can snap together, and optionally, the male and female connectors snap together.

[0057] In some examples, the centrifugal cap and centrifugal base may be attached to one another using, for example, a number of screws.

[0058] The mesial element 10 includes a protrusion 15 around which a rubber band can be placed. A rubber band 40 may also be placed around a protrusion or hook 32 on the anchor 30, thereby exerting a force on the protrusion 15 and thus the mesial element. The anchor 30 may be attached to, for example, a maxillary molar. In some instances, the anchor may be a bracket or molar tube.

[0059] In this way, a force is provided that pulls the mandibular canines posteriorly (i.e., distally). For example, if the patient is wearing a splint (or another fixation device) that acts as a rigid anchor and secures the maxillary teeth in place, it can be ensured that the maxillary teeth do not move forward and that the mandibular canines are pulled posteriorly. As previously mentioned, rather than applying a distalizing force to the mandibular tooth segment, a distalizing force may be applied to the maxillary tooth segment.

[0060] The molar 53 may also be pushed backward due to the connection between the mesial element 10 and the distal element of the orthodontic appliance. At the same time, a rotational force is also exerted on the molar 53 due to the shape of the arm between the canine and the molar and the position of the distal element on the molar. This rotational force may result in the maxillary molar pivoting about the palatal root. It may also result in distal rotation ("uprighting") of the molar. Thus, a retraction force and a rotational force can be applied to the molar simultaneously.

[0061] In alternative configurations, traction elements other than rubber bands may be used: pistons, springs, and nitinol wire (e.g., formed into one or more loops) may be used as alternative traction elements.

[0062] In an alternative configuration, a different anchor may be used, such as a palatally positioned TAD. In some instances, the anchor may include a threaded hole, and the traction element may be a pin with mating threads. The pin can be threaded into the threaded hole to apply traction.

[0063] In this example, the protrusion or hook 15 is located at the most proximal end of the device. In other examples, the hook protrusion may be located elsewhere, for example along the arm 13.

[0064] 2C and 2D show further details of an example orthodontic device. The mesial element has a mesial base 11 with a mesial base surface 12 configured for attachment to a canine or premolar tooth. The mesial base surface 12 may include several protrusions for attachment to the canine tooth. This base surface may be slightly concave to fit the particular tooth requiring attachment.

[0065] Prior to attachment, the tooth surface can be cleaned, optionally etched, and then dried. An adhesive can then be applied to the tooth surface. It is known to use adhesives that can be activated with light. An orthodontic appliance, optionally also including an adhesive on its base surface, can then be attached to the tooth surface. The adhesive can spread into the channels formed between the protrusions on the mesial base surface.

[0066] After activating the adhesive, for example using light, the orthodontic appliance can be firmly fixed to the teeth. Various types of adhesives can be used, for example composite resin or glass ionomer cement. This process is also called "bonding" or "cement bonding" depending on the adhesive used. Improved mechanical retention can be achieved by channels that widen towards the edges.

[0067] 2C and 2D also show a distal element having a distal base surface 22 adapted for fastening to a molar tooth surface. The distal base surface 22 may also include specific roughness or protrusions to aid in bonding to the molar. In the illustrated example, the protrusions may be smaller than those on the mesial base surface. The spaces between the protrusions may be occupied by an adhesive to mechanically hold the distal base surface on the molar.

[0068] In the example of Fig. 2, the mesial element further comprises a hole 29 for receiving an auxiliary arm. The hole 29 may be a through hole or a blind hole. Insertion of the auxiliary arm may be performed by the orthodontist before or after fitting the orthodontic appliance in the patient's mouth.

[0069] The auxiliary arm may be, for example, a (threaded) pin. The auxiliary arm may be plastic. The auxiliary arm may be used to introduce additional forces into the orthodontic appliance (in addition to the centrifugal forces that may result from, for example, rubber bands).

[0070] In the illustrated example, the hole 29 may be located adjacent to the hook 15 and adjacent to the mesial base surface. In other examples, the hole 29 for introducing the auxiliary arm may be located more distally. In still further examples, multiple such holes 29 may be provided.

[0071] Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional top view of a lateral pivot positioned between the centrifugal base and the centrifugal cap for one example. The longitudinal axis of the lateral pivot is designated by reference numeral 4. A third axis, designated by reference numeral 3, can be defined as being perpendicular to the first and second axes defined in Figure 1B. The first axis 1 defined in Figure 1B is also shown schematically.

[0072] In this example, axes 3 and 4 are coincident before rotation. The angle between longitudinal axis 4 of lateral pivot 14 and third axis 3 can be between 0° and 20°. The angle can change during treatment as the molar rotates as it is pushed posteriorly by arm 13. Rotation of the molar results in rotation about axis 1, which is perpendicular to axes 2 and 3.

[0073] The limitation of rotation about the first axis is achieved by contact of the mesial surface 14b with the inner mesial wall 25 of the distal cap. The limitation of rotation about the first axis may also be achieved by contact of the distal surface 14a with the inner distal wall 26 of the distal cap.

[0074] A second orientation of the same mesial element, including arms 13 and lateral pivot 14, is shown in dashed lines.

[0075] FIG. 3B shows a schematic representation of the mesial element 10 of this example, which includes a lateral pivot at its most distal end.

[0076] 3C shows a cross-sectional top view of a lateral pivot within a receptacle of a centrifugal element according to a further example. In the example shown in FIG. 3C, the lateral pivot has a cross-section that varies along its longitudinal axis. From the center point where the lateral pivot 14 connects to the arms toward the ends 14c and 14d, the cross-sectional dimension decreases in both directions.

[0077] The effect of this reduction is that the increase in contact between the pin and the receptacle (and therefore the resistance to further rotation) is more gradual.

[0078] The various components of the orthodontic device can be manufactured by a variety of methods, including molding, additive manufacturing such as 3D printing, machining, etc. The various components can be made of a variety of suitable materials, including metal (e.g., stainless steel or titanium), ceramic, plastic (e.g., PEEK, polysulfone, etc.), or composite material (e.g., fiber-reinforced polymer).

[0079] In certain examples, placing the centrifugal cap on the pivot may include 3D printing the centrifugal cap on the centrifugal base where the pivot is already placed on the centrifugal cap.

[0080] Although the present disclosure and drawings show a distractor having a substantially condylar-shaped pivot, it will be apparent that the assembly method shown and described is generally applicable to other pivot elements, particularly those described in EP 1433435, EP 1649824, and WO 2018 / 219858. In particular, the pivot may be substantially ball-shaped, or formed as a ball with diametrically opposed flats, or may be a substantially elongated pin.

[0081] While only a few specific embodiments and examples of the present invention are disclosed herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other alternative embodiments and / or uses of the present invention, as well as obvious modifications and equivalents thereof, are possible. Moreover, the present invention covers all possible combinations of the specific embodiments described. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the specific embodiments, but should be determined solely by a fair reading of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for assembling a centrifugation device, said method comprising: providing a mesial element having a mesial base surface configured for attachment to a premolar or canine tooth, a protrusion for connecting to a retraction element, and an arm, the arm including a pivot at a distal end of the arm; providing a distal base having a distal base surface configured for attachment to a molar tooth; Positioning the pivot on the distal base; placing a centrifugal cap on the pivot to enclose the pivot between the centrifugal base and the centrifugal cap; joining the centrifuge cap to the centrifuge base; A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the centrifugal cap and / or the centrifugal base include an alignment feature for aligning the centrifugal cap with the centrifugal base when the centrifugal cap is placed on the pivot.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the centrifugal cap is joined to the centrifugal base using one or more male-female couplings.

4. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the centrifugal cap comprises one or more male connectors, optionally pins, and the centrifugal base comprises one or more female connectors, optionally holes for receiving the pins.

5. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein joining the centrifuge cap to the centrifuge base further comprises welding the male connector of the centrifuge cap to the female connector of the centrifuge base, optionally wherein the welding is ultrasonic welding.

6. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein joining the centrifugal cap to the centrifugal base further comprises mechanically deforming the male connector after introduction into the female connector, wherein mechanically deforming optionally comprises riveting.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the centrifuge cap includes a flange configured to fit around the centrifuge base, and wherein joining includes swaging the flange.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the centrifugal cap and centrifugal base snap together, and optionally, male and female connectors snap together.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the centrifugal base comprises a positioning mechanism for facilitating the positioning of the pivot on the centrifugal base.

10. 10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pivot is substantially condylar or ball-shaped, or the pivot is ball-shaped with diametrically opposed flat surfaces.

11. 1. An orthodontic appliance for partial distalization of the posterior jaw region, comprising: a mesial element having a mesial base surface configured for attachment to a premolar or canine tooth and protrusions and arms for connecting to a retraction element, a mesial element, the arm having a lateral pivot at a distal end of the arm; a distal element having a distal base configured for attachment to a molar tooth and a distal cap; Equipped with An orthodontic appliance wherein the lateral pivot is disposed between the distal base and the distal cap.

12. the distal base comprises a distal base surface for attachment to a surface of the molar tooth, a first axis defined as being substantially perpendicular to the distal base surface, and a second axis defined as a mesial-distal direction substantially parallel to the distal base surface and substantially perpendicular to the first axis; 12. The orthodontic device of claim 11, wherein the lateral pivot has a mesial surface and a distal surface, and the interior shape of the distal cap is such that the lateral pivot can rotate about the first axis through an angle of 1° to 45°, and the rotation about the first axis is limited by the mesial surface and / or the distal surface contacting the inside of the distal cap.

13. 13. The orthodontic appliance of claim 12, wherein the lateral pivot can rotate about the first axis through 5 to 20 degrees, optionally 8 to 15 degrees.

14. 14. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the lateral pivot has an upper surface and a lower surface, and the internal shape of the distal cap is such that the lateral pivot can rotate about the second axis through an angle of 1° to 30°, in particular 5° to 15°, and the rotation about the second axis is limited by the upper surface contacting the inside of the distal cap and the lower surface contacting the distal base.

15. 15. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the lateral pivot is substantially condylar shaped.

16. 16. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the lateral pivot has two rounded ends.

17. 17. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the distal cap has an opening on its mesial side, and optionally, an edge of the opening on the mesial side limits rotation of the lateral pivot about its longitudinal axis.

18. 18. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising a hole for introducing an auxiliary arm.

19. 19. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the lateral pivot has a longitudinal axis and the receptacle formed between the distal cap and the distal base is such that the lateral pivot can rotate about the longitudinal axis through an angle of 0° to 60°, in particular 15° to 45°.

20. 20. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the protrusions of the mesial elements are hooks.

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