DENTAL SYSTEM FOR SYMMETRY OF JAW, PALATE, AND TEETH.

Abstract

Dental appliances, systems, and methods for providing anterior, lateral, and vertical movement, an appliance including a posterior region that is fixed and supported through a posterior dental structure of a patient; and an anterior region that connects to and separates from the posterior region, the anterior region operable to provide anterior movement, lateral movement, and vertical movement to an anterior dental structure of the patient.

Description

The realizations of the disclosure relate to five dental expander devices that are inserted and adjusted. In particular, the realizations of the disclosure refer to dental expander devices that are inserted and adjusted to provide anterior, vertical, and / or anterior-lateral movement to teeth, the mandible, and / or the palate in order to promote aesthetically pleasing dental and / or facial structures. Description of the related technique Dental expanders are a common device, and they generally expand laterally over time to provide space between teeth that are not properly spaced. For example, in children and young adults, once the permanent teeth have replaced the baby teeth, the teeth may be misaligned, crowded, and positioned too close together. Before an orthodontist places appliances to adjust and align the teeth with the upper and lower jawbones, upper and / or lower expanders can be applied to the upper and lower jaws. These expanders can be semi-permanently held in place for a period of time using dental cement, or they can be removable and reinserted by the patient, with removable attachments to parts of the teeth and / or palate. Expanders generally expand laterally over time via a mechanism turned with a key. As the expander expands, it creates space between the existing teeth. Once sufficient space is achieved, the expander can be discontinued, and braces, for example, can be used to align the teeth, optionally in conjunction with other corrective mechanisms, such as elastic bands to align the upper and lower jaws. While expanders provide adequate lateral movement to create space between teeth, there is no suitable technology to provide forward (anterior), vertical (downward and upward), and / or lateral anterior movement to the teeth, jaw, and / or palate to provide spacing, symmetry, and / or support to these dental structures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This disclosure presents dental and orthodontic appliances designed to promote and assist in developing symmetry and / or aesthetically pleasing facial structures in adults and children through reshaping, support, and expansion in one or more directions. In certain embodiments, a dental appliance can provide controlled movement in multiple directions (planes) for the movement of the dental structure in adults and children. For example, a single device may simultaneously provide anterior, anterior-lateral, and vertical (downward and upward) movement (pressure) options. Importantly, the devices in this disclosure are compact and reduce bulk, while providing a smooth surface to minimize direct pressure and allow for 24-hour wear and slow, controlled movement. The example devices do not impede speech during use. In some embodiments, fiber-impregnated materials such as lightweight, high-strength plastics or polymers are used. Acrylics may be used in some embodiments. Lightweight, high-strength metals and wires may also be used. The use of lightweight wire technology allows for a reduction in the number of screws or gears required to provide the necessary movement and expansion of the devices. One or more surfaces of the device in contact with oral tissue, gums, and / or teeth may optionally be covered with a thin coating or layer of a soft, gel-like material to distribute pressure and protect against painful pressure points.A gel-type material is soft enough to avoid undue pressure on any particular point, yet firm enough to provide slight pressure / movement over time at specific points, such as a patient's front inner palate or the inner side of a patient's front teeth. The systems and methods herein disclosed can apply a computer-generated assessment of the optimal facial structure proportions for a particular patient, for example, to determine the tooth / palate / jaw movement necessary to achieve a face with optimal proportions and symmetry through palate-tooth movement. In one embodiment, a professional dentist relies on a computer-generated assessment of the patient's ideal facial structure and the necessary tooth and palate movement to determine how the teeth and palate should be moved to produce the desired outcome, for example, forward movement of the upper or lower palate or movement of the teeth to the upper or lower anterior region of the lip, respectively. Three-dimensional (3-D) imaging can be used in certain embodiments to plan the proportions of the facial structure and / or teeth and / or their relationships. It also contributes to the projection of tooth, palate, and / or facial structure movement, as well as implant placement. The three-dimensional image, which shows the position of facial features and soft tissue, helps the dental provider plan movement to achieve an aesthetically pleasing facial appearance. The three-dimensional image applied in these embodiments includes the projection of stresses and / or pressures necessary to achieve the desired outcome of the dental component arrangement, in addition to or as an alternative to the facial appearance, and also to avoid excessive pressure in a particular position.Pressure and / or movement created in teeth / surrounding soft tissue may be necessary to achieve the desired movement, which would be difficult or even contraindicated due to excessive pressure at a particular point. The three-dimensional image in embodiments of the present invention allows for planning the movement created in multiple planes and directions over time. Once the optimal position of the teeth, jaw, and / or palate has been achieved to attain a predetermined proportion or symmetry for a patient's face, the devices described herein can be used to provide minimal but constant pressure to maintain the position of the dental structure and to encourage bone development or maintenance. For example, as a patient ages and natural bone loss occurs, the devices described herein allow for a smooth, cosmetically pleasing appearance to be achieved by moving the teeth, jaw, and / or palate in the anterior, anterolateral, and / or vertical direction. Optimal forward tilting of a patient's teeth, jaw, and / or palate can provide support for the lips and other facial symmetry as a patient ages, resulting in a more youthful appearance.In some embodiments, only forward motion is required and provided, while in other embodiments only vertical motion can be provided and required. Therefore, what is revealed herein is a dental appliance that provides anterior and vertical movement. The device includes a posterior region that is fixed and supported by a posterior dental structure of a patient; and an anterior region that connects to and detaches from the posterior region. The anterior region is operable to provide anterior and vertical movement to an anterior dental structure of the patient. In some embodiments, the device is further configured to provide anterior-lateral movement to the anterior dental structure of the patient. In still other embodiments, the anterior and posterior regions are connected by a wire, which functions to move in an anterior direction.In certain embodiments, the anterior and posterior regions have a hinge positioned between them to allow rotation of the anterior region such that vertical movement and pressure are applied against an anterior dental structure of the patient. In certain embodiments, the hinge is adjustable and lockable. In certain embodiments, the hinge includes or is generated by means of an anterior joint and a posterior joint that rotates around the wire. In other embodiments of the device, the posterior region comprises a first posterior region and a second posterior region, and the anterior region comprises a first anterior region and a second anterior region. In certain embodiments, a wire connects the first posterior region, the first anterior region, the second anterior region, and the second posterior region, and the wire is adjustable between the first anterior region and the second anterior region to provide lateral outward movement of the first anterior region and the second anterior region toward an anterior dental structure of the patient. In other embodiments, the device comprises a first lockable, adjustable hinge between the first posterior and first anterior regions, and a second lockable, adjustable hinge between the second anterior and second posterior regions. The first and second hinges are operable to rotate the first and second anterior regions to provide vertical movement and pressure on an anterior dental structure of the patient. In other embodiments, the posterior dental structure of the patient is selected from the group consisting of teeth, a mandible, and a palate. In certain embodiments, the device provides symmetry to at least one anterior dental structure to provide facial symmetry to the patient in addition to lip support. Even in other embodiments of the device, it includes a threaded base and a screw, where the screw is operable to allow inward and outward rotation of the threaded base such that the rotation provides movement and pressure on the anterior tooth structure. The screw and threaded base can be located anywhere on the device, for example, in an anterior or posterior region, or both. Even in other embodiments, the device includes one or more clamping pads, the clamping pads arranged in the anterior region of the device, where the clamping pad functions to provide movement and pressure to the anterior dental structure. Furthermore, a method for applying pressure to a patient's anterior dental structure is disclosed herein. The method includes determining an appropriate level of facial symmetry in the patient and the necessary movement of the teeth, palate, and / or mandible to achieve this level of facial symmetry, along with lateral support; and providing anterior, vertical, and / or anterolateral movement to the teeth, palate, and / or mandible to achieve the appropriate level of facial symmetry. In some embodiments of the method, the step in providing anterior, lateral, and / or anterolateral movement involves the use of the described device. In some embodiments, the step in providing anterior, lateral, and / or anterolateral movement drives the step for bending the wire of the described device.In some embodiments, the stage providing forward, lateral, and / or anterior-lateral movement drives the stage for adjusting the hinge of the described device. In some embodiments, the stage providing forward, lateral, and / or anterior-lateral movement drives the stage for removing the base screw from the thread of the described device. Even in other embodiments, the stage in which anterior, lateral, and / or anterior-lateral movement is provided drives the stage for adding a clip-on pad to the described device, wherein the clip-on pad is positioned over the anterior region such that the clip-on pad functions to provide movement and pressure to the anterior dental structure. In some realizations, the stage to determine an appropriate level of facial symmetry for a patient and the necessary movement of teeth, palate, and / or jaw to achieve the appropriate level of facial symmetry along with lip support includes the use of a computer-generated assessment. Furthermore, the present disclosure is of a method for manufacturing a dental appliance, including steps for determining a suitable level of facial symmetry in a patient and the necessary movement of the teeth, palate, and / or mandible to achieve the appropriate level of facial symmetry, along with lip support; taking a dental impression of the patient; and generating the dental appliance of claim 1 using the dental impression such that anterior, vertical, and / or anterior-lateral movement is provided to the teeth, palate, and / or mandible to achieve the appropriate level of facial symmetry. In some embodiments, the manufacturing method further includes the step of installing a hinge within the dental appliance, such that the hinge can generate the appropriate amount of anterior, lateral, and / or anterior-lateral movement.In some methods and systems described, only anterior movement or vertical movement is provided to correct a dental structure for facial symmetry. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will be better understood in light of the following descriptions, claims, and accompanying illustrations. It should be noted, however, that the illustrations represent only some embodiments of the disclosure and therefore should not be relied upon to limit the scope of the disclosure, as other equally effective embodiments may be admitted. FIGURE 1 shows a side view of a patient's jaw structure including a schematic of a device of the present disclosure. FIGURE 2 shows a side view of a dental appliance of the present disclosure for use in a patient's upper jaw structure to provide anterior, anterior-lateral, and / or vertical movement to components of an upper jaw structure. FIGURE 3A shows a perspective view of a dental appliance of the present disclosure for use in a patient's upper jaw structure to provide anterior, anterior-lateral, and / or vertical movement to components of an upper jaw structure. FIGURE 3B shows a schematic of an example of a wire-moving mechanism for providing forward motion. FIGURE 3C shows a top view of a dental appliance of the present disclosure for use in a patient's upper jaw structure to provide anterior, anterior-lateral, and / or vertical movement to components of an upper jaw structure. FIGURE 4 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a dental appliance of the present disclosure for use in a patient's upper jaw structure to provide anterior, anterior-lateral, and / or vertical movement to components of an upper jaw structure. FIGURE 5 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a dental appliance of the present disclosure for use in a patient's upper jaw structure to provide anterior, anterior-lateral, and / or vertical movement to components of an upper jaw structure. FIGURE 6A shows a frontal view of a patient with facial asymmetry. FIGURE 6B shows a frontal view of a patient with facial asymmetry. FIGURE 6C shows a frontal view of a patient with facial asymmetry. FIGURE 6D shows a frontal view of a patient with facial asymmetry. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION To facilitate a clearer understanding of the features and advantages of the embodiments of the appliances, systems, and methods for anterior, anterior-lateral, and / or vertical movement of the dental structure, as well as other features that will become apparent, a more detailed description of the embodiments briefly summarized above may be referenced in the accompanying illustrations, which form part of this specification. It should be noted, however, that the illustrations represent only a few embodiments of the disclosure and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments presented, as they may also include other actual embodiments. First, with respect to Figure 1, a side view of a patient's mandibular structure is shown, including a schematic of a device of the present disclosure. In Figure 1, a patient's mandibular structure 100 includes the mandibular structure 102 and the maxillary structure 104. The maxillary structure 104 includes the palate 106 with a plurality of maxillary teeth 108. The teeth 108 may include natural teeth and artificial teeth. The maxillary structure 104 may also include pre-existing posterior dental structures 118. The pre-existing posterior dental structures 118 may be incorporated temporarily or permanently into the maxillary structure 104. The pre-existing posterior dental structures 118 may include natural dental structures such as teeth, or artificial structures such as dental implants.The mandibular structure 102 includes a plurality of lower teeth 110. Located within the upper palate 106 is a schematic of the dental device 112, which is further described in Figures 2-5. The dental device 112 can be inserted semi-permanently using dental cement or adhesive, or it can be removed and reinserted by the patient and / or dentist. For example, the dental device 112 can be custom-made to fit the patient's specific mold of the upper palate 106 and plurality of upper teeth 108, such that the dental device 112 fits by adhering within the upper palate 106 and plurality of upper teeth 108. One or more metal extensions of the dental device 112 can help secure the dental device 112 between the plurality of upper teeth 108 or between pre-existing posterior dental structures 118. The anterior region of the upper palate 114 and the upper anterior teeth 116 experience anterior movement and pressure applied by the dental device 112, shown by the arrow labeled A. The anterior region of the upper palate 114 and the upper anterior teeth 116 may also, simultaneously or separately, experience vertical movement and pressure applied by the dental device 112, shown by the arrow labeled V. This vertical force V may originate from the rotational movement of a device, such as one or more hinges. The rotational movement is generally referred to in Figure 1 by the arrow labeled R, and the hinge is described in more detail in Figures 2 and 3.The vertical upward and / or forward movement, optionally in addition to the lateral movement, of the maxillary structure 104 including the upper palate 106 and plurality of upper teeth 108 allows the optimal arrangement of the anterior region of the upper palate 114 and the upper front teeth 116 for lip support, bone structure support, and facial symmetry as determined by the best proportions for a patient's facial symmetry. It is important to note that these aforementioned vertical and / or lateral movements and pressure can be applied to one side of a patient's mouth or to both sides simultaneously. As described herein, the aim is to develop a device for movement in the upper regions of a patient's mouth, such as the maxillary structure 104; however, a person skilled in the art will understand that these devices could equally well be applied to the lower region of a patient's mouth to move the mandibular structure 102, including the plurality of lower teeth 110. Figure 2 shows a side view of a dental appliance of the present disclosure for use in a patient's maxillary structure to provide anterior, anterior-lateral, and / or vertical movement to components of a maxillary structure. The dental appliance 200 includes an anterior region 202 and a posterior region 204. The posterior region 204 can be anchored to pre-existing posterior dental structures, for example, pre-existing posterior dental structures 118. The anterior region 202 can provide anterior, anterior-lateral, and / or vertical movement to pre-existing anterior dental components such as, for example, the anterior region of the maxillary palate 114 and the maxillary anterior teeth 116, which are shown in Figure 1.Connecting wire 206 connects the anterior region 202 to the posterior region 204, and in some embodiments ultimately connects four regions of the dental device, which is described in further detail with regard to FIGURE 30. Forward movement of the connecting wire 206 in the direction of arrow A allows forward movement of the front region 202. The front rotating separation component 208 allows one or more separation devices to separate the front region 202 from the rear region 204. For example, as shown, the front rotating separation component 208 allows forward movement in direction A while the connecting wire 206 moves in direction A, in one embodiment by turning a screw (described in more detail with reference to FIGURES 3A and 3B), and the front rotating separation component 208 also allows vertical movement of the front region in the direction of arrow V by rotation R of the front rotating separation component 208.Connecting wire 206 can also be tilted slightly in the V direction as required to provide rotational pressure in the R direction toward the anterior region of the upper palate 114 and the upper front teeth 116, and connecting wire 206 can also be tilted slightly laterally outward to provide lateral pressure outward to each side of a patient's teeth. The anterior movement A and the vertical movement V of the anterior region 202 allow the dental device 200 to apply pressure to the maxillary structure 104 including the upper palate 106 and the plurality of upper teeth 108 which occasionally allows the optimal arrangement of the anterior region of the upper palate 114 and the upper front teeth 116 as support for the lips, support of the bone structure, and facial symmetry as determined by the best proportions for the symmetry of a patient's face.In the embodiment of the anterior rotational separation component 208 as shown, the anterior base 210 is attached to the material of the anterior region 202, and the posterior base 212 is attached to the material of the posterior region 204. The posterior joint 214 and the anterior joint 216 can rotate independently and drive rotation around the connecting wire 206. In other words, a hinge point 220 is created around which the anterior region 202 and the posterior region 204 can flex. In the embodiment shown, for example, rotating the posterior joint 214 and the anterior joint 216 increases the separation of the posterior base 212 and the anterior base 210, respectively, and the lower region of the anterior region 202 and the posterior region 204 separates, generating an anterior movement A.Furthermore, as the posterior joint 214 and the anterior joint 216 rotate and separate from the posterior base 212 and the anterior base 210, respectively, a rotation of the anterior region 202 near the hinge point 220 occurs, along with an elevation of the anterior region 202, shown as V. Thus, as the posterior joint 214 and the anterior joint 216 rotate, rotation R, anterior movement A, and vertical movement V occur. In some embodiments, the posterior joint 214, the anterior joint 216, or both rotate in place, thereby not separating the posterior joint 214 and the anterior joint 216 from the posterior base 212 and the anterior base 210, causing little or no anterior movement A, but still causing rotation R and vertical movement V.The resulting forces applied to the anterior region 202 are transferred to the maxillary structure 104 including the upper palate 106 and the plurality of upper teeth 108 allow the optimal arrangement of the anterior region of the upper palate 114 and the upper front teeth 116 as support for the lips, support of the bone structure, and facial symmetry as determined by the best proportions for the symmetry of a patient's face. Connecting wire 206 extends through components 208, 210, 212, 214, and 216, and is supported by components 202 and 204. Almost the entire anterior and posterior regions of connecting wire 206 lie within anterior region 202 and posterior region 204, respectively. Connecting wire 206 can slide within anterior region 202. This configuration allows components 208, 210, 212, 214, and 216 to move only axially along connecting wire 206, preventing lateral separation in some embodiments. Stabilizing wire 224 internally connects the anterior region 202 and the rear region 204 provide additional support and connect the regions. The stabilizing wire 224 can provide additional strength in the lateral or vertical plane by tilting the stabilizing wire 224. In addition to the previous rotating separation component 208 or alternatively, one or more simple adjustable and lockable hinges may be located between the front region 202 and the rear region 204 in addition to the connecting wire 206. The hinge may be located on the connecting wire 206. The adjustable, lockable hinge may include gears, screws, or other mechanical mechanisms.For example, as additional movement and pressure are required on the anterior region of the upper palate 114 and the upper front teeth 116 as lip support, bone structure support, and facial symmetry as determined by the best proportions for a patient's facial symmetry, the patient or dentist could loosen a hinge between the posterior region 204 and the anterior region 202, expanding it slightly in the rotation direction R to provide more arch between the anterior region 202 and the posterior region 204, and lock it (e.g., with a screw or key mechanism) for use. Figure 3A shows a perspective side view of a dental appliance of the present disclosure for use on a patient's maxillary framework to provide anterior, anterolateral, and / or vertical movement to components of a maxillary framework. In the dental appliance 300 with posterior region 302, anterior component 306, and wire 304, a threaded base 21 is attached to the posterior region of the posterior region 302, and screw 22 permits outward and inward rotation of threaded base 21. Wire 304 has one end that rests on screw 22 and an opposite end that is embedded in anterior component 306. As screw 22 rotates to extend anteriorly A outward from threaded base 21, wire 304 also moves anteriorly A, applying movement and pressure to anterior component 306.The stabilizing wire 324 connects the anterior component 306 and the posterior region 302 to provide additional support for the connection between the regions. The resulting forces applied to the anterior component 306 are transferred to the maxillary structure 104, including the palate 106, and the plurality of upper teeth 108. This allows for the optimal arrangement of the anterior region of the palate 114 and the upper anterior teeth 116 as lip support, bone structure support, and facial symmetry, as determined by the best proportions for a patient's facial symmetry. The wire 304 can also be slightly tilted with a rotational motion to provide vertical pressure against a palate or axillary structure. FIGURE 3B shows an enlarged schematic of threaded base 21 and screw 22 together with wire 304 from FIGURE 3A. Wire 304 can be anchored there or attached to screw 22. Figure 3C shows a sectional view of the upper region of a dental appliance of the present disclosure for use in a patient's maxillary structure to provide anterior, anterior-lateral, and / or vertical movement to components of a maxillary structure. In the appliance 400, the posterior regions 11, 12 are shown connected to the anterior regions 13, 14 via wire 402. As described with reference to Figures 2, 3A, and 3B, movement of wire 402 in the anterior direction A permits movement of either anterior region 13 or 14 in the anterior direction A, which occasionally allows for optimal positioning of the anterior region of the maxillary palate 114 and the upper anterior teeth 116 as lip support, bone support, and facial symmetry as determined by the best proportions for a patient's facial symmetry.The location of the first hinge 404 between the posterior region 11 and the anterior region 13 and the location of the second hinge 406 between the posterior region 12 and the anterior region 14 allows rotational / vertical movement of one of the anterior regions 13, 14 or both, as described with respect to FIGURE 2. In the realization of FIGURE 3C, the wire loop 408 is present in the wire 402 between the anterior regions 13, 14, and a patient or dentist can adjust the wire loop 408 to be wider or narrower allowing lateral L movement of the anterior regions 13, 14. The lateral and anterior movement provided by the adjustments of wire 402 allows the anterior lateral movement of the anterior regions 13, 14, which is shown in the AL direction. Figure 4 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a dental appliance of the present disclosure for use in a patient's maxillary framework to provide anterior, anterolateral, and / or vertical movement to components of a maxillary framework. The appliance 430 includes posterior tooth anchors 432, 434 and anterior tooth anchor 436 to stabilize the appliance 430 in a patient's maxillary dental framework, and expanding hinges 438, 440 that permit slow, gradual movement and expansion, along with the application of pressure, in the anterior, lateral, and vertical directions. The expanding hinges 438 and 440 may include any of the hinges disclosed herein. The appliance 430 includes soft pads 442, 444, and 446 made from a gel-like substance to distribute pressure and avoid painful pressure points.Soft pads 442, 444, and 446 provide additional pressure distributed along the anterior region of the upper palate 114 and the upper front teeth 116. Adding additional soft pads 442, 444, and 446 provides further pressure to the anterior region of the upper palate 114 and the upper front teeth 116. The soft pads may be made of any material that can provide filling and pressure distribution. The soft pads may be attached to the dental appliance and may be removable. Figure 5 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the dental device 530 of the present disclosure for use in a patient's maxillary framework to provide anterior, anterolateral, and / or vertical movement to components of a maxillary framework. The dental device has been molded to conform to a patient's upper palatal framework to be flush with the upper anterior teeth. The dental device 530 includes posterior tooth anchors 532, 534 and anterior tooth anchor 536 to stabilize the dental device 530 in a patient's maxillary dental framework, and the expanding hinges 538, 540 permit slow, gradual movement and expansion, along with the application of pressure, in the anterior direction, labeled A; lateral direction, labeled L; anterolateral direction, labeled AL; and vertical direction (not shown).The 538 and 540 expanding hinges may include any of the hinges disclosed herein. In some other embodiments, only forward movement or vertical movement is provided, for example, only on one side of the device. Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D illustrate various forms of facial asymmetry that can be totally or partially addressed by the devices disclosed herein. Figure 6A depicts a face with a mostly symmetrical maxillary and lip structure and an asymmetrical mandible. The asymmetry of the mandibular structure 605 can be observed by comparing the left and right sides of the mandible against the vertical axes 601 and horizontal axes 602. By applying anterior and downward vertical force to the mandibular line and structure 605, improvements in facial symmetry are achieved, resulting in a more symmetrical appearance. Figure 6B depicts a face with an asymmetrical maxillary and lip structure, as well as inadequate lip support. The maxillary structure 606 is asymmetrical along the vertical axes 601.The lips 607 are asymmetrical along the vertical axes 601 and are positioned asymmetrically along the horizontal axes 602. Providing adequate lip support through anterior force and applying additional vertical and anterior force on regions of the maxillary structure 606 can result in the repositioning of the lips 607 and the anterior region of the upper palate 114, providing adequate levels of facial symmetry. Figure 6C depicts a face with asymmetrical lips and inadequate lip support. The lips 607 are asymmetrical along the vertical axes 601 and are positioned asymmetrically along the horizontal axes 602. Providing adequate lip support through anterior and vertical force on the upper teeth (not shown) and the maxillary structure 606 can result in adequate levels of facial symmetry.Figure 6D depicts a face with asymmetrical lips and an asymmetrical mandible. Applying anterior and downward vertical force to the mandibular line and mandibular structure 605 can improve facial symmetry, resulting in a more symmetrical appearance. Providing adequate lip support through anterior force and applying additional anterior and vertical force to regions of the maxillary structure 606 and the anterior region of the palate 114 can result in adequate levels of facial symmetry. The singular forms un, una, and el / la include plural referents, unless the context clearly states otherwise. The illustrations and specification reveal embodiments of appliances, systems, and methods for anterior, anterior-lateral, and / or vertical movement of the dental structure of this disclosure. Although specific terms are used, they are used only in a descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation. The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in great detail with specific reference to the illustrated embodiments. It is evident, however, that different modifications and changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as described in the foregoing specification, and such modifications and changes should be considered equivalent to and part of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A dental device for providing anterior and vertical movement, the device comprising: 5 a posterior region that is fixed and supported through a posterior dental structure of a patient; and an anterior region that connects to and separates from the posterior region, the anterior region operable to provide anterior movement and vertical movement to an anterior dental structure 10 of the patient.

2. The dental device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is further configured to provide anterior lateral movement to the anterior dental structure 15 of the patient.

3. The device according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the front and back regions are connected by a wire, the wire functioning to move in the front direction.

4. The device according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the anterior and posterior regions have a hinge disposed between them to allow rotation of the anterior region such that vertical movement and pressure are applied against an anterior dental structure of the patient.

5. The device according to claim 4, 30 characterized in that the hinge is adjustable and lockable.

6. The device according to any of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the hinge comprises a front joint and a rear joint that rotates around the wire.

7. The device according to any of claims 1-6, characterized in that the rear region comprises a first rear region and a second rear region, and characterized in that the front region comprises a first front region and a second front region.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that a wire connects the first posterior region, the first anterior region, the second anterior region, and the second posterior region, and characterized in that the wire is adjustable between the first anterior region and the second anterior region to provide outward lateral movement of the first anterior region and the second anterior region toward an anterior dental structure of the patient.

9. The device according to any of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the device comprises a first hinge between the first posterior region and the first anterior region, and characterized in that the device further comprises a second hinge between the second anterior region and the second posterior region, the first and second hinges operable to rotate the first and second anterior regions to provide vertical movement and pressure on an anterior dental structure of the patient.

10. The device according to any of claims 1-9, characterized in that the patient's posterior dental structure is selected from the group consisting of teeth, a jaw, and a palate.

11. The device according to any of claims 1-10, characterized in that the device provides symmetry to at least one anterior dental structure to provide facial symmetry to the patient and further support for the lips.

12. The device according to any of claims 1-11, characterized in that the device further comprises a threaded base and a screw, the screw 15 being operable to permit inward and outward rotation of the threaded base such that the rotation provides movement and pressure to the anterior dental structure.

13. The device according to any of claims 1-12, characterized in that the device further comprises a clipable pad, the clipable pad disposed in the anterior region, characterized in that the clipable pad functions to provide movement and pressure to the anterior dental structure.

14. A method for providing pressure on a patient's anterior dental structure, the method comprising the following steps: determining an appropriate level of facial symmetry for a patient 30 and the necessary movement of teeth, palate, and / or mandible to achieve the appropriate level of facial symmetry along with support for the lips; and providing anterior, vertical, and / or anterolateral movement to the teeth, palate, and / or mandible to achieve the appropriate level of facial symmetry.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the step in which anterior, lateral, and / or anterior-lateral movement is provided comprises the use of any of the devices of claims 1-13.

16. The method according to any of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the step in which anterior, lateral, and / or anterior-lateral movement is provided further comprises the step of bending the wire of any of the devices of claims 3-13.

17. The method according to any of claims 14-16, characterized in that the step in which anterior, lateral, and / or anterior-lateral movement is provided further comprises the step of adjusting the hinge of any of the devices of claims 4-13.

18. The method according to any of claims 14-17, characterized in that the step in which anterior, lateral, and / or anterior-lateral movement is provided further comprises the step of turning the screw of any of the devices of claims 12-13.

19. The method according to any of claims 14-18, characterized in that the step in which anterior, lateral, and / or anterior-lateral movement is provided further comprises the step of adding a clipable pad to any of the devices of claims 1-13, characterized in that the clipable pad is positioned over the anterior region such that the clipable pad functions to provide movement and pressure to the anterior dental structure.

20. The method according to any of claims 14-19, characterized in that the step for determining an appropriate level of facial symmetry for a patient and the necessary movement of teeth, palate, and / or jaw to achieve the appropriate level of facial symmetry together with lip support comprises the use of a computer-generated assessment.

21. A method for manufacturing a dental device, the method comprising the following steps: determining a suitable level of facial symmetry for a patient and the necessary movement of teeth, palate, and / or mandible to achieve the suitable level of facial symmetry together with lip support; taking a dental impression of the patient; generating the dental device of claim 1 using the dental impression such that anterior, vertical, and / or anterolateral movement is provided to the teeth, palate, and / or mandible to achieve the suitable level of facial symmetry.

22. The method of claim 21 further comprises the step of installing a hinge on the dental device, such that the hinge can generate the appropriate amount of anterior, lateral, and / or anterior-lateral movement.

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