Self-ligating orthodontic bracket

Abstract

A self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the present invention comprises: a bracket main body which is attached to a tooth, and which has a wire slot for accommodating a teeth-straightening wire; and a sliding door, which is slidably coupled to a sliding surface of the bracket main body and operates to open / close the wire slot, wherein a first recess and a second recess, each having at least one undercut formation surface, are formed on the sliding surface in the sliding direction of the sliding door, and a first coupling wing and a second coupling wing, each having a protrusive coupling part of a geometric surface corresponding to the undercut formation surface, protrude from the surface of the sliding door facing the sliding surface.

Description

Self-ligating orthodontic brackets

[0001] The present invention relates to a self-ligating orthodontic bracket, and more particularly, to a self-ligating orthodontic bracket, which is an orthodontic device that is attached to the anterior surface (labial surface) or the posterior surface (lingual surface) of a tooth and can fix an orthodontic wire on its own without a separate fixing tool such as a wire or rubber ring.

[0002] Orthodontics is the specialized management, guidance, and correction of malpositioned teeth. The benefits of orthodontic treatment include achieving and maintaining proper bite function, enhancing facial aesthetics, and improving dental hygiene.

[0003] To achieve these goals, orthodontists often use orthodontic appliances that fit over the patient's teeth and apply gentle force to move them into their proper positions. One common type of orthodontic treatment involves the use of small slotted appliances called orthodontic brackets, which are adhesively attached to the anterior or posterior surfaces of the teeth.

[0004] In teeth correction using orthodontic brackets, orthodontic brackets are attached to the front surface (labial surface) or the back surface (lingual surface) of teeth, and an elastic arch-shaped wire (hereinafter referred to as “orthodontic wire”) is positioned within the slot of each orthodontic bracket attached to the teeth.

[0005] The ends of the orthodontic wires are usually fixed within devices called molar tubes that are attached to the patient's molar teeth, and as the orthodontic wires slowly return to their original shape, the orthodontic brackets act as tracks to guide the movement of the teeth toward the desired position.

[0006] Ligation is the process of securing orthodontic wires to orthodontic brackets. Typically, ligation involves placing the wires into the bracket slots and binding them with a separate ligating material, such as a wire or rubber ring. This method secures the wires to each bracket slot.

[0007] However, this conventional ligation method is very cumbersome and time-consuming because it uses ligation materials such as wires or rubber rings to tie the brackets and wires one by one. In addition, there is a problem that the elasticity of the ligation material decreases over time, resulting in a decrease in corrective power. In addition, if a wire is used as a ligation material, it can cause wounds in the mouth, which is a major drawback.

[0008] To address the above-mentioned shortcomings of conventional ligation methods, a self-ligating method has been proposed that does not require separate ligation components, such as wires or rubber rings. This self-ligating method features a structure that allows the wire to be fixed to the orthodontic bracket attached to the orthodontic surface, thereby securing the bracket and wire together without the use of a separate ligation component.

[0009] Orthodontic appliances used in self-ligating brackets are called self-ligating brackets. These brackets typically utilize clips, springs, doors, shutters, bails, or other ligating mechanisms built into the bracket itself to maintain the wire within the slot, thereby eliminating the need for separate ligating elements.

[0010] The self-ligating method, which uses a self-ligating mechanism, can generate a uniform corrective force continuously and consistently, shortening the orthodontic treatment period. It is also effective in shortening treatment time because the installation and removal of the wire is easy. In addition, since it does not use ligating materials such as wires or rubber rings, it is aesthetically pleasing and has the advantage of being safe as it is extremely unlikely to cause injury in the mouth.

[0011] However, there is a problem that self-ligating devices such as clips, spring members, doors, shutters, and bails may be unintentionally separated from the main body (orthodontic bracket body) during normal chewing or brushing activities in the patient's mouth, and the fixing force to maintain the slot in an open state is weak, causing inconvenience during initial treatment or regular checkups.

[0012] Prior art literature

[0013] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0106403 (Published: September 21, 2015)

[0014] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a self-ligating orthodontic bracket having a sliding door method that opens and closes a wire slot while the door slides, which can clearly and definitely prevent unintentional separation or detachment of the door during chewing or brushing, and which has sufficient fixing strength to maintain the open state of the sliding door without loosening the movement of the sliding door.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention as a means for solving the problem, a self-ligating orthodontic bracket is provided, which is an orthodontic appliance attached to a front surface (labial surface) or a back surface (lingual surface) of a tooth, comprising: a bracket body attached to a tooth and having a wire slot formed therein for receiving an orthodontic wire; and a sliding door slidably coupled to a sliding surface of the bracket body and operable to open and close the wire slot, wherein a first groove and a second groove including at least one undercut forming surface are formed in a direction in which the sliding door slides, and a first engaging wing and a second engaging wing each having a convex engaging portion having a geometric surface corresponding to the undercut forming surface are formed to protrude from a surface of the sliding door facing the sliding surface.

[0016] The bracket body of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the present invention may be configured to include a base portion having a joint surface of a concave or convex three-dimensional surface contour corresponding to the surface of a tooth, a head portion integrally formed on the base portion, and a door support portion formed on the sliding surface and integrally formed on the base portion but spaced apart from the head portion.

[0017] In a bracket body having such a configuration, the wire slot can be continuously formed along the first direction between the head portion and the door support portion.

[0018] In the self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the present invention, the first groove and the second groove are formed on the sliding surface of the door support, and are formed to a specific length along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction while including an undercut forming surface, and can be formed in a shape that is symmetrical left and right based on the second direction center line of the bracket body.

[0019] The first groove and the second groove may preferably include an opening formed in the shape of a slit on the sliding surface, a bottom surface facing the opening and formed with a width (w2) at least greater than the width (w1) of the opening, and an undercut forming surface spaced apart from a guide surface perpendicular to the bottom surface.

[0020] Here, the undercut forming surface may preferably be composed of a first surface facing the bottom surface and a second surface facing the guide surface and being perpendicular to the first surface, and the first surface may be formed with a width (w3, w3 = w2 - w1) corresponding to the difference between the width (w2) of the bottom surface and the width (w1) of the opening.

[0021] In the self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the present invention, the first coupling wing and the second coupling wing may have a convex coupling portion formed in a left-right symmetrical direction based on the second direction center line of the sliding door.

[0022] Preferably, the first coupling wing and the second coupling wing include a wing portion protruding from a surface of the sliding door facing the sliding surface, and a convex coupling portion configured in the form of a single object on a first surface of a lower portion of the wing portion, and the convex coupling portion may include an extension end having a fixing surface facing a first surface constituting the undercut forming surface or at least a portion of which is in contact with the first surface, and an inclined end at a lower portion of the extension end.

[0023] Here, the wing portion of the first coupling wing and the wing portion of the second coupling wing may be perpendicular to the surface of the sliding door, or the wing portion of the coupling wing and the wing portion of the second coupling wing may be inclined with respect to the surface of the sliding door so that the gap between the two wing portions increases as the wing portion of the coupling wing and the wing portion of the second coupling wing move away from the surface of the sliding door.

[0024] The self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the present invention may further include an entry groove that provides a free space for the convex engaging portion to enter the first groove and the second groove when the sliding door is initially engaged, and the entry groove may be formed on the closed end side of each of the first groove and the second groove located far from the wire slot.

[0025] Here, the entry groove may be formed on the inner side of the closed end of the first groove and the second groove, or may be formed on the outer side of the closed end of the first groove and the second groove.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, due to the unique sliding connection structure between the sliding door and the bracket body, unintentional separation or detachment of the sliding door and opening of the sliding door during chewing or brushing can be prevented, and separation or detachment of the sliding door can be reliably prevented in the lifting direction (z-axis direction in the drawing), thereby reducing misalignment of teeth.

[0027] In addition, due to the unique sliding joint structure, the door movement can be maintained tight enough to provide appropriate resistance without being loose or slack, and has sufficient fixing strength to maintain the open state even when the door is opened, thereby eliminating inconvenience in treatment or care due to the door's random opening or movement during initial treatment or regular treatment.

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the bracket body ((a) of FIG. 3) and the sliding door ((b) of FIG. 3) of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket shown in FIG. 2, respectively.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a state in which a wire slot is opened and closed by a sliding door in a self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the transverse (first direction) bonding state of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view (first cross-sectional view) of a bracket body constituting a self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a transverse cross-sectional view (first cross-sectional view) of a sliding door constituting a self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a drawing of the bracket body of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the direction in which the sliding door is coupled.

[0036] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the relationship between the entry groove formed on the closed end side of each of the first groove and the second groove of the bracket body and the convex coupling portion provided on each of the first coupling wing and the second coupling wing.

[0037] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a preferred example of a modification of the bracket body.

[0038] Figure 11 is a drawing showing a preferred modified example of a sliding door.

[0039] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a bracket body ((a) of FIG. 12) and a sliding door ((b) of FIG. 12) according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0041] The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0042] In this specification, the terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0043] Additionally, while terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0044] In describing the present invention with reference to the attached drawings, identical components will be assigned identical reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, when describing the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known technology is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0045] In describing embodiments of the present invention, directional terms to be used later are defined as follows.

[0046] Among the directional terms to be used hereinafter, the 'first direction (x-axis direction of the drawing)' is a term referring to the left-right width direction of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention, and it is preferable to interpret it as a term meaning a direction that is parallel to or coincides with the left-right width direction of the target tooth (the mesial-distal direction of the tooth) when the self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to the surface of the target tooth.

[0047] And, the 'second direction (y-axis direction of the drawing)' is a term referring to a direction orthogonal to the first direction, that is, a vertical height direction of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention, and it is preferable to interpret it as a term referring to a direction parallel to or coincident with the superior-posterior longitudinal direction of the target tooth (gingival-occlusal direction of the tooth) when the self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to the surface of the target tooth.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a bracket body ((a) of FIG. 3) and a sliding door ((b) of FIG. 3) of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket illustrated in FIG. 2, respectively, and FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a state in which a wire slot is opened and closed by a sliding door in a self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a lateral (first direction) joint state of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a self-ligating orthodontic bracket (1) according to the present invention is an orthodontic appliance attached to the front surface (labial surface) or the back surface (lingual surface) of a tooth, and includes a bracket body (10) attached to the tooth and having a wire slot (15) formed therein for receiving an orthodontic wire (W), and a sliding door (20) slidably coupled to a sliding surface (160) of the bracket body (10) and operated to open and close the wire slot (15).

[0050] The bracket body (10) includes a base portion (12), a head portion (14) on the base portion (12), and a door support portion (16). The base portion (12) may have a three-dimensional surface contour of a bonding surface (120) that is concave (when attached to the anterior surface of the tooth) or convex (when attached to the posterior surface of the tooth) corresponding to the surface (anterior surface or posterior surface) of the target tooth, and the head portion (14) may be configured in the form of a single object, i.e., an integral body, on the base portion (12) and may be provided with a tie wing (140) for manual ligation.

[0051] The door support (16) may also be formed in the form of a single object, i.e., an integral body, on the base (12). The door support (16) may be positioned on the base (12) at a predetermined distance from the head (14). Accordingly, the wire slot (15) may be formed in a substantially straight shape between the head (14) and the door support (16) along a first direction or a direction substantially coincident with the first direction by the head (14) and the door support (16) being spaced apart from each other on the base (12).

[0052] The wire slot (15) may be composed of three walls and one opening / closing surface (156) that opens or closes depending on the sliding position of the sliding door (20). Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the wire slot (15) may include a gingival wall surface (150), an occlusal wall surface (152), a lingual wall surface (154), and an opening / closing surface (156). The gingival wall surface (150) and the occlusal wall surface (152) may face each other, and the lingual wall surface (154) and the opening / closing surface (156) may face each other.

[0053] The wire slot (15) can accommodate an elastic arch wire for correction (see Fig. 4, hereinafter referred to as 'correction wire (W)').

[0054] The bracket body (10) may be composed of a material including at least one of metal and ceramic. The ceramic material may include at least one of Al2O3 and ZrO2. Al2O3 may have a single crystal and / or polycrystalline structure. If a single crystal is used, the bracket body (10) may be transparent, and if a polycrystalline structure is used, the bracket body (10) may be opaque. If ZrO2 is used, the bracket body (10) may be opaque.

[0055] An orthodontic wire (W) applies continuous tension to the teeth. The wire may be made of a metal. Preferably, it may be an alloy with superelastic or shape-memory properties, and can be formed into specific shapes, such as a horseshoe or arch. Depending on the orthodontic wire's ability to restore its original shape, the teeth and surrounding tissues can be realigned from a malocclusion to a normal position.

[0056] A sliding surface (160) may be formed on the door support (16). The sliding door (20) may be slidably coupled to the sliding surface (160) of the door support (16). For the slidable coupling of the sliding door (20), a pair of grooves (17L, 17R) including at least one undercut forming surface (176) may be formed on the sliding surface (160), and a pair of engaging wings (27L, 27R) that move along the pair of grooves (17L, 17R) while being coupled to the pair of grooves may be formed on a surface (21) of the sliding door facing the sliding surface (160).

[0057] A pair of grooves (17L, 17R) may be formed on the sliding surface (160) along a second direction with a predetermined length to provide a movement path of the sliding door (20). A pair of engaging wings (27L, 27R) may be moved along the second direction while being engaged with their corresponding grooves (17L, 17R), and as a result, the sliding door (20) may move between an open position for opening the opening / closing surface (156) and a closed position for closing the opening / closing surface (156), thereby enabling opening / closing of the wire slot (15) as shown in FIG. 4.

[0058] When the sliding door (20) is positioned to close the wire slot (15) ((a) of FIG. 4), the correction wire (W) accommodated in the wire slot (15) is prevented from being dislodged externally by the sliding door (20), and when the sliding door (20) is positioned to open the wire slot (15) ((b) of FIG. 4), the correction wire (W) can be inserted into the wire slot (15) or separated from the wire slot (15).

[0059] The pair of grooves (17L, 17R) on the sliding surface (160) may be a first groove (17L) and a second groove (17R) that are symmetrically configured based on the second direction center line of the bracket body (10) not shown. The first groove (17L) and the second groove (17R) include an undercut forming surface (176) formed over the entire second direction section along which the sliding door (20) slides to open and close the wire slot (15), and a convex engaging portion (274) having a geometric surface corresponding to the undercut forming surface (176) may be formed on each of the engaging wings (27L, 27R).

[0060] In FIGS. 2 to 4, reference numerals 19 and 29 indicate a fixing groove and a fixing projection that function to interlock with each other so that the sliding door (20) can be prevented from being opened arbitrarily when the sliding door (20) is placed in a position where the wire slot (15) is completely closed. Here, the fixing groove (19) may be formed on the gingival wall surface (150) of the wire slot (15), and the fixing projection (29) may be formed on the front surface of the sliding door (20) corresponding to the fixing groove (19).

[0061] In addition, in FIGS. 1 to 4, reference numeral 22 indicates a mechanism insertion groove into which a separate mechanism is inserted to facilitate movement of the sliding door (20) between the aforementioned open position and closed position.

[0062] In the self-ligating orthodontic bracket (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first groove (17L) and the second groove (17R) may have the same detailed configuration except that the positions of the undercut forming surfaces (176) are symmetrical left and right with respect to the second direction center line. The detailed configurations of the first groove (17L) and the second groove (17R) formed on the sliding surface (160) of the bracket body (10) will be described below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view (first cross-sectional view) of a bracket body constituting a self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] For reference, as mentioned above, the second groove (17R) is identical in detailed configuration to the first groove (17L) except that the position of the undercut forming surface (176) is symmetrical left and right with respect to the second direction center line. Therefore, a detailed description of the second groove (17R) will be replaced with a description of the first groove (17L) to be described later.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 6 together with the preceding FIG. 5, the first groove (17L) includes an opening (170), a bottom surface (172), a guide surface (174), and the undercut forming surface (176). The opening (170) may be formed in the form of a thin and long hole, i.e., a slit, that is exposed through the sliding surface (160) and extends along the second direction to a specific length. In addition, the bottom surface (172) may face the opening (170) and be formed with a width (w2) that is at least greater than the width (w1) of the opening (170).

[0066] The guide surface (174) can be arranged perpendicular to the bottom surface (172) on one side of the bottom surface (172), and the undercut forming surface (176) can be arranged at a distance from the guide surface (174). At this time, the undercut forming surface (176) can be composed of a first surface (177) facing the bottom surface (172) and a second surface (178) facing the guide surface (174) and being perpendicular to the first surface (177).

[0067] Here, the first surface (177) may preferably be formed with a width (w3, w3 = w2 - w1) corresponding to the difference between the width (w2) of the bottom surface (172) and the width (w1) of the opening (170).

[0068] In the device-coupled state, a part of the coupling wings (27L, 27R) formed as a pair on the sliding door (20), specifically a part of the wing portion (270), is positioned in the opening (170), and in the undercut molding space defined by the undercut molding surface (176) including the first surface (177) and the second surface (178) and the bottom surface (172), another part of the coupling wings (27L, 27R), specifically a convex coupling portion (274), is complementarily coupled or bonded to the undercut molding surface (176), thereby preventing arbitrary separation or detachment of the sliding door (20).

[0069] A pair of engaging wings (27L, 27R) formed on the sliding door (20), specifically, each of the pair of engaging wings (27L, 27R) protruding from the surface (21) of the sliding door facing the sliding surface (160), may be provided with a convex engaging portion (274) having a geometric surface corresponding to the undercut forming surface (176) of the first groove (17L) and the second groove (17R). Here, the pair of engaging wings (27L, 27R) may be a first engaging wing (27L) and a second engaging wing (27R) that are configured symmetrically with respect to the second direction center line of the sliding door (20), which is not illustrated.

[0070] In the self-ligating orthodontic bracket (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first coupling wing (27L) and the second coupling wing (27R) have the same detailed configuration except that the formation direction of the convex coupling portion (274) is opposite (left-right symmetrical) with respect to the second center line of the sliding door (20). The detailed configuration of the first coupling wing (27L) and the second coupling wing (27R) protruding from the surface of the sliding door (20) facing the sliding surface (160) will be described below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a transverse cross-sectional view (first cross-sectional view) of a sliding door constituting a self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] For reference, as previously mentioned, the second coupling wing (27R) is identical in detailed configuration to the first coupling wing (27L) except for the direction of formation of the convex coupling portion (274) based on the center line that bisects the glide door (20) in the second direction. Therefore, the detailed description of the configuration of the second coupling wing (27R) will be replaced with the description of the first coupling wing (27L) to be described later.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 7 together with FIG. 5 above, the first coupling wing (27L) includes a wing portion (270) that vertically protrudes from a surface (21) of the sliding door facing the sliding surface (160) of the bracket body (10) to a specific length. In addition, the wing portion (270) has a convex coupling portion (274) that is formed as a single object, i.e., an integral body, on the first surface (272, outer surface) of the lower portion and is complementarily coupled or joined with the undercut molding surface (176) in the undercut molding space mentioned above.

[0074] In other words, the convex connecting portion (274) may be formed by extending a predetermined length in a first direction away from the center line that bisects the sliding door in the second direction from the wing portion (270). The wing portion (270) may have a rod-shaped structure with a rectangular cross-section and a width (w4) that is slightly smaller than the width (w1) of the opening portion (170) of the aforementioned groove. In addition, the convex connecting portion (274) may include an extended end (275) and an inclined end (278). Here, an anchoring surface (276) is formed on the extended end (275) so as to face the first surface (177) of the undercut forming surface (176) or at least a portion of which is in contact with the first surface (177), and the inclined end (278) may be formed below the extended end (275).

[0075] The width (w5) of the expansion section (275) including the fixing surface (276) may be equal to or smaller than the width (w3) of the first surface (177) described above, and the inclined section (278) at the bottom of the expansion section (275) may have a shape in which the width gradually decreases as it goes down. Through the surface (incline surface) of the inclined section (278), the first coupling wing (27L) can smoothly enter the corresponding groove (first groove (17L)) when the sliding door (20) is initially coupled, and the detachment of the sliding door (20) can be prevented during sliding by the expansion section (275) and the undercut molding surface.

[0076] FIG. 8 is a drawing of the bracket body of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the direction in which the sliding door is coupled.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 8 and the preceding FIG. 3 together, an entry groove (18) may be formed in each groove (the first groove (17L) and the second groove (17R)) of the bracket body (10) of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket (1) according to the present invention. By the entry groove (18), when the sliding door (20) is initially engaged, a free space may be provided through which the convex engaging portions (274) of the first engaging wing (27L) and the second engaging wing (27R) can enter the corresponding first groove (17L) and second groove (17R).

[0078] The entry groove (18) may be formed on the closed end side of each of the first groove (17L) and the second groove (17R) located far from the wire slot (15). As a preferred example, the entry groove (18) may be formed on the outer side of the closed end of the first groove (17L) and the second groove (17R), as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 8. The entry groove (18) may include an opening (180) having a width (w6, w1 < w6 < w2) that is larger than the width (w1) of the aforementioned opening (170) and smaller than the width (w2) of the bottom surface (172).

[0079] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing the relationship between the entry groove formed on the closed end side of each of the first and second grooves and the convex coupling portion provided on each of the first and second coupling wings.

[0080] Referring to Fig. 9, a molding surface (182) having an undercut structure may also be formed on the entry groove (18) formed on the closed end side of each of the first groove (17L) and the second groove (17R). The molding surface (182) having an undercut structure formed on the entry groove may preferably include a third surface (183) having a smaller width (w7, w7 < w3) than the first surface (177) of the above-described undercut molding surface (176) formed on the sliding section of each groove and facing the bottom surface (172), and a fourth surface (184) aligned on the same line as the above-described second surface (178).

[0081] At this time, the distance (d1) between the entry grooves (18) formed in each of the first groove (17L) and the second groove (17R) may be formed to be smaller than the distance (d2) between the outermost surfaces of the convex coupling portions (274) formed in each of the first coupling wing (27L) and the second coupling wing (27R), as shown in FIG. 9.

[0082] According to this configuration, when the sliding door (20) is first coupled, the first coupling wing (27L) and the second coupling wing (27R) are slightly elastically deformed in a direction toward each other (in the direction of contraction) at the time of entering the corresponding entry groove (18), and when they completely enter the corresponding entry groove (18), they are restored to their original state, and a part of the convex coupling portion (274) can be engaged with the molding surface (182) of the undercut structure.

[0083] Due to this, the sliding door (20) once coupled to the bracket body (10) does not arbitrarily disengage in the third direction (z-axis direction in the drawing) perpendicular to the first and second directions even at the initial coupling position, and can stably slide without disengagement between the position where the wire slot (15) is opened (see (a) of FIG. 3) and the position where the wire slot (15) is closed (see (b) of FIG. 3) as described above. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a preferred modified example of the bracket body, in which the entry grooves (18') formed on the closed end sides of each of the first groove (17L) and the second groove (17R) may be formed in a structure where the closed end sides of each of the first groove (17L) and the second groove (17R) face each other.

[0084] Another embodiment, such as Fig. 10, provides a space through the entry groove (18') where the aforementioned elastic deformation (the two engagement wings (27L, 27R) temporarily elastically deform toward each other) can occur when the first engagement wing (27L) and the second engagement wing (27R) enter the corresponding grooves through the entry groove (18) for the initial engagement of the sliding door (20), so that the sliding door (20) can be accurately and stably assembled to the bracket body (10).

[0085] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a preferred modified example of a sliding door.

[0086] The wing portions (270) of each of the first coupling wings (27L) and the second coupling wings (27R) protruding from the surface (21) of the sliding door facing the sliding surface (160) of the bracket body (10) by a specific length may protrude vertically from the surface (21) of the sliding door (see FIG. 7), or, as in another embodiment of FIG. 11, may be structured to be inclined at a predetermined angle (θ) with respect to the surface (21) of the sliding door such that the gap between the wing portions (270) formed therein increases as they get farther from the surface (21) of the sliding door.

[0087] Accordingly, as the first coupling wing (27L) and the second coupling wing (27R) spread apart from each other as they go downward, they continuously apply elastic restoring force (force to spread apart) to the corresponding grooves while being coupled thereto, and such force ultimately acts as a resistive force that prevents arbitrary movement of the coupling wing. As a result, the movement of the sliding door (20) is not loose, and its state can be reliably maintained even in the open state.

[0088] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a bracket body ((a) of FIG. 12) and a sliding door ((b) of FIG. 12) according to another preferred embodiment.

[0089] As in another preferred embodiment illustrated in Fig. 12, a rear groove (189) having an undercut structure may be further formed at the closed ends of the first groove (17L) and the second groove (17R) that provide a movement path so that the sliding door (20) can slide in the second direction, more specifically, at the closed ends on the side where the entry groove (18) is formed. In addition, a rear engaging portion (289) may be further formed on each of the first engaging wing (27L) and the second engaging wing (27R) corresponding to the rear groove (189).

[0090] According to another embodiment, the rear groove (189) of the undercut structure and the corresponding rear joint portion (289) are mutually engaged at the initial engagement position where the sliding door fully opens the wire slot, so that even if the sliding door (20) is retracted to the initial engagement position, the third direction (z-axis direction in the drawing) deviation of the sliding door can be more reliably and clearly prevented.

[0091] According to the embodiment of the present invention as described above, due to the unique sliding connection method between the sliding door and the bracket body, unintended separation or detachment of the sliding door and opening of the sliding door can be prevented during chewing or brushing, and separation or detachment of the sliding door can be reliably prevented in the lifting direction (z-axis direction in the drawing), thereby reducing misalignment of teeth.

[0092] The detailed description of the present invention above has described only specific embodiments thereof. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in the detailed description, but rather encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0093] Description of the symbol

[0094] 1: Self-ligating orthodontic brackets

[0095] 10: Bracket body

[0096] 12: Support

[0097] 14: Head

[0098] 15: Wire slot

[0099] 16: Door support

[0100] 17L: 1st home

[0101] 17R: 2nd home

[0102] 18: Entry home

[0103] 19: Fixed home

[0104] 20: Sliding door

[0105] 22: Device insertion groove

[0106] 27L: First coupling wing

[0107] 27R: Second coupling wing

[0108] 29: Fixed protrusion

[0109] 120: Joint surface

[0110] 160: Glide surface

[0111] 170: Opening

[0112] 172: Bottom

[0113] 174: Guide surface

[0114] 176: Undercut forming surface

[0115] 177: First surface of undercut forming surface

[0116] 178: Second side of undercut forming surface

[0117] 189: Rear home

[0118] 270: Wings

[0119] 272: First surface of wing

[0120] 274: Convex joint

[0121] 275: Expansion Unit

[0122] 278: Slope

[0123] 289: Rear joint

Claims

1. An orthodontic appliance attached to the anterior surface (labial surface) or posterior surface (lingual surface) of the teeth. A bracket body having a wire slot formed therein for attaching to a tooth and receiving an orthodontic wire; and It includes a sliding door that is slidably connected to the sliding surface of the above bracket body and operates to open and close the wire slot; On the above sliding surface, a first groove and a second groove including at least one undercut forming surface are formed in the direction in which the sliding door slides, A self-ligating orthodontic bracket in which the first and second coupling wings, each having a convex coupling portion having a geometric surface corresponding to the undercut forming surface, are formed by protruding from a surface of the sliding door facing the sliding surface.

2. In paragraph 1, The above bracket body, A base having a bonding surface with a concave or convex three-dimensional surface contour corresponding to the surface of the tooth; A head part formed integrally on the above base part; A door support part formed on the above sliding surface and configured as an integral part on the base part but spaced apart from the head part; A self-ligating orthodontic bracket in which the above wire slot is continuously formed along the first direction between the head portion and the door support portion.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first and second grooves, It is formed on the sliding surface of the door support member, includes an undercut forming surface, and is formed to a specific length along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A self-ligating orthodontic bracket formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to the second center line of the bracket body.

4. In paragraph 3, The above first and second grooves, An opening formed in the shape of a slit on the above sliding surface, A bottom surface formed facing the above opening and having a width (w2) at least greater than the width (w1) of the opening, A self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprising a guide surface perpendicular to the floor surface and an undercut forming surface spaced apart from the floor surface.

5. In paragraph 4, The above undercut forming surface is, A first surface facing the above floor surface and It is composed of a second surface facing the above guide surface and being perpendicular to the first surface, A self-ligating orthodontic bracket, wherein the first surface is formed with a width (w3, w3 = w2 - w1) corresponding to the difference between the width (w2) of the bottom surface and the width (w1) of the opening.

6. In paragraph 2, The above first and second coupling wings are self-ligating orthodontic brackets in which the formation direction of the convex coupling portion is symmetrical left and right based on the second direction center line of the sliding door.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first and second coupling wings, A wing portion protruding from the surface of the above-mentioned gliding door facing the gliding surface, The convex joint is formed in the form of a single object on the first surface of the lower part of the wing, The above convex joint is, A self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprising an expansion member having a fixation surface facing a first surface forming the undercut forming surface or at least a portion of which is in contact with the first surface, and an inclined section at a lower portion of the expansion member.

8. In paragraph 7, A self-ligating orthodontic bracket in which the wing portion of the first coupling wing and the wing portion of the second coupling wing are arranged perpendicular to the surface of the sliding door.

9. In paragraph 7, A self-ligating orthodontic bracket in which the wing portion of the first coupling wing and the wing portion of the second coupling wing are arranged at an angle with respect to the surface of the sliding door such that the gap between the two wing portions increases as they get farther away from the surface of the sliding door.

10. In paragraph 1, A self-ligating orthodontic bracket, wherein an entry groove providing a space for the convex joint to enter the first groove and the second groove when the sliding door is first engaged is formed on the closed end side of each of the first groove and the second groove located farthest from the wire slot.

11. In Article 10, A self-ligating orthodontic bracket in which the above-mentioned entry groove is formed on the inner side of the above-mentioned closed end.

12. In paragraph 10, A self-ligating orthodontic bracket in which the above-mentioned entry groove is formed on the outer side of the above-mentioned closed end.

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