Cover cap with multifunctional arms that can be fitted to orthodontic mini-screws and fastening methods

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cover cap with versatile multifunctional arms that is placed on the head of orthodontic mini-implants to provide the orthodontist with additional force-application points, adapting to the treatment needs of each patient and reducing the unwanted reactions resulting from the applied forces. The mini-implants may be placed on almost all extra-­alveolar anatomical sites, such as the mandibular symphysis, the retromolar region, the mandibular buccal shelf, the zygomatic process and the palate. The invention consists of a cover cap with multifunctional arms, the bottom of said cap being able to be fitted on an extra-alveolar mini-screw. The invention discloses two methods: in the first method, a base mini-screw is screwed by means of a screw post, and in the second method, the cover cap has holes through which a special orthodontic metal ligature passes.

Description

[0001] COVER WITH MULTIFUNCTIONAL ARMS ADAPTABLE TO ORTHODONTIC MINI-SCREWS AND FIXATION METHODS

[0002] Object of the invention

[0003] The present invention is a cover attachment, with multifunctional and versatile arms, placed on the head of orthodontic mini-implants, to increase the orthodontist's possibilities of force application points, adapting to the treatment needs of each patient and reducing unwanted reactions resulting from the applied forces.

[0004] They are designed to protect patients' soft tissues and to be adapted to orthodontic mini-screws that are placed without surgery, making procedures less invasive, traumatic and costly.

[0005] Mini-implants represent one of the most important advances in contemporary orthodontics and can be placed in almost all extra-alveolar anatomical areas, such as the mental symphysis, the retromolar area, the mandibular shelf, the zygomatic process, and the palate. They consist of a cap with multifunctional arms, which is adapted on its lower part to be fixed onto an extra-alveolar mini-screw using two methods: 1. It is screwed onto a base mini-screw using a screw-pin, and 2. The cap has holes through which a special orthodontic metal ligature passes, which in turn passes through the holes in the head of a mini-screw, securing them both.

[0006] Technological sector of invention

[0007] The technological sector to which this invention belongs is the field of dentistry, more specifically orthodontics. It consists of devices that are fixed to the maxillary and mandibular bones to improve anchorage and allow for greater tooth movement, solving major problems such as facial asymmetries, open bites, impacted teeth, and malocclusions in general, which could not be treated without reinforcing anchorage and controlling unwanted reactions. Background of the invention

[0008] There are some types of anchorage devices known, such as osteosynthesis plates and mini-implants, which are very versatile within the current industry, and are designed to solve the technical problem of reinforcing the anchorage to allow the movement of teeth according to the treatment needs of each patient.

[0009] Within the state of the art, we find some examples of such anchoring devices that fulfill their intended purpose but present several drawbacks, such as requiring invasive and costly procedures or lacking ergonomics, which can lead to injuries and even severe pain in the affected areas. Their placement requires longer surgical procedures, the use of stronger anesthetics, and all the potential negative effects this can have on the patient's health. The following are well-known examples of this state of the art:

[0010] US20060269903 is a one-piece dental implant and its use in prosthodontic and orthodontic applications. The specification describes one-piece dental implants comprising a threaded shaft, optionally a non-circular abutment, and a head shaped to accept a retaining cap or gasket, or to accept and retain a dental wire. The implants have dimensions that allow for non-surgical insertion into the bone and are useful in both prosthodontic and orthodontic applications.

[0011] US5697779 pertains to a temporary implant for use as an anchor in the mouth, as well as a method for attaching the temporary implant to the maxillary or mandibular bone. The temporary implant includes an implant adapted for temporary fixation to a buccal, labial, lingual, or palatal bone surface of the maxilla, or to a buccal, labial, or lingual bone surface of the mandible. In one embodiment, the implant includes a longitudinally threaded cylindrical hole for loosely attaching various orthodontic appliances to the implant.

[0012] ES2461819 is a maxillomandibular advancement device based on bone anchorage, consisting of two connecting rods (one on each side) anchored directly onto two surgical miniplates (one on the upper jaw and one on the lower jaw). This type of appliance, based on a fixed and non-removable intermaxillary device, offers three main advantages over conventional and current orthodontics based on skeletal anchorage: 1) its direct action on the maxillary bones; 2) 24-hour therapeutic action, to achieve maximum orthopedic effect in the shortest possible time; 3) no dependence on patient cooperation (the most frequent cause of failure reported in the literature).

[0013] US20150320523A is a temporary anchorage device that includes at least one screw mechanism and an external plate. The at least one screw mechanism includes a skeletal screw having a threaded portion configured to penetrate the patient's jawbone, a smooth portion configured to seat within the patient's gingiva, and a proximal portion configured to extend externally to the gingiva. The at least one screw mechanism further includes a locking mechanism configured to attach to the proximal portion of the skeletal screw. The external plate is configured to lock between the skeletal screw and the locking mechanism to anchor the external plate to the gingiva.

[0014] ES2196690 The document mentions an anchoring device to be applied to the palatal arch for anchoring metal wires suitable for orthodontic treatment. The anchoring device comprises: a first screw (1) with a threaded shank (11; 12) having an upper portion formed by an essentially cylindrical collar (13), with a non-cylindrical head (14) of reduced width compared to the diameter of the collar; the first screw having a threaded hole (15) coaxial with the axis of the first screw; an essentially cylindrical spacer sleeve with two central recesses (62; 63), the first recess (62) being non-cylindrical and having a profile suitable to match the collar (14) of the first screw. The second recess (63) has an essentially cylindrical profile suitable to allow passage of the shank (71) of a second screw (7).The second screw (7) has a head (73) on the top of the aforementioned cylindrical stem and a threaded end portion (72), wherein the said head has a threaded hole (74) suitable for receiving the said locking screw (10) of the cap (8). US5921774 This patent discloses a support body for use in an orthodontic appliance capable of applying a force to the tooth to be treated from the most preferable position. The support body includes an implant member having a maximum dimension across its cross-section of 2 mm or less for implantation in a jawbone (i.e., the maxilla and / or mandible), and an exposed member forming one end of the support body to be exposed to the interior of the mouth. The exposed portion includes an extended arm, and the arm is formed with a hook.

[0015] The concept of the point of force application refers to the specific location where the force is applied. It is a geometric point and is linked to the force vector. Orthodontic tooth movements result from the application of force vectors using various attachments or materials, such as elastics, chains, springs, wires, and materials for manufacturing clear aligners, among others. The importance of locating the point of force application lies in the fact that it is the starting point of the force vector. Therefore, based on the planned therapeutic objectives, this is the first point we must identify before designing the required force system.

[0016] During the early years of orthodontics, mechanics were applied to brackets bonded to the teeth, auxiliary appliances such as transpalatal bars, or extraoral elements. With the development of skeletal anchorage in orthodontics, the possibilities for anchorage and the alternative points of force application increased, giving orthodontists new options for achieving their treatment goals. In the first skeletal anchorage options, forces were applied to the heads of mini-implants, attachments placed on the heads of mini-implants, and the heads of bone-supported plates.

[0017] Interradicular and extra-alveolar mini-implants offer excellent biomechanical possibilities. However, the magnitude of the force applied to them is generally limited due to the resistance of the anatomical structure where they can be placed. The solution to this limitation can be the use of bone-supported plates, which offer greater resistance and more alternative points of force application. However, these bone-supported plates tend to be more expensive, require two surgical procedures for placement and removal, and are often more traumatic for the patient.

[0018] Based on the current state of the art and accumulated clinical experience, it can be assumed that the mini-implants used in orthodontics available on the market are very general. Although some of these devices are relatively versatile, their application entails certain drawbacks, such as being invasive in the areas to be treated, removing tissue from the bone, generating pain, the possibility of infections, and prolonging the intervention time in orthodontic treatment. Some, being less versatile, involve the placement of more attachments, generating more procedural damage, difficulty in applying the physical forces necessary to properly position the teeth, and a series of effects that can lead to unexpected complications depending on the patient's health status.

[0019] On the other hand, the orthodontist is forced to adapt to the limitations of these appliances, thus compromising the effectiveness of the treatment and increasing the risk of adverse effects. For the orthodontist, it is essential to have solid and effective support points that allow the application of appropriate force systems to the patient's teeth without causing excessive discomfort or pain, and while controlling unwanted adverse effects. The ability to exert these forces precisely and in a controlled manner is fundamental to the effectiveness of the orthodontic procedure and to minimizing the negative impact on the patient.

[0020] Brief description of the invention

[0021] The present invention effectively addresses and solves these technical challenges with a design specifically conceived to improve orthodontic procedures. This innovation offers less invasive and traumatic solutions, leading to a significant reduction in pain and treatment time. Furthermore, the versatility of this design allows for precise adaptation to each patient's individual needs, minimizing the risk of unexpected complications such as adverse reactions, which can cause delays and injuries. This improvement not only increases clinical efficacy but also reduces treatment costs. The decrease in risks and complications leads to a reduced need for additional interventions and revisions, optimizing both the cost-benefit ratio for the patient and the practitioner.This comprehensive approach to treatment results in greater patient satisfaction, offering superior results and a more comfortable and effective experience.

[0022] The present invention relates to a cover with multifunctional arms that fits over a mini-orthodontic screw at its upper part and is attached by means of a bolt to a base mini-screw or by means of a special orthodontic metal ligature. The base mini-screws are bone-supported anchors placed in different areas of the maxilla or mandible and serve as anchorage reinforcement to allow for large tooth movements and thus the correction of significant malocclusions.

[0023] Brief description of the figures

[0024] To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the elements of the cover and the fundamental technical characteristics, a preferred example of the embodiment of this invention is shown through the following illustrative figures:

[0025] Figure 1. Front view of the cover cap, with multifunctional arms, adaptable to orthodontic mini-screws, with arms machined onto the cover cap, with a front fixing hole that matches the fixing hole of the mini screw, which are adapted to the anatomy and biomechanics of the patient.

[0026] Figure 2. Front view of known orthodontic mini-screw, which has a clamping hole for the cover cap on the front with a neck of geometry similar to the area of ​​enclosure to the cover cap on its lower part.

[0027] Figure 3. Assembly of the cover with multifunctional arms on the orthodontic miniscrew, positioned according to the support points required to apply the necessary force for orthodontics. Figure 4. Assembly of the cover with multifunctional arms on the orthodontic miniscrew, with arms that can be attached to the cover by any metalworking method or machined onto the cover from a cast piece, highlighting the method of securing it with twisted ligatures by means of a tie. Alternatively, instead of ligatures, a pin or buckle can be used to secure the cover to the screw.

[0028] Figure 5. Assembly of the cover lid with multifunctional arms over the orthodontic mini-screw with final tie by the twisted ligature fixation method whose tips are coated with dental resin.

[0029] Figure 6. View of the parts for assembling the cover with multifunctional arms over the orthodontic mini-screw, highlighting the upper screw fixing method over a female threaded hole in the mini-screw head. The cover has a retention and fixing hole on its upper part to secure the orthodontic mini-screw at the top by means of a mini-fixing screw attached to the cover, which threads into a threaded hole on the vertical axis.

[0030] Figure 7. Assembly of the cover with multifunctional arms over the orthodontic mini-screw, highlighted by the top screw fixing method over a female threaded hole in the mini-screw head. Transparency allows viewing of the screw neck embedded in the cover's locking area.

[0031] Figure 8. Cover with multifunctional arms adaptable to orthodontic mini-screws, detail of the traceability information area for orthodontist control on the cover, and of the side holes for fixing twisted ligatures, in a modality that includes lower holes at the 4 ends at 90° on the vertical axis.

[0032] Figure 9. Cover with multifunctional arms adaptable to orthodontic mini-screws, lower side view, detail of adjustment to square head screw and side holes for fixing, rear area. This area can have various geometries suitable for locking the head's rotation on the screw; it can be triangular, cylindrical, etc. Its height can also be straight or conical. Arms in the force position desired by the orthodontist. Figure 10. Cover with multifunctional arms adaptable to orthodontic mini-screws, lower side view, detail of the traceability information area and side holes for fixing, rear area, detail of the multifunctional arm.

[0033] Figure 11. Left lateral view of maxillofacial area with location of orthodontic miniscrews fixed to the bone, with cover sleeves with arms positioned according to the need for force application.

[0034] Figure 12. Front view of maxillofacial area with location of orthodontic mini-screws fixed to the bone, detail of cap sleeve arms in position to exert force towards the lower front.

[0035] Figure 13. Right lateral view of maxillofacial area with location of the orthodontic mini-screws fixed in infrazygomatic crest according to force required by analysis of the orthodontist, cover sleeve on upper screw.

[0036] Figure 14. Right lateral view of maxillofacial area with location of the orthodontic mini-screws fixed in an external oblique line according to the force required by the orthodontist's analysis, cover sleeve on lower screw.

[0037] Figure 15. Left lateral view of maxillofacial area with location of orthodontic miniscrews fixed to the bone, with cover sleeves on lower screw with a single arm required for application of orthodontic forces.

[0038] Figure 16. Front view of a cover sleeve for multifunctional arms that have been machined onto the piece and are shorter than others for special applications; these arms allow them to be repositioned by turning them with a small effort from the orthodontist.

[0039] Figure 17. Front view of a cover for a multifunctional arm that has been machined onto the piece, said arm that allows it to be repositioned by turning it with a small effort from the orthodontist.

[0040] Figure 18. Portrait of an orthodontic patient with a single-arm multifunctional cover cap at the bottom, for attachment to the upper arm. Figure 19. Portrait of an orthodontic patient with a single-arm multifunctional cover cap at the bottom with a long arm inclined at 45° to the right, attached by an elastic band, for attachment to the right lateral arm.

[0041] Figure 20. Portrait of an orthodontic patient with a cap cover on a mini-screw in the upper location, arms adapted towards the alveolar processes to protect soft tissues and modify the point of application of force.

[0042] Figure 21. Portrait of an orthodontic patient with a screw placed in the zygoma and a cap placed with a multifunctional arm adapted over the surface of the cap to avoid soft tissue trauma on the patient.

[0043] Detailed description of the invention

[0044] To solve this limitation in the application of forces, the current invention is presented, which is a cover with multifunctional arms adaptable to orthodontic miniscrews in order to expand the possibilities of points of application of clinical force based on the individual needs of the patients.

[0045] The methods of fixation provided by the invention are detailed. The cover caps with adaptable arms are connected to the base screw in two basic ways. The first option uses a connector, secured with a metal ligature through the slots of the mini-implants and the cover cap. The second option, secured with screws, uses a female base screw and an additional male screw. This ensures that the force applied to the cover cap arms is as determined by the professional and that the support point does not shift.

[0046] 1. Fixation using a connector. In this fixing option, the multifunctional adjustable arm covers are attached to the base screw using a ligature. First, the cover with adjustable arms is placed over the base screw, aligning the holes of both. Once the ligature passes through both structures, it is secured by twisting it tightly. The remaining ligature is cut, leaving a small end, which is then attached to the outside of the head of the cover with adjustable arms using flowable resin or a similar material to avoid trauma to soft tissues.

[0047] 2. Screw-on mounting: In this option, the cover with adjustable arms will have a hole at the top for the fixing screw. The cover with adjustable arms will fit over the outer part of the base screw head and will be secured with a fixing screw, which will connect the base screw to the cover.

[0048] The best way to carry out the present invention consists of having a cover with multifunctional arms (100) fixed by means of a tie wire (200) to a mini-orthodontic screw (300) configured as a single integral device in which the cover (100) is placed over the mini-screw (300) fitting into the enclosure area (106) on the neck (306) of the mini-screw (300).

[0049] This cover with multifunctional arms (100) is made up of multifunctional arms (101) that adapt to the patient's anatomy and biomechanics, since they are made of biocompatible medical-grade material, which can be bent to any position required by the orthodontist for the application of forces, an average of 500 grams, without giving way or breaking or the arms detaching from the cover; and which are attached to the cover (102) on the back; this cover is semi-spherical ogival in shape truncated at the bottom, hollow inside which has a front fixing hole (103) and a side fixing hole (105) arranged coinciding with holes (303) and (305); it also has a front traceability information area (104).It has a top retention and fixing hole (110) for the mini-screw (310) that secures the cover (100) to the orthodontic mini-screw (300) when not to be fixed with wire. It has a tie wire (200), arranged at its ends with a twist (201) for fixing in one of its methods; it also has a version in which it has a smooth or threaded fixing pin.

[0050] The cover with multifunctional arms (100) features an anchoring zone (106) configured geometrically similar to the neck of the orthodontic mini-screw (306), but with a larger adjustment dimension. The geometry of the anchoring zone (106) and the neck (306) are similar and are available in various square, triangular, and conical shapes with engineered adjustments. These two elements must fit together.

[0051] The cover with multifunctional arms (100) contains multifunctional arms (101) machined onto the cover (102) adaptable to the required force position.

[0052] The other method for attaching the cover with multifunctional arms (100) to the orthodontic mini-screw (300) is by means of a fixed mini-screw (310). In this case, the cover (100) does not have a front fixing hole (103), nor does the neck of the mini-screw have a hole (303), nor any other fixing holes such as the lateral ones (105). However, if the adjustment is made using wire (200), it will have these fixing holes. Another way to attach the cover (100) to the orthodontic mini-screw (300) is by means of a pin, which can have different configurations, such as being smooth, semi-smooth with a threaded end, or a buckle with externally bendable ends. This is done according to the orthodontist's prior analysis and study of the area to be treated.

[0053] The present invention has the following technical advantages:

[0054] - It covers the head of the mini-implant, leaving it as a rounded surface, less traumatic for the patient's soft tissues.

[0055] - It includes multifunctional arms made of biocompatible steel, which can be adapted by the professional according to the patient's biomechanical needs. The adaptations of the multifunctional arms can be modified during treatment, depending on the patient's progress and adaptation.

[0056] - It is resistant to applied forces, including orthopedic forces.

[0057] They can be used in mini-implants placed in almost all extra-alveolar areas, such as the mental symphysis, the retromolar area, the mandibular shelf, the zygomatic process, and the palate. Due to the bone density in these areas, they are an excellent option for maxillofacial orthopedic treatments, making these treatments less expensive and traumatic for patients.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Cover with multifunctional arms adaptable to orthodontic mini-screws characterized in that it contains a cover with multifunctional arms (100), formed by multifunctional arms (101) whose arms are machined on the cover on its sides or back and can be attached by any means in the area (102); said cover is semi-spherical ogival in shape truncated at the bottom, hollow inside which has a front fixing hole (103) and a side fixing hole (105) arranged coinciding with the holes (303) and (305) of the screw neck; it has a front traceability information area (104) and a top retention and fixing hole (110) of the mini-screw (310) for securing the cover (100) to the orthodontic mini-screw (300);fixed by means of a tie wire (200), arranged at its ends with a fixing twist (201) and sealed by means of a resin at its ends; attached to a mini-orthodontic screw (300), configured as a single integral device in which the cover cap (100) is disposed over the mini-screw (300) fitting into the enclave area (106) on the neck (306) of the mini-screw (300).; 2. A cover with multifunctional arms adaptable to orthodontic mini-screws according to claim 1, characterized in that said cover with multifunctional arms (100) is formed by multifunctional arms (101) whose arms are machined on the cover on its sides or back and can be attached by any means in the area (102); said cover is of semi-spherical ogival shape truncated at the bottom, hollow inside which has a front fixing hole (103) and a side fixing hole (105) arranged coinciding with the holes (303) and (305) of the screw neck; it has a front traceability information area (104) and a top retention and fixing hole (110) of the mini-screw (310) for securing the cover (100) to the orthodontic mini-screw (300).

3. Cover with multifunctional arms adaptable to orthodontic mini-screws according to claim 1 characterized in that it has a tie wire (200), arranged at its ends with a twisting (201) for fixing and sealed by means of a resin at its ends.

4. Cover with multifunctional arms adaptable to orthodontic mini-screws according to claims 1 and 3 characterized in that it has a modality in which a smooth, semi-smooth or threaded fixing pin is provided or by means of a buckle.

5. Cover with multifunctional arms adaptable to orthodontic mini-screws according to claim 1 characterized in that the cover with multifunctional arms (100) has an enclosure area (106) configured geometrically similar to that of the neck of the orthodontic mini-screw (306) with a larger adjustment dimension.

6. Cover with multifunctional arms adaptable to orthodontic mini-screws according to claims 1 and 5 characterized in that the cover with multifunctional arms (100) contains machined multifunctional arms (101) attached to the cover (102) adaptable to the required net force position on the area to be treated of up to 0.5 kilograms of force.

7. Cover with multifunctional arms adaptable to orthodontic mini-screws according to claims 1 and 5 characterized in that the geometry of the anchoring area (106) and the neck (306) are similar in shape and are presented in different square, triangular, conical modes with engineering adjustments.

8. Cover with multifunctional arms adaptable to orthodontic mini-screws according to claim 1 characterized in that the fixing of the cover with multifunctional arms (100) to the orthodontic mini-screw (300) has a modality by means of a mini-screw (310) of a solid fastening that enters through a superior retention and fixing hole (1 10).

9. A method of fixing by means of a connector characterized by: a) placing the cover with multifunctional adaptable arms (100) on the screw (300) making the holes (103) and (105) coincide; b) tying a ligature (200) through the holes, twisting it until it is firm; c) cutting the remaining ligature (200), leaving a small tip, which will be adapted outside the head of the cover with multifunctional adaptable arms (100) with fluid resin or some similar material; d) placing a pin or a buckle.

10. Screw fixing method characterized by: a) aligning the cover with adaptable arms (100) to the screw (300), by means of the upper retention and fixing hole (110); b) fitting the locking area (106) of the cover with adaptable arms (100) with the neck of the orthodontic mini-screw (306); c) securing the mini-screw (310), which will connect the screw (300) to the cover with adaptable arms (100) at its upper part on the vertical axis forming a single integral piece.

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