Orthodontic bracket

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an orthodontic bracket featuring an archwire slot configured to accommodate tandem archwires for enhanced control during orthodontic treatment in both twin and self-ligated bracket designs. The archwire slot of the self-ligating bracket includes a labial surface and a lingual surface, each having a contoured shape along a first axis in the buccolingual plane, enabling the parallel alignment of two archwires. Additionally, the slot defines a second curve along a second axis, orthogonal to the first, in the occluso-gingival plane to reduce friction as archwires move within the slot. Similarly, the twin bracket version of the present disclosure maintains the design described without the labial enclosure which is provided by ligation methods.

Description

ORTHODONTIC BRACKETRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is being filed on November 5, 2025, as a PCT International Patent Application and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S Patent Application No.63 / 721.131, filed on November 15, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to orthodontic appliances, and more particularly to orthodontic brackets configured to accommodate either tandem archwire sets or individual wires during treatment and reduce wire change visits by reducing binding friction and improving control during tooth movement.BACKGROUND

[0003] Orthodontic treatment involves using appliances such as archwires and brackets to guide teeth into proper alignment and improve occlusion. An archwire is a metal wire attached to orthodontic brackets that applies controlled pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. Brackets are devices bonded to the teeth that hold and guide the archwire, allowing for the application of force to reposition the teeth.

[0004] The arch form refers to the shape or curvature of the dental arch and corresponding archwire, which dictates how teeth are arranged in the upper or lower jaw. Selecting the appropriate arch form is important in orthodontic treatment for guiding tooth alignment and achieving proper occlusal relationships. Different stages of orthodontic treatment use various shapes, sizes, and materials for archwires. The design of brackets and their interaction with the archwire play a significant role in ensuring efficient tooth movement.SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention relates to an improved orthodontic bracket designed to facilitate more efficient and effective tooth movement during orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic bracket features an archwire slot having a compound curvature that is specifically configured to accommodate tandem archwires for enhanced force distribution and greatercontrol during the early stages of treatment, as well as improved friction reduction during tooth movement.

[0006] In one aspect of the invention, the archwire slot includes a labial surface and a lingual surface, each shaped with a contoured profile along a first axis in the buccolingual plane. This contoured shape allows the archwire slot to accommodate two archwires in parallel alignment, providing orthodontists with the ability to apply both light and heavy forces simultaneously. The tandem wire configuration is particularly beneficial for decrowding and initial alignment, as it enables more precise and controlled tooth movement compared to conventional single-wire systems by enabling dual functionality of the base and overlay wires

[0007] In another aspect of the invention, the labial and lingual surfaces of the archwire slot further include a second curve along a second axis in the occlusogingival plane, orthogonal to the first axis. This second curve is specifically designed to reduce friction and add an element of control as the brackets move along the archwdre , allowing for smoother sliding mechanics and minimizing resistance caused by binding or notching. The curved design of the slot is optimized to follow the natural curvature of the patient's dental arch, ensuring proper alignment and reducing treatment time.

[0008] The archwdre slot may have a truncated elliptical shape, with the labial and lingual surfaces defining opposing curved portions that support tandem round archwires parallel to each other and oriented to the occlusal plane. Additionally, the occlusal and gingival surfaces of the slot may be planar, facilitating the precise placement of an individual rectangular archwire for torque and angulation control during the later stages of treatment.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the orthodontic bracket can be constructed from materials such as stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, or polycarbonate, providing both strength and biocompatibility. The bracket may also be configured as a self-ligating bracket, incorporating a latching mechanism to secure the archwires within the slot without the need for external ligatures. This self-ligating design reduces friction even further, contributing to more efficient tooth movement and fewer adjustment visits.

[0010] The present invention represents a significant advancement in orthodontic bracket design by addressing common challenges such as binding, friction, and inefficient force application. The ability to accommodate tandem archwires in a contoured, friction-reducing slot provides orthodontists with improved control over tooth movement, leading to faster and more comfortable treatment outcomes for patients. A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a labial perspective view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket defining a curved archwire slot, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a first lingual perspective view of the orthodontic bracket of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a second lingual perspective view of the orthodontic bracket of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a labial view of the orthodontic bracket of FIG. 1. (FLIP 180 degrees)

[0016] FIG. 5 is a labial perspective view of the orthodontic bracket of FIG. 1, showing a latching member configured to selectively secure one or more archwires positioned within the curved archwire slot.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional buccolingual view of the orthodontic bracket of FIG. 1, wherein the latching member is separated from the bracket body.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional buccolingual view of the orthodontic bracket of FIG. 6, with the latching member operably coupled to the bracket body.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional buccolingual view of an example archwire slot of the present disclosure formed in a material block.

[0020] FIG. 9 is the material block of FIG. 8, with a 20 x 28 rectangular archwire positioned within the archwire slot.

[0021] FIG. 10 is the material block of FIG. 8, with a pair of tandem 0.016-inch round archwires positioned within the archwire slot.

[0022] FIG. 11 is the material block of FIG. 8, with a pair of tandem arch wires of different sizes positioned within the archwire slot.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional occlusal view of the orthodontic bracket of FIG. 1, wherein the latching member is separated from the bracket body.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional occlusal view of the orthodontic bracket of FIG. 12, with the latching member operably coupled to the bracket body.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional occlusal view of an example archwire slot of the present disclosure formed in a material block.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a labial perspective view of the material block translating along a pair of tandem round archwires, with the archwire slot following the curvature of the archwires.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a labial perspective view illustrating a conventional twin bracket body defining a curved slot having a concave lingual surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a buccolingual view of the conventional twin bracket body of FIG. 16.

[0029] FIGS. 18A-F depict a sequence of views of an upper arch of a patient over the course of a conventional single archwire treatment using the bracket depicted in FIG. 1.

[0030] FIGS. 19A-F depict a sequence of views of a lower arch of the patient over the course of a conventional single archwire treatment using the bracket depicted in FIG. 1.

[0031] FIGS. 20A-B depict a sequence of views of an upper arch of a patient over the course of a tandem archwire treatment using the bracket depicted in FIG. 1.

[0032] FIGS. 21 A-B depict a sequence of views of a lower arch of a patient over the course of a tandem archwire treatment using the bracket depicted in FIG. 1.

[0033] FIGS. 22 depicts orthodontic movements of a first order.

[0034] FIG. 23 depicts an orthodontic movement of a second order.

[0035] FIG. 24 depicts an orthodontic movement of a third order.

[0036] FIGS. 25 depict an orthodontic movement of a fourth order.

[0037] FIG. 26 depicts conventional brackets, each including a rectangular slot engaging an archwire in accordance with the prior art.

[0038] FIG. 27 depicts brackets of the present disclosure, each comprising a curved archwire slot for improved sliding engagement with an archwire.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an orthodontic bracket that can be configured as either a twin bracket or a self-ligating bracket, featuring a tandem arc archwire slot structured to accommodate either a single archwire or two archwires in tandem. The dual-wire configuration enables the simultaneous placement of tw o archwires within the same slot, allowing forces to be applied with greater precision, particularly during the early stages of orthodontic treatment.

[0040] The archwire slot is further characterized by a convex facial curvature along the axial plane, which corresponds to the curvature of the archwire. This alignment allows for a more effective distribution of forces as anterior teeth are guided along the desired archform, reducing binding between the bracket and the archwires as the bracket slides along the wires, thereby minimizing undesirable binding-and-release effects.

[0041] The bracket integrates these advancements to provide more effective and efficient delivery of first order, second order, and third order movements, while also introducing improvements in a proposed fourth order, referred to as "arc." The arc movement refers to a configuration in which the internal curvature of the anterior bracket slots follows wires of a corresponding curvature. This allows the bracket slots and the archwires, which have matching or cooperating archforms, to work together in guiding the teeth into their final, ideal positions along the dental arch.

[0042] Bracket Structure

[0043] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0044] As depicted in FIGS. 1-5, an orthodontic bracket 100 comprising a tandem arc archwire slot is depicted in accordance with embodiment of the disclosure. As depicted, the bracket 100 includes a base portion 102. which has a plate-like configuration and is adapted to be affixed to a surface of a tooth (not shown). The base portion 102 is configured to be adhesively bonded to the buccolabial surface of a tooth using conventional orthodontic adhesives, such as cement, resin or glue. With reference to FIGS. 2-3, the base portion 102 may be contoured to correspond to the curvature of the tooth surface, thereby enhancing its adaptability to the patient’s tooth. Additionally, the base portion 102 may include optional structural features, such as a bond pad (not shown), to improve the strength of the adhesive bond between the base portion 102 and the tooth surface.

[0045] A bracket body 104 is mounted on the upper surface of the base portion 102. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the bracket body 104 can include a pair of sidewalls 106, 107 that are substantially parallel and oriented in a gingival-occlusal direction when the bracket 100 is secured to the tooth. The bracket body 104 further comprises a second pair of sidewalls 108, 109, which are also substantially parallel to each other and are oriented in a mesial-distal direction when the bracket 100 is affixed to the tooth. The respective pairs of sidewalls 106,107, 108, 109 converge to define bracket body comers, which may be either chamfered or rounded depending on the specific embodiment.

[0046] The bracket body 104 further includes a first wing 110 that projects outwardly beyond the sidewalls 106, 107, either in an occlusal or gingival direction when the bracket body 104 is secured to the tooth. A second wing 112 is positioned opposite the first wing 110 and extends outwardly beyond the opposite sidewall. The first and second wings 110. 112 may function as tie wings, providing points of attachment for applying torsional or rotational forces to the tooth. These forces may be necessary to achieve tooth realignment during orthodontic treatment, particularly in cases where the tooth is severely misaligned at the start of treatment.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the bracket body 104 may be formed in various positions or slot prescriptions to accommodate different tooth locations and treatment needs. For example, the bracket body 104 may include one or more hooks, which can be provided in specific positions to facilitate the attachment of auxiliary orthodontic appliances, such as elastics. The possible positions for the bracket body 104 may include U1R, U1L, U2R, U2L, U3R Hook, U3L Hook, U4R Hook. U4R No Hook, U4L Hook, U4L No Hook, U5R Hook, U5RNo Hook. U5L Hook, U5L No Hook, L1R, LIL, L2R. L2L. L3R Hook. L3L Hook, L4R Hook, L4R No Hook, L4L Hook, L4L No Hook, L5R Hook, L5R No Hook, and L5L Hook, L5L No Hook. These positions are provided to accommodate the various anatomical and functional requirements of different teeth within the upper and lower dental arches, ensuring effective and customizable treatment.

[0048] The bracket 100 further includes an archwire slot 114, which defines a channel extending generally in the mesial-distal direction across the bracket 100. The archwire slot 114 is configured to receive an archwire that applies corrective forces from the archwire to the bracket 100, thereby coercing movement of the tooth to which the bracket 100 is secured relative to adjacent teeth in the patient’s mouth. The channel defined by the arch wire slot 114 opens either toward the cheek or the lips, depending on the tooth's position within the upper or lower dental arch.

[0049] In some embodiments, the bracket 100 may be configured as a self-ligating bracket. A self-ligating bracket refers to a bracket that includes an integral latching mechanism to secure the arch wire within the arch wire slot 114 without the need for external ligatures, such as elastomeric rings or metal ties. In contrast, a conventional (non-self-ligating) bracket, depicted in FIGS. 16-17, requires external ligatures to hold the archwire in place. The self-ligatingdesign offers reduced friction and easier adjustments compared to conventional ligating brackets.

[0050] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-5, in certain embodiments, the self-ligating bracket 100 includes a latching member 116 configured to selectively provide access to the archwire slot 114 along the front face of the bracket 100. As best depicted in FIG. 5, the latching member 116 may be embodied as a door that can be opened or closed to engage or disengage the archwire from the arch wire slot 114. In one embodiment, the latching member 116 is configured as a sliding door with a spring mechanism, which allows the door to move smoothly along a track and securely lock the archwire in place. The spring ensures that the door remains securely closed unless intentionally disengaged. In the depicted embodiment, the latching member 116 includes one or more tabs 118a, 118b that are received within corresponding slots 120a, 120b formed in the bracket body 104. This arrangement enables the secure retention of the archwire within the slot when the latching member 116 is in the closed position.

[0051] Although the latching member 116 is illustrated as a door with tabs and corresponding slots, alternative embodiments are contemplated. For instance, the latching member 116 could be hinged to the bracket body 104, allowing the door to pivot open and closed. Alternatively, the latching member 116 could be implemented as a clip mechanism that snaps into place to secure the archwire, or as a sliding cover that moves laterally to enable access to the archwire slot 114.

[0052] When the latching member 116 is in the open position, as shown in FIG. 5, the archwire slot 114 is accessible, allowing for the insertion or removal of the archwire. When the latching member 116 is closed, as depicted in FIG. 1, the archwire is secured within the archwire slot 114, thereby maintaining the archwire's engagement with the bracket 100 and ensuring proper ligation of the archwire to the bracket.

[0053] The bracket body 104 and latching member 116 can be constructed from a variety of materials traditionally used in the construction of orthodontic brackets. These materials may include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, and polycarbonate, each chosen for their strength, biocompatibility, and durability under the forces applied during orthodontic treatment. In some embodiments, the bracket body 104 and latching member 116 may be constructed from a combination of these materials to optimize their structural properties, such as using a nickel-containing stainless steel or cobalt chromium alloy core with a ceramic outer shell for aesthetic purposes. Additionally, the components of the bracket 100 may be produced using various manufacturing techniques, including metal injection molding(MIM), milling, and casting. In other embodiments, advanced manufacturing methods such as 3D printing (additive manufacturing) can be employed to produce the bracket body 104 and latching member 116 with high precision and customization for individual patients. 3D printing allows for the creation of complex geometries and tailored designs, further enhancing the versatility' of the orthodontic bracket.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of the bracket body 104 and the latching member 116 is depicted, with these components separate from one another. The bracket body 104 and the latching member 116 cooperate to define the arch wire slot 114 when engaged. In FIG. 7, the latching member 116 is secured in place, forming the complete archwire slot 114 within the bracket body 104.

[0055] As depicted, the lingual surface 128 of the archwire slot 114 can be defined by the bracket body 104, while the labial surface 126 of the archwire slot 114 can be defined by the latching member 116. Additionally, the bracket body 104 and the latching member 116 can cooperate, or the bracket body alone, can define a gingival surface 130 (bottom surface) and an occlusal surface 132 (top surface) of the archwire slot 114. In other embodiments, such as that depicted in FIGS. 16-17, the labial surface 126 is left undefined by the bracket structure.

[0056] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the archwire slot 114 formed in a material block 101, which generically represents an orthodontic bracket. In one embodiment, the arch ire slot 114 can be in the form of an ellipse, characterized by having two parallel, horizontal chords trimmed off its top and bottom, represented by the occlusal surface 132 and the gingival surface 130. The occlusal surface 132 and the gingival surface 130 can each have measure a distance LI and can be separated by a vertical distance of L2. The opposing side walls of the ellipse, represented by the labial surface 126 and the lingual surface 128, may curve outwardly from the ends of the chords, defining a maximum horizontal dimension L3 at the widest point of the ellipse. A height of the of the ellipse can be defined by a maximum vertical dimension. In this configuration, the vertical distance between the top and bottom chords can define the height of the trimmed ellipse, while the horizontal dimension between the curved side walls can define the width at the midpoint of the ellipse. In this configuration, LI can be about 0.028 inches, L2 can be about 0.020 inches, and L3 can be about 0.032 inches.

[0057] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the archwire slot 114 formed in a material block 101, which generically represents an orthodontic bracket. In one embodiment, the arch wire slot 114 can be in the form of an ellipse, characterized by having two parallel, horizontal chords trimmed off its top and bottom. The top chord and the bottom chord can eachmeasure betw een about 0.026 inches and about 0.028 inches in length and can be separated by a vertical distance of about 0.020 inches. The opposing side walls of the ellipse may curve outwardly from the ends of the chords, defining a maximum horizontal dimension of between about 0.028 inches and about 0.032 inches at the widest point of the ellipse. The vertical distance between the top and bottom chords can define the height of the trimmed ellipse, while the horizontal dimension between the curved side walls can define the width at the midpoint of the ellipse. While these dimensions represent one example embodiment, other sizes and configurations of the archwire slot are also contemplated to accommodate various archwire shapes and dimensions.

[0058] The gingival surface 130 and the occlusal surface 132. both of which can be planar, can measure a distance of LI across and can be vertically spaced apart by a distance L2. This configuration allows for the placement of a rectangular archwire, such as a 20x28 archwire (having a height dimension of approximately 0.020 inches and a width dimension of approximately 0.028 inches), within the arch wire slot 114 in a manner that prevents the wire from extending into the portion of the archwire slot 114 defined by the opposing labial surface 126 and lingual surface 128. In this configuration, LI can be slightly larger than 0.028 inches and L2 can be slightly larger than 0.020 inches, providing sufficient tolerance to allow the archwire to slide within the archwire slot 114. It should be noted that these dimensions represent one example embodiment, and other sizes and configurations are also contemplated to accommodate different types of archwires and treatment needs.

[0059] For example, FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the archwire slot 114 with a 20x28 rectangular archwire positioned therein. In this embodiment, the rectangular archwire can fully occupy the space defined by the gingival surface 130 and the occlusal surface 132, without extending into the curved portions of the slot, thereby ensuring precise torque control and efficient tooth movement.

[0060] The labial surface 126 and the lingual surface 128 can extend beyond the width LI to a maximum dimension of L3, thereby enabling the positioning of tandem archwires within the archwire slot 114, enhancing the versatility of the bracket. For example, FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of the archwire slot 114 with two 0.016-inch round wires positioned within the slot. In this configuration, L3 can be slightly larger than 0.032 inches, allowing for the simultaneous use of two wires. This arrangement provides enhanced control over tooth movement by distributing forces more effectively during treatment.

[0061] In this embodiment, the maximum vertical dimension of the ellipse orthogonal to L3. can measure about 0.026 inches. The radius R1 of the labial surface 126 and the lingual surface 128 can be determined according to known formulas for calculating the radius of an ellipse at any given angle.

[0062] Different sizes of round archwires can be positioned within the archwire slot 114, allowing for further versatility in treatment. FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the arch wire slot 114 with a 0.018 inch round wire and a 0.014 inch round wire positioned therein simultaneously. This embodiment demonstrates the flexibility of the bracket design in accommodating wires of varying diameters, enabling precise customization of the forces applied to the tooth.

[0063] In some embodiments, a labiolingual thickness of the archwire slot 114 can be controlled to provide an orthodontic prescription tailored to the anatomical requirements of each tooth. The term "labiolingual thickness" refers to the distance between a labial surface of the base portion 102 and the lingual surface 128 of the archwire slot 114. By adjusting the labiolingual thickness, the depth of the archwire slot 114 relative to the tooth’s surface can be customized. This adjustment ensures that the archwire is positioned at the correct depth to deliver the prescribed orthodontic forces needed for precise tooth movement.

[0064] Other configurations are also contemplated, where the shape of the archwire slot 114 need not be elliptical, provided that the slot is shaped and sized to receive either a single 20x28 rectangular archwire or a pair of 0.016 inch round wires. For example, the gingival surface 130 and the occlusal surface 132 could each be defined by a curve having a constant radius of about 0.016 inches, which could intersect with a rectangular channel having height dimension of approximately 0.020 inches and a width dimension of approximately 0.028 inches, such that a maximum dimension between the gingival surface 130 and the occlusal surface 132 measure about 0.032 inches apart, thereby enabling the use of either a 20x28 archwire or a pair of 0.016-inch round wires.

[0065] FIG. 12 depicts a cross-sectional view of the bracket body 104 and the latching member 116, with these components shown separately from one another. As illustrated, the bracket body 104 and the latching member 116 cooperate to define the archwire slot 114 when engaged. In FIG. 13, the latching member 116 is secured in place, forming the complete archwire slot 114 within the bracket body 104. As show n, the labial surface 126 and the lingual surface 128 form an arc that generally follows the natural curvature of the patient’s mouth at the location where the bracket 100 is affixed.

[0066] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the archwire slot 114 formed in a material block 101, which generically represents an orthodontic bracket. In one embodiment, the archwire slot 114 can generally follow an arch in the occlusal plane along a radius R2, which is the plane extending horizontally through the biting surfaces of the teeth. The radius R1 of the archwire slot 114 can vary7depending on several factors, including the type of arch wire (upper or lower), the shape of the patient's dental arch, and the stage of orthodontic treatment. For most standard orthodontic archwires, however, the radius R2 can range from about 20 mm to about 36 mm.

[0067] As depicted in FIG. 15, a pair of archwires 150a and 150b are positioned within the archwire slot 114, illustrating how the bracket 100 can slide along the archwires 150a, 150b. The curved design of the archwire slot 114 provides a significant clinical advantage over traditional flat-walled archwire slots by better accommodating the natural curvature of the archwires. The curvature of the archwire slot 114 allows for smoother sliding mechanics with less friction, minimizing the binding or notching that commonly occurs with flat-walled slots. This reduction in friction contributes to more efficient tooth movement and improved patient comfort during treatment.

[0068] Clinical studies indicate that resistance to bodily tooth movement is primarily caused by a "binding-and-release" phenomenon, wherein intense contact or binding points form at the edges of flat-walled slots where they interact with the curved contours of the archwires. This binding can significantly hinder the sliding motion of the bracket along the archwire. By contrast, the curved archwire slot 114, as shown in FIGS. 12-15, reduce these binding points, allowing an archwire 150 to slide more freely within the slot. This enhances the overall effectiveness of the bracket 100 by promoting smoother, more controlled movement of the teeth.

[0069] Accordingly, the curved archwire slot 114 improves treatment efficiency by reducing the friction that typically impedes tooth movement in traditional bracket designs. The reduction of friction allows for fewer patient visits, faster overall treatment times, and a more comfortable experience for the patient. Additionally, the curved slot provides a more passive engagement with the archwires 150a, 150b, enabling the wires to move within the slot without the excessive force required to overcome frictional resistance. This passive engagement not only enhances sliding mechanics but also ensures that the forces applied during treatment are more consistent and effective, leading to better clinical outcomes.

[0070] The labial surface 126 and the lingual surface 128 of the archwire slot 114 exhibit compound curvatures that are orthogonal to one another, designed to enhance the bracket's performance during treatment. As shown and described, the compound curvature includes a primary curvature following a radius Rl, which may, for example, follow an elliptical path in the buccolingual direction. This curvature enables the positioning of pairs of archwires within the archwire slot 114, providing sufficient space for their tandem arrangement. This design ensures that both archwires engage effectively within the slot, without interference or distortion caused by limited space. The configuration optimizes the distribution of forces applied by the archwires, promoting effective and controlled tooth movement.

[0071] Orthogonal to this primary curvature, the labial surface 126 and the lingual surface 128 also exhibit a secondary curvature, which is designed to reduce friction as the bracket 100 slides along the archwires 150a, 150b. This secondary curvature follows a radius R2 in the occlusal direction and ensures that the contact points betw een the archwires and the bracket are less prone to binding. The interaction between these orthogonal curvatures allows for a more passive engagement with the archwires, minimizing the need for excessive force to overcome frictional resistance. As a result, the bracket 100 can move more freely along the archwires 150a, 150b, facilitating smoother and more efficient tooth movement throughout the treatment process.

[0072] The orthogonal compound curvatures of the archwire slot 114 not only facilitate the placement of multiple archwires but also ensure early control of rotations and minimize friction during treatment. By following carefully designed curvatures based on radii Rl and R2, the bracket 100 reduces the likelihood of binding and notching, allowing for more consistent movement of the teeth. This design further enhances the clinical benefits of the bracket, including reduced treatment time, fewer patient visits, and improved patient comfort. The dual, orthogonal curvatures of the labial and lingual surfaces 126 and 128 provide a solution to the challenges posed by traditional flat- walled arch wire slots, offering both versatility' and efficiency in orthodontic treatment.

[0073] Conventional Single Wire Treatment

[0074] In a conventional orthodontic treatment, an orthodontic bracket 100 is affixed to each tooth using a resin-based dental adhesive, and a single archwire 150 is positioned within the curved arch wire slot 114 of each bracket. The bracket 100, typically bonded to the labial (front) side of the tooth, acts as a handle to hold the archwire 150 in place and apply force tothe tooth via the wire. The bonding process begins by cleaning and etching the tooth surface to create microporosities that enhance the mechanical bonding of the resin adhesive. Once the bracket 100 is placed on the tooth and bonded with resin, an LED light can be used to cure the adhesive and fix the bracket in position.

[0075] Orthodontists often begin treatment using small, flexible round archwires ranging in size from 0.012 inch to 0.020 inch, particularly when using 0.022 x 0.028 slot twin or selfligating brackets. These round archwires facilitate easy rotational and vertical alignment of teeth, providing low forces that ensure comfortable movement. As treatment progresses, these round wires are followed by rectangular archwires, which are used to achieve space closure, open spaces for restorative procedures, or finalize treatment with proper torque and angulation.

[0076] During periodic adjustment visits, the orthodontist may determine if a different shape, size, or material of the archwire is needed. Typically, round archwires are used in the early stages of treatment to align the teeth, while rectangular archwires are introduced later in treatment. Rectangular archwires provide better control of torque and angulation, which can play a larger role in finishing treatment. The archwire is either reinserted or replaced to accommodate the desired movements, which could include straightening, rotation, or closing gaps between teeth.

[0077] As depicted, the curved archwire slot 114 within each bracket 100 facilitates smoother sliding of the archwire 150 along the teeth, reducing friction compared to traditional rectangular slots. The use of round wires early in treatment, followed by rectangular wires for torque control, is made more efficient by the design of the curved archwire slot 114, which minimizes the binding or notching of the archwire 150 as it moves through the brackets 100. This cur ed archwire slot 114 design results in more efficient tooth movement and improved patient comfort. In a conventional treatment using flat-walled bracket slots, friction and binding can occur at contact points between the archwire and the bracket, causing resistance to bodily tooth movement. This binding-and-release phenomenon can delay treatment and increase patient discomfort. However, the curved slot design of the archwire slot 114 reduces these binding points and improves the sliding mechanics of the archwire, allowing for more consistent force application and faster treatment progress.

[0078] FIGS. 18A-F depict the progression of a conventional single archwire treatment for the upper arch over the course of six visits. Similarly, FIGS. 19A-F depict the progression of the same treatment for the lower arch during the same six visits. As illustrated, the upper and lower archwires undergo incremental changes in shape, size, and material to achieve thedesired alignment of the teeth. The details of each visit, as reflected in FIGS. 18A-F and 19A-F, are described below.

[0079] FIGS. 18A and 19A illustrate the first visit of the treatment, during which a 0.016-inch NiTi archwire is positioned in the upper arch (FIG. 18A) and a 0.014-inch NiTi archwire is positioned in the lower arch (FIG. 19A). At this early stage, light and flexible round NiTi wires are used to gently align and level the teeth. Additionally, a passive coil spring 152 is positioned in the mi dime of FIG. I9A, creating a gentle force between the incisors on opposing sides of a blocked-out incisor to encourage space creation within the arch for the blocked-out incisor. The consistent low forces applied by these NiTi wires help move the teeth without causing significant discomfort to the patient. The smaller 0.014-inch wire in the lower arch allows for more delicate movements in this arch.

[0080] FIGS. 18B and 19B depict the second visit of the treatment. During this visit, the same 0.016-inch NiTi wire is reinserted into the upper arch (FIG. 18B), indicating that more time was needed to achieve the necessary movement in the upper teeth. In the lower arch (FIG.19B), the 0.014-inch NiTi wire was replaced with a new 0.014-inch NiTi wire to continue the alignment process, and the passive coil spring 152 remains in the midhne, further encouraging space creation in the arch to accommodate the blocked-out incisor. This visit reflects the orthodontist’s decision to maintain gentle forces while furthering the tooth movement.

[0081] FIGS. 18C and 19C show the third visit of the treatment, where the first rectangular NiTi wires (14x25) are placed in both the upper (FIG. 18C) and lower (FIG. 19C) arches. The transition to rectangular wires provides better control over tooth movement, particularly in terms of rotation, which helps refine the final alignment of the teeth. These wires are the first wires to engage the labiolingual dimension of the archwire slot 114 more fully than single round wires, allowing for more precise force application.

[0082] As illustrated in FIGS. 18D and 19D, the fourth visit introduces thicker rectangular wires. An 18x25 NiTi wire is placed in the upper arch (FIG. 18D), while a slightly smaller 16x25 NiTi wire is placed in the lower arch (FIG. 19D). This progression to thicker wires allows for greater force application and control over the movement of the teeth, particularly in controlling tip and torque. The different wire sizes between the upper and lower arches reflect the unique anatomical needs of each arch during treatment.

[0083] FIGS. 18E and 19E depict the fifth visit, where the same 18x25 NiTi wire is maintained in the upper arch (FIG. 18E), and the same 16x25 NiTi wire is maintained in the lower arch (FIG. 19E). Additionally, stoppers 154 are positioned along the archwire 150 inFIG. 18E to secure the central incisors in place, providing stability in their position along the arch while other teeth continue to align and rotate under the forces applied by these rectangular NiTi wires.

[0084] FIGS. 18F and 19F illustrate the sixth visit, where the treatment progresses to stiffer Titanium Molybdenum Alloy (TMA) wires. A 19x25 TMA wire is placed in the upper arch (FIG. 18F), and a 17x25 TMA wire is placed in the lower arch (FIG. 19F). In FIG. 18F, stoppers 154 remain in place along the archwire 150 to secure the central incisors, providing consistent control over their positioning as other teeth continue to adjust. TMA wires offer enhanced control over fine-tuning tooth positioning, particularly during the finishing stages of treatment. These larger rectangular wires engage more of the bracket slot 114, providing excellent torque and angulation control to achieve the final tooth alignment.

[0085] Throughout the course of treatment, as depicted in FIGS. 18A-F and 19A-F, the use of progressively larger and stiffer archwires, combined w ith the curved archwire slot 114 of the bracket 100, facilitates more efficient tooth movement with less friction and binding compared to conventional flat-walled bracket slots.

[0086] Tandem Wire Treatment

[0087] In embodiments, utilizing tandem wires from the outset can significantly reduce the number of wire changes needed during treatment. By starting with tandem wires that better fill the archwire slot, rotations and crowding issues can be addressed early, allowing for a smoother transition to a larger rectangular finishing wire. This approach contrasts with conventional treatments that often require 4-5 wire changes to address initial crowding, whereas the tandem wire method can achieve similar outcomes with only 2-3 wire changes. The initial tandem wires help align teeth quickly, making it easier to progress to a rectangular wire that more completely fills the slot and provides the necessary torque control for final adjustments.

[0088] FIGS. 20A-B and 21A-B depict an improved orthodontic treatment that employs tandem archwires, referred to here as the "master wire" (first archwire 150a) and the "server wire" (second archwire 150b), early in the treatment process. In this improved treatment, the master wire and server wire are positioned within the curved archwire slot 114 of the brackets 100 to provide enhanced control and efficiency during tooth movement, particularly during the initial alignment phase. The tandem round wires, comprising the master wire and server wire within the slot, offer functional benefits by allowing both light and heavy forces to be appliedsimultaneously. This combination of forces ensures effective decrowding of the arch while maintaining control over tooth movement.

[0089] As illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 21 A, the first visit employs tandem 0.012-inch NiTi archwires placed within the curved archwire slot 114 of the brackets 100. FIG. 20A shows the upper arch during the first visit, while FIG. 21 A depicts the lower arch. In FIG. 21 A, a passive coil spring 152 is positioned on the master wire to encourage space creation in the arch to accommodate a blocked-out incisor, while the server wire is used to begin manipulation of the blocked-out incisor. This efficient use of two archwires stands in contrast to the single archwire setup show n in FIGS. 19A and 19B, highlighting the advantages of the tandem wire approach.

[0090] Moreover, by using a tandem wire approach, the archwire slot 114 is more completely filled in an organized manner, ensuring that the wires lie on the same plane within the slot. This design reduces the risk of binding, a common issue in conventional rectangular slot designs. The curved archwire slot 114, which follows an elliptical path, accommodates both wires simultaneously without interference or distortion, allowing for precise engagement and movement of the teeth. This results in a more comfortable treatment for the patient, with less friction compared to conventional treatments that use a single wire in the early stages.

[0091] The unique design of the curved archwire slot 114 facilitates the positioning of multiple wires within the same slot. The compound curvature of the slot, as previously described, enables the archw ire slot 114 to support the placement of tandem wires, such as a 0.012-inch NiTi master wire and server wire, without overlapping or twisting. This design ensures that both the master and server wires lie flat within the slot and deliver consistent forces to the teeth, promoting smoother sliding mechanics and more efficient movement during treatment. The use of two wires in a master and server wire configuration in the initial phase provides both light forces for initial alignment and heavier forces to control the movement of more resistant teeth, improving the overall efficiency of decrowding and alignment.

[0092] In the second visit, as depicted in FIGS. 20B and 21B, the tandem 0.012-inch NiTi wires (master and server wires) are replaced with a single 14x25 NiTi archwire. FIG. 20B shows the upper arch during the second visit, and FIG. 21B depicts the lower arch. The NiTi archwire is used at this stage to provide stronger forces and greater control over tooth movement, especially torque and angulation. As the rectangular wire fills the rectangular portion of the curved archwire slot 114, it maintains contact with the labial and lingual surfaces, providing optimal engagement. The unique design of the proposed slot ensures that the 14x25NiTi wire fills the rectangular portion of the slot without extending into the rounded, more concave ends of the slot (e g., as depicted in FIG. 9). This feature ensures that torque control is maximized, as the wire can express the built-in prescription for torque and inclination more precisely.

[0093] The transition from tandem round archwires in the first visit to a rectangular NiTi arch wire in the second visit is facilitated by an ability of the curved archwire slot 114 to accommodate different wire shapes and sizes. The curved design of the slot allows the rectangular wire to slide smoothly while maintaining full contact with the labial and lingual surfaces of the archwire slot 114, further reducing friction and promoting efficient tooth movement. In this design, the rectangular 19x25 wire can completely fill the rectangular area of the slot without extending into the concave ends, allowing for excellent torque control during finishing stages. This unique combination of decrowding forces early in treatment and precise torque expression later in treatment allows for a highly efficient and controlled orthodontic process.

[0094] The ability of the curved arch wire slot 114 to accommodate tandem wires during the early stages of treatment, followed by a transition to a single rectangular archwire, exemplifies the flexibility and improved treatment efficiency provided by this design. The tandem w ire configuration in the early stages allow s for better alignment and leveling of the teeth, while the use of a bioactive rectangular wire in later stages ensures controlled and effective tooth movement as the treatment progresses. This approach not only facilitates decrowding with the simultaneous use of light and heavy forces but also provides precise torque and inclination control during the finishing phase. This system reduces overall treatment time and provides a more comfortable experience for the patient by minimizing binding and friction within the arch wire slot, giving the orthodontist the best of both worlds: early control and alignment with tandem wires and optimal torque expression with rectangular wires during finishing.

[0095] The truncated elliptical shape of the arch wire slot 114 provides several key advantages over conventional twin and passive self-ligating brackets that utilize traditional rectangular archwire slots. One of the primary benefits of the proposed truncated elliptical design is the ability to effectively accommodate two archwires in tandem, particularly during the early stages of treatment. Conventional rectangular slots are dimensionally constrained, which limits the ability to insert two wires without causing distortion or interference. In contrast, the curved, truncated elliptical geometry of the archwire slot 114 provides sufficientspace to insert tandem wires without the risk of binding, notching, or fracture that often occurs in conventional rectangular slots when two wires are used simultaneously.

[0096] In conventional rectangular slots, when two round wires are placed in tandem, they are often constrained by the dimensions of the slot, leading to twisting, misalignment, and an inability to lie flat within the slot. This twisting increases the likelihood of binding and reduces the overall efficiency of treatment. Extending the depth of a rectangular archwire slot to accommodate two wires often introduces further complications later in treatment, such as loss of rotational control and malalignment. However, the elliptical arch wire slot 114 enables tandem wires to lie flat within the slot, avoiding these issues and ensuring consistent force distribution across the teeth. This design reduces friction, minimizes the need for frequent wire changes, and allows for more comfortable treatment with fewer adjustment visits.

[0097] The elliptical geometry of the archwire slot 114 also resolves a common problem faced by conventional bracket slots: their inability to accommodate variable wire dimensions while maintaining proper tooth movement control. The truncated elliptical slot is designed to accommodate the progressive placement of small round wires in the early stages of treatment, followed by larger rectangular wires as the treatment progresses. The curved slot walls ensure that each wire, whether round or rectangular, can fill the internal dimensions of the slot appropriately, providing excellent control over tooth movement, particularly during decrowding and alignment.

[0098] Additionally, the ability to use two tandem wires in the elliptical slot allows orthodontists to apply light and heavy forces simultaneously. This dual-force mechanism provides better control over decrowding and alignment while ensuring that the forces remain well-distributed across the teeth. In particular, the larger base wire can support mechanical changes in the arch form, while the smaller overlay wire can be selectively positioned to align teeth that are blocked out of the archform. This flexibility allows for more precise and efficient treatment, particularly in the early stages, where traditional mechanics in rectangular slots can lead to gum and bone issues due to limited options for applying appropriate wire forces.

[0099] When transitioning to rectangular wires during the later stages of treatment, the elliptical slot offers another distinct advantage. For example, a 19x25 rectangular wire inserted into the truncated elliptical slot 114 can fully occupy the rectangular portion of the slot without extending into the rounded, concave ends. This allow s for maximum torque control during the finishing stages of treatment. The curved slot design ensures that the wire is precisely aligned with the slot walls, optimizing torque and angulation control for improved treatment outcomes.The ability to immediately progress from tandem round wires to rectangular finishing wires without the need for an intermediate wire provides clinicians with the best of both worlds: early control and alignment through tandem wire configurations, followed by precise torque expression in the finishing stages.

[0100] Moreover, the curved geometry of the archwire slot 114 addresses limitations of current digital orthodontic treatment planning systems, which often rely on standard flat-walled bracket slots. Current digital software tools for pre-treatment diagnostic setups can now take full advantage of the sophisticated features of the curved slot design, allowing orthodontists to deliver more effective and efficient treatment methods. This design enables digital treatment systems to customize the internal dimensions of the slot for an infinite variety' of dental anatomies, resulting in better control of torque, rotations, and angulation across different teeth.

[0101] The orthodontic treatments described herein, including the tandem wire configuration and the use of a rectangular finishing wire, are hypothetical and based on theoretical models. These treatments have not yet been tested in human patients, and actual results may vary depending on individual patient anatomy, compliance, and other clinical factors. Further research and trials will be needed to validate these findings and refine the treatment approach based on empirical evidence.

[0102] Ordered Movements

[0103] In the early’ 1970s. Larry Andrews introduced the "straight- wire" appliance, which eliminated many of the manual wire bends needed during the finishing stages of orthodontic treatment. Andrews' system defined three orders of control — first-order, second-order, and third-order movements — that were integral to the design of straight- wire brackets. Each of these orders addresses a different dimension of tooth movement, ensuring precise alignment of the teeth within the dental arch.

[0104] These movements enable proper anterior occlusion, which refers to the contact or alignment of the front teeth (incisors and canines) when the jaws are closed. Proper anterior occlusion not only improves the esthetic appearance of the smile but also contributes to a balanced and functional bite, as well as proper interdigitation, which refers to the precise fitting together of the upper and lower teeth when the jaws are closed. Achieving proper interdigitation is key for a functional and stable occlusion, ensuring that the teeth meet and function properly during biting and chewing.

[0105] First-Order Movements (In-Out Position). First-order movements refer to the control of a tooth’s position in the buccolingual plane, meaning the horizontal adjustment of the tooth relative to the dental arch. This movement occurs perpendicular to the arch, directing the tooth either outward toward the buccal (cheek or lips) side or inward toward the lingual (tongue or palate) side. In orthodontics, these movements enable a smooth arch form by aligning the teeth horizontally. First-order movements serve to position each tooth at the proper depth within the arch, correcting any deviations that would result in the tooth being positioned too far inward or outward.

[0106] First-order movements may also be considered to include two important processes in the same plane of reference for segments of teeth: lateral development and constriction. Lateral development refers to the expansion of the dental arch outward toward the cheeks, often necessary to create space for teeth or achieve a proper occlusal relationship. In contrast, constriction involves narrowing the dental arch inward toward the tongue or palate, which may be required in cases where the arch is too wide. Both lateral development and constriction are aspects of first-order movement, as they modify the horizontal alignment of contiguous segments of teeth within the buccolingual plane.

[0107] Each tooth in the dental arch has a unique anatomical crown shape, which means the distance between the buccal surface (cheek / lip side) and the lingual surface (tongue / palate side) can vary from one tooth to another. For example, a molar may have a much thicker crown compared to an incisor, and without proper adjustment, this variation in thickness could result in an inconsistent alignment of the teeth within the arch. To account for these differences, the base of the bracket 100 can be designed with a specific labiolingual thickness, which refers to the distance between the back (lingual) surface and the front (labial) surface of the bracket.

[0108] In particular, for embodiments of the orthodontic bracket 100 disclosed herein, the term labiolingual thickness refers to the distance between the base portion of the bracket 100 and the lingual surface 128 of the curved archwire slot 114. For example, the labiolingual thickness can be selected based on the specific anatomical characteristics of each tooth, compensating for variations in crown thickness and ensuring proper alignment within the dental arch.

[0109] By selecting the appropriate labiolingual thickness for each tooth, the bracket 100 can ensure that the archwire, when engaged within the archwire slot 114, is positioned at the correct depth relative to the tooth’s surface. This adjustment is part of a prescriptive orthodontic system, where the thickness of the bracket base is customized for each tooth as part of acomprehensive treatment plan. This system ensures the correct in-out positioning of the teeth, minimizing the need for additional wire adjustments throughout the course of treatment.

[0110] FIG. 22 illustrates first-order tooth movements, showing how the bracket 100 adjusts the in-out position of each tooth within the buccolingual plane to achieve correct horizontal alignment along the dental arch. The brackets incorporate built-in in-out differences tailored to the unique anatomical characteristics of each tooth, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for wire bending. This design allows for precise adjustments in the buccolingual direction, ensuring each tooth is correctly positioned relative to adjacent teeth and their interdental contact points, promoting a smooth and aligned arch form.[OHl] Second-Order Movements (Tip or Angulation). Second-order movements in orthodontics refer to the tip or angulation of the teeth. These movements involve adjusting the angle of the tooth in the facial plane, which controls how the tooth is tipped either forward or backward along a facial axis. The mesiodistal plane describes the plane or direction that runs from the front (mesial) of the mouth to the back (distal) of the mouth. It refers to the line or axis along which the teeth are aligned from the midline of the dental arch (the center between the two front teeth) toward the molars at the back of the mouth.

[0112] Adjusting the mesiodistal angulation ensures that each tooth is correctly angled to achieve proper contact with neighboring teeth, to create a well-aligned dental arch. By adjusting the angulation of the tooth's crown, second-order movements ensure that each tooth is correctly aligned with its neighbors, promoting smooth contact and uniform alignment within the arch. Proper angulation helps distribute forces evenly across the teeth, contributing to both esthetic and functional outcomes.

[0113] FIG. 23 depicts movement of a tooth in the second order, showing how the crown angulation (tip) is adjusted by rotating the tooth around its long axis. This adjustment is measured by comparing the long axis of the crown relative to a line that is 90° to the occlusal plane. The goal of second-order movements is to tip the tooth so that it maintains the correct mesiodistal angulation, contributing to both ideal anterior occlusion and interdigitation, ensuring proper alignment, function, and stability within the dental arch.

[0114] Third-Order Movements (Torque or Inclination). Third-order movements involve torque, or the buccolingual inclination of the tooth. This movement takes place in the mesiodistal plane, which runs from the front to the back of the mouth. Third-order movements involve rotational adjustments along this plane, controlling how the tooth is inclined toward the buccal (cheek / lips) or lingual (tongue) side. Unlike first-order and second-ordermovements, which adjust position and tip, third-order movements focus on the angle at which the tooth is rotated to achieve proper torque. This ensures that the tooth root is positioned correctly relative to the crown, enhancing both aesthetics and function.

[0115] Third-order movements are critical for achieving the correct buccolingual inclination of the tooth, which affects how the teeth meet in occlusion. Proper torque control ensures that the tooth’s crown is inclined correctly to interact with opposing teeth in the bite, ensuring that the teeth align properly along the archform. This inclination is especially important for ensuring that the tooth’s root and crown are positioned to fit within the overall occlusal scheme of the mouth. Achieving proper torque contributes to stable occlusion, improved function, and enhanced aesthetics.

[0116] FIG. 24 depicts movement of a tooth in the third-order movement, showing how crown inclination is controlled by adjusting the angle between a line 90° to the occlusal plane and a line tangent to the middle of the labial or buccal clinical crown. The goal of third-order movement is to ensure that the crown and root are positioned with the correct buccolingual inclination to achieve functional and stable occlusion within the dental arch.

[0117] In traditional rectangular bracket slots, the progression of archwires — from small round wires for initial alignment to larger rectangular wires for torque control — helps ensure these three orders of movement are achieved. The larger slot sizes used in early treatment stages allow for smaller, lighter round wires to engage misaligned teeth while minimizing binding and friction. As treatment progresses, rectangular wires more fully fill the slot, providing control of the alignment of interdental contact points (first order), over angulation (second-order) and inclination (third-order). However, if the finishing wire does not fill the slot adequately, precise movements are not achieved, requiring the orthodontist to make manual adjustments or bends to compensate for the inaccuracy.

[0118] Fourth-Order Movements (Arc Control). Considering the advancements in bracket design and archwire technology, a new concept is introduced to further enhance the control provided by orthodontic brackets. Fourth-order movements focus on controlling tooth movements around the anterior arc of the dental arch. This additional level of control is particularly important in the curvature of the arch, where conventional rectangular slots often result in high friction forces between the wire and bracket, reducing precision over tooth movement. The introduction of a curvilinear slot design in the bracket 100 allows for smoother sliding of the bracket 100 around this anterior arc by reducing friction, thereby improving treatment efficiency.

[0119] In conventional orthodontic treatments, high friction forces can significantly reduce the efficiency of tooth movement, with up to 60% of the applied force being used to overcome friction. Self-ligating brackets, are generally believed to reduce friction compared to conventional brackets. However, in practice, self-ligating brackets do not always reduce friction, particularly during wire deflection in the buccolingual plane. Flat-walled brackets, in particular, tend to bind with the archwires as teeth move along the wire, akin to "pearls on a string," resulting in further resistance and inefficient tooth movement.

[0120] Friction resistance in orthodontic brackets includes of two main components: classic friction and binding friction. Classic friction refers to the resistance generated between the archwire and the bracket slot, influenced by factors such as the force pushing the wire against the bracket, the coefficient of friction between the materials, the presence of moisture, and surface wear. Binding friction, on the other hand, occurs when the archwire makes contact with the comers of the bracket slot during tooth movement, particularly as the wire deflects. This contact increases resistance as the wire navigates around the edges of the bracket slots. As wire deflection increases, friction forces grow, especially in conventional self-ligating brackets, which tend to create higher normal forces. These brackets do not absorb shear forces effectively, leading to greater resistance as the wire deflects and binds against the bracket.

[0121] The brackets 100 of the current disclosure sen e to significantly reduce both classic friction and binding friction by employing a curved archwire slot 114 designed to complement the natural curvature of the archwire, particularly around the anterior arc. By matching the curvature of the wire more closely, the curved slot reduces the likelihood of the wire making sharp contact with the comers of the slot, minimizing the effects of binding friction. Unlike conventional flat-walled slots, which can lead to high normal forces and increased friction during deflection, the curvilinear design of the slot absorbs and distributes shear forces more effectively. This results in a smoother sliding of the archwire and a reduction in overall friction forces, allowing for more efficient and precise tooth movement.

[0122] Fourth-order control addresses the specific challenges that arise when using curved archwires in the anterior region of the mouth. Traditional bracket designs with flat-walled slots tend to create resistance to movement, especially in the anterior arc, where the curved wire interacts poorly with the flat slot walls. This resistance, often exacerbated as teeth move along the arch wire leads to higher friction and slower treatment progress. The curved slot design of the bracket 100, by contrast, is engineered to complement the natural curvature of the archwire, enabling more efficient tooth movement with significantly reduced binding or friction.

[0123] The arc control facilitated by fourth-order movements allows the teeth to translate along the natural curvature of the arch, much like pearls on a string, with reduced friction due to the curved slot design. FIG. 25 illustrates this concept by showing an elastomeric chain applying force to close spaces between teeth, guiding them along the archwire and bracket slots. Notably, traditional brackets with flat-walled slots would generate non-complementary surfaces between the wire and slot, leading to significant binding forces under tension from the elastomeric chain. This binding resistance is greatly minimized with the curved slot design, allowing smoother, more controlled movement and enhancing the efficiency of the spaceclosing process, enabling orthodontists to achieve precise, friction-reduced translation of teeth, ultimately leading to more efficient and accurate treatment outcomes.

[0124] FIG. 26 depicts conventional brackets 50, each comprising a flat rectangular slot 52 in which an archwire 150 is positioned. The rectangular shape of the slot 52, with its sharply angled comers, creates multiple contact points between the slot walls and the archwire 150, leading to frictional binding as the brackets 50 move along the archwire 150. This binding effect restricts the smooth translation of the brackets and results in uneven force distribution across the dental arch. As the archwire 150 interacts with the rigid comers of the rectangular slot 52, the movement becomes limited, causing increased friction and resistance, which may reduce the efficiency of tooth movement.

[0125] In contrast, FIG. 27 illustrates the brackets 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, each configured with a curved archwire slot 114. This curved slot 114 is designed to more closely follow the natural curvature of the archwire 150, thereby reducing the contact points and minimizing binding as the brackets 100 slide along the archwire 150. The curved geometry of the slot 114 allows the bracket 100 to conform to the contour of the archwire 150, enhancing the sliding mechanics and enabling smoother, more consistent movement without the binding effect observed in conventional rectangular slots. By reducing frictional forces, the curved slot design promotes efficient tooth movement, allowing for improved control and accuracy in achieving the desired orthodontic alignment.

[0126] Having described the preferred aspects and implementations of the present disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts can readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the claims w hich are appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An orthodontic bracket, comprising:a base portion adapted to be affixed to a tooth; anda bracket body extending from the base portion, the bracket body defining an archwire slot comprising a labial surface and a lingual surface, each of the labial surface and the lingual surface having a contoured shape along an axis in a buccolingual plane, wherein the contoured shape is configured to enable the archwire slot to accommodate tandem archwires in parallel alignment.

2. The orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein the archwire slot has a truncated elliptical shape, with the labial surface and the lingual surface each defining opposing curved portions that support the tandem archwires in parallel alignment.

3. The orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein the tandem archwires include two round wires, each having a diameter between about 0.012 inches and 0.018 inches.

4. The orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein the bracket body further comprises an occlusal surface and a gingival surface, each defining planar portions of the archwire slot.

5. The orthodontic bracket of claim 4, wherein the archwire slot is configured to accommodate a rectangular archwire having a height dimension up to about 0.020 inches and a width dimension ranging up to about 0.028, with the rectangular archwire positioned between the occlusal surface and the gingival surface of the archwire slot.

6. The orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein the bracket body is constructed from at least one of stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, or polycarbonate.

7. The orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein the bracket body is configured as a selfligating bracket, further comprising a sliding gate mechanism to secure the tandem archwireswithin the archwire slot while subsequently allowing the placement of traditional round wires or rectangular wires.

8. An orthodontic bracket, comprising:a base portion adapted to be affixed to a tooth; anda bracket body extending from the base portion, the bracket body defining an archwire slot having a labial surface and a lingual surface, each of the labial surface and the lingual surface defining a contoured shape along an axis in an occlusogingival plane, wherein the contoured shape follows a curvature of a dental arch of a patient to reduce friction as one or more archwires move within the archwire slot.

9. The orthodontic bracket of claim 8, wherein the archwire slot has a truncated elliptical shape.

10. The orthodontic bracket of claim 8, wherein the contoured shape of the labial surface and the lingual surface is configured to minimize binding and notching as the one or more archwires slide within the arch wire slot.

11. The orthodontic bracket of claim 10, wherein the contoured shape is defined by a radius of curvature ranging from about 20 mm to about 36 mm.

12. The orthodontic bracket of claim 10, wherein the contoured shape is specific to an intended position along the dental arch of the patient.

13. The orthodontic bracket of claim 8, wherein the bracket body is constructed from at least one of stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, or polycarbonate.

14. The orthodontic bracket of claim 8, wherein the bracket body is configured as a selfligating bracket, further comprising a latching mechanism to secures the one or more archwires within the archwire slot.

15. An orthodontic bracket, comprising:a bracket body defining an archwire slot having a labial surface and a lingual surface, each of the labial surface and the lingual surface including a first curve along a first axis in a buccolingual plane to enable the archwire slot to accommodate tandem archwires in parallel alignment, and a second curve along a second axis, orthogonal to the first curve, in an occlusogingival plane to reduce friction as one or more archwires move within the archwire slot.

16. The orthodontic bracket of claim 15, wherein the archwire slot has atruncated elliptical shape, with the labial surface and the lingual surface each defining opposing curved portions that support tandem archwires in parallel alignment.

17. The orthodontic bracket of claim 16, wherein the tandem archwires include two round wires, each having a diameter between about 0.012 inches and 0.018 inches.

18. The orthodontic bracket of claim 15, wherein the bracket body further comprises an occlusal surface and a gingival surface, each defining planar portions of the archwire slot receive a rectangular archwire having a height dimension up to about 0.020 inches and a width dimension ranging up to about 0.028 therebetween.

19. The orthodontic bracket of claim 15, wherein the second curve has a radius of curvature ranging from about 20 mm to about 36 mm to match a natural curvature of a dental arch of a patient to minimize binding and notching as the one or more archwires slide within the archwire slot.

20. The orthodontic bracket of claim 15, wherein the bracket body is configured as a selfligating bracket, further comprising a latching mechanism to secures the one or more archwires within the archwire slot.

21. An orthodontic bracket, comprising:a base portion adapted to be affixed to a tooth; anda bracket body extending from the base portion, the bracket body defining an archwire slot comprising a lingual surface having a contoured shape along an axis in a buccolingualplane, wherein the contoured shape is configured to enable the archwire slot to accommodate tandem archwires in parallel alignment.

22. The orthodontic bracket of claim 21 , wherein the archwire slot has a truncated elliptical shape.

23. The orthodontic bracket of claim 21, wherein the tandem archwires include two round wires, each having a diameter between about 0.012 inches and 0.018 inches.

24. The orthodontic bracket of claim 21, wherein the bracket body further comprises an occlusal surface and a gingival surface, each defining planar portions of the archwire slot.

25. The orthodontic bracket of claim 24, wherein the archwire slot is configured to accommodate a rectangular arch wire having a height dimension up to about 0.020 inches and a width dimension ranging up to about 0.028, with the rectangular arch wire positioned between the occlusal surface and the gingival surface of the archwire slot.

26. The orthodontic bracket of claim 21, wherein the bracket body is constructed from at least one of stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, or polycarbonate.

27. The orthodontic bracket of claim 21, wherein the bracket body is configured as a conventional twin bracket configured to receive one or more ligatures.

28. An orthodontic bracket, comprising:a base portion adapted to be affixed to a tooth; anda bracket body extending from the base portion, the bracket body defining an archwire slot having a lingual surface defining a contoured shape along an axis in an occlusogingival plane, wherein the contoured shape follow s a curvature of a dental arch of a patient to reduce friction as one or more archwires move within the archwire slot.

29. The orthodontic bracket of claim 28, w herein the archwire slot has a truncated elliptical shape.

30. The orthodontic bracket of claim 28, wherein the contoured shape of the lingual surface is configured to minimize binding and notching as the one or more archwires slide within the archwire slot.

31. The orthodontic bracket of claim 30, wherein the contoured shape is defined by a radius of curvature ranging from about 20 mm to about 36 mm.

32. The orthodontic bracket of claim 30, wherein the contoured shape is specific to an intended position along the dental arch of the patient.

33. The orthodontic bracket of claim 28, wherein the bracket body is constructed from at least one of stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, or polycarbonate.

34. The orthodontic bracket of claim 28, wherein the bracket body is configured as a conventional twin bracket configured to receive one or more ligatures.

35. An orthodontic bracket, comprising:a bracket body defining an archwire slot having a lingual surface including a first curve along a first axis in a buccolingual plane to enable the archwire slot to accommodate tandem archwires in parallel alignment, and a second curve along a second axis, orthogonal to the first curve, in an occlusogingival plane to reduce friction as one or more archwires move within the archwire slot.

36. The orthodontic bracket of claim 35, wherein the archwire slot has a truncated elliptical shape, with the lingual surface defining a curved portion that supports tandem archwires in parallel alignment.

37. The orthodontic bracket of claim 36, wherein the tandem archwires include two round wires, each having a diameter between about 0.012 inches and 0.018 inches.

38. The orthodontic bracket of claim 35, wherein the bracket body further comprises an occlusal surface and a gingival surface, each defining planar portions of the archwire slotreceive a rectangular archwire having a height dimension up to about 0.020 inches and a width dimension ranging up to about 0.028 therebetween.

39. The orthodontic bracket of claim 35, wherein the second curve has a radius of curvature ranging from about 20 mm to about 36 mm to match a natural curvature of a dental arch of a patient to minimize binding and notching as the one or more archwires slide within the archwire slot.

40. The orthodontic bracket of claim 35, wherein the bracket body is configured as a conventional twin bracket configured to receive one or more ligatures.

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