Set of bushings for MINI-screws for a maxillary expander

Abstract

The subject of the present patent application is a set of bushings for mini-screws for a maxillary expander, in particular for a maxillary expander of the MARPE type, said set of bushings being suitably perfected for the purpose of increasing, according to needs, the number of mini-screws that can be used in an apparatus of the MSE type by simple application to the central body or to the lateral arms of said apparatus and at the same time reducing its production times.

Description

[0001] TITLE “SET OF BUSHINGS FOR MINI-SCREWS FOR A MAXILLARY EXPANDER”

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The subject of the present patent application is a set of bushings for mini-screws for a maxillary expander, in particular for a maxillary expander of the MARPE type, said set of bushings being suitably perfected for the purpose of increasing, according to needs, the number of mini-screws that can be used in an apparatus of the MSE type by simple application to the central body or to the lateral arms of said apparatus and at the same time reducing its production times.

[0004] Field of application

[0005] The invention forming the subject of the present patent application finds application in the sector of orthodontic interventions, in particular in the sector of production of orthodontic appliances of the palatal expander or maxillary expander type.

[0006] In the present patent application, with the expression “palatal expansion appliance” there is meant a device aimed at achieving expansion of the palate and of the upper maxilla, said device being cemented to the molar teeth and activated by means of an expansion screw allowing the opening of the palatal suture and the separation of the two right and left maxillary halves.

[0007] In the present patent application, with the acronym MARPE there is meant an appliance for palatal expansion known in the reference sector with the expression “Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion”.

[0008] Devices of the MARPE type belong to the category of palatal expansion appliances and provide for the use of mini-screws, namely skeletal anchorage devices, which are inserted into the maxillary bone in order to effectively discharge the expansion force directly onto the bone.

[0009] In the present patent application, with the acronym MSE there is meant a particular type of MARPE expander known in the reference sector with the expression “Maxillary Skeletal Expander”.

[0010] In the present patent application, with the expression “bushings” or “bushing” there is meant a body provided with a central through hole inside which a mini-screw is inserted.

[0011] An example of a device of the MSE type is described in patent application US20150056566 “Maxillary Skeletal Expander Using Mini-Screw”; according to what is set forth in the above-mentioned document, the MSE-type device comprises a pair of bodies, an expansion screw which regulates a space between the pair of bodies, sliding guides with both sides insertedinto the pair of bodies and which guide a reciprocal movement of the bodies themselves and a hole in which the expansion screw is housed.

[0012] In particular, the pair of bodies is provided with insertion holes inside which through miniscrews are inserted which are implanted in the maxillary bone. Furthermore, from the pair of bodies lateral arms depart which at their ends are welded to orthodontic bands positioned on the maxillary molars.

[0013] The solution described in US20150056566 functions correctly in cases in which the patient presents good bone thickness at the palatal level in the area of insertion of the mini-screws, since this gives stability to the mini-screws themselves. On the other hand, where the patient presents palatal bone of reduced thickness at the area of insertion of the mini-screws, the latter may lose their stability during the application of the expansion force generated by activation of the appliance and this may lead to failure of opening of the median palatal suture.

[0014] In order to increase the skeletal anchorage given by the mini-screws, the above-mentioned document describes the realization of additional bushings suitable to increase the number of mini-screws that can be used in MARPE and MSE devices.

[0015] Patent application 102022000017685 describes an orthodontic device provided with a universal connection kit for orthodontic device.

[0016] In particular, the solution described in the above-mentioned document describes the realization of a bushing defined as “universal” namely suitable to allow the use of different types of mini-screws. A limitation of such bushing lies in the fact that it consists of a single body and therefore the possible inclination of the mini-screw is unique. In the present patent, the bushing presents two components, the first which is fixed to the MARPE orthodontic appliance and the second which can rotate with respect to the first, in such a way as to be able to vary the inclination of the mini-screw and thus be able to adapt to the various conformations of the palate of each individual patient.

[0017] Cantarella et al. (Digital Planning and Manufacturing of Maxillary Skeletal Expander for Patients with Thin Palatal Bone, MDER, 2021) describe the realization of bushings for appliances of the MSE type suitably and previously custom-designed for each individual patient by means of CAD software and subsequently manufactured by SLM technique -Selective Laser Melting (SLM).

[0018] Once realized, according to what is described by Cantarella et al., such bushings are welded to the MSE appliance for the purpose of realizing an MSE appliance which is provided with 6, 8 or 10 mini-screws according to necessities.The main disadvantage of the solution described in the above-mentioned document is that the custom realization of each bushing entails a high production time and considerable costs.

[0019] Patent application KR20180130216 describes the realization of a maxillary bone expansion device suitably perfected for the purpose of allowing precise positioning of the implant of a mini-screw.

[0020] In particular, the device described in the above-mentioned document describes and claims a maxillary bone expansion device comprising:

[0021] a plurality of mini-screw inserts through which a plurality of mini-screws are respectively inserted and configured to abut against the maxilla;

[0022] a through portion through which the upper and lower portions penetrate, and a protrusion projecting from an outer peripheral surface;

[0023] a plurality of tubes inserted into each of the mini screw inserts and configured to uniformly apply a horizontal force supplied by the maxillary bone expansion device;

[0024] a plurality of mini-screws which are inserted through each of the plurality of tubes and fixed to the maxilla;

[0025] and a plurality of guide tubes in which each of the plurality of mini-screws is inserted, wherein the plurality of guide tubes are made of an extensible material and are fixed in contact with protrusions of each of the plurality of tubes.

[0026] The solution described in the above-mentioned document consists of a main body (comprising at least one expansion screw; in particular, according to what is reported in the description, the body comprises a plurality of mini screw inserts for coupling with a mini-screw and with a bushing for the purpose of firmly fixing the main body using a minimum number of mini-screws. As reported in the description, the invention of the above-mentioned document allows fixing of the main body using a minimum number of screws.

[0027] The invention described in the above-mentioned document entails a series of disadvantages listed below:

[0028] the mini-screws are inserted at a distance which is not variable with respect to the specific clinical case, said distance being determined by the dimensions of the main body and therefore constrained; it follows that in order to vary the distance between one mini-screw and another it is necessary to use a specific main body;

[0029] the mini-screws are inserted into the main body exclusively in an orthogonal direction with respect to the development plane of the main body itself, thereby making adaptation of themini-screws with respect to the curve of the palatal vault in which the device is inserted difficult;

[0030] according to the solution proposed in document D1, once inserted the mini-screws present the upper end / head lying on the same plane, condition which also in this case makes adaptation of the system to the curve of the palatal vault difficult.

[0031] Since each patient has an individual morphology of the palate and different from other patients, the solution of “preformed appliance” such as that set forth in document D1 cannot perfectly adapt to the mouth of all persons.

[0032] A further disadvantage of the solution described in the above-mentioned document consists in the fact that the system cannot comprise that the bushing can be associated with the lateral arms of the MSE, for a possible lateral positioning, since the diameter of the bushing itself is greater than the diameter of the arm itself.

[0033] The purpose of the invention forming the subject of the present patent application is therefore that of solving the disadvantages of the above-mentioned state of the art, in particular by realizing a solution which allows producing a device of the MARPE type and specifically MSE with reduced times, said device comprising the possibility of insertion of a number of mini-screws greater than four.

[0034] In particular, the invention forming the subject of the present patent application allows expanding the number of housing seats for mini-screws, said expansion of the number being possible by association of a suitably realized bushing associable to the main structure of the device of the MSE type.

[0035] In particular, the bushings realized according to the present patent application can be associated with the device of the MSE type and be oriented in space in such a way as to orient themselves in determined inclinations such as to allow that the mini-screw, housed in the bushing, can be compatible with the specific clinical case.

[0036] This and further purposes will be achieved by means of the set of bushings forming the subject of the present patent application as per the main claim; the secondary claims define further characteristics of the invention forming the subject of the patent application.

[0037] Summary of the invention

[0038] The invention forming the subject of the present patent application consists of a set constituted by at least one first central bushing and at least one second lateral bushing, said at least one first central bushing being insertable at the anterior portion of the central body of an MSE device of the known type or at the posterior portion of the central body of an MSE device of the known type or both at the anterior portion and at the posterior portion of thecentral body of an MSE device, said at least one second lateral bushing being insertable in at least one of the lateral arms of the MSE device.

[0039] The invention forming the subject of the present patent application is represented by way of example and not limitation in the attached Figures in which:

[0040] Fig. 1: exemplary view of a device of the MSE type realized according to the invention forming the subject of the present patent application;

[0041] Fig. 2: exemplary view of a first preferred embodiment of the central bushing of the system of bushings forming the subject of the present patent application in a first configuration in space;

[0042] Fig. 2. a: exemplary view of a second preferred embodiment of the central bushing of the system of bushings forming the subject of the present patent application;

[0043] Fig. 2.b: exemplary view of a third preferred embodiment of the central bushing of the system of bushings forming the subject of the present patent application;

[0044] Fig. 2.c, Fig. 2.C.1 : exemplary view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the central bushing of the system of bushings forming the subject of the present patent application;

[0045] Fig. 2.d, Fig. 2.d.1 : exemplary view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the central bushing of the system of bushings forming the subject of the present patent application;

[0046] Fig. 3: exemplary view of a first configuration in space of a first preferred embodiment of the central bushing of the system of bushings forming the subject of the present patent application;

[0047] Fig. 4: exemplary view of a second configuration in space of a first preferred embodiment of the central bushing of the system of bushings forming the subject of the present patent application;

[0048] Fig. 5: exemplary view of an embodiment of the at least one lateral bushing of the system of bushings forming the subject of the present patent application;

[0049] Fig. 6: detail of component number 500.2 of the at least one lateral bushing;

[0050] Fig. 7: exemplary view of a device of the MSE type realized according to the invention forming the subject of the present patent application;

[0051] Fig. 8: exemplary view of a part of device of the MSE type realized according to the invention forming the subject of the present patent application;

[0052] Fig. 9: overall exemplary view of a device of the MSE type realized according to the invention forming the subject of the present patent application.

[0053] Detailed descriptionWith reference to Fig. 1, the set of bushings forming the subject of the present patent application is constituted by at least two first central bushings (200) and two lateral bushings (500), said set of bushings (200, 500) being associated with the central body (100) and with the lateral arms (102) of an MSE device.

[0054] According to known technique, the central body (100) of the MSE device comprises on the anterior surface two first seats (101.1, 101.2) in each of which a mini-screw is inserted and on the posterior surface two second seats (101.3, 101.4) in each of which a mini-screw is inserted.

[0055] According to known technique, each housing seat for mini-screws (101.1, 101.2 - 101.3, 101.4) comprises a central hole.

[0056] According to known technique, the central body (100) of the MSE device laterally comprises two lateral arms (102.1, 102.2).

[0057] According to the invention forming the subject of the present patent application, at least two first central bushings (200) are associated with the anterior or posterior surface or both of the central body (100) of the MSE device and two lateral bushings (500) are associated with the lateral arms (102.1, 102.2) of the central body (100).

[0058] According to the invention forming the subject of the present patent application, the at least one central bushing (200) is constituted by a first upper element (200.1) and by a second lower element (200.2), said first upper element (200.1) being inserted in the second lower element (200.2) in a rotatable manner with respect to the development plane of the second lower element (200.2).

[0059] In particular, the first upper element (200.1) is constituted by a body (200.1.1) presenting a central through hole, said body (200.1.1) comprising inferiorly an appendix (200.1.2) which develops along a plane orthogonal to the development plane of the body (200.1.1).

[0060] According to the invention forming the subject of the present patent application, the second lower element (200.2) is constituted by a body presenting a semi-curved lateral surface (200.2.2) which comprises at one end a housing seat (240).

[0061] According to the invention forming the subject of the present patent application, the at least one central bushing (200) is associated with the central body (100) of the MSE device. In particular (Fig. 1), the second lower element (200.2) of each central bushing (200) is associated with at least one housing seat for mini-screws (101.1, 101.2 - 101.3, 101.4) of the central body (100) of the MSE device in such a way that the lower portion of the second element (200.2) is aligned with the hole of the corresponding housing seat for mini-screws(101.1, 101.2 - 101.3, 101.4) of the central body (100) of the MSE device to which it is associated.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the association of the second lower element (200.2) of each central bushing (200) with at least one housing seat for mini-screws (101.1 , 101.2 - 101.3, 101.4) of the central body (100) of the MSE device occurs by welding.

[0063] By way of example, the device resulting after welding of the second lower element (200.2) of each central bushing (200) to the two anterior housing seats for mini-screws (101.1, 101.2) of the central body (100) of the MSE device is shown in Fig. 7.

[0064] Once the association of the second lower element (200.2) of each central bushing (200) with at least one housing seat for mini-screws (101.1 , 101.2 - 101.3, 101.4) of the central body (100) of the MSE device has been realized, the first upper element (200.1) of each central bushing (200) is associated with the second lower element (200.2) of each central bushing (200), said first upper element (200.1) resulting rotatably associated with the second lower element (200.2) as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0065] Once the appropriate inclination of the first upper body (200.1) with respect to the second lower body (200.2) and with respect to the central body (100) of the MSE device associated thereto has been identified, said inclination being determined based on the specific conformation and curvature of the palate of the patient, one proceeds with the irreversible association of the first upper element (200.1 ) with the second lower element (200.2).

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the irreversible association of the first upper element (200.1) with the second lower element (200.2) occurs by welding.

[0067] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, the system of bushings forming the subject of the present patent application comprises two lateral bushings (500), each of which is constituted by a first element (500.1) and by a second element (500.2), each at least one lateral bushing (500) being suitably realized to be associated with the lateral arms (102.1, 102.2) of the central body (100) of the MSE device.

[0068] With reference to Fig. 5, the first element (500.1) of each at least one lateral bushing (500) is constituted by a central body (500.1.1) presenting a central hole, said central body (500.1.1) presenting on a first surface a first pin (500.1.2) which develops along a plane orthogonal to the development plane of the central body (500.1.1), said central body (500.1.1) comprising a second pin (500.1.3), said second pin (500.1.3) being associated with a second surface opposite the first surface comprising the first pin (500.1.2).In particular, the second pin (500.1.3) is constituted by a first quadrangular or cylindrical element associated at one end with the surface of the central body (500.1.1) and presenting at the opposite end a circular surface.

[0069] With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the second element (500.2) of each at least one lateral bushing (500) is constituted by a cylindrical body presenting an internal through cavity (500.2.1) which develops along the width of said cylindrical body.

[0070] According to the invention forming the subject of the present patent application, the frontal surface of the second element (500.2) presents a housing seat (500.2.2), said housing seat (500.2.2) being suitable to house the second pin (500.1.3) of the first element (500.1) of the at least one lateral bushing (500).

[0071] In particular, the housing seat (560) of the second element (500.2) of the at least one lateral bushing (500) is delimited by a wall (500.2.2) which in turn presents a first portion (500.2.2.1 ) with longitudinal development whose dimension is equal to or greater than the short side of the quadrangular section of the pin (500.1.3) and a second circular portion (500.2.2.2), said circular surface presenting a diameter greater than or at most equal to the long side of the section of the quadrangular part of the second pin (500.1.3) of the first element (500.1). According to the invention forming the subject of the present patent application, the association between the first element (500.1) of the at least one lateral bushing (500) and the second element (500.2) of the at least one lateral bushing (500) occurs by insertion of the second pin (500.1.3) of the first element (500.1 ) into the housing seat (560) of the second element (500.2), said first element (500.1 ) resulting freely rotatable around its own axis once inserted into the second element (500.2).

[0072] Furthermore, by rotation of the first element (500.1) with respect to the second element (500.2), the pin (500.1.3) rotates inside the second circular portion (500.2.2.2) of the delimiting wall of the housing seat thereby moving away from the first portion with longitudinal development (500.2.2.1), thus allowing a stable association between the first element (500.1) and the second element (500.2).

[0073] With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the surface of the second element (500.2) opposite the surface comprising the housing seat (500.2.2) comprises a through hole in which a screw (520) is inserted.

[0074] According to the invention forming the subject of the present patent application, the association of each at least one lateral bushing (500) with the central body (100) of the MSE device occurs by sliding insertion of the distal ends of the lateral arms (102.1, 102.2) of thecentral body (100) of the MSE device inside the internal through cavity (500.2.1) of the second element (500.2) of the at least one lateral bushing (500).

[0075] Once the appropriate position of the second element (500.2) along the corresponding lateral arm (102.1, 102.2) has been determined, it is possible to block the sliding by insertion and tightening of the screw (520) into the through hole of the second element (500.2).

[0076] The locking of the second element (500.2) with respect to the lateral arms (102.1, 102.2) of the MSE can then be further reinforced by welding or by appropriate cements for metals for biomedical use.

[0077] Description of a first preferred embodiment of the at least one central bushing

[0078] In a first preferred embodiment (Fig. 2), the at least one central bushing (200) is constituted by a first upper element (200.1) and by a second lower element (200.2), said first upper element (200.1) being associated with the second lower element (200.2), said first upper element (200.1) inserted into the second lower element (200.2) resulting rotatable with respect to the development plane of the second lower element (200.2).

[0079] In particular, the first upper element (200.1) is constituted by a body (200.1.1) presenting a central through hole, said body (200.1.1) comprising inferiorly an appendix (200.1.2) which develops along a plane orthogonal to the development plane of the body (200.1.1).

[0080] With reference to Fig. 2, the second lower element (200.2) is constituted by a first flat surface (200.2.1) constituted by four sides parallel two by two, said first flat surface (200.2.1) presenting a central hole and a second lateral surface (200.2.2) which develops along a plane orthogonal to the development plane of the first flat surface (200.2.1 ).

[0081] According to the first preferred embodiment, the second lateral surface (200.2.2) develops along a first side of the first flat surface (200.2.1) and along a second side of the first flat surface (200.2.1), said second side being orthogonal to the aforesaid first side.

[0082] In particular, a first portion of the second lateral surface (200.2.2) develops parallel to the plane on which a first side lies and a second portion of the second lateral surface (200.2.2) develops parallel to the plane on which the second side lies, said second side developing along a plane orthogonal to said first side.

[0083] With reference to Fig. 2, according to the first preferred embodiment, the first flat surface (200.2.1) of the lower element (200.2) comprises a central hole and the appendix (200.1.2) of the first upper element (200.1 ) presents a pin (230) and the second portion of the second lateral surface (200.2.2) presents a housing seat (240), said housing seat (240) being suitable to house the pin (230) of the appendix (200.1.2) of the upper element.In particular (Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4), the pin (230) of the appendix (200.1.2) of the first upper element (200.1) is constituted by a portion of quadrangular surface and the housing seat (240) of the second portion of lateral surface (200.2.2) of the second lower element (200.2) is constituted by a first portion (240.1) with longitudinal development and by a second circular portion (240.2), said first portion (240.1) presenting width greater than or at most equal to the width of the pin (230), said second circular portion (240.2) presenting diameter greater than or at most equal to the length of the pin (230).

[0084] With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the association of the first upper element (200.1) with the second lower element (200.2) occurs by insertion of the pin (230) of the first upper element (200.1) into the housing seat (240).

[0085] In particular, the pin (230) slides inside the first portion with longitudinal development (240.1 ) of the housing seat (240) up to the lower end of the second circular portion (240.2) of the housing seat.

[0086] With reference to Fig. 3, by rotation of the upper element (200.1) with respect to the lower element (200.2), the pin (230) rotates inside the second circular portion (240.2) of the housing seat thereby moving away from the first portion with longitudinal development (240.1), thus allowing a stable association between the first upper element (200.1) and the second lower element (200.2).

[0087] Description of a second preferred embodiment of the at least one central bushing

[0088] In a second preferred embodiment (Fig. 2. a), the at least one central bushing (200) is constituted by a first upper element (200.1) and by a second lower element (200.2), said first upper element (200.1) being associated with the second lower element (200.2), said first upper element (200.1 ) inserted into the second lower element (200.2) resulting rotatable with respect to the development plane of the second lower element (200.2).

[0089] In particular, the first upper element (200.1) is constituted by a body (200.1.1) presenting a central through hole, said body (200.1.1) comprising inferiorly an appendix (200.1.2) which develops along a plane orthogonal to the development plane of the body (200.1.1) and comprising a central hole (200.1.2.1).

[0090] In the embodiment of Fig. 2. a, the second lower element (200.2) is constituted by a first flat surface (200.2.1) presenting a central hole and a second lateral surface (200.2.2) which develops along a plane orthogonal to the development plane of the first flat surface (200.2.1).

[0091] In particular, the second lateral surface (200.2.2) develops along a portion of the first flat surface (200.2.1) and presents at one end a housing seat (240).In particular, the housing seat (240) of the portion of lateral surface (200.2.2) of the second lower element (200.2) is constituted by a portion of lower surface (200.2.4) which develops along a plane orthogonal to the development plane of the portion of lateral surface (200.2.2) and by a pin (200.2.4) constituted by an element substantially cylindrical which develops along a plane orthogonal to the development plane of the portion of lateral surface (200.2.2). With reference to Fig. 2. a, the association of the first upper element (200.1 ) with the second lower element (200.2) occurs by insertion of the pin (200.2.4) of the second lower element (200.2) into the central hole (200.1.2.1) of the appendix (200.1.2) of the first upper element (200.1).

[0092] Description of a third preferred embodiment of the at least one central bushing

[0093] In a third preferred embodiment (Fig. 2.b), the at least one central bushing (200) is constituted by a first upper element (200.1) and by a second lower element (200.2), said first upper element (200.1) being associated with the second lower element (200.2), said first upper element (200.1 ) inserted into the second lower element (200.2) resulting rotatable with respect to the development plane of the second lower element (200.2).

[0094] With reference to Fig. 2.b, the first upper element (200.1) is constituted by a body (200.1.1) presenting a central through hole, said body (200.1.1) comprising inferiorly an appendix (200.1.2) which develops along a plane orthogonal to the development plane of the body (200.1.1), said appendix (200.1.2) being constituted by a pin (200.1.2).

[0095] In the preferred embodiment of Fig. 2.b, the housing seat (240) of the portion of lateral surface (200.2.2) of the second lower element (200.2) is constituted by a portion of surface presenting a central hole.

[0096] With reference to Fig. 2.b, the association of the first upper element (200.1 ) with the second lower element (200.2) occurs by insertion of the pin (200.1.2) of the first upper element (200.1 ) into the central hole of the housing seat (240) of the second lower element (200.2). Description of a fourth preferred embodiment of the at least one central bushing

[0097] In a fourth preferred embodiment (Fig. 2.c), the at least one central bushing (200) is constituted by a first upper element (200.1) and by a second lower element (200.2), said first upper element (200.1) being associated with the second lower element (200.2), said first upper element (200.1 ) inserted into the second lower element (200.2) resulting rotatable with respect to the development plane of the second lower element (200.2).

[0098] In the preferred embodiment of Fig. 2.c, the appendix (200.1.2) of the first upper element (200.1) presents a central hole (200.1.1) and the housing seat (240) presents a second housing seat (240.1) provided with internal threading.With reference to Fig. 2.C.1, the association of the first upper element (200.1) with the second lower element (200.2) occurs by association of the appendix (200.1.2) of the first upper element (200.1) with the housing seat (240) of the second lower element (200.2) in such a way that the central hole (200.1.1) of the appendix (200.1.2) corresponds with the second threaded housing seat (240.1) of the housing seat (240) and subsequent insertion of a screw (700).

[0099] Description of a fifth preferred embodiment of the at least one central bushing

[0100] In a fifth preferred embodiment (Fig. 2.d), the at least one central bushing (200) is constituted by a first upper element (200.1) and by a second lower element (200.2), said first upper element (200.1) being associated with the second lower element (200.2), said first upper element (200.1) inserted into the second lower element (200.2) resulting rotatable with respect to the development plane of the second lower element (200.2).

[0101] In the embodiment of Fig. 2.d, the first upper element (200.1) is constituted by a body (200.1.1) presenting a central through hole, said body (200.1.1) comprising inferiorly an appendix which develops along a plane orthogonal to the development plane of the body (200.1.1).

[0102] In particular, the appendix (200.1.2) of the first upper element (200.1 ) presents a pin (230). In the embodiment of Fig. 2.d, the second lower element (200.2) is constituted by an upper curved surface and presents at one end a housing seat (240), said housing seat (240) being suitable to house the pin (230) of the appendix (200.1.2) of the first upper element (200.1 ). According to the first preferred embodiment, the second lateral surface (200.2.2) develops along a first side of the first flat surface (200.2.1) and along a second side of the first flat surface (200.2.1), said second side being orthogonal to the aforesaid first side.

[0103] In particular, a first portion of the second lateral surface (200.2.2) develops parallel to the plane on which a first side lies and a second portion of the second lateral surface (200.2.2) develops parallel to the plane on which the second side lies, said second side developing along a plane orthogonal to said first side.

[0104] In particular, the pin (230) of the appendix (200.1.2) of the first upper element (200.1) is constituted by a portion of quadrangular surface and the housing seat (240) of the second portion of lateral surface (200.2.2) of the second lower element (200.2) is constituted by a first portion (240.1) with longitudinal development and by a second circular portion (240.2), said first portion (240.1) presenting width greater than or at most equal to the width of thepin (230), said second circular portion (240.2) presenting diameter greater than or at most equal to the length of the pin (230).

[0105] In the embodiment of Fig. 2.d and 2.d.1 , the association of the first upper element (200.1) with the second lower element (200.2) occurs by insertion of the pin (230) of the first upper element (200.1) into the housing seat (240).

[0106] By way of example, Figure 8 shows part of the appliance resulting from coupling of parts 200.1 and 200.2 of the central bushing configuration shown in Figures 2.d and 2.d.1 to the anterior part (101.2) of the body (100) of the MSE.

[0107] Finally, by way of example, Figure 9 shows the MSE appliance modified with the addition of 6 bushings, therefore suitable to accommodate a total of 10 mini-screws.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Set of bushings for mini-screws for a maxillary expander of the MSE type, said expander being comprised of a central body having on the front surface two first housing seats, each presenting a central hole for the insertion of a mini-screw, and on the rear surface two second housing seats, each presenting a central hole for the insertion of a mini-screw, said central body including lateral arms, said set being comprised of at least one first central bushing and at least one second lateral bushing, said at least one first central bushing being insertable into the front portion of the central body of the MSE-type device, or into the rear portion of the central body of the MSE-type device, or into both the front and rear portions of the central body of the MSE device, wherein the at least one central bushing (200) consists of a first upper element (200.1) and a second lower element (200.2), the at least one lateral bushing consists of a first element (500.1 ) consisting of a central body (500.1.1) having a central hole and of a second element (500.2) consisting of a cylindrical body having a passing internal cavity (500.2.1) extending along the width of said cylindrical body, said set characterized in that:the first upper element (200.1) can be inserted into the second lower element (200.2) in a ratable manner with respect to the development plane of the second lower element (200.2), the at least one second lateral bushing can be inserted into at least one of the lateral arms of the MSE device,the central body (500.1.1) has on a first surface a first pin (500.1.2) extending along a plane orthogonal to the plane of development of the central body (500.1.1), said central body (500.1.1) further including a second pin (500.1.3), said second pin (500.1.3) being associated with a second surface opposite the first surface containing the first pin (500.1.2), the front surface of the second element (500.2) of the at least one lateral bushing (500) has a housing seat(560), said - housing seat (560) being suitable for housing the second pin (500.1.3) of the first element (500.1) of the at least one lateral bushing (500) so that the association between the first element (500.1) of the at least one lateral bushing (500) and the second element (500.2) of the at least one lateral bushing (500) occurs by insertion of the second pin (500.1.3) of the first element (500.1 ) into the housing seat (560) of the second element (500.2), said first element (500.1) being freely rotatable with respect to the first element (500.1).Set as per claim 1 characterized by the fact that the association of the at least one central bushing (200) to the central body of the MSE-type device occurs by the association of the second lower element (200.2) of each at least one central bushing (200) to at least onehousing seat - for mini-screws (101.1 , 101.2-101.3, 101.4) of the central body (100) of the MSE device, such that the lower portion of the second element (200.2) is aligned with the hole of the corresponding housing seat for mini-screws (101.1, 101.2-101.3, 101.4) of the central body (100) of the MSE device to which it is associated, and subsequent association of the first upper element (200.1 ) of each central bushing (200) to the first lower body (200.2) of each central bushing (200), said first upper element (200.1) being rotatably associated with the second lower element (200.2) so that the inclination of the mini-screw can be varied. Set as per previous claims characterized by the fact that the second pin (500.1.3) of the first element (500.1) of the at least one lateral bushing (500) consists of a first quadrangular or cylindrical element associated with the lower surface of the central body (500.1.1), said quadrangular or cylindrical element having a free end, opposite to the end associated with the central body (500.1.1), said free end having a surface with a circular cross-section. Set as per the previous claims, characterized by the fact that the first upper element (200.1 ) of the at least one central bushing (200) consists of a body (200.1.1) having a central through hole, said body (200.1.1) further including an appendage (200.1.2) extending along a plane a plane having an inclination angle smaller than, or at most equal to, 90° with respect to the development plane of development of the body (200.1.1).Set as per the previous claims, characterized by the fact that the second lower element (200.2) of the at least one central bushing (200) consists of a body having a semi-curved lateral surface (200.2.2) which includes, at one end, a housing seat - (240).Set as per the previous claims, characterized by the fact that the association of the at least one central bushing (200) to the central body of the MSE-type device occurs by the association of the second lower element (200.2) of each at least one central bushing (200) to at least one housing seat for mini-screws (101.1 , 101.2-101.3, 101.4) of the central body (100) of the MSE device, such that the lower portion of the second element (200.2) is aligned with the hole of the corresponding housing seat for mini-screws (101.1, 101.2-101.3, 101.4) of the central body (100) of the MSE device to which it is associated, and subsequent association of the first upper element (200.1 ) of each central bushing (200) to the first lower body (200.2) of each central bushing (200), said first upper element (200.1) being rotatably associated with the second lower element (200.2).Set as per the previous claims, characterized by the fact that the (560) of the second element (500.2) of the lateral bushing (500) is defined by a wall (500.2.2) which, in turn, includes a first portion (500.2.2.1) with longitudinal development, the dimension of which is equal to or greater than the short side of the quadrangular section of the pin (500.1.3), anda second portion (500.2.2.2) that is circular, said circular surface having a diameter greater than or at most equal to the long side of the quadrangular section of the second pin (500.1.3) of the first element (500.1 ).

8. Set as per the previous claims, characterized by the fact that the association between the first element (500.1 ) of the at least one lateral bushing (500) and the second element (500.2) of the at least one lateral bushing (500) occurs by inserting the second pin (500.1.3) of the first element (500.1) into the housing seat (560) of the second element (500.2), said first element (500.1) being freely rotatable around its own axis once inserted into the second element (500.2), and that, upon rotation of the first element (500.1) relative to the second element (500.2), the pin (500.1.3) rotates within the second circular portion (500.2.2.2) of the wall delimiting the , thus moving away from the first longitudinally developed portion (500.2.2.1), thereby allowing a stable association between the first element (500.1) and the second element (500.2).9 Set as per the previous claims, characterized by the fact that the surface of the second element (500.2) opposite to the surface containing the housing seat (500.2.2) includes a through hole into which a screw (520) is inserted.10 Set as per the previous claims, characterized by the fact that the association of each at least one lateral bushing (500) to the central body (100) of the MSE device occurs by the sliding insertion of the distal ends of the lateral arms (102.1 , 102.2) of the central body (100) of the MSE device into the passing internal cavity (500.2.1) of the second element (500.2) of the at least one lateral bushing (500).11 Set as per claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, characterized by the fact that the first upper element (200.1 ) of the at least one central bushing (200) consists of a body (200.1.1) having a central through hole, said body (200.1.1) further including an appendage (200.1.2) extending along a plane orthogonal to the plane of development of the body (200.1.1), and that the second lower element (200.2) consists of a first flat surface (200.2.1) having four sides, two of which are parallel to each other, said first flat surface (200.2.1 ) having a central hole, and a second lateral surface (200.2.2) which extends along a plane orthogonal to the plane of development of the first flat surface (200.2.1), with the second lateral surface (200.2.2) extending along a first side of the first flat surface (200.2.1) and along a second side of the first flat surface (200.2.1), said second side being orthogonal to the aforementioned first side, and wherein a first portion of the second lateral surface (200.2.2) extends parallel to the plane on which the first side lies, and a second portion of the second lateral surface (200.2.2) extends parallel to the plane on which the second side lies, saidsecond side extending along a plane orthogonal to the aforementioned first side, said first flat surface (200.2.1) of the lower element (200.2) includes a central hole, and the appendage (200.1.2) of the first upper element (200.1) has a pin (230), and the second portion of the second lateral surface (200.2.2) includes a housing seat (240), said housing seat (240) being designed to accommodate the pin (230) of the appendage (200.1.2) of the upper element.

12. Set as per claim 11 , characterized by the fact that the pin (230) of the appendage (200.1.2) of the first upper element (200.1) consists of a portion of quadrangular surface, and the housing seat (240) of the second portion of lateral surface (200.2.2) of the second lower element (200.2) consists of a first longitudinally developed portion (240.1) and a second circular portion (240.2), said first portion (240.1 ) having a width greater than or at most equal to the width of the pin (230), said second circular portion (240.2) having a diameter greater than or at most equal to the length of the pin (230), and that the association of the first upper element (200.1) with the second lower element (200.2) occurs by inserting the pin (230) of the first upper element (200.1) into the housing seat(240).

13. Set as per claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, characterized by the fact that the first upper element (200.1 ) of the at least one central bushing (200) consists of a body (200.1.1) having a central through hole, said body (200.1.1) further including an appendage (200.1.2) extending along a plane orthogonal to the plane of development of the body (200.1.1) and having a central hole (200.1.2.1), and that the second lower element (200.2) consists of a first flat surface (200.2.1) having a central hole and a second lateral surface (200.2.2) extending along a plane orthogonal to the plane of development of the first flat surface (200.2.1), said second lateral surface (200.2.2) extending along a portion of the first flat surface (200.2.1) and having, at one end, a housing seat(240) consisting of a lower surface portion (200.2.4) extending along a plane orthogonal to the plane of development of the lateral surface portion (200.2.2) and a pin (200.2.4) consisting of a substantially cylindrical element extending along a plane orthogonal to the plane of development of the lateral surface portion (200.2.2).

14. Set as per claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, characterized by the fact that the first upper element (200.1 ) of the at least one central bushing (200) consists of a body (200.1.1) having a central through hole, said body (200.1.1) further including an appendage (200.1.2) extending along a plane orthogonal to the plane of development of the body (200.1.1), said appendage (200.1.2) consisting of a pin (200.1.2), and wherein the housing seat(240) of thelateral surface portion (200.2.2) of the second lower element (200.2) consists of a surface portion having a central hole.

15. Set as per claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, characterized by the fact that the appendage (200.1.2) of the first upper element (200.1) of the at least one central bushing (200) has a central hole (200.1.1), and the housing seat - (240) includes a second housing seat (240.1) provided with internal threading.

6. Set as per claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, characterized by the fact that the first upper element (200.1 ) of the at least one central bushing (200) consists of a body (200.1.1) having a central through hole, said body (200.1.1) further including an appendage extending along a plane orthogonal to the plane of development of the body (200.1.1), said appendage (200.1.2) of the first upper element (200.1) having a pin (230), and that the second lower element (200.2) consists of a curved upper surface and has, at one end, a housing seat(240), said housing seat(240) being designed to accommodate the pin (230) of the appendage (200.1.2) of the first upper element (200.1), said pin consisting of a portion of quadrangular surface, said housing seat (240) consisting of a first longitudinally extending portion (240.1 ) and a second circular portion (240.2), said first portion (240.1 ) having a width greater than or at most equal to the width of the pin (230), said second circular portion (240.2) having a diameter greater than or at most equal to the length of the pin (230).

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