U.S. patent application number 09/847505 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-19 for orthodontic bracket.
Invention is credited to Voudouris, John C..
Application Number | 20020132206 09/847505 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27539548 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020132206 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Voudouris, John C. |
September 19, 2002 |
Orthodontic bracket
Abstract
In one embodiment, a pre-engaging orthodontic bracket includes a
body having a lingual surface for attachment to a tooth, a pair of
laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of laterally spaced
occlusal tie wings. The gingival and occlusal tie wings project
from a labial surface of the body. An archwire slot extends
mesiodistally across the body and between the gingival and occlusal
tie wings at opposed mesial and distal sides of the body to
accommodate an archwire. A pivot pin extends between a pair of the
tie wings at opposed mesial and distal sides of the body. A shutter
is moveable relative to the body between an open position in which
placement and removal of an archwire into the archwire slot is
facilitated and a closed position in which placement and removal of
an archwire into the archwire slot is inhibited.
Inventors: |
Voudouris, John C.;
(Toronto, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH, LLP
100 E WISCONSIN AVENUE
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
27539548 |
Appl. No.: |
09/847505 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09847505 |
May 2, 2001 |
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09327732 |
Jun 8, 1999 |
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6257883 |
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09327732 |
Jun 8, 1999 |
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08745512 |
Nov 12, 1996 |
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5913680 |
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08745512 |
Nov 12, 1996 |
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08625944 |
Apr 1, 1996 |
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5857850 |
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08625944 |
Apr 1, 1996 |
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08412338 |
Mar 31, 1995 |
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08412338 |
Mar 31, 1995 |
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08206724 |
Mar 7, 1994 |
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5474445 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/11 ;
433/10 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 7/02 20130101; A61C
7/28 20130101; A61C 7/287 20130101; A61C 7/006 20130101; A61C 7/285
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/11 ;
433/10 |
International
Class: |
A61C 003/00 |
Claims
4. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 3 wherein said
locking shutter is pivotally connected to said body.
5. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 2 wherein said leaf
spring is located on said locking shutter between said gingival and
occlusal tie wings.
6. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 2 wherein said leaf
spring extends mesiodistally and is secured to said locking shutter
intermediate its ends, said leaf spring having respective mesial
and distal formations thereon extending into said archwire slot
when said shutter is in a closed position.
7. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 2 wherein said
biasing means is in the from of a resilient spring member secured
to said locking shutter, said spring member extending
occlusiogingivally.
8. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 7 wherein said spring
member includes an outwardly convex portion intermediate its length
extending lingually into said archwire slot when said locking
shutter is in said closed position.
9. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 1 wherein said
locking shutter is formed of resilient material and is engageable
with an archwire in said archwire slot when in said closed position
thereby to constitute said biasing means.
10. An orthodontic bracket for attaching an archwire to a tooth
comprising: a body having a lingual surface for attachment to a
tooth, a pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of
laterally spaced occlusal tie wings, said gingival and occlusal tie
wings projecting from a labial surface of said body, both said
gingival tie wings and occlusal tie wings at opposed mesial and
distal sides of said body being separated by an interwing region of
said body; an archwire slot extending mesiodistally across said
body and between the gingival and occlusal tie wings at opposed
mesial and distal sides of said body to accommodate an archwire,
said archwire slot being interrupted by said interwing region; a
locking shutter movable relative to said body between an open
position in which placement and removal of said archwire in said
archwire slot is facilitated and a closed position in which
placement and removal of said archwire from said archwire slot is
inhibited; and biasing means engageable with an archwire in said
archwire slot when said locking shutter is in said closed position
to urge said archwire towards said locking shutter to provide a
continuous corrective force thereon.
11. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 10 wherein said
biasing means is in the form of a resilient spring member extending
mesiodistally along said archwire slot, said spring member being
secured to said body and having at least one free end.
12. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 11 wherein said
spring member has a central portion secured to said body and
labially curved wings at opposed ends of said central portion to
contact said archwire and urge resiliently said archwire toward
said locking shutter.
13. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 12 wherein the
length of said spring member is less than or equal to the length of
said archwire slot so that said curved wings contact said archwire
within said archwire slot.
14. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 12 wherein the
length of said spring member is greater than the length of said
archwire slot, said labially curved wings contacting said archwire
exterior to said archwire slot.
15. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 11 wherein said
spring member is generally convex and is secured to said body
adjacent one end thereof.
16. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 15 wherein the
length of said spring member is less than or equal to the length of
said archwire slot so that said spring member remains in said
archwire slot when partially flattened by an archwire in said
archwire slot.
17. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 10 wherein said
biasing means is in the form of a generally convex resilient spring
member secured to said body adjacent one end thereof, said spring
member extending occlusiogingivally in said interwing region.
18. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 10 wherein said
biasing means includes magnetized elements within said body
adjacent to at least a lingual wall of said archwire slot to
present a magnetic field in said archwire slot, said archwire being
magnetized to the same polarity as said magnetic field so that said
magnetic field urges said archwire toward said locking shutter when
placed in said archwire slot.
19. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 10 wherein said
biasing means is in the form of a pair of spring loaded pistons
accommodated by said body adjacent opposed mesial and distal ends
of said archwire slot, said spring loaded pistons acting on said
archwire to urge said archwire toward said locking shutter.
20. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 19 wherein each of
said pistons includes a piston head sized to inhibit said archwire
from moving behind said piston head.
21. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 10 wherein said
biasing means is in the form of resilient spring members secured to
said body and engageable with an archwire passing through said
archwire slot at mesial and distal locations exterior to said
archwire slot.
22. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 21 wherein said
resilient spring members are in the form of labial wings extending
from opposed ends of a central strap secured to said body.
23. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 21 wherein each of
said spring member is secured to an opposed side of said body and
contacts said archwire at a lateral angle greater that.
24. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 17 wherein said
spring member is accommodated by a generally vertical slot in said
body lingual to said archwire slot, said vertical slot opening up
into said archwire slot in said interwing region.
25. A pre-engaging orthodontic bracket for attaching an archwire to
a tooth comprising: a body having a lingual surface for attachment
to a tooth, a pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a
pair of laterally spaced occlusal tie wings, said gingival and
occlusal tie wings projecting from a labial surface of said body,
both said gingival tie wings and occlusal tie wings at opposed
mesial and distal sides of said body being separated by an
interwing region of said body; an archwire slot extending
mesiodistally across said body and between the gingival and
occlusal tie wings at opposed mesial and distal sides of said body
to accommodate an archwire, said archwire slot being interrupted by
said interwing region; and a locking shutter pivotal about at least
one pivot pin between an open position in which placement and
removal of said archwire in said archwire slot is facilitated and a
closed position in which placement of said archwire in said
archwire slot is inhibited.
26. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 25 wherein said
pivot pin extends between the tie wings of one of said pair and
wherein said locking shutter includes a single loop at one end
thereof to surround said pivot pin.
27. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 25 wherein said
locking shutter includes a pair of laterally spaced, single loops
surrounding said pivot pin.
28. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 25 wherein said
locking shutter further includes a marker thereon to identify
generally the center of said archwire slot when said locking
shutter is in said closed position.
29. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 25 further including
a lubricating or sealing agent carried by one or more of said body,
locking shutter and archwire.
30. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 25 wherein at least
one of said gingival tie wings has at least one groove formed
therein.
31. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 25 further including
a locking mechanism acting between said body and said locking
shutter to maintain said locking shutter in said closed
position.
32. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 31 wherein said
locking mechanism includes a pair o f sp aced projections extending
from said body and an opening in said locking shutter, said
projections being flexed together when accommodated by said
opening.
33. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 31 wherein said
locking mechanism includes a bulbous lip formed on said body, said
locking shutter curving lingually and occlusially at its free end
to engage said lip when said locking shutter is in said closed
position.
34. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 33 wherein said
locking shutter curves lingually and occlusially at its free end
and wherein said locking mechanism is constituted by co-operating
wedge shaped formations on said body and said free end.
35. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 31 wherein said
locking mechanism includes a spring member carried by said locking
shutter, said spring member acting between said locking shutter and
pivot pin to bias said locking shutter into retaining notches
formed in the tie wings of one of said pair.
36. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 31 wherein said
locking mechanism includes a stop on said body and a wedge on said
locking shutter to abut said stop when said locking shutter is
compressed and moved to said closed position.
37. An orthodontic bracket as defined in claim 31 wherein said
locking mechanism includes a spring-loaded piston accommodated by a
tie wing and extending into said interwing region.
38. A body for an orthodontic bracket having a mesiodistally
extending archwire slot formed therein and gingival and occlusal
surfaces shaped to deflect food debris and plaque mesially and
distally therefrom when secured to a tooth.
39. A body as defined in claim 38 wherein said gingival surface is
generally egg-shaped and wherein said occlusal surface is undulated
to present a pair of oppositely directed curved lateral faces.
40. A set of braces including a plurality of orthodontic brackets
to be attached to an individual's teeth, said braces including
self-engaging twin orthodontic brackets to be attached to the
central and lateral teeth and first and second molars of said
individual and single orthodontic brackets to be attached to the
cuspid and premolar teeth of said individual.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 08/625,944, filed on Apr. 1, 1996 which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/412,338 filed
on Mar. 31, 1995 now abandoned which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. application Ser. No. 08/206,724 filed on Mar. 7, 1994 now
issued and granted under U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,445.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates in general to pre-engaging
orthodontic brackets and in particular to a pre-engaging twin
orthodontic bracket and to a plurality of orthodontic brackets
forming a set of braces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to established orthodontic techniques, it is well
known that one is able to ligate an archwire to a bracket utilizing
an elastic, elastomeric or metal ligature. In a twin edgewise
orthodontic bracket, the elastic ligature is stretched around
respective undercuts of gingival and occlusal tie wings so as to
overlay the archwire at mesial and distal ends of the bracket.
[0004] The ligating procedure involves carefully stretching the
elastic or elastomeric ligature (or wrapping and twisting a metal
ligature) around the tie wings utilizing appropriate orthodontic
instruments. It has been found that the time-consuming ligation
procedure contributes to lengthy chair time. Furthermore, the
elastic ligatures are known to lose their elasticity with time and
are subject to degradation. Also, the elastic and metal ligatures
have been known to trap food particles in areas of the bracket
which are difficult for the patient to clean, and to increase the
level of friction against the archwire. Finally, the use of sharp
metal ligatures around the bracket can subject the clinician to
unnecessary exposure to infectious bacteria, or viruses such as
hepatitis B, or possibly the HIV virus particularly in blood.
[0005] In an effort to overcome these disadvantages of elastic
ligatures, certain advances have been made in the area of
pre-engaging orthodontic brackets. Each of U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,144,642; 4,248,588; 4,698,017; 3,772,787; 4,786,242; 4,559,012;
4,561,844; 4,655,708; 4,077,126; 4,419,078; 4,634,661; 4,197,642;
and 4,712,999 illustrate one or more designs of pre-engaging
brackets. These prior art devices overcome some of the
disadvantages associated with elastic ligatures. For example,
pre-engaging orthodontic brackets eliminate, or at least reduce,
exposure of the clinician to sharp ligatures, thereby alleviating
the problem of contracting harmful bacteria or viruses. In
addition, pre-engaging orthodontic brackets permit continuous low
deflection differential archwire contact separately for both round
and rectangular archwires at at least two different levels of
contact, which is not possible with degrading elastic, elastomeric
or rigid, high deflection metal ligatures. However, most of the
known prior art pre-engaging orthodontic brackets lack the
reliability and the accessible ease of operability that most
clinicians require. In addition, the majority of prior art
pre-engaging orthodontic brackets are of a single design that have
three or fewer tie wings.
[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a novel twin pre-engaging orthodontic bracket which
obviates or mitigates at least one of the above-identified
disadvantages associated with prior art orthodontic brackets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a pre-engaging orthodontic bracket for attaching an
archwire to a tooth comprising:
[0008] a body having a lingual surface for attachment to a tooth, a
pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of laterally
spaced occlusal tie wings, said gingival and occlusal tie wings
projecting from a labial surface of said body, both said gingival
tie wings and occlusal tie wings at opposed mesial and distal sides
of said body being separated by an interwing region of said
body;
[0009] an archwire slot extending mesiodistally across said body
and between the gingival and occlusal tie wings at opposed mesial
and distal sides of said body to accommodate an archwire, said
archwire slot being interrupted by said interwing region;
[0010] a locking shutter moveable relative to said body between an
open position in which placement and removal of said archwire in
said archwire slot is facilitated and a closed position in which
placement and removal of said archwire in said archwire slot is
inhibited; and
[0011] biasing means carried by said locking shutter and engageable
with an archwire in said archwire slot when said locking shutter is
in said closed position, said biasing means resiliently urging said
archwire into said archwire slot to provide a continuous corrective
force thereon.
[0012] In one embodiment, the biasing means is in the form of a
leaf spring secured to the locking shutter. The leaf spring can
extend mesiodistally or occlusiogingivally. In another embodiment,
the locking shutter is formed of resilient material and biases the
archwire when the locking shutter is in the closed position thereby
to constitute the biasing means.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a pre-engaging orthodontic bracket for attaching an
archwire to a tooth comprising:
[0014] a body having a lingual surface for attachment to a tooth, a
pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of laterally
spaced occlusal tie wings, said gingival and occlusal tie wings
projecting from a labial surface of said body, both said gingival
tie wings and occlusal tie wings at opposed mesial and distal sides
of said body being separated by an interwing region of said
body;
[0015] an archwire slot extending mesiodistally across said body
and between the gingival and occlusal tie wings at opposed mesial
and distal sides of said body to accommodate an archwire, said
archwire slot being interrupted by said interwing region;
[0016] a locking shutter movable relative to said body between an
open position in which placement and removal of said archwire in
said archwire slot is facilitated and a closed position in which
placement and removal of said archwire from said archwire slot is
inhibited; and
[0017] biasing means engageable with an archwire in said archwire
slot when said locking shutter is in said closed position to urge
said archwire toward said locking shutter to provide a continuous
corrective force thereon.
[0018] In one embodiment, the biasing means is in the form of a
resilient spring member extending mesiodistally along the archwire
slot and secured to the body. The spring member has at least one
free end and can be dimensioned to engage an archwire either within
the archwire slot or exterior to the archwire slot. In another
embodiment, the resilient spring member extends occlusiodistally
across the archwire slot in the interwing region and is secured to
the body adjacent one end thereof.
[0019] In another embodiment, the biasing means is in the form of
magnetized elements within the body adjacent the archwire slot to
present a repelling magnetic force to the archwire to bias the
archwire towards the locking shutter. In yet another embodiment,
the biasing means is in the form of a pair of spring-loaded pistons
accommodated by the body adjacent opposed mesial and distal ends of
the archwire slot to urge the archwire towards the locking
shutter.
[0020] According to still yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a pre-engaging orthodontic bracket for
attaching an archwire to a tooth comprising:
[0021] a body having a lingual surface for attachment to a tooth, a
pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of laterally
spaced occlusal tie wings, said gingival and occlusal tie wings
projecting from a labial surface of said body, both said gingival
tie wings and occlusal tie wings at opposed mesial and distal sides
of said body being separated by an interwing region of said
body;
[0022] an archwire slot extending mesiodistally across said body
and between the gingival and occlusal tie wings at opposed mesial
and distal sides of said body to accommodate an archwire, said
archwire slot being interrupted by said interwing region; and
[0023] a locking shutter pivotal about at least one pivot pin
between an open position in which placement and removal of said
archwire in said archwire slot is facilitated and a closed position
in which placement of said archwire in said archwire slot is
inhibited.
[0024] In one embodiment, the orthodontic bracket includes one
pivot pin extending between the tie wings of one of the two pairs
and wherein the locking shutter includes a single loop at one end
thereof to surround the pivot pin. In another embodiment, the
orthodontic bracket includes a pair of pivot pins, each
accommodated by each tie wing of one of the two pairs. In this
case, the locking shutter includes a pair of laterally spaced
single loops surrounding the pivot pins.
[0025] Preferably, the locking shutter includes a marker thereon to
identify generally the center of the archwire slot when the locking
shutter is in the closed position. It is also preferred that the
orthodontic bracket further includes a lubricating or sealing agent
carried by one or more of the body, archwire slot, locking shutter
and archwire.
[0026] According to still yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a body for an orthodontic bracket
having a mesiodistally extending archwire slot formed therein and
gingival and occlusal surfaces shaped to deflect food debris and
plaque mesially and distally therefrom when secured to a tooth.
[0027] According to still yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a set of braces including a plurality
of orthodontic brackets to be attached to an individual's teeth,
said braces including self-engaging twin orthodontic brackets to be
attached to the central and lateral teeth and first and second
molars of said individual and single orthodontic brackets to be
attached to the cuspid and premolar teeth of said individual.
[0028] The present invention provides advantages in that the
orthodontic brackets provide predictability and accurate control of
tooth movement while enhancing treatment progress. The orthodontic
brackets are aesthetically pleasing due to their symmetrical
designs and provide for easier hygiene than prior art orthodontic
brackets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pre-engaging twin
orthodontic bracket in accordance with the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2a is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 2b is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 1 in an open position;
[0033] FIGS. 3a and 3b are occlusal views of an incisor section to
which the orthodontic bracket of FIG. 1 of the present invention is
attached, showing low deflection moment during movement of the
tooth;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of an orthodontic bracket
of the type shown in FIG. 1 positioned on a tooth;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a pre-engaging twin orthodontic bracket in accordance with the
present invention;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of yet another
alternative embodiment of a pre-engaging twin orthodontic bracket
in accordance with the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 taken along line
7-7;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a three-quarter perspective view of the
orthodontic bracket of FIG. 6;
[0039] FIGS. 9a and 9b are cross-sectional views of FIG. 8 taken
along line 9-9 with the shutter in closed and open positions
respectively;
[0040] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of
the orthodontic bracket of FIG. 8 with the pivot pin omitted;
[0041] FIGS. 11a and 11b are perspective and front elevational
views respectively of a shutter forming part of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 6.
[0042] FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of an alternative
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the present
invention having a sliding shutter;
[0043] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 12;
[0044] FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 12 of the orthodontic
bracket showing movement of the shutter to an open position;
[0045] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 14 with the shutter in the open position;
[0046] FIG. 16a is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the present
invention having a sliding shutter shown in an open position;
[0047] FIG. 16b is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket shown in FIG. 16b;
[0048] FIG. 17a is a perspective view of the orthodontic bracket of
FIG. 16a showing the shutter in a closed position;
[0049] FIG. 17b is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket shown in FIG. 17a;
[0050] FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of an alternative
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the present
invention;
[0051] FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 18;
[0052] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the orthodontic bracket of
FIG. 18;
[0053] FIG. 21 is a partially exploded three-quarter perspective
view of a still yet another embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in
accordance with the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 22 is a three-quarter perspective view similar to FIG.
21 of the orthodontic bracket in a closed position;
[0055] FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 22 accommodating an archwire;
[0056] FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 22 in an open position;
[0057] FIG. 25 is a front elevational view of a further embodiment
of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the present invention
having a resiliently biased locking shutter;
[0058] FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 25 in an open position;
[0059] FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 25 in a closed position;
[0060] FIG. 28 is an exploded three-quarter perspective view of yet
another alternative embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in
accordance with the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 29 is a three-quarter perspective view of the
orthodontic bracket of FIG. 28 in a closed position;
[0062] FIG. 30a is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 29 in an open position;
[0063] FIG. 30b is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 29 in a closed position;
[0064] FIG. 31 is a three-quarter perspective view of the
orthodontic bracket of FIG. 29 in the open position;
[0065] FIG. 32 is a front elevational view of yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the present
invention;
[0066] FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 32;
[0067] FIG. 34 is an occlusal view of the orthodontic bracket of
FIG. 32;
[0068] FIG. 35 is a side elevational view of a shutter forming part
of the orthodontic bracket of FIG. 32;
[0069] FIG. 36 is a front elevational view of the shutter of FIG.
35;
[0070] FIG. 37 is a three-quarter perspective view of still yet a
further embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the
present invention;
[0071] FIG. 38 is a front elevational view of yet another
alternative embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with
the present invention in a closed position;
[0072] FIG. 39 is a front elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 38 in an open position;
[0073] FIG. 40 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 38 accommodating a round archwire;
[0074] FIG. 41 a is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of a pivot pin and shutter for use with the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 38;
[0075] FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 39 accommodating a round archwire;
[0076] FIG. 42 is a front elevational view of yet another
alternative embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with
the present invention in a closed position;
[0077] FIG. 43 is a front elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 42 in an open position;
[0078] FIG. 44 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 42 accommodating a round archwire;
[0079] FIG. 45 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 43 accommodating a round archwire;
[0080] FIG. 45a is a front elevational view of an alternative
embodiment of a shutter for use with the orthodontic bracket of
FIG. 42;
[0081] FIG. 46 is a front elevational view of yet another
alternative embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with
the present invention in a closed position;
[0082] FIG. 47 is a front elevational view of yet another
alternative embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with
the present invention in a closed position;
[0083] FIG. 48 is an exploded three-quarter perspective view of yet
another alternative embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in
accordance with the present invention similar to that shown in
FIGS. 28 to 31;
[0084] FIG. 49 is a three-quarter perspective view of the
orthodontic bracket of FIG. 48 in a closed position;
[0085] FIG. 50 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 49 in an open position;
[0086] FIG. 51 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 49 in a closed position;
[0087] FIG. 52 is a three-quarter perspective view of the
orthodontic bracket of FIG. 49 in the open position;
[0088] FIG. 53 is a front elevational view of an alternative
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the present
invention having a sliding shutter similar to that shown in FIGS.
12 to 15;
[0089] FIG. 54 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 53;
[0090] FIG. 55 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 53 with the shutter in the open position;
[0091] FIG. 56 is a front elevational view of a further embodiment
of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the present invention
having a resiliently biased locking shutter similar to that shown
in FIGS. 25 to 27;
[0092] FIG. 57 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 56 in an open position;
[0093] FIG. 58 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 56 in a closed position;
[0094] FIG. 59 is a front elevational view of yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the present
invention similar to that shown in FIGS. 32 to 36;
[0095] FIG. 60a is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 59;
[0096] FIG. 60b is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 59 in an open position;
[0097] FIG. 61 is a side elevational view of a shutter forming part
of the orthodontic bracket of FIG. 59;
[0098] FIG. 62 is a front elevational view of the shutter of FIG.
61;
[0099] FIG. 63 is a front elevational view of still a further
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the present
invention with the shutter removed;
[0100] FIG. 64 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 63 with the shutter installed;
[0101] FIG. 65 is a front elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 63 with the shutter installed;
[0102] FIG. 66 is a top plan view of the orthodontic bracket of
FIG. 65;
[0103] FIG. 67 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 63, similar to FIG. 64, with the shutter in an open
position;
[0104] FIG. 68 is a three-quarter perspective view of the
orthodontic bracket of FIG. 63;
[0105] FIG. 69 is a side elevational view of an alternative
embodiment of a shutter for use with the orthodontic bracket of
FIG. 63;
[0106] FIG. 70 is a side elevational view of a further alternative
embodiment of a shutter for use with the orthodontic bracket of
FIG. 63;
[0107] FIG. 71 is a rear elevational view of the shutter of FIG.
70;
[0108] FIG. 72 is a side elevational view of a still further
embodiment of a shutter for use with the orthodontic bracket of
FIG. 63;
[0109] FIG. 73 is a rear elevational view of the shutter of FIG.
72;
[0110] FIG. 74 is a front elevational view of yet another
alternative embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with
the present invention;
[0111] FIG. 75 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 74 in a closed position;
[0112] FIG. 76 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 75 in an open position;
[0113] FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 76;
[0114] FIG. 78 is a perspective view of a shutter used in the
orthodontic bracket of FIG. 74;
[0115] FIG. 79 is a front elevational view of yet another
alternative embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with
the present invention;
[0116] FIG. 80 is a perspective view of the orthodontic bracket of
FIG. 79;
[0117] FIG. 81 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 79;
[0118] FIG. 82 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 79 accommodating a larger archwire;
[0119] FIG. 83 is a front elevational view of yet another
alternative embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with
the present invention;
[0120] FIG. 84 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 83 in a closed position and accommodating an
archwire;
[0121] FIG. 85 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 83 showing the initial release of the shutter;
[0122] FIG. 86 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 83 showing further movement of the shutter;
[0123] FIG. 87 is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 83 showing the shutter in a fully open
position;
[0124] FIG. 88 is a front elevational view of yet another
alternative embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with
the present invention;
[0125] FIG. 89 is a perspective view of a component forming part of
the orthodontic bracket of FIG. 88;
[0126] FIG. 90 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the component of FIG. 89;
[0127] FIGS. 91a and 91b are side elevational views of embodiments
of an orthodontic tool;
[0128] FIG. 92a is a front elevational view of another embodiment
of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the present
invention;
[0129] FIG. 92b is a side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 92a;
[0130] FIG. 92c is a top plan view of the orthodontic bracket of
FIG. 92a;
[0131] FIG. 92d is another side elevational view of the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 92a;
[0132] FIG. 93 is a perspective view of a portion of another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance the present
invention;
[0133] FIG. 94 is a front elevational view of yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the present
invention;
[0134] FIG. 95 is a side elevational view of still yet another
alternative embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with
the present invention;
[0135] FIGS. 96a and 96b are front elevational and cross-sectional
views of another embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance
with the present invention;
[0136] FIGS. 97a to 97c are front elevational, side elevational and
top plan views of another embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in
accordance with the present invention;
[0137] FIGS. 98a and 98b are front elevational and cross-sectional
views of another embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance
with the present invention;
[0138] FIGS. 98c and 98d are front and side elevational views of
another embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the
present invention;
[0139] FIGS. 99a and 99b are front and side elevational views of
another embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the
present invention;
[0140] FIGS. 100a to 100c are front elevational, side elevational
and top plan views of another embodiment of an orthodontic bracket
in accordance with the present invention;
[0141] FIG. 100d is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of a locking shutter retainer for the orthodontic
bracket of FIG. 100a;
[0142] FIGS. 101a to 101c are front elevational, side elevational
and top plan views of another embodiment of an orthodontic bracket
in accordance with the present invention;
[0143] FIG. 101d is a plan view of a locking shutter used in the
orthodontic bracket of FIG. 101a in an unfolded condition;
[0144] FIGS. 102 and 103 are front and side elevational views of
another embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the
present invention;
[0145] FIG. 104 is a front elevational view of an alternative
embodiment of a body for an orthodontic bracket; and
[0146] FIGS. 105 and 106 are front and side elevational views of
yet another alternative of an orthodontic bracket in accordance
with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0147] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a pre-engaging twin
orthodontic bracket is shown and is generally indicated to by
reference numeral 10. As can be seen, orthodontic bracket 10
includes a body 12 and a lingual mounting pad 14 attached to the
body. The mounting pad 14 has a lingual surface to be attached to a
tooth. A pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings 16 and a pair
of laterally spaced occlusal tie wings 18 extend from a labial
surface of the body 12. The gingival tie wings 16 and the occlusal
tie wings 18 curve lingually. An archwire slot 20 extends
mesiodistally across the body and between the gingival and occlusal
tie wings at opposed mesial and distal sides of the body and opens
labially to receive an archwire 22. The archwire slot 20 is
interrupted in the interwing region 12' of the body. A V-shaped
deflection notch is formed in the gingival wall of the archwire
slot 20 at its mesial and distal ends extends to define mesial and
distal bevelled deflection surfaces 24 above the archwire slot.
Resting grooves 26 are formed in the labial surface of the wings 15
below the archwire slot 20.
[0148] A shutter 30 formed of resilient stainless steel is
pivotally mounted on the occlusal tie wings 18 and is movable
between a closed position where access to the archwire slot 20 is
inhibited and an open position where access to the archwire slot is
permitted (see FIGS. 2a and 2b). One end 30a of the shutter 30 is
accommodated in undercuts 34 defined by the occlusal tie wings 18.
The end 30a of the shutter 30 accommodated by the undercuts 34
generally resembles an open "D" and is configured to remain in the
undercuts 34 throughout movement of the shutter between the open
and closed positions. As the shutter 30 moves between the open and
closed positions, the end 30a of the shutter translates within the
undercuts 34. An aperture 30b is formed in the shutter 30 to
accommodate a tool to facilitate opening of the shutter.
[0149] The shutter 30 curves labially and gingivally around the
occlusal tie wings 18 and then curves lingually towards the
archwire slot 20. When the shutter 30 is in the closed position and
the archwire applies a labially directed force to the shutter 30,
the gingival end 36 of the shutter 30 contacts the deflection
surfaces 24 to inhibit the shutter from being accidentally removed
from the archwire slot 20. At the same time, the lingual surface 38
of the shutter 30 contacts the archwire 22 to urge it continuously
into the archwire slot 20. When the shutter 30 is pivoted and
translated to remove it from the archwire slot 20, the gingival end
36 can be accommodated by the resting grooves 26 to hold the
shutter in the open position although this is not necessary as
shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2b. This is due to the fact that
as the compressed shutter 30 is opened, it flexes over the occlusal
tie wings 18 as the shutter pivots and translates in the occlusal
undercuts 34 to maintain the shutter open. The shutter 30 can be
closed using a finger by simply pushing on the shutter until the
gingival end 36 of the shutter enters the archwire slot 20 with the
lingual surface 38 in contact with the archwire 22. The shutter 30
can be opened by inserting a one or two prong ligature director
into the aperture 30b and applying an occlusally directed force on
the shutter in the interwing region 12' of the body 12.
[0150] The design of the shutter 30 is such that a rectangular
archwire 22 is seated to apply torque to the archwire slot 20
depending on the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the archwire
22. The continuous active seating or biasing of the archwire 22 by
the shutter 30 provides for accurate tooth movement. Referring now
to FIGS. 3a and 3b, a tooth 40 with an orthodontic bracket 10 on it
is shown. In FIG. 3a, the tooth 40 is shown in an original
"rotated" position while in FIG. 3b, the tooth is shown in a final
"straight" position. The designations A and B in FIGS. 3a and 3b
denote coupled sets of force vectors applied by the shutter 30 on
the orthodontic bracket 10 and archwire. As can be seen, the
archwire 22 in FIG. 3a deflects the shutter 30 labially on the
right side reducing the initial force and moment applied to the
tooth 40 until the shutter gradually seats itself into the archwire
slot 20 as shown in FIG. 3b with less patient discomfort.
[0151] Referring now to FIG. 4, an orthodontic bracket 10 is shown
on a tooth 40. The occlusal edges of the orthodontic bracket 10 are
preferably parallel to the incisal edges and parallel to the
archwire slot. Two scribe lines 44 on the orthodontic bracket 10
delineate the long axis 46 of the tooth 40 for ideal placement of
the orthodontic bracket. Also, the external lingual surface of the
mounting pad 14 is angulated or biased to assist alignment and
placement of the orthodontic bracket 10 against the long axis of
the tooth. Larger brackets may be used for larger molars.
[0152] Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of an
orthodontic bracket is shown and is generally indicated to by
reference numeral 10a. In this embodiment, like reference numerals
will be used to indicate like components of the first embodiment
with an "a" added for clarity. As can be seen, the shutter 24a is
received in undercuts 34a defined by the occlusal tie wings 18a.
The shutter 30a has an aperture 51 formed in it to receive a tool
and facilitate pivoting of the shutter from the closed to open
positions using a tool. A hollow vertical slot 52 is provided on
the body 12a in the interwing region 12a'. The hollow slot 52
allows the orthodontic bracket 10a to provide for more tooth
inclination, torque control and overcorrection than prior art
orthodontic brackets.
[0153] Referring now to FIGS. 6 to 10, yet another embodiment of a
pre-engaging twin orthodontic bracket is shown and is generally
indicated to by reference numeral 110. As can be seen, orthodontic
bracket 110 includes a body 112 and a lingual mounting pad 114
attached to the body. The mounting pad 114 has a lingual surface to
be attached to a tooth. A pair of laterally spaced gingival tie
wings 116 and a pair of laterally spaced occlusal tie wings 118
extend from a labial surface of the body 112. The gingival tie
wings 116 and the occlusal tie wings 118 curve lingually. A
horizontal crossbar 117 extends across the interwing region 112' of
the body 112 and interconnects the occlusal tie wings 118. A ball
hook 119 extends from one of the gingival tie wings 116.
[0154] The gingival surface 115 of the body in the interwing region
112' between the gingival tie wings 116 is convex and is generally
semi-elliptical. The labial surface of the body in the interwing
region 112 has a notch 150 formed in it. The gingival tie wings 116
are bevelled as indicated by reference numeral 121. An archwire
slot 120 extends mesiodistally across the body 112 and between the
gingival and occlusal tie wings located at opposed mesial and
distal sides of the body and opens labially to receive an archwire
122. The occlusal wall of the archwire slot 120 is continuous and
is constituted by the occlusal tie wings 118 and the crossbar 117.
The occlusal wall of the archwire slot 120 has a notch formed in it
to define two deflection surfaces 124 and 126 respectively.
Deflection surface 124 is constituted by a labial bevel while
deflection surface 126 is constituted by a lingual bevel.
[0155] Looking at FIGS. 7 and 10, it can be seen that a curved
groove 128 is formed in the gingival tie wings 116 and interwing
region 112' of the body and extends mesiodistally. The groove 128
is spaced above the gingival surface of the body 112 and
accommodates a pivot pin 130. The pivot pin 130 is bonded to the
gingival tie wings 116 by suitable means such as brazing,
soldering, welding or the like. A shutter 132 resembling an
inverted "T" in front elevation is pivotally mounted on the pivot
pin 130 in the interwing region 112' and is movable between a
closed position where access to the archwire slot 120 is inhibited
and an open position where access to the archwire slot 120 is
permitted.
[0156] Referring now to FIGS. 11a and 11b, the shutter 132 is
better illustrated. As can be seen, the shutter 132 includes a
lingually curved upright stem 134 and a transverse arm 136 at the
occlusal end of the stem. The edges of the shutter are curved at
the intersection between the stem 134 and transverse arm 136 to
strengthen the shutter. The stem 134 curves over itself at its
gingival end and terminates in an open D-shaped cup 138 which
partially surrounds the pivot pin 130 and is accommodated in an
undercut 39 formed in the interwing region 112' occlusally of the
pivot pin to secure the shutter to the orthodontic bracket 110. A
generally triangular aperture 140 is formed in the stem 134 to
receive a tool to facilitate pivoting of the shutter 132 from the
closed position to the open position. The occlusal portion of the
transverse arm 136 of the shutter is generally convex when viewed
in profile and is dimensioned to be accommodated in the archwire
slot 120. The occlusal edge 142 of the transverse arm 136 is
slightly concave.
[0157] The archwire slot 120 is designed to accommodate circular
cross-section or rectangular cross-section archwires 122. When the
archwire 122 is positioned in the archwire slot and the shutter is
closed, the lingual surface of the shutter 132 contacts the
archwire to urge it continuously against the body 112 (see FIG.
9a). The deflection surface 126 inhibits the shutter 132 from being
accidentally removed from the archwire slot 120 when the archwire
122 applies a labially directed force to the archwire. When it is
desired to open the shutter 132, a tool is inserted into the
aperture 140 and is accommodated by the notch 150. The tool can
then be used to pivot the shutter with sufficient force so that the
occlusal edge 142 of the transverse arm 136 passes over the
deflection surface 126 and so that the end of the cup 138 rotates
into the undercut 139 allowing the shutter 132 to open.
[0158] During this pivotal movement of the shutter 132, the convex
interwing gingival surface 115 of the body 112 and the flexing of
the initially compressed shutter over the convex surface 115 as the
shutter 132 pivots around the pivot pin 130 with the end of the
shutter in the notch as shown in FIG. 9b, maintains the shutter in
an open condition. The undercut 139 occlusally of the pivot pin 130
provides sufficient clearance for the shutter 132 to pivot freely
in a rotary fashion.
[0159] Although the shutter 132 has been described as having a
D-shaped cup 138 to surround the pivot pin 130, the shutter can
curl back around itself to surround substantially the pivot pin 130
between the gingival tie wings. Also, although the pivot pin has
been described as being accommodated in curved slots and bonded to
the orthodontic bracket, it should be apparent to those of skill in
the art that the pivot pin may be integrally formed with and extend
between the gingival tie wings.
[0160] Although the gingival surface of the body in the interwing
region has been described as being semi-elliptical, it should be
appreciated that other surface configurations are suitable. Also,
although the pivot pin has been described as being accommodated in
a groove extending across the gingival tie wings and the body, the
pivot pin may only extend between the gingival tie wings in the
interwing region 112' making the gingival tie wings more
accessible. Also, although the shutter has been shown as pivoting
about a pivot pin extending between the gingival tie wings, the
pivot pin may extend between the occlusal tie wings.
[0161] Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 15, yet another embodiment of
an orthodontic bracket is shown and is generally indicated to by
reference numeral 220. As can be seen, orthodontic bracket 220
includes a body 222 and a locking shutter 224. For illustrative
purposes, the orthodontic bracket 220 is configured for a maxillary
tooth but it can be appreciated that the orthodontic bracket 220
could be used on a mandibular tooth.
[0162] Body 222 includes a lingual mounting pad 226 having a
lingual tooth attaching surface 228 adapted for direct attachment
to a tooth or to a pad that may be attached to a tooth. A pair of
laterally spaced occlusal tie wings 234 and a pair of laterally
spaced gingival tie wings 236 project from a labial surface of the
body 222. Each tie wing 234,236 curves lingually to define an
undercut 238 for receiving a ligature. An archwire slot 240 extends
mesiodistally across the body 222 and between the occlusal and
gingival tie wings at opposed mesial and distal sides of the body.
The archwire slot 240 accommodates an archwire 242. The archwire
slot 240 has a pair of opposed surfaces 244,246 at its mesial and
distal ends. Inverted V-shaped deflection notches 248 are provided
in the gingival tie wings 236 above the archwire slot. The
deflection notches 248 are provided to receive a gingival edge 250
of the locking shutter 224 in the closed position.
[0163] The locking shutter 224 extends between the occlusal and
gingival tie wings at opposed mesial and distal sides of the body
222 and across the archwire slot 240. The locking shutter 224 has a
body 252 which is cranked as indicated at 254 to provide a pair of
relatively inclined portions 256,258. Occlusal edge 260 of the
shutter body 252 is provided with a recess 262 (as seen in FIGS. 12
and 14) so as to define a pair of downwardly projecting arms
264,266 that overlie respective ones of the occlusal tie wings 234
when the shutter 224 is in a closed position. An aperture 267 is
centrally positioned on the shutter 224 to accommodate a tool to
facilitate movement of the locking shutter.
[0164] The locking shutter 224 is retained on the orthodontic
bracket 220 by means of an off-center pivot pin 268 that passes
through an aperture (not shown) formed in the arm 264 and is
secured to the occlusal tie wing 234. The shutter 224 is thus able
to slide in a generally occlusal-gingival plane about the pin 268
as indicated by arrow 269 in FIG. 14.
[0165] An indentation 272 is formed in the arm 266 and a
corresponding dimple 274 formed in the underlying occlusal tie wing
234. Arm 266 includes a buccally-extending return 276 that passes
around the distal side of the occlusal tie wing 234 and has a
retaining plate 278 that is received within a slot 280 formed in
the side of the occlusal tie wing 234.
[0166] The indentation 272 cooperates with the dimple 274 to form a
detent which inhibits pivotal movement of the shutter 224 about the
pivot pin 268 and retains the locking shutter 224 in the closed
position. The retaining plate 278 cooperates with the slot 280 and
the shutter cooperates with the deflection notches 248 to inhibit
labial movement of the locking shutter when in the closed position
and an archwire applies a labially directed force to the shutter so
that the locking shutter 224 retains the archwire 242 within the
archwire slot 240.
[0167] To open the locking shutter 224, it is simply necessary to
overcome the detent provided by the indentation 272 and dimple 274
and rotate the locking shutter 224 about the pivot pin 268. Access
to the archwire slot 240 is thus obtained. Similarly, to close the
locking shutter 224, it is simply necessary to pivot the locking
shutter about the pivot pin 268 so that the gingival edge 250
engages the deflection notches 248 and the indentation 272 engages
the dimple 274. The locking shutter 224 is thus held securely and
cooperates with the archwire 242 to apply the requisite forces to
the archwire within the archwire slot.
[0168] An alternative embodiment of an orthodontic bracket is shown
in FIGS. 16a to 17b and is generally indicated to by reference
numeral 220a. In this embodiment, like components of the previous
embodiment will be identified with like reference numerals, with
the suffix "a" added for clarity.
[0169] As can be seen, the locking shutter 224a is pivotally
secured to a boss 290 that extends between the gingival tie wings
236a by way of centrally positioned pivot pin 268a. One edge 292 of
the locking shutter 224a is arcuate giving the shutter 224a a
generally semi-circular appearance. Deflection notches 248a are
formed in the occlusal tie wings 234a adjacent the archwire slot
240a. It will be noted that the labial surfaces of the occlusal tie
wings 234a are labially protrusive so that the arcuate edge 292 of
the locking shutter 224a is aligned with the deflection notches
248a.
[0170] Dimples (not shown) are formed on each of the gingival tie
wings 236a and corresponding indentations 272a are formed on the
locking shutter 224a. The dimples and indentations 272a cooperate
when the locking shutter 224a is either in the open or closed
positions to retain the locking shutter in that position. An
aperture 267a is provided in the shutter to receive a tool and
facilitate movement of the shutter 224a. The locking shutter 224a
can be pivoted about pivot pin 268a so as to bring the arcuate edge
292 into engagement with the notches 248a as shown in FIGS. 17a and
17b by overcoming the detent provided by the indentations 272a and
dimples. In this position, the locking shutter 224a is effective to
inhibit removal of an archwire from the archwire slot 240a. The
locking shutter 224a can be readily moved to the open position by
rotating the locking shutter about the pivot pin 268a to allow
access to the archwire slot 240a as shown in FIG. 16a.
[0171] Another alternative arrangement of an orthodontic bracket
220' is shown in FIGS. 18 to 20. In this embodiment, like reference
numerals will be used to indicate like components of the embodiment
of FIGS. 12 to 15 with the suffix "'" added for clarity. In this
embodiment, the locking shutter 224' is relieved and is generally
C-shaped to provide a pair of arms 264' and 266'. Similar to the
previous embodiment, the locking shutter 224' is pivotally secured
to a boss 290' extending between the gingival tie wings 236' by way
of a pivot pin 268'. A dimple 274' is provided on both gingival tie
wings 236'. Indentations 272' on the arms 264' and 266' co-operate
with the dimples 274' with the detent formed between the
indentations and dimples maintaining the locking shutter 224' in
the open position. The notches 248' define deflection surfaces to
inhibit labial movement of the shutter 224' and its removal from
the archwire slot 240' when the shutter 224' is in the closed
position and an archwire applies a labially directed force to the
shutter. In order to move the shutter from the open to closed
position, it is necessary to overcome the detent provided by the
indentations 272' and the dimples 274' and pivot the shutter 224'
about the pivot pin 268'.
[0172] In embodiments of the orthodontic brackets illustrated in
FIGS. 12 to 20, it will be observed that movement of the locking
shutter between open and closed positions is obtained by simple
rotation of the locking shutter about the pivot pin so that the
locking shutter remains captive to the body but at the same time is
securely held in the closed and/or open positions by the action of
the detent formed between the indentations and dimples.
[0173] A further embodiment of an orthodontic bracket is shown in
FIGS. 21 to 24, in which like reference numerals will be used to
denote like components of the embodiment of FIGS. 12 to 15 with a
suffix `c` added for clarity. As can be seen, a circular track 500
is formed on the mesial, distal, occlusal and gingival sides of the
orthodontic bracket 220c. The circular track 500 passes through the
occlusal and gingival tie wings 234c and 236c respectively to
intersect the archwire slot 240c. Bores 501 are formed in the
circular tracks 500 in the mesial and distal sides of the gingival
tie wings 236c slightly above the archwire slot 240c. The archwire
slot 240c is offset occlusally so that the gingival tie wings 236c
are longer than the occlusal tie wings 234c.
[0174] The track 500 receives a shutter in the form of a part
circular clip 502 having a circular protrusion 504 at one end. The
clip 502 is slidable in the track 500 but provides a friction grip
against the track to inhibit unintentional movement. The circular
protrusion 504 is accommodated by one of the bores 501 to hold the
clip 502 in either the closed or open positions.
[0175] The clip 502 may be rotated in the track 500 between an open
position in which access to the archwire slot 240c is available
(see FIG. 24) and a closed position in which access is inhibited
(see FIGS. 22 and 23). As can best be seen in FIG. 22, the offset
of the archwire slot 240c allows the clip 502 to overlie the
archwire slot 240c to retain an archwire within the archwire slot.
Rotation of the clip 502 through approximately 180 degrees moves
the clip to the position shown in FIG. 24 at which the archwire
slot 240c is open and access to the archwire is provided. The
circular protrusion 504 facilitates rotation of the clip 502
between open and closed positions, with the friction between the
clip and the track 500 and the cooperating protrusion 504 and bore
501 retaining the clip 502 in the desired position.
[0176] A still further embodiment of an orthodontic bracket 220b is
shown in FIGS. 25 to 27 in which like reference numerals will be
used to denote like components of the embodiment of FIGS. 12 to 15,
with a suffix "b" added for clarity. As can be seen, the shutter
224b is slidable within a slot 510 formed in each of the occlusal
wings 234b. A U-shaped strap 512 is secured to the labial face of
shutter 224b and extends through a guide slot 514 and a washer 515
in the base of each of the slots 510. A coil spring 516 is
positioned in each slot beneath the shutter 224b and surrounds each
arm 512a of the strap 512. The arms 512a are cranked slightly above
the coil springs 516 toward the archwire slot 240b as indicated to
by reference numeral 518. The springs 516 bias the shutter 224b to
a closed position in which the gingival edge 250b of the shutter
224b engages the notches 248b.
[0177] The labial surface of the shutter 224b carries a wedge 520
that cooperates with a complementary recess 522 formed in the
slots. The wedge 520 retains the shutter 224b in the open position
and may be released by application of a force to the bight 512b of
the strap 512 to release the shutter 224b under the action of the
springs 516. The shutter 224b is thus retained in the closed
position to resist labial movement of an archwire 242b in the
archwire slot 240b. The spring loaded shutter 224b may also be
applied in a similar manner to two single orthodontic brackets or a
3 wing orthodontic bracket.
[0178] A still further embodiment of an orthodontic bracket 220d is
shown in FIGS. 28 to 31 where like reference numerals will be used
to indicate like components of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
12 to 15 with the suffix "d" added for clarity. In this embodiment,
grooves 530 are formed in the mesial and distal sides of the body
222d. Each groove 530 extends through the gingival and occlusal tie
wings 236d and 234d. The grooves 530 terminate in blind bores 532
in the gingival tie wings 236d. Blind bores 534 are also formed in
the grooves 530 in the occlusal tie wings 236d adjacent the
archwire slot 240d (see FIG. 31). The occlusal surfaces of the
occlusal tie wings 236d are undercut to provide a lateral groove
536 that extends mesiodistally between the occlusal tie wings.
[0179] A shutter 224d in the form of a generally U-shaped clip 538
is formed with a pair of outer arms 540 interconnected by a lateral
bight 542. The ends of the arms 540 are formed with
inwardly-directed projections 544 for receipt within the bores 532
or 534.
[0180] A support arm 546 is secured to the lateral bight 542 and is
jogged to provide a horizontal arm 546a between a pair of vertical
arms 546b and 546c respectively. One of the vertical arms 546c is
received within a vertical slot 548 in the body 220d and maintains
alignment of the clip 538 as it is moved between the open and
closed positions. The slot 548 is located in the interwing region
of the body 222d to provide uniform support.
[0181] The clip 538 is assembled on the orthodontic bracket 220d so
that the arms 540 are received within the respective grooves 530.
The projections 544 are received within the blind bores 534 so that
the archwire slot 240d is open for receipt of an archwire as shown
in FIG. 30a. With the archwire 242d inserted into the archwire slot
240a as shown in FIG. 30b, the clip 538 may be advanced along the
grooves 530 until the projections 544 are received within the blind
bores 532. In this position, the lateral bight 542 is received
within the lateral groove 536 to provide further security for the
clip 538. The vertical arm 546c and slot 548 serve to guide and
align the clip 538 during sliding motion to facilitate the relative
movement between the clip and the orthodontic bracket 220d.
[0182] A further embodiment of an orthodontic bracket 220e is shown
in FIGS. 32 to 36. In this embodiment like reference numerals will
be used to denote like components of the embodiment of FIGS. 12 to
15 with a suffix "e" added for clarity. In the embodiment of FIGS.
32 to 36, grooves 560 are formed in the occlusal tie wings 234e
only. The shutter 224e includes side flanges 562 that have inwardly
directed protrusions 564 to engage the grooves 560. The shutter
224e has a pair of lingually angulated occlusal arms 264e and 266e
and a centrally positioned gingival arm 566 defined partly by a
pair of slits 568 in the shutter 224e (best seen in FIG. 36). The
gingival arm 566 is recurved in a labial direction as indicated by
reference numeral 569 and is resilient to engage the labial notches
248e at the mesial and distal ends of the archwire slot 240e and
inhibit labial movement of shutter 224e when an archwire applies a
labially directed force to the shutter. Protrusions 570 are
provided on the sides of the shutter 224e to form a handle and
facilitate sliding movement of the shutter 224e between the open
and closed positions. Again therefore, a sliding shutter is
provided on the orthodontic bracket 220e to retain an archwire in
the archwire slot 240e.
[0183] In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 37, a known
orthodontic bracket 220f sold under the trade name "SPEED" is shown
and includes a pair of occlusal tie wings 234f below a shutter 224f
and a pair of gingival tie wings above the shutter 224f to provide
a twin orthodontic bracket. The gingival tie wings can be spaced
further apart to make the orthodontic bracket more symmetrical.
[0184] Referring now to FIGS. 38 to 41, still yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket is shown. In this embodiment,
like reference numerals will be used to denote like components of
the embodiment of FIGS. 12 to 15 with a "1000" added for clarity.
As can be seen, the orthodontic bracket 1220 is similar to one of
the orthodontic brackets disclosed in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No.
5,474,445 issued on Dec. 12, 1995, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference. In this embodiment, a projection
1001 is formed on the gingival surface 1003 of the body 1222 in the
interwing region. The shutter 1224 generally resembles a cruciform
and has a gingival arm 1005 with an inverted doghouse shaped
aperture 1267 in it to accommodate the projection 1001 and retain
the shutter 1224 in the closed position. The shape of the aperture
1267 also permits a tool to enter the aperture so that a labially
directed force can be applied to the shutter 1224 using the tool to
release the shutter 1224 from the projection 1001. The mesial and
distal arms 1007 and 1009 respectively of the shutter 1224 curve
lingually into the archwire slot 1240. The arms 1007 and 1009 are
resilient and are somewhat flattened when contacting a full
dimension rectangular archwire 1242 accommodated in the archwire
slot 1240 to apply a bias to move the archwire 1242 into the base
of the archwire slot. In this way, a continuous rotation action and
torque is applied to the archwire whether round or rectangular
(even where that archwire is of relatively small cross-sectional
dimension) to apply a continuous force to the tooth through the
orthodontic bracket 1220. The occlusal arm 1011 of the shutter 1224
curves labially to define a single loop which surrounds a pivot pin
1013 to secure the shutter 1224 to the orthodontic bracket 1220 and
to provide a shutter with a continuous smooth lingual surface.
[0185] FIG. 41a shows an alternative embodiment of the shutter and
pivot pin design. In this embodiment, a dimple 1013a is formed in
the pivot pin 1013 and an indentation 1224a is provided in the
shutter 1224. The indentation 1224a and dimple 1013a cooperate when
the shutter is in a closed position to provide further security to
inhibit accidental opening of the shutter.
[0186] A similar arrangement of an orthodontic bracket 2220 to that
described above is shown in FIGS. 42 to 45. In this embodiment,
like reference numerals will be used to denote like components of
the embodiment of FIGS. 12 to 15 with a "2000" added for clarity.
As can be seen, the orthodontic bracket 2220 also has a shutter
2224 generally resembling a cruciform. The gingival arm 2005 of the
shutter 2224 has a doghouse shaped aperture 2267 in it to
accommodate a projection 2001 and retain the shutter 2224 in the
closed position. Unlike the previous embodiment, the mesial and
distal arms 2007 and 2009 on the shutter 2224 are relatively rigid.
A spring member in the form of a ribbon 700 is located on the
lingual surface of the shutter 2224 and extends mesiodistally. The
ribbon 700 is configured to provide a pair of convex lingually
extending formations 702 that are aligned with the occlusal and
gingival tie wings at opposed mesial and distal sides of the body
2222 and thus bear against an archwire 2242 located in the archwire
slot 2240. The central portion 704 of the ribbon 700 is secured to
the shutter 2224 with the lateral extremities 706 of the ribbon
being free to slide horizontally over the lingual surface of the
shutter 2224 and thereby allow flexure of the formations 702. In
this manner, different thicknesses of archwires 2242 can be
accommodated by the orthodontic bracket 2220 while still ensuring
that a continuous force is applied to the tooth through the
orthodontic bracket.
[0187] FIG. 45a illustrates an alternative embodiment of a ribbon
700' for use with the orthodontic bracket 2220. In this embodiment,
the ribbon 700' is secured to the lingual surface of the occlusal
arm 2011 of the shutter 2224 adjacent one of its ends and extends
in a gingival-occlusal direction. The other end 706' of the ribbon
700' is free to slide relative to the lingual surface of the
shutter 2224 as indicated by the dotted line 710. The tong 700'
presents a convex surface 702' which enters the archwire slot 2240
when the shutter is in a closed position to bias the archwire 2242
into the archwire slot.
[0188] FIGS. 46 and 47 illustrate alternative embodiments of
orthodontic brackets 1220' similar to that illustrate in FIGS. 38
to 41. In these embodiments, like reference numerals will be used
to indicate like components of the embodiment of FIGS. 38 to 41
with a "'" added for clarity. In the embodiment of FIG. 46, the
shutter 1224' has short mesial and distal arms 1007' and 1009'
which curve lingually into the archwire slot 1240' to apply a bias
to an archwire 1242' accommodated by the archwire slot 1240'. In
the embodiment of FIG. 47, the shutter 1224' has longer mesial and
distal arms 1007' and 1009' which curve lingually into the archwire
slot 1240' to apply a bias to an archwire 1242' accommodated by the
archwire slot 1240'.
[0189] Referring now to FIGS. 48 to 52, still yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket 3220d is shown similar to that
shown in FIGS. 28 to 31. In this embodiment, like reference
numerals will be used to denote like components of the embodiment
of FIGS. 28 to 31 with a "3000" added for clarity. As can be seen,
the orthodontic bracket 3220d can be modified to provide a
continuous seating action bias to an archwire accommodated in the
archwire slot. In this arrangement, a spring member in the form of
a resilient shim 720 is attached to the vertical arm 3546b of the
support arm 3546. The shim 720 thus projects gingivally from the
labial edge of the horizontal arm 3546a so as to be spaced from the
lingual vertical arm 3546c. The shim 720 has a jog directed
lingually toward the archwire slot 3240d and presents a generally
convex surface 722 towards the archwire slot 3240d. The gingival
edge 724 of the shim 720 recurves labially.
[0190] As the arms 3540 slide within the slots 3530 to the move the
clip 3538 to a closed position as shown in FIG. 49, the convex
surface 722 of the shim 720 engages the archwire 3242d and provides
a continuous biasing action against the archwire (best seen in FIG.
50). As may be seen in FIG. 51, the resilience of the shim 720
allows the orthodontic bracket 3220d to accommodate different sizes
and configurations of archwires 3242d while maintaining a
continuous action against the archwire.
[0191] Referring now to FIGS. 53 to 55, still yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket 4220 is shown similar to that
shown in FIGS. 12 to 15. In this embodiment, like reference
numerals will be used to denote like components of the embodiment
of FIGS. 12 to 15 with a "4000" added for clarity. As can be seen,
the orthodontic bracket 4220 can be modified to provide a
continuous bias to an archwire accommodated in the archwire slot.
In this embodiment, a spring member in the form of a resilient shim
730 is secured to the lingual surface of the shutter 4224 adjacent
the interwing region of the body 4220. The shim 730 is integrally
formed with the shutter 4224 and is folded lingually about the
occlusal edge 4260 of the shutter between the arms 4264 and 4266
respectively. The shim 730 is curved lingually to present a
generally convex surface 732 spaced from the shutter 4224 and its
end 734 recurved to form a smooth lip engaged with the lingual face
of the shutter 4224. The end 734 of the shim 730 is free to slide
relative to the shutter 4224 when the convex surface 731 is
flattened due to contact with an archwire 4242 in the archwire slot
4240. The shim 730 is thus able to continuously exert a corrective
force upon different configurations of archwires 4242 within the
archwire slot 4240 when the shutter 4224 is in the closed
position.
[0192] Referring now to FIGS. 56 to 58, still yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket 5220b is shown similar to that
shown in FIGS. 25 to 27. In this embodiment, like reference
numerals will be used to denote like components of the embodiment
of FIGS. 25 to 27 with a "5000" added for clarity. As can be seen,
the orthodontic bracket 5220b can be modified to provide a
continuous bias to an archwire accommodated in the archwire slot.
In the arrangement shown, a spring member in the form of a
resilient shim 740 is formed on the lingual face of the shutter
5224b in the archwire slot 5240b. The shim 740 is formed with a
convex lingual surface 742 that engages an archwire 5242b when the
shutter 5224b is in the closed position. The shim 740 is secured to
the shutter 5224b adjacent its occlusal end only and therefore, the
gingival end 744 of the shim 740 is free to slide relative to the
shutter 5224b. In this manner, the shim 740 may flex to accommodate
different sizes and shapes of archwires 5242b accommodated in the
archwire slot 5240b to provide a continuous action on the archwire
wire.
[0193] Referring now to FIGS. 59 to 62, still yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket 6220e is shown similar to that
shown in FIGS. 32 to 36. In this embodiment, like reference
numerals will be used to denote like components of the embodiment
of FIGS. 32 to 36 with a "6000" added for clarity. As can be seen,
the orthodontic bracket 6220e can be modified to provide a
continuous bias to an archwire accommodated in the archwire slot.
In the arrangement shown, a spring member in the form of a shim 750
is secured to the lingual surface of the shutter 6224e and presents
a convex surface 752 toward the archwire slot 6240e to engage an
archwire 6242b in the same manner as described above to provide a
continuous action on the archwire wire. The gingival edge 754 of
the shim is free to slide relative to the lingual surface of the
shutter 6224e.
[0194] A continuously acting orthodontic bracket may also be
provided with self-locking labial brackets such as those shown in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,614 to Wildman, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference. As shown in FIGS. 63 to 71, the
orthodontic bracket 7220 has a pair of wings 7242 with an archwire
slot 7240 to receive an archwire 7242.
[0195] A shutter 7224 is located between the gingival and occlusal
tie wings located at opposed mesial and distal sides of the body
7222 and includes a central body portion 7322 encompassed by a
locking spring 7324. The mesial and distal edges of the shutter
body 7322 are received within grooves 7326 so that the shutter 7224
may slide between open and closed positions. The grooves 7326 have
undercuts 7328 that terminate at steps 7330 in the occlusal and
gingival tie wings 7234 and 7236 respectively. The steps 7330
receive one end of a spring 7324. The opposite ends are formed as
an occlusal tail. A spring member in the form of a resilient shim
760 is secured to the tail 7332 so as to be spaced from the
retaining spring 7324. A lingual step 7235 accommodates the shim
760 from a lingual aspect. The shim 760 thus engages an archwire
7242 in the archwire slot 7240 when the shutter 7224 is in the
closed position in a resilient manner to provide a continuous
biasing action against the archwire as shown in FIG. 6b. The step
7330 retains the shutter 7224 in the closed position with the
resilient shim 760 biased against the archwire 7242. As shown in
FIG. 67, the shim 760 may be secured to the tail 7332 as a separate
structure. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 69, the shim 760 may be
formed on the tail 7332 of a liner layer 7334 that encompasses the
body 7322. The spring 7324 extends over the upper edge of the body
7322 and terminates above the upper edge of the shim 760. The shim
760 is thus free to flex to accommodate different sizes and
dispositions of archwires while providing a continuous action on
the archwire.
[0196] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 70, the shim 760 may be secured
at its upper edge to the spring 7324 with the lower edge free of
the tong to slide relative to the shutter upon flexure of the shim
760.
[0197] An alternative arrangement for the shim 760 is shown in
FIGS. 72 and 73. In this embodiment, the resilient shim 760 is
defined in the lingual aspect of the outer layer of the spring
7324. Three sides of the shim 760 are defined by slots 764 cut into
the lingual aspect of the outer layer of the spring to define the
periphery of the shim 760. The resultant shim defines an inwardly
convex surface 762 that resiliently engages the archwire.
Naturally, such a shim 760 may be formed integrally with the
springs 7324 to facilitate manufacture.
[0198] A further modification of an existing orthodontic bracket
7220' is shown in FIGS. 74 to 78 in which the orthodontic bracket
known as the Damon bracket and shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,378,
the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, is
modified to provide a spring member in the form of a resilient shim
770 on the lingual surface of the shutter 7224'. Shutter 7224' may
be extended occlusally to accommodate the shim 770 which in this
embodiment is formed by folding a continuous extension of the
shutter 7224' back upon itself. The shim 770 presents a convex
surface 772 which enters the archwire slot 7240' when the shutter
7224' is in a closed position. One end 744 of shim 770 is free to
slide relative to the shutter 7224'. In this manner, the shim 770
may flex to accommodate different sizes and shapes of archwires
7242' accommodated in the archwire slot 7240' to provide a
continuous action on the archwire.
[0199] As those of skill in the art will appreciate, in the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 38 to 78, the spring member may be
formed as a separate member and attached to the shutter adjacent
either its gingival or occlusal ends in a manner so that it extends
into the archwire slot to bias the archwire. Alternatively, the
spring member may be integrally formed with the shutter by a
folding portion of the shutter about an edge. If the spring member
is to be integrally formed with the shutter, a continuous extension
of the shutter is typically folded about either a gingival or
occlusal edge of the shutter and is configured so that it extends
into the archwire slot to bias the archwire.
[0200] Referring now to FIGS. 79 to 82, still yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket 8220 is shown similar to that
shown in FIGS. 16a to 17a. In this embodiment, like reference
numerals will be used to denote like components of the embodiment
of FIGS. 16a to 17b with a "8000" added for clarity. As can be
seen, the resilient locking shutter 8224a is pivotally secured to a
boss 8290 that extends between the gingival tie wings 8236a by way
of a centrally located pivot pin 8268a. The boss 8290 is located on
a lingually bevelled labial surface of the body 822a. Thus, the
shutter 8224a is inclined. One edge 8292 of the locking shutter
8224a is arcuate to give the shutter a generally semi-circular
appearance. Deflection notches 8248a are formed in the archwire
slot 8240a adjacent the occlusal tie wings 8234a.
[0201] Dimples (not shown) are formed on each of the gingival tie
wings 8236a and corresponding indentations 8272a are formed on the
locking shutter 8224a. The dimples and indentations 8272a cooperate
when the locking shutter 8224a is either in the open or closed
positions to retain the locking shutter in that position. An
aperture 8267a is provided in the shutter 8224a to receive a tool
and facilitate movement of the shutter 8224a. The locking shutter
8224a can be pivoted about pivot pin 8268a so as to bring the
shutter 8224a into engagement with the archwire 8242a in the
archwire slot 8240a as shown in FIG. 81 by overcoming the detent
provided by the indentations 8272a and dimples. In this position,
the locking shutter 8224a is effective to inhibit removal of an
archwire 8242 from the archwire slot 8240a and provides a
continuous action on the archwire. The locking shutter 8224a can be
readily moved to the open position by rotating the locking shutter
about the pivot pin 8268a to allow access to the archwire slot
8240a. As can be seen in FIG. 82, when a larger archwire 8242 is
accommodated by the archwire slot 8240a, the shutter 8224a flexes
to accommodate the archwire yet provide a continuous action on the
archwire. The deflection notches 8248a and the angulated
orientation of the shutter 8224a inhibit the shutter 8224a from
moving labially out of the archwire slot 8240a.
[0202] Another embodiment of an orthodontic bracket 9220 utilizing
an alternative shutter structure is shown in FIGS. 83 to 87. In
this embodiment, like reference numerals will be used to denote
like components of the embodiment of FIGS. 12 to 15 with a suffix
`9000` added for clarity. As shown in FIGS. 83 to 87, the shutter
9224 is pivotal and is formed from a wire 9001 bent into a
generally cruciform outline. The wire 9001 has opposite ends that
are turned over to provide oppositely-directed tails 9003 and 9005.
The tails 9003, 9005 extend parallel to a common axis but are
offset from one another.
[0203] Each of the tails 9003, 9005 is received in a respective
bore 9007 formed in each of the occlusal tie wings 9234. The tails
9003, 9005 are free to rotate within the respective bores to permit
pivotal movement of the shutter 9224.
[0204] The wire 9001 defines a pair of oppositely-directed arms
9009, 9011 which extend across the archwire slot 9240. A horizontal
recess 9013 is formed in each of the gingival tie wings 9236
adjacent the archwire slot 9240 to provide an abutment surface to
limit pivotal movement of the shutter 9224 towards the archwire
slot 9240.
[0205] The wire 9001 between the arms 9009, 9011 is formed into a
rearwardly-projecting hook 9015 as can best be seen in FIG. 84 and
is received within groove 9017. An extension 9019 is formed on the
gingival surface of the body 9222 and passes through the hook 9015
when the shutter 9224 is in a closed position to provide a
frictional fit between the hook 9015 and body 9222 and retain the
shutter in the closed position.
[0206] As shown in FIG. 84, the hook 9015 retains the shutter 9224
against the archwire 9242 and inhibits relative movement between
the archwire and the body 9222 of the orthodontic bracket 9220. To
release the archwire 9242, the shutter 9224 is caused to pivot
about the offset tails 9003,9005 to release the hook 9015 from the
extension 9109. As the shutter 9224 is rotated, the eccentricity of
the axes of rotation of the tails 9003, 9005 causes a torsional
resistance due to flexure of the wire 9001 tending to return the
shutter 9224 to the closed position. This movement is opposed until
such time as the shutter 9224 goes over center, at which point the
shutter 9224 becomes biased to the open position as shown in FIG.
87. In this way, the shutter 9224 is resiliently biased toward the
body 9222 as it is moved towards the closed position but remains in
a stable, open position at other times.
[0207] A further embodiment of an orthodontic bracket 9220'
utilizing a wire for a shutter 9224' is shown in FIGS. 88 and 89,
where like components of the previous embodiment will be described
using like reference numerals with a suffix "'" added for clarity.
In this embodiment, the shutter 9224' is formed from a wire 9001'
having oppositely directed tails 9003', 9005'. Each of the tails
9003', 9005' is pivotally received within bores 9007' which are
aligned on a common axis to allow free pivotal movement of the
shutter 9224'. The bores may also be offset as shown in FIG.
83.
[0208] The wire 9001' between the arms 9009', 9011' is formed as an
elongate U-shaped projection 9020 and is received within a locking
clip 9022. As can best be seen in FIG. 89, locking clip 9022 is
generally U-shaped with serpentine limbs terminating in
outwardly-flared ends 9024. The projection 9020 may be received
between the flared ends 9024 to force the limbs apart but is then
resiliently retained between the limbs in a stable manner. The
locking clip 9022 may alternatively have a generally circular
section as shown in FIG. 90 but it is believed the clip 9022 shown
in FIG. 89 facilitates insertion of the projection 9020. Again, the
shutter 9224' retains the archwire 9242' within the archwire slot
9240' when the locking clip 9022 retains the shutter 9224' in a
closed position.
[0209] Referring now to FIGS. 91a and 91b, orthodontic tools 900
are shown which are suitable to open and close the shutters of the
orthodontic brackets. As can be seen, each orthodontic tool 900
comprises a central body portion 902, a nose-shaped portion 904 at
one end of the body portion for opening the shutter and a generally
square corrugated fork-shaped portion 906 at the opposite end of
the body portion 902 for gripping and guiding archwires lingually
into the archwire slots to facilitate closure of the shutters. The
fork-shaped portion straddles the outside of the bracket mesially
and distally. In use, the nose-shaped portion 904 is inserted into
the aperture in the shutter and a force is applied to the shutter
using the tool 900 to move the shutter in the desired manned. In
the embodiment of FIG. 91 a, the fork-shaped portion 906 is aligned
with the body portion 902 while in the embodiment of FIG. 91b, the
fork-shaped portion 906 is at right angles to the body portion.
Other angles between the body portion 902 and the fork-shaped
portion 906 are of course suitable. Also, the shape of the
nose-shaped portion 904 can vary to complement the aperture in the
shutter.
[0210] Referring now to FIGS. 92a to 92c still yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket is shown and is generally
indicated to by reference numeral 10010. The orthodontic bracket
10010 includes a body 10012 and a lingual mounting pad 10014
attached to the body. The mounting pad 10014 has a lingual surface
10015 to be attached to a tooth. A pair of gingival tie wings 10016
and a pair of occlusal tie wings 10018 extend from a labial surface
of the body 10012. The gingival tie wings 10016 and the occlusal
tie wings 10018 curve lingually. Both the gingival tie wings 10016
and the occlusal tie wings 10018 at opposed mesial and distal sides
of the body are separated by an interwing region 10019 of the body
10012. An archwire slot 10020 extends mesiodistally across the body
between the gingival and occlusal tie wings at opposed mesial and
distal sides of the body and opens labially to receive an archwire
10022. The archwire slot 10020 is interrupted mesiodistally in the
interwing region 10019. A locking shutter 10024 is accommodated by
recesses 10026 in the gingival and occlusal tie wings and is
moveable between a closed position where the archwire is locked
into the archwire slot and access to and the release of the
archwire slot 10020 is inhibited, and an open position where access
to the archwire slot is permitted.
[0211] Within the archwire slot 10020 is a slot activator in the
form of a generally rectangular, resilient spring member 10032
formed of suitable material such as for example Nickel-Titanium or
spring stainless steel. The spring member 10032 extends
mesiodistally along the archwire slot. The spring member 10032 has
a central portion 10034 secured to the lingual wall of the archwire
slot 10020 such as for example by way of a weld 10036 or a sleeve
(not shown). Opposed ends of the spring member 10032 curve labially
towards the locking shutter 10024 to define protrusive mesial and
distal wings 10038 and 10040. The mesial and distal wings 10038 and
10040 of the spring member 10032 extend into the archwire slot
10020 starting from the lingual wall of the archwire slot a
distance equal to approximately one third to one half of the depth
of the archwire slot. The archwire slot 10020 formed in the body
10012 is mildly deeper than in conventional orthodontic brackets to
accommodate the thickness of the central portion 10034 of the
spring member 10034.
[0212] In use, when an archwire 10022 is placed into the archwire
slot 10020 and the locking shutter 10024 is closed, the mesial and
distal wings 10038 and 10040 of the spring member 10032 contact the
archwire 10022 to bias it towards the locking shutter 10024. As
shown in FIGS. 92b and 92c, when a small round archwire is used,
the archwire 10022 is biased by the spring member 10032 to control
and seat the archwire towards the locking shutter. During initial
treatment, biasing of the archwire 10022 in this manner provides
initial tooth movements to produce accurate rotation corrections
and in-out (horizontal plane) movements of teeth. During the middle
of treatment, biasing of the archwire in this manner controls and
supports bodily tooth movement preventing rotation of teeth as they
slide along a straight archwire by a pull force.
[0213] FIG. 92d shows the orthodontic bracket 10010 accommodating a
large rectangular archwire 10022 in the archwire slot 10020 which
is used at the end of treatment. In this case, the labially curved
mesial and distal wings 10038 and 10040 of the spring member 10032
are partially flattened by the archwire but continue to act on the
archwire to bias it towards the locking shutter 10024. Biasing the
archwire 10022 in this manner applies a labial force on the
archwire against the locking shutter 10024 to produce desired root
torque in the tooth root and crown.
[0214] Referring now to FIG. 93, still yet another embodiment of an
orthodontic bracket is shown and is generally indicated to by
reference numeral 10110. In this embodiment, the slot activator is
in the form of a generally rectangular, convex resilient spring
member 10132 formed of spring stainless steel. The mesial and
distal ends 10138 and 10140 of the spring member 10132 are
flattened. Distal end 10140 of the spring member 10132 is secured
to the lingual wall of the archwire slot 10120 by way of a weld
10136 while the mesial end 10138 of the spring member 10132 is
free.
[0215] Although the distal end of the spring member 10132 is shown
attached to the body, it should be apparent to those of skill in
the art that the mesial end of the spring member 10132 may be
secured to the body with the distal end of the spring member 10132
being free. The length of the spring member 10132 is less than the
length of the archwire slot 10120 so that the free end of the
spring member remains in the archwire slot when the spring member
10132 is partially flattened by a large rectangular archwire
accommodated by the archwire slot.
[0216] The orthodontic bracket 10110 functions in a similar manner
to the previous embodiment. When a small round archwire is placed
in the archwire slot 10120 and the locking shutter (not shown) is
closed, the convex spring member 10132 biases the archwire 10122
towards the locking shutter. When a large rectangular archwire
10122 is placed in the archwire slot 10120, the spring member is
only partially flattened and biases the archwire towards the
locking shutter.
[0217] Referring now to FIG. 94, still yet another embodiment of an
orthodontic bracket is shown and is generally indicated to by
reference numeral 10210. In this embodiment, the slot activator is
similar to that shown in the previous embodiment except that the
spring member 10232 is oriented to extend occlusiogingivally in the
interwing region 10219 between the occlusal and gingival tie wings
10218 and 10216 respectively. The occlusal end 10250 of the spring
member 10232 is secured to the body by way of a weld 10236 while
the gingival end 10252 of the spring member 10232 is free. Although
the occlusal end of the spring member 10232 is shown attached to
the body, it should be apparent to those of skill in the art that
the gingival end of the spring member 10232 may be secured to the
body with the occlusal end of the spring member being free.
[0218] FIG. 95 illustrates still yet another embodiment of an
orthodontic bracket in accordance with the present invention. In
this embodiment, the orthodontic bracket 10310 includes magnetized
bars 10360 and 10362 inserted into recesses 10364 formed in the
lingual and gingival walls of the body 10312 defining the archwire
slot 10320. The magnetized bars 10360 and 10362 are oriented so
that they present a magnetic field of the same polarity into the
archwire slot 10320. The archwire 10322 to be accommodated in the
archwire slot is magnetized to the same polarity as the magnetized
bars 10360 and 10362 so that the archwire is repelled and biased
labially and occlusally in the archwire slot towards the locking
shutter 10324. If desired, the locking shutter can be magnetized to
the opposite polarity as the archwire to attract it.
[0219] Referring now to FIGS. 96a and 96b, still yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket is shown and is generally
indicated to by reference numeral 10410. In this embodiment, the
slot activator 10430 is in the form of a pair of spring loaded
pistons 10470 extending into the archwire slot 10420 and positioned
at opposed mesial and distal ends of the archwire slot between the
occlusal and gingival tie wings 10418 and 10416 respectively. Each
spring loaded piston 10470 includes a labially extending piston
head 10472 to contact an archwire 10422 in the archwire slot. A
coil spring 10474 is accommodated in a bore 10476 formed through
the body 10412 and acts between the mounting pad 10414 and the back
of the piston head 10472 to bias the piston head in a direction
towards the locking shutter 10424. The piston heads 10472 are
dimensioned to fill approximately one-third to one-half of the
vertical dimension of the archwire slot to inhibit the archwire
from sliding up or down and behind the piston head.
[0220] Referring now to FIGS. 97a to 97c still yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket is shown and is generally
indicated to by reference numeral 10510. In this embodiment, the
slot activator is in the form of a generally rectangular, stainless
steel spring member 10532 and is located external to the archwire
slot 10520. The spring member 10532 includes a central portion
10534 which runs mesiodistally along the lingual wall of the body
10512 and is trapped between the body 10512 and the lingual
mounting pad 10514. Labially extending wings 10538 and 10540 are
provided at the mesial and distal ends of the spring member 10532
and contact an archwire 10522 extending along the archwire slot
10520 exterior to the archwire slot near the mesial and distal
sides of the body 10512. Thus, the spring member 10532 in this
embodiment is external to the archwire slot 10520 but still biases
an archwire 10522 in the archwire slot labially towards the locking
shutter 10524. The labial extending wings 10538 and 10540 contact
the archwire at a lateral angle greater than 90.degree. to
facilitate flattening of the labial wings when a large rectangular
archwire is accommodated by the archwire slot 10520.
[0221] In this embodiment, the locking shutter 10524 includes a
single loop adjacent one end to surround a pivot pin 10580
extending between the occlusal tie wings 10518. A hole 10582 is
provided in the locking shutter 10524 and co-operates with a pair
of spaced projections 10584 extending upwardly from the gingival
surface of the body in the interwing region of the orthodontic
bracket. Each projection 10584 includes a head 10586 and an
undercut stem 10588 supporting the head above the gingival surface
of the body. The projections 10584 are spaced a distance slightly
greater than the diameter of the hole 10582 so that the heads 10586
must be compressed towards one another to fit into the hole. The
undercut stems 10588 allow the projections 10584 to snap back to
their original positions once the heads have passed through the
hole 10582 thereby to lock the shutter 10524 in place in a closed
position.
[0222] Referring now to FIGS. 98a and 98b, still yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket is shown and is generally
indicated to by reference numeral 10610. Orthodontic bracket 10610
is similar to that shown in FIGS. 92a to 92d except that the ends
10638 and 10640 of the spring member 10632 extend mesiodistally
beyond the archwire slot 10620 and contact the archwire 10622
exterior to the archwire slot but near the mesial and distal sides
of the body 10612.
[0223] FIGS. 98c and 98d illustrate another embodiment of an
orthodontic bracket 10610' similar to that shown in FIGS. 98a and
98b. In this embodiment, one of the gingival tie wings 10616' has a
pair of grooves 10625 formed in its opposed sides to obviate the
need for an upwardly extending hook on the tie wing.
[0224] FIGS. 99a and 99b show still yet another embodiment of an
orthodontic bracket 10710. As can be seen, orthodontic bracket
10710 is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 94 and includes an
occlusiogingivally extending slot activator positioned in the
interwing region 10719 between the occlusal and gingival tie wings
10718 and 10716 respectively. The slot activator is in the form of
a curved spring member 10732. The spring member passes through a
vertical slot 1074i formed in the body 10712 of the orthodontic
bracket lingual to the archwire slot 10720 and which opens up at
the archwire slot. The occlusal end 10738 of the spring member
10732 is secured to the occlusal surface of the body such as for
example by a weld. The gingival end 10740 of the spring member
10732 is free allowing the free end of the spring member to move
when the spring member is flattened by an archwire 10722 in the
archwire slot 10720 as indicated by the dotted lines 10745.
[0225] Referring now to FIGS. 100a to 100c still yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket is shown and is generally
indicated to by reference numeral 10810. Orthodontic bracket 10810
is similar to that shown in FIGS. 97a to 97c and includes a pivotal
locking shutter 10824 having a single loop at one end surrounding a
pivot pin 10880 extending between the occlusal tie wings 10818. The
gingival end of the locking shutter curves occlusally and snaps
over a bulbous lip 10875 formed on the gingival surface of the body
10812 in the interwing region 10819 to maintain the locking shutter
in the closed condition. An opening 10877 is provided through the
locking shutter to accommodate a tool to facilitate opening of the
locking shutter. A marker 10879 is also provided on the labial
surface of the locking shutter below the opening. The marker
identifies the center of the archwire slot 10820 to facilitate
proper placement of the orthodontic bracket on the center of the
long axis of a tooth. The marker 10879 can of course be provided on
the locking shutter 10824 at any suitable location so as to
identify the position of the archwire slot. In this particular
embodiment, the marker is in the form of a coloured circle on the
labial surface of the locking shutter. It should however be
apparent that the marker can be of any other suitable form such as
for example an embossed or depressed region or a laser marking on
the locking shutter.
[0226] The slot activator in the embodiment is in the form of a
pair of spring members 10832. The spring members extend labially
along the mesial and distal sides of the body 10812 and contact an
archwire 10822 accommodated by the archwire slot 10820 exterior to
the archwire slot but near the mesial and distal sides of the body
10812. The spring members 10832 are secured to the body by welds
and contact the archwire at a lateral angle greater than 90.degree.
to facilitate flattening of the spring members 10832 when a large
rectangular archwire is accommodated by the archwire slot.
[0227] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10d, the configuration
of the locking shutter 10824' and the lip 10875' on the gingival
surface of the body 10812' in the interwing region is modified
slightly from that shown in FIGS. 100a to 100c. In this particular
arrangement, the gingival end of the locking shutter 10824' and the
lip 10875' are configured as wedges which snap over one another to
maintain the locking shutter in the closed condition. The opening
10877' in the locking shutter 10824' accommodates a tool to
facilitate pivoting of the locking shutter over the lip 10875 to
allow the locking shutter to be pivoted to the open condition.
[0228] Referring now to FIGS. 110a to 110d still yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket is shown and is generally
indicated to by reference numeral 10910. In this embodiment, the
orthodontic bracket includes a slot activator in the form of a
spring member 10932 similar to that shown in FIGS. 98a and 98b. The
locking shutter 10924 is however of a different configuration. In
particular, the locking shutter 10924 is generally T-shaped in
front plan and is constituted by a pair of shutter elements 10981
generally overlying one another and retained in proximity by flaps
10983 integrally formed on one of the shutter elements and which
have been folded over the other of the shutter elements. The
locking shutter is pivotal about a pivot pin 10980 extending
between the occlusal tie wings 10918 and accommodated by recesses
10997 therein. A spring 10985 is welded to the pivot pin 10980 and
is also trapped between the shutter elements 10981.
[0229] In the closed condition, the locking shutter 10924 is biased
by the spring 10985, which acts on the pivot pin 10980, into
notches 10987 formed in the occlusal surfaces of the gingival tie
wings 10916. When it is desired to release the locking shutter
10924 and move it to an open condition, it is necessary to apply an
occlusally directed force on the locking shutter to compress the
spring 10985 and move the locking shutter occlusally allowing the
gingival end of the locking shutter to clear the notches 10987 and
pivot to the open condition. Closing the locking shutter is
achieved by performing the above steps in reverse.
[0230] Referring now to FIGS. 102 and 103, still yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket is shown and is generally
indicated to by reference numeral 20010. The orthodontic bracket
includes a locking shutter 20024 having a single loop at one end
surrounding a pivot pin 20080 extending between the occlusal tie
wings 20018. The locking shutter 20024 is pivotal about the pivot
pin 20080 between open and closed positions. A locking mechanism is
provided on the orthodontic bracket to retain the locking shutter
20024 in the closed condition. The locking mechanism includes an
L-shaped arm 20025 extending from the free end of the locking
shutter. A wedge 20027 is provided on the locking shutter adjacent
the free end. The L-shaped arm and wedge define a channel 20029.
>An inverted U-shaped stop 20031 is provided on the body 20012
in the interwing region. The stop 20031 is accommodated by the
channel 20029 when the locking shutter 20024 is in the closed
condition. In this condition, the resilient nature of the locking
shutter brings the wedge 20027 into abutment with the stop 20031 to
maintain the locking shutter in the closed condition. To open the
locking shutter, an occlusially directed force is applied to the
L-shaped arm to flex the locking shutter and slide the wedge 20027
beyond the stop 20031 allowing the locking shutter to pivot to the
open condition.
[0231] Referring now to FIG. 104, still yet another embodiment of a
body for an orthodontic bracket is shown and is generally indicated
to by reference numeral 20112. In this embodiment, the body 20112
and mounting pad (not shown) are shaped to deflect food debris and
plaque mesially and distally away from the orthodontic bracket in
the direction of arrows 20113. Specifically, the gingival surface
of the body is rounded and is generally egg-shaped. The occlusal
surface of the body 20112 is undulated and has a central formation
20115 thereon defining a pair of curved lateral faces 20117. This
body design can be used with any of the described orthodontic
brackets.
[0232] Referring now to FIGS. 105 and 106, still yet another
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket is shown and is generally
indicated to by reference numeral 20210. In this embodiment, each
gingival tie wing 20216 has a spring-loaded piston 20291 therein.
The piston heads 20293 extend outwardly of the gingival tie wings
into the interwing region 20219 and constitute a retainer for the
locking shutter 20224 to maintain the locking shutter in the closed
condition. The spring is sealed by a stop 20225 located on the
lateral side of the bracket. The pistons 20291 must be biased into
the gingival tie wings in order to pivot the locking shutter 20224
to the open condition. As will be appreciated, similar to the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 38 to 47, 97a to 97c, and 100a to 103,
the locking shutter 20224 includes a single loop surrounding a
pivot pin extending between the occlusal tie wings. Although, the
pivot pins are illustrated as extending between the occlusal tie
wings, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the pivot pin
can extend between the gingival tie wings. It should also be
appreciated that the locking shutter may include laterally spaced,
single loops to surround the pivot pin or pivot pins at laterally
spaced mesial and distal locations.
[0233] If desired, a lubricating or sealing agent can be applied to
the body, locking shutter and/or archwire of the previously
described orthodontic brackets.
[0234] The orthodontic brackets described above can be formed of
any suitable material such as ceramic, plastic or other cosmetic
material. If appropriate, the archwire slot may be constituted by a
metallic insert accommodated by the body of the orthodontic
bracket. Likewise in the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 99a
and 99b, the vertical slots accommodating the spring member 10732
may also be defined by a metallic inset accommodated by the ceramic
body of the orthodontic bracket.
[0235] When the orthodontic brackets are to be used to form braces,
it is preferred that pre-engaging twin orthodontic brackets of one
of the types illustrated herein be used and attached to the central
and lateral teeth and first and second molars and that single
orthodontic brackets without wings (not shown) be used and applied
to the cuspid and premolar teeth. This system of orthodontic
brackets provides advantages in that the nature of the single
orthodontic brackets are easier to bond to the posterior crowns of
the cuspid and premolar teeth. Also, the single orthodontic
brackets provide greater interbracket distances allowing for
greater archwire flexibility in the posterior middle regions,
cuspids and premolars. Better rotational control is however
maintained with the use of the twin preengaging orthodontic
brackets on the central and lateral teeth and first and second
molars.
[0236] Although a number of embodiments of orthodontic brackets
have been disclosed, those of skill in the art will appreciate that
other variations and/or modifications may be made to the present
invention without departing from the scope thereof as defined by
the appended claims.
* * * * *