U.S. patent application number 11/705521 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for shape memory self-ligating orthodontic brackets.
Invention is credited to James A. Nicholson.
Application Number | 20070134611 11/705521 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35514378 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070134611 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nicholson; James A. |
June 14, 2007 |
Shape memory self-ligating orthodontic brackets
Abstract
Self-ligating orthodontic brackets, each of which is formed of
materials exhibiting shape memory and includes a base from which
extend at least one tie wing. The tie wing includes a pair or tie
wing posts which are normally spaced to retain an archwire within
the guide slot. At least one of each pair of opposing tie wings is
flexible and/or yieldable relative to the other to permit insertion
and/or removal of the archwire relative to the guide slot. Portions
of the brackets may be coated to reduce friction between the
archwire slot and the archwire and to promote aesthetics and
overall bracket appearance.
Inventors: |
Nicholson; James A.;
(Hattiesburg, MS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ralph A. Dowell of DOWELL & DOWELL P.C.
2111 Eisenhower Ave
Suite 406
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
35514378 |
Appl. No.: |
11/705521 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10882165 |
Jul 2, 2004 |
7175428 |
|
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11705521 |
Feb 13, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 7/28 20130101; A61C
7/12 20130101; A61C 7/30 20130101; A61C 7/14 20130101; A61C
2201/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/011 |
International
Class: |
A61C 3/00 20060101
A61C003/00 |
Claims
1. A self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprising: a unitary body
structure including a bracket base having front and rear surfaces
and at least one tie wing, said at least one tie wing having a base
portion extending from said front surface of said bracket base and
at least one pair of opposing tie wing posts, said at least one
pair of opposing tie wing posts defining an archwire guide slot
therebetween of a first dimension to slidingly receive an archwire
therein, each tie wing post of said at least one pair of opposing
tie wing posts including a head portion, at least one head portion
having an outwardly extending flange and at least one head portion
having an inwardly extending flange, said inwardly extending flange
being in a predetermined position relative to an opposing tie wing
post to retain an archwire within said archwire guide slot, wherein
at least a portion of the bracket being formed of a material such
that at least one tie wing exhibits flexibility and shape memory
effect allowing movement of said at least one tie wing to permit
insertion or removal of an archwire relative to said archwire guide
slot, afterwhich said at least one tie wing returns to the
predetermined position.
2. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, further
comprising a pair of spaced opposing tie wings, each of said
opposing tie wings exhibits flexibility and shape memory
effect.
3. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein each
head portion of said at least one pair of opposing tie wing posts
includes an inwardly extending flange.
4. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein said
bracket base and said at least one tie wing are formed of a
material which exhibits shape memory effect.
5. The self-ligating orthodontic brackets of claim 3, wherein said
material is a nickel-titanium material.
6. The self-ligating orthodontic brackets of claim 2, wherein said
material is a nickel-titanium material.
7. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein said
material is a nickel-titanium material.
8. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, further
comprising an area of reduced thickness adjacent to said base
portion of at least one of said opposing tie wing posts of said at
least one tie wing to facilitate flexing.
9. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein at
least one of said opposing tie wing posts has an area of reduced
thickness to promote flexing of said at least one tie wing.
10. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, further
comprising an alignment recess formed centrally in said front
surface of said bracket base.
11. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, further
comprising a horizontal alignment recess formed centrally in said
front surface of said bracket base.
12. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, further
comprising a vertical alignment recess formed centrally in said
front surface of said bracket base.
13. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 2, wherein said
pair of spaced opposing tie wings are aligned with one another and
spaced adjacent a gingival edge of said bracket base.
14. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 13, further
comprising an alignment recess formed centrally in said front
surface of said bracket base.
15. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 13 further
comprising a horizontal alignment recess formed centrally in said
front surface of said bracket base.
16. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein said
bracket base and said at least one tie wing are coated with a
coating material selected from a group of materials consisting of
metallic materials, non-metallic materials, and polymers.
17. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 16, wherein said
non-metallic polymers are thermosetting polymers.
18. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 16, wherein said
coating material includes a coloring agent.
19. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein at
least one archwire guide slot is coated with a coating material
selected from a group of materials exhibiting a low coefficient of
friction consisting of metallic materials and non-metallic
polymers.
20. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 19, wherein said
non-metallic polymers are thermosetting polymers.
21. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 19, in which
said coating material includes a coloring agent.
22. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 19, wherein the
coating material is a material applied by electroplating.
23. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein said
material is selected from a group of materials exhibiting shape
memory consisting of metallic materials and non-metallic
materials.
24. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, further
comprising an auxiliary attachment.
25. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 24, wherein the
auxiliary attachment is selected from the group consisting of
Kobayashi hooks, removeable hook pins, hooks, uprighting springs,
pins, metal ligatures, directional force elastics, elastomeric
ligatures, and elastomeric power chains.
26. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 2, further
comprising an auxiliary attachment.
27. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 26, wherein the
auxiliary attachment is selected from the group consisting of
Kobayashi hooks, hooks, removeable hook pins, uprighting springs,
pins, metal ligatures, directional force elastics, elastomeric
ligatures, and elastomeric power chains.
28. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, further
comprising at least one identification recess.
29. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 28, wherein said
at least one identification recess is color-coded.
30. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, further
comprising a platform located between said bracket base and said
base portion of said at least one tie wing.
31. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 30, wherein the
platform includes a vertical slot therethrough.
32. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 31, further
comprising an area of reduced thickness adjacent to said base
portion of at least one of said opposing tie wing posts of said at
least one tie wing to facilitate flexing.
33. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 2, further
comprising a platform located between said bracket base and said
base portion of said at least one tie wing, said platform including
a vertical slot therethrough.
34. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 33, further
comprising an area of reduced thickness adjacent to said base
portion of at least one of said opposing tie wing posts of said at
least one tie wing to facilitate flexing.
35. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein the
bracket is a Lewis-type bracket.
36. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 35, further
comprising an area of reduced thickness adjacent to said base
portion of at least one of said opposing tie wing posts of said at
least one tie wing to facilitate flexing.
37. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein the
bracket is a Lang-type bracket.
38. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 37, further
comprising an area of reduced thickness adjacent to said base
portion of at least one of said opposing tie wing posts of said at
least one tie wing to facilitate flexing.
39. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein the
bracket is a Creekmore-type bracket.
40. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 39, further
comprising an area of reduced thickness adjacent to said base
portion of at least one of said opposing tie wing posts of said at
least one tie wing to facilitate flexing.
41. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein the
bracket is a hybrid bracket.
42. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 41, further
comprising an area of reduced thickness adjacent to said base
portion of at least one of said opposing tie wing posts of said at
least one tie wing to facilitate flexing.
43. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein the
bracket is of a torque-in-base configuration.
44. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 43, wherein the
bracket is of a slot angulation configuration.
45. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 1, wherein the
bracket is of a torque-in-slot configuration.
46. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 45, wherein the
bracket is of a slot angulation configuration.
47. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 2, wherein the
bracket is a Lewis-type bracket.
48. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 47, further
comprising an area of reduced thickness adjacent to said base
portion of at least one of said opposing tie wing posts of said at
least one tie wing to facilitate flexing.
49. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 2, wherein the
bracket is a Lang-type bracket.
50. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 49, further
comprising an area of reduced thickness adjacent to said base
portion of at least one of said opposing tie wing posts of said at
least one tie wing to facilitate flexing.
51. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 2, wherein the
bracket is a Creekmore-type bracket.
52. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 51, further
comprising an area of reduced thickness adjacent to said base
portion of at least one of said opposing tie wing posts of said at
least one tie wing to facilitate flexing.
53. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of claim 2, wherein the
bracket is of a torque-in-base configuration and of a slot
angulation configuration.
54. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket-of claim 2, wherein the
bracket is of a torque-in-slot configuration and of a slot
angulation configuration.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/882,165 to Nicholson, filed
Jul. 2, 2004, entitled "Shape Memory Self-Ligating Orthodontic
Brackets," the subject matter of which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention is generally directed to orthodontic brackets
that are used to align teeth and that include at least one tie wing
having a pair of tie wing posts to selectively and guidingly
receive an archwire within an archwire guide slot defined between
the tie wing posts. More specifically, the invention is directed to
self-ligating orthodontic brackets at least partially formed from
shape memory metallic or non-metallic materials.
[0004] 2. Brief Description of Related Art
[0005] Generally, there are two basic styles of orthodontic
brackets. A first style is known as a single wing wherein a single
tie wing extends upwardly from a bracket base. The tie wing
includes a pair of opposing tie wing posts that are spaced to
define an archwire guide slot therebetween. An example of a
self-ligating single wing style bracket is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,663,385 to Tepper.
[0006] Twin brackets are the second style of brackets and have been
developed to increase ease of bracket use and placement. Twin
brackets include a pair of opposing tie wings which are spaced from
one another with each tie wing defining an archwire guide slot
therebetween. An example of such a twin bracket is described in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,361 to Sachdeva et al., wherein the bracket is
formed of titanium so as to be very hard and rigid. An example
teaching away from a spaced pair of tie wings is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,356,289 to Watanabe, wherein the brackets are formed of
shape memory alloys or resins.
[0007] A variation of the twin bracket style has been developed to
make the twin brackets self-ligating in order to avoid the
necessity to tie-off the archwire used with the brackets. Such
self-ligating twin brackets use supplemental hooks or latches which
are mounted adjacent to each pair of tie wings for securely
engaging or clamping an archwire. Unfortunately, the additional
structures not only increase bracket costs and size, but also
decrease bracket aesthetics and provide additional structures for
trapping food and bacteria. Thus, the additional structures
associated with conventional self-ligating brackets cause problems
for both patients and orthodontists during treatments. An example
of such a bracket is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,612 to
Georgakis et al.
[0008] Orthodontists are faced with many treatment difficulties as
they bond orthodontic brackets to a patient's teeth and move them
from crooked and irregular malocclusion positions to their ideal
positions. The ideal alignment of teeth demands that they must be
straight and aesthetically pleasing, but the teeth must also fit
together correctly into normal occlusion and look and function in a
superior clinical manner. There are a number of major challenges
that orthodontists must overcome to produce this superior clinical
result.
[0009] There is often limited access to areas of the teeth where
brackets must be placed to achieve normal orthodontic movement and
produce superior treatment results. Useful areas are small with
access thereto very restricted, in which case, large brackets are
not used successfully; whereas, smaller and compact size brackets
can be placed in small areas and have enjoyed exceptional
popularity among orthodontists.
[0010] Ideal bracket placement on a patient's teeth is also
necessary to produce ideal tooth alignment and achieve exceptional
orthodontic results. To accomplish this necessary goal of ideal
placement, brackets must often fit into small spaces between
crooked and rotated teeth. For example, a recessed point, vertical
scribe line, or horizontal groove located in the approximate center
of a bracket permits an orthodontist to use a measuring device,
such as a Boone Gauge, to precisely position the bracket on a tooth
in an exact desired position. In addition, color-coded recessed
markings on the brackets assist the orthodontist visually to align
and orient the bracket correctly on the teeth.
[0011] Complete archwire engagement of the brackets on the teeth
during various stages of orthodontic treatment is important, but
may not be possible. Many times, due to crooked alignment and
closeness of the teeth, only some of the posts of the tie wings of
the brackets can be engaged at the same time. This can result in an
uncontrolled and unsatisfactory tooth movement. A smaller bracket
size permits more tie wing posts to be engaged and subsequently
improves tooth movement.
[0012] The tooth movement process that is required to straighten
teeth is very dynamic and constantly changing. The orthodontist
must have brackets that will accommodate the dynamics of tooth
movement and not require replacement with new ones when a certain
movement is required due to the difficulty of a patient's case.
Further, attachments such as Kobayashi hooks, removeable hook pins,
uprighting springs, metal ligatures, directional force elastics,
elastomeric ties, or elastomeric power chains are often used during
various stages of orthodontic treatment. An orthodontist places
these attachments to tie wing posts or in vertical slots to
satisfactorily accomplish different aspects of a treatment.
[0013] Friction occurs as a normal part of tooth movement as a
bracket and tooth slide along an archwire. This process is known as
the sliding mechanics of orthodontics. More points of contact
between the archwire and a bracket slot during this process causes
greater friction, which results in slower tooth movement and makes
the treatment take longer. Larger brackets have increased friction
resistance to tooth movement, and thus treatment involving larger
brackets is lengthy and more complicated to complete.
[0014] The aesthetic demands of an orthodontic patient are many and
must be addressed to make a treatment acceptable to the patient.
Smaller and less noticeable brackets are more aesthetic than larger
brackets, and the bracket aesthetics can be further improved. The
single wing and double wing brackets allow the orthodontists to
attach colorful elastics, elastomeric ties, and elastomeric power
chains to the brackets that are pleasing to the patient.
[0015] A further major challenge to orthodontic treatment is the
cleanliness of the brackets and areas where they are bonded or
banded to the teeth. It is difficult for patients to clean areas
adjacent to brackets and tooth surfaces. Bracket elements function
as plaque traps that increase the chance of permanent stains, tooth
decay, and gum disease. The use of larger brackets makes it much
more difficult for patients to keep their braces clean. The smaller
bracket designs are much easier for patients to clean and greatly
reduces the amount of trapped food. Thus, smaller brackets are less
likely to cause stains, tooth decay, or gum disease.
[0016] During the course of orthodontic treatment, archwires are
placed and removed from the archwire slot as a normal part of
treatment. Since most orthodontic brackets are made of stainless
steel, both the bracket and archwire slots are rigid and
inflexible. Once an archwire is placed in an archwire slot, the
archwire must be tied or ligated in place to prevent the archwire
from coming out of the bracket and injuring the patient. The
process of tying and untying every bracket to secure the archwire
is a tedious and laborious procedure that must be repeated each
time a new archwire is placed or removed. This process is time
consuming and uncomfortable for the patient and inefficient for the
orthodontist. Self-ligating brackets have the advantage of using
various mechanisms to secure archwires in the archwire slots
without the need for metal or elastic ligatures. However, the
current self-ligating brackets are bulky and cumbersome to use in
the small confines of the oral cavity.
[0017] In the 1980's, nickel-titanium was introduced to
orthodontics in the form of archwires named Nitinol.TM.. The
flexibility, shape-memory effect, and super-elasticity of
Nitinol.TM. archwires offered a new wire that could be deflected to
engage misaligned teeth and would return to its original form,
thereby straightening the teeth. The flexibility, shape memory
effect, and superelastic nickel-titanium material has not, however,
been used to construct a flexible bracket that looks and is shaped
like the traditional stainless steel brackets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] This invention is directed to orthodontic brackets, wherein
each bracket comprising a unitary body structure including a base
from which extends at least one tie wing having a pair of tie wing
posts. Each tie wing post includes a head portion and a body
portion, and each pair of opposing tie wing posts defines an
archwire guide slot therebetween that is usually of a dimension
between approximately 0.018'' to 0.022'' to slidingly receive an
archwire. The head portion of each tie wing post has an inner
flange which is spaced closely adjacent to, or in contact with, an
inner flange of an opposing tie wing post in a normal position so
as to prevent unplanned removal of an archwire seated within the
archwire guide slot between the tie wing posts. The head portion of
each tie wing post further includes an outwardly extending flange
which may be used for securing archwires with ligating wires or for
adding other attachments that may be required during a patient's
treatment.
[0019] In the present invention, an orthodontic bracket includes at
least one tie wing post that is formed of a shape memory material,
such as a metallic alloy, including nickel-titanium, or a
non-metallic material, including resin and polymer type materials,
so that at least one tie wing of the bracket exhibits some degree
of flexibility and shape memory. Thus, at least one of the opposing
tie wing posts may be flexed such that the head portions of the
opposing tie wing posts may separate to a distance to permit the
insertion and/or removal of an archwire relative to the archwire
guide slot defined therebetween. The nickel-titanium alloy or other
material exhibiting a shape memory causes the tie wing post or
posts to return to a pre-determined position after an archwire is
either inserted into or removed from the slot between the tie wing
posts. In preferred embodiments, at least one of each of the
opposing tie wing posts of at least one tie wing is formed of a
shape memory material so that the at least one tie wing post may be
flexed to permit insertion and/or removal of an archwire from the
guide slot.
[0020] In a twin bracket embodiment of the present invention, a
pair of opposing tie wings are spaced from one another and extend
from the front surface of a bracket base such that the archwire
slots formed between the tie wing posts of each tie wing are
generally axially aligned relative to one another. In other
preferred embodiments of the invention, either a recessed point,
scribe line, or horizontal groove is provided at or along the
approximate center of each bracket base for purposes of precision
alignment of the bracket with respect to a tooth using an
instrument, such as Boone gauge.
[0021] To reduce friction between an archwire and the orthodontic
brackets of the present invention, at least a portion of the
brackets, may be coated with a metallic material, a non-metallic
material, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material, such as
Teflon.TM., a thermosetting polymer, or other polymeric coatings
with or without a coupling agent to form a smooth surface between
the bracket and the archwire. To promote adherence of the coating,
the brackets may be physically, chemically, or otherwise treated,
such as by a blasting process, chemical etching, micro-etching, or
the like. Archwires associated with the brackets of the present
invention may also be similarly coated.
[0022] As opposed to plastic or polymer coatings, the brackets of
the present invention may be plated or electroplated with a
metallic material, such as nickel, gold, copper, silver or the
like, in order to reduce friction of the bracket surface to promote
sliding of an archwire relative to the brackets during patient
treatment and/or to enhance aesthetics.
[0023] It is a primary object of the present invention to provide
orthodontic brackets which are self-ligating and which are entirely
or partially formed of a shape memory metallic material, including
alloys, such as nickel-titanium, or a shape memory non-metallic
materials, including resins and polymer type materials, so as to
allow flexibility of at least one tie wing post when a bracket base
is securely bonded to a tooth or welded to a band that is cemented
to a tooth. Further, the shape memory material allows the
components of the bracket to exhibit super elasticity so that at
least one of the tie wing posts may be flexed to permit insertion
and removal of an archwire therebetween and thereafter immediately
recover to a predetermined configuration and position to retain the
archwire in the slot defined between each pair of opposing tie wing
posts.
[0024] It is another object of the invention to provide
self-ligating orthodontic brackets that are formed at least
partially of a shape memory material and that includes a pair of
tie wings, wherein at last one of pair of tie wings includes a
recess or area of reduced thickness to facilitate flexing of the at
least one pair of tie wings to permit insertion or removal of an
archwire through an opening between the tie wings relative to an
archwire guide slot, afterwhich the tie wings close relative to one
another.
[0025] It is also an object of the invention to provide
self-ligating orthodontic brackets that are formed at least
partially of a shape memory material and that include at least one
tie wing that can be moved to permit insertion and/or removal of an
archwire between tie wing posts and thereafter recover to a
predetermined position. At least one tie wing post includes a
flange which extends toward an opposing tie wing post to thereby
normally retain an archwire within the archwire guide slot defined
between the tie wing posts.
[0026] It is another object of the present invention to provide
nickel-titanium orthodontic brackets that include a pair of
opposing tie wings, each of which defines an archwire slot
therebetween. The tie wings are spaced relative to each other so
that each bracket may be used in an initial position for treatment
wherein an archwire may only pass through one tie wing and
thereafter may be adjusted such that the archwire passes through
the guide slots of both tie wings as treatment progresses.
[0027] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide nickel-titanium or other shape memory type orthodontic
brackets which may be coated with metallic or non-metallic
materials in such a manner as to reduce friction to thereby further
facilitate the sliding movement of an archwire relative to the
brackets during patient treatment and/or to enhance aesthetics.
[0028] It is also an object of the present invention to enhance the
aesthetic appearance of orthodontic brackets by providing
nickel-titanium alloy or other shape memory material orthodontic
brackets which may be coated in various colors to promote style
depending on patient preferences.
[0029] The flexibility of the nickel-titanium or other shape memory
self-ligating brackets with their small compact design makes them
easier to use in the small confines of a patient's mouth which will
give the orthodontist additional treatment options of using
ligatures, additional attachments, and/or auxiliaries to hold
archwires in place in the bracket slots. Thus, these brackets solve
the limitations of current self-ligating brackets.
[0030] The small compact flexible tie wings of the brackets of the
invention, with and without a coating, will permit orthodontists to
overcome the many challenges they face during treatment and
alignment of a patient's teeth. Thus, the orthodontic brackets of
the present invention will make the patient's visits to the
orthodontist to have their braces adjusted a much less complicated
process and overall more comfortable and quicker, resulting in
making the overall treatment experience a more pleasant one while
achieving superior results for the patient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] A better understanding of the invention will be had with
reference to the accompanying drawings wherein;
[0032] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a twin bracket
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 2A is a side elevational view of the twin bracket of
FIG. 1, showing both opposing tie wings being unflexed before
insertion of an archwire relative to a guide slot defined between a
pair of opposing tie wing posts of each of the tie wings of the
bracket;
[0034] FIG. 2B is a side elevational view of the twin bracket of
FIG. 1, showing both opposing tie wing posts flexing to permit
insertion of an archwire therebetween;
[0035] FIG. 2C is a side elevational view of the twin bracket of
FIG. 2A with an archwire seated within the archwire guide slot
after the tie wings have returned back to their initial positions
shown in FIG. 2A;
[0036] FIG. 3A is a view similar to 2A, except only one tie wing
post of each tie wing is formed of a shape memory material and
except one inner flange of the pair of tie wing posts is larger
than the opposing inner flange;
[0037] FIG. 3B is a side elevational view of the twin bracket of
FIG. 3A showing only one tie wing post of each tie wing being
flexed to permit insertion of an archwire within the guide slot
between the opposing tie wing posts of each tie wing;
[0038] FIG. 3C is a side elevational view of the twin bracket of
FIG. 3A showing the archwire seated in the slot between the tie
wing posts after the tie wing posts have returned back to their
initial positions shown in FIG. 3A;
[0039] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a modified form of the
twin bracket shown in FIGS. 3A-3C where only one tie wing post
includes an inner flange;
[0040] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of another twin bracket
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket according to the
invention;
[0041] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a further twin bracket
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the
invention;
[0042] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an additional twin
bracket embodiment of an orthodontic bracket in accordance with the
invention;
[0043] FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of a single wing bracket
embodiment of an orthodontic bracket according to the invention,
showing an identification recess on one tie wing;
[0044] FIG. 8B is a front perspective view of a modified form of
the bracket shown in FIG. 8A;
[0045] FIG. 9 is a top elevational view of the bracket of FIG.
8A;
[0046] FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of a single wing
Lewis-type bracket embodiment of an orthodontic bracket according
to the invention, showing an identification recess on one tie
wing;
[0047] FIG. 10B is a front perspective view of a modified form of
the Lewis-type bracket shown in FIG. 10A;
[0048] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the Lewis-type bracket
of FIG. 10A, showing both opposing tie wing posts being unflexed
before insertion of an archwire relative to a guide slot defined
between opposing tie wing posts of the bracket;
[0049] FIG. 12A is a front perspective view of a single wing
Lang-type bracket embodiment of an orthodontic bracket according to
the invention;
[0050] FIG. 12B is a front perspective view of a modified form of
the Lang-type bracket shown in FIG. 12A;
[0051] FIG. 13 is a top elevational view of the Lang-type bracket
of FIG. 12A;
[0052] FIG. 14A is a front perspective view of a single wing
Creekmore-type bracket embodiment of an orthodontic bracket
according to the invention;
[0053] FIG. 14B is a front perspective view of a modified form of
the Creekmore-type bracket shown in FIG. 14A;
[0054] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the Creekmore-type
bracket of FIG. 14A, showing both opposing tie wing posts being
unflexed before insertion of an archwire relative to a guide slot
defined between opposing tie wing posts of the bracket;
[0055] FIG. 16A is a front perspective view of the twin bracket of
FIG. 1 having a central recess, a vertical scribe line, a hook, and
identification recesses on one tie wing post of each tie wing;
[0056] FIG. 16B is a front perspective view of a modified form of
the twin bracket of FIG. 16A having a central recess, a vertical
scribe line, and an identification recess on one tie wing;
[0057] FIG. 17A is a front perspective view of a modified form of
the twin bracket of FIG. 1 having a central recess, a vertical
scribe line, a hook, and an identification recess on one tie
wing;
[0058] FIG. 17B is a front perspective view of a modified form of
the twin bracket of FIG. 17A having a central recess, a vertical
scribe line and an identification recess on one tie wing post of
each tie wing;
[0059] FIG. 18A is a front perspective view of a modified form of
the twin bracket of FIG. 1 having a central recess, a vertical
scribe line, a vertical slot, and an identification recess on one
tie wing post of one tie wing of the bracket;
[0060] FIG. 18B is a front perspective view of a modified form of
the twin bracket of FIG. 18A having a central recess, a vertical
scribe line, a vertical slot, and an identification recess on one
tie wing;
[0061] FIG. 18C is a side elevational view of the twin bracket of
FIG. 18A;
[0062] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a modified form of
the twin bracket of FIG. 18A having a vertical scribe line, a
vertical slot, and an identification recess on one tie wing post of
one tie wing of the bracket;
[0063] FIG. 20A is a front perspective view of a hybrid bracket
embodiment of the invention having an identification recess on one
tie wing of the bracket;
[0064] FIG. 20B is a front perspective view of a modified form of
the hybrid bracket of FIG. 20A;
[0065] FIG. 20C is another top perspective view of the hybrid
bracket of FIG. 20A;
[0066] FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the twin bracket of
FIG. 1 showing a mesh base;
[0067] FIG. 22A is a front perspective view of a torque-in-base
configuration of the twin bracket of FIG. 1 having a vertical
scribe line, a hook, and an identification recess on one tie
wing;
[0068] FIG. 22B is a front perspective view of a modified form of
the torque-in-base twin bracket of FIG. 22A;
[0069] FIG. 22C is a side elevational view of the torque-in-base
twin bracket of FIG. 22A;
[0070] FIG. 23A is a front perspective view of a torque-in-slot
configuration of the twin bracket of FIG. 1 having a vertical
scribe line, a hook, and an identification recess on one tie
wing;
[0071] FIG. 23B is a front perspective view of a modified form of
the torque-in-slot twin bracket of FIG. 23A; and
[0072] FIG. 23C is a side elevational view of the torque-in-slot
twin bracket of FIG. 23A.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0073] With reference to FIGS. 1-2C, 16A, and 21, a twin bracket
embodiment of orthodontic bracket 10 of the present invention
comprises a unitary body structure including a contoured base 12
having a front surface 13 and a rear tooth engaging surface 14. The
rear surface 14 is generally slightly concavely contoured so as to
match the surface contour of a patient's tooth.
[0074] The rear surface 14 has a bonding pad with a mesh 15, as
shown in FIG. 21, such that the bracket 10 may be bonded securely
to a patient's tooth or welded to a band cemented to the tooth. The
mesh 15 is preferably a 80-100 gauge mesh. As an alternative to the
mesh 15, the rear surface 14 may include a plurality of grooves or
mechanical undercuts to ensure the bracket 10 can be securely
bonded to a patient's tooth. Further, a bonding strength of the
bond between the mesh 15, grooves, and/or undercuts and a tooth may
be enhanced by a micro-etching process.
[0075] The orthodontic bracket 10 further includes a pair of spaced
opposing tie wings 20 and 21 which are shown as being spaced on
opposite sides of a central recess 17 which is formed generally
centrally of the front surface 13 of the bracket base 12. The
recess 17 is used to facilitate alignment of the bracket 10
relative to a patient's tooth using an instrument such as a Boone
gauge. Further, a linear groove, such as a vertical scribe line 42,
may be also provided in the front surface 13 of the bracket base 12
for facilitating alignment, such as shown in FIG. 16A. Further,
both the recess 17 and the vertical scribe line 42 can be used with
other embodiments of the invention.
[0076] The bracket 10 may also include auxiliary attachments, such
as Kobayashi hooks, removeable hook pins, ligature wires,
directional force elastics, elastomeric ligatures, elastomeric
power chains, and uprighting springs, which are often used during
various stages of orthodontic treatment. These attachments can be
secured to various parts of a bracket, including slots, such as
vertical slots, and tie wings. As shown in FIG. 16A, the bracket 10
includes a hook 44 which is secured to the tie wing 20. Auxiliary
attachments, such as the hook 44, can be used with other
embodiments of the invention.
[0077] The bracket 10 may also include one or more color-coded
identification recesses 46, as shown in FIG. 16A. The
identification recess 46 is a small depression which is often
filled with a colored material. The identification recess enables
an orthodontist to determine how the bracket 10 should be
positioned on a patient's tooth. For example, a yellow
identification recess may indicate the portion of the bracket 10
which should be placed on the distal gingival edge of a tooth.
Further, the identification recess 46 can be used with other
embodiments of the invention.
[0078] Each of the tie wings 20 and 21 includes a base portion 18
from which extend a pair of tie wing posts 22 and 23. Each of the
tie wing posts 22 and 23 includes an upper head portion 24 and 25,
respectively. Each pair of the generally parallel posts 22 and 23
define an archwire guide slot 26 of approximately 0.018 to 0.022
inch therebetween to slidingly engage an archwire 30.
[0079] The shape memory brackets of the present invention are
self-ligating. That is, at least one of the posts of one tie wing
is formed of a shape memory material. In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-2C, both of the opposing pair of tie wings 20 and 21 are
formed of a material which allows the tie wings 20 and 21 to flex,
as shown and illustrated in FIG. 2B, to permit insertion or removal
of the archwire 30 relative to the guide slot 26. In preferred
embodiments, brackets of the present invention are formed of a
shape memory material, such as a nickel-titanium material, both
along the base 12 and the tie wings 20 and 21. This material
exhibits superelasticity and, therefore, shape memory, such that
when the posts 22 and 23 are flexed from a predetermined or rest
position, as shown in FIG. 2A, the head portions 24 and 25 of each
tie wing separate, as shown in FIG. 2B, to permit the insertion or
removal of the archwire 30. Once force is removed, the posts 22 and
23 return to their original predetermined position, as shown in
FIG. 2C. Shape memory materials, such as metallic materials,
including alloys, and non-metallic materials, including resins and
polymer-type materials, that exhibit a shape memory may be
used.
[0080] To securely retain an archwire 30 within the guide slot 26,
each head portion 24 and 25 of each tie wing post 22 and 23,
respectively, as shown in FIG. 2A, includes an inner opposing
flange 31 and 32, respectively. The inner flanges 31 and 32 are
spaced at a distance "D" of approximately 0.010-0.014 inch which is
smaller than the diameter of the archwire 30. In some embodiments,
the flanges 31 and 32 may actually touch one another such that the
distance "D" is zero. Further, the inner flanges 31 and 32 may be
the same size, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C.
[0081] Each head portion 24 and 25 of each tie wing post 22 and 23,
respectively, further includes an outer tie wing flange 34 and 35,
respectively, which may be used in a conventional manner to secure
archwires with ligature wires and other attachments during patient
treatment, as necessary. In the preferred embodiments, the entire
outer surface of each of the head portions 24 and 25 is shown as
being generally convex with the inner flanges 31 and 32,
respectively, tapering downwardly and inwardly relative to one
another.
[0082] As opposed to each tie wing 20 and 21 including a base
portion, such as illustrated at 18, it is possible that the tie
wings 20 and 21 are formed such that the posts extend upwardly from
the front surface 13 of the bracket base 12.
[0083] An alternate embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS.
3A-3C. In this embodiment, only one tie wing post or a portion of
one tie wing post of each pair of tie wing posts 22' and 23' of
opposing pair of tie wings 20' and 21' is formed of a shape memory
material so as to be flexed from a predetermined or rest position,
as shown on FIG. 3A, to a spaced position, as shown by the arrow in
FIG. 3B, to permit insertion or removal of the archwire 30 relative
to an archwire slot 26'. Thereafter, the tie wing post or portion
of the tie wing post will return to the predetermined or rest
position, as shown in a FIG. 3C. The bracket 10' of this embodiment
is otherwise the same as the bracket 10 previously described.
Accordingly, the bracket 10' includes a bracket base 12' and a pair
of opposing tie wings 20' and 21'. Each of the tie wings 20' and
21' includes tie wing posts 22' and 23' having head portions 24'
and 25', respectively. Further each of the head portions 24' and
25' include an inner opposing flange 31' and 32', respectively, and
an outer flange 34' and 35', respectively.
[0084] The inner flanges 31' and 32' define an opening "D," as
previously defined. Also, the inner flanges one of the inner
flanges 31' and 32' may be larger than an opposing inner flange, as
shown in FIGS. 3A-3C.
[0085] A modification of the twin orthodontic bracket shown in
FIGS. 3A-3C is shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, only one tie
wing post 22' of each pair of opposing tie wing posts 22' and 23'
of each of the tie wings 20' and 21' includes an inner flange 31'
which defines the opening "D," as previously defined. As shown,
there is no inner flange associated with tie wing post 23'. The
functioning of the bracket 10' is otherwise the same as described
with respect to FIGS. 3A-3C.
[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 5, to further promote the flexing of
a tie wing and/or wings, grooves, such as shown at 37, may be
provided adjacent to the inner portion of each of the tie wing
posts 22A and 23A. This facilitates a flexing of the tie wings 20A
and 21A at the area of reduced thickness. A bracket 10A of this
embodiment is shown as being smaller than that of the embodiment of
FIG. 1, such that the opposing pair of tie wings 20A and 21A are
more closely spaced. The bracket 10A includes a base 12A and tie
wings 20A and 21A defining archwire guide slots 26A therebetween.
The provision of a groove 37 to promote flexing may also be used in
other embodiments of the invention.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 7, to achieve additional flexing of the tie
wing and/or tie wings, the thickness of the tie wing posts 22C and
23C may be reduced in an area, such as shown at 38. The bracket 10C
of this embodiment is shown as being smaller than that of the
embodiment of FIG. 1 such that the opposing pair of tie wings 20C
and 21C are more closely spaced. The bracket 10C includes a base
12C and tie wings 20C and 21C defining archwire guide 26C
therebetween. The provision of reduced thickness of the tie wing
posts 22C and 23C to achieve additional flexing may also be used in
other embodiments of the invention.
[0088] As an alternative to the embodiment of the twin bracket
shown in FIG. 7, another embodiment to promote flexing of a tie
wing and/or tie wings is shown in FIG. 16B. Instead of the
thickness of the tie wing posts being reduced in a limited area, a
bracket 10D includes a pair of opposing tie wings 20D and 21D, each
having a pair of tie wing posts 22D and 23D, respectively, that
each have an outer concave surface 39. The concave outer surface 39
of each of the tie wing posts 22D and 23D essentially provides
areas of reduced thickness so as to provide additional flexing of
the tie wings 20D and 21D.
[0089] Like the bracket 10 shown in FIGS. 1-2C and 16A, the bracket
10D includes a base 12D and a pair of tie wings 20D and 21D
defining archwire guide slots 26D therebetween. The -bracket 10D
also includes a central recess 17, a vertical scribe line 42, and a
identification recess 46 located on one of the tie wings to aid in
positioning the bracket 10D on a patient's tooth. The provision of
a concave surface 39 to promote flexing may also be used in other
embodiments of the invention.
[0090] The bracket of the invention can also be designed to provide
various torques, angulations, and in/out thickness variations,
which are useful during orthodontic treatments. Torque-in-base and
slot angulation, which are illustrated in FIGS. 22A-22C, and
torque-in-slot and slot angulation, which are illustrated in FIGS.
23A-23C, and in/out thickness variations, such as shown in FIG. 19,
are examples of a such bracket designs. Further, the provisions for
providing torques, angulations, and in/out thicknesses can be used
with the various embodiments of the present invention.
[0091] In a torque-in-base and slot angulation configuration shown
in FIGS. 22A-22C, a twin bracket 10'' includes a contoured base
12'' and a pair of spaced opposing tie wings 20'' and 21'' which
are shown as being spaced on opposite sides of a central recess 17
which is formed generally centrally of the bracket base 12''. The
bracket 10'' also includes a vertical scribe line 42, a hook 44,
and a color-coded identification recess on each of the tie wings
20'' and 21''.
[0092] Each of the tie wings 20'' and 21'' includes a base portion
18'' from which extend tie wings a pair of tie wing posts 22'' and
23''. Each of the tie wing posts 23'' and 24'' include an upper
head portion 24'' and 25'', respectively. Each pair of the
generally parallel posts 22'' and 23'' define an archwire guide
slot 26'' to slidingly engage an archwire.
[0093] In a torque-in-base and slot angulation configuration, the
heights, namely the distances between the bracket base 12'' and the
head portions 24'' and 25'', and angles of each of the tie wing
posts 22'' and 23'', respectively, are different. As shown in FIGS.
22A-22C, tie wing post 22'' is higher than tie wing post 23'' so as
to provide a torque to a patient's tooth when the bracket 10''
engages an archwire.
[0094] FIG. 22B shows a modified form of the bracket 10'' shown in
FIGS. 22A and 22C. The bracket configuration of FIG. 22B promotes
flexing of a tie wing and/or tie wings. Each of the tie wing posts
22'' and 23'' have an outer concave surface 39 to provide
additional flexing of the tie wings 20'' and 21''.
[0095] In a torque-in-slot and slot angulation configuration, the
depths and angles, namely the distances between the base 12'' and
the head portions 24'' and 25'' of each of the tie wing posts 22''
and 23'', respectively, of portions of the guide slot 26'' are
different. As shown in FIGS. 23A-23C, a portion of the guide slot
26'' adjacent tie wing post 23'' is deeper than a portion of the
guide slot 26'' adjacent the tie wing post 22'' so as to provide a
torque on a patient's tooth when the bracket 10'' engages an
archwire.
[0096] Like FIG. 22B, FIG. 23B shows a modified form of the bracket
10'' shown in FIGS. 23A and 23C. The bracket configuration of FIG.
23B promotes flexing of a tie wing and/or tie wings. Each of the
tie wing posts 22'' and 23'' have an outer concave surface 39 to
provide additional flexing of the tie wings 20'' and 21''.
[0097] Whether utilizing a torque-in-base or torque-in-slot
configuration, an angle of the archwire guide slot can be adjusted
to accommodate different tooth variations. Since the angulation is
in the archwire guide slot, a use of a rhomboidal design of the
bracket exterior is useful to ensure that the archwire guide slot
aligns with a guide slot of an adjacent bracket.
[0098] In a variation of in/out thickness, the heights, namely the
distances between a bracket base and an archwire guide slot, and
angles vary to compensate for different tooth sizes. For example,
the height of a bracket 10G shown in FIG. 19 is larger than the
bracket 10 shown in FIG. 1 so that the bracket 10G has a different
in/out thickness than the bracket 10 of FIG. 1.
[0099] With reference to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the
invention is shown. In this embodiment, a bracket 10B is formed of
the same shape memory material and has a pair of opposing tie wings
20B and 21B which extend from a base 12B. However, the tie wings
20B and 21B are attached directly to the bracket base 12B and
extend upwardly from a position more closely spaced to a gingival
edge 40 of the bracket base 12B. This structure permits correct
bonding of brackets on short or gingivally displaced teeth. In this
embodiment, a horizontal recess alignment guide 40 is shown, as
opposed to the recess 17, shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment,
either one or both of the opposing tie wings 20B and 21B may be
flexed as previously described.
[0100] Another twin bracket embodiment of the invention is shown in
FIGS. 17A and 17B. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2C
and 16A, a bracket 10E, as shown in FIG. 17A, includes a contoured
base 12E having a front surface 13E and a rear tooth engaging
surface 14E. The rear surface 14E is generally slightly concavely
contoured so as to match the surface contour of a patient's
tooth.
[0101] The orthodontic bracket 10E further includes a pair of
spaced opposing tie wings 20E and 21E which are shown as being
spaced on opposite sides of a central recess 17, which is formed
generally centrally of the front surface 13E of the bracket base
12E. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2C and 16A, the bracket
10E also includes a platform 50 which is secured to the base 12E
and extends between the tie wings 20E and 21E. Each of the tie
wings 20E and 21E includes a base portion 18E attached the platform
50. Preferably, the width of the platform 50 is the same as the
width of the base portion 18E of each of the tie wings 20E and
21E.
[0102] The tie wings 20E and 21E each include a pair of tie wing
posts 22E and 23E. Each of the tie wing posts 22E and 23E include
an upper head portion 24E and 25E, respectively. Each pair of the
generally parallel posts 22E and 23E define an archwire guide slot
26E therebetween to slidingly engage an archwire.
[0103] The twin bracket 10E can also include auxiliary attachments
and positioning aids. As shown in FIG. 17A,.the bracket 10E
includes a hook 44 and a color-coded identification recess 46
located on one of the tie wings 20E and 21E. The bracket 10E also
includes a central recess 17 and a vertical scribe line 42.
[0104] A modified form of the twin bracket shown in FIG. 17A is
shown in FIG. 17B. A bracket 10E' is designed to promote flexing of
a tie wing and/or tie wings. The bracket 10E' includes a bracket
base 12E' and a pair of opposing tie wings 20E' and 21E', each
having a pair of tie wing posts 22E' and 23E' forming an archwire
guide slot 26E' therebetween. The bracket 10E' is similar to the
bracket 10E, except each of the tie wing posts 22E' and 23E' have
an outer concave surface 39 to provide additional flexing of the
tie wings 20E' and 21E'. Further, the bracket 10E' includes an
identification recess on each of the tie wings 20E' and 21E'.
[0105] A further twin bracket embodiment of the invention is shown
in FIGS. 18A-18C. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2C and
16A, a bracket 10F, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18C, includes a
contoured base 12F having a front surface 13F and a rear tooth
engaging surface 14F. The orthodontic bracket 10F further includes
a pair of spaced opposing tie wings 20F and 21F which are shown as
being spaced on opposite sides of a central recess 17, which is
formed generally centrally of the front surface 13F of the bracket
base 12F.
[0106] Unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2C and 16A, the
bracket 10F also includes a platform 60 which is secured to the
base 12F and extends between the tie wings 20F and 21F. Each of the
tie wings 20F and 21F includes a base portion 18F attached the
platform 60. Preferably, the width of the platform 60 is the same
as the width of the base portion 18F of each of the tie wings 20F
and 21F. While the twin bracket 10E shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B also
utilizes a platform 50, the platform 60 of bracket 10F is
preferably higher than the platform 50 of the bracket 10E and
includes a vertical slot 62 passing therethrough, as shown in FIG.
18C.
[0107] Like the bracket 10 shown in FIGS. 1-2C and 16 and the
bracket 10E shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the tie wings 20F and 21F
of the bracket 10F each include a pair of tie wing posts 22F and
23F. Each of the tie wing posts 22F and 23F include an upper head
portion 24F and 25F, respectively. Each pair of the generally
parallel posts 22F and 23F define an archwire guide slot 26F
therebetween to slidingly engage an archwire.
[0108] The twin bracket 10F can also include auxiliary attachments
and positioning aids. As shown in FIG. 18A, the bracket 10F
includes a color-coded indication recess 46 located on the head
portion of one tie wing post of one of the tie wings 20F and 21F.
The bracket 10F also includes a central recess 17 and a vertical
scribe line 42.
[0109] A modified form of the twin bracket shown in FIG. 18A is
shown in FIG. 18B. A bracket 10F' is designed to promote flexing of
a tie wing and/or tie wings. The bracket 10F' includes a bracket
base 12F' and a pair of opposing tie wings 20F' and 21F', each
having a pair of tie wing posts 22F' and 23F' forming an archwire
guide slot 26F' therebetween. The bracket 10F' is similar to the
bracket 10F, except each of the tie wing posts 22F' and 23F' have
an outer concave surface 39 to provide additional flexing of the
tie wings 20F' and 21F'.
[0110] Yet another twin bracket embodiment of the invention is
shown in FIG. 19. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18A and
18C, a bracket 10G, includes a contoured base 12G having a front
surface 13G and a rear tooth engaging surface 14G. The orthodontic
bracket 10G further includes a pair of spaced opposing tie wings
20G and 21G which are shown as being spaced on opposite sides of a
vertical scribe line 42.
[0111] The bracket 10G also includes a platform 70 which is secured
to the base 12G and extends between the tie wings 20G and 21G.
Preferably, the width of the platform 70 is the same as the width
tie wings 20G and 21G, and the platform 70 includes a vertical slot
72 passing therethrough.
[0112] Unlike the bracket 10F, the tie wings 20G and 21G of the
bracket 10G each include a pair of tie wing posts 22G and 23G which
extend directly from the platform 70. The tie wings 20G and 21G do
not include any base portion. Each of the tie wing posts 22G and
23G include an upper head portion 24G and 25G, respectively. Each
pair of the generally parallel posts 22G and 23G define an archwire
guide slot 26G therebetween to slidingly engage an archwire.
[0113] Like the other embodiments of the invention, the twin
bracket 10G can also include auxiliary attachments, color-coded
identification recesses, and positioning aids. As shown in FIG. 19,
the bracket 10G includes a color-coded identification recess 46
located on the head portion of one tie wing post of one of the tie
wings 20G and 21G.
[0114] With the structure of the twin embodiments of the present
invention, it is possible to apply the bracket to extremely twisted
or crooked teeth wherein only a single tie wing may be
appropriately aligned with the tooth to receive an archwire. During
treatment, the archwire may be seated within a single guide slot
defined by one tie wing until such a time as a tooth can be moved
to a position wherein the archwire may be aligned in the bracket
slots of both tie wings. In this respect, the tie wings of the twin
bracket embodiments of the invention define guide slots which are
preferably axially aligned relative to one another along a line A-A
as shown in FIG. 1.
[0115] In addition to a double tie wing configuration, the
self-ligating bracket of the present invention may also be a single
wing bracket. Further, many of the features set forth in the
description of the twin bracket embodiments are applicable to the
single wing and other embodiments of the present invention.
[0116] With reference to FIGS. 8A-9, a single wing orthodontic
bracket 110, as specifically shown in FIGS. 8A and 9, comprises a
unitary body structure including a contoured base 112 having a
front surface 113 and a rear tooth engaging surface 114. The rear
surface 114 is generally slightly concavely contoured so as to
match the surface contour of a patient's tooth. The rear surface
114 has a bonding pad with a mesh so that the bracket 110 may be
bonded securely to a patient's tooth or welded to a band cemented
to the tooth. As previously described, the mesh is preferably of a
80-100 gauge mesh. As an alternative to the mesh, the rear surface
114 may include a plurality of grooves and/or mechanical undercuts
to ensure the bracket 110 can be secured to a patient's tooth.
Further, a bond strength between the mesh, grooves, and/or
undercuts and a tooth can be enhanced by a micro-etching
process.
[0117] The bracket 110 may also include auxiliary attachments, such
as Kobayashi hooks, removeable hook pins, metal ligatures,
directional force elastics, elastomeric ties, elastomeric power
chains, and uprighting springs, which are often used during various
stages of orthodontic treatment. These attachments can be secured
to various parts of a bracket, including slots, such as vertical
slots, and tie wings, and can be used with other embodiments of the
invention.
[0118] The bracket 110 may also include one or more color-coded
identification recesses 46. As set forth above, the identification
recess 46 is a small depression which is often filled with a
colored material. The identification recess enables an orthodontist
to determine how the bracket 110 should be positioned on a
patient's tooth. The identification recess 46, as well as other
positioning aids, such as a central recess and a vertical or
horizontal scribe line, can be used with other embodiments of the
invention.
[0119] The orthodontic bracket 110 further includes a tie wing 120
having a base portion 18 from which extend a pair of tie wing posts
122 and 123. Alternatively, as opposed to the tie wing 120
including a base portion, such as illustrated at 118, it is
possible that the tie wing 120 is formed such that the posts 122
and 123 extend upwardly from the front surface 113 of the bracket
base 112. Each of the tie wing posts 122 and 123 includes an upper
head portion 124 and 125, respectively. Each pair of the generally
parallel posts 122 and 123 define an archwire guide slot 126 of
approximately 0.018 to 0.022 inch therebetween to slidingly engage
an archwire.
[0120] As stated above, the shape memory brackets of the present
invention are self-ligating. With regard to the single wing
embodiments, at least one of the tie wing posts, or a portion
thereof, is formed of a shape memory material. In the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 8A-9, both of the opposing tie wing posts 122 and
123 of the tie wing 120 are formed of a material which allows the
tie wing 120 to flex to permit insertion or removal of the archwire
relative to the guide slot 126.
[0121] In preferred embodiments, brackets of the present invention
are formed of a shape memory metallic material, including alloys,
such as a nickel-titanium material, or from a shape memory
non-metallic material, including resins and polymer materials, both
along the base 112 and the tie wing 120. This material exhibits
super-elasticity and, therefore, shape memory, such that when the
posts 122 and 123 are flexed from a predetermined or rest position,
the head portions 124 and 125 of each tie wing post separate to
permit the insertion or removal of the archwire. Once force is
removed, the posts 122 and 123 return to the original predetermined
positions.
[0122] To securely retain an archwire within the guide slot 126,
each head portion 124 and 125 of each tie wing post 122 and 123,
respectively, includes an inner opposing flange 131 and 132,
respectively. The inner flange 131 and 132 are spaced at a distance
"D" of approximately 0.010-0.014 inch which is smaller than the
diameter of the archwire. In some embodiments, the flange 131 and
132 may actually touch one another such that the distance "D" is
zero. Further, the inner flange 131 and 132 may be the same or
different sizes.
[0123] Each head portion 124 and 125 of each tie wing post 122 and
123, respectively, further includes an outer tie wing fLang-typee
134 and 135, respectively, which may be used in a conventional
manner to secure archwires with ligature wires and other
attachments during patient treatment, as necessary. In the
preferred embodiments, the entire outer surface of each of the head
portions 124 and 125 is shown as being generally convex with the
inner flange 131 and 132, respectively, tapering downwardly and
inwardly relative to one another.
[0124] As an alternative to the embodiment of the single wing
bracket shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C, another embodiment to promote
flexing of a tie wing is shown in FIG. 8B. A bracket 110' includes
a base 112' and a tie wing 1201 having a pair of opposing tie wing
posts 122' and 123' that each have an outer concave surface 39.
Thus, the bracket 110' is essentially the same as the bracket 110
but includes tie wing posts 122' and 1231 having concave outer
surfaces 39. The concave outer surface 39 of each of the tie wing
posts 122' and 123' essentially provides areas of reduced thickness
so as to provide additional flexing of the tie wing 120'.
[0125] A Lewis-type single wing bracket embodiment of the invention
is shown in FIGS. 10A-11. The Lewis-type configuration can also be
used in a twin bracket. A bracket 210, as shown in FIGS. 10A and
11, includes a contoured base 212 and a tie wing 220 having a base
portion 218 from which extend a pair of tie wing posts 222 and 223.
Each of the tie wing posts 222 and 223 includes an upper head
portion 224 and 225, respectively. Each pair of the generally
parallel posts 222 and 223 define an archwire guide slot 226 to
slidingly engage an archwire 30.
[0126] The Lewis-type bracket 210 also includes a platform 240
which extends across a width of the base 212 along an axial line
A-A. Instead of the base portion 218 of the tie wing 220 being
directly attached to the bracket base 212, the base portion 218 is
secured to the platform 240 so that the archwire guide slot 226 is
elevated from the bracket base 212 a distance equal to the combined
heights of the tie wing base 218 and the platform 240, not just the
height of the tie wing base 218.
[0127] The width of the platform 240 is greater than the width of
the bracket base 212 along the line A-A. As a result, the platform
240 forms a tab 242 projecting from either side of the tie wing
base portion 218 along the line A-A. Further, each tab 242 is bent
upwardly toward the head portions 224 and 225 of the tie wing posts
222 and 223, respectively.
[0128] At least one of the tie wing posts 222 and 223, or a portion
thereof, is preferably formed from a shape memory material, such
that when the post is flexed from a predetermined or rest position,
shown in FIG. 11, the head portions 224 and 225 of each tie wing
separate to permit the insertion or removal of the archwire 30.
Once force is removed, the post returns to the original
predetermined position.
[0129] To securely retain the archwire 30 within the guide slot
226, each head portion 224 and 225 of each of the tie wing posts
222 and 223, respectively, includes an inner opposing flange 231
and 232, respectively, and an outer tie wing flange 234 and 235,
respectively. The Lewis-type bracket 210 also includes a
color-coded identification recess 46 located on one of the tie
wings.
[0130] A modified form of the Lewis-type bracket is shown in FIG.
10B. A bracket 210' is designed to promote flexing of a tie wing.
The bracket 210' includes a bracket base 212' and a tie wing 220'
having a pair of tie wing posts 222' and 223' forming an archwire
guide slot 326' therebetween. The bracket 210' also includes a
platform 240' which extends across the bracket base 212' to form an
upwardly bent tab 242' on either side of the tie wing 220'. The
bracket 210' is similar to the bracket 210, except each of the tie
wing posts 222' and 223' have an outer concave surface 39 to
provide additional flexing of the tie wing 220'.
[0131] A Lang-type single wing bracket embodiment of the invention
is shown in FIGS. 12A-13. The Lang-type configuration can also be
used in a twin bracket. A bracket 310, as shown in FIGS. 12A and
13, includes a contoured base 312 and a tie wing 320 having a base
portion 318 from which extend a pair of tie wing posts 322 and 323.
Each of the tie wing posts 322.and 323 includes an upper head
portion 324 and 325, respectively. Each pair of the generally
parallel posts 322 and 323 define an archwire guide slot 326 to
slidingly engage an archwire, and at least one of the tie wing
posts 322 and 323, or a portion thereof, is preferably formed from
a shape memory material. Further, to securely retain the archwire
within the guide slot 326, each head portion 324 and 325 of each of
the tie wing posts 322 and 323, respectively, includes an inner
opposing flange 331 and 332, respectively, and an outer tie wing
flange 334 and 335, respectively.
[0132] The bracket 310 also includes a platform 340 which extends
across a width of the base 312 along an axial line A-A. Instead of
the base portion 318 of the tie wing 320 being directly attached to
the bracket base 312, the base portion 318 is secured to the
platform 340 so that the archwire guide slot 326. Further, the
width of the platform 340 is greater than the width of the bracket
base 312 along the line A-A. As a result, the platform 340 forms a
tab 342 projecting from either side of the tie wing base portion
318 along the line A-A. Each tab 342 includes an opening 343 formed
therein.
[0133] A modified form of the Lang-type bracket is shown in FIG.
12B. A bracket 310' is designed to promote flexing of a tie wing.
The bracket 310' includes a bracket base 312' and a tie wing 320'
having a pair of tie wing posts 322' and 323' forming an archwire
guide slot 326' therebetween. The bracket 310' also includes a
platform 340' which extends across the bracket base 312' to form a
tab 342' with an opening 343' on either side of the tie wing 320'.
The bracket 310' is similar to the bracket 310, except each of the
tie wing posts 322' and 323' have an outer concave surface 39 to
provide additional flexing of the tie wing 320'.
[0134] A Creekmore-type single wing bracket embodiment of the
invention is shown in FIGS. 14A-15. The Creekmore-type
configuration can also be used with a twin bracket. A bracket 410,
as shown in FIGS. 14A and 15, includes a contoured base 412 and a
tie wing 420 having a base portion 418 from which extend a pair of
tie wing posts 422 and 423. The bracket 410 also includes a curled
tab 442 projecting from either side of the bracket base 312 along
an axial line A-A of the bracket 410.
[0135] Each of the tie wing posts 422 and 423 includes an upper
head portion 424 and 425, respectively. Each pair of the generally
parallel posts 422 and 423 define an archwire guide slot 426 to
slidingly engage an archwire 30. At least one of the tie wing posts
422 and 423, or a portion thereof, is preferably formed from a
shape memory material, such that when the post is flexed from a
predetermined or rest position, shown in FIG. 15, the head portions
424 and 425 of each tie wing separate to permit the insertion or
removal of the archwire 30. Once force is removed, the post returns
to the original predetermined position. Further, to securely retain
the archwire 30 within the guide slot 426, each head portion 424
and 425 of each of the tie wing posts 422 and 423, respectively,
includes an inner opposing flange 431 and 432, respectively, and an
outer tie wing flange 434 and 435, respectively.
[0136] A modified form of the Creekmore-type bracket is shown in
FIG. 14B. A bracket 410' is designed to promote flexing of a tie
wing. The bracket 410' includes a bracket base 412' and a tie wing
420' having a pair of tie wing posts 422' and 423' forming an
archwire guide slot 426' therebetween. The bracket 410' also
includes a curled tab 442' on either side of the bracket base 412'.
The bracket 410' is similar to the bracket 410, except each of the
tie wing posts 422' and 423' have an outer concave surface 39 to
provide additional flexing of the tie wing 420'.
[0137] In addition to double tie wing configurations and single tie
wing designs, the self-ligating bracket of the present invention
may also be a hybrid bracket. A hybrid bracket appears to have two
tie wings, but the two tie wing structures are actually part of a
single unitary structure. Thus, a hybrid bracket imparts
characteristics of both single wing and double wing bracket
configurations. Further, many of the features set forth in the
description of the twin bracket and single wing bracket embodiments
are applicable to the hybrid embodiments of the present
invention.
[0138] With reference to FIGS. 20A-20C, a hybrid wing orthodontic
bracket 510, as specifically shown in FIGS. 20A and 20C, comprises
a unitary body structure including a contoured base 512 having a
front surface 513 and a rear tooth engaging surface 514. The rear
surface 514 is generally slightly concavely contoured so as to
match the surface contour of a patient's tooth.
[0139] The rear surface 514 has a bonding pad with a mesh so that
the bracket 510 may be bonded securely to a patient's tooth or
welded to a band cemented to the tooth. As previously described,
the mesh is preferably a 80-100 gauge mesh. As an alternative to
the mesh, the rear surface 514 may include a plurality of grooves
and/or mechanical undercuts to ensure the bracket 510 can be
secured to a patient's tooth. Further, a bond strength between the
mesh 15, grooves, and/or mechanical undercuts and a tooth can be
enhanced by a micro-etching process.
[0140] The bracket 510 may also include auxiliary attachments, such
as Kobayashi hooks, hooks, such as hook 44 shown in FIG. 20C,
removeable hook pins, metal ligatures, directional force elastics,
elastomeric ligature, elastomeric power chains, and uprighting
springs, which are often used during various stages of orthodontic
treatment. These attachments may be integrally formed with the
bracket or removeable therefrom. Further, these attachments can be
secured to various parts of a bracket, including slots, such as
vertical slots, and tie wings, and can be used with other
embodiments of the invention. The bracket 510 may also include one
or more color-coded identification recesses. As set forth above,
the identification recess is a small depression which is often
filled with a colored material. The identification recess enables
an orthodontist to determine how the bracket 510 should be
positioned on a patient's tooth. The identification recess, as well
as other positioning aids, such as a central recess and a vertical
or horizontal scribe line, can be used with other embodiments of
the invention.
[0141] The orthodontic bracket 510 further includes a single
elongated tie wing 520 having a base portion 518 from which extend
two pair of tie wing posts 522 and 523 on either end of the bracket
510. Each pair of the tie wing posts 522 and 523 includes an upper
head portion 524 and 525, respectively. Each pair of the generally
parallel posts 522 and 523 define an archwire guide slot 526 of
approximately 0.018 to 0.022 inch therebetween to slidingly engage
an archwire.
[0142] As stated above, the shape memory brackets of the present
invention are self-ligating. With regard to the single wing
embodiments, at least one of the tie wing posts, or a portion
thereof, is formed of a shape memory material. In the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 20A-20C, both of the tie wing posts 522 and 523 of
each pair of tie wing posts of the tie wing 520 are formed of a
material which allows the tie wing 520 to flex to permit insertion
or removal of the archwire relative to the guide slot 526.
[0143] In preferred embodiments, brackets of the present invention
are formed of a shape memory metallic material, including metallic
alloys, such as a nickel-titanium material, and/or of a shape
memory non-metallic material, including resins and polymer
materials, both along the base 512 and the tie wing 520. This
material exhibits superelasticity and, therefore, shape memory,
such that when the posts 522 and 523 of each pair of tie wing posts
are flexed from a predetermined or rest position, the, head
portions 524 and 525 of each tie wing posts separate to permit the
insertion or removal of the archwire therebetween. Once force is
removed, the posts 522 and 523 return to the original predetermined
position.
[0144] To securely retain an archwire within the guide slot 526,
the tie wing 520 includes inner opposing flanges 531 and 532,
respectively. The inner flanges 531 and 532 are spaced at a
distance "D" of approximately 0.010-0.014 inch which is smaller
than the diameter of the archwire. In some embodiments, the flanges
531 and 532 may actually touch one another such that the distance
"D" is zero. Further, the inner flanges 531 and 532 may be the same
or different sizes.
[0145] Each head portion 524 and 525 of tie wing post 522 and 523,
respectively, further includes an outer tie wing flange 534 and
535, respectively, which may be used in a conventional manner to
secure archwires with ligature wires and other attachments during
patient treatment, as necessary. In the preferred embodiments, the
entire outer surface of each of the head portions 524 and 525 is
shown as being generally convex, and the inner flanges 531 and 532,
respectively, tapering downwardly and inwardly relative to one
another.
[0146] As an alternative to the embodiment of the single wing
bracket shown in FIGS. 20A and 20C, another embodiment to promote
flexing of a tie wing is shown in FIG. 20B. A bracket 510' includes
a base 512' and a tie wing 520' having two pair of opposing tie
wing posts 522' and 523' that each have an outer concave surface
39. Thus, the bracket 510' is essentially the same as the bracket
510 but includes a single tie wing 520' having two pairs of tie
wing posts 522' and 523' with concave outer surfaces 39. The
concave outer surface 39 of each of the tie wing posts 522' and
523' essentially provides areas of reduced thickness so as to
provide additional flexing of the tie wing 520'.
[0147] As set forth above, the self-ligating brackets of the
present invention can be twin brackets, single wing brackets,
hybrid brackets, or any other type of bracket having any number of
tie wings. The brackets of the invention can also include bracket
bases and tie wings of any shape, thickness, material, or size, and
the tie wings can be position in various locations and gingival
offsets on the bracket bases. Further, the brackets of the present
invention may be placed on various tooth surfaces, including the
front surface and the rear surface of the tooth.
[0148] Due to the shape memory material from which the brackets of
the present invention are formed, very low friction surfaces are
presented for guidingly engaging the archwire. The lower friction
between the bracket and the archwire, the more smoothly and easily
the archwire will function to move a patient's tooth to a desired
position, thus facilitating patient treatment. In this respect, the
present invention also provides for further decreasing the
frictional surface resistance of the brackets by allowing the
brackets to be coated with other materials. By way of example,
except the bonding base pad or mesh, the surface of the brackets
including the tie wings and base, especially in the area of the
guide slots, may be plated or electroplated with metallic elements
such as nickel, gold, copper, silver, or the like. As opposed to a
plating with metallic material, the brackets, except the bonding
base pad or mesh may be coated with different plastics including
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) including Teflon.TM., thermosetting
polymers or other polymers, with or without coupling agents which
are specifically provided to create a smoother surface and thereby
reduce friction.
[0149] In accordance with the invention, the surface treatments may
also include coloring agents. It may be desired to increase the
aesthetic appearance of new orthodontic brackets by including
coloring agents which would present hues of gold, tooth color, red,
green, blue or other colors.
[0150] To facilitate the coating process, the surface of the
orthodontic bracket and the tie wings may be micro-etched,
chemically etched, or mechanically pitted such as by blasting to
create a surface roughness to facilitate bonding of a coating
material.
[0151] The orthodontic brackets of the present invention are
preferably used with archwires which are also formed of a
nickel-titanium material, such as Nitinol.TM., which is a
superelastic metallic material which exhibits flexibility and has a
shape memory.
[0152] The flexibility of the nickel-titanium, or other material
exhibiting shape memory, self-ligating brackets of the present
invention and the small compact tie wing design of the invention
make it easy for the brackets to be used in particularly difficult
areas and small confines within a patient's mouth and may be used
with or without the need for conventional elastic or metal
ligatures to hold the archwire in place during patient treatment.
Additionally, elastomeric colors, elastomeric ties, elastomeric
power chains, directional elastics and/or various attachments may
be added to the bracket to facilitate a smooth orthodontic
treatment. The present invention promotes patient treatment by
further facilitating an efficient mechanical movement between the
archwire and the orthodontic brackets which will reduce patient
treatment time and therefore increase patient comfort.
[0153] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the
invention has been presented to illustrate the principles of the
invention and not to limit the invention to the particular
embodiment illustrated. It is intended that the scope of the
invention be defined by all of the embodiments encompassed within
the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *