U.S. patent application number 16/548842 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-27 for modular orthodontic devices and methods for treatment.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rohit C. Sachdeva. Invention is credited to Takao Kubota, Rohit C. Sachdeva, Jitender vij.
Application Number | 20200060789 16/548842 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69584088 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200060789 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sachdeva; Rohit C. ; et
al. |
February 27, 2020 |
MODULAR ORTHODONTIC DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT
Abstract
An orthodontic appliance is disclosed. The orthodontic appliance
includes an elongated receptacle, an elongated member
telescopically extending from the receptacle and adapted to couple
to one or more teeth, and an elastic coupled to the elongated
member. The elastic member is configured to move the elongated
member towards the elongated receptacle. A movement of the
elongated member relative to the elongated receptacle facilitates a
repositioning of one or more teeth.
Inventors: |
Sachdeva; Rohit C.; (Plano,
TX) ; Kubota; Takao; (Kurume, JP) ; vij;
Jitender; (Trumbull, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sachdeva; Rohit C. |
Plano |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69584088 |
Appl. No.: |
16/548842 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62722319 |
Aug 24, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 7/12 20130101; A61C
7/22 20130101; A61F 2/50 20130101; A61F 2002/502 20130101; A61C
8/0009 20130101; G16H 20/40 20180101; G16H 30/40 20180101; A61F
2007/0017 20130101; A61C 7/146 20130101; A61C 7/08 20130101; A61C
7/10 20130101; A61C 19/063 20130101; A61F 7/00 20130101; A61C 7/145
20130101; G16H 50/20 20180101; A61C 5/30 20170201 |
International
Class: |
A61C 7/22 20060101
A61C007/22; A61F 2/50 20060101 A61F002/50 |
Claims
1. An orthodontic appliance, the orthodontic appliance comprising:
an elongated receptacle; an elongated member telescopically
extending from the receptacle and adapted to couple to one or more
teeth; and an elastic coupled to the elongated member and
configured to move the elongated member towards the elongated
receptacle, wherein a movement of the elongated member relative to
the elongated receptacle facilitates a repositioning of one or more
teeth.
2. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1, wherein the elongated
member moves towards the elongated receptacle to reduce space
between one or more first teeth and one or more second teeth.
3. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1, wherein the elastic member
is also coupled to the elongated receptacle.
4. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1 further including a
removable tray attached to a plurality of front teeth to facilitate
an alignment of front teeth.
5. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1 further including a
plurality of brackets coupled to a plurality of front teeth and a
wire extending through the plurality of brackets to facilitate an
alignment of front teeth.
6. The orthodontic appliance of claim 5, wherein each bracket may
be attached to a tooth by a retainer assembly.
7. The orthodontic appliance of claim 5, wherein each bracket may
be positioned on a tooth by using a jig.
8. The orthodontic appliance of claim 5, wherein the bracket may
include one or more designs for improving an aesthetic of the
bracket.
9. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1 further including an
expansion screw to facilitate an expansion.
10. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1 facilitates an intrusion
of one or more tooth.
11. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1 further including a root
correction attachment for facilitating a root correction of one or
more teeth.
12. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1 further including a veneer
for masking the one or more teeth.
13. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1 further including a pontic
for hiding a space disposed between the one or more first teeth and
the one or more second teeth.
14. An orthodontic appliance, the orthodontic appliance comprising:
a first telescopic assembly including: a first elongated receptacle
coupled to one or more first teeth; a first elongated member
telescopically extending from the first elongated receptacle and
adapted to couple one or more second teeth; and a first elastic
member attached to the first elongated member and the first
elongated receptacle, and adapted to move the first elongated
member toward the first elongated receptacle; and a second
telescopic assembly including: a second elongated receptacle
coupled to one or more third teeth; a second elongated member
telescopically extending from the second elongated receptacle and
adapted to couple one or more fourth teeth; and a second elastic
member attached to the second elongated member and the second
elongated receptacle, and is adapted to move the second elongated
member toward the second elongated receptacle.
15. The orthodontic appliance of claim 14 further including an
expansion screw attached to the first elongated receptacle and the
second elongated receptacle to facilitate an expansion
movement.
16. The orthodontic appliance of claim 14 further including a third
elongated member attached to the first elongated receptacle and the
second elongated receptacle to facilitate an expansion
movement.
17. The orthodontic appliance of claim 14 further including a quad
helix unit connected to the first elongated receptacle and the
second elongated receptacle to facilitate an expansion
movement.
18. The orthodontic appliance of claim 14 further including a
removable tray attached to a plurality of front teeth to facilitate
an alignment of front teeth.
19. The orthodontic appliance of claim 14 further including a
plurality of brackets coupled to a plurality of front teeth and a
wire extending through the plurality of brackets to facilitate an
alignment of front teeth.
20. The orthodontic appliance of claim 19, wherein each bracket may
be attached to a tooth by a retainer assembly.
21. The orthodontic appliance of claim 19, wherein each bracket may
be positioned on a tooth by using a jig.
22. The orthodontic appliance of claim 19, wherein the bracket may
include one or more designs for improving an aesthetic of the
bracket.
23. The orthodontic appliance of claim 14 further including a root
correction attachment for facilitating a root correction of one or
more teeth.
24. The orthodontic appliance of claim 14 further including a
veneer for masking the one or more teeth.
25. The orthodontic appliance of claim 14 further including a
pontic for hiding a space disposed between the one or more first
teeth and the one or more second teeth.
26. An orthodontic appliance, the orthodontic appliance comprising:
a telescopic assembly including: an elongated receptacle; an
elongated member telescopically extending from the receptacle, and
adapted to couple to one or more teeth; and an elastic member
coupled to the elongated member and configured to urge the
elongated member towards the elongated receptacle, wherein a
movement of the elongated member relative to elongated receptacle
facilitates a first movement of one or more teeth; and an
attachment member coupled to the telescopic assembly and configured
to facilitate a second movement of the one or more teeth.
27. The orthodontic appliance of claim 26, wherein the first
movement is a space closure movement and the second movement is an
aligning movement of the teeth.
28. The orthodontic appliance of claim 26, wherein the attachment
includes a removable tray.
29. The orthodontic appliance of claim 26, wherein the attachment
includes a plurality of brackets and a wire attached to the
wire.
30. The orthodontic appliance of claim 29, wherein each bracket may
be attached to a tooth by a retainer assembly.
31. The orthodontic appliance of claim 29, wherein each bracket may
be positioned on a tooth by using a jig.
32. The orthodontic appliance of claim 29, wherein the bracket may
include one or more designs for improving an aesthetic of the
bracket.
33. The orthodontic appliance of claim 26, wherein the first
movement is intrusion and the second movement is an alignment of
teeth.
34. The orthodontic appliance of claim 26, wherein the second
movement is an expansion movement.
35. The orthodontic appliance of claim 34, wherein the attachment
includes an expansion screw.
36. The orthodontic appliance of claim 34, wherein the attachment
includes a quad-helix unit.
37. The orthodontic appliance of claim 26, wherein the second
movement is root correction movement.
38. The orthodontic appliance of claim 26 further including a
veneer for masking the one or more teeth.
39. The orthodontic appliance of claim 26 further including a
pontic for hiding a space disposed between the one or more first
teeth and the one or more second teeth.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application
corresponding to the pending provisional application No.
62/722,319, filed Aug. 24, 2018. This application is also related
to applications titled "Patient-Centered System and Methods for
Total Orthodontic Care Management and "Modular Aligner Devices and
Method for Orthodontic Treatment incorporated by reference
herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to orthodontic
appliances, more particularly to a system of orthodontic appliances
for the comprehensive treatment of malocclusions, which allows for
the application of substantially statically determinate forces and
moments to generate controlled and predictable orthodontic
correction of a malocclusion.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Malocclusion of the dentition and jaws are commonly seen in
the general population. While the degree or severity may vary from
person to person, it is estimated that roughly two out of every
three individuals suffer from malocclusions of some type.
Malocclusions are generally corrected to improve aesthetics,
restore normal oral function, establish improved relationships of
the teeth in their bony housing and gum tissue. These measures
generally result in better oral health. Malocclusions manifest
themselves in three reference planes of space namely the
transverse, the vertical and the sagittal plane of space. Some
common malocclusions include crowded or misaligned teeth, cross
bite, deep bite, open bite, overjet, under bite, etc. Over the
years a number of strategies have evolved to treat the
malocclusions. For instance, crowding is commonly managed by
creating space in the dental arches. This may be achieved by
extraction of selected teeth or by non-extraction approaches which
may involve shaving of teeth, to reduce their size, in order to fit
them in the dental arches or expansion of the teeth or advancing
the teeth forward or pushing the back teeth further back to create
space to correct the crowding.
[0004] Commonly known treatment methodologies include use of
brackets and arch wires and aligners. Arch wires are engaged into
bracket slots with the brackets bonded to the teeth, and since they
distort elastically, as the arch wires recover to their original
shape, they create forces that trigger a biological response to
move the teeth. These brackets may be placed on the front of the
teeth i.e. labial surfaces located on exposed visible surfaces of
teeth or lingual surfaces that are located on the back or inner
surfaces of teeth. The location of brackets on the teeth and bends
in the arch wire determine the magnitude and direction of forces
applied on the teeth. Furthermore, elastically deformable elements
such as coil springs, elastomeric chains may also be deployed at
key locations to provide additional forces to move teeth Aligners
are removable plastic shells that cover the entire surface of teeth
and their action is commonly coupled with attachments bonded on
teeth. The shells are distorted elastically when they engage the
teeth and as they recover their programmed shape they create forces
to move teeth.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,562 to Andreiko et al. describes a
computerized, appliance-driven approach to orthodontics. In this
method, first certain shape information of teeth is acquired. A
uniplanar target arch form is calculated from the shape
information. The shape of customized bracket slots, the bracket
base, and the shape of an orthodontic arch-wire, are calculated in
accordance with a mathematically-derived target archform. The goal
of the Andreiko et al. method is to give more predictability,
standardization, and certainty to orthodontics by replacing the
human element in orthodontic appliance design with a deterministic,
mathematical computation of a target archform and appliance design.
Hence the '562 patent teaches away from an interactive,
computer-based system in which the orthodontist remains fully
involved in patient diagnosis, appliance design, and treatment
planning and monitoring.
[0006] More recently, in the late 1990's Align Technologies began
offering transparent, removable aligning devices as a new treatment
modality in orthodontics. In this system, a plaster model of the
dentition of the patent is obtained by the orthodontist and shipped
to a remote appliance manufacturing center, where it is scanned
with a laser. A computer model of the dentition in a target
situation is generated at the appliance manufacturing center and
made available for viewing to the orthodontist over the Internet.
The orthodontist indicates changes they wish to make to individual
tooth positions. Later, another virtual model is provided over the
Internet and the orthodontist reviews the revised model, and
indicates any further changes. After several such iterations, the
target situation is agreed upon. A series of removable aligning
devices or shells are manufactured and delivered to the
orthodontist. The shells, in theory, will move the patient's teeth
to the desired or target position.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,632,089 to Rubbert discloses an interactive,
software-based treatment planning method to correct a malocclusion.
The method can be performed on an orthodontic workstation in a
clinic or at a remote location such as a lab or precision appliance
manufacturing center. The workstation stores a virtual
three-dimensional model of the dentition of a patient and patient
records. The virtual model is manipulated by the user to define a
target situation for the patient, including a target archform and
individual tooth positions in the archform. Parameters for an
orthodontic appliance, such as the location of orthodontic brackets
and resulting shape of a customized orthodontic archwire, are
obtained from the simulation of tooth movement to the target
situation and the placement position of virtual brackets. However,
the effective use of a customized archwire is limited to a single
stage of orthodontic treatment namely finishing.
[0008] Additional limitations with the both the bracket wire
systems and aligners are that the force system created are largely
unknown and indeterminate and can only be controlled to a very
limited extent. This commonly results in unpredictable and
unintended for large tooth movements such as space closure,
expansion, constriction, root correction, distalization, intrusion,
extrusion or jaw position correction. Furthermore, many of these
devices cannot be used concurrently to control various tooth
movements or jaw positioning simultaneously in a predictable way.
Additionally, these devices do not easily lend themselves to
adjustment in appliance features to generate predictable forces to
provide controlled and predictable orthodontic correction.
[0009] In light of the discussion above, there is required an
orthodontic appliance system that does not suffer from above
mentioned deficiencies.
[0010] Any discussion of the background art throughout the
specification should in no way be considered as an admission that
such background art is prior art nor that such background art is
widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the
field.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In one aspect, an orthodontic appliance is disclosed. The
orthodontic appliance includes an elongated receptacle and an
elongated member telescopically extending from the receptacle and
adapted to couple to one or more teeth. The orthodontic appliance
includes an elastic coupled to the elongated member and configured
to move the elongated member towards the elongated receptacle.
Further, a movement of the elongated member relative to the
elongated receptacle facilitates--repositioning of one or more
teeth.
[0012] In another aspect, an orthodontic appliance is
disclosed-comprising a first telescopic assembly including a first
elongated receptacle coupled to one or more first teeth and a first
elongated member telescopically extending from the first elongated
receptacle and adapted to couple one or more second teeth. The
first telescopic assembly further including a first elastic member
attached to the first elongated member and the first elongated
receptacle, and is adapted to move the first elongated member
toward the first elongated receptacle. Further, the orthodontic
appliance includes a second telescopic assembly having a second
elongated receptacle coupled to one or more third teeth and a
second elongated member telescopically extending from the second
elongated receptacle and adapted to couple one or more fourth
teeth. The second telescopic assembly further including a second
elastic member attached to the second elongated member and the
second elongated receptacle, and is adapted to move the second
elongated member toward the second elongated receptacle.
[0013] In yet another aspect, an orthodontic appliance is
disclosed. The orthodontic appliance includes a telescopic assembly
having an elongated receptacle and an elongated member
telescopically extending from the receptacle, and adapted to couple
to one or more teeth. The telescopic assembly further including an
elastic member coupled to the elongated member and configured to
urge the elongated member towards the elongated receptacle. A
movement of the elongated member relative to elongated receptacle
facilitates a first movement of one or more teeth. The orthodontic
appliance also has an attachment member coupled to the telescopic
assembly and is configured to facilitate a second movement of the
one or more teeth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a ball socket type connector suitable for
use in an orthodontic appliance, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates an orthodontic appliance having a
plurality of brackets and a wire, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates an orthodontic appliance having a
removable tray, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 17 illustrates an orthodontic appliance for
facilitating an intrusion of a tooth, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 18 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 19 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 20 illustrates an orthodontic appliance having two
telescopic assemblies, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 21 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 22 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 23A illustrates an orthodontic appliance having a
plurality of brackets and a wire for aligning a plurality of front
teeth, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 23B illustrates an orthodontic appliance of FIG. 23A
with pontics, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 24 illustrates an orthodontic appliance having a lip
bumper, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 25 illustrates an orthodontic appliance having an
expansion screw, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 26 illustrates an orthodontic appliance having a
quad-helix unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 27 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 28 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 29 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 30 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 31 illustrates an orthodontic appliance facilitating
bi-expansion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0046] FIG. 32 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 33 illustrates an orthodontic appliance facilitating
root corrections, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0048] FIG. 34A illustrates an orthodontic appliance facilitating
root corrections, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0049] FIG. 34B illustrates a side view of the orthodontic
appliance of FIG. 34A, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0050] FIG. 35 illustrates an orthodontic appliance facilitating
root corrections, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0051] FIG. 36 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 37 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 38A illustrates a mechanism for attaching a first tube,
a second tube, and an elongated member of the orthodontic appliance
of FIG. 37, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0054] FIG. 38B illustrates another mechanism for attaching the
first tube, the second tube, and the elongated member of the
orthodontic appliance of FIG. 37, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 38C illustrates yet another mechanism for attaching the
first tube, the second tube, and the elongated member of the
orthodontic appliance of FIG. 37, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 39 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 40 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 41 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 42 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 43 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 44 illustrates an orthodontic appliance having a
removable tray for facilitating an alignment of a plurality of
front teeth, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0062] FIG. 45A illustrates an orthodontic appliance facilitating
root correction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0063] FIG. 45B illustrates a side view of the orthodontic
appliance of FIG. 45A, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0064] FIG. 45C illustrates an orthodontic appliance facilitating
root correction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0065] FIG. 45D illustrates a side view of the orthodontic
appliance of FIG. 45C, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0066] FIG. 45E illustrates an exploded view of an arch member of
the orthodontic appliance of FIG. 45C, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0067] FIG. 46 illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0068] FIG. 47A illustrates an orthodontic appliance, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0069] FIG. 47B illustrates a mono-block system of the orthodontic
appliance of FIG. 47A, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0070] FIG. 47C illustrates another mono-block system of the
orthodontic appliance of FIG. 47A, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0071] FIGS. 48A-48D illustrates bite blocks positioned in a mouth
of a patient, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0072] FIG. 49A illustrates a teeth attachment mechanism adapted to
facilitate coupling of various teeth together, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0073] FIG. 49B illustrates an exploded view of teeth attachment
mechanism of FIG. 49A, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0074] FIG. 50A illustrates a teeth attachment mechanism adapted to
facilitate coupling of various teeth together, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0075] FIG. 50B illustrates an exploded view of teeth attachment
mechanism of FIG. 50A, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0076] FIG. 51A illustrates a teeth attachment mechanism adapted to
facilitate coupling of various teeth together, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0077] FIG. 51B illustrates an exploded view of teeth attachment
mechanism of FIG. 51A, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0078] FIG. 52A illustrates a retainer assembly for receiving a
bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0079] FIG. 52B illustrates the retainer assembly with a bracket
attached with a retainer member, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0080] FIG. 53 illustrates a front view of a mechanism for position
a bracket on a tooth, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0081] FIG. 54A illustrates a side view of a bracket, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0082] FIG. 54B illustrates front view of the bracket of FIG. 54A,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0083] FIG. 54C illustrates a front view of a designer bracket, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0084] FIG. 54D illustrates a side view of a designer bracket of
FIG. 54C, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0085] FIG. 55 illustrates a front view of a veneer, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0086] FIG. 56 illustrates the veneer positioned on one or more
teeth, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0087] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires
otherwise, the words "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" will
be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or
group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step
or element or group of steps or elements.
[0088] Any one of the terms: "including" or "which includes" or
"that includes" as used herein is also an open term that also means
including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but
not excluding others.
[0089] It is an objective of the present invention to develop an
orthodontic appliance system that include a basic framework with
extensions that can be used for space closure, intrusion, root
correction, distal movement, expansion, constriction extrusion,
alignment, retention and stabilization and jaw position correction.
These movements can be performed concurrently or in tandem or
staged and sequenced in a manner to provide the most safe,
reliable, efficient, and effective care for a patient. In several
embodiments, the basic framework is envisaged to include
longitudinal, arch shaped and transverse components that may be
attached to teeth or the bone of a patient using relatively fixed
semi fixed or removable means. The components may include solid
and/or tubular bent portions and be combined with each other using
several attachment mechanisms. In such scenarios, the framework
with its associated members will act as a passive (non-force
applying) structure and will be adapted to receive other active
elements/member that are capable of force applications. These
active elements may include structure that are capable of at least
partial elastic or elastomeric deformation. Also, it is envisaged
that an orthodontic appliance designed for one region of the teeth
(such as buccal, lingual or occlusal) may be implementable to
another region with very basic modifications without departing from
the scope of the invention. Referring to figures now, the invention
will be explained in more detail.
[0090] FIG. 1 illustrates an orthodontic appliance 100 for treating
malocclusions, such as, space closure, in teeth of a patient, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The
orthodontic appliance 100 includes an elongated receptacle 102, for
example, a cylindrical tube, and an elongated member 104
telescopically extending from the elongated receptacle 102 and is
disposed at least partially inside the elongated receptacle 102.
Therefore, the elongated receptacle 102 and the elongated member
104 together define a telescopic assembly 106. The elongated
receptacle 102 may be adapted to couple to one or more first teeth
108 of a jaw or a bone of the jaw, while the elongated member 104
may be adapted to couple to one or more second teeth 110 of the
jaw. In some embodiments, the one or more first teeth 108 and one
or more second teeth 110 are separated by a space 140, and, in such
cases, the orthodontic appliance 100 is, at least, configured to
reduce the space between the one or more first teeth 108 and the
one or more second teeth 110, and therefore, act as a space
closure. In certain implementation, as shown in the FIG. 1, the
elongated receptacle 102 includes a first portion 142 that defines
a tubular member, and a second portion 144 extending from the first
portion 142. The second portion 144 may define a shaft portion of
the elongated receptacle 102. The first portion 142 and the second
portion 144 may be disposed at an angle to each other to define a
line of action of the force acting on the first teeth 108. Similar
to the elongated receptacle 102, the elongated member 104 may also
include a first portion 146 and a second portion 148 extending at
an angle to the first portion 146. The second portion 148 is
adapted to couple to the one or more second teeth 110, while the
first portion 146 is at least partially received inside the
elongated receptacle 102 and is adapted to slide relative to the
first portion 142 of the elongated receptacle 102. Although, the
first portion 142 and the second portion 144 are shown to be
integrally formed with each other, it may be appreciated that the
first portion 142 and the second portion 144 may be separate
elements and may be coupled by using various connectors, for
example, tubular connectors, hinge connectors, or ball socket type
connectors (shown in FIG. 8).
[0091] Further, the orthodontic appliance 100 may include a first
hook 150 coupled to the elongated receptacle 102 and a second hook
152 coupled to the elongated member 104. As shown, in an
embodiment, the first hook 150 may be coupled to the first portion
142, and may be disposed at the junction of the first portion 142
and the second portion 144, while the second hook 152 may be
coupled to the second portion 148 of the elongated member 104. In
another embodiment, the first hook may be coupled to the second
portion 144 (shaft portion) of the elongated receptacle 102, while
the second hook 152 may be coupled to the second portion 148 of the
elongated member 104. It may be appreciated that a location of the
first hook 150 and a location of the second hook 152 can be varied
depending on placement of the orthodontic appliance 100 inside the
mouth of the patient, an amount of force needed to move the one or
more teeth, a desired line of action of force, or, a positioning of
the space 140 between the teeth 108, 110 and type of teeth that
needs to be moved to reduce the space between the teeth, or a
combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first hook 150 and
the second hook 152 may be integrally formed with the elongated
receptacle 102 and the elongated member 104 respectively.
Alternatively, the first hook 150 and the second hook 152,
respectively, may be removable attached with the elongated
receptacle 102 and the elongated member 104 by using various
attachment means, such as, but not limited to, fasteners, etc.
Further, the hooks 150, 152 may be crimpable or locked with a shape
memory coupling device or may be constructed from a shape memory
alloy or polymer that is trained to lock with the elongated member
104 and/or elongated receptacle 102. Further, it may be appreciated
that a position of the hooks 150, 152 can be changed to influence
line of action and distance between hooks 150, 152 can be modified
to affect the magnitude of force.
[0092] Further, the orthodontic appliance 100 includes an elastic
member 160 (also referred to as an active member or force
generating member) having a first end coupled to the elongated
receptacle 102 and a second end coupled to the elongated member
104. As shown, the first end of the elastic member 160 may be
attached to the first hook 150, while the second end may be
attached to the second hook 152. In an assembled position, the
elastic member 160 may be under tension, and hence applies a force
on the elongated member 104 and elongated receptacle 102 to move
the elongated member 104 and the elongated receptacle 102 towards
each other. In so doing, the elastic member 160 facilitates a
sliding movement of the elongated member 104 relative to the
elongated receptacle 102 to reduce the space 140 between the one or
more first teeth 108 and the one or more second teeth 110. In an
embodiment, the elastic member may be a spring or an elastic
(elastomer) polymeric chain. In an embodiment, the first end of the
elastic member 160 may also be attached to a jaw bone instead of
the first hook 150.
[0093] FIG. 2 illustrates another implementation of the orthodontic
appliance 100 in which the elongated receptacle 102 and the
elongated member 104 are affixed to the one or more first teeth 108
and one or more second teeth 110 using the bonding pads 112,
120.
[0094] FIG. 3 illustrates another implementation of the orthodontic
appliance 100 in which the elongated receptacle 102 and the
elongated member 104 are affixed to the one or more first teeth 108
and one or more second teeth 110 using bonding strip 114, 122. As
shown, the bonding strip 114 may be extended on the occlusal
surface to act as positional devices as well to increase surface
area for bonding with the teeth.
[0095] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another implementation of the
orthodontic appliance 100 in which the elongated receptacle 102 and
the elongated member 104 are affixed to the one or more first teeth
108 and one or more second teeth 110 by using an attachment such as
orthodontic brackets 116, 124. As shown, the orthodontic bracket
116 is attached to a single first tooth 108 and which in turn is
attached to a band 118 which may fully encircle the first tooth 108
or at a minimum engage one surface of the exposed crown of the
first tooth 108. The attachment of the elongated receptacle 102 to
the first tooth 108 by using the bracket 116 may facilitate an easy
removal of the elongated receptacle 102 from the first tooth 108.
As shown, the orthodontic bracket 124 may be removably or fixedly
attached to a band 126 configured to surround the second tooth 110.
The orthodontic bracket 124 may facilitate an easy removal of the
elongated member 104 from the second tooth 110, and hence an easy
removal of the orthodontic appliance 100 from the mouth of the
patient.
[0096] FIG. 5 illustrates yet another implementation of the
orthodontic appliance 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the elongated
receptacle 102 may be directly affixed with the band 116 that is
removably attached or cemented to the first tooth 108 for coupling
the elongated receptacle 102 to the first tooth 108. The band 116
may include two stops 117, 119 that attaches with the crown of the
first tooth 108 and acts as positioning devices.
[0097] In certain implementations, a removable device that friction
grips the tooth or fits into undercuts of the tooth or attachments
on handles bonded to tooth may be utilized for coupling the
elongated receptacle 102 to the one or more first teeth 108 and/or
elongated member 104 to one or more second teeth 110. In an
exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the elongated receptacle
102 is attached or bonded to the one or more first teeth by using a
removable crown 130 to be worn by the patient such that the
removable crown 130 may envelope the one or more first teeth 108.
In an embodiment, the removable crown 130 may be a segmental
aligner tray adapted to be worn by the patient to facilitate
simultaneous alignment of the teeth of the patient.
[0098] In some other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the elongated
member 104 and the elongated receptacle 102 are attached using
tubular brackets, for example a first tubular bracket 132 is
attached or coupled to the one or more second teeth 110 to receive
the a portion of the elongated member 104, and hence attach/couple
the elongated member 104 to the one or more second teeth 110. Also,
a second tubular bracket 134 may be attached to the one or more
first teeth 108 to receive a portion of the elongated receptacle
101, and hence attach the elongated receptacle 102 to the one or
more first teeth 108. As shown, the first tubular bracket 130 may
include a slit 136 to facilitate an insertion of the portion of the
elongated member 104 inside the first tubular bracket 130. As
shown, the slit 136 may be a partial slit that extend
longitudinally along a part length of the first tubular bracket 132
so that a rigidity of the coupling of the elongated member 104 is
substantially maintained. Similarly, the second tubular bracket 134
may include a slit 138 to facilitate an insertion of the portion of
the elongated receptacle 102 inside the second tubular bracket 134.
As shown, the slit 138 may extend longitudinally along a part
length of the second tubular bracket 134. Further, the first
tubular bracket 132 and the second tubular bracket 134,
respectively, are attached to the one or more second teeth 110 and
the one or more first teeth 108 using a dental bonding agent. In
some other implementations, the tubular brackets 132, 134 may be
attached to the respective teeth 108, 110 by using various other
coupling means such as, but not limited to, bands, cement, bonding
pad, bonding strip.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary ball socket connector 200
is shown. The ball socket connector 200 may facilitate a rotational
movement of the second portion 144 relative to the first portion
142 to facilitate a proper positioning of the elongated receptacle
102 on the first teeth 108, enabling a desire line of action of
force. Further, usage of connectors for attaching the first portion
142 to the second portion 144 may help in changing a length and/or
a height of the elongated receptacle 102 during the treatment.
Similarly, the first portion 146 and the second portion 148 are
shown to be integrally formed with each other, it may be
appreciated that the first portion 146 and the second portion 148
may be separate elements and may be coupled by using various
connectors, for example, tubular connectors, hinge connectors, or a
ball socket type connector (shown in FIG. 8). The ball socket
connector 200 may facilitate a rotational movement of the second
portion 148 relative to the first portion 146 to facilitate a
proper positioning of the elongated member 102 on the second teeth
110, enabling a desire line of action of force. Further, usage of
connectors for attaching the first portion 146 to the second
portion 148 may help in changing a length of the elongated member
104 during the treatment. The ball socket connector 200 may be a
shape memory element.
[0100] It is pertinent to mention here that the orthodontic
appliance 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 acts as a framework to
which various other elements or members may be added in order to
achieve a desired type and range of tooth movement. These kind of
desired movements or restrictions may include, but not limited to,
movements in all planes of space including, but not limited to,
space closure, intrusion, root correction, distal movement,
expansion, extrusion, constriction, alignment, retention and
stabilization. Of course, as will be discussed in following
discussion through several embodiments and their corresponding
illustration these movements and restriction may be achieved either
individually or in tandem. In this manner, the orthodontic
appliance 100 is made up of passive constituents that are not
intended to apply any kind of force on the teeth but to act as a
platform on which additional active elements or members, such as
springs and elastic bands, capable of applying a force, may be
appended. Also, passive members can be attached to accomplish
other.
[0101] FIG. 9 illustrates an orthodontic appliance 900 according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure. The orthodontic appliance
900 is similar in construction to that of orthodontic appliance 100
except that the second portion 148 of the elongated member 104
extends and is connected with front teeth and the molar and
premolars of one side of the jaw (second teeth 110). In this
manner, the orthodontic appliance 900 is adapted to bring forward
the one or more teeth 108 and reduce the space between the one or
more teeth 108 and the one or more teeth 110.
[0102] FIG. 10 illustrates an orthodontic appliance 1000 according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The orthodontic
appliance 1000 is similar in construction to that of orthodontic
appliance 100 except that the second portion 148 of the elongated
member 104 includes two elements, for example a first element 162
connecting the first portion 146 to a second element 164, and the
second element 164 extends along an arch of the front teeth (second
teeth 110) and is connected to the second teeth 110. As shown, the
first element 162 may extend substantially parallel to the lengths
of the teeth, while the second element 164 substantially extend
along the width of the teeth. Further, the first element 162 is
removably received inside a tube portion 166 of the second element
164 forming/defining a swivel joint. The relative positioning of
the second element 164 with respect to the first element 162
ensures that the second teeth 110 moves along an arch in a
direction `A` due to a force applied by the elastic spring 160.
Further, a stopper 170 disposed at an end of the first element 162
prevents an unintentional disconnection of the first element 162
from the second element 164. Also, this allows the shift of the
midline of the front teeth towards the extraction. Also, the
elongated receptacle 102 may also include a swivel joint similar to
the similar joint of the elongated member 104.
[0103] FIG. 11 illustrates the orthodontic appliance 1100, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The
orthodontic appliance 1100 facilitates for achieving protraction in
the second teeth 110. As shown, the elongated member 104 of the
orthodontic appliance 1100 has a different angle between the first
portion 146 and the second portion 148 than that of the first
portion 146 and the second portion 148 of the orthodontic appliance
100 to achieve the protraction of the first teeth 108 and
retraction of the second teeth 110 so that the space closes
equally.
[0104] Further, in some embodiments, the orthodontic appliance 100
may include one or more attachments for facilitating one or more
additional movement of one or more teeth or jawbone along with the
space closure. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the
orthodontic appliance 1200 includes a telescopic assembly 1202
similar to that of the telescopic assembly 106, and an attachment
1204 including a pin and tube arrangement 1206 for facilitating an
intrusion of tooth along with the reduction in space between one or
more first teeth 108 and the one or more second teeth 110. For so
doing, the attachment 1204 may be coupled to the elongated
receptacle 102 or elongated member 104 using a T-shaped coupler
1208. Further, as shown, the pin and tube arrangement 106 includes
a pin member 1210 attached to the coupler 1208, and a tubular
member 1212 telescopically receiving the pin member 1210 and
coupled to one or more third teeth 1214. The tubular member 1212 is
configured to slide relative to the pin member 1210 in direction
substantially parallel to a length of the third tooth 1214 or in a
direction of desired tooth movement. Further, the pin and tube
arrangement 1206 may include an elastic band 1216 or a spring
coupling the tubular member 1212 and the pin member 1210, and is
adapted to apply a force to facilitate a sliding movement of the
tubular member 1212 in a downward direction. In so doing, a
downward force is applied on the third tooth 1214, thereby causing
the intrusion of the third tooth 1214. In some situations, the
elastic band 1216 may be attached directly to a bonded attachment
without an intervening pin for intrusion and simultaneously
torqueing of the third tooth 1216. Further, it may be appreciated
that any number of teeth can be intruded by attaching the tubular
member to the desired number of teeth various means known in the
art.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 13, an orthodontic appliance 1300 having a
telescopic assembly 1302 and two attachments, for example a first
attachment 1304 and a second attachment 1306, respectively, for
facilitating an intrusion of the third tooth 1308 and an alignment
of a plurality of fourth teeth 1309. As shown, the telescopic
assembly 1302 is similar in construction to that of the telescopic
assembly 106 and has an elongated receptacle 102, an elongated
member 104, and an elastic member to facilitate space closure
between one or more first teeth 108 and one or more second teeth
110. As shown, the first attachment 1304 includes a hook member
1310 removably attached to a first end of the elongated receptacle
102. The hook member 1310 may extend substantially parallel to a
length of a first portion 142 of the elongated receptacle 102.
Further, the first attachment 1304 may include an elastic member
1312 extending from the hook member 1310 to the third tooth 1308.
The elastic member 1312 is attached to the third tooth 1308 using a
button 1314. It may be appreciated that the elastic member 1312 is
under tension so as to provide a downward force on the third tooth
1308 to cause the intrusion of the third tooth 1308. The second
attachment 1306 may include a wire 1320 and a plurality of brackets
1322. As shown, one single bracket of the plurality of the brackets
1322 is attached to each single tooth of the one or more fourth
teeth 1309, and a positioning and orientation of each bracket 1322
is selected so as to enable a proper alignment of the fourth teeth
1309. Further, a dimension and positioning of a slot present in the
bracket 1322 may be selected to control the force applied on the
tooth. Also, an end of the wire 1320 is attached to the elongated
member 104 and the wire 1320 includes appropriate bends and is
attached to each of the plurality of brackets 1322 to apply a
suitable amount force in s desired direction on each of the fourth
teeth 1309. In this manner, the orthodontic appliance 1300
facilitates treatment of multiple tooth movements in the
patient.
[0106] Referring to FIG. 14, an orthodontic appliance 1400 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The
orthodontic appliance 1400 may include a telescopic assembly 1402
having a tubular structure 1404 defining a first elongated
receptacle 1406 and a second elongated receptacle 1408 disposed
substantially parallel to first elongated receptacle 1406. Further,
the orthodontic appliance 1400 may include a first elongated member
1410 received partially within the first elongated receptacle 1406
and telescopically extending from the first elongated receptacle
1406, and a second elongated member 1412 received partially within
the second elongated receptacle 1408 and telescopically extending
from the second elongated receptacle 1408. As illustrated, the
first elongated member 1410 and the second elongated member 1412
extend in opposite direction from the tubular structure 1404. The
first elongated member 1410 is coupled to the one or more first
teeth 1420, while the second elongated member 1412 may be coupled
to the one or more second teeth 1422. In an embodiment, both the
first elongated member 1410 and the second elongated member 1412
may, respectively, slide inside the first elongated receptacle 1406
and the second elongated receptacle 1408, thereby facilitating a
movement of one or more first teeth 1420 and a movement of one or
more second teeth 1422 towards each other to reduce a space there
between.
[0107] For so doing, the orthodontic appliance 1400 may include an
elastic member 1430 that may be attached to the first elongated
member 1410 and the second elongated member 1412. In an
implementation, a first end of the elastic member 1430 may
coupled/mounted to a first hook 1432 of the orthodontic appliance
1400, while a second end of the elastic member 1430 may be
attached/mounted to a second hook 1434 of the orthodontic appliance
1400. In an embodiment, the first hook 1432 may be
constructed/formed by bending the first elongated member 1410, and
is disposed at a junction of a first portion 1436 and a second
portion 1438 of the first elongated member 1410. Similar to the
first hook 1432, the second hook 1434 may be constructed/formed by
bending the second elongated member 1412, and is disposed at a
junction of a first portion 1440 and a second portion 1442 of the
second elongated member 1412. In certain implementation, the first
hook 1432 and the second hook 1434 may be removably
coupled/attached to the first elongated member 1410 and the second
elongated member 1412 respectively.
[0108] In certain embodiments, the tubular structure 1404 may
include a third hook 1450 disposed at a first longitudinal end, and
a fourth hook 1452 disposed at a second longitudinal end. In
certain embodiments, the orthodontic appliance 100 may include two
elastic members, for example, a first elastic member connecting the
first elongated member 1410 and the tubular structure 1404 and a
second elastic member connecting the second elongated member 1412
and the tubular structure 1404. In such a case, a first end of the
first elastic member is attached to the first hook 1432, while a
second end of the first elastic member is attached to the third
hook 1450. The first elastic member being under tension facilitates
a sliding movement of the first elongated member 1410 relative to
the tubular structure 1404 which results into a movement of one or
more first teeth 1420 towards the one or more second teeth 1422.
Also, a first end of the second elastic member is attached to the
second hook 1434 and a second end of the second elastic member is
attached to the fourth hook 1452. In this manner, the second
elastic member being under tension facilitates a sliding movement
of the second elongated member 1412 relative to the tubular
structure 1404 which results into a movement of one or more second
teeth 1422 towards the one or more first teeth 140. Also, to
facilitate a sliding movement of the first elongated member 1410
and the second elongated member 1412, the tubular structure 1404
may be rigidly attached to the jawbone such that the tubular
structure 1404 may act as anchorage unit.
[0109] Referring to FIG. 15, an orthodontic appliance 1500
according to an alternative embodiment is disclosed. The
orthodontic appliance 1500 includes a telescopic assembly 1502
having an elongated receptacle 1504 and an elongated member 1506
telescopically extending from the elongated receptacle 104 and
adapted to slide relative to the elongated receptacle 1504. As
shown, the elongated receptacle 1504 may include a slit 1508 to
facilitate an easy insertion and removal of the elongated member
1506 from the elongated receptacle 1504. The slit 1508 may extend
along a longitudinal length of the elongated receptacle 1504.
Further, as shown, the elongated member 1506 may be attached to a
single second tooth 1510 by using a removable device, such as a
tray 1520 or a removable crown 1520. Similarly, elongated
receptacle 1504 is attached to one or more first teeth 1512 by
using another removable device, such as a tray 1522, or removable
crown, or a removable appliance aligner tray. The use of removable
devices may enable an easy disengagement and engagement of the
orthodontic appliance 1500 from the mouth of the patient. Further,
the telescopic assembly 1502 may include a hook 1514 defined by a
bend of the elongated member 1506, and a pin 1516 inserted into a
jawbone of the mouth of the patient. An elastic member 1518, such
as an elastic chain of the orthodontic appliance 1500 is coupled to
the pin 1516 and the hook 1514. In the assembled position, the
elastic member 1518 is under tension, and therefore the elastic
member 1518 applies a force on the elongated member 1506 to slide
towards the elongated receptacle 1504. Further, as the elongated
receptacle 1506 is coupled to the first teeth 1512 and an end of
the elastic member 1518 is attached to the jawbone, both the first
teeth 1512 and the jaw bone act as anchorage unit, enabling the
movement of the second tooth 1510 towards the first teeth 1512 to
reduce a space therebetween.
[0110] Referring FIG. 16, an orthodontic appliance 1600 according
to an alternative embodiment is disclosed. The orthodontic
appliance 1600 includes a telescopic assembly 1602 having an
elongated receptacle 1604 and an elongated member 1606
telescopically extending from the elongated receptacle 1604 and
adapted to slide relative to the elongated receptacle 1604. As
shown, the elongated member 1606 may be attached to a plurality of
second teeth 1620 by using a removable device, such as a first tray
1608 or crown. The first tray 1608 may be frictionally locked by
fitting the first tray 1608 over the second teeth 1620. In another
embodiment, the first tray 1608 may be fixed over the second teeth
1620 by placing a small attachment on the one of the second teeth
and elastically deforming the first tray 1608 over the attachment
to lock the first tray 1608 in place. The first tray 1608 may also
act as a partial aligner to align the plurality of second teeth. In
an implementation, the elongated member 1606 may include a first
portion 1610 extending from the elongated receptacle 1604 to a
second portion 1612 disposed at an angle to the first portion 1610.
The second portion 1612 is coupled to the first tray 1610 and is
disposed in an angular manner so as to follow a profile of the
dental arch of the jawbone. However, the second portion 1612 may
attached at any location of the first tray 1610 depending on a
desired movement of teeth. The second portion 1612 may be coupled
to the first tray 1608 by using a bonding agent or mechanically
attached or welded or made as an integral unit. Further, the
elongated receptacle 1604 is attached to first teeth 1622 by using
another removable device, such as a second tray 1624. Also, the
elongated receptacle 1604 may be mechanically attached or welded or
made integrally with the second tray 1624. The use of removable
devices may enable an easy disengagement and engagement of the
orthodontic appliance 1600 from the mouth by the patient also the
devices can be gradually changed as alignment is achieved. Further,
the orthodontic appliance 1600 may include an elastic member 1630
to apply a force on the first teeth 1622 and the second teeth 1620.
For so doing, the elastic member 1630 may be attached to hooks of
the elongated member and the elongated receptacle. In an
embodiment, the elastic member 1630 may be attached to a pin
inserted into a jawbone of the mouth of the patient through the
second tray 1624. Further, as the elongated receptacle 1604 is
coupled to the first teeth 1622 and an end of the elastic member
1630 may be attached to the jawbone, both the first teeth 1622 and
the jaw bone act as anchorage unit, enabling the movement of the
second teeth 1620 towards the first teeth 1622 to reduce a space
therebetween.
[0111] Referring FIG. 17, an orthodontic appliance 1700 according
to an alternative embodiment is disclosed. The orthodontic
appliance 1700 includes a telescopic assembly 1702 having an
elongated receptacle 1704 and an elongated member 1706
telescopically extending from the elongated receptacle 1704 and
adapted to slide relative to the elongated receptacle 1704. The
telescopic assembly 1702 is configured to facilitate an extrusion
of a single tooth, and is disposed along a length of the tooth
1710. In such a case, the elongated member 1706 may be attached to
the tooth 1710 (hereinafter referred to as second tooth 1710),
while the elongated receptacle 1704 is coupled to a plurality of
first teeth 1712 by using a removable tray 1714 that may act as an
aligner. In an embodiment, the elongated receptacle 1704 may be
integrally built with the removable tray 1714. Therefore, the
plurality of first teeth 1712 act as an anchorage against active
extrusive forces applied to tooth 1710. Further, an elastic member
1720 of the orthodontic appliance 1700 may extend substantially
parallel to the telescopic assembly 1702 and is connected to a
first hook 1722 and a second hook 1724. The elastic member 1720
applies a force on the elongated member 1706 to enable a sliding
movement of the elongated member 1706 in a downward direction. In
so doing, an extrusion of the second teeth 1710 is enabled. The
telescopic assembly 1702 may be bonded or integrally built into the
tray 17124 or mechanically attached or welded to the tray 1714. A
direction, location, and size of the telescopic assembly 1702 may
vary depending on the movement and line of action of force and
amount of force required.
[0112] Referring to FIG. 18, the orthodontic appliance 1800 in
accordance with another embodiment is shown. As illustrated, the
orthodontic appliance 1800 includes a telescopic assembly 1802
having an elongated receptacle 1804 and an elongated member 1806
telescopically extending from the elongated receptacle 1804. An
elastic member 1810 is coupled to the elongated receptacle 1804 and
the elongated member 1806 to apply a force on the elongated
receptacle 1804 and the elongated member 1806 to cause a sliding
movement between the elongated receptacle 1804 and the elongated
member 1806. Further, as shown, the elongated member 1806 is
coupled to the second tooth 1812, while the elongated receptacle
1804 is coupled to the two first teeth 1814. In this manner, the
first teeth 1814 act as anchorage unit, while the second tooth 1812
moves in response to the sliding movement of the elongated member
1806. As illustrated, the elongated receptacle 1804 includes a
tubular portion 1820 for receiving the elongated member 1806, and a
strip portion 1822 disposed at an angle relative to the tubular
portion 1820. The shape of the device can be altered in any way to
meet the structural needs of the device based upon the material
used. The device in its entirety can be made from one material or a
selection of different materials. Further the strip portion 1822 is
coupled to the first teeth 1814, and may be made from a polymer
material using any additive manufacturing printing techniques such
as stereolithography. Furthermore, any of the components may be
coated to reduce friction or electroplated with different materials
to increase strength. Other materials such as fiber reinforced
composites, polymers or metal such as, stainless steel titanium and
its alloys, composites and ceramics may also be used. A width of
the strip portion 1822 may facilitate additional rigidity with the
first teeth 1814. The strip portion 1822 may take any shape such as
a rod, a wire, etc. In an embodiment, the strip portion 1822 may
extend to occlusal surface of the teeth and thereby include
occlusal coverage. The strip portion 1822 may also facilitate
location of the orthodontic appliance 1800 on the teeth and also
increases the anchorage and retention and stability of the device.
Also, a dimensions and material of strip portion 182 may selected
based on the desired structural rigidity.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 19, an orthodontic appliance 1900
according to an alternative embodiment is shown. The orthodontic
appliance 1900 is similar in structure and function to the
orthodontic appliance 100 except that of a positioning of the
elastic member 160. The elastic member 160 is positioned inside the
elongated receptacle 102 and is coupled to both the elongated
receptacle 102 and the elongated member 104. The elastic member
160, being in tension, applies a force on the elongated member 104
such that the elongated member 104 moves/slides, thereby causing a
movement of the second tooth 110 towards the first teeth 108. In
this manner the orthodontic appliance 1900 causes a reduction in
the space 140 existing between the first teeth 108 and the second
tooth 110. Further, a crimpable stopper may be attached or disposed
on the elongated member 104 and/or the elongated receptacle 102 to
restrict the sliding movement of the elongated member 104 towards
the elongated receptacle 102 and hence limit an amount of space
closing.
[0114] Referring to FIG. 20, an orthodontic appliance 2000 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The
orthodontic appliance 2000 may be utilized for moving a plurality
of front teeth 2010, for example, six front teeth, together in a
backward direction for closing space between teeth. For so doing,
the orthodontic appliance 2000, as shown, includes a first
telescopic assembly 2002 and a second telescopic assembly 2004
disposed symmetrically opposite to the first telescopic assembly
2002. The first telescopic assembly 2002 includes a first elongated
receptacle 2006 and a first elongated member 2008 telescopically
extending from the first elongated receptacle 2006. The first
elongated receptacle 2006 may be coupled to first teeth 2012 that
act as a first anchorage unit 2014 for the orthodontic appliance
2000, while the first elongated member 2008 may be coupled to one
or more teeth (herein after referred as second teeth 2016) of the
plurality of front teeth 2010. Further, a first elastic member 2018
of the first telescopic assembly 2002 is coupled to the first
elongated receptacle 2006 via a first hook 2020. The first elastic
member 2018 is also coupled to the first elongated member 2008 via
a second hook 2022, and applies a pull force on the first elongated
member 2008 for slidably and telescopically moving the first
elongated member 2008 relative to the first elongated receptacle
2006 in a direction `A`.
[0115] Similar to the first telescopic assembly 2002, the second
telescopic assembly 2004 includes a second elongated receptacle
2050 and a second elongated member 2052 telescopically extending
from the second elongated receptacle 2050. The second elongated
receptacle 2050 may be coupled to third teeth 2054 that act as a
second anchorage unit 2056 for the orthodontic appliance 2000,
while the second elongated member 2052 may be coupled to one or
more teeth (herein after referred as fourth teeth 2056) of the
plurality of front teeth 2010. Further, a second elastic member
2060 of the second telescopic assembly 2004 is coupled to the
second elongated receptacle 2050 via a third hook 2062. The second
elastic member 2060 is also coupled to the second elongated member
2052 via a fourth hook 2064, and applies a pull force on the second
elongated member 2052 for slidably and telescopically moving the
second elongated member 2052 relative to the second elongated
receptacle 2050 in the direction `A`.
[0116] Further, the orthodontic appliance includes a third
elongated member 2070 extending along a width of each of the
plurality of front teeth 2010. The third elongated member 2070 may
be coupled to each of the plurality of front teeth 2010, and a
first end portion 2072 and a second end portion 2074 of the third
elongated member 2070 are, respectively, attached to the first
elongated member 2008 and the second elongated member 2052. Due to
attachment of the third elongated member 2070 with the first
elongated member 2008 and the second elongated member 2052, the
third elongated member 2070 moves in the direction `A` due to the
sliding movements of the first elongated member 2008 and the second
elongated member 2052. As the third elongated member 2070 is
attached to each of the plurality of front teeth 2010, the front
teeth 2010 move together in a backward direction, thereby reducing
a space existing between the first teeth 2012 and the second teeth
2016, and also reducing a space between the third teeth 2054 and
the fourth teeth 2056. Although, the third elongated member 2070 is
contemplated as a separate member, it may be appreciated that the
third elongated member 2070 may be integrally formed with the first
elongated member 2008 and/or the second elongated member 2052.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 21, an orthodontic appliance 2100 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The
orthodontic appliance 2100 is similar to structure, construction,
and functionality to that of the orthodontic appliance 2000 except
that the orthodontic appliance 2100 includes an additional
anchorage unit 2102 connecting the first elongated receptacle 2004
and the second elongated receptacle 2050. Further, the additional
anchorage unit 2104 is attached to the jawbone via a screw
2104.
[0118] Referring to FIG. 22, an orthodontic appliance 2200 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The
orthodontic appliance 2200 may be utilized for moving a plurality
of front teeth 2202, for example, eight front teeth, together in a
backward direction for closing space between teeth. In addition,
the orthodontic appliance 2200 may facilitate an alignment of the
front teeth 2202. For so doing, the orthodontic appliance 2200, as
shown, includes a first telescopic assembly 2204 and a second
telescopic assembly 2206 disposed symmetrically opposite to the
first telescopic assembly 2204. The first telescopic assembly 2204
includes a first elongated receptacle 2208 and a first elongated
member 2210 telescopically extending from the first elongated
receptacle 2208. The first elongated receptacle 2208 may be coupled
to first teeth 2212 that act as a first anchorage unit 2214 for the
orthodontic appliance 2200, while the first elongated member 2210
may be coupled to one or more teeth (herein after referred as
second teeth 2216) of the plurality of front teeth 2202. Further, a
first elastic member 2218 of the first telescopic assembly 2204 is
coupled to the first elongated receptacle 2208 via a first hook
2220. The first elastic member 2218 is also coupled to the first
elongated member 2210 via a second hook 2222, and applies a pull
force on the first elongated member 2210 for slidably and
telescopically moving the first elongated member 2210 relative to
the first elongated receptacle 2208 in a direction `A`.
[0119] Similar to the first telescopic assembly 2204, the second
telescopic assembly 2206 includes a second elongated receptacle
2240 and a second elongated member 2242 telescopically extending
from the second elongated receptacle 2240. The second elongated
receptacle 2240 may be coupled to third teeth 2244 that act as a
second anchorage unit 2246 for the orthodontic appliance 2200,
while the second elongated member 2242 may be coupled to one or
more teeth (herein after referred as fourth teeth 2248) of the
plurality of front teeth 2202. Further, a second elastic member
2250 of the second telescopic assembly 2206 is coupled to the
second elongated receptacle 2240 via a third hook 2252. The second
elastic member 2250 is also coupled to the second elongated member
2242 via a fourth hook 2254, and applies a pull force on the second
elongated member 2242 for slidably and telescopically moving the
second elongated member 2242 relative to the second elongated
receptacle 2240 in the direction `A`.
[0120] Further, the orthodontic appliance 2200 includes a removable
tray 2270 extending along a width of each of the plurality of front
teeth 2202 and enveloping each of the plurality of front teeth
2202. In this embodiment, the tray 2270 may act as a partial
aligner to facilitate an alignment of front teeth 2202. As the tray
2270 is attached to the each of the plurality of front teeth 2202,
and the first elongated member 2210 and the second elongated member
2242 are attached to second tooth 2216 and fourth tooth 2248, each
of the plurality of front teeth 2202 moves in the direction `A` due
to the sliding movements of the first elongated member 2210 and the
second elongated member 2242. In this manner, a space existing
between the first teeth 2212 and the second tooth 2216 and a space
exiting between the third teeth 2244 and fourth tooth 2248 is
reduced. It may be appreciated that a coverage of teeth by
removable tray 2270 may be changed to effect nature of retraction
of teeth and alignment of teeth simultaneously.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 23A, FIG. 23B, an orthodontic appliance
2300 is shown according to an alternative embodiment of the
disclosure. The orthodontic appliance 2300 is similar in structure
and construction to that of the orthodontic appliance 2200 except
that the orthodontic appliance 2300 includes an arch wire assembly
2304 for aligning the plurality of front teeth 2202 instead of the
removable tray 2270. The arch wire assembly 2304 includes a
plurality of brackets 2306 coupled to the plurality of front teeth
2202 such that one bracket 2306 is coupled to one tooth of the
plurality of front teeth 2202. Further, a location and orientation
of each bracket 2306 is selected based on the type of movement to
generated on the tooth 2202 so that a proper alignment of the all
the plurality of front teeth 2202 is enabled. Further, as shown, a
first bracket 2310 of the plurality of brackets 2306 is also
coupled to the first telescopic assembly 2204 and a second tubular
bracket 2312 of the plurality of brackets 2306 is coupled to the
second telescopic assembly 2206. Further, the arch wire assembly
2304 includes an arch wire 2320 that passes through each of the
bracket 2306 and applies a force on the brackets 2306 and hence
corresponding tooth 2202 to enable the alignment of the plurality
of teeth 2202. Therefore, the orthodontic appliance 2300 acts as a
space closure and aligner device. Further, as shown in FIG. 23B,
the orthodontic appliance 2300 may also include a first pontic 2350
and a second pontic 2352 for hiding the spaces between the teeth to
enhance the aesthetic of the jaw.
[0122] Referring to FIG. 24, an orthodontic appliance 2400 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The
orthodontic appliance 2400 may be utilized for moving premolars for
space closing. For so doing, the orthodontic appliance 2400, as
shown, includes a first telescopic assembly 2402 and a second
telescopic 2404 assembly disposed symmetrically opposite to the
first telescopic assembly 2402. The first telescopic assembly 2402
and the second telescopic assembly 2404 are attached at the buccal
side of the jaw. The first telescopic assembly 2402 includes a
first elongated receptacle 2406 and a first elongated member 2408
telescopically extending from the first elongated receptacle 2406.
The first elongated receptacle 2406 may be coupled to first tooth
2410 (i.e. molar) using a band 2412, while the first elongated
member 2408 may be coupled to second tooth 2414 (i.e. premolar).
Further, a first elastic member 2416 of the first telescopic
assembly 2402 is coupled to the first elongated receptacle 2406 via
a first hook 2418. The first elastic member 2416 is also coupled to
the first elongated member 2408 via a second hook 2420, and applies
a pull force on the first elongated member 2408 and the first
elongated receptacle 2406 for slidably and telescopically moving
the first elongated member 2408 relative to the first elongated
receptacle 2406 in a direction `A`.
[0123] Similar to the first telescopic assembly 2402, the second
telescopic assembly 2404 includes a second elongated receptacle
2430 and a second elongated member 2432 telescopically extending
from the second elongated receptacle 2430. The second elongated
receptacle 2430 may be coupled to third tooth 2434 (i.e. molar) via
a band 2436, while the second elongated member 2432 may be coupled
to fourth tooth 2438 (i.e. premolar). Further, a second elastic
member 2440 of the second telescopic assembly 2404 is coupled to
the second elongated receptacle 2430 via a third hook 2442. The
second elastic member 2440 is also coupled to the second elongated
member 2432 via a fourth hook 2444, and applies a pull force on the
second elongated member 2432 for slidably and telescopically moving
the second elongated member 2432 relative to the second elongated
receptacle 2430 in the direction `A`.
[0124] Further, the orthodontic appliance 2400 includes a lip
bumper 2460 extending from the first telescopic assembly 2402 to
the second elongated assembly 2404. As shown, an end of the lip
bumper 2460 is coupled to the first elongated receptacle 2406,
while another end of the lip bumper 2460 is coupled to the second
elongated receptacle 2430. The lip bumper 2460 is adapted to push
the lip away from the teeth and as a result lip bumper 2460 applies
a pressure on the molars (i.e. the first tooth 2410 and the third
tooth 2434). Therefore, the lip bumper 2460 holds the first tooth
2410 and the third tooth 2434 in position and prevents a forward
movement of the molars 2410, 2434 due to the forces applied by the
first elastic member 2416 and the second elastic member 2440.
Therefore, the lip bumper 2460 facilitates in preserving or holding
anchorage the molars. In an embodiment, the lip bumper 2560 may be
designed as a separate device or integrally built with 2412.
Further, a size and dimensions of the lip bumper 2460 may be
adjusted.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 25, an orthodontic appliance 2500 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The
orthodontic appliance 2500 may be utilized for space closure as
well as expansion. For so doing, the orthodontic appliance 2500, as
shown, includes a first telescopic assembly 2502 and a second
telescopic assembly 2504 disposed symmetrically opposite to the
first telescopic assembly 2502. The first telescopic assembly 2502
includes a first elongated receptacle 2506 and a first elongated
member 2508 telescopically extending from the first elongated
receptacle 2506. The first elongated receptacle 2506 may be coupled
to first teeth 2510 that act as a first anchorage unit 2512 for the
orthodontic appliance 2500, while the first elongated member 2508
may be coupled to second tooth 2514. Further, a first elastic
member 2516 of the first telescopic assembly 2502 is coupled to the
first elongated receptacle 2502 via a first hook 2518. The first
elastic member 2516 is also coupled to the first elongated member
2508 via a second hook 2520, and applies a pull force on the first
elongated member 2508 for slidably and telescopically moving the
first elongated member 2508 relative to the first elongated
receptacle 2506 in a direction `A`
[0126] Similar to the first telescopic assembly 2502, the second
telescopic assembly 2504 includes a second elongated receptacle
2530, and a second elongated member 2532 telescopically extending
from the second elongated receptacle 2530. The second elongated
receptacle 2530 may be coupled to third teeth 2534 that act as a
second anchorage unit 2536 for the orthodontic appliance 2500,
while the second elongated member 2532 may be coupled to fourth
tooth 2538. Further, a second elastic member 2540 of the second
telescopic assembly 2504 is coupled to the second elongated
receptacle 2532 via a third hook 2542. The second elastic member
2542 is also coupled to the second elongated member 2532 via a
fourth hook 2544, and applies a pull force on the second elongated
member 2532 for slidably and telescopically moving the second
elongated member 2532 relative to the second elongated receptacle
2530 in the direction `A`.
[0127] Further, the orthodontic appliance 2500 includes an
expansion screw 2550 attached to the first elongated receptacle
2506 and the second elongated receptacle 2530. In some embodiments,
the expansion screw 2550 may be removably attached or fixedly
attached to the first elongated receptacle 2506 and the second
elongated receptacle 2530. In certain implementations, expansion
screw 2550 may be threadably attached to the first elongated
receptacle 2506 and the second elongated receptacle 2530. The
expansion screw 2550 may be operated to apply suitable force on the
first telescopic assembly 2502 and the second telescopic assembly
2504 to enable expansion movement of teeth.
[0128] Referring to FIG. 26, an orthodontic appliance 2600 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The
orthodontic appliance 2600 is similar to structure, construction,
and functionality to that of the orthodontic appliance 2500 except
that the orthodontic appliance 2600 includes a quad-helix unit 2610
connecting the first elongated receptacle 2506 and the second
elongated receptacle 2530 instead of the expansion screw 2550. The
quad-helix unit 2610 may be operated to apply suitable force on the
first telescopic assembly 2502 and the second telescopic assembly
2504 to enable expansion movement of teeth.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 27, an orthodontic appliance 2700 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The
orthodontic appliance 2700 may be utilized for space closure as
well as expansion. For so doing, the orthodontic appliance 2700, as
shown, includes a first telescopic assembly 2702 and a second
telescopic assembly 2704 disposed symmetrically opposite to the
first telescopic assembly 2702. The first telescopic assembly 2702
includes first tubular structure 2706 having a first elongated
receptacle 2708, and a first elongated member 2710 telescopically
extending from the first elongated receptacle 2708. The first
elongated receptacle 2708 may be coupled to first teeth 2712 that
act as a first anchorage unit 2714 for the orthodontic appliance
2700, while the first elongated member 2710 may be coupled the
second tooth 2716. Further, a first elastic member 2718 of the
first telescopic assembly 2702 is coupled to the first elongated
receptacle 2708 via a first hook 2720. The first elastic member
2718 is also coupled to the first elongated member 2710 via a
second hook 2722, and applies a pull force on the first elongated
member 2710 for slidably and telescopically moving the first
elongated member 2710 relative to the first elongated receptacle
2708 in a direction `A`.
[0130] Similar to the first telescopic assembly 2702, the second
telescopic assembly 2704 includes a second tubular structure 2730
having a second elongated receptacle 2732, and a second elongated
member 2734 telescopically extending from the second elongated
receptacle 2732. The second elongated receptacle 2732 may be
coupled to third teeth 2736 that act as a second anchorage unit
2738 for the orthodontic appliance 2700, while the second elongated
member 2734 may be coupled to fourth tooth 2740. Further, a second
elastic member 2742 of the second telescopic assembly 2704 is
coupled to the second elongated receptacle 2732 via a third hook
2744. The second elastic member 2742 is also coupled to the second
elongated member 2734 via a fourth hook 2746, and applies a pull
force on the second elongated member 2734 for slidably and
telescopically moving the second elongated member 2734 relative to
the second elongated receptacle 2732 in the direction `A`.
[0131] Further, the orthodontic appliance 2700 includes a third
elongated member 2770 attached to the first tubular structure 2706
and the second tubular structure 2730. In an embodiment, the first
tubular structure 2706 may include a third elongated receptacle
2772 to receive an end portion of the third elongated member 2770,
and the second tubular structure 2770 may include a fourth
elongated receptacle 2774 to receive another end portion of the
third elongated member 2770. As shown, the third elongated
receptacle 2772 and the fourth elongated receptacle 2774,
respectively, are attached to the first elongated receptacle 2708
and the second elongated receptacle 2732. In some embodiments, the
end portions of the third elongated member 2770 may be press fitted
inside the third elongated receptacle 2772 and the fourth elongated
receptacle 2774. In certain implementations, the end portions of
the third elongated member 2770 may be threadably attached to the
third elongated receptacle 2772 and the fourth elongated receptacle
2774. As shown, in an assembled position, the third elongated
member 2770 may be under compression due to a presence of bend.
Therefore, the third elongated member 2770 may apply a force on the
first telescopic assembly 2702 in a direction `B`, and may apply a
force on the second telescopic assembly 2704 in a direction `C`. In
response to force in the directions `B` and `C`, the first teeth
2712 and the third teeth 2736 may move away from each other,
resulting into an expansion. In an embodiment, the third elongated
member 2770 may be made of a shape memory alloy, stainless steel,
chrome cobalt, fiber reinforced composite, polymer, titanium
molybdenum alloy, or any other material commonly used in
orthodontics. The third elongated member 2770 may be removably or
fixedly attached to the first telescopic assembly 2702 and/or the
second telescopic assembly 2704 and can also be used for
facilitating constriction when the third elongated member 2770 is
coupled under tension.
[0132] Referring to FIG. 28, an orthodontic appliance 2800 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The
orthodontic appliance 2800 is similar in structure, construction,
and functionality to that of the orthodontic appliance 2700 except
that the first elongated member 2710, the second elongated member
2734, the first elongated receptacle 2708, and the second elongated
receptacle 2732, each may be formed modularly by attaching various
portions of each component by using removable couplers 2802, 2804.
For example, as shown, the first elongated member 2710 may include
a first portion 2806 coupled to the first elongated receptacle
2706, and a second portion 2810 coupled to the second tooth 2716.
As shown, the first portion 2806 and the second portion 2810 are
attached using the tubular coupler 2802. The use of removable
couplers 2802, 2804 facilitates in changing a length of the
component, a line of action of force on the teeth, etc. Further,
the removable couplers 2802, 2804 may made of shape memory alloys.
Also, the removable couplers may facilitate a formation of a hinge
joint or ball joint to facilitate a proper positioning on the
telescopic assemblies 2702, 2704 and may facilitate changing a line
of action of force on a chair side or an assembly at the chairside.
Various components may come in different configurations, for
example, the elongated receptacles may have shaft in tube
configuration or a tube in tube arrangement.
[0133] Referring to FIG. 29, an orthodontic appliance 2900 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The
orthodontic appliance 2900 is similar to structure, construction,
and functionality to that of the orthodontic appliance 2700 except
that the orthodontic appliance 2900 additionally includes an
alignment assembly 2902 for facilitating the alignment of teeth
2904. Further, to facilitate an attachment of the alignment
assembly 2904, the first elongated member 2710 and the second
elongated member 2734 may be tubular structures. The alignment
assembly 2902 may include a plurality of brackets 2910 attached to
the plurality of teeth 204, and a wire 2912 having a first end
portion received by the first elongated member 2710, a second end
portion received by the second elongated member 2734, and a middle
portion engaged with the each of plurality of teeth 2902. A size
and orientation of the brackets 2902 may be selected to apply
desired amount of force in a desired direction to enable alignment
of the teeth 2902. Further, in an embodiment, the wire 2912 may be
a tubular wire.
[0134] Referring to FIG. 30. an orthodontic appliance 3000 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The
orthodontic appliance 3000 is similar to structure, construction,
and functionality to that of the orthodontic appliance 2900 except
that the orthodontic appliance 3000 additionally includes a third
attachment 3002 coupled to the first telescopic assembly 2702 for
intruding a tooth 3004. The third attachment 3002 may include a
hook member 3006 coupled to the first elongated receptacle 2708 and
extending in direction opposite to the first elongated member 2710.
The hook member 3006 may be removable coupled to the first
elongated receptacle 2708 by using various attachment means
explained earlier. The third attachment 3002 further include a
third elastic member 3010 extending from the hook member 3006 and
coupled to the tooth 3004 using a pin 3012. As the elastic member
3010 is under tension, the elastic member 3010 may apply a force on
the tooth 3004 to cause an intrusion of the tooth 3004. Further,
the orthodontic appliance 3000 may include a fourth elastic member
3020 extending from the second telescopic assembly 2704 and
extending in a direction opposite to an extension of the second
elongated member 2734. The fourth elastic member 3020 is attached
to the second elongated receptacle 2732 at one end and attached to
the tooth 3022. The fourth elastic member 3020 may facilitate a
movement of tooth 3024 in a backward direction or a move the tooth
in forward direction due to a reaction force. Therefore, the
orthodontic appliance 3004 may facilitate multiple tooth movements,
such as space closure, alignment, expansion, intrusion, etc. Also,
the fourth elastic member 3020 may be an open coil spring in a pin
and tube arrangement used in compression mode.
[0135] Referring to FIG. 31, an orthodontic appliance 3100 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The
orthodontic appliance 3100 may be utilized for space closure as
well as expansion. For so doing, the orthodontic appliance 3100, as
shown, includes a first telescopic assembly 3102 and a second
telescopic assembly 3104 disposed symmetrically opposite to the
first telescopic assembly 3102. The first telescopic assembly
includes a first elongated receptacle 3106 and a first elongated
member 3108 telescopically extending from the first elongated
receptacle 3106. The first elongated receptacle 3106 may be coupled
to first teeth 3110 that act as a first anchorage unit 3112 for the
orthodontic appliance 3100, while the first elongated member 3108
may be coupled to the second tooth 3114. Further, a first elastic
member 3116 of the first telescopic assembly 3102 is coupled to the
first elongated receptacle 3106 via a first hook 3118. The first
elastic member 3116 is also coupled to the first elongated member
3108 via a second hook 3120, and applies a pull force on the first
elongated member 3108 for slidably and telescopically moving the
first elongated member 3108 relative to the first elongated
receptacle 3106 in a direction `A`.
[0136] Similar to the first telescopic assembly 3102, the second
telescopic assembly 3104 includes a second elongated receptacle
3130 and a second elongated member 3132 telescopically extending
from the second elongated receptacle 3130. The second elongated
receptacle 3130 may be coupled to third teeth 3134 that act as a
second anchorage unit 3136 for the orthodontic appliance 3100,
while the second elongated member 3132 may be coupled to fourth
tooth 3136. Further, a second elastic member 3138 of the second
telescopic assembly 3104 is coupled to the second elongated
receptacle 3130 via a third hook 3140. The second elastic member
3138 is also coupled to the second elongated member 3132 via a
fourth hook 3142, and applies a pull force on the second elongated
member 3132 for slidably and telescopically moving the second
elongated member 3132 relative to the second elongated receptacle
3130 in the direction `A`.
[0137] Further, the orthodontic appliance 3100 includes a third
elongated member 3150 extending from the first elongated receptacle
3106 to the second elongated receptacle 3130, and integrally
attached to the first elongated receptacle 3106 and the second
elongated receptacle 3130. Although, the third elongated member
3150 is contemplated as integral to the first elongated receptacle
3106 and the second elongated receptacle 3130, it may be
appreciated that the third elongated member 3150 be removably
attached to the first elongated receptacle 3106 and the second
elongated receptacle 3130 by using various couplers. The third
elongated member 3150 includes a bend portion 3152 for exerting a
force on the first elongated receptacle 3106 in a first direction
and a force on the second elongated receptacle 3130 in a second
direction opposite to the first direction. Due to the forces acting
on the first elongated receptacle 3106 and the second elongated
receptacle 3130, the first teeth 3110 and the third teeth 3134 may
move away from each other, resulting into an parallel expansion
movement for the front or back or constriction or combination to
change line of action.
[0138] Furthermore, the orthodontic appliance 3100 includes a
fourth elongated member 3154 extending from the first elongated
member 3108 to the second elongated member 3132 and integrally
attached to the first elongated member 3108 and the second
elongated member 3132. Although, the fourth elongated member 3154
is contemplated as integral to the first elongated member 3108 and
the second elongated member 3132, it may be appreciated that the
fourth elongated member 3154 be removably attached to the first
elongated member 3108 and the second elongated member 3132 by using
various couplers The fourth elongated member 3154 includes a bend
portion 3156 for exerting a force on the first elongated member
3108 in a first direction and a force on the second elongated
member 3132 in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
Due to the forces acting on the first elongated member 3108 and the
second elongated member 3132, the second teeth 3114 and the fourth
teeth 3136 may move away from each other, resulting into an
expansion movement. In this manner, the orthodontic appliance 3100
may provide bi-expansion movement in different segments along with
space closure. Further, a similar appliance may be using for
constriction. In such a case, the third elongated member 3150 and
the fourth elongated member 3154 are under tension in assembled
position, thereby pulls the teeth towards each other.
[0139] Referring to FIG. 32, an orthodontic appliance 3200
according to an yet another embodiment is shown. The orthodontic
appliance 3200 includes a first elongated receptacle 3202 coupled
to a plurality of first teeth 3204, an elongated member 3206
coupled to a plurality of second teeth 3208 and telescopically
extending from the first elongated receptacle 3202, and a second
elongated receptacle 3210 coupled to a plurality of third teeth
3212. The plurality of first teeth 3204 are disposed opposite to
the plurality of third teeth 3212, while the plurality of second
teeth 3208 defines front teeth of the patient and are located
between the first teeth 3204 and the third teeth 3212. Also, the
elongated member 3206 is also telescopically arranged relative to
the second elongated receptacle 3210. A shown, the elongated member
3210 is an arch shaped member having a first end portion 3214
telescopically extending from the first elongated receptacle 3202,
a second end portion 3216 telescopically extending from the second
elongated receptacle 3210, and a curved middle portion 3218
extending from the first end portion 3214 to the second end portion
3216 and attached to the plurality of the second teeth 3208.
[0140] Further, the orthodontic appliance 3200 includes a plurality
of brackets 3220 coupled to the plurality of second teeth 3208 such
that one bracket is coupled to one tooth of the plurality of second
teeth 3208. Further, a location and orientation of each bracket
3220 is selected based on the type of movement to be generated on
the tooth so that a proper alignment of at least a set of teeth of
the plurality of second teeth 3208 is enabled. To exert forces on
the second teeth 3208, the middle portion 3218 of the elongated
member 3206 passes through each of the bracket 3220, hence enable a
movement of a corresponding tooth to facilitate a proper alignment
of the plurality of second teeth 3208. Also, the orthodontic
appliance 3200 includes a first elastic member 3230 connected the
first elongated receptacle 3202 and the first portion 3214, and a
second elastic member 3232 connected to the second elongated
receptacle 3210 and the second portion 3216. As both the elastic
members 3230, 3232 are attached under tension, the elastic members
3230, 3232 apply a force to cause a movement of the first elongated
member 3206 in a direction `A`. In response to the movement of the
first elongated member 3206 in the direction `A`, space existing
between the first teeth 3204 and second teeth 3208 and a space
existing between the second teeth 3208 and the third teeth 3212 are
reduced. Also, the middle portion 3218 exerts force on the brackets
3220, which in turn apply forces on the second teeth 3208, thereby
facilitating the alignment of the second teeth. 3208. The
orthodontic appliance 3200 may acts as a building block of a
framework to which various other devices or attachments may be
added by using couplers, threaded devices, clamping, or shape
memory coupling. This adds modularity to the system and therefore
allows for attachment or detachment of devices as desired.
[0141] Referring to FIG. 33, an orthodontic appliance 3300
according to an yet another embodiment is shown. The orthodontic
appliance 3300 is adapted to facilitate root correction of one or
more teeth 3302. The orthodontic appliance 3300 includes a first
telescopic assembly 3304 having a first elongated receptacle 3306
and a first elongated member 3308 telescopically extending from the
first elongated receptacle 3306, and a second telescopic assembly
3310 having a second elongated receptacle 3312 and a second
elongated member 3314 telescopically extending from the second
elongated receptacle 3312. The first elongated receptacle 3306 and
the second elongated receptacle 3312 are attached to a plurality of
first teeth 3302 via a removable tray 3320. The first elongated
receptacle 3306 and the second elongated receptacle 3312 are either
bonded with the tray 3320 or integrally built with the tray 3320 or
removably attached to the tray 3320 using couplers. A size and
dimensions of the tray 3320 and the elongated receptacles 3306,
3312 may controlled based on the space limitation and amount of
desired force. Further, the tray 3320 may be stabilized relative to
the first teeth 3302 by using a series of snap fit attachments that
prevent slipping of the tray 3320. In an embodiment, the removable
tray 3320 may also act as a partial aligner for aligning the first
teeth 3302. The orthodontic appliance 3300 may include an arch
member 3330 having a first end portion 3332 coupled to one or more
premolars 3334 disposed on a first side to a midline, a second end
portion 3336 coupled to one or more premolars 3338 disposed on a
second side to the midline, and a curved middle portion 3340
extending from the first end portion 3332 to the second portion
3336, and disposed substantially parallel to the first teeth 3302.
In an embodiment, the first elongated member 3308 and the second
elongated member 3314 may be attached to the middle portion 3340,
and therefore, the arch member 3330 provides necessary anchorage to
the first telescopic assembly 3304 and the second telescopic
assembly 3310.
[0142] Further, the first telescopic assembly 3304 includes a first
elastic member 3342 connected to the first elongated receptacle
3306 and the first elongated member 3308. Similarly, the second
telescopic assembly 3310 includes a second elastic member 3344
connected to the second elongated receptacle 3312 and the second
elongated member 3314. As shown, the first telescopic assembly 3304
extends in a vertical direction at an angle to a length of the
tooth, and the first elastic member 3342 applies a force on the
first teeth 3302 so as to move the first teeth 3302 in an angular
orientation. Similarly, the second telescopic assembly 3310 extends
in a vertical direction at an angle to a length of the tooth, and
the second elastic member 3344 applies a force on the first teeth
3302 so as to move the first teeth 3302 in an angular orientation.
In such a manner, the orthodontic appliance 3300 facilitates in
moving roots of first teeth 3302 from a first position to a second
position. Therefore, the orthodontic appliance 3300 acts a combined
aligner and root correction device. Also, the orthodontic appliance
330 may include other devices such as, telescopic assemblies for
space closure, tray for alignment, and nay other device for
facilitating concurrent orthodontic movements
[0143] Referring to FIGS. 34A and 34B an orthodontic appliance 3400
according to an yet another embodiment is shown. The orthodontic
appliance 3400 may be adapted to facilitate a root correction along
with alignment of front teeth 3402. The orthodontic appliance 3400
may include a removable tray 3404 adapted to be coupled to the
front teeth 3402 and facilitate an alignment of the front teeth
3402. The tray 3404 is stabilized on the front teeth 3402 by using
snap fit attachments. Further, the orthodontic appliance 3400 may
include a first telescopic assembly 3410 having a first elongated
receptacle 3412 attached to a first side of the tray 3404 and
extending in a vertical direction that may be substantially
parallel to a length of the front teeth 3402. The first telescopic
assembly 3410 further includes a first elongated member 3414
received at least partly into the first elongate receptacle 3412
and extending outwardly from the first elongated receptacle 3412.
The first elongated member 3414 may include a first portion 3416
and a second portion 3418 extending at an angle to the first
portion 3416. The second portion 3418 may include a first hook 3420
that engages with a first shaft member 3422 coupled to second teeth
3424. The first shaft member 3422 is disposed substantially
horizontally and an engagement of the first shaft member 3422 with
the first hook 3420 results into an application of force on the
front teeth 3402. The first shaft member 3422 may be coupled to the
second teeth 3424 by using dental bonding agent or any other means
known in the art. In an embodiment, the first shaft member 3422 is
integrally built with the tray 3404 or may be attached to the
removably tray 3404. Also, the first elongated member 3414 may be
made of any material, such as, niti alloy, stainless steel, or any
other material known in the art.
[0144] Similar to the first telescopic assembly 3410, the
orthodontic appliance 3400 may include a second telescopic assembly
3430 disposed on a second side of the tray 3404. The second
telescopic assembly 3430 may include a second elongated receptacle
3432 attached to the second side of the tray 3404 and extending in
a vertical direction that may be substantially parallel to along an
axis of the front teeth 3402. The second telescopic assembly 3430
further includes a second elongated member 3434 received at least
partly into the second elongate receptacle 3432 and extending
outwardly from the second elongated receptacle 3432. The second
elongated member 3434 may include a first portion 3436 and a second
portion extending 3438 at an angle to the first portion. The second
portion 3438 may include a second hook 3440 that engages with a
second shaft member 3442 and is coupled to third teeth 3444. The
second shaft member 3442 is disposed substantially horizontally,
and an engagement of the second shaft member 3442 with the second
hook 3440 results into an application of force on the front teeth
3402. The force applied by the first telescopic assembly 3410 and
the second telescopic assembly 3430 on the anterior teeth 3402
(i.e. the front teeth) results into the movements of the root of
the anterior teeth, resulting into the root correction of the
anterior teeth 3402.
[0145] Referring to FIG. 35 an orthodontic appliance 3500 according
to an yet another embodiment is shown. The orthodontic appliance
3500 may be adapted to facilitate a root correction of first teeth
3502. The orthodontic appliance 3500 may include a telescopic
assembly 3504 having a first elongated receptacle 3506 attached to
the first teeth 3502 and extending in a horizontal direction along
a length of the first teeth 3502. The first telescopic assembly
3504 further includes a first elongated member 3508 received at
least partly into the first elongate receptacle 3506 and extending
outwardly from the first elongated receptacle 3506. The first
elongated member 3508 may include a first portion 3510 and a second
portion 3512 extending at an angle to the first portion 3510. The
second portion 3512 may include a hook 3514 that engages with a
shaft member 3516 coupled to second teeth 3518. The shaft member
3516 is disposed substantially horizontally and an engagement of
the shaft member 3516 with the hook 3514 results into an
application of force or torque on the first teeth 3502. In this
manner, the force or torque applied by the first telescopic
assembly 3504 on the first teeth 3502 results into the movements of
the root of the first teeth 3502, resulting into the root
correction of the first teeth 3502.
[0146] Referring to FIG. 36 an orthodontic appliance 3600 according
to an yet another embodiment is shown. The orthodontic appliance
3600 may be adapted to facilitate a space closure along with a root
correction. The orthodontic appliance 3600 includes a telescopic
assembly 3602 having an elongated receptacle 3604 coupled to first
tooth 3606 and an elongated member 3608 attached to second tooth
3610. A space 3612 may exist between the first tooth 3606 and the
second tooth 3610 that is reduced by the telescopic assembly 3602.
The telescopic assembly 3602 further includes an elastic member
3614 coupling the elongated member 3608 to the elongated receptacle
3604. The elastic member 3614 applies a force on the elongated
member 3608 and the elongated receptacle 3604 such that the space
3612 reduces. Further, the orthodontic appliance 3600 may include a
shape memory wire 3620 extending between the elongated receptacle
3604 and the elongated member 3608 to facilitate the root
correction. In an embodiment, the shape memory wire 3620 may be
attached to the tubular portions of the elongated receptacle 3604
and elongated member 3608. In an embodiment, the wire 3620 may
attached to the elongated receptacle 3604 and the elongated member
3608 using brackets 3622, 3624. In an embodiment, the wire 3620 may
be made of a material, such as, niti alloy, stainless steel, or any
other material known in the art. In certain implementations, the
shape memory wire 3620 may be attached to brackets coupled to the
first tooth 3606 and the second tooth 3610. In an embodiment, the
elongated member 3608 may include two shafts joined together using
a coupler. In this manner, the elongated member 3608 can be removed
easily to facilitate root correction after space closure has been
performed.
[0147] Referring to FIG. 37, an orthodontic appliance 3700
according to an yet another embodiment is shown. The orthodontic
appliance 3700 is adapted for alignment as well as anterior
retraction. The orthodontic appliance 3700 may include a telescopic
assembly 3702 having a first elongated receptacle 3704 attached to
first tooth 3706, a second elongated receptacle 3708 disposed
symmetrically opposite to the first elongated receptacle 3704 and
attached to third tooth 3710, and a first elongated member 3712
extending from the first elongated receptacle 3704 to the second
elongated receptacle 3708. The elongated member 3712 extends
telescopically from both the first elongated receptacle 3704 and
the second elongated receptacle 3708, and includes a U shape.
Further, the orthodontic appliance 3700 includes a first elastic
member 3714, a second elastic member 3716, a first hook 3718
attached to the first elongated receptacle 3704, a second hook 3720
slidably attached to the elongated member 3712, a third hook 3722
attached to the second elongated receptacle 3708, and a fourth hook
3724 slidable attached to the elongated member 3712. The first
elastic member 3714 is attached to the first hook 3718 and the
second hook 3720, while the second elastic member 3716 is attached
to the third hook 3722 and the fourth hook 3724. The slidable
attachment of the second hook 3720 and the fourth hook 3724 may
facilitate a relative positioning of the hooks 3720, 3724, and also
enable a desired line of action of force. Further, the orthodontic
appliance 3700 may include a first tube 3750 coupled to the second
teeth 3752 (anterior teeth) via a plurality of brackets 3754, and a
second tube 3756 extending through the first tube 3750 and coupled
to the elongated member 3712. It may be noted that the second hook
3720 and the fourth hook 3744 are integrally formed on the second
tube 3756. Due to the force applied by the elastic members 3714,
3716 on the second tube 3756, the second tube 3756 may retract that
may cause a retraction of the first tube 3750, which in turn
results into retraction of the second teeth 3752 in direction `A`.
In this manner, the orthodontic appliance 3700 may facilitate the
closure of the space between the first tooth 3706 and second teeth
3752, and the space between second teeth 3752 and the third tooth
3710. Also, as the first tube 3750 is attached to the second teeth
3752 using brackets 3760, an alignment and positioning of each
bracket 3760 is selected in such a manner that a desired amount of
force in a desired direction is applied on each tooth of the second
teeth 3752 by the first tube 3750 to facilitate an alignment of the
second teeth 3752. In an embodiment, the first tube 3750 and the
second tube 3756 may be a single member. In an embodiment, the
second tube 3756 may include multiple segments joined together
various couplers to facilitate an assembly or installation of the
second tube within the orthodontic appliance 3700. Further,
referring to FIGS. 38A, 38B, and 38C, various mechanism for
attaching the first tube 3750, the second tube 3756 and the
elongated member 3712 are shown. The elongated member 3712 may
slide into a tube in tube assembly, a solid wire into a tube, or a
tube or a solid wire into a bracket, or may be attached into a
bracket with a tube. The receptacle can be crimped anywhere on
elongated member 3712 to effect line of action force magnitude and
by changing height can cause intrusive or extrusive forces or if
length of either post is changed with respect to other can create
couples.
[0148] Referring to FIG. 39 an orthodontic appliance 3900 according
to an yet another embodiment is shown. The orthodontic appliance
3900 may include a telescopic assembly 3902 having a first
elongated receptacle 3904 attached to first tooth 3906, a second
elongated receptacle 3908 disposed symmetrically opposite to the
first elongated receptacle 3904 and attached to third tooth 3910,
and an elongated member 3912 extending from the first elongated
receptacle 3904 to the second elongated receptacle 3908. The
elongated member 3912 extends telescopically from both the first
elongated receptacle 3904 and the second elongated receptacle 3908,
and includes a U shape. Further, the orthodontic appliance 3900 may
include a first tube 3914 coupled to the second teeth 3916
(anterior teeth) via a plurality of brackets 3920, and a second
tube 3922 extending through the first tube 3914 and coupled to the
elongated member 3912. As shown, the second tube 3922 includes a
first end portion slidably coupled to the elongated member 3912,
and a second end portion slidably coupled to the elongated member
3912. In an embodiment, the second tube 3922 may be a solid
wire.
[0149] Further, the orthodontic appliance 3900 includes a first
elastic spring 3930, a second elastic spring 3932, a first hook
3934 disposed at a first side of the first tube 3914, a second hook
3936 disposed at the first end portion, a third hook 3938 disposed
at a second side of the first tube 3914, and a fourth hook 3940
disposed at the second end portion of the second tube 3922. The
first elastic member 3930 is attached to the first hook 3934 and
the second hook 3936, while the second elastic member 3932 is
attached to the third hook 3938 and the fourth hook 3940. Due to
the force applied by the elastic members 3930, 3932 on the second
tube 3922, the second tube 3922 may retract that may cause a
retraction of the first tube 3914, which in turn results into
retraction of the second teeth 3916 in direction `A`. In this
manner, the orthodontic appliance 3900 may facilitate the closure
of the space between the first tooth 3906 and second teeth 3916,
and the space between second teeth 3916 and the third tooth 3910.
Also, as the first tube 3914 is attached to the second teeth 3916
using brackets 3920, an alignment and positioning of each bracket
3920 is selected in such a manner that a desired amount of force in
a desired direction is applied on each tooth of the second teeth
3916 by the first tube 3920 to facilitate an alignment of the
second teeth 3916.
[0150] Referring to FIG. 40 an orthodontic appliance 4000 according
to an yet another embodiment is shown. The orthodontic appliance
4000 may include a telescopic assembly 4002 having a first
elongated receptacle 4004 attached to first teeth 4006, a second
elongated receptacle 4008 disposed symmetrically opposite to the
first elongated receptacle 4004 and attached to third teeth 4010,
and an elongated member 4012 extending from the first elongated
receptacle 4004 to the second elongated receptacle 4008. The
elongated member 4012 extends telescopically from both the first
elongated receptacle 4004 and the second elongated receptacle 4008,
and includes a U shape. Further, the orthodontic appliance 4000
includes a first elastic spring 4014, a second elastic spring 4016,
a first hook attached 4018 to the first elongated receptacle 4004,
a second hook 4020 attached to the elongated member 4012, a third
hook 4022 attached to the second elongated receptacle 4008, and a
fourth hook 4024 attached to the elongated member 4012. The first
elastic member 4014 is attached to the first hook 4018 and the
second hook 4020, while the second elastic member 4016 is attached
to the third hook 4022 and the fourth hook 4024. Further, the
orthodontic appliance 4000 may include a first tube 4030 coupled to
second teeth 4032 (anterior teeth) via a plurality of brackets
4034, and a middle portion of the elongated member 4012 extends
through the first tube 4032. Due to the force applied by the
elastic members 4014, 4016 on the elongated member 4012, the
elongated member 4012 may retract that may cause a retraction of
the first tube 4030, which in turn results into retraction of the
second teeth 4032 in direction `A`. In this manner, the orthodontic
appliance 4000 may facilitate the closure of the space between the
first teeth 4006 and second teeth 4032, and the space between
second teeth 4032 and the third teeth 4010. Also, as the first tube
4030 is attached to the second teeth 4032 using brackets 4034, an
alignment and positioning of each bracket 4034 is selected in such
a manner that a desired amount of force in a desired direction is
applied on each tooth of the second teeth 4032 by the first tube
4030 to facilitate an alignment of the second teeth 4032. Also, as
the elongated member 4012 is attached to a tooth 4050 and a tooth
4052, the orthodontic appliance 4000 also facilitates retraction of
the tooth 4050 and the tooth 4052.
[0151] Referring to FIG. 41, an orthodontic appliance 4100 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The
orthodontic appliance 4100 may be utilized for space closure and
alignment of teeth. For so doing, the orthodontic appliance 4100,
as shown, includes a first telescopic assembly 4102 and a second
telescopic assembly 4104 disposed symmetrically opposite to the
first telescopic assembly 4102. The first telescopic assembly 4102
includes first tubular structure 4106 having a first elongated
receptacle 4108, and a first elongated member 4110 telescopically
extending from the first elongated receptacle 4108. The first
elongated receptacle 4108 may be coupled to first tooth 4112 that
act as a first anchorage unit for the orthodontic appliance 4100,
while the first elongated member 4110 may be coupled second tooth
4114 of the plurality of front teeth. Further, a first elastic
member 4116 of the first telescopic assembly 4102 is coupled to the
first elongated receptacle 4108 via a first hook 4118. The first
elastic member 4116 is also coupled to the first elongated member
4110 via a second hook 4120, and applies a pull force on the first
elongated member 4110 for slidably and telescopically moving the
first elongated member 4110 relative to the first elongated
receptacle 4108 in a direction `A`.
[0152] Similar to the first telescopic assembly 4102, the second
telescopic assembly 4104 includes a second tubular structure 4130
having a second elongated receptacle 4132, and a second elongated
member 4134 telescopically extending from the second elongated
receptacle 4132. The second elongated receptacle 4132 may be
coupled to third tooth 4136 that act as a second anchorage unit for
the orthodontic appliance 4100, while the second elongated member
4134 may be coupled to fourth tooth 4136 of the plurality of front
teeth. Further, a second elastic member 4138 of the second
telescopic assembly 4104 is coupled to the second elongated
receptacle 4132 via a third hook 4140. The second elastic member
4138 is also coupled to the second elongated member 4134 via a
fourth hook 4142, and applies a pull force on the second elongated
member 4134 for slidably and telescopically moving the second
elongated member 4234 relative to the second elongated receptacle
4132 in the direction `A`.
[0153] Further, the orthodontic appliance 4100 includes a third
elongated member 4160 attached to the first tubular structure 4106
and the second tubular structure 4130. In an embodiment, the first
tubular structure 4106 may include a third elongated receptacle
4162 to telescopically receive a first end portion of third
elongated member 4160, and the second tubular structure 4130 may
include a fourth elongated receptacle 4164 to telescopically
receive a second end portion of the third elongated member 4160. As
shown, the third elongated receptacle 4162 and the fourth elongated
receptacle 4164, respectively, are attached to the first elongated
receptacle 4108 and the second elongated receptacle 4132. Further,
a middle portion of the third elongated member 4160 passes through
a first tube 4170 attached to anterior teeth 4172 via a plurality
of brackets 4174. Further, a third spring 4178 extends between the
first end portion of third elongated member 4160 and the third
receptacle 4162 and applies a pull force on the anterior teeth 4172
vis the first tube 4170. Similarly, a fourth spring 4180 may extend
between the second end portion of the third elongated member 4160
and the fourth receptacle 4164 and applies a pull force on the
anterior teeth 4172 via the first tube 4170. In this manner, in
response to the forces applied by the springs 4178, 4180 the
orthodontic appliance 4100 may cause retraction of the anterior
teeth in direction `A`, thereby enabling the space closure. Also,
as the first tube 4170 is attached to the anterior teeth 4172 using
brackets 4174, an alignment and positioning of each bracket 4174 is
selected in such a manner that a desired amount of force in a
desired direction is applied on each tooth of the anterior teeth
4172 by the first tube 4170 to facilitate an alignment of the
anterior teeth 4172.
[0154] Referring to FIG. 42, an orthodontic appliance 4200 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The
orthodontic appliance 4200 facilitates a space closure and an
alignment of teeth. The orthodontic appliance 4200 includes a
telescopic assembly 4202 having an elongated receptacle 4204, and
an elongated member 4206 telescopically extending from the
elongated receptacle 4204. The elongated receptacle 4204 may be
coupled to first tooth 4208 that act as an anchorage unit for the
orthodontic appliance 4200, while the elongated member 4206 may be
coupled to one or more teeth (herein after referred as second teeth
4210) of the plurality of front teeth. Further, an elastic member
4212 of the telescopic assembly 4202 is coupled to the elongated
receptacle 4204 via a first hook 4218. The elastic member 4212 is
also coupled to the elongated member 4206 via a second hook 4220,
and applies a pull force on the elongated member 4208 for slidably
and telescopically moving the elongated member 4208 relative to the
elongated receptacle 4206 in a direction `A. Further, the
orthodontic appliance 4200 may include a aligner tray 4230
enveloping the second teeth 4210 for facilitating the alignment of
second teeth 4210. Due to attachment of the aligner tray 4230 on
the front teeth 4210, all the front teeth 4210 may move together
due to the pull force applied by the telescopic assembly 4202 for
space closure. Therefore, the orthodontic appliance 4200 may
facilitate a simultaneous alignment and space closure.
[0155] Referring to FIG. 43, an orthodontic appliance 4300
according to an yet another embodiment is shown. The orthodontic
appliance 4300 is adapted to facilitate alignment of front teeth
along with space closure. The orthodontic appliance 4300 includes a
first elongated receptacle 4302 coupled to first tooth 4304, an
elongated member 4306 coupled to a plurality of second teeth 4308
and telescopically extending from the first elongated receptacle
4302, and a second elongated receptacle 4310 coupled to third tooth
4312. The first tooth 4304 is disposed opposite to the third tooth
4312, while the plurality of second teeth 4308 defines front teeth
of the patient and are located between the first tooth 4304 and the
third tooth 4312. Also, the elongated member 4306 is also
telescopically arranged relative to the second elongated receptacle
4310. As shown, the elongated member 4306 is an arch shaped member
having a first end portion 4314 telescopically extending from the
first elongated receptacle 4320, a second end portion 4316
telescopically extending from the second elongated receptacle 4310,
and a curved middle portion 4318 extending from the first end
portion 4314 to the second end portion 4316 and attached to the
plurality of the second teeth 4308. In an embodiment, the elongated
member 4306 may be solid wire, or a tubular member.
[0156] Further, the orthodontic appliance 4300 includes a plurality
of brackets 4320 coupled to the plurality of second teeth 4308 such
that one bracket is coupled to one tooth of the plurality of second
teeth 4320. Further, a location and orientation of each bracket
4320 is selected based on the type of movement to be generated on
the tooth so that a proper alignment of at least a set of teeth of
the plurality of second teeth 4320 is enabled. To exert forces on
the second teeth 4308, a wire 4322, which may be a shape memory
wire, passes through each of the bracket 4320, hence enabling a
movement of a corresponding tooth to facilitate a proper alignment
of the plurality of second teeth 4320. Also, the orthodontic
appliance 4300 includes a first elastic member 4330 connected the
first elongated receptacle 4302 and the first portion 4314, and a
second elastic member 4332 connected to the second elongated
receptacle 4310 and the second portion 4316. As both the elastic
members 4330, 4332 are attached under tension, the elastic members
4330, 4332 apply a force to cause a movement of the first elongated
member 4306. In response to the movement of the elongated member
4306 in the direction `A`, space existing between the first tooth
4304 and second teeth 4308 and space existing between the second
teeth 4308 and the third tooth are reduced 4312.
[0157] Referring FIG. 44, an orthodontic appliance 4400 according
to an alternative embodiment is disclosed. The orthodontic
appliance 4400 includes a first removable tray 4402 attached to
first teeth 4404 and a second removable tray 4406 attached to
second teeth 4408. The first removable tray 4402 includes a first
portion 4410 covering a first set of first teeth 4404, a second
portion 4412 disposed substantially parallel to the first portion
4410 and positioned laterally spaced apart from the first portion
4410, and a middle portion 4414 extending laterally and connecting
the first portion 4410 to the second portion 4412. Similar to the
first removable tray 4402, the second removable tray 4406 may
include a third portion 4416 covering the second teeth 4408 and a
fourth portion 4418 extending laterally and connecting an end of
third portion 4416 to another end of the third portion 4416. The
third portion 4416 may act as a partial aligner adapted to
facilitate an alignment of the second teeth 4408. Although, the
third portion 4416 is shown to be extended over the entire arch, it
may be appreciated that the third portion 4416 or the second
removable tray 4406 may extend to one quadrant only. In an
embodiment, the third portion 4416 and the fourth portion 4418 are
separate trays.
[0158] Further, the orthodontic appliance 4400 includes a first
telescopic assembly 4420 and a second telescopic assembly 4422
disposed substantially parallel and position spaced apart from each
other. The first telescopic assembly 4420 has a first elongated
receptacle 4424 and a first elongated member 4426 telescopically
received and the extending from the first elongated receptacle 4424
and adapted to slide relative to the first elongated receptacle
4424. The first elongated receptacle 4424 is coupled or attached or
bonded to the middle portion 4414 of the first removable tray 4402,
while the first elongated member 4426 is coupled to the fourth
portion 4418 of the second removable tray 4406. In an embodiment,
the first telescopic assembly 4420 may include a first coupler 4428
in a shape of a receptacle attached to the fourth portion 4418 of
the second removable tray 4406. In such a case, the first coupler
4428 may telescopically receive the first elongate member 4426 and
may attach the first elongated member 4426 to the second removable
tray 4406, and hence second teeth 4408. In an embodiment, the first
coupler 4428 and the first elongated member 4426 are integral to
each other. Further, a first elastic spring 4430 may extend from
the middle portion 4414 of the first removable tray 4402 to the
fourth portion 4418 of the second removable tray 4406 and is
connected to the first removable tray 4402 and the second removal
tray 4406 via pins 4432, 4434. The pin 4432, 4434 may be snap
fitted.
[0159] Similar to the first telescopic assembly 4420, the second
telescopic assembly 4422 includes a second elongated receptacle
4440 and a second elongated member 4442 telescopically received and
the extending from the second elongated receptacle 4440 and adapted
to slide relative to the second elongated receptacle 4440. The
second elongated receptacle 4440 is coupled or attached or bonded
to the middle portion 4414 of the first removable tray 4402, while
the second elongated member 4442 is coupled to the fourth portion
4418 of the second removable tray 4406. In an embodiment, the
second telescopic assembly 4422 may include a second coupler 4444
in a shape of a receptacle attached to the fourth portion 4418 of
the second removable tray 4406. In such a case, the second coupler
4444 may telescopically receive the second elongate member 4442 and
may attach the second elongated member 4442 to the second removable
tray 4406, and hence second teeth 4408. In an embodiment, the
second coupler 4444 and the second elongated member 4428 are
integral to each other. Further, a second elastic spring 4446
extend from the middle portion 4414 of the first removable tray
4402 to the fourth portion 4418 of the second removable tray 4406,
and is connected to the first removable tray 4402 and the second
removal tray 4406 via pins 4448, 4450. Due to force applied by the
elastic members 4430, 4446, the anterior teeth (second teeth) 4408
are retracted towards the first teeth 4404, resulting into
reduction into space there between. In this manner, the orthodontic
appliance 4400 may act as a combined space closure and aligner.
Further one or more components of the first telescopic assembly
4420 may integrally formed with the first tray 4402 and/or the
second tray 4406. Similarly, one or more components of the second
telescopic assembly 4422 may be integrally formed with the first
tray 4402 and/or the second tray 4406.
[0160] Referring FIGS. 45A and 45B, an orthodontic appliance 4500
according to an alternative embodiment is disclosed. The
orthodontic appliance 4500 may include an arch member 4502 having
an inverted U shape connected to first tooth 4504 and a third tooth
4506 disposed symmetrically opposite to the first tooth 4504. The
arch member 4502 includes a first end portion 4508 connected to the
first tooth 4504, a second end portion 4510 connected to the third
tooth 4506, and a middle portion 4512 having an arch shape and
disposed substantially parallel to a plurality of front teeth 4514
(hereinafter referred to as second teeth 4514). Further, the
orthodontic appliance 4500 may include a first member 4520
extending from the arch member 4502 towards one or more of the
second teeth 4514, and a second member 4522 disposed spaced apart
and symmetrically opposite to the first member 4520. The second
member 4522 also extends from the arch member 4502 towards one or
more of the second teeth 4514. As shown, both the first member 4520
and the second member 4522 include tubular portions 4524, 4526 to
receive the arch member 4502 such that first member 4520 and the
second member 4522 may slide relative to the arch member 4502.
Further, a height of the first member 4520 and/or the second member
4522 may be increased or decreased depending on a force on teeth
and type of movement of teeth, such as extrusion or intrusion.
Further, the first member 4520 and the second member 4522, each may
include a split design to facilitate removal of the first member
4520 and/or the second member 4522 from the arch member 4502
without dismantling or removing the arch member 4502 or any other
component of the orthodontic appliance 4500 from the mouth of the
patient. Further, the orthodontic appliance 4500 may include a wire
4530 attached to front teeth 4514 through a plurality of brackets
4532. In an embodiment, a positioning and orientation of each
bracket 4532 is selected in such a manner so as to facilitate an
alignment of the front teeth 4514. Further, one end of the wire
4530 is attached to first member 4520, while another end of the
wire 4530 may be attached to the second member 4522. In an
embodiment, the wire 4530 be a shape memory wire, or a
stainless-steel wire or a wire of any other material known in the
art. In an embodiment, the wire 4530 may be a tubular wire. It may
be appreciated that the arch member 4502 may be positioned
proximate to a lower surface of the jaw, hence the first member
4520 and the second member 4522 may extend in a vertical direction
from the arch member 4502 to the second teeth 4514. Therefore, the
arch member 4502 and the brackets 4532 may positioned at different
heights elevations, and the relative heights elevation of the arch
member 4502 and the brackets 4532 may be selected based on the type
of tooth movement and desired force for facilitating tooth
movement.
[0161] Referring FIGS. 45C, 45D, and 45E, an orthodontic appliance
4550 according to an alternative embodiment is disclosed. The
orthodontic appliance 4550 may include an arch member 4552 having
an inverted U shape connected to first tooth 4554 and a third tooth
4556 disposed symmetrically opposite to the first tooth 4554. The
arch member 4552 includes a first end portion 4558 connected to the
first tooth 4554, a second end portion 4560 connected to the third
tooth 4556, and a middle portion 4562 having an arch shape and
disposed substantially parallel to a plurality of front teeth 4564
(hereinafter referred to as second teeth 4564). In an embodiment,
as shown in FIG. 45E, the first portion 4558 and the middle portion
4562 are separate segments, and may be joined together using a
first coupler 4566. Similarly, the second portion 4560 and the
middle portion 4562 are separate segment, may be joined together
using a second coupler 4568. In an embodiment, the middle portion
4562 may telescopically move relative to the first portion 4558 and
the second portion 4560.
[0162] Further, the middle portion 4562 may include one or more
hooks 4570 for facilitating an attachment of one or more elastic
members 4572. Each elastic member 4572 extend between the hook 4570
and one of the second teeth 4564. The elastic member may be
connected the second teeth via a cross arch connecting member on a
removable tray 4574 (partial aligner) enwrapped over the second
teeth 4564. In an embodiment, the elastic member 4572 may be
attached directly to one of the second teeth 4564 using buttons. In
another embodiment, the elastic member 4572 may be attached to the
second teeth using an anterior stabilizer bar having hooks. The
elastic member 4572 is attached under tension and therefore applies
a force on the second tooth 4564 to facilitate an intrusion of the
second tooth 4564. In an embodiment, a length, a shape, and a
dimension of the first portion 4458, the second portion 4560, and
the middle portion 4562 may be selected based on a desired amount
of force and/or a desired line of action of force to be applied on
the second tooth 4564. Similarly, a location of the one or more
hooks 4570 may also be changed.
[0163] Referring FIG. 46, an orthodontic appliance 4600 according
to an alternative embodiment is disclosed. The orthodontic
appliance 4600 includes a telescopic assembly 4602 for facilitating
a reduction in space between teeth. The telescopic assembly 4602
includes an elongated receptacle 4604 coupled to one or more first
teeth 4606 and an elongated member 4608 telescopically extending
from the elongated receptacle 4604 and coupled to the one or more
second teeth 4610. The elongated member 4608 is adapted to slide
relative to the elongated receptacle 4604 under a force to move the
second teeth 4610 towards the first teeth 4606. To enable a sliding
movement of the second tooth 4610 relative to the first teeth 4606,
an elastic member 4612 is coupled to the elongated member 4608 and
the elongated receptacle 4604. In the assembly, the elastic member
4612 is under tension, thereby causing a movement of the second
tooth 4610 towards the first teeth 4606.
[0164] Further, the orthodontic appliance 4600 may include an arch
member 4620 having an inverted U shape connected to elongated
receptacle 4604 and a third tooth 4622 disposed symmetrically
opposite to the first tooth 4606. The arch member 4620 includes a
first end portion 4624 connected to the first tooth 4606, a second
end portion 4626 connected to third tooth 4622, and a middle
portion 4628 having an arch shape and disposed substantially
parallel to a plurality of front teeth 4630. Further, the
orthodontic appliance 4600 may include a first member 4632
extending from the arch member 4620 towards one of the front teeth
4630, and a second member 4634 disposed spaced apart and
symmetrically opposite to the first member 4632. The second member
4634 also extends from the arch member 4620 towards one of the
front teeth 4630. As shown, both the first member 4632 and the
second member 4634 include tubular portions 4636, 4638 to receive
the arch member 4620 such that first member 4632 and the second
member 4634 may slide relative to the arch member 4620. Further,
the orthodontic appliance 4600 may include a wire 4640 attached to
front teeth 4630 through a plurality of brackets 4642. In an
embodiment, a positioning and orientation of each bracket 4642 is
selected in such a manner so as to facilitate an alignment of the
front teeth 4630. Further, one end of the wire 4640 is attached to
first member 4632 and another end of the wire 4640 may be attached
to the second member 4634. In an embodiment, the wire 4640 be a
shape memory wire, or a stainless-steel wire. In an embodiment, the
wire 4640 may be tubular wire. In an embodiment, the wire may
include any cross-sectional shape, such as, but not limited to, a
circular, rectangular, an elliptical, D-shape, or any other shape
known in the art. Further, it may be appreciated that the arch
member 4620 may be positioned proximate to a lower surface of the
jaw, hence the first member 4632 and the second member 4634 may
extend in a vertical direction from the arch member 4620 to the
front teeth 4630. Therefore, the arch member 4620 and the brackets
4642 may positioned at different elevations, and the relative
elevation of the arch member 4620 and the brackets 4642 may be
selected based on the type of tooth movement and desired force for
facilitating tooth movement.
[0165] Referring FIG. 47A. an orthodontic appliance 4700 according
to an alternative embodiment is disclosed. The orthodontic
appliance 4700 includes a first telescopic assembly 4704 and a
second telescopic assembly 4706 disposed symmetrically opposite to
the first telescopic assembly 4704. The first telescopic assembly
4704 includes a first elongated receptacle 4708 and a first
elongated member 4710 telescopically extending from the first
elongated receptacle 4708. The first elongated receptacle 4708 may
be coupled to first teeth 4712, while the first elongated member
4710 may be coupled to one or more teeth 4714 (herein after
referred as second teeth 4714) of the plurality of front teeth
4714. Further, a first elastic member 4724 of the first telescopic
assembly 4704 is coupled to the first elongated receptacle 4708 via
a first hook 4726. The first elastic member 4724 is also coupled to
the first elongated member 4710 via a second hook 4728, and applies
a pull force on the first elongated member 4710 for slidably and
telescopically moving the first elongated member 4710 relative to
the first elongated receptacle 4708 in a direction `A`.
[0166] Similar to the first telescopic assembly 4704, the second
telescopic assembly 4706 includes a second elongated receptacle
4740 and a second elongated member 4742 telescopically extending
from the second elongated receptacle 4740. The second elongated
receptacle 4740 may be coupled to third teeth 4744 that act as a
second anchorage unit for the orthodontic appliance 4700, while the
second elongated member 4742 may be coupled to one or more teeth
(herein after referred as fourth teeth 4746) of the plurality of
front teeth. Further, a second elastic member 4750 of the second
telescopic assembly 4706 is coupled to the second elongated
receptacle 4740 via a third hook 4752. The second elastic member
4750 is also coupled to the second elongated member 4742 via a
fourth hook 4754, and applies a pull force on the second elongated
member 4742 for slidably and telescopically moving the second
elongated member 4742 relative to the second elongated receptacle
4740 in the direction `A`.
[0167] Further, the orthodontic appliance 4700 includes a third
elongated member 4760 connecting the first elongated member 4710 to
the second elongated member 4742, and extending substantially
parallel to front teeth 4762 (anterior teeth). Also, a first
slidable hook 4764 is attached to a first end of the third
elongated member 4760 and a second slidable hook 4768 is attached
to a second end of the third elongated member 4760. The orthodontic
appliance 4700 further includes an aligner assembly 4770 having a
plurality of brackets 4772 attached to the front teeth 4762 and a
wire 4774 passing through and connecting each of the brackets 4772
and connected to the first slidable hook 4764 and the second
slidable hook 4768. A positioning and an orientation of each
bracket 4774 is selected so as to apply a suitable force on each
tooth to enable an alignment of front teeth 4764. Further, the
sliding movement of the sliding hooks 4764, 4768 may facilitate in
controlling an amount of force applied on the brackets 4774, and
consequently on the teeth by the wire 4772. In an embodiment, the
wire 4772 may be a tubular wire and may include any cross-sectional
shape. Also, as both the telescopic assemblies 4704, 4706 and the
brackets 4774 are coupled to the removable tray 4702, the
orthodontic appliance 4702 may be easily removed by the
patient.
[0168] Referring to FIG. 47B, a mono-block system 4790 of the
orthodontic appliance 4700 is shown. The mono-block system 4790 is
a framework that is assembled or manufactured separately an
includes various jigs to position the various components of
orthodontic appliance 4700 inside the mouth. The mon-block system
4790 may include two telescopic assembly, a removable tray with
brackets attached or inbuilt to the removable tray, crown and bands
having positioning devices. In an embodiment, the removable tray
may include single or double pins to hold the brackets firmly. FIG.
47C disclosed another mono-block system 4792 similar to the
mono-block system 4790 except that instead of pins, the mono-block
system 4792 include U shaped female attachments for to stably
holding the brackets.
[0169] Referring to FIGS. 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D, bite blocks 4802,
4804, 4806, 4808 are shown that facilitate displacement of tooth
and the jaw. In an embodiment, a position, a size and an
inclination of the bite blocks may influence a displacement of
lower tooth, upper tooth, or the lower jaw, or the upper jaw, etc.
Referring to FIG., an exemplary positioning of a bite block is
shown to facilitate a lower jaw forward. Further, the bite blocks
may be attached to the telescopic assembly or any other attachments
for facilitating concurrent movement of various teeth and jaw. The
bite blocks may be attached to any assembly, sub-assembly, or
component of the any orthodontic appliance discussed above.
[0170] Referring to FIG. 49A and FIG. 49B, a teeth attachment
mechanism 4900 adapted to facilitate holding of one or more teeth
together. The teeth attachment mechanism 4900 may be used as a part
of any orthodontic appliance. The teeth attachment mechanism 4900
may include one or more first female members 4902, each adapted to
attach with a single tooth. Each first member 4902 may be in the
shape of a U-shaped receptacle having a U-shaped groove 4904 for
receiving a portion of a second member 4906 of the teeth attachment
mechanism 4900. As illustrated, the second member 4906 is adapted
to extend across an entire width of all the teeth that are combined
together as a single unit. Further, for accurately positioning the
first member 4902 on to a respective tooth, a jig 4908 (best shown
in FIG. 49B) may be utilized. The first member 4902 may be attached
to the tooth by using various means known in the art. The teeth
attachment mechanism 4900 may act as a fixed removeable attachment
4906 that can be removed as needed. The s first members 4902 may
remain fixed with the teeth or can be changed as needed.
[0171] Referring to FIG. 50A and FIG. 50B, a teeth attachment
mechanism 5000 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. The
teeth mechanism 5000 may act as a stabilizing attachment or a
retainer, and may include one or more first members 5002, each
adapted to attach with a single tooth. The first member 5002 may
include a cylindrical tubular female shape, and may include a
groove 5004 extending longitudinally for receiving a portion of a
second member 5006 of the teeth attachment mechanism 5000. As
illustrated, the second member 5006 is adapted to extend across an
entire width of all the teeth that are combined together as a
single unit. The second member 5006, as shown, may be in shape of a
wavy wire and can be made of polymers composites, steel, titanium
alloy, or niti alloy, using 3d printing additive or subtractive
technologies or any other manufacturing technology known in the
art. In this manner, the second member 5006 facilitates an easy
flossing of the teeth. Further, for accurately positioning the
first member 5002 on to a respective tooth, a jig 5008 (best shown
in FIG. 50B) may be utilized. The first members 5002 may be
attached to the tooth by using various means known in the art such
as bonding.
[0172] Referring to FIG. 51A and FIG. 51B, a teeth attachment
mechanism 5100 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. The
teeth attachment mechanism 5100 may include one or more first
members 5102 in a shape of an arc, each adapted to each of the
teeth. The first members 5102 are adapted to attach with the second
female members 5104 of the teeth attachment mechanism 5100. As
illustrated, the second member 5104 is adapted to extend across an
entire width of all the teeth that are combined together as a
single unit. The second member 5104 (best shown in FIG. 51B) may
include an arch shaped elongated member 5106 and two hollow female
hemispherical members 5108 attached at ends of the elongated member
5106. The hollow hemispherical members 5108 are adapted to receive
and attach with the first members 5102. Further, for accurately
positioning the first member 5102 on to a respective tooth, a jig
(not shown) may be utilized. The first members 5102 may be attached
to the tooth by using various means known in the art.
[0173] Referring to FIG. 52A and FIG. 52B, a retainer assembly 5200
for fixed removeable attachment of a bracket 5206 to a tooth is
disclosed. The bracket 5206 is configured to receive tubular
members or wire for facilitating alignment or movement of various
teeth. As shown, the retainer assembly 5200 may include a retainer
member 5202 having a U-shaped groove 5204 for receiving a portion
of the bracket 5206. The bracket 5206 may form a snap-fit
connection with the retainer member 5202. In another embodiment,
the bracket 5206 may be secured by using a post attached with the
bracket. The post may be inserted into a hole and a stop is crimped
to prevent the dislodgment of the bracket 5206. In an embodiment,
the bracket 5206 may include a locking mechanism to lock the
bracket 5206 with the retainer 5202 to prevent a disconnection or
relative movement between the bracket 5206 and the retainer 5202.
Further, the retainer assembly 5200 may include a jig 508 for
positioning the retainer 5202 at a desired location on the
tooth.
[0174] Referring to FIG. 53, another mechanism of positioning a
plurality of brackets 5300 on the teeth is shown. The mechanism
includes a removable tray 5302 having the plurality of brackets
5300 made of the same material as a jig 5304 in the shape of J
shaped. Once the bracket 5300 is positioned in place and bonded the
jig 5304 is cut off from the bracket 5300 or snapped off. Referring
to FIGS. 54A and 54B, a bracket 5400 is shown. The bracket 5400 may
include a plurality of slots 5402, 5404 for receiving wire or
tubular member for facilitating alignment of teeth. Also, the
bracket 5400 may include locking elements to facilitate a locking
of the bracket 5400 with a retainer that retains the bracket 5400
with a tooth. Also, a shape and size of any of the feature of the
bracket 5400 can be customized. In an embodiment, the bracket 5400
may be manufactured using additive manufacturing technique, such as
three-dimensional printing Further, in an embodiment, the bracket
5400 may include a slot that can be hardened by depositing
different materials by electroplating or any other technique well
known in the art. Also, a shape and size of any of the feature of
the bracket 5400 can be customized such as hooks or number of slots
or tubes, etc.
[0175] Referring to FIG. 54C and FIG. 54D, a front view and a side
view of the bracket 5400 with a cap 5410 are shown. The cap 5410 is
adapted to cover a front on the bracket 5400 and may include
various designs such as, photographs, prints, gemstones, coating,
etc. to make the bracket aesthetically appealing. The photographs
may be etched or printed on the cap 5410 of the bracket 5400. In an
embodiment, the cap 5410 may be omitted. In such a case, various
designs are may be applied directly on the bracket 5400 and thereby
a decorative bracket is provided.
[0176] Referring to FIGS. 55 and 56, a veneer 5500 is shown. The
veneer 5500 is adapted to be positioned on a lingual or buccal side
of the jaw and adapted to act as mask to make an appearance of the
jaw more aesthetic. As shown in FIG. 55, the veneer 5500 may
include a shape according to the teeth which needs to be masked.
FIG. 56 depict the veneer 5500 positioned on the front side of the
teeth so that the tooth 5502 can be hidden. In an embodiment, the
veneer 50 may be integrally formed into the removable tray or
aligner, and mask the underlying malocclusion being treated. A
color of the veneer 5500 may be selected to match the color of the
teeth. Also, the veneer 5500 can be made as singular shells that
can be bonded on the visible surfaces of the tray on the inside or
outside wall using a masking tape.
[0177] Further, although the elongated members may be a shaft
member or a tubular member, may include any cross-sectional shape
known in the art. For example, the elongated members may include a
circular shape, a square shape, a polygon shape, D-shape, etc.
Further, the elongated members and elongated receptacles may
include a tube in tube or shaft in tube kind of configuration.
Therefore, each of the elongated member and elongated receptacle
may be of telescopic configuration. Further, the wires may be a
solid wire or a tubular wire, and may also include any shape, such
as, but not limited to, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, a
polygon shape, a D shape, or any other configuration. Further, the
wire may include a tube in tube configuration or shaft in a tube
configuration.
[0178] Further, one or more orthodontic appliances, discussed
above, may include one or more pontics for aesthetically hiding a
space between teeth. The pontics can be integrated with the
removable tray or attached with the telescopic assemblies. Further,
various components of the orthodontic appliances can be prepared by
various additive manufacturing techniques, for example,
three-dimensional printing. Further, the orthodontic appliances are
used at various stages of treatment for treating the teeth of
patient to correct the positioning and alignment of teeth.
* * * * *