MXPA98003423A - Ortodon hook assembly and assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an orthodontic tool, containing: a plurality of braces, a wire arch connected to the plurality of braces, and a hook for receiving the elastic member, the hook being movable from a first position where the hook extends in the labial or buccal direction when the elastic member is not positioned on the hook to a second position where the hook extends in the direction of the bite or incisal when the elastic member is positioned on the hook.

Description

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an orthodontic assembly and, in particular, to hooks for securing elastic members to orthodontic braces. Orthodontic concealers are well known.

Typically, the correctors include one or more brackets secured to the patient's tooth. Brackets can be secured in different ways. One way to secure the brackets is to adhere them to the surface of the tooth with a suitable adhesive; Alternatively, the brackets can be secured to the teeth by adding them to a series of bands that surround the individual tooth. Once the brackets are secured to the tooth, generally what is known as a 'wire arch' is installed between the brackets. The wire arch can extend through slots in some or all of the brackets and be anchored at each end to one of the patient's molars. Next, the elastic members in the form of elastic rubber bands are used to apply additional tension to the correctors, which in turn transmit the tension to the tooth. Typically, a pair of hooks is provided to secure the elastic members to the correctors. A hook is generally located in the lower set of correctors and another in the upper set of correctors. The elastic members are secured around a hook and then fitted and secured around the second hook so as to extend from the upper set of correctors to the lower set of correctors. The elastics are usually placed by the patient and are periodically changed. For example, elastics are usually removed when the patient brushes their teeth and new ones are placed. Sometimes, the elastics will break or disengage from the correctors and fall off. In these cases, new elastics are again placed by the patient. Orthodontists have found that patients do not always replace their elastics once they have been removed for any given reason. For example, it is not unusual for young corrective wearers, such as teenagers, to fail to place their elastics. Thus, the treatment of patients may be prolonged because the appropriate tension is not being applied to the correctors in the absence of the elastics. The present invention provides orthodontic hook assemblies that position the hooks so that they contact the inside of the patient's mouth and cause discomfort when the elastics are not put on the hooks. When the elastics are placed, the hocks move to positions in which they do not make contact with the inside of the patient's mouth. These and other features of the present invention are achieved by an orthodontic application having a plurality of brackets, a wire arch connected to the brackets and hooks to receive an elastic member. One or more of the hooks are removable from a first position when the elastic member is not positioned around the hook to a second position when the elastic member is positioned around the hook. The hook extends in the labial direction when the elastic member is not positioned around the hook and in the incisal direction when the elastic member is positioned around the hook. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the orthodontic device further includes a pivotable fastener around the wire arch, a tube connected to the fastener and the hook, and a second wire connected to the tube and to at least one of the brackets. The second wire may have a shape memory wire. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the orthodontic device includes a pivotable fastener around the wire arch, a tube connected to the fastener and a second wire extending inside the tube. The tube and second wire are joined to form the hook. In another embodiment of the present invention, an orthodontic application also includes two magnets. The first is secured to the wire arch. The wire arch extends through the first magnet and the first magnet is pivotable around the wire arch. According to another embodiment of the invention, an orthodontic device includes a plurality of brackets, a wire arch being understood as between the bra-quets, a fastener secured to the wire arch, a hook and a wire having a first end secured to the bracket. bra and a second end secured to the hook. The hook is movable in response to a force applied by an elastic member of a first position in which the hook extends in the labial direction to a second position in which the hook extends in the incisal direction. In one embodiment, the wire extends in the labial direction. In another embodiment, the wire extends in the distal and mesial direction. According to yet another embodiment of the invention, an orthodontic device includes a plurality of brackets, a wire arch secured to the brackets, a hook and a wire segment. The wire segment is connected to the brackets and the hook. The hook is movable in response to a force applied by an elastic member of a first position in which the hook extends in the labial direction to a second position in which the hook extends in the inci-sal direction. One of the brackets includes a slot and the wire segment extends into the slot. According to still another embodiment of the present invention, an orthodontic device includes a plurality of brackets and at least one tube. A wire arch extends between the brackets and the tube. A gancho is pivotally connected to the tube. The hook is secured to the tube by a hinge and is loaded by a spring. Alternatively, the hook can be held in place magnetically. Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of an orthodontic hook assembly in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an orthodontic device according to the present invention using the hook assembly of Fig. 1, without an elastic member secured thereto.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the orthodontic device shown in Figure 2 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly. Figure 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an orthodontic hook assembly according to the present invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view of an orthodontic device embodiment according to the present invention using the assembly of Figure 4, without an elastic member secured thereto. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the orthodontic device shown in Figure 5 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly. Figure 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an orthodontic hook assembly according to the present invention. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the present invention using the hook assembly of Figure 7, without an elastic member secured thereto. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the orthodontic device shown in Figure 8 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly. Figure 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an orthodontic device according to the present invention, without an elastic member secured thereto. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the orthodontic device shown in Figure 10 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly. Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an orthodontic device according to the present invention, without an elastic member secured thereto. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the orthodontic device shown in Figure 12 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly. Figures 14a-14d illustrate another embodiment of an orthodontic hook assembly according to the present invention. Figure 15 is a perspective view of an orthodontic article according to the present invention using the hook assembly of Figures 14a-14d, without an elastic member secured thereto. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the orthodontic device shown in Figure 15 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly. Figure 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an orthodontic device according to the present invention, without an elastic member secured thereto.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the orthodontic device shown in Figure 17 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly. Figure 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an orthodontic device according to the present invention, without an elastic member secured thereto. Figure 20 is a perspective view of the orthodontic device shown in Figure 19 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly. Figure 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an orthodontic device according to the present invention, without an elastic member secured thereto. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the orthodontic device shown in Figure 21 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an orthodontic hook assembly according to the present invention. The assembly 10 generally includes a fastener 20, the tube 30 and the hook 40. In the embodiment shown, the fastener 20 is a generally "c" shaped member having an outer surface 21, an inner surface 22, a first end 23 and a second end 24. A groove 25 is cut through the outer surface 21 and the inner surface 22. A bore 26 extends through the fastener 20. Note, however, that the fastener 20 has no than having the form shown in figure 1. Neither need to include a slot. The fastener 20 can have various configurations that allow the fastener to be secured to the archwire in either a fixed or pivotable manner, as desired and described below. Various alternative designs of fasteners are described below and illustrated in other figures. The tube 30 includes an outer surface 31, an inner surface 32, a first end 33 and a second end 34. A bore 35 extends through the tube 30. The outer surface 31 of the tube 30 is attached to the outer surface 21 of the 20 fastener by welding, however other methods can be used. The hook 40 includes a first segment 41 extending radially outward from the outer surface 31 of the tube 30 and a second segment 42 disposed at an angle generally straight to the first segment 41. The second segment 42 extends in generally the same direction as the shafts of the holes 26 and 35 and ending at a free end 43. The hook 40 is secured to the outer surface 31 of the tube 30 by welding or other means. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an orthodontic device according to the present invention using the hook assembly of Fig. 1. The hook assembly 10 is shown secured to a patient corrector. The correctors typically include a plurality of brackets 100 secured to the teeth 101 with a wire arch 102 being understood between the brackets 100. The wire arch 102 also extends through the holes 26 of the fastener 20. The fastener 20 is then curly so that the slot closes. This prevents the fastener 20 from disengaging from the wire arch 102. Note, however, that the fastener 20 may not be crimped and thus be fixed in a stationary position in the wire arch 102. Rather, the fastener 20 it should be free to rotate around the wire arch 102. A second wire segment 50 is connected to some of the brackets 100. The wire segment 50 is preferably made of a shape memory wire made from a titanium alloy. Nickel or other resilient wire. One end of the wire 50 extends into the bore 35 of the tube 30. The tube 30 is then crimped so as to secure it by joining it to the wire segment 50 and does not rotate around the wire segment 50. The wire segment 50 is formed and installed so as to hold the hook 40 in the position shown, which is extending in the labial direction, when no elastic member is secured to the hook 40. When an elastic member 60 is secured around the hook 40 and the stationary hook 104 secured to the lower wire arch 103, as shown in Figure 3, or, alternatively to a stationary hook in a molar tube, the force applied by the elastic member 60 results in the fastener pivoting about the wire arch 102 of way that this hook 40 extends downward in the incisal direction. When the elastic member 60 is removed, the wire segment 50 returns to its original position, then causing the fastener 20 to pivot around the wire arch 102 and return the hook to its original position extending in the labial direction. In this option, if the patient does not use their elastics, the hook 40 protrudes in the labial direction and pushes the inside of the patient's mouth. This causes discomfort and encourages the patient to place the elastics so that the hook pivots to the incisal direction and does not further irritate the inside of the mouth. Figure 4 shows another embodiment of an orthodontic hook assembly according to the present invention. The assembly 200 generally includes a fastener 220, a wire 230 and a hook 240. In the embodiment shown, the fastener 220 has an outer surface 221, an inner surface 222, a first end 223 and a second end 224. The fastener 220 has generally the shape of an X? c "and includes a slot 225 cut through the outer surface 221 and the inner surface 222. A bore 226 extends through the fastener 220. Again, the fastener can have any of several configurations. For example, slot 225 can be eliminated. The wire 230 is a resilient wire, preferably made of a nickel-titanium alloy with shape memory. The wire includes a first end 231 and a second end 232. The wire 230 is secured to the outer surface 221 of the fastener 220 by welding or other means. The wire 230 extends in generally the same direction as the axis of the holes 226. The hook 240 includes a first segment 241 generally coaxial with the wire 230 and secured to a second end 232 thereof. A second hook segment 242 extends from the first segment 241 at a generally straight angle. The third element 243 of the hook 240 extends from the opposite end of a second segment 242 at a generally straight angle, generally parallel to the wire 230, and ends at a free end 244. Figure 5 shows the hook assembly of the figure 4 is secured to the orthodontic braces without an elastic member placed on the hook 240. In this embodiment, the bra 220 is crimped around the wire arch 102 so that it can not rotate with respect to the wire arch 102. position, the hook 240 extends outwardly in the labial direction. When an elastic member 60 is attached to the hook 240 (FIG. 6), the resulting force bends the wire 230 downwardly so that the hook 240 extends in the incisal direction. When the elastic member 60 is removed, the wire 230 snaps back to its original position and the hook 240 extends once more in the labial direction. Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a hook assembly according to the present invention. The hook assembly 300 generally includes a fastener 320, wire 330 and hook 340. In the embodiment shown, the fastener 320 has an outer surface 321, an inner surface 322, a first end 323 and a second end 324. The fastener 320 is generally in the shape of a "c" and includes a slot 325 cut through the outer surface 321 and the inner surface 322. A bore 326 extends through the fastener 320. The wire 330 is a resilient wire, preferably made of a nickel-titanium alloy with shape memory Wire 330 includes a first end 331 and a second end 332. The wire 330 is secured to the outer surface 321 of the fastener 320 by welding or other means. 330 extends generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the bore 326. The hook 340 includes a first segment 341 generally coaxial with the wire 330 and secured to a second end 332 thereof. The hook segment 342 extends from the first segment 341 at a generally straight angle and ends at a free end 343. Figure 8 shows the hook assembly of Figure 7 secured to the orthodontic braces without an elastic member placed on the hook 340. In this embodiment, the fastener 320 is crimped around the wire arch 102 so that it can not rotate with respect to the wire arch 102. In this position, the hook 340 extends outwardly in the labial direction . When an elastic member 60 is attached to the hook 340 (FIG. 9), the resultant force bends the wire 330 downwardly so that the hook 240 extends in the incisal direction. When the elastic member 60 is removed, the wire 330 snaps back to its original position and the hook 340 extends once more in the labial direction. Figure 10 shows still another embodiment of a hook assembly according to the present invention.

In this embodiment the hook assembly 400 generally includes a wire 410 and hook 420. The wire 410 includes a first segment 411 having a free end 412 and a second end terminating in a second segment 413 disposed at a generally straight angle to a first segment 411. The second segment 413 ends at a second end 414. The wire 410 is preferably made of a resilient material or a nickel-titanium alloy with shape memory. The hook 420 includes a first segment 421 extending in a generally coaxial fashion with a second segment 413 of wire 410 and a second segment 422 extending at a generally straight angle to a first segment 421. The second segment 422 terminates at a free end 423. In use, the first end 412 of the first segment 411 is inserted through a slot 501 in a bracket 500 and secured therein. In this manner, the hook 420 extends in the labial direction and contacts the inside of the patient's mouth when an elastic member is not placed on the hook 420. When an elastic member 60 is installed (Figure 11), the wire 410 it is bent as shown and the hook 420 extends in the incisal direction so as not to irritate the inside of the patient's mouth. Once again, when the elastic member 60 is removed, the wire 410 returns to its original mating position that the hook 420 extends in the labial direction. Figure 12 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a second wire 600 is positioned on the wire arch 102 and secured to the brackets 100 by a ligature strip. Each end of a second wire 600 terminates in a hook 610. The hook 610 includes a first segment 611 that extends generally perpendicular to the end 601 of the flange -bre 600. The hook 610 further includes a second segment 612 disposed generally perpendicular to the first segment 611. The second segment 612 ends at a free end 613. As can be seen in figure 13, when the elastic member 60 is located around the hook 610 and the stationary hook 104, the hook 610 is bent downwards in the incisal direction. In this way, as with the other embodiments, the 610 hook does not poke the inside of the patient's mouth while the elastics are in place. Figures 14a-14d illustrate another embodiment of an orthodontic hook assembly according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a shape memory wire 700 that insert into a tube 701. The tube 701 is then crimped as shown at 702 to secure the tube 701 to the wire 700. The wire 700 and the tube 701 are then bent into the shape of a hook as shown in figure 14c. The tube 701 is then secured to a fastener 703 as shown in Figure 14d. To inset the hook assembly shown in Figures 14a-14d, the fastener 703 is located around the wire arch 102 thereby achieving that it is free to rotate as described above in conjunction with the embodiment of Figure 1. The wire extends between the brackets of the correctors. In this manner, the hook assembly will pivot between a position in which it pokes the inside of the mouth (figure 15) to another in which it does not (figure 16) depending on whether the patient is wearing his elastics or not. Figures 17 and 18 show still another embodiment of an orthodontic hook assembly according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a magnet 800 is positioned in the wire arch 102 and is free to rotate around it. A hook 802 extends from the magnet 800. A second magnet 801 is positioned in the wire arch 102 adjacent the first magnet 800 and is fixed so that it can not rotate. The magnets are aligned so that the north pole of one magnet is adjacent to the south pole of the other magnet. In this way, the magnetic force of attraction between the magnets 800 and 801 keep the hook 802 in the position marked e? Fig. 17. When the elastic member 60 is applied to the hook 802 (Fig. 18), the force of the elastic member exceeds the magnetic force and causes the magnet 800 to rotate as shown so that the hook 802 does not further irritate the interior of the patient's mouth. When the elastic member 60 is removed, the magnetic force returns to the hook 802 to the position shown in Figure 17. Figures 19 and 20 show still another fashion of the present invention. In this embodiment, the wire arch 103 passes through the tubes of the morales 900 to a base 901. The base 901 is secured to the teeth 101. The hook 902 extends in the gingival direction from the tube 900. hook 902 is pivotally secured to tube 900 in the same manner as by a hook 903. Hook 902 is spring loaded so that it extends as shown in figure 19 when elastic member 60 is not secured to hook 902. Alternatively, the hook 902 can be held in the position shown by means of magnetic force. When the elastic member 60 is applied to the hook 902 (FIG. 20), the hook 902 pivots as shown so as not to irritate the interior of the patent mouth. In this embodiment, the opposite end of the elastic member 60 is secured on a stationary hook positioned on the upper molars.

Figures 21 and 22 show an occlusal view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the wire arch 103 extends through the molar tube 1000 secured to the base 1001. The base 1001 is secured to the teeth 100 so that this hook 1002 extends in the labial direction. The hook 1002 is loaded by a spring and is pivotally secured to the tube 1000 by a hinge 1003. Without an elastic on the hook 1002, the hook digs into the interior of the patient's mouth. When the elastic member 60 is secured to the hook 1002, it pivots as shown in Figure 22. Although the invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that said description has been provided for the purpose of illustration and for example only and must be taken by way of limitation. Numerous changes can be made to the modalities shown without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the fasteners, hooks and other components illustrated may be of different shapes from those shown. Also, more than one movable hook assembly can be employed. For example, two such assemblies, one on each side of the patient's mouth, can be used. Consequently, the spirit and scope of the invention will be limited only by the terms of the attached clauses.

Claims (31)

1. CLAIMS 1. An orthodontic device, comprising: a plurality of brackets; a wire arch connected to the plurality of brackets; a hook for receiving an elastic member, the hook being movable from a first position when the elastic member is not positioned around the hook at a second position when the elastic member is positioned around the hook.
2. 2. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pivotable fastener around the wire arch, a tube connected to the fastener and the hook, and a second wire connected to the tube.
3. 3. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hook extends in the labial direction or buccal direction when the elastic member is not positioned around the hook.
4. 4. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hook extends in the incisal direction when the elastic member is positioned around the hook.
5. 5. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second wire secured to the hook.
6. 6. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second wire is a shape memory wire.
7. 7. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a tube connected to the hook and wherein the second wire extends into the tube.
8. 8. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second wire is connected to the tube.
9. 9. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second wire is connected to at least one of the brackets.
10. 10. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a fastener connected to the hook and wherein the wire arch extends within the fastener.
11. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the holder is pivotable around the archwire.
12. 12. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second wire is resilient.
13. 13. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pivotable holder around the wire arch, a tube connected to the holder and a second wire extending into the tube.
14. 14. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the tube and second wire are bent to form the hook.
15. 15. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first magnet secured to the hook and a second magnet secured to the wire arch.
16. 16. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the wire arch extends through the first magnet.
17. 17. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first magnet is pivotable around the archwire.
18. 18. An orthodontic device, comprising: a plurality of brackets; a wire arch extending between the brackets; a fastener secured to the wire arch; a hook; and a wire segment having a first end secured to the fastener and a second end secured to the hook, wherein the hook is movable in response to a force applied by an elastic member from a first position in which the hook extends into the labial direction to a second position in which the hook extends in the incisal direction.
19. 19. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the wire segment extends in the labial direction.
20. 20. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the wire extends in the distal and mesial directions.
21. 21. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 18, where the wire segment is resilient.
22. 22. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the fastener comprises a generally "c" -shaped member
23. 23. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the fastener is curled around the wire arch
24. 24. An orthodontic device, comprising: a plurality of brackets; a wire arch secured to the brackets; a hook; a segment of wire connected to one of the brackets and the hook; and wherein the hook is movable in response to a force applied by an elastic member from a first position in which the hook extends in the labial direction to a second position in which the hook extends in the incisal direction.
25. 25. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 24, further comprising a slot in one of the brackets and wherein the wire segment extends into the slot.
26. 26. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the wire segment includes a first position extending in the gingival-incisal direction.
27. 27. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the wire segment is resilient.
28. 28. An orthodontic device, comprising: a plurality of brackets; at least one tube; a wire arch extending through the brackets and the tube; and a hook pivotally connected to the tube.
29. 29. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the hook is secured to the tube by a hinge.
30. 30. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the hook is spring loaded.
31. 31. The orthodontic device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the hook is held in position by a magnet when there is no elastic member applied to the hook. SUMMARY An orthodontic device that includes brackets, a wire arch and a hook to receive an elastic member. The hook is movable from a first position when the elastic is not in place around the hook to a second position when the elastic member is positioned around the hook. In one embodiment, the orthodontic device includes a pivotable fastener around the wire arch, a tube connected to the fastener and the hook, and a second wire connected to the tube and to at least one of the brackets. In another embodiment, the magnets are secured to the wire arch. One of the magnets can pivot around the wire arch and includes a hook attached thereto. In another embodiment, an orthodontic device includes brackets, a wire arch, a fastener secured to the wire arch, a hook and a wire. The wire is secured to the fastener and the hook. The hook is movable in response to a force applied by an elastic member. In another embodiment, an orthodontic device includes brackets, a wire arch, a hook and a wire segment. The wire segment is connected to one of the brackets and the hook. The hook is movable in response to a force applied by an elastic member. One of the brackets includes a slot and the segmented wire extends into the slot. In another embodiment, an orthodontic device includes brackets, a tube and a wire arch extending through brackets and tubing. A hook loaded in spring is connected to the fastener by a hinge.