US20070099145A1 - Colored orthodontic brackets having removable ligation cover - Google Patents
Colored orthodontic brackets having removable ligation cover Download PDFInfo
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- US20070099145A1 US20070099145A1 US11/613,767 US61376706A US2007099145A1 US 20070099145 A1 US20070099145 A1 US 20070099145A1 US 61376706 A US61376706 A US 61376706A US 2007099145 A1 US2007099145 A1 US 2007099145A1
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- Prior art keywords
- bracket base
- ligation cover
- bracket
- arch wire
- orthodontic
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C7/00—Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
- A61C7/12—Brackets; Arch wires; Combinations thereof; Accessories therefor
- A61C7/14—Brackets; Fixing brackets to teeth
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C7/00—Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
- A61C7/12—Brackets; Arch wires; Combinations thereof; Accessories therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C7/00—Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
- A61C7/12—Brackets; Arch wires; Combinations thereof; Accessories therefor
- A61C7/28—Securing arch wire to bracket
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C19/00—Dental auxiliary appliances
- A61C19/10—Supports for artificial teeth for transport or for comparison of the colour
Definitions
- the present invention relates to orthodontic brackets, more particularly to self-ligating orthodontic brackets that include a base, at least one slot for receiving an arch wire, and a ligating cover.
- Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that involves the application of mechanical forces to urge poorly positioned, or crooked, teeth into correct alignment and orientation. Orthodontic procedures can be used for cosmetic enhancement of teeth, as well as medically necessary movement of teeth to correct underbites or overbites. For example, orthodontic treatment can improve the patient's occlusion, or enhanced spatial matching of corresponding teeth.
- Orthodontic brackets are small slotted bodies configured for direct attachment to the patient's teeth or, alternatively, for attachment to bands which are, in turn, cemented or otherwise secured around the teeth.
- a curved arch wire is inserted into the slot of each bracket.
- the arch wire acts as a template or track to guide movement of the teeth into proper alignment. End sections of the arch wire are typically captured within tiny appliances known as “buccal tubes” affixed to the patient's molars.
- brackets of the first class small ligature wires are typically used to hold the arch wire in a securely seated position in the brackets.
- Ligatures or some other form of fastening means are essential to ensure that the tensioned arch wire is properly positioned around the dental arch, and to prevent the wire from being dislodged from the bracket slots during chewing of food, brushing of teeth, or application of other forces.
- One type of commercially available ligature is a small, elastomeric O-ring, which is installed by stretching the O-ring around small wings known as “tie wings” that are connected to the bracket body.
- Metal ligatures are also used to retain arch wires within the bracket slots.
- self-ligating bracket refers to a class of orthodontic brackets that include some sort of cover, whether separate from or hingedly or slidably attached to the base, which encloses or otherwise retains the arch wire within the slot of the base.
- the present invention is directed to an orthodontic bracket that includes coloring means for coloring the bracket to create a desired aesthetic appearance.
- the orthodontic bracket includes a bracket base, an arch wire slot formed in the bracket base, a ligation cover connected to the bracket base and selectively movable relative to the bracket base between an open, non-ligating position relative to the arch wire slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the arch wire slot, and coloring means for coloring at least a portion of the bracket base and/or the ligation cover.
- the coloring means for coloring comprises a colored dye or pigment impregnating the thermoplastic resin from which the bracket base and/or ligation cover are formed.
- the coloring means for coloring comprises a curable resin containing a colored dye or pigment that has been applied and cured over at least a portion of the bracket base and/or ligation cover.
- the orthodontic bracket may be formed by injection molding the thermoplastic resin material from which it is formed.
- the bracket base and ligation cover may be integrally formed together as a single piece.
- the cover may be completely separate and removable from the bracket base.
- suitable thermoplastic resins include, but are not limited to, polyamides (e.g., nylon), acetal polymers, polyetherimides, polycarbonates, polyarylether ketones, polysulfones, and polyphenylsulfones.
- any colored dye or pigment that is compatible with the bracket material may be used as coloring means for coloring, whether the colored dye or pigment is impregnated into the bracket forming resin material or included in a curable resin that is applied to the bracket base and/or cover and subsequently light or chemical cured.
- the colored dye or pigment may comprise food coloring.
- the curable resin may be applied during manufacture of the orthodontic bracket or clinically by the orthodontist.
- the curable resin is applied during manufacturing by spin coating, as known in the art.
- the curable resin is applied clinically by brush coating.
- One embodiment of the orthodontic bracket includes an elongate film hinge and a hinge guide structure.
- the elongate film hinge is attached at one end to the bracket base and at an opposite end to the ligation cover so as to hingedly connect the ligation cover to the bracket base.
- the hinge guide structure may be disposed on the ligation cover or bracket base, and provides a curved surface around which the elongate film hinge bends when the ligation cover is rotated relative to the bracket base. The curved surface causes the elongate film hinge to bend over a significant portion of its entire length.
- Including an elongate film hinge and hinge guide structure is advantageous as it results in an especially strong and durable orthodontic bracket.
- the combination of the elongate film hinge and the hinge guide structure allows the forces associated with opening and closing the bracket to be distributed along a significant length of the elongate film hinge, rather than concentrating the forces at a point or line where bending occurs.
- the curved surface of the hinge guide structure forms a part of a cam structure that is attached to an inner surface of the ligation cover and that extends toward the bracket base.
- the cam structure also preferably includes a camming surface, distal to the film hinge, which interacts with the bracket base so as to bias the ligation cover toward the open, non-ligating position. This makes it easier for the dental practitioner to insert the arch wire into the arch wire slot.
- the orthodontic bracket preferably includes a latch mechanism that selectively locks and unlocks the ligation cover in the closed, ligating position.
- the latch mechanism may comprise an angled keyway and a locking tongue.
- the angled keyway may be formed within a side of the bracket base distal to the elongate film hinge.
- the locking tongue extends from an end of the cover distal to the elongate film hinge.
- the locking tongue is configured to selectively fit within the angled keyway and lock the ligation cover to the bracket base in the closed, ligating position.
- the orthodontic bracket includes two latch mechanism on opposite sides of the bracket to keep the ligation cover securely locked to the bracket base.
- FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an exemplary self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the present invention
- FIGS. 1C-1D illustrate an alternative self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the invention
- FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate another alternative self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the invention
- FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate another alternative self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the invention
- FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate yet another alternative self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the invention
- FIG. 5A illustrates application of a curable resin containing a colored dye or pigment over at least a portion of the ligation covers of several orthodontic brackets by brushing;
- FIG. 5B illustrates light curing of the curable resin applied in FIG. 5A ;
- the elongate film hinge 118 of this embodiment is designed to bend along substantially its entire length rather than at a single point or line. This helps the hinge resist fatigue or fracture better than film hinges that bend along a single line.
- An angled keyway 126 is provided near one end of the base 110 .
- the cover 112 contains a corresponding locking tongue 128 that enables the ligation cover 112 to be selectively locked or unlocked relative to the bracket base 110 .
- the ligation cover 112 is locked to bracket base 110 (as seen in FIG. 1B ) by closing the cover 112 so that the locking tongue 128 is inserted into angled keyway 126 .
- the locking tongue 128 is instead pulled more deeply into the angled keyway 126 , thereby tightening the locking mechanism. This provides added safety. To open the cover, the locking tongue 128 is pulled out of angled keyway 126 and over an outer protrusion 129 of the bracket base 110 .
- a bearing protrusion 130 is provided at the inside and middle of the cover 112 to assist in fixing the arch wire 116 in the slot 114 while the cover 112 is in the closed state ( FIG. 1B ).
- the bearing protrusion 130 reduces the play in the system by effectively widening the ligation cover 112 in the vicinity of the arch wire slot 114 .
- FIGS. 1C and 1D depict an alternative embodiment of an orthodontic bracket 150 that may include coloring means for coloring at least a portion of the bracket base 152 and/or ligation cover 154 .
- Orthodontic bracket 150 does not include a cam structure. Instead, the orthodontic bracket 150 depicted in FIGS. 1C and 1D includes a bracket base 152 and a ligation cover 154 attached to the bracket base 152 by means of an elongate film hinge 156 .
- the bracket base 152 further includes a curved end 158 that acts as a hinge guide in order to cause the elongate film hinge 156 to bend gradually over a significant portion of its entire length.
- the curved end 158 of the bracket base 152 acts in similar manner to the curved hinge-guiding surface 122 of the cam structure 120 of the orthodontic bracket 100 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B .
- the elongate film hinge 156 at least partially abuts the curved end 158 .
- the abutment between the elongate film hinge 156 and the curved end 158 causes the elongate film hinge 156 to bend gradually around the curved end 158 so as to better distribute the bending forces and bending angles along substantially the entire length of the elongate film hinge 156 .
- FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate another alternative bracket embodiment that may include coloring means for coloring at least a portion of the bracket base 210 and/or ligation cover 212 .
- Bracket 200 is similar to the bracket illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B in that it includes a bracket base 210 , a ligation cover 212 , a slot 214 , an arch wire 216 (seen in FIG. 2B ), an angled keyway 226 , a locking tongue 228 , and a bearing protrusion 230 . This example differs from the bracket illustrated in FIGS.
- Bracket 200 may further include additional arch wire slots 232 and 234 for use with additional or alternative arch wires as known in the art.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another alternative bracket embodiment that may include coloring means for coloring at least a portion of the bracket base 310 and/or ligation cover 312 .
- Bracket 300 includes a bracket base 310 , a ligation cover 312 , a slot 314 , an arch wire 316 (seen in FIG. 3B ), a main film hinge 318 , an angled keyway 326 , a locking tongue 328 , a bearing protrusion 330 , and an additional arch wire slot 332 .
- This example differs from that illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B in that it further has a spring element 320 attached at one end of the bracket base 310 by a film hinge 322 and at an opposite end to the ligation cover 312 by a film hinge 324 .
- the coloring means for coloring may comprise a colored dye or pigment impregnating the thermoplastic resin from which the bracket base and/or ligation cover are formed.
- the coloring means for coloring may comprise a curable resin containing a colored dye or pigment that has been applied and cured over at least a portion of the bracket base and/or ligation cover.
- any colored dye or pigment that is compatible with the bracket material may be used as coloring means for coloring, whether the colored dye or pigment is impregnated into the bracket forming resin material or included in a curable resin that is applied to the bracket base and/or cover and subsequently light or chemical cured.
- the colored dye or pigment may comprise any of the various food colorings known in the art.
- the curable resin may be applied during manufacture of the orthodontic bracket or clinically, by the orthodontist.
- the curable resin is applied during manufacturing by spin coating, as will be known to those skilled in the art.
- the curable resin is applied clinically by brush coating, as illustrated in FIG. 5A .
- a brush 510 or other applicator is used to apply a curable resin 505 that includes a colored dye or pigment.
- any curable resin may be used, Ormocere, made by Fraunhofer in Wurzburg, Germany, is an example of a suitable curable resin that can be combined with a colored dye or pigment (e.g., food coloring) and then light cured with a light emitting device 515 as illustrated in FIG. 5B .
- a chemically curable resin may be used.
- FIG. 6 illustrates the orthodontic brackets 100 as bonded to the teeth 520 of a patient.
- small decorations e.g., decorative jewelry, pictures, or designs
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Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2005/009467, filed Sep. 2, 2005, which corresponds and claims priority under the Paris Convention to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/932,634, filed Sep. 2, 2004. The foregoing applications are incorporated herein in their entirety.
- 1. The Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to orthodontic brackets, more particularly to self-ligating orthodontic brackets that include a base, at least one slot for receiving an arch wire, and a ligating cover.
- 2. The Relevant Technology
- Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that involves the application of mechanical forces to urge poorly positioned, or crooked, teeth into correct alignment and orientation. Orthodontic procedures can be used for cosmetic enhancement of teeth, as well as medically necessary movement of teeth to correct underbites or overbites. For example, orthodontic treatment can improve the patient's occlusion, or enhanced spatial matching of corresponding teeth.
- The most common form of orthodontic treatment involves the use of orthodontic brackets and wires, which together are commonly referred to as “braces.” Orthodontic brackets, more particularly the orthodontic bases, are small slotted bodies configured for direct attachment to the patient's teeth or, alternatively, for attachment to bands which are, in turn, cemented or otherwise secured around the teeth. Once the brackets are affixed to the patient's teeth, such as by means of glue or cement, a curved arch wire is inserted into the slot of each bracket. The arch wire acts as a template or track to guide movement of the teeth into proper alignment. End sections of the arch wire are typically captured within tiny appliances known as “buccal tubes” affixed to the patient's molars.
- There are two distinct classes of orthodontic brackets: those that require the use of ligatures to fasten the arch wire to the bracket, and those that are self-ligating. In brackets of the first class, small ligature wires are typically used to hold the arch wire in a securely seated position in the brackets. Ligatures or some other form of fastening means are essential to ensure that the tensioned arch wire is properly positioned around the dental arch, and to prevent the wire from being dislodged from the bracket slots during chewing of food, brushing of teeth, or application of other forces. One type of commercially available ligature is a small, elastomeric O-ring, which is installed by stretching the O-ring around small wings known as “tie wings” that are connected to the bracket body. Metal ligatures are also used to retain arch wires within the bracket slots.
- In an effort to simplify the process of installing braces, a variety of self-ligating brackets have been developed. The term “self-ligating bracket” refers to a class of orthodontic brackets that include some sort of cover, whether separate from or hingedly or slidably attached to the base, which encloses or otherwise retains the arch wire within the slot of the base.
- Besides the difficulties associated with the general discomfort of orthodontic brackets, many patients dislike the appearance of installed orthodontic brackets. Most existing orthodontic brackets are formed of metal, and result in a rather particular aesthetic appearance, which some patients dislike. It would be an improvement in the art to provide a self-ligating orthodontic bracket that allows the patient some flexibility in creating a desired aesthetic look, while still providing ease of use, inexpensive manufacturing, strength, and durability.
- The present invention is directed to an orthodontic bracket that includes coloring means for coloring the bracket to create a desired aesthetic appearance. The orthodontic bracket includes a bracket base, an arch wire slot formed in the bracket base, a ligation cover connected to the bracket base and selectively movable relative to the bracket base between an open, non-ligating position relative to the arch wire slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the arch wire slot, and coloring means for coloring at least a portion of the bracket base and/or the ligation cover. According to one embodiment, the coloring means for coloring comprises a colored dye or pigment impregnating the thermoplastic resin from which the bracket base and/or ligation cover are formed. According to another embodiment, the coloring means for coloring comprises a curable resin containing a colored dye or pigment that has been applied and cured over at least a portion of the bracket base and/or ligation cover.
- The orthodontic bracket may be formed by injection molding the thermoplastic resin material from which it is formed. In one embodiment, the bracket base and ligation cover may be integrally formed together as a single piece. In another embodiment, the cover may be completely separate and removable from the bracket base. Examples of suitable thermoplastic resins include, but are not limited to, polyamides (e.g., nylon), acetal polymers, polyetherimides, polycarbonates, polyarylether ketones, polysulfones, and polyphenylsulfones.
- Any colored dye or pigment that is compatible with the bracket material may be used as coloring means for coloring, whether the colored dye or pigment is impregnated into the bracket forming resin material or included in a curable resin that is applied to the bracket base and/or cover and subsequently light or chemical cured. According to one embodiment, the colored dye or pigment may comprise food coloring.
- In embodiments where a curable resin containing a colored dye or pigment is applied over at least a portion of the bracket base and/or ligation cover, the curable resin may be applied during manufacture of the orthodontic bracket or clinically by the orthodontist. Although other manufacturing stage application methods may be used, according to one embodiment, the curable resin is applied during manufacturing by spin coating, as known in the art. Although other clinical application methods may be used, according to another embodiment, the curable resin is applied clinically by brush coating.
- One embodiment of the orthodontic bracket includes an elongate film hinge and a hinge guide structure. The elongate film hinge is attached at one end to the bracket base and at an opposite end to the ligation cover so as to hingedly connect the ligation cover to the bracket base. The hinge guide structure may be disposed on the ligation cover or bracket base, and provides a curved surface around which the elongate film hinge bends when the ligation cover is rotated relative to the bracket base. The curved surface causes the elongate film hinge to bend over a significant portion of its entire length.
- Including an elongate film hinge and hinge guide structure is advantageous as it results in an especially strong and durable orthodontic bracket. The combination of the elongate film hinge and the hinge guide structure allows the forces associated with opening and closing the bracket to be distributed along a significant length of the elongate film hinge, rather than concentrating the forces at a point or line where bending occurs.
- According to one embodiment, the curved surface of the hinge guide structure forms a part of a cam structure that is attached to an inner surface of the ligation cover and that extends toward the bracket base. The cam structure also preferably includes a camming surface, distal to the film hinge, which interacts with the bracket base so as to bias the ligation cover toward the open, non-ligating position. This makes it easier for the dental practitioner to insert the arch wire into the arch wire slot.
- The orthodontic bracket preferably includes a latch mechanism that selectively locks and unlocks the ligation cover in the closed, ligating position. The latch mechanism may comprise an angled keyway and a locking tongue. The angled keyway may be formed within a side of the bracket base distal to the elongate film hinge. The locking tongue extends from an end of the cover distal to the elongate film hinge. The locking tongue is configured to selectively fit within the angled keyway and lock the ligation cover to the bracket base in the closed, ligating position. In the case where the ligation cover is separate and removable from the bracket base, the orthodontic bracket includes two latch mechanism on opposite sides of the bracket to keep the ligation cover securely locked to the bracket base.
- These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
- To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by references to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an exemplary self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the present invention; -
FIGS. 1C-1D illustrate an alternative self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the invention; -
FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate another alternative self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the invention; -
FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate another alternative self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the invention; -
FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate yet another alternative self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the invention; -
FIG. 5A illustrates application of a curable resin containing a colored dye or pigment over at least a portion of the ligation covers of several orthodontic brackets by brushing; -
FIG. 5B illustrates light curing of the curable resin applied inFIG. 5A ; and -
FIG. 6 illustrates bonded orthodontic brackets having a light cured colored coating. - I. Introduction
- A detailed description of the invention will now be provided with specific reference to Figures illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated that like structures will be provided with like reference designations.
- II. Exemplary Orthodontic Brackets
- The orthodontic bracket shown in
FIGS. 1A-1B may be manufactured in one single piece as an injection molded plastic part. Theorthodontic bracket 100 has a base 110 to which acover 112 is hingedly attached. Aslot 114 open to the upper side of thebase 110 is provided near the center of saidbase 110 and serves for the insertion of anarch wire 116 therein. An additionalarch wire slot 114 a may also be provided. Thearch wire 116, shown with a square cross-section (any other cross section known in the art could be used), is arranged inside theslot 114 and serves to correct tooth alignment in a known manner. - The
cover 112 is hingedly connected to thebracket base 110 by a singleelongate film hinge 118. Thecover 112 is such that it may be selectively rotated between an open and a closed position relative to thearch wire slot 114. Thecover 112 maintains thearch wire 116 within theslot 114 when the cover is in the closed ligating position. - The
elongate film hinge 118 of this embodiment is designed to bend along substantially its entire length rather than at a single point or line. This helps the hinge resist fatigue or fracture better than film hinges that bend along a single line. - The bracket embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1A and 1B preferably includes aninteractive cam structure 120 with a firstcurved surface 122 and a secondcurved surface 124. The firstcurved surface 122 interacts with theelongate film hinge 118 to provide a curved surface that helps ensure that theelongate film hinge 118 bends gradually over its entire length rather than abruptly at any specific locale. The secondcurved surface 122 is curved in such a way so that it interacts with acorresponding wall 125 of the base 110 so as to bias theligation cover 112 in an open position relative to thebracket base 110 when theligation cover 112 is in the open position. This improves access toarch wire slot 114, making insertion or removal of thearch wire 116 easier. The secondcurved surface 124 may, depending on the shape of thecorresponding wall 125 of thebracket base 110, also act to bias theligation cover 112 to remain in a closed position when in the closed position relative to thebracket base 110. - An
angled keyway 126 is provided near one end of thebase 110. Thecover 112 contains acorresponding locking tongue 128 that enables theligation cover 112 to be selectively locked or unlocked relative to thebracket base 110. Theligation cover 112 is locked to bracket base 110 (as seen inFIG. 1B ) by closing thecover 112 so that the lockingtongue 128 is inserted into angledkeyway 126. - In the event that the
arch wire 116 pushes against thecover 112 with sufficient force to cause the cover to bulge upwardly relative to thebracket base 110, rather than causing thetongue 128 to withdraw from theangled keyway 126, which could result in undesired disengagement of thecover 112, the lockingtongue 128 is instead pulled more deeply into theangled keyway 126, thereby tightening the locking mechanism. This provides added safety. To open the cover, the lockingtongue 128 is pulled out ofangled keyway 126 and over anouter protrusion 129 of thebracket base 110. - Furthermore, a bearing
protrusion 130 is provided at the inside and middle of thecover 112 to assist in fixing thearch wire 116 in theslot 114 while thecover 112 is in the closed state (FIG. 1B ). The bearingprotrusion 130 reduces the play in the system by effectively widening theligation cover 112 in the vicinity of thearch wire slot 114. -
FIGS. 1C and 1D depict an alternative embodiment of anorthodontic bracket 150 that may include coloring means for coloring at least a portion of thebracket base 152 and/orligation cover 154.Orthodontic bracket 150 does not include a cam structure. Instead, theorthodontic bracket 150 depicted inFIGS. 1C and 1D includes abracket base 152 and aligation cover 154 attached to thebracket base 152 by means of anelongate film hinge 156. Thebracket base 152 further includes acurved end 158 that acts as a hinge guide in order to cause theelongate film hinge 156 to bend gradually over a significant portion of its entire length. In this way, thecurved end 158 of thebracket base 152 acts in similar manner to the curved hinge-guidingsurface 122 of thecam structure 120 of theorthodontic bracket 100 depicted inFIGS. 1A-1B . Thus, as theligation cover 154 is moved from an open, non-ligating position (FIG. 1C ) to a closed, ligating position (FIG. 1D ), theelongate film hinge 156 at least partially abuts thecurved end 158. The abutment between theelongate film hinge 156 and thecurved end 158 causes theelongate film hinge 156 to bend gradually around thecurved end 158 so as to better distribute the bending forces and bending angles along substantially the entire length of theelongate film hinge 156. -
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate another alternative bracket embodiment that may include coloring means for coloring at least a portion of thebracket base 210 and/orligation cover 212.Bracket 200 is similar to the bracket illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1B in that it includes abracket base 210, aligation cover 212, aslot 214, an arch wire 216 (seen inFIG. 2B ), anangled keyway 226, a lockingtongue 228, and a bearingprotrusion 230. This example differs from the bracket illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1B in that although it also uses afilm hinge 218 to attach theligation cover 212 to thebracket base 210, thehinge 218 is not as elongated ashinge 118 shown inFIGS. 1A-1B .Bracket 200 may further include additionalarch wire slots -
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another alternative bracket embodiment that may include coloring means for coloring at least a portion of thebracket base 310 and/orligation cover 312.Bracket 300 includes abracket base 310, aligation cover 312, aslot 314, an arch wire 316 (seen inFIG. 3B ), amain film hinge 318, anangled keyway 326, a lockingtongue 328, a bearingprotrusion 330, and an additionalarch wire slot 332. This example differs from that illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2B in that it further has aspring element 320 attached at one end of thebracket base 310 by afilm hinge 322 and at an opposite end to theligation cover 312 by afilm hinge 324. -
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate yet another alternative bracket embodiment that may include coloring means for coloring at least a portion of thebracket base 410 and/orligation cover 412.Bracket 400 includes abracket base 410, aligation cover 412, aslot 414, anarch wire 416, a pair of angledkeyways 426, a pair of lockingtongues 428, a bearingprotrusion 430, and additionalarch wire slots FIGS. 1-3 in that it includes no hinge between the base 410 and thecover 412. Thebracket base 410 could be used without thecover 412 as a traditional bracket requiring ligatures. Using thecover 412 results in a self-ligating bracket with a uniform, closed, smooth surface across the top surface of thebracket 400, which is beneficial for patient comfort and hygiene. - Various other bracket designs are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/784,525, filed Feb. 15, 2001; U.S. application Ser. No. 09/914,737, filed Aug. 29, 2001; and U.S. application Ser. No. 09/953,400, filed Sep. 12, 2001. For purposes of disclosing exemplary orthodontic bracket designs, the foregoing U.S. patent applications are incorporated by reference.
- The orthodontic brackets may be formed by injection molding the thermoplastic resin material that it is formed from, either as separate pieces or as a single piece. Examples of suitable thermoplastic resins include, but are not limited to, polyamides, acetal polymers, polyetherimides, polycarbonates, polyarylether ketones (e.g., PEEK), polysulfones, and polyphenylsulfones
- III. Exemplary Coloring Means
- According to one embodiment, the coloring means for coloring may comprise a colored dye or pigment impregnating the thermoplastic resin from which the bracket base and/or ligation cover are formed. According to an alternative embodiment, the coloring means for coloring may comprise a curable resin containing a colored dye or pigment that has been applied and cured over at least a portion of the bracket base and/or ligation cover. An advantage of the latter coloring means is that it allows for changes in the color of the brackets from an initial color.
- Any colored dye or pigment that is compatible with the bracket material may be used as coloring means for coloring, whether the colored dye or pigment is impregnated into the bracket forming resin material or included in a curable resin that is applied to the bracket base and/or cover and subsequently light or chemical cured. According to one embodiment, the colored dye or pigment may comprise any of the various food colorings known in the art.
- In embodiments where a curable resin containing a colored dye or pigment is applied over at least a portion of the bracket base and/or ligation cover, the curable resin may be applied during manufacture of the orthodontic bracket or clinically, by the orthodontist. Although other manufacturing stage application methods may be used, according to one embodiment, the curable resin is applied during manufacturing by spin coating, as will be known to those skilled in the art.
- Although other clinical application methods may be used, according to one embodiment, the curable resin is applied clinically by brush coating, as illustrated in
FIG. 5A . Abrush 510 or other applicator is used to apply acurable resin 505 that includes a colored dye or pigment. Although any curable resin may be used, Ormocere, made by Fraunhofer in Wurzburg, Germany, is an example of a suitable curable resin that can be combined with a colored dye or pigment (e.g., food coloring) and then light cured with alight emitting device 515 as illustrated inFIG. 5B . According to an alternative embodiment, a chemically curable resin may be used.FIG. 6 illustrates theorthodontic brackets 100 as bonded to theteeth 520 of a patient. According to a further embodiment, small decorations (e.g., decorative jewelry, pictures, or designs) may be bonded to the orthodontic brackets, as desired. - The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims (24)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/613,767 US20070099145A1 (en) | 2004-09-02 | 2006-12-20 | Colored orthodontic brackets having removable ligation cover |
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Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/932,634 US7134872B2 (en) | 2004-09-02 | 2004-09-02 | Colored orthodontic brackets |
PCT/EP2005/009467 WO2006024539A1 (en) | 2004-09-02 | 2005-09-02 | Colored orthodontic brackets |
US11/613,767 US20070099145A1 (en) | 2004-09-02 | 2006-12-20 | Colored orthodontic brackets having removable ligation cover |
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PCT/EP2005/009467 Continuation WO2006024539A1 (en) | 2004-09-02 | 2005-09-02 | Colored orthodontic brackets |
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ID=35351671
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US10/932,634 Expired - Fee Related US7134872B2 (en) | 2004-09-02 | 2004-09-02 | Colored orthodontic brackets |
US11/613,767 Abandoned US20070099145A1 (en) | 2004-09-02 | 2006-12-20 | Colored orthodontic brackets having removable ligation cover |
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US10/932,634 Expired - Fee Related US7134872B2 (en) | 2004-09-02 | 2004-09-02 | Colored orthodontic brackets |
Country Status (9)
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---|---|
US (2) | US7134872B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1796572A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2008511359A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20070070169A (en) |
CN (1) | CN101014298A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005279300A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0514844A (en) |
MX (1) | MX2007002567A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006024539A1 (en) |
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US20110189624A1 (en) * | 2010-02-02 | 2011-08-04 | Ormco Corporation | Layered orthodontic bracket and method of making same |
US8882498B2 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2014-11-11 | Ultradent Products, Inc. | Coordinated metal and ceramic orthodontic bracket systems |
US9844422B1 (en) * | 2016-07-25 | 2017-12-19 | Chuan-Chung Wu | Dental bracket |
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Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080057459A1 (en) * | 2006-08-31 | 2008-03-06 | Norbert Abels | Lifestyle bracket system having interchangeable ligation covers |
US7611352B2 (en) | 2006-08-31 | 2009-11-03 | Ultradent Products, Inc. | Lifestyle bracket system having interchangeable ligation covers |
US20100129765A1 (en) * | 2008-11-21 | 2010-05-27 | Ormco Corporation | Orthodontic apparatus and orthodontic member |
US8882498B2 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2014-11-11 | Ultradent Products, Inc. | Coordinated metal and ceramic orthodontic bracket systems |
US20110189624A1 (en) * | 2010-02-02 | 2011-08-04 | Ormco Corporation | Layered orthodontic bracket and method of making same |
US9844422B1 (en) * | 2016-07-25 | 2017-12-19 | Chuan-Chung Wu | Dental bracket |
WO2018159919A1 (en) * | 2017-03-03 | 2018-09-07 | Ewha University - Industry Collaboration Foundation | Cover and orthodontic device having the cover |
KR20180100978A (en) * | 2017-03-03 | 2018-09-12 | 이화여자대학교 산학협력단 | Cover and device for orthodontic treatment having the same |
KR101994519B1 (en) | 2017-03-03 | 2019-09-30 | 이화여자대학교 산학협력단 | Cover and device for orthodontic treatment having the same |
US10624719B2 (en) | 2017-05-31 | 2020-04-21 | Steven Darling | Cover for bracket of orthodontic appliance |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2008511359A (en) | 2008-04-17 |
AU2005279300A2 (en) | 2006-03-09 |
WO2006024539A1 (en) | 2006-03-09 |
MX2007002567A (en) | 2007-06-11 |
US7134872B2 (en) | 2006-11-14 |
AU2005279300A1 (en) | 2006-03-09 |
CN101014298A (en) | 2007-08-08 |
EP1796572A1 (en) | 2007-06-20 |
US20060046223A1 (en) | 2006-03-02 |
BRPI0514844A (en) | 2008-06-24 |
KR20070070169A (en) | 2007-07-03 |
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