WO2006127511A2

WO2006127511A2 - Removable retainer apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2006127511A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/019559
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Oliver Maltz; James Lowell Ackerman; Leigh-Ann Maltz-Dichter
Original assignee: David Oliver Maltz; James Lowell Ackerman; Leigh-Ann Maltz-Dichter
Priority date: 2005-05-20
Filing date: 2006-05-22
Publication date: 2006-11-30
Also published as: WO2006127511A3

Abstract

A removable lingual retainer apparatus contains brackets bonded to teeth and adapted to receive a wire. A clip is fitted into a hole in the bracket and/or a cap snaps around the bracket to retain the wire in the bracket. Optionally, the wire can be retained with a safety cap, hinge or spring. The wire stabilizes teeth and may be removed from the brackets to facilitate cleaning of the teeth and adjusting of the wire by un-snapping the cap or removing the clip. In another embodiment, the bracket is adapted to be used as an orthodontic attachment that receives an orthodontic wire and incorporates the safety cap that covers the attachment for use in conventional orthodontic therapy.

Description

REMOVABLE RETAINER APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to dental stabilizing devices for teeth and orthodontic attachments bonded to a tooth or teeth and, more particularly, to a removable retainer apparatus comprising bracket and wire portions, optionally secured by a safety cap/clip, among other retentive features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

After orthodontic therapy, it is often necessary to stabilize the teeth that have been moved into their new positions. A lingual retainer is a commonly used stabilizing device (presently used in more than half of the orthodontic cases) that is fixedly bonded to the teeth. As such, the retainer cannot be removed without fracturing the bonding material, making the retainer non-reusable. In certain cases, the retainer must be bonded to more than two teeth, and, in some case, all of the teeth in the area needing stabilization. Prior art devices incorporate a lingual retainer/wire bonded to all of the teeth in the area to be stabilized; the retainer is non-removable.

Traditionally, a lingual retainer apparatus consists of a bent wire bonded with composite resin to the teeth or a stainless steel attachment pad or band that is bonded to a tooth (or teeth). The attachment is bonded to teeth via cement, resin, or other suitable adhesive. The bond must be strong enough to hold the apparatus in position for stabilizing the position of the teeth. The conventional lingual retainer apparatus can also be used for other purposes.

This bonding is considered a permanent bond that is not easy to remove and reattach. If the retainer were to be removed, then the bond of the lingual retainer apparatus would need to be broken and the apparatus reattached by cement or other adhesive bonding to the tooth surface. Alternatively, the retainer would need to be remade. This procedure is cumbersome and time consuming. It is desirable to remove and replace the lingual retainer apparatus for maintenance, adjustments, oral hygiene visits, and to check tooth stability. No device like this exists at present.

The deficiencies of the conventional devices show that a need still exists for a lingual retainer apparatus that is easily removable and replaceable and a type of orthodontic attachment that would simplify orthodontic treatment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve these and other objects, and in view of its purposes, the present invention provides a semi-removable (generally removable by the dentist or hygienist but not by the patient) lingual retainer apparatus. This allows the wire or apparatus to be removed for maintenance, modification, and hygiene or to be replaced without re- bonding, re-cementing or re-making the attachments.

In one embodiment, the removable lingual retainer apparatus comprises one or more attachments that are bonded to the teeth, a wire that fits, e.g., snaps or slides, into the attachment(s), and, optionally, a safety cap(s), clip(s), hinge(s), and/or spring(s) that attaches to the attachment(s) to further hold the wire in place. The wire portion can easily be removed, reshaped, and/or replaced without de-bonding or removing the fixed attachment.

hi another embodiment, the invention is adapted to comprise an orthodontic attachment that can be used (e.g., by an orthodontist) to adjust the position of the teeth. The attachment is coupled with a safety cap that helps to retain the wire in the attachment. Also, the surface of the safety cap may have smooth edges for better comfort and protection for the tongue, lips, and gums.

hi a further embodiment, the present invention comprises a method of stabilizing or moving teeth comprising affixing a bracket to a tooth, threading or guiding a wire in or through the bracket, and securing the wire to the bracket, optionally with a pin, cap, or the like. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, but are not restrictive, of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawing are the following figures:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of the bracket of the present invention displaying the portion of the attachment that is bonded to a tooth.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an example of the bracket of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the tooth-bonding surface of an example of the bracket of the present invention

FIG. 4A shows a top view of an example of the bracket and safety cap of the present invention.

FIG. 4B shows a side view of an example of the engaged bracket and safety cap of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an example of the bracket and safety cap of the present invention.

FIG. 6A shows a side view of an example of the engaged bracket and safety cap of the present invention bonded to a tooth.

FIG. 6B shows a front view of an example of the engaged brackets and safety caps of the present invention bonded to two teeth. FIG. 7 A shows a side view of an example of the lingual retainer and snap on attachment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of an example of the lingual retainer and snap on attachment of the present invention.

FIG. 7C shows a perspective view of an example of the lingual retainer and snap on attachment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 A shows a perspective view of an example of the lingual retainer/wire of the present invention.

FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of the bracket portion of an example of the lingual retainer/wire of the present invention.

FIG. 8C shows a perspective view of an example of the bracket of the present invention.

FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of an example of the lingual retainer/wire, bracket and clip of the present invention.

FIG. 9B shows a perspective view of an example of the lingual retainer/wire, bracket and clip of the present invention.

FIG. 1OA shows a perspective view of an example of the clip of the present invention.

FIG. 1OB shows a perspective view of an example of the lingual retainer/wire, bracket and clip of the present invention.

FIG. 1 IA shows a front view of an example of the clip of the lingual retainer/wire of the present invention. FIG. 1 IB shows a front view of the bracket portion of an example of the lingual retainer/wire of the present invention.

FIG. 11C shows a perspective view of an example of the lingual retainer/wire, bracket and clip of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The removable lingual retainer apparatus of the present invention comprises one or more attachments that can be bonded to teeth in the mouth, on the lingual surface or other areas. The attachment 2 contains a channel or groove 6 (as shown in FIG. 4A) for holding a retainer or wire 16. The attachment 2 may also be referred to as a bracket 2 or brace 2. As also shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5, 6A₅ 6B, 7A-C, 9A and 9B, the wire 16 fits into the channel or groove 6 by snapping, sliding, or otherwise maneuvering the wire 16 such that it fits securely in the bracket 2. The wire 16 is optionally joined to a precision attachment 3 which fits into the bracket 2 and can be held in position by a clip 1 (as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 1OB, and 1 IA) or safety cap, snap on attachment, and the like, or the precision attachment 3 may be part of the wire 16 and have more than one hole 4 (FIG. 1 IB) so that it can be more adaptable. The clip 1 fits into a hole 4 (as shown in FIG. 8B) in the bracket 2 and this locks the precision attachment 3 or wire 16 into position. The other end of the clip 1 fits into the side of the bracket 2 by snapping into a depression on the side of the bracket 2. Optionally, the wire 16 may be bonded or soldered to the precision attachment 3.

The clip 1 may be U-shaped, substantially O-shaped or any other suitable shape for securing the wire 16, and may have a stopper portion 5, e.g., a ball 5, at one end to keep it in place in the bracket 2. The circumference of the stopper portion 5 may be wider than the circumference of the remaining portion of the clip 1 so that it is adapted to prevent the clip 1 from sliding through the bracket 2. The clip 1 slides down an incline and locks in for retention. The other end of the clip 1 fits into one of the holes/slots 4 of the wire 16. The clip 1 is easily removed by a dental practitioner, for example, by placing an explorer or other device into the bottom hole 4 of the bracket 2 and sliding the clip 1 up the incline. It can then be removed with a hemostat. Alternatively, any suitable instrument, e.g., a probe, can be placed through the gingival hole 4 to remove the clip 1. The wire 16 may be secured to the bracket 2 by other mechanisms alone or in combination, such as a safety cap 12, snap on attachment, a spring mechanism, and a hinge mechanism. For example, the wire 16 may be hinged or spring-loaded and engage and be secured to the bracket 2. The wire 16 should be readily removable by a dental practitioner and not by a dental patient through routine activities inside the mouth, e.g., drinking, eating, brushing or flossing the teeth.

The bonding surface 8 of the bracket 2 contains channels and rough, mesh-like grooves 7 that receive bonding material (e.g., resin, cement) that enables the attachment of the bracket 2 to the teeth. The layout of the channels and grooves 7 on the surfaces may vary as recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art so long as they provide retention for the bracket 2 on the teeth and for the wire 16. The shape and dimensions of the bracket 2 may vary. FIG. 6 shows the bracket 2 bonded to teeth and a wire 16 in the bracket 2.

The top of the bracket 2 on the side opposite that of the side bonded to the tooth is mushroom- or similarly shaped with undercut or slot so that a safety clip 1 or cap 12 that is suitably shaped can be snapped on or otherwise engaged and held in place. In addition to protecting the bracket 2 from contact with a patient's tongue, lips, gums, or other areas around the mouth, the safety clip 1 or cap 12 can also help to hold the wire 16 in place on the bracket 2. The outside of the cap 12 has a smooth surface so that it will not irritate the tongue, lips, or gums of the patient. As shown in FIG. 4A, the face 14 of the safety cap 12 can be substantially flat and contain graphics or text and/or be multicolored. The face 14 may contain a decorative design, e.g., color or symbol, or a functional designation for the dentist or some type of advertising.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the safety cap 12 locks into place over the bracket 2 from the complementary fit between the outer portion of the bracket 2 and the inner portion of the cap 12. This may be by a "tongue and groove" fit, a friction fit, notch and slot fit, threaded screw fit, or other suitable mechanism as known in the art. The patient should not be able to disassemble the mechanism voluntarily or from chewing. The dentist can remove the cap 12 from the bracket 2 and thereby remove the wire from the bracket 2 by use of a special instrument adapted to grasp and remove the cap 12 without damaging the bracket 2 or removing the bracket 2 from the tooth. The bracket 2 and various other elements of the apparatus of the invention may be constructed of any suitable material for use in the mouth, such as plastic, metals (e.g., titanium, nickel, stainless steel, gold, aluminum, and combinations thereof), porcelain, composite resin, acrylic, etc. The wire 16 may be constructed of any of the aforementioned metals or any other material of suitable strength, maneuverability, and safety for use in the mouth.

The wire 16 as shown in FIG. 8B and its precision attachment 3 may be pre-assembled in various standard sizes or be customized for individual needs. The wire portion 16 can easily be removed, reshaped, and/or replaced to impact the retention function of the apparatus. This allows the wire 16 or apparatus to be removed for maintenance, modification (e.g., changing the wire's tension), and hygiene. The apparatus of the present invention can be reused after hygiene or adjustment.

The removable lingual retainer apparatus of the present invention may be used to stabilize teeth with easy removal. Other uses include, without limitation, treating impacted teeth (e.g., impacted canines), as removable provisionals (e.g., incorporating prosthetic teeth) for dental implants, and any other uses suitable for other commonly used orthodontic devices and other dental uses.

The optional cap 9 (as shown in FIGS. 2 A and 2B) fits complementarily with the bracket 2 such that it can snap on the bracket 2 or through any suitable friction fit.

In another embodiment, the cap 9 has an aperture, for example, in the center of the cap, into which an instrument can apply pressure in order to snap off the cap 9 from the bracket 2. The cap 9 may be adapted such that only a special dental instrument will enable release and the patient will not be able to voluntarily or accidentally release the cap 9.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5, the safety cap 12 and bracket 2 may be a unitary construction with a hinge portion 10 connecting the cap 12 and bracket 2. This prevents the cap 12 from separating from the bracket 2 and possibly being inadvertently swallowed by the patient. Although illustrated and described herein with reference to certain specific embodiments, the present invention is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

What is Claimed:

1. A removable lingual retainer apparatus, comprising:

a wire; and

at least one bracket bonded to a tooth, the bracket having a slot for receiving the wire, wherein the wire is removable from the attachment for hygiene or adjustment independent of the bracket being removed from the tooth.

2. The removable lingual retainer apparatus of claim 1, comprising two or more brackets bonded to teeth for receiving the wire.

3. The removable lingual retainer apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a cap removably attached to the bracket.

4. The removable lingual retainer apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a precision attachment joined to the wire.

5. The removable lingual retainer apparatus of claim 2, wherein the wire comprises a precision attachment.

6. The removable lingual retainer apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a clip for securing the wire into at least one bracket wherein the bracket and wire have a slot for receiving the clip.

7. The removable lingual retainer apparatus of claim 6, wherein an end of the clip comprises a stopper portion adapted to retain the clip in the bracket.

8. The removable lingual retainer apparatus of claim 6, wherein the clip is substantially U-shaped or O-shaped.

9. The removable lingual retainer apparatus of claim 2, further comprising at least one securing mechanism selected from the group consisting of a safety cap adapted to fit over the bracket, a spring, and a hinge.

10. The removable lingual retainer apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a safety cap adapted to fit over the bracket, wherein the cap has a smooth outer surface.

11. An orthodontic attachment, comprising: a bracket portion adapted to be bonded to a tooth, the bracket portion having a channel for receiving a wire and a slot for securing the wire; a wire having a slot substantially near an end of the wire; and a clip adapted to slide into the slots in the bracket portion and wire to secure the wire to the bracket portion.

12. The orthodontic attachment of claim 11, further comprising a cap engaging and substantially covering the bracket portion.

13. The orthodontic attachment of claim 12, wherein the cap has a substantially smooth outer surface and a substantially flat portion in the vertical plane of the teeth adapted for receiving graphics, text, or colors.

14. The orthodontic attachment of claim 12, wherein the bracket portion and cap are made of a plastic-like, metallic, or ceramic material.

15. A method of stabilizing or moving teeth comprising the steps of: affixing brackets to teeth; placing a wire in or through the brackets; and securing the wire to the brackets, wherein the wire is removable and replaceable for hygiene and adjustment.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the wire is secured to the brackets by at least one of a cap, clip, hinge, spring, and stopper portion.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the securing step comprises threading a clip through a hole in the wire and a hole in at least one bracket.