Orthodontic appliance and method for moving teeth
AssigneeSkarin Orthodontics
InventorDavid A. Skarin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for moving a tooth using a light, continuous force are disclosed. In examples, a bracket has a surface which is mounted to a tooth, and a pair of wings defining a slot having oppositely disposed upper and lower surfaces that converge at an apex. A wire runs through the slot at a distance from the apex. And a tensioning device presses the wire against a surface of the slot, the system is configured so that the wire gradually moves toward the apex of the slot.
Claims18
A system for moving a first tooth in a patient's mouth, the system comprising:
- a bracket having a surface configured to be mounted to a first tooth and a pair of wings defining a slot having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces that converge at an apex,
- a wire running through the slot at a first distance from the apex, and
- a tensioning device configured to provide a tensioning force pressing the first surface of the slot toward the wire;
- wherein the system is configured so that the tensioning device gradually moves the apex of the slot toward the wire along the first surface from the first distance to a second distance from the apex, the first distance being greater than the second distance.
A method for moving a first tooth in a patient's mouth, the method comprising:
- mounting a bracket to the first tooth, the bracket comprising a slot having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces that converge at an apex;
- placing a wire within the slot;
- and
- bringing a tensioning device into contact with the wire so as to provide a force pressing the first surface of the slot toward the wire at a first distance from the apex, thereby imparting a force on the first tooth,
- wherein the wire is not in contact with the first or second surfaces at the first distance, and
- wherein the tensioning device gradually moves the apex of the slot from the first distance toward the wire to a second distance from the apex in response to the force.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.