Thin, polymeric orthodontic appliance with headgear channels
OwnerJames Mahinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention preferably describes a thin, removable polymeric appliance with tooth receiving cavities and two headgear receiving protrusions, each located on opposite sides of the appliance, intended to receive the ends of an inner bow of a headgear assembly in order to correct a patient's Class II or Class III mal-occlusion. Each headgear receiving protrusion has a channel to receive the headgear assembly. The protrusions are generally filled with a material intended to provide additional rigidity to the protrusions and withstand the forces generated by the headgear assembly. The appliance is removable and clear, and therefore offers aesthetic benefits in comparison to conventional orthodontic treatment.
Claims25
An improved, substantially thin, removable polymeric orthodontic appliance capable of receiving a headgear comprising:
- a) A substantially thin polymeric shell with tooth receiving cavities meant to receive a patient's dentition and;
- b) Said substantially thin polymeric shell having two labially positioned protrusions located on substantially opposite sides of said substantially thin polymeric shell and;
- c) Said labially positioned protrusions each having a channel meant to receive an end of said headgear;
- Whereby the end of said headgear can be placed and removed by the patient into said channels and;
- Whereby said removable polymeric orthodontic appliance does not require the use of a molar band having a welded headgear tube for receiving said headgear.
A method of repositioning teeth of a patient's dental set, comprising the steps of:
- a) Providing a substantially thin, removable polymeric shell with tooth receiving cavities meant to receive a patient's dentition and;
- b) Providing said substantially thin polymeric shell with two labially positioned protrusions located on substantially opposite sides of said substantially thin polymeric shell and;
- c) Providing said labially positioned protrusions having a channel meant to receive an end of said headgear;
- Whereby the end of said headgear can be placed and removed by the patient into said channels and produces tooth repositioning forces and;
- Whereby said removable polymeric shell with said labially positioned protrusions does not require the use of a molar band having a welded headgear tube for receiving said headgear.
An improved, substantially thin, removable polymeric orthodontic appliance capable of receiving a headgear comprising:
- a) A substantially thin polymeric shell with tooth receiving cavities meant to receive a patient's dentition and;
- b) Headgear receiving means for receiving ends of said headgear positioned on said substantially thin polymeric shell;
- Whereby the end of said headgear can be placed and removed by the patient into said channels and;
- Whereby said removable polymeric orthodontic appliance does not require the use of a molar band having a welded headgear tube for receiving said headgear.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.