Dental occlusion and tension band ties, systems and methods
OwnerAlan Wellinton Johnson, Laura-Lee Farrell Brown +2inventors
InventorsAlan Wellinton Johnson, Laura-Lee Farrell Brown, Samuel C. Levine, Christopher Rolfes
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Abstract
Embodiments relate to devices, systems, kits and methods for achieving maxillo-mandibular fixation (MMF). In an embodiment, a system comprises a plurality of dental occlusion ties and/or tension band ties (referred to herein as “DO ties” and “TB ties,” respectively). In another embodiment, a system or kit can comprise a plurality of one or both of DO ties and/or TB ties as well as a trimming tool, comfort caps or material, a lip/cheek retractor, and/or an instruction sheet. DO ties and TB ties can simplify the management of mandible fractures and maxilla fractures by helping re-establish precise dental occlusion for MMF.
Claims20
A device configured to counteract expected forces encountered in healing of jaw fractures, the device comprising:
- a clasp and a partially hollow housing configured to hold the clasp in the partially hollow portion thereof;
- a polymeric elongate body having a rounded cross-section and extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the polymeric elongate body coupled to the clasp at the proximal end;
- and
- a metallic needle configured to traverse an interdental space, wherein the metallic needle is coupled to the polymeric elongate body at the distal end.
A kit for achieving reinforced dental occlusion, the kit comprising:
- a container configured to maintain a sterile environment therewithin;
- a plurality of devices housed within the sterile environment of the container, each of the plurality of devices configured for achieving at least one of dental fixation or dental occlusion, and each of the plurality of devices including:
- a clasp and a partially hollow housing configured to hold the clasp in the hollow portion thereof,
- a polymeric elongate body having a rounded cross-section and extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the polymeric elongate body coupled to the clasp at the proximal end;
- and
- a metallic needle configured to traverse an interdental space, wherein the metallic needle is coupled to the polymeric elongate body at the distal end.
A method comprising:
- providing a container configured to maintain a sterile environment therewithin;
- providing a device within the sterile environment, the device configured to counteract the expected forces encountered in the healing of jaw fractures, the device including:
- a clasp and a partially hollow housing configured to hold the clasp,
- a polymeric elongate body having a rounded cross-section and extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the polymeric elongate body coupled to the clasp at the proximal end, and
- a metallic needle configured to traverse an interdental space, wherein the metallic needle is coupled to the polymeric elongate body at the distal end.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.