Maxillary Expander
AssigneeCraniofacial Technologies, Inc.
InventorsCameron Kaveh, Richard Beranek
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An orthodontic device and method to treat maxillary deficiencies by expanding the upper palate of a patient is provided. The device and method do not require any engagement with teeth of the patient.
Claims34
1-9. (canceled)
The method of claim 18, wherein the adjustable expander comprises a second pair of bodies and an expansion screw disposed between the second pair of bodies.
(canceled)
The method of claim 18, wherein the adjustable expander comprises a pair of appliances each coupled to a different one of the at least two bodies, wherein each of the appliances is configured to match a shape of the maxilla.
The method of claim 18, wherein each of the at least two bodies comprises three first apertures configured to receive fasteners.
A method of applying forces to a maxilla of a patient, comprising:
- providing at least two bodies;
- coupling the at least two bodies to locations on the maxilla, wherein the locations are on either side of a palatine suture;
- coupling an adjustable expander to the at least two bodies, after the t least two bodies are coupled to the maxilla;
- using the adjustable expander to apply a force to the at least two bodies, after the adjustable expander is coupled to the at least two bodies, to cause movement of the at least two bodies relative to one another and to cause expansion of the maxilla.
23-30. (canceled)
A method of applying forces to a maxilla of a patient, comprising:
- providing at least two bodies;
- coupling the at least two bodies to locations on the maxilla, wherein the locations are on either side of a palatine suture;
- followed by
- coupling an adjustable expander to the at least two bodies;
- followed by
- using the adjustable expander to apply a force to the at least two bodies to cause movement of the at least two bodies relative to one another and to cause expansion of the maxilla, and
- further comprising, subsequent to the coupling of the adjustable expander to the at least two bodies, uncoupling the adjustable expander from the at least two bodies;
- followed by
- coupling a fixed aligner to the at least two bodies.
A method of applying forces to a maxilla of a patient, comprising:
- providing at least two bodies, and an aligner coupled to the at least two bodies;
- coupling the at least two bodies to locations on the maxilla, wherein the locations are on either side of a palatine suture;
- uncoupling the aligner from the at least two bodies, after the at least two bodies are coupled to the maxilla;
- coupling an adjustable expander to the at least two bodies, after uncoupling the aligner from the at least two bodies;
- and
- using, the adjustable expander to apply a force to the at least two bodies, after the adjustable expander is coupled to the at least two bodies, to cause movement of the at least two bodies relative to one another and to cause expansion of the maxilla.
A method of applying forces to a maxilla of a patient, comprising:
- providing at least two bodies, and an aligner coupled to the at least two bodies, wherein each of the at least two bodies comprises at least three threaded first apertures;
- coupling with fasteners the at least two bodies to locations on the maxilla with a space present between the at least two bodies and tissue covering the maxilla, wherein
- the locations are on either side of a palatine suture, and
- the fasteners each comprise (i) a bottom portion comprising first threads configured to screw into the maxilla, and (ii) a top portion comprising second threads configured to screw into each of the at least three threaded first apertures;
- uncoupling the aligner from the at least two bodies, after the at least two bodies are coupled to the maxilla;
- coupling an adjustable expander to the at least two bodies, after uncoupling the aligner from the at least two bodies;
- and
- using the adjustable expander to apply a force to the at least two bodies, after the adjustable expander is coupled to the at least two bodies, to cause movement of the at least two bodies relative to one another and to cause expansion of the maxilla.
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.