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US 5,344,315 AGranted
Multi-strand orthodontic arch wires and methods for use thereof
AssigneeHamilton Ortho Inc.
InventorG. Herbert Hanson
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AssigneeHamilton Ortho Inc.
InventorG. Herbert Hanson
Estimating the term…
A new multi-strand orthodontic arch wire comprises a plurality of wire strands of superelastic shape recovery metal alloy wrapped helically parallel to one another along the length of the wire, the ratio of the longitudinal pitch P of the wire to the external diameter D of the wire being between six and twelve. Such a wire is able to slide more freely in the bracket slots, and is less likely to breakage, than the short pitch wires previously used. A wire with a hollow central core, can also operate as a compression spring by frictionally engaging it with adjacent orthodontic elements, such as brackets, and arranging that its strands are spread radially apart from a neutral configuration, or it can operate as a traction spring by arranging that its strands are closed radially inward from a neutral configuration, the spring action being produced by the urge of the strands to return to the neutral configuration. Cored wires can act as a compression spring, but not as a traction spring. Partial cores strands can be provided to localize the spring action to specific parts of the wire. The wires can be provided with crimpable end members. The shape recovery metal alloy can be any one of nickel/titanium; nickel/titanium/copper; copper/zinc/aluminum; copper/zinc/aluminum/manganese; copper/aluminum/nickel; and copper/aluminum/nickel/manganese.
An orthodontic arch wire for use in combination with a plurality of orthodontic elements attached to respective teeth in an orthodontic procedure;
A new method of using an orthodontic arch wire in an orthodontic procedure;
A new method of using an orthodontic arch wire in an orthodontic procedure;
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.