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US 6,632,088 B2Granted
Powered orthodontic bracket
AssigneeOrthoarm, Inc.
InventorJohn C. Voudouris
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An orthodontic bracket assembly comprising an orthodontic bracket and a powered actuator mounted to the bracket. The actuator can be used to provide relative movement between a tooth (or set of teeth) and another object, such as an archwire or another tooth (or set of teeth). Preferably, the actuator is a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) having a size that will not significantly interfere with the comfort of the patient.
Claims19
An orthodontic bracket assembly comprising:
- an orthodontic bracket including a base having a lingual portion for attachment to a tooth;
- and
- an electromechanical actuator mounted to the bracket and including a moving member.
An orthodontic bracket and archwire assembly comprising:
- an orthodontic bracket including a base having a lingual portion for attachment to a tooth, and further having an archwire slot;
- an archwire positioned in the slot;
- and
- a programmable actuator mounted to the bracket and including a moving member engaged with the archwire.
1 more element
A method of moving a tooth of a patient, comprising:
- attaching a bracket having an archwire slot to the tooth;
- inserting an archwire into the archwire slot;
- engaging a motorized actuator between the bracket and the archwire;
- and
- actuating the actuator to provide relative movement between the bracket and the archwire.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.