Orthodontic ligature and method of use
OwnerDaniel A. Holzhauerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A generally elastic orthodontic ligature in the shape of an O-ring is provided with a semi-rigid retaining arm for the general purpose of attaching a rubber band between teeth. The retaining arm is integral with the O-ring although the two may be made of different materials. The O-ring may have projections therein for preventing rotation of the ligature during use, and the projections may include unidirectional barbs. Further, variations in the angle or shape of the arm may be provided as desired.
Claims26
A device for use with an orthodontic bracket comprising a ligature having:
- (A) a body, wherein the body has an interior portion and an exterior portion;
- and
- (B) a retaining arm projecting from the exterior portion, wherein the arm comprises a generally spherical second portion at the distal end of the first portion.
A device for use with all orthodontic bracket comprising a ligature having:
- (A) a body, wherein the body has an interior portion and an exterior portion;
- and
- (B) a retaining arm projecting from the exterior portion, wherein a rigid structure is embedded within the arm.
An orthodontic assembly comprising:
- (A) a multiplicity of brackets for attachment to the teeth of a patient;
- (B) an archwire for serial attachment of the brackets;
- (C) a multiplicity of ligatures for connecting the archwire to the brackets, wherein at least two of the ligatures further comprise an integral retaining arm;
- and
- (D) at least one connector for moving at least one tooth in relation to at least one other tooth, wherein said connector is retained by the retaining arms of the at least two ligatures.
An orthodontic method comprising:
- (A) attaching a bracket to a tooth of a patient;
- (B) positioning an archwire in the bracket;
- (C) securing the archwire to the bracket with a device including an O-shaped body having a plurality of interior projections and an integral retaining arm extending from the body;
- (D) placing a first end of a connector over the retaining arm adjacent a first tooth;
- and
- (E) placing a second end of the connector over the retaining arm adjacent a second tooth.
An orthodontic ligature used to connect an archwire to a bracket the improvement comprising a semi-rigid arm extending from the ligature, wherein the rigidity of the arm is created by a structure embedded within the arm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.