JPH03284255A - Adjustable bracket assemblage for rectifying dentition - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To enable the size of an arc storage groove to vary so as to accommodate archwire of different sizes by providing a bracket assembly with a base member, a mounting member, and a means for movably associating the base member with the mounting member. CONSTITUTION: An orthodontic bracket assembly 150 will not be separated accidentally during use since a base member 152 and a mounting member 153 are moved in association with each other and releasably locked together. A rubber band 169, for example, is used for a deflection means 168. The mounting member 153 is moved with respect to the base member 152 to slide the mounting member 153 downward in order to decrease or increase the distance between archwire contact surfaces 156, 159 or 159, 160. Thus, an orthodontist can determine to change the size of an archwire 151 used in a specific orthodontic treatment.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly adapted for use with solitary wires, where different sizes of solitary wires are used and The vector forces acting on the tooth are altered or varied without any removal of the bracket assembly from the tooth being treated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An adjustable bracket assembly for use in a line of sight includes a base member, a mounting member, and means for movably relating the base member to the mounting member, thereby The attachment member is slidably received within the base member and defines a variable-sized free wire receiving groove.

PRIOR ART AND ITS PROBLEMS In the practice of orthodontics, solitary bending is a time consuming but essential component of the treatment procedure. Line alignment problems are corrected by applying appropriate bends to the generally U-shaped arc lines. When misaligned or malpositioned teeth are fixed in a straight line using orthodontic brackets, a force is exerted on the teeth and moves them into the desired orientation for a period of time to correct the dental malocclusion. move it to Teeth that initially have proper alignment are fixed in the straight portion of the arc and serve to define the "ideal" orientation in which the other teeth are oriented.

The modes of tooth movement required to correct dental malocclusion are vertical (moving the tooth up or down in the socket) and rotational (moving the tooth in the socket clockwise or counterclockwise around the vertical axis). (rotation), inclination (inclination of the tooth forward, i.e., mesial to the dental arch, or backward, i.e., distal to the dental arch), and torque (inclination of the tooth, i.e., the rotation of the tongue, (twisting or rotation of the teeth about an axis formed by an arc) to the lingual surface or to the buccal or labial surface, i.e. the buccal or labial surface of the mouth.

Today's orthodontic brackets are applied to teeth by bonding the brackets directly to the teeth.

Each bracket generally has a slot containing an isolated line,
That is, it is provided with a wire receiving groove and a ligation fixing groove, ie, a wing, for accommodating an elastic ring, a rubber band, or a tying wire to fix the wire to each bracket. In older techniques, the brackets were first welded to a metal band, and the metal band was slipped over the tooth and cemented in place. Current single-piece orthodontic brackets are cast or molded to allow a certain predetermined amount of torque, tilt, and sometimes rotation to be designed into the particular bracket. These brackets are designed to somewhat limit arc bending for average standard-shaped teeth, and the brackets are assumed to be placed and bonded at precisely determined locations on the teeth. be done.

In these fixed, one-piece bracket systems, there is no tolerance for differences that normally occur in tooth anatomy, ie, bracket placement errors, because only preparation is made for the "average" tooth. For this reason, arc bending is generally required to correct alignment problems. In many procedures, brackets are removed from the teeth and
and it is necessary to recombine them at different locations. However, this is a time consuming process.

It is proposed to provide a multi-piece bracket system;
Generally, brackets and
and a bracket retainer mounted on the tooth. A disadvantage of such systems was the large initial expense because the orthodontist was required to purchase and maintain an inventory of a large number of specialized slotted brackets. Additionally, identifying the appropriate bracket for each tooth and each situation can be extremely time consuming.

Such systems also typically require removal of the bracket from the retainer during mesial-distal (side-to-side) movements, which is a difficult operation, especially with small, closely positioned teeth. suffer from this inconvenience. Some of these systems also require the orthodontist to insert small pin members to hold the multi-piece bracket system in the desired configuration, a difficult and time consuming task.

The main disadvantages associated with prior art single-piece or multi-piece bracket assemblies are: - Once the orthodontist begins the orthodontic treatment;
And, once a particular size of solitary wire is selected to be used, the particular solitary wire must continue to be used throughout the treatment procedure. If it is desired to vary the size of the solitary wire, - in the case of single brackets, remove all of the bracket from the tooth and use a large solitary slot to accommodate a large or small solitary wire; That is, it is necessary to replace the bracket with a different bracket having a solitary wire receiving groove. In this regard, generally more force is applied to the tooth when a large arc is used. In the case of multi-piece bracket assemblies, it is necessary to remove all the brackets from the retainer in order to replace them with different brackets having larger or smaller slots, ie, wire receiving grooves. moreover,
In many single-piece brackets and multi-piece bracket assemblies, repeated adjustments to the solitary line and/or repeated replacement of bracket pieces may be necessary as the procedure progresses and the malpositioned tooth moves to the desired orientation. be done.

An additional disadvantage associated with prior art orthodontic brackets relates to the configuration of the slot or line receiving groove. They are all generally formed as general U-shaped grooves with vertically extending legs connected to the base at right angles to each other, and a right angle is also formed at the outlet end of the groove. Thus, movement of the solitary line, whether caused by sliding movement of the solitary line within the groove or bending of the solitary line by the orthodontist, causes the solitary line to become constrained within the slot of the bracket at the sharp edge formed by the right angle. .

Therefore, prior to the development of the present invention, it was proposed that the method would be simple and economical to use, without removing the bracket and reattaching the bracket to the tooth, i.e., by replacing all of the bracket components in a multi-part system. allows the use of different sized arc wires, allows the vector forces acting on the tooth to be easily varied without removing the bracket or replacing an expanded number of bracket components, and allows the use of arc wires within the arc wire receiving grooves or slots. There have been no adjustable orthodontic bracket assemblies adapted for use with the wire so as to prevent wire binding. For this reason, the technique is simple and economical to use and can be used in orthodontic procedures without the removal and reattachment of different sized brackets to the teeth, i.e. without replacing a completely different sized set of bracket members. allows the use of different sized arcs in the process and facilitates the vector forces acting on the tooth without removing the bracket or reattaching the bracket to the tooth or replacing an excessive number of bracket components. An adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly is desired that is modified and adapted for use with a solitary wire so as to prevent binding of the solitary wire within the solitary wire receiving groove.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention, the aforementioned advantages have been achieved with an adjustable bracket assembly adapted for use in a line of sight. The present invention provides a base member having at least one solitary contact surface and adapted for association with a tooth surface, an attachment member having at least one solitary contact surface, and at least one of the base member and the attachment member. and means for movably associating the base member and the mounting member with respect to each other to form a solitary wire receiving groove formed by a single solitary contact surface, whereby the size of the solitary wire receiving groove may vary. modified to accommodate isolated lines of different sizes. A feature of the invention is that the movable associated means includes sliding connection means between the base member and the attachment member, the sliding connection means includes an aperture disposed in the base member, and the attachment member is in sliding relationship. having an elongate support member received within the aperture.

A further feature of the invention is to include means for deflecting the base member and the attachment member together and biasing at least one arc contact surface of the base member and the attachment member into engagement with the arc. . Another feature of the invention is that the base member and the attachment member are magnetized to provide deflection means, whereby the base member and the attachment member are deflected towards each other by magnetic forces.

Another feature of the invention includes means for releasably locking the base member and the mounting member together while moving the base member and the mounting member with respect to each other;
This prevents the base member and the mounting member from being accidentally separated during use.

A further feature of the invention is that the base member includes means for tilting the associated teeth, the tilting means being arranged in two directions spaced apart from each other and disposed on the mounting member.
the two solitary contact surfaces are in a plane that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the attachment, such that the tooth is in contact with the base until both solitary contact surfaces of the attachment member contact the temporary wire. It is sloped about at least one draped contact surface of the member and one contact surface of the attachment member.

An additional feature of the invention is that the base member includes means for rotating the associated tooth, the rotation means being disposed on the mounting member and adjacent at least one of the at least one temporary contact surface. The brace support block is adapted to contact the brace and provide a support against which the teeth are rotated.

In accordance with the invention, the aforementioned advantages have also been achieved by the present method for forming variable-sized tracheal receiving grooves in an orthodontic bracket assembly. The invention includes providing at least one temporary contact surface on the base member, providing at least one temporary contact surface on the attachment member, and movably associating the base member and the attachment member with respect to each other. , thereby causing at least one of the temporary wire contacting surfaces of the base member and the attachment member to contact and engage the temporary wire. A further feature of the invention is that the mounting and base members are movably associated with respect to each other by slidably housing portions of the mounting member within an opening formed in the base member.

When compared to previously proposed prior art orthodontic brackets and bracket assemblies, the adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly of the present invention adapted for use with temporary wires is simple and easy to use. is economical, allows the use of different sized temporary wires without removal and reattachment of the bracket to the tooth, and facilitates vector forces applied to the tooth without removal of the bracket or reattachment of the bracket to the tooth. This has the advantage of preventing the temporary wire from being bound in the temporary wire receiving groove.

Although the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to that embodiment. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

EXAMPLE 1 Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly 150 adapted for use with a temporary wire 151 is shown in accordance with the present invention and generally includes a base member 152;
A mounting member 153 and means for movably relating base member 152 and mounting member 153 to each other to form a temporary wire receiving groove 155 are provided. Base member 152
are associated with at least one temporary wire contact surface 156 and base member 152 is associated with teeth 157 in a conventional manner.
(dotted lines in Figure 2).

In this regard, base member 152 includes a suitably configured mounting base 158 that is coupled to the surface of tooth 157 in a conventional manner. Preferably, the mounting base 15g is
It has an oval configuration to provide a smooth rounded surface for wearer comfort and ease of cleaning. As is known in the art, the base member 152 is connected to the mounting member 153.
and are made from suitable materials used for orthodontic bladders and appliances, such as stainless steel or plastic materials with the necessary strength properties. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, adjustable orthodontic bracket assemblies according to the present invention also attach and secure the base 158 to conventional bands (not shown) cemented to the teeth. By doing so, it is associated with a tooth, such as tooth 157.

With further reference to FIGS. 1-3, the attachment member 153 is also associated with at least one false wire contact surface 159. As will be described in more detail below, the embodiment of the orthodontic bracket assembly 150 of FIG. 3 has two false wire contact surfaces 159 and 160 associated with the attachment member 153. As seen in FIG. 1, the base member 152 and attachment member 153 are shown in FIG. 1, as described in further detail below.
After being movably associated with respect to each other, the draping receiving grooves 155 are connected to at least one draping contacting surface 15 of the base member 152.
6 and at least one phantom contact surface 159 (FIGS. 1 and 2) or 159, L 60 (FIG. 3). The movable associated means 154 includes sliding connection means 161 between the base member 152 and the attachment member 153, where the sliding connection member means 161 includes an opening 162 disposed within the base member 152 and the attachment member 153.
has an elongate support member 163 received within the aperture 162 in sliding relationship.

Elongate support member 163 of attachment member 153 preferably has a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration with an upper end 164 having a rounded configuration, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 3. Aperture 162 also has the same generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration as elongate support member 163 of attachment member 153 such that elongate support member 163 is slidable within aperture 162;
Additionally, the wall surface 1 of the base member 152 forming the opening 162
65 into the opening 162. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other cross-sectional configurations for the mating of elongate support member 163 and aperture 162 may be used in practicing the present invention.

Due to the sliding connection means 161 of the movable associated means 154, different sizes of false wires 151 are accommodated in the false wire receiving grooves 155 of the bracket assembly 150.

The attachment member 153 is moved relative to the base member 152 to reduce the distance between the temporary contact surfaces 156 and 159 (or 159, 160, as shown in FIG. 3);
Alternatively, slide the attachment member 153 downward to increase the distance between the temporary line contact surfaces 156 and 159 (or 159, 160 in FIG. 3). Thus, if the orthodontist decides to change the size of the temporary wire 151 used in a particular orthodontic procedure, removing the base member 152 from the tooth 157 is not only unnecessary; It is not necessary for the orthodontist to remove and replace the attachment member 153 to accommodate a large or small temporary wire 151.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-3, the orthodontic bracket assembly 150 includes means 168 for biasing the base member 152 and the attachment member 153 together;
52 and at least one tether contact surface 156 , 159 , 160 of attachment member 153 is biased into engagement with dummy wire 151 . A conventional elastic or rubber band 169 (dotted lines in FIGS. 1-2) is used as the deflection means 168.

Attachment member 153 and base member 152 are each attached to rubber bands 16'9. in a conventional manner. ! l: with associated wing members 170, 171 for engagement. Alternatively, the member 153 attaching the base member 152 is made of magnetic material and/or is made of magnetic material to provide the deflection means 168.
or magnetized, such that the base member 152 and the attachment member 153 are deflected toward each other by the magnetic force of the magnetic material or the magnetic attraction between the base member 152 and the attachment member 153. Base member 1, including wing members 170, 171
It is noted that all of the surfaces of 52 and attachment member 153 preferably have a smooth rounded configuration to minimize discomfort to the orthodontic patient.

1-4, an orthodontic bracket assembly 150 of the present invention includes a base member 152 and an attachment member 153.
includes means for releasably locking base member 152 and attachment member 153 together while moving them relative to each other, thereby preventing base member 152 and attachment member 153 from being accidentally separated during use. will be prevented. For example, rubber band 169
is used for the deflection means 168 and if the rubber band 169 breaks, the attachment member 153 will slide outwardly from the base member 152 and become suspended from, or perhaps completely released from, the base member 152. be done. A releasable locking means 175 is thus provided on the orthodontic bracket assembly 150. Releasable locking means 175
includes at least one protruding member 176 disposed on the mounting member 153 and engaged with the base member 152 to prevent accidental separation of the base member 152 and the mounting member 153, as seen in FIGS. do. At least one protruding member 176 of FIGS.
3, and the projection member 176 extends beyond the outer surface of the elongated support member 163.
and has a rounded configuration that projects slightly beyond the opening in base member 152. When it is desired to initially assemble the bracket assembly by inserting the mounting member 153 into the base member 152, the mounting member 153
and base member 152 such that projection member 176 is slightly compressed and base member 15
2 and, upon application of sufficient force by the orthodontist, also passes through the wings 171 of the base member 152. If the rubber band 169 breaks, it is possible for the attachment member 153 to slide downwardly, as seen in FIG. However, it is conceivable that insufficient force is exerted on the attachment member 153 to cause the projection member 176 to pass through the wing 171 or opening 162.

In FIG. 4, another embodiment of the protruding member 176 of the locking means 175 is shown, in which at least one, preferably two
The tapered wedge members 176'' are provided with two Taper wedge members 176'' that pass through the aperture 162 and the wall surface 165 of the base member 152 upon application of sufficient force by the orthodontist.

If the deflection rubber band 169 breaks, insufficient force will be exerted on the elongated support member 163, causing the wedge or projection member 176' to
Do not pass through the opening in the

As seen in Figures 1-4, phantom contact surface 156.15
9.160 all have a round configuration 179. As seen in FIG. 1, when the phantom line 151 is moved to the left or right, as indicated by the arrow 180, the phantom line 151 moves to the phantom contact surface 156 or 15! There is no contact or engagement, but a point contact, as with respect to line 180 of phantom contact surface 159.

Similarly, if the temporary line 151 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 181, sliding movement of the attachment member 153 with respect to the base member 152 will accommodate movement of the temporary line 151 in the direction of arrow 181, and the temporary line 151 similarly does not touch the entire phantom contact surface 156.159, but
1 and 2 contact surfaces 156 and 1 contacted by 151
The surface area of 59 increases somewhat from that indicated by line 181 in FIG. Furthermore, the temporary line is arrow 181
When moving upward and downward in the direction indicated by , there are no sharp edges to grab or restrain the draping wire 151 within the draping receiving groove 155, such as the right-angled edges found in the prior art.

Referring to FIG. 2, orthodontic bracket assembly 150
The base member 152 includes means 185 for applying a torque to the associated tooth 157.

As previously stated, tooth torque is the twisting or rotation of the tooth about the axis formed by phantom line 151, ie, movement in the direction of arrow 186 in FIG. Torque means 1
85 such that at least one phantom contact surface
The bracket 150 is provided by using a sloped surface 187, preferably a false line contact surface 159'' located on the mounting member 153. Due to the point contact between the sloped surface 187 and the temporary line 151, the bracket 150 Bracket 1
50 causes, in the direction of arrow 186,
Pivoting about the point contact between the false wire 151 and the inclined surface 187, this force is applied as by a conventional ligature or rubber band 169 attached to the attachment member 153.

When the bracket assembly is provided with torque means 185, the temporary contact surface 159' or sloped surface 187 (FIG. 2)
is used. Draw contact surface 159°, when viewed in the direction indicated by arrow 188 in FIG. When viewed from the side in the figure,
As shown by phantom line 187, it lies in a plane.

The bracket assemblies of FIGS. 1 and 3 generally have teeth 1, as described in further detail below with reference to FIGS.
57 is used to provide upward or downward movement. Bracket assembly 150 of FIG. 2, when equipped with torque means 185, is used to provide upward or downward movement of teeth 157 with torque movement in the direction of arrow 186, as previously described. Bracket assembly 150 of FIGS. 1-3
The embodiment is also used to provide rotation of the teeth 157. Such rotation can be achieved by placing a wedge or elastic band 190 (in phantom in FIG. 2) over the wing member 170,171;
and by placing a wedge or elastic band 190 between the elongate support member 163 of the attachment member 153 and the false wire 151, the rubber band 169 being used as deflection means 168 in the position shown in FIG. Ru. The elastic band 190 or wedge thus causes the teeth 157 to rotate relative to the temporary line 151 about an axis formed by the longitudinal axis of the elongate support member 163 of the attachment member 153. As further described below in connection with FIG. 9, another method of rotating the teeth 157 is described.

With reference to FIGS. 5-6 and 11-12, the base member 15
A means 200 is described for tilting two associated teeth. In FIG. 5, tooth 157 is shown with base member 152 and attachment member 153 attached, as described above in connection with FIG. Deflection means 168 or rubber
Band 169 was used and, as seen in FIG. 6, upon completion of the orthodontic treatment, tooth 157 was raised in the direction of arrow 201 to assume the position shown in FIG. The tooth 202 in FIG. 5 is moved in the direction of arrow 203 or is desired to be tilted in the direction of arrow 203 by the orthodontist at 93-. Means 200 for tilting teeth 202 includes two draconian contact surfaces 159, as described above in connection with FIG.
．． 160, the two false line contact surfaces 159, 160 are spaced apart from each other and the elongate support member 16 of the attachment member 153 is spaced apart from each other and as described above in connection with FIG.
3 by connecting them to the mounting member 153
It is located in. Bracket assembly 150 of FIG.
The phantom contact surfaces 159, 160 of are not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 205 of the attachment member 153, unlike those shown in FIG. ) is in the plane 204. A deflection force is applied to mounting member 153 and base member 152, as shown in FIG. 11, in which case both contact surfaces of the mounting member 153 contact the temporary line 151, as seen in FIG.

7 and 8, it is desired to raise the tooth 157 from the position shown in FIG. 7 to the position shown in FIG. It can be seen that it is desirable to tilt 202 to the position shown in FIG. Similarly, it is desirable to slope the teeth 210 from the position shown in FIG. 7 to the position shown in FIG. The tooth 210 includes a bracket assembly 150 having a tilting means 200 in which the taut contact surfaces 160 and 159 are also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 205 of the attachment member 153, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 12. 204. However, in the case of a bracket assembly 150 associated with a tooth 210, the temporary wire contact surface 160 initially contacts the temporary wire 151. After the deflection force is applied, the dummy line contact surface 159 of the bracket assembly 150 also contacts the dummy line 151, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 12. In FIGS. 7 and 8, tooth 220
is a molar tooth, whereby through the use of the tilting means 202, teeth such as tooth 201 are tilted mesially in the direction of arrow 203, and similarly teeth such as tooth 210 are tilted distally in the direction of arrow 204. It can be seen that tilting is possible. As described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 13 and 14, molar tooth 220 is provided with another embodiment of a bracket assembly forming a buccal canal, as described in more detail below.

Referring to FIG. 10, another tilting means 200' is shown. The tilting means 200 uses two draped contact surfaces securely secured to the mounting member 153, as shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 11-12, but in FIG.
The two temporary wire contact surfaces 159, 160 are attached to the mounting member 1
Adjustably mounted at 53. As seen in FIG. 1O, the elongate support member 163 is provided with an aperture 230 and the phantom contact surface 159, 160 (the phantom contact surface 159 is shown in phantom) is formed with an aperture 232. They are arranged apart from each other via the connector member 231. The lower end of the elongate support member 163 has a tension line or spring 233 that connects the lower end 234 to the elongate support member 1.
63 and securely fix it to the lower end. Tension wire or spring 2
The upper end 235 of 33 is spaced outwardly from the elongated support member 163. The connector member 231 is then disposed between the upper end 235 of the tension line spring 233 and the elongated support member 163 and
2 is in mating relationship with the opening 230 of the elongated support member 163. A pin or screw connector 236 then connects opening 2
32 and into opening 230 to secure connector member 231 to elongated support member 163. The upper end 14235 of tension line or spring 233 then connects connector member 231
A plurality of slotted grooves 237 formed in the grooves 237 are engaged with each other. By rotating the connector member 231 with attached contact surfaces 159,160 about the pin 236, the upper end 235 of the tension line or spring 233 is moved into the groove 237.
11, 12 or 13, depending on in which groove the tension line or upper end 235 of the spring 233 is placed. I take the.

Referring to Figure 9, a means 240 for rotating the teeth associated with base member 152 (Figure 3) is shown. The attachment means 153 of FIG. 9 are identical to those described above in connection with FIG.
The same base member 152 as described above in connection with FIG. 2 is used, but the base member 153 comprises rotation means 240.

The rotation means 240 includes at least one arc support block 2411242 disposed on the mounting member 153 and adjacent at least one arc contact surface 159,160. The line support blocks 241 , 242 are securely secured to the mounting member 153 by cross members 245 that are securely secured to the elongated support member 163 of the mounting member 153 . When the attachment member 153 of FIG. 9 associated with the rotation means 240 is placed in the base member 152, the arc wire 151 abuts and contacts the arc wire support block 2411242 and the teeth are rotated about the longitudinal axis. Provide support for this. When the single arc wire support block 241 is used as the rotating means 240, the arc wire support block 241 is rotated by the application of a deflecting force, such as by the rubber band connecting end 246 of the cross member 245 to the arc wire 151. , touches the solitary line 151. The deflection force rotates the teeth about the point of contact between the arc wire support block 241 and the arc wire 151. In other words, the teeth are rotated about a longitudinal axis that generally corresponds to the longitudinal axis of attachment member 153.

Two arc support blocks 241 and 242 are connected to the rotation means 2.
If used as 40, each arcuate support block would be
In order to accommodate the lone wire 151 by fitting, the groove 247.2
form 48. The depths of the two grooves 247, 248 are different, so that at the beginning of the procedure the arc line touches the bottom of one of the grooves and the other groove base is spaced from the arc line.

After application of the deflection force to the attachment member 153, the tooth is rotated so that both groove bases contact the arc line 151. For example, if the groove 248 of the line support block 242 is deeper than the groove 247 of the line support block 241, only the bottom of the groove 247 of the line support block 241 is
Contact 51.

8 Application of a deflection force at end 246 of cross member 245 causes the teeth associated with attachment member 153 in FIG. 9 to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow 249. Rotation in the direction opposite to arrow 249 is accomplished by reversing the arc support block 24L'242. The rotating means 240 shown in FIG.
Attachment member 15 as described above in connection with FIGS.
In a plane not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of 3, the arc contact surface 15
9.160 is combined with the tilting means 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a buccal tube 260 embodiment of bracket assembly 150' is shown. A base member 152' is provided and has two arc contact surfaces 159'' associated with a mounting base 158'.
It is wider to accommodate two arc contact surfaces 156'.

The solitary contact surface 159' differs from that described above in connection with FIG. has. Bracket assembly 150'' includes two mounting members 153'', as described above in connection with FIG.
, with the exception that the temporary wire contact surface 159'' has the same configuration as the contact surface 156' described above. If desired, 2
The two attachment members 153' are connected by connector members 262, as shown in phantom in FIG. 13, to provide additional strength and rigidity. Each temporary line contact surface 159
and 156 are provided with a closure member 263 located adjacent to each temporary line contact surface.

As seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, the deflection means 168 or rubber band 169 moves the attachment member 153'' into an abutting relationship with the base member 152'', thereby causing the closure member 267 of the attachment member 153' to move into an abutting relationship with the base member 152''. forms a zygoma 260 that abuts the closure member 267 of the base member 152' and accommodates the temporary line 151. As is known in the art, the zygomatic bone 260 generally includes the molars 220 (FIGS. 7 and 8).
It is installed on the molars as shown in the figure).

In accordance with the present invention, as described above, a method for forming a variable size temporary wire receiving groove 155 in an orthodontic bracket assembly 150 includes the steps of: (a) providing at least one temporary wire contacting surface 156 in a base member 152; and (b)
(c) movably associating the base member 152 and the attachment member 153 with respect to each other so that the base member 152 and the attachment member 1
At least one dummy wire contact surface 156 , 159 of 53 contacts and engages dummy wire 151 .

As previously mentioned, a further step in the method according to the invention involves attaching the mounting member 153 and the base member 152 to the base member 152.
Portions of the attachment member 153, such as the elongated support arm 163, are slidably received within an opening 162 formed in the opening 162, thereby movably relating them to each other.

In commencing an orthodontic treatment with the adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly 150 of the present invention, the base members are initially bonded to all teeth, including: 1- the attachments associated with each base member; Using the parts is
It is noted that this is not necessary. For example, initially there are teeth that are placed away from the temporary line and the attachment member does not reach the particular base member associated with it. The adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly of the present invention provides attachment member 153
is removed and a deflection means or rubber band is extended between the base member and the false wire, or between the base member and the adjacent tooth, to initially move the malpositioned tooth to its proper orientation.

Although the attachment is not used, it does not interfere with the treatment of adjacent teeth, and after the malpositioned tooth has been moved to the desired orientation, the attachment member is later associated with the base member in the manner described above.

It is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise details of construction, operation, precise materials or implementation shown and described, since obvious modifications and the like will be obvious to those skilled in the art. be done. For example, while the adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly of the present invention has been shown for use on the labial and buccal surfaces of teeth, the bracket assembly of the present invention has been shown for use on the lingual surface of teeth 2. be done. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the scope of the claims.

The main features and aspects of the invention are as follows.

■ an adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly adapted for solitary wire use, comprising at least one base member having at least one temporary wire contact surface and adapted for relating to a tooth surface; a mounting member having a wire contacting surface; and movably associating the base member and the mounting member with respect to each other to provide a wire receiving groove formed by the at least one wire contacting surface of the base member and the mounting member. and a means for accommodating the temporary wire, whereby the size of the temporary wire receiving groove is
An adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly that is modified to accommodate different sizes of braces.

2. The adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the movable associated means includes a sliding connection between the base member and the mounting member.

3. The adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein the sliding connection means includes an aperture disposed in the base member, and the attachment member includes an elongate support member received within the aperture in sliding relationship. Three-dimensional.

4. The adjustable tooth of item 1, including means for biasing the base member and the attachment member together and biasing at least one arc contact surface of the base member and the attachment member into engagement with the arc. Alignment bracket assembly.

5. The adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly of claim 4, wherein the deflection means comprises a rubber band associated with the attachment member and the base member.

6. The adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly of claim 5, wherein the attachment member and the base member are each associated with a wing member that engages a rubber band.

7. An adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly according to claim 4, wherein the base member and the attachment member are magnetized to provide deflection means, whereby the base member and the attachment member are deflected towards each other by magnetic force. Three-dimensional.

8. includes means for releasably locking the base member and the mounting member together while moving the base member and the mounting member with respect to each other, so that the base member and the mounting member are protected from accidental separation during use; The adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly according to item 1 above, wherein the adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly is prevented.

9. The releasable locking means includes at least one protruding member disposed on the mounting member, the at least one protruding member engaging the base member to prevent accidental separation of the base member and the mounting member; 9. The adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly according to claim 8.

10. means for releasably locking the base member and the attachment member together while permitting sliding movement of the attachment member with respect to the base member, the releasable locking means being disposed on the elongated support member of the attachment member; 4. An adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly according to claim 3, including at least one protruding member having a cylindrical shape, the at least one protruding member being engaged to the base member adjacent to an aperture formed in the base member.

11. The adjustable dentition of 1 above, wherein the at least one arc contact surface of the base member and the attachment member has a rounded configuration, thereby minimizing binding of the arc wire within the arc wire receiving groove. Orthodontic bracket assembly.

12, the base member includes means for tilting the associated tooth, the tilting means including two arcuate contact surfaces spaced apart from each other and disposed on the mounting member, the two arcuate contact surfaces comprising: , in a plane that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mounting member, such that the teeth are in contact with at least one arc contact surface of the base member and one arc of the mounting member until both countersunk contact surfaces of the mounting member contact the arc. The adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly according to item 1 above, which is tilted about two contact surfaces.

13. The adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly of claim 12, wherein the two arc contact surfaces on the attachment member are securely secured to the attachment member.

14. The above 12, wherein the two arc contact surfaces on the mounting member are adjustably mounted on the mounting member.
Adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly as described in.

15. The base member includes means for rotating the associated tooth, the rotation means including at least one arc support block disposed on the mounting member and adjacent the at least one arc contact surface; 1. An adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the line support block is adapted to contact the line of sight and provide a support against which the teeth are rotated.

16. Two solitary contact surfaces are disposed on the base member and spaced apart from each other, two solitary contact surfaces are disposed on the mounting member and spaced apart from each other, and a closure member is disposed on each of the mounting members. An adjustment according to item 1 above, wherein the closure member of the attachment member abuts the closure member of the base member, wherein the closure member of the attachment member is disposed adjacent to the arc contact surface, thereby providing a zygoma and adapted to accommodate the arc contact surface. Possible orthodontic bracket assembly.

17. 1 above, wherein the base member includes means for applying a torque to the associated tooth, the torque means being formed by an inclined surface used as at least one arcuate contact surface;
Adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly as described in.

18. The adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly of claim 17, wherein the sloping surface is disposed on at least two arc contact surfaces of the attachment member.

19. A method for forming variable-sized arc wire receiving grooves in an orthodontic bracket assembly, comprising: a) providing at least one arc contact surface in a base member; and b) providing at least one arc contact surface in an attachment member. C) movably associating the base member and the attachment member with respect to each other such that at least one arc contact surface of the base member and the attachment member contacts and engages the arc line; how to.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the mounting member and the base member are movably associated with respect to each other by slidably receiving a portion of the mounting member within an opening formed in the base member.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly according to the present invention. 2 is a side view of the bracket assembly of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bracket assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a bracket assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a front view of two teeth shown at the beginning of an orthodontic procedure with bracket assemblies joined according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view of the two teeth of FIG. 5 toward the end of orthodontic treatment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of four teeth shown at the beginning of an orthodontic procedure with orthodontic bracket assemblies joined according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tooth of FIG. 70 toward the end of orthodontic treatment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mounting member according to the invention. FIG. 1O is an exploded perspective view of a mounting member according to the present invention. 11 and 12 are front views of a bracket assembly according to the present invention for tilting movement of teeth associated with the bracket assembly. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a bracket assembly according to the present invention when a cheekbone is provided. FIG. 14 is a side view of the bracket assembly of FIG. 13. 150... Orthodontic bracket assembly 152... Base member 153... Attachment member 155... Solitary line accommodation groove 156... Solitary line contact surface 157... Teeth 158... Attachment base α Kutsu JP 3 284255 (13) flG, 13

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. An adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly adapted for use with a solitary wire, the adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly having at least one solitary wire contacting surface and having at least one solitary wire contacting surface, the adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly being adapted for use with a solitary wire; a base member having at least one arcuate contact surface; and means for forming a solitary wire receiving groove, whereby the size of the solitary wire receiving groove can be varied to accommodate different sizes of solitary wires. . 2. A method for forming variable-sized arc wire receiving grooves in an orthodontic bracket assembly comprising: a) providing at least one arc contact surface in a base member; b) providing at least one arc contact surface in an attachment member; c) movably associating the base member and the mounting member with respect to each other such that at least one of the contact surfaces of the base member and the mounting member contacts and engages the line of contact; A method characterized in that it can be combined.