Patent classifications
A61C7/125
WAX-BASED COMPOSITIONS, ARTICLES MADE THEREFROM, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE
Oral treatment devices formed from wax-based compositions that are thermally stable when formed into a three-dimensional shape to a temperature of at least 45° C. and plastically deformable at room temperature (25° C.). The wax-based compositions include a wax fraction homogeneously blended with a polymer fraction. The wax fraction includes at least one wax. The polymer fraction includes at least one polymer selected such that, when the wax and polymer are homogeneously blended together, they yield a wax-based composition having the desired properties of thermal stability and plastic deformability. Oral treatment devices are dimensionally stable to a temperature of at least 40° C. without external support and can be plastically deformed in a user's mouth to become at least partially customized to the size and shape of user's unique dentition and/or an appliance in a user's mouth.
Dalman orthodontic bracket
An orthodontic bracket assembly treatment system comprising a bracket base and at least two rigid selectable bracket covers slidably engageable with the bracket base wherein the selectable at least two rigid selectable bracket covers are removably slidably couplable to said bracket base by slidably engaging the upper lip with the upper retention element and the lower lip with the lower retention element and wherein the width of the face of a first one of the at least two rigid selectable bracket covers is wider than the width of the face of a second one of the at least two rigid bracket covers and can be selectively releasably attached to the base during a treatment such that the treatment utilizes either the first bracket cover or the second bracket cover depending on a patient's treatment needs at a stage of the treatment.
Wax-based compositions, articles made therefrom, and methods of manufacture and use
Oral treatment devices formed from wax-based compositions that are thermally stable when formed into a three-dimensional shape to a temperature of at least 45 C. and plastically deformable at room temperature (25 C.). The wax-based compositions include a wax fraction homogeneously blended with a polymer fraction. The wax fraction includes at least one wax. The polymer fraction includes at least one polymer selected such that, when the wax and polymer are homogeneously blended together, they yield a wax-based composition having the desired properties of thermal stability and plastic deformability. Oral treatment devices are dimensionally stable to a temperature of at least 40 C. without external support and can be plastically deformed in a user's mouth to become at least partially customized to the size and shape of user's unique dentition and/or an appliance in a user's mouth.
INTERPROXIMAL REDUCTION TEMPLATES
Interproximal reduction guides apparatuses and methods of making and using them are described herein. These interproximal reduction guides apparatuses may include a body that fits over the patient's dental arch and one or more guide slots formed in them configured to limit the motion of an interproximal reduction cutting tool in a defined manner.
Interproximal reduction templates
Interproximal reduction guides apparatuses and methods of making and using them are described herein. These interproximal reduction guides apparatuses may include a body that fits over the patient's dental arch and one or more guide slots formed in them configured to limit the motion of an interproximal reduction cutting tool in a defined manner.
Cover for bracket of orthodontic appliance
A cover device formed of a plastic or similar composition is structured for removable attachment over a bracket of an orthodontic appliance and includes a main plate with an outer front face, and top and bottom claws integrally formed with the main plate, curling behind the main plate, and each terminating at distal ends in spaced, opposing relation to each other behind the main plate. The main plate is bowed outwardly from top to bottom to allow the claws to flex away from each other and snap over the bracket upon application of inward pressure on the front face while the claws are pressed against the bracket, to thereby attach the cover to the bracket, with the bracket concealed from view behind the cover device. The front face may include an ornamental design. In another embodiment, the cover device includes a bottom tab for cooperating engagement with a removal tool.
Orthodontic appliance
Various embodiments of an orthodontic appliance are provided. In one embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance comprising: a body; at least one ring-shaped member connected to the body via at least one connecting portion; wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member are oriented adjacent to one another; and wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member are not coplanar when in an unloaded state.
Self-ligating orthodontic brackets
The present invention employs a self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprising a body having a pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of laterally spaced occlusal tie wings, the gingival and occlusal tie wings projecting from a labial surface of the body; an arch wire slot extending mesially-distally across the body and between the gingival and occlusal tie wings to accommodate an arch wire; a free-sliding, controlled-locking, or pivoting clip wherein the clip allows placement and removal of the arch wire when in the open position and prevents the displacement of the arch wire from the bracket member when in the closed position.
Decorative covers for dental braces
A cover for an orthodontic bracket having an arch wire laterally extending therethrough includes a body having a forward-facing planar surface and a rearward-facing recess configured for at least partially receiving the orthodontic bracket therein. The body includes first and second slots located on opposed lateral sides of the body and each configured so that the arch wire passes laterally through the first and second slots and the recess of the body when the cover is positioned over the orthodontic bracket. The forward-facing planar surface is provided with decorative indicia thereon. The cover is configured so that the cover does not bind movement of the arch wire relative to the orthodontic bracket, does not secure the arch wire to the orthodontic brackets, and does not alter the functioning of the dental braces.
Methods of forming interproximal reduction templates
Methods of forming interproximal reduction guides are described herein. These interproximal reduction guides apparatuses may include a body that fits over the patient's dental arch and one or more guide slots formed in them configured to limit the motion of an interproximal reduction cutting tool in a defined manner.