The present invention discloses a maxillary skeletal expander device and methods of making and using the same.

Embodiments of the present invention provide devices (tags), systems, and methods to determine structural integrity and other states of orthodontic-elements, such as orthodontic-brackets, orthodontic-archwires, orthodontic-expanders, orthodontic-elastic-bands, and orthodontic-power-chains, to name a few, in a non-invasive and contactless way, with respect to monitoring; and using comparatively safe and/or low energy electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves. Negligible-sized backscatter-tags with sensors are implanted in or attached to such orthodontic-elements. Such arrangements may permit monitoring of forces acting on teeth by various orthodontic-elements. Using backscatter imaging technology, the structural integrity and other states of the orthodontic-elements may be monitored; which may allow non-invasive and contactless detection of problems such as cracking, bending, excessive pressure, improper temperature, and/or the like. Additionally, initially unknown locations of the implanted negligible-sized backscatter-tags with sensors may be readily determined upon a given scanning (reading) session; and thus mapped to provide an effective image of the orthodontic-elements.

Embodiments of the present invention provide devices (tags), systems, and methods to determine structural integrity and other states of orthodontic-elements, such as orthodontic-brackets, orthodontic-archwires, orthodontic-expanders, orthodontic-elastic-bands, and orthodontic-power-chains, to name a few, in a non-invasive and contactless way, with respect to monitoring; and using comparatively safe and/or low energy electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves. Negligible-sized backscatter-tags with sensors are implanted in or attached to such orthodontic-elements. Such arrangements may permit monitoring of forces acting on teeth by various orthodontic-elements. Using backscatter imaging technology, the structural integrity and other states of the orthodontic-elements may be monitored; which may allow non-invasive and contactless detection of problems such as cracking, bending, excessive pressure, improper temperature, and/or the like. Additionally, initially unknown locations of the implanted negligible-sized backscatter-tags with sensors may be readily determined upon a given scanning (reading) session; and thus mapped to provide an effective image of the orthodontic-elements.

This invention relates to the contributions of the bone marrow—and adipose tissue—derived mesenchymal stem cells applied following the maxillary expansion—a frequently used method for the orthodontic treatment—to the healing of the expanded bone tissues. In the invention, adipose tissue and bone marrow-derived stem cell applications increased the healing and quality of the bones following the maxillary expansion and the applied stem cells were involved in the bone structure. Thus, the relapse following the maxillary expansion treatment was avoided. This application will shorten the treatment period for patients undergoing the maxillary expansion treatment and the patients will not have to use apparatus for a long period of time.

This invention relates to the contributions of the bone marrow—and adipose tissue—derived mesenchymal stem cells applied following the maxillary expansion—a frequently used method for the orthodontic treatment—to the healing of the expanded bone tissues. In the invention, adipose tissue and bone marrow-derived stem cell applications increased the healing and quality of the bones following the maxillary expansion and the applied stem cells were involved in the bone structure. Thus, the relapse following the maxillary expansion treatment was avoided. This application will shorten the treatment period for patients undergoing the maxillary expansion treatment and the patients will not have to use apparatus for a long period of time.

Releasable and removable palatal expander apparatuses for expanding a patient's palate (“palatal expanders”) and methods of using and making them. These releasable palatal expanders are adapted for ease in removal by the patient or caregiver, and may include a breach region configured to predictably bend or break when a pulling force is applied. The palatal expander apparatuses described herein may include one or more locks for locking the palatal expander onto the patient's teeth. The lock(s) may be unlocked to release the palatal expander from the teeth. A lock may include a control for manually unlocking the lock. Unlocking the locks may allow the palatal expander to automatically disengage from the patient's teeth.

Releasable and removable palatal expander apparatuses for expanding a patient's palate (“palatal expanders”) and methods of using and making them. These releasable palatal expanders are adapted for ease in removal by the patient or caregiver, and may include a breach region configured to predictably bend or break when a pulling force is applied. The palatal expander apparatuses described herein may include one or more locks for locking the palatal expander onto the patient's teeth. The lock(s) may be unlocked to release the palatal expander from the teeth. A lock may include a control for manually unlocking the lock. Unlocking the locks may allow the palatal expander to automatically disengage from the patient's teeth.

An unimpeded distalizing jig, comprising a pair of tooth bond pads, an intra dental arch telescoping assembly, comprising a rod-like insertion and a tubular shell, which constrains the rod-like insertion to move with respect to the tubular shell along an elongated axis, which may be a radial path; and a force generating structure configured to supply an off-axis distalizing force to the intra dental arch telescoping assembly, such that the distalizing force is provided to the posterior tooth substantially without applying an anteriorizing force on the anterior tooth. The force generating structure may be an elastic band fixed by a hook to the tubular shell on one side, and to a molar on an opposing dental arch on the other side.

An unimpeded distalizing jig, comprising a pair of tooth bond pads, an intra dental arch telescoping assembly, comprising a rod-like insertion and a tubular shell, which constrains the rod-like insertion to move with respect to the tubular shell along an elongated axis, which may be a radial path; and a force generating structure configured to supply an off-axis distalizing force to the intra dental arch telescoping assembly, such that the distalizing force is provided to the posterior tooth substantially without applying an anteriorizing force on the anterior tooth. The force generating structure may be an elastic band fixed by a hook to the tubular shell on one side, and to a molar on an opposing dental arch on the other side.

An orthotic device for redefining an occlusal plane includes a left portion, a right portion including an upper surface, a bite block coupled to either the left portion or the right portion, and a lingual portion coupled to the left portion and the right portion. The orthotic device is configured to engage teeth located along a left portion and a right portion of a mandible. The bite block is disposed along the upper surface of either the left portion or the right portion and extends upward relative to an upper surface of the left or right portion.