WO2004039276A2 - Orthodontic bracket base apparatus and method of manufacture - Google Patents

Orthodontic bracket base apparatus and method of manufacture Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004039276A2
WO2004039276A2 PCT/US2003/034430 US0334430W WO2004039276A2 WO 2004039276 A2 WO2004039276 A2 WO 2004039276A2 US 0334430 W US0334430 W US 0334430W WO 2004039276 A2 WO2004039276 A2 WO 2004039276A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bracket
comer
gingival
occlusal
base
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/034430
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2004039276A3 (en
Inventor
Ray Winston Freeman
George Kantor
Rosilio Ronald Perez
Paul Ritter Smith
Michael Dean Stevens
Daphne Upchurch
Original Assignee
Rmo, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rmo, Inc. filed Critical Rmo, Inc.
Priority to AU2003287258A priority Critical patent/AU2003287258A1/en
Publication of WO2004039276A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004039276A2/en
Publication of WO2004039276A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004039276A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61CDENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C7/00Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
    • A61C7/12Brackets; Arch wires; Combinations thereof; Accessories therefor
    • A61C7/14Brackets; Fixing brackets to teeth
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61CDENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C7/00Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
    • A61C7/12Brackets; Arch wires; Combinations thereof; Accessories therefor
    • A61C7/14Brackets; Fixing brackets to teeth
    • A61C7/16Brackets; Fixing brackets to teeth specially adapted to be cemented to teeth

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains to orthodontic brackets, and more particularly, to the base of orthodontic brackets.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,522,725 concerns a method of improving the bond strength of a plastic bracket by temporarily heating and then permanently deforming proj ections located on the base of the bracket. The deformed projections interlock with adhesive when the bracket is bonded to a tooth.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,595,484 discloses a plastic bracket having a metal reinforcement member partly embedded in the bracket body.
  • Figure 13 of the '484 patent discloses a bracket base having eight recessed discontinuous portions 36 that include molded identification characters 35.
  • 5,622,494 discloses several structures, including a spiral-like ridge, concentric rectangles, and a weave pattern. Upon being deformed, each structure creates an undercut structure for forming a mechanical bond with an adhesive.
  • this patent and the other patents noted above fail to disclose a base structure that includes lettering, symbols, or numerals that are substantially continuous and that functionally serve as texturing to bond the bracket to a patient's tooth.
  • the present invention addresses these shortcomings.
  • the present invention concerns the base of orthodontic brackets. More particularly, the present invention concerns the use of texturing in the form of characters or symbols along the lingual surface at the base of the bracket that function to provide a texturing that serves to bond the bracket to a tooth when an adhesive is used to attach the bracket to a patient's tooth. Such features also serve identification and/or information purposes that are absent in all prior art devices.
  • the present invention comprises a substantially continuous series of alpha-numeric characters (such as letters or numerals) or symbols (such as company logos) that are formed in a manner such that the symbols or characters on the base of the bracket serve as texturing to facilitate bonding of the bracket with the tooth when the base of the bracket is attached to the tooth using an adhesive.
  • characters refers to either letters, and/or numbers, and/or graphics, and/or symbols (such as logos), and/or a combination thereof "Substantially continuous” is meant to convey the regular matrix-like aspect of the alpha- numeric characters configured on the base so as to facilitate a more or less uniform textured surface for bonding purposes.
  • the characters are preferably recessed, with the space between and around the characters projected.
  • the projected space between the characters is either in contact with the tooth, or is the next surface closest to the tooth's surface if a perimeter rail is present, as discussed below.
  • the surface of the recessed characters is preferably further away from the tooth surface than the space between the characters.
  • the opposite arrangement may be used, where the space between and around the characters is recessed, and the characters themselves are projected.
  • a perimeter rail and more preferably, a discontinuous perimeter rail may be used at the edge of the base.
  • the discontinuous perimeter rail if used, is in contact with the tooth surface, with the interior portion of the base pattern recessed relative to the surface of the discontinuous perimeter rail. If used, the perimeter rail forms a pocket to the interior of the perimeter rail that receives the adhesive. Thus, if used, a perimeter rail contacts the tooth surface, with the base pattern recessed relative to the surface of the perimeter rail.
  • FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a one-piece bracket that includes the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a side elevation view of the bracket shown in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 is a top elevation view of the bracket shown in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 4 is a rear elevation view of an example of the base structure that comprises the present invention;
  • Fig. 5a is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4 taken along line 5-5 with the characters recessed relative to the intermediate space
  • Fig. 5b is a second cross-sectional view of Figure 4 taken along line 5-5 with the intermediate space recessed relative to the characters
  • Fig. 6 is a side elevation view of a bracket that is a second embodiment of the present invention and that includes a discontinuous perimeter rail;
  • Fig. 7 is a top elevation view of the bracket shown in Fig. 6;
  • Fig. 8 is a rear elevation view of an example of the base structure of the present invention that is associated with the bracket depicted in Fig. 6;
  • Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 8 taken along line 9-9 with the characters recessed relative to the intermediate space;
  • Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a bracket and a mold used to form the bracket;
  • Fig. 11 is a separate embodiment of the present invention.
  • the present invention is a base structure for an orthodontic bracket.
  • the base structure is applicable to any type of orthodontic bracket. More particularly, the base structure applies to brackets for any tooth, and can be used on brackets made of any material, such as plastic, metal, ceramics, or combinations thereof.
  • the base structure is applicable to brackets formed as one unit, or brackets formed of a plurality of pieces that are assembled to form the bracket.
  • the base structure may be formed on the base of an injection molded metal bracket. Alternatively, it may be formed as an applique that is later applied to the underside of the body of the bracket, which is then installed on a tooth. In the latter case, the applique is either used to form the interconnection between the patient's tooth surface and the bracket itself, or it is the next closest surface to the tooth if a perimeter rail is present.
  • a bracket utilizes a one-piece metal injection molded construction, wherein the bracket includes a base structure having characters.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a view of the buccal side or front of an orthodontic twin bracket 10.
  • the bracket 10 includes a gingival tie wing 12 and an occlusal tie wing 14.
  • the gingival tie wing 12 includes a mesial wing tip 16 and a distal wing tip 18.
  • the occlusal tie wing 14 includes a mesial wing tip 20 and a distal wing tip 22.
  • Located between the gingival tie wing 12 and the occlusal tie wing 14 is a mesiodistal- extending archwire slot 24.
  • Extending from wing tip 16 is an optional attachment knob or hook 26.
  • the hook 26 is on the gingival side of the bracket 10.
  • the hook 26 can be used in conjunction with springs, ligation doughnuts, elastic ribbons, etc. to perform various tasks such as pulling another tooth into place, connecting the maxillary with the mandibular using elastics, etc.
  • the hook 26 is located on the gingival side of brackets designed for cuspids and bicuspids.
  • Figure 2 is a mesial or front-side view of the bracket 10.
  • Mesial wing tips 16,20 with the corresponding mesial ligature undercuts 28,30 are clearly illustrated.
  • Figure 2 also illustrates the two basic structures of the bracket 10, that is, body 11 and base 32.
  • body 11 is integrally formed together with base 32 during manufacture of the bracket 10.
  • body 11 may be formed separately from base 32, and base 32 may be subsequently connected to body 11, either before attachment to a tooth, or during attachment to a tooth.
  • Figure 3 shows bracket 10 from the gingival or top side.
  • the base 32 of the bracket 10 and the open area or saddle 34 between the mesial wing tips 16,20 and the distal wing tips 18,22 are clearly illustrated.
  • the saddle 34 permits the use of ligatures to hold down the archwire to be applied in various configurations.
  • the ligature can pass under the two mesial wing tips 16,20, under the two distal wing tips 18,22, or under all four wing tips 16,18,20,22. This allows the orthodontist to induce rotation by placing more pressure on one end of the bracket or another, or applying pressure evenly.
  • the saddle 34 includes a central saddle ridge 36.
  • the saddle ridge 36 can provide a number of advantages.
  • the base 32 extends in a reference plane (or "plane of contour") that has a concave configuration adapted to match the convex, compound contour of the tooth for which the bracket 10 is intended.
  • the reference plane or "plane of contour” may be curved, relatively flat, or essentially flat.
  • Bracket base 32 can be customized for left or right tooth anatomy and to smoothly follow the facial and labial/buccal surface of the tooth.
  • Figure 4 depicts an enlarged rear elevation view of the rear surface or base 32 of bracket 10.
  • Base 32 includes gingival edge 38a, distal edge 38b, occlusal edge 38c, and mesial edge 38d.
  • Interior region 40 includes a projected surface 44 and a recessed surface 46, as depicted in Figs. 5a and 5b.
  • the projected surface 44 of the interior region 40 is a surface that is both essentially parallel to the tooth's surface and closest to the tooth's surface upon attachment of the bracket 10 to the tooth.
  • the recessed surface 46 is a surface of the interior region 40 that is also parallel to the tooth's surface, but is further away from the tooth's surface than the projected surface 44 upon attachment of the bracket 10 to the tooth.
  • the recessed surface 46 is preferably recessed between about 0.009 to 0.011 inches relative to the projected surface 44, and more preferably, the recessed surface is recessed about 0.010 inches relative to the projected surface 44.
  • Characters 48 and intermediate space 50 extend substantially continuously within interior region 40, between edges 38a,38b,38c, and 38d.
  • the pattern of characters may be repeating, such as the letters "RMO" ® shown in Fig. 4, or they may be a non-repeating series of characters 48.
  • the characters maybe a set of information regarding the bracket 10, such as its intended installation location, manufacturer, date of manufacturer, model number, etc.
  • the provision of particular useful information on the base, and having such encoded information perform a useful function with respect to the use of the device is itself a novel and nonobvious characteristic of the present invention.
  • the base 32 does not have a grid between the characters 48. That is, in contrast to the bracket base shown in Fig. 13 of U.S. Patent No. 5,595,484, the base 32 of the present invention does not have a grid or lattice within which the characters reside. Rather, the present invention uses characters 48 and a relatively irregular, non-grid like intermediate space 50 to cover the entire interior region 40. The characters 48 and intermediate space 50 thus function directly as the texturing that works in combination with the adhesive to bond the bracket to the tooth.
  • the characters 48 may be angled at any orientation relative to the edges 38a,38b,38c, and 38d. More specifically, the characters may be oriented parallel with edges 38a and 38c, or perpendicular to edges 38a and 38c. Likewise, the characters maybe oriented parallel with edges 38b and 38d, or perpendicular to edges 38b and 38d. Alternately, the characters 48 may be oriented at an angle relative to edges 38a,38b,38c, and 38d. As an example without limitation, Figure 4 illustrates that the characters 48 are oriented at an angle ⁇ of about 15 degrees relative to edges 38b and 38d, and at an angle of about 75 degrees relative to edges 38a and 38c.
  • Character length "L” and width “W” may vary considerably. Referring now to Fig. 4, in a preferred embodiment, in plan view the length L of each character 48 is about 0.034 to 0.038 inches, and more preferably, about 0.036 inches.
  • the width W of each character 48 varies with the length and with the specific character type. For example, in the character string "RMO” ® shown in Fig. 4, an “M” is typically wider than an "R” or an "O".
  • the line width "lw” preferably ranges between about 0.008 to 0.010 inches, where line width lw is the width of the line forming each individual character 48.
  • line width lw will vary with character length L. Therefore, shorter characters 48 will typically have thinner line widths lw.
  • logos, symbols and graphics will have lengths L, widths W, and line widths lw as required to form each individual type of shape.
  • the total surface area in rear elevation view, or the exterior surface of the base 32 is defined herein as the area in rear elevation view between edges 38a,38b,38c, and 38d for the base surfaces parallel to the tooth's surface.
  • the characters 48 are letters, numbers, logos, symbols, or graphics
  • the recessed surface 46 comprises between about 50% to 60% of the total surface area of the base 32, and more preferably, about 55% of the total surface area of base 32.
  • the projected surface 44 comprises between about 40% to 50% of the total surface area of the base 32, and more preferably, about 45% of the total surface area of the base 32.
  • Projected surface 44 and recessed surface 46 are comprised of characters 48 and intermediate space 50, which is situated between and around characters 48.
  • Characters 48 may occupy the projected surface 44 of the base 32, but preferably occupy the recessed surface 46 of the base 32.
  • intermediate space 50 may occupy the recessed surface 46 of base 32, but preferably occupy the projected surface 44 of base 32.
  • bracket character walls 49 that are generally perpendicular or steeply sloped surfaces disposed between the characters 48 and the intermediate space 50.
  • the projected surface 44 contacts the tooth surface upon attachment of the bracket 10 in the direction of arrows A to the patient's tooth T.
  • the intermediate space 50 occupies the projected surface 44
  • the intermediate surface 50 is closest to the tooth surface, and the location of characters 48 is recessed relative to the location of intermediate space 50.
  • Fig. 5b presents the same cross-sectional view of base 32 as that shown in Figure 5a, but with the characters 48 and intermediate space 50 inverted. That is, in this modified arrangement, the location of intermediate space 50 is recessed relative to the location of the characters 48. Therefore, the characters 48 contact the tooth surface upon attachment of the bracket 10 in the direction of arrows A to the patient's tooth T.
  • the bracket 10 may include a canted back portion 33.
  • Fig. 6 shows a side elevation view of a bracket 10 having a canted back portion 33 that is sloped at an angle ⁇ . As shown in Fig. 6, ⁇ is approximately 5.4 degrees, however, back portion 33 may be set at a variety of angles depending upon the curvature of the patient' s tooth surface.
  • base 32 preferably includes a perimeter rail, and more preferably, a discontinuous perimeter rail.
  • the discontinuous perimeter rail preferably includes at least one comer segment, and more preferably, a plurality of comer segments, including a distal/gingival comer 62a, a gingival/mesial comer 62b, a mesial/occlusal comer 62c, and an occlusal/distal comer 62d.
  • Comers 62a,62b, 62c, and 62d are preferably between about 0.008 to 0.011 inches in width "cw", and more preferably, are about 0.085 inches wide.
  • each comer 62a, 62b, 62c, and 62d is separated from the other comers segments by a distance or a cavity.
  • the discontinuous perimeter rail also includes at least one straight segment, and more preferably, a plurality of straight segments. More preferably yet, two straight segments are provided, namely a gingival straight segment 64a and an occlusal straight segment 64c.
  • the gingival straight segment 64a is separated from the distal/gingival comer 62a and the gingival/mesial comer 62b by a cavity or a distance "d " of about 0.008 to 0.011 inches, and more preferably, by a distance dj approximately equal to the width of the discontinuous perimeter rail, or about 0.0085 inches.
  • the occlusal straight segment 64c is separated from the mesial/occlusal comer 62c and the occlusal/distal comer 62d by a cavity or distance d j of about 0.008 to 0.011 inches, and more preferably, by a distance d t approximately equal to the width of the discontinuous perimeter rail, or about 0.0085 inches.
  • d j of about 0.008 to 0.011 inches
  • a distance d t approximately equal to the width of the discontinuous perimeter rail, or about 0.0085 inches.
  • the discontinuous perimeter rail does not include a distal straight segment between the distal/gingival comer 62a and the occlusal/distal comer 62d.
  • the discontinuous perimeter rail does not include a mesial straight segment between the gingival/mesial comer 62b and the mesial/occlusal comer 62c.
  • the perimeter rail is preferably positioned within the base area defined by edges 38a,38b,38c, and 38d. More specifically, comers 62a,62b,62c, and 62d, as well as straight segments 64a and 64c of the discontinuous perimeter rail are all disposed within the interior of the area defined by base edges 38a,38b,38c, and 38d.
  • the total surface area in rear elevation view, or the exterior surface of the base 32 is defined herein as the area in rear elevation view between edges 38a,38b,38c, and 38d for the base surfaces parallel to the tooth's surface.
  • the discontinuous perimeter rail portions 62a,62b,62c, 62d, 64a and 64c comprise between about 12% to 16% of the total surface area of the base 32, and more preferably, about 14%) of the total surface area of base 32.
  • the characters 48 are letters, numbers, logos, symbols, or graphics
  • the recessed surface 46 comprises between about 45% to 50% of the total surface area of the base 32, and more preferably, about 48% of the total surface area of base 32.
  • the projected surface 44 comprises between about 35% to 40% of the total surface area of the base 32, and more preferably, about 38% of the total surface area of the base 32.
  • FIG. 9a a cross-sectional view along line 9-9 as shown in Fig. 8 is provided.
  • the cross-sectional view of Fig. 9a shows the gingival straight segment 64a and the occlusal straight segment 64c along the gingival and occlusal edges of the bracket 10.
  • Fig. 9a also shows that the rail surface 66 is disposed beyond the projected surface 44.
  • the projected surface 44 is comprised of the intermediate space 50 between characters 48, while the recessed surface 46 is comprised of the characters 48.
  • the rail surface 66 preferably projects a distance "s" of about 0.002 to 0.004 inches beyond the projected surface 44, and more preferably, the rail surface 66 projects about 0.003 inches beyond the projected surface 44.
  • bracket 10 having a discontinuous rail is placed with its base 32 in contact with a patient's tooth, the rail surface 66 contacts the patient's tooth.
  • the discontinuous rail thus forms a pocket for the collection of adhesive.
  • the openings between the perimeter rail permit excess adhesive to escape under the applied pressure, thereby preventing the bracket 10 from having an adhesive layer that is too thick and moving away from the tooth as a result of increased hydraulic pressure formed within the adhesive pocket when the bracket is first pressed against the tooth to which it is being applied.
  • the discontinuous structure of the perimeter rail improves the bonding strength between the bracket and the patient's tooth because it allows excess adhesive to escape during the application of the bracket 10 to the tooth's surface. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9b, the difference in distance provided by the projection of the perimeter rail beyond the projected surface 44 allows a layer of adhesive 68 to bond between the projected surface 44 and the tooth's surface. Thus, a layer of adhesive is formed within the entire interior area 40 of the base that is not otherwise occupied by the discontinuous perimeter rail segments 62a-d, and 64a and 64c. This further improves bonding between the bracket 10 and the tooth's surface.
  • the surface finish of the base is manufactured to provided a finish having textural characteristics suited for use with characters 48.
  • the present invention includes a method of making the bracket 10 and its base 32 that is specifically suited for a bracket 10 with a base 32 having a continuous pattern of characters 48.
  • a one-piece molded metal injected bracket 10 is manufactured from a mold 52.
  • the mold 52 is produced by electrical discharge machining using shaped electrodes to form the mold 52 itself. More specifically, the shaped electrodes are formed to correspond to the desired shape of at least a portion of one of the exterior surfaces of the bracket 10, such as the exterior surface that forms base 32. The shaped electrodes are then charged and placed in contact with a metal shape that will form a portion of mold 52 for production of the actual brackets 10.
  • the charged electrode "bums" the desired bracket pattern into the metal shape, thus forming a portion of mold 52.
  • the mold is typically formed from a top and a bottom portion that is then assembled to form a hollow space that defines the bracket 10.
  • the mold 52 is then used to manufacture a bracket 10 by injecting the mold 52 with the bracket material, such as molten stainless steel, via an injection channel that passes through mold 52 to the interior hollow region defining the bracket form.
  • the molten stainless steel is allowed to cool and harden, and then the mold 52 is separated and molded bracket 10 is subsequently ejected from the mold 52.
  • the surfaces of the base 32 that are parallel to the tooth's surface are preferably relatively rough.
  • the mold 52 is preferably manufactured and processed to have appropriate surficial roughness textures along its corresponding base surfaces. Referring now to Fig. 10, the mold 52 has a base that includes mold recessed surface
  • mold recessed surface 54 and mold projected surface 56 which correspond to the projected surface 44 and the recessed surface 46 of bracket 10, respectively.
  • mold recessed surface 54 and mold projected surface 56 have a surface finish of approximately a maximum of 110.8 micro- inches, hi contrast, preferably the mold character walls 59 of mold 52 that form the generally sloped or perpendicular surfaces between characters 48 and intermediate spaces 50 of bracket 10 are polished. More specifically, the mold character walls 59 of mold 52 are preferably hand polished to a relatively smooth and polished finish, preferably using a ruby stone, although other means may be employed.
  • bracket 10 Upon manufacture of a bracket 10 from mold 52, the hand polished character walls 59 of the mold 52 allow the actual bracket 10 to be ejected from the mold 52 because the character walls 49 of bracket 10 are formed to have a smooth and polished finish that corresponds to the polished mold character walls 59 from which they were formed.
  • the bracket 10 may be ej ected from mold 52 without sticking to the mold 52 and thereby preventing ejection from occurring, or bending or otherwise causing detrimental structural damage to the bracket 10 during the ejection process.
  • An ejector pin (not shown) may be used to aid the ejection process, wherein the ejection pin forceably separates the bracket 10 from the mold 52 by pushing base 32 away from mold 52.
  • the bonding surface 66 of the perimeter rail of mold 52 that is parallel to the tooth's surface is surficially textured to improve bonding between the bracket 10 and the surface of the tooth. More particularly, the bonding surfaces 66 of the perimeter rail of the mold 52 preferably have a surface finish of approximately a maximum of 110.8 micro-inches.
  • the perimeter rail walls 69 of the discontinuous perimeter rail of mold 52 are polished to a smooth finish to prevent an injected bracket 10 from sticking to the mold 52 during the ejection process, thereby preventing ejection or otherwise causing detrimental structural damage to the bracket 10 during the ejection process. Referring now to Fig. 11, an alternate aspect of the invention is shown. Fig.
  • 11 presents a pattern of characters 48, wherein the characters are a three-pronged shape resembling the letter "Y".
  • intermediate space 50 surrounds the characters 48 within the interior region 40 of the base 32.
  • the present invention contemplates the use of patterns of characters 48 wherein the character is a seemingly arbitrary shape, and one in which the base 32 possesses a projected surface 44 and a recessed surface 46.
  • Brackets 10 that included patterns of characters 48 of shapes may further include discontinuous perimeter rail structures as described above.
  • the present invention is unique in that it provides a device for providing a continuous pattern of characters on the base of an orthodontic bracket.
  • Characters are preferably formed by creating a recessed pattern of characters in the base, with the area between the characters raised, such that the area between the characters is closer to the tooth surface when the bracket is applied to the surface of a patient's tooth using an adhesive.
  • the characters may be raised and projecting relative to the area between the characters, such that the characters are closer to the tooth surface when the bracket is attached to the surface of a patient's tooth.
  • a discontinuous perimeter rail may be used around the character pattern of the base.
  • the discontinuous perimeter rail includes four separate comer sections and two additional separate straight sections along the gingival and occlusal edges of the base.
  • the discontinuous perimeter rail projects beyond the patterned surface of the base, such that the discontinuous perimeter rail is closest to the tooth surface when the bracket is attached to a patient's tooth.
  • the discontinuous perimeter rail increases the bonding strength of the bracket to the tooth's surface.
  • the substantially continuous pattern of characters and intermediate space formed on the base of an orthodontic bracket provides a texturing pattern (e.g., an ordered array of projecting features) for bonding the bracket to a patient's tooth using an adhesive, while at the same time providing a means of presenting information about the bracket on its base surface by advantageously utilizing characters that represent pertinent information, such as the name of the bracket manufacturer, the intended location for the bracket placement, or a graphics symbol or logo.
  • a texturing pattern e.g., an ordered array of projecting features

Abstract

The present invention comprises a continuous series of alpha-numeric characters (48) (such as letters or numerals) or symbols (such as company logos) that are formed in a manner such that the symbols or characters on the base (32) of the bracket (10) serve as texturing to facilitate bonding of the bracket with the tooth when the base of the bracket is attached to the tooth using an adhesive. In a separate aspect of the invention, a perimeter rail, and more preferably, a discontinuous perimeter rail may be used of the edge of the base. A method for forming a bracket is also provided.

Description

ORTHODONTIC BRACKET BASE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to orthodontic brackets, and more particularly, to the base of orthodontic brackets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Texturing of the lingual surface of orthodontic brackets has been used to provide improved bonding between the bracket and the tooth to which the bracket is applied. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,522,725 concerns a method of improving the bond strength of a plastic bracket by temporarily heating and then permanently deforming proj ections located on the base of the bracket. The deformed projections interlock with adhesive when the bracket is bonded to a tooth. U.S. Patent No. 5,595,484 discloses a plastic bracket having a metal reinforcement member partly embedded in the bracket body. Figure 13 of the '484 patent discloses a bracket base having eight recessed discontinuous portions 36 that include molded identification characters 35. U.S. Patent No. 5,622,494 discloses several structures, including a spiral-like ridge, concentric rectangles, and a weave pattern. Upon being deformed, each structure creates an undercut structure for forming a mechanical bond with an adhesive. However, this patent and the other patents noted above fail to disclose a base structure that includes lettering, symbols, or numerals that are substantially continuous and that functionally serve as texturing to bond the bracket to a patient's tooth. The present invention, amongst other things as described below, addresses these shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns the base of orthodontic brackets. More particularly, the present invention concerns the use of texturing in the form of characters or symbols along the lingual surface at the base of the bracket that function to provide a texturing that serves to bond the bracket to a tooth when an adhesive is used to attach the bracket to a patient's tooth. Such features also serve identification and/or information purposes that are absent in all prior art devices.
The present invention comprises a substantially continuous series of alpha-numeric characters (such as letters or numerals) or symbols (such as company logos) that are formed in a manner such that the symbols or characters on the base of the bracket serve as texturing to facilitate bonding of the bracket with the tooth when the base of the bracket is attached to the tooth using an adhesive. Hereafter, the term "characters" refers to either letters, and/or numbers, and/or graphics, and/or symbols (such as logos), and/or a combination thereof "Substantially continuous" is meant to convey the regular matrix-like aspect of the alpha- numeric characters configured on the base so as to facilitate a more or less uniform textured surface for bonding purposes.
The characters are preferably recessed, with the space between and around the characters projected. Thus, the projected space between the characters is either in contact with the tooth, or is the next surface closest to the tooth's surface if a perimeter rail is present, as discussed below. The surface of the recessed characters is preferably further away from the tooth surface than the space between the characters. Alternatively, the opposite arrangement may be used, where the space between and around the characters is recessed, and the characters themselves are projected.
In a separate aspect of the invention, a perimeter rail, and more preferably, a discontinuous perimeter rail may be used at the edge of the base. The discontinuous perimeter rail, if used, is in contact with the tooth surface, with the interior portion of the base pattern recessed relative to the surface of the discontinuous perimeter rail. If used, the perimeter rail forms a pocket to the interior of the perimeter rail that receives the adhesive. Thus, if used, a perimeter rail contacts the tooth surface, with the base pattern recessed relative to the surface of the perimeter rail.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a front elevation view of a one-piece bracket that includes the present invention; Fig. 2 is a side elevation view of the bracket shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a top elevation view of the bracket shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a rear elevation view of an example of the base structure that comprises the present invention;
Fig. 5a is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4 taken along line 5-5 with the characters recessed relative to the intermediate space; Fig. 5b is a second cross-sectional view of Figure 4 taken along line 5-5 with the intermediate space recessed relative to the characters;
Fig. 6 is a side elevation view of a bracket that is a second embodiment of the present invention and that includes a discontinuous perimeter rail; Fig. 7 is a top elevation view of the bracket shown in Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is a rear elevation view of an example of the base structure of the present invention that is associated with the bracket depicted in Fig. 6;
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 8 taken along line 9-9 with the characters recessed relative to the intermediate space; Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a bracket and a mold used to form the bracket;
Fig. 11 is a separate embodiment of the present invention.
The figures are not necessarily to scale in order to visualize the various surfaces and relief associated with the bracket and its base structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a base structure for an orthodontic bracket. The base structure is applicable to any type of orthodontic bracket. More particularly, the base structure applies to brackets for any tooth, and can be used on brackets made of any material, such as plastic, metal, ceramics, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the base structure is applicable to brackets formed as one unit, or brackets formed of a plurality of pieces that are assembled to form the bracket. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the base structure may be formed on the base of an injection molded metal bracket. Alternatively, it may be formed as an applique that is later applied to the underside of the body of the bracket, which is then installed on a tooth. In the latter case, the applique is either used to form the interconnection between the patient's tooth surface and the bracket itself, or it is the next closest surface to the tooth if a perimeter rail is present.
Referring now to Figs. 1-5, a one-piece bracket with the base structure of the present invention is shown, wherein the base structure is formed as an integral part of the bracket itself during manufacture of the bracket. Accordingly, in one preferred embodiment, a bracket utilizes a one-piece metal injection molded construction, wherein the bracket includes a base structure having characters. Figure 1 illustrates a view of the buccal side or front of an orthodontic twin bracket 10. The bracket 10 includes a gingival tie wing 12 and an occlusal tie wing 14. The gingival tie wing 12 includes a mesial wing tip 16 and a distal wing tip 18. The occlusal tie wing 14 includes a mesial wing tip 20 and a distal wing tip 22. Located between the gingival tie wing 12 and the occlusal tie wing 14 is a mesiodistal- extending archwire slot 24.
Extending from wing tip 16 is an optional attachment knob or hook 26. Typically, the hook 26 is on the gingival side of the bracket 10. The hook 26 can be used in conjunction with springs, ligation doughnuts, elastic ribbons, etc. to perform various tasks such as pulling another tooth into place, connecting the maxillary with the mandibular using elastics, etc. Preferably the hook 26 is located on the gingival side of brackets designed for cuspids and bicuspids.
Figure 2 is a mesial or front-side view of the bracket 10. Mesial wing tips 16,20 with the corresponding mesial ligature undercuts 28,30 are clearly illustrated. Figure 2 also illustrates the two basic structures of the bracket 10, that is, body 11 and base 32. For the one-piece bracket embodiment, body 11 is integrally formed together with base 32 during manufacture of the bracket 10. In an alternate embodiment, body 11 may be formed separately from base 32, and base 32 may be subsequently connected to body 11, either before attachment to a tooth, or during attachment to a tooth.
Figure 3 shows bracket 10 from the gingival or top side. The base 32 of the bracket 10 and the open area or saddle 34 between the mesial wing tips 16,20 and the distal wing tips 18,22 are clearly illustrated. The saddle 34 permits the use of ligatures to hold down the archwire to be applied in various configurations. For example, the ligature can pass under the two mesial wing tips 16,20, under the two distal wing tips 18,22, or under all four wing tips 16,18,20,22. This allows the orthodontist to induce rotation by placing more pressure on one end of the bracket or another, or applying pressure evenly. Preferably, the saddle 34 includes a central saddle ridge 36. The saddle ridge 36 can provide a number of advantages. For example, it maintains the ligature in a desired location, it can help support the ligature above the top surface of the archwire, thus reducing friction, and it can improve the structural integrity of the bracket 10. Another advantage of the saddle 34 and the saddle ridge 36 is that they provide a convenient sight line or centering mark, to assist in the placement of the bracket 10 relative to the long axis of the tooth. As shown in Figure 3, the base 32 extends in a reference plane (or "plane of contour") that has a concave configuration adapted to match the convex, compound contour of the tooth for which the bracket 10 is intended. The reference plane or "plane of contour" may be curved, relatively flat, or essentially flat. Bracket base 32 can be customized for left or right tooth anatomy and to smoothly follow the facial and labial/buccal surface of the tooth.
Referring now to Fig. 4, another aspect of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 depicts an enlarged rear elevation view of the rear surface or base 32 of bracket 10. Base 32 includes gingival edge 38a, distal edge 38b, occlusal edge 38c, and mesial edge 38d. Within the interior of edges 38a,38b,38c, and 38d is interior region 40. Interior region 40 includes a projected surface 44 and a recessed surface 46, as depicted in Figs. 5a and 5b. The projected surface 44 of the interior region 40 is a surface that is both essentially parallel to the tooth's surface and closest to the tooth's surface upon attachment of the bracket 10 to the tooth. The recessed surface 46 is a surface of the interior region 40 that is also parallel to the tooth's surface, but is further away from the tooth's surface than the projected surface 44 upon attachment of the bracket 10 to the tooth. The recessed surface 46 is preferably recessed between about 0.009 to 0.011 inches relative to the projected surface 44, and more preferably, the recessed surface is recessed about 0.010 inches relative to the projected surface 44.
Characters 48 and intermediate space 50 extend substantially continuously within interior region 40, between edges 38a,38b,38c, and 38d. The pattern of characters may be repeating, such as the letters "RMO" ® shown in Fig. 4, or they may be a non-repeating series of characters 48. Alternately, the characters maybe a set of information regarding the bracket 10, such as its intended installation location, manufacturer, date of manufacturer, model number, etc. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, the provision of particular useful information on the base, and having such encoded information perform a useful function with respect to the use of the device, is itself a novel and nonobvious characteristic of the present invention. Regardless of the nature of the characters 48 actually used, in a preferred embodiment, the base 32 does not have a grid between the characters 48. That is, in contrast to the bracket base shown in Fig. 13 of U.S. Patent No. 5,595,484, the base 32 of the present invention does not have a grid or lattice within which the characters reside. Rather, the present invention uses characters 48 and a relatively irregular, non-grid like intermediate space 50 to cover the entire interior region 40. The characters 48 and intermediate space 50 thus function directly as the texturing that works in combination with the adhesive to bond the bracket to the tooth.
In a separate aspect of the present invention, the characters 48 may be angled at any orientation relative to the edges 38a,38b,38c, and 38d. More specifically, the characters may be oriented parallel with edges 38a and 38c, or perpendicular to edges 38a and 38c. Likewise, the characters maybe oriented parallel with edges 38b and 38d, or perpendicular to edges 38b and 38d. Alternately, the characters 48 may be oriented at an angle relative to edges 38a,38b,38c, and 38d. As an example without limitation, Figure 4 illustrates that the characters 48 are oriented at an angle θ of about 15 degrees relative to edges 38b and 38d, and at an angle of about 75 degrees relative to edges 38a and 38c.
Character length "L" and width "W" may vary considerably. Referring now to Fig. 4, in a preferred embodiment, in plan view the length L of each character 48 is about 0.034 to 0.038 inches, and more preferably, about 0.036 inches. The width W of each character 48 varies with the length and with the specific character type. For example, in the character string "RMO" ® shown in Fig. 4, an "M" is typically wider than an "R" or an "O".
For each character 48, the line width "lw" preferably ranges between about 0.008 to 0.010 inches, where line width lw is the width of the line forming each individual character 48. Typically, line width lw will vary with character length L. Therefore, shorter characters 48 will typically have thinner line widths lw. Obviously, logos, symbols and graphics will have lengths L, widths W, and line widths lw as required to form each individual type of shape.
The total surface area in rear elevation view, or the exterior surface of the base 32 is defined herein as the area in rear elevation view between edges 38a,38b,38c, and 38d for the base surfaces parallel to the tooth's surface. Whether the characters 48 are letters, numbers, logos, symbols, or graphics, preferably the recessed surface 46 comprises between about 50% to 60% of the total surface area of the base 32, and more preferably, about 55% of the total surface area of base 32. Correspondingly, preferably the projected surface 44 comprises between about 40% to 50% of the total surface area of the base 32, and more preferably, about 45% of the total surface area of the base 32. Projected surface 44 and recessed surface 46 are comprised of characters 48 and intermediate space 50, which is situated between and around characters 48. Characters 48 may occupy the projected surface 44 of the base 32, but preferably occupy the recessed surface 46 of the base 32. Alternatively, intermediate space 50 may occupy the recessed surface 46 of base 32, but preferably occupy the projected surface 44 of base 32. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, upon attachment of the bracket 10 to the surface of a patient's tooth, intermediate space 50 is the projected surface 44 that is closer to the tooth surface than the characters 48 that are situated along the recessed surface 46. Separation between the characters 48 and intermediate space 50 is formed by bracket character walls 49 that are generally perpendicular or steeply sloped surfaces disposed between the characters 48 and the intermediate space 50. As shown in Fig. 5a, the projected surface 44 contacts the tooth surface upon attachment of the bracket 10 in the direction of arrows A to the patient's tooth T. Thus, as shown in Fig. 5a, when the intermediate space 50 occupies the projected surface 44, the intermediate surface 50 is closest to the tooth surface, and the location of characters 48 is recessed relative to the location of intermediate space 50. In contrast, Fig. 5b presents the same cross-sectional view of base 32 as that shown in Figure 5a, but with the characters 48 and intermediate space 50 inverted. That is, in this modified arrangement, the location of intermediate space 50 is recessed relative to the location of the characters 48. Therefore, the characters 48 contact the tooth surface upon attachment of the bracket 10 in the direction of arrows A to the patient's tooth T.
Referring now to Fig. 6, in yet a separate aspect of the invention, the bracket 10 may include a canted back portion 33. Fig. 6 shows a side elevation view of a bracket 10 having a canted back portion 33 that is sloped at an angle γ. As shown in Fig. 6, γ is approximately 5.4 degrees, however, back portion 33 may be set at a variety of angles depending upon the curvature of the patient' s tooth surface.
Referring now to Figs. 6-9, in yet a separate aspect of the invention, base 32 preferably includes a perimeter rail, and more preferably, a discontinuous perimeter rail. The discontinuous perimeter rail preferably includes at least one comer segment, and more preferably, a plurality of comer segments, including a distal/gingival comer 62a, a gingival/mesial comer 62b, a mesial/occlusal comer 62c, and an occlusal/distal comer 62d. Comers 62a,62b, 62c, and 62d are preferably between about 0.008 to 0.011 inches in width "cw", and more preferably, are about 0.085 inches wide. Each comer 62a, 62b, 62c, and 62d is separated from the other comers segments by a distance or a cavity. Preferably, the discontinuous perimeter rail also includes at least one straight segment, and more preferably, a plurality of straight segments. More preferably yet, two straight segments are provided, namely a gingival straight segment 64a and an occlusal straight segment 64c. The gingival straight segment 64a is separated from the distal/gingival comer 62a and the gingival/mesial comer 62b by a cavity or a distance "d " of about 0.008 to 0.011 inches, and more preferably, by a distance dj approximately equal to the width of the discontinuous perimeter rail, or about 0.0085 inches. Similarly, the occlusal straight segment 64c is separated from the mesial/occlusal comer 62c and the occlusal/distal comer 62d by a cavity or distance dj of about 0.008 to 0.011 inches, and more preferably, by a distance dt approximately equal to the width of the discontinuous perimeter rail, or about 0.0085 inches. Although base 32 will function without a perimeter rail, the discontinuous perimeter rail in combination with characters 48 increases the bonding strength of bracket 10 when it is attached to a tooth using an adhesive.
Referring now to Fig. 8, although it may be present, in a preferred embodiment, the discontinuous perimeter rail does not include a distal straight segment between the distal/gingival comer 62a and the occlusal/distal comer 62d. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the discontinuous perimeter rail does not include a mesial straight segment between the gingival/mesial comer 62b and the mesial/occlusal comer 62c.
Still referring to Fig. 8, in a preferred embodiment, the perimeter rail is preferably positioned within the base area defined by edges 38a,38b,38c, and 38d. More specifically, comers 62a,62b,62c, and 62d, as well as straight segments 64a and 64c of the discontinuous perimeter rail are all disposed within the interior of the area defined by base edges 38a,38b,38c, and 38d. The total surface area in rear elevation view, or the exterior surface of the base 32 is defined herein as the area in rear elevation view between edges 38a,38b,38c, and 38d for the base surfaces parallel to the tooth's surface. Where a discontinuous perimeter rail is used, the discontinuous perimeter rail portions 62a,62b,62c, 62d, 64a and 64c comprise between about 12% to 16% of the total surface area of the base 32, and more preferably, about 14%) of the total surface area of base 32. Whether the characters 48 are letters, numbers, logos, symbols, or graphics, when a discontinuous perimeter rail is present, preferably the recessed surface 46 comprises between about 45% to 50% of the total surface area of the base 32, and more preferably, about 48% of the total surface area of base 32. Correspondingly, when a discontinuous perimeter rail is present, preferably the projected surface 44 comprises between about 35% to 40% of the total surface area of the base 32, and more preferably, about 38% of the total surface area of the base 32.
Referring now to Fig. 9a, a cross-sectional view along line 9-9 as shown in Fig. 8 is provided. The cross-sectional view of Fig. 9a shows the gingival straight segment 64a and the occlusal straight segment 64c along the gingival and occlusal edges of the bracket 10. Fig. 9a also shows that the rail surface 66 is disposed beyond the projected surface 44. In the preferred embodiment depicted in Fig. 9a, the projected surface 44 is comprised of the intermediate space 50 between characters 48, while the recessed surface 46 is comprised of the characters 48. The rail surface 66 preferably projects a distance "s" of about 0.002 to 0.004 inches beyond the projected surface 44, and more preferably, the rail surface 66 projects about 0.003 inches beyond the projected surface 44. Thus, when bracket 10 having a discontinuous rail is placed with its base 32 in contact with a patient's tooth, the rail surface 66 contacts the patient's tooth. The discontinuous rail thus forms a pocket for the collection of adhesive. Upon application of the bracket 10 to a patient's tooth, the openings between the perimeter rail permit excess adhesive to escape under the applied pressure, thereby preventing the bracket 10 from having an adhesive layer that is too thick and moving away from the tooth as a result of increased hydraulic pressure formed within the adhesive pocket when the bracket is first pressed against the tooth to which it is being applied. Thus, the discontinuous structure of the perimeter rail improves the bonding strength between the bracket and the patient's tooth because it allows excess adhesive to escape during the application of the bracket 10 to the tooth's surface. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9b, the difference in distance provided by the projection of the perimeter rail beyond the projected surface 44 allows a layer of adhesive 68 to bond between the projected surface 44 and the tooth's surface. Thus, a layer of adhesive is formed within the entire interior area 40 of the base that is not otherwise occupied by the discontinuous perimeter rail segments 62a-d, and 64a and 64c. This further improves bonding between the bracket 10 and the tooth's surface. In yet a separate aspect of the invention, the surface finish of the base is manufactured to provided a finish having textural characteristics suited for use with characters 48. More particularly, the present invention includes a method of making the bracket 10 and its base 32 that is specifically suited for a bracket 10 with a base 32 having a continuous pattern of characters 48. In a preferred embodiment, a one-piece molded metal injected bracket 10 is manufactured from a mold 52. As known to those skilled in the art, the mold 52 is produced by electrical discharge machining using shaped electrodes to form the mold 52 itself. More specifically, the shaped electrodes are formed to correspond to the desired shape of at least a portion of one of the exterior surfaces of the bracket 10, such as the exterior surface that forms base 32. The shaped electrodes are then charged and placed in contact with a metal shape that will form a portion of mold 52 for production of the actual brackets 10. More specifically, the charged electrode "bums" the desired bracket pattern into the metal shape, thus forming a portion of mold 52. The mold is typically formed from a top and a bottom portion that is then assembled to form a hollow space that defines the bracket 10. The mold 52 is then used to manufacture a bracket 10 by injecting the mold 52 with the bracket material, such as molten stainless steel, via an injection channel that passes through mold 52 to the interior hollow region defining the bracket form. The molten stainless steel is allowed to cool and harden, and then the mold 52 is separated and molded bracket 10 is subsequently ejected from the mold 52.
In order to adequately bond the bracket 10 having a continuous pattern of characters 48 to the tooth surface using an adhesive, the surfaces of the base 32 that are parallel to the tooth's surface are preferably relatively rough. However, if the surfaces of mold 52 corresponding to the base 32 of bracket 10 are too rough, the actual bracket 10 cannot be ejected from the mold 52 during the bracket manufacturing process. Thus, in this separate aspect of the invention, the mold 52 is preferably manufactured and processed to have appropriate surficial roughness textures along its corresponding base surfaces. Referring now to Fig. 10, the mold 52 has a base that includes mold recessed surface
54 and mold projected surface 56, which correspond to the projected surface 44 and the recessed surface 46 of bracket 10, respectively. Preferably, mold recessed surface 54 and mold projected surface 56 have a surface finish of approximately a maximum of 110.8 micro- inches, hi contrast, preferably the mold character walls 59 of mold 52 that form the generally sloped or perpendicular surfaces between characters 48 and intermediate spaces 50 of bracket 10 are polished. More specifically, the mold character walls 59 of mold 52 are preferably hand polished to a relatively smooth and polished finish, preferably using a ruby stone, although other means may be employed. Upon manufacture of a bracket 10 from mold 52, the hand polished character walls 59 of the mold 52 allow the actual bracket 10 to be ejected from the mold 52 because the character walls 49 of bracket 10 are formed to have a smooth and polished finish that corresponds to the polished mold character walls 59 from which they were formed. Thus, the bracket 10 may be ej ected from mold 52 without sticking to the mold 52 and thereby preventing ejection from occurring, or bending or otherwise causing detrimental structural damage to the bracket 10 during the ejection process. An ejector pin (not shown) may be used to aid the ejection process, wherein the ejection pin forceably separates the bracket 10 from the mold 52 by pushing base 32 away from mold 52.
Where a perimeter rail is used, preferably the bonding surface 66 of the perimeter rail of mold 52 that is parallel to the tooth's surface is surficially textured to improve bonding between the bracket 10 and the surface of the tooth. More particularly, the bonding surfaces 66 of the perimeter rail of the mold 52 preferably have a surface finish of approximately a maximum of 110.8 micro-inches. In contrast, preferably the perimeter rail walls 69 of the discontinuous perimeter rail of mold 52 are polished to a smooth finish to prevent an injected bracket 10 from sticking to the mold 52 during the ejection process, thereby preventing ejection or otherwise causing detrimental structural damage to the bracket 10 during the ejection process. Referring now to Fig. 11, an alternate aspect of the invention is shown. Fig. 11 presents a pattern of characters 48, wherein the characters are a three-pronged shape resembling the letter "Y". As in the previously described embodiments, intermediate space 50 surrounds the characters 48 within the interior region 40 of the base 32. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates the use of patterns of characters 48 wherein the character is a seemingly arbitrary shape, and one in which the base 32 possesses a projected surface 44 and a recessed surface 46. Brackets 10 that included patterns of characters 48 of shapes may further include discontinuous perimeter rail structures as described above.
In summary, the present invention is unique in that it provides a device for providing a continuous pattern of characters on the base of an orthodontic bracket. Characters are preferably formed by creating a recessed pattern of characters in the base, with the area between the characters raised, such that the area between the characters is closer to the tooth surface when the bracket is applied to the surface of a patient's tooth using an adhesive. Alternatively, the characters may be raised and projecting relative to the area between the characters, such that the characters are closer to the tooth surface when the bracket is attached to the surface of a patient's tooth. In a separate aspect of the invention, a discontinuous perimeter rail may be used around the character pattern of the base. Preferably, the discontinuous perimeter rail includes four separate comer sections and two additional separate straight sections along the gingival and occlusal edges of the base. When used, the discontinuous perimeter rail projects beyond the patterned surface of the base, such that the discontinuous perimeter rail is closest to the tooth surface when the bracket is attached to a patient's tooth. The discontinuous perimeter rail increases the bonding strength of the bracket to the tooth's surface.
The substantially continuous pattern of characters and intermediate space formed on the base of an orthodontic bracket provides a texturing pattern (e.g., an ordered array of projecting features) for bonding the bracket to a patient's tooth using an adhesive, while at the same time providing a means of presenting information about the bracket on its base surface by advantageously utilizing characters that represent pertinent information, such as the name of the bracket manufacturer, the intended location for the bracket placement, or a graphics symbol or logo.
The invention presented herein has been described with respect to preferred embodiments; however, other changes and modifications to the invention may be made which are still contemplated within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. An orthodontic bracket comprising: a body; and a base connected to said body, said base including an exterior surface, said exterior surface including a substantially continuous pattern of characters and intermediate space.
2. The bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body and said base are one piece.
3. The bracket as claimed in claim 2, wherein said bracket is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, and ceramic.
4. The bracket as claimed in claim 2, wherein said bracket is made of stainless steel.
5. The bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein said intermediate space is in contact with a tooth when said bracket is attached to a patient's tooth.
6. The bracket as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said characters are in contact with a tooth when said bracket is attached to a patient's tooth.
7. The bracket as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said characters have a line width of between about 0.008 and 0.010 inches wide.
8. The bracket as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said characters reside in a recessed surface of said base.
9. The bracket as claimed in claim 8, wherein said recessed surface comprises between about 50% to 60% of said exterior surface of said base.
10. The bracket as claimed in claim 8, wherein said recessed surface comprises about 55% of said exterior surface.
11. The bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein said intermediate space forms a projected surface of said base.
12. Thebracket as claimed in claim 11, wherein said projected surface comprises between about 40% to 50% of said exterior surface of said base.
13. The bracket as claimed in claim 11 , wherein said proj ected surface comprises about 45%) of said exterior surface.
14. The bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein said intermediate space forms a projected surface of said base, said characters form a recessed surface of said base, and wherein said recessed surface is recessed between about 0.009 and 0.011 inches relative to said projected surface.
15. The bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein said intermediate space forms a projected surface of said base, said characters form a recessed surface of said base, and wherein said recessed surface is recessed about 0.010 inches relative to said projected surface.
16. The bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein said intermediate surface has a surface finish of less than about 110.8 micro-inches.
17. The bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein said characters have a surface finish of less than about 110.8 micro-inches.
18. The bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein said characters and said intermediate space are separated by a character wall, wherein said character wall has a polished surface.
19. The bracket as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said characters are alpha/numeric and convey to a user of said bracket information selected from the group consisting of: model number, manufacturer, date of manufacture, lot number, distributor, placement data, and bracket data.
20. The bracket as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a discontinuous perimeter rail.
21. The bracket as claimed in claim 20, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail comprises a distal/gingival comer, a gingival/mesial comer, a mesial/occlusal comer, and an occlusal/distal corner, wherein said distal/gingival comer, said gingival/mesial comer, said mesial/occlusal corner, and said occlusal/distal comer are separated from one another by a distance.
22. The bracket as claimed in claim 21, further comprising a gingival straight segment between said distal/gingival comer and said gingival/mesial comer.
23. The bracket as claimed in claim 21, further comprising a occlusal straight segment between said mesial/occlusal comer and said occlusal/distal comer.
24. The bracket as claimed in claim 20, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail is in contact with a tooth's surface when said bracket is attached to a patient's tooth.
25. The bracket as claimed in claim 20, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail is between about 0.008 and 0.011 inches wide.
26. The bracket as claimed in claim 20, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail has a surface finish of less than about 110.8 micro-inches.
27. The bracket as claimed in claim 20, wherein said intermediate space forms a projected surface of said base, said characters form a recessed surface of said base, wherein said recessed surface is recessed between about 0.009 and 0.011 inches relative to said projected surface, and said discontinuous perimeter rail projects between about 0.002 and 0.004 inches beyond said projected surface.
28. The bracket as claimed in claim 21, wherein said bracket does not have a distal straight segment between said distal/gingival comer and said occlusal/distal comer.
29. The bracket as claimed in claim 21, wherein said bracket does not have a mesial straight segment between said gingival/mesial comer and said mesial/occlusal comer.
30. An orthodontic bracket comprising: a body; a base connected to said body, wherein said base is molded together with said body such that said body and said base are one-piece, said base having a continuous pattern of characters and intermediate space, wherein said characters are recessed relative to said intermediate space.
31. The bracket as claimed in claim 30, wherein said bracket is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, and ceramic.
32. The bracket as claimed in claim 30, wherein said bracket is made of stainless steel.
33. The bracket as claimed in claim 30, further comprising a discontinuous perimeter rail.
34. The bracket as claimed in claim 33, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail comprises a distal/gingival comer, a gingival/mesial comer, a mesial/occlusal comer, and an occlusal/distal corner, wherein said distal/gingival comer, said gingival/mesial comer, said mesial/occlusal comer, and said occlusal/distal comer are separated from one another by a distance.
35. The bracket as claimed in claim 34, further comprising a gingival straight segment between said distal/gingival comer and said gingival/mesial comer.
36. The bracket as claimed in claim 34, further comprising a occlusal straight segment between said mesial/occlusal comer and said occlusal/distal comer.
37. An orthodontic bracket comprising: a body; and a base connected to said body, said base including a discontinuous perimeter rail having a perimeter length and at least one cavity along said length.
38. The bracket as claimed in claim 37, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail comprises at least one of a distal/gingival comer, a gingival/mesial comer, a mesial/occlusal comer, and an occlusal/distal comer.
39. The bracket as claimed in claim 37, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail comprises a distal/gingival comer, a gingival/mesial comer, a mesial/occlusal comer, and an occlusal/distal corner, and wherein said distal/gingival comer, said gingival/mesial comer, said mesial/occlusal comer, and said occlusal/distal comer are separated from one another by at least one cavity.
40. The bracket as claimed in claim 37, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail includes at least one gingival straight segment.
41. The bracket as claimed in claim 37, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail includes at least one occlusal straight segment.
42. The bracket as claimed in claim 39, further comprising a gingival straight segment, wherein said gingival straight segment is separated from said distal/gingival comer and said gingival/mesial comer by a distance.
43. The bracket as claimed in claim 39, further comprising a occlusal straight segment, wherein said occlusal straight segment is separated from said mesial/occlusal comer and said occlusal/distal comer by a distance.
44. The bracket as claimed in claim 42, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail includes a width, and said distance is about the size of said width.
45. The bracket as claimed in claim 42, wherein said distance is between about 0.008 and 0.011 inches.
46. The bracket as claimed in claim 42, wherein said distance is about 0.0085 inches.
47. The bracket as claimed in claim 43, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail includes a width, and said distance is about the size of said width.
48. The bracket as claimed in claim 43, wherein said distance is between about 0.008 and 0.011 inches.
49. The bracket as claimed in claim 43, wherein said distance is about 0.0085 inches.
50. The bracket as claimed in claim 37, wherein said base includes an exterior surface that includes said discontinuous perimeter rail.
51. The bracket as claimed in claim 50, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail comprises between about 12% to 16% of said exterior surface of said base.
52. The bracket as claimed in claim 50, wherein said base further comprises a recessed surface.
53. The bracket as claimed in claim 52, wherein said recessed surface comprises characters.
54. The bracket as claimed in claim 52, wherein said recessed surface comprises between about 45% to 50% of said exterior surface of said base.
55. The bracket as claimed in claim 52, wherein said recessed surface comprises about 48%) of said exterior surface of said base.
56. The bracket as claimed in claim 50, wherein said base further comprises a projected surface.
57. The bracket as claimed in claim 56, wherein said projected surface comprises intermediate space.
58. The bracket as claimed in claim 56, wherein said projected surface comprises between about 35% to 40% of said exterior surface of said base.
59. The bracket as claimed in claim 56, wherein said projected surface comprises about 38% of said exterior surface of said base.
60. A method of improving the bonding strength of an orthodontic bracket, comprising: providing a bracket having a base comprising an interior base area partially surrounded by a discontinuous perimeter rail having at least one cavity along its length; applying an adhesive at least within the interior base area of the bracket; and placing the bracket in contact with a patient's tooth, wherein the cavity within the discontinuous perimeter rail allows excess adhesive to escape from the interior base area during said placing step.
61. The method as claimed in claim 60, wherein the discontinuous perimeter rail includes a plurality of comer segments.
62. The method as claimed in claim 60, wherein the discontinuous perimeter rail includes at least one straight segment.
63. The method as claimed in claim 61 , wherein the discontinuous perimeter rail includes an opening between the comer segments.
64. The method as claimed in claim 60, wherein the interior base area includes a projected surface and a recessed surface.
65. The method as claimed in claim 64, wherein at least one of either the projected surface or the recessed surface comprises characters.
66. The method as claimed in claim 64, wherein the discontinuous perimeter rail is disposed between about 0.002 and 0.004 inches beyond the projected surface.
67. The method as claimed in claim 64, wherein the discontinuous perimeter rail is disposed about 0.003 inches beyond the projected surface.
68. A method of making injection molded orthodontic brackets comprising the following steps: manufacturing a mold using an electrical discharge machining process, wherein the mold has a portion for forming a base including a pattern having a series of characters and an intermediate space between and around the characters, and wherein the characters and the intermediate space occupy different surfaces, the surfaces separated by character walls; smoothing the character walls of the mold to a polished finish; injecting the mold with a material to form an orthodontic bracket.
69. The method as claimed in claim 68, wherein said smoothing step is performed using a ruby stone.
70. The method as claimed in claim 68, wherein said injecting step is performed by injecting a material selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic, and ceramic.
71. The method as claimed in claim 68, wherein said injecting step is performed by injecting molten stainless steel into the mold.
72. The method as claimed in claim 68, wherein said smoothing step is performed by hand manipulation of a ruby stone polishing tool.
73. The method as claimed in claim 68, wherein the mold is further characterized by having a structure for fomiing a discontinuous perimeter rail at the base of the bracket.
74. The method as claimed in claim 73 , further comprising the step of smoothing a perimeter rail wall of the perimeter rail prior to said injecting step.
75. The method as claimed in claim 74, wherein said step of smoothing the perimeter rail wall is performed using a ruby stone.
76. An orthodontic bracket comprising: a body; a base connected to said body, wherein said base is molded together with said body such that said body and said base are one-piece, said base including an exterior surface comprising a recessed surface, a projected surface, and a discontinuous perimeter rail.
77. The bracket as claimed in claim 76, wherein said bracket is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, and ceramic.
78. The bracket as claimed in claim 76, wherein said bracket is made of stainless steel.
79. The bracket as claimed in claim 76, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail comprises a distal/gingival comer, a gingival/mesial comer, a mesial/occlusal comer, and an occlusal/distal comer, wherein said distal/gingival comer, said gingival/mesial comer, said mesial/occlusal comer, and said occlusal/distal comer are separated from one another by a distance.
80. The bracket as claimed in claim 79, further comprising a gingival straight segment between said distal/gingival comer and said gingival/mesial comer.
81. The bracket as claimed in claim 79, further comprising a occlusal straight segment between said mesial/occlusal comer and said occlusal/distal comer.
82. The bracket as claimed in claim 79, wherein said bracket does not have a distal straight segment between said distal/gingival comer and said occlusal/distal comer.
83. The bracket as claimed in claim 79, wherein said bracket does not have a mesial straight segment between said gingival/mesial comer and said mesial/occlusal comer.
84. The bracket as claimed in claim 76, wherein said recessed surface comprises between about 45% to 50% of said exterior surface.
85. The bracket as claimed in claim 76, wherein said proj ected surface comprises between about 35% to 40% of said exterior surface.
86. The bracket as claimed in claim 76, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail comprises between about 12% to 16% of said exterior surface.
87. The bracket as claimed in claim 76, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail is disposed between about 0.002 and 0.004 inches beyond said projected surface.
88. The bracket as claimed in claim 76, wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail is disposed about 0.003 inches beyond said projected surface.
89. The bracket as claimed in claim 76, wherein said projected surface comprises intermediate space.
90. The bracket as claimed in claim 76, wherein said recessed surface comprises characters.
91. An orthodontic bracket comprising: a body; a base connected to said body wherein said body and said base are one piece, said base including an exterior surface having a substantially continuous pattern of characters and intermediate space, said characters having: a line width of between about 0.008 and 0.010 inches wide; and residing in a recessed surface of said base and comprising between about 45%> to50% of said exterior surface; said intermediate space: forming a projected surface of said base that comprises between about 35% to 40% of said exterior surface; wherein said recessed surface is recessed between about 0.009 and 0.011 inches relative to said projected surface, wherein said characters and said intermediate surface have a surface finish of less than about 110.8 micro-inches and are separated by a character wall having a polished surface; a discontinuous perimeter rail at the boundary of said exterior surface and comprising between about 12% to 16% of said exterior surface, said discontinuous perimeter rail having a surface finish of less than about 110.8 micro-inches, a width between about 0.008 and 0.011 inches, and projecting between about 0.002 and 0.004 inches beyond said projected surface, said discontinuous perimeter rail further comprising: a distal/gingival comer; a gingival/mesial co er; a mesial/occlusal comer; and an occlusal/distal co er; wherein said distal/gingival comer, said gingival/mesial comer, said mesial/occlusal comer, and said occlusal/distal comer are separated from one another by a distance, said discontinuous perimeter rail further comprising: a gingival straight segment between said distal/gingival comer and said gingival/mesial comer; and an occlusal straight segment between said mesial/occlusal comer and said occlusal/distal comer; wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail does not have a distal straight segment between said distal/gingival comer and said occlusal/distal comer, and does not have a mesial straight segment between said gingival/mesial comer and said mesial/occlusal comer.
92. The bracket as claimed in claim 91 , wherein said characters are alpha/numeric and convey to a user of said bracket information selected from the group consisting of: model number, manufacturer, date of manufacture, lot number, distributor, placement data, and bracket data.
93. The bracket as claimed in claim 91 , wherein said discontinuous perimeter rail is in contact with a tooth's surface when said bracket is attached to a patient's tooth.
94. The bracket as claimed in claim 91 , wherein said bracket is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, and ceramic.
95. The bracket as claimed in claim 91 , wherein said bracket is made of stainless steel.
PCT/US2003/034430 2002-10-29 2003-10-29 Orthodontic bracket base apparatus and method of manufacture WO2004039276A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003287258A AU2003287258A1 (en) 2002-10-29 2003-10-29 Orthodontic bracket base apparatus and method of manufacture

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/284,016 US6846178B2 (en) 2002-10-29 2002-10-29 Orthodontic bracket base apparatus and method of manufacture
US10/284,016 2002-10-29

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004039276A2 true WO2004039276A2 (en) 2004-05-13
WO2004039276A3 WO2004039276A3 (en) 2004-07-22

Family

ID=32107576

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2003/034430 WO2004039276A2 (en) 2002-10-29 2003-10-29 Orthodontic bracket base apparatus and method of manufacture

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (2) US6846178B2 (en)
AU (1) AU2003287258A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004039276A2 (en)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7247018B2 (en) 2002-10-29 2007-07-24 Rmo, Inc. Edgewise orthodontic bracket with character base
USD721811S1 (en) 2013-10-29 2015-01-27 Rmo, Inc. Orthodontic bracket
US8979528B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2015-03-17 Rmo, Inc. Customized orthodontic appliance method and system
USD726318S1 (en) 2013-01-17 2015-04-07 Rmo, Inc. Dental instrument for a self-ligating orthodontic clip
US9554875B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2017-01-31 Rmo, Inc. Method for producing a customized orthodontic appliance
US9561089B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2017-02-07 Rmo, Inc. Reduced-friction buccal tube and method of use
US9597166B2 (en) 2002-10-29 2017-03-21 Rmo, Inc. Orthodontic appliance with encoded information
US9867678B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2018-01-16 Rmo, Inc. Orthodontic bracket having an archwire channel and archwire retaining mechanism
US10376341B2 (en) 2013-12-06 2019-08-13 3M Innovative Properties Company Labial attachment device for use with orthodontic auxiliary and lingual appliance system
US11219507B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2022-01-11 Orthoamerica Holdings, Llc Customized orthodontic appliance and method

Families Citing this family (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8574243B2 (en) * 1999-06-25 2013-11-05 Usgi Medical, Inc. Apparatus and methods for forming and securing gastrointestinal tissue folds
US7695277B1 (en) 2004-10-28 2010-04-13 Rmo, Inc. Orthodontic bracket with frangible cover mechanism
US7959437B2 (en) * 2002-10-29 2011-06-14 Rmo, Inc. Orthodontic appliance with encoded information formed in the base
US20060263737A1 (en) * 2005-05-20 2006-11-23 Ormco Corporation Orthodontic brackets and appliances and methods of making and using orthodontic brackets
EP2001392A2 (en) * 2006-03-31 2008-12-17 Rmo, Inc. Orthodontic bracket with lined archwire slot and cover
KR20090010218A (en) * 2006-04-26 2009-01-29 알엠오인코포레이티드 Orthodontic bracket with removable slot cover
CN104146787B (en) 2008-08-13 2017-06-23 奥姆科公司 For the orthodontic bracket that arch wire is coupled with tooth
AU2009238317B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2011-10-06 Ormco Corporation Surface treated polycrystalline ceramic orthodontic bracket and method of making same
US8162660B2 (en) 2009-11-20 2012-04-24 Robert T Rudman Rotating clip orthodontic bracket
US20120135364A1 (en) * 2010-11-22 2012-05-31 American Orthodontics, Inc., a Wisconsin Corporation Orthodontic bracket with auxiliary slot
USD660436S1 (en) 2011-05-13 2012-05-22 Rmo, Inc. Orthodontic bracket
USD660968S1 (en) 2011-05-13 2012-05-29 Rmo, Inc. Orthodontic bracket
USD660435S1 (en) 2011-05-13 2012-05-22 Rmo, Inc. Orthodontic bracket
USD847349S1 (en) 2011-09-22 2019-04-30 Rmo, Inc. Orthodontic lock with flange
CN103857356A (en) * 2011-10-10 2014-06-11 3M创新有限公司 Orthodontic appliances with tapered archwire slots
KR101281268B1 (en) * 2012-04-16 2013-07-03 최정수 Orthodontics bracket and manufacturing method thereof
KR20160021192A (en) 2013-06-14 2016-02-24 오름코 코포레이션 Self-ligating orthodontic bracket with rotatable closure member
US10058401B2 (en) * 2014-03-31 2018-08-28 Innobrace Orthodontics Pte Ltd Orthodontic device
CN106659547B (en) * 2014-07-02 2020-04-03 3M创新有限公司 Molar appliances for orthodontic braces
US10405949B2 (en) 2017-05-04 2019-09-10 Daniel Lee Methods and devices for applying orthodontic brackets
KR102118302B1 (en) * 2020-05-08 2020-06-02 주식회사 지앤드아이 Self ligation orthodontic bracket assembly
USD1002217S1 (en) 2020-09-14 2023-10-24 Innovative Vending Solutions Llc Massage chairs with a display device and a partition

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4430061A (en) * 1980-11-03 1984-02-07 Johnson And Johnson Orthodontic bracket assembly
US5441409A (en) * 1993-01-28 1995-08-15 American Orthodontics Corporation Orthodontic band
US5622494A (en) * 1995-02-21 1997-04-22 Ormco Corporation Plastic orthodontic appliance having a mechanical bonding base and method of making same
US6394798B1 (en) * 2000-08-31 2002-05-28 Ortho Organizers Unitary metal injection molded orthodontic bracket

Family Cites Families (74)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US35863A (en) * 1862-07-08 Improvement in breech-loading ordnance
US1890487A (en) 1930-06-05 1932-12-13 Edward H Angle Orthodontic appliance
US3028671A (en) 1959-12-08 1962-04-10 Berger Joseph Orthodontia appliances
US3435527A (en) 1968-02-19 1969-04-01 Peter C Kesling Safety lock pin
US3765091A (en) 1972-07-31 1973-10-16 M Northcutt Orthodontic onlay for light-wire technique
US3854207A (en) 1973-08-13 1974-12-17 Silverado Industries Orthodontic bracket with spring clip retainer means
US4386908A (en) 1976-11-15 1983-06-07 Kurz Craven H Lingual orthodontic appliance system for the mandibular arch
US4103423A (en) 1977-03-04 1978-08-01 Kessel Stanley P Orthodontic bracket
US4197642A (en) 1977-09-29 1980-04-15 Melvin Wallshein Bent wire orthodontic spring clip
FR2497657A2 (en) 1978-05-18 1982-07-16 Nodiot Henri Orthodontic brace using cross grooved support - has attached vestibular tooth face together with bolt securing wire of bi-tubular form
US4193195A (en) 1978-07-20 1980-03-18 American Orthodontics Corporation Orthodontic appliance
US4219617A (en) 1978-08-09 1980-08-26 Melvin Wallshein Ceramic orthodontic bracket
US4242085A (en) 1978-11-13 1980-12-30 Melvin Wallshein Multi-purpose orthodontic bracket
US4260375A (en) 1979-12-13 1981-04-07 Melvin Wallshein Bent wire orthodontic spring clip
US4752221A (en) 1981-09-15 1988-06-21 Augusta Developments, Inc. Orthodontic bracket
US4529382A (en) 1982-04-19 1985-07-16 Creekmore Thomas D Lingual orthodontic appliance system for edgewise therapy
US4669981A (en) 1982-09-20 1987-06-02 Kurz Craven H Lingual orthodontic appliance system
DE3308104C2 (en) 1983-03-08 1996-07-18 Foerster Bernhard Gmbh Clamping and / or holding device for orthodontic purposes
US4626209A (en) 1983-04-11 1986-12-02 Unitek Corporation Orthodontic bracket with metallic coated bonding base
US4478577A (en) 1983-08-09 1984-10-23 Warren Jr Richard F Orthodontic appliance
JPS6066739A (en) 1983-09-22 1985-04-16 菅野 米雄 Dental orthodontic bracket reinforced in holding force and apparatus for producing the same
US4498867A (en) 1984-01-31 1985-02-12 Tp Laboratories, Inc. Convertible orthodontic appliance
US4527975A (en) 1984-03-19 1985-07-09 Joseph Ghafari Cosmetic orthodontic device
CA1279215C (en) 1984-04-23 1991-01-22 Johnson & Johnson Dental Products Company Crystalline alumina orthodontic bracket
USD290040S (en) 1984-05-10 1987-05-26 Unitek Corporation Orthodontic bracket
US4659309B1 (en) 1985-04-25 1993-05-18 American Orthodontics Corporation Orthodontic bracket with rhomboidal profile
USD291919S (en) 1985-12-30 1987-09-15 Zulauf Orthodontic bracket
CA1284040C (en) 1986-06-26 1991-05-14 Peter C. Kesling Edgewise bracket to provide both free crown tipping and a predetermineddegree of root uprighting
US4712999A (en) 1986-09-10 1987-12-15 Farel Rosenberg Convertible, self-ligating, archwire positioning orthodontic bracket
US5161969A (en) 1986-09-29 1992-11-10 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Orthodontic bracket
US4859179A (en) 1986-11-26 1989-08-22 Tp Orthodontics, Inc. Edgewise bracket with Sved shaped slot and control means
US5095602A (en) 1987-05-06 1992-03-17 Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co. Method of making an orthodontic bracket
US4838786A (en) 1987-05-06 1989-06-13 Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company Orthodontic bracket
US4820151A (en) 1987-05-08 1989-04-11 Unitek Corporation Orthodontic bracket
US4819316A (en) 1987-07-29 1989-04-11 Rmo, Inc. Method of making a pre-adjusted orthodontic bracket assembly
US4793804A (en) 1987-09-14 1988-12-27 Schudy George F Orthodontic bracket
US4799882A (en) 1987-11-17 1989-01-24 Tp Orthodontics, Inc. Edgewise bracket
US4917602A (en) 1988-09-12 1990-04-17 Broussard Garfford J Adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly
JPH02147112A (en) 1988-11-28 1990-06-06 Sumitomo Metal Ind Ltd Method and device for control rolling for web height of h-shape steel
US5022854A (en) 1988-12-16 1991-06-11 Ortho Organizers Orthodontic bracket
JPH02198545A (en) 1989-01-26 1990-08-07 Hajime Suyama Orthodontic bracket
AU5134190A (en) 1989-03-20 1990-09-20 Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products, Inc. Improved dental bracket configuration
DE8903611U1 (en) 1989-03-22 1990-07-19 Bernhard Foerster Gmbh, 7530 Pforzheim, De
JPH0642655Y2 (en) 1989-05-12 1994-11-09 トミー株式会社 Orthodontic bracket with hook
CA2016249A1 (en) 1989-05-12 1990-11-12 Kozo Kawaguchi Orthodontic appliance with hook
JPH0681622B2 (en) 1989-06-20 1994-10-19 トミー株式会社 Orthodontic bracket
USD322482S (en) 1989-09-14 1991-12-17 Auradonics, Inc. Orthodontic bracket
JPH03176043A (en) 1989-12-05 1991-07-31 Hajime Suyama Bracket for rectification of dental arch
US5127828A (en) 1989-12-05 1992-07-07 Jobert Suzanne Orthodontic appliance
US5044945A (en) 1990-05-22 1991-09-03 Rmo, Inc. Slot for orthodontic brackets and method
US5125831A (en) 1990-11-02 1992-06-30 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Orthodontic bracket with bi-directional hook
USD331975S (en) 1990-11-02 1992-12-22 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Orthodontic bracket
USD340523S (en) 1990-12-28 1993-10-19 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Orthodontic bracket base
US5154607A (en) 1991-05-13 1992-10-13 Herbert Hanson Low friction orthodontic brackets
US5160261A (en) 1991-05-20 1992-11-03 Rmo, Inc. Orthodontic bracket and method
DE4118248C2 (en) 1991-06-04 1998-09-24 Foerster Bernhard Gmbh Orthodontic device
JP3259183B2 (en) 1992-03-04 2002-02-25 トミー株式会社 Orthodontic bracket
US5232361A (en) 1992-04-06 1993-08-03 Sachdeva Rohit C L Orthodontic bracket
US5302121A (en) 1992-06-30 1994-04-12 Gagin William P Ball-in-socket orthodontic bracket
US5322435A (en) 1992-07-23 1994-06-21 Pletcher Erwin Carroll Orthodontic bracket
US5267855A (en) 1992-12-18 1993-12-07 American Orthodontics Corporation Bonding base and method of making the same for a plastic orthodontic bracket
US5302117A (en) 1993-05-06 1994-04-12 Dentaurum, Inc. Coil-less uprighting spring
JP3364728B2 (en) 1994-04-13 2003-01-08 トミー株式会社 Orthodontic bracket
US5522725A (en) 1994-10-14 1996-06-04 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Method of enhancing the bond strength of an orthodontic appliance to a tooth
US5597302A (en) 1994-10-14 1997-01-28 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Aesthetic plastic orthodontic bracket with load bearing framework
US5607301A (en) 1994-11-01 1997-03-04 Lancer Orthodontics Orthodontic bracket and method of mounting
US5618175A (en) 1995-02-21 1997-04-08 Ormco Corporation Plastic orthodontic bracket having rotation wings
US5746594A (en) 1996-03-05 1998-05-05 Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co. Orthodontic appliance with asymmetric bonding structure
US5829972A (en) 1996-04-02 1998-11-03 Ormco Corporation Plastic orthodontic appliance having improved bonding characteristics
US5746592A (en) 1996-09-05 1998-05-05 Rmo, Inc. Edgewise orthodontic bracket with tie wing relief for enhancing ligature removal
US6053729A (en) 1998-03-02 2000-04-25 Ortho Corporation Unitary substantially nickel free alloy injection molded orthodontic bracket
JPH11276504A (en) * 1998-03-31 1999-10-12 Toray Ind Inc Orthodontic bracket and method for manufacturing the same
US6190165B1 (en) 1999-03-23 2001-02-20 Ormco Corporation Plastic orthodontic appliance having mechanical bonding base and method of making same
US6846178B2 (en) * 2002-10-29 2005-01-25 Rmo, Inc. Orthodontic bracket base apparatus and method of manufacture

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4430061A (en) * 1980-11-03 1984-02-07 Johnson And Johnson Orthodontic bracket assembly
US5441409A (en) * 1993-01-28 1995-08-15 American Orthodontics Corporation Orthodontic band
US5622494A (en) * 1995-02-21 1997-04-22 Ormco Corporation Plastic orthodontic appliance having a mechanical bonding base and method of making same
US6394798B1 (en) * 2000-08-31 2002-05-28 Ortho Organizers Unitary metal injection molded orthodontic bracket

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9597166B2 (en) 2002-10-29 2017-03-21 Rmo, Inc. Orthodontic appliance with encoded information
US7247018B2 (en) 2002-10-29 2007-07-24 Rmo, Inc. Edgewise orthodontic bracket with character base
US9872741B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2018-01-23 Rmo, Inc. Customized orthodontic appliance and method
US10405950B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2019-09-10 Rmo, Inc. Reduced-friction buccal tube and method of use
US9554875B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2017-01-31 Rmo, Inc. Method for producing a customized orthodontic appliance
US9561089B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2017-02-07 Rmo, Inc. Reduced-friction buccal tube and method of use
US8979528B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2015-03-17 Rmo, Inc. Customized orthodontic appliance method and system
US11382719B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2022-07-12 Orthoamerica Holdings, Llc Method for producing a customized orthodontic appliance
US10045834B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2018-08-14 Rmo, Inc. Method for producing a customized orthodontic appliance
US10231802B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2019-03-19 Rmo, Inc. Customized orthodontic appliance and method
US9867678B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2018-01-16 Rmo, Inc. Orthodontic bracket having an archwire channel and archwire retaining mechanism
US11219507B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2022-01-11 Orthoamerica Holdings, Llc Customized orthodontic appliance and method
US9987105B2 (en) 2011-05-12 2018-06-05 Rmo, Inc. Self ligating orthodontic bracket having a rotatable member
US10682207B2 (en) 2011-05-12 2020-06-16 Rmo, Inc. Self ligating orthodontic bracket having a rotatable member
USD726318S1 (en) 2013-01-17 2015-04-07 Rmo, Inc. Dental instrument for a self-ligating orthodontic clip
USD721811S1 (en) 2013-10-29 2015-01-27 Rmo, Inc. Orthodontic bracket
US10376341B2 (en) 2013-12-06 2019-08-13 3M Innovative Properties Company Labial attachment device for use with orthodontic auxiliary and lingual appliance system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20040081936A1 (en) 2004-04-29
AU2003287258A8 (en) 2004-05-25
US7247018B2 (en) 2007-07-24
US6846178B2 (en) 2005-01-25
US20050003320A1 (en) 2005-01-06
AU2003287258A1 (en) 2004-05-25
WO2004039276A3 (en) 2004-07-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6846178B2 (en) Orthodontic bracket base apparatus and method of manufacture
US20170202642A1 (en) Orthodontic Appliance with Encoded Information Formed in the Base
US7959437B2 (en) Orthodontic appliance with encoded information formed in the base
US5829973A (en) Plastic orthodontic appliance, plastic appliance mechanical bonding base and method of making same
US5803728A (en) Orthodontic bracket
EP1365700B1 (en) Orthodontic appliance providing enhanced adhesive cure
US5522725A (en) Method of enhancing the bond strength of an orthodontic appliance to a tooth
AU2011367805A1 (en) Orthodontic appliance with encoded information formed in the base
US20200146781A1 (en) Retentive orthodontic dental appliances and methods of making same
EP2604218B1 (en) Mold for making a customized orthodontic bracket, and method of making the mold
WO2020018194A1 (en) Bracket identification marking system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Country of ref document: JP