CA2738187C - A cover for a bracket for orthodontic braces - Google Patents
A cover for a bracket for orthodontic braces Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2738187C CA2738187C CA 2738187 CA2738187A CA2738187C CA 2738187 C CA2738187 C CA 2738187C CA 2738187 CA2738187 CA 2738187 CA 2738187 A CA2738187 A CA 2738187A CA 2738187 C CA2738187 C CA 2738187C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cover
- bracket
- cap portion
- orifice
- user
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C7/00—Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
- A61C7/12—Brackets; Arch wires; Combinations thereof; Accessories therefor
- A61C7/14—Brackets; Fixing brackets to teeth
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Dental Tools And Instruments Or Auxiliary Dental Instruments (AREA)
Abstract
A cover for a bracket for orthodontic braces, comprising: a cap portion formed of an elastic material; a hollowed-out interior portion extending partially through the cap portion and defining an orifice to the hollowed-out interior portion of the cap portion. The cover further comprises a flange portion integral to the cap portion and inwardly extending from an edge of the orifice toward the interior portion. The orifice is expandable to allow a bracket of an orthodontic brace to pass therethrough into the hollowed-out interior portion of the cap portion and is retractable to a rest position to frictionally engage the flange portion with a ridge of the bracket.
Description
A COVER FOR A BRACKET FOR ORTHODONTIC BRACES
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention is related to the field of orthodontics and more specifically relates to covers for brackets for orthodontic braces.
BACKGROUND
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention is related to the field of orthodontics and more specifically relates to covers for brackets for orthodontic braces.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Orthodontic braces are a common orthodontic appliance typically comprised of several components including: a plurality of metal or ceramic brackets;
arch wire(s) and ligature elastics. The metal or ceramic brackets are bonded to individual teeth and may be bonded to several or all of the teeth along one or both arches of a user's mouth. Arch wires run from bracket to bracket along one or both archers of a user's mouth, exerting pressure on each tooth. The wires and brackets that comprise orthodontic braces can have rough edges and surfaces. Even with proper orthodontic fitting, friction between the user's sensitive oral tissue and the metal components of orthodontic braces typically causes the user to experience discomfort.
arch wire(s) and ligature elastics. The metal or ceramic brackets are bonded to individual teeth and may be bonded to several or all of the teeth along one or both arches of a user's mouth. Arch wires run from bracket to bracket along one or both archers of a user's mouth, exerting pressure on each tooth. The wires and brackets that comprise orthodontic braces can have rough edges and surfaces. Even with proper orthodontic fitting, friction between the user's sensitive oral tissue and the metal components of orthodontic braces typically causes the user to experience discomfort.
[0003] A user of orthodontic braces may apply wax to the braces to shield the user's oral tissues from the metal components of the orthodontic braces. Pliable wax can be heated until soft, for example by rubbing the pliable wax between the user's two fingers or between the palms of the user's hands, and then molded into shape by the user for application to the orthodontic braces. The user adjusts the shape and thickness of the wax and presses the material around the components of the orthodontic braces, such as the brackets and wires, to shield the user against sharp edges. Although relatively simple and convenient, it can take the user several minutes to adjust the wax and once applied, the wax often slips as the user speaks and shifts his or her mouth. Furthermore, following removal of the wax, wax residue is often left behind within the small crevices of the components of the orthodontic braces, requiring the user to spend additional time removing the wax residue.
[0004] Other covers or shields for orthodontic braces made of malleable materials such as PVC, rubber or plastic, are manufactured as reinforced strips that are cut by the user to a desired length and pressed against the teeth to engage the orthodontic braces. These strips are impairing as they typically cover the entire length of the dental arch, limiting available space in the user's mouth.
[0005] Mouth guards can be employed to protect oral tissue while wearing orthodontic braces. These devices can be made of room temperature setting materials that are heated and molded to the user's teeth and jaw. These devices must, however, be custom fit to each user's mouth shape. They also require frequent replacement or recalibration as teeth positioning changes throughout the orthodontic and other reparative processes. Mouth guards are also often U-shaped, covering the entire length of the dental arch and often the upper and lower palette as well. The amount of physical space that these devices require within the mouth cavity typically makes them invasive and thus uncomfortable for the user.
Furthermore, mouth guards are sometimes unhygienic, as particles can collect within the molded shape of the device.
Furthermore, mouth guards are sometimes unhygienic, as particles can collect within the molded shape of the device.
[0006] There is a need, therefore, for an apparatus to overcome the weaknesses found in current protective shields and guards for orthodontic braces; where such an apparatus prevents the cutting and/or scratching of a orthodontic braces user's oral tissues, takes up a minimal amount of space within the user's mouth cavity, remains securely fastened on the brackets of the orthodontic braces to reduce the likelihood that such an apparatus will fall off when the user engages in routine activities such as speaking and/or breathing, and does not require individual customization to fit onto the user's orthodontic braces.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] In an aspect of the present invention a cover for a bracket for orthodontic braces is provided, the cover comprising: a cap portion formed of an elastic material; a hollowed-out interior portion extending partially through the cap portion and defining an orifice to the hollowed-out interior portion of the cap portion; a flange portion integral to the cap portion and inwardly extending from an edge of the orifice toward the interior portion, and the orifice expandable to allow a bracket of an orthodontic brace to pass therethrough into the hollowed-out interior portion of the cap portion and retractable to a rest position to frictionally engage the flange portion with a ridge of the bracket.
[0008] In some embodiments, the cap portion may be formed of a non-toxic material, in some embodiments, the non-toxic material being synthetic rubber, which may be polyisobutylene.
[0009] In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the cover may be smoothed and [0010] In some embodiments, the cap portion of the cover may have a diameter between 2 and 4 millimeters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] For a better understanding of the embodiments of the apparatus described [0012] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a cover for a bracket of a set of orthodontic braces;
[0013] Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of the cover of Figure 1;
15 [0014] Figure 3 shows the embodiment of the cover of Figure 1 in use, covering a bracket;
[0015] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the cover of Figure 1, in use, covering a bracket; and [0016] Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a cover for a bracket of a set of DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein;
however, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components have not been described in details so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein.
Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way, but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments described herein.
[0018] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, cover 100 is shown having cap portion 102 and hollowed out interior portion 104 partially extending through cover 100 with interior portion 104 defining an orifice 106 at a surface of cap portion 102. Cover 100 further has flange portion 108 integral to cap portion 102 and inwardly extending from an edge of orifice 106 towards interior portion 104.
[0019] Cap portion 102 is formed of an elastic material that can be expanded or stretched to expand orifice 106 over a bracket, and when released from its expanded or stretched state, retracts orifice 106 so as to engaged and cover the bracket, forming a frictional engagement between flange 108 and the bracket. The elastic material can provide flexibility to cap portion 102 such that when cover 100 is engaged to a bracket, this flexibility allows the cap to deform along either one or more of a vertical, horizontal, or other axis to maintain coverage of the bracket when there is movement of the sharp components of the bracket and/or exposed arch wire running through the bracket. This reduces the likelihood of any movement by any of the components associated with the orthodontic braces cutting and/or scratching the inner mouth and/or lips of a user wearing orthodontic braces.
[0020] The exterior surface of cap portion 102 can be a substantially smoothed surface or can have substantially smoothed edges, and when applied to a bracket, and can cover sharp components of the bracket and/or exposed arch wire running through the bracket.
The smoothed surface can interact with the inner mouth portion or lips of a user wearing the orthodontic braces, and can reduce the likelihood of sharp edges of the components of the orthodontic braces cutting and/or scratching the inner mouth portion or lips of the user.
[0021] Cap portion 102 of cover 100 can be made, for example, of a synthetic rubber material, tending to provide elastic properties to cover 100 for application to a bracket. In some embodiments, polyisobutylene can be used; however, skilled persons will understand that other synthetic rubbers can be used.
[0022] It will be appreciated by skilled persons that it may be useful to form cap portion 102 from a non-toxic material. For example, it may be preferred to remove cover 100 when eating, as the chewing of food may provide enough force to overcome the frictional engagement between flange 108 and the bracket of a set of orthodontic braces. In cases where a wearer of cover 100 has forgotten to remove cover 100 prior to eating, the user may accidentally swallow cover 100. In such embodiments, forming cap portion 102 of a non-toxic material can be useful in reducing allergic reactions or sickness of the user if cover 100 is accidentally ingested.
[0023] In the embodiment shown, cap portion 102 is spherical in shape, and may have a diameter of between 2 and 4 millimeters. Skilled persons will appreciate that other shapes may be used; for example, such as with reference to Figure 5, cover 500 is shown where cover 500 is cube shaped having rounded corners. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5. cover 500 has cap portion 502 and hollowed out interior portion 504 partially extending therethrough, with interior portion 504 defining orifice 506 at a surface of cap portion 502.
Cover 500 further has flange portion 508, integral to cap portion 502 and inwardly extending from an edge of orifice 506 toward interior portion 504.
[0024] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the application of cover 100 onto bracket 304 of orthodontic braces 300 is shown. In the embodiment shown, orthodontic braces 300 comprise brackets 304 bonded to teeth 302. As shown, each bracket 304 is engaged to arch wire 308, with arch wire 308 being held in place by ligature elastics 306. In such embodiments, orifice 106 can be stretched by a user for engagement to bracket 304 of orthodontic braces 300 to cover bracket 304.
[0025] Bracket 302 can have ridge 402 at located at two or more edge portions which can form a frictional engagement with flange portion 108 when cover 100 is covering bracket. In use, a user stretches orifice 106 by applying external pressure, for example by pinching cap portion 102 at the end opposite orifice 106 tending to expand the size of orifice 106. After orifice 106 is expanded, bracket 304 can be inserted into interior portion 104 through orifice. This can occur by the user pressing orifice 106 into bracket while orifice 106 is expanded or can occur by the user hooking a part of flange portion 108 onto one of [0026] Other methods of application may be used. For example, flange portion 108 can be hooked around one of ridges 402 and pressure can be applied to the exterior surface of cap portion 102 by pressing the exterior surface of cap portion 102 towards tooth 302. This application of pressure can cause orifice 106 to expand until bracket 304 is inserted into interior portion 104 of cover 100. Once this has occurred, the external pressure to cap [0027] Cover 100 can be made using an injection molding process. In other 25 [0028] It is to be understood that the foregoing description and specific embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention and principles thereof, and that various modifications and additions may be made to the apparatus by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention, which is therefore understood to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
15 [0014] Figure 3 shows the embodiment of the cover of Figure 1 in use, covering a bracket;
[0015] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the cover of Figure 1, in use, covering a bracket; and [0016] Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a cover for a bracket of a set of DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein;
however, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components have not been described in details so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein.
Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way, but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments described herein.
[0018] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, cover 100 is shown having cap portion 102 and hollowed out interior portion 104 partially extending through cover 100 with interior portion 104 defining an orifice 106 at a surface of cap portion 102. Cover 100 further has flange portion 108 integral to cap portion 102 and inwardly extending from an edge of orifice 106 towards interior portion 104.
[0019] Cap portion 102 is formed of an elastic material that can be expanded or stretched to expand orifice 106 over a bracket, and when released from its expanded or stretched state, retracts orifice 106 so as to engaged and cover the bracket, forming a frictional engagement between flange 108 and the bracket. The elastic material can provide flexibility to cap portion 102 such that when cover 100 is engaged to a bracket, this flexibility allows the cap to deform along either one or more of a vertical, horizontal, or other axis to maintain coverage of the bracket when there is movement of the sharp components of the bracket and/or exposed arch wire running through the bracket. This reduces the likelihood of any movement by any of the components associated with the orthodontic braces cutting and/or scratching the inner mouth and/or lips of a user wearing orthodontic braces.
[0020] The exterior surface of cap portion 102 can be a substantially smoothed surface or can have substantially smoothed edges, and when applied to a bracket, and can cover sharp components of the bracket and/or exposed arch wire running through the bracket.
The smoothed surface can interact with the inner mouth portion or lips of a user wearing the orthodontic braces, and can reduce the likelihood of sharp edges of the components of the orthodontic braces cutting and/or scratching the inner mouth portion or lips of the user.
[0021] Cap portion 102 of cover 100 can be made, for example, of a synthetic rubber material, tending to provide elastic properties to cover 100 for application to a bracket. In some embodiments, polyisobutylene can be used; however, skilled persons will understand that other synthetic rubbers can be used.
[0022] It will be appreciated by skilled persons that it may be useful to form cap portion 102 from a non-toxic material. For example, it may be preferred to remove cover 100 when eating, as the chewing of food may provide enough force to overcome the frictional engagement between flange 108 and the bracket of a set of orthodontic braces. In cases where a wearer of cover 100 has forgotten to remove cover 100 prior to eating, the user may accidentally swallow cover 100. In such embodiments, forming cap portion 102 of a non-toxic material can be useful in reducing allergic reactions or sickness of the user if cover 100 is accidentally ingested.
[0023] In the embodiment shown, cap portion 102 is spherical in shape, and may have a diameter of between 2 and 4 millimeters. Skilled persons will appreciate that other shapes may be used; for example, such as with reference to Figure 5, cover 500 is shown where cover 500 is cube shaped having rounded corners. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5. cover 500 has cap portion 502 and hollowed out interior portion 504 partially extending therethrough, with interior portion 504 defining orifice 506 at a surface of cap portion 502.
Cover 500 further has flange portion 508, integral to cap portion 502 and inwardly extending from an edge of orifice 506 toward interior portion 504.
[0024] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the application of cover 100 onto bracket 304 of orthodontic braces 300 is shown. In the embodiment shown, orthodontic braces 300 comprise brackets 304 bonded to teeth 302. As shown, each bracket 304 is engaged to arch wire 308, with arch wire 308 being held in place by ligature elastics 306. In such embodiments, orifice 106 can be stretched by a user for engagement to bracket 304 of orthodontic braces 300 to cover bracket 304.
[0025] Bracket 302 can have ridge 402 at located at two or more edge portions which can form a frictional engagement with flange portion 108 when cover 100 is covering bracket. In use, a user stretches orifice 106 by applying external pressure, for example by pinching cap portion 102 at the end opposite orifice 106 tending to expand the size of orifice 106. After orifice 106 is expanded, bracket 304 can be inserted into interior portion 104 through orifice. This can occur by the user pressing orifice 106 into bracket while orifice 106 is expanded or can occur by the user hooking a part of flange portion 108 onto one of [0026] Other methods of application may be used. For example, flange portion 108 can be hooked around one of ridges 402 and pressure can be applied to the exterior surface of cap portion 102 by pressing the exterior surface of cap portion 102 towards tooth 302. This application of pressure can cause orifice 106 to expand until bracket 304 is inserted into interior portion 104 of cover 100. Once this has occurred, the external pressure to cap [0027] Cover 100 can be made using an injection molding process. In other 25 [0028] It is to be understood that the foregoing description and specific embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention and principles thereof, and that various modifications and additions may be made to the apparatus by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention, which is therefore understood to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (8)
1. A cover for a bracket for orthodontic braces, comprising:
a cap portion formed of an elastic material;
a hollowed-out interior portion extending partially through the cap portion and defining an orifice to the hollowed-out interior portion of the cap portion;
a single, continuous flange portion integral to the cap portion and inwardly extending from an edge of the orifice toward the peripheral edge of interior portion, and the orifice expandable to allow a bracket of an orthodontic brace to pass therethrough into the hollowed-out interior portion of the cap portion and retractable to a rest position to frictionally engage the flange portion with a ridge of the bracket.
a cap portion formed of an elastic material;
a hollowed-out interior portion extending partially through the cap portion and defining an orifice to the hollowed-out interior portion of the cap portion;
a single, continuous flange portion integral to the cap portion and inwardly extending from an edge of the orifice toward the peripheral edge of interior portion, and the orifice expandable to allow a bracket of an orthodontic brace to pass therethrough into the hollowed-out interior portion of the cap portion and retractable to a rest position to frictionally engage the flange portion with a ridge of the bracket.
2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface is smoothed.
3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the cap portion is formed from a non-toxic material.
4. The cover of claim 3, wherein the non-toxic material is a synthetic rubber.
5. The cover of claim 4, wherein the synthetic rubber is polyisobutylene.
6. The cover of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the exterior surface is spherical in shape.
7. The cover of claim 6, wherein the cap portion has a diameter of between 2 and 4 millimeters.
8. The cover of any one of claims 2, wherein the surface is cube shaped having rounded corners.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2738187 CA2738187C (en) | 2011-04-27 | 2011-04-27 | A cover for a bracket for orthodontic braces |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2738187 CA2738187C (en) | 2011-04-27 | 2011-04-27 | A cover for a bracket for orthodontic braces |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2738187A1 CA2738187A1 (en) | 2012-10-27 |
| CA2738187C true CA2738187C (en) | 2014-08-12 |
Family
ID=47070985
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2738187 Expired - Fee Related CA2738187C (en) | 2011-04-27 | 2011-04-27 | A cover for a bracket for orthodontic braces |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2738187C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2022211909A1 (en) * | 2021-04-01 | 2022-10-06 | Singhal Sudiksha | Orthodontic bracket covering ligature tie |
-
2011
- 2011-04-27 CA CA 2738187 patent/CA2738187C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2738187A1 (en) | 2012-10-27 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| KR200465679Y1 (en) | Orthodontic Appliance | |
| US20110136071A1 (en) | Brace cap | |
| US10548779B2 (en) | Facial structure stabilization methods and apparatus | |
| US9113983B2 (en) | Devices, systems, and methods for orthodontic hardware | |
| US7713057B2 (en) | Oral mucous membrane protector for orthodontic applications | |
| US20160081767A1 (en) | Dental Retainer | |
| US9610009B2 (en) | Dental retractor for protecting a patient's teeth from contact with the inner side of a patient's mouth and tongue | |
| US9987103B1 (en) | Orthodontic protection device | |
| CN108451658A (en) | Chewing type orthodontic devices and shape memory net | |
| US20080108007A1 (en) | Cosmetic dental apparatus | |
| US20120107768A1 (en) | Dental protective device and method of use | |
| CA2738187C (en) | A cover for a bracket for orthodontic braces | |
| CN112566591A (en) | Auxiliary device for supporting mandible angle and mandible angle correcting device comprising same | |
| US11744679B1 (en) | Orthodontics cover | |
| CA3001615C (en) | Oral appliance | |
| KR101486667B1 (en) | Cap of Dental Prosthetic Device | |
| JP2015066408A (en) | Soft false nail | |
| CA2958238A1 (en) | Oral appliance | |
| US20190231486A1 (en) | Orthodontic anterior bite ramp | |
| WO2012170450A2 (en) | Device for correcting sunken cheeks | |
| KR101552795B1 (en) | Brace cover | |
| KR101728904B1 (en) | Wound protecting band for teeth orthodontic bracket | |
| KR101723180B1 (en) | Assistant instrument for connecting rubber band of teeth orthodontic | |
| KR101511875B1 (en) | Cap of Dental Prosthetic Device | |
| US20180021660A1 (en) | Oral Devices and Methods of Making |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20160427 |