SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CORRECTING MALOCCLUSION

• US 20080227047A1
• Filed: 07/05/2007
• Published: 09/18/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Advanced Orthodontics and Education Association, LLC
• Original Assignee: Advanced Orthodontics and Education Association, LLC
• Inventors: Wasden, Christopher Lyle, Lowe, Michael Kenneth, Tarver, William Brent
• Application Number:
  US11/773,858
• Publication Number:
  US 20080227047A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 433/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 17/20 using ultrasonics
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 17/228 Self-contained intraoral toothbrush, e.g. mouth-guard toothbrush without handle
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 19/063 Medicament applicators for teeth or gums, e.g. treatment with fluorides
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/00 Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/002 Orthodontic computer assisted systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/008 using vibrating means
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/08 Mouthpiece-type retainers or positioners, e.g. for both the lower and upper arch arch-shaped medicament applicators for teeth or gums A61C19/063; mouthguards for protecting the teeth of sportsmen A63B71/085

Abstract

Methods of inducing tooth movement and treating malocclusion, craniofacial anomalies, bony defects, and dentofacial deformities through accelerated bone remodeling as caused by the delivery non-static forces; reducing pain and discomfort in patients; and improving tissue integrity long-term results as to prevent post-orthodontic treatment relapse. The methods and apparatus include a mechanism for data capture and analysis related to patient compliance and usage behavior, as well as for establishing the invention as a component of the clinical office workflow to increase efficiency and productivity.

Claims

1. An orthodontic appliance, comprising:

a. an extraoral vibratory source;

b. an intraoral attachment including at least one of;

archwire, a bracket, a retainer, a palatal expander; and

c. an interface coupling the extraoral vibratory source to the intraoral attachment.

2. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1, comprising a bite plate coupled to the extraoral vibratory source.

3. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1, wherein the extraoral vibratory source comprises a post coupled to the archwire.

4. The orthodontic appliance of claim 3, wherein the post moves from a resting position to contact the archwire, wherein two central maxillary incisors come into mesial contact in a patient maxilla, and two central mandibular incisors come into mesial contact in a patient mandible.

5. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1, comprising a processor to control the extraoral vibratory source.

6. The orthodontic appliance of claim 5, wherein the processor captures usage frequency and duration.

7. The orthodontic appliance of claim 5, wherein the processor communicates usage frequency and duration to a remote computer.

8. The orthodontic appliance of claim 5, wherein the processor communicates with the remote computer over the Internet.

9. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1, comprising a rechargeable battery to drive the vibratory source.

10. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1, wherein the vibratory source comprises a piezoelectric device.

11. A method for treating occlusion, comprising:

a. providing an extraoral vibratory source;

b. mounting an intraoral attachment on teeth including at least one of;

an archwire, a bracket, a retainer, a palatal expander; and

c. interfacing the extraoral vibratory source to the intraoral attachment.

12. The method of claim 11, comprising coupling a bite plate with the extraoral vibratory source.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the extraoral vibratory source comprises a post coupled to the archwire.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the post moves from a resting position to contact the archwire, wherein two central maxillary incisors come into mesial contact in a patient maxilla, and two central mandibular incisors come into mesial contact in a patient mandible.

15. The method of claim 11, comprising digitally controlling the extraoral vibratory source with a processor.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the processor captures usage frequency and duration.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the processor communicates usage frequency and duration to a remote computer.

18. The method of claim 11, comprising leasing the extraoral vibratory source.

19. The method of claim 11, comprising providing diagsnotic information to a service provider.

20. The method of claim 11, comprising recycling the extraoral vibratory source.

21. The method of claim 11, comprising treating craniofacial anomaly, boney defect, or dentofacial deformity.