Orthodontic appliance and method for moving teeth
Systems and methods for moving a tooth using a light, continuous force are disclosed. In examples, a bracket has a surface which is mounted to a tooth, and a pair of wings defining a slot having oppositely disposed upper and lower surfaces that converge at an apex. A wire runs through the slot at a distance from the apex. And a tensioning device presses the wire against a surface of the slot, the system is configured so that the wire gradually moves toward the apex of the slot.
1 . A system for moving a first tooth in a patient's mouth, the system comprising:
a bracket having a surface configured to be mounted to a first tooth and a pair of wings defining a slot having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces that converge at an apex, a wire running through the slot at a distance from the apex, and
a tensioning device comprising a cap operatively attached to one or more springs, the cap configured to provide a force against the wire and through the bracket pressing the first surface of the slot toward the wire;
wherein the system is configured so that the tensioning device gradually moves the apex of the slot toward the wire.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the tensioning device is attached to the bracket.
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more springs are positioned in the cap, in the bracket, or both.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the magnitude, direction, or both of the force pressing the first surface of the slot toward the wire is adjustable.
5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured so that the system is capable of responding to an external pressure placed on the first tooth by changing the magnitude, direction, or both of the force pressing the first surface of the slot toward the wire, configured such that an external pressure placed on the first tooth having a certain magnitude and direction reduces the magnitude of the force pressing the first surface of the slot toward the wire.
6 . A method for moving a first tooth in a patient's mouth, the method comprising:
mounting a bracket to the first tooth, the bracket comprising a slot having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces that converge at an apex;
placing a wire within the slot; and
bringing a tensioning device into contact with the wire so as to provide a force through the tensioning device and the bracket, the force through the bracket pressing the first surface of the slot toward the wire at a distance from the apex, thereby imparting a force on the first tooth;
wherein the tensioning device is a cap-style clip that gradually moves the bracket such that the apex of the slot moves toward the wire.
7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the magnitude, direction, or both of the force on the first tooth is independent from forces placed on adjacent teeth.
8 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the wire is positioned within the slot so that the tensioning device presses a first portion of the wire against the first surface of the slot and a second portion of the wire against the second surface of the slot.
9 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the tensioning device comprises a magnetically-operated cap arranged opposite a base of the bracket.
10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the tensioning device comprises a magnet positioned in the bracket.
11 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the tensioning device comprises a magnet positioned in the cap.
12 . The method of claim 6 , further comprising adjusting the amount of force by which the tensioning device presses the first surface of the slot toward the wire.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein adjusting the amount of force by which the tensioning device presses the first surface of the slot toward the wire comprises tuning the tensioning device, wherein adjusting the magnitude, direction, or both of the force by which the tensioning device presses the first surface of the slot toward the wire comprises replacing a first tensioning device with a second tensioning device.
14 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the tensioning device temporarily moves the apex of the slot away from the wire in response to an external pressure placed on the first tooth.
15 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the magnitude of the force imparted on the first surface of the slot toward the wire is reduced in response to an external pressure placed on the first tooth.
16 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the bracket or the tensioning device is formed of a resin material.