Method and device for causing tooth movement
A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw.
1. A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw, the method comprising:
holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member;
moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip;
locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip;
drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw, wherein the jaw comprises at least one tooth having an orthodontic brace thereon, the drilling performed to increase movement of the tooth; and
stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein drilling a hole comprises drilling a hole in a mesial surface of the jaw.
3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising drilling a plurality of holes spaced along a mesial surface of the jaw.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein drilling a hole comprises drilling a hole in a gingival flap.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein drilling a hole comprising drilling the hole proximal to a central or lateral tooth or drilling a hole in the palatal.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the length of exposed screw tip is approximately 3 mm.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein drilling a hole comprises drilling the hole in a canine or a premolar.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the length of exposed screw tip is approximately 5 mm.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein drilling a hole comprises drilling the hole proximal to posterior molars or in the mandible.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the length of exposed screw tip is approximately 7 mm.