Patent · US Expired

Removable tooth positioning appliance and method

US4793803A · kind A · utility

572Cited by
5References
44Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 8, 1987
Grant dateDec 27, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 8, 2007

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61C7/14
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Separate appliances are insertable in and removable from the upper and lower jaws of the patient to correct minor malocclusions. The appliance construction has several modifications but consists essentially of: (a) a fairly rigid portion which mates with or securely grips the tooth surface, (b) a rigid portion to provide the base and shape, and (c) an intermediate, flexible resilient portion interposed between (a) and (b) which biases the teeth into the desired position. Details and variations of each of the three portions are described. The rigidity of the rigid portion may vary depending on the condition of an individual case. In some instances the rigid portion need only be somewhat flexible, thereby performing the function of the intermediate portion as well. The method of fabricating each portion is likewise disclosed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.