Oral appliance activation devices and methods
US8491303B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 4, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C2201/007
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Oral appliance activation devices and methods which are used to facilitate the securement, adjustment, or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured to an anchoring implant bored into the bones within the mouth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy elements extending along the projecting abutment portion. Energy may be applied to the elements via the activation devices directly over or adjacent to the oral appliance to actuate the elements and thereby either secure or loosen the oral appliance relative to the abutment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.