Self-ligating orthodontic appliance and related methods
US9492246B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C7/287
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The appliances and methods provide a tab on a “U”-shaped clip having a labial (i.e. toward the patient's lips or cheek) section and a lingual (i.e. toward the patient's tongue) section. The tab is located in a position that facilitates access by a practitioner and also reduces the moment applied to the clip when the clips is opened and closed. Advantageously, the tab can be positioned to account for the varying degree of resistance encountered by different sections of the clip and minimize the likelihood of either distorting the clip or torquing the appliance. The tab can be positioned coplanar with the sliding mechanism. Advantageously, these appliances can provide improved ease of use, reduced clip distortion over time, and greater patient comfort.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.