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  Colored orthodontic brackets having removable ligation coverUSPTO Application #: 20070099145Title: Colored orthodontic brackets having removable ligation cover Abstract: An orthodontic bracket that includes coloring means for coloring to create a desired aesthetic appearance. The orthodontic bracket includes a bracket base, an arch wire slot formed in the bracket base, and a removable ligation cover that is selectively movable relative to the bracket base between an open, non-ligating position relative to the arch wire slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the arch wire slot. According to one embodiment, the coloring means a colored dye or pigment impregnating the thermoplastic resin from which the bracket base and/or ligation cover are formed. According to another embodiment, the coloring means for coloring comprises a curable resin containing a colored dye or pigment that has been applied and cured over at least a portion of the bracket base and/or ligation cover. (end of abstract)
Agent: Workman Nydegger (f/k/a Workman Nydegger & Seeley) - Salt Lake City, UT, US Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus-H. Backes USPTO Applicaton #: 20070099145 - Class: 433010000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Dentistry, Orthodontics, Bracket, Having Means To Secure Arch Wire The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070099145. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2005/009467, filed Sep. 2, 2005, which corresponds and claims priority under the Paris Convention to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/932,634, filed Sep. 2, 2004. The foregoing applications are incorporated herein in their entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. The Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to orthodontic brackets, more particularly to self-ligating orthodontic brackets that include a base, at least one slot for receiving an arch wire, and a ligating cover. [0004] 2. The Relevant Technology [0005] Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that involves the application of mechanical forces to urge poorly positioned, or crooked, teeth into correct alignment and orientation. Orthodontic procedures can be used for cosmetic enhancement of teeth, as well as medically necessary movement of teeth to correct underbites or overbites. For example, orthodontic treatment can improve the patient's occlusion, or enhanced spatial matching of corresponding teeth. [0006] The most common form of orthodontic treatment involves the use of orthodontic brackets and wires, which together are commonly referred to as "braces." Orthodontic brackets, more particularly the orthodontic bases, are small slotted bodies configured for direct attachment to the patient's teeth or, alternatively, for attachment to bands which are, in turn, cemented or otherwise secured around the teeth. Once the brackets are affixed to the patient's teeth, such as by means of glue or cement, a curved arch wire is inserted into the slot of each bracket. The arch wire acts as a template or track to guide movement of the teeth into proper alignment. End sections of the arch wire are typically captured within tiny appliances known as "buccal tubes" affixed to the patient's molars. [0007] There are two distinct classes of orthodontic brackets: those that require the use of ligatures to fasten the arch wire to the bracket, and those that are self-ligating. In brackets of the first class, small ligature wires are typically used to hold the arch wire in a securely seated position in the brackets. Ligatures or some other form of fastening means are essential to ensure that the tensioned arch wire is properly positioned around the dental arch, and to prevent the wire from being dislodged from the bracket slots during chewing of food, brushing of teeth, or application of other forces. One type of commercially available ligature is a small, elastomeric O-ring, which is installed by stretching the O-ring around small wings known as "tie wings" that are connected to the bracket body. Metal ligatures are also used to retain arch wires within the bracket slots. [0008] In an effort to simplify the process of installing braces, a variety of self-ligating brackets have been developed. The term "self-ligating bracket" refers to a class of orthodontic brackets that include some sort of cover, whether separate from or hingedly or slidably attached to the base, which encloses or otherwise retains the arch wire within the slot of the base. [0009] Besides the difficulties associated with the general discomfort of orthodontic brackets, many patients dislike the appearance of installed orthodontic brackets. Most existing orthodontic brackets are formed of metal, and result in a rather particular aesthetic appearance, which some patients dislike. It would be an improvement in the art to provide a self-ligating orthodontic bracket that allows the patient some flexibility in creating a desired aesthetic look, while still providing ease of use, inexpensive manufacturing, strength, and durability. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0010] The present invention is directed to an orthodontic bracket that includes coloring means for coloring the bracket to create a desired aesthetic appearance. The orthodontic bracket includes a bracket base, an arch wire slot formed in the bracket base, a ligation cover connected to the bracket base and selectively movable relative to the bracket base between an open, non-ligating position relative to the arch wire slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the arch wire slot, and coloring means for coloring at least a portion of the bracket base and/or the ligation cover. According to one embodiment, the coloring means for coloring comprises a colored dye or pigment impregnating the thermoplastic resin from which the bracket base and/or ligation cover are formed. According to another embodiment, the coloring means for coloring comprises a curable resin containing a colored dye or pigment that has been applied and cured over at least a portion of the bracket base and/or ligation cover. [0011] The orthodontic bracket may be formed by injection molding the thermoplastic resin material from which it is formed. In one embodiment, the bracket base and ligation cover may be integrally formed together as a single piece. In another embodiment, the cover may be completely separate and removable from the bracket base. Examples of suitable thermoplastic resins include, but are not limited to, polyamides (e.g., nylon), acetal polymers, polyetherimides, polycarbonates, polyarylether ketones, polysulfones, and polyphenylsulfones. [0012] Any colored dye or pigment that is compatible with the bracket material may be used as coloring means for coloring, whether the colored dye or pigment is impregnated into the bracket forming resin material or included in a curable resin that is applied to the bracket base and/or cover and subsequently light or chemical cured. According to one embodiment, the colored dye or pigment may comprise food coloring. [0013] In embodiments where a curable resin containing a colored dye or pigment is applied over at least a portion of the bracket base and/or ligation cover, the curable resin may be applied during manufacture of the orthodontic bracket or clinically by the orthodontist. Although other manufacturing stage application methods may be used, according to one embodiment, the curable resin is applied during manufacturing by spin coating, as known in the art. Although other clinical application methods may be used, according to another embodiment, the curable resin is applied clinically by brush coating. [0014] One embodiment of the orthodontic bracket includes an elongate film hinge and a hinge guide structure. The elongate film hinge is attached at one end to the bracket base and at an opposite end to the ligation cover so as to hingedly connect the ligation cover to the bracket base. The hinge guide structure may be disposed on the ligation cover or bracket base, and provides a curved surface around which the elongate film hinge bends when the ligation cover is rotated relative to the bracket base. The curved surface causes the elongate film hinge to bend over a significant portion of its entire length. [0015] Including an elongate film hinge and hinge guide structure is advantageous as it results in an especially strong and durable orthodontic bracket. The combination of the elongate film hinge and the hinge guide structure allows the forces associated with opening and closing the bracket to be distributed along a significant length of the elongate film hinge, rather than concentrating the forces at a point or line where bending occurs. [0016] According to one embodiment, the curved surface of the hinge guide structure forms a part of a cam structure that is attached to an inner surface of the ligation cover and that extends toward the bracket base. The cam structure also preferably includes a camming surface, distal to the film hinge, which interacts with the bracket base so as to bias the ligation cover toward the open, non-ligating position. This makes it easier for the dental practitioner to insert the arch wire into the arch wire slot. [0017] The orthodontic bracket preferably includes a latch mechanism that selectively locks and unlocks the ligation cover in the closed, ligating position. The latch mechanism may comprise an angled keyway and a locking tongue. The angled keyway may be formed within a side of the bracket base distal to the elongate film hinge. The locking tongue extends from an end of the cover distal to the elongate film hinge. The locking tongue is configured to selectively fit within the angled keyway and lock the ligation cover to the bracket base in the closed, ligating position. In the case where the ligation cover is separate and removable from the bracket base, the orthodontic bracket includes two latch mechanism on opposite sides of the bracket to keep the ligation cover securely locked to the bracket base. [0018] These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by references to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: [0020] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an exemplary self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the present invention; Continue reading... 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