WO2024250122A1 - Bracket positioning instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a bracket positioning instrument that belongs to the technical field of orthodontics. The existing instruments do not allow all the anatomical references that determine the correct positioning of the bracket on the tooth to be viewed. The instrument of the invention solves this problem since it comprises a gripping body and has a neck, which contains a working tip, at one or both ends. The working tip is made up of a position sheet for insertion into the horizontal slot of the bracket; a support sheet that is placed on the edge of the tooth and allows the occlusal plane to be viewed when it coincides with the same; and a rod for viewing the long axis of the tooth when it coincides with the same. Furthermore, said instrument provides a good view of the vestibular side while it is being used; and the tips are interchangeable.

Description

Description

Bracket positioning instrument.

Technical sector

This utility model refers to a bracket positioning instrument, which belongs to the technical field of orthodontics.

Prior art

The problem that was detected and that gave rise to this invention was that it is often not easy to achieve the proper position of the brackets on the vestibular surface of the tooth, since the instruments currently used do not facilitate the visualization of all the anatomical references that are important for their correct positioning.

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that studies and corrects irregularities and abnormalities in the position of teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatments use braces, which are devices that can be cemented to the vestibular surface of the tooth, which is the surface in relation to the lips and cheeks. An archwire is also used, which is the element that joins the braces together and generates the force to mobilize the teeth.

There are two types of brackets depending on the way the arch is attached to them, and they are:

• Conventional ones, which have a square or rectangular base; on one side of the base the cement is placed, and on the other side there are 4 fins arranged one in each corner, so they form a vertical slot and a horizontal one; and the arch is fixed in the horizontal slot using a rubber band.

• Self-ligating ones are similar to the previous ones, they have a horizontal slot, but they do not have the vertical slot, instead they contain a cover mechanism to fix the arch on them.

Both conventional and self-ligating brackets are normally placed halfway between the mesio-distal distance of the tooth, which is the distance from the point of contact with a neighboring tooth to the point of contact with its other tooth. neighbor. They must also be positioned with an appropriate inclination, since the ideal is that their horizontal slot is perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth. For this reason, it is important to have a visual reference of said axis and of the vestibular surface.

In addition, they must be placed at a certain height. Self-ligating brackets are usually installed halfway between the edge of the tooth and the gum, while conventional brackets must be placed at a certain distance from said edge, and for this it is very important to have a reference of the occlusal plane, because they can be positioned higher or lower than the required height if said plane is not considered. The occlusal plane is an imaginary line that passes through the cutting and chewing edges of the teeth of the same jaw.

It is important to consider that incorrect positioning of the brackets can cause complications during the treatment phases, affecting the leveling of the teeth and leaving some pieces higher than others, and also affecting their alignment, causing some to be rotated. Therefore, precision in the placement of the bracket is one of the most important pillars of the treatment to avoid unwanted movements; and on the other hand, to avoid using clinical time to correct its position after cementation.

Among the alternatives or methods that are being used as a solution to the problem raised, the following can be mentioned:

• Indirect method: in which the brackets are first positioned outside the mouth and on the patient's model or mold, and then installed in the oral cavity. It is a very precise method, however, it is often necessary to have a scanner and a computer, in addition to software and additional supplies. On the other hand, more than one appointment may be required to begin the installation of the appliance. Several inventions have been developed considering this method; some patents found are: US20160000526, EP2941219, AR058689, among others.

• Direct method: in which the brackets are installed directly in the patient's mouth using manual instruments, and without the need for computerized technology. This is the most widely used method and several inventions have been developed. Some of the patents found are: or CN210250115, as interpreted, such instrument facilitates the positioning of the bracket according to the desired height and horizontal direction, since it has a positioning member (15) and a measuring rule (11), which can be made to coincide with the long axis of the tooth to have a visual reference of said axis, however, that is not contemplated in the objective or principle of such invention, but is used to measure the size of the surface of the dental crown. On the other hand, according to the arrangement of its elements, the positioning portion of the tooth section (155) is only contained on one side of the instrument to place it on the edge of the tooth, and does not extend to the other side, so it does not provide a reference of the occlusal plane. o EP4046588, CN215306854, CO5450238, US20160302888, EP4046588, CAI 190070, 201602695 (Chile), among others. Patent EP4046588 describes an instrument that resembles one of the most commonly used instruments today, and like most positioners, it was only designed to position the bracket according to the height needed; and it has the drawback that when removing it from the bracket, it can be displaced, so its placement must be checked repeatedly and its location constantly modified. In addition, both this instrument and the others mentioned do not facilitate the visualization of all the anatomical references that influence the correct position of the bracket, such as: the mesio-distal distance of the tooth, the occlusal plane, and the long axis of the tooth.

Considering the direct method, there is no known manual instrument that has the necessary characteristics to solve the problem raised.

Disclosure of the invention

Considering the deficiencies described above, it was seen that the solution must be a manual dental instrument that helps to visualize all the anatomical references that determine the adequate position of the bracket on the vestibular surface of the tooth. To achieve this objective, the present utility model was developed, which consists of an instrument comprised of a gripping body, and at one or both ends it has a neck, which contains a working tip.

The working tip has a positioning plate to be inserted into the horizontal slot of the bracket; a support plate that is placed on the edge of the tooth and facilitates the visualization of the occlusal plane when it is aligned with it, so that the bracket is not positioned higher or lower than the required height; and it also has a rod that helps to visualize the long axis of the tooth when it is aligned with it, which allows the horizontal slot of the bracket to be placed perpendicular to said axis, and to position it at an appropriate inclination.

Another advantage over the various positioners currently in use is that the instrument of the invention allows for a good view of the vestibular surface of the tooth while it is being used, which facilitates the placement of the bracket in the mesio-distal distance; it can be positioned without the need to repeatedly check its position, and the cement can be photocured while it is being held, thus eliminating its displacement when the instrument is removed.

Furthermore, the working tip has a connecting end that is contained in the connecting end of the neck, and is contained by one or more retaining mechanisms. Such ends may not be permanently attached, therefore, the working tip can be interchanged, it can be chosen according to the height at which the bracket is to be positioned and adjusted within the neck in the most convenient position, which provides versatility to the instrument of the invention compared to other positioners.

The idea was to create an instrument with a simple and practical design, in which its few constituent elements and their arrangement would be sufficient to achieve the objective; and also to solve the problem that none of the current instruments have the elements to facilitate the visualization of all the anatomical references mentioned, and that most were only designed to position the brackets at a certain height. The novel features of the invention are set forth especially in the appended claims. And the invention may be better understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is the structural representation of the grip body and necks of the utility model.

Fig. 2 is the structural representation of the working tip of the utility model, in a sagittal view.

Fig. 3 is the structural representation of the working tip of the utility model, in an oblique view.

Fig. 4 is the structural representation of the working tip of the utility model, in a front view.

Fig. 5 is the structural representation of the utility model showing the working tips contained in the necks.

Fig. 6 is a sagittal view of an application example, showing the working tip contained in the neck and positioning the bracket on the tooth. A portion of the gripping body is also shown.

Fig. 7 is a front view of an application example, showing the working tip contained in the neck and positioning the bracket on the tooth. A portion of the gripping body is also shown.

Ways to carry out the invention

This utility model is an orthodontic bracket positioning instrument. The benefits and advantages over current instruments have been shown and described above; and its features and the way it works are described in more detail below.

As shown in Fig. 1, the bracket positioning instrument comprises a gripping body (1), and at one or both ends it has a neck (2) which has a connecting end (3). The gripping body (1) is elongated so that it can be held by the operator's hand, and is smooth or provided with a non-slip pattern. The neck (2) is straight, curved, has an angle between 80° and 170° in relation to the major axis of the gripping body (1), or has two angles on the same plane, one between 20° and 90° in relation to the major axis of the gripping body (1) and then another between 80° and 120° in relation to the first angle; and in its final extension or after its last angle, it has the connection end (3) which is solid or hollow, and has a shape complementary to the shape of the joining end (5) to allow a precise and stable coupling.

Furthermore, the connecting end (3) contains a working tip (4). As shown in Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the working tip (4) has a connecting end (5), a support plate (6) attached thereto and arranged perpendicularly or obliquely to the connecting end (5), a position plate (7) arranged parallel or obliquely to the support plate (6), and a rod (8) connecting both plates (6 and 7), which rod starts perpendicularly from the center of the support plate (6) and passes through the position plate (7).

The connecting end (5) is solid or hollowed, and has a shape complementary to the shape of the connecting end (3) to allow a precise and stable coupling. The positioning sheet (7) has a thickness of 0.1 to 3 millimeters; and its edges are smooth or at least one of them has one or more sheets or rods arranged perpendicularly or obliquely to the edge in which they are incorporated. The rod (8) passes through the positioning sheet (7) and the rest of its surface is smooth or has fine lines that have depth or relief, and are arranged parallel to each other at intervals of 1 to 4 millimeters; in such a way that the rod (8) can be millimetric.

Furthermore, the mechanism by which the working tip (4) is contained in the neck (2) comprises at least one of the following alternatives: a. A containment by means of at least one protuberance that the connecting end (5) has on its internal or external surface, which fits into at least one slot or groove that the connecting end (3) has, or, b. A containment by means of at least one protuberance that the connecting end (3) has on its internal or external surface, which fits into at least one slot or groove that the connecting end (5) has, or, c. A containment by means of at least one slot or slit at the joining end (5) and at the connecting end (3) which fit together, or, d. A containment by means of at least one protuberance that the joining end (5) has on its internal or external surface, which fits into at least one slot or slit that the connecting end (3) has, which ends with a lateral notch or with another slot arranged perpendicular to it and which ends straight or with a lateral notch, or, e. A containment by means of at least one protuberance that the connecting end (3) has on its internal or external surface, which fits into at least one slot or slit that the joining end (5) has, which ends with a lateral notch or with another slot arranged perpendicular to it and which ends straight or with a lateral notch, or, f. A containment by means of an internal thread that has the connection end (3), which fits an external thread that has the union end (5), or, g. A containment by means of an internal thread that has the union end (5), which fits an external thread that has the connection end (3), or, h. A containment by means of a male thread that has the connection end (3), which fits a female thread that has the union end (5), or, i. A containment by means of a male thread that has the union end (5), which fits a female thread that has the connection end (3), or, j. A containment by means of a screw that is screwed into a threaded hole that has the connection end (3) and the union end (5), or, k. A containment by means of at least one rod that has the connection end (3), which is inserted into at least one hole that has the union end (5), or, l. A containment by means of at least one rod having the connecting end (5), which is inserted into at least one hole having the connecting end (3), or, m. A containment by means of a retaining clip having the connecting end (3), which is held in at least one tab, a recess or a hook having the connecting end (5), or, n. A containment by means of a retaining clip having the connecting end (5), which is held in at least one tab, a recess or a hook having the connecting end (3), or, o. A containment by means of a magnet or magnetized surface that the connecting end (3) has, which adheres to the metallic surface that the joining end (5) has, or, p. A containment by means of a magnet or magnetized surface that the joining end (5) has, which adheres to the metallic surface that the connecting end (3) has, or, q. A containment by means of pressure or surface friction between the joining end (5) and the connecting end (3), or, r. A containment by means of welding, riveting, gluing, integral union or fusion between the joining end (5) and the connecting end (3), which provides a permanent union between them;

Where each containment alternative is used individually, or in combination with one or more of the other alternatives; Fig. 5 shows the working tips (4) contained in the necks (2).

In case the union end (5) and the connecting end (3) are not permanently joined, the operator can exchange the working tips (4) and adjust them inside the neck (2) in the most convenient position.

Furthermore, as can be observed in Fig. 6, the positioning plate (7) has at least two of its edges thinner than its central part; and the distance between one of these edges and the flat surface of the support plate (6) closest to it, is equal to or different from the distance between the other edge and the same flat surface of the support plate (6). These distances are between 2 mm. and 9 mm., and provide the different heights at which the bracket can be placed on each tooth. To position the self-ligating brackets, the operator can use the working tips (4) whose distances are between 6 mm. and 9 mm.; and for conventional brackets, he can use those with 2 mm., 2.5 mm., 3 mm., 3.5 mm., 4 mm., 4.5 mm., 5 mm., 5.5 mm. and 6 mm. of distance. If the operator wishes to install a conventional bracket, he must select the working tip (4) according to the height at which he needs to position it; and as shown in Fig. 6, he must place the support plate (6) on the edge of the tooth and insert the position plate (7) into the horizontal slot of the bracket. The support plate (6) can be made to coincide with the occlusal plane as if it were a continuation of it, and as it protrudes from the vestibular surface of the tooth, the operator will be able to have the reference of said plane to achieve an adequate position in relation to the height.

If the operator wishes to install a self-ligating bracket, he can select the working tip (4) and, although the support plate (6) can serve as a reference for the occlusal plane, it will not be necessary to place it on the edge of the tooth; he only needs to insert the position plate (7) into the horizontal slot of the bracket and position it in the center of the vestibular surface of the tooth. The rod (8) can be millimeter-sized, and this will help to visualize said center.

In any case, and as shown in Fig. 7, the operator will be able to match the rod (8) with the long axis of the tooth, and thus easily and accurately obtain the appropriate inclination of the bracket. In addition, while using the instrument he will be able to have a good visualization of the vestibular surface, so he will be able to install the bracket more easily in the center of the mesio-distal distance.

To install the brackets on the posterior teeth, the operator must move the corner of the patient's lip backwards, just as if he were using any positioning instrument, since the space they occupy is practically similar to the present utility model.

The above-mentioned preferred embodiments do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art are free to make various modifications and variations as long as they are in keeping with the spirit and principles of the present invention. Equivalent substitutions, improvements and any other modifications that meet these criteria should be included within the scope of protection of this invention. Industrial application

This utility model has unique and practical features, and as described in the usage examples, it can efficiently fulfill its function without further complication.

It can be easily incorporated into existing industrial processes, as it can be manufactured by companies dedicated to making dental instruments, without requiring drastic or costly changes in the infrastructure and equipment used.

Its design is simple, so it can be easily reproduced in significant quantities; and it can be manufactured in non-corrosive, toxic or allergenic metals or alloys, as well as acrylics, plastics and other similar materials that do not affect the health of patients.

Furthermore, there is a growing demand for orthodontic treatments and an increase in offerings for this specialty; and the present utility model can be used by students and orthodontic specialists worldwide, so it has significant market potential.

Claims

Claims 1. Bracket positioning instrument, which allows the proper positioning of the bracket on the vestibular surface of the tooth, since it facilitates the visualization of the mesio-distal distance, the occlusal plane, and the long axis of the tooth, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a gripping body (1), and at one or both ends it has a neck (2) that has a connection end (3) which contains a working tip (4); the working tip (4) has a joining end (5), a support sheet (6) incorporated and arranged perpendicularly or obliquely to the joining end (5), a position sheet (7) arranged parallel or obliquely to the support sheet (6), and a rod (8) that joins both sheets (6 and 7), which starts perpendicularly from the center of the support sheet (6) and passes through the position sheet (7). 2. Bracket positioning instrument, according to claim 1 CHARACTERIZED in that the gripping body (1) is smooth or provided with a non-slip pattern. 3. Bracket positioning instrument, according to claim 1 CHARACTERIZED in that the neck (2) is straight, curved, has an angle between 80° and 170° in relation to the major axis of the gripping body (1), or has two angles on the same plane, one between 20° and 90° in relation to the major axis of the gripping body (1) and then another between 80° and 120° in relation to the first angle; and in its final extension or after its last angle, it has the connection end (3) which is solid or hollow, and has a shape complementary to the shape of the joining end (5) to allow a precise and stable coupling. 4. Bracket positioning instrument, according to claim 1 CHARACTERIZED in that the joining end (5) is solid or hollowed, and has a shape complementary to the shape of the connection end (3) to allow a precise and stable coupling. 5. Bracket positioning instrument, according to claim 1 CHARACTERIZED in that the positioning sheet (7) has a thickness of 0.1 to 3 millimeters; it has at least two of its edges thinner than its central part; and the distance between one of these edges and the flat surface of the support sheet (6) closest to it, is equal to or different from the distance between the other edge and the same flat surface of the support sheet (6); said distances are between 2 mm. and 9 mm. 6. Bracket positioning instrument, according to claim 1 CHARACTERIZED in that the edges of the positioning sheet (7) are smooth or at least one of them has one or more sheets or rods arranged perpendicularly or obliquely to the edge in which they are incorporated. 7. Bracket positioning instrument, according to claim 1 CHARACTERIZED in that the rod (8) passes through the positioning sheet (7) and the rest of its surface is smooth or has fine lines that have depth or relief, and are arranged parallel to each other at intervals of 1 to 4 millimeters. 8. Bracket positioning instrument according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the mechanism for containing the working tip (4) in the neck (2) comprises at least one of the following alternatives: a. A containment by means of at least one protuberance that the connecting end (5) has on its internal or external surface, which fits into at least one slot or groove that the connecting end (3) has, or, b. A containment by means of at least one protuberance that the connecting end (3) has on its internal or external surface, which fits into at least one slot or groove that the connecting end (5) has, or, c. A containment by means of at least one slot or groove in the connecting end (5) and in the connecting end (3) that fit together, or, d. A containment by means of at least one protuberance that the connecting end (5) has on its internal or external surface, which fits into at least one slot or slit that the connecting end (3) has, which ends with a lateral notch or with another slot arranged perpendicular to it and which ends straight or with a lateral notch, or, e. A containment by means of at least one protuberance that the connecting end (3) has on its internal or external surface, which fits into at least one slot or slit that the connecting end (5) has, which ends with a lateral notch or with another slot arranged perpendicular to it and which ends straight or with a lateral notch, or, f. A containment by means of an internal thread that the connecting end (3) has, which fits into an external thread that the connecting end (5) has, or, g. A containment by means of an internal thread that has the union end (5), which fits an external thread that has the connection end (3), or, h. A containment by means of a male thread that has the connection end (3), which fits a female thread that has the union end (5), or, i. A containment by means of a male thread that has the union end (5), which fits a female thread that has the connection end (3), or, j. A containment by means of a screw that is screwed into a threaded hole that has the connection end (3) and the union end (5), or, k. A containment by means of at least one rod that has the connection end (3), which is inserted into at least one hole that has the union end (5), or, l. A containment by means of at least one rod that has the union end (5), which is inserted into at least one hole that has the connection end (3), or, m. A containment by means of a retaining clip having the connecting end (3), which is held in at least one tab, a recess or a hook having the joining end (5), or, n. A containment by means of a retaining clip having the joining end (5), which is held in at least one tab, a recess or a hook having the connecting end (3), or, o. A containment by means of a magnet or magnetic surface having the connecting end (3), which adheres to the metallic surface having the joining end (5), or, p. A containment by means of a magnet or magnetic surface having the joining end (5), which adheres to the metallic surface having the connecting end (3), or, q. A containment by means of surface pressure or friction between the joining end (5) and the connecting end (3), or, r. A containment by welding, riveting, gluing, integral bonding or fusion between the joining end (5) and the connecting end (3), which provides a permanent connection between them; Where each alternative is used individually, or in combination with one or more of the other alternatives.