The invention relates to orthodontic devices and in particular to an improved buccal tube.
Buccal tubes for molars are used to hold the ends of orthodontic arch wires that exert forces on the teeth, the magnitude and direction of these forces depending on the therapeutic treatment. Buccal tubes can be fixed directly on the teeth with adhesive, or mounted on metal orthodontic bands surrounding each tooth, to which buccal tubes are welded. The latter conventional buccal tube for holding an arch wire includes a small metal tube having a pair of end flanges below the end openings that are welded to the outside of a tooth band. These flanges are the same width as the tube or narrowed relative to the tube.
Recently a need has been identified for smaller buccal tubes which are less expensive to fabricate and more comfortable for the wearer. However, as the tube width or diameter becomes smaller, it becomes more difficult to weld the end flanges without splashing the weld material into the end openings of the tube, making installation on a band difficult. The present invention addresses this problem.
An orthodontic buccal tube according to the invention comprises an elongated buccal tube body having a first end weld flange integral with the tube body extending from a first end of the buccal tube body and a second end weld flange integral with the tube body extending from a second end of the buccal tube body. At least the first end flange has a maximum width greater than the width of the tube body end adjacent the first flange. In one variation, the second end weld flange buccal tube likewise has a maximum width greater than the width of the tube body end adjacent the second flange. The amount of the end flange widening is to a degree sufficient to allow sufficient room for welding without substantial splashing of weld material at the end openings of the tube. The tube preferably has a diameter (or minimum diameter, if not of uniform diameter) of less than about 0.06 inch. These and other aspects of the invention are discussed further in the detailed description that follows.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals denote the same and similar features throughout:
Referring to
As illustrated, base 14 is curved to conform to a band or similar base used to mount the buccal tube upon a tooth and includes first and second end weld flanges 24, 26. Buccal tube 10 is secured to a tooth band or similar base by welding end flanges 24, 26 to a band or other base.
In a preferred embodiment, buccal tube 10 is unusually small, having a maximum width no greater than 0.06 inch. Such a narrow tube provides for reduced occlusal interference, reduced patient irritation and represents an improvement from an aesthetic and hygienic standpoint. Given this small tube size, it was found that splashing of welding material that occurs during the welding process interferes with the tube openings 28, hindering insertion of an arch wire. Conventional end flanges having the same width as tube body 12 did not provide enough space to permit welding without interfering with the tube openings, especially as to two weld spots which are normally formed near the end opening of the tube on either side of it.
Thus, according to one aspect of the invention, end weld flanges 24, 26 are formed as part of a integral buccal tube. At least one and preferably both end weld flanges 24, 26 are wider than the adjacent ends 32, 34 of the tube body 12, such that welding may be carried out with minimal splash interference with opening 28 at either of its ends. For the purpose of the invention and as used herein, “integral” refers to the fact that the tube body 12 and end flanges 24, 26 are made at the same time by a process such as casting, sintering, or powder metallurgy. This contrasts with parts made separately but welded together, which are not considered “integral” according to the invention. For example, it is known in the art to weld a buccal tube directly to a large underlying base plate, the ends of which would be wider than the tube in the occlusal-gingival direction. Such a plate and weld add additional height to the device (causing it to protrude further), and the weld is susceptible to corrosion.
In a preferred embodiment, end weld flanges 24, 26 flare gradually, widening as they extend outwardly from the same diameter as the tube to a width which is anywhere from 105-200%, preferably 105 to 130%, of the width of tube body 12 in the occlusal-gingival direction at the end adjoining the flange.
Depending upon the particular design and application, tube body 12 often has a uniform width, i.e., cylindrical shape, but in some cases one end of tube body 12 may be wider than the other. For example, as shown in
As will be appreciated, other end weld flange geometries could be used in the practice of the invention. For example, a rectangular or widened T-shaped flange could also be used, with somewhat greater difficulty. Further, the opening 28 in the tube body 12 may be angled to allow torque to be exerted on a tooth. In such a case, opening 28 may be set closer to one side of the tube end than the other. In such a case, it may be sufficient to widen one of weld flanges 24, 26 on one side (along one edge) only.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/862,054, filed Jun. 4, 2004 which is a conversion of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/476,524, filed Jun. 6, 2003.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60476524 | Jun 2003 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10862054 | Jun 2004 | US |
Child | 11823564 | Jun 2007 | US |