ES2385732B2 - MINI-SILICONE RUBBER OR SILICONE BAGS OR SIMILAR TO COVER THE ORTHODONTIC METAL BRACKETS. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to elastic mini-bags of tooth color that cover the metal brackets used in orthodontics (Figure 1). The mini-bags are made of rubber, silicone, latex or similar (Figure 2), so that they are elastic and easy to place, being attached to the braces of orthodontics (Figure 3), being able to replace the ligature of the brackets. Once placed, they cover the cross-link bracket-arch-ligature in its entirety (Figure 4), which gives them protective properties of the mucous membranes in addition to increasing the support of the orthodontic elements with each other and improving dental aesthetics.

Description

Technical sector of the invention

The invention falls within the technical sector of fixed orthodontic appliances or elements, more specifically in elements intended to improve the fixation and aesthetics of braces and orthodontic arches with each other.

Background of the invention

Currently, two of the reasons that make patients who need fixed orthodontics reject bracket treatments are the discomfort they produce in neighboring tissues and their poor aesthetics, two inconveniences that must be supported in treatments that generally exceed one or more years of duration

Trying to reduce the discomfort and injuries on oral mucous membranes caused by the rubbing of certain areas of the brackets, such as hooks and the fins, and the ligature wires, the industry devised, many years ago, Orthodontic wax, rubber ligatures and lately self-ligating brackets.

On the other hand, with the intention of improving the aesthetics of metal brackets, the industry has developed others that for one reason or another do not match them, and even less in all their qualities, these are: plastics or polycarbonate, those of resin, those of polycrystalline aluminum oxide called ceramics, and those of sapphire.

However, for various reasons, the unit formed by the union of the three elements "metal bracket / metal ligature / wire arch" remains the most used, maintaining an unsightly and potentially damaging structure for the yugal mucous membranes. Thus, to this day, a series of problems remain that the present invention can in many cases annul and in all mitigate. These are:

1.-Null aesthetics of the confluence of metals in the area occupied by the metal bracket

2.-Frequent lesions in oral mucous membranes due to secondary erosion of these metal structures

3.-Partial breaks of the components that form the crossroads: bracketligadura-arc

4.-Possible swallowing of detached brackets

The use of orthodontic wax, a previous attempt that seeks to protect mucous membranes from wounds, is cumbersome, irregular and easily detached from the bracket. Another attempt to produce less mucosal lesions was the replacement of metal ligatures with other rubber bands, these, moderately fix the passage of the arches through the braces but do not enjoy the approval of many orthodontists because their effectiveness is less and makes certain treatments Finally, and with the same desire not to be harmful brackets, self-ligating was devised but they are much more expensive and do not exist of all kinds of design.

The attempts of the Industry to design and manufacture aesthetic brackets (cited in the state of the art) have not been able to displace the metallic ones in a universal way since, in general, none of them are more resistant than the metallic ones, none adheres to the Tooth more reliably than these and the variety of shapes is greater in metallic than in the other materials. In addition, these materials make the cost of treatment more expensive for two reasons: for the simple cost of each bracket unit (with the exception of polycarbonate units), and for the greater frequency of breaks and detachments that increase visits to the orthodontist and may require a replacement with another new bracket.

Object of the invention

Elastic tooth-colored mini-bags that cover the orthodontic metal brackets, to protect the buccal mucous membranes from rubbing and improve dental aesthetics.

By means of said mini-bags, the present invention achieves an improvement in aesthetics, an effective protection against secondary lesions in the mucous membranes and avoiding complications derived from breaks and detachments of the protected orthodontic structures.

Description of the figures

For the best understanding of what is described herein, a series of drawings are presented where you can see the placement of the "miniglobs" on the crossroads bracket-arch-ligature.

Figure 1 depicts the unsightly classic cross-bracket bracket with its different zones, where: 1 = Bracket flap 2 = Ligature (fixed the bow) 3 = Bracket body or base 4 = Arc

Figure 2 shows a typical white miniblog with its "mouth" and its "body" or "bag". The mouth would be placed in the same areas as the ligation of Figure 1, replacing it or over it. The body or bag will cover the fins of the bracket and the part of the metal arch that crosses it. Here:

1 = Bag or body 2 = Mouth Figure 3 shows the beginning of the placement of the miniblog on the bracket. In the drawing: 1, 2 and 3 = Mouth of the miniglob adapting between the four fins of the bracket In Figure 4 we can finally see the miniblog placed on the cross-link bracket-arch-ligature completely covering it so that it improves its aesthetics and prevents its harmful effect on mucous membranes. In the figure 1 = Bag covering the crossroads bracket-arch-ligature providing aesthetics, protection and fixation. In Figure 5, looking for greater clarity and understanding, a section of what the miniblog would be placed is represented so that the upper half is opaque and the lower half transparent to allow seeing

hidden structures We appreciate: 1 = Mouth of the "miniglobs" 2 = Bag or body of the "miniglobs" 3 = Ligature (metal or rubber) 5 = Bracket fin

6, 7, and 8 = Bracket surface that adheres to the tooth

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention consists in the design and preparation of small sachets made of elastic materials and in different shades of dental white to be placed around, that is, covering the metal braces of orthodontics. Its possible functions are to protect the mucous membranes, improve aesthetics and increase or replace ligatures.

The present invention, which is now referred to as "minoglobs", aims to mitigate the described drawbacks, that is, the frequent lesions in oral mucous membranes secondary to its use and the null aesthetic that the brackets on the tooth represent.

It consists of a mini-bag of rubber or silicone with a similar design, but in miniature, to what are the shower caps for hair. Its placement around or on the bracket is clearly explained in the description of the drawings following this section.

Embodiment of the invention:

The present invention aims to improve aesthetics and reduce the damaging potential of the orthodontic element that represents the crossroads formed by the bracket-arch-ligature, which is easy to manufacture, easy to place and stable; In addition, the demonstrated effectiveness of metal brackets connected with wire ties to the arches should not be diminished, since, today, it is the system preferred by most orthodontists.

The simplicity of realization of the invention is evident, it is only necessary to have the elastic product chosen and the machinery programmed for its different sizes in a similar way to the machines that produce larger, prophylactic balloons, etc. With the intention of facilitating its manufacture, the following five points were assessed as very favorable:

1.-Both rubber and silicone or ellatex are products present in the industry worldwide

2.-Although somewhat more expensive silicone, all are products of very reduced cost

3.-Made in the different shades of white (VIIAR dental color guide or similar) will improve the overall aesthetics of the cross-braces-bow-ligature

4.-The thickness of the rubber / silicone and its placement on the cross-linked brackets-bow ligature protect the mucous membranes from possible friction of the various elements

5.-Its elasticity and design allows easy placement by the patient or a family member, since its adaptation is similar to that, already mentioned, of a shower cap on the head

The miniglob also has other advantages that make these elements even more recommended:

a) They can avoid swallowing the ligature wires when they break

b) The intestinal transit of a bracket that after taking off is swallowed may be less disturbing since it is included in these devices

c) It can increase the bracket-arch-ligation joint by behaving, the mouth of the "miniglob", as an additional elastic ligature

From the nature and explanation of the invention, its susceptibility of industrial application is clearly derived.

Claims (4)

 Claims

one.

Elastic tooth-colored mini-bags that cover the orthodontic metal brackets, to protect the buccal mucous membranes from rubbing and improve dental aesthetics.

2.

Mini-bags, according to claim 1, made of rubber, silicone, latex or the like with a similar design, but in miniature, to what are the shower caps. They would be made in different shades of white (VITAR dental color guide or similar). Its thickness (in the body of the bag) and its placement on the cross-brace bracket-bow ligature (figure 1) protects the mucous membranes from rubbing, and its elasticity and design allow easy placement by the patient himself or by a family member in the case of children.

3.

Mini-bags according to claims 1 and 2 consist of rubber, elastic, or similar mini-bags (figure 2) reinforced or thickened in their "mouth", which is held in the metal fins of the orthodontic braces (figure 3), adapting to the four fins, and which, once placed, cover the cross-link bracket-arch-ligature in its entirety (figures 4 and 5). This placement gives it protective properties against secondary lesions of the mucous membranes as well as aesthetic improvement on the orthodontic elements and, at the same time, for increasing or replacing the fastening of said elements with each other.

Four.

Mini-bags, according to claims 1-3, which are held thanks to the elasticity and reinforcement of the "mouth" of the bag and cover the crossroads brackets / bow / ligature thanks to the area of the mini-bag called "body"

or "bag." In turn, their white color and opacity give them aesthetics, and being made of elastic and soft products they give them protective properties against lesions in oral mucous membranes, secondary to the rubbing of the metallic elements in them.