JP2007050030A - Orthodontic cap and orthodontic attachment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an orthodontic cap and an orthodontic attachment capable of enhancing the easiness of attaching/detaching and eliminating the sense of discomfort. <P>SOLUTION: The orthodontic cap 15 covers an arch wire slot 13 formed along the mesiodistal direction of an orthodontic bracket 12 to hold an arch wire stored in the arch wire slot 13. The orthodontic cap 15 has locking parts 25 and 26 at both ends in the longitudinal direction at least corresponding to the arch wire slot 13, and the orthodontic cap is extended in the longitudinal direction so that the locking parts 25 and 26 are engaged with pockets 21 and 22 of the bracket 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an orthodontic cap that holds an archwire in order to correct the dentition with an archwire, and an orthodontic attachment to which the cap is applied.

  As a ligation tool for holding an arch wire in, for example, an arch wire slot of a bracket, there have been ligation wires such as an elastomeric ring made of synthetic resin and a metal ligature wire. However, the ring made of synthetic resin deteriorates and loses its elastic force or breaks, so it must be replaced frequently. In addition, the metal ligature wire is not only visually noticeable and lacks aesthetics, but also the ligation force increases and decreases the friction resistance between the archwire and the archwire slot, and the desired correction force may not be obtained. It was.

  In order to solve these problems, a ligature sheet (see, for example, Patent Document 1) formed of an elastic material that covers the bracket surface in a face manner, or an elastic material that covers the entire bracket surface and approximates the tooth color, is an aesthetic. A bracket cap (see, for example, Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4) that has been improved, and a cross-shaped ligature that is engaged between an archwire slot and a near-centrifugal tie wing are proposed (for example, Patent Document 5). , 6).

Patent No. 1956090 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-146052 Japanese Patent No. 2867498 Japanese Patent No. 2867499 JP 2004-329912 A Special Table 2003-504150

However, those described in these publications have the following problems.
The ligature sheet disclosed in Patent Document 1 has difficulty in detachability from the bracket.
Since the cap structure disclosed in Patent Documents 2 to 4 covers the entire bracket surface and the mounting form becomes large, it gives a strong sense of discomfort to the patient in the oral cavity.
The cross-shaped ligatures disclosed in Patent Documents 5 and 6 are mounted on brackets whose size, angle, form, etc. vary depending on the tooth part, using the tie wings of these brackets. A corresponding ligature tool is required, and there is no versatility. For the doctor, it takes time for identification, but for the patient, the treatment cost increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems,
The first purpose is to improve the detachability.
The second purpose is to eliminate the sense of incongruity,
The third purpose is to obtain versatility,
The fourth purpose is to obtain aesthetics.
An object of the present invention is to provide an orthodontic cap and an attachment represented by a bracket and a buccal tube.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first feature of the orthodontic cap according to the present invention is to cover an archwire slot formed in the orthodontic attachment and be accommodated in the archwire slot. And a locking portion at both ends in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the archwire slot, and engaging with the orthodontic attachment.

In the orthodontic cap configured as described above, the orthodontic cap is disposed on the arch wire slot, and the locking portions provided at both ends of the cap are attached to the orthodontic attachment (hereinafter simply referred to as “attachment”). Is sometimes referred to as “.”.
The archwire accommodated in the archwire slot is held by covering the archwire slot with the orthodontic cap.
The orthodontic cap can be easily attached simply by engaging the engaging portions at both ends of the cap with, for example, an attachment, and can improve wearability.

  Further, by arranging the orthodontic cap on the archwire slot, the archwire can be hidden by the orthodontic cap. Thereby, in particular, the arch wire made of metal can be visually inconspicuous, and aesthetics can be obtained.

Here, as described above, the attachment is different in size, angle, and form, such as a bracket or a buccal tube, according to a tooth to be applied such as an anterior tooth or a molar. However, even if the shape of the attachment is changed, the shape of the archwire slot is substantially constant.
Therefore, the orthodontic cap can be applied to a wide variety of orthodontic attachments by engaging along the archwire slot formed in the attachment, and versatility can be obtained.

  In addition, a second feature of the orthodontic cap according to the present invention is that, in the first feature of the present invention described above, the orthodontic cap is provided to be extendable in the longitudinal direction when engaged with the orthodontic attachment. It is in.

In the orthodontic cap configured in this way, using the characteristics of the cap material, one locking part is engaged with the attachment, and the other locking part is pulled to extend the cap. Thus, the other locking portion can be locked to the attachment.
In this way, the attachment of the orthodontic cap is good because it can be engaged with the attachment simply by pulling the other locking portion and extending the cap.

  A third feature of the orthodontic cap according to the present invention is that, in the first or second feature of the present invention, a recess or a hole is formed in the locking portion.

  In the orthodontic cap configured as described above, the jig can be easily put on the locking portion by using the concave portion or the hole of the locking portion. Therefore, the orthodontic cap can be easily extended, and the orthodontic cap can be further easily attached and detached.

  In addition, a fourth feature of the orthodontic cap according to the present invention is that, in any one of the first to third features of the present invention described above, on the surface facing the archwire accommodated in the archwire slot, It is equipped with one or more protrusions that press the archwire.

  In the orthodontic cap configured as described above, one or more protrusions are provided on the surface facing the archwire, and the archwire and the archwire slot are frictioned by pressing the archwire with the protrusions. Can be controlled freely, and the correction effect can be further enhanced.

  Further, a fifth feature of the orthodontic cap according to the present invention is that, in any one of the first to fourth features of the present invention described above, the surface facing the archwire accommodated in the archwire slot is The curved surface protrudes so as to press the archwire.

  In the orthodontic cap configured in this way, the surface facing the archwire is a curved surface, and the archwire is pressed by this curved surface, so that the friction between the archwire and the archwire slot can be freely controlled. It is possible to improve the correction effect.

  Further, a sixth feature of the orthodontic cap according to the present invention is that, in the first feature of the present invention described above, by pressing a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the archwire slot, The engaging portion is opened in the outward direction away from each other and is engaged with the near-distal end surface of the orthodontic attachment.

  In the orthodontic cap configured as described above, when the substantially central portion is pressed, the engaging portions at both ends open outwardly and engage with the near-distal end surface of the attachment. The orthodontic cap can be attached to the attachment by a simple operation of pressing the substantially central portion, and the mounting property of the orthodontic cap can be improved.

  Further, a seventh feature of the orthodontic cap according to the present invention is that, in the sixth feature of the present invention, a recess or a hole is formed at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the archwire slot. It is in.

  In the orthodontic cap configured as described above, a recess or a hole is formed in a substantially central portion, so that a jig can be locked and pressed in the recess or the hole. Therefore, the orthodontic cap can be easily attached by placing the tip of the jig over the recess or hole and pressing the orthodontic cap more easily and elastically deforming it.

  Further, an eighth feature of the orthodontic cap according to the present invention is that, in any one of the first to fifth features of the present invention, the engaging portion is more than a distal distal end portion of the orthodontic attachment. It protrudes and extends in the longitudinal direction.

  In the orthodontic cap configured as described above, the locking portion protrudes from the near-distal end portion of the attachment and extends in the longitudinal direction, so that the archwire can be obscured by the extended enlarged portion. . As a result, the archwire between the teeth also becomes inconspicuous and aesthetics are improved.

  Further, a ninth feature of the orthodontic cap according to the present invention is the eighth feature of the present invention, wherein the locking portion has a groove for engaging the arch wire in a surface facing the arch wire. There is.

  In the orthodontic cap configured as described above, a groove is formed in the locking portion of the stretched portion, and the archwire is engaged with the groove, thereby covering the archwire and further enhancing aesthetics. be able to.

  Further, a tenth feature of the orthodontic cap according to the present invention is that, in any one of the first to ninth features of the present invention, a separable tab is connected to the locking portion. is there.

  In the orthodontic cap configured as described above, the orthodontic cap can be handled more easily by gripping the tab by connecting the separable tab to the locking portion.

  An eleventh feature of the orthodontic cap according to the present invention is that, in the tenth feature of the present invention, an identification is displayed on the tab.

  In the orthodontic cap thus configured, identification of the cap selected according to the treatment by displaying the identification on the tab (molded as an example), determination of the tooth part to be applied, and The front and back surfaces of the cap can be easily confirmed.

  A twelfth feature of the orthodontic cap according to the present invention is a cap that covers the archwire slot formed in the orthodontic attachment and holds the archwire accommodated in the archwire slot. The present invention consists in that engaging portions are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the archwire slot and engaged with a slot reinforcing liner fitted to the orthodontic attachment.

In the orthodontic cap configured as described above, the orthodontic cap is disposed on the archwire slot, and engaging portions provided at both ends are engaged with the slot reinforcing liner.
The archwire slot is covered with an orthodontic cap to hold the archwire received in the archwire slot.
The orthodontic cap can be attached to the attachment via the slot reinforcing liner simply by engaging the locking portions at both ends with the slot reinforcing liner. Improvements can be made.

In addition, the orthodontic cap can be substantially disposed in the attachment to eliminate the discomfort in the oral cavity that is given to the patient.
Furthermore, by arranging the orthodontic cap on the archwire slot, the archwire in the archwire slot can be covered with the orthodontic cap. In particular, the metal archwire is visually inconspicuous and the aesthetics are improved.

  In addition, since the orthodontic cap is engaged with the slot reinforcing liner, there is no need to form a locking groove or the like for locking the orthodontic cap in the attachment body.

  Further, the thirteenth feature of the orthodontic cap according to the present invention is that, in any one of the first to twelfth features of the present invention, the cap material is a thermoplastic resin, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermosetting resin, It consists of any one or a mixture of two or more of thermosetting elastomers.

In the orthodontic cap configured as described above, a molded product of any one or a mixture of thermoplastic resin, thermoplastic elastomer, thermosetting resin, and thermosetting elastomer has a stretching force. Thus, it is possible to easily ensure the extensibility necessary for the engagement of the orthodontic cap.
Furthermore, these materials are relatively inexpensive, can be easily obtained and molded, and can reduce the cost of the orthodontic cap.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, a first feature of the orthodontic attachment according to the present invention is a fixing in which the locking portion is engaged with any one of the first to eleventh features of the present invention. The part is equipped on the near-distal end face.

  In the orthodontic attachment configured as described above, a fixing portion is provided on the near-distal end face, and a locking portion of the orthodontic cap is engaged with the fixing portion. Accordingly, the attachment can be securely fixed and locked even with various types of orthodontic caps.

  A second feature of the orthodontic attachment according to the present invention is that, with respect to the twelfth feature of the present invention, a fixing portion to which the locking portion is engaged is provided on the liner end surface.

  In the orthodontic attachment configured as described above, a fixing portion is provided on the end surface of the slot reinforcing liner, and a locking portion of the orthodontic cap is engaged with the fixing portion. Accordingly, the attachment can be securely fixed and locked even by various types of orthodontic caps.

  A third feature of the orthodontic attachment according to the present invention is that, in the fourteenth or fifteenth feature of the present invention, the orthodontic attachment is a bracket or a buccal tube.

  In the orthodontic attachment configured as described above, a bracket or a buccal tube can be applied.

  According to the orthodontic cap of the present invention, the orthodontic cap can be easily attached simply by engaging the locking portion with the orthodontic attachment, and the detachability of the orthodontic cap is improved. Can be achieved.

  In addition, the orthodontic cap is placed on the archwire slot and in the orthodontic attachment to eliminate the sense of discomfort given to the patient in the oral cavity, and the archwire is covered with the orthodontic cap. By hiding and making it inconspicuous, aesthetics can be secured.

  Furthermore, by arranging the orthodontic cap on the archwire slot, the orthodontic cap can be applied to a wide variety of orthodontic attachments, and versatility can be obtained.

  According to the orthodontic attachment of the present invention, since the near-distal end face is provided with a fixing portion, or the end face of the slot reinforcing liner is provided with a fixing portion, the orthodontic cap can be securely attached, and the attachment Can be prevented from leaving.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
The orthodontic apparatus 10 to which the orthodontic cap 15 according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 2 is applied is a bracket 12 as an orthodontic attachment fixed to the tooth 11. And an archwire 14 accommodated in the archwire slot 13 of the bracket 12 and an orthodontic cap 15 for retaining the archwire 14 in the archwire slot 13.

The bracket 12 fixes the base 18 to the surface of the tooth 11 with an adhesive, and includes an archwire slot 13 in a bracket main body 19 formed on the base 18. The archwire slot 13 is a groove for accommodating the archwire 14.
The bracket 12 includes pockets 21 and 22 serving as fixing portions for engaging engagement portions 25 and 26 of an orthodontic cap 15 to be described later with the near-distal end surfaces 12A and 12B, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pocket 21 is composed of recesses 21 </ b> B and 21 </ b> B in which a pair of edge portions 21 </ b> A and 21 </ b> A facing each other at the cross-sectional opening of the archwire slot 13 facing the near-distal end face 12 </ b> A are formed in a substantially dovetail cross section.
Since the pocket 22 has the same shape as the pocket 21, the description thereof is omitted.

  The archwire 14 is a wire member that is stretched around the bracket 12 and transmits force to the bracket 12 by being housed in the archwire slot 13.

The orthodontic cap 15 is a member that prevents the archwire 14 from being detached from the archwire slot 13.
That is, the orthodontic cap 15 covers the archwire slot 13 formed along the near-distal direction 12A, 12B of the bracket 12 and holds the archwire 14 accommodated in the archwire slot 13.

  The orthodontic cap 15 includes a planar cap body 24 substantially corresponding to the archwire slot 13, and at both ends of the cap body 24, that is, in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the near-centrifugal directions 12 A and 12 B of the bracket 12. The engaging portions 25 and 26 are formed. The locking portions 25 and 26 are partially fitted (engaged) in pockets 21 and 22 formed in the bracket 12, and project from the near-distal end surfaces 12A and 12B and extend in the longitudinal direction.

The orthodontic cap 15 is formed using the following material so as to be extendable in the longitudinal direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2 when engaged with the bracket 12.
The material of the orthodontic cap 15 is a thermoplastic resin, a thermoplastic elastomer, a material obtained by mixing these materials, a thermosetting resin, a thermosetting elastomer, or a material obtained by mixing these materials. The correction cap 15 is a molded product formed of these materials.

Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polyacetal (POM), and cycloolefin polymer (COP).
As the thermoplastic elastomer, for example, polyolefin, ethylene, polyamide, styrene, urethane, silicon, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, styrene butadiene copolymer can be applied.

Examples of the thermosetting resin include a fluororesin, a phenol resin, an epoxy resin, a urea resin, a polyester resin, and a melamine resin.
As the thermosetting elastomer, for example, urethane or silicon can be applied.

The orthodontic cap 15 is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape by locking portions 25 projecting both side surfaces 25A, 25A outward from the cap body 24 and tapering the projecting side surfaces 25A, 25A. ing.
In addition, since the latching | locking part 26 is also the same shape as the latching | locking part 25, description is abbreviate | omitted.
One of these locking portions 25, 26, for example, with the locking portion 26 locked in the pocket 22, with the other locking portion 25 pulled to extend the cap body 24, the locking portion The orthodontic cap 15 can be attached to the bracket 12 by locking and fitting 25 into the pocket 21.

The locking portions 25 and 26 can be used as jig holding portions. That is, the orthodontic cap 15 can be easily extended by locking one locking portion 26 in one pocket 22 and then holding and pulling the other locking portion 25 with a jig.
When the other locking portion 25 is inserted into the other pocket 21 in the extended state and then the tensile force is released, the orthodontic cap 15 is restored to its original length, and both the locking portions 25 and 26 are restored. Locks in the respective pockets 21, 22.

By attaching the orthodontic cap 15 to the bracket 12 in this way, the orthodontic cap 15 is prevented from being detached from the archwire slot 13 of the archwire 14. As a result, the arch wire 14 can continuously apply a force to the bracket 12 and correct the tooth 11 with the restoring force of the wire.
Further, the orthodontic cap 15 is engaged with the bracket 12 so that the outer surface is accommodated within the bracket thickness. As a result, the orthodontic appliance 10 can reduce the discomfort in the oral cavity given to the patient by making the cap mounting form compact.

In addition, according to the orthodontic cap 15 of the above-described embodiment, the engagement of the locking portions 25 and 26 with the pockets 21 and 22 simultaneously restricts the movement of the bracket 12 in the near-distal direction. , The escape from the archwire slot 13 is prevented.
Further, the orthodontic cap 15 has locking portions 25 and 26 protruding from the near-distal end faces 12A and 12B of the bracket 12 and extending in the longitudinal direction, so that the archwire 14 in the archwire slot 13 as well as the archwire 14 can be used. Further, the archwire 14 that has come off from the archwire slot 13 can also be concealed, and the aesthetics can be improved.

Next, second to eleventh embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second to eleventh embodiments, the same members and parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
The orthodontic apparatus 30 and the orthodontic cap 31 according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3 to 4 are the orthodontic cap 15 and the orthodontic cap 15 according to the first embodiment. The configuration of the bracket 12 is the same as that of the orthodontic apparatus 10 of the first embodiment.

The orthodontic cap 31 includes locking portions 32 and 33 at both ends of the cap body 24. The difference from the first embodiment is the length of the locking portions 32 and 33 in the longitudinal direction. The dimension L is kept short, and other configurations are the same as those of the orthodontic cap 15 of the first embodiment.
Specifically, the length L of the locking portions 32 and 33 is made substantially the same as the depth D of the pockets 21 and 22 formed in the bracket 12.
Thus, when the locking portions 32 and 33 are inserted into the pockets 21 and 22, the end portions 32A and 33A of the locking portions 32 and 33 and the near-distal end surfaces 12A and 12B are substantially flush with each other.

  Therefore, according to the orthodontic apparatus 30 of the second embodiment, the locking portions 32 and 33 can be accommodated in the pockets 21 and 22 and the entire cap can be accommodated and disposed in the bracket 12. In this case, the uncomfortable feeling given to the patient can be minimized.

  The orthodontic apparatus 40 and the orthodontic cap 41 according to the third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 5 to 6 are the orthodontic cap 15 according to the first embodiment. In addition to the cap 41, the bracket 12 of the first embodiment is replaced with the bracket 42, and other configurations except for the locking structure of the cap 41 are the same as those of the orthodontic apparatus 10 used in the first embodiment. The same.

  The orthodontic cap 41 is disposed on the archwire slot 44 and includes a cap main body 43 and locking portions 45 and 46 formed at both ends of the cap main body 43. The locking portions 45 and 46 are brackets. It is comprised so that it can contact | abut 42 near-distal end surfaces 12A and 12B.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the cap main body 43 is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape in which both side surfaces 43A and 43A except for the locking portions 45 and 46 have tapered portions, and locking portions at both ends. It is provided narrower than 45 and 46. That is, the locking portions 45 and 46 have both side portions 45 </ b> A and 45 </ b> A projecting outward from the cap body 43.

As shown in FIG. 5 (B), the bracket 42 has a pair of edge portions 44A, 44A facing each other of the arch wire slot 44 formed in stepped portions 48, 48 having a substantially dovetail cross section. The portions of the correction cap 41 excluding the locking portions 45 and 46 (that is, both side surfaces 43A and 43A of the cap body 43) are engageable.
The orthodontic cap 41 is engaged with the stepped portions 48 and 48 by engaging the cap body 43 with the stepped portions 48 and 48, so that the locking portions 45 and 46 are in contact with the near-distal end surfaces 12 </ b> A and 12 </ b> B of the bracket 42. At the same time as being regulated, it is prevented from coming out of the archwire slot 44 and is securely attached to the bracket 42.

The orthodontic cap 41 is attached to the bracket 42 in a state where the orthodontic cap 41 is slightly inclined with respect to the bracket 42 and one side surface 43A is engaged with the corresponding one stepped portion 48. By pressing the cap main body 43 from above, the other side surface 43A can be engaged with the other stepped portion 48 and attached.
According to the orthodontic apparatus 40 applied to the third embodiment, an effect equivalent to that of the orthodontic apparatus 10 in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  The orthodontic cap 50 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7 is such that holes 51 and 52 are formed in the engaging portions 25 and 26 at both ends, respectively, and the other configurations are the first. This is the same as the orthodontic cap 15 of the first embodiment.

The orthodontic cap 50 can be extended by locking a jig having a hook-shaped tip (not shown) using the holes 51 and 52. Thereby, the orthodontic cap 50 can be easily extended, and the detachability to the bracket can be further improved.
In addition, according to the orthodontic cap 50 of the fourth embodiment, an effect equivalent to that of the orthodontic cap 15 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the hole portions 51 and 52 are formed in the locking portions 25 and 26 has been described. Can be obtained.

An orthodontic cap 60 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8 has an arch on a surface 61 facing the archwire 14 accommodated in the archwire slot 13 as shown in FIG. A convex shape 62 for pressing the wire 14 into the slot is provided, and the other configuration is the same as that of the orthodontic cap 15 of the first embodiment.
The convex shape 62 is provided along the longitudinal direction on the surface 61 of the cap body 24 facing the archwire 14.

When the convex shape 62 is provided on the surface 61 facing the arch wire 14 and the orthodontic cap 60 is locked to the bracket, the convex shape 62 causes the arch wire 14 to connect to the arch wire slot 13 (both see FIG. 1). Press in. Thereby, it will be in the state which transmitted force to the arch wire 14 in the arch wire slot 13, and the correction effect according to a treatment stage can be improved further.
In addition, according to the orthodontic cap 60 of the fifth embodiment, an effect equivalent to that of the orthodontic cap 15 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  An orthodontic cap 65 shown in FIG. 9 is obtained by replacing the convex shape 62 of the orthodontic cap 60 of the fifth embodiment described above with a plurality of protrusions 66, and the other configuration is the fifth configuration. This is the same as the orthodontic cap 60 of the embodiment.

According to the orthodontic cap 65, the plurality of protrusions 66 that press the archwire 14 into the slot are formed on the facing surface 61 of the archwire 14 accommodated in the archwire slot 13 at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction. By providing this, the pressing force to the arch wire 14 (see FIG. 1) by the plurality of protrusions 66 can be adjusted.
Thereby, for example, when the archwire 14 is changed according to the stage of treatment, it becomes possible to properly use the orthodontic cap 65 in which the height and the number of the protrusions 66 are changed according to the archwire 14, More appropriate treatment is possible.

An orthodontic cap 70 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 10 presses the archwire 14 against a surface 71 facing the archwire 14 housed in the archwire slot 13 shown in FIG. The other configuration is the same as that of the orthodontic cap 15 of the first embodiment.
A surface (that is, back surface) 72 opposite to the facing surface 71 is formed flat.

The facing surface 71 facing the arch wire 14 is a curved surface that protrudes, and the arch wire 14 is pressed by the facing surface 71.
Therefore, according to the orthodontic cap 70 of the sixth embodiment, as in the orthodontic caps 60 and 65 of the fifth embodiment, the force is transmitted to the archwire in the archwire slot, The correction effect according to the treatment stage can be further enhanced.
In addition, according to the orthodontic cap 70 of the sixth embodiment, an effect equivalent to that of the orthodontic cap 15 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  An orthodontic cap 75 shown in FIG. 11 has a surface (that is, a back surface) 76 opposite to the facing surface 71 of the orthodontic cap 70 of the sixth embodiment described above to follow the facing surface 71. The other configuration is the same as that of the orthodontic cap 70 of the sixth embodiment.

According to the orthodontic cap 75, the thickness T between the facing surface 71 and the back surface 76 can be reduced by forming the back surface 76 in a concave shape following the facing surface 71. Therefore, the pressing force to the arch wire 14 (see FIG. 1) by the facing surface 71 can be obtained, and at the same time, the cap 75 can be easily stretched when pulled in the longitudinal direction.
Thereby, for example, when the archwire 14 is changed according to the stage of treatment, the orthodontic cap 75 can be properly used according to the archwire 14, and a more appropriate treatment can be performed. In particular, since the orthodontic cap 75 can be easily extended, detachability can be improved.

An orthodontic cap 80 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 12 has a curved portion 81 extending in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the archwire slot 13 shown in FIG. The both ends of this are provided with locking portions 82 and 83.
According to this orthodontic cap 80, when the substantially central portion 81A of the bending portion 81 is pressed with the pressing force F, the locking portions 82 and 83 open outwardly away from each other as indicated by arrows. Then, it engages with the near-distal end faces 12A and 12B (specifically, the pockets 21 and 22) of the bracket 12 shown in FIG.

  Therefore, the orthodontic cap 80 can be attached to the bracket 12 by a simple operation of pressing the substantially central portion 81A, and the mounting property of the orthodontic cap 80 can be further improved.

  The orthodontic cap 85 shown in FIG. 13 is formed by expanding the width of the substantially central portion 86 of the curved portion 81 of the orthodontic cap 80 of the seventh embodiment and forming a hole 87 in the substantially central portion 86. Therefore, other configurations are the same as those of the orthodontic cap 80 of the seventh embodiment.

By forming the hole 87 in the substantially central portion 86, a jig (not shown) can be put on the hole 87.
Therefore, by pressing the jig over the hole 87, the orthodontic cap 85 can be more easily deformed and attached to the bracket without escaping from the cap surface of the jig when pressed, and the orthodontic cap The wearability of 85 can be further improved.

  In the above example, the case where the hole 87 is formed in the substantially central portion 86 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same effect can be obtained even if a bottomed concave portion is formed in the substantially central portion 86. .

  The orthodontic cap 92 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B has locking portions 96 and 97 at both ends from the near-distal end portions 12A and 12B of the bracket 12. The protrusion is extended in the longitudinal direction, and the other configuration is substantially the same as the orthodontic cap 15 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, by extending the locking portions 96, 97 from the near-distal end portions 12A, 12B of the bracket 12 and extending in the longitudinal direction, the extended portions 96A, 97A are adjacent teeth. The arch wire 14 exposed between the brackets 12 and 12 fixed to the surface can be covered. In particular, the metal archwire 14 becomes inconspicuous by being covered with the extended portions 96A and 97A, and aesthetics are ensured.

  The orthodontic cap 100 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 16 (A) and 16 (B) is substantially the same as the archwire 14 in the locking portions 96 and 97 shown in FIGS. Grooves 103 and 104 are formed to cover the whole, and the other configurations are substantially the same as those of the orthodontic cap 92 of the eighth embodiment.

  The grooves 103 and 104 are formed on the surfaces 101A and 102A of the extended locking portions 101 and 102 facing the arch wire 14 and engage with the arch wire 14.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the orthodontic cap 100 is locked to the bracket 12 with respect to the archwire 14 housed in the archwire slot 13, and the orthodontic cap is used. The arch wire 14 is inserted into the grooves 103 and 104 of the 100 locking portions.
As a result, the locking portions 101 and 102 can surely cover the arch wire 14, and the exposure due to the deviation of the arch wire 14 from the orthodontic cap 100 surface is eliminated, thereby ensuring the aesthetics. it can.

  The orthodontic cap 110 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 18 has a detachable tab 115 on one locking portion 25 of the orthodontic cap 15 according to the first embodiment. And the identification 116 is displayed on the tab 115 (molded as an example), and other configurations are the same as those of the orthodontic cap 15 of the first embodiment.

By connecting the separable tab 115 as described above, the handleability of the orthodontic cap 110 is further improved by grasping and pulling the tab 115.
Further, by forming the identification 116 or the like on the tab 115, it is possible to easily determine the portion of the tooth to be applied and the front and back surfaces of the cap 110.
The tab 115 and the identification 116 can be integrally formed when the orthodontic cap 110 is injection-molded, for example.

  In the orthodontic apparatus 120 and the orthodontic cap 122 according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the orthodontic apparatus 120 includes a slot reinforcing liner 121 and a bracket 12. The arch wire 14 accommodated in the slot reinforcing liner 121 is held by an orthodontic cap 122 that is locked to the slot reinforcing liner 121.

  The slot reinforcing liner 121 is formed integrally with the bracket 12 and has a slot 123 for accommodating the archwire 14 to lock the orthodontic cap 122 at both ends as shown in FIG. Pockets 124 and 125 serving as fixing portions. The pockets 124 and 125 are configured as recesses.

The orthodontic cap 122 covers the slot 123 of the slot reinforcing liner 121 formed along the near-centrifugal direction of the orthodontic bracket 12 and holds the archwire 14 accommodated in the slot 123. It is a cap.
The orthodontic cap 122 has locking portions 126 and 127 at both ends in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the slot 123, and engages with the pockets 124 and 125 of the slot reinforcing liner 121 fitted to the bracket 12. It is.

When the orthodontic cap 122 is engaged with the pockets 124 and 125 of the slot reinforcing liner 121, as shown in FIG. 21, one locking portion 127 of the orthodontic cap 122 is engaged with the pocket 125. In the combined state, the other locking portion 126 is pulled as shown by an arrow.
The orthodontic cap 122 extends and the other locking portion 126 engages with the pocket 124 by releasing the tensile force in a state where the other locking portion 126 faces the pocket 124.
As a result, the orthodontic cap 122 is attached to the slot reinforcing liner 121 as shown in FIG.
It should be noted that the orthodontic cap 122 has a cap body 128 that is higher than the locking portions 126 and 127 by an H dimension, and the cap body 128 is substantially flush with the bracket 12 when the cap body 128 is attached to the slot reinforcing liner 121. Has been made.

  The orthodontic cap 122 can be attached to the bracket 12 via the slot reinforcing liner 121 simply by engaging the locking portions 126 and 127 of the orthodontic cap 122 with the slot reinforcing liner 121. Become. As a result, the detachability of the orthodontic cap 122 can be improved.

  Further, the orthodontic cap 122 is accommodated in the bracket 12 without the cap main body 128 protruding from the surface of the bracket 12, so that the uncomfortable feeling given to the patient can be eliminated.

  In addition, since the orthodontic cap 122 is engaged with the slot reinforcing liner 121, it is not necessary to form a pocket (fixing portion) for locking the orthodontic cap 122 in the bracket 12.

Here, the shape of the bracket 12 shown in FIG. 19 differs depending on the tooth to be applied, such as an anterior tooth or a molar. However, the locking structure of the slot reinforcing liner 121 for locking the orthodontic cap 122 is substantially the same.
Therefore, by locking the orthodontic cap 122 to the slot reinforcing liner 121, the orthodontic cap 122 can be applied to a wide variety of attachments, and the application range can be expanded and versatility can be obtained. .

The orthodontic cap of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications and improvements can be made.
For example, the materials, shapes, dimensions, forms, numbers, and arrangements of orthodontic attachments, archwire slots, pockets, stepped portions, orthodontic caps, locking portions, archwires, etc. exemplified in the above-described embodiments The location is arbitrary as long as the present invention can be achieved, and is not limited.
In each of the above-described embodiments, the bracket is described as an example of the orthodontic attachment. However, the attachment is not limited to the bracket, and may be a buccal tube.

It is a perspective view which shows 1st Embodiment of the apparatus for orthodontics applied to this invention. It is the perspective view which removed the orthodontic cap of the orthodontic apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the orthodontic cap which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the orthodontic apparatus to which the orthodontic cap of FIG. 3 is applied. The 3rd Embodiment of the orthodontic apparatus applied to this invention is shown, (A) is a perspective view of an orthodontic cap, (B) is a perspective view of the bracket which removed the orthodontic cap. is there. It is a perspective view of the apparatus for orthodontics of FIG. It is a perspective view of the orthodontic cap which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the orthodontic cap which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the orthodontic cap of FIG. It is a perspective view of the orthodontic cap which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the orthodontic cap of FIG. It is a perspective view of the orthodontic cap which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the orthodontic cap of FIG. It is an orthodontic apparatus applied to the 8th Embodiment of this invention, (A) is a perspective view of an orthodontic cap, (B) is an orthodontic apparatus to which the orthodontic cap is applied. It is a perspective view. It is a figure explaining the usage example of the orthodontic cap of FIG. It is an orthodontic cap which concerns on the 9th Embodiment of this invention, (A) is a perspective view before archwire application, (B) is a perspective view at the time of archwire application. FIG. 16 shows the usage state of the orthodontic cap of FIG. 16, (A) is a perspective view of the bracket before the orthodontic cap is assembled, and (B) is an orthodontic when the orthodontic cap is assembled. It is a perspective view of an apparatus. It is a perspective view of the orthodontic cap which concerns on the 10th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the orthodontic apparatus applied to the 11th Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which abbreviate | omitted the bracket of the orthodontic apparatus of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the orthodontic apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10, 30, 120 Orthodontic device 11 Tooth 15, 31, 41, 50, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 92, 100, 110, 122 Orthodontic cap 12, 40, 42 Bracket 12A, 12B Near-distal end face 13, 44, 123 Arch wire slot 14 Arch wire 21, 22, 124, 125 Pocket 18 Base 19 Bracket body 21A Edge portion 21B, 48 Step portion 25A Side surface 51, 52, 87 Hole portion 61, 71 Opposing surface 62 Convex shape 66 Protrusion 72, 76 Back surface 81 Curved surface 25, 26, 32, 33, 45, 46, 82, 83, 96, 97, 101, 102, 126, 127 Locking portion 24, 43, 128 Cap Body 103, 104 Locking groove 115 Tab 116 Identification 121 Slot reinforcement liner

Claims (16)

A cap that covers the archwire slot formed in the orthodontic attachment and holds the archwire accommodated in the archwire slot,
An orthodontic cap comprising engaging portions at least at both ends in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the archwire slot and engaging with the orthodontic attachment.   The orthodontic cap according to claim 1, wherein the orthodontic cap is provided so as to be elongated in a longitudinal direction when engaged with the orthodontic attachment.   The orthodontic cap according to claim 1, wherein a concave portion or a hole portion is formed in the locking portion.   The orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or more protrusions that press the archwire are provided on a surface facing the archwire accommodated in the archwire slot. cap.   The orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a surface facing the archwire accommodated in the archwire slot is a curved surface protruding so as to press the archwire. cap.   By pressing the substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the archwire slot, the engaging portions at both ends open outwardly away from each other and engage with the near-distal end surface of the orthodontic attachment. The orthodontic cap according to claim 1, wherein the orthodontic cap is provided.   The orthodontic cap according to claim 6, wherein a concave portion or a hole portion is formed in a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the archwire slot.   The orthodontic cap according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the locking portion protrudes from the near-distal end of the orthodontic attachment and extends in the longitudinal direction.   The orthodontic cap according to claim 8, wherein the engaging portion has a groove for engaging the arch wire in a surface facing the arch wire.   The orthodontic cap according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a detachable tab is connected to the locking portion.   The orthodontic cap according to claim 10, wherein an identification is displayed on the tab. A cap that covers the archwire slot formed in the orthodontic attachment and holds the archwire accommodated in the archwire slot,
An orthodontic cap comprising locking portions at both ends in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the archwire slot and engaging with a slot reinforcing liner fitted to the orthodontic attachment.   The orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which comprises any one or a mixture of two or more of a thermoplastic resin, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermosetting resin, and a thermosetting elastomer. cap.   The orthodontic cap according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a fixing portion to which the engaging portion is engaged is provided on a near distal end face. attachment.   An orthodontic attachment according to claim 12, wherein the orthodontic cap according to claim 12 is provided with a fixing portion on the liner end face to which the engaging portion is engaged. The orthodontic attachment according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the orthodontic attachment is a bracket or a buccal tube.

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