HK1140669A - Apparatus and methods for correction of orthodontic malocclusions - Google Patents

Abstract

A sequential orthodontic appliance comprising a body (64) for engaging a plurality of teeth, and at least one magnetic (63,68,72) attachment positioned so as to be in attractive or repulsive configuration with a magnet (60,66,70) bonded to a surface of a tooth (60,65,69) in need of repositioning. The body defines a space for allowing movement of the tooth in need of repositioning caused by attraction or repulsion.

Description

Apparatus and method for orthodontic treatment of malocclusal deformities

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the aesthetic and functional orthodontic treatment of malocclusions and other teeth or jaw, jaw joints and related problems. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of magnets as part of orthodontic and magnetic force transfer appliances. The invention has particular application in sequential removable appliances and sequential fixed appliances for correcting malpositioned teeth.

Background

The problem of malpositioned teeth and the use of removable and fixed appliances to correct this problem has long been a major part of orthodontic treatment. The malposition of the teeth can be seen in three dimensions. The teeth may be too high, too low, rotated, tilted, incorrectly angled in different planes, or palatally or lingually misaligned relative to their correct or orthodontic ideal position. Many methods have been used to correct the problem of misaligned teeth.

In the late 19 th century and early 20 th century, movable and fixed appliances were introduced for correcting orthodontic (orthodontic) and plastic problems. These appliances are made of many different materials and shapes and have a variety of mechanisms. These, and the orthodontic appliances still in use, are either mobile (so that the patient can remove them) or fixed (such as with glue) to the teeth (so that the patient cannot remove them, but a specially trained specialist, such as a dentist, can remove them) or a combination thereof. Force transmission (or mechanical loading) through the orthosis is typically achieved using different types of materials having different elastic properties, such as wires, elastic bands, coils and plastics.

Removable appliances are not as effective as fixed appliances in controlling three-dimensional motion. However, most patients do not consider the fixed appliances to be aesthetically pleasing and the fixed appliances interfere with good oral hygiene.

In recent years, new techniques and appliances have been developed that use transparent thermoplastic materials that are more aesthetically pleasing. These thermoplastic appliances must be changed periodically and are commonly referred to as "sequential removable appliances". Sequential removable appliances typically need to be replaced with new appliances every two weeks. These appliances are believed to be very effective in achieving tipping movement to correct for tipping teeth, but are less effective in achieving other types of movement, particularly overall movement, rotation, extension and severe embedding of teeth. Thus, they cannot be used in heavily crowded situations and they are not very effective in situations where tooth extractions are required to create gaps.

A related disadvantage of known sequential appliances is that they do not always grasp enough of the dental anatomy to allow for a sufficient "grip" or grip to achieve the desired distance or direction of movement (without slippage or loss of connection of the appliance to the teeth). In addition, these appliances do not control the angle of the teeth as they move the teeth. They also do not effectively correct rotation of cylindrical teeth such as premolars or molars. Attachments can be placed on the teeth to increase the undercut and hold and grip of the appliance, but they are not always very reliable and effective.

Moving the teeth vertically also depends on the presence of undercuts on the teeth to provide a sufficient "grip" or grip. However, with sequential removable appliances, this is not easily achievable, especially if the differences are severe.

When extracting teeth for orthodontic reasons, it is often necessary to close the extraction gap by moving adjacent teeth. If the teeth are not held sufficiently, the teeth will not move as a whole or the angular stability of the teeth will not be maintained. Sometimes the teeth must be moved back or forth (mesial or mesial) without removal, and these movements also require good control and gripping of the teeth.

The main weaknesses of sequential removable appliances are their three-dimensional control and their very short effective stage. The amount of movement stored in these appliances is typically about 0.25 to 0.5mm per tooth or teeth every two weeks of each appliance. This limited movement and the need to change the appliance, typically every two weeks, is a limiting factor in orthodontic treatment with sequential removable appliances.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved sequential orthodontic appliance that overcomes the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages associated with prior art sequential removable appliances.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved sequential orthodontic appliance that is aesthetically pleasing and will not result in poor oral hygiene.

Within the context of the present invention, "appliance" means one or more sequential uses, a mobile or up to now fixed device or a combination of such devices for the correction of orthodontic and other teeth or jaw, jaw joints and related problems or for maintaining (or preserving) existing or previous correction positions or relationships of teeth.

Within the context of the present invention, "magnetic attachment" means one or more magnets, one or more ferromagnetic materials, a group or special assembly of magnets and/or ferromagnetic materials, and magnetic objects that are coated or uncoated depending on their application.

According to the present invention there is provided a sequential orthodontic appliance comprising a body for engaging a plurality of teeth and at least one magnetic attachment positioned in an attracting or repelling configuration to a magnet bonded to a surface of a tooth in need of repositioning. The body defines a gap for allowing movement of the tooth to be repositioned as a result of attraction or repulsion.

Preferably, the body is made of a thermoplastic material, although other suitable materials may be used.

Preferably, the sequential orthodontic appliance further comprises one or more temporary anchorage devices.

In a preferred form, the body defines a gap for positioning of the at least one magnetic attachment.

In yet another preferred form, the at least one magnetic attachment is attached to a surface of the body.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for the correction of orthodontic malocclusions, the method comprising:

(b) providing a sequential orthodontic appliance as described above;

(b) fitting the appliance to a plurality of teeth such that at least one magnetic attachment of the appliance is in an attractive or repulsive configuration with a magnet bonded to a surface of the tooth in need of repositioning; and

(c) sufficient time is provided for the movement of the tooth to be repositioned caused by attraction or repulsion.

In an alternative form, the above method may be used in correcting jaw discrepancies or skeletal problems.

In addition, the magnetic attachments can be used to improve retention of the sequential orthodontic appliance during or after treatment.

Drawings

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1a and 1b are plan views of a plurality of teeth, one tooth being in a malposition, and a sequential orthodontic appliance for correcting the malposition, a magnet bonded to the malpositioned tooth interacting with a configuration of opposing magnets incorporated into the sequential orthodontic appliance to attract or repel,

fig. 2a to 2d show examples of magnetic configurations in extension, insertion and distal movement, the magnets bonded to the teeth interacting with their configuration of attracting or repelling counter magnets incorporated in the sequential appliance,

fig. 3 shows magnetic configurations for rotation, buccal and palatal movement, the magnets bonded to the teeth interacting with their configuration to oppose the magnets to attract or repel,

fig. 4a and 4b show examples of magnetic configurations in the case of tooth extraction and distal movement, the magnet bonded to the tooth interacting with its configuration to attract or repel the opposing magnet incorporated in the sequential appliance,

fig. 4c shows an example of a magnetic configuration in the case of tooth extraction and distal movement, the magnet bonded to the tooth interacting with its antagonistic magnet in an attracting or repelling configuration, which antagonistic magnet is also bonded to the tooth,

fig. 4d shows an example of a magnetic configuration in the case of tooth extraction and distal movement, where the magnet is bonded to the tooth and sequential appliance,

figures 5a to 5c show a first positional relationship of a magnet incorporated in a sequential appliance for correcting upper and lower dentition and/or jaw discrepancies,

FIG. 6 shows a second positional relationship of magnets incorporated into sequential appliances for correcting upper and lower dentition and/or jaw discrepancies, and shows upper and lower alignment appliances, with a single magnet in each alignment appliance,

fig. 7 shows a three magnet configuration, with two magnets in the upper aligner appliance, and one magnet in the lower aligner appliance,

fig. 8 shows a four magnet configuration, with two magnets in the upper aligner appliance, and two magnets in the lower aligner appliance,

fig. 9 shows another positional relationship of magnets incorporated in sequential appliances for correcting upper and lower dentition and/or jaw discrepancies, and shows upper and lower alignment appliances, with a single magnet in each alignment appliance,

figure 10 shows the use of a temporary anchorage device to secure the sequential appliance to the bone with the appliance,

figure 11 shows a temporary anchorage device magnetically attached to a sequential appliance,

figure 12 shows an example of an adjustable magnetic configuration in the tooth extraction and distal movement situation,

figure 13 shows a first adjustable device used in the arrangement of figure 12,

figure 14 shows a second adjustable device for use in the arrangement of figure 12,

FIG. 15 shows the adjustable positional relationship of the magnets for correcting upper and lower teeth and/or jaw discrepancies fitted to the sequential appliance engaged with a single jaw.

Detailed Description

The use of magnetic attachments on the teeth and/or included in the sequential orthodontic appliances will create magnetic interactions and make movement of the teeth in any direction possible and easier. The size, configuration, number and composition of the magnetic attachments and their coating types or materials will depend on the available gap, the level of force required and the type of movement.

In the case of rotation, one or more magnetic attachments will be fixed to the teeth, while one or more opposing magnetic attachments will be fixed to the body of the appliance or incorporated into the appliance in an attractive and/or in a repelling (i.e., repulsive) configuration.

Fig. 1a shows the upper incisors 10, 11, 12 and 13 with the teeth 13 in misalignment. The first magnet 14 is bonded to the vestibular face 15 of the tooth 13, while the second magnet 16 is incorporated into a sequential orthodontic appliance 17, the body of which sequential orthodontic appliance 17 is shown in dashed outline and engages teeth 10-13. The magnets 14 and 16 attract each other as indicated by arrows 18, pulling the tooth 13 forward towards the correct position of the tooth 13.

Fig. 1b is similar to fig. 1a, but with the addition of a third magnet 19 bonded to the palatal surface 20 of the tooth 13 and a fourth magnet 21 incorporated into a sequential orthodontic appliance 22, the body of which appliance 22 is shown in dashed outline. The magnets 19 and 21 repel each other and the magnets 14 and 16 attract each other, the combination of magnets interacting in a repelling and attracting configuration, with the result that the tooth 13 is pulled forward towards the correct position of the tooth 13.

In the case of extension or insertion of one or several teeth (in the buccal, palatal or lingual position), the position of the magnetic attachment will control the direction of vertical movement of the teeth.

Examples of magnetic configurations in extension, insertion and distancing are shown in fig. 2a to 2 d.

In fig. 2a, a tooth 30 has a magnet 31 bonded to its palatal surface 32, and an attracting magnet 33 is incorporated into a sequential appliance 34.

In fig. 2b, the tooth 35 has a magnet 36 bonded to its buccal surface 37, and a repelling magnet 38 in an attracting configuration with the magnet 36 is incorporated into the sequential appliance 39.

In fig. 2c, the tooth 40 has a magnet 41 bonded to its buccal surface 42, while a magnet 43 in an attractive configuration with the magnet 41 is secured to the body 44 of the sequential appliance. The body of the sequential appliance has a gap 45 or vertical channel between the magnets 41, 43 and a gap 46 below the tooth 40 for allowing vertical movement of the tooth 40 caused by attraction of the magnets 41, 43.

In fig. 2d, the tooth 50 has a magnet 51 bonded to its buccal surface 52, and a magnet 53 in attractive configuration with the magnet 51 is secured to the body 54 of the sequential appliance. The body of the sequential appliance has a gap 55 or horizontal channel between the magnets 51, 53 and a gap 56 in front of the tooth 50 for allowing horizontal movement of the tooth 50 caused by attraction of the magnets 51, 53.

The tooth 60 shown in fig. 3 has a magnet 61 bonded to its vestibular surface 62, while a magnet 63 in an attractive configuration with the magnet 61 is incorporated into a sequential appliance 64 for correcting rotation of the tooth 60. The tooth 65 has a magnet 66 bonded to its vestibular surface 67, and an attracting magnet 68 is incorporated into the sequential appliance 64 to pull the sequential appliance 64 buccally. The tooth 69 has a magnet 70 bonded to its palatal surface 71, and an attracting magnet 72 is incorporated into the sequential appliance 64. The body of the sequential appliance 64, shown in dashed outline, surrounds and thus engages all of the teeth, but defines some clearance for allowing movement of the teeth 60, 65 and 69. The overall effect of the magnetic configuration of fig. 3 is that teeth 60 and 65 are pulled outward, tooth 60 is also rotated to the correct angle, and tooth 69 is pulled inward.

In the case of mesial and mesial movement of one or several teeth, the position of the magnetic attachment will control the direction of the horizontal movement of the teeth. This can be used in tooth extraction or non-extraction treatments.

Fig. 4a and 4b show examples of magnetic configurations in the case of tooth extraction and distal movement. In fig. 4a, a tooth 80 has a magnet 81 bonded to the vestibular surface 82, while an attracting magnet 83 is incorporated into the sequential appliance 84. The tooth 85 has a magnet 86 bonded to its surface 87, and an attracting magnet 88 is incorporated into the sequential appliance 84. The magnets 83 and 88 can be alternately bonded to the premolars as the teeth 80 or 85 are brought closer to the premolars.

In fig. 4b, magnets 98 and 89 are in a repelling configuration, and magnets 93 and 94 are in a repelling configuration. Magnets 98 and 89 are coupled to the vestibular surfaces of teeth 91 and 92, respectively, and magnets 93 and 94 are coupled to the vestibular surfaces of teeth 95 and 96, respectively, to move adjacent molars distally. In an alternative embodiment, the magnets 98 and 93 are incorporated into the sequential appliance 90.

Fig. 4c shows a further example of a magnetic configuration in the case of tooth extraction and distal movement. Tooth 175 has a magnet 176 bonded to its surface 177, and a pair of magnetically connected magnets 178a, 178b in an attracting configuration with magnet 176 is bonded to the surface 179 of tooth 180. As the tooth 175 moves closer to the premolar 180, the magnet 178a can be removed from its position as shown to provide further room for the tooth 175 and its associated magnet 176 to move toward the remaining magnet 178b on the tooth 180. Alternatively, the pair of magnets 178a, 178b are incorporated into the sequential appliance 187, and as the tooth 175 moves closer to the premolar 180, the magnet 178a can be removed from its position as shown to provide further room for movement as described above. Tooth 181 has a magnet 182 bonded to a surface 183 thereof, and a magnet 184 in an attractive configuration with magnet 182 is bonded to a surface 185 of tooth 186. The sequential appliance 187 has a body configured to provide sufficient clearance for the desired movement of the teeth, particularly the canines 175 and 181, under the influence of the attractive magnetic force.

Fig. 4d shows a further example of a magnetic configuration in the case of tooth extraction and distal movement. The tooth 188 has a magnet 189 bonded to its buccal surface, the magnet 189 being behind and beside a repelling magnet 190 but in front of an attracting magnet 192 and spaced from the attracting magnet 192, the repelling magnet 190 being incorporated in a sequential appliance 191 and the attracting magnet 192 also being incorporated in the sequential appliance 191. Thus, there is a repulsive force between the magnets 189 and 190 and an attractive force between the magnets 189 and 192, which will cause the canine tooth 188 to move toward the premolar tooth 193 under constant force during its movement through the gap between these teeth, which gap may be obtained by the construction of the body of the appliance 191.

As shown in fig. 4d, the tooth 194 has a magnet 195 bonded to its surface 196, the magnet 195 being behind and beside a repelling magnet 197, the repelling magnet 197 being incorporated into the sequential appliance 191. Tooth 194 also has a magnet 198 bonded to its opposite surface 199, magnet 198 being in front of attracting magnet 200 and spaced from attracting magnet 200, attracting magnet 200 being bonded to tooth 201.

In an alternative embodiment, the magnet 200 is incorporated into the sequential appliance 191. Thus, there is a repulsive force between magnets 195 and 197 and an attractive force between magnets 198 and 200, which will cause the canine teeth 194 to move toward the premolar teeth 201 under a constant force throughout their displacement.

Also shown in figure 4d is a temporary anchorage device 202 for securing the appliance 191 to the bone when required. The body of the appliance 191 includes a mounting portion for attachment to the device 202.

A preferred magnetic configuration to correct for upper and lower dentition and/or jaw discrepancies is shown in fig. 5a to 5 c. The upper sequential appliance 100 includes magnets 101 and 102 (see fig. 5a), while the lower sequential appliance 103 includes attracting magnets 104 and 105 (see fig. 5 b). The vertical alignment of magnets 101 and 104 is shown in fig. 5 c.

Figures 6 to 9 show schematically various magnet configurations for correcting upper and lower teeth and/or jaw discrepancies. For fig. 6-9, the upper and lower sequential appliances are referred to as upper and lower aligners, respectively.

In fig. 6, the upper aligner 120 has a single magnet 121 with the south pole 122 of the magnet 121 exposed, while the lower aligner 123 has a single magnet 124 with the north pole 125 of the magnet 124 exposed, thereby having an attractive magnetic force vector 126 therebetween.

In fig. 7, the upper aligner 130 has two spaced apart magnets 131 and 132 with the north pole 133 of the magnet 131 and the south pole 134 of the magnet 132 exposed. The lower aligner 135 has a single magnet 136 with the north pole 137 of the magnet 136 exposed. The magnet 136 is positioned between the upper magnets 131 and 132 such that there is a repulsive magnetic force vector 138 between the magnets 131 and 136 and an attractive magnetic force vector 139 between the magnets 132 and 136.

In fig. 8, the upper aligner 140 has two spaced apart magnets 141 and 142 with the north pole 143 of the magnet 141 and the south pole 144 of the magnet 142 exposed. The lower aligner 145 has two spaced apart magnets 146 and 147 with the south pole 148 of the magnet 146 and the north pole 149 of the magnet 147 exposed. The magnets 146, 141, 147 and 142 are offset relative to each other so that there is an attractive force vector 150 between the magnets 141 and 146, a repulsive magnetic force vector 151 between the magnets 141 and 147 and an attractive magnetic force vector 152 between the magnets 142 and 147.

In fig. 9, the upper aligner 160 has a pair of spaced apart magnets 161 and 162 with the north pole 163 of the magnet 161 and the south pole 164 of the magnet 162 exposed. The lower aligner 165 has a pair of spaced magnets 166 and 167 with north poles 168 and 169 exposed. As can be seen from fig. 9, the magnets 162 and 167 are partially overlapped, and the space between the magnets 161 and 162 is larger than the space between the magnets 166 and 167, so that the magnets 161 and 166 do not overlap. Magnets 161 and 166 have a repulsive magnetic force vector 170 therebetween and an attractive magnetic force vector 171 between magnets 162 and 167.

Fig. 10 shows sequential appliances 203 secured to the jaw by a plurality of temporary anchorage devices 202.

The first means 202a connected to the appliance 203 via the mounting portion of the body is shown to secure the appliance 203 vertically to the bone between the canine 204 and the premolar 205, the second means 202b is shown to secure the appliance 203 vertically to the bone located inside the molar 206, and the third means 202c included in the appliance 203 is shown to secure the body of the appliance 203 to the bone located below the molar 207.

The temporary anchorage device 202 shown in fig. 11 is magnetically attached to the body of the sequential appliance 208. The device 202 includes a tapered and threaded shaft 209 for securing the device to a bone or other structure, a polished transmucosal collar 210, a head 211, and a magnetic cap 212, the magnetic cap 212 being in an attractive configuration with a magnet 213 secured to the body of the sequential appliance 208. In an alternative embodiment, magnets 212 and 213 are replaced with any suitable ferromagnetic material.

It will also be appreciated that the sequential appliance may be secured to bone or other structure by ordinary orthodontic screws or bolts or by other equivalent mechanical or magnetic securing means.

Fig. 12 shows an example of an adjustable magnetic configuration in the case of tooth extraction and distal movement. Dog teeth 220 have magnets 221 bonded to their surfaces 222, while attracting magnets 223 are secured to a device 224, which device 224 is operable to adjust the position of magnets 223 relative to magnets 221. The device 224 is preferably secured to the sequential appliance 225, but alternatively the device 224 may be bonded to the surface 226 of the premolar 227 (as shown in fig. 13).

Premolar 230 has a magnet 231 bonded to its surface 232, while an attracting magnet 233 is secured to a device 234 similar to device 224. The device 234 is preferably secured to the sequential appliance 225, but alternatively the device 234 can be bonded to the surface 235 of the canine 236 (as shown in fig. 14).

The sequential appliance 225 has a body that is configured to provide sufficient clearance for the expected movement of the canine teeth under the influence of the attractive magnetic force. The adjustment of the position of the magnets 223, 233 relative to the magnets 221, 231 by operation of the devices 224, 234, respectively, enables the level of attraction force to be adjusted to suit the desired effect.

FIG. 15 shows an example of an adjustable magnetic configuration for a single jaw to correct for upper and lower dentition and/or upper and lower jaw discrepancies. The magnet 240 is secured to an adjustable device 241, which adjustable device 241 in turn is secured to the outer body portion 242 of the sequential appliance 243 at one side of the jaw. The magnet 244 is secured to an adjustable device 245, and the adjustable device 245 is secured to an opposing, outer body portion 246 of the sequential appliance 243 at a second or opposite side of the jaw. The means 241,245 enable the position of the magnets 240,244 to be adjusted forwards or backwards and relative to the position of a corresponding magnet (not shown) positioned relative to the other jaw in such a way as to facilitate vertical alignment of the upper and lower jaws at a prescribed level of attraction force. The corresponding magnets are preferably secured to adjustable devices fitted to the sequential appliance, although they may alternatively be secured to adjustable or non-adjustable devices bonded directly to the tooth surface. This configuration allows for the direction of attraction or repulsion between each sequential appliance used during the treatment period and between sequential appliances on the upper and lower jaws to be changed.

In the case of impacted or embedded teeth, magnetic attachments can also be used in conjunction with sequential appliances. After exposing the impacted tooth by opening the overlying gingiva, the magnetic attachment can be secured over the impacted tooth and the gingival flap can be closed. The use of another magnetic attachment on the sequential appliance can create an attractive magnetic force between the magnetic attachment and the sequential appliance and if there is no other pathology the impacted/buried tooth will grow out.

The magnetic attachment is available in an assembly or kit, making the delivery, securing and use of the magnetic attachment more practical, hygienic and safe.

Sometimes the upper and lower teeth do not match and there is a need to correct this problem either simultaneously with or during a certain stage of treatment with sequential appliances. In the case of conventional fixed appliances, elastic bands are used between the upper and lower appliances, and the success of the treatment depends on the length and tension of these elastic bands.

When using removable appliances, the elastic band can only be worn on the fixed attachments on the teeth. This would require significant patient fit and also compromise the goal of using an aesthetically pleasing sequential appliance without any fixtures on the teeth. Sometimes elastic bands are worn between hooks, buttons and undercuts formed on the appliance. Thus, the use of elastic bands can reduce the retention of the appliance when it is not secured to teeth or other structures.

The magnets can be incorporated into the sequential orthodontic appliance in such a way that the upper and lower teeth will be pulled and/or pushed in the direction of the correction and thus can function in a similar manner to the elastic bands of the mandibular interjawbone. This means that the magnetic force vector of the interjawbone will work as soon as the sequential appliance is worn.

Another advantage of using magnets as part of a sequential orthodontic appliance is that: in a growing patient, the magnetic force will keep the mandible in the correct position in three dimensions and position adaptation corrected by growth will occur. In addition, jaw correction must be performed prior to use of the fixed or removable appliance and extended to the treatment period. Another advantage is that the magnet guides the patient's jaw into the correct position when the patient is asleep, and this results in greater efficacy in the action of the magnet. This in turn can reduce the duration of time the appliance needs to be fitted to the teeth and further improve its acceptability to the patient. Furthermore it allows a greater degree of physiological and functional adaptability to the ideal jaw position.

In addition, the magnetic attachments may be used in the correction of vertical discrepancies in teeth and/or bones, such as open and deep occlusions. In this case, the magnetic attachments can be used in either a repulsive or attractive configuration or combination to facilitate and correct these vertical discrepancies.

Furthermore, the magnetic attachment can be used in the correction of lateral problems, such as midline shift due to tooth shift or due to jaw shift (either functionally or morphologically).

The magnetic attachments may be positioned before or after an impression and/or scan of the tooth/oral structure and may be secured directly to the teeth and/or appliances. The magnetic attachment may need to be fixed by the dentist or dental assistant staff during each appointment or by the patient when needed. The magnetic attachment may also be incorporated into the appliance during the production stage, or as part of the marketing process. The magnetic attachment may be positioned on a buccal, occlusal, palatal or lingual surface of a tooth

Laterally or at a combination of different sides of the tooth. The magnetic attachments may be interchanged or switched between each sequential appliance used by the patient. This conversion may be performed by a clinician, dental therapist, hygienist or dental assistant staff or by the patient when needed.

Magnetic attachments on teeth or incorporated into appliances can be used in different configurations and constructions. These configurations may be comprised of two, three, four, or more magnetic attachments under attraction and/or under repulsion as desired.

The magnets may be of any size and shape and may be used in combination with other ferromagnetic materials. They can be coated or sealed with any suitable material.

In addition, magnets can be used in conjunction with temporary anchorage devices such as implants, pins, plates, and/or screws. The magnet may interact with or be incorporated into the anchorage device.

In dental applications, magnetic attachments can be used to improve the retention of the appliance during its use, particularly when specific tooth movements are simultaneously obtained.

Claims (10)

1. A sequential orthodontic appliance comprising: a body for engaging a plurality of teeth; and at least one magnetic attachment positioned in an attracting or repelling configuration with a magnet bonded to a surface of a tooth in need of repositioning, the body defining a gap for allowing movement of the tooth in need of repositioning caused by the attraction or repulsion.

2. The sequential orthodontic appliance of claim 1 wherein the body is made of a thermoplastic material.

3. The sequential orthodontic appliance of claim 1 further comprising one or more temporary anchorage devices.

4. The sequential orthodontic appliance of claim 1 further comprising means for connecting to one or more temporary anchorage devices.

5. The sequential orthodontic appliance of claim 1 wherein the body defines a gap for positioning of the at least one magnetic attachment.

6. The sequential orthodontic appliance of claim 1 wherein the first magnetic attachment is positioned in an attracting configuration with a magnet bonded to an outermost surface of an embedded tooth that is desired to erupt through a gum covering the tooth.

7. The sequential orthodontic appliance of claim 1 wherein the at least one magnetic attachment includes a pair of magnetically connected magnets positioned in an attracting configuration with a magnet bonded to a surface of a tooth in need of repositioning, the magnet in the pair closest to the tooth in need of repositioning being removable to provide space for movement of the tooth.

8. The sequential orthodontic appliance of claim 1 further comprising means for adjusting the position of the at least one magnetic attachment.

9. A sequential orthodontic appliance comprising: a body for engaging a plurality of teeth; and at least one magnetic attachment positioned in an attractive configuration with a magnet bonded to a surface of the tooth for holding the sequential orthodontic appliance in its engaged position.

10. A method for the correction of orthodontic malocclusions, comprising:

(a) providing the sequential orthodontic appliance of claim 1;

(b) fitting the appliance to a plurality of teeth such that at least one magnetic attachment of the appliance is in an attractive or repulsive configuration with a magnet bonded to a surface of a tooth in need of repositioning; and

(c) sufficient time is provided for the movement of the tooth to be repositioned caused by attraction or repulsion.