HK1261615B - Orthodontic correction device - Google Patents

Description

Orthodontic devices

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a tooth correction technology; in particular, to a tooth correction device for intruding teeth into alveolar bone.

Background Art

When a person's teeth are crooked, their dental aesthetics, function and health may be affected. The affected functions include daily activities such as chewing, pronunciation and breathing, which may lead to dental health problems such as tooth decay, periodontal disease and abnormal tooth wear.

Referring to Figure 1 , one example of dental misalignment occurs when the second molar 10A in the maxillary dental arch 10 is over-erupted due to long-term inability to properly occlude with the second molar 20A in the mandibular dental arch 20. During the correction process, the second molar 10A in the maxillary dental arch 10 must be pushed upward (as indicated by the arrow in Figure 1 ) into the alveolar bone (not shown).

One existing correction method involves implanting a bone screw (mini-crew) M into the patient's maxillary bone 11 as an anchor. An elastic member then connects the bone screw M to a hook (not shown) attached to the second molar 10A to generate a corrective force, pressing the second molar 10A upward into the alveolar bone. However, the use of the bone screw M is invasive and can easily cause local inflammation, leading to discomfort for the patient during the correction process. Furthermore, the bone screw M and the hook attached to the second molar 10A remain permanently in the mouth and cannot be removed, creating inconvenience.

Summary of the Invention

In view of the above-mentioned existing problems, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a removable orthodontic device for pressing a tooth (such as the second molar of the maxillary dental arch) into the alveolar bone, which can improve the convenience of use.

According to some embodiments, a dental brace device is provided, comprising a first brace unit adapted for removable wear on one of the maxillary and mandibular dental arches. At least one first receiving portion is formed on the first brace unit for receiving at least one first tooth in the maxillary or mandibular dental arch that requires correction, wherein the shape of the first receiving portion allows the first tooth to be moved toward the alveolar bone. At least one second receiving portion is formed on the first brace unit for receiving at least one second tooth in the maxillary or mandibular dental arch that does not require correction, wherein the second receiving portion conforms to the shape of the second tooth and extends to an undercut of the second tooth. At least one elongated first opening is formed on a first occlusal surface of the first brace unit and extends to opposing first lingual and first buccal surfaces of the first brace unit, wherein the position of the first opening corresponds to the position of the first tooth and the first opening exposes portions of the occlusal, lingual, and buccal surfaces of the first tooth. A force-applying assembly is configured to contact the first tooth through the first opening, thereby generating a force to press the first tooth into the alveolar bone.

In some embodiments, when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first occlusal surface of the first correction unit, the first opening extends in a first direction, and the first direction determines the direction in which the force presses the first tooth into the alveolar bone.

In some embodiments, when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first lingual side or the first buccal side of the first correction element, the first opening extends in a second direction relative to the first occlusal surface and has a depth. The second direction determines the direction in which the force presses the first tooth into the alveolar bone, while the depth determines the depth to which the force presses the first tooth into the alveolar bone.

In some embodiments, the force-applying assembly further includes a plurality of first connecting portions and an elastic element. The first connecting portions are respectively fixed to the first lingual side and the first buccal side of the first correction unit, and the positions of the first connecting portions correspond to the positions of the first openings. The elastic element connects to the first connecting portions across the first occlusal surface of the first correction unit and contacts the first tooth through the first opening, thereby generating the aforementioned force to press the first tooth into the alveolar bone, wherein the force is an elastic restoring force.

In some embodiments, the elastic element is a U-shaped structure having two parallel side portions and a middle portion located between the two side portions. The two side portions are respectively fixed to the first lingual side and the first buccal side of the first correction unit and each has a torsion spring portion. The middle portion spans the first occlusal surface of the first correction unit and contacts the first tooth through the first opening.

In some embodiments, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first lingual side or the first buccal side of the first correction unit, the first opening extends toward a second direction relative to the first occlusal surface, one of the above-mentioned first connecting portions is located on one side of an extension line of the first opening along the second direction, and the two side portions of the elastic element each have a first section, a second section and a torsion spring portion located between the first and second sections, wherein the first section is connected to the first connecting portion, and the second section extends into the first opening and is connected to the middle portion of the elastic element.

In some embodiments, the orthodontic device further comprises a protective element configured to cover a portion of the elastic element located in the first opening to prevent the elastic element from directly contacting the first tooth. The protective element is made of an elastic material.

In some embodiments, the orthodontic device further comprises a second correction unit adapted to be removably worn on the other of the upper and lower dental arches. The second correction unit has a protrusion on a second occlusal surface configured to pass through a second opening on the first occlusal surface of the first correction unit to push against the first tooth.

In some embodiments, when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first occlusal surface, a shape of the second opening corresponds to a shape of the protrusion.

In some embodiments, when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first occlusal plane, the second opening may partially overlap with the first opening and have different shapes.

In some embodiments, a distal end of the second correction unit has an extension, and the protrusion is formed on the second occlusal surface of the extension, and the position of the protrusion corresponds to the position of the second opening and the first tooth. The second correction unit can be formed by metal casting.

In some embodiments, the second correction unit exposes the occlusal surface of a portion of the teeth of the other of the above-mentioned maxillary and mandibular dental arches, and the second correction unit also includes at least one elastic limiting member, which is movably connected to a plurality of second connection portions formed on a second lingual side surface and a second buccal side surface opposite to the second correction unit, spanning the occlusal surface of a portion of the teeth of the other of the maxillary and mandibular dental arches and extending to the undercut areas of those teeth, thereby fixing the second correction unit on the other of the maxillary and mandibular dental arches.

According to some embodiments, a dental correction device is also provided, comprising a correction unit adapted for removable wear on one of the maxillary and mandibular dental arches. At least one protrusion is provided on an occlusal surface of the correction unit, wherein the protrusion is positioned corresponding to at least a first tooth to be corrected on the other of the maxillary and mandibular dental arches not wearing the correction unit, and is configured to push the first tooth into the alveolar bone.

In some embodiments, a distal end of the correction unit has an extension portion, and the protrusion is formed on the occlusal surface of the extension portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an overeruption of the second molar in the maxillary dental arch of a patient;

FIG2 is a perspective view of an orthodontic device according to some embodiments;

FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the first correction unit in FIG2 when viewed along a direction perpendicular to its occlusal surface;

FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the correction mechanism of the orthodontic device in FIG2 ;

FIG5 is a partial enlarged view of an orthodontic device according to some embodiments;

FIG6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG3 ;

FIG6B is a cross-sectional view along line B-B in FIG3 ;

FIG7 is a perspective schematic diagram of an elastic element according to some embodiments;

FIG8 is a schematic diagram of an orthodontic device including the elastic element of FIG7 according to some embodiments;

FIG9 is a schematic diagram of an orthodontic device according to some embodiments;

FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the orthodontic device in FIG9 when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the occlusal surface of the first correction unit;

FIG11 is a schematic diagram of an orthodontic device according to some embodiments;

FIG12 is a perspective schematic diagram of the second correction unit in FIG11;

FIG13 is a schematic diagram of the limiting member in FIG12 fixing the second correction unit on the tooth.

Explanation of symbols

10～maxillary dental arch;

10A～Second molar/first tooth;

10B～second tooth;

11～maxilla;

20～mandibular dental arch;

100, 100’, 100”, 100”’ ~ orthodontic devices;

101~Correction Unit/First Correction Unit;

101A～Opening/first opening;

101B～connection part/first connection part;

101C~Opening/Second opening;

102, 102'～elastic element;

102A～torsion spring part;

102B～first paragraph;

102C～Second section;

1021～lateral part;

1022～middle part;

103～Protection element;

201, 201'～correction unit/second correction unit;

201A～Tooth Receptacle;

201B～connection part/second connection part;

202～protrusion;

203～Extension;

204～Limiting member;

D1～first direction;

D2～second direction;

D3 ~ third direction;

E ~ extension line;

F~terminal;

L ~ depth;

M～bone nail;

R1～tooth receiving part/first receiving part;

R2～tooth receiving part/second receiving part;

S～stop component;

U～inverted concave line;

BS ~ buccal side/first buccal side;

BS2 ~ buccal side/second buccal side;

LS～lingual side/first lingual side;

LS2～lingual side/second lingual side;

OS ~ occlusal surface/first occlusal surface;

OS2~Occlusal surface/second occlusal surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing the various features of this invention. The following disclosure describes specific examples of various components and their arrangements to simplify the description. Of course, these specific examples are not intended to be limiting. For example, if an embodiment describes a first feature formed on or above a second feature, this may include situations where the first feature and the second feature are in direct contact, or it may include situations where an additional feature is formed between the first and second features, preventing the first and second features from directly contacting each other.

Directional terms used herein, such as up, down, left, and right, refer only to the directions of the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for ease of description and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, these spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various orientations of the device during use or operation. The device may be rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations, and the spatially relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

In addition, the same component numbers and/or characters may be repeated in the following different embodiments. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and is not intended to define a specific relationship between the different embodiments and/or structures discussed. In the drawings, the shape or thickness of the structure may be exaggerated for simplicity or ease of illustration. It should be understood that elements not specifically described or illustrated may exist in various forms well known to those skilled in the art.

Please first refer to Figure 2, which shows a perspective schematic diagram of an orthodontic device 100 according to some embodiments. Orthodontic device 100 is a removable orthodontic device that can be used to press the second molar 10A (see also Figure 4) of a patient's maxillary dental arch 10 into the alveolar bone. Orthodontic device 100 includes a correction unit 101 (first correction unit) adapted to be removably worn on the patient's maxillary dental arch 10, allowing the patient to freely attach or remove the correction unit 101 depending on the occasion and needs, and to clean their teeth (for ease of use).

According to some embodiments, a sheet of material may be placed on a dental model of the patient's maxillary dental arch 10 and formed through compression molding or vacuum forming to form the orthodontic unit 101. The sheet of material may be made of thermoplastic, orthodontic resin, or other materials suitable for oral use. It should be understood that the orthodontic unit 101 may also be fabricated using other methods known to those skilled in the art, and the present invention is not limited to the fabrication method of the orthodontic unit 101.

According to some embodiments, the structural strength of the correction unit 101 can withstand the bite force generated during normal chewing without deformation or damage. To improve the structural strength of the correction unit 101, methods such as increasing the thickness of the correction unit 101, changing the material of the correction unit 101, or forming the correction unit 101 with multiple layers of material can be used.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3 , the orthodontic unit 101 has two elongated openings 101A (first openings) configured to expose the two second molars 10A located on the left and right sides of the maxillary dental arch 10. Specifically, the positions of the two openings 101A correspond to the positions of the two second molars 10A, respectively. More specifically, each opening 101A is formed on an occlusal surface OS (first occlusal surface) of the orthodontic unit 101 and extends (in a first direction D1) to an opposing lingual side LS (first lingual side) and a (left or right) buccal side BS (first buccal side) of the orthodontic unit 101. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4 , when viewed perpendicular to the lingual side LS or buccal side BS of the orthodontic unit 101, the openings 101A extend in a second direction D2 (e.g., parallel to the Z-axis) relative to the occlusal surface OS and have a depth L. (The openings 101A may have a U-shaped or rectangular structure.) Thus, when viewed along directions perpendicular to the occlusal surface OS, lingual surface LS and buccal surface BS of the correction unit 101 , the opening 101A can expose portions of the occlusal surface, lingual surface and buccal surface of the second molar 10A.

According to some embodiments, a plurality of connecting portions 101B (e.g., hook structures) are formed on the lingual side LS and the buccal side BS of the correction unit 101, and the positions of the connecting portions 101B correspond to the positions of the openings 101A. More specifically, corresponding to each opening 101A, there are two connecting portions 101B (first connecting portions) fixed on the lingual side LS and the buccal side BS of the correction unit 101, respectively, and corresponding to the two ends of the long axis of the opening 101A ( FIG. 3 ). The positions of the connecting portions 101B on the lingual side LS and the buccal side BS of the correction unit 101 are away from the occlusal surface OS and the opening 101A ( FIG. 4 ). According to some embodiments, the material of the connecting portion 101B includes stainless steel, nickel-titanium alloy, resin, or plastic ceramic, and can be fixed to the correction unit 101 by, for example, gluing. Alternatively, the connecting portion 101B and the correction unit 101 can be integrally formed and have the same material.

In the embodiment of FIG2 , the orthodontic device 100 also includes two elastic elements 102, such as rubber bands or spring coils made of a nickel-titanium alloy, disposed on the correction unit 101 and corresponding to the two openings 101A and the two second molars 10A of the maxillary dental arch 10, respectively. Each elastic element 102 is configured to connect two connecting portions 101B located on the lingual side LS and the buccal side BS of the correction unit 101, spanning the occlusal surface OS of the correction unit 101. According to some embodiments, when viewed perpendicular to the lingual side LS or the buccal side BS of the correction unit 101 ( FIG4 ), the connecting portions 101B are located on an extension line E of the opening 101A along the second direction D1, and the elastic elements 102 are disposed substantially parallel to the extension line E of the opening 101A.

Furthermore, the elastic element 102 can contact the second molar 10A located in the correction unit 101 through the opening 101A, thereby generating an (elastic) force to press the second molar 10A into the alveolar bone (as shown by the arrow in FIG4 ). It should be understood that when the correction unit 101 is worn on the patient's maxillary dental arch 10 ( FIG4 ), the second molar 10A (first tooth) that has overerupted and requires correction will pull the elastic element 102 in the opening 101A downward, causing it to deform. When the elastic element 102 gradually returns to its original shape, it can generate an elastic restoring force (i.e., the aforementioned force), thereby pressing the second molar 10A upward into the alveolar bone to achieve the purpose of correction. The elastic element 102 and the aforementioned connecting portion 101B constitute a force-applying component of the orthodontic device 100.

It is worth noting that, because the elastic element 102 is confined within the opening 101A, the extension direction (second direction D2) of the aforementioned opening 101A formed on the lingual side LS or buccal side BS of the correction unit 101 can be used to determine the direction in which the (elastic) force of the elastic element 102 presses the second molar 10A into the alveolar bone. For example, when the second direction D2 is substantially vertically upward relative to the occlusal plane OS ( FIG. 4 ), the elastic element 102 can press the second molar 10A upward into the alveolar bone along the opening 101A. When the second direction D2 is inclined in a specific direction relative to the occlusal plane OS (i.e., a direction not parallel to the Z-axis, as shown in FIG. 5 ), the elastic element 102 can press the second molar 10A into the alveolar bone in the specific direction along the opening 101A. Similarly, the extension direction (first direction D1) of the opening 101A formed on the occlusal surface OS of the orthodontic unit 101 can also be used to determine the direction in which the (elastic) force of the elastic element 102 presses the second molar 10A into the alveolar bone. The extension direction of the opening 101A (first and second directions D1 and D2) can be configured based on the patient's orthodontic needs.

Furthermore, the depth L of the opening 101A determines the depth to which the elastic force of the elastic element 102 presses the second molar 10A into the alveolar bone. For example, when the elastic element 102 moves along the sidewalls of the opening 101A to the end F of the opening 101A (Figure 4), it is restricted by the structure of the opening 101A and cannot move further. Therefore, the depth L of the opening 101A determines the maximum depth to which the elastic force of the elastic element 102 presses the second molar 10A into the alveolar bone, thereby preventing excessive movement of the second molar 10A. The depth L of the opening 101A can be adjusted based on the patient's orthodontic needs.

Referring now to Figures 3, 4, 6A, and 6B, the correction unit 101 may have a plurality of tooth receiving portions (e.g., recesses) formed on a side opposite the occlusal surface OS, configured to accommodate the teeth of the maxillary dental arch 10. According to some embodiments, the correction unit 101 includes a tooth receiving portion R1 (first receiving portion) for receiving at least one first tooth 10A to be corrected (e.g., a second molar 10A). The tooth receiving portion R1 is configured to allow the second molar 10A to move toward the alveolar bone (as indicated by the arrow in Figure 6B). More specifically, the tooth receiving portion R1 is shaped to allow the second molar 10A to move in an indentation direction. For example, starting from an undercut area defined by a line connecting the most protruding points of the tooth in the indentation direction, the tooth receiving portion R1 reserves sufficient space to allow the second molar 10A to move smoothly toward the alveolar bone under the drive of the elastic element 102 without becoming stuck in the tooth receiving portion R1. As shown in FIG6B , the area below an undercut line U (ie, a virtual line segment representing the largest width portion of the second molar 10A) of the second molar 10A is the undercut region (marked with dots) of the second molar 10A.

Furthermore, the correction unit 101 includes at least one tooth receiving portion R2 (second receiving portion) for receiving a second tooth 10B that does not require correction (e.g., a tooth other than the second molar 10A). This receiving portion R2 is designed to conform to the shape of the second tooth 10B (e.g., to adhere to the second tooth) and extend to the undercut of the second tooth 10B (i.e., to substantially cover the entire crown of the second tooth 10B). This strengthens the fixation of the correction unit 101 to the maxillary dental arch 10 and prevents the correction unit 101 from easily falling off the maxillary dental arch 10 during correction (improving the stability of the orthodontic device 100 during use).

Continuing with FIG4 , the orthodontic device 100 may also include at least one protective element 103 (also see FIG10 ) configured to cover the portion of the elastic element 102 that spans the occlusal surface OS of the correction unit 101 and is located within the opening 101A, thereby preventing the elastic element 102 from directly contacting the second molar 10A and potentially damaging it. According to some embodiments, the protective element 103 is a tubular structure whose length may be less than or equal to the length of the opening 101A. The protective element 103 may be made of an elastic material, such as resin, rubber, or the like.

Referring now to Figures 7 and 8 , another orthodontic device 100' according to some embodiments may include elastic elements 102' (e.g., metal wires) of varying structural configurations. As in the aforementioned embodiment, the number of elastic elements 102' is also two, corresponding to the number of openings 101A in the correction unit 101. The elastic element 102' is a roughly U-shaped structure, including two parallel side portions 1021 and a middle portion 1022 located between the two side portions 1021, wherein the two side portions 1021 can be respectively configured on a lingual side LS and a buccal side BS of the correction unit 101 (due to viewing angle limitations, only the side portion 1021 of the elastic element 102' configured on the buccal side BS can be seen in Figure 8) and each has a torsion spring portion 102A, and the middle portion 1022 can be configured to span an occlusal surface OS of the correction unit 101 and contact the second molar 10A of the maxillary dental arch 10 through the opening 101A, thereby generating an (elastic) force to press the second molar 10A into the alveolar bone (as shown by the arrow in Figure 8).

It should be understood that in the embodiments of Figures 7 and 8 , when viewed perpendicularly to the lingual side LS or buccal side BS of the correction unit 101, at least one connecting portion 101B is fixed to the correction unit 101. The connecting portion 101B is a tubular structure made of, for example, metal or a sufficiently strong plastic material, and can be fixed to the lingual side LS or buccal side BS of the correction unit 101 by, for example, adhesive bonding. Furthermore, when viewed perpendicularly to the lingual side LS or buccal side BS of the correction unit 101, the tubular connecting portion 101B is located on one side of an extension line E of the opening 101A along its extension direction (the second direction D2), and the connecting portion 101B is arranged parallel to a third direction D3 that is different from the second direction D2.

Please continue to refer to Figure 8. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the lingual side LS or buccal side BS of the correction unit 101, one side portion 1021 of the elastic element 102' has a first section 102B, a second section 102C and a torsion spring portion 102A located between the first and second sections 102B and 102C, wherein the first section 102B is configured to pass through and connect to the above-mentioned connecting portion 101B, and the second section 102C is configured to extend into the opening 101A to connect to the middle portion 1022 of the elastic element 102' (U-shaped structure).

The first section 102B may also have at least one stopper S configured to prevent the first section 102B from easily separating from the connecting portion 101B. For example, the stopper S may be a spherical structure with a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the tubular connecting portion 101B, such that the stopper S cannot pass through the connecting portion 101B. Thus, the stopper S can limit the movement of the first section 102B relative to the connecting portion 101B.

With the above configuration, when the correction unit 101 of the orthodontic device 100' is not yet worn on the patient's maxillary dental arch 10, the two side portions 1021 of the elastic element 102' are approximately parallel to the third direction D3, and the middle portion 1022 of the elastic element 102' is positioned at the end F of the opening 101A. However, when the correction unit 101 is worn on the patient's maxillary dental arch 10, the overerupted second molar 10A (first tooth) requiring correction pulls the middle portion 1022 of the elastic element 102' ( FIG. 7 ) in the opening 101A downward, deforming the second sections 102C of the two side portions 1021 ( FIG. 8 ). Similar to the above embodiment ( FIG. 4 ), as the elastic element 102' gradually returns to its original shape, it generates an elastic (restoring) force, thereby pressing the second molar 10A upward into the alveolar bone, achieving the correction objective.

According to some embodiments, the elastic element 102' is made of a shape memory alloy (SMA), such as nickel-titanium alloy or the like. When the temperature rises (e.g., due to heat conduction from contact with the tooth), the shape memory alloy can eliminate deformation caused at lower temperatures and restore its memorized shape. According to some embodiments, the elastic element 102' can also be made of stainless steel.

In the embodiments of Figures 7 and 8, the dental correction device 100' may also include at least one protective element 103 (the same as the protective element 103 in Figure 4), which is configured to cover the occlusal surface OS of the elastic element 102' across the correction unit 101 and the middle part 1022 located in the opening 101A, so as to prevent the elastic element 102' from directly contacting the second molar 10A and possibly causing damage to the second molar 10A.

Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of another orthodontic device 100" according to some embodiments. The difference between the orthodontic device 100" and the orthodontic device 100 in Figures 2 to 5 is that the orthodontic device 100" also includes a correction unit 201 (second correction unit), which is suitable for being removably worn on the patient's mandibular dental arch 20. The second correction unit 201 may have the same or similar material as the first correction unit 101. According to some embodiments, the structural strength of the first correction unit 101 and the second correction unit 201 can withstand the bite force (generally such as the bite strength generated during chewing) without deformation or damage.

In the embodiment of FIG9 , the second correction unit 201 is worn over a portion of the teeth in the mandibular dental arch 20. However, the second correction unit 201 may also be worn over all the teeth in the mandibular dental arch 20. Similarly, the first correction unit 101 of this embodiment of the present invention may also be worn over all or a portion of the teeth in the maxillary dental arch 10, simply covering the first tooth 10A to be corrected.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10 , the second correction unit 201 has two protrusions 202 on its occlusal surface (OS2) (due to viewing angle limitations, only one of the protrusions 202 is visible in Figure 9 ). The first correction unit 101 also has two openings 101C (second openings) corresponding to the protrusions 202 on its first occlusal surface OS. With this design, when the patient wears the orthodontic device 100, the elastic element 102 can pass through the (first) opening 101A of the first correction unit 101 and generate an elastic force to press the first tooth 10A (second molar 10A) of the maxillary dental arch 10 into the alveolar bone (similar to the embodiments in Figures 2 to 5 ). Furthermore, through occlusal force, the protrusions 202 on the second occlusal surface OS2 of the second correction unit 201 can also pass through the second openings 101C on the first occlusal surface OS of the first correction unit 101 to push the first tooth 10A, further improving correction efficiency.

According to some embodiments, when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first occlusal surface OS of the first correction unit 101 ( FIG. 10 ), the second opening 101C and the first opening 101A may partially overlap and have different shapes (for example, the second opening 101C may have a circular structure corresponding to the shape of the protrusion 202 , while the first opening 101A may have a narrow and elongated structure). However, the second opening 101C and the first opening 101A may also have the same or similar shapes (both elongated structures), with the only difference being that the second opening 101C is sized to allow the protrusion 202 of the second correction unit 201 to pass through. Furthermore, the second opening 101C and the first opening 101A may not overlap.

According to some embodiments, the elastic element 102 on the first correction unit 101 of the orthodontic device 100" can also be replaced by the elastic element 102' in Figures 7 and 8 to achieve the same correction effect.

Next, please refer to Figures 11 and 12, where Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of another orthodontic device 100'" according to some embodiments, and Figure 12 shows a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the second correction unit 201' in Figure 11. The difference between the orthodontic device 100'" and the orthodontic device 100" in Figures 9 and 10 is that the second correction unit 201' of the orthodontic device 100'" is formed by metal casting (but not limited to this, it can also be made of other optional materials), and includes a plurality of tooth receiving portions 201A, which are respectively worn on part of the teeth of the mandibular dental arch 20. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the above-mentioned tooth receiving portions 201A are configured to surround the outer peripheral surfaces (such as the lingual side and the buccal side) of part of the teeth of the mandibular dental arch 20 and expose the occlusal surfaces of these teeth. Furthermore, the second correction unit 201′ has an extension 203 at each distal end. The occlusal surface OS2 (second occlusal surface) of the extension 203 includes a protrusion 202 that protrudes toward the first correction unit 101. The protrusion 202 is positioned to correspond to the second opening 101C ( FIG. 10 ) on the first correction unit 101 and the first tooth 10A. In some embodiments, the second correction unit 201′ and the protrusion 202 can be integrally molded.

Through the above design, the dental correction device 100' can also achieve the same correction effect as the dental correction device 100' in Figures 9 and 10. In addition, in some embodiments, the first correction unit 101 may also be omitted, and only the second correction unit 201' is worn and the protrusion 202 is used to press the first tooth 10A into the alveolar bone.

It is worth mentioning that the second correction unit 201' in the embodiments of Figures 12 and 13 also includes a plurality of limiting components 204, which can enable the second correction unit 201' made of metal to be stably fixed on the mandibular dental arch 20 when the protrusion 202 pushes the first tooth 10A of the maxillary dental arch 10, and prevent the second correction unit 201' from easily detaching from the mandibular dental arch 20 (it should be understood that the second correction unit 201' made of metal usually does not extend to the undercut area of the teeth of the mandibular dental arch 20, resulting in poor stability when fixed on the mandibular dental arch 20).

As shown in Figures 12 and 13 , each retaining member 204 is, for example, a flexible metal wire that spans the occlusal surfaces of a portion of the teeth in the mandibular dental arch 20 and movably connects to a plurality (e.g., two) connecting portions 201B (second connecting portions, e.g., rod-shaped structures) formed on the opposing lingual side LS2 (second lingual side) and buccal side BS2 (second buccal side) of each tooth receiving portion 201A of the second correction unit 201′. For example, one end of the retaining member 204 can be wrapped around the connecting portion 201B on the lingual side LS2 to secure it, while the other end can be detachably connected to the connecting portion 201B on the buccal side BS2 (as indicated by the arrows in Figure 13 ), thereby facilitating the wearing and removal of the second correction unit 201′. The ends of the retaining member 204 can also extend to the undercut areas of the corresponding teeth to engage with them ( Figure 13 ), thereby enhancing the stability of the second correction unit 201′ fixed to the mandibular dental arch 20. According to some embodiments, in addition to the limiting member 204 and the matching structure, a clasp, a clip, or a swing-lock mechanism may also be used to improve the stability of the second correction unit 201'.

In summary, the embodiments of the present invention provide various removable orthodontic devices for pressing a patient's maxillary second molar into the alveolar bone, thereby improving ease of use. However, the orthodontic devices of the present invention are not limited to correcting maxillary second molars.

For example, the orthodontic device may include a (first) correction unit 101, which is suitable for being worn on one of the patient's upper and lower dental arches, and can correspond to one or more first teeth in the upper or lower dental arch that need correction (overeruption) by changing the position or number of the (first) opening 101A, the connecting portion 101B, and the elastic element 102, so as to utilize the elastic force of the elastic element 102 to press the first tooth or teeth into the alveolar bone to achieve the purpose of correction. Alternatively, the orthodontic device may also include a (second) correction unit 201, which is suitable for being worn on the other of the upper and lower dental arches, and has one or more protrusions corresponding to the first teeth, which can pass through the correction unit 101 to push the first teeth to achieve the effect of assisting correction.

Although the present invention has been disclosed in conjunction with the above embodiments, it should be understood that any person having ordinary knowledge in the art may make changes, substitutions and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the manufacturing processes, machines, manufacturing, material compositions, devices, methods and steps in the specific embodiments described in the specification. Any person having ordinary knowledge in the art can understand from the disclosure of the present invention that the manufacturing processes, machines, manufacturing, material compositions, devices, methods and steps currently or in the future developed can be used according to the present invention as long as they can implement substantially the same functions or obtain substantially the same results in the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention includes the above-mentioned manufacturing processes, machines, manufacturing, material compositions, devices, methods and steps. In addition, each claim constitutes a separate embodiment, and the scope of protection of the present invention also includes the combination of each claim and embodiment.

Claims (11)

1. A dental orthodontic appliance, comprising: The first orthodontic unit is designed to be removably worn on either the maxillary or mandibular dental arch; At least one first receiving portion is formed on the first orthodontic unit for receiving at least one first tooth of the maxillary or mandibular dental arch that needs to be corrected, wherein the shape of the first receiving portion allows the first tooth to move toward the alveolar bone; At least one second receiving portion is formed on the first orthodontic unit for receiving at least one second tooth of the maxillary or mandibular dental arch that does not require orthodontic treatment, wherein the second receiving portion conforms to the shape of the second tooth and extends to the undercut area of the second tooth; At least one first opening is formed on a first occlusal surface of the first orthodontic unit. The first opening is elongated and extends to a first lingual surface and a first buccal surface of the first orthodontic unit. The position of the first opening corresponds to the position of the first tooth, and the first opening exposes a portion of the occlusal surface, lingual surface and buccal surface of the first tooth. A second opening is formed on the first occlusal surface of the first orthodontic unit and exposes the first tooth housed in the first orthodontic unit; At least one force-applying component is configured to contact the first tooth through the first opening, thereby generating a force to press the first tooth into the alveolar bone; and The second orthodontic unit is adapted to be removably worn on the other of the upper and lower dental arches, and the second orthodontic unit has a protrusion on a second occlusal surface configured to pass through the second opening on the first occlusal surface of the first orthodontic unit to push the first tooth. 2. The orthodontic device of claim 1, wherein when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first occlusal surface of the first orthodontic unit, the first opening extends in a first direction, and the first direction determines the direction in which the force presses the first tooth into the alveolar bone. 3. The orthodontic device of claim 2, wherein when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first lingual or first buccal side of the first orthodontic unit, the first opening extends in a second direction relative to the first occlusal surface and has a depth, wherein the second direction determines the direction in which the force presses the first tooth into the alveolar bone, and the depth determines the depth to which the force presses the first tooth into the alveolar bone. 4. The orthodontic device of claim 1, wherein the force-applying component further comprises a plurality of first connecting portions and an elastic element, the first connecting portions being fixed to the first lingual surface and the first buccal surface of the first orthodontic unit respectively, and the positions of the first connecting portions corresponding to the positions of the first opening, and the elastic element spanning the first occlusal surface of the first orthodontic unit and connecting the first connecting portions, and contacting the first tooth through the first opening, thereby generating the force to press the first tooth into the alveolar bone, wherein the force is an elastic restoring force. 5. The orthodontic device of claim 4, wherein the elastic element is a U-shaped structure having two parallel side portions and a middle portion located between the side portions, the side portions being fixed to the first lingual side and the first buccal side of the first orthodontic unit and each having a torsion spring portion, and the middle portion spanning the first occlusal surface of the first orthodontic unit and contacting the first tooth through the first opening. 6. The orthodontic device of claim 5, wherein when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first lingual or first buccal side, the first opening extends in a second direction relative to the first occlusal surface, one of the first connecting portions is located on one side of an extension line of the first opening along the second direction, and each of the two side portions of the elastic element has a first segment, a second segment, and a torsion spring portion located between the first segment and the second segment, wherein the first segment connects to the first connecting portion, and the second segment extends into the first opening and connects to the middle portion of the elastic element. 7. The orthodontic device of claim 4 further includes a protective element configured to cover a portion of the elastic element located in the first opening to prevent the elastic element from directly contacting the first tooth, and the protective element having an elastic material. 8. The orthodontic device of claim 1, wherein when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first occlusal surface, the shape of the second opening corresponds to the shape of the protrusion. 9. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1, wherein when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first occlusal surface, the second opening partially overlaps with the first opening and has a different shape. 10. The orthodontic device of claim 1, wherein a distal end of the second orthodontic unit has an extension, the protrusion is formed on the second occlusal surface of the extension, and the position of the protrusion corresponds to the position of the second opening and the first tooth. 11. The orthodontic device of claim 10, wherein the second orthodontic unit exposes the occlusal surfaces of a portion of the teeth of the other of the maxillary and mandibular dental arches, and the second orthodontic unit further includes at least one resilient limiting member movably connected to a plurality of second connecting portions formed on opposing second lingual and second buccal surfaces of the second orthodontic unit, spanning the occlusal surfaces of a portion of the teeth of the other of the maxillary and mandibular dental arches and extending to undercut areas of the teeth, thereby securing the second orthodontic unit to the other of the maxillary and mandibular dental arches.