Orthodontic distalizing apparatus

Abstract

An orthodontic distalizing apparatus comprises at least one force generating element positioned intermediate a force dissipating element secured to the hard palate and/or alveolar ridge and a first tooth (e.g., a molar) that is being distalized. The at least one force generating element is positioned to apply a distalizing force on the molar in a direction substantially along a longitudinal axis of the dental arch and at a low level of the basal gingiva. The at least one force generating element may be configured to prevent inadvertent disassembly thereof during installation, adjustment and/or conversion of the apparatus between an active and a passive state. In addition, the at least one force generating element may be configured to be reversibly convertible between an active state and a passive state without requiring removal of the device from the patient's mouth. Moreover, the at least one force generating element may be configured to provide a continuous activation force of substantially constant magnitude during distalization of the molar. The apparatus may also be constructed so that the force dissipating element is connected to at least one anchoring tooth by a slidable coupling that absorbs all reaction forces transmitted substantially along a direction of the longitudinal arch. A second force dissipating element may be positioned intermediate the force dissipating element and a second tooth (e.g., a bicuspid) to facilitate the closing of any gaps that are created following distalization of the molar. A method of converting an orthodontic distalizing apparatus between an active and a passive state is also provided.

1 - 57 . (canceled)  
   
   
       58 . An orthodontic apparatus for distalizing a first tooth of a dental arch, comprising: 
 a force dissipating element configured to be located on a bony support of the dental arch; and    at least one force generating element configured to be positioned intermediate the force dissipating element and the first tooth,    wherein the at least one force generating element is configured to be positioned to apply a distalizing force on the first tooth in a direction substantially along a longitudinal axis of the dental arch and at a low level of the basal gingiva, and    wherein the at least one force generating element is configured to provide a substantially continuous distalization force during distalization of the first tooth.    
   
   
       59 . The apparatus of  claim 58 , wherein the continuous distalization force has a magnitude that is configured to remain substantially constant during distalization of the first tooth.  
   
   
       60 . The apparatus of  claim 58 , wherein the at least one force generating element includes first and second biasing elements configured to generate biasing forces in opposing directions.  
   
   
       61 . The apparatus of  claim 60 , wherein the at least one force generating element further includes an elongated guiding element configured to receive the first biasing element.  
   
   
       62 . The apparatus of  claim 61 , wherein the elongated guiding element further comprises an anterior collar and a posterior collar, and wherein the first biasing element is configured to provide an expansion force between the anterior collar and the posterior collar.  
   
   
       63 . The apparatus of  claim 62 , wherein the anterior collar is configured to be slidably coupled to the elongated guiding element.  
   
   
       64 . The apparatus of  claim 63  wherein the second biasing element is configured to provide an opposing force on the anterior collar.  
   
   
       65 . The apparatus of  claim 64  wherein the second biasing element is configured to provide a contraction force between a distal end of the elongated guiding element and the anterior collar.  
   
   
       66 . The apparatus of  claim 62 , wherein the posterior collar is slidably coupled to the elongated guiding element.  
   
   
       67 . The apparatus of  claim 62 , wherein the first biasing element is a compression spring configured to be slidably mounted between the anterior and posterior collars.  
   
   
       68 . The apparatus of  claim 62 , wherein the second biasing element is an elastic strap.  
   
   
       69 . The apparatus of  claim 68 , wherein the elastic strap is configured to be stretched between a distal end of the elongated guiding element and a mesial face of the anterior collar.  
   
   
       70 . The apparatus of  claim 58 , wherein the force dissipating element is secured in place by an anchoring element configured to extend between the force dissipating element and at least one anchoring tooth that is different from the first tooth.  
   
   
       71 . The apparatus of  claim 58 , wherein the at least one force generating element is configured to be reversibly convertible between an active state and a passive state while remaining installed in the dental arch.  
   
   
       72 . An orthodontic apparatus for distalizing a first tooth of a dental arch, comprising: 
 a force dissipating element configured to be located on a bony support of the dental arch; and    a force generating element configured to be positioned intermediate the force dissipating element and the first tooth and including first and second biasing elements configured to generate biasing forces in opposing directions,    wherein the at least one force generating element is configured to provide a substantially continuous distalization force during distalization of the first tooth.    
   
   
       73 . The apparatus of  claim 72 , wherein the first biasing element comprises a compression spring, and wherein the force generating element includes an elongated guiding element with the compression spring captured between an anterior spring stop and a posterior spring stop.  
   
   
       74 . The apparatus of  claim 73 , wherein the anterior spring stop is slidably coupled to the elongated guiding element.  
   
   
       75 . The apparatus of  claim 74 , wherein the second biasing element is configured to provide a force on the anterior spring stop opposing a force provided by the compression spring.  
   
   
       76 . The apparatus of  claim 75 , wherein the second biasing element is an elastic strap having one end coupled to the anterior spring stop.  
   
   
       77 . A method of providing a substantially continuous distalization force during distalization of a first tooth of a dental arch, the method comprising: 
 providing a force dissipating element configured to be located on a bony support of the dental arch; and    providing a force generating element configured to be positioned immediate the force dissipating element and the first tooth, the force generating element including first and second biasing elements configured to generate biasing forces in opposing directions,    wherein the first biasing element is a compression spring and the second biasing element is configured to retain the compression spring in a compressed state.