초록 ▼

A palatal arch expander assembly provides low, constant expansion forces to the palatal arch and provides individual corrective forces to either the first or second molars. A shape memory or superelastic archwire can be cooled below its transition temperature so that it is easily bendable for insert

A palatal arch expander assembly provides low, constant expansion forces to the palatal arch and provides individual corrective forces to either the first or second molars. A shape memory or superelastic archwire can be cooled below its transition temperature so that it is easily bendable for insertion into the mouth. After insertion, the archwire warms to a temperature above its transition temperature and provides low, continual expansion forces throughout the treatment period without requiring further adjustment. A pair of adjustment wires are bendable and provide individual corrective forces to either the first or second molars. The adjustment wires can be readjusted at any point during the treatment period. The archwire can be formed from a nickel-titanium alloy wire or superelastic material and the adjustment wires can be formed from nicoloy, stainless steel, or similar metal wire.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A palatal arch expander assembly, comprising:an archwire made from a shape memory alloy and configured to substantially span the palatal arch, said archwire having a pair of ends;a pair of adjustment wires, each said adjustment wire having a distal end and a proximal end,

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A palatal arch expander assembly, comprising:an archwire made from a shape memory alloy and configured to substantially span the palatal arch, said archwire having a pair of ends;a pair of adjustment wires, each said adjustment wire having a distal end and a proximal end, each said distal end having a bend for facilitating the application of correcting forces to the molars such as angulation, rotation or torsion, independent of the forces on each molar and independent of the forces created by the archwire, and each of said proximal ends extending anteriorally for a distance;a pair of crimp tubes for receiving said ends of said archwire and said distal ends of said adjustment wires;a pair of stems, each of said stems adapted for receiving said adjustment wires;whereby the palatal arch expander assembly is mounted in the palatal arch, generally to the lingual surface of opposed molars to expand the palatal arch and to provide correcting forces to the molars such as angulation, rotation or torsion.