Archwire Assembly with Non-Linear Crimpable Orthodontic Stop and Method of Manufacture

摘要

An archwire stop defines a non-linear path through the stop that results in a bend moment between an orthodontic stop and the portion of an orthodontic archwire passing through the stop. The bend moment is accommodated by elastic deformation of the archwire and stop, resulting in a predictable frictional engagement between the stop and the archwire that is useful in maintaining a stop mounted on an archwire during packaging, shipping and handling in a clinical setting. A non-linear path through an archwire stop may be created by a non-linear tubular stop or may be created by appropriate internal features of the stop. The non-linear path through the stop may be selected so that the frictional engagement is greatest toward the free ends of the archwire, preventing the stop from sliding off the ends of an archwire, while permitting adjustment of the stop at the front of the mouth during patient treatment.

主权项

1. An archwire assembly for orthodontic treatment comprising:
a curved archwire including a length of elastic material between two free ends and a curvature along said length, said curvature defined by at least one radius of curvature; and a crimpable stop on said archwire and movable along the length of said archwire, an inside surface of said crimpable stop including a plurality of points of contact with said archwire, two of said points of contact being longitudinally spaced along said archwire and at least one point of contact being intermediate said two of said points of contact, wherein said points of contact impart a bending moment on a portion of said archwire within said crimpable stop and said points of contact define a non-linear path through said stop having a radius of curvature less than the largest radius of curvature defining the curvature of said archwire, resulting in frictional engagement between said crimpable stop and said archwire sufficient to prevent said crimpable stop from moving on a portion of said archwire having said largest radius of curvature when exposed to a force equal to the weight of the crimpable stop.