US3896549A

US3896549A - Orthodontic elastic band

Info

Publication number: US3896549A
Application number: US462658A
Authority: US
Inventors: Melvin Wallshein
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1974-04-22
Filing date: 1974-04-22
Publication date: 1975-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 1992-07-29

Abstract

The orthodontic elastic band which is described is suitable for use with orthodontic arch brackets mounted on teeth misaligned from their desired positions. The band includes a plurality of spaced sections each provided with bracket engaging means in the form of bracket engaging apertures. Elastic connecting means in the form of elastic links are provided between adjacent sections for linking the latter. The elastic links are arranged for applying non-symmetrical (i.e., rotational) forces to said sections and the respective brackets when the elastic links are tensioned. The sections are substantially planar and tensioning of the elastic links results in a torqueing action about the respective brackets in the planes of the sections. When at least three sections are provided, the connecting links between successive adjacent sections may be arranged to exhibit different resistances to twisting. With the latter embodiment, rotation of a section outside of its plane produces torqueing action on opposing sides of the respective section about the arch wire.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Wallshein [4 1 *Jul 29,1975

[ ORTHODONTIC ELASTIC BAND Melvin Wallshein, 8645 Bay Pky., Brooklyn, NY. I 1214 [76] Inventor:

] Notice: The portion ofthe term of this patent subsequent to Apr. 16. 1991. has been disclaimed.

[22] Filed: Apr. 22, 1974 211 Appl. No.: 462,658

Primary ExaminerRobert Peshock Attorney, Agent, or FirmFlynn & Frishauf [57] ABSTRACT The orthodontic elastic band which is described is suitable for use with orthodontic arch brackets mounted on teeth misaligned from their desired positions. The band includes a plurality of spaced sections each provided with bracket engaging means in the form of bracket engaging apertures. Elastic connecting means in the form of elastic links are provided between adjacent sections for linking the latter. The elastic links are arranged for applying nonsymmetrical (i.e., rotational) forces to said sections and the respective brackets when the elastic links are tensioned. The sections are substantially planar and tensioning of the elastic links results in a torqueing action about the respective brackets in the planes of the sections. When at least three sections are provided, the connecting links between successive adjacent sections may be arranged to exhibit different resistances to twisting. With the latter embodiment, rotation of a section outside of its plane produces torqueing action on opposing sides of the respective section about the arch wire.

26 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures ORTHODONTIC ELASTIC BAND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to orthodontic appliances, and more particularly to an orthodontic elastic band suitable for applying non-symmetrical forces to brackets to cause transverse, tilting, and uprighting movements of corresponding teeth.

Orthodontic devices and appliances are well known for use in moving teeth in various ways. One of the frequent orthodontic procedures is the drawing of two adjacent teeth towards one another. Various spring and elastic devices have been proposed for moving teeth in this manner. However, many of the known orthodontic devices are unsatisfactory because they do not provide means for regulating the amount of tilting which the tooth experiences while it is being moved transversely. This problem arises due to the anchored nature of the tooth at its roots. Since the forces applied to a tooth can normally only be applied to the exposed portions thereof which extend beyond the gum, transverse forces applied to the teeth tend to cause tilting or uprighting movements due to pivotting of the teeth about their rooted portions.

The problems generally encountered in moving teeth and orthodontic elastic bands are more specifically described in the original application Ser. No. 310,572, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 3,803,715. That application teaches various types of elastic bands which can be utilized to provide the desired movements or results. However, the bands described in the earlier case are generally continuous flat strips having substantially parallel opposing edges. The nature of the earlier described elastic bands is such that they generate and apply symmetrical forces to the teeth with respect to the bracket or arch wire. Accordingly, while the previous elastic bands move the teeth in the desired directions, they cannot compensate for undesired tilting ac tion, above described, where this is desirable.

The present invention discloses an orthodontic elastic band whose primary function is to enhance the utility of the biassing devices of the type disclosed in the earlier application by permitting selective regulation of the tilting or uprighting forces which are applied to a tooth while the same is being moved transversely. To this end, the present application discloses elastic strips which are provided with notches and other discontinuities between respective bracket engaging apertures to provide non-symmetrical forces which are applied to the brackets with respect to the arch wire. By appropriate selection of the connecting links between bracket engaging sections, both the nature and magnitude of the non-symmetrical forces applied to the brackets can be closely regulated or controlled. Accordingly, while the elastic bands described in the present application can be utilized similarly as those described in the parent case, the non-symmetrical forces which are achievable with the present bands can be utilized with greater effectiveness to counteract or enhance pivotting about the roots of the tooth as the latter is urged in a transverse direction. This permits tilting or uprighting or limiting excessive tilting and uprighting during such orthodontic procedures.

There is also described in the parent application, an elastic band a portion of which is twisted about its length prior to mounting on a bracket. Such twisting results in lingual or labial torqueing of a tooth. However, the forces which generate the lingual or labial torqueing upon a tooth correspondingly result in counter torqueing forces on the adjacent teeth on which the elastic band is mounted for anchoring purposes. The present invention also utilizes the concept of application of non-symmetrical forces to relieve some of the excessive torqueing counter-forces on anchoring teeth and redistributing these forces over the entire arch, most of the forces being shifted in the distal directions where the anchoring teeth are bigger and can withstand the forces without being excessively shifted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an orthodontic elastic band which does not have the above described disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an orthodontic band which is elastic and which is simple in construction and economical to manufacture.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an orthodontic elastic band which can selectively apply non-symmetrical (i.e.. rotational or tilting) forces to brackets of adjacent teeth.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an orthodontic band which can effectively and inexpensively regulate tilting or uprighting of a tooth while the latter is moved transversely.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide tilt limiting means associated with an orthodontic elastic band of the general type described in the other objects which limits excessive tilting of the tooth as the band causes the teeth to move transversely and simultaneously causes tilting or uprighting of the teeth.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an orthodontic elastic band which permits accurate regulation of transverse as well as torqueing forces on teeth within an orthodontic system.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an orthodontic band which can apply lingual or labial torqueing forces to teeth and redistribute or shift the counter forces in the distal direction of the arch to prevent excessive movement of adjacent anchoring teeth.

In order to achieve the above objects, as well as others which will become apparent hereafter, an orthodontic elastic band suitable for use with orthodontic arch brackets mounted on teeth misaligned from their desired positions includes a plurality of spaced sections each provided with bracket engaging means for engaging a respective bracket. Elastic connecting means are provided between adjacent sections for linking the latter. Said connecting means are arranged for applying rotational forces to said sections and the respective brackets when said connecting means are tensioned.

In accordance with one presently preferred embodiment, said sections form an elongate substantially planar strip having opposing parallel edges and made from elastomeric material. In this embodiment, the strip is provided with notches at one of said parallel edges which may either be V-shaped or rectangular. In accordance with another embodiment, said sections are aligned along a substantially straight line and said connecting means comprises elastic links connected between opposing portions of adjacent sections. The position or inclination of the link is selected to generate non-symmetrical forces to the respective bracket relative to the arch wire when the link is tensioned.

To provide lingual or labial torqueing, at least three sections are provided and arranged along a straight line generally parallel with the arch wire when said sections are mounted on corresponding brackets. Said connecting means provided between each two successive adjacent sections exhibits different resistance to twisting. ln

this manner, rotation of a section about said straight line produces non-symmetrical torqueing action on opposing sides of the respective section about the arch wire.

Any conventional bracket engaging means may be utilized. Directed apertures, as described in application Ser. No. 310,572, are particularly suitable wherein said apertures are directed to correspond to the desired positions in angular orientations of the corresponding teeth on which said sections are mounted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS With the above and additional objects and advantages in view, as will hereinafter appear, this invention comprises the devices, combinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter described by way of example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings ofa preferred embodiment in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an orthodontic elastic band in accordance with the present invention, showing two spaced bracket engaging means each in the form of two spaced apertures, and further showing a series of discontinuities in the form of V-shaped and rectangular notches along the upper edge of the strip. Such a construction results in non-symmetrical forces in the upper and lower portions of the strip when the latter is tensioned;

FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1, showing the strip with a rectangular notch and showing a tilt limiting elastic portion which bridges the open end of the rectangular notch to prevent excessive separation or tilting of teeth;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the band shown in FIG. 2, taken along line 33;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of an orthodontic device in accordance with the present invention suitable for mounting on two adjacent teeth, the device including two circular bracket engaging sections connected by a link;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of an elastic band of the type shown in FIG. I mounted on brackets on adjacent teeth which cooperate with an arch wire passing through the channels of the brackets, and showing one of the sections rotated 180 to tension a transverse connecting link to thereby enhance the torqueing action which counteracts the tilting forces which would normally be applied to the tooth. The elastic band may assume the configuration shown either as a result of tensioning the band or may be pre-formed in the shape shown;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a further embodiment of an orthodontic elastic band in accordance with the present invention, showing a plurality of spaced sections each adapted to engage a bracket on a tooth and connected to each other by diagonal connecting links, as shown on the left side of the FIGURE, the two central sections being connected to each other by a transverse connecting link similar to that shown in FIG. 2, and the right-hand side of the FIGURE showing how similar rotating action can be achieved by utilizing transverse links in place of diagonal links;

FIG. 7 illustrates a practical construction of the clastic band shown in FIG. 6, showing the'band as constructed in solid outline and, in dashed outline, the

shape it assumes when the respective sections are shifted into positions for mounting on the brackets; and

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view ofa still further em-' bodiment of the present invention, showing a plurality of spaced sections, successively adjacent sections being connected by different numbers or differently dimensioned connecting links, connecting links between each I DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED I EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the FIGURES, wherein identical or similar parts have been designated by the same reference numerals throughout, and first referring toFIG. 1, an elastic band in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 1 In accordance with one presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the elastic band is generally in the form of a substantially flat strip of elastic material 1 12, such as rubber or other elastomeric material, and provided with spaced bracket engaging means 14. The bracket engaging means shown in FIG. 1 are in the form of pairs of apertures 14a and 141) which are together adapted to receive the wings of a single edgewise-type bracket, with the portion of the strip between each two apertures being receivable within the channel of a bracket. The general procedure for using such strips and a more detailed discussion of the types of apertures which can be utilized and the manner of utilizing the same is set forth in the application Ser. No. 310,572.

An important feature of the present invention is the provision of discontinuities 16 along one of the parallel edges 12a, 12b of the strip 12 and between adjacent bracket engaging means 14 to provide non-symmetrical forces applied to the brackets relative to an anchor point, such as an arch wire, to generate torqueing forces. The non-symmetrical forces referred to herein may also be described as rotational forces applied to the brackets (i.e., to the tooth) so as to cause tilting of a tooth about a fulcrum point.

In FIG. 1, the discontinuity 16 is in the form of a V- shaped notch 18 shown to extend to a point approximately midway between the two opposing edges 12a, 12b of the strip. However, as shown by the dashed outlines 18a and 18b, the notch can be larger or smaller. The size of the notch determines the dimensions of the resulting connecting link 20 which now connects the bracket engaging sections. Clearly, tensioning of the link 20 generates restoring forces 20a. Accordingly, the dimensions, the position and orientation of the link 20 are all factors which determine the directions and magnitudes of the forces 2011. By changing the size or shape of the notch 16, the effective position and magnitude of the restoring forces 20a can be changed relative to an imaginary longitudinal center line which extends through the strip when the latter is stretched. The greater the discontinuity, as successively depicted by the outline 18a, 18 and 18b, the lower will the forces 20a act, as viewed, in FIG. 1, or the further will the effective forces move from the general area of the center line of the strip 12 towards the lower edge 12b thereof.

While the notch 16 has been described thus far as being V-shaped, the notch may also be rectangular as depicted by the dashed outline 180. The operation of the band is similar irrespective of the specific configuration of the notch. However, the provision of a rectangular notch results in a more well defined transverse connecting link between opposing portions of the two adjacent bracket engaging sections. Such a link extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal center line of the strip.

When the band is provided with a rectangular notch 18c and is stretched to separate the bracket engaging means 14, the linking portion 20 is stretched as described above. The formation of a rectangular notch 18b assures that the restoring forces act along the lower edge 12b of the strip, as viewed in FIG. 1. Thus, the generation of discontinuities between adjacent bracket engaging portions or sections permits precise location of restoring forces which are generated when the elastic strip is tensioned. As will be evident, the length of the rectangular notch 26 is not critical and the notch may be as deep or as narrow as desired. As with V- shaped notches, the larger the rectangular notch at one edge, the more will the forces be concentrated along the other longitudinal edge of the strip. As to be described hereafter, the restoring forces increase the torqueing forces which are exerted upon a tooth relative to the bracket and arch wire to promote or prevent excessive tilting or uprighting of the tooth.

In FIG. 2, a band 22 is shown which is similar to the band 10. However, the band 22 is in the form of a strip 24 which includes elongate single apertures 26 each for engaging a single bracket, each single aperture replacing the twin or pairs of spaced apertures 14a and 14b shown in FIG. 1.

The band 22 includes a rectangular notch 28 between the spaced apertures 26, the upper end of the notch being closed by a strand 30. The rectangular notch 28 also forms, as in FIG. 1, a transverse connecting link 32. The strand 30 is in the form ofa tilt limiting portion which extends between opposing portions of the two adjacent bracket engaging sections. It is pointed out that while the transverse link 32 is disposed at a level below the apertures 26, the tilt limiting strand 30 is disposed above the bracket engaging apertures. Tensioning or stretching the link 32 generates restoring forces 320 as shown by the arrows while tensioning or stretching the tilt limiting strand 30 generates restoring forces 34. The strand 30 may be shorter, equal or longer than the link 32, for reasons which will become apparent hereafter. It should be clear that the restoring

forces

32a and 34 result in torqueing of the brackets with respect to an arch wire to cause corresponding torqueing, tilting or uprighting of the teeth on which the brackets are mounted. This torqueing effect is achieved by spacing the link 32 and strand 30 sufficiently close to the edges of the strip 24 to provide a moment arm about the respective bracket about which the restoring forces can act. As the link 32, for example, becomes wider or the dimensions of the rectangular notch 28 are reduced, the restoring forces 32a shift towards the longitudinal center of the strip 24 and torqueing action is soon lost when the restoring forces act directly through the brackets. In this condition, the band behaves substantially similarly to the symmetrical-type bands which are described in the parent application.

The link 32 and the tilt limiting strand 30 are selected to exhibit different elastic characteristics to cause the tilt limiting portion to prevent excessive tilting of a respective tooth only when the transverse link 32 has caused the tooth to tilt a predetermined value with corresponding excessive tensioning of the tilt limiting strand 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the cross sectional area of the tilt limiting strand 30 is smaller than that of the transverse link 32. Further, the length of the tilt limiting strand 30 may be advantageously selected to be longer than that of the transverse link 32, as suggested above. With such an arrangement, the apertures 26 may be slipped onto two adjacent brackets with the

links

30 and 32 in stretched or tensioned condition. So mounting the band 22 causes corresponding teeth to move towards one another primarily due to the forces 32a. However, if the teeth tilt excessively with respect to one another to result in excessive tensioning of the tilt limiting strand 30 beyond a predetermined value, the latter generates a counteracting or restoring force 34 which opposes further tilting. In effect, the restoring forces 34 are selected to prevent excessive movement of the teeth beyond a desired condition due to the ac tion of the forces 32a.

With respect to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13, the non-symmetrical or rotational forces which are generated have been described thus far as being a function of the extent or configuration of the notches 16. However, it should be clear that any means provided between adjacent bracket engaging sections to generate non-symmetrical forces can equally be utilized to achieve the objects of the present invention. Thus, it is possible, for example, to change the thickness of the strip in the region of one or the other edge thereof to thereby enhance the forces at said edge when the strip is stretched.

While the bracket engaging sections of the present invention have thus far been described as comprising an elongate planar strip, this is similarly not a critical requirement. In fact, the broader aspects of the present invention merely require spaced bracket engaging sections which are connected by links of the type above suggested which result in non-symmetrical forces when tensioned. Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment 36 is shown which includes two circular

bracket engaging sections

38 and 40. The section 38 is provided with bracket engaging apertures 38a and 38b suitable for engaging the wings of a single edgewise-type bracket. On the other hand, the section 40 is provided with two pairs of smaller

bracket engaging apertures

40a and 40b which are adapted to be mounted on a double edgewrse-type bracket. The

sections

38 and 40 are connected by means of a link 42 which would, when tensioned, generate a non-symmetrical force upon the respective brackets. A further link 44 is shown in dashed outline to illustrate that the length or position of the link is not critical and many arrangements of the present invention are possible for achieving the objects thereof. While the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is adapted for use on two adjacent teeth, a similar construction can be used with a series of bracket engaging sections.

An orthodontic system is shown in FIG. wherein a series of bracket engaging sections 50 similar to those shown in FIG. I are mountable on edgewise brackets (not shown) which engage an arch wire 48. The leftmost and center sections 50 in FIG. 5 are to be mounted on anchor teeth. On the other hand, the right section 52 is mounted on a tooth which is to be moved or drawn towards the other two brackets or anchor teeth. An example of the way in which the present invention can be utilized is shown where the section 52 is rotated approximately 180 to thereby substantially stretch the transverse connecting link 56. The link 56, which includes portions 56a and 56b, generates a transverse force when tensioned along the direction of the arch,.wire 58 which tends to draw the tooth to be moved towards the left. However, because the transverse link 56 acts below the aperture 26 and below the arch wire 48, torqueing forces 520 are simultaneously generated which tend to pivot or rotate the bracket and tooth to be moved in a clockwise direction. Since the tooth to be moved, in this example, has the roots thereof anchored in the gum and bone structure, the transverse forces which urge the tooth towards the left would normally simultaneously cause the tooth to pivot in a counter-clockwise direction about its roots. Clearly, the forces 52a tend to counteract this normal tendency and promote movement of the tooth towards the left with minimal tilting of the tooth. If, on the other hand, the tooth were initially excessively tilted towards the right,

I and a counter-clockwise torqueing force were desired,

a transverse link could be provided, for example, extending between opposing portions of the

adjacent sections

50 and 52 above the center line. Alternately, the transverse link 56 could extend directly from the lower region of the central section 50 to an opposing portion of the right-hand section 52 above the center line, similar to the diagonal or oblique links to be described in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the elastic band 58 shown can assume the configuration shown by turning the section 52 as suggested above and resulting in tensioning of the link 56. Alternately, a band may be fabricated to include the links 56, 56a and 56b which at least partially extend around the periphery of the substantially planar section 52 in the plane thereof. In this manner, tensioning of the links applies torqueing action about the respective bracket around which the link extends.

In FIG. 6, a further embodiment of the present invention is shown which is generally indicated by the reference numeral 58. The elastic band 58 can best be described as comprising a plurality of sections 60 which are spaced from each other and are each provided with bracket engaging means as described above. As with the sections or portions shown in the previous Figures, the sections 60 are arranged or aligned, prior to ten sioning of the band, along a substantially straight line. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the sections are aligned with the straight line substantially parallel to the arch wire 48 when the sections 60 are oriented in positions prior to mounting on the brackets. Here, the connecting means which connect the sections 60 to each other may be in the form of diagonal linking portions or links 62, as shown on the left of the Figure which extend between opposing portions of each two adjacent sections and extend in oblique directions relative to the straight nected by transverse links 64 as shown. Each link ex-' tends between opposing portions of each two adjacent sections. In the presently preferred embodiment, the oblique links extend between extreme opposing portions proximate the upper and lower edges of the respective sections 60. One end. section 60 is connected to a buccal end tube and arch wire by means of a loop connected to the end oblique link 66 while the other end section is similarly connected by means of a loop 74 connected to an oblique link 72. When the band 58 is stretched and mounted on the brackets of corresponding teeth, the teeth experience torques as suggested by the directions of the arrows shown in FIG. 6. More specifically, the teeth to the right of the median line of the arch will experience clockwise torques while the teeth on the other side of the arch will experience counter-clockwise torques.

While the elastic bands of the type suggested in the Figures may be manufactured in continuous strips, such bands can also be formed from the bands disclosed in the parent application. When utilized in combination with or derived'from symmetrical bands, dis.

continuities or notches can be added by suitably punching out the same in any conventional manner along one or the other of both edges of the band.

It should be pointed out that the dimensions shown inthe Figures are not necessarily to scale and some exaggerations have been made to more clearly show the important structural features of the band. It should be pointed out, however, that the bands under discussion are generally very small and manufacturing problems may arise in their construction. For example, the left side of the band shown in FIG. 6 may not be convenient for manufacturing because of the small dimensions of the links as well as the small spaces between adjacent sections in which the oblique links are to be formed. In FIG. 7, a slightly modified band is shown which may be more easily manufactured but which can nevertheless be converted, for all practical purposes, into a'band as shown at the left of FIG. 6. More specifically, the sections 60 are arranged, prior to tensioning of the band or the links, along a straight line which forms an angle with the arch wire when the sections are oriented, as shown, in positions prior to mounting on the brackets. Now, the links are merely short sections which connect proximate corners of adjacent sections. To obtain the oblique links 62 shown in FIG. 6, each of the sections is shifted or displaced downwardly as suggested by the dashed outlines. Such downward movement of the sections tensions the links 62 and disposes the links in the desired positions indicated in FIG. 6. Thus, the band as shown in FIG. 7 is one possible structural approach to obtain the band shown in FIG. 6.

7 Since the orthodontic band of the present invention is primarily intended to regulate the tilting and uprighting forces exerted on teeth while the same are being transversely moved distally or mesially, tilt limiting means such as the tilt limiting strand 30 maybe incorporated in any of the described embodiments to prevent excessive tilting or uprighting. An important feature of the present invention is that the connecting links which connect two bracket engaging sections extend between points on adjacent sections which would not result in symmetrical forces being applied on-these sections when the link is tensioned.

, A still further embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 8, wherein an elastic band 76 is shown suitable for lingually or labially torqueing a tooth. Such a band is described in the parent application. However, the twisting of the portion of the band 76 which results in lingual or labial torqueing also results in counter forces applied to adjacent teeth. Since these counter forces can be substantial and are generally applied to teeth which are not rigidly anchored themselves, undesired movements of adjacent teeth may result. The band 76 of the present invention eliminates this problem by redistributing the counter forces along the arch and shifting the major components of these forces distally towards the bigger and better anchoring teeth. To achieve this, the band 76 comprises a plurality of sections 78a78f. The advantages of the present band can be realized when at least three anchoring sections are provided. The sections are respectively connected or joined by

links

80, 82, 84, 86 and 88, not necessarily in the order shown. These links may be symmetrically or asymmetrically connected to the bracket engaging sections. However, each of the links exhibits different resistance characteristics to twisting. The different resistant characteristics may be achieved in numerous ways. For example, the cross sectional dimensions of the links or lengths, may be different. Alternately, dif ferent numbers of links may be provided or their positions with respect to the arch wire can also be different. Any of these factors will result in different resistance to twisting of a section and of the general plane of the band 76. For example, the

links

80 and 82 are both centrally located except that the link 82 is substantially thinner than the link 80 and therefore will exhibit a smaller resistance to twisting. Similarly, the links 84 and 86 are each in the form of two spaced links along the edges of the band 76. However, the links 86 are thicker and therefore will exhibit higher resistance to twisting. The links 88 are in the form of three links, two peripheral links and one central link. Clearly, numerous combinations and possibilities may be found which will provide the desired twisting resistance characteristic for a particular application.

In the use of the band 76 shown in FIG. 8, resistance characteristics of the various links are advantageously selected so that a single twist of a given bracket engaging section is all that is required to provide the requisite lingual or labial torque on a tooth. Simultaneously, a single turn of the other sections of the band is all that is necessary to compensate for the counteracting forces, the forces being transmitted to adjacent teeth with subsequent sections having counter twists to further compensate for these counter forces, the counter forces being thereby shifted distally towards the larger and better anchoring teeth. In this manner, the teeth in the region of the lingually or labially torqued tooth, which may not be capable of withstanding the high counteracting torques or moments without physically shifting in position, are substantially relieved of these forces.

As described above, the Figures above described are merely illustrative. The actual proportions or dimensions of the bands may be modified to suit a particular application. For example, while the bracket engaging sections have been generally designated as being flat and planar, these sections may be strand-like wherein each of the bracket engaging apertures is defined by strands of elastic material which define the bracket engaging sections. Further, it is not necessary that the sections be planar or flat and, in fact, the elastic portions may assume any cross sectional configuration, as suggested above, to enhance or reduce the amount of restoring forces which are generated when various portions of the band are tensioned.

Numerous alterations of the structure herein disclosed will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure relates to a preferred embodiment of the invention which is for purposes of illustration only and is not to be construed as a limitation of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An orthodontic, elastic band for use with orthodontic arch brackets mounted on teeth misaligned from their desired positions, the band comprising a plurality of spaced sections each provided with bracket engaging means for substantially non-rotatably engaging a respective bracket; and elastic connectingmeans coupling adjacent sections together, said elastic connecting means being located with respect to said adjacent sections and dimensioned for generating and applying generally rotational forces to said adjacent sections and their respective brackets when said connecting means are elastically tensioned.

2. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 1, wherein said bracket engaging means comprise directed apertures in said sections directed to correspond to the desired positions and angular orientations of the corresponding teeth on which said sections are mounted.

3. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 1, wherein said sections comprise an elongate substantially planar strip having opposing parallel edges and made from an elastomeric material.

4. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 3, wherein said strip is provided with notches at one of said parallel edges between adjacent bracket engaging means to form said connecting means.

5. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 4, wherein said notches are generally V-shaped.

6. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 4, wherein said notches are generally rectangular.

7. An orthodontic band as defined in claim I, wherein said sections are aligned along a substantially straight line, and wherein said connecting means comprises an elastic link connected between opposing portions of two adjacent sections.

8. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 7, for use with an arch wire, and wherein said sections are arranged, prior to tensioning of said link, with said substantially straight line substantially parallel to an arch wire when said sections are oriented in positions prior to mounting on the brackets.

9. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 7, wherein said link extends between opposing portions of two adjacent sections and extends in a direction substantially parallel to said substantially straight line.

10. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 7, wherein said link extends between opposing portions of two adjacent sections and extends in an oblique direction relative to said substantially straight line.

11. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 7, for use with an arch wire, and wherein said sections are arranged, prior to tensioning of said link, with said sub-' stantially straight line forming an angle with the arch wire when said sections are oriented in positions prior to mounting on the brackets.

12. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 11, wherein said sections are generally rectangular in shape and adjacent sections are spaced from each other along said substantially straight line to dispose corresponding opposing corners of said sections into proximity to each other, said link extending between said corresponding opposing corners, whereby positioning said sections in orientations for mounting on the brackets along a substantially straight line substantially parallel to the arch wire tensions said links and the latter assume oblique orientations relative to the arch wire.

13. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 1, further comprising elastic tilt limiting means extending between said two adjacent sections for preventing excessive tilting of a respective tooth only when said conlimiting means.

14. An' orthodontic band as defined in claim 1,

wherein, said sections are substantially planar and wherein said elastic connecting means is in the form of an elongate elastic link extending between two sections, said link at least partially extending around the periphery of at least one of said sections in the plane of the latter, whereby tensioning of said link applies a torqueing action about the respective bracket around which said link extends.

15. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 1, wherein said sections are formed of strand-like material.

16. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 1, wherein said bracket engaging means comprises two spaced openings arranged along a line directed to cor-' respond to the desired positions and angular orientations of the corresponding teeth on which said sections are mounted.

17. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 16, wherein said openings are circular.

18. An orthodontic elastic band for use with orthodontic arch brackets mountedon teeth'misaligned from their desired positions, the band comprising a plurality of spaced sections each provided with bracket engaging means for substantiallynon-rotatably engaging a respective bracket; and elastic connecting means coupling adjacent sections together, and having a resis+ tance to twisting, said elastic connecting means being located with respect to said adjacent sections and dimensioned for generating and applying torqueing forces to said adjacent sections and their respective brackets when one of said sections is rotated relative to the other sections to twist said elastic connecting means.

'19. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 18, comprising at least three of said sections, and wherein said connecting means between successive pairs of adjacent sections include different numbers of links. I

20. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 18, comprising at least three of said sections, and wherein said connecting means between successive pairs of adjacent sections include links having different cross sections.

21. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 18, comprising at least three of said sections, and wherein said connecting means between successive pairs of adjacent sections extend between different opposing corresponding sections. Q r r 22. An orthodontic band as defined in claim l8com- 1 prising at least three sections with said elasticconnecting means interposed therebetween, whereby rotation of a section produces torqueing forces acting on opposing sides of the respective section.

23. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 18 wherein said connecting means between sections of at least one pair of adjacent sections comprises a link substantially centrally located relative to said sections and extending therebetween.

24. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 18 wherein said connecting means comprises a pair of spaced links extending between a pair of adjacent sections.

25. An orthodontic device according to claim 26 wherein said pair of spaced links extend substantially along the edges of the band between adjacent sections.

26. An orthodontic device according to claim 1 wherein said bracket engaging means comprises a plurality of spaced openings,

portions of g

Claims

1. An orthodontic elastic band for use with orthodontic arch brackets mounted on teeth misaligned from their desired positions, the band comprising a plurality of spaced sections each provided with bracket engaging means for substantially nonrotatably engaging a respective bracket; and elastic connecting means coupling adjacent sections together, said elastic connecting means being located with respect to said adjacent sections and dimensioned for generating and applying generally rotational forces to said adjacent sections and their respective brackets when said connecting means are elastically tensioned.

7. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 1, wherein said sections are aligned along a substantially straight line, and wherein said connecting means comprises an elastic link connected between opposing portions of two adjacent sections.

11. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 7, for use with an arch wire, and wherein said sections are arranged, prior to tensioning of said link, with said substantially straight line forming an angle with the arch wire when said sections are oriented in positions prior to mounting on the brackets.

13. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 1, further comprising elastic tilt limiting means extending between said two adjacent sections for preventing excessive tilting of a respective tooth only when said connecting means has caused the tooth to tilt to a predetermined value with corresponding tensioning of said tilt limiting means.

14. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 1, wherein said sections are substantially planar and wherein said elastic connecting means is in the form of an elongate elastic link extending between two sections, said link at least partially extending around the periphery of at least one of said sections in the plane of the latter, whereby tensioning of said link applies a torqueing action about the respective bracket around which said link extends.

16. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 1, wherein said bracket engaging means comprises two spaced openings arranged along a line directed to correspond to the desired positions and angular orientations of the corresponding teeth on which said sections are mounted.

18. An orthodontic elastic band for use with orthodontic arch brackets mounted on teeth misaligned from their desired positions, the band comprising a plurality of spaced sections each provided with bracket engaging means for substantially non-rotatably engaging a respective bracket; and elastic connecting means coupling adjacent sections together, and having a resistance to twisting, said elastic connecting means being located with respect to said adjacent sections and dimensioned for generating and applying torqueing forces to said adjacent sections and their respective brackets when one of said sections is rotated relative to the other sections to twist said elastic connecting means.

19. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 18, comprising at least three of said sections, and wherein said connecting means between successive pairs of adjacent sections include different numbers of links.

21. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 18, comprising at least three of said sections, and wherein said connecting means between successive pairs of adjacent sections extend between different opposing portions of corresponding sections.

22. An orthodontic band as defined in claim 18 comprising at least three sections with said elastic connecting means interposed therebetween, whereby rotation of a section produces torqueing forces acting on opposing sides of the respective section.

26. An orthodontic device according to claim 1 wherein said bracket engaging means comprises a plurality of spaced openings.