TODAY’S PATENT – BRACKET

Invented by Benedikt Lenzner and currently assigned to Swissodont GmbH, the patent application was granted on 22^nd August 2023 while it was published on 29-10-2020 with the patent no. US20200337810A1. This invention pertains to brackets for orthodontic tooth correction and a set of brackets with various sizes and variants. Brackets are commonly used in orthodontics to form fixed appliances known as braces, which correct dental malpositions.

A bracket is an individual element of a brace, typically bonded to a tooth’s surface, providing a slot for an arch. The arch helps move teeth within the slot, enabling various tooth adjustments. Brackets come in twin or single forms and can be categorized as edgewise  or straight wire brackets. They can also be self-ligating (no ligature required) or feature a vertical slot. Existing brackets are typically made of materials like stainless steel, gold, ceramic, composite, or titanium and have a square lock.

The challenge lies in achieving friction control for better sliding. These brackets need to be bonded to teeth using various techniques. The invention introduces a bracket with a unique slot design, featuring an acute angle between opposing slot walls, providing secure archwire positioning and preventing arch detachment. The slot consists of multiple portions resembling a siphon in cross-section, facilitating arch insertion and preventing dislodgment.

This bracket’s innovation simplifies three-dimensional tooth movement, reducing the need for complex arch bending. It enhances patient comfort, reduces treatment duration, and minimizes the risk of soft tissue irritation, particularly for lingual brackets. The bracket’s shape resembles a tortoise shell, eliminating the need for movable parts.

Overall, this invention aims to improve orthodontic treatments by making bracket application and archwire management more efficient and comfortable for both practitioners and patients.