WILLIAM FREDERICK VOGT
Dentist in Bangor, PA

5711667, Jan 27, 1998

Oct 10, 1995

8/541474

William Vogt - Bangor PA

A61C 736

433 19

An orthodontic bite jumping device includes a metal cylinder for receiving a telescoping plunger, for attachment to and between the orthodontic braces fixed to a patient's upper and lower teeth to achieve desired movement in otherwise conventional fashion. This appliance is at each end provided with connectors which slidingly interact with the orthodontic braces. A spring is attached between the cylinder and the plunger in a manner which causes the application of relatively consistent pushing forces to the teeth, to achieve desired tooth and jaw movements while buffering the relatively heavy forces that are produced so as not to cause damage to the orthodontic braces or to the appliances which interconnect them. Such forces are applied to and between the orthodontic braces in a substantially horizontal direction, avoiding the application of major forces in a vertical direction as was characteristic of prior bite jumping devices. The bite jumping device is further provided with a stop mechanism for preventing separation of the telescoping elements when the patient's mouth is fully opened, while otherwise ensuring free movement of the patient's jaws.

5823772, Oct 20, 1998

Dec 24, 1996

8/772912

William Vogt - Bangor PA

A61C 300

433 21

An orthodontic spring is comprised of a wave spring made of shape memory alloy that consists of a wire tightly looped, once or many times back on itself, side-to-side in figure "8"fashion. After winding, the spring is heat treated into this position. In its relaxed state, the bends of the spring form peaks and valleys which lie in parallel planes at an angle to the line of force between attachment loops at opposite end points of the spring. Portions of the wire between successive peaks and valleys overlap other portions between other peaks and valleys when the wire is relaxed. When extended, the elements of the spring lie in a longitudinal plane along its line of force. The spring is particularly suited to attachment between closely spaced points, such as brackets affixed to adjacent teeth.

5752823, May 19, 1998

Jun 6, 1995

8/467731

William Vogt - Bangor PA

A61C 300

433 19

An orthodontic appliance having improved devices for interconnecting the braces associated with a patient's upper and lower teeth. Each connecting device generally takes the form of a unitary, thin band of material that can be connected between the braces associated with the patient's upper and lower teeth to achieve the forces that are desired for a particular treatment. The connecting device generally includes a body having integral end portions that are preferably rounded for purposes of comfort. Each end portion includes an attachment for connection to the braces associated with the patient's teeth. Preferably, at least one of the attachments of each connecting device is keyed so that upon its connection to the braces, swivelling of the connecting device is effectively precluded without compromising desired movements of the connecting device relative to the orthodontic appliance and the patient's mouth. As a result, interaction between the connecting devices and the patient's jaws, lips and cheeks is minimized, and breakage is effectively precluded. The connecting device is capable of being formed of a material that can produce forces, upon use of the connecting device, that are sufficiently small to produce desired movements of the teeth without producing undesired movements of the patient's jaws.

5435721, Jul 25, 1995

Feb 15, 1994

8/196437

William Vogt - Bangor PA

A61C 300

433 19

An orthodontic appliance having improved devices for interconnecting the braces associated with a patient's upper and lower teeth. Each connecting device generally takes the form of a unitary, thin band of material that can be connected between the braces associated with the patient's upper and lower teeth to achieve the forces that are desired for a particular treatment. The connecting device has a body that is substantially flat and rectangular, with bent end portions that are preferably rounded for purposes of comfort. Each end portion includes an aperture for attachment to the braces associated with the patient's teeth. Preferably, at least one of the apertures of each connecting device is keyed so that upon its attachment to the braces, swivelling of the connecting device is effectively precluded without compromising desired movements of the connecting device relative to the orthodontic appliance and the patient's mouth. As a result, interaction between the connecting devices and the patient's jaws, lips and cheeks is minimized, and breakage is effectively precluded. The connecting device is capable of being formed of a material that can produce forces, upon use of the connecting device, that are sufficiently small to produce desired movements of the teeth without producing undesired movements of the patient's jaws.