Orthodontic Retention Components, Kit and System

Abstract

An orthodontic retention system includes a fixed component that remains on teeth and a component that attaches to this fixed component. The fixed component and the component have mating or interlocking parts. The component that mates with the fixed component can be removable. The component that mates with the fixed component can be adjustable. The retention system also can include magnetic retention components to retain the removable component with respect to one or more teeth. The retention system also can include an element that replaces as tooth.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A kit for providing an orthodontic retainer, comprising:
 a first fixed component of a rigid material forming a base, the base having a first face for attachment to a tooth, and having a second face substantially perpendicular to the first face, the second face having an edge defining an opening of a socket formed within the base;   a second fixed component of a rigid material forming a base, the base having a first face for attachment to a tooth, and having a second face substantially perpendicular to the first face, the second face having an edge defining an opening of a socket formed within the base;   a third component comprising a first projection and a second projection, the first projection having a shape that mates with the socket of the first fixed component, the second projection having a shape that mates with the socket of the second fixed component.   
     
     
         2 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the third component comprises an adjustable component comprising a curved member with an adjustable length between the first projection and the second projection. 
     
     
         3 . The kit of  claim 2 , wherein the third component comprises a removable component wherein the shape of the first projection removably mates with the socket of the first fixed component, and the shape of the second projection removably mates with the socket of the second fixed component. 
     
     
         4 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the third component comprises a removable component wherein the shape of the first projection removably mates with the socket of the first fixed component, and the shape of the second projection removably mates with the socket of the second fixed component. 
     
     
         5 . The kit of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a base formed of a material, the base being configured to be applied to a back face of a tooth, and having a face opposite the back face of the tooth and forming a surface, the material including at least one of a magnetic material or ferrometallic material.   
     
     
         6 . The kit of  claim 5 , wherein the third component further comprises:
 a third projection having a surface that mates with the surface of the base, wherein the third projection includes at least one of a magnetic material or ferrometallic material such that magnetic attraction occurs between the third projection and the base.   
     
     
         7 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the third component further comprises:
 an element spaced between the first projection and the second projection and having a shape of a tooth configured to fit between teeth when the third component is attached to the first and second brackets.   
     
     
         8 . A component, for an orthodontic retainer, comprising a first projection and a second projection, the first projection having a shape that mates with a socket of a first fixed component, the second projection having a shape that mates with a socket of a second fixed component, the first and second fixed components each having a first face for attachment to a tooth, and a second face substantially perpendicular to the first face, the second face having an edge defining an opening of the socket as formed within the base. 
     
     
         9 . The component of  claim 8 , further comprising a curved member with an adjustable length between the first projection and the second projection. 
     
     
         10 . The component of  claim 9 , wherein the shape of the first projection removably mates with the socket of the first fixed component, and the shape of the second projection removably mates with the socket of the second fixed component. 
     
     
         11 . The component of  claim 8 , wherein the shape of the first projection removably mates with the socket of the first fixed component, and the shape of the second projection removably mates with the socket of the second fixed component. 
     
     
         12 . The component of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a third projection having a surface configured to mate with a surface of a base, wherein the third projection includes at least one of a magnetic material or ferrometallic material, the base being configured to be applied to a back face of a tooth and having a face opposite the back face of the tooth and forming a surface and comprising at least one of a magnetic material or ferrometallic material, such that magnetic attraction occurs between the third projection and the base.   
     
     
         13 . The component of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 an element spaced between the first projection and the second projection and having a shape of a tooth configured to fit between teeth when the third component is attached to the first and second brackets.   
     
     
         14 . A fixed component, for an orthodontic retainer, comprising a rigid material forming a base, the base having a first face for attachment to a tooth, and having a second face substantially perpendicular to the first face, the second face having an edge defining an opening of a socket formed within the base, wherein the socket is configured to receive a projection of another component of the orthodontic retainer, the projection of the other component having a shape that mates with the socket.