Orthodontic elastic band with varying outer periphery

Abstract

An orthodontic elastic band appliance, for use with an orthodonitic bracket which defines a channel, comprises a generally elongated elastic member having protuberances along the length thereof, the protuberances being in the form of, for example, spaced or adjacent nodules. Alternatively, the band may be in the form of an elongated strand with spaced, generally radially directed, cut-out portions along the length thereof so as to provide an orthodontic elastic band with alternately arranged larger and smaller dimension portions. The band may also comprise two strands twisted together and heat sealed together so as to form an overall elastic band of irregular outer circumference, or a single elastic strand having spaced twists set therein. The external dimensions of the elastic band, including the largest cross-sectional portions thereof, may be of any desired value, larger or smaller than the opening of the channel of the orthodontic bracket. The irregularly shaped outer surface of the orthodontic band facilitates tying knots in same and in weaving same between teeth in a stretched condition so as to apply appropriate corrective orthodontic forces.

I claim: 
     
       1. An orthodontic elastic band for use with orthodontic bracket means mountable on teeth, each bracket means at least partially defining an opening of predetermined cross-sectional dimension adapted to receive at least a portion of an orthodontic elastic band therein, at least one of said bracket openings having at least one engaging and retaining surface adjacent thereto, said elastic band comprising an elongated elastic member having, distributed over a substantial length thereof, alternately arranged portions of larger and smaller dimensions relative to a substantially straight and substantially central axial line passing through the elongated band when it is in a straight condition, said dimensions being taken in the same direction in a common plane containing said substantially straight axial line, said larger dimensions portions .[.being.]. .Iadd.comprising abutment portions which are .Iaddend.dimensioned such that when said elastic band is stretched along its length and is at least partially engaged in an opening defined by at least one orthodontic bracket means, .Iadd.at least one of .Iaddend.said larger dimension .[.portion.]. .Iadd.abutment portions .Iaddend.abuttingly engages at least a portion of said at least one engaging and retaining surface to substantially prevent the stretched elastic band from relaxing, and when knotting the ends thereof, at least two of said larger dimension portions engaging each other to substantially prevent the stretched elastic band from relaxing.   
     
     
       2. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 1 wherein said smaller dimension portions comprise .Iadd.elastic .Iaddend.strands of predetermined length, and said larger dimension portions comprise respective .Iadd.elastic .Iaddend.nodules interposed between adjacent strands. 
     
     
       3. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 2 wherein said nodules are generally spherical in shape. 
     
     
       4. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 3 wherein said strands each have a length larger than the diameter of said spherical nodules. 
     
     
       5. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 3 wherein said strands have a length equal to or shorter than the diameter of said spherical nodules. 
     
     
       6. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 1 wherein said smaller dimension portions comprise elastic portions of given length and said larger dimension portions comprise .Iadd.elastic .Iaddend.protuberances extending in a direction perpendicular to said substantially straight axial line and extending over at least a portion of the periphery of said band in a plane perpendicular to said substantially straight axial line. 
     
     
       7. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of .Iadd.elastic .Iaddend.nodules adjacent each other and directly connected to each other, the plane of interconnection of said nodules comprising said smaller dimension portions. 
     
     
       8. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 7 wherein said nodules are substantially spherical and the central portions of said nodules comprise said larger dimension portions. 
     
     
       9. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 1 having an undulating outer surface in the axial direction thereof. 
     
     
       10. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 1 having a .[.non-symmetrical  .Iadd.substantially symmetrical .Iaddend.outer periphery, relative to said substantially straight axial line, in any plane perpendicular to said straight axial line. 
     
     
       11. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 1 having a non-symmetrical outer periphery, relative to said substantially .Iadd.straight .Iaddend.axial line, in any plane perpendicular to said straight axial line. 
     
     
       12. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 1 wherein said band comprises an elongated strand having a plurality of spaced twisted portions therein, said twisted portions defining said smaller dimension portions. 
     
     
       13. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 12 wherein said strand is generally rectangular between said twisted portions. 
     
     
       14. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 1 wherein said alternately arranged portions of larger and smaller dimensions are over substantially the whole length thereof. 
     
     
       15. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 1 comprising an elongated elastic strand having a plurality of spaced .Iadd.elastic .Iaddend.protuberances extending therefrom in a direction perpendicular to said substantially straight axial line, said protuberances extending over at least a portion of the periphery of said band in a plane perpendicular to said substantially straight axial line. 
     
     
       16. An orthodontic elastic appliance, comprising: an elongated elastic band; and   at least one bracket means mountable on teeth, each bracket means at least partially defining an opening of predetermined cross-sectional dimension adapted to receive at least a portion of said elastic band therein, at least one of said bracket openings having at least one engaging and retaining surface adjacent thereto,   said elastic band comprising an elongated elastic member having, distributed over a substantial length thereof, alternately arranged portions of larger and smaller dimensions relative to a substantially straight and substantially central axial line passing through the elongated band when it is in a straight condition, said dimensions being taken in the same direction in a common plane containing said substantially straight axial line, said larger dimension portions .[.being.]. .Iadd.comprising abutment portions which are .Iaddend.dimensioned such that when said elastic band is stretched along its length and is at least partially engaged in said bracket opening, .[.said larger dimension portion.]. .Iadd.at least one of said larger dimension abutment portions .Iaddend.abuttingly engages at least a portion of said at least one engaging and retaining surface to substantially prevent the stretched elastic band from relaxing.   
     
     
       17. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 16 wherein said larger dimension portions are dimensioned such that when knotting the ends of the elastic band, at least two of said larger dimension portions engage each other to substantially prevent the stretched elastic band from relaxing. 
     
     
       18. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 16 wherein said at least one bracket means comprises a band mounted to a tooth, and a bracket fixedly mounted to said band with a predetermined orientation relative to said band. 
     
     
       19. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 18 wherein said bracket opening is defined completely by said bracket. 
     
     
       20. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 18 wherein said bracket opening is delimited partially by said bracket and partially by a surface of a tooth on which said bracket is mounted. 
     
     
       21. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 18 wherein said bracket opening is delimited partially by said bracket and partially by a surface of said band which is mounted to said tooth. 
     
     
       22. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 16 wherein said smaller dimension portions comprise .Iadd.elastic .Iaddend.strands of predetermined length, and said larger dimension portions comprise respective .Iadd.elastic .Iaddend.nodules interposed between adjacent strands. 
     
     
       23. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 22 wherein said nodules are generally spherical in shape. 
     
     
       24. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 23 wherein said strands each have a length larger than the diameter of said spherical nodules. 
     
     
       25. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 23 wherein said strands have a length equal to or shorter than the diameter of said spherical nodules. 
     
     
       26. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 16 wherein said smaller dimension portions comprise elastic portions of given length and said larger dimension portions comprise .Iadd.elastic .Iaddend.protuberances extending in a direction perpendicular to said substantially straight axial line and extending over at least a portion of the periphery of said band in a plane perpendicular to said substantially straight axial line. 
     
     
       27. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 16 comprising a plurality of .Iadd.all-elastic .Iaddend.nodules adjacent each other and directly connected to each other, the plane of interconnection of said nodules comprising said smaller dimension portions. 
     
     
       28. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 27 wherein said nodules are substantially spherical and the central portions of said nodules comprise said larger dimension portions. 
     
     
       29. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 16 having an undulating outer surface in the axial direction thereof. 
     
     
       30. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 16 having a substantially symmetrical outer periphery relative to said substantially straight axial line, in substantially any plane perpendicular to said straight axial line. 
     
     
       31. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 16 having a non-symmetrical outer periphery relative to said substantially straight axial line, in any plane perpendicular to said straight axial line. 
     
     
       32. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 16 wherein said band comprises an elongated strand having a plurality of spaced twisted portions therein, said twisted portions defining said smaller dimension portions. 
     
     
       33. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 32 wherein said strand is generally rectangular between said twisted portions. 
     
     
       34. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 16 wherein said alternately arranged portions of larger and smaller dimensions are over substantially the whole length thereof. 
     
     
       35. An orthodontic elastic band comprising an elongated elastic member having, distributed over a substantial length thereof, alternately arranged portions of larger and smaller dimensions relative to a substantially straight and substantially central axial line passing through the elongated band when it is in a straight condition, said dimensions being taken in the same direction in a common plane containing said substantially straight axial line, said larger and smaller dimension portions being dimensioned such that the distance between two adjacent larger dimension portions is no greater than about twice the length of said larger dimension portions in the direction of said substantially straight axial line, .[.and such that.]. .Iadd.said smaller dimension portions comprising elastic strands of predetermined length, and said larger dimension portions comprising respective elastic nodules interposed between adjacent strands, whereby .Iaddend.when the elastic band is stretched along its length and portions thereof are knotted, at least two of said larger dimension portions engage each other to substantially prevent the stretched elastic band from relaxing. 
     
     
       36. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 35 wherein said larger dimension portions are substantially identical with each other and wherein said smaller dimension portions are substantially identical with each other.  .[.37. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 35 wherein said smaller dimension portions comprise strands of predetermined length, and said larger dimension portions comprise respective nodules interposed 
     
     
        between adjacent strands..]. 38. An orthodontic elastic band according to 
     
     
        claim 37 wherein said nodules are generally spherical in shape. 39. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 38 wherein said strands each 
     
     
        have a length larger than the diameter of said spherical nodules. 40. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 38 wherein said strands have a length equal to or shorter than the diameter of said spherical nodules. .[.41. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 35 wherein said smaller dimension portions comprise elastic portions of given length and said larger dimension portions comprise protuberances extending in a direction perpendicular to said substantially straight axial line and extending over at least a portion of the periphery of said band in a plane 
     
     
        perpendicular to said substantially straight axial line..]. 42. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 35 comprising a plurality of nodules adjacent each other and directly connected to each other, the plane of interconnection of said nodules comprising said smaller dimension 
     
     
        portions. 43. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 42 wherein said nodules are substantially spherical and the central portions of said 
     
     
        nodules comprise said larger dimension portions. 44. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 35 having an undulating outer surface in 
     
     
        the axial direction thereof. 45. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 35 wherein said alternately arranged portions of larger and smaller 
     
     
        dimensions are over substantially the whole length thereof. 46. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 35 wherein the distance between two adjacent larger dimension portions is no greater than the 
     
     
        length of said larger dimension portions. 47. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 1 wherein the distance between two adjacent larger dimension portions is no greater than about twice the length of said larger dimension portions in the direction of said substantially straight 
     
     
        axial line. 48. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 16 wherein the distance between two adjacent larger dimension portions is no greater than about twice the length of said larger dimension portions in 
     
     
        the direction of said substantially straight axial line. 49. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 1 wherein said larger dimension portions have a maximum dimension no greater than the smallest 
     
     
        cross-sectional dimension of said bracket opening. 50. An orthodontic elastic appliance according to claim 16 wherein said larger dimension portions have a maximum dimension no greater than the smallest 
     
     
        cross-sectional dimension of said bracket opening. .Iadd.51.  A method of using an orthodontic elastic band with at least one orthodontic element, the elements each having at least one engaging and retaining surface, and said elastic band comprising an elongated elastic member having, distributed over a substantial length thereof, alternately arranged portions of larger and smaller dimensions relative to a substantially straight and substantially central axial line passing through the elongated band when it is in a straight condition, said larger dimension portions comprising abutment portions for abuttingly engaging at least a portion of said at least one engaging and retaining surface of the elements, the method comprising: engaging said elastic band in a stretched condition with at least one of said elements; and   causing at least one abutment portion of said elastic band to abut against said engaging and retaining surface of said at least one element such that said elastic band remains in its stretched condition. .Iaddend. .Iadd.52. A method according to claim 51 wherein said orthodontic elements each have means at least partially defining an opening of predetermined cross-sectional dimension for receiving at least a portion of the orthodontic elastic band therein, said at least one engaging and retaining surface being adjacent said opening; comprising passing said elastic band through an opening of at least one of said orthodontic elements in said   
     
     
        stretched condition. .Iaddend. .Iadd.53.  A method according to claim 51 wherein said at least one orthodontic element comprises an orthodontic bracket means which at least partially defines an opening of predetermined cross-sectional dimension for receiving at least a portion of an orthodontic elastic band therein, said at least one engaging and retaining surface being adjacent said opening, comprising passing said elastic band in said stretched condition through the bracket opening of at least one bracket and causing said at least one abutment portion of said elastic band to abut against said engaging and retaining surface of said at least one bracket. .Iaddend. .Iadd.54. A method according to claim 53 comprising passing said elastic band through the bracket openings of a plurality of bracket means with said elastic band being stretched between two adjacent bracket means; relaxing said elastic band after passing same through a bracket opening whereby at least one abutment portion of said elastic band abuts against said engaging and retaining surface of at least one of said bracket means so that said elastic band remains in its stretched condition between said two adjacent bracket means; and passing said elastic band through a further bracket opening of a bracket means in a stretched 
     
     
        condition. .Iaddend. .Iadd.55.  A method according to claim 51 comprising tying at least one end of said elastic band, said larger dimension abutment portions of said elastic band engaging said band to substantially prevent the stretched elastic band from relaxing. .Iaddend. .Iadd.56. A method according to claim 55 comprising tying two ends of said stretched elastic band together, said larger dimension abutment portions engaging each other to substantially prevent the stretched elastic band from 
     
     
        relaxing. .Iaddend. .Iadd.57.  An orthodontic elastic band for use with at least one orthodontic element, each element having at least one engaging and retaining surface, said elastic band comprising an elongated elastic member having, distributed over a substantial length thereof, alternately arranged portions of larger and smaller dimensions relative to a substantially straight and substantially central axial line passing through the elongated band when it is in a straight condition, said dimensions being taken in the same direction in a common plane containing said substantially straight axial line, said larger dimension portions comprising abutment portions which are dimensioned such that when said elastic band is stretched along its length and is at least partially engaged with an orthodontic element said larger dimension abutment portions abuttingly engages at least a portion of said at least one engaging and retaining surface to substantially prevent the stretched elastic band from relaxing, and when knotting the ends thereof, at least two of said larger dimension portions engaging each other to substantially   
     
     
        prevent the stretched elastic band from relaxing. .Iaddend. .Iadd.58.  An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 57 wherein said smaller dimension portions comprise elastic strands of predetermined length, and said larger dimension portions comprise respective elastic nodules 
     
     
        interposed between adjacent strands. .Iaddend. .Iadd.59.  An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 58 wherein said nodules are generally spherical in shape. .Iaddend. .Iadd.60. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 59 wherein said strands each have a length larger than the diameter of said spherical nodules. .Iaddend. .Iadd.61. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 59 wherein said strands have a length equal to or shorter than the diameter of said spherical nodules. .Iaddend. .Iadd.62. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 57 comprising a plurality of elastic nodules adjacent each other and directly connected to each other, the plane of interconnection of said nodules comprising said smaller dimension portions. .Iaddend. .Iadd.63. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 62 wherein said nodules are substantially spherical and the central portions of said nodules comprise said larger 
     
     
        dimension portions. .Iaddend. .Iadd.64.  An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 57 having an undulating outer surface in the axial direction thereof. .Iaddend. .Iadd.65. An orthodontic elastic band according to claim 57 comprising an elongated elastic strand having a plurality of spaced elastic protuberance extending therefrom in a direction perpendicular to said substantially straight axial line, said protuberances extending over at least a portion of the periphery of said band in a plane perpendicular to said substantially straight axial line. .Iaddend. .Iadd.66. An orthodontic appliance, comprising: an elongated elastic band; and   at least one orthodontic element adapted to be engaged by said elastic band, said at least one element having at least one engaging and retaining surface;   said elastic band comprising an elongated elastic member having, distributed over a substantial length thereof, alternately arranged portions of larger and smaller dimensions relative to a substantially straight and substantially central axial line passing through the elongated band when it is in a straight condition, said dimensions being taken in the same direction in a common plane containing said substantially straight axial line, said larger dimension portions comprising abutment portions which are dimensioned such that when said elastic band is stretched along its length and is at least partially engaged with an orthodontic element, at least one of said larger dimension abutment portions abuttingly engages at least a portion of said at least one engaging and retaining surface to substantially prevent the stretched   
     
     
        elastic band from relaxing. .Iaddend. .Iadd.67.  An orthodontic appliance according to claim 66 wherein said larger dimension portions are dimensioned such that when knotting the ends of the elastic band, at least two of said larger dimension portions engage each other to substantially prevent the stretched elastic band from relaxing. .Iaddend. .Iadd.68. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 66 wherein said at least one orthodontic element comprises a band mounted to a tooth, and an element fixedly mounted to said band with a predetermined orientation relative to said band, said element defining an opening for receiving at least a portion of said elastic band therein, said opening being adjacent said at least one engaging and retaining surface. .Iaddend. .Iadd.69. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 68 wherein said opening is defined completely by said orthodontic element. .Iaddend. .Iadd.70. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 68 wherein said opening is delimited partially by said element and partially by a surface of said band which is mounted to said tooth. .Iaddend. .Iadd.71. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 66 wherein said orthodontic element is mountable on a tooth, said element defining an opening for receiving at least a portion of said elastic band therein, said opening being adjacent 
     
     
        said at least one engaging and retaining surface. .Iaddend. .Iadd.72.  An orthodontic appliance according to claim 71 wherein said opening is delimited partially by said element and partially by a surface of a tooth on which said element is mounted. .Iaddend. .Iadd.73. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 66 wherein said smaller dimension portions comprise elastic strands of predetermined length, and said larger dimension portions comprise respective elastic nodules interposed between adjacent strands. .Iaddend. .Iadd.74. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 73 wherein said nodules are generally spherical in shape. .Iaddend. .Iadd.75. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 74 wherein said strands each have a length larger than the diameter of said spherical nodules. .Iaddend. .Iadd.76. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 74 wherein said strands have a length equal to or shorter than the diameter of said spherical nodules. .Iaddend. .Iadd.77. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 66 comprising a plurality of all-elastic nodules adjacent each other and directly connected to each other, the plane of interconnection of said nodules comprising said smaller dimension 
     
     
        portions. .Iaddend. .Iadd.78.  An orthodontic appliance according to claim 77 wherein said nodules are substantially spherical and the central portions of said nodules comprise said larger dimension portions. .Iaddend. .Iadd.79. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 66 having an undulating outer surface in the axial direction thereof. .Iaddend.