Multi-stranded coiled orthodontic arch wire

Claim 2

An orthodontic arch wire adapted to be connected to an orthodontic bracket mounted on a maloccluded tooth, the arch wire comprising a plurality of adjacent strands coiled in the form of a tightly wound elongated coiled wire normally having an array of interleaved turns of and generally parallel, and having a lumen extending therethrough, said strands when formed into said turns having a predetermined radial thickness (t), said turns having a common internal dimension (d-FIG. 2; s1-FIG. 9) of said lumen no greater than two times said predetermined radial thickness (t) of said strands and having a common outer dimension no greater than approximately 0.025 inches, said strands being made from a material sufficiently elastic to at least permit bending of the arch wire over a short length thereof by selectively and at least partially separating adjacent turns, and to provide sufficient stiffness over a long length to provide adequate anchoring characteristics for orthodontic devices attached thereto..].

Claim 3

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 1.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 52 .Iaddend.wherein said strands each have a generally rectangular cross-section.

Claim 4

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 1.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 52 .Iaddend.wherein said strands each have a generally circular cross-section.

Claim 5

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 1.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 52 .Iaddend.wherein said lumen is an elongate axial passage through said turns, and further comprising a resilient mandrel extending through said passage.

Claim 6

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 1.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 52 .Iaddend.further comprising an external flexible coating extending along and covering the outer surface of said turns.

Claim 7

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to.]. .Iadd.The combination of .Iaddend.claim 5 wherein said coating is made of an elastomeric material.

Claim 8

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 1.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 52 .Iaddend.comprising three adjacent strands wound adjacent each other forming said interleaved turns.

Claim 9

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 1.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 52 .Iaddend.comprising two adjacent strands would adjacent each other forming said interleaved turns.

Claim 10

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 1.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 52 .Iaddend.wherein said lumen is an elongate axial passage through said turns and is generally circular.

Claim 11

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 1.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 52 .Iaddend.wherein said lumen is an elongate axial passage through said turns and is generally rectangular.

Claim 12

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 1.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 52 .Iaddend.wherein each of said adjacent strands comprises a plurality of individual strands associated together to form a composite strand.

Claim 13

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to.]. .Iadd.The combination of .Iaddend.claim 11 wherein said composite strand comprises a plurality of individual wires twisted together. .[.13. An orthodontic arch wire adapted to be connected to an orthodontic bracket mounted on a maloccluded tooth, the arch wire comprising a plurality of adjacent strands coiled in the form of a tightly wound elongated coiled wire normally having an array of interleaved turns of said strands, said turns being successively abutting and generally parallel, and having a lumen extending therethrough, said strands when formed into said turns having a predetermined radial thickness (t), said turns having a common internal dimension (d-FIG. 2; s1-FIG. 9) of said lumen greater than two times said predetermined radial thickness (t) of said strands and no greater than three times said predetermined radial thickness (t) of said strands, and having a common outer dimension no greater than approximately 0.025 inches, said strands being made from a material sufficiently elastic to at least permit bending of the arch wire over a short length thereof by selectively and at least partially separating adjacent turns, and to provide sufficient stiffness over a long length to provide adequate anchoring characteristics for orthodontic devices attached thereto..].

Claim 14

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 13.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 53 .Iaddend.wherein said strands each have a

Claim 15

generally rectangular cross-section. 15. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 13.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 53 .Iaddend.wherein said strands each have a generally circular

Claim 16

cross-section. 16. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 13.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 53 .Iaddend.wherein said lumen is an elongate axial passage through said turns, and further comprising a

Claim 17

resilient mandrel extending through said passage. 17. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 13.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 53 .Iaddend.further comprising an external flexible coating extending along

Claim 18

and covering the outer surface of said turns. 18. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to.]. .Iadd.The combination of .Iaddend.claim 17 wherein

Claim 19

said coating is made of an elastomeric material. 19. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 13.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 53 .Iaddend.comprising three adjacent strands wound adjacent each other

Claim 20

forming said interleaved turns. 20. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 13.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 53 .Iaddend.comprising two adjacent strands wound adjacent each other forming said interleaved turns.

Claim 21

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 13.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 53 .Iaddend.wherein said lumen is an elongate axial

Claim 22

passage through said turns and is generally circular. 22. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 13.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 53 .Iaddend.wherein said lumen is an elongate axial passage through

Claim 23

said turns and is generally rectangular. 23. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 13.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 53 .Iaddend.wherein each of said adjacent strands comprises a plurality of

Claim 24

individual strands associated together to form a composite strand. 24. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to.]. .Iadd.The combination of .Iaddend.claim 23 wherein said composite strand comprises a plurality of individual wires twisted together. .[.25. An orthodontic arch wire adapted to be connected to an orthodontic bracket mounted on a maloccluded tooth, the arch wire comprising a plurality of wires associated together to form a composite strand, said composite strand being coiled to the form of a tightly wound elongated coil normally having an array of successively abutting and generally parallel adjacent turns, and having a lumen extending therethrough, said composite strand when formed into said turns having a predetermined nominal radial thickness (t), said turns having a common internal dimension (d-FIG. 2; s1-FIG. 9) of said lumen no greater than two times said predetermined radial thickness (t) of said composite strand and having a common outer dimension no greater than approximately 0.025 inches, said wires being made from a material sufficiently elastic to at least permit bending of the arch wire over a short length thereof by selectively and at least partially separating adjacent turns, and to provide sufficient stiffness over a long length to provide adequate anchoring characteristics for orthodontic devices attached thereto..].

Claim 25

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 25.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 54 .Iaddend.comprising three of said composite

Claim 26

strands located adjacent each other. 27. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 25.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 54 .Iaddend.wherein said wires each have a generally circular cross-section.

Claim 27

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 25.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 54 .Iaddend.wherein said lumen is an elongate axial passage through said turns, and further comprising a resilient mandrel

Claim 28

extending through said passage. 29. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 25.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 54 .Iaddend.wherein said lumen is an elongate axial passage through said turns and is generally

Claim 29

circular. 30. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 25.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 54 .Iaddend.wherein said lumen is an elongate axial passage through said turns and is generally rectangular.

Claim 30

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 25.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 54 .Iaddend.wherein said plurality of wires forming a composite strand are twisted together. .[.32. An orthodontic arch wire adapted to be connected to an orthodontic bracket mounted on a maloccluded tooth, the arch wire comprising a plurality of wires associated together to form a composite strand, said composite strand being coiled in the form of a tightly wound elongated coil normally having an array of successively abutting and generally parallel adjacent turns, and having a lumen extending therethrough, said composite strand when formed into said turns having a predetermined nominal radial thickness (t), said turns having a common internal dimension (d-FIG. 2; s1-FIG. 9) of said lumen greater than two times said predetermined radial thickness (t) of said composite strand and no greater than three times said predetermined radial thickness (t) of said composite strand, and having a common outer dimension no greater than approximately 0.025 inches, said wires being made from a material sufficiently elastic to at least permit bending of the arch wire over a short length thereof by selectively and at least partially separating adjacent turns, and to provide sufficient stiffness over a long length to provide adequate anchoring characteristics for othodontic devices attached

Claim 31

thereto..]. 33. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 32.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 55 .Iaddend.comprising three of said

Claim 32

composite strands located adjacent each other. 34. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 32.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 55 .Iaddend.wherein said wires each have a generally circular cross-section.

Claim 33

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 32.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 55 .Iaddend.wherein said lumen is an elongate axial passage through said turns, and further comprising a resilient mandrel

Claim 34

extending through said passage. 36. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 32.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 55 .Iaddend.wherein said lumen is an elongate axial passage through said turns and is generally

Claim 35

circular. 37. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 32.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 55 .Iaddend.wherein said lumen is an elongate axial passage through said turns and is generally rectangular.

Claim 36

.[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 32.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 55 .Iaddend.wherein said plurality of wires forming a composite strand are twisted together. .[.39. An orthodontic arch wire adapted to be connected to an orthodontic bracket mounted on a maloccluded tooth, the arch wire comprising at least one inner strand coiled in the form of a tightly wound elongated coiled wire normally having an array of successively abutting adjacent turns, and at least one outer strand coiled around said coiled inner strand, said outer coil having a common outer dimension no greater than approximately 0.025 inches, said strands being made from a material sufficiently elastic to at least permit bending of the arch wire over a short length thereof by selectively and at least partially separating adjacent turns, and to provide sufficient stiffness over a long length to provide adequate anchoring characteristics for

Claim 37

orthodontic devices attached thereto..]. 40. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 39.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 56 .Iaddend.wherein said at least one outer strand of said outer coil, when formed into said turns, having a predetermined radial thickness (t), said outer turns having a common internal dimension (d) no greater than three

Claim 38

times said predetermined radial thickness (t) of said outer strands. 41. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 39.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 56 .Iaddend.wherein said at least one outer strand of said outer coil, when formed into said turns, having a predetermined radial thickness (t), said outer turns having a common internal dimension (d) no greater than two times said predetermined radial thickness (t) of

Claim 39

said outer strands. 42. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 39.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 56 .Iaddend.wherein said outer turn is wound in a direction opposite to the winding direction of said inner

Claim 40

coil. 43. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 39.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 56 .Iaddend.wherein said inner coil is comprised of a plurality of inner strands wound adjacent each other to form an array of

Claim 41

interleaved turns of said strands. 44. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to.]. .Iadd.The combination of .Iaddend.claim 43 wherein said outer coil is wound from a plurality of adjacent strands coiled to form an

Claim 42

array of interleaved turns of said outer adjacent strands. 45. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 39.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 56 .Iaddend.wherein said outer coil is wound from a plurality of adjacent strands coiled to form an array of interleaved turns of said

Claim 43

outer adjacent strands. 46. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 39.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 56 .Iaddend.wherein said inner turns

Claim 44

are wound with a substantially zero lumen. 47. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to claim 39.]. .Iadd.The combination of claim 56 .Iaddend.wherein said inner turns are wound about a mandrel to form a coil

Claim 45

having a predetermined lumen extending therethrough. 48. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to.]. .Iadd.The combination of .Iaddend.claim 4 wherein said resilient mandrel comprises a plurality of wires twisted

Claim 46

together. 49. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to.]. .Iadd.The combination of .Iaddend.claim 16 wherein said resilient mandrel comprises

Claim 47

a plurality of wires twisted together. 50. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to.]. .Iadd.The combination of .Iaddend.claim 28 wherein said

Claim 48

resilient mandrel comprises a plurality of wires twisted together. 51. .[.An orthodontic arch wire according to.]. .Iadd.The combination of .Iaddend.claim 35 wherein said resilient mandrel comprises a plurality of wires twisted together. .Iadd. 52. In combination, an orthodontic bracket adapted to be mounted on a tooth, the bracket having an arch wire receiving opening therein; and an orthodontic arch wire fixedly mounted in said arch wire receiving opening of said orthodontic bracket; said arch wire comprising: a plurality of adjacent strands coiled in the form of a tightly wound elongated coiled wire normally having an array of interleaved turns of said strands, said turns being successively abutting and generally parallel, and having a lumen extending therethrough, said strands when formed into said turns having a predetermined radial thickness (t), said turns having a common internal dimension (d-FIG. 2; s1-FIG. 9) of said lumen no greater than two times said predetermined radial thickness (t) of said strands and having a common outer dimension no greater than approximately 0.025 inches, said strands being made from a material sufficiently elastic to at least permit bending of the arch wire over a short length thereof by selectively and at least partially separating adjacent turns, and to provide sufficient stiffness over a long length to provide adequate anchoring characteristics for orthodontic devices attached thereto. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 53. In combination, an orthodontic bracket adapted to be mounted on a tooth, the bracket having an arch wire receiving opening therein; and an orthodontic arch wire fixedly mounted in said arch wire receiving opening of said orthodontic bracket; said arch wire comprising: a plurality of adjacent strands coiled in the form of a tightly wound elongated coiled wire normally having an array of interleaved turns of said strands, said turns being successively abutting and generally parallel, and having a lumen extending therethrough, said strands when formed into said turns having a predetermined radial thickness (t), said turns having a common internal dimension (d-FIG. 2; s1-FIG. 9) of said lumen greater than two times said predetermined radial thickness (t) of said strands and no greater than three times said predetermined radial thickness (t) of said strands, and having a common outer dimension no greater than approximately 0.025 inches, said strands being made from a material sufficiently elastic to at least permit bending of the arch wire over a short length thereof by selectively and at least partially separating adjacent turns, and to provide sufficient stiffness over a long length to provide adequate anchoring characteristics for orthodontic devices attached thereto. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 54. In combination, an orthodontic bracket adapted to be mounted on a tooth, the bracket having an arch wire receiving opening therein; and an orthodontic arch wire fixedly mounted in said arch wire receiving opening of said orthdontic bracket; said arch wire comprising: a plurality of wires associated together to form a composite strand, said composite strand being coiled to the form of a tightly wound elongated coil normally having an array of successively abutting and generally parallel adjacent turns, and having a lumen extending therethrough, said composite strand when formed into said turns having a predetermined nominal radial thickness (t), said turns having a common internal dimension (d-FIG. 2; s1-FIG. 9) of said lumen no greater than two times said predetermined radial thickness (t) of said composite strand and having a common outer dimension no greater than approximately 0.025 inches, said wires being made from a material sufficiently elastic to at least permit bending of the arch wire over a short length thereof by selectively and at least partially separating adjacent turns, and to provide sufficient stiffness over a long length to provide adequate anchoring characteristics for orthodontic devices attached thereto. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 55. In combination, an orthodontic bracket adapted to be mounted on a tooth, the bracket having an arch wire receiving opening therein; and an orthodontic arch wire fixedly mounted in said arch wire receiving opening of said orthodontic bracket; said arch wire comprising: a plurality of wires associated together to form a composite strand, said composite strand being coiled in the form of a tightly wound elongated coil normally having an array of successively abutting and generally parallel adjacent turns, and having a lumen extending therethrough, said composite strand when formed into said turns having a predetermined nominal radial thickness (t), said turns having a common internal dimension (d-FIG. 2; s1-FIG. 9) of said lumen greater than two times said predetermined radial thickness (t) of said composite strand and no greater than three times said predetermined radial thickness (t) of said composite strand, and having a common outer dimension no greater than approximately 0.025 inches, said wires being made from a material sufficiently elastic to at least permit bending of the arch wire over a short length thereof by selectively and at least partially separating adjacent turns, and to provide sufficient stiffness over a long length to provide adequate anchoring characteristics for orthodontic devices attached thereto. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 56. In combination, an orthodontic bracket adapted to be mounted on a tooth, the bracket having an arch wire receiving opening therein; and an orthodontic arch wire fixedly mounted in said arch wire receiving opening of said orthodontic bracket; said arch wire comprising: at least one inner strand coiled in the form of a tightly wound elongated coiled wire normally having an array of successively abutting adjacent turns, and at least one outer strand coiled around said coiled inner strand, said outer coil having a common outer dimension no greater than approximately 0.025 inches, said strands being made from a material sufficiently elastic to at least permit bonding of the arch wire over a short length thereof by selectively and at least partially separating adjacent turns, and to provide sufficient stiffness over a long length to provide adequate anchoring characteristics for orthodontic devices attached thereto. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 57. The combination of claim 52 wherein the outer periphery of the tightly wound elongated coiled arch wire is substantially round. .Iaddend..Iadd. 58. The combination of claim 52 wherein the outer periphery of the tightly wound elongated coiled arch wire is substantially rectangular. .Iaddend..Iadd. 59. The combination of claim 53 wherein the outer periphery of the tightly wound elongated coiled arch wire is substantially round. .Iaddend..Iadd. 60. The combination of claim 53 wherein the outer periphery of the tightly wound elongated coiled arch wire is substantially rectangular. .Iaddend..Iadd. 61. The combination of claim 54 wherein the outer periphery of the tightly wound elongated coiled arch wire is substantially round. .Iaddend..Iadd. 62. The combination of claim 54 wherein the outer periphery of the tightly wound elongated coiled arch wire is substantially rectangular. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 63. The combination of claim 55 wherein the outer periphery of the tightly wound elongated coiled arch wire is substantially round. .Iaddend..Iadd. 64. The combination of claim 55 wherein the outer periphery of the tightly wound elongated coiled arch wire is substantially rectangular. .Iaddend..Iadd. 65. The combination of claim 56 wherein said outer coil has a substantially round outer periphery. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 66. The combination of either claims 9 or 10 wherein said lumen is substantially empty. .Iaddend..Iadd. 67. The combination of either of claims 21 or 22 wherein said lumen is substantially empty. .Iaddend..Iadd. 68. The combination of either of claims 29 or 30 wherein said lumen is substantially empty. .Iaddend..Iadd. 69. The combination of either of claims 36 or 37 wherein said lumen is substantially empty. .Iaddend.