The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 23, 2004
Filed:
Dec. 14, 2001
Jirina V. Pospisil, Hacienda Heights, CA (US);
David E. Solid, Monrovia, CA (US);
Oliver L. Puttler, La Crescenta, CA (US);
John A. Verdouw, Ontario, CA;
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
An appliance used in orthodontic treatment includes a retaining guide that extends outwardly in an occlusal and/or a gingival direction. The retaining guide presents a smoothly contoured, domed shape having a relatively low profile for avoiding contact with opposing dentition or orthodontic appliances that are connected to opposing dentition. The retaining guide is useful for keeping a wire segment or other item in place and in contact with a body of the appliance so that the item does not detach from the appliance during the course of treatment. The retaining guide is particularly useful for keeping tieback loops and other items made from wire segments in place.