Patent ID: 6482001
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
A low profile orthodontic expansion device alternatively useful in both palatal and mandibular expansion procedures, the device comprising:first and second internally threaded screw actuating structures having respective right and left hand internal thread portions, teeth attachment structure consisting of first and second legs each having inner and outer ends with the outer ends being adapted for attachment to a patient's teeth and the inner ends rigidly affixed to said respective first and second internally threaded screw actuating structures, and externally threaded screw actuating structure consisting of a pair of oppositely threaded, first and second external thread portions separated by a tool engagement portion configured to allow rotation of said externally threaded screw actuating structure by a tool, said first and second external thread portions engaged with the internal thread portions of the respective first and second internally threaded screw actuating structures, wherein said externally threaded screw actuating structure is formed as a single piece component and the first and second internally threaded screw actuating structures and the externally threaded screw actuating structure cooperate to further connect the inner ends of the first and second legs such that the first and second legs and the screw actuating structures together form an arch shape to either conform to the palatal arch of the patient's mouth or to the mandibular region of the patient's mouth, and rotation of said tool engagement portion rotates said first and second external thread portions to expand the first and second legs away from each other.