Benson Donald Mcgann

US Patent:

6679700, Jan 20, 2004

Filed:

Apr 22, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/131454

Inventors:

Benson D. McGann - San Juan Capistrano CA

Assignee:

Progressive America, Inc. - Santa Ana CA

International Classification:

A61C 300

US Classification:

433 24, 433 20, 433229, 433 72, 433 26

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to selection of individual patient archwires by examining the patients inner arch rather than the patients teeth. In particular, a method of archwire selection comprises (a) obtaining a representation of a patients inner arch curve (a âPIACâ); (b) selecting an archwire shape based at least partially on the PIAC representation; (c) making an initial selection of an archwire size based at least partially on the PIAC representation; (d) selecting a final archwire size after considering something other than the PIAC representation; and (e) selecting an archwire to be used based on the selected archwire shape and selected final archwire size. Using the PIAC rather than the occlusal or labial and buccal surfaces of the teeth for archwire shape selection promotes shaping the teeth to the shape of the jaw bone and gives consistent facial esthetics plus better retention of the treatment correction. Use of a patients PIAC/jaw bone structure also facilitates automating the process of archwire selection.

US Patent:

6786719, Sep 7, 2004

Filed:

Jul 1, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/187494

Inventors:

Benson McGann - San Juan Capistrano CA

Assignee:

Progressive America, Inc. - Santa Ana CA

International Classification:

A61C 300

US Classification:

433 4, 433 72

Abstract:

An apparatus that includes a handle; a pair of opposed gripping members, each member comprising a gripping surface, each gripping surface comprising a forward edge; and a gripping member position and orientation indicator (GMPOI) positioned between the handle and the forward edges. A method of coupling an orthodontic bracket to a tooth comprising: providing a bracket holder comprising a gripping member position and orientation indicator (GMPOI); utilizing the bracket holder to grip a bracket and to place the bracket on a tooth; while viewing the position and orientation of the GMPOI relative to the tooth on which the bracket is being mounted, rotating and/or moving the bracket holder so as to set the orientation and position of the bracket; subsequently causing the bracket holder to release the bracket; inserting a portion of the bracket holder into the bracket; and rotating the bracket holder so as to rotate the bracket.

US Patent:

7008221, Mar 7, 2006

Filed:

Oct 27, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/695084

Inventors:

Benson D. McGann - San Juan Capistrano CA, US

Assignee:

Progressive America, Inc. - Santa Ana CA

International Classification:

A61C 3/00

US Classification:

433 24

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to selection of individual patient archwires by examining the patients inner arch rather than the patients teeth. In particular, a method of archwire selection comprises (a) obtaining a representation of a patient's inner arch curve (a “PIAC”); (b) selecting an archwire shape based at least partially on the PIAC representation; (c) making an initial selection of an archwire size based at least partially on the PIAC representation; (d) selecting a final archwire size after considering something other than the PIAC representation; and (e) selecting an archwire to be used based on the selected archwire shape and selected final archwire size. Using the PIAC rather than the occlusal or labial and buccal surfaces of the teeth for archwire shape selection promotes shaping the teeth to the shape of the jaw bone and gives consistent facial esthetics plus better retention of the treatment correction. Use of a patients PIAC/jaw bone structure also facilitates automating the process of archwire selection.

US Patent:

20060057533, Mar 16, 2006

Filed:

Jan 16, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/501972

Inventors:

Benson McGann - San Juan Capistrano CA, US

International Classification:

A61C 19/00

US Classification:

433025000

Abstract:

Improved orthodontic methods and apparatus are described that reduce the level of skill required for successful treatment, reduce the amount of orthodontist's time required for successful treatment, and have improved retention. Customized individual orthodontic treatment is possible utilizing brackets (), bands, and archwires () specifically designed for each malocclusion. Computer software is used to organize hundreds of issues and appliance variations in an automated or semi-automated diagnosis and treatment system. Related tools include a bracket holder () having a handle (), a pair of gripping members (′) and a gripping member position and orientation indicator () and a bracket vertical position indicator ().

US Patent:

20060147873, Jul 6, 2006

Filed:

Feb 28, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/363743

Inventors:

Benson McGann - San Juan Capistrano CA, US

International Classification:

A61C 3/00

US Classification:

433024000, 433020000

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to selection of individual patient archwires by examining the patients inner arch rather than the patients teeth. In particular, a method of archwire selection comprises (a) obtaining a representation of a patient's inner arch curve (a “PIAC”); (b) selecting an archwire shape based at least partially on the PIAC representation; (c) making an initial selection of an archwire size based at least partially on the PIAC representation; (d) selecting a final archwire size after considering something other than the PIAC representation; and (e) selecting an archwire to be used based on the selected archwire shape and selected final archwire size. Using the PIAC rather than the occlusal or labial and buccal surfaces of the teeth for archwire shape selection promotes shaping the teeth to the shape of the jaw bone and gives consistent facial esthetics plus better retention of the treatment correction. Use of a patients PIAC/jaw bone structure also facilitates automating the process of archwire selection.

US Patent:

51157993, May 26, 1992

Filed:

Jan 15, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/641654

Inventors:

Benson D. McGann - South Laguna CA

International Classification:

A61B 100

US Classification:

128 12

Abstract:

A lip and cheek retracting device formed from a rigid sheet of autoclavable material. A first pair of opposing prongs with a first space formed therebetween extends in the opposite direction of a second pair of opposing prongs with a second spaced formed similarly therebetween. The first pair of prongs are shaped to fit around an adult's gum ridge, and the second pair of prongs are shaped to fit around a child's gum ridge. An indented curvature formed in each portion of the peripheral edge lying between one prong of the first pair of opposing prongs and one prong of the second pair of opposing prongs is used for manually holding the device in place during use.