MUMBAI, India, Aug. 17 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202621078715 A) filed by Varsha Dhamade; Dr. Ritesh Kalaskar; and Swetha Sreedhar on June 25, 2026, for “omega Loop - A Modified Space Maintainer For Primary Teeth”.
Inventors include Varsha Dhamade; Dr. Ritesh Kalaskar; and Swetha Sreedhar.
The application for the patent was published on August 14, 2026, under issue no. 33/2026.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified self-adjusting space-maintaining dental appliance designed for preserving arch space following premature loss of primary teeth. The appliance comprises an orthodontic band adapted to be fixed onto an abutment tooth and a wire component extending into the edentulous space. The wire component is configured into a flexible omega-shaped loop terminating in a rounded contact arm that passively contacts the adjacent tooth. Unlike conventional band- and-loop space maintainers, which are rigid and passive, the proposed design incorporates a flexible loop mechanism that permits minor physiological tooth movement while maintaining space integrity. The omega-shaped loop extension is configured to provide controlled flexibility, reduce stress concentration at the soldered junction, and minimize the risk of appliance failure and frequent dislodgement. The rounded contact arm ensures non-traumatic interaction with adjacent teeth, thereby improving patient comfort and reducing the risk of enamel wear or soft tissue irritation. The appliance further maintains clearance from gingival tissues, thereby enhancing oral hygiene and reducing plaque accumulation and food lodgement. The appliance is lightweight, non-bulky, aesthetically acceptable, and designed to avoid interference with the eruption of the succedaneous tooth. The flexible loop configuration prevents premature contact through the soldered junction and improves functional adaptability within physiological limits. Additionally, the appliance can be modified into an active configuration, when required, by incorporating activation within the loop design for minor tooth guidance. The invention provides a minimally invasive, durable, and functionally adaptive alternative to conventional band-and- loop space maintainers, requiring minimal chairside adjustment. The appliance may be fabricated on either the buccal or lingual aspect of the dental arch and is particularly suitable for pediatric dental and preventive orthodontic applications.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
