Embedded features and methods of a dental appliance

Abstract

Traditional orthodontic treatment often involves the use of basic repositioning devices, such as braces, and the use of supplementary devices, components or accessories to achieve desired end results. Such components may be mounted on fixed, non-removable devices or they may be part of a removable appliance typically worn prior to the application of the fixed devices. As with traditional treatment, it may be desired to utilize similar components when repositioning teeth with removable elastic repositioning appliances. Due to the nature of elastic appliances, such components may take a variety of forms ranging from readily available traditional accessories to specially created devices. Thus, traditional components may be mounted on or embedded in an elastic appliance, or the appliance may be formed to provide similar components. Likewise, the appliance may be modified to provide additional features for specific orthodontic treatments.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 409,409 (Attorney Docket No. 018563-001540US-9011.ALG.D1), filed Apr. 7, 2003, which was a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 616,222 (Attorney Docket No. 018563-001510US-9011.ALG.P), filed Jul. 14, 2000, which claimed the benefit of prior provisional application No. 60 / 199,649 (Attorney Docket No. 018563-001500US-9011.ALG.V), and 60 / 199,650 (Attorney Docket No. 018563-001300US-9010.ALG.V), both filed on Apr. 25, 2000, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. [0002] The disclosure of this application is also related to application Ser. No. 09 / 616,830 (Attorney. Docket No. 018563-001310US-9010.ALG.P), filed on Jul. 14, 2000, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,524,101 on Feb. 25, 2003, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention is related gene...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The present invention provides improved devices, systems and methods for repositioning teeth from a first orientation to a successive orientation in a series of movements to a final tooth and bite configuration. Such repositioning is based on a system comprising at least one and usually a plurality of three or more elastic repositioning appliances configured to receive the teeth in a cavity and incrementally reposition individual teeth, usually in a series of successive steps. In cases involving more complex movements or treatment plans, it may be desired to utilize additional devices, components or accessories. The present invention provides for the utilization of such devices, components or accessories typically used in conventional orthodontic treatment. In some instances the present invention provides improved elastic repositioning appliances that take the place of such additional accessories. Further, the present invention may provide improved elastic repositioning appliances that provide simultaneous repositioning of tooth and bite configurations that may be unachievable with conventional devices.

[0011] In a first aspect of the present invention, a removable elastic positioning appliance, typically used in a series of successive elastic appliances for orthodontic treatment, may be comprised of a polymeric shell having at least one orthodontic component or accessory. These components or accessories may be independent entities that are embedded in the polymeric shell during production of the appliance. Or, they may be mounted on the polymeric shell with a suitable adhesive in a post-production assembly protocol. In either case, the components may be traditional accessories that are typically used with conventional orthodontic devices, such as braces, or they may be any other readily available components used for dental treatment. Alternatively, the components may be specially created accessories designed for specific purposes when used with removable elastic positioning appliances. Such specially created accessories may be independent entities present on or in the polymeric shell as described above, or they may be formed by the polymeric shell itself. In these cases, the component may be a formed protrusion or shape in the wall of the polymeric shell, providing a variety of advantages, including but not limited to increased stability, safety from breakage, ease of manufacturing, cost savings, shortened treatment time and improved cosmetic appearance and patient compliance.

Problems solved by technology

These components are not generally suited for use with fixed appliances and devices due to their bulk and size.

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