CN111067646A

CN111067646A - System for moving teeth and tooth decoration

Info

Publication number: CN111067646A
Application number: CN201811291305.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 冯慧
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-10-18
Filing date: 2018-10-31
Publication date: 2020-04-28

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for moving teeth and dental decorations, the dental arch of a user comprising misaligned and properly aligned teeth, the system comprising one or more courses of continuous appliances, each course of continuous appliances comprising: at least one first appliance having a shape and position selected to reposition teeth from an initial tooth arrangement to a first intermediate arrangement or a final tooth arrangement; optionally, one or more intermediate appliances having shapes and positions selected to incrementally reposition teeth from a first intermediate arrangement to successive intermediate arrangements, including a last intermediate tooth arrangement; and at least one final appliance having a shape and position selected to incrementally reposition teeth from the initial tooth arrangement or the last intermediate arrangement to the final tooth arrangement. The system includes a decorative element on the labial side of the at least one first appliance, the optional one or more intermediate appliances, or the at least one final appliance.

Description

System for moving teeth and tooth decoration

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of orthodontics, and more particularly to a system for moving teeth and tooth decorations.

Background

The conventional method of repositioning teeth is to have the user wear what is known as a "mouthpiece". Braces include various appliances such as brackets, archwires, ligatures, and O-rings. The conventional orthodontic procedure is briefly described as follows: prior to securing the mouthpiece to the user's teeth, an orthodontist, dentist and/or X-ray laboratory typically visits at least one time, whereby X-rays and photographs of the user's teeth and the structure of the mandible may be obtained. In addition, during this initial appointment or at a possible later appointment, an alginic acid mold of the user's teeth is typically made. This mold provides a model of the user's teeth, which the orthodontist uses in conjunction with X-rays and photographs to develop treatment strategies. The orthodontist then typically schedules one or more appointments during which to install the mouthpiece to the user's teeth.

During the first appointment of installing the braces, the tooth surface is typically first treated with a weak acid that optimizes the adhesion characteristics of the tooth surface to which the brackets and bands will be bonded. The brackets and dental tape serve as anchors for other appliances to be added later. After the acid treatment step, the bracket and dental tape are cemented to the user's teeth using a suitable bonding material. No force appliance was added until the cement was set. For this reason, orthodontists typically schedule a later appointment to ensure that the brackets and bands are firmly bonded to the teeth.

The primary force appliance in one group of conventional braces is the archwire. The archwire is resilient and attaches to the brackets by way of slots in the brackets. The archwire couples the brackets together and applies force to the brackets to move the teeth over time. Twisted wires or elastomeric O-rings are often used to enhance the attachment of the archwire to the brackets. In the field of orthodontics, the attachment of archwires to brackets is referred to as "ligation" and the wires used in this process are referred to as "ligatures". Elastomeric O-rings are known as "plastic".

Regular visits to the orthodontist are required after the archwire is in place, whereby the user's braces are adjusted by installing different archwires with different force generating characteristics or by replacing or cinching existing ligatures. Typically, appointments are scheduled every three to six weeks.

Thus, attaching the appliance to the user's teeth is a tedious and time consuming task and requires an appointment with the treating orthodontist many times.

Various methods have been proposed to simplify and reduce the cost of orthodontics, but with limited success. For example, Kuroda et al (1996) describe a method of laser scanning a plaster cast to generate a digital image of the cast in the J.Orthodontics journal of the United states 110: 365-. In addition, methods for manipulating digital images of teeth to design orthodontic appliances are described with reference to U.S. patent No. 5,605,459, U.S. patent nos. 5,533,895, 5,474,448, 5,454,717, 5,447,432, 5,431,562, 5,395,238, 5,368,478, and 5,139,419, assigned to Ormco Corporation.

Figures 1-3 show a transparent mouthpiece. Fig. 1 and 2 show a transparent mouthpiece having a lower arch on the labial/buccal side and the palatal/lingual side, with

numbers

1, 2, 3,4 in fig. 1 corresponding to labial, buccal, lingual, maxillofacial, respectively. Figure 3 shows a mouthpiece with an upper dental arch on the labial/buccal side and the palatal/lingual side.

U.S. patent No. 5,011,405 describes a method for digitally imaging teeth and determining optimal bracket positioning for orthodontic treatment. Laser scanning to mold teeth to create three-dimensional models is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,338,198. U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,219 describes a method for laser scanning a dental model and grinding a dental mold. Digital computer manipulation of tooth profiles is described in U.S. Pat. nos. 5,607,305 and 5,587,912. Computerized digital imaging of the mandible is described in U.S. Pat. nos. 5,342,202 and 5,340,309. Other patents of interest include U.S. patent nos. 5,549,476, 5,382,164, 5,273,429, 4,936,862, 3,860,803, 3,660,900, 5,645,421, 5,055,039, 4,798,534, 4,856,991, 5,035,613, 5,059,118, 5,186,623 and 4,755,139.

Us patent numbers 6,398,548 and 6,554,611 describe the use of a computer program to predict tooth movement from an initial tooth position to a final tooth position, and design and manufacture a series of appliances of different shapes and positions to effect repositioning of teeth from the initial position to the final position in a set of appliances, wherein the user receives a full set of appliances from start to finish. The appliances are numbered or marked in sequence for use. The problem is that if a particular tooth moves short of the expected tooth position, the difference between the actual tooth position and the expected (predicted) tooth position will likely be larger and larger during the repositioning process. In addition, teeth with increasingly large differences between actual and intended positions will experience non-proportional loading forces relative to other teeth and cause increased pain and discomfort to the patient.

Most of the reasons for supporting orthodontic treatment are aesthetic in nature, which includes the use of transparent braces. However, the prior art fails to recognize and address many of the needs (e.g., tooth discoloration) and other needs that have not been met in this regard.

The embodiments described below address the above-recognized needs and problems.

Disclosure of Invention

In an aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for repositioning teeth of a user whose teeth require repositioning from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement, the user's dental arch including misaligned ("MP") teeth and normally aligned ("NP") teeth, the system including one or more courses of continuous appliances, each course of continuous appliances including:

(a) at least one first appliance having a shape and position selected to reposition teeth from an initial tooth arrangement to a first intermediate arrangement or a final tooth arrangement;

(b) optionally, one or more intermediate appliances having shapes and positions selected to incrementally reposition teeth from a first intermediate arrangement to a successive intermediate arrangement including a last intermediate tooth arrangement; and (c) at least one final appliance having a shape and position selected to incrementally reposition teeth from the initial tooth arrangement or the last intermediate arrangement to a final tooth arrangement,

wherein the at least one first appliance, the optional one or more intermediate appliances, or the at least one final appliance comprises a decorative element on the labial side of the at least one first appliance, the optional one or more intermediate appliances, or the at least one final appliance.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the present invention, the decorative element comprises one or more of the following: opaque surfaces, glitter, organic or inorganic pigments/pigments, fragrances, flavorings, graphic elements, numeric elements, or letter elements.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the present invention, the decorative element comprises a glitter material.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the present invention, the decorative element comprises a fragrance.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the present invention, the decorative element comprises an organic or inorganic pigment.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the present invention, the opaque surface comprises microparticles.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the present invention, the microparticles comprise an inorganic oxide, an inorganic salt, or a flavoring agent.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the present invention, the scintillating material comprises organic crystals or inorganic crystals.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the present invention, the glitter material comprises gold crystals, silver crystals, diamond crystals, or polymer crystals.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the present invention, the decorative element comprises a graphical element, a numerical element, or a letter element. Such graphical elements may be, for example, starting shapes, hearts, human figures, animal figures, plants, flowers, scientific or technical symbols, formulas, or structures, works of art, works of engineering, natural scenes, models, or designs. Such letter elements may be, for example, names, words, phrases, or names of people such as name abbreviations.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the present invention, the decorative element comprises a tooth shape or color element that compensates for a shape or structural deficiency of the tooth, or a color deficiency of the tooth, and the decorative element comprises an opaque or translucent white color for masking tooth discoloration and/or masking the shape or structural deficiency of the tooth.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the invention, the orthosis comprises a continuous lock of different shape and position shaped to receive the orthosis and allow the orthosis to reposition teeth from one arrangement to a continuous arrangement,

wherein the lock comprises a polymeric shell having a cavity shaped to receive the MP teeth and a cavity shaped to receive the NP teeth, thereby resiliently repositioning the teeth from one arrangement to a successive arrangement.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the invention, each of the polymeric shells has a labial/buccal wall thickness ("LBW thickness") and a palatal/lingual wall thickness ("PLW thickness"), the LBW thickness being different from the PLW thickness, and

wherein in the first appliance and optionally one or more intermediate appliances, the LBW thickness or PLW thickness of the cavity that receives MP teeth has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the cavity that receives the NP teeth.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the invention, the system comprises at least two courses of treatment of the orthosis.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the present invention, the LBW thickness or PLW thickness of the cavity containing the MP teeth has a thickness of about 0.1mm to about 2mm, which is greater than the thickness of the cavity containing the NP teeth.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the invention, any one of the treatment sessions includes two or more appliances, the thickness of the latter appliance differing from the thickness of the former appliance by a range of about 0.1 to about 2 mm.

In some embodiments, to enhance the anchoring of the appliance, a dental implant may be used in association with the appliance procedure. The implant may be placed either palatal or buccal or in the posterior molar region.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system formation method for repositioning teeth of a user whose teeth require repositioning from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement, the user's dental arch including misaligned ("MP") teeth and normally aligned ("NP") teeth, the method comprising forming decorative elements on a surface of the system, the system including one or more courses of continuous appliances, each course of continuous appliances including:

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the method of the present invention, the decorative element is formed using an additive or physical attachment, or physical device or chemical means.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the method of the present invention, the additive comprises a pigment, a microparticle, or a glitter material, wherein the physical device comprises imprinting, mechanical engraving, thermal engraving, or laser etching, and wherein the chemical means comprises alkaline or acid etching.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the method of the present invention, the decorative element comprises one or more of the following: opaque surfaces, glitter, organic or inorganic pigments/pigments, fragrances, flavorings, graphic elements, numeric elements, or letter elements.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the method of the present invention, the decorative element comprises a glitter.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the method of the present invention, the decorative element comprises a fragrance.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the method of the present invention, the decorative element comprises an organic or inorganic pigment.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the methods of the present invention, the microparticles comprise an inorganic oxide, an inorganic salt, or a flavoring agent.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the method of the invention, the glitter material comprises gold crystals, silver crystals, diamond crystals, or polymer crystals.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the method of the present invention, the decorative element comprises a graphical element, a numerical element, or a letter element. Such graphical elements may be, for example, starting shapes, hearts, human figures, animal figures, plants, flowers, scientific or technical symbols, formulas, or structures, works of art, works of engineering, natural scenes, models, or designs. Such letter elements may be, for example, names, words, phrases, or names of people such as name abbreviations.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the method of the present invention, the decorative element comprises a tooth shape or color element that compensates for a shape or structural deficiency of the tooth, or a color deficiency of the tooth, and the decorative element comprises an opaque or translucent white color for masking tooth discoloration and/or masking the shape or structural deficiency of the tooth.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the methods of the invention, the orthosis comprises a continuous lock of different shape and position shaped to receive the orthosis and allow the orthosis to reposition teeth from one arrangement to a continuous arrangement,

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the methods of the invention, each of the polymeric shells has a labial/buccal wall thickness ("LBW thickness") and a palatal/lingual wall thickness ("PLW thickness"), the LBW thickness being different from the PLW thickness, and

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any of the embodiments of the methods of the invention, the system comprises at least two courses of treatment of the orthosis.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the methods of the invention, the LBW thickness or PLW thickness of the cavity containing the MP teeth has a thickness of about 0.1mm to about 2mm, which is greater than the thickness of the cavity containing the NP teeth.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the methods of the invention, any one of the treatment sessions includes two or more appliances, the thickness of the latter appliance differing from the thickness of the former appliance by a range of about 0.1 to about 2 mm.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of use of a system for repositioning teeth, comprising applying the system to a user to cause teeth to be repositioned from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement, the system comprising one or more courses of continuous appliances, each course of continuous appliances comprising:

(b) optionally, one or more intermediate appliances having shapes and positions selected to incrementally reposition teeth from a first intermediate arrangement to a successive intermediate arrangement including a last intermediate tooth arrangement; and

(c) at least one final appliance having a shape and position selected to incrementally reposition teeth from the initial tooth arrangement or the last intermediate arrangement to a final tooth arrangement,

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the present invention, the decorative element is formed using an additive or physical attachment, or physical device or chemical means.

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the present invention, the additive comprises a pigment, a microparticle, or a glitter material, wherein the physical device comprises imprinting, mechanical engraving, thermal engraving, or laser etching, and wherein the chemical means comprises alkaline or acid etching.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

fig. 1, 2 and 3 are schematic views of the transparent mouthpiece, respectively.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a treatment course according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Definition of

As used herein, the term "opaque" means the property of the inventive appliance that renders the original color of the teeth of the appliance user invisible or substantially invisible.

As used herein, the term "transparent" means allowing light to pass through but diffusing it, thereby making it invisible to an opposing person, object, etc.

As used herein, the term "identical appliances" means appliances that are identical to one another in shape and position, appliance-forming material, and/or physical dimensions of the appliances. Relatedly, the term "replica" of an appliance ("parent appliance") means a replica appliance of a parent appliance that is identical to the parent appliance in shape and position, appliance-forming material, and/or physical dimensions of the appliance, and, in the context of this patent application, the term "replica appliance" is used interchangeably with the terms "replica" or "replica appliance" and means a replica appliance of a parent appliance that is identical to the parent appliance in each of shape and position, appliance-forming material, and/or physical dimensions of the appliance.

Decorative element

As used herein, the term "decorative element" means an element that is aesthetically appealing to, or has significant subjective value to, a user of the system of the present patent application.

The decorative element used in the present patent application may be any aesthetic feature formed of a biocompatible material. For example, the decorative element may comprise a glitter material, a color substance, such as an organic or inorganic pigment/pigment, or a physical instrument or chemical object, model, or design.

In some embodiments, the decorative element comprises a glitter material. Examples of glitter material may be or include, for example, organic crystals or inorganic crystals. In some other embodiments, the glitter material may include gold crystals, silver crystals, or diamond crystals.

In some embodiments, the decorative element may comprise a graphical element, a numerical element, or a letter element. Examples of such graphical elements may be starting shapes, hearts, human figures, animal figures, plants, flowers, scientific or technical symbols, formulas, or structures, works of art, works of engineering, natural landscapes, models, or designs. In some embodiments, such graphical elements may be artwork, such as paintings, paintings or sculptures, buildings, and the like. In some other embodiments, such graphical elements may be an engineered work, for example, a building or bridge. In some other implementations, such graphical elements may be natural landscapes, such as oceans, mountains, rivers, lakes, trees, forests, beaches, or parks.

In some embodiments, the decorative element may comprise a fragrance. Such fragrances may provide a physiologically appealing sensation, and the fragrances may be, for example, olfactory, sex hormones, and/or oral odor masking agents.

Opaque surface

The opaque surfaces used in the present patent application may be formed of any biocompatible material. In some embodiments, the opaque surface may comprise particles. Such particulates may include, for example, inorganic oxides or inorganic salts. In some embodiments, the microparticles may include materials that are oxides, phosphates, sulfates, fluorides, flavorants, silicates, or combinations thereof.

In some other embodiments, the particulates may include TiO₂、CaCO₃、Al₂O₃、SiO₂Silicate, sulfate, phosphate, fluoride, flavoring, or combinations thereof.

Tooth repositioning system

In an aspect of the invention, illustrated in connection with fig. 4, there is provided a system for repositioning teeth of a user whose teeth require repositioning from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement, the user's dental arch including misaligned ("MP") teeth and normally aligned ("NP") teeth, the system including one or more courses of continuous appliances, each course of continuous appliances including:

In some embodiments, optionally in combination with one or any embodiment of the system of the present invention, the decorative element comprises an opaque surface.

As used herein, the term "continuous appliance" means an appliance that is shaped and positioned to reposition teeth from one position, which may be an initial position or an intermediate position, to another position, which may be an intermediate position or a final position. In the continuous appliances in the system described in this patent application, the shape and position of each continuous appliance is different from the shape and position of another continuous appliance.

In some embodiments, the systems described herein can have successive appliances, where each appliance includes 2 to 20, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 2 to 8, or 2 to 5 identical appliances. For example, 2, 3,4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 identical appliances.

As described in more detail below in connection with the method of the present system, the system is planned and all individual appliances of the first course of treatment are manufactured at the beginning of the treatment, so the appliances are provided to the orthodontist in a single package or system. The expected differences between actual tooth positions and expected (predicted) tooth positions caused by the continuous change in shape and position of the appliance, along with other important dimensional and/or material features useful to the prescribing orthodontist, are clearly marked on the appliance. For example, a first appliance of a first course is expected to have a very small variance (e.g., near zero variance), while a last appliance of the first course is expected to have a larger variance (e.g., greater than zero variance). The exact unit of difference is expressed as, but not limited to, a percentage, metric, or other numerical system (e.g., a scale of 0 to 25; where 25 is the maximum difference). The calculation of the difference may be based on the degree of tooth movement required, appliance size, appliance material characteristics, and the use or non-use of the anchor device (e.g., an intraosseous dental implant) to varying degrees. After obtaining the proper sequence of appliance use, the user may place the appliances onto the teeth at a frequency specified by an orthodontist or other therapist. Unlike braces, users do not need to meet an appointment with a therapist each time a treatment is adjusted. While users typically want to attend their therapist on a regular basis to ensure that treatment is performed according to the original plan, eliminating the need for users to attend the therapist each time they adjust the treatment allows treatment to be performed in more, but finer, sequential steps while also reducing the time spent by the therapist for the individual user. In addition, the ability to use a more comfortable, less visible, and user-removable polymeric shell appliance improves user compliance, comfort, and satisfaction.

The individual appliances will preferably include a polymeric shell having tooth receiving cavities formed therein, typically by molding as described below. Each individual appliance will be configured such that the shape and location of its tooth receiving cavity corresponds to the middle or ending tooth arrangement for that appliance. That is, when the user first wears the appliance, some of the teeth may be misaligned relative to the undeformed shape and position of the appliance cavity. However, the appliance is sufficiently resilient to accommodate or conform to misaligned teeth, and will exert sufficient resilient force against such misaligned teeth to reposition the teeth to the desired intermediate or end arrangement for the treatment step. However, this adaptation or conformance to misaligned teeth by successive appliance shapes and positions results in an increased difference between the actual tooth position and the expected (predicted) tooth position.

The expected differences between actual tooth positions and expected (predicted) tooth positions caused by the continuous change in shape and position of the appliance, along with other important dimensional and/or material features useful to the prescribing orthodontist, are clearly marked on the appliance. For example, a first appliance of a first course is expected to have a very small variance (e.g., near zero variance), while a last appliance of the first course is expected to have a larger variance (e.g., greater than zero variance). The precise unit of difference is expressed as, but not limited to, a percentage, metric, or other numerical system. The calculation of the difference may be variably based on the degree of tooth movement required, appliance size, appliance material characteristics, and the use or non-use of the anchor device (e.g., an intraosseous dental implant).

The individual appliances described in this patent application also apply different orthodontic forces to the tooth arrangement. The different orthosis forces associated with each orthosis are achieved by: increasing the thickness and stiffness but maintaining the same modulus of elasticity, or changing material properties, such as modulus of elasticity and stiffness, but not changing the thickness or changing any combination of the thickness, stiffness, modulus of elasticity, and/or material properties. It should be noted that the orthodontic force applied to a given tooth or series of teeth varies, although in part, depending on the material and/or mechanical properties of the appliance. The orthosis force associated with an orthosis is generally related to the thickness, stiffness, modulus of elasticity and/or material properties of the orthosis. Rather, the orthodontic force applied to a given tooth or series of teeth is generally related to the actual tooth position and desired tooth position, the shape and position of the appliance to achieve the desired tooth position, as well as the material and/or mechanical properties of the appliance and whether an anchored dental implant device is employed.

In one embodiment, the system described herein includes one or more appliance therapy sessions with a differential downgrading and/or upgrading appliance force system (e.g., from high to low, from low to high, from high to high, from low to low, from high to low to high, from low to low, etc.). The combination of downgrading and/or upgrading the orthosis force system is limited only by the number of orthosis per course of treatment. For example, the system may include a first appliance having a high orthodontic force, the shape and position of which is selected to reposition teeth from an initial tooth arrangement to a first intermediate arrangement; one or more intermediate appliances having shapes and positions and force reduction systems selected to incrementally reposition teeth from a first intermediate arrangement to a successive intermediate arrangement; and a final appliance having a lowest corrective force system of course, the shape and position of which are selected to incrementally reposition teeth from the last intermediate arrangement to the end tooth arrangement. If necessary, a new course of the corrective force system will begin with the end tooth placement of the previous course until the entire treatment is completed.

For each treatment session, a description of the corrective force system is provided to describe the corrective force of each appliance, and an orthodontist is advised of the order in which each individual appliance is used with a predetermined differential force that will progressively move the user's teeth toward the final arrangement, package containing one appliance treatment session, where the appliances are provided to the user in a single package. The treating orthodontist will then provide the user with the appropriate order of using the appliances based on the condition of each user and the professional judgment and discretion of the physician.

In some embodiments, the systems described herein include one or more appliance therapy sessions. Each treatment session contains one or more appliances having a differential downgrading and/or upgrading orthotic force system as described above. In some embodiments, each course of the system can be labeled for the course sequence.

The different orthosis forces associated with each orthosis are varied by varying the dimensions and/or material characteristics of the orthosis. For example, the orthosis can be made of different thicknesses to produce different orthosis forces. For example, the appliance may have a thickness in the range of about 0.01mm, about 0.1mm, about 0.2mm, about 0.3mm, about 0.4mm, about 0.5mm, about 0.6mm, about 0.7mm, about 0.8mm, about 0.9mm, about 1mm, about 1.1mm, about 1.2mm, about 1.3mm, about 1.4mm, about 1.5mm, about 1.6mm, about 1.7mm, about 1.8mm, about 1.9mm, or about 2.0 mm. For example, the material may be mixed with a reinforcing material, such as a fiber, sheet, strip, wire, mesh, grid, network, interpenetrating network, or a combination thereof, in order to provide the appliance with different orthosis forces.

To achieve the desired speed of orthodontic treatment, the correction force of each appliance during the course of treatment can be tailored to meet the treatment needs. For example, the posterior appliance can be made to have a different stiffness than the anterior appliance, e.g., in the range of about 0.1 to about 8Gpa, during each treatment session. In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the previous appliance can be made to vary from about 1% to about 800% from the elastic modulus of the subsequent appliance during each appliance session. In some other embodiments, the posterior appliance thickness can be made to vary from the anterior appliance thickness by a range of about 0.1 to about 2mm during each treatment session.

Orthosis forming material

The orthosis may be formed from a plastics polymer such as a polyester material. An example of such a polyester material is polylactic acid or similar material. Many polyester materials have been developed to form various types of appliances. Many examples of these materials have been described in detail by the following U.S. patents: U.S. patent nos. 5,605,459; 5,533,895, respectively; 5,474,448, respectively; 5,454,717, respectively; 5,447,432, respectively; 5,431,562, respectively; 5,395,238, respectively; 5,368,478, respectively; 5,139,419, respectively; 5,338,198; 5,452,219; 5,607,305; 5,587,912; 5,342,202; 5,340,309; 5,549,476, respectively; 5,382,164, respectively; 5,273,429, respectively; 4,936,862, respectively; 3,860,803, respectively; 3,660,900, respectively; 5,645,421, respectively; 5,055,039, respectively; 4,798,534, respectively; 4,856,991, respectively; 5,035,613, respectively; 5,059,118, respectively; 5,186,623, respectively; 4,755,139, respectively; 6,398,548, and 6,554,611. In view of the requirement for a concise description, such information is incorporated by reference herein and will not be described in detail.

In some embodiments, the material forming the orthosis can comprise an elastic material. For example, the orthosis may be formed of a resilient material which may comprise one or more polymers. Preferably, the polymer is inert and biocompatible. The polymer is also flexible enough to allow easy removal and application by a user, but rigid enough to allow control of tooth movement. Any conventional material used in the manufacture of removable appliances for dental treatment may generally be used in the present system. Specific examples of useful polymers include any elastomeric polymeric material, such as those commonly used in the dental field, for example, olefin polymers or copolymers, such as polyethylene, polybutylene, polyisobutylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polystyrene, copolymers including two or more of ethylene, propylene, butylene, isobutylene, pentene, styrene, vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, and combinations or mixtures thereof. The polymeric material may also include materials to modify biocompatibility. Such biocompatible modifying materials include, for example, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, or natural polymers such as cellulose or alginate, collagen, and the like.

In some embodiments, the polymeric material may also include reinforcing materials such as fibers, sheets, wires, glass fibers, carbon fibers, sheets, tapes, meshes, grids, and networks and interpenetrating networks. Some representative reinforcing materials include, for example, micro or nano alumina phases, carbon fibers, and the like, or mixtures thereof.

Manufacturing method

Appliance forming method

The appliance may be formed by the following steps: (a) receiving prescription orthodontic information relating to a user in need of orthodontic treatment, (b) forming an appliance therapy session comprising individual appliances; and (c) forming an appliance therapy session.

Generally, the orthosis can be formed by the following steps: (1) generating/obtaining an initial data set, such as an Initial Digital Data Set (IDDS) representing an initial tooth arrangement, (2) generating a Digital Data Set (DDS) or a non-digital data set (NDDS) representing an intermediate tooth arrangement, (3) generating an end or final data set, such as DDS or NDDS, representing an end tooth arrangement or a final tooth arrangement, and (4) preferably generating a plurality of successive digital data sets based on the first digital data set and the final digital data set, wherein the plurality of successive data sets represent a series of successive tooth arrangements progressing from the intermediate tooth arrangement, the final end tooth arrangement to the end tooth arrangement or the final tooth arrangement, and (5) generating an appliance or a plurality of appliances based on the digital data sets. In some embodiments, the digital data set may be converted into a visual image representing the arrangement of teeth, and the appliance may be formed based on the visual image. Methods of obtaining the IDDS and DDS, generating a visual image based on the DDS, and forming an appliance based on the visual image are described in U.S. patent nos. 6,398,548, 6,544,611, 5,895,893, 6,244,861, 6,616,444, 5,645,420, and 5,447,432, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference into this patent application.

The initial digital data set may be provided by any technique known in the art, including digitized X-ray images, images generated by computer-assisted tomography (CAT scan), images generated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), images generated by picture scans, and so forth. The image may be a three-dimensional image and the digitization may be accomplished using known techniques. For example, an initial digital data set is provided by generating a plaster of the user's teeth (prior to treatment) using techniques known in the art. The so generated plaster may then be scanned using a laser or other scanning device in order to generate a high resolution digital representation of the plaster of the user's teeth.

In a preferred embodiment, the wax bite can also be obtained from the user by using standard methods. The wax bite allows the plasters of the user's upper and lower dentition to be placed in the position of the central occlusal surface relative to each other. The pair of plasters may then be scanned to provide information about the relative position of the lower jaw in this position. This information is then incorporated into the IDDS of both dental arches.

Once the digital data set is acquired, the image may be presented on and manipulated on a suitable computer system equipped with computer-aided design software, as described in more detail below. Image manipulation typically includes defining a boundary around at least some of the individual teeth, and moving the tooth image relative to the mandible and other teeth by manipulating the image via a computer. Methods for detecting information about the cusps of teeth are also provided. Image manipulation can be done purely subjectively, i.e., a user can reposition teeth based solely on the viewing of the image, in a manner desired by aesthetics and/or medical science. Alternatively, the computer system may be provided with rules and algorithms that assist the user in repositioning the teeth. In some cases, it is possible to provide rules and algorithms for repositioning teeth in a fully automated manner (i.e., without user intervention). Once the individual teeth have been repositioned, a final digital data set representing the desired final tooth arrangement is generated and stored.

One exemplary method for determining the final tooth placement is for the therapist to define the final tooth position, such as by writing a prescription. The use of prescriptions to define the desired outcome of orthodontic surgery is known in the art. When providing a prescription or other final design, the image may then be manipulated to match the prescription. In some cases, it is possible to provide software that can interpret a prescription to generate a final image and thus a digital data set representing a final tooth arrangement.

In another aspect, a method as described herein is provided for generating a plurality of digital data sets representing a series of independent tooth arrangements progressing from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement. Such methods include providing a digital data set representing an initial tooth arrangement (which may be implemented in accordance with any of the techniques described above). A digital data set representing the final tooth arrangement is also provided. Such a final digital data set may be determined by the method described above. Subsequently, a plurality of successive digital or non-digital data sets may be generated based on the initial digital data set and the final digital data set. Typically, successive digital data sets are generated by determining the differences in position between selected individual teeth in the initial data set and the final data set and performing an interpolation on the differences. Such interpolation may be performed in as many separate stages as may be desired, often at least three, typically at least four, more typically at least ten, sometimes at least twenty-five, and occasionally forty or more. In many cases, the interpolation will be a linear interpolation for some or all of the position differences. Alternatively, the interpolation may be non-linear. In a preferred embodiment, non-linear interpolation is automatically calculated using path scheduling and collision detection techniques to avoid interference between individual teeth. The positional difference corresponds to tooth movement with a maximum linear movement of any point on the tooth of 2mm or less, typically 1mm or less, and typically 0.5mm or less.

Typically, the user will specify certain target intermediate tooth arrangements, referred to as "key frames," that are incorporated directly into the intermediate digital data set. The method of the present system then determines a continuous digital data set between the key frames in the manner described above, e.g., by linear or non-linear interpolation between the key frames. The key frames may be determined by the user, e.g., individual frames that manipulate the visual images at the computer used to generate the digital data set, or may be provided as a prescription by a treatment professional in the same manner as the prescription for the final dental arrangement.

In another aspect, the method described herein is provided to manufacture a plurality of dental incremental position adjustment appliances. The method includes providing an initial digital data set, a final digital or non-digital data set, and generating a plurality of successive digital or non-digital data sets representing a target successive tooth arrangement, substantially as described above. The dental appliance is then manufactured based on at least some of the digital data sets representing the arrangement of successive teeth. Preferably, the manufacturing step comprises controlling the manufacturing machine based on the continuous digital data set to generate a continuous positive mold of the desired tooth arrangement. The dental appliance is then produced as a negative of the positive mold using conventional positive pressure or vacuum manufacturing techniques. The manufacturing machine may comprise a stereolithography-type machine or other similar machine that relies on selectively hardening a volume of non-hardening resin by scanning a laser to selectively harden the resin in a shape based on a digital data set. Other manufacturing machines that may be utilized in the method of the present system include a mold machine and a wax deposition machine.

In another aspect, a method of the present system for manufacturing a dental appliance includes providing a digital data set representing a modified tooth arrangement of a user. A fabrication machine is then used to generate a positive mold that modifies the tooth arrangement based on the digital data set. The dental appliance is then produced as a negative of the positive mold. The manufacturing machine may be a stereolithography type machine or other machine as described above, and the male molds are produced by conventional pressure or vacuum molding techniques.

In yet another aspect, a method for manufacturing a dental appliance described herein includes providing a first digital data set representing a modified tooth arrangement of a user. A second digital data set is then generated from the first digital data set, wherein the second data set represents a negative mold of the modified tooth arrangement. The manufacturing machine is then controlled based on the second digital data set to generate the dental appliance. The manufacturing machine will typically rely on selectively hardening the non-hardening resin to create the appliance. Appliances typically include a polymeric shell having cavities shaped to receive and resiliently reposition teeth from an initial tooth arrangement to a modified tooth arrangement.

In some embodiments, the orthodontist may imprint or scan the last intermediate tooth arrangement after the user has undergone treatment for one or more appliance sessions. Thus, a digital data set of the last intermediate tooth arrangement of the previous session may be obtained based on the impression or scan. This digital data set for the last intermediate tooth arrangement of the previous procedure is then used as an initial point for generating a new digital data set and visual image based on the new digital data set representing one or more new intermediate tooth arrangements, and for manufacturing the final tooth arrangement for the new appliance procedure.

In some embodiments, the final tooth arrangement can be achieved by applying two or more appliance courses, and each course of appliances incrementally moves teeth from the tooth arrangement positioned by the last appliance of the previous course. Therefore, the appliance treatment course can be manufactured according to the principle.

Application method

While the above is a complete description of the preferred embodiments of the present system, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present system, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for repositioning teeth of a user whose teeth require repositioning from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement, the user's dental arch including MP teeth in misaligned arrangement and NP teeth in normal arrangement, the system including one or more courses of continuous appliances, each course of continuous appliances including:

a. at least one first appliance having a shape and position selected to reposition teeth from an initial tooth arrangement to a first intermediate arrangement or a final tooth arrangement;

b. optionally, one or more intermediate appliances having shapes and positions selected to incrementally reposition teeth from a first intermediate arrangement to a successive intermediate arrangement including a last intermediate tooth arrangement; and

c. at least one final appliance having a shape and position selected to incrementally reposition teeth from the initial tooth arrangement or the last intermediate arrangement to a final tooth arrangement,

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the decorative element comprises optionally one or more of: opaque surfaces, glitter, organic or inorganic pigments/pigments, fragrances, flavorings, graphic elements, numeric elements, or letter elements.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the opaque surface comprises particles.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the microparticles comprise an inorganic oxide, an inorganic salt, or a flavoring agent.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the glitter material comprises an organic crystal or an inorganic crystal.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the glitter material comprises gold crystals, silver crystals, diamond crystals, or polymer crystals.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the graphical element comprises a starting shape, a heart shape, a human figure, an animal figure, a plant, a flower, a scientific or technical symbol, a formula, or a structure, an art, an engineering, a natural scene, a model, or a design.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the decorative element comprises a tooth shape or color element that complements a shape or structural deficiency of a tooth, or a color deficiency of a tooth, the decorative element comprising an opaque or translucent white color for masking the tooth discoloration and/or masking the shape or structural deficiency of the tooth.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the color defect of a tooth is a tooth discoloration.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the appliance comprises a continuous lock of different shape and position that is shaped to receive the appliance and allow the appliance to reposition teeth from one arrangement to a continuous arrangement,

11. The system of claim 10, wherein each of the polymer shells has a labial/buccal wall thickness (LBW) thickness and a palatal/lingual wall thickness (PLW) thickness, the LBW thickness being different than the PLW thickness; and

12. A system formation method for repositioning teeth of a user whose teeth require repositioning from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement, the user's dental arch including MP teeth in an misaligned arrangement and NP teeth in a normal arrangement, the method comprising forming decorative elements on a surface of the system, the system including one or more courses of continuous appliances, each course of continuous appliances including:

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the decorative element is formed using an additive or physical attachment, or a physical instrument or chemical means.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the additive comprises a pigment, microparticle, or glitter material, wherein the physical device comprises imprinting, mechanical engraving, thermal engraving, or laser etching, and wherein the chemical means comprises alkali or acid etching.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the system is a system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

16. A method of using a system for repositioning teeth from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement, comprising applying the system to a user, causing the teeth to be repositioned from the initial tooth arrangement to the final tooth arrangement, wherein the system is a system according to any of claims 1 to 11.