DE102019126890A1 - Method of manufacturing an aligner - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing an aligner (12), by means of which a tooth misalignment of a patient can be treated, comprising the following method steps: a) A tooth model is created with modeled teeth which are arranged relative to one another in such a way that tooth positions of the The modeled teeth correspond to the target positions of the patient's teeth. b) An aligner film (1) is deep-drawn over the tooth model so that a tooth section (2) is formed in the aligner film (1), which over a film level (3) of the aligner film (1 ) protrudes and forms a negative (4) of the modeled teeth. c) The aligner sheet (1) is processed in such a way that the tooth section (2) is separated from the remaining aligner sheet (1) along a separating line (11), whereupon the separated Tooth section (2) forms the aligner (12). In order to further develop a method for producing an aligner of the type described above in such a way that it can be e economic efficiency is optimized and is preferably suitable for industrial production, it is provided according to the present invention that the separation of the tooth section (2) from the rest of the aligner film (1) is carried out by means of a laser (10) Laser (10) generated laser beam relative to the aligner film (1) remains unchanged during the separation of the tooth section (2) and the laser (10) and the aligner film (1) are moved relative to one another in such a way that the laser beam along the dividing line (11) to be led. Alternatively, it can be provided that a position of the laser (10) remains unchanged during the separation of the tooth section (2) relative to the aligner film (1) and the laser beam generated by means of the laser (10) is deflected by means of at least one movable reflector in such a way that the laser beam is guided along the dividing line (11).

Description

introduction

The present application relates to a method for producing an aligner, by means of which a tooth misalignment of a patient can be treated, in which first a tooth model is created with modeled teeth which are arranged relative to one another in such a way that tooth positions of the modeled teeth target positions of teeth of the patient. An aligner film is deep-drawn over the tooth model so that a tooth section is formed in the aligner film, which protrudes beyond a film level of the aligner film and forms a negative of the modeled teeth. The aligner film is then processed in such a way that the tooth section is separated from the rest of the aligner film along a separating line, whereupon the separated tooth section forms the aligner.

State of the art

Aligners, which can also be referred to as tooth splints, are from the prior art, for example from FIG DE 20 2018 102 517 U1 known and are typically used to correct misaligned teeth. This means that with the help of the aligner, a tooth position should be transferred from an actual state to a target state.

In order to transfer the teeth from the actual state to the target state, some teeth have to be moved by up to several millimeters. However, a single aligner can only effect a correction of 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm, which is why typically several aligners, which are to be used one after the other and which differ in their individual form, have to be used in order to transfer the teeth to be treated from their actual state to be able to achieve their target state. For this purpose, the individual aligners must be used in a predetermined order for typically one to two weeks. It is provided that each additional aligner moves the teeth more and more in the direction of the target state until finally the last aligner brings the teeth into their target state.

In the manufacturing process of each individual aligner, tooth models are first required that reflect the corresponding intermediate steps between the actual and the target state of the teeth. Each of the tooth models reproduces one of these planned intermediate steps, the modeled teeth being in a target position for the respective treatment step that is to be achieved in the patient with a respective aligner to be produced. To shape the individual aligners, first a separating film and then an aligner film are typically deep-drawn over the respective tooth model. The separating film is intended to prevent the aligner film from penetrating the spaces between the teeth of the tooth model. Penetration of the aligner film into the interdental spaces is undesirable, since it would generally be difficult to remove from the tooth model. After the aligner film has hardened, the separating film and the aligner film are first shortened to the edge of the tooth model. Typically, this is done by milling or cutting the aligner film. The aligner film is then detached from the tooth model by levering or pushing it out. After the aligner film has been removed from the tooth model, the aligner film is processed further so that it forms the actual aligner in a finished state. For example, the aligner can be cut out of the aligner sheet by hand with scissors.

It has been found to be disadvantageous that manual drilling or cutting of the aligner film is not only very time-consuming and error-prone, but can also lead to damage to the cured aligner film, which makes it impossible to use the aligner. An alternative to the manual completion of an aligner is the processing in a three-dimensional CNC milling machine, in which the cured aligner film is firmly clamped and automatically performs a preprogrammed movement so that the aligner is cut out along a desired milling edge. The aligner foil can be guided, for example, by means of a hexapod, by means of which the aligner foil can be moved in all directions. In addition, a milling head of the CNC milling machine can also be designed to be movable and thus create additional degrees of freedom for processing the aligner film. The completion of the aligner with a three-dimensional CNC milling machine produces extremely precise and reliable results, whereby the aligner can depict the complete contour of the individual teeth, including an edge along the gums (gingiva). However, purchasing a corresponding CNC milling machine is expensive. Furthermore, the processing of the aligner in a CNC milling machine is complex and time-consuming, since each individual aligner has to be properly clamped into the milling machine and the required geometry data has to be entered, whereby only one single aligner can be processed in the milling machine.

As a result, it is not possible to produce large numbers of items in a short time, neither with the manual nor with the above-described machine production of the aligners, which ultimately affects the price of the aligners.

task

The object of the present invention is to further develop a method for producing an aligner of the type described above in such a way that it is optimized with regard to its economic efficiency and is preferably suitable for industrial production.

solution

The above object is achieved according to the invention in that the tooth section is separated from the rest of the aligner film by means of a laser, with an alignment of a laser beam generated by means of the laser relative to the aligner film remaining unchanged during the separation of the tooth section and the laser and the aligner film in this way relatively are moved towards each other so that the laser beam is guided along the dividing line. In the context of the present application, the “alignment” is understood as the angle between the laser beam and the plane of the aligner film. This angle can in particular be 90 °. According to the invention, the aligner is separated from the aligner film by means of a two-dimensional relative movement of the laser in relation to the plane of the aligner film. It is equally conceivable here for only the laser or only the aligner film or both the laser and the aligner film to be moved, both one after the other or at the same time. A configuration in which the laser is moved in a plane that is preferably parallel to the plane of the film while the aligner film is stationary is particularly advantageous.

The method according to the invention has many advantages. In particular, a technically simple laser can be used to cut off the tooth section. Elaborate laser technology can be dispensed with. Simply positioning the aligner film on a shelf below the laser is sufficient to process and complete the aligner. Accordingly, the aligner can be completed with simple means and in a quick manner. Time-consuming clamping of the individual aligner foils in a holding device such as a hexapod is not necessary. With regard to a desired precision in separating the tooth section from the rest of the aligner film, the method according to the invention is also clearly preferable to manual processing.

In addition, according to the method according to the invention, it is possible to arrange several aligner foils in a row or in a group, the aligner foils being processed one after the other by the laser. This saves a considerable amount of time for the completion of the aligners, since individual positioning and removal of the individual aligners can be dispensed with. In particular, the method according to the invention can be used to establish a cyclical production of aligners.

With an alignment of the laser beam with respect to the aligner foil of 90 °, it is usually difficult to adapt the edges of the aligner facing the gums to the contour of the gums, but the advantages of economical manufacture of the aligner outweigh the merely optical optimization of the aligner . The formation of the edges of the aligner as straight lines, which is preferred, has no disadvantages for the actual function of the aligner for correcting a tooth position.

However, if the contour of the teeth facing the gums is also to be mapped, it is proposed to incline the alignment of the laser beam with respect to the plane of the aligner film, in particular in an angular range between 20 ° and 70 °, preferably between 35 ° and 65 °. In particular, an inclination of the laser beam (and therefore preferably the laser as such) relative to the plane of the film of 45 ° is advantageous. The aligner film is preferably positioned on the subsurface in such a way that the tooth section protrudes upwards, that is, in the direction of the laser. The aligner is separated along an outer contour of the teeth by rotating the aligner foil by 360 ° (optionally in individual rotating sections), with an axis of rotation about which the aligner foil is rotated is preferably oriented perpendicular to the plane of the foil. In particular, the axis of rotation can contain a center of gravity of the tooth section or later aligner. The outer contour of the teeth is understood to be the contour of the teeth along the visible surface of the teeth facing away from the palate, and the inner contour of the teeth is understood to be the contour of the teeth along the back of the teeth facing the palate.

In order to then carry out the separation of the aligner along an inner contour of the teeth without guiding the laser beam through the tooth section or the later aligner and thereby damaging the latter, a preferred procedure provides for the laser beam either on one of the rearmost molars or in to the middle of the cutting teeth and to turn the aligner foil by 180 ° during the cutting process. The separating process is then stopped and the aligner film is rotated again so that the next separating process can begin on the opposite molar tooth or again in the middle of the cutting teeth. The rotation of the aligner foil then takes place during the next one Separating process in the opposite direction of rotation again by 180 °.

In order to map the contour of the teeth towards the gums, i.e. the contour of the gingiva, with the aligner, the laser is moved up and down during the cutting process with the unchangeable alignment of the laser beam, preferably on the vertical.

In this method, instead of a simple laser, a galvo laser can also preferably be used, by means of which the laser beam can be deflected by means of galvo mirrors in a plane perpendicular to the laser beam. Due to the inclination of the laser beam with respect to the plane of the film, it is achieved that the laser beam can be moved vertically up and down at least in proportion to the deep-drawn tooth section. In this way, the possibility is created to follow a gum contour by means of a combined movement of the laser beam and relative rotation of the aligner foil to the laser, so to speak “garland-shaped” and in this way to produce an aligner that is adapted to the gum contour of the patient.

Furthermore, the underlying task can also be achieved in that the tooth section is separated from the rest of the aligner film by means of a laser, with a position of the laser remaining unchanged relative to the aligner film during the separation of the tooth section and the laser beam generated by the laser by means of at least one Deflection means, in particular a movable reflector, is deflected (in particular continuously dynamically) in such a way that the laser beam is guided along the dividing line. It is therefore not necessary for the laser and / or the aligner film to be moved; rather, the at least one deflection means deflects the laser beam along the desired and specified dividing line. In particular, the use of a so-called galvo laser is conceivable, in which the deflection means formed by a mirror is driven by means of a so-called galvo, that is to say by means of a galvanometer drive. The laser is preferably aligned in such a way that the laser beam of the laser encloses an angle of 90 ° with the plane of the film in a non-deflected position.

In this variant, too, the aligner can be placed on a support level and processed by means of the laser, with the aligner film being dispensed with in a hexapod. By deflecting the laser beam by means of the at least one deflecting means, it is possible to adapt the edges of the aligner facing the gums in accordance with the contour of the gums. This improves the visual impression of the aligner when wearing it and makes the aligner appear less noticeable. The laser beam is advantageously continuously and dynamically deflected by means of two deflection means, which preferably each work together with a galvo.

The latter alternative also has the advantage that a large number of aligners can be arranged in an effective area of the laser and can be processed one after the other without having to place and remove the aligners individually in the effective area before another aligner can be positioned. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a plurality of aligners can be processed without the aligners concerned having to be moved. Completing a large number of aligners in a single cycle further streamlines the aligner manufacturing process.

In addition or as an alternative to the two aforementioned alternatives according to the invention, it is provided that the tooth section is separated from the rest of the aligner film by means of a laser, the laser cooperating with the aligner film in such a way that the dividing line lies in one plane. This is particularly the case when the aligner foil is positioned below the laser and either the laser beam or the aligner foil is moved in one plane. This is a method in which it is difficult to depict the edges facing the gums in accordance with the contour of the gums. When this method is carried out, the finished aligner is particularly characterized in that, when it is placed on a flat surface such as a table top, it is in contact with the surface along the entire dividing line.

An advantageous development of the method according to the invention provides that the aligner foil is processed from an underside of the aligner foil facing away from the upper side. The top is that side of the aligner foil on which the tooth section of the aligner foil protrudes beyond the level of the aligner foil. The described processing of the aligner foil from its underside can be advantageous if modeled teeth of the negative, i.e. of the later aligner, are aligned in such a way that the laser beam when cutting the aligner foil before the desired impact at a point on the aligner foil that is part of the dividing line should, would hit the tooth section, since the parting line is in the shadow of the tooth section in relation to the laser. The consequence would be that the tooth section - and therefore the later aligner - would be damaged. If, on the other hand, the aligner film is processed from the underside, damage to the later required separated tooth section cannot occur.

It can advantageously also be provided that the support surface on which the aligner foil is placed has a recess within which the tooth section of the aligner foil can protrude, so that the underside of the aligner foil, which faces the laser during processing, and thus above lies, runs flat. The recess provided in the support surface must be designed in such a way that the tooth section can be accommodated in it. It can be particularly advantageous if a container is arranged below the support surface, into which the tooth section separated from the rest of the aligner foil can fall directly downwards.

With regard to the cutting process, it is advantageous if the laser can be moved translationally along at least one spatial axis, preferably in a plane, so that the laser beam can be guided along the dividing line. A two-dimensionally movable laser can be used for this. It is also conceivable that a large number of aligner foils are placed on the support surface in an effective area of the laser and are processed immediately one after the other by the movable laser. This again reduces the processing time for completing the aligner, since a large number of aligner foils can be positioned at the same time.

With regard to the production of the tooth model, it is particularly advantageous if a virtual tooth model is created using 3D modeling software, the virtual tooth model preferably being converted into the real tooth model using a 3D printer. A tooth model produced in this way is extremely precise, so that the aligner deep-drawn with it can also be produced very precisely.

According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that, in addition to the modeled teeth, the virtual tooth model also includes gums modeled onto the teeth. An aligner produced by means of such a tooth model can consequently also have a section in which the gums are depicted. This can simplify the subsequent separation of the tooth section from the rest of the aligner film. The depicted gums can then also serve as a “buffer” if the geometry of the depicted teeth makes it difficult to separate the tooth section. In such a case, the dividing line can run in a plane which is at a greater distance from the upper side of the aligner foil.

A further development of the invention provides that the virtual tooth model is intersected with a virtual plane, which represents an underside of the aligner to be produced, so that an intersection of the virtual plane and the virtual tooth model results in an area enclosed by an edge contour. The virtual tooth model and the plane are advantageously cut in an end region of the virtual tooth model facing away from the virtual teeth, the plane in particular only cutting the virtual gums of the virtual tooth model. Additionally or alternatively, it can be advantageous if the plane is oriented at least substantially parallel to an occlusal plane of the virtual teeth.

In this regard, it is also advantageous if at least the edge contour of the surface generated in the manner described is passed to a control device of the laser, the control device controlling the laser in such a way that the dividing line runs analogously to the stored edge contour. This enables a very precise mapping of the dividing line and consequently an exact geometry of the aligner. As a result, the dividing line can therefore be determined in a particularly simple manner by means of the virtual intersection of the plane mentioned with the virtual tooth model.

With regard to the finished aligner, it can also be advantageous if the tooth section, after being separated from the rest of the aligner film, also includes a negative of at least part of the gums modeled on the modeled teeth in addition to a negative of the modeled teeth.

In a further development of the method according to the invention, it is provided that a plurality of aligner foils are moved cyclically into an effective area of the laser. In this regard, provision can also be made for a cyclical movement to take place whenever the laser has severed the tooth section of an aligner film located in the effective area of the laser. In this way, the completion of the aligners is automated and very economical, with a single aligner in the effective range of the laser.

Alternatively, it can be provided that a cyclical movement occurs when the laser has separated the tooth section of the preceding plurality of aligner foils located in the effective area of the laser. In this variant, a group of aligners is therefore moved together into the effective area of the laser and processed in one work step or cycle. Only when all aligners in the group have been completed does a new group of aligner foils move. This process also results in an automated and economical completion of the aligners.

Figure list

• 1: eine schematische dreidimensionale Ansicht einer tiefgezogenen Alignerfolie,
• 2: eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Unterseite der Alignerfolie aus 1,
• 3: eine schematische dreidimensionale Ansicht eines aus der Alignerfolie aus 1 abgetrennten Aligner,
• 4: eine Ansicht auf ein virtuelles Zahnmodell,
• 5: eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrensablaufs,
• 6: eine schematische dreidimensionale Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur Herstellung eines Aligners und
• 7: eine Detailansicht eines Ausschnitts des abgetrennten Aligners aus 6.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments which are shown in the figures. It shows:

• 1 : a schematic three-dimensional view of a deep-drawn aligner foil,
• 2 : a schematic plan view of an underside of the aligner foil 1 ,
• 3 : a schematic three-dimensional view of one from the aligner sheet 1 detached aligner,
• 4th : a view of a virtual tooth model,
• 5 : a schematic representation of a process sequence according to the invention,
• 6th : a schematic three-dimensional representation of a method according to the invention for producing an aligner and
• 7th : a detailed view of a section of the detached aligner 6th .

An embodiment that is in the 1 to 3 shown includes an aligner sheet 1 who already have an in 1 The tooth model, not shown, was deep-drawn so that it is in the aligner film 1 a tooth section 2 has formed, which has a film level 3 the aligner foil 1 protrudes out and a negative 4th of teeth modeled in the tooth model. The aligner foil 1 has a top 5 and a bottom 6th , with the aligner sheet 1 in 1 on their bottom 6th rests. The top 5 is the side of the aligner sheet 1 at which the tooth section 2 over the film level 3 protrudes out. It can be seen that during deep drawing next to the tooth section 2 also part of a gum line 7th was shown with. A line 8th represents the transition between a deep-drawn area and an undeformed area of the aligner foil 1 with the aligner sheet 1 in the latter area it is in the plane of the film 3 the aligner foil 1 extends.

The 2 shows the aligner foil 1 out 1 with them on a pad 9 below a laser 10 is positioned along a dividing line 11 is movable. It can be seen that the thermoformed aligner foil 1 was turned over and thus with its upper side 5 on the pad 9 lies so that on the bottom 6th the aligner foil 1 is looked at. This positioning is advantageous because the processing here is done by means of the laser 10 from the bottom 6th the aligner foil 1 is made ago. The aligner foil remains 1 quietly on the pad 9 lie. To ensure that the bottom to be machined 6th the aligner foil 1 runs evenly, is in the underlay 9 a recess, not recognizable in the figure, is provided into which the tooth section 2 protrudes.

In the 3 is one from the aligner foil 1 separated aligner 12th shown in a three-dimensional view, it can be clearly seen that the dividing line 11 , one on the gum line 7th along the running line of the aligner 12th , runs in one plane when worn.

An embodiment for a virtual tooth model 13th is in the 4th shown, which was created using 3D modeling software. The virtual tooth model 13th forms both modeled teeth 14th as well as gums modeled on the teeth 15th from. For completing the aligner 12th becomes the virtual tooth model 13th using the 3D modeling software with a virtual plane 16 cut that in the 4th by means of a dashed line 17th is symbolized. It can be provided that the virtual plane 16 parallel to an occlusal plane 18th the teeth 14th runs, the occlusal plane 18th by means of a dashed line 19th is pictured. As an occlusal plane 18th is understood the plane at which the teeth of the upper and lower jaw meet.

An intersection of the virtual tooth model 13th with the virtual plane 16 results in an area enclosed by an edge contour, where the edge contour is the dividing line 11 out 3 corresponds, along which the laser beam is guided according to the method according to the invention.

Based on 5 , which shows an example of a schematic representation of a process sequence according to the invention, the following process steps become clear:

At a data processing system 20th the virtual tooth model is created using the 3D modeling software 13th out 4th with that of the virtual plane 16 cut, creating the desired edge contour of the later aligner 12th results. Data obtained in this way are sent to a control device 21 which in turn is transmitted by a laser 10 drives. The laser 10 cuts an aligner film located in its effective area 1 that for example on a table 22nd below the laser 10 is placed, according to the specifications of the control device, whereupon the separated part of the aligner film 1 the desired aligner 12th forms. In the 5 is the aligner 12th not shown for the sake of clarity.

In the 6th and 7th a further embodiment is shown, according to which an aligner 12th by means of a laser 10 from the aligner foil 1 that is cut off during processing with the laser 10 on their bottom 6th so that the one on the Top 5 located tooth section 2 stands up. The laser 10 is - based on the film level 3 - arranged at an incline and one axis 23 of the laser 10 closes with the foil level 3 an angle 24 of 45 °. While processing the aligner foil 1 this becomes around a vertical axis of rotation 25th turned what in the 7th with an arrow 26th is indicated.

To achieve that the aligner you want 12th a contour of the gums 7th images, the laser has 10 via deflection means, not shown in the figures, which allow the laser beam to move vertically up and down 27 enable. The deflection means for generating a vertical up and down movement can be a movable reflector, such as a galvo mirror. In the 6th the laser beam runs 27 at the same angle 24 to the vertical like the laser 10 , whereby the angle changes accordingly (minimally) with an up and down movement. The up and down movement is in the 7th with an arrow 28 made clear. The up and down movement of the laser beam 27 to a certain extent enables the creation of a three-dimensional cutting edge, thereby mapping the contour of the gums 7th is made possible.

In the 7th is the aligner sheet 1 out 6th shown, with they already have an outside face of the aligner 12th - correspond to the outside of the teeth to be imaged - with the laser 10 was edited. It is easy to see that there is a dividing line 29 - and thus the aligner 12th - the contour of the gums 7th follows. To the aligner 12th along the outside of the teeth from the aligner sheet 1 to separate is a twist of the aligner sheet 1 a total of 360 ° is required. The situation is different when separating the aligner 12th on the inside of the teeth: around the tooth section 2 not to accidentally damage it, it is necessary to use the laser beam 27 to guide in sections and the aligner foil 1 position accordingly for each cutting section. For example, the aligner sheet 1 be positioned so that the laser beam 27 attaches to a posterior molar, with the aligner foil 1 is then rotated so that the laser beam 27 is guided in the direction of the cutting teeth. After a rotation of 180 °, the cutting process is stopped and the aligner foil 1 brought back into position so that the laser beam 27 attaches to the opposite posterior molar. A rotation of 180 ° in the direction of the cutting teeth is then carried out again, the direction of rotation being reversed.

List of reference symbols

1

Aligner foil

2

Tooth section

3

Foil level

4th

negative

5

Top

6th

bottom

7th

Gums

8th

line

9

document

10

laser

11

parting line

12th

Aligners

13th

virtual tooth model

14th

modeled teeth

15th

modeled gums

16

virtual plane

17th

dashed line

18th

Occlusal plane

19th

dashed line

20th

Data processing system

21

Control device

22nd

table

23

Axis laser

24

angle

25th

Axis of rotation

26th

arrow

27

laser beam

28

arrow

29

parting line

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 202018102517 U1 [0002]

Claims (14)

A method for producing an aligner (12) by means of which a tooth misalignment of a patient can be treated, comprising the following method steps: a) A tooth model is created with modeled teeth which are arranged relative to one another in such a way that tooth positions of the modeled teeth should be Corresponding positions of teeth of the patient. b) An aligner film (1) is deep-drawn over the tooth model so that a tooth section (2) is formed in the aligner film (1) which protrudes beyond a film level (3) of the aligner film (1) and a negative (4) of the modeled Teeth. c) The aligner film (1) is processed in such a way that the tooth section (2) is separated from the remaining aligner film (1) along a dividing line (11), whereupon the separated tooth section (2) forms the aligner (12), characterized in that that the separation of the tooth section (2) from the rest of the aligner film (1) is carried out by means of a laser (10), whereby - an alignment of a laser beam generated by means of the laser (10) relative to the aligner film (1) during the separation of the tooth section ( 2) remains unchanged and the laser (10) and the aligner film (1) are moved relative to one another in such a way that the laser beam is guided along the dividing line (11), or - a position of the laser (10) during the severing of the tooth section (2 ) remains unchanged relative to the aligner film (1) and the laser beam generated by means of the laser (10) is deflected by means of at least one deflection means in such a way that the laser beam is guided along the dividing line (11) d. Procedure according to the generic term of Claim 1 or after Claim 1 , characterized in that the laser (10) interacts with the aligner film (1) in such a way that the dividing line (11) lies in one plane. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the processing of the aligner foil (1) takes place from an underside (6) of the aligner foil (1) facing away from an upper side (5). Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the laser (10) can be moved translationally along at least one spatial axis, preferably in one plane, so that the laser beam can be guided along the dividing line (11). Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th , characterized in that a virtual tooth model (13) is created to produce the tooth model by means of 3D modeling software, the virtual tooth model (13) preferably being converted into the tooth model by means of a 3D printer. Procedure according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the virtual tooth model (13), in addition to the modeled teeth (14), also includes a gum (15) modeled on the teeth. Procedure according to Claim 5 or 6th , characterized in that the virtual tooth model (13) is cut with a virtual plane (16) which represents an underside of the aligner (12) to be produced, so that an intersection of the virtual plane (16) and the virtual tooth model (13) is a surface enclosed by an edge contour, the plane preferably being intersected with the plane (16) in an end region of the virtual tooth model (13) facing away from the modeled teeth (14), the plane (16) preferably being at least substantially parallel to an occlusal plane (18) of the virtual tooth model (13) is oriented. Procedure according to Claim 7 , characterized in that at least the edge contour of the surface is passed to a control device (21) of the laser (10), the control device (21) controlling the laser (10) in such a way that the dividing line (11) runs analogously to the stored edge contour . Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that the tooth section (2), after being separated from the remaining aligner film (1), also comprises a negative of at least part of the gums (7) modeled on the modeled teeth in addition to a negative of the modeled teeth. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that a plurality of aligner foils (1) are advanced cyclically into an effective area of the laser (10). Procedure according to Claim 10 , characterized in that an intermittent feed of a respective aligner foil (1) takes place as soon as the laser (10) has severed the tooth section (2) of a preceding aligner foil (1) located in the effective area of the laser (10). Procedure according to Claim 10 , characterized in that a clockwise feed of a plurality of aligner foils (1) takes place as soon as the laser (10) has separated the tooth section (2) of the preceding plurality of aligner foils (1) located in the effective area of the laser (10). Method for producing an aligner (12), by means of which a tooth misalignment of a A patient can be treated, comprising the following method steps: a) A tooth model is created with modeled teeth which are arranged relative to one another in such a way that tooth positions of the modeled teeth correspond to target positions of the patient's teeth. b) An aligner film (1) is deep-drawn over the tooth model so that a tooth section (2) is formed in the aligner film (1) which protrudes beyond a film level (3) of the aligner film (1) and a negative (4) of the modeled Teeth. c) The Alignerfolie (1) is processed such that the teeth portion (2) is separated from the rest of Alignerfolie (1) along a parting line (11, 29), whereupon the separated tooth portion (2) forms the aligners (12), characterized characterized in that the tooth section (2) is separated from the remaining aligner film (1) by means of a laser (10), the laser (10) being inclined relative to the aligner film (1) in such a way that a laser (10 ) generated laser beam (27) is oriented at an angle between 20 ° and 90 ° to the film plane (3), the laser beam (27) being deflected by means of at least one deflection means and the aligner film (1) being rotated relative to the laser (10) so that the laser beam (27) is guided along a three-dimensional dividing line (11). Procedure according to Claim 13 , characterized in that the deflection means is formed by a movable reflector, in particular a galvo mirror.

Images