JP2016202549A - Switching from appliance to aligner in orthodontic treatment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method, system and computer-readable storage medium for switching from an appliance to an aligner in orthodontic treatment.SOLUTION: An appliance attached to teeth is retained until prescribed criteria are satisfied. Upon satisfaction of the prescribed criteria, a plurality of aligners are ordered while the appliance is retained on the teeth. The appliance is replaced by a first aligner of the plurality of aligners.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a method, system, and computer readable storage medium for appliance to aligner transition in orthodontic treatment.

  Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that relates to improving the overall appearance of a patient's teeth. It also relates to the correction of malocclusion, poor tooth alignment, and other dental defects. An orthodontic appliance is a device that is attached to a patient's teeth by a dentist. In orthodontic appliances, the wire interacts with the bracket to move the teeth to the desired position. Such orthodontic appliances are often adjusted regularly by a dentist to help align and straighten the teeth. Treatment by the dentist can be effective in repositioning the teeth to correct the defect and improve the overall appearance of the patient.

  In another method of orthodontic treatment, a series of transparent and removable orthodontic aligners can be used as an alternative to orthodontic appliances. A series of aligners are continuously worn by the patient to correct the defect by repositioning the teeth.

  Patent Document 1 describes a mechanism for integrating an appliance with an orthodontic treatment aligner. In Patent Document 1, an orthosis is used in combination with an aligner in a situation where a patient exhibits severe malocclusion. In situations where the patient does not show severe malocclusion, an aligner is used. According to Patent Document 1, severe malocclusion is shown in the following cases: AP correction exceeding 2 mm (AP correction); vertical / AP correction requires mandibular rotation; center CR-CO displacement correction / treatment for other than occlusal position; moderate correction for severe rotation of premolars and / or canines over 20 °; ideally severe to be opened Overbite bite, or ideally open bite to be closed; protrusion beyond 1 mm of the tooth, other than as part of torquing or related to intrusion of adjacent teeth; inclined greater than 45 ° Multiple missing teeth; less than 70% normal crown; rear open bite; and AP correction requires movement of the entire dental arch I need it.

  In orthodontics, there are two main types of orthodontic appliances: appliances and aligners. The aligner provides patients with the aesthetic they desire and is more comfortable than the brace. The aligner also allows the dentist to finish treatment much more easily because the dentist does not need to bend the wires or reposition the brackets. However, the drawback of the aligner is that it cannot handle every case. There are limits to the effectiveness of aligners in correcting malocclusions.

  The brace and wire of the brace can handle cases that the aligner cannot handle. However, finishing with a bracket may be more difficult. In addition, the bracket is not as comfortable and not visually pleasing as the aligner.

  Patent Document 1 describes a mechanism for integrating an appliance with an aligner. However, Patent Document 1 describes (as shown in the prior art in FIGS. 14 and 15 corresponding to FIGS. 8 and 9 of Patent Document 1, respectively). )) That the brace is used after the aligner. Since Patent Literature 1 describes that an appliance is used after an aligner, Patent Literature 1 has a serious drawback.

US Patent No. 7074038

  A method and system is provided in which an appliance attached to a tooth is retained until a predetermined criteria is met. A plurality of aligners are ordered while the appliance is held on the teeth in response to the predetermined criteria being met. The orthosis is replaced with a first aligner of the plurality of aligners.

  In certain embodiments, the predetermined criteria are met when there is no collision on the teeth.

  In a further embodiment, the predetermined criteria is met when active attachments are not required for the plurality of aligners being ordered.

  In yet another embodiment, the predetermined criteria is met when the required number of aligners is less than a threshold.

  In additional embodiments, the predetermined criteria are met when the wire is reasonably passive.

  In certain embodiments, the predetermined criteria is that there is no collision in the teeth; no active attachment is required for the ordered multiple aligners; the required number of aligners is less than a threshold; Satisfied when passive.

  In a further embodiment, the first aligner forms a relaxed fit to the teeth, the first aligner is a retention aligner, and tooth movement is restricted by the appliance during ordering and receiving of multiple aligners.

  In yet another embodiment, the retention aligner is made from a more flexible material than programmed aligners of the plurality of aligners.

  In yet another embodiment, the retention aligner is made from a thinner material than the programmed aligner of the plurality of aligners.

  In certain embodiments, one or both of a heat bite operation and a scan operation are performed to determine whether a predetermined criterion is met.

  In a further embodiment, the received plurality of aligners includes one or more retention aligners that fit with varying tightness to the teeth to return the teeth to the position and orientation when the multiple aligners were ordered. A retention aligner that fits the teeth most closely is attached to the teeth.

  In yet another embodiment, to determine whether the first aligner can be attached to the tooth after removal of the appliance, the shortened aligner (without removing the appliance from the tooth before replacing the appliance with the first aligner) A truncated aligner is attached to the tooth.

  In certain embodiments, the brace is a lingual brace.

  In a further embodiment, the appliance is replaced with a first aligner in the upper dental arch.

  In yet another embodiment, the appliance is replaced with one aligner in the upper dental arch and at least one other aligner in the lower dental arch.

  A method of manufacturing a plurality of aligners for a patient undergoing treatment with a dental appliance is also provided. The manufacturing method includes receiving a plurality of aligner orders while holding the appliance attached to the tooth and after a predetermined criterion is met. Upon receiving the order, a plurality of aligners are manufactured, and the brace is replaced with a first aligner of the plurality of aligners.

  A method and system is also provided in which the bracket and wire are attached to the tooth, an aligner having indentations is attached to the tooth, and the bracket and wire fit into the unevenness.

  In a further embodiment, the wire is configured to move the tooth by adjustment and the aligner is configured to move the tooth.

  In yet another embodiment, the tooth movement obtained by adjusting the wire is greater than the tooth movement achieved by the series of aligners.

  The aligner is attached to the patient's upper dental arch, the appliance is attached to the patient's lower dental arch, and the aligner and appliance adjust the position and orientation of the teeth contained in the patient's upper and lower dental arch Further provided are methods and systems used to do so.

  Further provided are methods, systems, and computer readable storage media for designing braces and aligners. The computing device uses the digital image of the tooth to design the appliance, and the appliance is held until a predetermined criterion is met. Based on the additional digital image of the teeth, a plurality of aligners are designed and the appliance is replaced with a first one of the plurality of aligners.

  Further provided is a plurality of dental aligners, comprising: a first aligner that forms a relaxed fit to the teeth and is a retention aligner; and a programmed aligner that is different from the first aligner. Is done. In certain embodiments, the retention aligner is made from a more flexible material than the programmed aligner of the plurality of aligners. In a further embodiment, the retention aligner is made of a thinner material than the programmed aligner of the plurality of aligners.

  Reference is now made to the drawings. Like reference numerals represent corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a computer environment, a manufacturing environment, and a use environment for attaching appliances and aligners to a patient's teeth, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart illustrating operations for ordering a patient aligner, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart illustrating operations performed after securing an ordered patient aligner, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram illustrating a set of predetermined criteria for transitioning from a brace to an aligner, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart illustrating the movement that occurs in a tooth during a period in which a patient wearing an appliance is waiting for an ordered aligner to arrive, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram illustrating how a relax fit aligner is attached to a tooth after removing the appliance and before installing program aligners, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram illustrating a shortened aligner that may be mounted on a tooth with an appliance attached, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart illustrating how a shortened aligner is used to determine whether multiple aligners are likely to fit a patient's teeth, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart illustrating a particular operation, according to a particular embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram illustrating how an aligner can be attached to a patient's upper dental arch and how an appliance can be attached to a lower dental arch, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram illustrating an uneven aligner that fits over an appliance attached to a tooth, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram illustrating how a patient can perform a heat bite operation at home, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system used to design a brace and aligner, according to certain embodiments. 1 illustrates a prior art process for integrating an aligner with a brace. Figure 4 illustrates another prior art process for integrating an aligner with a brace.

  In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that illustrate several embodiments that form a part hereof. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and operational changes may be made.

[Tackling the challenge of integrating aligners with braces]
The appliance and aligner are continuously available for orthodontic treatment, i.e. the appliance is used to correct severe malocclusion, followed by orthodontic treatment with the aligner; That has been known for many years, but such a series of measures is not commonly used by dentists on patients. In addition to the determination of severe malocclusion discussed in Patent Document 1, it significantly affects the integration of the appliance and the aligner, and the integration of the appliance and the aligner discussed in Patent Document 1 is impractical. There are factors that are not currently known in the art that can be assumed. Patent Document 1 shows that the appliance is used after the aligner. Such an implementation method is not preferable, and there is a high possibility that it does not lead to good results in orthodontics. Patent Document 1 seems to suggest that if the treatment using the aligner is not successful, the appliance is then used. Therefore, in the prior art, the integration of aligners and appliances for successful treatment in orthodontics is lacking in clarity. The appliance is suitable for moving the teeth relatively large and the aligner is suitable for finishing. Due to the use of an aligner in front of the appliance, the prior art does not know or implement the proper mechanism to integrate the appliance and aligner for proper orthodontic treatment of the patient. It is clear that it has not been done. In contrast, in certain embodiments provided by the present disclosure, how the transition from appliance to aligner is performed for the patient's orthodontic treatment, where the appliance is first used and then finished by the aligner. It will be explained.

  If an appliance is used on a patient to correct a severe malocclusion first and then an aligner is ordered, the appliance's attached teeth may move slightly while the aligner is being made. obtain. Also, when a newly ordered aligner arrives at the dental office, it may not fit well.

In addition, there are factors other than the correction of severe malocclusion that can be considered during the transition from the orthosis to the aligner. For example, in certain embodiments, there may be no collision before moving from the brace to the aligner. In addition, by using the following factors, the transition from the orthosis to the aligner may be determined based on at least the following factors.
(A) Should an transition be made if an active attachment is required on the aligner to move the teeth;
(B) Whether a number of aligners exceeding the threshold is necessary;
(C) Whether wire bending work at the clinic is still necessary for the brace.

  In certain embodiments, eliminating collisions before moving from the appliance to the aligner, determining that no active attachment is required to move the tooth through the aligner, determining the number of aligners required, and Based on the determination of whether a wire bending operation is necessary in orthodontic treatment, a mechanism is provided for transitioning the orthodontic treatment of the patient from the appliance to the aligner.

  Also, in certain embodiments, aligners are ordered such that a small number of first aligners in a series of aligners are retention aligners that form a relatively relaxed fit to the teeth. As a result, even if the teeth move slightly while waiting for the aligner to arrive, such a relaxed-fitting retention aligner can remain fitted to the teeth, so The aligner can be returned to the position when it was ordered. A relaxed fit aligner can be made of a more flexible or thinner material than other aligners.

  In certain embodiments, an uneven aligner is provided that can fit over a lingual or labial appliance. In certain embodiments, an aligner is used for the upper dental arch and a brace is used for the lower dental arch.

[Typical Embodiment]
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a computer, manufacturing and use environment 100 for attaching appliances and aligners to a patient's teeth, according to certain embodiments.

  The dentist can attach the appliance 102 or aligners 104a, 104b, ..., 104n to the patient's teeth 106. The brace 102 can be composed of a bracket 108 and a wire 110. Wire 110 may also be referred to as an archwire. The dentist can periodically adjust the wire 110. Thereby, a patient's tooth | gear 106 can be moved to a desired position and direction with progress of time. The dentist can also sequentially place a series of aligners 104a, ..., 104n to move the patient's teeth 106 to the desired position and orientation.

  In certain embodiments, a heat bite mechanism 112 may be used for the patient's teeth 106. In the heat bite mechanism 112, the patient chews a shape set polymer to create an impression of the patient's teeth. A digital image 114 corresponding to the heat bite impression may be generated for processing by the computing device 116. In certain alternative embodiments, an impression mechanism 118 can be used for the patient's teeth 106 and a digital image 114 corresponding to the impression obtained by the impression mechanism 118 is generated for processing by the computing device 116. Can be done.

  In additional embodiments, the intraoral imaging system 120 may be used to acquire images of the patient's teeth 106 for processing by the computing device 116.

  The computing device 116 may include a brace design application 122 and an aligner design application 124. The appliance design application 122 may be used to design the appliance 102 that is attached to the patient's teeth 106. On the other hand, the aligner design application 124 may be used to design aligners 104a,..., 104n to be attached to the patient's teeth 106.

  The computing device 116 stores a digital image or model corresponding to the initial tooth position and orientation 126. The computing device 116 also stores a digital image or model corresponding to the tooth position and orientation to be realized after the orthodontic treatment 128. The appliance design application 122 can generate a design for the bracket 108 and wire 110 to be attached to the patient's teeth 106 based on the initial tooth position and orientation 126 and the desired tooth position and orientation 128. The aligner design application 124 may generate a design for a series of aligners 104a,..., 104n to be attached to the patient's teeth 106 based on the initial tooth position and orientation 126 and the desired tooth position and orientation 128. it can. The manufacturer can manufacture the brace 102 and the aligners 104a, ..., 104n according to the designs generated by the brace design application 122 and the aligner design application 124.

  In certain embodiments, the dentist can first attach the appliance 102 to the patient's teeth 106. After certain predetermined conditions 130 for transition from appliance to aligner are met, the dentist orders a set of aligners 104a,..., 104n and then removes appliance 102 and the desired teeth 106 for the patient's teeth 106. Until a tooth position and orientation 128 is achieved, a series of aligners 104a,..., 104n can be used to begin the orthodontic treatment procedure.

  FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart 200 illustrating operations for ordering a patient aligner, according to certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the operation illustrated in FIG. 2 is performed by a dentist with the help of computer device 116 and other devices such as heat bite mechanism 112, impression mechanism 118, or intraoral imaging system 120. Can be executed.

  Control begins at block 202. At block 202, the dentist initiates a treatment process for the patient's teeth 106 with the goal of changing the position and orientation of the patient's teeth 106 to improve the aesthetics of the patient's teeth 106. Control proceeds to block 204. At block 204, the dentist obtains a digital scan of the patient's teeth 106 via the intraoral imaging system 120 or obtains an impression of the patient's teeth 106 via the impression mechanism 118 and digitalizes the impression. Convert to image 114.

  The digital image 114 corresponding to the digital scan or impression mechanism 118 of the intraoral image 120 is data corresponding to the initial tooth position and orientation 126 and the desired tooth position and orientation 128 to be realized after orthodontic treatment. It can be analyzed via the brace design application 122 to create the structure. Based on the initial tooth position and orientation 126 and the desired tooth position and orientation 128, the appliance design application 122 can design an appliance 102 that is suitable for moving the patient's teeth 106. The appliance 102 is manufactured and sent to the dentist who attaches the bracket 108 to the patient's teeth (block 206) and attaches a wire 110 called an archwire. The archwire 110 is periodically adjusted by the dentist at block 208, and the dentist determines if the patient is ready for the aligner (block 210). If it is determined that it is not ready (branch “No” 211a), control returns to block 208. At block 208, the archwire is once again adjusted. If it is determined that it is ready (branch “Yes” 211 b), control proceeds to block 212. At block 212, the bracket 108 is left coupled and the wire 110 is left in place. A heat bite mechanism 112 is used to obtain an impression of the patient's tooth 106 with the appliance 102 still attached to the patient's tooth 106 (block 214), and the corresponding digital image 114 is stored in the computing device. May be generated for use at 116. In an alternative embodiment, the intraoral imaging system 120 can be used to scan the patient's teeth 106 to which the appliance 102 is still attached and a corresponding digital image can be transmitted to the computing device 116.

  Control proceeds to block 216. At block 216, the aligner design application 124 reviews the position of the tooth after treatment by the appliance 102, and the current position and orientation of the patient's tooth 106 sets the tooth to the desired position and orientation 128 for treatment by the aligner. Is determined based on a predetermined standard 130. If it is determined that it is not appropriate (branch “No” 217a), control returns to block 208 and the archwire 110 is once again adjusted by the dentist. If determined appropriate (branch “Yes” 217b), the dentist orders a set of aligners 104a,..., 104n designed by the aligner design application 124 (block 218) and removes the appliance 102 from the patient's teeth. While attached to 106, wait for a set of aligners 104a, ..., 104n to arrive.

  FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart 300 illustrating operations performed after securing an ordered patient aligner, according to certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the operations shown in FIG. 3 are performed by a dentist with the help of computer device 116 and other devices such as heat bite mechanism 112, impression mechanism 118, or intraoral imaging system 120. obtain.

  Control begins at block 302. At block 302, the dentist receives the aligners 104a, ..., 104n. Upon receiving the aligners 104a, ..., 104n, the dentist removes the bracket 108 from the patient's teeth 106 (block 304), removes the archwire 110 (ie, the appliance 102 is removed), and installs the first aligner 104a ( Block 306) initiates a treatment process using the aligner. The first aligner 104a is a holding aligner that returns the patient's teeth to the position and orientation in which the patient's teeth were placed while the aligner was ordered at block 218. The retention aligner 104a can gently fit (i.e., a relaxed fit) to the patient's teeth 106 so that a treatment process using the aligner can begin. In the aligner treatment process (indicated by block 308), a series of aligners 104a,..., 104n are attached to the patient's teeth 106 one after another to move the patient's teeth.

  At the end of the aligner treatment 308 with a set of aligners 104a,..., 104n, whether the patient's teeth have a satisfactory finish, i.e., the teeth have moved to the desired position and orientation 128, resulting in an appearance. A determination is made as to whether it is beautiful (block 310). If it is determined that the result is not satisfactory (branch “No” 311a), control proceeds to block 312. At block 312, the patient's teeth are heated or scanned and a new aligner is ordered based on the current position and orientation of the teeth and the desired position and orientation (block 314). The aligner is received (block 316) and the aligner treatment is started again (block 308).

  If at block 310 a satisfactory finish is obtained for the patient's teeth (branch “Yes” 311b), control proceeds to block 318 and the patient's orthodontic treatment may end.

  Thus, FIG. 3 illustrates a specific embodiment in which the appliance 102 is removed after the aligners 104a,..., 104n have arrived, and the aligner treatment continues until the teeth are in the desired position 128. FIG.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram 400 illustrating a set of predetermined criteria 130 for transitioning from a brace to an aligner, according to certain embodiments. A set of predetermined criteria 130 is that there are no collisions in the teeth (block 402), no active attachments are required for the ordered aligners (block 404), and the required number of aligners is below the threshold. Yes (block 406), which is satisfied if the wire is reasonably passive (block 408). In certain embodiments, dentists can assign thresholds, and different thresholds can be used by dentists. In certain embodiments, the threshold is less than 10. The mechanism of transition from appliance to aligner according to predetermined criteria can be implemented by software.

  Tooth collision can refer to what happens when a tooth cannot move between two teeth because there is not enough space between the two teeth. An active attachment is an attachment that allows a program aligner that moves the teeth to be attached to the patient's teeth. Passive attachment, on the other hand, is an attachment that allows a retention aligner to be attached to a patient's tooth that holds the tooth in place (ie, minimizes tooth movement compared to the program aligner). May be pointed to.

  If the number of aligners needed to adjust the teeth exceeds a certain threshold, the aligner treatment will take a considerable amount of time and can be done earlier by continuing treatment with the appliance 102 before starting the aligner treatment. Better results may be obtained.

  In addition, if the wire 110 is passive (i.e., if the wire 110 is not applying force to the tooth, is not moving the tooth, and is simply holding the tooth in place), the appliance 102. Another condition for treatment with can be met.

  In certain embodiments, different factors 402, 404, 406, 408, each with different weights, may be provided with a total score defined to conclude whether to begin treatment with the aligner. For example, in certain embodiments, treatment with an aligner can be initiated if three of the four predetermined criteria 402, 404, 406, 408 are met. In another embodiment, treatment with an aligner can be initiated if other criteria 404, 406, 408 are met even if there is a slight impact on the teeth. In yet another embodiment, treatment with the aligner can be initiated if one or more of the conditions 402, 404, 406, 408 are met.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart 500 illustrating the movements that occur in a tooth during a period in which a patient wearing an appliance is waiting for an ordered aligner to arrive, according to certain embodiments.

  Control begins at block 502. At block 502, the patient's teeth 106 are heat bited or scanned while the appliance remains attached to the patient's teeth, and the aligner design application 124 reviews whether the aligner is ready to be installed. Perform (block 504). If the predetermined criteria 130 for transitioning from the orthosis to the aligner is met (branch “Yes” 505a), the aligner is ordered (block 506) and if the predetermined criteria 130 is not met (branch “No” 505b) Another operation is performed (block 508).

  After ordering the aligner (block 506), the patient is waited for the aligner to arrive after manufacture (block 510). During the waiting period 510 prior to receiving the aligner (block 512) and before removing the appliance (block 514), the appliance with the appliance attached is restricted from substantial movement (block 516). Thus, there is no substantial movement of the appliance-equipped tooth while waiting for the aligner to arrive and before the appliance is attached to the tooth after removal of the appliance (block 514).

  In certain alternative embodiments, the aligner design application 124 may allow this slight movement when designing the aligners 104a, ..., 104n, if the appliance-equipped teeth can move slightly while waiting for the aligner. Take gender into account.

  FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram 600 illustrating how a relaxed fit aligner is attached to a tooth after removing the appliance and before installing the program aligner, according to certain embodiments.

  The first aligner 602a in the series of aligners can be manufactured as a relaxed fit retention aligner. The second aligner 602b in the series of aligners can be manufactured as a holding aligner with low relax fit. The third aligner 602c in the series of aligners can be manufactured as a holding aligner with a lower relax fit. The dentist can determine which aligner 602a, 602b, 602c fits the patient's teeth 106 with minimal play (i.e., most tightly) and uses that aligner to initiate an aligner treatment ( Block 604). The retention aligner returns the teeth to the position and orientation when the aligner was ordered (block 606). Thereafter, program aligners 608a, 608b, 608c, etc. are successively attached to the teeth 106 to move the teeth to the desired tooth position and orientation 128 (block 610).

  Accordingly, FIG. 6 illustrates a particular embodiment in which a relaxed first retention aligner is used prior to use of the program aligner that moves the teeth to the desired final position 128. The relaxable retention aligner can be made of a thinner or more flexible material as compared to the program aligner. A relaxed retention aligner easily fits the teeth and reduces the possibility of the aligner returning to a non-fitting state.

  FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram 700 illustrating a shortened aligner that may be mounted on a tooth with an appliance attached, according to certain embodiments.

  Once the brace 102 has been removed to install the aligner, if the aligner does not fit, the aligner may have to be reordered and the brace may have to be repositioned. Note that is time consuming and cumbersome. In order to avoid having to reattach the appliance to the teeth, the first series of aligners is a shortened version in which the normal aligner 702 is cut out so that a substantial portion of the normal aligner 702 is missing instead of the normal aligner 702. An aligner 704 can be used. As a result, the shortened aligner 704 has the bracket 108 and wire 110 to determine whether the normal aligner is likely to fit the teeth after the bracket 108 and wire 110 are removed (as shown in block 706). Can be attached to the top of the tooth. If the shortened aligner 704 does not fit, a new set of aligners is required.

  FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart 800 illustrating how a shortened aligner is used to determine whether multiple aligners are likely to fit a patient's teeth, according to certain embodiments.

  Control begins at block 802. The aligner is received at block 802, and upon receipt of the aligner, the shortened aligner is attached to the tooth (block 806) without removing the appliance (block 804). A shortened aligner is a cut away portion of a retaining aligner.

  A determination is made as to whether the shortened aligner fits the teeth (block 808). If it is determined to fit (branch “Yes” 809a), the brace is removed (block 810) and aligner treatment is started (block 812). If it is determined that it does not fit (branch “No” 809b), a new set of aligners is ordered (block 814).

  Accordingly, FIGS. 7 and 8 show that a particular type of shortened aligner is used on a tooth with a brace attached to determine whether the received normal aligner is likely to fit the tooth after removal of the brace. 1 illustrates an embodiment.

  FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart 900 illustrating certain operations according to certain embodiments. Control begins at block 902. At block 902, the wires of the appliance 102 attached to the teeth are periodically adjusted until a predetermined criteria is met. In certain embodiments, the predetermined criteria is that there is no collision in the teeth; no active attachment is required for the ordered multiple aligners; the number of multiple aligners required is below a threshold; the wires are passive Will be satisfied.

  Control proceeds to block 904a. In block 904a, a plurality of aligners 104a,..., 104n are ordered while the appliance 102 is held on the teeth in response to the predetermined criteria being met. Control proceeds to block 904. At block 904, in response to receiving the ordered plurality of aligners, the appliance 102 is replaced with a first one of the plurality of aligners 104a, ..., 104n. Here, the teeth are restricted from moving between ordering and receiving a plurality of aligners 104a, ..., 104n.

  FIG. 10 illustrates how the aligner 1002 can be attached to the patient's upper dental arch 1004 and how the appliance 1006 can be attached to the patient's lower dental arch 1008, according to certain embodiments. A block diagram 1000 is shown. Because the upper dental arch 1004 is more visible and the aligner 1002 provides better aesthetics, the aligner 1002 is used for the upper dental arch. Because the lower dental arch 1008 is typically not as visible as the upper dental arch, the appliance 1006 may be aesthetically sufficient for many patients for the lower dental arch 1008.

  FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram 1100 illustrating an aligner 1102 having an asperity 1104 that fits over an appliance comprising a bracket and a wire 1106 attached to a tooth, according to certain embodiments. The bracket and wire can be located on the lingual side 1108 as shown in FIG. 11, but in alternative embodiments the bracket and wire can be located on the labial side.

  By integrating the aligner 1102 with the irregularities 1104, a modified aligner can be attached across the bracket and wire. As a result, any of the brackets and wires and aligners can be used to move the teeth to the desired position.

  FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart 1200 that illustrates how a patient can perform a heat bite operation at home, according to certain embodiments.

  Control begins at block 1202. At block 1202, the patient performs a heat bite operation at home and sends a heat bite impression to the manufacturer (block 1204). The manufacturer sends the aligner to the patient (block 1206), and upon receipt of the aligner (block 1208), the patient uses the aligner (block 1210) to determine whether the final result is satisfactory. (Block 1212). If satisfied (branch “Yes” 1213a), the process ends (block 1214). If not satisfied (branch “No” 1213b), the patient performs a further heat bite operation at home. In certain embodiments, performing a heat bite operation at home may reduce patient treatment costs.

  Accordingly, FIGS. 1-12 illustrate certain embodiments in which a transition from an appliance to an aligner is performed for a patient's orthodontic treatment based on certain predetermined criteria. In addition, a relaxed fit of the retention aligner is used to return the teeth to the position when the aligner was ordered. To determine if a normal aligner is likely to fit, a shortened aligner can be used for the tooth with the appliance attached.

  In certain embodiments, an uneven aligner is worn over a lingual or labial appliance. In another embodiment, an aligner is used for the upper dental arch and an appliance is used for the lower dental arch.

  In certain embodiments, methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media are provided for designing the brace 102 and aligners 104a, ..., 104n. The computing device 116 uses the digital image of the tooth to design the appliance 102 where the wire 110 is periodically adjusted until the predetermined criteria 130 is met. A plurality of aligners 104a,..., 104n are designed based on an additional digital image of the tooth to which the appliance 102 is attached. In response to receiving the plurality of aligners 104a,..., 104n, the appliance 102 is replaced with the first aligner 104a of the plurality of aligners 104a,. It is restricted so that it does not move from the time it is ordered until it is received.

  In many cases, the dentist may attempt to treat the patient, but eventually find that the patient's malocclusion is difficult to correct with the aligner. The physician may then change the patient's treatment to bracket / wire treatment. In the proposed embodiment, such a problem does not occur.

  The dentist may not be able to use the aligner. With brackets / wires, the dentist may have a hard time finishing. Certain embodiments can handle many different types of situations, including the scenarios described above, and can achieve excellent results. Certain embodiments allow maximum utilization of both types of orthodontic appliances used in treatment. Certain embodiments allow the patient to transition to the aligner at an appropriate time to ensure the best finish. This means that the patient may be able to move to a more aesthetic and comfortable treatment method. This method of treatment removes concerns and difficulties for finishing with bracket / wire orthodontic appliances.

[More details of the embodiment]
Certain operations described in the figures may be implemented as a method, apparatus, or computer program product using techniques for creating software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. In addition, particular embodiments may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable storage media. Computer readable program code is embodied in the computer readable storage medium.

  Computer readable storage media may include electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. The computer readable storage medium includes an electrical connection having one or more cables, and a portable computer diskette or disk, hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM or flash memory), portable compact disk type read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, etc. can also be provided. The computer-readable storage medium contains or stores a program for use by connection with an instruction execution system, instruction execution device, or instruction execution device, or in connection with an instruction execution system, instruction execution device, or instruction execution device. It can be any tangible medium of expression.

  A computer readable signal medium includes a propagated data signal in which computer readable program code is embodied. A computer-readable signal medium communicates and propagates a program for use by connection with an instruction execution system, instruction execution device, or instruction execution device, or in connection with an instruction execution system, instruction execution device, or instruction execution device. Any computer-readable medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium can be transmitted or transferred. The computer readable storage medium is different from the computer readable signal medium.

  The computer program code for performing the operations for each aspect of the invention can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages.

  Aspects of the invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, systems and computer program products according to certain embodiments. At least certain operations illustrated in the figures indicate certain events that occur in a certain order. In alternative embodiments, certain operations may be performed in a different order, modified, or omitted. In addition, operations can be added to the above-described logic, but these operations are adapted to the above-described embodiments. Further, the operations described herein may be performed sequentially or certain operations may be processed in parallel. Further, the operations may be performed by a single processing unit or may be performed by a distributed processing unit. The instructions of the computer program can execute each block of the flowchart. These computer program instructions may be provided to a computer processor for execution.

  FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system 1300 used to design a brace and aligner, according to certain embodiments. System 1300 can include an electrical circuit 1302. In certain embodiments, at least a processor 1304 may be included. The processor 1304 includes a numerical operation unit, a central processing unit, an electric circuit for performing an operation, hardware for executing instructions of a computer program, a microprocessor, a parallel processor, an array processor, a vector processor, a transistor-type central processing unit, a microcontroller, Any suitable processor known in the art may be provided, such as a logic circuit. Any device that manipulates digital information based on one or more operational instructions or in a predetermined manner is an example of a processor 1304. The system 1300 can also include a memory 1306 (eg, volatile memory device) and a storage device 1308. Storage device 1308 may include non-volatile memory devices (eg, EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, firmware, programmable logic, etc.), magnetic disk drives, optical disk drives, tape devices, and the like. The storage device 1308 may also comprise an internal storage device, an external storage device, and / or a network accessible storage device. System 1300 can include program logic 1310 that includes code 1312 that can be loaded into memory 1306 and executed by processor 1304 or electrical circuit 1302. In certain embodiments, program logic 1310 that includes code 1312 may be stored in storage device 1308. In other particular embodiments, program logic 1310 may be implemented in electrical circuit 1302. Accordingly, in FIG. 13, the program logic 1310 is shown separated from other components, but the program logic 1310 may be implemented in the memory 1306 and / or the electrical circuit 1302.

  “Embodiments” (“an emblem”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiments”, “the embodiments”), “one or more embodiments” (“one or more emblems”), “some emblems” The words “embodiments” and “one embodiment”, unless stated otherwise, “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention”. Means.

  The words “including”, “comprising”, and “having” and their conjugations, unless otherwise stated, include “including but only It means “not limited”.

  A list of items does not mean that any or all items are mutually exclusive unless stated otherwise.

  The terms “a”, “an”, and “the” mean “one or more” unless stated otherwise.

  Devices that are in communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other unless otherwise specified. In addition, devices that are in communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

  The description of an embodiment having several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. Conversely, various optional components have been described to exemplify a wide variety of possible embodiments.

  Where a single device or article is described herein, more than one device / article can be used in place of a single device / article (whether or not they cooperate) This will be readily apparent. Similarly, where two or more devices or articles (whether or not they co-operate) are described herein, a single device / article may contain two or more devices or articles. It will be readily apparent that a different number of devices / articles can be used instead, or a different number of devices / programs can be used. The functions and / or features of a device may instead be embodied by one or more other devices not explicitly stated as having such functions / features.

  Thus far, descriptions of various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The above description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. The above description, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended after the specification.

[Example 1]
Holding the appliance attached to the tooth until a predetermined criterion is met;
Ordering a plurality of aligners while holding the appliance on the teeth in response to the predetermined criteria being met;
Replacing the brace with a first aligner of the plurality of aligners;
Including methods.
[Example 2]
The method of embodiment 1, wherein the predetermined criterion is met when the teeth do not collide.
[Example 3]
2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the predetermined criteria is met when no active attachment is required for the plurality of aligners being ordered.
[Example 4]
2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the predetermined criteria is met when the required number of aligners is less than a threshold.
[Example 5]
The method of embodiment 1, wherein the predetermined criteria is met if the wire is reasonably passive.
[Example 6]
The predetermined criterion is
No collision of the teeth;
No active attachment is required for the plurality of aligners ordered;
The quantity of the plurality of aligners required is less than a threshold;
2. Method according to example 1, characterized in that it is satisfied when the wire is reasonably passive.
[Example 7]
At least the first aligner forms a relaxed fit to the teeth, at least the first aligner is a retention aligner, and the movement of the teeth is restricted by the appliance during the ordering of the plurality of aligners. A method as described in Example 1, characterized in that
[Example 8]
The method of Example 7, wherein the retaining aligner is made of a more flexible material than a programmed aligner of the plurality of aligners.
[Example 9]
The method of example 7, wherein the retention aligner is made of a thinner material than the programmed aligner of the plurality of aligners.
[Example 10]
The method of embodiment 1, wherein one or both of a heat bite operation and a scan operation are performed to determine whether the predetermined criteria are met.
[Example 11]
The plurality of aligners includes one or more holding aligners that fit in various tightness to the teeth, and the teeth are returned to a position and orientation when the plurality of aligners are ordered. A method according to example 1, characterized in that a retaining aligner that fits most closely to the teeth is attached to the teeth.
[Example 12]
In order to determine whether the first aligner can be attached to the tooth after removal of the appliance, the shortened aligner is not removed from the tooth before replacing the appliance with the first aligner. Method according to example 1, characterized in that it is attached to the teeth.
[Example 13]
Method according to example 1, characterized in that the brace is a lingual brace.
[Example 14]
The method of embodiment 1, wherein the appliance is replaced with the first aligner in an upper dental arch.
[Example 15]
The method of embodiment 1, wherein the appliance is replaced with one aligner in the upper dental arch and replaced with at least one other aligner in the lower dental arch.
[Example 16]
Attaching brackets and wires to teeth;
Attaching an uneven aligner to the teeth;
And the bracket and wire fit into the irregularities.
[Example 17]
Further comprising adjusting the wire to move the teeth;
Embodiment 16 wherein the aligner is also configured to move the teeth, and the tooth movement obtained by adjusting the wire is greater than the tooth movement achieved by a series of aligners. The method described in 1.
[Example 18]
Attaching an aligner to the patient's upper dental arch;
Attaching a brace to the patient's lower dental arch;
Including
The aligner and the appliance are used to adjust the position and orientation of teeth contained in the patient's upper and lower dental arches.

108 Bracket 110 Wire 704 Shortened aligner 1102 Aligner 1104 Concavity and convexity 1106 Wire 1108 Tongue side

Claims (17)

A method of producing a plurality of aligners for a patient who has already been treated with a device attached to a tooth,
Receiving an order for the plurality of aligners while holding the appliance attached to the tooth and after a predetermined criteria is met;
Producing the plurality of aligners in response to receiving the order;
Including
The device is replaced with a first aligner of the plurality of aligners.   The method for manufacturing the plurality of aligners according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined criterion is satisfied when there is no collision in the teeth.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined criterion is satisfied when the plurality of aligners to be ordered does not require an active attachment.   2. The method of manufacturing the plurality of aligners according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined criterion is satisfied when a required quantity of the plurality of aligners is less than a threshold value.   The method of manufacturing the plurality of aligners according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined criterion is satisfied when the wire is reasonably passive.   At least the first aligner forms a relaxed fit to the teeth, at least the first aligner is a retention aligner, and the movement of the teeth is restricted by the appliance during the ordering of the plurality of aligners. The method for producing the plurality of aligners according to claim 1, wherein:   The method of manufacturing a plurality of aligners according to claim 6, wherein the retaining aligner is made of a more flexible material than a programmed aligner of the plurality of aligners.   The method of manufacturing a plurality of aligners according to claim 6, wherein the holding aligner is made of a thinner material than a programmed aligner of the plurality of aligners.   The plurality of aligners includes one or more holding aligners that fit in various tightness to the teeth, and the teeth are returned to a position and orientation when the plurality of aligners are ordered. The method of manufacturing a plurality of aligners according to claim 1, wherein a retaining aligner that most closely fits the teeth is attached to the teeth. Brackets and wires attached to the teeth;
An aligner having irregularities attached to the teeth;
The bracket and the wire fit into the irregularities. The wire is configured to move the teeth by adjustment;
The aligner is configured to move the teeth;
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the tooth movement obtained by adjusting the wire is greater than the tooth movement achieved by a series of aligners. A method for designing a brace and a plurality of aligners, comprising:
Using a digital image of a tooth by a computing device to design the appliance; holding the appliance until a predetermined criterion is met;
Designing the plurality of aligners based on an additional digital image of the teeth;
Including
The device is replaced with a first aligner of the plurality of aligners. A system for designing a brace and a plurality of aligners,
With memory;
A processor coupled to the memory;
With
The processor is
Using a digital image of a tooth to design the appliance, wherein the appliance is held until a predetermined criterion is met;
Designing the plurality of aligners based on an additional digital image of the teeth;
Configured to perform operations involving
The system is characterized in that the orthosis is replaced with a first aligner of the plurality of aligners. A computer readable storage medium for designing a brace and a plurality of aligners, comprising:
When code stored in the computer-readable storage medium is executed by a processor,
Using a digital image of a tooth to design the appliance, wherein the appliance is held until a predetermined criterion is met;
Designing the plurality of aligners based on an additional digital image of the teeth;
Operations involving
The computer-readable storage medium, wherein the appliance is replaced with a first aligner of the plurality of aligners. A plurality of dental aligners,
A first aligner that forms a relaxed fit to the teeth and is a retention aligner;
A programmed aligner, different from the first aligner;
A plurality of dental aligners comprising:   The plurality of aligners of claim 15, wherein the retention aligner is made of a more flexible material than the programmed aligner of the plurality of aligners.   The plurality of aligners of claim 15, wherein the retention aligner is made of a thinner material than the programmed aligner of the plurality of aligners.

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