WO2022236027A1

WO2022236027A1 - Systems, methods and devices for placement of orthodontic appliances and maintaining treatment results

Info

Publication number: WO2022236027A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/028036
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary D. Giegerich; Amanda M. FRANKS
Original assignee: Alta Smiles, Llc
Priority date: 2021-05-07
Filing date: 2022-05-06
Publication date: 2022-11-10

Abstract

A bonding tray assembly for mounting dental appliances to a patient's teeth or arches. The bonding tray assembly includes a body configured to conform to a shape of the patient's teeth or arches. The body includes a first tooth recess configured to conform to a shape of a tooth of the patient's teeth. The body also accommodating a dental appliance for subsequent application to the patient's tooth. A light is mounted to the body. The light is configured to facilitate curing of an adhesive to bond the dental appliance to the patient's tooth.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Systems, Methods and Devices for Placement of Orthodontic Appliances and Maintaining

Treatment Results

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/185,414, filed May 7, 2021 and titled, “System, Methods and Devices for Placement of Orthodontic Appliances and Maintaining Treatment Results,” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The disclosure relates to the application of orthodontic appliances to a patient’s teeth and the proper function thereof.

[0003] Standard, pre-manufactured (off-the-shelf) orthodontic brackets are commonly utilized in the orthodontic field. One drawback of the standard brackets is that a base of the bracket that attaches to the tooth is not customized for individual tooth shapes. Although manufacturers of brackets contour each bracket base in accordance with the tooth number and the general shape of that tooth number for the general population, the one-size-fits-all approach results in bond failure or poor bonding when a tooth does not have the anticipated (standard patient) contour that matches or fits the bracket-back or bracket base, or the patient has some other anomaly in their tooth enamel. Poorly fitting brackets negatively impact the movement of the teeth once the brackets are affixed to the teeth and final positioning of the teeth. Recent attempts to promote the creation of custom brackets for each individual tooth of a patient cite the poor bonding results of standard brackets as a primary reason for such custom brackets. Creating custom brackets, however, adds undesirable complexity and cost to orthodontic treatments. [0004] It would, therefore, be desirable to develop an improved system and method of ensuring optimal adhesion without the necessity of custom brackets.

[0005] Utilizing three-dimensional planning software and indirect bonding transfer trays to place orthodontic appliances is also well established in the orthodontic field. These systems and methods provide an enhanced method of bracket placement which allows a practitioner to devise a treatment plan using three-dimensional modeling to determine optimal bracket location. Additionally, indirect bonding trays facilitate a more precise method of placing the bracket in its optimal location on the tooth surface.

[0006] Turning to bonding, conventional indirect bonding techniques of a bracket with a tooth typically require a curing light of a certain wavelength (typically between four hundred forty to four hundred eighty nanometers (440-480nm), with light output of up to two thousand four hundred milliwatts per square centimeter (2,400mW/cm²)) to activate the adhesive placed on the bracket base so that it bonds with the tooth. Current techniques require positioning a curing light near each bracket one at a time to activate the adhesive. This process is time- consuming and sub-optimal. During the time it takes for each tooth to bond to a bracket, saliva can touch either the bracket or tooth surface of another tooth and interfere with the bonding process. Saliva or other foreign objects or substances being introduced to the bonding material can result in poor bonding/no bond or a bracket debonding later resulting from the poor bond. Consequently, the speed of bonding is significant and avoiding introduction of foreign objects or materials into or onto the adhesive is desirable.

[0007] With existent indirect bonding processes, the curing light is applied (activated in proximity to each tooth) multiple times. Typically, each activation is for three to ten seconds (3- 10 sec). With a double layer tray, the light is applied prior to removing the first tray and again prior to removal of the inner layer. In both scenarios (single layer or double layer) once the brackets are affixed and the tray(s) are removed, the curing light may again be applied to the brackets to complete the bonding process. All of these steps are conducted to ensure that the brackets are securely adhered to the patient’s teeth.

[0008] There remain, therefore, multiple ways of achieving improvements over existing indirect bonding techniques to improve speed and success of the bonding.

[0009] In the dental field, bite blocks 9, as shown in Fig. 3, are used to keep patients from dislodging brackets by contacting brackets with teeth in their opposing jaw and shifting or breaking the brackets or associated bonds. This is achieved by restricting the movement of the dental arches and keeping the upper and lower teeth from contacting the orthodontic brackets on the opposing jaw. A bite block 9 is a small, rigid, or semi-rigid, fabricated device made of a plastic or polymer material. Bite blocks 9 are pre-manufactured appliances that are mounted directly to the lingual side of a tooth, normally the central incisors. However, the bite blocks 9 can also be applied to other teeth and at other locations on the teeth. Once the teeth have moved into a position so that there is no longer the risk or limited risk of the teeth contacting the dental appliances in such a way as to dislodge brackets or other appliances, the bite blocks 9 can be removed (even if it is in the middle of orthodontic treatment). Nevertheless, while installed, bite blocks 9 can be uncomfortable for patients, as they limit the normal range of motion of the jaw, preventing the patient from biting down fully.

[0010] Thus, planning the ideal or optimum location of a bite block 9 would be advantageous, e.g., via three-dimensional treatment planning, which minimizes the need to restrict the jaw’s range of motion or limits the range of motion of the patient’s jaw that is impacted by the application of the bite blocks 9. The less of a restriction, the more comfortable it is for the patient.

[0011] At the completion of any orthodontic treatment there follows a “retention” phase which is the long-term process of keeping the teeth from shifting. Most patients are treated using retention protocols involving removable appliances, such as a Hawley or Essix retainers. These appliances can be removed by the patient at any time. This leads to compliance issues such as damaged or lost retainers or forgetfulness of the patient with compliance of the retainer protocols. Some clinicians use a fixed retention method involving a wire (or band) adhered to the lingual side of the patient’s teeth normally spanning the anterior teeth typically from 3-3 (using standard teeth numbering protocols). The use of fixed lingual retention wires has not gained wide-spread adoption for at least two reasons. Firstly, the fixed wires require more work and time by the clinician to apply to the teeth. Secondly, the fixed positions of the wire can de-bond due to poor bonding or the patient eating hard foods, which can loosen or dislodge the fixed wire. If the wires de-bond, this requires additional office visits to repair the wires.

[0012] Therefore, an improved retention approach would be advantageous.

[0013] Prior to bonding an orthodontic bracket, adhesive needs to be applied to the bracket base. Given the small size of the brackets and the small amount of adhesive that needs to be applied, it is difficult for a clinician to consistently apply the optimal amount of adhesive - providing enough adhesive to achieve adequate bond strength, but not so much that, once applied to the tooth, the adhesive seeps out onto the tooth surface surrounding the bracket. This excess material is commonly referred to as “flash.” Flash is normally scraped off the teeth at the time of bonding, but often is not fully removed. This looks unsightly and may cause other oral health problems. Current clinicians squeeze adhesive out of a small bottle and estimate how much they want to apply to each bracket. This is a very imprecise and slow method.

[0014] Therefore, it would be advantageous to employ a device that dispenses the appropriate amount of adhesive to the appropriate location while simplifying the process for the clinician.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Briefly stated, the preferred invention is directed to a bonding tray assembly for mounting dental appliances to a patient’s teeth or arches. The bonding tray assembly includes a body configured to conform to a shape of the patient’s teeth or arches. The body includes a first tooth recess configured to conform to a shape of a tooth of the patient’s teeth. The body also accommodating a dental appliance for subsequent application to the patient’s tooth. A light is mounted to the body, such as by being embedded in the body, fit into a light recess of the body, loosely placed adjacent to the body or positioned by the user relative to the body but spaced from the body such that the light is able to illuminate the dental appliance, patient’s tooth and dental adhesive during an adhesive curing step. The light is configured to facilitate curing of the adhesive to bond the dental appliance to the patient’s tooth.

[0016] In another aspect, the preferred invention is directed to a transfer tray assembly for mounting an orthodontic wire to a patient’s teeth. The transfer tray includes a body defining a plurality of tooth recesses and a wire recess. The body and the tooth recesses configured to conform to a shape of the patient’s teeth and arches. The wire recess configured to removably receive the orthodontic wire. The plurality of tooth recesses configured to conform to the size and shape of the patient’s teeth for positioning the wire proximate the patient’s teeth and subsequent bonding of the wire to the patient’s teeth. A light mounted to the body. The light configured to facilitate curing of an adhesive to bond the wire to the patient’s tooth.

[0017] In a further aspect, the preferred invention is directed to a method for constructing a removable retention appliance to retain positioning of a patient’s teeth immediately after orthodontic treatment when dental appliances are removed from the patient’s teeth utilizing an outer tray having in interior portion and a malleable material for insertion into the interior portion. The method includes the steps of removing the dental appliances from the patient’s teeth, immediately inserting the outer tray with malleable material positioned in the interior portion into the patient’s mouth, receiving the patient’s teeth into the malleable material such that the malleable material conforms to the shape of the patient’s teeth and a dental arch, removing the body and malleable material from the patient’s mouth, curing the malleable material resulting in hardening of the malleable material in the form of the patient’s arch and teeth, trimming portions of the outer tray and malleable material and inserting the cured malleable material and outer tray into the patient’s mouth to retain the positioning of the patient’s teeth.

[0018] In and additional aspect, the preferred invention is directed to a method of installing orthodontic brackets to a patient’s teeth. The method includes taking or collecting images of the patient’s teeth, conducting a tooth shape analysis of the patient’s teeth, developing a recommendation for positioning and selection of a bracket of the orthodontic brackets for mounting the bracket to a tooth of the patient’s teeth based on the collected images and the tooth shape analysis and displaying an image of the tooth and the bracket.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the preferred invention is directed to a bonding tray assembly for mounting dental appliances to a patient’s teeth or arches. The bonding tray assembly includes a body configured to conform to a shape of the patient’s teeth or arches. The body includes tooth recesses configured to conform to the shape of the patient’s teeth and a dental appliance for subsequent application to the patient’s teeth. The body includes perforations or markings. The perforations or markings configured as separators to divide the body into segment trays for a subset of teeth of the patient’s teeth.

[0020] In an additional aspect, the preferred invention is directed to a mechanical device calibrated to dispense a predetermined amount of adhesive onto a dental appliance for bonding the dental appliance to a patient’s teeth. The mechanical device includes an adhesive container configured to contain a biocompatible adhesive, a dispenser tube mounted to a distal end of the adhesive container and a metering device mounted to the mechanical device. The dispenser tube includes a dispensing port spaced from the adhesive container. The metering device is configured to meter the adhesive for application to the dental appliance based on a specific tooth of the patient’s teeth and the dental appliance.

[0021] In another aspect, the preferred invention is directed to a method of installing orthodontic brackets to a patient’s teeth including taking or collecting images of the patient’s teeth, conducting a tooth shape analysis of the patient’s teeth, developing a recommendation for positioning and selection of a bracket of the orthodontic brackets for mounting the bracket to a tooth of the patient’s teeth based on the collected images and the tooth shape analysis, and displaying an image of the tooth and the bracket. In the preferred embodiment, the developing a recommendation step includes developing a recommendation for positioning and selection of brackets for each of the patient’s teeth. The preferred method may also include the step of recommending contouring of a tooth of the patient’s teeth based on the collected images and the tooth shape analysis.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the preferred invention is directed to a bonding tray assembly for mounting dental appliances to a patient’s teeth or arches. The bonding tray assembly includes a body configured to conform to a shape of the patient’s teeth or arches. The body includes tooth recesses configured to conform to the shape of the patient’s teeth and a dental appliance for subsequent application to the patient’s teeth. The body includes perforations or markings. The perforations or markings are configured as separators to divide the body into segment trays for a subset of teeth of the patient’s teeth. The segment trays may include a first segment tray, wherein the first segment tray includes a first tooth recess and a second tooth recess. The segment trays may also include a second segment tray and a third segment tray depending on the positioning of the perforations and separators and may include nearly any number of segment trays based on the break-up or segmenting of the preferred bonding tray. The bonding and segment trays may be reusable such that the bonding or segment trays may be utilized to initially mount the dental appliances to the patient’s teeth and may then be segmented to re-attach brackets, wires, bite blocks or other appliances to the patient’s teeth after initial debonding. The reusable segment tray may, accordingly, be configured to re-bond the bracket to the patient’s tooth after the bracket is debonded. The preferred body includes a wire recess, wherein the wire recess connects a plurality of tooth recesses. The wire recess may be positioned on a lingual side of the body or may be positioned on a facial side of the body.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the preferred invention is directed to a mechanical device calibrated to dispense a predetermined amount of adhesive onto a dental appliance for bonding the dental appliance to a patient’s teeth. The mechanical device includes an adhesive container configured to contain a biocompatible adhesive and a dispenser tube mounted to a distal end of the adhesive container. The dispenser tube includes a dispensing port spaced from the adhesive container. A metering device is mounted to the mechanical device and is configured to meter the adhesive for application to the dental appliance based on a specific tooth of the patient’s teeth and the dental appliance. The preferred metering device determines the amount of adhesive applied in a single shot of adhesive utilizing a built-in software that determines an optimal amount of adhesive. The preferred metering device is comprised of a button or a trigger that is actuated to dispense the adhesive. The metering device may be powered by a power source connected by a power cord, may be rechargeable or may include a power source, such as batteries, incorporated into the metering device. The dispensing port is preferably configured for applying the adhesive to the dental appliance when the dental appliance is positioned in a bonding tray. The dental appliance may be comprised of an orthodontic wire. The metering device of the preferred embodiment includes a dial for identifying a tooth of the patient’s teeth and a type of bracket that comprises the dental appliance.

[0024] In yet another aspect, the preferred invention is directed to a transfer tray assembly for mounting dental appliances to a patient’s teeth or arches including a body configured to conform to a shape of the patient’s teeth or arches. The body includes tooth recesses configured to conform to the shape of the patient’s teeth and an appliance recess configured to conform to the shape of a dental appliance for subsequent application to the patient’s teeth. The dental appliance is preferably comprised of a bite block that is releasably positionable in the appliance recess with a dental adhesive on a lingual surface of the bite block. The bite block is contoured to the shape of a tooth of the patient’s teeth to which the bite block is connected after the adhesive is cured. The preferred body is comprised of a segment tray and the bite block may be comprised of a first bite block and a second bite block. The appliance recess of a preferred embodiment is positioned proximate a lingual side of the body but is not so limited and may be positioned otherwise, such as on an occlusal side of the body. The dental adhesive may be comprised of a liquid resin. The tooth recesses are preferably designed using computer modeling to contour the tooth recesses to the patient’s teeth but are not so limited and may be otherwise designed and configured, such as by forming over a physical model of the patient’s teeth and arches. The transfer tray assembly may also include a light embedded in the body proximate the appliance recess that is positioned approximately within two millimeters (2 mm) from the appliance recess. The appliance recesses may be positioned on an occlusal side of the body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The following description of preferred embodiments of the preferred embodiments of the systems, methods and devices for placement of orthodontic appliances and maintaining treatment results will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For purposes of illustrating the dental instruments, implants, appliances, systems and methods, there are shown in the drawings preferred embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0026] Fig. l is a flow chart of steps to provide an orthodontic bracket to a patient, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Fig. 2A is a front elevational view of a transfer or bonding tray assembly positioned on a patient’s teeth or dental arches in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Fig. 2B is a front elevational view of the transfer or bonding tray assembly of Fig. 2A and a side perspective view of a preferred power source to power lights of the bonding tray assembly of Fig. 2 A;

[0029] Fig. 2C is a front and side perspective views of the transfer or bonding tray assembly and power source of Fig. 2B with two preferred light pipes connected to the bonding tray assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of prior art bite blocks applied to a patient’s teeth;

[0031] Fig. 4 is a top plan view of a custom transfer bonding tray and a top plan view of a sectioned model of a patient’s teeth to which the transfer tray may be connected in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the custom transfer bonding tray of Fig. 4 mounted to the sectioned model of the patient’s teeth of Fig. 4 and a top plan view of a light for curing adhesive associated with the custom transfer bonding tray;

[0033] Fig 6 is a top plan view of a custom transfer tray assembly in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Fig. 7 is a magnified top plan view of the custom transfer tray assembly of Fig. 6;

[0035] Fig. 8 is a top plan view of a transfer or bonding tray assembly in accordance with a further alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0036] Fig. 9 is a front elevational view of retention wires and brackets that may be utilized with the preferred transfer or bonding tray assemblies described herein;

[0037] Fig. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the transfer or bonding tray assembly of Fig. 8, taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 8; [0038] Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the transfer or bonding tray assembly of Fig. 8, taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 8, wherein a preferred wire and pad are positioned in a recess of the transfer or bonding tray;

[0039] Fig. IOC is a cross-sectional view of the transfer or bonding tray assembly of Fig. 8, taking along line 10-10 of Fig. 8, wherein a preferred wire is positioned in the recess of the transfer or bonding tray;

[0040] Fig. 11 A is a side elevational view of a mechanical device and a cross-sectional view of the transfer or bonding tray assembly of Fig. 8, taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 8, wherein the mechanical device is oriented to dispense a predetermined amount of adhesive for bonding a bracket to the patient’s teeth, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Fig. 1 IB is a side elevational view of an alternative preferred mechanical device and a cross-sectional view of the transfer or bonding tray assembly of Fig. 8, taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 8, wherein the alternative preferred mechanical device is oriented to dispense a predetermined amount of adhesive for bonding a bracket to the patient’s teeth, in accordance with the alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Fig. 11C is a side elevational view of a further alternative preferred mechanical device and a cross-sectional view of the transfer or bonding tray assembly of Fig. 8, taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 8, wherein the further alternative preferred mechanical device is oriented to dispense a predetermined amount of adhesive for bonding a bracket to the patient’s teeth, in accordance with the further alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Fig. 1 ID is a top plan view of a metering dial of the preferred mechanical device of Fig. 11 A;

[0044] Fig. 12 is a top perspective view of an outer tray that may be utilized for constructing a custom retainer in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “upwardly” and “downwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the orthodontic appliance, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0046] It should also be understood that the terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially” and like terms, used herein when referring to a dimension or characteristic of a component of the disclosure, indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude minor variations therefrom that are functionally similar. At a minimum, such references that include a numerical parameter would include variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit.

[0047] Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a flow chart of steps to provide an orthodontic bracket to a patient, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In a first step 1, images are taken of each tooth via one of a three-dimensional (“3D”) scan (not- shown), high resolution photography (not-shown), radiographs (not-shown), or utilizing other systems and methods that facilitate the collection of images of the patient’s teeth and/or arches. In one preferred embodiment, an electronic “stl” file of the patient's arches is generated. After the file or model of the patient’s arches and/or teeth is generated, a computer algorithm is configured to conduct tooth shape analysis and recommendations are utilized in a second step 2. Namely, each individual tooth is compared to a database of standard bracket bases via a computer algorithm to determine: a) whether a bracket base of a bracket 14 is a “good fit” with any specific tooth; b) whether there is a bracket base of a bracket 14 that would be preferable to other bracket bases of other brackets 14 in the database; and/or c) whether the tooth should be manually contoured (shaping of the tooth) by a dental clinician (dental assistant, dentist or appropriate professional) before applying the bracket 14 to a tooth. Once the algorithm has identified the optimal and/or acceptable bracket bases of the selected brackets 14 for each tooth, the clinician or technician can review, evaluate, and accept the algorithm’s recommendations as to bracket selection. The algorithm’s recommendation may include using a complete set of standard brackets 14 or mixing and matching brackets 14 from a variety of different bracket types (prescription) and bracket manufacturer’s specific models. In the case where the option of contouring the tooth is suggested, the algorithm may, in a third step 3, display specific images of the teeth showing how the tooth will appear before and after the treatment method of contouring and may include specific instructions as to how much enamel should be removed from the teeth in specific locations. The contouring itself may be performed using one of; a high-speed drill with a tooth shaping bur, a manual bur, a file or other systems and methods that are able to contour the shape as directed by the algorithm and preferred by the clinician. This type of tooth shaping can be done quickly (in less than a minute per tooth) by the clinician. Often, the recommended contouring will involve removing anomalies in the enamel of the tooth surface but can also involve altering the shape of the tooth. Determining what, if any, contouring is appropriate would not be practical or advisable for the clinician to do without the imaging and algorithm recommendations.

[0048] The algorithm may also suggest contouring that will achieve one of two other purposes. Firstly, the contouring may improve the overall aesthetics of the patient’s smile both during treatment and/or following treatment. Secondly, by recommending specific tooth contouring, this can improve the ability to move teeth, which due to their position might impede the movement of other teeth or the tooth being contoured itself during the orthodontic process. [0049] Referring to Figs. 2A-9, there is shown a transfer or bonding tray assembly, generally designated 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which preferably includes a transfer or bonding tray 10a and a dental appliance, such as a bracket 14, an orthodontic wire 28 or other dental appliances. Indirect transfer or bonding trays 10a can be single layer or dual layer. The transfer or bonding trays 10a of the preferred embodiment can be manufactured using vacuum forming techniques or directly from a three-dimensional printer.

The present disclosure is useful regardless of the number of layers or the method of manufacture of the transfer or bonding tray 10a. [0050] The transfer or bonding tray 10a is typically fabricated so that multiple brackets 14 can be placed on the teeth 11 at one time. The transfer or bonding tray 10a preferably includes a body configured to conform to the shape of the patient’s teeth 11 or arches such that the transfer or bonding tray 10a can be removably positioned within the user’s mouth and conform to the shape of the teeth 11 and arches. There are applications when it would be advantageous to segment (cut, divide/slice, etc.) a bonding tray 10a to apply less than the original number of appliances that were planned for when manufacturing the tray 10a, as is shown in Figs. 4 and 5. This smaller or segment transfer or bonding tray 24 that may be formed as a part of the transfer or bonding tray 10a, would be beneficial, for example, when a single bracket 14 or two brackets 14 become de-bonded and need to be re-bonded to a tooth 11 to teeth 11 and the segment bonding tray 24 is applied only for the de-bonded bracket(s) 14.

[0051] It can also be useful in cases where a tooth 11 is severely rotated or its angulation would make it easier to use a single tooth tray or segment transfer or bonding tray 24 to affix the bracket(s) 14. For a clinician to create the segment tray 24 from the body 10a, it would be useful to put perforations or other markings 12, forming a frangible transfer tray or body 10a so that the tray or body 10a can be cut, divided, or otherwise segmented into multiple segment trays 24 or into the segment of the transfer or bonding tray 24. Such perforations or markings 12 would make it much easier for a clinician to know exactly where to segment the tray or body 10a, if needed, and to make the process of segmenting easier. One way that this preferred invention would be used in an actual clinical setting is that the practitioner would keep/store the tray or body 10a (rather than dispose of it) used to initially bond a full arch in case a bracket 14 later de bonds from the patient’s teeth 11. At that point, the practitioner can segment the transfer tray or body 10 at the perforations or markings 12 and re-bond a single bracket 14 using the segment tray 24. This would be effective even if the tooth 11 in question has moved during treatment because the shape of that tooth 11 will not have changed. The transfer tray or body 10a would eliminate the need to fabricate a new, smaller tray, such as the segment tray 24, so that a single bracket 14, two brackets 14 or fewer than the entire compliment of brackets 14 of the full transfer or bonding tray or body 10a can be re-bonded.

[0052] In the preferred embodiment, the body 10a includes a first tooth recess 13a configured to conform to a shape of a tooth 11 of the patient’s teeth 11 and a dental appliance, such as a bracket 14, a wire 28 or other dental appliances, for subsequent application to the patient’s tooth 11. In the preferred embodiment, the body 10a includes a first recess 50 and a second recess 60. The first recess 50 may include a first tooth recess 48a and a first bracket recess 47a and the second recess 60 may include a second tooth recess 48b and a second bracket recess 47b. The first and second recesses 50, 60 may also be associated with a wire recess 49 that connects the first and second recesses 50, 60, particularly the first and second bracket recesses 47a, 47b for the inclusion or mounting of brackets 14 and wires 28 for subsequent placement and bonding of the brackets 14 and wires 28 to the patient’s teeth 11, as is described herein. The bracket recesses 47a, 47b are each configured to receive a bracket 14 and are preferably positioned on a buccal or facial side 10c of the body 10a. The body 10a preferably has a plurality of recesses, more preferably as many recesses 50, 60 as the patient has teeth 11 on the particular dental arch that is being addressed by the clinician, such as fourteen (14) recesses 50, 60 for each upper and lower arch without wisdom teeth but is not so limited and may include less or more recesses 50, 60, such as for the segment trays 24 that are described herein. Each of the recesses 50, 60 preferably includes a tooth recess 48a, 48b and may but is not limited to including a bracket recess 47a, 47b and a wire recess 49. The body 10 and the tooth recesses 48a, 48b are configured to conform to the shape of the patient’s teeth 11 and arches. The brackets 14 and wires 28 are preferably removably mounted in the appliance recesses or the bracket and wire recesses 47a, 47b, 49, respectively, which are positioned adjacent to the first tooth recess 48a.

The wire recess 49 is configured to removably receive the orthodontic wire 28 and is positioned and oriented relative to the tooth recesses 48a, 48b for positioning the wire 28 proximate the patient’s teeth 11 for subsequently bonding the wire to the patient’s teeth 11, either directly (Fig. 8) or via the brackets 14. The brackets 14 and wires 28 are preferably configured for bonding to the patient’s teeth 11 as a result of curing an adhesive applied to the brackets 14 or teeth 11 with the light 18.

[0053] Turning to Fig. 2B and 2C, one or more lights, light pipes or side-displaying fiber optic cables 18 may be embedded, positioned on or otherwise connected or adhered into the body or curing trays 10a. The light 18 may also be mounted to the body 10 by being sized and shaped for positioning by a user or clinician proximate to the body or curing tray 10a during operation (Fig. 5) such that the light 18 is able to illuminate the dental appliance, such as the brackets 14, wires 28, bite blocks 9 or other dental appliances, and the adhesive to promote curing of the adhesive and connection of the dental appliances to the patient’s teeth 11. The light 18 is preferably mounted to the body 10a to facilitate curing of an adhesive to bond a dental appliance, such as the brackets 14, wires 28 or other appliances, to the patient’s teeth 11. The light 18 may be embedded in the body 10a or may be otherwise secured, connected or mounted to the body 10a to facilitate curing of the adhesive. Such lights or light pipes 18 can emit light from a central light source over greater distance than a traditional curing light. The light source or light 18 can be connected to cables 20 that power the light 18 via a simple connection. The purpose of the cables 20 or the light pipes 18 is to position light of the necessary wavelength proximately to each bracket 14 and enable more than one bracket 14 to be bonded to the patient’s teeth 11 at a time, particularly when the body or tray 10a is applied to the patient’s teeth 11 and the body or curing trays 10a are subsequently positioned relative to the patient’s teeth 11 for curing. In one preferred embodiment, the light, light pipes and/or fibers 18 may be custom positioned in the body or curing tray 10a for each patient based on the placement position of the brackets 14 that are positioned in the transfer or bonding tray assembly 10 in the bracket recesses 47a, 47b. Proximity of the light 18 of about two millimeters (2 mm) to or spaced from the bracket 14 is preferable to facilitate curing of the adhesive but is not limiting and the light 18 may be otherwise oriented and spaced from the bracket 14 in the body 10a during curing. By using the preferred transfer or bonding tray or body 10a, “lighting” all of the brackets 14 that are positioned in the body or tray 10a at once is achievable and could result in bonding each arch in as few as five to ten seconds (5-10 sec). This highly targeted approach also may eliminate the need for applying the light 18 in proximity to each bracket 14 multiple times. The light 18 may further be incorporated into the body or bonding or transfer trays 10a to position and cure the adhesive in a single step.

[0054] In the preferred embodiment, the body 10a is configured in a shape of the patient’s upper or lower arch and the light 18 is similarly shaped and extends in a generally U-shape to conform to a shape of the body 10a. The body 10a is not limited to having a generally U-shape and conforming to the shape of the patient’s upper and lower arch. As a non-limiting example, when the body 10a is configured as a segment tray 24, the body 10a preferably has the size and shape of the portion of the patient’s arch that is being addressed by the bonding or transfer tray assembly 10.

[0055] In one preferred embodiment the light or light source 18 provides light with the following specification ranges: wavelength range of four hundred forty to four hundred eighty nanometers (440-480 nm); six modes and light output up to two thousand four hundred milliwatts per square centimeter (2,400 mW/cm2). This relatively wide wavelength light source or light 18 preferably cures photoinitiators, such as 1 -phenyl- 1,2 propanodione (“PPD”), trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide (“TPO”) and related photoinitiators, although the light source or light 18 is not so limited and may be designed and configured to cure nearly any biocompatible photoinitiator or other biocompatible adhesive that is able to bond the braces or brackets 14 to the patient’s teeth 11, withstand the normal operating conditions of the photoinitiator or adhesive and perform the preferred functions of the photoinitiator or adhesive. [0056] Once the bonding transfer trays or body 10a has been removed and the braces or brackets 14 and the wire 28 have been attached to the teeth 11, the curing tray or body 10a with the light 18 incorporated therein that is created in the shape of a dental arch is inserted into the mouth. As previously described, the curing tray, which is comprised of the body 10a with the light 18 incorporated therein (Figs. 2B and 2C) can be made with the embedded fiber optics, lights or light pipes 18 to further quickly and thoroughly cure the bracket bonding adhesive. The light 18 may, accordingly, be embedded in the body 10a. Such trays or bodies 10a can be either custom or non-custom (standard size(s)). The tray(s) or body 10a can be a single curing tray for both arches or can be comprised of multiple curing trays- one for the lower arch, one for the upper arch or curing trays that encompass partial arch configurations. Such partial configurations could be for individual tooth positions or multiple tooth positions. The transfer or curing tray or body 10a may also be configured without the light 18 embedded therein and a separate light 18 may be utilized that is positioned proximate a facial side of the body 10a during a curing stage. [0057] Alternative configurations for these preferred embodiments can also incorporate (or be replaced with) one or more of the following elements: one (Fig. 2B) or more (Fig. 2C) light- emitting diode (“LED”) lights 18 embedded into the curing body 10a. The light 18, therefore, may be comprised of a first U-shaped light pipe 18 (Fig. 2B) and/or a second U-shaped light pipe 18 for illumination of the adhesive for curing. The body 10a may be generally transparent to facilitate shining of the light onto the adhesive, may have an opaque outer surface that reflects light toward a lingual side 10b of the body 10a or may be otherwise designed and configured to facilitate curing of the adhesive with the light 18. The lights 18 may be connected by, and/or powered via, the cord/cable 20 connected to a power source 22, or the lights 18 can be discrete and powered individually or in series or sequence. The cable 20 preferably connects the power source 22 to the lights 18 and the power source 22 provides power to selectively illuminate the light 18. One or more lenses (not shown) may be embedded into the curing trays 16 using other materials or designed into the tray 16 as part of the manufacturing process using the material that the curing tray or body 10a is made from. Such lenses can focus the light from the LED lights or light pipes 18 on specific areas of the curing tray or body 10a or diffuse the light into a broader area. One or more mirrors may additionally, or alternatively, be embedded into the curing tray or body 10a to focus and/or diffuse the lights 18. The LED lights or light pipes 18 may be integrally formed into the curing tray or body 10a in the material that is utilized to construct the curing tray or body 10a, although such constructions are not so limited and the curing trays or body 10a may be constructed with tunnels or channels that the LED lights or light pipes 18 may be installed into during an assembly step. The lights 18 may be oriented in the custom trays or body 10a to project light only toward the brackets 14 or may be otherwise designed and configured, as long as the lights 18 project light toward the brackets 14 to cure the adhesive, are able to withstand the normal operating conditions of the lights 18 and take on the general size and shape of the lights 18, as described herein.

[0058] Optionally, the curing tray or body 10a may be sized to fit over the transfer or bonding tray assembly 10 which does not have its own internally engaged, positioned or embedded light source 18. The curing tray or body 10a may be in the shape of a dental arch, which can be a partial arch, full arch or both arches. It should also be noted that the broad concept of embedding the light source 18 into the curing trays or body 10a or the transfer or bonding tray assemblies 10 themselves can be used for a variety of other dental purposes, including but not limited to; bonding filling material for cavities, bonding orthodontic lingual retention wire(s) and bonding orthodontic attachments. The curing trays or body 10a may be designed, arranged, and configured for application to the patient’s arches during the bonding of filling material, bonding of orthodontic lingual retention wires or bonding orthodontic attachment processes such that application of the lights, LED lights or light pipes 18 results in curing of the bonding or filling materials. The lights, LED lights or light pipes 18 may also be designed and configured for positioning by the clinician or user proximate or adjacent to the body or curing trays 10a when the body 10a is positioned in the patient’s mouth for illumination of the adhesive during a curing stage. The externally mounted or positioned lights, LED lights or light pipes 18 are preferably positioned proximate a surface of the body 10a near the dental appliance and the adhesive during the curing stage. These externally mounted or positioned lights, LED lights or light pipes 18 may have the generally U-shape to illuminate an entire arch, a smaller generally linear or point-type light 18 that is utilized to cure individual or closely positioned dental appliances or have other sizes, shapes and configurations for illuminating the body 10a, dental appliances and adhesive during the curing stage.

[0059] Turning to Figs. 3-7, a transfer or segment tray 24 may be employed to mount bite blocks 9 to the patients' teeth 11 (conventional trays which can be made incorporating one of a multitude of inventive new trays described above). The preferred segment tray 24 includes recesses 50, 60 incorporated into the custom segment trays 24 that are designed using computer modeling to contour to the patient’s teeth 11. In one preferred embodiment, the recesses 50, 60 are designed to receive a liquid resin. Such resin would be placed into the segment tray 24 immediately prior to applying to the patient’s teeth 11. The resin is then hardened by use of a curing light, such as the light source 18. The light source 18 may be incorporated or embedded into the segment tray 24 or may be separate and manipulated by a clinician or user to cure the adhesive, such as with the separate light 18 with the handle 18a for manipulation shown in Fig.

5. The advantages of this method are; a) that the there is no need to make or purchase traditional, off-the-shelf bite blocks 9 and insert them into the body or trays 10a or segment trays 24, b) the bite blocks 9 can be positioned optimally on specific teeth (usually the central incisors on the lingual side, or on the chewing surface of the molars, and c) the recesses 50, 60 can be shaped so that the liquid resin, once cured, will form a better bond with the teeth 11 than can be achieved with a standard off-the-shelf bite block 9. This will result in fewer de-bonds of the bite blocks 9 themselves and greater comfort for the patient. In one preferred embodiment, a flowable quick curing adhesive is used, such as 3M Transbond LR Adhesive.

[0060] 3D printing of a custom bite block 9 contoured specifically to the patient’s teeth, insertion of the custom bite block 9 into a transfer tray, body or segment tray 10a, 24 and application of the bite blocks 9 to the teeth 11 is preferred. Adding the recesses 50, 60, which may also accommodate the bite blocks 9, to the bonding or transfer tray, body or segment trays 10a, 24 used to place orthodontic brackets 14 or bite blocks 9, such as on the opposite side of where the bracketsl4 are bonded to the teeth 11, is envisioned. This enables the brackets 14 and bite blocks 9 to be placed with the same transfer tray, body or segment trays 10a, 24 and at the same time. [0061] The transfer or segment tray 24 may be incorporated into a transfer tray assembly for mounting dental appliances, such as brackets 14, wires 28, bite blocks 9 or other dental appliances, to a patient’s teeth or arches. The assembly includes the segment tray or body 24 that is configured to conform to the shape of the patient’s teeth or arches and includes the first and second tooth recesses 48a, 48b that are configured to conform to the shape of the patient’s teeth or arches and the first and second appliance recesses 47a, 47b that are configured to conform to the shape of the dental appliance for subsequent application to the patient’s teeth 11. The dental appliance is preferably comprised of the bite blocks 9, but may alternative be comprised of the brackets 14, the wires 28 or other appliances. The dental appliance is preferably releasably positionable in the appliance recess 47a, 47b with a dental adhesive. The appliance recess 47a, 47b is preferably positioned on a lingual side 10b of the tray or body 24 but may also be positioned on an occlusal side or a facial side 10c of the tray or body 24. The dental adhesive is preferably positioned on a tooth side of the dental appliance such that the light 18 is able to cure the adhesive to the tooth during the curing stage.

[0062] Turning to Figs, 8- IOC, 3D treatment planning to enhance retention of tooth position once orthodontic treatment is completed is shown. As shown, customized fixed retention wires (or bands) 28 are designed and fabricated in the shape of the patient’s arch so that the bonding area with each tooth 11 maximizes contact or proximity to the tooth 11 to which it is attached using a wire bonding tray or body 10a. Such wire 28 and application utilizing the wire bonding tray or body 10a would improve the speed of the application of the wire 28 to the patient’s arches and reduce the likelihood of debonding of the wire 28. The wire 28 may be made of stainless steel, or plastic and can be of any shape - round, rectangular, etc.). The wire 28 may be manufactured using a 3D printer but may also be formed using a physical model of the patient’s arches, such as a jig. The custom wire 28, once fabricated, is bonded to, at a minimum, the anterior teeth 11 of either the upper or lower arch (normally 3-3 at a minimum). The wire 28 may be bonded to as few as two (2) of the patient’s teeth 11 to facilitate movement and preferred positioning of the teeth 11 by the clinician. The wire bonding tray or body 10a preferably includes the wire recess 49 so that the wire 28 can be held in the wire bonding tray or body 10a while the adhesive is curing. The wire recess 49 of this preferred embodiment is positioned on the lingual side 10b of the body 10a to facilitate bonding of the wire directly to the lingual side of the patient’s teeth 11. The orthodontic wire 28 is preferably positioned in the wire recess 49 on the lingual side 10b of the body 10a and the adhesive is positioned adjacent the orthodontic wire 28 and the wire recess 49. The wire 28 and the adhesive are configured for bonding the wire 28 directly to the lingual side of the patient’s teeth. The adhesive could be of a variety of types, such as a light activated adhesive flowable quick curing adhesive, e.g., 3M Transbond LR Adhesive. The adhesive is applied to the patient’s teeth such that the adhesive surrounds (imbeds the wire 28 fully within the adhesive) the wire 28 and is bonded to the patient’s teeth 11, preferably three or more of the patient’s teeth 11.

[0063] Optionally, a custom wire bonding tray or body 10a may be employed to adhere a custom retention wire 28. The wire bonding tray or body 10a can incorporate one or more of the improvements to the bonding tray, body or segment tray 10a, 24 described above, such as the light or embedded light source 18, segmented trays 24, etc. can be incorporated into the wire bonding tray or body 10a. Additionally, the wire bonding tray or body 10a may include additional recesses 32 into which liquid bonding adhesive is placed so that the adhesive surrounds/imbeds the wire 28 as it is bonded to the patient’s teeth 11. Such additional recesses 32 or the wire recesses 49 are preferably customized in shape and size to optimize the bonding surface utilized on each tooth 11 but may alternatively be sized in various standard sizes based on typical sizes and shaped of the patient’s teeth 11 and arches.

[0064] The wire/band/appliance may include pads 34 (widened sections that attach to or are fabricated into the appliances that will expand the amount of surface area which can be bonded to the tooth 11) that may be incorporated with the wire bonding tray 30 and the wire 28. The pads 34 may be custom contoured to the lingual side of the patient’s teeth 11 where the pads 34 are being bonded to the teeth 11 or may be configured in various standard sizes based on typical sizes and shapes of the patient’s teeth 11 and arches. The customized retention wire 28 is preferably designed based on a software algorithm which would analyze 3D scans of the patients arches to determine the shape, size, and contour of at least the central incisors or other teeth 11 and may include additional teeth 11 as well or may be configured in a variety of standard sizes and shapes that are based on typical sizes and shapes of typical patient teeth 11 and arches. This technique can be used on either or both arches. By improving the placement, size, and shape of the bonding surface, this can eliminate the need to embed the wire 28 within the adhesive as is done with current techniques. [0065] Turning to Figs. 11 A-l ID, a mechanical device 36 is shown, which can be calibrated to dispense a predetermined amount of adhesive 42 based on the specific size and shape of the bracket base of a bracket 14, the size and shape of a pad 34, the size and shape of a wire 28 or based on other factors for bonding dental appliances to the patient’s teeth 11, such as the bite blocks 9. The adhesive 42 may be dispensed from the mechanical device 36 by manual, hydraulic, air pressure or some other means of drawing the desired amount of adhesive 42 out of an adhesive container 40 of the mechanical device 36 and depositing the adhesive 42 either on the bracket 14, the pad 34, the wire 28 or other dental appliance, directly or on a device or component that can contact the bracket base of the bracket 14, the pad 34 or the wire 28 and transfer the adhesive 42 onto the bracket base of the bracket 14, the pad 34 or the wire 28. In one preferred example the adhesive 42 may be a 3M Transbond PLUS Color Change Adhesive. The device 36 can also be used to apply flowable adhesive 42 with greater viscosity when bonding the retention wires 28 directly to the lingual side of the teeth.

[0066] In one preferred embodiment, the mechanical device 36 includes a metering device or user interface 38 that enables the user to select the desired amount of adhesive 42 to be applied. This may be done manually by the user based on predetermined calculations, or the mechanical device 36 may have built-in software which determines the optimal amount of adhesive 42 based on a look-up table system. With the software look-up table method, when the user enters the specific tooth number and bracket type of the selected bracket 14, the mechanical device 36 preferably determines the optimal amount of adhesive 42 for application onto the dental appliance. The metering device or user interface 38 may be designed and configured in multiple varieties, such as the dial 38 of Figs. 11 A and 1 ID, the button 38a of Fig. 1 IB or the trigger 38b of Fig. llC. The preferred mechanical device 36 includes a dispenser tube 44 extending from a distal end of the adhesive container 40 with a dispensing port 44a at a distal end. The dispensing port 44a is preferably sized and configured for positioning proximate the bracket 14, the pad 34 or the wire 28 when positioned proximate the patient’s teeth or when positioned in the transfer tray 10, the segment tray 24 or the wire bonding tray 30 to apply a desired amount of the adhesive 42 to the dental appliance for subsequent bonding to the patient’s teeth 11.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 12, a removable retention appliance that can be custom sized to the patient’s mouth quickly and efficiently and without any specialized equipment while the patient is still in the dentist’s or orthodontist’s office. Removable appliances or retainers are used to retain tooth position after orthodontic treatment. Common appliances include Essix Retainers and Hawley Retainers. The fabrication and delivery of the appliances to the patient is very time sensitive in that any delays between the time braces, for example including brackets 14 and wires 28, are removed from the mouth and the use of the appliance by the patient can result in unwanted tooth movement that compromise the orthodontic treatment. Even delays of only a few hours can result in unwanted movement of the teeth 11. The ability of the clinician to make a removable custom appliance in a matter of minutes without any onsite equipment is desirable to limit or prevent unwanted movement of the patient’s teeth 11 after the dental appliances are removed from the patient’s teeth 11 but before the teeth 11 are fully stable in their desired locations and orientations.

[0068] A custom-sized appliance may be constructed that fits the patient’s arches and teeth 11 and is constructed while the patient is in the dentist or orthodontist office. The custom-sized appliance may be constructed by utilizing an outer tray 100 that fits generally around patient’s arch. The outer tray 100 may be one of a multitude of standard sizes or may be completely custom to the patient. Determining the size of the outer tray 100 is preferably determined by custom computer software that analyzes the size of the patient's arches based on a digital impression of the patient’s arches, analysis of collected images of the patient’s arches or such determination can be done by visual assessment or manual calculation by the clinician, but is not so limited and the outer tray 100 may be sized and configured in various sizes based on typical shapes and sizes of patient’s arches and teeth 11. The outer tray 100 has an interior portion 102 that is contoured to receive a quick drying malleable material that is placed into the outer tray 100. Once the malleable material has been placed into the outer tray 100 the patient will then bite into the outer tray 100 and the malleable material. When the outer tray 100 is removed from the mouth the malleable material quick hardens and bonds with the outer tray 100 to form the appliance. The practitioner may need to trim any uneven surfaces with a knife or other cutting device to ensure that the appliance is not irritating to the patient, but the process is not limited to including this trimming step and the removable retention appliance may be utilized by the clinician and user without any trimming following the curing step. The appliance may be used as a temporary retainer until such time as traditional Essix or Hawley retainer can be delivered to the patient or may be the only retainer delivered to the patient. [0069] The preferred custom-sized appliance includes the outer tray 100 constructed from a material such as Clear Sprint Biocryl. The outer tray 100 may be constructed by vacuum forming the material over a model of the patient’s arches. The outer tray 100 may alternatively be printed on a 3D printer. The outer tray 100 may be textured and/or have recesses on its inner surfaces or interior portion 102 that facilitate a better bond with the malleable material. The malleable material may be comprised of Kerr Soft Line Silicone Soft Relining System, a Silicone material, GC Reline II Soft and Extra Soft Reline Material, a Polyvinylsiloxane Material, GC COE Soft Reliner Product, a non-exothermic methylmethacrylate material or other related materials that are able to perform the functions of the malleable material, as described herein.

[0070] A bonding agent may also be applied to the interior portion 102 of the outer tray 100 before applying the malleable material. This bonding agent could serve to create a stronger bond between the outer tray 100 and the malleable material.

[0071] In operation, the preferred method for constructing the removable retention appliance to retain positioning of the patient’s teeth immediately after orthodontic treatment when dental appliances, such as the brackets 14, wires 28 and bite blocks 9, are removed from the patient’s teeth utilizing the outer tray 100 having the interior portion 102 and the malleable material for insertion into the interior portion 102 includes several steps. The preferred method includes removing the dental appliances from the patient’s teeth 11, immediately or during the same appointment for removing the dental appliances, inserting the outer tray 100 with the malleable material positioned in the interior portion 102 into the patient’s mouth, receiving the patient’s teeth 11 into the malleable material such that the malleable material conforms to the shape of the patient’s teeth and dental arch, removing the outer tray 100 and malleable material from the patient’s mouth, curing the malleable material resulting in hardening of the malleable material in the form of the patient’s arch and teeth, trimming portions of the outer tray 100 and hardened malleable material, and inserting the cured malleable material and outer tray into the patient’s mouth to retain the positioning of the patient’s teeth. The method may also preferably include the step of constructing a permanent retainer, such as the Essix or Hawley retainer, following insertion and use of the removable retention appliance from the patient’s mouth for delivery to the patient as a more permanent retainer. The outer tray 100 may be constructed based on an analysis of collected images of the patient’s arches and teeth 11 such that the outer tray 100 is custom fit to the particular patient’s teeth 11 and arches. The outer tray 100 may be constructed by vacuum forming over a model of the patient’s arches and teeth 11.

[0072] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiment(s) described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the present description.

Claims

CLAIMS I/We claim:

1. A bonding tray assembly for mounting dental appliances to a patient’ s teeth or arches, the bonding tray assembly comprising: a body configured to conform to a shape of the patient’s teeth or arches, the body including a first tooth recess configured to conform to a shape of a tooth of the patient’s teeth and a dental appliance for subsequent application to the patient’s tooth; and a light mounted to the body, the light configured to facilitate curing of an adhesive to bond the dental appliance to the patient’s tooth.

2. The bonding tray assembly of claim 1, wherein the light is embedded in the body.

3. The bonding tray assembly of claim 1, wherein the light is comprised of a light pipe or an LED light.

4. The bonding tray assembly of claim 1, wherein the body is configured in a shape of the patient’s upper or lower arch, the light extending in a generally U-shape and conforming to a shape of the body.

5. The bonding tray assembly of claim 1, wherein the light is comprised of a fiber optic cable.

6. The bonding tray assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a power source; and a cable electrically connecting the power source to the light, the power source providing power to selectively illuminate the light.

7. The bonding tray assembly of claim 1, wherein brackets and wires are removably mounted in an appliance recess positioned adjacent to the first tooth recess, the brackets and wires configured for bonding to the patient’s teeth as a result of curing an adhesive applied to the brackets or teeth with the light.

8. The bonding tray assembly of claim 1, wherein a bite block is removably mounted in an appliance recess positioned adjacent to the first tooth recess, the bite block configured for bonding to a tooth of the patient’s teeth as a result of curing an adhesive applied to the bite block with the light.

9. The bonding tray assembly of claim 1, wherein the light is comprised of a first U- shaped light pipe and a second U-shaped light pipe.

10. The bonding tray assembly of claim 1, wherein the light is comprised of LED lights.

11. The bonding tray assembly of claim 1, wherein the body includes a first recess and a second recess, the body comprising a segment tray.

12. A transfer tray assembly for mounting an orthodontic wire to a patient’s teeth, the transfer tray comprising: a body defining a plurality of tooth recesses and a wire recess, the body and the tooth recesses configured to conform to a shape of the patient’s teeth and arches, the wire recess configured to removably receive the orthodontic wire, the plurality of tooth recesses configured to conform to the size and shape of the patient’s teeth for positioning the wire proximate the patient’s teeth and subsequent bonding of the wire to the patient’s teeth; and a light mounted to the body, the light configured to facilitate curing of an adhesive to bond the wire to the patient’s teeth.

13. The transfer tray assembly of claim 12, wherein in the light is embedded in the body.

14. The transfer tray assembly of claim 13, wherein the light is comprised of a light pipe embedded in the body.

15. The transfer tray assembly of claim 12, wherein the wire recess is positioned on a lingual side of the body.

16. The transfer tray assembly of claim 12, wherein the orthodontic wire is positioned in the wire recess on a lingual side of the body and an adhesive is positioned adjacent the orthodontic wire and the wire recess, the wire and adhesive configured for bonding the wire directly to a lingual side of the patient’s teeth.

17. The transfer tray assembly of claim 12, wherein the body includes a bracket recess, the bracket recess configured to receive a bracket, the bracket recess positioned on a buccal side of the body.

18. A method for constructing a removable retention appliance to retain positioning of a patient’s teeth immediately after orthodontic treatment when dental appliances are removed from the patient’s teeth utilizing an outer tray having in interior portion and a malleable material for insertion into the interior portion, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) removing the dental appliances from the patient’s teeth;

(b) immediately inserting the outer tray with malleable material positioned in the interior portion into the patient’s mouth;

(c) receiving the patient’s teeth into the malleable material such that the malleable material conforms to the shape of the patient’s teeth and a dental arch;

(d) removing the outer tray and malleable material from the patient’s mouth;

(e) curing the malleable material resulting in hardening of the malleable material in the form of the patient’s arch and teeth; and

(f) inserting the cured malleable material and outer tray into the patient’s mouth to retain the positioning of the patient’s teeth.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

(g) trimming portions of the outer tray and malleable material; and

(h) constructing a permanent retainer following step (g) for delivery to the patient.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the outer tray is constructed based on an analysis of collected images of the patient’s arches and teeth.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the outer tray is constructed by vacuum forming over a model of the patient’s arches and teeth.