A framework for a removable, partial or complete prosthodontic device is made by machining, using a CAD/CAM technique, a disc 2, made from polyetheretherketone, to define the framework 4. Prosthetic teeth and gums can be secured to the framework to define the prosthodontic device.

Systems for fabrication of dental appliances are provided. In some embodiments, a system includes an additive manufacturing system configured to perform operations including: fabricating a first elongate shaft having a first connection region for connecting to a shell of a dental appliance, fabricating a second elongate shaft having a second connection region for connecting to the shell or to a tooth, fabricating a first elongate connector coupled to the first and second elongate shafts, and fabricating a second elongate connector coupled to the first elongate shaft and extending toward the second elongate shaft, where the first and second elongate connectors are coupled to the first elongate shaft at respective locations separate from the first connection region, and where the first elongate connector is coupled to the second elongate shaft at a location separate from the second connection region.

Systems, methods, and devices for producing orthodontic appliances are provided. In one aspect, an orthodontic appliance comprises an outer shell comprising a plurality of cavities shaped to receive the patient's teeth and generate one or more of a force or a torque in response to the appliance being worn on the patient's teeth. The orthodontic appliance can comprise an inner structure having a stiffness different than a stiffness of the outer shell. The inner structure can be positioned on an inner surface of the outer shell in order to distribute the one or more of a force or a torque to at least one tooth received within the plurality of cavities.

Systems, methods, and devices for producing orthodontic appliances are provided. In one aspect, an orthodontic appliance comprises an outer shell comprising a plurality of cavities shaped to receive the patient's teeth and generate one or more of a force or a torque in response to the appliance being worn on the patient's teeth. The orthodontic appliance can comprise an inner structure having a stiffness different than a stiffness of the outer shell. The inner structure can be positioned on an inner surface of the outer shell in order to distribute the one or more of a force or a torque to at least one tooth received within the plurality of cavities.

Systems, methods, and devices for improved orthodontic treatment of a patient's teeth are providedherein.

Systems, methods, and devices for improved orthodontic treatment of a patient's teeth are provided herein.

Systems, methods, and devices for improved orthodontic treatment of a patient's teeth are provided herein.

Dental appliances for treatment of a patient's dentition are provided. In some embodiments, a dental appliance includes a plurality of 3D printed polymer layers, where the plurality of 3D printed polymer layers includes a plurality of sequentially polymerized appliance cross-sections. The dental appliance can include an appliance shell formed from the plurality of sequentially polymerized appliance cross-sections. The appliance shell can include a plurality of tooth receiving cavities formed from the plurality of sequentially polymerized appliance cross-sections, the plurality of tooth receiving cavities arranged to receive a dentition and to exert one or more forces on the dentition, and a plurality of variable thickness regions formed from the plurality of sequentially polymerized appliance cross-sections. The plurality of variable thickness regions can include a corresponding plurality of different appliance thicknesses, and the plurality of variable thickness regions can be arranged to implement one or more treatment outcomes.

Methods of planning dental treatments are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes determining a plurality of stages for incremental repositioning of a patient's teeth. The method can include determining, for at least one stage, a shape of a corresponding dental appliance body, and generating instructions for direct fabrication of the dental appliance body. The dental appliance body can include a support formed in a tooth-receiving cavity, one or more coupling structures formed proximate to the support, and an attachment formed proximate to the one or more coupling structures. The dental appliance body can be configured to align the attachment to a predetermined location on a tooth. The one or more coupling structures can be configured to release the attachment with removal of the dental appliance body from the tooth.

Methods for determining appliance geometry are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes determining a geometry for an attachment placement appliance. The attachment placement appliance can include an appliance body including a support formed in a tooth-receiving cavity for a tooth of a patient, one or more coupling structures connected to the support, and an aligner attachment connected to the one or more coupling structures. The aligner attachment can be configured to be mounted on the tooth and shaped to engage with an attachment well of a shell aligner and exert forces on the tooth when the aligner attachment is coupled to the attachment well. The appliance body can be configured to align an aligner attachment to a predetermined location on the tooth. The method can further include generating instructions for direct fabrication of the attachment placement appliance via an additive manufacturing process, based on the determined geometry.