An orthodontic tool includes a trimmer having a lever, a base, and a spring positioned between the lever and the base. A first substantially transversely extending portion extends from the lever and a second substantially transversely extending portion extends from the base. A cutting surface is associated with each transversely extending portion. The orthodontic tool also includes a tool set having at least two arms coupled together at one end by a fastener and the arms including two or more of a sanding tool, a hook, and a pick.

An orthodontic tool includes a trimmer having a lever, a base, and a spring positioned between the lever and the base. A first substantially transversely extending portion extends from the lever and a second substantially transversely extending portion extends from the base. A cutting surface is associated with each transversely extending portion. The orthodontic tool also includes a tool set having at least two arms coupled together at one end by a fastener and the arms including two or more of a sanding tool, a hook, and a pick.

A method includes receiving representations of a first set of dental impressions including a first dental impression of an upper dental arch of a user and a second dental impression of a lower dental arch of the user having been created using contents from an initial dental impression kit sent to the user, identifying a defective dental impression, sending a retake dental impression kit to the user where the retake dental impression kit includes a set of dental trays consisting of dental trays corresponding to the dental arch associated with the defective dental impression, receiving representations of a second set of dental impressions of the dental arch associated with the defective dental impression, and manufacturing, based on the second set of dental impressions, a plurality of dental aligners specific to the user and being configured to reposition one or more teeth of the user.

According to one embodiment, a method, computer system, and computer program product for digital-twin-assisted orthodontic treatment is provided. The present invention may include gathering real-time sensor data on an orthodontic arrangement of a patient; updating an orthodontic digital twin corresponding with the orthodontic arrangement with the sensor data; alerting a user of a complication, compliance with an alignment regimen, or suggested orthodontic procedure based on the orthodontic digital twin; and controlling remote elements to adjust forces acting on the orthodontic arrangement.

According to one embodiment, a method, computer system, and computer program product for digital-twin-assisted orthodontic treatment is provided. The present invention may include gathering real-time sensor data on an orthodontic arrangement of a patient; updating an orthodontic digital twin corresponding with the orthodontic arrangement with the sensor data; alerting a user of a complication, compliance with an alignment regimen, or suggested orthodontic procedure based on the orthodontic digital twin; and controlling remote elements to adjust forces acting on the orthodontic arrangement.

The present technology comprises methods of manufacturing an orthodontic appliance. For example, a method can include forming an orthodontic appliance in an intermediate configuration by a casting process. The method can further include securing the appliance to a shape forming fixture such that the appliance assumes a desired configuration. The shape forming fixture can comprise a gingiva portion including a surface having a shape corresponding at least in part to a gingiva of a patient and a securing portion carried by the gingiva portion and configured to releasably secure to a portion of the appliance. The method can further include setting a shape of the appliance while the appliance is secured to the shape forming fixture.

A dental template for positioning an object on teeth of a patient and method for fabricating the same. The method includes creating a digital model of the patient's teeth, creating a simplified template model based on the digital model, and fabricating the dental template based on the simplified template model. The template model is simplified by removing certain features of the patient's tooth anatomy. The dental template can be located on a patient's teeth using four or fewer positioning teeth.

A dental template for positioning an object on teeth of a patient and method for fabricating the same. The method includes creating a digital model of the patient's teeth, creating a simplified template model based on the digital model, and fabricating the dental template based on the simplified template model. The template model is simplified by removing certain features of the patient's tooth anatomy. The dental template can be located on a patient's teeth using four or fewer positioning teeth.

According to an embodiment, a device for tightening an article includes a housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, a knob operably coupled with the spool to cause the spool to rotate within the housing, and a stop mechanism. The device is configured so that incremental rotation of the knob in a first direction causes a corresponding incremental rotation of the spool within the housing that incrementally tensions a tension member and thereby tightens the article. The device is also configured so that incremental rotation of the knob in a second direction causes a corresponding incremental rotation of the spool that incrementally loosens the tension member's tension. The stop mechanism is configured to prevent rotation of the spool in the second direction when the tension member's tension achieves or falls below a tension threshold.

The present invention relates to an orthodontic gripping device having a body made of a superelastic metal alloy, cold worked titanium beta III, or solution heat treated and aged titanium beta III. The body has first and second, spaced apart arm portions connected to each other. Each arm portion includes a jaw portion having an inner, arch wire-gripping, surface. The inner gripping surfaces are disposed opposite one another in spaced relation with a station defined therebetween for receiving the arch wire. At least a portion of the station is sized smaller than the arch wire. The arm portions are resiliently deflectable outwardly away from each other to admit the arch wire into the station. Once seated in the station, the arch wire is tightly held by inner gripping surfaces so as to resist displacement of the gripping device relative to the arch wire.