Methods and apparatuses for 3D imaging to measure the shape of orthodontic aligners, teeth, and other oral structures simultaneously, in-vivo or in-vitro. These methods and apparatuses may be used to determine contact locations of aligners with teeth and/or teeth with other teeth with very high precision, including determining the size of gaps where they are not in contact. These measurements may be used design, modify or replace an aligner and/or to verify aligner fit. 3D models of the whole aligner and teeth may be generated.

Methods and apparatuses for 3D imaging to measure the shape of orthodontic aligners, teeth, and other oral structures simultaneously, in-vivo or in-vitro. These methods and apparatuses may be used to determine contact locations of aligners with teeth and/or teeth with other teeth with very high precision, including determining the size of gaps where they are not in contact. These measurements may be used design, modify or replace an aligner and/or to verify aligner fit. 3D models of the whole aligner and teeth may be generated.

An orthodontic expansion screw has two bodies, the mutual distance of which can be changed by a spindle. The spindle has an actuating part with a threaded part engaged in a threaded bore of one of the two bodies. A straight-line guiding means engage both bodies and prevent a relative rotation of the bodies and prevent inadvertent rotation of the spindle. The threaded part of the spindle has one recess. The inner surface of the threaded bore of the body in which the threaded part is inserted has a projection, which is directed against the at least one threaded part and, in a position of the spindle in which it faces the flattened portion or recess, touches the threaded part on the flattened portion or in the recess, whereas in positions of the spindle in which it does not face a flattened portion or recess, presses against the threaded part.

An orthodontic expansion screw has two bodies, the mutual distance of which can be changed by a spindle. The spindle has an actuating part with a threaded part engaged in a threaded bore of one of the two bodies. A straight-line guiding means engage both bodies and prevent a relative rotation of the bodies and prevent inadvertent rotation of the spindle. The threaded part of the spindle has one recess. The inner surface of the threaded bore of the body in which the threaded part is inserted has a projection, which is directed against the at least one threaded part and, in a position of the spindle in which it faces the flattened portion or recess, touches the threaded part on the flattened portion or in the recess, whereas in positions of the spindle in which it does not face a flattened portion or recess, presses against the threaded part.

A method for evaluating an orthodontic appliance. Acquisition of a two-dimensional “appliance image” of teeth at least partially representing the orthodontic appliance in a service position. Acquisition of a two-dimensional “dentition image” of the teeth. If a determination of comparable dental and appliance attributes is not possible from the appliance image and from the dentition image, respectively, conversion of the appliance image and/or of the dentition image so that the appliance image be compatible with the dentition image. Determination of dental and appliance attributes relative to the shape of the tooth represented on the dentition image and relative to the shape of the orthodontic appliance on the appliance image. Comparison of the dental and appliance attributes, followed by determination of at least one score. At least one image is acquired with a mobile phone.

A series of a palatal expanders increasing width can be used to gradually expand a patient's palate. Each palatal expander may have a palatal region flanked by teeth regions. The palatal region can have a plurality of anchor-receiving features (e.g., anchor interfaces) that allow the palatal expander to be attached to temporary anchorage device anchors that have been implanted into the patient's maxilla.

A series of a palatal expanders increasing width can be used to gradually expand a patient's palate. Each palatal expander may have a palatal region flanked by teeth regions. The palatal region can have a plurality of anchor-receiving features (e.g., anchor interfaces) that allow the palatal expander to be attached to temporary anchorage device anchors that have been implanted into the patient's maxilla.

A dental article includes at least one segment defining a complex three-dimensional shape configured to follow contours of an oral anatomy, in which the at least one segment includes a core component including a majority of parylene.

A dental article includes at least one segment defining a complex three-dimensional shape configured to follow contours of an oral anatomy, in which the at least one segment includes a core component including a majority of parylene.

Disclosed is a palatal expander for widening a patient's upper jaw that includes portions that are anatomically contoured to the arched shape of a patient's palate. Specifically, the palatal expander includes expansion screws with movable bodies having anatomically contoured palatal surfaces that do not impinge palate tissue during jaw widening procedures. The expansion screws may further include features that allow for reduced hindrances to speech and eating during jaw widening procedures.