Patent classifications
A61C7/08
DENTAL APPLIANCE WITH FUNCTIONAL STRUCTURES & TRANSFER ARTICLES USED IN FORMING SUCH APPLIANCES
A transfer article includes an acrylate layer releasable from a release layer including a metal layer, a metal oxide layer, or a doped semiconductor layer at a release value of from 2 to 50 grams/inch (0.8 to 20 g/cm). A functional layer overlies the acrylate layer, wherein the functional layer includes at least one layer of a functional material selected to provide at least one of a therapeutic, aesthetic or cosmetic benefit on a dental appliance in a mouth of a patient, and wherein the transfer article has a thickness of less than 3 micrometers. A pattern of a transfer material is on a major surface of the functional layer, wherein the transfer material includes an adhesion modifying material chosen from release materials and adhesives.
DENTAL APPLIANCE WITH FUNCTIONAL STRUCTURES & TRANSFER ARTICLES USED IN FORMING SUCH APPLIANCES
A transfer article includes an acrylate layer releasable from a release layer including a metal layer, a metal oxide layer, or a doped semiconductor layer at a release value of from 2 to 50 grams/inch (0.8 to 20 g/cm). A functional layer overlies the acrylate layer, wherein the functional layer includes at least one layer of a functional material selected to provide at least one of a therapeutic, aesthetic or cosmetic benefit on a dental appliance in a mouth of a patient, and wherein the transfer article has a thickness of less than 3 micrometers. A pattern of a transfer material is on a major surface of the functional layer, wherein the transfer material includes an adhesion modifying material chosen from release materials and adhesives.
Apparatus and kit for an oral appliance and method for using same
An oral appliance and kit therefor is disclosed. The oral appliance may include generally U-shaped upper and lower body members and a pair of adjustment plates or spacers for removably connecting the upper body member with the lower body member. The generally U-shaped upper and lower body members are adapted to be positioned over at least a portion of first and second arches of teeth, respectively, with the spacers having a system of pins or pegs for adjustably repositioning the upper body member with respect to the lower body member. The upper and lower body members are further configured to provide a lingual-less open space between the upper and lower body members to accommodate a tongue in a relaxed state. The disclosed oral appliance, system and kit therefor is configured for use in correcting the misalignment of a user's jaw.
Apparatus and kit for an oral appliance and method for using same
An oral appliance and kit therefor is disclosed. The oral appliance may include generally U-shaped upper and lower body members and a pair of adjustment plates or spacers for removably connecting the upper body member with the lower body member. The generally U-shaped upper and lower body members are adapted to be positioned over at least a portion of first and second arches of teeth, respectively, with the spacers having a system of pins or pegs for adjustably repositioning the upper body member with respect to the lower body member. The upper and lower body members are further configured to provide a lingual-less open space between the upper and lower body members to accommodate a tongue in a relaxed state. The disclosed oral appliance, system and kit therefor is configured for use in correcting the misalignment of a user's jaw.
Biosensor performance indicator for intraoral appliances
Methods and apparatuses for monitoring either or both the performance of an orthodontic appliance for repositioning a patient's teeth and/or the user compliance in wearing the appliance using a biosensor. The apparatuses described herein may include one or more sensors, including biosensors, electrical sensors, or both, configured to generate sensor data related to user compliance and/or repositioning of the patient's teeth by an orthodontic appliance.
Biosensor performance indicator for intraoral appliances
Methods and apparatuses for monitoring either or both the performance of an orthodontic appliance for repositioning a patient's teeth and/or the user compliance in wearing the appliance using a biosensor. The apparatuses described herein may include one or more sensors, including biosensors, electrical sensors, or both, configured to generate sensor data related to user compliance and/or repositioning of the patient's teeth by an orthodontic appliance.
Dental appliance having selective occlusal loading and controlled intercuspation
Methods and apparatus for producing controlled tooth-moving forces are provided. An orthodontic appliance includes one or more occlusal surface features that modify bite forces between opposing teeth during intercuspation to aid in realignment of the teeth. The interception bite forces can be applied between appliance shells on opposing arches, or between an appliance shell and an opposing tooth. These modified bite forces can be used to supply or augment tooth-moving forces, and the tooth moving forces can produce moments to urge rotational movement of a tooth. Also described herein are orthodontic appliances having an occlusal outer surface contours that are distinct from the occlusal inner surface contour within the dental appliance and may be configured to selectively intercuspate.
Dental appliance having selective occlusal loading and controlled intercuspation
Methods and apparatus for producing controlled tooth-moving forces are provided. An orthodontic appliance includes one or more occlusal surface features that modify bite forces between opposing teeth during intercuspation to aid in realignment of the teeth. The interception bite forces can be applied between appliance shells on opposing arches, or between an appliance shell and an opposing tooth. These modified bite forces can be used to supply or augment tooth-moving forces, and the tooth moving forces can produce moments to urge rotational movement of a tooth. Also described herein are orthodontic appliances having an occlusal outer surface contours that are distinct from the occlusal inner surface contour within the dental appliance and may be configured to selectively intercuspate.
Direct fabrication of aligners for arch expansion
Systems, methods, and devices for producing appliances for expansion of the arch of a patient are provided. An arch expanding appliance comprises a force generating portion to apply an arch expansion force and a retention portion to hold the force generating portion on the teeth. The retention portion comprises a flexible portion and a stiff portion. The force generating portion applies a force to move teeth associated with the flexible portion, while the stiff portion resists movement of its associated teeth. The orthodontic appliances can be designed according to the specifications provided herein and manufactured using direct fabrication methods.
Direct fabrication of aligners for arch expansion
Systems, methods, and devices for producing appliances for expansion of the arch of a patient are provided. An arch expanding appliance comprises a force generating portion to apply an arch expansion force and a retention portion to hold the force generating portion on the teeth. The retention portion comprises a flexible portion and a stiff portion. The force generating portion applies a force to move teeth associated with the flexible portion, while the stiff portion resists movement of its associated teeth. The orthodontic appliances can be designed according to the specifications provided herein and manufactured using direct fabrication methods.