Direct fabrication of orthodontic appliances with elastics
US10555792B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 5, 2016 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F30/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Improved orthodontic appliances, along with related systems and methods, are provided. In one aspect, an appliance includes a shell having a plurality of cavities shaped to receive teeth, a discontinuity formed in the shell, and an elastic member positioned to interact with the discontinuity. In another aspect, an appliance includes a plurality of discrete shell segments joined by an elastic material to form a single appliance shell. In another aspect, an appliance includes a shell having an exterior layer and an interior layer having a stiffness less than a stiffness of the exterior layer, and a discontinuity formed in the exterior layer. In another aspect, an appliance includes a shell comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface, and an elastic coating covering at least a portion of one or more of the interior surface or exterior surface of the shell.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.