Palatal expanders and methods of expanding a palate

US11273011B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Align Technology, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Yaser Shanjani · Sunnyvale, US
• Jeremy RILEY · Bristol, GB
• Ryan Kimura · San Jose, US
• Jun Sato · San Jose, US
• Norman C. Su · San Jose, US
• Jihua Cheng · Cupertino, US
• Fuming Wu · Pleasanton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 4, 2017
• Grant date: Mar 15, 2022
• Expiry date: Oct 19, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B33Y80/00
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Palatal expander apparatuses for expanding a patient's palate (“palatal expanders”) and methods of using and making them. These palatal expanders may be configured to have a variable surface smoothness on one side (e.g., the lingual-facing surface) compared to the opposite side (e.g., the palatal-facing surface). These palatal expanders may be configured to have a varying thickness in the palatal region. These palatal expanders may be adapted for ease in removal by the patient or caregiver (e.g., including a hinged region and/or detachment region, and/or including a thinner buccal side then occlusal side, etc.).