Patent · US Expired

System and method for releasing tooth positioning appliances

US6183248A · kind A · utility

596Cited by
15References
63Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 16, 1999
Grant dateFeb 6, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 16, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61C2201/007
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An improved dental appliance system, and methods for using and fabricating the improved appliance, including a polymeric overlay or shell having a teeth-receiving cavity formed therein. The dental appliance having the necessary stiffness or strength to firmly secure the appliance on the teeth and provide controlled forces required for repositioning the teeth, until such time as removal of the appliance is desired. The appliance may be configured for use with a removal mechanism. The removal mechanism provides for selective release of the appliance from the teeth as the removal mechanism undergoes a state change stimulated by an environmental stimulus or environmental switch.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.