System and methods for varying elastic modulus appliances
US6524101B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C7/08
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides improved devices, systems and methods for repositioning teeth from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement. Repositioning is accomplished with a system comprising a series of polymeric appliances configured to receive the teeth in a cavity and incrementally reposition individual teeth in a series of successive steps. This is accomplished by applying force to specific surfaces of the teeth through stiffness of the appliance. However, such stiffness creates limitations in ease of use, patient compliance, and overall cost in material, manufacturing labor and treatment time. To overcome these limitations, the present invention utilizes polymeric or other material appliances with portions differing in rigidity or stiffness. Alternatively, elastic moduluses may differ from one appliance to the next in a successive series to accomplish various treatment goals. Thus, the systems and methods of the present invention provide the design, production and use of such multiple stiffness positioning appliances in orthodontic treatment. Similarly, the devices of the present invention provide differing stiffness appliances which may be used independen…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.