Attachment devices and methods for a dental appliance
US6705863B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 6, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y80/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides improved systems and methods for removably attaching a dental positioning appliance to the dental features of a patient during orthodontic treatment. These appliances function by applying force to specific surfaces of the teeth or dental features to cause directed movement. The application of force is improved by the use of one or more attachment devices which may be positioned on the teeth or dental features to provide the appropriate physical features. Specific design and location of these attachment devices may provide newly achievable and/or more effective repositioning forces, anchoring ability and appliance retention. The systems and methods of the present invention provide the design, production and use of such attachment devices with removable dental positioning appliances in orthodontic treatment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.