Guide apparatus and methods for making tooth positioning appliances
US7476100B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y50/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for manipulating a three-dimensional model of a patient's teeth for making one or more tooth positioning appliances involves: forming at least one three-dimensional model of the patient's teeth; acquiring an initial digital data set representing at least part of the three-dimensional model; manipulating a digital model derived from the initial digital data set to move at least one tooth from an initial position to a first intermediate position; forming a first guide from the digital model with the at least one tooth in the first intermediate position; separating the at least one tooth from the three-dimensional model; placing the at least one tooth in the first guide in the first intermediate position; and securing the at least one tooth to the three-dimensional model in the first intermediate position. Guide apparatus and systems are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.