Computer automated development of an orthodontic treatment plan and appliance

US8496474B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Align Technology, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Muhammad Chishti · Sunnyvale, US
• Brian Freyburger · Palo Alto, US
• Kelsey Wirth · Palo Alto, US
• Andrew Beers · Redwood City, US
• Huafeng Wen · Redwood Shores, US
• Phillips Alexander Benton · Mountain View, US
• Timothy N. Jones · Mountain View, US
• Ross Miller · Sunnyvale, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 31, 2007
• Grant date: Jul 30, 2013
• Expiry date: May 22, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B33Y80/00
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A computer is used to create a plan for repositioning an orthodontic patient's teeth. The computer receives an initial digital data set representing the patient's teeth at their initial positions and a final digital data set representing the teeth at their final positions. The computer then uses the data sets to generate treatment paths along which the teeth will move from the initial positions to the final positions.