Computer automated development of an orthodontic treatment plan and appliance

US8734150B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Align Technology, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Muhammad Chishti · Sunnyvale, 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
• Brian Freyburger · Palo Alto, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 17, 2013
• Grant date: May 27, 2014
• Expiry date: Jul 17, 2033

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.