Custom orthodontic appliance forming method and apparatus
US8992215B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 15, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 31, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y80/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An orthodontic appliance is automatically designed and manufactured from digital lower jaw and tooth shape data of a patient. A computer calculates the post-treatment positions of the teeth and produces three-dimensional images of the teeth, individually and in their calculated positions. The appliance is automatically designed according to the final design, which also can be interactively modified and approved by the orthodontist, with the computer recalculating the effects on the treatment as a result of the doctor's changes. Brackets are fabricated as an integrated set, either by cutting slots therein or by building the brackets in layers by, for example, stereo lithography. Three-dimensional custom jigs are automatically made to exactly position the brackets on a patient's teeth.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.