Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080206701 | RECONFIGURABLE DENTAL MODEL SYSTEM FOR FABRICATION OF DENTAL APPLIANCES - The present invention provides a manipulable or reconfigurable dental model system and methods for its use to model a series of tooth configurations corresponding to sequential tooth movements during an orthodontic treatment. When a patient undergoes orthodontic treatment, teeth and bite configurations are realigned in a series of stages. Each stage represents a new pattern or dental configuration that will eventually lead to a proper final positioning of the entire dentition. Progress from the initial configuration, through the intermediate stages and finally to the final configuration may be accomplished using any one or a combination of different dental appliances. Of particular interest to the present invention, many of these appliances may be made using a dental mold representing the patient's dental configuration. In particular, thermoformable plastic positioning appliances which fit over the patient's teeth may be formed over a three-dimensional mold of the patient's dentition. When successive appliances are used throughout treatment to reposition the teeth from initial to final configuration, a new mold has typically been produced to fabricate the appliance for each stage. The present invention provides an apparatus and methods which employ a manipulable or reconfigurable mold to model patient dentition and gingiva at each stage of treatment. | 08-28-2008 |
20080206702 | Manipulable dental model system for fabrication of a dental appliance - Fabricating polymeric shell appliances for moving a patient's teeth. A first tooth arrangement model is formed by placing models of individual teeth representing the patient's teeth onto a plurality of platforms of a frame approximating a shape and size of a jaw of the patient, wherein each model tooth comprises a coupling member for coupling the model tooth with a platform of the plurality of platforms. A first polymeric shell appliance is formed over the first tooth arrangement model or a copy thereof. At least a second tooth arrangement model is formed by rearranging at least some of the individual teeth relative to the frame. At least a second polymeric shell appliance is formed over the second tooth arrangement model or a copy thereof. | 08-28-2008 |
20080227050 | Bracket alignment devices and systems and methods of producing and utilizing the same - A method includes obtaining an electronic model image representing teeth of a patient; determining a desired bracket arrangement for one or more brackets on the teeth; designing an electronic model image of an alignment device based in part on the desired bracket arrangement; and fabricating the alignment device based on the electronic model image of the alignment device. The desired bracket arrangement includes a surface location, a tip orientation, and a torque orientation of each bracket. The alignment device defines at least one slot through which a bracket can be placed at a surface location and an orientation indicator to indicate a desired tip orientation and a desired torque orientation of each bracket. | 09-18-2008 |
20080227051 | ORTHODONTIC KITS AND METHODS - An orthodontic kit includes brackets and at least one archwire for a single patient. The brackets and archwire are provided in a sealed container that is sterilized after the container is closed. Optionally, the kit includes all or at least some of the additional orthodontic articles desired for a bonding procedure, such as buccal tubes or buccal tube preweld assemblies, ligatures, bonding compositions, single use hand instruments and articles for moisture control. | 09-18-2008 |
20080233531 | METHODS AND ASSEMBLIES FOR MAKING AN ORTHODONTIC BONDING TRAY USING RAPID PROTOTYPING - Indirect bonding trays for orthodontic treatment are made from a model of the patient's dental arch that is manufactured using digital data and rapid prototyping processes. The model includes one or more guides for orienting an orthodontic appliance in a desired position on a model tooth of the dental arch model. A holder is connected to the archwire slot of the appliance and is brought into contact with the guide in order to move the appliance to its intended position for subsequent manufacture of the indirect bonding tray. | 09-25-2008 |
20080248443 | Clinician review of an orthodontic treatment plan and appliance - 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 teeth will move from the initial positions to the final positions. | 10-09-2008 |
20080254402 | SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING ORTHODONTIC ALIGNERS BY CNC MACHINING - A system produces orthodontic aligners by CNC machining. A digital model of the patient's dental anatomy is manipulated using CAD software to create a solid CAD model of an aligner. A CNC milling machine is then used to machine the inside and outside surfaces of the aligner from a block of suitable material. A progressive series of aligners can also be designed. | 10-16-2008 |
20080254403 | SYSTEM FOR CNC-MACHINING FIXTURES TO SET ORTHODONTIC ARCHWIRES - A method for setting an orthodontic archwire involves creating a model of a patient's dental anatomy and manipulating the virtual teeth to a desired finished condition. Virtual orthodontic brackets are installed on the virtual teeth. The virtual teeth with their virtual orthodontic brackets are returned to their original positions. A CAD model of a fixture can then be designed for setting a wire in a desired shape based on the arch slots in the virtual brackets, with activations so that the resulting archwire will store and transfer corrective energy to the patient's teeth. A CNC milling machine is employed to produce a fixture based on the CAD model of the fixture. The fixture is then assembled to hold a wire. The fixture and wire are heated to a predetermined temperature for a period of time to set the wire. | 10-16-2008 |
20080261165 | Systems for haptic design of dental restorations - The invention provides systems for integrated haptic design and fabrication of dental restorations that provide significant advantages over traditional practice and existing computer-based systems. The systems feature technical advances that result in significantly more streamlined, versatile, and efficient design and fabrication of dental restorations. Among these technical advances are the introduction of voxel-based models; the use of a combination of geometric representations such as voxels and NURBS representations; the automatic identification of an initial preparation (prep) line and an initial path of insertion; the ability of a user to intuitively, haptically adjust the initial prep line and/or the initial path of insertion; the automatic identification of occlusions and draft angle conflicts (e.g., undercuts); the haptic simulation and/or marking of occlusions and draft angle conflicts; and coordination between design output and rapid prototyping/milling and/or investment casting. | 10-23-2008 |
20080261166 | Method and system for assisting in applying an orthodontic treatment - A method and system for providing information for correct placement of one or more brackets on one or more corresponding teeth according to a predetermined treatment scheme. A virtual representation of a three-dimensional teeth arrangement of one or both jaws of the individual with brackets placed on said teeth is obtained, wherein the position and orientation of the brackets on said teeth being designed so as to achieve a desired treatment outcome. The virtual representation is processed to generate an output data, the output data driving a display, such as a computer monitor or a printed “hard-copy”, to display an image of at least one tooth with a bracket thereon, the displayed image having three-dimensional qualities indicative of said at least one tooth as viewed from a defined viewpoint. The invention can be applied to the placement of brackets onto the buccal side of the teeth as well as onto the lingual side of the teeth. | 10-23-2008 |
20080268399 | Orthodontics Assisting System and Index Member and Arranging Device for Use Therein - An orthodontics assisting system includes index members which indicate respective reference positions of a pre-correction dentition model and a post-correction predictive dentition model; an arranging device | 10-30-2008 |
20080268400 | Dental appliance reinforcement - Methods, systems, and apparatuses for dental appliance reinforcement are provided. One dental appliance includes a number of tooth apertures for the placement of teeth therein wherein the number of tooth apertures include an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a reinforcement rib positioned along the exterior surface. | 10-30-2008 |
20080280246 | Accurately Predicting and Preventing Interference Between Tooth Models - Systems and methods for preventing interference between two physical tooth models in a physical dental arch model includes digitally representing the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models by a mesh of points in three dimensions, interpolating the meshes of points to produce interpolated surfaces to represent the boundaries of the two physical tooth models, wherein the interpolated surfaces representing the boundaries of the two physical tooth models intersect at least at one point to form an overlapping portion. The method also includes specifying a straight line running through the overlapping portion and intersecting the two interpolated surfaces representing the boundaries of the two physical tooth models and calculating the length of the straight line in the overlapping portion to quantify the interference between the two physical tooth models. | 11-13-2008 |
20080280247 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTEGRATED ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT PLANNING USING UNIFIED WORKSTATION - A method and workstation for orthodontic treatment planning of a patient. The workstation is based on a computing platform having a graphical user interface, a processor and a computer storage medium containing digitized records pertaining to a patient including image data (3D image data and/or 2D image data). The workstation further includes a set of software instructions providing graphical user interface tools which the user marks a midline and an aesthetic occlusal plane in a two- or three-dimensional virtual model of the patient, marks an occlusal plane in the virtual model; selects a reference tooth in the virtual model; aligns virtual teeth in the virtual model in a proposed arrangement to treat the patient; manages space between the virtual teeth in the proposed arrangement; and repeats one or more of these steps in an iterative fashion to make any further adjustments in the proposed arrangement. When the adjustments are complete, the user selects or identifies a finalized proposed treatment plan for treating the patient. | 11-13-2008 |
20080286712 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENHANCED ORTHODONTIC TREARMENT PLENNING - A method and system are disclosed for quickly arriving at a pre-set-up for the orthodontic treatment of a patient based up on the user specified parameters; and thereafter enabling the user in interactively arriving at a final, desired treatment set-up for the patient. Several sub-operations are disclosed for arriving at the orthodontic pre-set-up. These sub-operations can be arranged in a specific sequence for realizing the orthodontic treatment pre-set-up for a patient. According to another aspect of the invention, a global reference system is disclosed that enables consistent treatment planning. The global reference system prevents unintended tooth displacements caused as side effects to the desired tooth displacements. | 11-20-2008 |
20080305451 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING DEVIATIONS DURING THE COURSE OF AN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT TO GRADUALLY REPOSITION TEETH - Method and system for detecting and correcting deviation during an orthodontic treatment plan is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving an un-segmented current teeth image representing a patient's teeth after an orthodontic treatment plan has begun and before the plan ends for the patient; matching a previously segmented teeth model with the current teeth image; and generating at least one corrective stage to define an intermediate tooth arrangement, wherein the at least one corrective stage repositions a digital teeth image so that a prescribed tooth arrangement of the previously segmented teeth model can be used. | 12-11-2008 |
20080305452 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT AND DELIVERY OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT - The present invention provides systems and methods of managing delivery of an orthodontic treatment plan using treatment guidelines, instructions and appointment planning tools customized to the individual patient being treated. A method includes, e.g., generating a treatment plan for a patient, generating a customized set of treatment guidelines, providing the set of customized treatment guidelines to the practitioner; and providing a set of orthodontic appliances to the practitioner. | 12-11-2008 |
20080305453 | TREATMENT PROGRESS TRACKING AND RECALIBRATION - The present invention relates to systems and methods of developing and tracking delivery and patient progression through an orthodontic treatment plan. One method includes identifying deviations from an orthodontic treatment plan, including receiving a digital representation of an actual arrangement of a patient's teeth after an orthodontic treatment plan has begun for the patient and prior to completion of the orthodontic treatment plan. The method further includes comparing the actual arrangement to a pre-determined planned arrangement to determine if the actual arrangement substantially deviates from the planned arrangement, the comparing comprising matching teeth from a previously segmented model to a surface of an unsegmented representation of the actual arrangement; and calculating one or more positional differences between the actual and planned arrangements of at least some of the corresponding teeth. | 12-11-2008 |
20080305454 | TREATMENT PLANNING AND PROGRESS TRACKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The present invention provides systems and methods of managing planning and delivery of an orthodontic treatment using planning tools, treatment guidelines, instructions and appointment planning tools customized to the individual patient being treated, as well as tools and methods for tracking delivery and patient progression through an orthodontic treatment plan. | 12-11-2008 |
20080311535 | Torque Overcorrection Model - A custom orthodontic appliance comprised of brackets to be positioned on a patient's teeth, and an archwire, is customized to provide a desired torque to a tooth by selecting an angle for the slot of at least one bracket so as to provide a torque interaction between that bracket slot and the archwire. The torque interaction is computed to compensate for tooth tilt resulting from misalignment of the force vector applied by the archwire with the tooth center of resistance. The torque interaction is computed at the desired final position of the teeth, and may be computed to provide for an applied torque even where the tooth is positioned in the desired final tooth position to compensate for force diminution. Material properties of the archwire and the relative archwire slot geometry are evaluated to determine an archwire/slot angular offset in which torque is applied to the bracket. | 12-18-2008 |
20080318179 | Correcting the position of teeth in dental arch model - A method of correcting a dental arch model so that it accurately reflects the current arrangement of a subject's teeth includes positioning a plurality of tooth models in a corrected arrangement using a representation of at least a portion of a subject's current dental arch (wherein the tooth models comprise models of the subject's teeth having fiduciary markers), and producing a base plate configured to hold the plurality of tooth models in the corrected arrangement. The representation of the current arrangement may be, for example, a physical impression of the subject's teeth, a 3D scan or one or more 2D scans of the subject's teeth. | 12-25-2008 |
20090004618 | ORTHODONTIC HAND TOOLS FOR USE WITH A SELF-LIGATING ORTHODONTIC BRACKET AND METHODS FOR USING SUCH ORTHODONTIC HAND TOOLS - Orthodontic hand tools and methods for using the orthodontic hand tools in conjunction with self-ligating orthodontic brackets. The orthodontic hand tool includes a tip configured to contact a contact point on a bracket body of the bracket and to also contact a contact point on a movable member coupled with the bracket body. When the tip is used, the tip applies a force to the first and second contact points effective to move the movable member relative to the bracket body with negligible force transferred from the tip to the patient's tooth. | 01-01-2009 |
20090004619 | SELF-LIGATING ORTHODONTIC BRACKET AND DEVICES FOR DEPLOYING SAME - An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth includes a bracket body having an archwire slot adapted to receive the archwire therein and a movable member engaged with the bracket body and movable between an opened position and a closed position. A securing mechanism is configured to secure the movable member in at least the closed position and includes a projecting portion and a receiving portion. The projecting portion may include a generally elongate pin capable of flexing relative to a central axis thereof to secure the movable member in at least the closed position. An orthodontic assembly includes an orthodontic bracket and an alignment device for positioning the bracket on the tooth. | 01-01-2009 |
20090017413 | ORTHODONTIC BRACKET ASSEMBLY - An orthodontic assembly is adapted for attaching an archwire to a tooth. The assembly includes a body having a bracket and a base, wherein the bracket is adapted to be coupled to an archwire. The bracket and base are integrally formed as a single piece of material. An attachment portion is sized and shaped to be attached to a first region of the base, wherein the attachment portion includes an irregular contour adapted to couple to a bonding agent. | 01-15-2009 |
20090029310 | DENTAL MODELS AND SERIES OF DENTAL MODELS, AND METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME - Methods of making a series of dental models, as well as devices and systems for making a series of dental models, are described. In general, these methods and systems describe a manual and visual method of manipulating tooth models to form the series of digital models. Also described are methods for packing, distributing and using a series of dental models, and methods for editing and storing dental models. | 01-29-2009 |
20090035716 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO POSITION AND ALIGN TEETH USING AN EXO-SHELL - Methods and related apparatus for positioning and aligning any portion of the dento-facial region of a person. In one embodiment the method includes (a) providing or measuring any aspect of one or more alignment appliances to a person; (b) casting a shadow or making a mark on one or more areas of the dento-facial region of the person or the one or more alignment appliances in close proximity to one or more areas of the dento-facial region of the person with one or more light sources or marking devices; (c) measuring and analyzing data regarding one or more of the size, shape, length, and position of the one or more shadows or marks relative to other shadows or marks, one or more areas of the dento-facial region of the person or the one or more alignment appliances to obtain data; and (e) adjusting or replacing the alignment appliance or modifying the dento-facial alignment treatment plan of the person to align one or more areas of the dento-facial region of the person. | 02-05-2009 |
20090061379 | Orthodontic Appliance - The present invention concerns an orthodontic appliance for accelerating the tooth aligning effect and shortening the treatment period, and has an object to provide an appliance which can bring about higher aligning effect than usual ways by giving vibration to tooth to be aligned to activate bone remodeling of the targeted tooth and the alveolar bone and enhance the shift of the tooth. This appliance includes a vibrating element and a dental mouthpiece having the vibrating element built therein. The provision of the vibrating element in the dental mouthpiece facilitates the application of vibration and handling, and continues the treatment safely even at home. The inner shape of the dental mouthpiece serves aligning treatment as well as acceleration of the effect. | 03-05-2009 |
20090061380 | ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE - An orthodontic appliance capable of remarkably shortening a period of treatment and reducing burdens on patients is provided with braces to be mounted on a specified tooth included in teeth, a magnetic field generator and a magnetic element to be attached to the teeth. The magnetic element vibrates in response to a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator and applies the vibration thereof to the tooth on which the braces are mounted. | 03-05-2009 |
20090061381 | Systems and methods for 3D previewing - Systems and methods are disclosed to preview a scan includes placing a three dimensional (3D) scanner probe near an object to be scanned; scanning a portion of the object to generate a 3D model of the scanned portion of the object; and displaying the 3D model of the portion as a live 3D preview of the 3D model, wherein the live 3D preview provides feedback on the probe's position and orientation relative to the object. | 03-05-2009 |
20090061382 | TOOTH MOVEMENT TRACKING SYSTEM - A method for determining movement of a tooth model from a first position to a second position, comprising: marking one or more points on the tooth model at the first position using a laser; capturing a first image of the tooth model at the first position; identifying first locations of the points on the tooth model in the first image; capturing a second image of the tooth model at the second position; identifying second locations of the points on the tooth model in the second image; and determining a difference in the first locations of the points on the tooth model in the first image and the second locations of the points on the tooth model in the second image. | 03-05-2009 |
20090068612 | TOOTH POSITIONERS, METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME, AND METHOD OF POSITIONING TEETH USING THE SAME - A method for forming a tooth positioner for repositioning at least one tooth of a patient includes providing a dental arch cast of a patient, separating at least one tooth from the dental arch cast, fixing a pin in a stump part of the at least one separated tooth, and in any non-separated teeth, reconstructing the dental arch cast of the patient by aligning the separated teeth to correspond to the alignment in the patient's mouth and holding the pins in a material that may be softened by heat, heating an area to soften an area, applying force to the pin fixed in the at least one tooth to be repositioned to move it in a desired direction to obtain a realigned arch, and forming a tooth positioner corresponding to the realigned arch. The tooth positioner is used by having the patient wear it for a period of time. | 03-12-2009 |
20090081604 | Method for Repositioning Teeth - A method for positioning teeth is provided. The method includes receiving a dental impression kit at an address of the dental patient. The dental impression kit includes a first dental impression tray, a mixable dental impression material, and instructions for taking an impression of the patient's teeth. The method also includes the steps of mixing the mixable dental impression material to form a settable dental impression material, and then placing the settable dental impression material into the first dental impression tray. A dental impression of the patient is made at the address of the patient. The method then includes delivering the impression to a scanning company, and in return, receiving a first orthodontic aligner from the scanning company. A plurality of additional aligners may also be received for the purpose of moving the patient's teeth to a final desired position. Preferably, the processes take place without the intervention of a dental healthcare provider. | 03-26-2009 |
20090087808 | Methods And Systems For Moving Teeth - Provided herein is a force system for repositioning teeth and the methods of making and using the system. | 04-02-2009 |
20090087809 | POLYMERIZABLE TEMPORARY COATING METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTRAORAL DEVICES - Methods and systems for temporarily coating intra-oral devices (e.g., orthodontic brackets and/or wires) so as to reduce discomfort to soft tissues within a patient's mouth. One embodiment of such a system includes at least one orthodontic bracket or orthodontic arch wire and a two-part polymerizable temporary coating composition for use in coating selected surfaces of the brackets and/or wires. One silicone polymerizable two-part composition includes a vinyl siloxane component, a cross-linking component, and a catalyst activator initially divided between the two parts so that at least one of the components is kept separate from at least one other component (i.e., all three components are not initially commingled). Upon mixing of the first and second parts, the composition begins to polymerize. | 04-02-2009 |
20090087810 | Osteogenetic-orthodontic device, system, and method - In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an osteogenetic-orthodontic appliance, device, system, and method optimizes craniofacial homeostasis by means of a 3-D axial spring that influences the patient's genome and thereby addresses problems existing primarily within the mid-facial region, as well as the other contiguous regions. Growth and development of the craniofacial structures can be influenced by foundational (skeleto-dental) correction in concert with functional (myo-spatial) correction, according to the genome of a particular patient by means of the method and systems of the present invention. | 04-02-2009 |
20090098502 | Software and Methods for Dental Treatment Planning - Computer-implemented methods to plan, display and evaluate orthodontic treatment plans. A plurality of teeth in a representation on a computer display may be moved simultaneously in accordance with a mathematically defined pattern. Software tools available to generate the treatment path may include adjusting the smile teeth, moving teeth along a curve fit to points in the mandible, individually moving a tooth, cross sectioning to check for interference and simulations of occlusal points, highlighting teeth that have moved from their original position, making notations on the teeth, and generating and saving animation sequences of before and after treatment tooth positions. | 04-16-2009 |
20090136892 | Measuring Apparatus For The Programming And Welding Of Adjustable Brackets - This invention refers to a MEASURING APPARATUS FOR THE PROGRAMMING AND WELDING OF ADJUSTABLE BRACKETS permitting the electrical spot welding with a great accuracy of the elements of an adjustable bracket, in this manner being able to adjust or to program the information that the orthodontist wants to incorporate in the bracket in regard to inclination, angulation and rotation. In order to achieve this aim I developed two attachments: THE POSITION MEASURING ACCESSORY and the WELDING ACCESSORY. | 05-28-2009 |
20090148805 | PREVISUALIZATION OF DENTAL WORK - The invention relates to a dental arch overlay for previsualizing the results of a proposed course of dental treatment in a patient. The dental arch overlay includes a graphic layer with a color image of teeth that graphically simulates the results of a proposed course of dental treatment, an adhesive layer, and a backing layer. The invention also relates to a method of previsualizing the results of a proposed course of dental treatment in a patient. | 06-11-2009 |
20090191502 | ORTHODONTIC REPOSITIONING APPLIANCES HAVING IMPROVED GEOMETRY, METHODS AND SYSTEMS - The present invention provides methods and systems including orthodontic tooth positioning appliances. An exemplary appliance can include teeth receiving cavities shaped such that, when worn by a patient, repositioning the patient's teeth from a first arrangement toward a subsequent or target arrangement. Appliances can include a cavity having one or more shaped features or protrusions shaped and/or positioned so as to apply a desired force to a patient's tooth received in the cavity and move the tooth along a desired path or direction. | 07-30-2009 |
20090191503 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZING DENTAL ALIGNER GEOMETRY - Method and system for establishing an initial position of a tooth, determining a target position of the tooth in a treatment plan, calculating a movement vector associated with the tooth movement from the initial position to the target position, determining a plurality of components corresponding to the movement vector, and determining a corresponding one or more positions of a respective one or more attachment devices relative to a surface plane of the tooth such that the one or more attachment devices engages with a dental appliance are provided. | 07-30-2009 |
20090215003 | ORTHODONTIC KIT AND METHODS FOR SAME - A method for providing orthodontic therapy. The method includes the steps of providing a kit that includes an enclosure and tools and components for providing orthodontic therapy using braces to a single patient, applying the braces to the single patient's teeth using the tools, placing the tools back into the kit, storing the kit, and reusing the kit at all of the single patient's subsequent visits during the term of the orthodontic therapy. | 08-27-2009 |
20090246726 | RECONSTRUCTION OF NON-VISIBLE PART OF TOOTH - A computer-implemented method for modeling a complete tooth of a patient to facilitate dental and/or orthodontic treatment. The method includes generating a first set of digital data representing a clinical crown; generating a second set of digital data representing a plurality of digital tooth models of a particular tooth type each having a first parameterization; processing the second set of digital data to obtain a third set of digital data representing an average tooth model of the particular tooth type having a second parameterization which is less than the first parameterization; fitting the third set of digital data to the first set of digital data to create a set of digital data representing an interim tooth model; and morphing the set of digital data representing the interim tooth model to substantially mimic the anatomical shape of the clinical crown of the first set of digital data. | 10-01-2009 |
20090269714 | Systems and methods for temporarily staging teeth - Systems and methods are disclosed for moving teeth by moving a first tooth; and moving a second tooth while isolating the first tooth at a rest position. | 10-29-2009 |
20090286196 | TREATMENT OF TEETH BY ALIGNERS - A method for treating a subject's teeth. A target configuration for the subject's teeth is determined. Receiving features are produced on a dental base in response to the target configuration, the receiving features being configured to receive physical tooth models. The physical tooth models are assembled on the dental base to form a physical arch model. A dental aligner is produced using the physical arch model to move the subject's teeth to the target configuration. | 11-19-2009 |
20090291406 | ORTHODONTIC TOOTH MOVEMENT DEVICE, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The present invention provides orthodontic appliances and systems, and related methods, for applying a force to a target tooth as an appliances is worn by the patient. One positioning appliance includes a tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to apply a positioning force to the patient's teeth. The appliance includes a spring-loaded tooth movement device disposed in the appliance so as to engage an attachment mounted on a surface of a patient's tooth and apply a force to the tooth. | 11-26-2009 |
20090291407 | Dental implant positioning - Methods, devices, systems, and series of appliances are provided for dental implant positioning. One method for positioning an implant with dental treatment includes determining an implant location based on a virtual model of an optimized dental occlusion, moving one or more teeth using a first number of a series of dental appliances, from a first orientation to a second orientation, the second orientation exposing the implant location, placing an implant at the exposed implant location using a landmark included in at least one of the series of dental appliances, repositioning one or more teeth using a second number of the series of dental appliances, from the second orientation to a successive orientation. | 11-26-2009 |
20090291408 | Smile designer - Various methods and systems for designing a restored smile are provided. One method includes receiving scan data of a patient's teeth, developing a digital model of the patient's teeth via a computing device, where the model represents the patient's teeth based upon the scan data, creating a dental treatment plan to restore one or more teeth from an initial condition to a successive condition, and wherein a final condition of the one or more is based on the one or more teeth having at least one planned additional restorative tooth structure provided therewith. | 11-26-2009 |
20090305184 | MECHANICAL TRANSDUCTION CYCLIC FORCE ORTHODONTIC SYSTEM - Provided herein is a transduction cyclic force system for moving and/or repositioning teeth. | 12-10-2009 |
20090311647 | 3D PLANNING AND PREDICTION METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING FACIAL SKELETON SYMMETRY IN ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY - The method comprises steps of making a plaster dental cast of a patient, reconstructing jaw image assembly models, performing registration between physical stone and image model, adjusting the plaster dental cast based on a x-ray cephalometric plan, tracking movements of the plaster dental cast, obtaining optimal symmetry planes of the upper and lower jaw image assemblies, determining whether a degree of overall symmetry is elevated, and making surgical occlusal splints for surgical guiding. With foregoing method, possible results of executing an orthognathic surgical plan can be predicted and the surgical plan can be considered more carefully to achieve both occlusion function and facial symmetry. | 12-17-2009 |
20090317757 | Method for Using Radio Frequency Identification Microchips in Orthodontic Brackets - The following invention is an apparatus and method for quickly determining the type of bracket implanted on patient's tooth. A radio frequency identification (RFID) microchip is coupled to or in an orthodontic bracket. The bracket or series of brackets are then implanted on the patient's teeth as required. With the RFID in or on the bracket, the orthodontist or staff uses a scanner to read the brackets. The information read by the scanner allows the staff to select the correct corresponding bracket needed for replacement from an inventory. Confirmation of the correct selection is obtained by another scan from another scanner located in the bracket holding device. Not only does this process ensure that the correct replacement bracket is received by the patient, but also provides the orthodontist and staff with a real-time tracking of inventory supply. | 12-24-2009 |
20100009308 | Visualizing and Manipulating Digital Models for Dental Treatment - Methods and apparatus for visualizing and manipulating three-dimensional digital dental models and related methods and apparatus for dental treatments are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for visualizing and manipulating a three-dimensional digital dental model may comprise viewing the three-dimensional digital dental model and using hand gestures to instruct a computer to manipulate one or more teeth in the digital dental model. In other aspects, a dental treatment method may comprise viewing a three-dimensional digital model, using hand gestures, a conventional keyboard, and/or a conventional mouse to instruct a computer to manipulate one or more teeth in the digital model to generate a three-dimensional digital model of a modified arrangement of the subject's teeth, and fabricating one or more dental aligners configured to reposition the subject's teeth into the modified arrangement. Viewing may comprise stereoscopically viewing a digital dental model. | 01-14-2010 |
20100028824 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND OPTIMIZING EFFECTIVENESS OF EXO-SHELL DENTAL ALIGNMENT APPLIANCE - A method and apparatus for aligning the dento-facial region of a human. In one embodiment the method comprises providing an alignment appliance containing one or more optical elements; causing or instructing a human to cause the optical elements of the alignment device to come into contact with the dento-facial region, measuring or instructing the human to measure data regarding one or more characteristics of optical elements of the alignment appliance; modifying or causing to modify the alignment appliance to come into contact with the dento-facial region at different areas or by applying different forces to align the one or more teeth and repeating or causing to repeat one or more of steps of the method to align the dento-facial region of a human. | 02-04-2010 |
20100028825 | Method and System of Determining and Applying Orthodontic Forces Dependent on Bone Density Measurements - Orthodontic forces dependent on bone density measurements are determined by measuring bone density data in a scan of at least a portion of the teeth and jaw to produce a visual map of bone density is a selected area of the jaw. A two or three dimensional image of at least a portion of the jaw and teeth in the selected area of the jaw is generated. The bone density image is mapped into the two or three dimensional image. The attachment points on selected teeth, selected positions in the jaw, and/or selected orthodontic appliances to be connected to the teeth or jaw is determined. A force to be applied to the determined attachment points to move at least one tooth a predetermined distance and direction in the jaw taking into account the bone density through which the at least one tooth must move is calculated. | 02-04-2010 |
20100068672 | Orthodontic condition evaluation - Various methods and systems for an orthodontic condition evaluation are provided. One embodiment includes providing an impression kit with an impression material, a number of impression trays, and instructions for making at least one impression, making an impression of a user's teeth, and scanning the impression of the user's teeth with a scanning device and providing scan data to a computing device having executable instructions to perform an evaluation process. | 03-18-2010 |
20100092907 | Method And System For Deriving A Common Coordinate System For Virtual Orthodontic Brackets - Method and apparatus including obtaining digital representations of two or more dental appliances, determining a common base coordinate parameter for the two or more dental appliances, orientating the respective digital representations of the two or more dental appliances in accordance with the common base coordinate parameter, aligning the digital representations of the two or more dental appliances based on one or more characteristics associated with each of the two or more dental appliances, and storing the digital representations of the two or more dental appliances oriented to based on the common base coordinate parameter are disclosed. | 04-15-2010 |
20100151404 | TOOTH MOVEMENT MEASUREMENT BY AUTOMATIC IMPRESSION MATCHING - The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting deviations from an orthodontic treatment plan. One method includes receiving a tracking model, performing a matching step between individual teeth in a plan model and the tracking model, comparing the tracking model with the plan model, and detecting one or more positional differences. | 06-17-2010 |
20100151405 | DESIGNING A BRACKET ALIGNMENT DEVICE - A method includes obtaining an electronic model image representing teeth of a patient; determining a desired bracket arrangement for one or more brackets on the teeth; designing an electronic model image of an alignment device based in part on the desired bracket arrangement; and fabricating the alignment device based on the electronic model image of the alignment device. The desired bracket arrangement includes a surface location, a tip orientation, and a torque orientation of each bracket. The alignment device defines at least one slot through which a bracket can be placed at a surface location and an orientation indicator to indicate a desired tip orientation and a desired torque orientation of each bracket. | 06-17-2010 |
20100159412 | REDUCED REGISTRATION BONDING TEMPLATE - A dental template for positioning an object on teeth of a patient and method for fabricating the same. The method includes creating a digital model of the patient's teeth, creating a simplified template model based on the digital model, and fabricating the dental template based on the simplified template model. The template model is simplified by removing certain features of the patient's tooth anatomy. The dental template can be located on a patient's teeth using four or fewer positioning teeth. | 06-24-2010 |
20100159413 | UV AND CHEMICAL CURE BLOCKING DENTAL TEMPLATE - A dental template formed of an ultraviolet light-blocking or chemical cure inhibition material configured to restrict the curing of excess adhesive flash during the bonding of orthodontic devices to teeth. The dental template is configured to be positioned over a patient's teeth to guide placement of brackets on the teeth. The brackets are secured to the teeth using adhesive, which is cured by exposure to ultraviolet light or chemically cured. The dental template at least partially blocks ultraviolet light or restricts the chemical cure process from fully curing the adhesive underneath the template so that any exposed adhesive “flash” underneath the template can be easily cleaned after the template is removed from the teeth. The adhesive securing the brackets to the teeth can be fully cured after the “flash” is cleaned. | 06-24-2010 |
20100167225 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DENTAL VISUALIZATION - In particular embodiments, method, apparatus and system for receiving digital representations of the initial parameters of a dentition; simulating a first orthodontic treatment process on the digital representations of the initial parameters, displaying a set of output results from the simulation of the first orthodontic treatment process, simulating a second orthodontic treatment process on the output results from the simulation of the first orthodontic treatment process, and displaying a set of output results from the simulation of the second orthodontic treatment process are provided. | 07-01-2010 |
20100196840 | ORTHODONTIC SYSTEMS WITH RESILIENT APPLIANCES - Systems for moving teeth of a patient's dental arch from a first tooth arrangement to a second tooth arrangement include a plurality of resilient appliances such as positioning trays or elongated arch members that are used in sequence. Each appliance of the systems includes a row of spaced apart couplings for connection to respective teeth of the dental arch. The appliances have certain geometric characteristics that match the geometric characteristics of other appliances of the system, and at least one appliance has a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of at least one other appliance. | 08-05-2010 |
20100216085 | Method, system and model for indirect bonding - A physical model of at least a portion of a patient's dentition has model dental surfaces corresponding to real dental surfaces of the patient's dentition. The physical model includes one or more targets, each configured for facilitating placement of an orthodontic appliance on the model at a desired location. The targets lack mechanical stops that are outwardly protruding from the original model dental surfaces. Also provided are a method of manufacturing a physical model for use in indirect bonding procedures, a method for indirect bonding for use in an orthodontic procedure, a method for providing an indirect bonding transfer tray for use in an orthodontic procedure, and a system for providing a physical model for use in indirect bonding orthodontic procedures. | 08-26-2010 |
20100323317 | ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR USE THEREWITH - Systems, methods, and apparatus for creating a mold of a patient's teeth to which are installed orthodontic appliances with a support assembly bonded to a tooth. The appliances may include a corresponding corrective assembly with a wire engaging portion removably coupled to the support assembly. The systems and methods may include removing a corrective assembly from a support assembly, applying unset molding compound to the patient's teeth and corresponding support assemblies, setting the molding compound into a mold, and nondeformably removing the mold from the patient's mouth. The support assemblies may include a marker portion to indicate the position of the wire engaging portion of a corrective assembly that may be removed prior to making a mold and/or installed after making the mold. Marker assemblies adapted to removably engage a support assembly, and including such a marker portion, may be temporarily coupled to support assemblies prior to making a mold. | 12-23-2010 |
20110033815 | Method of Using a Demonstration Dental Template with Digital Representation for Modeling Dental Restorations - A dental prosthesis or demonstration dental template ( | 02-10-2011 |
20110045428 | Digital dental modeling - Embodiments are provided for digital dental modeling. One method embodiment includes receiving a three-dimensional data set including a first jaw and a second jaw of a three-dimensional digital dental model and receiving a two-dimensional data set corresponding to at least a portion of the first jaw and the second jaw. The method includes mapping two-dimensional data of the two-dimensional data set to the three-dimensional digital dental model by transforming a coordinate system of the two-dimensional data to a coordinate system of the three-dimensional data set. The method includes positioning the first jaw with respect to the second jaw based on the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set. The method includes using at least a portion of the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set as a target of movement of the first jaw with respect to the second jaw in the three-dimensional digital dental model. | 02-24-2011 |
20110065060 | Orthodontic methods and devices - The present invention provides methods for moving a tooth to a desired position within a patient's mouth using orthodontics including perforating tissue in the oral cavity sufficient to induce an inflammatory response. The perforations may be made in any area of the maxilla or mandible, and any number of perforations may be made that are preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mm diameter, and preferably 1 to 3 mm deep. The invention also provides a device that may be used in conjunction with slow-speed rotary instruments or with manual drivers for providing the perforations. The device has a drill that makes the perforations and a stop that prevents the drill from penetrating the jaw bone beyond a predetermined depth. The invention also provides a kit that supplies the professional with the necessary components in a sealed container to carry out the osteoperforations. The kit may include hand held and rotatory perforating devices, anesthetic, and a soft tissue punch. | 03-17-2011 |
20110076635 | Activatable Dental Appliance - An activatable dental appliance. A concave trough conforms to a plurality of teeth when placed over the plurality of teeth. A first force applying region is configured to apply a first force to at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth for repositioning the tooth. A second force applying region is configured to be selectively activated, wherein when selectively activated the second force applying region applies a force to at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth. | 03-31-2011 |
20110091834 | Dental Measurement Apparatus and System - An apparatus for measuring mandibular position is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first slide operable to adjustably couple to a second slide, such that the second slide is operable to travel in a direction substantially parallel to a long axis of the first slide, and an indicator configured to indicate a location of the second slide relative to the first slide in the direction substantially parallel to the long axis of the first slide. The apparatus further comprises an adjustment mechanism coupled to the first slide and the second slide, the adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the distance between the first slide and the second slide in a direction substantially orthogonal to the long axis of the first slide. | 04-21-2011 |
20110104630 | GENERATING A DYNAMIC THREE-DIMENSIONAL OCCLUSOGRAM - Methods and systems for generating a three-dimensional occlusogram are disclosed. One method includes determining a virtual three dimensional (3D) mesh model object of at least one tooth of a patient and displaying the determined virtual 3D mesh model object of at least one tooth of a patient wherein the 3D mesh model object includes a plurality of data sets associated with a set of occlusal information for the at least one tooth of the patient. | 05-05-2011 |
20110111358 | ORTHODONTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD - An orthodontic device includes a bracket having a body and the body includes external surfaces. An archwire passageway is formed in the body. An aperture extends from one of the external surfaces of the body to the passageway. A pawl is attached to the body and includes stop and cam surfaces which extend into the aperture. An extendable archwire includes an adjustment portion having a locking surface and a loop-spring therein and the adjustment portion is inserted into and through the passageway. The pawl and the locking surface form a ratchet. The cam surface of the pawl interengages the extendable archwire as the extendable archwire is extended through the bracket under the application of force to the extendable archwire. The stop surface of the pawl interengages the locking surface of the adjustment portion of the extendable archwire preventing retraction of the extendable archwire upon discontinuation of the application of force. | 05-12-2011 |
20110123943 | TRACKING TEETH MOVEMENT CORRECTION - Embodiments are provided for tracking teeth movement correction. One method embodiment includes using a set of positioning appliances shaped to move teeth through a number of successive stages of arrangements of an expected teeth arrangement model where each stage corresponds to a particular positioning appliance, mapping a current teeth position based upon positions of a number of physical markers attached to a number of physical teeth, comparing the positions of the number of physical markers with a corresponding number of virtual markers positioned on a number of virtual teeth of a stage in the expected teeth arrangement model, determining whether midcourse correction is needed. | 05-26-2011 |
20110123944 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN ALIGNERS AND TEETH - A system and method for repositioning teeth in a patient jaw includes an attachment bonded to a tooth. The attachment has at least one force receiving component for receiving a force. A polymeric shell repositioning appliance is positioned over at least some of the teeth in the patient jaw. The polymeric shell has at least one force transmitting component for engaging the force receiving component to form a locus of engagement. The locus of engagement transmits the force and moves but is maintained as the tooth is repositioned. In specific embodiments the locus of engagement is maintained over a substantial range of motion. The force transmitted at the locus of engagement increases in response to the tooth lagging an intended position. A space between the positioned appliance and the tooth permits the tooth to move into an intended position. | 05-26-2011 |
20110151393 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING THERAPEUTIC SUBSTANCES TO THE MAXILLARY SINUS OF A PATIENT - The present invention is directed to devices and methods for administering at least one effective dose of at least one therapeutic substance to at least one of the maxillary sinuses of a patient in need thereof. Alternate embodiments may comprise administration of the at least one effective dose of at least one therapeutic substance to both maxillary sinuses, where the administered therapeutic substance(s) are either the same or differ from sinus to sinus. Still further alternative embodiments may comprise more than an initial effective dose administered to a patient's maxillary sinus(es), so that the therapeutic substance may be delivered over time, thereby requiring a larger dose be deposited within at least one of the maxillary sinuses so that the maxillary sinus(es) serve as a therapeutic substance depot for long-term release to the target structure(s). | 06-23-2011 |
20110159451 | PROSTHODONTIC AND ORTHODONTIC APPARATUS AND METHODS - System and method for developing a treatment plan for achieving a treatment goal including creating a virtual model of a dental patient's dentition; transforming the virtual model of the dentition using virtual prosthodontics to facilitate achievement of the treatment goal; transforming the virtual model of the dentition using virtual orthodontics to facilitate achievement of the treatment goal; iterating on the transforming steps until substantially achieving the treatment goal; and generating an orthodontic treatment plan and a prosthodontic treatment plan based upon the substantially achieved treatment goal | 06-30-2011 |
20110159452 | POSITIONING METHOD FOR ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE AND STRUCTURE THEREOF - A positioning method for orthodontic appliance and structure, mainly provided with base units molded by plastic injection. During the fabricating process, a crossed reference line is first drawn on a dental mold of the patient, after heating, the orthodontic appliance is embedded to the base unit, and a flexible member is used to bind and fixedly position the orthodontic appliance. Each of the aforementioned base units together with the orthodontic appliance is attached to the dental mold, and then light curing composite resin is attached to each of the base units. Accordingly, after applying an adhesive layer to each of the orthodontic appliances, each of the series connected base units together with the orthodontic appliances bound to the base units is directly attached to the respective teeth portion of the patient requiring straightening, thereby enabling fitting of orthodontic appliances to be more convenient and providing a more efficient fabricating process. | 06-30-2011 |
20110165533 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ALTERNATING USE ORTHODONTIC ALIGNERS - Method and system for providing a first appliance configured for positioning substantially around one or more teeth during a first portion of a recurring time period to apply one of a first predetermined force or a predetermined tooth movement on the one or more teeth, the first appliance formed of a first material, a second appliance configured for positioning substantially around the one or more teeth during a second portion of the recurring time period to apply one of a second predetermined force or a predetermined tooth movement on the one or more teeth, the second appliance formed of a second material, where at least one of the first portion and the second portion of the recurring time period is repeated at least once such that at least one of the first appliance or the second appliance is positioned again substantially around the one or more teeth during the respective first or second portion of the recurring time period are provided | 07-07-2011 |
20110189625 | Dental Occlusion Analysis Tool - An electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a maxillary arch of a patient is displayed. Inputs indicating a peak of a mesiobuccal cusp of a maxillary first molar are received for both the patient's right and left sides. In addition, an electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a mandibular arch of a patient is displayed. Inputs indicating relevant points on the mandibular first molar are received for both the patient's right and left sides. Side scores are generated for the patient's right and left sides based on the indicated points. A final occlusion score for the patient is displayed. The final occlusion score is based on the side score for the right side and the side score for the left side. | 08-04-2011 |
20110195373 | Template for Selecting Orthodontic Arch Wires and Method of Placement - A dental arch template includes a transparent fitting plate having a perimeter shaped to fit inside the human mouth of a patient with the fitting plate being Y-shaped with a stem and a pair of spaced side legs extending away from said stem, and at least one image of an arch wire formed in a U-shape that generally conforms to the dental arch of a human imposed on said pair of spaced side legs of said transparent fitting plate. | 08-11-2011 |
20110236849 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INCREMENTALLY MOVING TEETH - A dental model kit includes a set of dowel pins for successive use with at least one tooth die that is part of the dental model kit. Each dowel pin includes an upstanding tooth anchor section that is configured to be fixedly attached to the tooth die; and a main body section having a top surface from which the tooth anchor section extends. The main body section is for reception within a base of the dental model kit. According to the present invention, a location of the tooth anchor section relative to the top surface changes from an initial position associated with an initial pin that is part of the set to a final position associated with a final pin that is part. Successive movement of the tooth anchor section is translated into successive movement of the tooth die both in a desired direction and a desired distance. | 09-29-2011 |
20110244415 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORTHODONTIC DIAGNOSIS - A method for generating a cephalometric analysis of an orthodontic patient is disclosed. A sequence of images that may each correspond to a specific anatomical plane of the patient is received. Then, a volumetric representation of the patient is derived from a combination of the sequence of the images. One or more markers associated with particular anatomical landmarks of the patient according to a predefined analysis method are received. The markers are defined by a set of coordinate values, and are designated via an interactive user interface to a two-dimensional representation derived from the volumetric representation. Connectors between one or more of the markers are generated in accordance with the predefined analysis method, and a visual representation of the markers and the connectors are overlaid on the volumetric representation. | 10-06-2011 |
20110269095 | Osteogenetic-Pneumopedic Appliance, System, and Method. - One embodiment of the present invention consists of a non-rigid, epigenetic-pneumopedic appliance comprising a wire-type framework supporting bow, bands, brackets or a clasp. The appliance includes active elements adapted to provide brief doses of cyclic forces to induce sutural osteogenesis. The active elements are vibrational, ultrasonic or oscillatory components. The epigenetic-pneumopedic appliance cooperates with an actuator or other expansion mechanism, such as suture spring, that straddles the midline of the appliance. The appliance further includes tooth-contacting material having high-elasticity, such as pre-formed alloys that form 3-D axial springs, which adapt to the long axis of the palatal/lingual surfaces of the teeth. The appliance also includes a plurality of micro-screws | 11-03-2011 |
20110269096 | POLYHEDRAL TOOL AND METHOD OF USING THE TOOL FOR PRODUCING AN ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE - The invention relates to a polyhedral tool for producing an orthodontic appliance, comprising one upper and one lower surface which are parallel to each other, and at least one pair of nonparallel, opposing lateral surfaces. One of the two nonparallel surfaces of the polyhedral tool is configured to have an angle of 5°-45° and the other has an angle of 45°-85° in relation to the upper or the lower surface of the tool. The invention also relates to a method for producing an orthodontic appliance using the tool for correcting malocclusions. | 11-03-2011 |
20110269097 | Method and system for comprehensive evaluation of orthodontic care using unified workstation - A method and system for orthodontic treatment planning, evaluation and quality measurement is provided comprising a workstation having computing platform, a graphical user interface, a processor and a computer storage medium containing digitized records pertaining to a patient. The digitized records include image and other types of data. The computer storage medium further includes a set of software instructions providing graphical user interface tools for providing a user with access to the digitized records for planning orthodontic treatment of a patient. Also provided are reference databases for aiding in the decision process during treatment selection, treatment planning and treatment delivery and progress monitoring and evaluation. Also provided are parameter or criteria measurement techniques and generally acceptable thresholds, which can be updated through learning process and through acquisition of patient data. Once the treatment is planned, the virtual dentition model of the patient in the proposed treatment set-up or the target state is evaluated using several virtual model evaluation features and criteria. | 11-03-2011 |
20110281229 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING PATIENTS - Systems and methods for treating a patient at a treatment provider's office include digitally scanning the patient at the treatment provider's office and generating at the treatment provider's office one or more appliances to treat the patient. | 11-17-2011 |
20110287379 | Display method and system for enabling an operator to visualize and correct alignment errors in imaged data sets - A method to visualize and correct alignment errors between paired 2D and 3D data sets is described. In a representative embodiment, a display interface used for dental implant planning includes one or more display areas that enable the operator to visualize alignment errors between the paired 2D and 3D data sets. A first display area renders 3D cone beam data. A second display area renders one or more (and preferably three (3) mutually orthogonal views) slices of the cone beam data. A third display area displays a view of a 2D scanned surface map (obtained from an intra-oral scan, or the scan of a model). According to a first aspect, the view of the 2D scanned surface map in the third display area is “textured” by coloring the 2D surface model based on the intensity of each 3D pixel (or “voxel”) that it intersects. The textured view provides the operator with a unique perspective to conform alignment using the visualized hard and soft tissue landmarks. In addition, and according to a second aspect, each of the preferably mutually orthogonal cone view data slices is overlaid with a wireframe projection from the 2D surface model data. The operator can rotate and move the 2D surface model in any view by clicking and dragging with a data entry device (such as a mouse or keyboard). The visualizations update, preferably in real-time, as one data set is transformed with respect to the other. When the alignment is accurate, the contrast at the gum line of the teeth in the 2D scan is high, because teeth and soft tissue exhibit different intensities in the cone beam data. If the alignment is poor, the change in contrast occurs away from the gum line, making errors in alignment easy to detect and correct by the operator manually manipulating the alignment, e.g., by selecting one of the slice views and dragging the associated wireframe projection to rotate and translate the associated alignment matrix. | 11-24-2011 |
20110306003 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING THE POSITIONS OF ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES - A multiple-function peripheral device includes a packet-switched network interface and an autonomous application programming interface. The application programming interface requests image information from a remote server via the packet-switched network interface in a first mode of operation. The application programming interface sends image information to a remote device via the packet-switched network interface in a second mode of operation. | 12-15-2011 |
20120015316 | UNIFIED THREE DIMENSIONAL VIRTUAL CRANIOFACIAL AND DENTITION MODEL AND USES THEREOF - A method and apparatus are disclosed enabling an orthodontist or a user to create an unified three dimensional virtual craniofacial and dentition model of actual, as-is static and functional anatomy of a patient, from data representing facial bone structure; upper jaw and lower jaw; facial soft tissue; teeth including crowns and roots; information of the position of the roots relative to each other; and relative to the facial bone structure of the patient; obtained by scanning as-is anatomy of craniofacial and dentition structures of the patient with a volume scanning device; and data representing three dimensional virtual models of the patient's upper and lower gingiva, obtained from scanning the patient's upper and lower gingiva either (a) with a volume scanning device, or (a) with a surface scanning device. Such craniofacial and dentition models of the patient can be used in optimally planning treatment of a patient. | 01-19-2012 |
20120082951 | ORTHODONTIC KIT AND METHODS FOR SAME - A method for providing orthodontic therapy. The method includes the steps of providing a kit that includes an enclosure and tools and components for providing orthodontic therapy using braces to a single patient, applying the braces to the single patient's teeth using the tools, placing the tools back into the kit, storing the kit, and reusing the kit at all of the single patient's subsequent visits during the term of the orthodontic therapy. | 04-05-2012 |
20120129123 | MULTI-COORDINATE ORTHODONTIC IMPLANT POSITIONING DEVICE - A multi-coordinate orthodontic implant positioning device includes a measuring reference member having a predetermined thickness and being provided thereon with measuring scales formed of a radiopaque material. The measuring reference member is connected at an edge to a fixing member for fixedly attaching to the patient's teeth. The measuring scales define a coordinate-type positioning structure, which includes at least a main coordinate system and a sub-coordinate system. The main coordinate system divides the positioning structure into a plurality of coordinate blocks, each of which has a main coordinate code readable from the main coordinate system; and the sub-coordinate system is provided in some specified ones of the coordinate blocks. Since the main coordinate system and the sub-coordinate system are two different and independent coordinate systems, the use of them enables primary and more accurate positioning of an implant point to effectively upgrade the efficiency in the orthodontic implant surgery. | 05-24-2012 |
20120148975 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REGULATING TOOTH MOVEMENT - A method is provided for regulating tooth movement, comprising extra-orally administering an effective amount of light transdermally to the maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone of a patient in need thereof. The repetitive dosage can be in the range of 24 J/cm to 200 J/cm. The light can have a wavelength in the range of about 585 nm to about 665 nm, or about 815 nm to about 895 nm. Light having a first wavelength can be administered to a first selected region of the alveolar bone, and light having a second wavelength can be administered to a second selected region of the alveolar bone to selectively regulate tooth movement during orthodontic treatment. An apparatus useful for applying light therapy extra-orally is also provided. | 06-14-2012 |
20120148976 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES USEFUL FOR REGULATING BONE REMODELING OR TOOTH MOVEMENT USING LIGHT THERAPY, A FUNCTIONAL APPLIANCE, AND/OR VITAMIN D - Methods are provided for regulating bone remodeling or tooth movement, comprising allowing a functional appliance to exert a force on oral or maxillofacial bone, muscle, or soft tissue, or one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and administering an effective amount of light to the oral or maxillofacial bone, muscle, or soft tissue, or one or more teeth, wherein the light is administered before, during, or after the force is exerted. Methods are also provided for regulating bone remodeling, comprising administering an effective amount of vitamin D to an oral or maxillofacial bone, muscle, or soft tissue, or to one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and administering an effective amount of light to the oral or maxillofacial bone, muscle, or soft tissue, or to the one or more teeth. Apparatuses useful for providing light therapy and/or vitamin D is also provided. | 06-14-2012 |
20120156633 | TOOTH POSITIONERS, METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME, AND METHOD OF POSITIONING TEETH USING THE SAME - A method for forming a tooth positioner for repositioning at least one tooth of a patient includes providing a dental arch cast of a patient, separating at least one tooth from the dental arch cast, fixing a pin in a stump part of the at least one separated tooth, and in any non-separated teeth, reconstructing the dental arch cast of the patient by aligning the separated teeth to correspond to the alignment in the patient's mouth and holding the pins in a material that may be softened by heat, heating an area to soften an area, applying force to the pin fixed in the at least one tooth to be repositioned to move it in a desired direction to obtain a realigned arch, and forming a tooth positioner corresponding to the realigned arch. The tooth positioner is used by having the patient wear it for a period of time. | 06-21-2012 |
20120183917 | ORTHODONTIC BRACKET WITH A PAD - Bracket with a pad for affixing it to a tooth of a patient, with a bracket body that has a slot for receiving an orthodontic wire, and with a channel-like wire guide which has wire guide surfaces for guiding the wire and which is assigned a lateral insertion area for insertion of the wire into the wire guide, wherein the insertion area has, in the longitudinal direction of the wire, a curved section through which the wire can be inserted into the wire guide in an elastically deformed state, such that the wire, on forming back to a rectilinear state, locks in the wire guide, and that the wire guide surfaces enclose the wire in a circle shape, such that the wire is held longitudinally displaceably in the wire guide by the wire guide surfaces and is secured against escaping laterally from the wire guide. | 07-19-2012 |
20120214121 | Orthodontic Treatment Integrating Optical Scanning and CT Scan Data - A process for creating a dental model to avoid periodontal defects during planned dental work includes obtaining CT scan data and optical scan data of a patient's dentition and integrating the CT scan data and the optical scan data by at least one of surface to surface registration, registration of radiographic markers, and registration of optical markers of known dimensions, to produce a dental model that includes the dentition and underlying bone and root structures. The process then segments anatomic sites of the tooth roots and underlying bone. A plan for the dental work is then generated based on the segmented anatomic sites, whereby the plan avoids periodontal defects based on the knowledge of the anatomic sites of the roots and underlying cortical bones in the dental model. | 08-23-2012 |
20120219922 | DENTAL APPLIANCE - Embodiments include dental appliances, dental appliance systems, and methods of making and using such appliances. In one embodiment, a dental appliance includes a shell having a number of cavities to receive one or more teeth, each cavity having an inner surface. Fewer than all cavities are scaled-up in size by a first selected percentage over one or more dimensions of a corresponding tooth surface to provide a uniform space between the cavity inner surface and the corresponding tooth surface. | 08-30-2012 |
20120225399 | METHODS FOR ORTHODONTIC DEVICES - Embodiments presented herein provide methods for forming and coupling an attachment device onto teeth. An embodiment of a method comprises providing a template including a prescribed number and placement of apertures, disposing the template over the teeth exposing tooth surface through each aperture, and disposing an attachment mold through each respective aperture to the tooth surface. The attachment mold includes a mold bore suitable for providing a mold for forming an attachment device of a desired shape from curable material. The method further includes removably coupling the attachment mold to the tooth surface with the mold bore defining target tooth surface, disposing curable material within the mold bore and in contact with the target tooth surface, curing the curable material to a hardened state to form an attachment device that is coupled to the target tooth surface, removing the template, and removing the attachment mold from the attachment device. | 09-06-2012 |
20120225400 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING TEETH - Methods and apparatus fit a set of upper and lower teeth in a masticatory system by generating a computer representation of the masticatory system and computing an occlusion based on interactions in the computer representation of the masticatory system. | 09-06-2012 |
20120225401 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING DEVIATIONS DURING THE COURSE OF AN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT TO GRADUALLY REPOSITION TEETH - Method and system for detecting and correcting deviation during an orthodontic treatment plan is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving an un-segmented current teeth image representing a patient's teeth after an orthodontic treatment plan has begun and before the plan ends for the patient; matching a previously segmented teeth model with the current teeth image; and generating at least one corrective stage to define an intermediate tooth arrangement, wherein the at least one corrective stage repositions a digital teeth image so that a prescribed tooth arrangement of the previously segmented teeth model can be used. | 09-06-2012 |
20120244488 | COMPUTER AUTOMATED DEVELOPMENT OF AN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT PLAN AND APPLIANCE - 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. | 09-27-2012 |
20120258416 | METHOD TO DEFINE, MEASURE, AND DISPLAY MESIODISTAL ANGULATION AND FACIOLINGUAL INCLINATION OF EACH WHOLE TOOTH - This is directed to systems, processes, machines, and other means that determine the mesiodistal angulation and the faciolingual inclination of each whole tooth in three-dimensional space in the field of orthodontics and displaying the results in constructed panoramic views. | 10-11-2012 |
20120258417 | ELASTIC BANDS FOR ORTHODONTIC USE - An orthodontic band is provided made from an elastomeric material wherein the band has a shape which simulates the profile of an object with an open area within the band. In its unstretched condition the outer perimeter of the band is of a shape which is not a smooth continuous endless curve to thereby simulate the profile of the object, such as a star or heart. The band is mounted to a bracket on an upper tooth and to a bracket on a lower tooth by stretching the band and looping the open area over hooks on both brackets. The stretched band thereby provides a force against the teeth. | 10-11-2012 |
20120288817 | Orthodontic Devices - Orthodontic splint devices may include one or more bases and connectors. Various attachment members configured to, during use, couple the device to a portion of the patient's mouth may also be included on the device. In some implementations, a base may include an attachment member that includes a conduit and a sheath. Also provided are orthodontice devices comprising peripheral members and transpalatal members. The various orthodontic devices may move teeth individually or as a set in the subject's mouth. | 11-15-2012 |
20120288818 | METHOD OF MANAGING AN ORTHODONTIC ALIGNER SCHEDULE - A method of managing a schedule of orthodontic aligners ( | 11-15-2012 |
20120295214 | DENTAL AUTO-MIXING METHODS, DEVICES, AND COMPOSITIONS - A method of dispensing a hardenable dental composition comprising 1) providing a two-part hardenable dental composition, and 2) extruding the composition through a static mixer in fluid communication with a first reservoir containing the first part and a second reservoir containing the second part, wherein a plunger is positioned in each reservoir for simultaneously forcing both parts into the static mixer, extruding the composition through the static mixer, and dispensing the composition, and wherein an extrusion force is applied to the plunger for extruding the composition through the static mixer without the aid of a mechanical advantage provided by an attached or external device. Also disclosed is a method of bonding a prosthetic device to a dental structure using the dispensing method, a device for dispensing the composition using the dispensing method, a kit comprising the device, and the composition used in the dispensing method. | 11-22-2012 |
20120322021 | ORTHODONTIC ATTACHMENT BONDING TOOL AND METHOD OF USING SAME - The invention includes a dental tool for applying orthodontic attachments to teeth. The tool includes a body having a portion for holding the dental tool and a portion for selectively gripping an object to be bonded to a tooth. The tool also includes a nozzle for emitting pressurized air adjacent the portion for selectively gripping the object to be bonded to the tooth. A method of using the tool is also disclosed. | 12-20-2012 |
20130017506 | ORTHODONTIC DEVICEAANM Parker; StanAACI Indian Rocks BeachAAST FLAACO USAAGP Parker; Stan Indian Rocks Beach FL US - In some implementations at least one orthodontic tooth-bonding-pad is attached to an archwire through a sheath. In some implementations, a tooth-bonding-pad has a passageway through which an archwire can be placed. | 01-17-2013 |
20130065194 | ORTHODONTIC ADHESIVES - An orthodontic adhesive includes a curable resin monomer component; a quaternary curing initiator system; and filler. Another orthodontic adhesive having a W/C ratio (working time to curing time ratio) of at least 10, 12, 14 or 20, includes a curable resin monomer component; a curing initiator system; and filler. The adhesives are suitable as light-curing and may include a colorant. Suitable colorants include reversible, thermochromic dyes. The adhesive may also include a resin toughening component. | 03-14-2013 |
20130071804 | Adhesive for Teeth-Straightening Members - The present invention discloses an adhesive for orthodontic attachments, which contains (A) a polymerizable monomer, (B) a polymerization initiator and (C) a fluorescent dye and, when cured, exhibits a fluorescence spectrum having a peak at 400 to 800 nm. As the polymerization initiator (B), there is preferably used a compound which generates a radical through the transfer of hydrogen between two components, or a compound which generates a radical species through intramolecular cleavage. As the fluorescent dye (C), a coumarin type dye is used preferably. | 03-21-2013 |
20130095448 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING A DENTAL TEMPLATE - A dental template to position an object on a patient's tooth includes digitizing the patient's tooth; adding virtual objects to predetermined locations on the digitized tooth; and fabricating the dental template to locate the object on the patient's tooth. The template can be used for etching or for positioning brackets on teeth. | 04-18-2013 |
20130122447 | Method for Making and Using Aligners for Orthodontic Treatments - A method for applying orthodontic forces to one or more teeth using a single model of the tooth or teeth which are to be moved. The model chosen is the final corrected configuration for the patient as determined by their oral health care provider and comprises the final position and orientation of the tooth or teeth to be achieved after a successful treatment regimen. A series of aligners are made which each comprise the corrected configuration. Each successive aligner in the series is comprised of a selectively stiffer material than the previous aligner in order to move the tooth or teeth into the final desired position. As the patient's treatment progresses, the patient receives the next successive aligner which is incrementally more rigid or stiff than the previous aligner, thus effectuating the movement of the tooth or teeth to their desired final position and orientation. | 05-16-2013 |
20130122448 | DIRECT MANUFACTURE OF ORTHODONTIC ALIGNER APPLIANCE - A method for fabrication of an orthodontic device having tooth-fitting cavities, such as an aligner, using layer-by-layer printing of a single or multiple polymeric materials. The cavities of the appliance or an appliance mold are defined by the boundaries of the multiple layers, encapsulating up to fourteen teeth of a patient, and shaped to apply a load to at least one tooth that is sufficient to cause movement of the tooth, and remodeling of the adjacent bone. In the case where the cavities form an appliance mold, the mold is used to form a positive model and an appliance is formed thereon. A series of such appliances may be used to treat malocclusion of teeth, each appliance used in series to incrementally move one or more teeth from initial positions toward a desired final position. The appliance may be fabricated with a variety of disclosed materials, and may include auxiliary features for interaction with other orthodontic elements. | 05-16-2013 |
20130196284 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TOOTH REGULATION WITH HEAVY FORCES - Methods are provided for regulating tooth movement and for maintaining or improving tissue health using heavy forces. Such methods comprise allowing a heavy force to be exerted on one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and administering an effective amount of light to the maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone of the patient, wherein the light is administered before, during, or after the heavy force is exerted. The light can have a wavelength in the range of about 585 nm to about 665 nm, or about 815 nm to about 895 nm. An apparatus useful for providing light therapy is also provided. | 08-01-2013 |
20130252195 | ORTHODONTIC EXPANDER SYSTEM AND METHOD - An orthodontic maxillary palatal expander device in accord with at least some aspects of the present concepts includes a mid-palatal bar having a first set of connection points configured to permit securement of the mid-palatal bar to the palate and a second set of connection points extending along at least a portion of a length of the mid-palatal bar, the first set of connection points comprising through holes in the mid-palatal bar. A screw assembly includes a left side member, a right side member, at least one arm connector formed in at least one of the left side member or right side member, at least one mid-palatal bar connector configured to releasably connect to the second set of connection points of the mid-palatal bar, and a screw mechanism adapted to, upon activation of the screw mechanism, cause outward lateral movement of the left side member and right side member. At least one arm, having a distal end and a proximal end, is provided, the proximal end being configured to connect to the at least one arm connector formed in the screw assembly. At least one tooth attachment member is provided and includes a connector configured to connect to the distal end of the at least one arm. | 09-26-2013 |
20130273491 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EVALUATING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT - A system and method for evaluating dental treatment utilizes virtual models created from scanned plaster casts. Patient's teeth are directly scanned with a three dimensional scanner or plaster casts of the patient teeth following treatment are scanned for evaluation. A planned configuration based on a plaster cast prior to treatment is created and the desired position and the two models are compared so that the actual position of the teeth may be compared to the desired position after treatment. Superimposition of the virtual models provides accurate and precise measurement of variances between the two virtual models. Difficulties due to superimposing the models, which are of the entire arch and evaluations based on individual teeth are overcome by applying an iterative closest point algorithm to correct the position and provide a truer measurement for evaluation. Differences between a preferred position of a patient's teeth and actual position of a patient's teeth may be assigned a score and the score may be compared to other patients to rank the patient needs. | 10-17-2013 |
20130280671 | INTRA-ORAL LIGHT THERAPY APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE - In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a housing, an emitter, and an electronic circuit. The housing is configured to fit within a patient's mouth. The emitter is at least partially encased within the housing. The emitter is configured to emit an effective amount of light to the alveolar soft tissue when the housing is disposed within the mouth. The electronic circuit is operatively coupled to the emitter. The electronic circuit is configured to control the emitter when the housing is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during orthodontic treatment. The apparatus and its use for regulating tooth movement or maintaining or improving oral tissue health are disclosed herein. | 10-24-2013 |
20130302745 | Orthodontic Bracket Having an Archwire Channel and Archwire Retaining Mechanism - An orthodontic bracket is disclosed having three archwire retention channels in the mesial-distal directions, a central channel and two side channels. The two side channels each include a pair of spaced apart inverted archwire retaining regions having a recess that opens generally towards the bracket base. Each such recess is for grasping or holding an archwire therein. Each of the side channels has an archwire retaining ridge extending gingivally-occlusally along the adjacent side of the bracket base between the two retaining regions of the channel. For each channel, its retaining ridge exerts a force on a portion of an archwire facing away from the archwire portion residing in the recesses of the retaining regions of the channel The force on the archwire is directed toward the interiors of the recesses of the retaining regions for assisting in seating the archwire in the recesses. | 11-14-2013 |
20130309625 | Orthodontic Bracket System Having an Archwire Channel and Archwire Retaining Mechanism - An orthodontic bracket is disclosed having three archwire retention channels in the mesial-distal directions, a central channel and two side channels. The two side channels each include a pair of spaced apart inverted archwire retaining regions having a recess that opens generally towards the bracket base. Each such recess is for grasping or holding an archwire therein. Other aspects are directed to a self ligating orthodontic bracket system that includes a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of a bracket; embodiments that include an orthodontic appliance and method of producing and using the same, and preferably employed in a lingual orthodontic system, that includes friction reducing features between an interior of an archwire slot portion of the appliance and an archwire placed within the archwire slot. | 11-21-2013 |
20130309626 | METHOD FOR DESIGN OF CUSTOM COMPOSITE ORTHODONTIC WIRES AND IMPLEMENTATION THEREOF - A method for design of a series of custom composite orthodontic wires comprises collecting data about an initial teeth configuration of a patient and generating a tooth movement plan. The tooth movement plan comprises determining both a bracket mounting location for each bracket on a corresponding tooth and a number of stages, including an initial stage, determining movement of teeth from the initial teeth configuration to a final teeth configuration, and determining the custom composite orthodontic wire for each stage of the number of stages. The custom composite orthodontic wire used at the initial stage has at least one multidimensional bend. The custom composite orthodontic appliance for moving teeth is implemented by attaching brackets at the bracket mounting location for each bracket on a corresponding tooth, and connecting the brackets with the custom composite archwire. | 11-21-2013 |
20130323669 | VIBRATING ORTHODONTIC REMODELING DEVICE AND METHOD THEREOF - A bite plate allowing for contact with occlusal and facial and/or lingual maxillary and mandibular teeth is coupled to an extraoral housing containing a rechargeable battery coupled to a vibrator coupled to a processor coupled to data and charging port or ports. The housing is at least water resistant, and a hatch allows access to the data and charging port or ports only. The device is fitted with a very smooth and quiet vibrator, with minimal variance on operating specifications. | 12-05-2013 |
20140023983 | ELECTRO-ORTHODONTIC DEVICE - An electro-orthodontic appliance is provided that helps accelerate orthodontic tooth movement through the application of a controlled electrical current to gum and teeth, thus stimulating osteogenesis. | 01-23-2014 |
20140065569 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CAUSING TOOTH MOVEMENT - A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw. | 03-06-2014 |
20140127639 | DENTAL TREATMENT DIAGNOSTIC METHOD, METHOD FOR CALCULATING DETERMINATION INDICATORS, PROGRAM AND COMPUTER - There is provided a method of calculating an index for deciding the necessity of surgically operating on the jaw in orthodontic treatment wherein an index for deciding the necessity of surgically operating on the jaw which becomes objective materials for a dentist to decide the necessity of surgically operating on the jaw of a patient in orthodontic treatment of the patient can be calculated easily, and by appropriately combining the results of other inspection methods, the dentist is able to diagnose easily with high objectivity and correctness, moreover with a short period of time, and its program. | 05-08-2014 |
20140170587 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DENTAL PROCEDURES - A device including a coded pattern for use in dental procedures is provided. Related methods and systems are also provided. | 06-19-2014 |
20140186789 | SHAPABLE BITE PLATES - Improved shapeable bite plates for use with orthodontic vibratory devices and devices offering other treatment modalities. The shapeable bite plates can be manually shaped to fit the Euro arch, arch form I, the Roth arch, and even widest Damon Arch. | 07-03-2014 |
20140205964 | Dental Occlusion Analysis Tool - An electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a maxillary arch of a patient is displayed. Inputs indicating a peak of a mesiobuccal cusp of a maxillary first molar are received for both the patient's right and left sides. In addition, an electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a mandibular arch of a patient is displayed. Inputs indicating relevant points on the mandibular first molar are received for both the patient's right and left sides. Side scores are generated for the patient's right and left sides based on the indicated points. A final occlusion score for the patient is displayed. The final occlusion score is based on the side score for the right side and the side score for the left side. | 07-24-2014 |
20140272761 | MASSAGING OR BRUSHING BITE PLATES - An orthodontic remodeling device, wherein the bite plate is modified to have textured teeth and gum facing surfaces so as to provide cleaning, massaging or acupressure effect when in use. | 09-18-2014 |
20140287376 | ORTHODONTIC BRACKET PLACEMENT USING BRACKET GUIDE FEATURES - Bracket guide features and use of such features to guide placement of orthodontic brackets. | 09-25-2014 |
20140322662 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING A DENTAL TEMPLATE - A dental template to position an object on a patient's tooth includes digitizing the patient's tooth; adding virtual objects to predetermined locations on the digitized tooth; and fabricating the dental template to locate the object on the patient's tooth. The template can be used for etching or for positioning brackets on teeth. | 10-30-2014 |
20140322663 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CAUSING TOOTH MOVEMENT - A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw. | 10-30-2014 |
20140329194 | ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT PLANNING USING BIOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS - The invention relates to planning orthodontic treatment for a patient, including surgery, using biological constrains such as those arising from bone, soft tissue, and roots of patient's teeth. The invention disclosed herein provides capability to vary the movement ratio between the teeth and bone and soft tissue through treatment simulation to assess the risk factor associated with a particular treatment plan. The invention further provides capability to monitor results of the treatment to determine the actual movement ratio between the teeth and bone and soft tissue and update the database. Additionally, a method and apparatus are disclosed enabling an orthodontist or a user to create an unified three dimensional virtual craniofacial and dentition model of actual, as-is static and functional anatomy of a patient, from data representing facial bone structure; upper jaw and lower jaw; facial soft tissue; teeth including crowns and roots; information of the position of the roots relative to each other; and relative to the facial bone structure of the patient; obtained by scanning as-is anatomy of craniofacial and dentition structures of the patient with a volume scanning device; and data representing three dimensional virtual models of the patient's upper and lower gingiva, obtained from scanning the patient's upper and lower gingiva either (a) with a volume scanning device, or (a) with a surface scanning device. Such craniofacial and dentition models of the patient can be used in optimally planning treatment of a patient. | 11-06-2014 |
20140329195 | METHOD FOR POSITIONING ORTHODONTIC BRACES - A method for positioning orthodontic braces includes scanning a patient's teeth by a computer in which installation locations of orthodontic braces for the teeth to be cured are arranged; carving out by a carving machine a denture mold and positioning members at the installation locations of the orthodontic braces on the denture mold to attach monomer substrata bound with the orthodontic braces or the orthodontic braces connected serially by connection members onto the denture mold one by one; connecting the monomer substrata together by light curing resin; attaching the serially connected monomer substrata and orthodontic braces directly onto the patient's teeth, and removing flexible members binding the monomer substrata and monomer substrata or the connection members connecting the orthodontic braces serially to secure the orthodontic braces on the surfaces of teeth, which installs the orthodontic braces more conveniently and efficiently. | 11-06-2014 |
20140342300 | CLASS II/III CORRECTOR ACCOMODATING BITE PLATES - Improved bite plates for use with orthodontic vibratory devices and devices offering other treatment modalities. The bite plates are specifically designed to be used with Class II and II correctors, such as the Herbst appliance. Such bite plates can be used with a variety of treatment modalities, including laser, IR, micropulse, vibration, and combinations thereof. | 11-20-2014 |
20150044626 | METHOD FOR REDUCING ABRASION CAUSED BY BRACES - Method for reducing abrasion caused by braces to the interior of a user's mouth are provided in which one of several types of polymeric materials are applied to the braces within the user's mouth and permitted to set, thereby providing an insulative coating of the braces that would otherwise scrape against the interior of the user's mouth and permitting the user to both eat and brush their teeth without substantially impacting the insulative property of the material or dislodging the material from the braces, the material being configured to be removable from the braces with tweezers or the like when the user desires to replace the material periodically. Such materials include compounds from the group consisting of hydrocolloids and elastomers. | 02-12-2015 |
20150044627 | DENTAL POSITIONER - Various embodiments of the present invention seek to alleviate patient discomfort and inconvenience by eliminating the need to take the dental impression. For some embodiments, a dental positioner appliance is fabricated from a digital model of optimally-aligned and optimally-fit teeth. Using the digital model removes the need to physically take a dental impression of a patient. | 02-12-2015 |
20150079532 | Therapeutically Countoured, Compliance Encouraging Aligner Implement - Described is an orthodontic aligner implement that can ensure the accuracy and efficiency of clear aligner orthodontic therapies as well as increase patient compliance by reducing discomfort and combining functionality into a breath-freshening medium. The implement includes a consumable mass having at least two channels disposed on opposite sides of the mass and traversing the width of the mass. The channels are adapted to seat between opposing anterior or incisor teeth. Also described is a method of positioning an orthodontic aligner into a prescribed position that includes placing the aligner approximately in the prescribed position in one's mouth, placing the aligner implement described above into the mouth, and applying the implement in contact with the aligner in one's mouth. | 03-19-2015 |
20150079533 | Software to control vibration - A processor containing software allowing for measuring the speed of a motor, and adjusting that speed by pulse width modulation is provided. A dedicated voltage limiter prevents excess speed, and a battery charge management controller to charge the battery and monitor the battery charge status, ensures battery voltage is regulated to 3.3 V. These additional features contribute to safety, such that when included on an orthodontic remodeling device they allow safe and effective vibration, with minimal changes in frequency and force and no danger of excess speed or power. | 03-19-2015 |
20150093714 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND MODEL FOR INDIRECT BONDING - A physical model of at least a portion of a patient's dentition has model dental surfaces corresponding to real dental surfaces of the patient's dentition. The physical model includes one or more targets, each configured for facilitating placement of an | 04-02-2015 |
20150125805 | ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE SHIELD - A protective shield is removably mounted over an orthodontic appliance in a user's mouth and includes an outer resilient compressible material layer joined to an inner adhesive layer. The shield is flexible for easy installation over all exposed surfaces of the orthodontic appliance; but is removable after a period of use. The outer resilient material layer of the shield can be formed of closed cell foam or a gelatinous material. | 05-07-2015 |
20150125806 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TREATING TEETH - A system for repositioning teeth comprises a plurality of individual appliances used with braces. The appliances are configured to be placed successively on the patient's teeth and to incrementally reposition the teeth from an initial tooth arrangement, through a plurality of intermediate tooth arrangements, and to a final tooth arrangement. The appliances may be substituted with braces as appropriate to optimize the treatment of the teeth. | 05-07-2015 |
20150132708 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING DYNAMIC ORTHODONTIC ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT PROFILES - Method and system including receiving one or more parameters associated with an orthodontic condition, receiving a treatment goal information associated with the orthodontic condition, and providing a predefined template associated with the received treatment goal information, wherein the predefined template includes at least one orthodontic condition related information, are provided. | 05-14-2015 |
20150140502 | INTRA-ORAL LIGHT-THERAPY APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE - In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a housing, an emitter, and an electronic circuit. The housing is configured to fit within a patient's mouth. The emitter is at least partially encased within the housing. The emitter is configured to emit an effective amount of light to the alveolar soft tissue when the housing is disposed within the mouth. The electronic circuit is operatively coupled to the emitter. The electronic circuit is configured to control the emitter when the housing is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during orthodontic treatment. The apparatus and its use for regulating tooth movement or maintaining or improving oral tissue health are disclosed herein. | 05-21-2015 |
20150147711 | Vibrating Dental Devices - A variety of improvements to the vibrating devices for dental remodeling are provided, including improved bite plate designs that accommodate common patient bite structure, a connector for a bite plate, a sizing tray for same, as well as better motors providing improved performance characteristics for an extraoral vibrator, and a completely intraoral vibrating dental plate with very thin cross section. | 05-28-2015 |
20150313688 | ORTHODONTIC DEVICE - Mobile orthodontic device of a functional type comprises a pair of posterior lateral bites ( | 11-05-2015 |
20150320320 | IDENTIFICATION OF AREAS OF INTEREST DURING INTRAORAL SCANS - During an intraoral scan session, a processing device receives a first intraoral image of a dental site and identifies a candidate intraoral area of interest from the first intraoral image. The processing device receives a second intraoral image of the dental site and verifies the first candidate intraoral area of interest as an intraoral area of interest based on comparison of the second intraoral image to the first intraoral image. The processing device then provides an indication of the intraoral area of interest during the intraoral scan session. | 11-12-2015 |
20150351870 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EMPLOYING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN AUTOMATED ORTHODONTIC DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT PLANNING - A method for treating an orthodontic condition can include receiving patient data, such as through a website, accessing a database having information derived from patient treatments, generating a model of an orthodontic condition defining one or more anatomic features of a set of teeth, identifying a diagnosis of an orthodontic condition and identifying a treatment regimen for the diagnosis. A method can include tagging an anatomic feature with an electronic identifier and automatically generating a tooth setup. A system can include a server and a database, which can include information relating to patient treatments, and a website for receiving patient data. A system can include an electronic model representing anatomic features of a patient's teeth and an application adapted to identify a diagnosis and a treatment regimen for an orthodontic condition, which can include executing artificial intelligence and/or other algorithms. | 12-10-2015 |
20160008096 | TOOTH MOVEMENT MEASUREMENT BY AUTOMATIC IMPRESSION MATCHING | 01-14-2016 |
20160008099 | Orthodontic Bracket Having an Archwire Channel and Archwire Retaining Mechanism | 01-14-2016 |
20160015481 | Archwire Assembly With Non-Linear Crimpable Orthodontic Stop and Method of Manufacture - An archwire stop defines a non-linear path through the stop that results in a bend moment between an orthodontic stop and the portion of an orthodontic archwire passing through the stop. The bend moment is accommodated by elastic deformation of the archwire and stop, resulting in a predictable frictional engagement between the stop and the archwire that is useful in maintaining a stop mounted on an archwire during packaging, shipping and handling in a clinical setting. A non-linear path through an archwire stop may be created by a non-linear tubular stop or may be created by appropriate internal features of the stop. The non-linear path through the stop may be selected so that the frictional engagement is greatest toward the free ends of the archwire, preventing the stop from sliding off the ends of an archwire, while permitting adjustment of the stop at the front of the mouth during patient treatment. | 01-21-2016 |
20160022383 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AN ORTHODONTIC BRACKET HAVING A LASER SHAPED GREEN BODY - A green metal body includes metal particles and a binder in the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or base plate. The green metal body is fabricated by being laser-cut with a laser to shape the green metal body into the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or to carve recesses and/or undercuts into the bonding surface of the bracket. The green metal body is sintered to shrink its volume into a denser and less porous sintered metal body configured to be an orthodontic bracket. The resultant sintered orthodontic bracket includes recesses and/or undercuts in the bonding surface to provide a mechanical aspect when bonded to a tooth. | 01-28-2016 |
20160038092 | Applying non-real time and non-user attended algorithms to stored non-imaging data and existing imaging data for obtaining a dental diagnosis - A method of making a diagnosis of a dental condition of a patient includes the steps of collecting non-imaging data relating to the patient, storing the non-imaging data in a storage medium containing stored non-imaging data and existing imaging data for this patient and for a plurality of other patients and applying non-real time and non-user attended algorithms to the stored non-imaging data and the existing imaging data of this patient and other patients. The algorithms determine the diagnosis of the dental condition of the patient. The diagnosis either is complete or determines what new dental imaging data for the patient is required to be acquired to diagnose the dental condition of the patient. The non-imaging data includes non-clinical data and non-dental clinical data. | 02-11-2016 |
20160058674 | REMOVABLE ADHESION MATERIAL - The present invention relates in a first aspect to an adhesion material for use in an individual containing encapsulated phase-change material. In particular, the adhesion material is for cosmetical or medicinal use in the body of an individual. The adhesion material contains encapsulated phase-change material having preferably a phase transition temperature above 40° C., like above 55° C. The adhesion material is particularly useful for adhering elements, like dental restorations, e.g. crowns or bridge, or brackets on elements in the body of an individual, like teeth or implants. That is, the adhesion material is particularly useful for adhering material in dental applications. In another aspect, a method is provided allowing removing a bracket, a crown or bridge, from implants, abutments or teeth. Furthermore, dental implant restoration systems and kits for permanent fixation of implants allowing improved removal thereof are provided. | 03-03-2016 |
20160095675 | ORTHODONTIC BRACKET - An orthodontic bracket is described and which includes a base member defining an archwire slot having an opening, and at least one projection extending outwardly from the base member; a ligating slide moveable between a first position which is clear of the archwire slot, and second position where the ligating slide projects over the opening of the archwire slot; and a biasing member borne by the ligating slide, and resiliently cooperating with the projection, and wherein the biasing member has a first portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the first position, and a second portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the second position. | 04-07-2016 |
20160096037 | METHODS USEFUL FOR REMODELING MAXILLOFACIAL BONE USING LIGHT THERAPY AND A FUNCTIONAL APPLIANCE - Methods are provided for regulating bone remodeling or tooth movement, comprising allowing a functional appliance to exert a force on oral or maxillofacial bone, muscle, or soft tissue, or one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and administering an effective amount of light to the oral or maxillofacial bone, muscle, or soft tissue, or one or more teeth, wherein the light is administered before, during, or after the force is exerted. Methods are also provided for regulating bone remodeling, comprising administering an effective amount of vitamin D to an oral or maxillofacial bone, muscle, or soft tissue, or to one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and administering an effective amount of light to the oral or maxillofacial bone, muscle, or soft tissue, or to the one or more teeth. Apparatuses useful for providing light therapy and/or vitamin D is also provided. | 04-07-2016 |
20160106520 | DETERMINING A DENTAL TREATMENT DIFFICULTY - Embodiments for determining a dental treatment difficulty are described herein. One method embodiment includes receiving an initial and subsequent position of each of a first tooth and a second tooth and calculating a change in position of each of the first tooth and the second tooth. The method embodiment can also include projecting the changes in position of each of the first tooth and the second tooth onto a reference line and calculating a change in position on the reference line for the first tooth and the second tooth. The method embodiment can further include determining the dental treatment difficulty based on the changes in position on the reference line. | 04-21-2016 |
20160120616 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ORTHODONTITIS - A method for treating orthodontitis (i.e., gingivitis caused by malpositioned teeth). The process includes evaluating improper morphologies of alveolar bone in the horizontal dimension (i.e., orthodontosis) caused by displaced root(s) of a tooth, uprighting the root of the malpositioned tooth utilizing an orthodontic bracket system thereby causing the alveolar bone to be restored, which in-turn alleviates the orthodontitis. An orthodontic bracket is provided for use with an arch wire to apply corrective forces to a tooth. The bracket includes a vertical member having a slot formed therein for receiving the arch wire and a wide base horizontal member connected to the vertical member. The vertical member is positioned gingivally with respect to the horizontal member. The horizontal member includes opposing first and second ends that extend away from the vertical member and define a pair of spaced-apart wire engaging points engageable with the arch wire during treatment. | 05-05-2016 |
20160184054 | PULSATILE ORTHODONTIC DEVICE AND METHODS - Orthodontic remodeling devices having an extraoral housing containing a power source operably coupled to an actuator operably coupled to a processor that controls said actuator; the extraoral housing operably connected to an intraoral U-shaped bite plate; the bite plate having upper and lower vertical edges on a facial edge thereof and upper and lower vertical edges on a lingual edge thereof. During usage the orthodontic remodeling device is held in place only by teeth clamping on the bite plate and vibrates at a selected frequency between 0.1 and 400 Hz. Methods of using same for faster orthodontic remodeling and pain reduction are also provided. | 06-30-2016 |
20170231721 | Automated Placement of Dental Orthodontic Attachments | 08-17-2017 |