Removable dental appliance with interproximal reinforcement

Abstract

The present invention provides a removable dental appliance that can include an appliance body at least partially surrounding a plurality of teeth and an interproximal reinforcement. The appliance body may include a first housing shaped to engage the first teeth and a second housing shaped to engage the second teeth. The interproximal reinforcement extends from a first gingival margin on the labial side of the appliance body along the interproximal region between the first and second teeth to a second gingival margin on the lingual side of the appliance body. The interproximal reinforcement is configured to engage at least one of a lingual surface or a labial surface of the first tooth below the profile height to enable the appliance body to cause movement of the first tooth toward a desired position. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure describes a method comprising determining, by a computer device, a removable dental appliance design that includes the same interproximal reinforcement.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates to polymer-based removable dental appliances such as dental appliances. Background technique [0002] The field of orthodontics involves repositioning a patient's teeth to achieve improved function and aesthetic appearance. Orthodontic devices and treatments generally involve applying force to move the teeth into the proper occlusal configuration or bite. As one example, orthodontic treatment may involve the use of slotted appliances called brackets that are secured to a patient's anterior, canine, and bicuspid teeth. An arch wire is typically placed in the slot of each bracket and serves as a track to guide the movement of the teeth to the desired orientation. The ends of the archwires are typically received in appliances called buccal tubes that are secured to the patient's molars. Such dental appliances remain in the patient's mouth and are regularly adjusted by the orthodontist to check the process and maintain pro...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, orthodontic treatment may require some tooth movements that are difficult to achieve with CTA, such as root movement and rotation of canines and bicuspids

In these cases, the forces and moments that the CTA is able to apply directly to the tooth surface may not be sufficient to achieve the desired tooth movement

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