Embedded features and methods of a dental appliance

Abstract

Traditional orthodontic treatment often involves the use of basic repositioning devices, such as braces, and the use of supplementary devices, components or accessories to achieve desired end results. Such components may be mounted on fixed, non-removable devices or they may be part of a removable appliance typically worn prior to the application of the fixed devices. As with traditional treatment, it may be desired to utilize similar components when repositioning teeth with removable elastic repositioning appliances. Due to the nature of elastic appliances, such components may take a variety of forms ranging from readily available traditional accessories to specially created devices. Thus, traditional components may be mounted on or embedded in an elastic appliance, or the appliance may be formed to provide similar components. Likewise, the appliance may be modified to provide additional features for specific orthodontic treatments.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 409,409 (Attorney Docket No. 018563-001540US-9011.ALG.D1), filed Apr. 7, 2003, which was a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 616,222 (Attorney Docket No. 018563-001510US-9011.ALG.P), filed Jul. 14, 2000, which claimed the benefit of prior provisional application No. 60 / 199,649 (Attorney Docket No. 018563-001500US-9011.ALG.V), and 60 / 199,650 (Attorney Docket No. 018563-001300US-9010.ALG.V), both filed on Apr. 25, 2000, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. [0002] The disclosure of this application is also related to application Ser. No. 09 / 616,830 (Attorney. Docket No. 018563-001310US-9010.ALG.P), filed on Jul. 14, 2000, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,524,101 on Feb. 25, 2003, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention is related gene...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, a polymeric shell may have a plurality of windows over portions of the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. In this case, segments of the shell may still be present along the facial and lingual surfaces of the teeth and across the interdental regions or spaces between the teeth. Exposure of the occlusal surfaces in appropriate size and location may allow interdigitation of the upper and lower teeth. This may also be achieved with the presence of one or a few larger windows over portions of the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. In these cases, segments of the shell may not be present across the interdental regions or spaces between the teeth. In either case, interdigitation of at least portions of the upper and lower teeth may benefit tooth and jaw orientations, leading to improved treatment, appearance, comfort and consequently patient compliance. Likewise, similarly placed windows may provide the benefits offered by a lower elastic modulus, such that the lowest stiffness may be provided by the absence of the material. Such benefits and a full description is provided in application Ser. No. 09 / 616,830 (Attorney. Docket No. 18563-001310), filed on Jul. 14, 2000, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,524,101 on Feb. 25, 2003, assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

Problems solved by technology

These components are not generally suited for use with fixed appliances and devices due to their bulk and size.

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