Occlusal adjustment structures for treatment planning

Abstract

A series of aligners including a first shell and a second shell can be designed to incrementally implement a treatment plan. The first shell and the second shell can have cavities designed to accommodate teeth of a jaw. A first number of bite adjustment structures can be formed of the same material as the first shell, extend from the first shell, and be designed to interface with teeth of a second jaw. The first number of bite adjustment structures can have a first shape and position for a first phase of the treatment plan. The second number of bite adjustment structures can be formed of the same material as the second shell, extend from the second shell, and be designed to interface with teeth of a second jaw. The second number of bite adjustment structures can have a second shape and position for a second phase of the treatment plan that is different from the first shape and position.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application based on patent application number 202010526175.1 filed on February 20, 2015, entitled “Occlusal Adjustment Structure for Treatment Planning”. Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of dental treatment and, more particularly, to systems, methods, computing device readable media, and devices for adjusting structures for bite in response to treatment plans.

[0003] Dental treatment can include, for example, restorative and / or orthodontic procedures. Restorative procedures can involve implanting a prosthesis (e.g., a crown, bridge, inlay, filling, veneer, etc.) in the patient's mouth. Orthodontic procedures can include repositioning misaligned teeth and changing the bite configuration for improved surface appearance and / or function of the teeth. Orthodontic repositioning can be achieved, for example, by applying a controlled force to one or more teeth over a period of time.

[0004] As an example, orthodontic repositioning can be provided by a dental procedure that uses positioning appliances for realigning the teeth. Such appliances can use thin shells of material with elastic properties, called "aligners," that generally conform to the user's teeth, but are slightly misaligned with the current configuration of the teeth.

[0005] The placement of such an appliance on the teeth can provide controlled forces at specific locations to gradually move the teeth to a new configuration. Repeating this process with successive appliances in a progressive configuration can move the teeth through a series of intermediate arrangements to the final desired arrangement.

[0006] Such systems typically utilize materials that are lightweight and / or transparent to provide a set of aligners that can be used successively as the teeth move, with new aligners being implemented to further move the teeth.

[0007] In various situations, a patient may have a malocclusion, in which the patient's teeth are not properly aligned. One example of a malocclusion is a deep bite, which is a severe form of overbite, in which the patient's lower teeth are overlapped by the upper teeth, and the lower incisors come into contact with the gum tissue in the upper arch of the jaw. The deep bite can cause aesthetic problems and / or problems with health consequences, such as damage to the roots of the upper teeth, damage to the gum tissue in the upper arch of the jaw, and / or wear on the lower teeth due to frictional contact with the upper teeth, among others.

[0008] Some previous methods of correcting a patient's deep bite may include intrusion of the anterior teeth (e.g., incisors and / or canines) and / or extrusion of the posterior teeth (e.g., premolars and / or molars). Extrusion of the posterior teeth may be facilitated by the use of occlusal boosters (e.g., metal blocks attached to the inner (lingual) surface of the upper anterior teeth to reduce contact between the posterior teeth in the opposing jaws and allow for more eruption); anterior bite plates that contact the anterior dentition while allowing the posterior teeth to erupt (e.g., in minor patients); double occlusal blocks (e.g., blocks with angled occlusal planes, one of which is placed on the upper dentition and the other on the lower dentition to reduce contact between the posterior teeth), etc. However, in adult patients, extrusion of the posterior teeth may result in unstable outcomes. The inward thrust of the anterior teeth may be facilitated by using: anchor bends (e.g., metal anchors on the molars that apply an upward force to the incisors); J-hook dental appliances; arch expansion screws; bypass archwires that bypass the premolars and / or canines by extending the span between the molars and incisors to maintain reduced forces, etc. Another previous method of correcting a patient's deep bite may be orthodontic surgical correction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 The figure illustrates a perspective view of a tooth position adjustment appliance including a plurality of bite adjustment structures applied to a set of teeth according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 Illustrated is a perspective view of a digital model of a jaw including a plurality of bite adjustment features positioned on the incisors, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3A Illustrated is a perspective view of a portion of a digital model of a jaw including a plurality of digital bite adjustment structures positioned thereon, corresponding to a first treatment stage, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3B Illustrated is a perspective view of a portion of a digital model of a jaw including a plurality of digital bite adjustment structures positioned thereon, corresponding to a second treatment stage, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3C Illustrated is a perspective view of a portion of a digital model of a jaw including a plurality of digital bite adjustment structures positioned thereon, corresponding to a third treatment stage, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3DIllustrated is a perspective view of a portion of a digital model of a jaw including a plurality of digital bite adjustment structures positioned thereon, corresponding to a fourth treatment stage, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 Illustrated is a perspective view of a digital model of a jaw including a plurality of digital bite adjustment structures positioned on digital canines, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 Illustrated is a perspective view of a digital model of a jaw including a plurality of digital bite adjustment structures positioned on digital posterior teeth, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 Illustrated is a perspective view of a portion of a tooth position adjustment appliance including a plurality of bite adjustment structures positioned thereon, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7A The present invention illustrates a plurality of embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the aligner is shown taken along cut line 7A-7A.

[0019] Figure 7B The present invention illustrates a plurality of embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the aligner is shown taken along cut line 7B-7B.

[0020] Figure 7C FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a first aligner and a second aligner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7B The cross section shown is similar to the cross section shown.

[0021] Figure 7D FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a first aligner and a second aligner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7B The cross section shown is similar to the cross section shown.

[0022] Figure 8 The interface between bite adjustment structures on a tooth position adjustment appliance and teeth on opposing jaws is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 9A The jaws are illustrated in a first perpendicular relationship according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 9B The jaws are illustrated in a second perpendicular relationship, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 10 Correction for overbite and overbite according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0026] Figure 11 A system for occlusal adjustment of a structure for treatment planning according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In contrast to some previous approaches, various embodiments of the present disclosure feature tooth-positioning appliances (e.g., aligners) that include a plurality of bite adjustment structures positioned thereon in a treatment-specific manner. For example, the bite adjustment structures can be positioned according to the stage of treatment associated with the appliances. All appliances in one, several, or a series of appliances can include bite adjustment structures that are positioned (e.g., using shape and position) for various stages of the treatment plan associated with each appliance. In some embodiments, the bite adjustment structures can be formed from the same material as the appliances and / or formed simultaneously with the appliances.

[0028] In the following detailed description of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and in which are shown by way of illustration how various embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described with sufficient detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the present disclosure, with the understanding that other embodiments may be used and that changes in steps and / or structure may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, "a plurality of" a particular thing can refer to more than one such thing (e.g., a plurality of bite adjustment structures can refer to more than one bite adjustment structure).

[0029] The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the figure number and the remaining digits identify the element or component in the figure. Similar digits may be used to identify similar elements or components between different figures. For example, 106 may refer to FIG. Figure 1 Component "06" in the , and similar components can be referenced as Figure 6 606 in. As will be understood, elements shown in the various embodiments herein can be added, exchanged, and / or removed to provide multiple additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, as will be understood, the proportions and relative scales of the elements set forth in the accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate specific embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

[0030] Figure 1 The figure shows a perspective view of a tooth position adjustment brace 102 including a plurality of bite adjustment structures 106 applied to a set of teeth 104 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, an appliance according to the present disclosure can include a plurality of progressive tooth position adjustment braces. Figure 1An appliance such as the illustrated appliance 102 can be used to incrementally implement a treatment plan, for example, by effecting incremental repositioning of individual teeth in the jaw, as well as other appropriate uses. An appliance such as the appliance 102 can be manufactured based on a virtual dental model that has had the positions of multiple teeth adjusted according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] The braces can include any positioners, retainers, and / or other removable appliances used to complete and maintain the positioning of teeth associated with a dental treatment. These braces can be used by the treating staff in the treatment plan being implemented. For example, the treatment plan can include the use of a set of braces created based on the models described herein.

[0032] Orthotics (e.g. Figure 1 The aligner 102 in the embodiment of the present invention can be made, for example, from a polymeric shell and / or formed from other materials, with a plurality of cavities therein (e.g., cavity 107-1, cavity 107-2, collectively referred to herein as cavities 107). The cavities 107 can be designed (e.g., shaped) to receive one or more teeth 104 and / or to apply a force to reposition one or more teeth 104 of a jaw from one tooth arrangement to a subsequent tooth arrangement. The shell can be designed to fit over a plurality of teeth 104 present in the upper and / or lower jaw, or in most cases, all of the teeth 104.

[0033] The aligner 102 can include a plurality of bite adjustment structures 106 formed from the same material as the shell. In some embodiments, the bite adjustment structures 106 can be formed from the same material as the shell as a continuous body. The bite adjustment structures 106 can be formed simultaneously with the shell (e.g., from the same base material), such as during a vacuum forming process in which the material is vacuum-formed onto a model of the teeth that is formed based on data representing the user's teeth.

[0034] The housing can include cavities 107 (e.g., each cavity 107 corresponding to a tooth). The bite adjustment structure 106 can be part of the cavity 107. A cavity, such as cavity 107-3, that does not include a bite adjustment structure 106 can be shaped to match a particular tooth. For example, the cavity 107-3 can be shaped to match three surfaces of a corresponding tooth to be received therein. The three surfaces can be an anterior (buccal) surface 128, an inner (lingual) surface 126, and an occlusal (incisal) surface 124. The cavity 107-3 can be slightly misaligned with the current configuration of the particular tooth (e.g., to promote alignment of the particular tooth to a desired configuration), however the cavity 107-3 can generally conform to the shape of the particular tooth such that when the aligner 102 is worn, there is not much space between the cavity 107-3 and the particular tooth.

[0035] In contrast, a cavity such as cavity 107-1 that includes a bite adjustment structure 106 can be shaped to match two surfaces of a particular tooth. For an incisor or canine, the two surfaces can be the anterior (buccal) surface 128 and the occlusal (incisal) surface 124. The lingual (lingual) surface 126 of cavity 107-1 can include the bite adjustment structure 106 extending therefrom. The bite adjustment structure 106 can form a portion of cavity 107-1 so that when it is worn on a particular tooth, there is a space between the tooth and the bite adjustment structure 106. Figure 7B and 7C The space is illustrated in more detail.

[0036] The bite adjustment structures 106 can extend from the appliance 102 toward the inside of the mouth (in the buccal-lingual direction) and be designed to interface with the teeth of the jaw opposite the jaw on which the appliance 102 is intended to be worn. For example, the appliance 102 can be designed to fit over teeth in the upper jaw of the user, and the bite adjustment structures 106 can be designed to interface with teeth in the lower jaw of the user. The shape (e.g., size and / or profile, angle, etc.) and position (e.g., location on the cavity) of each bite adjustment structure 106 can be specific to the stage of the treatment plan for which the appliance 102 is designed. For example, successive appliances created according to a treatment plan can have bite adjustment structures 106 that are differently shaped and / or positioned. A particular bite adjustment structure 106 can have a shape and position that is specific to a particular stage of the treatment plan based on at least one of the interface with specific teeth of the opposing jaw, the intended use, and the orientation of the teeth on which the bite adjustment structure 106 is positioned. Bite adjustment structures 106 having shapes and positions tailored to a specific stage of treatment can offer advantages over previous approaches that utilize generic and / or uniform attachments that are not tailored to the specific stage of treatment and, therefore, may not accurately provide the desired correction for the specific stage of treatment during their use. Such inaccurate treatment can result in drawbacks such as prolonged treatment plans, the need for revisions to the treatment plan, and / or unnecessary user discomfort. In contrast, various embodiments of the present disclosure allow for more timely, accurate, and / or comfortable execution of treatment plans.

[0037] In some embodiments, the edge 101 of the cavity 107 opposite the occlusal (incisal) surface 124 of the cavity 107 can be shaped to extend past the user's gum line 108. The extension of the housing past the gum line 108 of the jaw can help distribute reaction forces (e.g., opposing forces applied to the bite adjustment structure 106) to other parts of the jaw.

[0038] Although not specifically illustrated, in some embodiments, for a particular stage in the treatment plan, the upper appliance (an appliance designed to fit over the teeth of the user's upper jaw) and the lower appliance (an appliance designed to fit over the teeth of the user's lower jaw) can include multiple bite adjustment features. A particular stage in the treatment plan can include bite adjustment features on only one of the upper and lower appliances. A particular stage in the treatment plan can include no bite adjustment features on either the upper or lower appliances. A particular stage in the treatment plan can include bite adjustment features on cavities corresponding to incisors, canines, premolars and / or molars, and / or combinations thereof.

[0039] The bite adjustment structures on the upper appliance can be designed to interface with the teeth of the lower jaw, and the bite adjustment structures on the lower appliance can be designed to interface with the teeth of the upper jaw. As used herein, a bite adjustment structure that is "designed to interface with the teeth of the opposing jaw" can mean that the bite adjustment structure is designed to interface with the teeth of the opposing jaw that may or may not be covered by another appliance. In some embodiments, a bite adjustment structure on a cavity of a first appliance can be designed to interface with a correspondingly positioned structure on a cavity of a second appliance on the opposing jaw (e.g., as Figure 7D as shown and described).

[0040] The upper appliance can include a plurality of bite adjustment structures 106 on the inner side (e.g., the lingual side) of a cavity 107 designed to receive the upper front teeth. When the user bites down, the plurality of bite adjustment structures 106 can interface with the lower front teeth and receive internal forces from the lower front teeth (e.g., thereby providing a disocclusion between the user's back teeth). In some embodiments, the appliance 102 can be designed to selectively distribute reaction forces (opposing the internal forces generated by the user's bite) to the upper back teeth.

[0041] The bite adjustment structure 106 can be designed to provide a misalignment between opposing jaws. Providing a misalignment between opposing jaws can allow for adjustment (e.g., correction) of the vertical relationship between the upper and lower jaws. That is, the bite adjustment structure 106 can be designed and intended for adjusting the vertical relationship between the upper and lower jaws, and / or the vertical relationship between individual teeth in the upper and lower jaws. In some embodiments, the appliance 102 can be designed to reposition the plurality of teeth 104 on which the appliance 102 is worn while the bite adjustment structure 106 provides a misalignment between opposing jaws. Providing a misalignment between opposing jaws can help prevent the appliances on the opposing jaws from interacting (e.g., contacting, allowing for force interaction, etc.) with each other (e.g., except at the bite adjustment structure 106). Providing a misalignment between opposing jaws can adjust the user's occlusal plane (e.g., the global occlusal plane). Such an adjustment can be temporary (e.g., while the appliance 102 is worn) and / or more permanent (e.g., by allowing teeth such as molars to be pushed out). For example, the bite adjustment structure 106 can be designed to provide a misalignment between the opposing back teeth when the user bites down (e.g., in some cases, multiple front teeth of the user may contact the bite adjustment structure 106 on an appliance worn on the opposing jaw, which can prevent the user's back teeth from biting). As described herein, "misalignment" includes providing space between corresponding teeth on the opposing jaws so that the teeth do not constrain and / or contact each other.

[0042] Figure 2 A perspective view of a digital model 214 of a jaw including a plurality of bite adjustment structures 210 positioned on the front teeth is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various embodiments of the present disclosure include instructions executable by a processor (e.g., software), which instructions can be fixed in a non-transitory computing device-readable medium, to model a user's jaw (e.g., including teeth, tooth roots, gums, and / or supporting structures, etc.). The instructions can be executed to create and / or modify a treatment plan to progressively adjust the user's teeth and / or bite, among other adjustments, via the application of a series of aligners as described herein. The instructions can be executed to provide a modified model of the user's jaw for each of the various stages of the treatment plan for fabricating a physical model corresponding to the digital model 214 (e.g., via rapid prototyping such as stereolithography). The physical model can be used to fabricate aligners thereon (e.g., via thermoforming).

[0043] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, instructions can be executed to position a plurality of digital bite adjustment structures 210 on a corresponding plurality of digital teeth 212 of a digital model of a jaw 214. The instructions can be executed to position the digital bite adjustment structures 210 on the digital teeth of the digital model of the jaw 214 at a particular stage of treatment and / or to adjust the position of the digital bite adjustment structures 210 for a subsequent stage of treatment. According to the treatment plan, the digital model of the jaw 214 can be different (e.g., the positioning of the digital teeth can change) at each stage of treatment. The instructions can be executed to adjust the position of the digital bite adjustment structure 210 based on changes to the digital model of the jaw 214 between treatment stages and / or based on anticipated changes in a subsequent stage of treatment (e.g., to help achieve desired changes to the digital model of the jaw 214).

[0044] For each stage of treatment, instructions can be executed to model the forces applied to the digital model 214 of the jaw by the aligners corresponding to that stage (simulating the actual forces applied to the user's physical jaw by the physical aligners). These forces can include forces applied to the digital model 214 of the jaw by aligners that are slightly misaligned with the current configuration of the digital teeth and / or include internal forces applied to the aligners by the user (e.g., when the user bites on the bite adjustment structure). Instructions can be executed to adjust the shape of the digital model 214 of the jaw so that the corresponding aligners formed thereon distribute reaction forces (opposite to the internal forces applied by the user to the bite adjustment structure) to multiple posterior teeth of the user's physical jaw.

[0045] The various digital models illustrated and / or described herein (e.g., Figure 2 、 3A -3D, 4, 5, etc.) can represent the stages of treatment planning, can be used to model the forces applied to the digital model, can be used to create a physical model for the molding of a physical orthotic thereon, can be used to directly manufacture a physical orthotic (without creating a physical model), etc.

[0046] The positioning and / or adjustment of the positioning of the digital bite adjustment structure 210 on the digital model 214 of the jaw can be automatic (e.g., by software operation based on force modeling at a particular stage of treatment), manual (e.g., by an operator interacting with the digital model via an interface with a computing device), or a combination thereof. Similarly, the shape (e.g., size, orientation (e.g., various angles relative to a reference)) and / or attachment position (on the digital teeth) of the digital bite adjustment structure 210 can be automatically set by the software, by manual operation (e.g., the operator can specify the required criteria for the digital bite adjustment structure 210 and / or modify the default criteria provided by the software), or a combination of both.

[0047] As described herein, the bite adjustment structure can be used to provide for misalignment and / or adjust canine guidance, among other uses. Instructions for positioning the digital bite adjustment structure 210 can incorporate the results of instructions for modeling the forces used to reposition the digital teeth 212. For example, instructions can be executed to model a first number of forces ("first" refers to any stage, not necessarily the initial stage) used to reposition a corresponding number of digital teeth 212 a first distance according to a first stage of the treatment plan, and instructions can be executed to incorporate the results of the simulated first number of forces for positioning the digital bite adjustment structure 212. Instructions executed to adjust the position of the digital bite adjustment structure 212 can incorporate the results of instructions executed to calculate a second number of forces used to reposition a second number of digital teeth 212 a second distance according to a second stage of the treatment plan (e.g., a stage subsequent to the first stage, not necessarily consecutive).

[0048] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is not necessary to attach a physical bite adjustment structure to a user's physical teeth in order to manufacture an appliance that includes a bite adjustment structure. Using digital modeling, an impression of the user's teeth can be made (without physical attachments), and the digital bite adjustment structure 210 can be added using software. Such embodiments can be beneficial in reducing the time a user spends in a professional's office and / or reducing the use of materials associated with physical attachments, which can reduce costs. Such embodiments can be beneficial in reducing the discomfort a user may experience with physical attachments, even if the physical attachments are temporary.

[0049] Figure 3A A perspective view of a portion of a digital model 314 of a jaw including a plurality of digital bite adjustment structures 310 positioned thereon, corresponding to a first stage of treatment, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. The digital model 314 includes a plurality of digital teeth 312-1, 312-2, 312-3, 312-4 (e.g., incisors), each including a corresponding digital bite adjustment structure 310-1, 310-2, 310-3, 310-4.

[0050] Figure 3B Illustrated is a perspective view of a portion of a digital model 314 of a jaw including a plurality of digital bite adjustment structures 310 positioned thereon, corresponding to a second stage of treatment, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3C Illustrated is a perspective view of a portion of a digital model 314 of a jaw including a plurality of digital bite adjustment structures 310 positioned thereon, corresponding to a third stage of treatment, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3DIllustrated is a perspective view of a portion of a digital model 314 of a jaw including a plurality of digital bite adjustment structures 310 positioned thereon, corresponding to a fourth stage of treatment, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] "Phase 1" does not necessarily refer to the initial phase of a treatment plan, but can be a relative term relative to other phases. For example, "Phase 1" could be the second phase of a 50-phase treatment plan, whereas Figure 3B The "second phase" shown may be the tenth phase of a 50-phase treatment plan, and Figure 3C The "third stage" shown may be stage 30 of a 50-stage treatment plan, and Figure 3D The "fourth phase" shown may be phase 40 of a 50-phase treatment plan.

[0052] Embodiments can include Figures 3A-3D More or fewer bite adjustment structures 310 are shown. For example, some treatment plans may include four bite adjustment structures 310 for phase 1 and two bite adjustment structures for phase 2. Each bite adjustment structure 310 can have a shape and position specific to each phase of the treatment plan.

[0053] Figure 3A A first digital tooth 312-1 includes a first digital bite adjustment feature 310-1 that is smaller than a second digital bite adjustment feature 310-2 on a second digital tooth 312-2. The first digital bite adjustment feature 310-1 is smaller than the second digital bite adjustment feature 310-2 in the direction between adjacent teeth in the same jaw (mesiodistal direction) 311 and in the direction between the front and back of the mouth (buccal-lingual direction) 313. In some embodiments, different bite adjustment features can have different dimensions in the direction between the root and tip of the tooth (gingival-incisal / crown direction) 315. The first digital bite adjustment feature 310-1 is smaller than the third digital bite adjustment feature 310-3 on the third digital tooth 312-3 and smaller than the fourth digital bite adjustment feature 310-4 on the fourth digital tooth 312-4. The third digital bite adjustment feature 310-3 and the second digital bite adjustment feature 310-2 have approximately the same dimensions. The fourth digital bite adjustment structure is smaller than the second digital bite adjustment structure 310-2 and the third digital bite adjustment structure 310-3, but larger than the first digital bite adjustment structure 310-1. The bite adjustment structure can have different angles, such as Figures 7A-7B Specifically illustrated and described.

[0054] For example, the bite adjustment structure can be designed to have a different (e.g., smaller) size as corresponding teeth of opposing jaws move closer together during treatment. For example, the bite adjustment structure can be designed to have a different (e.g., larger) size as corresponding teeth of opposing jaws move farther apart during treatment. The bite adjustment structure can have a smaller or larger size in the direction (mesiodistal direction) 311 between adjacent teeth in the same jaw depending on proximity to one or more adjacent teeth (i.e., the bite adjustment structure can be designed to be larger / smaller to cause pushing / spacing so that the bite adjustment structure does not interfere with the adjacent teeth).

[0055] The bite adjustment structure can be designed to be in different positions on the teeth for different stages of treatment. Figure 3B and Figure 3C As shown, the edge 323-1 of the digital bite adjustment structure 310-1 closest to the occlusal (incisal) surface 324-1 moves closer to the occlusal (incisal) surface 324-1 of the digital tooth 312-1. Furthermore, between the second and third stages, the digital bite adjustment structure 310-1 increases in size in the direction (mesiodistal) 311 between adjacent teeth in the same jaw and in the direction (gingival-incisal / crown) 315 between the roots and tips of the teeth. The bite adjustment structure can be designed to change its position on the tooth between treatment stages based on, for example, changes in the intrusion or extrusion of the tooth (or the corresponding tooth on the opposing jaw) and / or movement of the tooth (or the corresponding tooth on the opposing jaw) (e.g., movement in the direction (mesiodistal) 311 between adjacent teeth in the same jaw). For example, if a tooth is pushed in during treatment, then in a subsequent treatment phase, the bite adjustment structure for that tooth can be moved toward the occlusal (incisal) surface of the tooth so that the corresponding tooth on the opposite jaw can continue to contact the bite adjustment structure. As used herein, "pushing in" includes urging a tooth back into the jaw and / or preventing a tooth from erupting from the jaw.

[0056] pass Figures 3A-3D, the edges 323-1, 323-2, 323-3, 323-4 of the digital bite adjustment structures 310-1, 310-2, 310-3, 310-4 that are closest to the occlusal (incisal) surfaces 324-1, 324-2, 324-3, 324-4 of the teeth generally change position toward the occlusal (incisal) surfaces 324-1, 324-2, 324-3, 324-4 of the digital teeth 312-1, 312-2, 312-3, 312-4. Such a change in position can be designed for the digital bite adjustment structure 310-1, 310-2, 310-3, 310-4, for example, as part of a treatment plan for pushing the digital teeth 312-1, 312-2, 312-3, 312-4 into the jaw (as the teeth are moved into the jaw, the occlusal plane defined by the contact with the corresponding teeth on the opposite jaw will move generally in the direction between the roots and tips of the teeth (gingival-incisal / crown direction) 315 towards the occlusal (incisal) surfaces 324-1, 324-2, 324-3, 324-4 of the digital teeth 312-1, 312-2, 312-3, 312-4).

[0057] Figure 4 A perspective view of a digital model 414 of a jaw including a plurality of digital bite adjustment structures 410-1, 410-2 positioned on digital canines 412-1, 412-2 is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. While wearing the aligners, the aligners including the bite adjustment structures on the canines (e.g., formed based on the digital model 414) can be used to provide a misalignment between various opposing teeth in the user's jaw (e.g., to allow for tooth eruption or other treatment goals).

[0058] The digital bite adjustment structure 410 can extend from the digital canine 412 in a direction 413 from the outside of the mouth toward the inside of the mouth (buccal-lingual). Because the digital bite adjustment structure 410 extends from the digital canine 412, the digital bite adjustment structure 410 may (depending on the geometry and arrangement of the particular patient's teeth) extend in a direction oblique to the occlusal plane. Although the angle of each digital bite adjustment structure can be specific to the particular digital tooth from which it extends, and the geometry and arrangement of the patient's teeth will vary, a digital bite adjustment structure extending from a digital incisor (e.g., Figure 2 ) can be brought closer together to be parallel to the occlusal plane, and the digital occlusal adjustment structures (e.g., Figure 5 ) can be brought closer to be perpendicular to the occlusal plane, and the digital occlusal adjustment structures extending from the digital canines (e.g. Figure 4 ) can be brought closer to the occlusal plane.

[0059] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a digital bite adjustment structure 410 can be positioned on a corresponding number of teeth 412 of a digital model 414 of a jaw at a particular stage of treatment. The position of the digital bite adjustment structure 414 can be adjusted for a subsequent stage of treatment (e.g., to help achieve desired changes to the digital model 414 of the jaw). For example, a bite adjustment structure on a cavity of an appliance on a canine can be used to adjust a canine guide. A canine guide is a feature of a canine that helps prevent contact with the posterior teeth of the opposing jaw when the mandible slides laterally (e.g., when the mandible slides laterally relative to the upper jaw, the interaction (guiding) of the upper canine with the lower canine provides a misalignment between the posterior teeth of the opposing jaw to protect the posterior teeth). An appliance having a bite adjustment structure formed on the canine cavity is able to adjust the canine guidance by altering the interface between the canine cavity and the corresponding tooth on the opposing jaw so that when the jaws move laterally relative to each other, the interface between the bite adjustment structure and the opposing tooth protects the posterior teeth by providing a clenched bite (e.g., without the bite adjustment structure, the posterior teeth may contact and / or rub against each other as the jaws move laterally relative to each other).

[0060] Figure 5 A perspective view of a digital model 514 of a jaw including a plurality of digital bite adjustment structures 510-1, 510-2 positioned on digital posterior teeth 512-1, 512-2 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The digital bite adjustment structures 510 are illustrated as being positioned on digital molars 512. Although not specifically illustrated, the digital bite adjustment structures can be positioned in a manner similar to the digital bite adjustment structures 510-1, 510-2. Figure 5 The digital bite adjustment structures 510 are shown positioned on the molars in a similar manner to the digital premolars 512 .

[0061] At a particular treatment stage, the digital bite adjustment structure 510 can be positioned over a corresponding number of digital teeth 512 (e.g., posterior teeth) of the digital model 514 of the jaw. The position of the digital bite adjustment structure 510 can be adjusted for subsequent treatment stages (e.g., to help achieve desired changes to the digital model 514 of the jaw). For example, a bite adjustment structure on a cavity of an orthodontic appliance on a molar or / premolar can be used to provide a misalignment between the posterior molars and / or anterior teeth of the opposing jaws when the user bites down. The digital bite adjustment structure 510 can extend from each cavity in the root-to-cusp direction (gingival-incisal / crown direction) 515 of the teeth. In some embodiments, the digital bite adjustment structure 510 can extend in the root-to-cusp direction (gingival-incisal / crown direction) 515 of the teeth a distance sufficient to pass through the occlusal plane to help provide a misalignment in a corresponding physical bite adjustment structure formed in the orthodontic appliance based on the digital model 514. The bite adjustment structure 510 can be provided by the interaction of the bite adjustment structure with the teeth of the opposing jaw (e.g., the bite adjustment structure can contact multiple teeth of the opposing jaw and prevent other teeth of the opposing jaw from contacting each other). Although not specifically illustrated, the corresponding surface of the opposing digital jaw can be contoured to accommodate the digital bite adjustment structure 510. The aligner formed thereon can inherit this contour, allowing the bite adjustment structure 510 to fit snugly onto the opposing aligner and avoid undesirable biasing forces.

[0062] Although not specifically illustrated, some embodiments can include digital bite adjustment structures on only the back teeth on one side of the jaw (e.g., the left or right side) for a particular stage of treatment. Including bite adjustment structures extending from the back teeth on one side of the jaw can cause the teeth to be pushed out or erupted from the opposite side of the jaw. In some embodiments, a first stage of treatment can include bite adjustment structures extending from the back teeth on the left side of the jaw, and a second stage following the first stage can include bite adjustment structures extending from the back teeth on the right side of the jaw (or vice versa). The change in the side of the jaw from which the digital bite adjustment structures extend (the back teeth) can cause the teeth to be alternately pushed out or erupted from both sides of the jaw.

[0063] In some embodiments, a first phase of treatment can include a bite adjustment structure extending from a first posterior tooth on one side of the jaw (e.g., the left or right side), and a second phase following the first phase can include a bite adjustment structure extending from a second (different) posterior tooth on the same side of the jaw. The alternation of teeth on the same side of the jaw from which the digital bite adjustment structure extends (the posterior teeth) can cause multiple teeth to alternately push out or erupt from the same side of the jaw.

[0064] Figure 6A perspective view of a portion of a tooth position adjustment appliance including a plurality of bite adjustment structures 606 positioned thereon, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. For example, a cavity 607 includes the bite adjustment structure 606. The bite adjustment structure 606 includes a first surface 620 and a second surface 622. The cavity 607 including the bite adjustment structure 606 is illustrated with section lines 7A-7A and 7B-7B. Figure 7A Corresponding to cutting line 7A-7A. Figure 7B 、 7C and 7D are different embodiments corresponding to the cutting line 7B-7B.

[0065] Figure 7A The present invention illustrates a plurality of embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the illustrated appliance (e.g., cavity 707-1) taken along cut line 7A-7A. The appliance includes a cavity 707-1 that includes a bite adjustment structure 706-1. The cavity 707-1 can be shaped to mate with two surfaces of the teeth therein when worn by a user. Note that the left and right edges of the cavity 707-1 are shown for illustrative purposes and may not be physically part of the appliance (e.g., the appliance may have open grooves between adjacent cavities included therein so as not to interfere with the interproximal areas between adjacent teeth of the user). As described herein, the bite adjustment structure can include a shape and position specific to a particular stage of a treatment plan. The bite adjustment structure 706-1 is illustrated on the inner (lingual) surface 726-1 of the cavity 707-1. The cavity 707-1 (e.g., the bite adjustment structure 706-1 on the cavity 707-1) can have a first surface 720-1 that extends in an anterior-to-medial (buccal-lingual) direction (towards the outside of the page) within the cavity 707-1, away from the tooth, and proximate to an occlusal (incisal) surface 724-1 of the cavity 707-1. The cavity 707-1 (e.g., the bite adjustment structure 706-1) can have a second surface 722-1 that connects to the first surface 720-1 within the cavity 707-1 at a distance from the tooth. The first surface 720-1 and the second surface 722-1 are both on the same side of the cavity 707-1 (e.g., the first surface 720-1 and the second surface 722-1 are both on the outside of the cavity 707-1, opposite the inside of the cavity 707-1 that receives the tooth). An angle 716 between the first surface 720-1 of the cavity 707-1 and the occlusal plane 718-1 of the user is illustrated.

[0066] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, different cavities ( Figure 7A8-1 . The occlusal adjustment structures 706-1 may be configured to have different angles 716 between the first surface 720-1 and the occlusal plane 718-1. Having different angles 716 between different bite adjustment structures 706-1 and the occlusal plane 718-1 may allow for more accurate modeling of the forces applied to the bite adjustment structures 706-1 by the user's opposing teeth. For example, where a user has differently misaligned teeth in either the upper or lower jaw (e.g., where the occlusal (incisal) surfaces 724-1 of different teeth approach the occlusal plane 718-1 at different angles), having different angles 716 between different bite adjustment structures 706-1 and the occlusal plane 718-1 may allow for more force to be applied to each bite adjustment structure 706-1 by the user's opposing teeth. Modification of the angle 716 of the individual bite adjustment structure 706-1 can cause the first surface 720-1 (e.g., the occlusal (incisal) surface) of the individual bite adjustment structure 706-1 (e.g., each bite adjustment structure 706-1) to be approximately parallel to the occlusal (incisal) surface of the opposing tooth.

[0067] Figure 7B The present invention illustrates a plurality of embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the aligner (e.g., cavity 707-2) is shown taken along cut line 7B-7B. Figure 7A , Figure 7B It is possible to illustrate what would appear after being rotated 90 degrees about the vertical axis 721. Figure 7A The aligner includes a cavity 707-2, which includes a bite adjustment structure 706-2 according to multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. The cavity 707-2 can be formed to match two surfaces of the teeth therein when worn by the user. For example, the front (buccal) surface 728 of the cavity 707-2 can be formed to match the front (buccal) surface of the teeth therein, and the occlusal (incisal) surface 724-2 of the cavity 707-2 can be formed to match the occlusal (incisal) surface of the teeth therein. The inner (lingual) surface 726-2 of the cavity 707-2 can be partially formed to match the inner (lingual) surface of the teeth therein.

[0068] Because there is a space between the tooth and the first surface 720-2 and the second surface 722-2 of the bite adjustment structure 706-2 (e.g., as shown by the dashed line 725-2, which would otherwise represent a portion of the inner (lingual) surface of the cavity 707-2), the inner (lingual) surface 726-2 of the cavity 707-2 is shaped to "partially match" the inner (lingual) surface of the tooth therein. In some embodiments, the space between the tooth and the first surface 720-2 and the second surface 722-2 can be empty (e.g., hollow). In such embodiments, there is an open groove between the bite adjustment structure 706-2 and the remainder of the cavity 707-2. In some embodiments, the space between the tooth and the first surface 720-2 and the second surface 722-2 can be solid (e.g., filled with the same material as the aligner or a different material). In such embodiments, the dashed line 725-2 will appear to be implemented because it will represent the physical edge of the material filling the space between the tooth and the first surface 720-2 and the second surface 722-2.

[0069] The bite adjustment structure 706-2 is shown on the inner (lingual) surface 726-2 of the cavity 707-2. The cavity 707-2 (e.g., the bite adjustment structure 706-2 on the cavity 707-2) can have a first surface 720-2 that extends in an anterior-to-inner (buccal-lingual) direction within the cavity 707-2, away from the tooth and proximal to the occlusal (incisal) surface 724-2 of the cavity 707-2. The cavity 707-2 (e.g., the bite adjustment structure 706-2) can have a second surface 722-2. The second surface 722-2 can extend away from a position that will serve as the inner side of the tooth received in the cavity 707-2 (e.g., as shown by the dashed line 752-2). The second surface 722-2 can extend generally in an occlusal (incisal) direction (at least relative to the anterior to medial (buccal-lingual) direction in which the first surface 720-2 extends). The second surface 722-2 can extend away from a point 727 where the cavity 707-2 is otherwise shaped to mate with the tooth received therein. The point 727 can be proximate an edge 729 of the cavity 707-2 opposite the occlusal (incisal) surface 724-2 of the cavity 707-2. The first surface 720-2 is connected to the second surface 722-2 within the cavity 707-2 at a distance away from the tooth.

[0070] The angle 717 between the first surface 720-2 of the cavity 707-2 and the occlusal plane 718-2 of the user is shown. Figure 7A The angle 716 shown, referred to as the "rocking angle," between the first surface 720-2 and the occlusal plane 718-2 is Figure 7BThe angle 717 shown can be referred to as the "pitch angle". According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, different cavities ( Figure 7B 706-2 and the occlusal plane 718-2. Having different angles 717 between different bite adjustment structures 706-2 and the occlusal plane 718-2 can allow for more accurate modeling of the forces applied to the bite adjustment structures 706-2 by the user's opposing teeth. For example, where a treatment plan for a user requires repositioning teeth within the cavity 707-3 in directions other than directly toward the roots and / or jaws (e.g., to correct teeth having improper tilts such as inclination and retroflexion), having different angles 717 between different bite adjustment structures 706-2 and the occlusal plane 718-2 allows for more accurate control of the direction of the forces applied to each bite adjustment structure 706-2 by the user's opposing teeth.

[0071] Figure 7C FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a first aligner and a second aligner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7B A portion of the first appliance (e.g., cavity 707-31) includes a bite adjustment structure 706-3. Because there is a space between the teeth and the first surface 720-3 and the second surface 722-3 of the bite adjustment structure 706-3 (e.g., as shown by dashed line 725-3, which would otherwise represent a portion of the inner (lingual) surface of the cavity 707-31), the inner (lingual) surface 726-3 of the cavity 707-31 is shaped to partially match the inner (lingual) surface of the teeth therein.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first surface 720-3 of the bite adjustment structure 706-3 can include a notch 730-3 positioned to contact the occlusal (incisal) surface of the cavity 707-32 opposing the bite adjustment structure 706-3 in the opposing jaw when the jaws of the user wearing the aligner are closed. Such a notch 730-3 can be used to help control the position at which the opposing cavity 707-32 contacts and / or applies force to the bite adjustment structure 706-3, allowing for more accurate modeling of the forces applied to the bite adjustment structure in treatment planning. Without such a notch, the opposing cavity 707-32 may slide along the first surface 720-3 of the bite adjustment structure 706-3 and may apply force to different portions of the first surface 720-3 of the bite adjustment structure 706-3, which can result in different force vectors (e.g., different magnitudes and / or directions). More accurate modeling of the forces applied to the bite adjustment structure 706-3 can lead to more beneficial results from the treatment plan for the user (eg, the actual structure can more accurately reflect the simulated results in the treatment plan).

[0073] Figure 7D FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a first aligner and a second aligner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7B A portion of the first appliance (e.g., cavity 707-41) includes a bite adjustment structure 706-4. Because there is a space between the tooth and the first surface 720-4 and the second surface 722-4 of the bite adjustment structure 706-4 (e.g., as shown by dashed line 725-4, which would otherwise represent a portion of the inner (lingual) surface of the cavity 707-41), the inner (lingual) surface 726-4 of the cavity 707-41 can be shaped to partially match the inner (lingual) surface of the tooth therein.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first surface 720-4 of the bite adjustment structure 706-4 can include a receiving structure 732-4 positioned to receive the arrangement structure 731-4 of the cavity 707-42 in the opposing jaw that is opposed to the bite adjustment structure 706-4 when the jaws of the user wearing the aligner are closed. Such a receiving structure 732-4 can be used to help control the position at which the opposing cavity 707-42 contacts and / or applies a force to the bite adjustment structure 706-4, allowing for more accurate modeling of the forces applied to the bite adjustment structure in treatment planning. Without such a receiving structure, the opposing cavity 707-42 may slide along the first surface 720-4 of the bite adjustment structure 706-4 and may apply forces to different portions of the first surface 720-4 of the bite adjustment structure 706-4, which can result in different force vectors (e.g., different magnitudes and / or directions). More accurate modeling of the forces applied to the bite adjustment structure 706-4 can lead to more beneficial results from the treatment plan for the user (eg, actual results can more accurately reflect simulated results in the treatment plan).

[0075] Figure 8 The interface between a plurality of bite adjustment structures 806-1, 806-2 on a tooth position adjustment brace 802 and a plurality of teeth 804-1, 804-2 on an opposing jaw is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The plurality of teeth 804-1, 804-2 of the second jaw may or may not be covered by the brace. The plurality of bite adjustment structures 806-1, 806-2 can have shapes and positions specific to the particular stage of the treatment plan that the brace 802 is designed to accomplish. While only two cavities of the brace 802 are illustrated, the brace 802 can include other cavities, and the other cavities (some or all) can include bite adjustment structures thereon. Based on at least one of the interface with a particular tooth of the opposing jaw (e.g., tooth 804-1), the intended use, and the orientation of the tooth on which the cavity including the bite adjustment structure (e.g., bite adjustment structure 806-1) is positioned, a particular bite adjustment structure (e.g., bite adjustment structure 806-1, or one or more bite adjustment structures) can have a shape and position specific to a particular stage of the treatment plan.

[0076] The interface between the bite adjustment structure 806-1 and the tooth 804-1 can be defined by the relative geometry of the first surface 820 of the bite adjustment structure 806-1 and the occlusal (incisal) surface 824 of the tooth 804-1 and / or the occlusal (incisal) surface of the cavity of the aligner thereon. The first surface 820-1 of the first cavity can be parallel to a local occlusal plane 832-1 of the tooth 804-1 opposite the first surface 820-1 of the first cavity, and the first surface 820-2 of the second cavity can be parallel to a local occlusal plane 832-2 of the tooth 804-2 opposite the first surface 820-2 of the second cavity. A local occlusal plane can be an occlusal plane between a specific upper tooth and a specific lower tooth that is based solely on the occlusion of the specific upper tooth and the specific lower tooth (e.g., as opposed to a global occlusal plane that is based on the occlusion of the teeth in the upper and lower jaws as a whole). The first surface 820-1 of the bite adjustment structure 806-1 and / or the first surface 820-2 of the bite adjustment structure 806-2 can be designed to provide a misalignment between the opposing posterior teeth when the user bites down.

[0077] Although not specifically illustrated, the teeth 804-1, 804-2 can be covered by an appliance that can include an occlusal adjustment structure that interfaces with the occlusal (incisal) surface of the cavity of the appliance 802. Various stages of the treatment plan can include or not include appliances covering the teeth 804-1, 804-2 of the opposing jaws, and different stages of the treatment plan can include or not include multiple occlusal adjustment structures on the appliances for the opposing jaws. For example, a particular stage of the treatment plan can include an appliance on each of the upper and lower jaws of the user, wherein each appliance includes multiple occlusal adjustment structures, and the occlusal adjustment structures are designed to provide a misalignment between the opposing posterior teeth in order to align the teeth of the upper and lower jaws.

[0078] The positioning of the digital occlusal adjustment structure on the digital model can correspond to the actual position of the physical occlusal adjustment structure on the aligner manufactured based on the digital model. Figure 8As shown, the bite adjustment structures 806-1, 806-2 (e.g., by a user closing their jaws) can apply internal forces 834-1, 834-2 to the teeth 804-1, 804-2 of the opposing jaws. As also illustrated, based on the geometry of the interface between the bite adjustment structures 806-1, 806-2 and the opposing teeth 804-1, 804-2 according to a particular stage of treatment, the orientation of different teeth 804-1, 804-2 can be different relative to the orientation of different bite adjustment structures 806-1, 806-2. Thus, the bite adjustment structures 806-1, 806-2 can be targeted to individual teeth 804-1, 804-2, as well as to a particular stage of the treatment plan. The bite adjustment structures 806-1, 806-2 can direct internal forces (e.g., internal forces from the user's bite) perpendicular to the local occlusal planes 832-1, 832-2 at which the bite adjustment structures 806-1, 806-2 interact with the opposing teeth 804-1, 804-2, the opposing appliances, and / or the bite adjustment structures on the opposing appliances. Typically, there may be no lateral forces applied to the bite adjustment structures 806-1, 806-2 unless the bite adjustment structures on the opposing appliances have been configured to apply such forces to the bite adjustment structures 806-1, 806-2.

[0079] Figure 9A The jaws 936 - 1 , 936 - 2 are illustrated in a first perpendicular relationship 938 - 1 , according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9B The jaws 936-1, 936-2 are shown in a second vertical relationship 938-2 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, an appliance (e.g., comprising a plurality of bite adjustment structures) worn on the upper jaw 936-1 can be designed to adjust the vertical relationship 938-1, 938-2 between the upper jaw 936-1 and the lower jaw 936-2. Figure 9A and 9B As shown, this adjustment of the vertical relationship 938-1, 938-2 can help correct a deep bite to improve the appearance of the user's teeth and alleviate problems associated with deep bite conditions, as described herein. Embodiments are not limited to adjusting the position of the lower jaw 936-2 relative to the upper jaw 936-1, as the position of one or both of the upper jaw 936-1 and the lower jaw 936-2 can be adjusted. In addition, the adjustment can be made using an appliance worn on the upper jaw 936-1 and / or an appliance worn on the lower jaw 936-2 (e.g., using multiple bite bars on multiple appliances interacting with multiple teeth on the opposing jaws).

[0080] Figure 10Corrections for an overbite 1040 and an overbite 1042 are illustrated in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. An overbite 1040 can be referred to as the lower jaw being too far behind the upper jaw, or the teeth being misaligned. Specifically, the overbite 1040 can be referred to as the degree to which the upper middle incisor 1004-1 vertically (superior-inferior) overlaps the lower middle incisor 1004-2 as measured relative to the incisal ridges. The overbite 1042 can be the distance in the anterior-posterior axis between the upper anterior teeth 1004-1 and the lower anterior teeth 1004-2. Figure 10 As shown, the maxillary tooth 1004-1 is adjustable from a first position 1004-1A to a second position 1004-1B, and / or the mandibular tooth 1004-2 is adjustable from a first position 1004-2A to a second position 1004-2B.

[0081] Multiple appliances in a series of appliances created as part of a treatment plan can perform different functions. Some of the functions performed by different appliances in the series can overlap, and some functions may be specific to a particular appliance. By way of example, a first appliance can include a first number of bite adjustment structures designed to provide a malocclusion to multiple teeth of a first jaw and / or a second jaw to help correct at least one of an overbite 1042 and an overbite 1040. A second appliance can include a second number of bite adjustment structures designed to provide a malocclusion to multiple teeth of a first jaw and / or a second jaw to correct at least one of an overbite 1042 and an overbite 1040. In this example, the first appliance can correct one or both of the overbite 1042 and the overbite 1040, and the second appliance can correct one or both of the overbite 1042 and the overbite 1040. Correcting an overbite and / or an overbite can include adjusting the position of various teeth using braces and / or adjusting the relative positioning of the jaws (e.g., including adjustments effected by a plurality of bite adjustment structures, as described herein). Such adjustments can include pushing, rotating, tilting, and / or occluding, etc.

[0082] Figure 11 A system for adjusting a structure for occlusion in a treatment plan according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 11 In the illustrated system, the system includes a computing device 1144 having a number of components connected thereto. The computing device 1144 includes a processor 1146 and a memory 1148. The memory can include various types of information including data 1150 and executable instructions 1152, as described herein.

[0083] In some embodiments, the memory and / or processor may be located on the computing device 1144 or remote from the device. Figure 11 As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG, the system can include a network interface 1154. Such an interface can allow processing of another networked computing device, or such a device can be used to obtain information about the patient or executable instructions for use in various embodiments provided herein.

[0084] like Figure 11 As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG, the system can include one or more input and / or output interfaces 1156. Such interfaces can be used to connect the computing device to one or more input or output devices.

[0085] For example, in Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the system includes connections to a scanning device 1158, a camera dock 1160, an input device 1162 (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.), a display device 1164 (e.g., a monitor), and a printer 1166. The processor 1146 can be configured to provide a visual indication of the digital model 1174 on the display 1164 (e.g., a GUI running on the processor 1146 and visible on the display 1164). The input / output interface 1156 can receive data, which can be stored in a data storage device (e.g., a memory 1148), representing the digital model 1174 (e.g., corresponding to the patient's upper jaw and the patient's lower jaw).

[0086] In some embodiments, the scanning device 1158 can be configured to scan a physical model of the patient's upper jaw and a physical model of the patient's lower jaw. In one or more embodiments, the scanning device 1158 can be configured to scan the patient's upper jaw and / or lower jaw directly (e.g., intraorally).

[0087] The camera base 1160 can accept input from an imaging device (eg, a two-dimensional imaging device) such as a digital camera or a print photo scanner. The input from the imaging device can be stored in the data storage device 1148.

[0088] Such connections can allow for the input and / or output (e.g., via keyboard input) of information or instructions to the digital model 1174, in addition to other types of information. While some embodiments may be distributed among various computing devices in one or more networks, Figure 11 Such a system as illustrated can be beneficial in view of the capture, calculation, and / or analysis of information discussed herein.

[0089] The processor 1146 associated with the data storage device 1148 can be associated with the data and / or application modules 1168. The processor 1146 associated with the data storage device 1148 can store and / or use data and / or execute instructions to provide a plurality of application modules for occlusal adjustment structures for treatment plans.

[0090] Such data can include the digital model 1174 described herein (e.g., including a first jaw, a second jaw, multiple appliances, etc.) Such application modules can include an adjustment module 1170 , a force calculation module 1172 , a positioning bite adjustment structure module 1176 , and / or a treatment planning module 1178 .

[0091] The position bite adjustment structure module 1176 can be configured to position a plurality of bite adjustment structures on a corresponding number of digital teeth (e.g., anterior teeth) of the digital model of the jaw 1174 during a first phase of the treatment plan. The positioning module 1176 can be configured to incorporate the results of the forces modeled by the force calculation module 1172 (e.g., forces for repositioning the corresponding number of digital teeth a first distance according to the first phase of the treatment plan).

[0092] The adjustment module 1170 can be configured to adjust the positions of the plurality of bite adjustment structures on the corresponding number of digital teeth in the digital model of the jaw 1174 during the second stage of the treatment plan, based on changes to the digital model of the jaw 1174 between the first and second stages of the treatment plan. The adjustment module 1170 can be configured to adjust the positions of the digital bite adjustment structures by changing their shapes (e.g., size, angles, etc.) and / or attachment positions on the corresponding number of digital teeth in the digital model of the jaw. The adjustment module 1170 can be configured to adjust the shape of the digital model of the jaw 1174 during the first stage of the treatment plan so that a corresponding one of the aligners formed thereon distributes a reaction force corresponding to the force simulated by the force calculation module 1172 to the plurality of posterior teeth of the user's jaw. The adjustment module 1170 can be configured to incorporate the results of the force simulated by the force calculation module 1172 (e.g., a force for repositioning the corresponding number of digital teeth by a second distance according to the second stage of the treatment plan).

[0093] The force calculation module 1172 can be configured to model the internal forces applied to the plurality of bite adjustment structures by the user wearing the corresponding one of the aligners during the first phase of treatment calculations. The treatment planning module 1178 can be configured to create, edit, delete, modify, or revise a treatment plan (e.g., based at least in part on the operation of the other application modules 1168).

[0094] The digital model 1174 can be configured (e.g., via the network interface 1154) to be used in the first and second stages of treatment planning to create physical models corresponding to the jaw for forming the aligners thereon such that the aligners inherit the shapes of the plurality of digital bite adjustment structures.

[0095] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any configuration calculated to achieve the same technique can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to include any and all adaptations and variations of various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0096] It is understood that the use of the terms "one," "more than one," "a plurality," or "at least one" is to be construed as referring to the presence of one or more of the terms. Furthermore, it is understood that the above description has been presented in an illustrative manner and is not intended to be limiting. Combinations of the above embodiments, as well as embodiments not described in detail herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[0097] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on another element," "connected to another element," or "coupled with another element," it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled with another element, or intervening elements may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly coupled to," or "directly coupled with another element," there are no intervening elements or layers. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated terms.

[0098] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to these terms. Such terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element may also be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0099] The scope of the various embodiments of the invention includes any other applications of the above structures and methods that are used.The scope of the various embodiments of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0100] In the foregoing detailed description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the disclosed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim.

[0101] Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus, the claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a first appliance in a series of appliances that progressively implement a treatment plan for a patient having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first appliance comprising a first housing having a plurality of cavities therein that receive teeth of the first jaw, and the first appliance being used in a first phase of the treatment plan; a first plurality of bite adjustment structures formed of the same material as the first shell, extending from the first shell, and having a first height with respect to respective cavities of the plurality of cavities of the first shell, and having respective first planes, so that respective contacting teeth of the second jaw can slide along respective first planes of the bite adjustment structures and provide occlusion between the first jaw and the second jaw; a second aligner of the series of aligners for use in a second phase of the treatment plan, the second aligner comprising a second housing having a plurality of cavities therein for receiving teeth of the first jaw; as well as A second plurality of bite adjustment structures are formed of the same material as the second shell, extend from the second shell, and have a second height with respect to corresponding cavities of the plurality of cavities of the second shell to maintain non-occlusal contact between the first jaw and the second jaw based on changes in tooth positions between the first stage and the second stage.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first height is based on an interface with a corresponding contacting tooth of the second jaw when the first aligner is worn and the first and second jaws are occluded.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The series of appliances includes a third appliance including a third housing for the first stage of the treatment plan, the third housing having a plurality of cavities therein for receiving teeth of the second jaw.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The third appliance includes a third bite adjustment structure formed of the same material as the third shell, extending from the third shell, and interfacing with the teeth of the first jaw, and wherein the third bite adjustment structure has a shape and position specific to the first stage of the treatment plan.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first and second pluralities of bite adjustment structures extend from respective cavities of respective housings receiving the anterior teeth.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The second height is closer to the incisal surface of the corresponding cavity than the first heights of the first plurality of bite adjustment structures.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first plurality of bite adjustment structures extend from a plurality of cavities of a first housing that receives front teeth, and wherein the first plurality of bite adjustment structures provide a malocclusion between the first jaw and the second jaw when the first aligner is worn by a patient.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The series of appliances includes a third appliance including a third shell having a plurality of cavities therein for receiving and repositioning teeth of the first jaw, wherein the third appliance does not include a bite adjustment structure.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The range of orthotics includes: a third orthodontic appliance, the third orthodontic appliance comprising a third housing having a plurality of cavities therein for receiving the teeth of the first jaw; A third plurality of occlusal adjustment structures are formed of the same material as the third shell and extend from the third shell, wherein the third plurality of occlusal adjustment structures have a third height according to a third stage of the treatment plan and are closer to the corresponding incisal edge surfaces of the corresponding cavities than the first and second plurality of occlusal adjustment structures.

10. A system comprising: a first appliance in a series of appliances that progressively implement a treatment plan for a patient having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first appliance comprising a first housing having a plurality of cavities therein that receive teeth of the first jaw at a first stage of the treatment plan; a first occlusal adjustment structure formed of the same material as the first shell, extending from the first cavity of the first shell, and having a first position with respect to an incisal surface of the first cavity for a first stage of the treatment plan to interface with a first tooth of a second jaw to provide a malocclusion between the first jaw and the second jaw; a second appliance of the series of appliances, the second appliance comprising a second housing having a plurality of cavities therein for receiving teeth of the first jaw during a second stage of the treatment plan; A second occlusal adjustment structure, which is formed of the same material as the second shell, extends from the cavity of the second shell, and has a second position of the incisal edge surface of the cavity of the second corrector different from the first position with respect to the first cavity of the first corrector, the second position being for the second stage of the treatment plan and designed to interface with the first tooth of the second jaw and maintain occlusion of the first jaw with the second jaw based on the change in the tooth position between the first stage and the second stage.

11. The system of claim 10, the first height being based on an interface with a first tooth of the second jaw when the first aligner is worn and the first and second jaws are in occlusion.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The first and second bite adjustment structures extend from a cavity of one of the first and second shells that receive the anterior teeth.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The second height is closer to the incisal surface of the cavity than the first occlusal adjustment structure.

14. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The range of orthotics includes: a third appliance of the series of appliances, the third appliance comprising a third housing having a plurality of cavities therein for receiving teeth of the first jaw during a third stage of the treatment plan; A third occlusal adjustment structure, which is formed of the same material as the third shell, extends from the cavity of the third shell, and has a third position of the incisal edge surface of the cavity of the third aligner different from the first and second positions with respect to the cavity of the first and second aligners, the third position being targeted at the third stage of the treatment plan and designed to interface with the first tooth of the second jaw.

15. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The first bite adjustment structure provides a malalignment between the first jaw and the second jaw when the first appliance is worn by a patient.

16. A system comprising: a first series of aligners that progressively implements the stages of a treatment plan for a patient having a first jaw and a second jaw, each aligner in the series of first aligners comprising a housing having a plurality of cavities therein that receive teeth of the first jaw; wherein a plurality of the appliances in the series of appliances include a first bite adjustment structure formed of the same material as the corresponding shell, extending from a corresponding first cavity of the corresponding shell, the bite adjustment structure being positioned a distance from an incisal surface of the corresponding first cavity to provide a malocclusion between the first jaw and the second jaw, and having a first planar surface in contact with teeth of the second jaw; and wherein a height about the respective first cavity is varied for a plurality of the series of appliances to maintain occlusion of the first jaw with the second jaw based on changes in tooth position during a stage of the treatment plan.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein: The stages of the treatment plan reposition the patient's teeth from a first arrangement toward a final arrangement, and the distance of the corresponding bite adjustment structure relative to the incisal surface of the corresponding first cavity decreases for the progressing stages of the treatment plan.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein: The distance is based on an interface with teeth of the second jaw when a corresponding appliance of the first series of appliances is worn and the first and second jaws are occluded.

19. The system of claim 16, further comprising a second series of appliances to accommodate the teeth of the second jaw.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein: The first plane contacts an incisal surface of the second series aligner.

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