Non-sliding orthodontic arch

Abstract

An arch configured to move teeth of a patient using non-slip dynamics. The bow may include a dual ring between two bracket connectors. The bow may include one or more hooks extending from the bracket connector to couple with the resilient member. The bow may include a narrow width bracket connector for crowding teeth. The bow may include an intermediary segment between adjacent bracket connectors, the intermediary segment including a plurality of intermediary members.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 375,832, filed on September 15, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Any and all applications for which foreign or domestic priority claims are made in the application data sheet of this application (if any) are incorporated by reference in accordance with 37 CFR 1.57. Background Art Field

[0002] The present disclosure, in some aspects, relates to non - sliding orthodontic arches, such as non - sliding arches with interproximal loops. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Teeth can be moved by bonding orthodontic brackets to the lingual or buccal surfaces of a patient's teeth and coupling an arch to the bonded orthodontic brackets. The arch can apply a force on the brackets using sliding or non - sliding dynamics, which can move the patient's teeth towards a planned alignment. When using non - sliding dynamics, a connector of the arch can be coupled to the bonded orthodontic bracket such that the connector does not slide relative to the orthodontic bracket. The arch can include an interproximal segment disposed between adjacent connectors having loops. The loops can be configured to apply a force on the adjacent connectors by a customized shape setting to move adjacent teeth towards a planned alignment. In some cases, adjacent teeth may need to move relatively large distances (e.g., closer together or farther apart). For example, a patient may be missing teeth such that there is a gap between adjacent teeth. A treatment plan may require moving the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap together to close the gap. Due to the size of the gap, it may be difficult to move the adjacent teeth closer together with a single loop. Thus, in some variations, a double loop (e.g., a w - loop) can be disposed between adjacent connectors of the arch to move adjacent teeth more effectively than a single loop. In some variations, a double loop can move adjacent teeth more than a single loop. In some variations, the arch can be directly bonded to the patient's teeth without brackets.

[0004] In some variations, the teeth moved by the archwire may begin to tilt due to the application of orthodontic force, which may be caused by root drag. For example, a tooth includes a root that extends beneath the gum and into a socket in the jawbone. The root can constitute about two-thirds of the tooth. The root can anchor the tooth in place. However, a treatment plan may require moving one or more teeth of a patient. Thus, an orthodontic bracket can be coupled to the patient's tooth, and an archwire is coupled to the orthodontic bracket to apply a force to the patient's tooth to move the tooth toward a planned alignment. Since the orthodontic bracket is typically bonded to the portion of the patient's tooth above the gum, the archwire can apply a force to the occlusal portion (e.g., the top third) of the patient's tooth. When the tooth is anchored by the root, the tooth may tilt (e.g., pivot) rather than translate. Thus, in some variations, the archwire can include a hook that can extend in the occlusal direction. One or more elastic members (e.g., springs, bands, nitinol springs, etc.) can be coupled to the hook to apply a force to the patient's tooth at or closer to the center of resistance, which can result in less or even no tilting or rotation of the tooth when translating the tooth. The hook can extend from a connector. In some variations, the spring force from one or more elastic members can counteract the tilting of the tooth. In some variations, one or more elastic members can apply a force on the hook that can apply a tilting force on the tooth (e.g., the force applied to the hook is occlusal relative to the center of resistance of the tooth), but the potential energy of one or more elastic members can also apply a force on features (e.g., tabs, protrusions, flanges, projections, protrusions, protrusions, extensions, sub-hooks, teeth, etc.) to counteract the tilting. In some variations, the archwire can be directly bonded to the patient's tooth without a bracket.

[0005] In some variations, an archwire for moving a patient's tooth is disclosed herein. The archwire can include a first connector and a second connector. The first connector and the second connector can be coupled to a first bracket and a second bracket disposed on the patient's tooth such that the archwire does not slide relative to the first bracket and the second bracket. The archwire can include an interproximal segment that can be disposed between the first connector and the second connector and connect the first connector and the second connector. The interproximal segment can include a double loop.

[0006] In some variations, the double loop can include a first loop and a second loop.

[0007] In some variations, the double loop can be composed of a first loop and a second loop.

[0008] In some variations, the first loop and the second loop can be open in the occlusal direction.

[0009] In some variations, the first loop may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the first loop may extend from the first connector to the first gingival point in the gingival direction. The second portion of the first loop may extend from the first gingival point to the intermediate point in the occlusal direction. The second loop may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the second loop may extend from the intermediate point to the second gingival point in the gingival direction. The second portion of the second loop may extend from the second gingival point to the second connector in the occlusal direction.

[0010] In some variations, the intermediate point may be positioned gingivally relative to the first connector and the second connector.

[0011] In some variations, the intermediate point may be positioned gingivally relative to the midline of the first connector and the second connector. The midline may extend in the mesial-distal direction.

[0012] In some variations, the intermediate point may be positioned gingivally relative to the occlusal halves of the first connector and the second connector.

[0013] In some variations, the intermediate point may be positioned gingivally relative to the occlusal three-quarters of the first connector and the second connector.

[0014] In some variations, the intermediate point may be positioned gingivally relative to the arms of the first connector and the second connector.

[0015] In some variations, the first and second gingival points may be positioned gingivally relative to the first connector and the second connector.

[0016] In some variations, the first and second gingival points may be positioned gingivally relative to the midline of the first connector and the second connector. The midline may extend in the mesial-distal direction.

[0017] In some variations, the first and second gingival points may be positioned gingivally relative to the occlusal halves of the first connector and the second connector.

[0018] In some variations, the first and second gingival points may be positioned gingivally relative to the occlusal three-quarters of the first connector and the second connector.

[0019] In some variations, the first and second gingival points may be positioned gingivally relative to the arms of the first connector and the second connector.

[0020] In some variations, the intermediate point may be positioned occlusally relative to the first gingival point and the second gingival point.

[0021] In some variations, the intermediate point may be positioned gingivally relative to the first connection between the first connector and the interproximal segment.

[0022] In some variations, the intermediate point may be positioned gingivally relative to the second connection portion between the second connector and the interproximal segment.

[0023] In some variations, the first connector includes a pair of arms that may be disposed on the mesial side and the distal side of the first bracket. A first portion of the first loop may extend gingivally from a portion of the first connector that is positioned on the occlusal side relative to one of the pair of arms.

[0024] In some variations, the first connector may include a pair of arms that may be disposed on the mesial side and the distal side of the first bracket. A first portion of the first loop may extend gingivally from one of the pair of arms.

[0025] In some variations, the interproximal segment may be a first interproximal segment. The archwire may further include a third connector, a fourth connector, and a second interproximal segment disposed between and connecting the third connector and the fourth connector. The third connector may include a pair of arms that may be disposed on the mesial side and the distal side of a portion of the third bracket. The second interproximal segment may include a loop. The second interproximal segment may extend gingivally from one of the pair of arms of the third connector.

[0026] In some variations, the archwire may include a fifth connector and a third interproximal segment disposed between the third connector and the fifth connector. The third interproximal segment may include a loop. The third interproximal segment may extend gingivally from the other of the pair of arms of the third connector.

[0027] In some variations, the archwire may include another connector. The other connector may include a hook that may be coupled to one or more elastic members to apply a force to the patient's teeth.

[0028] In some variations, the other connector may include a pair of arms. The hook may be directly connected to one of the pair of arms and extend gingivally from one of the pair of arms.

[0029] In some variations, the other connector may include a pair of arms. The hook may be directly connected to both of the pair of arms and extend gingivally from both of the pair of arms.

[0030] In some variations, the archwire may include adjacent connectors that may be coupled to orthodontic brackets and an additional interproximal segment disposed between and connecting the adjacent connectors. The additional interproximal loop may include an enlarged loop.

[0031] In some variations, the expansion loop can include a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate point. The first portion of the expansion loop can extend gingivally from one of the adjacent connectors to the intermediate point of the expansion loop. The second portion of the expansion loop can extend occlusally from the intermediate point to the other of the adjacent connectors.

[0032] In some variations, the intermediate point can be positioned gingivally relative to the adjacent connectors.

[0033] In some variations, the intermediate point can be positioned gingivally relative to the midline of the adjacent connectors. The midline can extend in the mesial-distal direction.

[0034] In some variations, the intermediate point can be positioned gingivally relative to the occlusal half of the adjacent connectors.

[0035] In some variations, the intermediate point can be positioned gingivally relative to the three-quarters of the occlusal surface of the adjacent connectors.

[0036] In some variations, the intermediate point can be positioned gingivally relative to the arm of the adjacent connectors.

[0037] In some variations, an archwire for moving a patient's teeth is disclosed herein. The archwire can include a first connector and a second connector. The first connector and the second connector can be coupled to a first bracket and a second bracket disposed on the patient's teeth such that the archwire does not slide relative to the first bracket and the second bracket. The archwire can include an interproximal segment disposed between and connecting the first connector and the second connector. The interproximal segment can be composed of a double loop.

[0038] In some variations, an archwire for moving a patient's teeth is disclosed herein. The archwire can include a first connector and a second connector. Each of the first connector and the second connector can include a pair of arms. The first connector and the second connector can be coupled to a first bracket and a second bracket disposed on the patient's teeth such that the archwire does not slide relative to the first bracket and the second bracket, wherein the pair of arms of each of the first connector and the second connector are respectively disposed on the mesial surface and the distal surface of the first bracket and the second bracket. The archwire can include an interproximal segment, which can include a loop. The interproximal segment can be disposed between and connect the first connector and the second connector. The interproximal segment can extend gingivally from one of the pair of arms of the first connector.

[0039] In some variations, the interproximal segment can be a first interproximal segment. The archwire can further include a third connector and a second interproximal segment disposed between and connecting the third connector and the first connector. The second interproximal segment can include a loop and extend gingivally from the other of the pair of arms of the first connector.

[0040] In some variations, the interproximal segment can extend gingivally from one of the paired arms of the second connector.

[0041] In some variations, the arch can include a double loop that can be disposed between two adjacent connectors.

[0042] In some variations, the arch can include another connector. The other connector can include a hook that can be coupled to one or more elastic members to apply a force to the patient's teeth.

[0043] In some variations, the other connector can include a pair of arms. The hook can be directly connected to one of the pair of arms and extend gingivally from the one arm.

[0044] In some variations, the other connector can include a pair of arms. The hook can be directly connected to both of the pair of arms and extend gingivally from the two arms.

[0045] In some variations, the loop of the interproximal segment can include an opening that is open in the occlusal direction. The opening can be narrower in the mesial-distal direction than at a more gingival location within the loop.

[0046] In some variations, the loop of the interproximal segment can include a teardrop shape.

[0047] In some variations, the arch can further include adjacent connectors and another interproximal segment disposed between and connecting the adjacent connectors. The other interproximal segment can include a loop that can include an opening that is open in the occlusal direction. The opening is narrower in the mesial-distal direction than at a more gingival location of the loop.

[0048] In some variations, the arch can include adjacent connectors and another interproximal segment disposed between and connecting the adjacent connectors. The other interproximal segment can include a loop that can have a teardrop shape.

[0049] In some variations, an arch for moving a patient's teeth is disclosed herein. The arch can include a first connector and a second connector. The first connector can include a hook that can be coupled to one or more elastic members to apply a force to the patient's teeth. The first connector and the second connector can be coupled to a first bracket and a second bracket disposed on the patient's teeth such that the arch does not slide relative to the first bracket and the second bracket. The arch can include an interproximal segment that can include a loop and be disposed between and connect the first connector and the second connector.

[0050] In some variations, the second connector may include a hook. The hook of the second connector may be coupled to the hook of the first connector by one or more elastic members.

[0051] In some variations, the hook of the first connector may extend gingivally from the first connector.

[0052] In some variations, the hook of the second connector may extend gingivally from the second connector.

[0053] In some variations, the hook of the first connector may extend gingivally from the first connector to a curved portion and then extend in one of a mesial direction or a distal direction.

[0054] In some variations, the hook may extend in an occlusal direction from the curved portion.

[0055] In some variations, the hook of the first connector may include an enlarged end that may hold one or more elastic members on the hook of the first connector.

[0056] In some variations, the hook of the first connector may include a protrusion that may prevent one or more elastic members from moving in an occlusal direction.

[0057] In some variations, the hook of the first connector may include a protrusion that may contact one or more elastic members to counteract the tilting of a tooth in a patient's teeth due to the force exerted on the hook of the first connector by one or more elastic members.

[0058] In some variations, the protrusion may extend from the hook in a mesial direction.

[0059] In some variations, the protrusion may extend from the hook in a distal direction.

[0060] In some variations, the first connector may include a pair of arms. The hook of the first connector may extend gingivally from one of the pair of arms.

[0061] In some variations, the first connector may include a pair of arms. The hook of the first connector may extend gingivally from both of the pair of arms.

[0062] In some variations, the pair of arms of the first connector may be disposed on a mesial surface and a distal surface of the first bracket.

[0063] In some variations, the hook of the first connector may contact a surface of the first bracket to increase the stiffness of the hook of the first connector.

[0064] In some variations, one or more elastic members may include a continuous spring.

[0065] In some variations, one or more resilient members may include a nitinol tension spring.

[0066] In some variations, the archwire may include adjacent connectors and another intermediate segment disposed between and connecting the adjacent connectors. The adjacent connectors may be coupled to orthodontic brackets. The another intermediate segment may include a double loop.

[0067] In some variations, the archwire may include adjacent connectors and another intermediate segment disposed between and connecting the adjacent connectors. The adjacent connectors may be coupled to orthodontic brackets, and each adjacent connector may include a pair of arms extending in the gingival direction. The another intermediate segment may extend gingivally from one of the pair of arms of one of the adjacent connectors.

[0068] In some variations, the archwire may include another intermediate segment that may extend gingivally from the other of the pair of arms of one of the adjacent connectors.

[0069] In some variations, the hook of the first connector may position the force applied by one or more resilient members closer to the center of resistance of the tooth coupled to the first bracket than to position the force at the first bracket.

[0070] In some variations, the archwire may be disposed lingually to the patient's teeth.

[0071] In some variations, the archwire may include a shape memory material.

[0072] In some variations, the shape memory material may include nitinol.

[0073] In some variations, the archwire may include a customized non-planar shape that may move the patient's teeth to a digitally planned alignment.

[0074] In some variations, the archwire may include a consistent thickness in the lingual-buccal direction.

[0075] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an archwire for moving a patient's teeth, the archwire including: a first connector and a second connector configured to be coupled to a first bracket and a second bracket disposed on the patient's teeth such that the archwire does not slide relative to the first bracket and the second bracket; and an intermediate segment disposed between and connecting the first connector and the second connector, wherein the intermediate segment includes at least two intermediate members.

[0076] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an arch piece, wherein the interdental segment includes an occlusal interdental member and a gingival interdental member.

[0077] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an arch piece, wherein the occlusal interdental member and the gingival interdental member are each connected to a first connector and a second connector.

[0078] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an arch piece, wherein a first portion of the interdental segment extends from the first connector and diverges at a divergence point into the occlusal interdental member and the gingival interdental member, wherein the occlusal interdental member and the gingival interdental member converge at a convergence point along the interdental segment, and wherein a second portion of the interdental segment after the convergence point is connected to the second connector.

[0079] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an arch piece, wherein the first portion is connected to the first connector at the gingival arm of the first connector.

[0080] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an arch piece, wherein the first portion is directly connected to and extends gingivally from the gingival portion of the gingival arm of the first connector.

[0081] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an arch piece, wherein the first portion is connected to the first connector proximal to the contact surface.

[0082] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an arch piece, wherein the first portion is connected to the first connector on the lingual surface of the first connector.

[0083] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an arch piece, wherein the second portion is connected to the second connector at the gingival arm of the second connector.

[0084] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an arch piece, wherein the second portion is directly connected to and extends gingivally from the gingival portion of the gingival arm of the second connector.

[0085] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an arch piece, wherein the second portion is connected to the second connector proximal to the contact surface.

[0086] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an arch piece, wherein the second portion is connected to the second connector on the lingual surface of the first connector.

[0087] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an arch piece, wherein the occlusal interdental member and the gingival interdental member are curved in the gingival direction.

[0088] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an arch member, wherein the occlusal interdental member is curved in the occlusal direction and the gingival interdental member is curved in the gingival direction.

[0089] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to a dental arch, wherein the occlusal interdental member includes a first occlusal portion that joins a second occlusal portion at an occlusal midpoint.

[0090] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to a dental arch, wherein the occlusal midpoint is the point on the occlusal interdental member closest to the gingiva.

[0091] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to a dental arch, wherein the occlusal midpoint is the most occlusal side point of the occlusal interdental member.

[0092] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to a dental arch, wherein the first occlusal portion extends in the gingival direction.

[0093] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to a dental arch, wherein the second occlusal portion extends from the occlusal midpoint in the occlusal direction.

[0094] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to a dental arch, wherein the first occlusal portion extends in the occlusal direction.

[0095] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to a dental arch, wherein the second occlusal portion extends from the occlusal midpoint in the gingival direction.

[0096] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to a dental arch, wherein the first occlusal portion and the second occlusal portion extend in opposite directions.

[0097] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to a dental arch, wherein the gingival interdental member includes a first gingival portion that joins a second gingival portion at a gingival midpoint.

[0098] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to a dental arch, wherein the gingival midpoint is the most gingivally distant point of the gingival interdental member.

[0099] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to a dental arch, wherein the gingival midpoint is the most occlusally distant point of the gingival interdental member.

[0100] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to a dental arch, wherein the first gingival portion extends in the gingival direction.

[0101] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to a dental arch, wherein the second gingival portion extends from the gingival midpoint in the occlusal direction.

[0102] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to dental arches in which the first gingival portion extends in the occlusal direction.

[0103] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to dental arches in which the second gingival portion extends in the gingival direction.

[0104] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to arches in which the first gingival portion and the second gingival portion extend in opposite directions.

[0105] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to arches in which the occlusal interdental member includes a double loop.

[0106] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an arch and 102 in which the gingival interdental member includes a double loop.

[0107] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to arches in which the occlusal interdental member and the gingival interdental member further include an occlusal member width and a gingival member width, and wherein the occlusal member width and the gingival member width are measured in the lingual-buccal direction.

[0108] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to dental arches in which the occlusal component width and the gingival component width are constant along the lengths of the occlusal interdental member and the gingival interdental member.

[0109] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to dental arches in which the occlusal component width varies along the length of the occlusal interdental member.

[0110] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to dental arches in which the gingival component width varies along the length of the gingival interdental member.

[0111] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to dental arches in which the occlusal component width and the gingival component width are constant along the occlusal interdental member and the gingival interdental member.

[0112] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to dental arches in which the most gingival surface of the occlusal interdental member has a different width from the most occlusal surface of the occlusal interdental member.

[0113] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to dental arches in which the most gingival surface of the gingival interdental member has a different width from the most occlusal surface of the gingival interdental member.

[0114] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to dental arches in which the most lingual surface of the occlusal interdental member has a different height in the occlusal-gingival direction from the most buccal surface of the occlusal interdental member.

[0115] In some variations, the techniques described herein relate to an archwire in which the height of the most lingual surface of the inter-gingival interdental member in the occlusal-gingival direction is different from the most buccal surface of the inter-gingival interdental member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0116] These drawings are illustrative embodiments and do not represent all possible embodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate rather than limit the scope of protection. The various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments that are part of this disclosure.

[0117] Figure 1 An archwire is shown.

[0118] Figure 2 A customized non-planar shaped archwire is shown.

[0119] Figure 3 A connector of the archwire is shown.

[0120] Figure 4 An orthodontic bracket is shown.

[0121] Figure 5 Shown is the Figure 4 orthodontic bracket coupled to the Figure 3 connector.

[0122] Figure 6A An archwire having a double loop is shown.

[0123] Figure 6B Shown is Figure 6A an enlarged view of a portion of the archwire.

[0124] Figure 7A An archwire for crowding is shown.

[0125] Figure 7B Another archwire for crowding is shown.

[0126] Figure 8 A tooth is shown.

[0127] Figure 9 A portion of an archwire having a hook is shown.

[0128] Figure 10 A spring is shown.

[0129] Figure 11A A portion of an archwire having a hook is shown.

[0130] Figure 11B A portion of an archwire having a hook is shown.

[0131] Figure 12AShows a portion of an arch with a hook.

[0132] Figure 12B Shows a portion of an arch with a hook.

[0133] Figure 13 Shows an arch with a hook.

[0134] Figure 14A Shows a portion of an arch with a plurality of intervening members.

[0135] Figure 14B Shows a portion of an arch with a plurality of intervening members.

[0136] Figure 14C Shows a portion of an arch with a plurality of intervening members. Detailed Description

[0137] As described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 303,860, filed on June 9, 2021 (now published as U.S. Publication No. 2021 / 0401548), orthodontic brackets and arches can be used to treat malocclusions of teeth to move the teeth of a patient using sliding or non-sliding mechanics. The entire content of this U.S. patent application is incorporated herein by reference. A scan of the patient's teeth can be taken, and a digital model (e.g., a virtual model) of the patient's teeth can be created at least in part from the scan. The teeth of the digital model can be moved from a malocclusion position (e.g., a first position) to a second position, which can be a planned alignment of the teeth, such as a final planned alignment of the teeth.

[0138] Digital brackets can be placed on the lingual or buccal surfaces of the teeth in the digital model, respectively. In some variations, the digital brackets can be placed before moving the teeth of the digital model from a malocclusion position (e.g., a first position) to a second position (e.g., a planned alignment). The position of the digital brackets on the teeth of the digital model in the second position can correspond to a customized shape of an arch that can move the patient's teeth from the first malocclusion position to the second position. For example, digital markers can be positioned on and / or in the digital brackets to indicate the position of the connectors of the arch that has a customized 3D shape that can move the patient's teeth to the second position. In some variations, the digital brackets can include features indicating the placement of the digital markers. In some variations, a software program can automatically place the digital markers on and / or in the digital brackets. In some variations, the digital brackets can include digital markers. In some variations, no digital brackets are used, and the positions of the teeth in the digital model can correspond to a customized shape of an arch shape that can move the patient's teeth from the first position to the second position. For example, in the absence of digital brackets, digital markers can be positioned on and / or near the digital teeth in the digital model.

[0139] A system can include multiple arms and a robot that can customize a 3D-shaped archwire based on a digital model. For example, the robot can indicate the position of each of the multiple arms in space that corresponds to the position of a digital marker on and / or in a digital bracket set in the digital model. As described herein, each digital marker can correspond to a connector of the archwire. An operator can move each of the multiple arms to the position indicated by the robot. The operator can couple the archwire to each of the multiple arms such that the archwire assumes a customized 3D shape corresponding to the positions of the digital markers. In some variations, the multiple arms can automatically move to the positions indicated by the robot. In some variations, the robot can couple the archwire to each of the multiple arms. In some variations, the multiple arms can automatically move to positions corresponding to the positions of digital markers in the digital model where the teeth are in a second position without the robot indicating these positions. In some variations, the system can be used to customize a 3D-shaped archwire based on the positioning of digital markers on digital teeth in a digital model without digital brackets. In some variations, a digital archwire can be designed in the digital model where the teeth of the digital model are in a second position and the system can customize a shaped archwire based on the digital archwire. In some variations, the system and / or the digital model can compensate for the material properties of the archwire. For example, the force exerted by the archwire decreases as the patient's teeth get closer to the second position and, without accounting for the archwire, the archwire may not be able to fully move the patient's teeth to the second position. Thus, the archwire can be custom 3D formed to compensate for these decreasing forces. For example, in the absence of a reaction force from the patient's teeth in the second position, the connectors of the custom formed archwire can be positioned outside the positions of the corresponding digital markers, digital brackets, and / or digital teeth in the planned alignment to compensate for the decreasing forces.

[0140] The archwire (which may also be referred to as a bow wire) can be made of a shape memory material, such as a shape memory alloy (e.g., nickel-titanium alloy, such as nitinol) and / or a shape memory polymer. The archwire can be cut (e.g., by laser, waterjet, plasma cutting, stamping, etc.) from a sheet of material (e.g., a shape memory material). In some variations, the archwire can be bent from a wire of material (e.g., a shape memory material) using a wire bender. The archwire can include connectors (e.g., bracket connectors, anchors) that can be coupled to brackets or directly bonded to teeth; and interproximal segments (e.g., interproximal loops) that can be disposed between the connectors and can move one or more teeth of the patient. When cut from a sheet of material, the archwire can have a substantially flat two-dimensional shape and / or other planar shapes. When bending a wire with a wire bender, the archwire can have a substantially flat two-dimensional shape and / or other planar shapes. The archwire can be deflected from the two-dimensional shape and coupled to the retainers of multiple arms of the system as detailed herein to present a customized non-planar shape. For example, the connectors of the archwire can be coupled to the retainers of multiple arms such that the connectors are in a position corresponding to the position of a digital marker in a digital model of the patient's teeth at a second location.

[0141] While being held in a customized non-planar shape by a retainer of multiple arms, the archwire can be heat-set. The setting of the archwire can be accomplished by exposure to the heat of a heating element, which can be accomplished at least with an oven, a furnace, a heat gun, and / or other suitable devices. For example, a robot can apply heat to the archwire with a heating element such as a heat gun. In some variations, an electric current can be applied to the archwire to set the archwire into a customized shape. Setting the archwire can set a new default or memory shape (e.g., configuration) for the archwire such that when the archwire deflects from the default or memory shape, the archwire biases towards the default or memory shape. Thus, if the archwire deflects from the memorized customized non-planar shape, the archwire can apply a force to return the archwire to the memorized customized non-planar shape. The bow can also be heat-treated to set a transition temperature such that the bow is flexible at room temperature but rigid at body temperature and / or near body temperature. For example, a bow of a customized non-planar shape can have a set transition temperature such that when the temperature of the bow is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the material is in the martensite phase, which can correspond to room temperature, and when the temperature of the bow is between 97 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit, the material is in the austenite phase, which can correspond to body temperature. This can make the bow flexible when in the martensite phase and when the bow is installed in a patient's mouth (e.g., attached to a bracket disposed on the patient's teeth), but once the patient's mouth heats the bow above the transition temperature, the bow can be in the austenite phase and activated, e.g., by changing the shape of the bow to a customized non-planar shape. In some embodiments, the bow can be heated to cause it to spring back towards the memorized customized non-planar shape, which can cause the patient's teeth to move towards alignment (e.g., a second position, which can be the final alignment). Separate portions of the bow can be heat-set or configured to respond to different temperatures such that only some portions of the bow respond or deform at a particular temperature while other portions of the bow respond or deform at another temperature.

[0142] An indirect bonding (IDB) tray can be formed based on a digital model. Teeth of the digital model (on which digital brackets are disposed) can be returned to a malocclusion position that reflects the current position of the patient's teeth. In some variations, an IDB tray can be formed based on a digital model, where the digital brackets are placed on the malocclusion teeth of the digital model before the teeth are moved to the second position. The IDB tray can be 3D printed based on the digital model and / or formed by overmolding on a physical model of the patient's teeth. The size and shape of the IDB tray can be set to fit over the patient's teeth. The IDB tray can include wells (e.g., cavities, recesses, etc.) in which orthodontic brackets can be received. The wells can be positioned based on the corresponding positioning of the digital brackets in the digital model.

[0143] An orthodontic bracket can be placed in a corresponding recess of an IDB tray, where a contact surface (e.g., an adhesive surface) is exposed. An adhesive can be applied to the contact surface, and the loaded IDB tray can be placed over the patient's teeth, thereby positioning the orthodontic bracket at a position on the patient's teeth corresponding to the positioning of the teeth in the digital model of the digital bracket in the first position. The orthodontic bracket can be bonded to the patient's teeth, which can be facilitated by exposing the adhesive to air, light (e.g., UV light), heat, low temperature, and / or one or more chemicals.

[0144] In the case where the orthodontic bracket is bonded to the patient's teeth, a custom-shaped archwire can be deflected from a custom 3D shape and coupled to the bonded orthodontic bracket. A connector of the archwire can be coupled (e.g., locked) to the bonded orthodontic bracket such that the archwire does not slide relative to the bracket. As described herein, when the archwire applies a force to move back towards the non-deflected position (e.g., the memorized custom non-planar shape), the deflected archwire can apply a force on the patient's teeth, which can move the patient's teeth towards a second position corresponding to the second position of the teeth in the digital model (e.g., the planned alignment of the teeth) using non-sliding kinetics. In some variations, the archwire can be deflected from a custom non-planar shape and directly bonded to the patient's teeth, including the buccal or lingual surfaces.

[0145] In some variations, a series of archwires can be sequentially installed in the patient's mouth (e.g., coupled to the brackets) and replaced to move the patient's teeth from a malocclusion position to a second position. For example, an initial archwire set to a custom non-planar shape can be used in the initial stage of treatment to initially move the patient's teeth towards the second position. An intermediate archwire set to a custom non-planar shape (which can be stiffer than the initial archwire) can be used in the intermediate stage of treatment to move the patient's teeth closer towards the second position. A final archwire set to a custom non-planar shape (which can be stiffer than the intermediate archwire) can be used in the final stage of treatment to move the patient's teeth closer towards the second position or to the second position. In some variations, the interproximal segments (which can include interproximal loops) can gradually become stiffer with each successive archwire (e.g., the interproximal segment of the intermediate archwire is stiffer than the interproximal segment of the initial archwire). In some variations, one archwire is used instead of multiple archwires in the treatment plan. In some variations, two, three, four, five, or more archwires can be used for each arch (e.g., the upper arch and the lower arch) in the treatment plan. One or more archwires can be used to treat malocclusions of the teeth to move the patient's teeth using non-sliding and / or sliding kinetics.

[0146] Figure 1An exemplary embodiment of the archwire 100, which may also be referred to as an arch wire, is shown. The illustrated embodiment of the archwire 100 and other embodiments of the archwire are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 303,860, filed on June 9, 2021 (now published as U.S. Publication No. 2021 / 0401548), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The archwire 100 may have a cross-section that is polygonal (e.g., rectangular, square), circular, oval, irregular, and / or other shapes. As described herein, the archwire 100 may be cut (e.g., by laser, waterjet, stamping, etc.) from a sheet of material such as a shape memory material, which may include a shape memory alloy (e.g., nickel-titanium alloy, such as nitinol) and / or a shape memory polymer. As Figure 1 shown, the archwire 100 has a planar (e.g., flat) shape. The archwire 100 may correspond to a segment of a patient's upper dental arch or lower dental arch. The archwire 100 may correspond to the entire upper dental arch or lower dental arch of a patient.

[0147] The archwire 100 may include a plurality of connectors or connector portions 102 (e.g., bracket connectors, anchors), which may be coupled to orthodontic brackets to mount the archwire 100 in a patient's mouth and / or directly bonded to a patient's teeth without orthodontic brackets. The archwire 100 may include a plurality of interproximal segments 104. The interproximal segments 104 may be disposed between adjacent connectors 102. The interproximal segments 104 may correspond to the interdental spaces between adjacent teeth of a patient. The interproximal segments 104 may include loops. When the archwire 100 is mounted in the mouth, the loops may extend in the gingival direction, which may improve aesthetics and / or facilitate flossing. The loops may be opened to separate adjacent teeth from each other. The loops may be closed to bring adjacent teeth closer together. The loops may be of various shapes, including U-shaped, T-shaped, teardrop-shaped, triangular, rectangular, boot-shaped, and / or other shapes. The loops of the archwire 100 may have different stiffnesses. For example, the force to move molars may be greater than that of other teeth; thus, the loops adjacent to molars may be more rigid than those not adjacent to molars. The stiffness may vary due to the curvature of the loop, the shape of the loop, the size and / or width of the loop. In some variations, the loops of the intermediate arch may be more rigid than the corresponding loops of the initial arch, and the loops of the final arch may be more rigid than the corresponding loops of the intermediate arch. The loops may extend (e.g., bend) gingivally downward from one connector 102 to an intermediate position and return occlusally upward to another adjacent connector 102, such that the loop is open in the occlusal direction, which may be beneficial for flossing.

[0148] Figure 2Shown is an archwire 100 in a customized non-planar shape (e.g., customized 3D shape, customized memory shape, customized memory 3D shape). The customized non-planar shape can correspond to the planned alignment of a patient's teeth. As described herein, the archwire 100 can correspond to a segment or the entirety of a patient's upper or lower dental arch. As Figure 2 shown, the archwire 100 has an arch shape.

[0149] Figure 3 Shown is a connector 102 (e.g., bracket connector, anchor, male fastener, connector portion) of the archwire 100. The connector 102 can be coupled to an orthodontic bracket such that the connector 102 does not slide relative to the orthodontic bracket. In some variations, the connector 102 can be directly coupled (e.g., bonded, adhered) to the patient's tooth. The connector 102 can be oriented in different orientations to move the patient's teeth. The connector 102 can be disposed between interdental segments 104. As described herein, the interdental segments 104 can apply a force to adjacent connectors 102 to move the patient's teeth.

[0150] The connector 102 can have an arm 108. The arm 108 can extend in a direction opposite to the direction of a tab 110 (e.g., lingual) of the connector 102. The arm 108 can extend at least in the occlusal or gingival direction. The arm 108 can grip one or more features of the orthodontic bracket to help secure the connector 102 and / or provide improved control of the patient's teeth. The arm 108 can grip the retainer of the orthodontic bracket. For example, the arm 108 can grip, hold, grasp, embrace, snap around the mesial and distal sides of the retainer and / or otherwise engage the mesial and distal sides of the retainer. In some variations, the arm 108 can hold the archwire 100 (e.g., connector 102) in place on the bracket when an operator positions a tool to secure the connector 102 to the bracket. The arm 108 can include a curved outer side, which can help the arm 108 better grip the retainer of the bracket.

[0151] A recess 116 (also referred to as a gap) may be provided between the arms 108. When the connector 102 is locked into the slot of the orthodontic bracket, the recess 116 may receive the C-shaped spring and / or other features of the orthodontic bracket. At least a portion of the perimeter defining the recess 116 may contact the C-shaped spring. The C-shaped spring may apply a force to the perimeter of the recess 116 to push the connector 102 against the stop of the bracket, which may position a portion of the connector 102 below the overhang of the stop. The connector 102 may include a contact surface 114 that may contact the stop of the orthodontic bracket. The contact surface 114 may be flat to provide a secure contact point with the stop of the orthodontic bracket. The stop of the orthodontic bracket may have a corresponding flat surface. The contact surface 114 may be provided on a side of the connector 102 opposite the arms 108 and / or the recess 116. The contact surface 114 may be provided on the opposite side of the tab 110.

[0152] The tab 110 may be provided on a side of the connector 110 opposite the arms 108 and / or the recess 116. When the connector 102 is disposed in the slot of the orthodontic bracket, the tab 110 may be disposed in the gap between the stops of the orthodontic bracket. The tab 110 may contact the inner side of the stop, which may help prevent the connector 102 from sliding in the mesial-distal direction relative to the orthodontic bracket. The tab 110 may extend in the gingival or occlusal direction. The tab 110 may include a groove 112. The groove 112 may be provided at the end of the tab 110. The groove 112 may receive a tool to facilitate positioning the connector 102 into the slot of the orthodontic bracket or removing the connector 102 therefrom. The groove 112 may help prevent unintentional sliding of the tool used to place the connector 102 into the slot of the orthodontic bracket. The connector 102 may include a curve to reduce stress concentration.

[0153] Figure 4 An orthodontic bracket 200 is shown. The bracket 200 may be disposed on the lingual or buccal side of a patient's tooth. The bracket 200 may be coupled to the connector 102 of the archwire 100 to facilitate moving the patient's teeth using non-slip dynamics. In some variations, the bracket 200 may have utility when used with an archwire having a configuration different from that described herein. The bracket 200 may include a slot 208 (also referred to as a receiving area or receiving space) that may receive the connector 102 of the archwire 100 therein such that when the connector 102 is installed in the patient's mouth, the connector 102 is prevented from sliding relative to the bracket 200. The slot 208 may be positioned between the retainer 202 and the stops 204, 205. The slot 208 may be at least partially defined between the retainer 202, the stops 204, 205, and the face 224 of the bracket 200.

[0154] As described herein, the retainer 202 can help hold the connector 102 within the slot 208. The retainer 202 can be positioned at least near or at the gingival or occlusal side of the bracket 200. The retainer 202 can extend from the face 224 of the bracket 200. The retainer 202 can include one or more features to improve handling of the bracket 200. For example, the retainer 202 can have a protrusion 210 (also referred to as a bump, projection, or engagement area) that can be gripped by a tool during handling of the bracket 200. The protrusion 210 can extend in the gingival or occlusal direction.

[0155] The retainer 202 can include one or more features to improve retention of the connector 102 received within the slot 208 of the bracket 200. For example, the retainer 202 can include a cantilever 206 (e.g., an extension). The cantilever 206 can help hold the connector 102 within the slot 208. The cantilever 206 can deviate from the face 224. The cantilever 206 can extend over the slot 208 and / or the face 224. The cantilever 206 can include a curved portion 214 that extends over the slot 208 and / or the face 224 of the bracket 200. The retainer 202 and / or the cantilever 206 can include an angled surface 218 that can facilitate positioning of the connector 102 at an angle within the slot 208 of the bracket 200 prior to rotation towards the face 224 of the bracket 200 and locking within the bracket 200 (such as within the slot 208). The retainer 202 can include a recess 220 (also referred to as a gap, undercut, notch, space, etc.) that can facilitate rotation of the connector 102 into and out of the slot 208 of the bracket 200, as described in detail herein.

[0156] The bracket 200 may include a spring 216 (e.g., a locking spring), and the spring 216 may facilitate locking the connector 102 of the bow member within the bracket 200. The spring 216 may be a compressible material having elastic properties and may be biased to a certain position. The spring 216 may be a C-shaped spring, a circular spring, a leaf spring, etc. The spring 216 may be received within the opening 212. The opening 212 may be provided through at least a portion of the retainer 202. The C-shaped spring 216 may be inserted into the opening 212 through a face of the bracket 200 opposite the face 224. The C-shaped spring 216 may be exposed to the slot 208 such that the connector 102 may contact the C-shaped spring 216 when positioned within the slot 208. The C-shaped spring 216 may be oriented such that its longitudinal axis is perpendicularly oriented with respect to the plane of the face 224. The opening 212 may have a profile and / or shape to prevent the C-shaped spring 216 from tilting and / or wobbling within the opening 212. The opening 212 may be bounded by a perimeter that may help prevent the C-shaped spring 216 from deflecting beyond a desired range (e.g., beyond elastic deformation). When the connector 102 of the bow member 100 is in the bracket 200, the C-shaped spring 216 may apply a force to the connector 102 that pushes the connector 102 against the stoppers 204, 205 and / or at least partially beneath the stoppers 204, 205 such that the connector 102 is locked within the slot 202 of the bracket 200.

[0157] The stoppers 204, 205 may be near opposite ends of the bracket 200 relative to the retainer 202. In some variations, the stoppers 204, 205 may be in a mirror configuration about a central plane of the bracket 200. The stoppers 204, 205 may each include a receiving space 228, 229, respectively. The receiving spaces 228, 229 may be at least partially bounded by extensions (e.g., overhangs) of the stoppers 204, 205. The receiving spaces 228, 229 (which may also be referred to as recesses or notches) may receive a portion of the connector 102 therein to secure the connector 102 within the slot 208. In some variations, the bracket 200 may include two stoppers 204, 205. In some variations, the bracket 200 may include one, three, four, or more stoppers that may help hold the connector 102 of the bow member 100 within the bracket 200. The stoppers 204, 205 may be spaced apart from each other, which may be in the mesial-distal direction. A gap 234 may separate the stoppers 204, 205. The gap 234 may receive the tab 110 of the connector 102 as described herein. The portion of the face 224 spanning the gap 234 may be at least flat, angled, or curved. The portion of the face 224 spanning the gap 234 may be angled with respect to other portions of the face 224 and / or curved at the ends of the bracket 200.

[0158] The bracket 200 may include ramps 232, 233. The ramps 232, 233 may also be referred to as inclined surfaces, protrusions, angled surfaces, wedges, bumps, etc. The ramps 392, 393 may extend away from the face 224 of the bracket 200. The ramps 232, 233 may push the connector 102 against the stoppers 204, 205 to help secure the connector 102 within the slot 208. The ramps 232, 233 may push the connector 102 against the overhangs of the stoppers 204, 205. The ramps 232, 233 may include flat surfaces that may engage the connector 102 when the connector 102 is secured within the slot 208. In some variations, the ramps 232, 233 may extend beyond the width of the stoppers 204, 205 respectively, which may help improve rotational control of the tooth.

[0159] The bracket 200 may include a protrusion 226 (e.g., a bump). The protrusion 226 may extend from the face 224. When positioned within the slot 208, the protrusion 226 may exert a force on the connector 102 to push the connector 102 against the stoppers 204, 205 and / or the overhangs 206 of the retainer 202 to help secure the connector 102. The protrusion 226 may extend laterally beyond the width of the retainer 202, which may help improve rotational control of the tooth. The protrusion 226 may extend laterally beyond the stoppers 204, 205. In some variations, the opening 212 may break a portion of the protrusion 226.

[0160] The bracket 200 may include inclined surfaces 222, 223 that may facilitate insertion of the connector 102 into the slot 208 of the bracket 200 before rotating the connector 102 toward the face 224 of the bracket 200 to lock the connector 102 in place. The inclined surfaces 222, 223 may be positioned on opposite sides of the retainer 202.

[0161] The bracket 200 may include lateral extensions 236, 237, which may also be referred to as lateral wings. The lateral extensions 236, 237 may help the bracket 200 better control the movement of a molar or other tooth. For example, the lateral extensions 236, 237 may facilitate better rotational control. The lateral extensions 236, 237 may also provide more surface area for the textured surface 230 to improve adhesion.

[0162] The bracket 200 may include a textured surface 230, also referred to as a surface having undercuts, incisions, gaps, voids, and / or slots. The textured surface 230 may be disposed on a side of the bracket 200 opposite the face 224. The textured surface 230 may assist in bonding the bracket 200 to the surface of a patient's tooth. Specifically, an adhesive applied to the textured surface 230 may bond the textured surface 230 to the surface of the patient's tooth. Compared with an untextured surface, the textured surface 230 may provide an increased surface area to assist in improving the bond.

[0163] Figure 5 A connector 102 coupled to the bracket 200 is shown. As shown, the connector 102 is disposed in the slot 208 of the bracket 200. A C-shaped spring 216 may push the connector 102 against the stoppers 204, 205 and / or under at least a portion of the stoppers 204, 205. The contact surface 114 may contact the stoppers 204, 205. The force applied by the C-shaped spring 216 may lock the connector 102 under the overhangs of the stoppers 204, 205 and the overhang 206 of the retainer 202.

[0164] The bracket 200 and / or the connector 102 of the arch 100 may include modifications to accommodate various teeth of a patient, such as molars, bicuspids, lower anterior teeth, and upper central teeth.

[0165] Figure 6A An arch 100A is shown, which may include any features described with reference to any other arch configuration herein. As shown, the arch 100A includes a plurality of connectors 102 and interproximal segments 104. The interproximal segments 104 may be disposed between adjacent connectors 102. The interproximal segments 104 may include loops of various shapes and / or sizes, which may be changed based on a treatment plan to move a patient's teeth toward a planned alignment. For example, the treatment plan may call for a first tooth to move a first distance and a second tooth to move a second distance. The second distance may be greater than the first distance. Accordingly, the loop adjacent to the second tooth may be configured to facilitate moving the second tooth a greater distance, which may at least include enlarging the loop and / or including multiple loops.

[0166] For example, the interproximal segment 104 may include an enlarged loop 150, which may be larger than the other loops of the arch 100A, as Figure 6AAs shown. The amplification loop 150 may have a greater radius compared to other loops of the bow 100A. The amplification loop 150 may have a smaller curvature compared to other loops of the bow 100A. The amplification loop 150 may be disposed between adjacent connectors 102 and connect the adjacent connectors 102. The amplification loop 150 may include a first portion 151 that extends (e.g., curves) in the gingival direction from the first adjacent connector 102 to an intermediate point 155. The amplification loop 150 may include a second portion 153 that extends (e.g., curves) in the occlusal direction from the intermediate point 155 to the second adjacent connector 102. The intermediate point 155 may be the junction point between the first portion 151 and the second portion 153. The intermediate point 155 may be the point on the amplification loop 150 closest to the gingiva. The intermediate point 155 may be gingivally positioned relative to the adjacent connectors 102. The intermediate point 155 may be gingivally positioned relative to the midline of the adjacent connectors 102, and the midline extends in the mesial-distal direction. The midline may delineate the occlusal surface halves of the adjacent connectors 102. In some variations, the midlines may be collinear. In some variations, one midline may be occlusally positioned relative to another midline. The intermediate point 155 may be gingivally positioned relative to the occlusal surface halves of one or both of the adjacent connectors 102. The intermediate point 155 may be gingivally positioned relative to the three-quarters of the occlusal surface of one or both of the adjacent connectors 102. The intermediate point 155 may be gingivally positioned relative to the arms 108 of one or both of the adjacent connectors 102. The intermediate point 155 may be gingivally positioned relative to one or both of the brackets coupled to the adjacent connectors.

[0167] The interproximal segment 104 may include a double loop 152, as Figure 6A shown, and the double loop 152 may also be referred to as a W-shaped loop. The double loop 152 may include two loops, and compared to a single loop, the two loops may be more effective in moving teeth a greater distance. The two loops may be positioned in series. In some variations, the interproximal segment 104 may include three, four, or more loops. The loops may be of various shapes, which may at least include U-shaped, V-shaped, teardrop-shaped, boot-shaped, and / or other shapes. In some variations, the interproximal segment 104 may consist only of the double loop 152.

[0168] As Figure 6BAs shown, the interdental segment 104 with the double loop 152 can be connected to the first connector 102 at the first connection portion 118 (e.g., joint), and connected to the second connector 102 at the second connection portion 126. The interdental segment 104 can connect (e.g., join) two adjacent connectors 102 (e.g., the first connector 102 and the second connector 102). The interdental segment 104 can span the gap between two adjacent connectors 102 (e.g., the first connector 102 and the second connector 102). The double loop 152 can include a first loop 136 and a second loop 138. The first loop 136 and the second loop 138 can be arranged in series. The first loop 136 and the second loop 138 can be joined at a curve. In some variations, the first loop 136 and / or the second loop 138 can be open in the occlusal direction. In some variations, the first loop 136 and the second loop 138 can have the same size and / or shape. In some variations, the first loop 136 and the second loop 138 can have different sizes and / or shapes. In some variations, the curvature of one of the first loop 136 and the second loop 138 can be less than the curvature of the other of the first loop 136 and the second loop 138.

[0169] The first loop 136 can include a first portion 128 that extends (e.g., curves) in the gingival direction from the first connection portion 118 to the first gingival point 120 (e.g., first gingival portion, gingival point). The first gingival point 120 can be disposed gingivally relative to the first connection portion 118. The first loop 136 can include a second portion 130 that extends (e.g., curves) in the occlusal direction from the first gingival point 120 to the intermediate point 122. The first gingival point 120 can be the joint between the first portion 128 and the second portion 130 of the first loop 136. The first gingival point 120 can be the point closest to the gingiva along the first loop 136.

[0170] The intermediate point 122 can be the joint point between the first loop 136 and the second loop 138. In some variations, the intermediate point 122 can be disposed gingivally relative to the first connection portion 118 and / or the second connection portion 126. The intermediate point 122 can be on the occlusal side relative to the first gingival point 120 and the second gingival point 124. The intermediate point 122 can be the most occlusal point between the first gingival point 120 and the second gingival point 124. The intermediate point 122 can be disposed on the curve connecting the first loop 136 and the second loop 138.

[0171] The second loop 138 may include a first portion 132 that extends (e.g., curves) in a gingival direction from an intermediate point 122 to a second gingival point 124. The second gingival point 124 may be disposed gingivally relative to the second junction 126. The second loop 138 may include a second portion 134 that extends (e.g., curves) in an occlusal direction from the second gingival point 124 to the second junction 126. The second gingival point 124 may be a junction between the first portion 132 and the second portion 134 of the second loop 138. The second gingival point 124 may be the point along the second loop 138 that is closest to the gingiva.

[0172] The intermediate point 122 may be positioned gingivally relative to adjacent connectors 102 (e.g., the first connector 102 and the second connector 102). The intermediate point 122 may be positioned gingivally relative to the midline of the adjacent connectors 102, the midline extending in the mesial-distal direction. The midline may delineate the occlusal surface half of the adjacent connectors 102. In some variations, the midlines may be collinear. In some variations, one midline may be positioned occlusally relative to another midline. The intermediate point 122 may be positioned gingivally relative to the occlusal surface half of one or both of the adjacent connectors 102. The intermediate point 122 may be positioned gingivally relative to the three-quarters occlusal surface of one or both of the adjacent connectors 102. The intermediate point 122 may be positioned gingivally relative to the arms 108 of one or both of the adjacent connectors 102. The first gingival point 120 and / or the second gingival point 124 may be positioned gingivally relative to one or both of the adjacent connectors 102. The first gingival point 120 and / or the second gingival point 124 may be positioned gingivally relative to one or both of the midlines of the adjacent connectors 102. The first gingival point 120 and / or the second gingival point 124 may be positioned gingivally relative to the occlusal half of one or both of the adjacent connectors 102. The first gingival point 120 and / or the second gingival point 124 may be positioned gingivally relative to the three-quarters occlusal surface of one or both of the adjacent connectors 102. The first gingival point 120 and / or the second gingival point 124 may be positioned gingivally relative to one or both of the arms 108 of one or both of the adjacent connectors 102. The intermediate point 122 may be positioned gingivally relative to one or both brackets coupled to the adjacent connectors. The first gingival point 120 and / or the second gingival point 124 may be positioned gingivally relative to one or both brackets coupled to the adjacent connectors.

[0173] In some variations, the first loop 136 and / or the second loop 138 may include an opening that opens in the occlusal direction. In some variations, the opening may be narrower in the mesial-distal direction than gingivally within the loop. The first loop 136 and / or the second loop 138 may include a teardrop shape.

[0174] Figure 7AShows an archwire 100B, which may include any features described with reference to any other archwire configurations described herein. The archwire 100B may be configured for patients with crowded teeth (such as crowded anterior teeth). For patients with crowded anterior teeth, space may be limited. For example, in some cases, the connector may be directly bonded to the patient's teeth because there may not be enough surface area on the teeth for bonding brackets. In some cases, as Figure 7A shown, the archwire 100B may include various connector configurations to accommodate crowded teeth (e.g., anterior crowded teeth).

[0175] For example, the archwire 100B may include one or more connectors 102A, which are configured for crowded teeth. The connector 102A may include any features described with reference to any other connector configurations described herein. The connector 102A may include two arms, arm 108 and arm 108'. The arm 108 of the connector 102A may be the same as the arm 108 of the connector 102. As for the arm 108', the adjacent interproximal segment 104 may be directly connected to the arm 108' instead of directly connected to the occlusal portion of the connector 102A relative to the arm 108'. The interproximal segment 104 adjacent to the arm 108' may be directly connected to the gingival portion of the arm 108' and extend gingivally therefrom. The loop of the interproximal segment 104 may extend away from the arm 108' gingivally. In some variations, the arm 108' may be wider in the mesial-distal direction than the arm 108, which may increase the stiffness of the arm 108'. The outer contour of the arm 108' and the connected interproximal segment 104 may be continuous. By the interproximal segment 104 extending gingivally from the arm 108' rather than from the occlusal position of the arm 108', the width of the connector 102A in the mesial-distal direction may be reduced. The width of the occlusal portion of the connector 102A may be reduced. In some variations, the adjacent portion occluded by the arm 108' of the connector 102A may be excised. For example, the profile of the connector 102A may be angled inwards in the occlusal direction of the arm 108', which may further reduce the width of the connector 102A in the mesial-distal direction (e.g., the occlusal portion of the connector 102A).

[0176] The bow-shaped member 100B may include one or more connectors 102B configured to crowd teeth. The connector 102B may include any features described in connection with any other connector configurations herein. The connector 102B may include two arms 108', which may be the same as the arms 108' described in connection with the connector 102A. The interproximal segment 104 adjacent to the arm 108' may be directly connected to the arm 108' rather than directly connected to the occluding portion of the connector 102B relative to the arm 108', as detailed for other connectors described herein. The interproximal segment 104 adjacent to the arm 108' may be directly connected to the gingival portion of the arm 108' and extend gingivally from the gingival portion of the arm 108'. The loop of the interproximal segment 104 may extend gingivally away from the arm 108'. In some variations, the arm 108' may be wider in the mesial-distal direction than the arm 108. The outer contour of the arm 108' and the connected interproximal segment 104 may be continuous. By the interproximal segment 104 extending gingivally from the arm 108' rather than from the occluding position of the arm 108', the width of the connector 102B in the mesial-distal direction may be reduced. The width of the occluding portion of the connector 102B may be reduced. In some variations, the adjacent portion of the connector 102B that the arm 108' occludes may be excised. For example, the profile of the connector 102B may be angled inward in the occluding direction of the arm 108', which may further reduce the width of the connector 102B in the mesial-distal direction (e.g., the occluding portion of the connector 102B). In some variations, one or more of the loops of the interproximal segment 104 may include an opening that opens in the occluding direction. In some variations, the opening may be narrower in the mesial-distal direction than the gingival direction within the loop. One or more loops of the interproximal segment 104 may include a teardrop shape.

[0177] Figure 7B The bow-shaped member 100C is shown, which may include any features described in connection with any other bow configurations herein. Similar to the bow-shaped member 100B, the bow-shaped member 100C may be configured for a patient with crowded teeth (such as crowded anterior teeth). The bow-shaped member 100C may include one or more connectors 102, one or more connectors 102A, and / or one or more connectors 102B, where the interproximal segment 104 is disposed between adjacent connectors. The connectors of the bow-shaped member 100C may be positioned at different locations in the occlusal-gingival direction. Some connectors may include features (e.g., holes, symbols, graphics, textures, markings, etc.) to assist the clinician in aligning the corresponding connectors of the bow with specific teeth. For example, two connectors corresponding to two teeth on either side of the midline of the patient's teeth may each include a hole and / or another feature to indicate to the clinician that these two connectors correspond to two teeth on either side of the midline of the teeth.

[0178] Figure 8An exemplary tooth 300 is shown. The tooth 300 may include a crown 302, which may correspond to the portion of the tooth 300 that protrudes from the patient's gum 306. The tooth 300 may include a root 304, which may correspond to the portion of the tooth 300 that is disposed within the patient's gum 306. The root 304 may be disposed within a socket of the jawbone and anchor the root 304 in place. The root 304 may constitute approximately two-thirds of the tooth 300, while the crown 302 may constitute approximately one-third. As described herein, a treatment plan may include moving one or more of the patient's teeth. Thus, an orthodontic bracket may be coupled to the crown 302 of the patient's tooth, and an archwire is coupled to the orthodontic bracket to apply a force 308 to the patient's tooth to move the tooth toward a planned alignment. In some variations, a connector of the archwire may be directly coupled to the crown 302 of the patient's tooth to apply a force 308 to the patient's tooth to move the tooth toward a planned alignment.

[0179] Since the force 308 is applied directly to the crown 302 and the tooth is anchored by the root 304, the tooth may tilt and / or rotate, which may be undesirable for the treatment plan. Such tilting and / or rotation may be caused by applying the force 308 at the crown 302 away from (e.g., occlusally) the center of resistance 301 of the tooth 300. The center of resistance 301 indicates the point of the tooth 300 at which, if the force 308 is applied, the tooth 300 will not be caused to tilt and rotate about the long axis of the tooth 300. Thus, moving the application of the force 308 to the center of resistance 301 or closer to the center of resistance 301 may result in less or no undesirable tilting or rotation of the tooth 300 when the tooth 300 is translated from the application of the force 308. In this way, in some variations, the archwire (e.g., the connector of the archwire) may include a hook (e.g., an extension, a peg, a snap, a pin, an attachment portion). One or more elastic members (e.g., springs, bands, nitinol springs, etc.) may be coupled to the hook to apply a force to the tooth 300 at or closer to the center of resistance 301, which may result in less or no tilting or rotation of the tooth 300 when the tooth 300 is translated. In some cases, compared to not having a hook and one or more elastic members, the one or more elastic members and the hook may apply an additional force to the tooth 300 to facilitate more effective movement of the tooth 300. The hooks described herein may be integral parts of the archwires described herein, which may include being cut from a sheet of material as part of cutting the archwire from the sheet of material. In some variations, the hooks described herein may be coupled (e.g., glued, welded, crimped, brazed) to the archwire after the archwire has been cut from the sheet of material.

[0180] Figure 9The hook 143 (e.g., extension, stud, buckle, pin, attachment portion) of the bow member is shown. The hook 143 can be part of the connector 102C, which can include at least any of the features described with reference to the other connectors herein. The connector 102C can be part of any of the bows described herein. The hook 143 can extend gingivally from the connector 102C. The hook 143 can be directly connected to the two arms 108 of the connector 102C and extend gingivally therefrom. In some variations, the hook 143 and other parts of the connector 102C (e.g., the arms 108) can define a hole 145 (e.g., opening). When the connector 102C and the bracket 200 are coupled together, the retainer 202 of the bracket 200 can be disposed in the hole 145, which can increase the stiffness of the hook 143 to withstand the forces applied to the hook 143 by one or more elastic members.

[0181] In some variations, the hook 143 can be directly connected to one of the two arms 108 and extend gingivally from one of the two arms, rather than gingivally from the other arm. The hook 143 can include a neck 147 (e.g., extension, elongate portion, tongue). An enlarged end portion 144 (e.g., protrusion, enlarged portion) can be provided on the end portion of the neck 147. One or more elastic members can be coupled to the neck 147 (e.g., disposed around the neck). The enlarged end portion 144 can help hold one or more elastic members on the hook 143. One or more elastic members can apply a force to the hook 143 at a location closer to or at the center of resistance 301 of the tooth to avoid excessive tipping and / or rotation of the tooth. One end of one or more elastic members can be coupled to the hook 143 coupled to the first tooth, and the other end of one or more elastic members can be coupled to another hook 143 coupled to the second tooth, which can facilitate translating the first tooth and the second tooth closer together. The one or more elastic members can be coupled to the hook 143 and another orthodontic appliance.

[0182] The one or more elastic members can be a variety of devices, which can at least include springs (e.g., compression springs, helical compression springs, tension springs, helical tension springs, coil springs, variable rate springs, linear rate springs, dual rate springs, conical springs, barrel springs, straight springs, hourglass springs, continuous force springs, closed springs), bands (e.g., rubber bands), nitinol springs, wires, nitinol wires, etc. Figure 10Illustrated is an example of one or more elastic members—a spring 400. The spring 400 can be a nitinol extension spring. The spring 400 can provide a continuous force, which can improve patient comfort. The spring 400 can include eyelets 402, 402' (e.g., attachment portions, accessories, loops). The eyelets 402, 402' can be attached to the hooks described herein to apply a force to the hooks described herein. The spring 400 can include coils 404 disposed between the eyelets 402, 402'. The coils 404 can provide the force applied to the hooks.

[0183] Figure 11A Illustrated is a section of the bow 100D, which can include any features configured with reference to any of the other bow configurations described herein. The bow 100D can include a connector 102D, which can include at least any features configured with reference to the other connectors described herein. The connector 102D can include two arms, which can include arm 108 and arm 108". A hook 111 (e.g., extension, peg, snap, pin, attachment portion) can be directly connected to and extend from arm 108". For example, the hook 111 can extend gingivally from arm 108". The hook 111 can extend gingivally from arm 108" to a curved portion 142 and then extend in the mesio-distal direction. The portion of arm 108' and hook 111 that extends in the mesio-distal direction can be arranged transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) relative to each other. The hook 111 can include an enlarged end portion 144 (e.g., protrusion, enlarged portion) to facilitate holding one or more elastic members on the hook 111. One or more elastic members can be disposed around the hook 111 (e.g., around the curved portion 142) to apply a force on the hook 111. In some variations, arm 108" can be wider in the mesio-distal direction than arm 108, which can increase the stiffness of arm 108" to withstand the force applied to it by one or more elastic members.

[0184] The hook 111 can include a protrusion 140 (e.g., tab, flange, protrusion, projection, projection, protrusion, secondary hook, tooth). The protrusion 140 can extend in the direction of the enlarged end 144. The protrusion 140 can extend in a direction opposite to the enlarged end 144. The protrusion 140 can help prevent one or more elastic members from moving (e.g., sliding, riding) along arm 108' in the occlusal direction toward the junction between the connector 102D and the adjacent interdental segment 104. For example, one of the eyelets 402, 402' can be disposed around the hook 111, which can include around the curved portion 142. The protrusion 140 can prevent one of the eyelets 402, 402' from moving along arm 108' in the occlusal direction toward the junction between the connector 102D and the adjacent interdental segment 104. The enlarged end 144 can prevent one of the eyelets 402, 402' from separating from the hook 111. Figure 11Ashows a hook 111 extending from the curved portion 142 toward one of the mesial or distal directions, and Figure 11B shows a hook 111 extending from the curved portion 142 toward the other of the mesial or distal directions. The bow 100D may include at least two connectors 102D - one having a hook 111 oriented as Figure 11A shown, and the other having a hook 111 oriented as Figure 11B shown. An elastic member (such as spring 400) may be coupled to the two hooks 111 to move two teeth coupled to the two connectors 102D closer together respectively.

[0185] When the connector 102D is coupled to an orthodontic bracket, the hook 111 may be disposed near the orthodontic bracket, which may increase the stiffness of the hook 111 to resist the force applied by one or more elastic members. In some variations, the hook 111 may contact the retainer 202 of the orthodontic bracket to provide additional stiffness to the hook 111.

[0186] Figure 12AA section of the bow 100E is shown, which may include any features described with reference to any other bow configuration herein. The bow 100E may include a connector 102D', which may include at least any features described with reference to other connectors herein. The connector 102D' may include two arms, which may include arm 108 and arm 108". A hook 111' (e.g., extension, stud, catch, pin, attachment portion) may be directly connected to and extend from arm 108". For example, the hook 111' may extend gingivally from arm 108". The hook 111' may extend gingivally from arm 108" to a curved portion 142 and then extend in the occlusal direction and the mesial-distal direction. The hook 111' may include an enlarged end 144 (e.g., protrusion, enlarged portion), which may help hold one or more elastic members on the hook 111'. One or more elastic members may be disposed around the hook 111' (e.g., in some embodiments, one or more elastic members (e.g., rubber springs) may be disposed on the arm 108' of the connector 102D'. For example, one or more elastic members may be disposed on the arm 108' of the connector 102D' and around the curved portion 142) to apply a force on the hook 111'. The hook 111' may include a protrusion 140 (e.g., tab, flange, protrusion, projection, projection, protrusion, secondary hook, tooth). The protrusion 140 may extend in the direction of the enlarged end 144. The protrusion 140 may extend in a direction opposite to the enlarged end 144. The protrusion 140 may help prevent one or more elastic members from moving occlusally (e.g., sliding, riding) towards the junction between the connector 102D' and the adjacent interdental segment 104. For example, one of the eyelets 402, 402' may be disposed around the hook 111', which may include being disposed around the curved portion 142. The protrusion 140 may prevent one of the eyelets 402, 402' from moving occlusally along the arm 108' towards the junction between the connector 102D' and the adjacent interdental segment 104. The enlarged end 144 may prevent one of the eyelets 402, 402' from separating from the hook 111'. Figure 12A A hook 111' is shown extending from the curved portion 142 towards the occlusal direction and one of the mesial or distal directions, Figure 12B A hook 111 is shown extending from the curved portion 142 towards the occlusal direction and the other of the mesial or distal directions. The bow 100E may include at least two connectors 102D', one having a hook 111' with the orientation as Figure 12A shown, and the other having a hook 111' with the orientation as Figure 12B shown. An elastic member such as a spring 400 may be coupled to the two hooks 111' to move two teeth respectively coupled to the two connectors 102D' closer together.

[0187] Figure 13Shows a section of the bow 100F, which may include any features described with reference to any other bow configuration described herein. The bow 100F may include a connector 102E, which may include at least any features described with reference to other connectors described herein. The connector 102E may include two arms, which may include arm 108 and arm 108”. A hook 111” (e.g., extension, stud, snap, pin, attachment portion) may be directly connected to and extend from the arm 108”. For example, the hook 111” may extend gingivally from the arm 108”. The hook 111” may extend gingivally from the arm 108” to a curved portion 142 that curves in the occlusal direction and in one of the mesial or distal directions. The hook 111” may include a protrusion 140 (e.g., tab, flange, protrusion, projection, prominence, deflection, secondary hook, tooth). The protrusion 140 may extend in a direction opposite to the curved portion 142. The protrusion 140 may extend in the other of the mesial or distal directions and in the gingival direction. One or more elastic members may be disposed around the hook 111” (e.g., around the curved portion 142) to apply a force on the hook 111” to move one or more teeth. The elastic member may be disposed around the curved portion 142 and contact the protrusion 140. The protrusion 140 may help prevent the elastic member from moving (e.g., sliding, riding) in the occlusal direction on the arm 108” toward the junction between the connector 102E and the adjacent interproximal segment 104. For example, the eyelet 402 of the spring 400 may be disposed around the hook 111” (e.g., the curved portion 142) and contact the protrusion 140. The eyelet 402’ of the spring 400 may be disposed around the hook 111” of another connector 102E or another orthodontic appliance. One or more elastic members (e.g., the eyelet 402) may contact the protrusion 140 to bend (e.g., load) one or more elastomers.

[0188] In some variations, the force from one or more resilient members (e.g., spring 400) on hook 111” can cause the tooth to which hook 111” is coupled to translate and also tilt, which may be at least due to root resistance. The reaction force from hook 111” to the force applied by one or more resilient members can engage the center of resistance (e.g., the moment of resistance) of the tooth, which can contribute to the tilting of the tooth. However, one or more resilient members (e.g., spring 400) can contact projection 140 to apply a force to projection 140 that counteracts the tilting of the tooth. One or more resilient members can bend around projection 140 so as to apply a force to projection 140. For example, the potential energy of the resilient member (e.g., bending) loaded against projection 140 can counteract the tilting of the tooth because the resilient member applies a force to hook 111” to translate the tooth. With spring 400, when eyelet 402' is coupled to another hook 111” on another connector 102E of arch 100F, eyelet 402 can be disposed around the curved portion 142 of hook 111” and is pulled against projection 140 or another portion of spring 400 (e.g., the structure near eyelet 402, the frame of eyelet 402, etc.) by the spring force of spring 400.

[0189] In some variations, an interproximal segment can have a plurality of members spanning between adjacent connectors 102. Each member can apply a force on adjacent connectors 102, which can provide an increased orthodontic force as compared to an interproximal segment having a single member spanning between two adjacent connectors 102. Any arch described herein can include one or more interproximal segments having a plurality of members connected to and spanning between adjacent connectors 102.

[0190] Figure 14A - 14CDepicts a portion of the bow 100G with two connectors 102, where the interdental segment 503 spans the two connectors 102. The interdental segment 503 may include a plurality of members that span adjacent connectors 102. For example, the interdental segment 503 may include an occlusal interdental member 504A and a gingival interdental member 504B. The interdental segment 503 may include a first portion 510 that extends from the first connector 102 to a bifurcation point 512, which may also be described as a fork, junction, and / or split. The interdental segment 503 may bifurcate at the bifurcation point 512 into the occlusal interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B. The occlusal interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B may each apply a force on the adjacent connectors 102. The occlusal interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B are depicted with the occlusal interdental member 504A being more occlusal than the gingival interdental member 504B, however, the relative positions of the two or more interdental members 503 may vary to achieve the planned tooth positioning. Before encountering the second connector 102, the occlusal interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B may recombine at a convergence point 520 (which may also be described as a junction). After the convergence point 520, the interdental segment 503 may be connected to the second connector 102 by a second portion 522. As Figure 14AAs shown, the first portion 510 of the interdental segment 503 can be connected to the first connector 102 at the first connection portion 506 (e.g., the junction point). Similarly, the second portion 522 can be connected to the second connector 102 at the second connection portion 524 (e.g., the junction point). The interdental segment 503 can span the gap between two adjacent connectors 102 (e.g., the first connector 102 and the second connector 102). The interdental segment 503 can include two or more members that diverge and converge along the length of the interdental segment 503 between the first connector 102 and the second connector 102. The interdental segment 503 can include an occlusal interdental member 504A and a gingival interdental member 504B between the first portion 510 and the second portion 522. The divergence point 512 can be located gingivally relative to the first connection portion 506. The convergence point 520 can be located gingivally relative to the second connection portion 524. The interdental segment 503 can extend gingivally to the divergence point 512 at the first connector 506 through the first portion 510. The interdental segment 503 can divide into two members at the divergence point 512, and the two members can include the occlusal interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B. The occlusal interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B can bend gingivally and then bend toward the occlusal side to recombine at the convergence point 520. The occlusal interdental member 504A can be positioned on the occlusal side relative to the gingival interdental member 504B. The occlusal interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B can define an opening therebetween. The occlusal interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B can be spaced apart from each other in the gingival-occlusal direction.

[0191] Various physical characteristics of the interdental segment 503 can be modified to achieve different orthodontic forces. The gingival-occlusal thickness and / or the buccal-lingual thickness of the interdental segment 503 can vary along the lengths of the interdental members 504A, 504B, the first portion 510, and / or the second portion 522, and the occlusal side interdental member 504A can be different compared to the gingival interdental member 504B. As the interdental members 504A, 504B extend from the first connector 102 to the second connector 102, they can have different radii of curvature, which may affect the vector of the force exerted by each of the interdental members 504A, 504B. The lengths of the first portion 510 and the second portion 522 that define the positions of the divergence point 512 and the convergence point 520 of the interdental members 504A, 504B can vary in length, which can include each portion having the same length or portions having different lengths. The dimensions of the first portion 510 can be set such that the position of the divergence point 512 in the gingival-occlusal direction is substantially the same as the position of the first connection member 506, as Figure 14B shown, where the first portion 510 and the second portion 522 are more Figure 14AThe first portion 510 and the second portion 522 shown are short. Similarly, the dimensions of the second portion 522 can be set such that the position of the convergence point 520 is substantially the same as the position of the second connecting member 524 of the second connecting member 102 that engages the interproximal segment 503. The length of the first portion 510 can be different from the length of the second portion 522 such that the occlusal midpoint 516A and the gingival midpoint 516B may not be at the midpoint between the first connector 102 and the second connector 102. One connector 102 can be positioned more occlusally than the other connector 102, such as Figure 14C the connector 102 in Figure 6A shown. The interproximal segment 503 can include a double loop 152 (e.g., as shown in

[0192] ), which can also be referred to as a W-shaped loop, such that only one, only two, or more than two of the interproximal members 504A, 504B between the first connector 102 and the second connector 102 are double loops 152. Thus, the occlusal interproximal member 504A and / or the gingival interproximal member 504B can be double loops 152.

[0193] As Figure 14AAs depicted, both the occlusal interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B can be bent in the gingival direction. The interdental members 504A, 504B can be bent in the occlusal direction. The interdental members 504A, 504B can be bent in the same direction. The interdental members 504A, 504B can be bent in different directions. The occlusal interdental member 504A can be bent in the occlusal direction. As Figure 14C shown, the occlusal interdental member 504A can be bent in the occlusal direction, and the gingival interdental member 504B can be bent in the gingival direction. The occlusal interdental member 504A can extend (e.g., bend) occlusally from the divergence point 512 to the most occlusal position, and then extend (e.g., bend) gingivally toward the convergence point 520. The gingival interdental member 504B can extend (e.g., bend) gingivally from the divergence point 512 to the most gingival position, and then extend (e.g., bend) occlusally toward the convergence point 520. The occlusal surface interdental member 504A can extend (e.g., bend) occlusally from the divergence point 512 to the most occlusal position, and then (e.g., bend) extend gingivally to the most gingival position, and then (e.g., bend) extend occlusally to the convergence point 520. The occlusal surface interdental member 504A can extend (e.g., bend) occlusally from the divergence point 512 to the most occlusal position, and then (e.g., bend) extend gingivally to the most gingival position, and then (e.g., bend) extend occlusally to the convergence point 520. The gingival interdental member 504B can extend (e.g., bend) occlusally from the divergence point 512 to the most occlusal position, and then (e.g., bend) extend gingivally to the most gingival position, and then (e.g., bend) extend occlusally to the convergence point 520.

[0194] In some variations, the occlusal interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B can be of the same size and / or shape. In some variations, the occlusal interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B can be of different sizes and / or shapes. In some variations, the radius of curvature of one of the occlusal interdental member 504A or the gingival interdental member 504B can be greater than the radius of curvature of the other of the occlusal interdental member 504A or the gingival interdental member 504B. In some variations, the curvature of one of the occlusal interdental member 504A or the gingival interdental member 504B can be less than the curvature of the other of the occlusal interdental member 504A or the gingival interdental member 504B. In some variations, the occlusal surface interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B can have different thicknesses in the occlusal-gingival direction and / or the buccal-lingual direction.

[0195] In some variations, the occlusal interdental member 504A can include a first occlusal portion 514A that extends (e.g., curves) in the gingival direction from a divergence point 512 to an occlusal midpoint 516A, as Figure 14B shown. The first occlusal portion 514A can alternatively extend (e.g., curve) in the occlusal direction from the divergence point 512 to the occlusal midpoint 516A. The occlusal midpoint 516A can be disposed in the gingival direction relative to the divergence point 512. The occlusal interdental member 504A can include a second occlusal portion 518A that extends (e.g., curves) in the occlusal direction from the occlusal midpoint 516A to a convergence point 520, where the occlusal interdental member 504A can meet the gingival interdental member 504B. The second occlusal portion 518A can alternatively extend (e.g., curve) in the gingival direction from the occlusal midpoint 516A to the convergence point 520. The occlusal midpoint 516A can be a connection between the first occlusal portion 514A and the second occlusal portion 518A and define the midpoint of the occlusal interdental member 504A. The occlusal midpoint 516A can be the point along the occlusal interdental member 504A closest to the gingiva. The occlusal midpoint 516A can be the most occlusal point along the occlusal interdental member 504A. The occlusal midpoint 516A and / or the mesial midpoint 516B can be mesial relative to the divergence point 512 and / or the convergence point 520. The occlusal midpoint 516A and / or the mesial midpoint 516B can be distal relative to the divergence point 512 and / or the convergence point 520. The occlusal midpoint 516A and / or the mesial midpoint 516B can be closer to the mesial or distal relative to the midposition between the adjacent connectors 102.

[0196] The gingival side interdental member 504B may include a first gingival portion 514B that extends (e.g., curves) from a divergence point 512 in the gingival direction to a gingival midpoint 516B. The first gingival portion 514B may alternatively extend (e.g., curve) from the divergence point 512 in the occlusal direction to the gingival midpoint 516B. The gingival midpoint 516B may be disposed gingivally relative to the divergence point 512. The gingival interdental member 504B may include a second gingival portion 518B that extends (e.g., curves) from the gingival midpoint 516B in the occlusal direction to a convergence point 520, where the gingival interdental member 504B may meet the occlusal interdental member 504A. The second gingival side portion 518B may alternatively extend (e.g., curve) from the gingival midpoint 516B in the gingival direction to the convergence point 520. The gingival midpoint 516B may be a connection between the first gingival portion 514B and the second gingival portion 518B and define a midpoint of the gingival interdental member 504B. The gingival midpoint 516B may be the point on the gingival interdental member 504B closest to the gingiva. The gingival midpoint 516B may be the most occlusal side point along the gingival interdental member 504B.

[0197] The arch 100G of the interdental segment 503 having two or more interdental members may utilize other connectors 102 disclosed herein, such as the connector 102A configured for crowded teeth, the connector 102B configured for crowded teeth, the connector 102C additionally including a hook, the connector 102D additionally including a hook, the connector 102D' additionally including a hook, and / or any other connector described herein.

[0198] In some variations, the interdental segment 503 may have a mesial-distal width that varies as the interdental segment 503 progresses from the first connector 102 to the second connector 102. In some variations, the occlusal interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B of the interdental segment 503 may have a mesial-distal width that varies in the occlusal-gingival direction. In some variations, one or both of the occlusal interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B may have a mesial-distal width that is different across its most occlusal surface and across its most gingival surface. The occlusal interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B may have the same width at any mesial-distal position between the first connector 102 and the second connector 102. In some variations, the occlusal interdental member 504A may have a width different from that of the gingival interdental member 504B at one or more mesial-distal positions between the first connector 102 and the second connector 102. Similarly, the thickness of the occlusal interdental member 504A and the gingival interdental member 504B in the gingival-occlusal direction may vary as the interdental members 504A, 504B progress between adjacent connectors 102. In some variations, either or both of the occlusal interdental member 504A and / or the gingival interdental member 504B may have an occlusal-gingival height that varies as the occlusal interdental member 504A and / or the gingival interdental member 504B progresses from the first connector 102 to the second connector 102.

[0199] In some variations, the occlusal interdental member 504A and / or the gingival interdental member 504B may be configured such that, during treatment planning, they may contact at a point between the divergence point 512 and the convergence point 520. The gingival interdental member 504B may include a cross-section in a plane extending in the buccolingual direction to accommodate at least a portion of the occlusal interdental member 504A during treatment. The gingival interdental member 504B may be configured to accommodate all of the occlusal interdental member 504A, more than all of the occlusal interdental member 504A, or only a portion of the occlusal interdental member 504A. The occlusal interdental member 504A may include a cross-section in a plane extending in the buccolingual direction to accommodate at least a portion of the gingival interdental member 504B during treatment. The occlusal interdental member 504A may be configured to accommodate all of the gingival interdental member 504B, more than all of the gingival interdental member 504B, or only a portion of the gingival interdental member 504B.

[0200] In some variations, the occlusal interdental member 504A and / or the gingival interdental member 504B may have features (e.g., voids, recesses, grooves, channels) such that the occlusal interdental member 504A may receive the gingival interdental member 504B and / or the gingival interdental member 504B may receive the occlusal interdental member 504A.

[0201] In some variations, the interproximal member can extend greater in the occlusal-gingival direction than in the tongue-cheek direction. In some variations, the interproximal member can extend greater in the tongue-cheek direction than in the mesial-distal direction. The interproximal member can include a buccal interproximal member and a lingual interproximal member, which can include features similar to the variants of the occlusal interproximal member 504A and the gingival interproximal member 504B. The buccal interproximal member and the lingual interproximal member can be offset from each other in the tongue-cheek direction. The variants using the buccal interproximal member and the lingual interproximal member can include any features described with reference to any other dental arch shape configuration described herein. In some variations, the orientation of the interproximal member can be flipped in the occlusal-gingival direction relative to other variants of the interproximal member described herein. In some variations, the interproximal member can rotate around an axis that follows the curvature of the dental arch, so that if another feature is related to the occlusal direction, the embodiment using the interproximal member will cause the feature to be related to the tongue direction. Each interproximal member can apply force between adjacent connectors 102 in a similar manner to other interproximal members disclosed herein.

[0202] The scope of the invention disclosed herein should not be limited by the specific disclosed embodiments described above. The invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and specific examples are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein. The invention is not limited to the detailed forms or methods disclosed, but covers all equivalents, modifications and alternatives that fall within the scope and spirit of the various embodiments described and the appended claims. The various features of the orthodontic brackets and arches described herein can be combined to form further embodiments, which are part of the present disclosure.

[0203] The present invention includes methods of using orthodontic brackets and / or arches (including devices, apparatus, assemblies, structures, etc.); the methods of use may include using or assembling any one or more of the features disclosed herein to achieve the functions and / or features of the system as discussed in the present disclosure. The present invention includes methods of manufacturing the aforementioned system; the methods of manufacturing may include providing, making, connecting, assembling and / or installing any one or more of the features of the system disclosed herein to achieve the functions and / or features of the system as discussed in the present disclosure.

[0204] Of course, various other modifications, adaptations, and alternative designs are possible in light of the above teachings. Accordingly, it should be understood at this time that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described herein. It is contemplated that various combinations or sub - combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed above may be made and still fall within one or more of the inventions. Additionally, any specific feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, etc. disclosed herein in connection with an embodiment may be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that the various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined with or substituted for one another to form different modes of the disclosed invention. Therefore, the scope of the disclosed invention should not be limited by the specific disclosed embodiments above. Further, although the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific forms or methods disclosed, but rather the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments described and the appended claims. Any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the order described. The methods disclosed herein include certain actions taken by a practitioner; however, they may also include any third - party explicit or implicit instructions for those actions. For example, an action such as "tie the ligature to the orthodontic bracket" includes "instruct to tie the ligature to the orthodontic bracket". The scope disclosed herein also includes any and all overlaps, sub - ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as "at most", "at least", "greater than", "less than", "between... and" includes the recited numbers. As used herein, a number preceded by terms such as "about", "approximately", and "substantially" includes the recited number (e.g., about 10% = 10%), and also means an amount close to the recited amount that still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. For example, the terms "about", "approximately", and "substantially" may refer to an amount within less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, and less than 0.01% of the recited amount.

Claims

1. An arch for moving a patient's teeth, the arch comprising: A first connector and a second connector, the first connector and the second connector being configured to be coupled to a first bracket and a second bracket disposed on the patient's teeth such that the archwire does not slide relative to the first bracket and the second bracket; and An interdental segment disposed between the first connector and the second connector and connecting the first connector and the second connector, wherein the interdental segment includes a double loop.

2. The arch according to claim 1, wherein the double loop comprises a first loop and a second loop.

3. The arch according to claim 1, wherein the double loop consists of a first loop and a second loop.

4. The arch according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the first loop and the second loop are open in the occlusal direction.

5. The arch according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the first loop comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the first loop extends from the first connector to a first gingival point in the gingival direction, and the second portion of the first loop extends from the first gingival point to an intermediate point in the occlusal direction, and wherein the second loop comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the second loop extends from the intermediate point to a second gingival point in the gingival direction, and the second portion of the second loop extends from the second gingival point to the second connector in the occlusal direction.

6. The arch according to claim 5, wherein the intermediate point is positioned gingivally relative to the first connector and the second connector.

7. The arch according to claim 5, wherein the intermediate point is positioned gingivally relative to the midline of the first connector and the second connector, the midline extending in the mesial-distal direction.

8. The arch according to claim 5, wherein the intermediate point is positioned gingivally relative to the occlusal halves of the first connector and the second connector.

9. The arch according to claim 5, wherein the intermediate point is positioned gingivally relative to the occlusal three-quarters of the first connector and the second connector.

10. The arch according to claim 5, wherein the intermediate point is positioned gingivally relative to the arms of the first connector and the second connector.

11. The arch according to any one of claims 5 - 10, wherein the first gingival point and the second gingival point are positioned gingivally relative to the first connector and the second connector.

12. The arch according to any one of claims 5 - 10, wherein the first gingival point and the second gingival point are positioned gingivally relative to the midline of the first connector and the second connector, the midline extending in the mesial-distal direction.

13. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 5-10, wherein the first gingival point and the second gingival point are positioned gingivally relative to the occlusal halves of the first connector and the second connector.

14. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 5-10, wherein the first gingival point and the second gingival point are positioned gingivally relative to the three-quarter occlusal portions of the first connector and the second connector.

15. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 5-10, wherein the first gingival point and the second gingival point are positioned gingivally relative to the arms of the first connector and the second connector.

16. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 5-15, wherein the intermediate point is positioned occlusally relative to the first gingival point and the second gingival point.

17. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 5 to 16, wherein the intermediate point is positioned gingivally relative to the first connecting portion between the first connector and the interdental segment.

18. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 5 to 17, wherein the intermediate point is positioned gingivally relative to the second connecting portion between the second connector and the interdental segment.

19. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 5 to 18, wherein the first connecting member includes a pair of arms configured to be disposed on the mesial side and the distal side of the first bracket, and wherein the first portion of the first loop extends gingivally from a portion of the first connecting member that is positioned on the occlusal side relative to one of the pair of arms.

20. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 5 to 19, wherein the first connector includes a pair of arms configured to be disposed on the mesial side and the distal side of the first bracket, and wherein the first portion of the first loop extends gingivally from one of the pair of arms.

21. The bow-shaped member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interdental segment is a first interdental segment, and further includes a third connector, a fourth connector, and a second interdental segment disposed between the third connector and the fourth connector and connecting the third connector and the fourth connector, the third connector includes a pair of arms configured to be disposed on the mesial side and the distal side of a portion of a third bracket, and the second interdental segment includes a loop, wherein the second interdental segment extends gingivally from one of the pair of arms of the third connector.

22. The bow-shaped member according to claim 21, further including a fifth connector and a third interdental segment disposed between the third connector and the fifth connector, the third interdental segment includes a loop, and wherein the third interdental segment extends gingivally from the other of the pair of arms of the third connector.

23. The bow-shaped member according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises another connector, the other connector including a hook configured to couple with one or more elastic members to apply a force to the patient's teeth.

24. The bow-shaped member according to claim 23, wherein the other connector includes a pair of arms, and wherein the hook is directly connected to one of the pair of arms and extends gingivally from the one arm.

25. The bow-shaped member according to claim 23, wherein the other connector includes a pair of arms, and wherein the hook is directly connected to both of the pair of arms and extends gingivally from the two arms.

26. The bow-shaped member according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises adjacent connectors and an additional interproximal segment disposed between and connecting the adjacent connectors, the adjacent connectors being configured to couple with orthodontic brackets, the additional interproximal loop including an enlarged loop.

27. The bow-shaped member according to claim 20, wherein the enlarged loop includes a first portion, a second portion, and a midpoint, the first portion of the enlarged loop extending gingivally from one of the adjacent connectors to the midpoint of the enlarged loop, and the second portion of the enlarged loop extending occlusally from the midpoint to the other of the adjacent connectors.

28. The bow-shaped member according to claim 21, wherein the midpoint is positioned gingivally relative to the adjacent connectors.

29. The bow-shaped member according to claim 21, wherein the midpoint is positioned gingivally relative to the midline of the adjacent connectors, the midline extending in the mesial-distal direction.

30. The bow-shaped member according to claim 21, wherein the midpoint is positioned gingivally relative to the occlusal half of the adjacent connectors.

31. The bow-shaped member according to claim 21, wherein the midpoint is positioned gingivally relative to the occlusal three-quarters of the adjacent connectors.

32. The bow-shaped member according to claim 21, wherein the midpoint is positioned gingivally relative to the arms of the adjacent connectors.

33. A bow-shaped member for moving a patient's teeth, the bow-shaped member comprising: A first connector and a second connector, the first connector and the second connector being configured to be coupled to a first bracket and a second bracket disposed on the patient's teeth such that the archwire does not slide relative to the first bracket and the second bracket; and An interdental segment disposed between the first connector and the second connector and connecting the first connector and the second connector, wherein the interdental segment is formed by a double loop.

34. The bow-shaped member according to claim 33 further comprises any one of the features according to claims 2 to 32.

35. A bow-shaped member for moving a patient's teeth, the bow-shaped member comprising: A first connector and a second connector, each of the first connector and the second connector including a pair of arms, wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to be coupled to a first bracket and a second bracket disposed on the patient's teeth such that the archwire does not slide relative to the first bracket and the second bracket, and wherein the pair of arms of each of the first connector and the second connector are respectively disposed on the mesial surface and the distal surface of the first bracket and the second bracket; and An interdental segment including a loop and disposed between and connecting the first connector and the second connector, the interdental segment extending gingivally from one of the pair of arms of the first connector.

36. The bow-shaped member according to claim 35, wherein, The interdental segment is a first interdental segment, and the archwire further includes a third connector and a second interdental segment disposed between and connecting the third connector and the first connector, wherein the second interdental segment includes a loop and extends gingivally from the other of the pair of arms of the first connector.

37. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 35 and 36, wherein, The interdental segment extends gingivally from one of the pair of arms of the second connector.

38. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 35-37, further comprising a double loop disposed between two adjacent connectors.

39. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 35 to 38, further comprising another connector, the another connector including a hook configured to be coupled to one or more elastic members to apply a force to the teeth of the patient.

40. The bow-shaped member according to claim 39, wherein the another connector includes a pair of arms, wherein the hook is directly connected to one of the pair of arms and extends gingivally from one of the pair of arms.

41. The bow-shaped member according to claim 39, wherein the another connector includes a pair of arms, wherein the hook is directly connected to two of the pair of arms and extends gingivally from two of the pair of arms.

42. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 35 to 41, wherein the loop of the interproximal segment includes an opening that is open in the occlusal direction, and wherein the opening is narrower in the mesial-distal direction than at a more gingival location within the loop.

43. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 35 to 42, wherein the loop of the interproximal segment has a teardrop shape.

44. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 35-43, further comprising adjacent connectors and another interproximal segment disposed between and connecting the adjacent connectors, the another interproximal segment including a loop having an opening that is open in the occlusal direction, and wherein the opening is narrower in the mesial-distal direction than at a more gingival location within the loop.

45. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 35-43, further comprising adjacent connectors and another interproximal segment disposed between and connecting the adjacent connectors, the another interproximal segment including a loop having a teardrop shape.

46. A bow-shaped member for moving the teeth of a patient, the bow-shaped member comprising: A first connector and a second connector, the first connector including a hook configured to be coupled to one or more elastic members to apply a force to the patient's teeth, wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to be coupled to a first bracket and a second bracket disposed on the patient's teeth such that the archwire does not slide relative to the first bracket and the second bracket; and An interdental segment including a loop and disposed between and connecting the first connector and the second connector.

47. The bow-shaped member according to claim 46, wherein the second connector includes a hook, and the hook of the second connector is coupled to the hook of the first connector by the one or more elastic members.

48. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 46 and 47, wherein the hook of the first connector extends gingivally from the first connector.

49. The bow-shaped member according to claim 48, wherein the hook of the second connector extends gingivally from the second connector.

50. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 46 to 49, wherein the hook of the first connector extends gingivally from the first connector to a curved portion and then extends in one of the mesial or distal directions.

51. The bow-shaped member according to claim 50, wherein the hook extends in the occlusal direction from the curved portion.

52. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 46 to 51, wherein the hook of the first connector includes an enlarged end portion configured to hold the one or more elastic members on the hook of the first connector.

53. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 46 to 52, wherein the hook of the first connector includes a protrusion configured to prevent the one or more elastic members from moving in the occlusal direction.

54. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 46 to 52, wherein the hook of the first connector includes a protrusion configured to contact the one or more elastic members to counteract the inclination of the teeth in the patient's teeth caused by the force exerted by the one or more elastic members on the hook of the first connector.

55. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 53 and 54, wherein the protrusion extends from the hook in the mesial direction.

56. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 53 and 54, wherein the protrusion extends from the hook in the distal direction.

57. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 46 to 56, wherein the first connector includes a pair of arms, and the hook of the first connector extends gingivally from one of the pair of arms.

58. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 46 to 56, wherein the first connector includes a pair of arms, and the hook of the first connector extends gingivally from both of the pair of arms.

59. The archwire according to any one of claims 57 and 58, wherein the pair of arms of the first connector are configured to be disposed on the mesial surface and the distal surface of the first bracket.

60. The archwire according to any one of claims 46 - 59, wherein the hook of the first connector is configured to contact the surface of the first bracket to increase the stiffness of the hook of the first connector.

61. The archwire according to any one of claims 46 - 60, wherein the one or more elastic members include a continuous spring.

62. The archwire according to any one of claims 46 - 61, wherein the one or more elastic members include a nickel - titanium tension spring.

63. The archwire according to any one of claims 46 - 62, further comprising adjacent connectors and another inter - proximal segment disposed between and connecting the adjacent connectors, the adjacent connectors being configured to couple with orthodontic brackets, and the another inter - proximal segment including a double loop.

64. The archwire according to any one of claims 46 - 62, further comprising adjacent connectors and another inter - proximal segment disposed between and connecting the adjacent connectors, the adjacent connectors being configured to be coupled to orthodontic brackets and each including a pair of arms extending in the gingival direction, wherein the another inter - proximal segment extends gingivally from one of the pair of arms of one of the adjacent connectors.

65. The archwire according to claim 64, further comprising another inter - proximal segment extending gingivally from the other of the pair of arms of one of the adjacent connectors.

66. The archwire according to any one of claims 46 - 65, wherein the hook of the first connector is configured to position the force applied by the one or more elastomers closer to the center of resistance of the tooth coupled to the first bracket than to the first bracket.

67. The archwire according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the archwire is configured to be disposed on the lingual side of the patient's teeth.

68. The archwire according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a shape - memory material.

69. The archwire according to claim 68, wherein the shape - memory material includes nickel - titanium.

70. The archwire according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a customized non - planar shape configured to move the patient's teeth to a digitally planned alignment.

71. The archwire according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a uniform thickness in the lingual-buccal direction.

72. An archwire for moving a patient's teeth, the archwire comprising: A first connector and a second connector, the first connector and the second connector being configured to be coupled to a first bracket and a second bracket disposed on the patient's teeth such that the archwire does not slide relative to the first bracket and the second bracket; and An interdental segment disposed between and connecting the first connector and the second connector, wherein the interdental segment includes at least two interdental members.

73. The archwire according to claim 72, wherein the interdental segment comprises an occlusal interdental member and a gingival interdental member.

74. The archwire according to claim 73, wherein the occlusal interdental member and the gingival interdental member are each connected to the first connector and the second connector.

75. The archwire according to claim 73 or 74, wherein a first portion of the interdental segment extends from the first connector and diverges at a divergence point into the occlusal interdental member and the gingival interdental member, wherein the occlusal interdental member and the gingival interdental member converge at a convergence point along the interdental segment, and wherein a second portion of the interdental segment after the convergence point is connected to the second connector.

76. The archwire according to claim 75, wherein the first portion is connected to the first connector at the gingival arm of the first connector.

77. The archwire according to claim 75, wherein the first portion is directly connected to and gingivally extends from the gingival portion of the gingival arm of the first connector.

78. The archwire according to claim 75, wherein the first portion is connected to the first connector proximal to the contact surface.

79. The archwire according to claim 75, wherein the first portion is connected to the first connector on the lingual surface of the first connector.

80. The archwire according to claim 75, wherein the second portion is connected to the second connector at the gingival arm of the second connector.

81. The archwire according to claim 75, wherein the second portion is directly connected to and gingivally extends from the gingival portion of the gingival arm of the second connector.

82. The archwire according to claim 75, wherein the second portion is connected to the second connector proximal to the contact surface.

83. The archwire according to claim 75, wherein the second portion is connected to the second connector on the lingual surface of the first connector.

84. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 73-83, wherein the occlusal interdental member and the gingival interdental member are curved in the gingival direction.

85. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 73-83, wherein the occlusal surface interdental member is curved in the occlusal direction, and the gingival interdental member is curved in the gingival direction.

86. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 73-83, wherein the occlusal surface interdental member includes a first occlusal surface portion that joins a second occlusal surface portion at an occlusal midpoint.

87. The bow-shaped member according to claim 86, wherein the occlusal midpoint is the point on the occlusal surface interdental member closest to the gingiva.

88. The bow-shaped member according to claim 86, wherein the occlusal midpoint is the most occlusal-side point of the occlusal surface interdental member.

89. The bow-shaped member according to claim 86, wherein the first occlusal surface portion extends in the gingival direction.

90. The bow-shaped member according to claim 86, wherein the second occlusal surface portion extends from the occlusal midpoint in the occlusal direction.

91. The bow-shaped member according to claim 86, wherein the first occlusal portion extends in the occlusal direction.

92. The bow-shaped member according to claim 86, wherein the second occlusal portion extends from the occlusal midpoint in the gingival direction.

93. The bow-shaped member according to claim 86, wherein the first occlusal portion and the second occlusal portion extend in opposite directions.

94. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 73-93, wherein the gingival interdental member includes a first gingival portion that connects to a second gingival portion at a gingival midpoint.

95. The bow-shaped member according to claim 94, wherein the gingival midpoint is the point on the gingival interdental member farthest from the gingiva.

96. The bow-shaped member according to claim 94, wherein the gingival midpoint is the point on the gingival interdental member farthest from the occlusion.

97. The bow-shaped member according to claim 94, wherein the first gingival portion extends in the gingival direction.

98. The bow-shaped member according to claim 94, wherein the second gingival portion extends from the gingival midpoint in the occlusal direction.

99. The bow-shaped member according to claim 94, wherein the first gingival portion extends in the occlusal direction.

100. The bow-shaped member according to claim 94, wherein the second gingival portion extends in the gingival direction.

101. The bow-shaped member according to claim 94, wherein the first gingival portion and the second gingival portion extend in opposite directions.

102. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 73-83, wherein the occlusal interdental member includes a double loop.

103. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 73-83 and 102, wherein the gingival interdental member includes a double loop.

104. The bow-shaped member according to any one of claims 73-103, wherein the occlusal interdental member and the gingival interdental member further include an occlusal member width and a gingival member width, and wherein the occlusal member width and the gingival member width are measured in the lingual-buccal direction.

105. The bow-shaped member according to claim 104, wherein the occlusal member width and the gingival member width are constant along the lengths of the occlusal interdental member and the gingival interdental member.

106. The bow-shaped member according to claim 104, wherein the occlusal member width varies along the length of the occlusal interdental member.

107. The bow-shaped member according to claim 104, wherein the gingival member width varies along the length of the gingival interdental member.

108. The bow-shaped member according to claim 104, wherein the occlusal member width and the gingival member width are constant along the occlusal interdental member and the gingival interdental member.

109. The bow-shaped member according to claim 104, wherein the most gingival surface of the occlusal interdental member has a different width from the most occlusal surface of the occlusal interdental member.

110. The bow-shaped member according to claim 104, wherein the most gingival surface of the gingival interdental member has a different width from the most occlusal surface of the gingival interdental member.

111. The bow-shaped member according to claim 104, wherein the most lingual surface of the occlusal interdental member has a different height in the occlusal-gingival direction from the most buccal surface of the occlusal interdental member.

112. The bow-shaped member according to claim 104, wherein the most lingual surface of the gingival interdental member has a different height in the occlusal-gingival direction from the most buccal surface of the gingival interdental member.

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