Orthodontic appliance with protrusions

Abstract

An orthodontic appliance comprising an upper orthodontic appliance and a lower orthodontic appliance, at least one protrusion applied to the bite wall of the orthodontic appliance; the size and position of the protrusion is designed to maintain a wedge-shaped space between the upper and lower posterior occlusal surfaces when the orthodontic appliances are fully seated and in contact with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of orthodontic appliances, and more specifically, to an orthodontic appliance that utilizes protrusions on the occlusal wall to achieve good orthodontic results. Background Technology

[0002] The resting occlusal space refers to the gap between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower jaws when the mandible is in a resting position. The resting occlusal space is typically 2-4 mm. It is a wedge-shaped gap, larger in the anterior region than in the posterior region. When a person with a normal bite opens their mouth, the gap between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower jaws is always wedge-shaped. When a patient first wears orthodontic appliances, a gap forms between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower jaws; this gap should be wedge-shaped and larger in the anterior region than in the posterior region. If a patient is receiving orthodontic appliance treatment, the appliance typically has a uniform thickness across each part of the occlusal wall, which can lead to premature contact at the last molar in the early stages of orthodontic treatment; this premature contact can cause molar intrusion. This contact relationship between the upper and lower orthodontic appliances is unstable, and more contact points are achieved between the upper and lower orthodontic appliances in the premolar and anterior regions as the molars are gradually intruded. Several weeks after wearing orthodontic appliances, the patient gradually developed an open bite in the molar region, and the gap between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower teeth was no longer wedge-shaped; the two occlusal surfaces became relatively parallel, with similar widths in the anterior and posterior regions. This posterior open bite caused by orthodontic appliances significantly disrupted orthodontic treatment and had a major impact on the patient's daily life, such as eating, necessitating some improvement measures to address this issue. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Maintaining a wedge-shaped gap between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower teeth when the orthodontic appliance is fully in place is a prerequisite for patients wearing orthodontic appliances to achieve good occlusion. This invention provides an orthodontic appliance for repositioning teeth that form the patient's maxillary and mandibular dental arches. This orthodontic appliance includes a maxillary orthodontic appliance that conforms to the patient's maxillary dental arch and a mandibular orthodontic appliance that conforms to the patient's mandibular dental arch; the occlusal walls of the orthodontic appliance conform to the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth and the incisal edges of the anterior teeth. When the orthodontic appliance is fully in place, a portion of the occlusal wall of the orthodontic appliance maintains a certain distance from the tooth surface, thereby forming at least one protrusion on the occlusal wall; the design of the size and position of the protrusion maintains a wedge-shaped gap between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower posterior teeth when the orthodontic appliance is fully in place and in contact with each other, and this gap is larger in the premolar region than in the molar region.

[0004] The embodiment should include one or more of the following features: When the orthodontic appliance is fully in place, the space between the protrusion and the tooth surface can be occupied by filling material. When the orthodontic appliance is fully in place, the space between the protrusion and the tooth surface can be occupied by another layer of orthodontic appliance material. When the fully in place orthodontic appliances are in contact with each other, the protrusion can contact the opposing orthodontic appliance. At least one of the above-mentioned protrusions can be designed in the right premolar region, and at least one of the above-mentioned protrusions can be designed in the left premolar region. At least one of the above-mentioned protrusions can be designed in the mandibular anterior region, and the protrusion in the mandibular anterior region can be higher than the protrusions in the right and left premolar regions. The space between the protrusion and the occlusal surface can be occupied by filling material. The filling material can be attached to the orthodontic appliance. The protrusion can be designed to resemble the shape of a natural tooth cusp. Each protrusion can cover a portion of the occlusal surface of a tooth. The protrusion can cover only one cusp of a tooth. The protrusion can cover a portion of the occlusal surface of two adjacent teeth. The protrusion can cover a portion of an axial surface of a tooth. The wedge-shaped gap may be equal to or greater than the resting jaw gap. The at least one protrusion may include two protrusions designed on the right or left side of the orthodontic appliance, wherein the forward protrusion is higher than the rearward protrusion.

[0005] The present invention also provides an orthodontic appliance for repositioning teeth that form the maxillary and mandibular dental arches of a patient. This orthodontic appliance includes a maxillary orthodontic appliance that conforms to the patient's maxillary dental arch and a mandibular orthodontic appliance that conforms to the mandibular dental arch. When the orthodontic appliance is fully in place, a portion of the appliance maintains a certain distance from the incisal edge of the anterior teeth; therefore, one or more protrusions of the orthodontic appliance are designed on the incisal edge of the anterior teeth.

[0006] The embodiment may include one or more of the following features: the space between the aforementioned protrusion and the incisal edge may be occupied by a filling material; the filling material may be connected to an orthodontic appliance; such orthodontic appliance may include at least one occlusal ramp designed on the lingual surface of the maxillary anterior teeth, and at least one of the aforementioned protrusions designed on the incisal edge of the mandibular anterior teeth; at least one protrusion and at least one occlusal ramp may contact each other when the orthodontic appliances are fully in place. The occlusal ramp may include a downward and forward guiding plane, and when the orthodontic appliances are fully in place, the tip of at least one protrusion may slide forward and upward along at least one occlusal ramp, thereby guiding the mandible forward. The design of the protrusion can maintain a wedge-shaped gap between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth when the orthodontic appliances are fully in place, wherein the wedge-shaped gap is larger in the premolars than in the molar region. The wedge-shaped gap may be equal to or greater than the resting occlusal gap.

[0007] This invention also provides an orthodontic appliance for repositioning teeth, which form the maxillary and mandibular dental arches of a patient. This orthodontic appliance includes a maxillary orthodontic appliance that conforms to the patient's maxillary dental arch and a mandibular orthodontic appliance that conforms to the mandibular dental arch; the occlusal walls of the orthodontic appliance conform to the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth and the incisal edges of the anterior teeth. A portion of the occlusal wall of the orthodontic appliance is thicker than other parts, thereby forming at least one protrusion on the occlusal wall; the size and position of the protrusion are designed to maintain a wedge-shaped gap between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth when the orthodontic appliance is fully in place and in contact with each other, and the gap is larger in the premolar region than in the molar region.

[0008] The present invention also provides an orthodontic appliance for maintaining tooth position, the teeth forming the maxillary and mandibular dental arches of a patient, the orthodontic appliance comprising a maxillary retainer conforming to the maxillary dental arch and a mandibular retainer conforming to the mandibular dental arch; a portion of the retainer is kept at a distance from the incisal edge of the anterior teeth, such that at least one protrusion is designed on the incisal edge of the anterior teeth.

[0009] The embodiment may include one or more of the following features: by designing the size and position of the protrusions, a wedge-shaped gap can be maintained between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower posterior teeth when the orthodontic appliance is fully in place and in contact with each other, and the gap is larger in the premolar region than in the molar region.

[0010] The present invention also provides an orthodontic appliance for repositioning teeth, the teeth forming the maxillary and mandibular dental arches of a patient. This orthodontic appliance includes a maxillary orthodontic appliance conforming to the patient's maxillary dental arch and a mandibular orthodontic appliance conforming to the mandibular dental arch; the orthodontic appliance defines a receiving space for accommodating a crown, the receiving space being occupied by the crown when the orthodontic appliance is fully in place; the occlusal wall of the orthodontic appliance conforms to the occlusal surface of the posterior teeth and the incisal edge of the anterior teeth; a portion of the occlusal wall of the orthodontic appliance extends outward from the receiving space, thereby forming at least one protrusion on the occlusal wall; by designing the size and position of the protrusion, a wedge-shaped gap is maintained between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth when the orthodontic appliance is fully in place and in contact with each other, and this gap is larger in the premolar region than in the molar region.

[0011] The embodiment should include one or more of the following features: When the orthodontic appliance is fully in place, the space between the protrusion and the tooth surface can be occupied by filling material. When the orthodontic appliance is fully in place, the space between the protrusion and the tooth surface can be occupied by another layer of orthodontic appliance material. When the fully in place orthodontic appliances are in contact with each other, the protrusion can contact the opposing orthodontic appliance. At least one of the above-mentioned protrusions can be designed in the right premolar region, and at least one of the above-mentioned protrusions can be designed in the left premolar region. At least one of the above-mentioned protrusions can be designed in the mandibular anterior region, and the protrusion in the mandibular anterior region can be higher than the protrusions in the right and left premolar regions. The space between the protrusion and the occlusal surface can be occupied by filling material. The filling material can be attached to the orthodontic appliance. The protrusion can be designed to resemble the shape of a natural tooth cusp. Each protrusion can cover a portion of the occlusal surface of a tooth. The protrusion can cover only one cusp of a tooth. The protrusion can cover a portion of the occlusal surface of two adjacent teeth. The protrusion can cover a portion of an axial surface of a tooth. The wedge-shaped gap may be equal to or greater than the resting jaw gap. The at least one protrusion may include two protrusions designed on the right or left side of the orthodontic appliance, wherein the forward protrusion is higher than the rearward protrusion.

[0012] The present invention also provides an orthodontic appliance for repositioning teeth, the teeth forming the maxillary and mandibular dental arches of a patient. This orthodontic appliance includes a maxillary orthodontic appliance conforming to the patient's maxillary dental arch and a mandibular orthodontic appliance conforming to the patient's mandibular dental arch; the orthodontic appliance defines a receiving space for accommodating a crown, the receiving space being occupied by the crown when the orthodontic appliance is fully in place; the occlusal wall of the orthodontic appliance conforms to the occlusal surface of the posterior teeth and the incisal edge of the anterior teeth; a portion of the occlusal wall of the orthodontic appliance is displaced outward from the receiving space, thereby forming at least one protrusion on the occlusal wall.

[0013] The present invention also provides an orthodontic appliance for maintaining tooth position, the teeth forming the maxillary and mandibular dental arches of a patient. This orthodontic appliance includes a maxillary retainer conforming to the maxillary dental arch and a mandibular retainer conforming to the mandibular dental arch. The retainer defines a receiving space for accommodating a crown, which is occupied by the crown when the retainer is fully in place. The occlusal wall of the retainer conforms to the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth and the incisal edges of the anterior teeth. A portion of the occlusal wall of the retainer extends outward from the receiving space, thereby forming at least one protrusion on the occlusal wall. By designing the size and position of the protrusion, a wedge-shaped gap is maintained between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth when the retainer is fully in place and in contact with each other, and the gap is larger in the premolar region than in the molar region.

[0014] The above abstract is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope in any way. Other aspects and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description of examples of the invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0015] As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the various objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be elucidated by means of the following description of embodiments of the invention. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, but rather to emphasize the illustration of the principles of each example.

[0016] Figure 1 It is a longitudinal sectional view of part of the dentition, showing the wedge-shaped gap between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower dental arches; Figure 2 This is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the dentition in the first example, showing the protrusion applied to the mandibular first premolar; Figure 3 It is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dentition, showing a variant of the first example and the protrusion applied to the maxillary first premolar; Figure 4 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dentition, showing the first section AA and the second section BB of the projection applied to the maxillary canines; Figure 5 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the dental arch, showing the height of the protrusions; Figure 6 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the dentition, showing a variant of the first instance; Figure 7 This is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the dentition in the second example, showing two protrusions applied to the right side of the orthodontic appliance; Figure 8 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the dentition, showing a variant of the second instance; Figure 9 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the dentition, showing a variant of the second instance; Figure 10 This is a partial longitudinal section of the dentition in the third example, showing the six protrusions applied to the right side of the orthodontic appliance; Figure 11 This is a partial longitudinal section of the dentition in the fourth example, showing eleven protrusions applied to the right side of the orthodontic appliance; Figure 12 This is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the dentition in the fifth example, showing a protrusion applied around the incisal edges of the four incisors; Figure 13 This is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the dentition in the sixth example, showing two protrusions applied around the incisal edges of the four incisors; Figure 14 This is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the dentition in the seventh example, showing four protrusions applied around the incisal edges of the four incisors; Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the dental arch along the CC line; Figure 16This is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the dental arch of a variant of the seventh instance; Figure 17 yes Figure 16 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the dental arch along the DD line; Figure 18 This is a longitudinal section of the incisor in the eighth example, showing an occlusal ramp applied to the lingual surface of the maxillary incisor and a protrusion applied around the incisal edge of the mandibular incisor; Figure 19 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the incisors in the dental arch, showing a variant of the eighth example; Figure 20 This is a longitudinal section of the central incisors in the ninth example of the dentition, showing a protrusion applied around the maxillary incisal edge and a protrusion applied around the mandibular incisal edge; Figure 21 It is a longitudinal cross-section of the incisors in the dental arch, showing a variant of the ninth example; Figure 22 This is a longitudinal section of the incisor of the eighth instance variant, showing the occlusal ramp with a guide plane; Figure 23 It is a longitudinal cross-section of the incisors in the dental arch, showing a variant of the ninth example; Figure 24 This is a longitudinal section of the incisor in the tenth example, showing a protrusion around the mandibular incisal edge applied in a mandibular retainer.

[0017] Dashed lines represent teeth, and solid lines represent orthodontic appliances. The portion of the dashed line closest to the solid line represents the tooth crown, and this part of the dashed line also indicates the space where the orthodontic appliance can be placed. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Maintaining a wedge-shaped gap between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular dentition when the orthodontic appliance is fully in place is a prerequisite for patients to achieve good occlusion. This invention provides an orthodontic appliance for repositioning teeth that form the maxillary and mandibular dental arches of a patient. This orthodontic appliance includes a maxillary orthodontic appliance that conforms to the patient's maxillary dental arch and a mandibular orthodontic appliance that conforms to the mandibular dental arch; the occlusal walls of the orthodontic appliance conform to the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth and the incisal edges of the anterior teeth. When the orthodontic appliance is fully in place, a portion of the occlusal wall of the orthodontic appliance maintains a certain distance from the tooth surface, thereby forming at least one protrusion on the occlusal wall; through the design of the size and position of the protrusion, a wedge-shaped gap is maintained between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth when the orthodontic appliance is fully in place and in contact with each other, and this gap is larger in the premolar region than in the molar region. The shape of the gap between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower jaws is determined by the thickness of the orthodontic appliance and the shape and position of its protrusions. The thickness of the orthodontic appliance is typically 0.5-0.7 mm. Wedge-shaped gaps can be maintained by using protrusions of different heights in different locations or only in specific locations. The dental arch includes the posterior and anterior teeth. We can define the protrusions of the orthodontic appliance in another way. The orthodontic appliance defines a receiving space for the crown, which is occupied by the crown when the appliance is fully in place. The occlusal wall of the appliance conforms to the occlusal surface of the posterior teeth and the incisal edge of the anterior teeth. A portion of the occlusal wall of the appliance extends outward from the receiving space, forming at least one protrusion on the occlusal wall. We can define the protrusions of retainers in the same way.

[0019] When a patient with normal occlusion performs a slight mouth opening movement, the mandible rotates around the condyle. When the patient slightly opens their mouth, the width of the wedge-shaped gap between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower jaws at a certain location (e.g., the right mandibular first molar) is proportional to the distance from that location (the right mandibular first molar) to the condyle. For patients with fully positioned intraoral orthodontic appliances, if the appliance contacts the second molar and the appliance thickness is 0.7 mm, the width of the wedge-shaped gap at the second molar is at least 1.4 mm; the distance from the mandibular incisor to the mandibular condyle is approximately twice the distance from the mandibular second molar to the mandibular condyle, therefore the width of the wedge-shaped gap at the mandibular incisor is at least 2.8 mm. To maintain the width of the wedge-shaped gap at the mandibular incisor, at least one protrusion with a height of 2.1 mm is needed to occupy the wedge-shaped gap and maintain its stability. Typically, the height of the protrusion can be between 1.2 mm and 3 mm, depending on the treatment requirements. The width of the wedge-shaped gap of a mandibular tooth refers to the distance from the midpoint of the occlusal surface of that tooth to the occlusal surface of the maxillary dentition. The distance from that tooth to the mandibular condyle refers to the distance from the midpoint of the occlusal surface of that tooth to the mandibular condyle. If an orthodontic appliance case has good occlusion when the appliance is removed, the shape of the wedge-shaped gap when the appliances are fully in place and in contact is determined by the thickness of the appliance, the arrangement of the dental arch, and the shape of the mandible and temporomandibular joint. By designing the size and position of the protrusions, a wedge-shaped gap can be maintained between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth when the appliances are fully in place and in contact, and this gap is larger in the premolar region than in the molar region.

[0020] In a 3D virtual demonstration of an orthodontic treatment plan, a wedge-shaped gap of a specific shape should be designed between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular arches. This allows for the design of protrusions on the occlusal walls of the orthodontic appliance, ensuring the wedge-shaped gap is maintained when the appliance is fully in place and in contact with the other teeth. This virtual demonstration of the treatment plan can be 2D or 3D. The posterior portion of the wedge-shaped gap, the width between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular second molars, should be approximately twice the thickness of the orthodontic appliance; while the anterior portion of the wedge-shaped gap, the width between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular incisors, should be approximately twice the width of the posterior portion. The size and position of the protrusions can vary depending on different treatment needs.

[0021] Figure 1This is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dentition, showing a section of the right dentition. The figure shows a wedge-shaped gap 120 between the occlusal surfaces 108 of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth when the maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliances 16 are fully in place at position 34. The occlusal wall 124 of the mandibular orthodontic appliance 16 has a contact point 36 only with the occlusal wall 124 of the maxillary orthodontic appliance 16 on the second molar. At least one tooth in the dental arch is planned to be moved. The orthodontic appliance 16 typically has a uniform thickness across its occlusal wall 124; therefore, a premature contact point 36 typically occurs in the early stages of orthodontic treatment between a portion of the maxillary orthodontic appliance 16 near the last maxillary molar 206 and a portion of the mandibular orthodontic appliance 16 near the last mandibular molar 201, as shown in the figure. After several weeks of wearing the orthodontic appliance, this early contact point 36 can cause the last molars of both the upper and lower jaws to gradually indent, leading to open bite problems in the molar region. The wedge-shaped gap 120 between the upper and lower dental arches will no longer be wedge-shaped, and the two occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower jaws will become relatively parallel, with the gap 120 having similar widths in the anterior and posterior regions. The occlusal plane 103 is a virtual plane that theoretically contacts the incisal edges of the anterior teeth and the cusps of the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth. When the orthodontic appliance is fully in place at position 34, the receiving space 101 defined by the orthodontic appliance is occupied by the crown.

[0022] In the example of this application, tooth 210 is a maxillary canine, tooth 209 is a maxillary first premolar, tooth 208 is a maxillary second premolar, tooth 207 is a maxillary first molar, and tooth 206 is a maxillary second molar; tooth 205 is a mandibular canine, tooth 204 is a mandibular first premolar, tooth 203 is a mandibular second premolar, tooth 202 is a mandibular first molar, and tooth 201 is a mandibular second molar. Canines and incisors are anterior teeth, while premolars and molars are posterior teeth.

[0023] Figure 2This is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dentition, showing a part of the right dentition. The view shows a wedge-shaped gap 120 between the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth 108 when the maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliances 16 are fully engaged in position 34. A portion of the occlusal wall 124 of the mandibular orthodontic appliance 16 extends upward away from the occlusal surface 108 of the mandibular first premolar 204, thereby forming a protrusion 105 on the occlusal wall 124 of the mandibular orthodontic appliance 16, located on the mandibular first premolar 204. The receiving space 101 defined by the orthodontic appliance 16 is completely occupied by the crown. A portion of the occlusal wall 124 of the mandibular orthodontic appliance 16 exits the receiving space 101, thereby forming the protrusion 105 on the occlusal wall 124 of the tooth 204. The raised space 100 is located between the raised portion 105 and the occlusal surface 108 of the tooth 204; the raised space 100 communicates with and extends beyond the receiving space 101. The raised portion 105 can also be designed on the occlusal surface of the maxillary premolar to achieve a similar effect. In this example, the shape of the raised portion resembles the cusp of a natural tooth, but the raised portion can also be other shapes. In this case, at least one raised portion 105 of the orthodontic appliance is designed on the right premolar, and at least one raised portion 105 is designed on the left premolar; raised portions designed on the incisors are not shown in the figure. In this case, at least one raised portion can be designed on the incisal edge of the incisor. The raised portion 105 has a contact point 36 with the maxillary orthodontic appliance 16. The orthodontic appliance 16 also has a contact point 36 on the last molar. The orthodontic appliance 16 and the protrusion 105 are designed to maintain a wedge-shaped gap 120 between the occlusal surfaces 108 of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth. This gap 120 is occupied by the orthodontic appliance 16, and the maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliances are in contact with each other. The gap 120 is larger in the premolar region than in the molar region. The protrusion 105 may be located on the functional or non-functional cusps of the teeth. The protrusion 105 may also be located in the pits and fissures of one or more occlusal surfaces of the teeth. The protrusion may cover only a portion of the occlusal surface of the teeth; the protrusion may cover the entire occlusal surface of the teeth. The protrusion may cover the cusps of one or more teeth. The protrusion may cover a portion of a cusp of a tooth. The protrusion may be of any shape. The protrusion may cover the occlusal surfaces of multiple teeth. The protrusion may cover the incisal edge of one or more teeth.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dentition, showing a section of the right dentition. The maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliances are fully in place. A protrusion 105 is designed on the occlusal surface 108 of the maxillary first premolar 209. The space between the protrusion 105 and the occlusal surface 108 is occupied by a filling material 110. The filling material 110 is connected to the orthodontic appliance 16. The maxillary protrusion 105 has a contact point 36 with the mandibular orthodontic appliance 16. The maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliances 16 also have contact points near the last molar.

[0025] Figure 4This is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dentition and an enlarged view of protrusion 105, showing two sections of protrusion 105. The maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliances 16 are fully in place. Protrusion 105 is designed at the incisal edge of the maxillary right canine 210. In some cases, the protrusion may also be designed at the mandibular canine. Section AA is located at the base 121 of protrusion 105. Section BB is located at the apex 123 of protrusion 105. The area of ​​section AA is larger than that of section BB. The shape of protrusion 105 resembles a natural tooth cusp, and the size of protrusion 105 may be similar to or larger than a natural tooth cusp. The cross-sectional area of ​​protrusion 105 gradually decreases from the base 121 to the apex 123. When the fully in place orthodontic appliances are in contact with each other, the apex 123 of protrusion 105 contacts the mandibular orthodontic appliance 16. The cusp-shaped protrusion 105 has better contact with the occlusal wall 124 of the opposing orthodontic appliance 16. The protrusion 105 in this application can take other shapes, with a cusp-shaped protrusion being one of the preferred examples. The protrusion can be designed into any shape according to treatment needs, such as a shape similar to the incisal edge.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal sectional view of part of the dentition and an enlarged view of the protrusion 105 on tooth 210, showing the height h of the protrusion 105. The maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliance 16 is fully in place. The height of the protrusion 105 is the distance from the apex 123 of the protrusion 105 to the occlusal plane 103.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a vertical longitudinal section of a portion of the dentition, showing a portion of the right dentition. The maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliance 16 is fully in place. In this example, a protrusion 105 extends onto teeth 210 and 209. A raised space 100 is formed between the protrusion 105 and the surfaces of teeth 210 and 209. The shape of the protrusion 105 resembles a natural tooth cusp. The protrusion 105 covers a portion of the occlusal surface 108 of tooth 209 and the cusp of tooth 210. The protrusion 105 has a contact point 36 with the mandibular orthodontic appliance 16.

[0028] Figure 7 , 8 View 9 is a longitudinal section of the dentition, showing a portion of the right dentition. The maxillary orthodontic appliance 16 and mandibular orthodontic appliance 16 are fully in place at position 34. Figure 7 The right maxillary orthodontic appliance 16 shows two protrusions 105, one on the maxillary canine 210 and the other on the maxillary first premolar 209. In this case, two protrusions 105 are designed on both the right and left sides of the maxillary orthodontic appliance 16. In some cases, two protrusions 105 can be designed on both the right and left sides of the mandibular orthodontic appliance 16, one on the anterior teeth and the other on the premolars. Figure 8As shown, one protrusion 105 is designed on the maxillary canine 210, and another protrusion 105 is designed on the mandibular first premolar 204, but there is no occlusal contact between the two protrusions. Figure 9 The diagram shows a protrusion 105 designed on the maxillary canine 210 and a protrusion 105 designed on the mandibular canine 205, with an occlusal contact 36 between the two protrusions. Figure 7 In the middle, the protrusion 105 on the canine 210 is higher than the protrusion 105 on the first premolar 209, and the tips 123 of these two protrusions 105 contact the mandibular orthodontic appliance 16. Figure 8 In the diagram, the protrusion 105 on the canine 210 is higher than the protrusion 105 on the first premolar 204, and the apex 123 of each protrusion 105 contacts the opposing orthodontic appliance 16. In all these figures, when the maxillary orthodontic appliance 16 contacts the mandibular orthodontic appliance 16, a wedge-shaped gap 120 is maintained between the occlusal surfaces 108 of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth. The protrusion 105 on the canine covers the incisal edge and labial surface of the canine.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dentition, showing a section of the right dentition. The maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliances 16 are fully in place at position 34. A protrusion 105 is designed on each of teeth 210, 209, 208, 205, 204, and 203. These protrusions 105 are designed on the functional cusps of the teeth. The protrusion 105 on the canine 205 is higher than the protrusions 105 on the premolars 204 and 203. The protrusions 105 on the functional cusps gradually increase in height from the posterior teeth to the anterior teeth. A space 100 is formed between the protrusions 105 and the tooth surface. The design of the size and position of the protrusions maintains a wedge-shaped gap between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth when the orthodontic appliances are fully in place and in contact with each other, and this gap is larger in the premolar region than in the molar region.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dentition, showing a section of the right dentition. The maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliances 16 are fully in place at position 34. A ridge 105 is designed on teeth 210, 209, 208, 207, 205, 204, and 203; two ridges are designed on tooth 202; and a ridge 105 is designed on the mesial cusp of tooth 201. These ridges 105 are designed on the functional cusps of the teeth. The ridges 105 on premolars 208 and 209 are higher than the ridge 105 on molar 207. The ridges 105 on premolars 204 and 203 are higher than the ridges 105 on molars 202 and 201.

[0031] The design of the size and position of the protrusion 105 maintains a wedge-shaped gap 120 between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth when the mandibular orthodontic appliance 16 contacts the maxillary orthodontic appliance 16, and this wedge-shaped gap 120 is larger in the premolar region than in the molar region. The protrusion 105 is designed to contact the opposing orthodontic appliance when fully seated. There is no limit to the number of protrusions; as many protrusions as possible can be applied to the orthodontic appliance according to treatment needs.

[0032] In dentistry, centric relation refers to the relationship between the mandible and maxilla, regardless of vertical distance or tooth position. Centric relation is the position of the mandible when the condyle is located at the anterior and superior position of the temporomandibular fossa. Non-centric relation is the relationship between the mandible and maxilla outside of centric relation. All examples in this application can be applied to situations where the mandible is in centric relation; they can also be applied to situations where the mandible is in non-centric relation.

[0033] To maintain the wedge-shaped gap 120, protrusions 105 should be designed on the occlusal walls of the orthodontic appliance. The tip 123 of each protrusion 105 on one of the orthodontic appliances is designed to contact the other orthodontic appliance when the upper and lower orthodontic appliances are fully in place and in contact; in some cases, at least one protrusion on the right side of the orthodontic appliance is designed on the first premolar and canine, and at least one protrusion on the left side of the orthodontic appliance is also designed on the first premolar and canine; in some cases, at least two protrusions are on the left side of the orthodontic appliance, and at least two protrusions are on the right side of the orthodontic appliance, with the foremost protrusion higher than the rearmost protrusion.

[0034] In the orthodontic appliance 16, the protrusions 105 on the mandibular canines should be higher than those on the mandibular premolars, and the protrusions on the mandibular premolars should be higher than those on the mandibular molars. In some cases, protrusions 105 may be designed on the incisal edge of the mandibular incisors, and these protrusions 105 may be the highest in the orthodontic appliance. Using protrusions 105 of different heights at different locations on the upper and lower mandibular orthodontic appliance 16 to maintain the wedge-shaped gap 120 between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower posterior teeth can prevent premature contact on the last molar, thus avoiding unnecessary molar intrusion and open bite in the molar region. When the orthodontic appliance is removed, most of the upper and lower posterior teeth can also achieve good occlusal contact, and one of the goals of orthodontic treatment is to achieve the closest possible intercuspal relationship under centric relation. Another advantage of this design is that it allows occlusal forces to be distributed more evenly across different parts of the orthodontic appliance and keeps the entire appliance in a fully positioned position. Functional cusps are those that occlude with the opposing teeth in centric occlusion. In normal occlusion, the lingual cusps of the maxillary posterior teeth and the buccal cusps of the mandibular posterior teeth are functional cusps. Non-functional cusps are those that do not occlude with the opposing teeth in centric occlusion. In normal occlusion, the lingual cusps of the mandibular posterior teeth and the buccal cusps of the maxillary posterior teeth are non-functional cusps. In cases of deep overbite, cusp 105 can be applied to the anterior teeth. In cases of anterior open bite, cusp 105 can be applied only to the posterior teeth.

[0035] When the upper and lower orthodontic appliances 16 are fully in place, if the gap 120 occupied by the orthodontic appliances 16 is equal to or slightly larger than the resting jaw gap, then the two orthodontic appliances can maintain relatively continuous contact. In this case, if only the anterior portions of the orthodontic appliances are in contact with each other, the anterior teeth can be subjected to a continuous indentation force, and the deep overbite can be relieved. If only the posterior portions of the orthodontic appliances are in contact with each other, the posterior teeth can be subjected to a continuous indentation force, and the anterior open bite can be relieved.

[0036] All protrusions 105 are designed to contact the opposing orthodontic appliance 16 when the upper and lower orthodontic appliances are in contact with each other.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the mandibular dentition 118 in the fifth example, showing a protrusion 105 designed around the incisal edges 130 of the four lower incisors 128 when the orthodontic appliance 16 is fully in place at position 34. A raised space 100 is formed between the protrusion 105 and the incisal edges 130.

[0038] Figure 13This is a longitudinal sectional view of the mandibular dentition 118 in the sixth example, showing that when the orthodontic appliance 16 is fully in place at position 34, two protrusions 105 are designed around the incisal edges 130 of the four lower incisors 128, each protrusion 105 covering the incisal edges of two lower incisors. A raised space 100 is formed between the protrusion 105 and the incisal edges 130.

[0039] Figure 14 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the mandibular dentition 118 in the seventh example, showing that when the orthodontic appliance 16 is fully in place at position 34, four protrusions 105 are designed around the incisal edges 130 of the four lower incisors 128, each protrusion 105 covering the incisal edge of one lower incisor. A raised space 100 is formed between the protrusions 105 and the incisal edges 130. The shape of the protrusions 105 is similar to that of the incisal edges 130.

[0040] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 The cross-sectional view CC of the mandibular dentition 118 shows the raised space 100 formed between the protrusion 105 and the incisal edge 130. The height of the protrusion 105 refers to the distance from the apex 123 of the protrusion 105 to the occlusal surface of the mandibular dental arch; in this view, the height of the protrusion 105 is the same as the distance from the apex 123 to the incisal edge 130 of the tooth 128. The protrusion 105 formed on the incisal edge 130 also covers a portion of the buccal surface 106 of the tooth 128. When the orthodontic appliance 16 is fully in place at position 34, the receiving space 101 defined by the orthodontic appliance 16 is completely occupied by the crown of the tooth 128, leaving the raised space 100 between the protrusion 105 and the tooth 128. The raised space 100 also lies between the protrusion 105 and the receiving space 101.

[0041] Figure 16 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the mandibular dentition 118, showing a variant of the seventh example. When the orthodontic appliance 16 is fully in place at position 34, four protrusions 105 are designed around the incisal edges 130 of the four mandibular incisors 128, each protrusion 105 covering the incisal edge 130 of one mandibular incisor 128. The space formed between the protrusions 105 and the incisal edges 130 is occupied by a filling material 110, which can be a composite material, impression material, or any material that allows filling into the protrusion space 100, and can be connected to the orthodontic appliance 16. The filling material 110 can also be another layer of orthodontic appliance material.

[0042] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 The cross-sectional view DD of the mandibular dentition 118 shown indicates that when the orthodontic appliance 16 is fully in place at position 34, the space between the protrusion 105 and the incisal edge 130 is occupied by the filling material 110. The space between the protrusion 105 and the receiving space 101 is also occupied by the filling material 110.

[0043] In some cases, a protrusion may cover part of the incisal edge of an anterior tooth; in some cases, a protrusion may cover any part of the incisal edge of an anterior tooth in a dental arch; in some cases, a protrusion may cover the incisal edges of all anterior teeth in the maxilla or mandible.

[0044] In some cases, one or more protrusions may be applied to the incisal edge of the mandibular anterior teeth; in others, one or more protrusions may be applied to the incisal edge of the maxillary anterior teeth; in still others, protrusions may be applied to the incisal edges of both the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth. The size and placement of the protrusions are designed to maintain a wedge-shaped gap between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth when the orthodontic appliance is fully in place and in contact with each other, with the gap being larger in the premolar region than in the molar region.

[0045] The protrusion 105 applied to the incisal edge may have a shape similar to the incisal edge or cusp. The shape of the protrusion 105 can be arbitrarily designed according to the requirements of orthodontic treatment.

[0046] Figure 18 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dentition in the eighth example, showing that when the upper and lower orthodontic appliances 16 are fully in place at position 34, an occlusal ramp 104 is designed on the maxillary orthodontic appliance corresponding to the lingual surface of the maxillary incisor 126 in the maxillary arch 116, while a protrusion 105 is designed on the mandibular orthodontic appliance corresponding to the incisal edge 130 of the mandibular incisor 128 in the mandibular arch 118. The receiving space 101 is completely occupied by the crown of the tooth 128. There is a good contact point 36 between the mandibular protrusion 105 and the occlusal ramp 104 of the maxillary orthodontic appliance. In this case, this contact 36 between the upper and lower orthodontic appliances 16 generates a force, which is an indentation force acting on the upper and lower anterior teeth. This design helps to correct deep overbite of the anterior teeth. This design also helps to maintain the normal occlusal relationship of the upper and lower dentition and inhibits displacement of the orthodontic appliances. The size and placement of the protrusions are designed to maintain a wedge-shaped gap between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth when the orthodontic appliances are fully in place and in contact with each other, with the gap being larger in the premolar region than in the molar region. If the mandibular orthodontic appliance protrusion is used in conjunction with the occlusal ramp of the maxillary orthodontic appliance in patients with deep overbite, the height of the protrusion may be smaller than that of the protrusion in the premolar region.

[0047] Figure 19This is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dentition, showing a variation of the eighth example. In the maxillary arch 116, an outwardly projecting occlusal ramp 104 of the orthodontic appliance is designed on the lingual surface of the maxillary incisors 126. The mandibular orthodontic appliance 16 has a thickened portion 112 on the incisal edge 130 of the mandibular incisors 128 that is thicker than other parts of the appliance. Therefore, when the maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliances are fully in place at position 34, a protrusion 105 is applied to the incisal edge 130 of the mandibular incisors 128 in the mandibular arch 118. The mandibular protrusion 105 has a good contact point 36 with the occlusal ramp 104 of the maxillary orthodontic appliance. In some cases, the occlusal ramp 104 of the orthodontic appliance can also be formed by using orthodontic appliance material that is thicker than other parts of the maxillary orthodontic appliance 16. In all instances of this application, the protrusions of the orthodontic appliance can be formed by using orthodontic appliance material that is thicker than other parts of the appliance, and the occlusal ramps of the orthodontic appliance can also be formed by using orthodontic appliance material that is thicker than other parts of the appliance.

[0048] In various embodiments of this application, all protrusions on the occlusal wall of the orthodontic appliance may be formed from a thicker orthodontic appliance material. A portion of the occlusal wall of the orthodontic appliance is thicker than other parts to form at least one protrusion on the occlusal wall; the size and position of the protrusion are designed to maintain a wedge-shaped gap between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth when the orthodontic appliance is fully in place and in contact with each other, and the gap is larger in the premolar region than in the molar region.

[0049] Figure 20 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dentition in the ninth example, showing that when the maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliances 16 are fully positioned at position 34 and create contact points 36, a protrusion 105 is designed on the incisal edge 130 of the maxillary incisor 126 in the maxillary arch 116, and a protrusion 105 is also applied on the incisal edge 130 of the mandibular incisor 128 in the mandibular arch 118. The apex 123 of the mandibular protrusion 105 creates contact point 36 with the lingual surface of the maxillary orthodontic appliance 16. The protrusion 105 is designed to maintain a wedge-shaped gap 120 when the mandibular orthodontic appliance 16 contacts the maxillary orthodontic appliance 16, which is larger in the premolar region than in the molar region.

[0050] Figure 21 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dentition, showing that when the maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliance 16 is fully in place at position 34, a protrusion 105 is designed on the incisal edge 130 of the mandibular incisor 128 in the mandibular dental arch 118. The apex 123 of the mandibular protrusion 105 has a contact point 36 with the lingual surface of the maxillary orthodontic appliance 16.

[0051] Figure 22This is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dentition, showing that when the maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliances 16 are fully positioned at position 34 and contact point 36 is established, the occlusal ramp 104 of the maxillary orthodontic appliance is designed on the lingual surface 107 of the maxillary incisor 126, and the protrusion 105 of the mandibular orthodontic appliance is designed on the incisal edge 130 of the mandibular incisor 128. The occlusal ramp 104 includes a downward-forward guiding plane 109, on which the tip of the protrusion 105 slides forward and upward. The tip 123 of the protrusion 105 has a contact point 36 with the guiding surface 109 of the occlusal ramp 104. The protrusion 105 and the occlusal ramp 104 are designed to guide the mandible forward by causing the tip of the protrusion 105 to slide forward and upward when the patient closes their mouth. This design is very helpful for correcting anteroposterior positional relationships in young Class II pediatric cases.

[0052] Figure 23 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dentition, showing that when the maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliances 16 are fully in place at position 34, the protrusion 105 of the maxillary orthodontic appliance is designed on the incisal edge 130 of the maxillary incisor 126 of the maxillary dental arch 116. The protrusion 105 also covers a portion of the buccal surface 106 of the tooth 126. A protrusion space 100 is formed between the protrusion 105 and the incisal edge 130. There is a contact point 36 between the mandibular orthodontic appliance 16 and the lingual surface of the maxillary protrusion 105. When the fully in place orthodontic appliances 16 are in contact with each other, a wedge-shaped gap is maintained between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth. This example can be applied to patients with Class III malocclusion. In some cases, the protrusion 105 may also be added to the incisal edge 130 of the mandibular incisor 128.

[0053] The protrusions of orthodontic appliances can extend to cover part of the buccal or lingual surface of the teeth.

[0054] Figures 1 to 11 The protrusions applied to the canines, premolars, and molars are shown; Figures 12 to 23 The protrusions applied to the incisors are shown. Protrusions in the incisor region, as well as those in the canines, premolars, and molars, can be applied simultaneously in a single instance. Figures 12 to 23 One of the examples and Figures 1 to 11One example can be applied to a single case to maintain a wedge-shaped gap of 120° between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower teeth when the orthodontic appliances are fully in place and in contact with each other. In most cases, there should be bilateral, stable contact between the orthodontic appliances. In some cases, the maxillary and mandibular orthodontic appliances with protrusions may only have contact in certain specific areas at a certain stage of treatment, and then gradually become better contact with each other; for deep overbite cases, only the anterior part of the orthodontic appliances may have contact at a certain stage of treatment, and then gradually become better contact between the orthodontic appliances as the deep overbite is relieved; for anterior open bite cases, only the posterior part of the orthodontic appliances may have contact at a certain stage of treatment, and then gradually become better contact between the orthodontic appliances as the open bite is relieved.

[0055] Figure 24 This invention relates to an orthodontic appliance for maintaining the position of teeth that form the maxillary and mandibular dental arches of a patient. This orthodontic appliance includes a maxillary retainer that conforms to the patient's maxillary dental arch and a mandibular retainer that conforms to the patient's mandibular dental arch; the retainer defines a receiving space for accommodating a crown, which is completely occupied by the crown when the retainer is fully in place; the occlusal wall of the retainer conforms to the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth and the incisal edge of the anterior teeth; a portion of the occlusal wall of the retainer extends outward from the receiving space, thereby forming at least one protrusion on the occlusal wall; the design of the size and position of the protrusion maintains a wedge-shaped gap between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth when the retainer is fully in place and in contact with each other, with the gap being larger in the premolar region than in the molar region. The retainer is very similar to an orthodontic appliance; all examples of orthodontic appliances in this application can be applied to retainers.

[0056] Figure 24 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dentition, showing that when the maxillary and mandibular retainers 18 are fully in place at position 34, the protrusion 105 of the mandibular retainer 18 is designed on the incisal edge 130 of the mandibular incisor 128. The receiving space 101 is completely occupied by the crown of the tooth. A raised space 100 is formed between the protrusion 105 and the incisal edge 130. The apex 123 of the protrusion 105 of the mandibular retainer 18 makes contact point 36 with the lingual surface of the maxillary retainer 18. The protrusion 105 is designed to maintain a wedge-shaped gap between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth when the fully in place retainers 18 are in contact with each other, and this wedge-shaped gap is larger in the premolar region than in the molar region.

[0057] The protrusion 105 mentioned in this application can be manufactured using conventionally known methods and techniques. The method may include the following steps: (a) Prepare positive molds for the dental arch; (b) Prepare an additional structure on the mating surface or cutting edge of the male mold; (c) Form an orthodontic appliance on the positive mold and the additional structure such that the orthodontic appliance includes a protrusion designed at the location of the additional structure.

[0058] Additional structures are non-dental structures, meaning they do not form part of the patient's initial or final tooth arrangement in a dental model. Instead, additional structures are designed to provide compensatory protrusions for subsequent ridges.

[0059] Dental impressions can be taken using common orthodontic knowledge, employing digital scanners (such as iTero) to obtain a digital model of the patient's dental arch. After the treatment plan involving changes in tooth position is designed, multiple modified digital dental arch models with various tooth alignments can be obtained. A modified digital dental arch model and a digital model of an additional structure can be combined into a single composite digital model. Using existing technologies and materials, a positive mold of the composite digital model is printed using a 3D printer. Similarly, the method of designing orthodontic appliance tooth alignments using computer-aided design is well-known. Retainers can be fabricated in the same way as orthodontic appliances.

[0060] Reference List Teeth 12 Tooth surface 13 Orthodontic appliance 16 Holder 18 Position 34 fully in place Contact point 36 100 protrusions Acceptance Space 101 102 cusps Occlusal plane 103 104 Interlocking ramps 105 protrusions Cheek side 106 107 on the lateral side of the tongue 108 occlusal surfaces Guide plane 109 Filler material 110 Thickened area of ​​orthodontic appliance 112 Maxillary dental arch 116 Mandibular arch 118 wedge gap 120 Protruding base 121 Orthodontic appliance cusp 122 The protruding tip 123 Occlusal wall 124 Maxillary incisors 126 Mandibular incisor 128 Cut edge 130 Orthodontic appliance incision edge 132 Mandibular second molar 201 Mandibular first molar 202 Mandibular second premolar 203 Mandibular first premolar 204 Mandibular canine 205 Maxillary second molar 206 Maxillary first molar 207 Maxillary second premolar 208 Maxillary first premolar 209 Maxillary canine 210 Terms such as “apex,” “bottom,” “distal,” “proximal,” “below,” and “above” are used to simplify the description of the relative positions of orthodontic appliance components, as shown in figures or with reference to the patient’s dentition when the orthodontic appliances are in place and the upper and lower appliances are in contact. Although the invention has been described and illustrated according to preferred examples and their preferred uses, they should not be limited, as modifications and alterations can be made thereto upon understanding by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An orthodontic appliance is either a pair of appliances for repositioning teeth or a pair of retainers for maintaining the position of said teeth, said teeth forming the patient's upper and lower dental arches; The orthodontic device includes: An upper device component that mates with the upper dental arch, the upper device component defining an upper occlusal wall that mates with the upper occlusal surface of the upper posterior teeth of the upper dental arch with a first thickness; and The lower device component mates with the lower dental arch, and the lower device component defines a lower occlusal wall that mates with the lower occlusal surface of the lower posterior teeth of the lower dental arch at a second thickness; when the orthodontic appliance is in place, the upper device component and the lower device component are opposite to each other, and the occlusal wall includes the upper occlusal wall and the lower occlusal wall; The orthodontic appliance defines a receiving space for accommodating the crown of the tooth, which is occupied by the crown of the tooth when the orthodontic appliance is fully in place; the receiving space includes a right premolar receiving space for accommodating the right premolar and a left premolar receiving space for accommodating the left premolar; a right protrusion is located adjacent to the right premolar receiving space and protrudes outward from the occlusal wall; a left protrusion is located adjacent to the left premolar receiving space and protrudes outward from the occlusal wall. Thus, when the orthodontic appliance is fully in place and the upper and lower occlusal walls are in contact near the right and left molars of the tooth, the size and shape of the right protrusion and the left protrusion are set to maintain a wedge-shaped space between the upper and lower occlusal walls, the wedge-shaped space being larger at the premolar of the tooth than at the molar of the tooth.

2. The orthodontic device according to claim 1, wherein, A raised space is formed between at least one of the right and left protrusions and the receiving space.

3. The orthodontic device according to claim 2, wherein, The protruding space is filled with a filling material.

4. The orthodontic device according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the right and left protrusions at the upper interlocking wall has a thickness greater than the first thickness.

5. The orthodontic device according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the right and left protrusions at the lower occlusal wall has a thickness greater than the second thickness.

6. The orthodontic device according to claim 1, wherein, The right distal end of the right protrusion and the left distal end of the left protrusion, located on the upper occlusal wall, are in contact with the lower occlusal wall.

7. The orthodontic device according to claim 1, wherein, The right distal end of the right protrusion and the left distal end of the left protrusion, located on the lower occlusal wall, are in contact with the upper occlusal wall.

8. The orthodontic device according to claim 1, wherein, The right distal end of the right protrusion or the left distal end of the left protrusion located on the upper occlusal wall contacts the lower occlusal wall.

9. The orthodontic device according to claim 1, wherein, The right distal end of the right protrusion or the left distal end of the left protrusion located on the lower occlusal wall contacts the upper occlusal wall.

10. The orthodontic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first right distal end of the first right protrusion of the right protrusion located on the upper occlusal wall contacts the second right distal end of the second right protrusion of the right protrusion of the lower occlusal wall.

11. The orthodontic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first left distal end of the first left protrusion of the left protrusion located on the upper occlusal wall contacts the second left distal end of the second left protrusion of the left protrusion of the lower occlusal wall.

12. An orthodontic appliance is either a pair of appliances for repositioning teeth or a pair of retainers for maintaining the position of said teeth, which form the patient's upper and lower dental arches; The orthodontic device includes: An upper device component that mates with the upper dental arch, the upper device component defining an upper occlusal wall that mates with the upper occlusal surface of the upper posterior teeth of the upper dental arch with a first thickness; and The lower device component mates with the lower dental arch, and the lower device component defines a lower occlusal wall that mates with the lower occlusal surface of the lower posterior teeth of the lower dental arch at a second thickness; when the orthodontic device is installed, the upper device component and the lower device component are opposite to each other, and the occlusal wall includes the upper occlusal wall and the lower occlusal wall; The orthodontic appliance defines receiving spaces for accommodating the crowns of the teeth, which are occupied by the crowns of the teeth when the orthodontic appliance is fully in place. The receiving spaces include an upper receiving space for accommodating the upper premolar and upper molar, and a lower receiving space for accommodating the lower premolar and lower molar. The receiving spaces also include a right premolar receiving space for accommodating the right premolar and a left premolar receiving space for accommodating the left premolar. A right protrusion is located adjacent to the right premolar receiving space and projects outward from the occlusal wall. A left protrusion is located adjacent to the left premolar receiving space and projects outward from the occlusal wall. Thus, when the orthodontic appliance is fully in place and the upper and lower occlusal walls are in contact with the right and left molars of the tooth, the size and shape of the right protrusion and the left protrusion are set to maintain a wedge-shaped space between the upper receiving space and the lower receiving space, the wedge-shaped space being larger at the premolar of the tooth than at the molar of the tooth.

13. The orthodontic device according to claim 12, wherein, A raised space is formed between at least one of the right and left protrusions and the receiving space.

14. The orthodontic device according to claim 13, wherein, The protruding space is filled with a filling material.

15. The orthodontic device according to claim 12, wherein, At least one of the right and left protrusions at the upper interlocking wall has a thickness greater than the first thickness.

16. The orthodontic device according to claim 12, wherein, At least one of the right and left protrusions at the lower occlusal wall has a thickness greater than the second thickness.

17. The orthodontic device according to claim 12, wherein, The right distal end of the right protrusion and the left distal end of the left protrusion, located on the upper occlusal wall, are in contact with the lower occlusal wall.

18. The orthodontic device according to claim 12, wherein, The right distal end of the right protrusion and the left distal end of the left protrusion, located on the lower occlusal wall, are in contact with the upper occlusal wall.

19. The orthodontic device according to claim 12, wherein, The right distal end of the right protrusion or the left distal end of the left protrusion located on the upper occlusal wall contacts the lower occlusal wall.

20. The orthodontic device according to claim 12, wherein, The right distal end of the right protrusion or the left distal end of the left protrusion located on the lower occlusal wall contacts the upper occlusal wall.

21. The orthodontic device according to claim 12, wherein, The first right distal end of the first right protrusion of the right protrusion located on the upper occlusal wall contacts the second right distal end of the second right protrusion of the right protrusion of the lower occlusal wall.

22. The orthodontic device according to claim 12, wherein, The first left distal end of the first left protrusion of the left protrusion located on the upper occlusal wall contacts the second left distal end of the second left protrusion of the left protrusion of the lower occlusal wall.

23. The orthodontic device according to claim 12, wherein, When the orthodontic appliance is fully in place and the upper and lower occlusal walls come into contact, the upper and lower occlusal walls contact each other near the right and left last molars.

24. The orthodontic device according to claim 12, wherein, The right protrusion is adjacent to the first right premolar receiving space of the right premolar receiving space, and the left protrusion is adjacent to the first left premolar receiving space of the left premolar receiving space.

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