Devices and methods for positioning dental aids on teeth

Abstract

Apparatus, methods, and systems for placing dental aids on teeth are provided. In some embodiments, for example, a dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth includes: a registration element configured to receive a patient's tooth; and an aid support coupled to the registration element and also coupled to the aid, wherein the aid support is configured to position the aid against a surface of the tooth, and wherein the aid support includes: a frame extending at least partially around the aid; one or more pillars coupling the aid to the frame; and a flexible bridging member coupling the frame to the registration element, wherein the flexible bridging member is configured to bend relative to the tooth in one or more directions to adjust the position of the aid on the surface of the tooth.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 595,651, filed November 2, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This technology generally relates to dental and orthodontic treatment procedures, and more specifically, to devices and methods for positioning dental aids on teeth. Background Technology

[0004] Dental appliances are used to treat a variety of dental conditions, such as malocclusion, jaw dysfunction / malalignment, functional and / or aesthetic conditions, and pulpitis. For example, a series of dental appliances can be used to reposition a patient's teeth, which are sequentially placed on the teeth to provide controlled forces to gradually move the teeth toward a desired alignment. Some treatment procedures use one or more attachments that are attached to the patient's teeth at specific locations to interact with the dental appliances, thereby applying repositioning forces to the teeth. Templates can be used to position attachments appropriately on the teeth for attachment. However, conventional templates are often rigid devices, and if the template geometry does not adequately match the geometry of the patient's teeth (e.g., due to inaccuracies and / or variability in manufacturing), it can be challenging for clinicians to apply the attachments to the correct position on the teeth during attachment.

[0005] Furthermore, certain dental conditions may make it challenging or impossible to position attachments onto teeth using conventional templates. For example, a particular tooth may be inaccessible to other teeth (e.g., due to crowding, later-erupting teeth, or surrounding teeth that erupt before the particular tooth has fully erupted) and / or other objects in the oral cavity (e.g., other dental instruments), leaving insufficient space to position the attachment onto the tooth using conventional templates. Conventional dental tools used to attach attachments to teeth may also be inaccessible to such teeth. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Many aspects of this disclosure can be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the focus is on clearly illustrating the principles of this disclosure.

[0007] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a patient's teeth with dental aids according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0008] Figure 1B According to embodiments of the present technology Figure 1A A three-dimensional diagram of a dental aid locator on a patient's teeth.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional view of the dental arch, including a tooth that is inaccessible due to one or more adjacent teeth.

[0010] Figure 3A This is a partial schematic perspective view of a portion of a dental aid locator for placing an aid on the lingual surface of a tooth, according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0011] Figure 3B This is a partial schematic perspective view of a portion of a dental aid locator according to an embodiment of the present technology, the dental aid locator being used to place a first aid on the lingual surface of a tooth and a second aid on the buccal surface of a tooth.

[0012] Figure 4A This is a partial schematic top view of a dental aid locator according to an embodiment of the present technology, the dental aid locator having a connector for positioning an aid on a target tooth.

[0013] Figure 4B It is located on the patient's teeth according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 4A A partial schematic perspective view of a portion of a dental aid locator.

[0014] Figure 5A This is a partial schematic perspective view of a portion of a dental aid locator according to an embodiment of the present technology, the dental aid locator having separate aid supports for placing aids on teeth.

[0015] Figure 5B According to embodiments of the present technology Figure 5A A partial schematic 3D view of the auxiliary support components.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a partial schematic perspective view of a portion of a dental accessory locator according to an embodiment of the present technology, the dental accessory locator having an adjustable accessory support for placing an accessory on a tooth.

[0017] Figure 7A The initial designs of the first auxiliary support and the second auxiliary support are shown.

[0018] Figure 7B An embodiment according to the present technology is shown. Figure 7A The modified design of the first auxiliary support and the second auxiliary support.

[0019] Figure 8A The initial design of the auxiliary support component is shown.

[0020] Figure 8B An embodiment according to the present technology is shown. Figure 8A The modified design of the auxiliary support components.

[0021] Figure 8C An embodiment according to the present technology is shown. Figure 8A Another modified design of the auxiliary support component.

[0022] Figure 9A This is a front view of a portion of a dental accessory locator according to an embodiment of the present technology, the dental accessory locator including an accessory support configured to reduce debris.

[0023] Figure 9B This is a perspective view of a portion of a dental aid locator according to an embodiment of the present technology, the dental aid locator including a frameless aid support for reducing debris.

[0024] Figure 9C This is a perspective view of a portion of a dental aid locator according to an embodiment of the present technology, the dental aid locator including interconnected aid supports for reducing debris.

[0025] Figure 10A This is a perspective view of a dental aid locator for placing an aid on a single tooth, according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0026] Figure 10B This is a perspective view of another dental aid locator for placing an aid on a single tooth, according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0027] Figure 10C This is a perspective view of another dental aid locator for placing an aid on a single tooth according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0028] Figure 10D This is a perspective view of another dental aid locator for placing an aid on a single tooth, according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for designing a dental aid locator for placing dental aids on teeth according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for designing a dental aid locator for placing dental aids on teeth according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0031] Figure 13A The process of using an energy applicator to install an accessory onto a tooth according to an embodiment of the present technology is illustrated.

[0032] Figure 13B An arrangement of teeth is shown, in which the auxiliary parts are obscured and difficult to access.

[0033] Figure 14A This is a partial schematic top view of a moldable material for an aid applied to teeth according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0034] Figure 14B An auxiliary device applied to teeth according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 14A A partial schematic side view of a moldable material.

[0035] Figure 14C An auxiliary device applied to teeth according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 14C A partial schematic front view of a moldable material.

[0036] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for placing a dental aid on a tooth according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0037] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a device including a dental aid and an integrated interface for an energy applicator, according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0038] Figure 17A This is a side view of a portion of a dental aid locator including a flexible auxiliary support, according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0039] Figure 17B According to embodiments of the present technology Figure 17A A three-dimensional view of the individual auxiliary support component of the positioner.

[0040] Figure 17C This is a side view of a portion of a dental aid locator including a flexible auxiliary support, according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0041] Figure 17D According to embodiments of the present technology Figure 17C A three-dimensional view of the individual auxiliary support component of the positioner.

[0042] Figure 18A A dental aid locator for removing a patient's tooth is shown according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0043] Figure 18B This is a partial schematic diagram of a support column coupled to an auxiliary component at a positive angle according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0044] Figure 18C This is a partial schematic diagram of a support column coupled to an auxiliary member at a negative angle according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0045] Figure 18D This is a partial schematic diagram of the stress applied to the cheek-side auxiliary support during locator removal, according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0046] Figure 18E This is a partial schematic diagram of the stress applied to the tongue-side auxiliary support during locator removal according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0047] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for placing a dental aid on a patient's teeth according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0048] Figure 20A A representative example of a tooth repositioning appliance configured according to embodiments of the present technology is shown.

[0049] Figure 20B A tooth repositioning system comprising multiple appliances is shown according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0050] Figure 20C A method for orthodontic treatment using multiple appliances according to an embodiment of the present technology is illustrated.

[0051] Figure 21 A method for designing orthodontic appliances according to embodiments of the present technology is shown.

[0052] Figure 22 Methods for orthodontic treatment and / or design or manufacture of digital planning appliances according to embodiments of the present technology are illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0053] This technology relates to apparatus and methods for positioning dental aids or appliances (such as dental attachments, traction buckles, levers, brackets, splints, distalizers, archwires, etc.) on a patient's teeth. In some embodiments, for example, the dental aid locator of this technology includes a registration element configured to receive a patient's tooth, and an aid support coupled to the aid to position the aid at a predetermined location on the tooth. The aid support may include a frame extending at least partially around the aid, one or more pillars coupling the aid to the frame, and a flexible bridging member coupling the frame to the registration element. For example, the flexible bridging member may be a straight or curved elongated shaft that can be bent relative to the tooth in one or more directions (e.g., buccal-lingual direction, mesial-distal direction) to adjust the position of the aid on the tooth surface.

[0054] As used herein, the term "inaccessible tooth (or teeth)" includes a particular tooth (or teeth) that is inaccessible or at least difficult to access when an accessory is positioned, engaged, or otherwise manipulated on that particular tooth, due to surrounding objects (e.g., other teeth, soft tissue in the oral cavity, another accessory on the particular tooth or a different tooth, another portion of the accessory locator, another dental instrument, etc.) or due to the location of the particular tooth within the oral cavity (e.g., located outside the reach of a engagement tool such as an energy applicator). In some embodiments, the disclosed locator is configured to allow precise placement and secure engagement of the accessory in the presence of many inaccessible teeth. For example, the locator may include features such as connectors that provide additional flexibility when placing the accessory on the tooth. As another example, features of the accessory support may be modified (e.g., trimmed, reshaped) to accommodate other objects that make the tooth inaccessible. Modifications may be made alternatively or additionally to provide other benefits, such as reducing debris generated when releasing the accessory from the locator.

[0055] In some embodiments, the present technology provides materials and means for engaging an accessory on a tooth with an energy applicator for attaching the accessory to the tooth. For example, a moldable material may be applied to the accessory to allow energy and / or pressure from the energy applicator to be transferred to the accessory to facilitate fixed attachment to the tooth. Optionally, the accessory may be provided with an integrated applicator interface that allows energy and / or pressure to be transferred to the accessory. This method may be advantageous if the tooth is obstructed or otherwise inaccessible, making it difficult or impossible to reach the accessory directly via the energy applicator.

[0056] This technology offers numerous advantages over conventional devices and methods for placing aids on teeth. For example, placing and attaching aids to inaccessible teeth via conventional methods can be challenging due to difficulties in visualizing, accessing, and / or introducing tools to the occlusion site. Furthermore, proper placement of the aid can be affected if the locator is not properly fitted onto the tooth. Such fitting errors can occur, for example, if the geometry of the locator does not adequately match the geometry of the tooth (e.g., due to inaccuracies during tooth scanning, locator design, and / or locator manufacturing). Fitting errors can also occur when designing locators for crowded or otherwise severely maloccluded teeth, as it may be difficult to ensure a tight fit between the locator and the tooth surface. Poor aid placement can lead to insufficient bonding between the aid and the tooth surface; for example, insufficient contact between the aid and the tooth can weaken the bond strength, and gaps may exist between the fitted aid and the tooth surface. In addition, improper placement of dental aids may interfere with treatment efficacy and / or patient compliance. For example, insufficient and / or incorrect force may be applied to the teeth, dental appliances may be difficult to place correctly on the teeth, and aids may fall off during treatment.

[0057] To overcome these and other challenges, this technology provides a dental accessory locator with an accessory support that offers adjustable flexibility to allow for adjustment of the accessory's position on the tooth surface. Such adjustments can be made, for example, to ensure the accessory is placed in the correct position (e.g., in case of assembly errors) and / or to ensure adequate contact between the accessory and the tooth surface during engagement. The dental accessory locator can also be designed to include features that allow the accessory to be placed on hard-to-access teeth. Furthermore, the dental accessory locator can include features that allow the accessory to be quickly and easily released from the rest of the locator after engagement (e.g., through controlled breakage of the accessory support) without generating loose debris that could pose a choking hazard or otherwise detract from the overall user experience. Such dental accessory locators can also be more durable for manufacture, handling, processing, and transportation.

[0058] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements in several figures, and exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the drawings. However, the embodiments of the claims may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples of other possible examples.

[0059] As used herein, the terms “vertical,” “lateral,” “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” etc., can refer to the relative orientation or position of a feature of the embodiments disclosed herein, given the orientation shown in the figures. For example, “upper” or “topmost” can refer to a feature positioned closer to the top of the page than another feature. However, these terms should be interpreted broadly to include embodiments with other orientations, such as inverted or tilted orientations, where top / bottom, above / below, above / below, up / down, and left / right can be interchanged depending on the orientation.

[0060] The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not define the scope or meaning of the claimed technology. Embodiments under any heading may be used in conjunction with embodiments under any other heading.

[0061] I. Dental aid positioners and related methods and apparatus

[0062] Figure 1A This is a 3D image of the patient's teeth (size 100). Figure 1B This is a perspective view of a dental aid locator (“locator 102”) on a tooth 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology. First, refer to... Figure 1A The tooth 100 may include one or more teeth (e.g., first tooth 104a, second tooth 104b, and third tooth 104c, collectively referred to as "tooth 104") on which corresponding accessories (e.g., first accessory 106a, second accessory 106b, and third accessory 106c, collectively referred to as "accessory 106") are mounted. In some embodiments, the accessory 106 is bonded to the tooth 104 using an adhesive such as a curable adhesive (e.g., a UV-curable adhesive). An "accessory" or "dental accessory" may be any object attached to one or more teeth and designed to engage dental appliances (e.g., orthodontic appliances, attachment templates, palatal expanders, retainers, mouthguards) to facilitate orthodontic treatment or to retain / protect teeth, such as dental attachments, traction clips, levers, brackets, splints, distalizers, archwires, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, accessory 106 is an attachment that engages a corresponding portion of a dental appliance (not shown) to generate forces for repositioning the tooth 104. Occlusal aids may be placed on the lingual, buccal, and / or occlusal surfaces of one or more teeth. As used herein, the term "occlusal aid" includes occlusal blocks, occlusal ramps, attachments, or any other suitable protruding element placed on the occlusal side of a tooth for, for example, to space or disengage the teeth of the maxilla and mandible. For example, an occlusal aid may be an occlusal block placed along one or more posterior (and / or anterior) teeth to disengage the teeth to allow jaw movement (e.g., anterior or posterior jaw movement) to correct, for example, underbite, overbite, crossbite, etc.

[0063] Next reference Figure 1B The locator 102 can be used to place the accessory 106 at a predetermined location on the tooth 104, such that the accessory 106 properly engages with the dental appliance. In some embodiments, the locator 102 includes a plurality of registration elements 108a-108g (collectively referred to as "registration elements 108") configured to receive the tooth 100. The registration elements 108 can receive the tooth by, for example, receiving only a portion of the tooth (such as the crown of the tooth, the portion of the tooth near the crown, the buccal portion of the occlusal surface of the tooth, etc.) and / or extending over a portion of the tooth. The registration elements 108 can be connected to each other via rigid or flexible couplings to form an integral appliance body. Each registration element 108 is configured to receive and engage a corresponding tooth to hold the locator 102 in a designated spatial configuration relative to the tooth 100. For example, each registration element 108 may include a cavity formed therein to define an inner surface of the corresponding surface of the tooth to which the tooth is engaged (e.g., the occlusal, buccal, and / or lingual surfaces of the tooth).

[0064] The locator 102 includes one or more auxiliary support members (e.g., a first auxiliary support member 110a, a second auxiliary support member 110b, and a third auxiliary support member 110c, collectively referred to as "auxiliary support member 110"), each auxiliary support member being configured to position a corresponding auxiliary member 106 at a predetermined position abutting against or near the surface of the tooth 104 when the locator 102 is placed on the patient's tooth 100. In the illustrated embodiment, each auxiliary support member 110 is coupled to a corresponding registration element 108, which receives the tooth 104 to which the auxiliary member 106 is to be installed, such that when the registration element 108 engages the tooth 104, the auxiliary member 106 is positioned at a predetermined position on the tooth 104. Optionally, the registration element 108 may be coupled to a retaining support (not shown) that engages another portion of the received tooth 104 (e.g., the lingual surface when the aid is to be placed on the buccal side, the buccal surface when the aid is to be placed on the lingual side, the interproximal region, and / or the undercut region) to generate a force that biases or retains the aid support 110 toward / against the tooth 104 to stabilize the locator 102 and / or facilitate the surface positioning of the aid 106 against the tooth 104.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary support 110 includes a frame 112 that extends partially or completely around the periphery of the auxiliary 106, for example, to protect / stabilize the auxiliary 106 during manufacturing, transport, and / or handling. The frame 112 may be directly coupled to the registration element 108 or indirectly coupled via a bridging member 116 (also referred to as a "frame band"). The bridging member 116 may be flexible to allow some movement of the frame 112 and the auxiliary 106 relative to the corresponding registration element 108, or it may be rigid such that the frame 112 and the auxiliary 106 maintain a fixed spatial relationship relative to the corresponding registration element 108.

[0066] The accessory 106 may be coupled to the frame 112 via a plurality of struts 114. Each strut 114 may be an elongated member including a first end connected to the frame 112 and a second end connected to the accessory 106. The struts 114 may be distributed around the periphery of the accessory 106. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the accessory support 110 includes a first set of struts 114 on a first (e.g., gingival) side of the accessory 106 and a second set of struts 114 on a second (e.g., occlusal) side of the accessory 106. In some embodiments, the struts 114 are fracture-resistant components that break after the accessory 106 has been attached to the tooth 104 to release the accessory 106 from the locator 102, thereby allowing the locator 102 to be removed while the attached accessory 106 is held in place on the tooth 104.

[0067] The auxiliary component 106 may be a prefabricated part manufactured together with the auxiliary component support 110 and the registration element 108, such that each auxiliary component 106 is integrally formed with its corresponding frame 112 and support column 114. In some embodiments, the entire positioner 102, including the auxiliary component 106, the auxiliary component support 110, and the registration element 108, is manufactured in a single manufacturing operation (e.g., via a single additive manufacturing process). Alternatively, some portions of the positioner 102 may be manufactured separately (e.g., via a separate additive manufacturing process) and subsequently assembled to form discrete components of the positioner 102; for example, the auxiliary component support 110 and the auxiliary component 106 may be manufactured in a different manufacturing operation than the registration element 108.

[0068] In some embodiments, the dental accessory locator disclosed herein is configured to place the accessory on a hard-to-access tooth. A tooth may be inaccessible due to other teeth, other parts of the same dental accessory locator (e.g., another accessory support and / or registration element on the dental accessory locator), and / or another accessory already mounted on or intended to be mounted on the tooth (e.g., traction buckle, attachment, bracket, lever arm, splint, distalizer, archwire, etc.). A tooth may be considered inaccessible if there is insufficient space to place the accessory on the surface of the tooth (e.g., on the buccal surface), insufficient space to fit the accessory support near the tooth, insufficient space to fit the registration element onto the crown of the tooth, and / or insufficient space to fit an energy applicator (e.g., a curing rod) onto the accessory to bond the accessory to the tooth. Inaccessibility can be assessed based on the distance between the tooth and the arch curve of the patient's dentition and / or based on the amount of overlap between the tooth and one or more adjacent teeth.

[0069] For example, Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of a dental arch 200 including tooth surfaces 202, which cannot be approached by one or more adjacent teeth 204. Figure 2 As shown, adjacent teeth 204 obstruct a portion of the buccal surface of tooth 202, making it difficult or impossible to place the aid on the surface of tooth 202 using conventional devices. Access obstruction may also occur on the lingual and occlusal surfaces. For example, there may not be sufficient unobstructed surface area on the surface of tooth 202 to position the aid, registration element, and / or aid support, and / or the positioning of adjacent teeth 204 may prevent the successful integration of the aid with dental instruments (e.g., light-cured rods). This situation may arise, for example, due to malocclusion, crowding (e.g., in patients with small dental arches, such as children), late-erupting teeth (e.g., canines typically erupt after the lateral incisors and may overlap them), and / or a particular erupting tooth being obstructed by earlier-erupting surrounding teeth. Furthermore, if the aid is also to be placed on adjacent teeth 204, the registration elements and / or aid supports for those teeth 204 may also obstruct the placement of the aid on tooth 202. Similarly, if a tooth already has an accessory attached to it, that accessory may make it difficult to access the tooth to place another accessory.

[0070] To address these and other challenges, this technology provides a dental accessory locator that can be used to position accessories on teeth that are inaccessible (e.g., difficult to reach) using conventional devices. (The following is a related explanation.) Figures 3A-10D and Figures 17A-18E Describe a representative example of this type of dental aid positioner. Figures 3A-10D and Figures 17A-18EAny features of the embodiments can be combined with each other and / or with Figure 1A and Figure 1B The combination of features in the embodiments.

[0071] In some embodiments, a dental accessory locator is configured to place the accessory on the lingual surface of the tooth. Lingual placement of the accessory may be desirable for aesthetic reasons (e.g., lingual accessories are generally less visible than buccal accessories), if the treatment plan involves applying force to the lingual surface of the tooth, and / or other related considerations. However, lingual placement of the accessory may be more challenging than buccal placement, for example, due to the practitioner's limited visibility and accessibility, the high curvature and / or limited surface area of ​​certain tooth surfaces (e.g., the lingual fossa of incisors), and greater difficulty in salivary isolation (e.g., particularly for the mandibular arch where the tongue and salivary glands may interfere with accessory bonding). If the tooth surface is blocked (e.g., blocked by two adjacent teeth behind the tooth requiring the lingual accessory), the accessory bonded to the lingual surface may also be blocked.

[0072] Figure 3A This is a partial schematic perspective view of a portion of a dental aid locator 300a, according to embodiments of the present technology, for attaching a dental aid 302a (e.g., for attachment to an orthodontic appliance, palatal expander, retainer, mouthguard, etc.) to the lingual surface of a tooth that is difficult to access. The locator 300a includes: a registration element 304 configured to receive and couple to at least a portion of a tooth; a connector 306 coupled to the registration element 304 and extending toward the lingual surface of the tooth; and an aid support 308a coupled to the connector 306 to position the aid 302a against the lingual surface of the tooth. The registration element 304 and the aid support 308a can be combined with the above. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The corresponding components described are identical or substantially similar. For example, registration element 304 may include a cavity defining an inner surface that engages at least a portion of the occlusal, buccal, and / or lingual surfaces of a tooth to mount registration element 304 onto the tooth. Auxiliary support 308a may include: a frame 310a extending partially or completely around the periphery of auxiliary element 302a; one or more pillars 312a coupling auxiliary element 302a to frame 310a; and a bridging element 314a coupling frame 310a to connector 306. Optionally, one or more of frame 310a, pillars 312a, and / or bridging element 314a may be omitted, for example, to reduce the space occupied by auxiliary support 308a.

[0073] like Figure 3AAs shown, the auxiliary support 308a can be coupled to the registration element 304 via a connector 306, such that when the registration element 304 engages with the tooth, the auxiliary support 308a is positioned close to the lingual surface of the tooth, and the auxiliary 302a is placed against the lingual surface of the tooth at a predetermined position. The connector 306 can be an elongated member (e.g., arm, shaft, belt, protrusion, post) including a first end 316 connected to the registration element 304 (and / or to another portion of the locator 300a close to the registration element 304), and a second end 318 connected to the auxiliary support 308a (e.g., a bridging member 314a connected to the auxiliary support 308a). The connector 306 can extend lingually away from the registration element 304, such that the second end 318 is positioned lingually on the first end 316. In some embodiments, connector 306 is flexible to allow some movement of auxiliary support 308a relative to registration element 304 (e.g., connector 306 may be a flexible bridge, as described below). Figures 17A-17D (As discussed further), in other embodiments, connector 306 may be rigid to hold auxiliary support 308a in a fixed spatial relationship relative to registration element 304.

[0074] The auxiliary support 308a can be positioned in the gingival direction (in...) Figure 3A The second end 318 (in the upward direction) extends away from the connector 306 to position the auxiliary member 302a at a desired location abutting the lingual surface of the tooth. Optionally, depending on the inclination of the lingual surface of the tooth, the auxiliary member support 308a may be angled on the buccal or lingual side (depending on the angle of the plane of the lingual surface of the tooth) to ensure sufficient contact between the auxiliary member 302a and the lingual surface of the tooth.

[0075] exist Figure 3A In some embodiments, the buccal side of the registration element 304 does not include any auxiliary support, such that the only auxiliary placed on the tooth is the lingual auxiliary 302a. This configuration can be used, for example, if it is not possible or desired to place the buccal auxiliary on the tooth (e.g., due to obstruction and / or for aesthetic reasons) or if the buccal auxiliary is not required to apply the desired force to the tooth.

[0076] Figure 3B This is a partial schematic perspective view of a portion of a dental aid locator 300b according to an embodiment of the present technology, the dental aid locator 300b being used to place a first aid 302a on the lingual surface of a tooth and a second aid 302b on the buccal surface of a tooth. The locator 300b may be generally similar to Figure 3AThe positioner 300b differs from the positioner 300a in that it further includes a second auxiliary support 308b, which is coupled to the buccal side of the registration element 304 to position the second auxiliary 302b on the buccal surface of the receiving tooth. The second auxiliary support 308b can be combined with the above-mentioned... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The corresponding components described are identical or substantially similar. For example, the second auxiliary support 308b may include: a frame 310b extending partially or completely around the periphery of the second auxiliary 302b; one or more struts 312b coupling the second auxiliary 302b to the frame 310b; and a bridging element 314b coupling the frame 310b to the registration element 304. Optionally, one or more of the frame 310b, struts 312b, and / or bridging element 314b may be omitted, for example, to reduce the space occupied by the second auxiliary support 308b. The locator 300b can be used when it is desired to have the auxiliary on both the buccal and lingual surfaces of the tooth, for example, if forces are to be applied to the tooth from both the buccal and lingual surfaces simultaneously.

[0077] In some embodiments, when one or more teeth in a subset of teeth require buccal, lingual, and / or occlusal aids, individual aid locators with lingual, buccal, and / or occlusal aids can be created for that subset. In one example, dental aid locators can be created for segments of the patient's jaw (e.g., the right and left quadrants for each of the maxilla and mandible; six 1 / 6 segments, three segments for each of the maxilla and mandible; etc.). In just one example, each of the four quadrants may have an associated lingual aid locator and a buccal aid locator (eight or more aid locators in total). In some embodiments, to combine aids for a subset (e.g., a quadrant or a 1 / 6 segment), the practitioner may first place the buccal (or buccal and lingual) aid locator corresponding to that subset and combine it with the buccal (and / or lingual) aid, and then place the lingual aid locator corresponding to that subset and combine it with the lingual aid. In other embodiments, the lingual aid locator may be applied prior to the buccal aid locator. In at least some cases, a system with multiple individual locators enables the independent combination of buccal and lingual aids. This allows practitioners better control over the isolation of the tooth surfaces from saliva when the aids are to be combined, and allows for better management of patient comfort, as the procedure may require placing multiple instruments in the mouth at once (e.g., saliva drainers, cheek retractors, etc.) to maintain a dry area. For example, a practitioner may isolate the lingual surface of a subset of teeth (e.g., a quadrant) to combine a lingual aid, then isolate the buccal / occlusal surface and combine a buccal / occlusal aid, and vice versa. In these cases, simultaneously separating saliva from both buccal and lingual surfaces can be more challenging.

[0078] although Figure 3A and Figure 3B The embodiments depict a single lingual aid, but the dental aid locator of this technology can be configured to position any suitable number of lingual aids on a patient's teeth, such as two, three, four, five, or more lingual aids. Each lingual aid can be coupled to a corresponding registration element via a corresponding connector and aid support. Some or all of the lingual aids may be the only aid on the corresponding tooth, or some or all of the lingual aids may be used in combination with another aid (e.g., a buccal aid) on the same tooth.

[0079] In some embodiments, the dental aid locator is configured to place a dental aid on a tooth without a registration element that receives and engages the tooth. Alternatively, the aid may be coupled to a connector between one or more registration elements mounted to one or more adjacent teeth. This method may be used, for example, if it is difficult or impossible to place a registration element on a tooth, such as if the tooth is blocked or crowded by adjacent teeth and / or other objects. The method may also be used if a registration element placed on the tooth would impede the access of an energy applicator (e.g., a curing rod) to engage the aid to the tooth. The method can also be used in situations where it is desirable to place the aid on a tooth surface that would otherwise be covered by a registration element, such as an occlusal aid used as an occlusal block for deocclusalizing posterior and / or anterior teeth. Alternatively or additionally, the method may be used to reduce the number of registration elements present in the locator, which can increase the flexibility of the locator. A more flexible locator can be advantageous in increasing the locator's tolerance to fitting errors, such as the difference between the geometry of the locator and the actual geometry of the patient's teeth. For example, assembly errors may be caused by inaccurate or incomplete intraoral scan data used to design the locator, and / or by changes in tooth position after the intraoral scan data is acquired.

[0080] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a partial schematic diagram of a dental aid positioner 400 according to an embodiment of the present technology, which has a connector 402 for positioning an aid 404 on a target tooth 406. Specifically, Figure 4A This is a top view of the locator 400, and Figure 4B This is a three-dimensional view of a portion of the locator 400 on the patient's teeth.

[0081] First refer to Figure 4BThe locator 400 can be used to place the auxiliary member 404 on a target tooth 406, which is positioned between one or more other teeth, such as a first tooth 408 and / or a second tooth 410. In the illustrated embodiment, the first tooth 408 and the second tooth 410 are adjacent to the target tooth 406. However, in other embodiments, one or more additional teeth may be present between the target tooth 406 and the first tooth 408, and / or between the target tooth 406 and the second tooth 410. Furthermore, although Figure 4B The diagram shows a first tooth 408 and a second tooth 410 that block the target tooth 406 (e.g., the buccal or lingual surface of the target tooth 406 is partially covered by the first tooth 408 and / or the second tooth 410), but the locator 400 can also be used when the target tooth 406 is not blocked by other teeth.

[0082] Let's refer to the following. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The positioner 400 includes one or more registration elements that are flexibly or rigidly coupled to each other to form an integral appliance body. The registration elements may include a first registration element 412 coupled to a first tooth 408 and a second registration element 414 coupled to a second tooth 410. The first registration element 412 and the second registration element 414 may be combined with the above. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The corresponding components described are the same or substantially similar. For example, the first registration element 412 and the second registration element 414 may both include cavities defining inner surfaces that engage at least a portion of the occlusal, buccal, and / or lingual surfaces of the first tooth 408 and the second tooth 410, respectively.

[0083] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the locator 400 does not include a registration element for coupling to the target tooth 406 between the first registration element 412 and the second registration element 414. Instead, the locator 400 includes a connector 402 coupled to the first registration element 412 and the second registration element 414 and extending between the first registration element 412 and the second registration element 414. In some embodiments, the connector 402 differs from the registration element in that the connector 402 does not contact the target tooth 406; for example, the connector 402 is spaced apart from the occlusal, buccal, and / or lingual surfaces of the target tooth 406. In other embodiments, the connector 402 may contact the target tooth 406 (e.g., to improve stability), but the amount of contact between the connector 402 and the target tooth 406 may be less than the amount of contact between the registration element and its corresponding receiving tooth (e.g., the connector 402 contacts the buccal or lingual surface of the target tooth 406, but not the occlusal surface of the target tooth 406).

[0084] Connector 402 can carry auxiliary support 422, which positions auxiliary 404 at a predetermined position on target tooth 406 (for simplicity only). Figure 4A (The auxiliary support 422 is omitted). In some embodiments, the connector 402 is flexible to allow some movement of the auxiliary support 422 relative to the first registration element 412 and the second registration element 414, while in other embodiments, the connector 402 may be rigid to hold the auxiliary support 422 in a fixed spatial relationship relative to the first registration element 412 and the second registration element 414.

[0085] In some embodiments, connector 402 is an elongated member (e.g., arm, shaft, belt, rod, bar) having a first end 416 connected to a first registration element 412, a second end 418 connected to a second registration element 414, and an intermediate portion 420 between the first end 416 and the second end 418. The intermediate portion 420 may be coupled to an auxiliary support 422 that carries the auxiliary member 404. Figure 4B As best shown, the middle portion 420 of connector 402 can be positioned close to the surface of target tooth 406 (e.g., buccal, lingual, or occlusal surface) such that the auxiliary support 422 places the auxiliary member 404 against the surface of target tooth 406 for engagement. In the illustrated embodiment, the middle portion 420 of connector 402 has a curved shape to fit between the first tooth 408 and the second tooth 410, and positions the auxiliary support 422 near the surface of target tooth 406. However, in other embodiments, the middle portion 420 can have different shapes (e.g., straight shape, angled shape) depending on the position of target tooth 406 relative to the first tooth 408 and the second tooth 410, and / or the placement of auxiliary member 404 on target tooth 406.

[0086] The auxiliary support 422 may include one or more pillars 424 coupling the auxiliary 404 to the connector 402. The pillars 424 may break to release the auxiliary 404 from the locator 400 after engagement, as described elsewhere herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary support 422 does not include a frame or bridging member, which can be advantageous in reducing the size of the auxiliary support 422 to fit into smaller spaces (e.g., if the surface of the target tooth 406 is partially obstructed by the first tooth 408 and / or the second tooth 410). Alternatively, if there is sufficient space to accommodate these components, the auxiliary support 422 may include a frame and / or bridging member. In such embodiments, the frame and bridging member may be used in conjunction with the connector. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The corresponding components described are configured similarly.

[0087] The auxiliary support 422 may be manufactured together with the connector 402, such that the auxiliary support 422 and the connector 402 are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the entire positioner 400, including the auxiliary 404, the auxiliary support 422, the connector 402, the first registration element 412, and the second registration element 414, is manufactured in a single manufacturing operation (e.g., via a single additive manufacturing process). Alternatively, some portions of the positioner 400 may be manufactured separately (e.g., via a separate additive manufacturing process) and subsequently assembled to form discrete components of the positioner 400; for example, the auxiliary support 422 may be manufactured in a separate operation and subsequently coupled to the connector 402.

[0088] although Figure 4A and Figure 4B A connector 402 is depicted connecting to the first and second registration elements 412, 414 at both ends; however, the dental accessory positioner described herein may alternatively or additionally include a connector for the accessory support that connects to only a single registration element. For example, refer again... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The registration element 304 can receive the first tooth, and the connector 306 can be used to place the auxiliary support 308a and the auxiliary 302a on the buccal or lingual surface of the second tooth, which is rendered inaccessible by the first tooth.

[0089] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a partial schematic diagram of a dental aid positioner 500 according to an embodiment of the present technology, which has a discrete aid support 502 for placing an aid 504 on a tooth. Specifically, Figure 5A It is a perspective view of a portion of a positioner 500 having a plurality of openings 512 for receiving auxiliary support members (e.g., auxiliary support member 502), and Figure 5B This is a perspective view of the auxiliary support member 502. The positioner 500 includes a first registration element 506 coupled to a first tooth, a second registration element 508 coupled to a second tooth, and a connector 510 extending towards the target tooth between the first and second teeth, between the first and second registration elements 506 and 508. The features of the first registration element 506, the second registration element 508, and the connector 510 can be generally similar to... Figure 4A and Figure 4B The corresponding component.

[0090] The auxiliary support 502 is configured to couple to the connector 510 such that when the locator 500 is worn on the patient's teeth, the auxiliary support 502 places the auxiliary 504 at a predetermined position on the target tooth. (As in...) Figure 5BAs best viewed, the auxiliary support 502 may include: a frame 514 extending partially or completely around the periphery of the auxiliary 504; one or more pillars 516 coupling the auxiliary 504 to the frame 514; and a bridging member 518 coupling the frame 514 to the connector 510. The bridging member 518 may be an elongated member including a first end 520 configured to couple to the connector 510 and a second end 522 connected to the frame 514. Optionally, the frame 514 may be omitted, such that the second end 522 is directly connected to the pillar 516.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, connector 510 includes a plurality of openings 512 (e.g., slots, holes, apertures, notches) configured to receive and couple to auxiliary support 502. A first end 520 of a bridging member 518 of auxiliary support 502 can be configured to fit into any of the openings 512 of connector 510, thereby coupling auxiliary support 502 to connector 510. The coupling between the bridging member 518 of auxiliary support 502 and the individual openings 512 of connector 510 can be achieved via any suitable technique, such as mechanical fastening (e.g., interference fit, snap fit, interlocking feature), adhesives (e.g., curable adhesives, contact adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives), fasteners (e.g., pins, U-bolts, screws, ties), or combinations thereof.

[0092] Connector 510 may include any suitable number of openings 512, such as two, three, four, five or more openings 512. The openings 512 may be distributed along the length of connector 510, thus allowing the auxiliary support 502 to be coupled to different locations on connector 510. Therefore, a user (e.g., a clinician) can select which opening 512 the auxiliary support 502 should be inserted into to place the auxiliary 504 in the appropriate position on the patient's tooth. This can be advantageous, for example, to allow adjustment of the positioning of the auxiliary support 502 to accommodate assembly errors. Although the openings 512 shown are positioned across the horizontal plane of connector 510, connectors may include openings at different vertical positions on the connector or at any other suitable orientation (e.g., angled to the left or right) or location (e.g., diagonally positioned).

[0093] Figure 6This is a partial schematic perspective view of a portion of a dental assist positioner 600 according to an embodiment of the present technology, the dental assist positioner 600 having an adjustable assist support 602 for placing an assist 604 on a tooth. The positioner 600 includes a first registration element 606 coupled to a first tooth, a second registration element 608 coupled to a second tooth, and a connector 610 between the first registration element 606 and the second registration element 608, the connector 610 extending toward a target tooth between the first and second teeth. The features of the first registration element 606, the second registration element 608, and the connector 610 may be generally similar to... Figures 4A-5B The corresponding component.

[0094] The auxiliary support 602 is configured to couple to the connector 610 such that when the locator 600 is worn on a patient's tooth, the auxiliary support 602 places the auxiliary 604 at a predetermined position on the target tooth. In some embodiments, the auxiliary support 602 is integrally formed with the connector 610, while in other embodiments, the auxiliary support 602 may be a discrete component manufactured separately from and subsequently coupled to the connector 610, as described herein. Figure 6 As shown, the auxiliary support 602 may include: a frame 612 extending partially or completely around the periphery of the auxiliary 604; one or more pillars 614 coupling the auxiliary 604 to the frame 612; and a bridging member 616 coupling the frame 612 to the connector 610. Optionally, the frame 612 may be omitted, such that the bridging member 616 is directly connected to the pillar 614.

[0095] In some embodiments, the accessory support 602 is adjustable in one or more directions to allow for adjustment of the positioning of the accessory 604 relative to the remainder of the locator 600 and the patient's teeth (e.g., to accommodate fitting errors). For example, the accessory support 602 may be adjustable along the occlusal-gingival direction (OG), mesial-distal direction (MD), and / or buccal-lingual direction (BL). The adjustability of the accessory support 602 can be achieved using various techniques. For example, the bridging member 616 of the accessory support 602 may be a flexible structure that can deflect (e.g., move and / or bend) in one or more directions, thereby allowing the accessory 604 to move to different positions and / or orientations relative to the locator 400 (e.g., as described below). Figures 17A-17D(To be discussed further). In some embodiments, the bridging element 616 is made partly or entirely of a flexible material, such as metal or polymer. Alternatively or in combination, the bridging element 616 may have a structure that allows flexibility in different directions, such as one or more springs (e.g., leaf springs, coil springs, accordion springs), movable links (e.g., articulated joints, ball joints), sliding elements, flexible elements, etc., or combinations thereof.

[0096] In some embodiments, for example, the bridging member 616 is or includes a compliance mechanism (e.g., a compliance spring). The compliance mechanism may include one or more flexible elements (e.g., a flexible beam) that are deformable to allow relative movement between components of the compliance mechanism. The compliance mechanism can be configured such that a predetermined input force produces a predetermined amount of movement, thereby allowing controlled adjustment of the auxiliary member 604 within a constrained range of motion. This approach advantageously ensures that the auxiliary member 604 is not placed in an unacceptable position on the target tooth, while still allowing some flexibility to accommodate assembly errors.

[0097] The dental accessory locator of this technology may include any suitable number of accessories, such as two, three, four, five or more accessories, positioned on the teeth using connectors between registration elements on the patient's teeth. Furthermore, although... Figures 4A-6 The embodiments illustrate a single accessory support coupled to a connector for placing an accessory on a single tooth; however, in other embodiments, the connector may be coupled to multiple accessory supports (e.g., two, three, four, five, or more accessory supports) to place multiple accessories on multiple corresponding teeth. In other words, a pair of registration elements may be used to anchor the locator to a pair of teeth, and a connector between the registration elements may be used to carry multiple accessory supports for placing accessories on multiple teeth between a pair of teeth. In some embodiments, the dental accessory locator may include accessory supports (or multiple accessory supports) configured to place two or more accessories on a single tooth (e.g., traction buckles for engaging resilient elements and attachments for engaging attachment cavities of orthodontic appliances). Additionally, although... Figures 4A-6 The embodiments shown depict an auxiliary support member coupled to a connector for two registration elements, but in other embodiments, the connector may be coupled to a single registration element (e.g., one end of the connector is coupled to the registration element, while the other end is a "free-floating" unconnected end).

[0098] In some embodiments, a dental accessory locator can be configured to be positioned on all teeth of a patient's maxilla or mandible, and may include accessories for some or all of those teeth. In some embodiments, a dental accessory locator can be configured to be positioned on a subset of teeth of a patient's maxilla or mandible. For example, a patient's teeth can be conceptualized as being divided into four quadrants (two in the maxilla and two in the mandible), and a single dental accessory locator can be configured to fit onto a specific quadrant of the patient's maxilla or mandible. In this example, a dental accessory locator can be created for each quadrant in which an accessory is needed, and dental accessory locators can be applied to their respective quadrants to attach the accessory to their respective teeth.

[0099] In some embodiments, the dental accessory locator includes at least one accessory support whose geometry has been modified to accommodate at least one object near a tooth (e.g., an object obstructing the tooth). The object may be another tooth (e.g., an adjacent tooth), another portion of the locator (e.g., another accessory, another accessory support, registration element), and / or another device present in the oral cavity (e.g., another dental appliance, another accessory currently mounted or intended to be mounted on the same or another tooth). Modifications to the accessory support may include altering the initial and / or default design of the accessory support by removing portions of the accessory support that would otherwise collide with or be too close to the object, by changing the shape of portions of the accessory support that would otherwise collide with or be too close to the object, or combinations thereof. For example, the frame, struts, and / or bridging elements of the accessory support may be modified. Modifications may be made such that the minimum clearance between the modified accessory support and the object is greater than a threshold, such as at least 0.01 mm, 0.02 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.5 mm. Such modifications can allow dental accessory positioners to be used to accurately place accessories on severely malocclusiond and / or crowded teeth. Modifications can also be made to avoid unmanufacturable and / or unusable positioner designs.

[0100] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The embodiments of the present technology illustrate how the auxiliary support can be modified to adapt to other objects. Specifically, Figure 7A The initial design of the first auxiliary support 702a and the second auxiliary support 702b, which are too close to other objects, is shown. Figure 7B The modified design of the first auxiliary support 702a and the second auxiliary support 702b is shown to accommodate other objects.

[0101] First see Figure 7AA first auxiliary support 702a is configured to place the first auxiliary 704a on the first tooth 706a and is coupled to a first registration element 708a that receives the first tooth 706a. The first auxiliary support 702a includes a first frame 710a that extends around the entire periphery of the first auxiliary 704a and is connected to the first auxiliary 704a via one or more first pillars 712a. Similarly, a second auxiliary support 702b is configured to place the second auxiliary 704b on the second tooth 706b, adjacent to the first tooth 706a, and is coupled to a second registration element 708b that receives the second tooth 706b. The second auxiliary support 702b includes a second frame 710b that extends around the entire periphery of the second auxiliary 704b and is connected to the second auxiliary 704b via one or more second pillars 712b.

[0102] like Figure 7A As shown, portion 714 of the first frame 710a is too close to the second tooth 706b; for example, the second tooth 410 may collide with or otherwise interfere with portion 714 of the first frame 710a. Portion 716 of the second frame 710b is too close to the third tooth 706c and / or the third auxiliary member 704c on the third tooth 706c, which is adjacent to the second tooth 706b; for example, the third tooth 706c and / or the third auxiliary member 704c may collide with or otherwise interfere with portion 716 of the second frame 710b. Therefore, it may be difficult or impossible to manufacture a structure with… Figure 7A The design of the first auxiliary support 702a and the second auxiliary support 702b shown in the diagram may be a positioner, and / or such a positioner may not be able to place the first auxiliary 704a and the second auxiliary 704b at the corresponding desired positions on the first tooth 706a and the second tooth 706b.

[0103] Next reference Figure 7BThe design of the first auxiliary support 702a and the second auxiliary support 702b can be modified to avoid collisions or interference with other objects. For example, the portion 714 of the first frame 710a that is too close to the second tooth 706b can be partially or completely removed (e.g., trimmed or cut off), thereby leaving a gap 718 in the first frame 710a to accommodate the second tooth 706b. Similarly, the portion 716 of the second frame 710b that is too close to the third tooth 706c and / or the third auxiliary member 704c can be partially or completely removed, thereby leaving a gap 720 in the second frame 710b to accommodate the third tooth 706c and / or the third auxiliary member 704c. Either of the supports 712a and 712b that are respectively connected to the removed portions 714 and 716 of the first frame 710a and the second frame 710b can also be removed. The gaps 718 and 720 can be large enough to provide sufficient spacing between the remaining portions of the first frame 710a and the second frame 710b and other objects, but can also be small enough to allow the first and second auxiliary members 704a and 704b to still be precisely positioned in the desired location. In some cases, the removed portions 714 and 716 constitute no more than 75%, 70%, 66%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 33%, 30%, or 25% of the total initial length of the respective frames 710a and 710b. Alternatively or in combination, the remaining portions of the frames 710a and 710b can extend around the perimeter of the respective auxiliary members 704a and 704b by at least 25%, 30%, 33%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 66%, 70%, or 75%. Furthermore, portions of frames 710a and 710b close to the corresponding registration elements 708a and 708b can be maintained, for example, to prevent instability in the connection between the auxiliary support members 702a and 702b and the corresponding registration elements 708a and 708b, and to protect the corresponding auxiliary members 704a and 704b from damage. In some embodiments, the frame can be modified to avoid collisions or interference by changing its shape (as an alternative to or supplement to removing portions of the frame). For example, portions of the frame that would otherwise interfere with an object (e.g., teeth, another auxiliary member, part of a locator) can be bent or otherwise shaped so that they do not interfere with the object.

[0104] Figures 8A-8C A modification to the design of the auxiliary support 802 for the first auxiliary 804, according to an embodiment of the present technology, is shown to accommodate a second auxiliary 806 mounted on the tooth 808 (e.g., in cases where both the first and second auxiliary components will be attached to the same tooth). Specifically, Figure 8A The initial design for the auxiliary support 802 is shown, which is too close to the second auxiliary component 806, and Figure 8B and Figure 8CA modified design for the auxiliary support 802 is shown to accommodate the second auxiliary 806.

[0105] First refer to Figure 8A The auxiliary support 802 is configured to place the first auxiliary 804 on the tooth 808 and is coupled to the registration element 810 receiving the tooth 808 (for simplicity only). Figure 8B and Figure 8C (Registration element 810 is omitted). The auxiliary support 802 includes a frame 812 that extends at least partially around the periphery of the first auxiliary 804 and is connected to the first auxiliary 804 via one or more pillars 814. Figure 8A As shown, a portion 816 of the frame 812 is too close to a second accessory 806 that is already mounted or intended to be mounted on the same tooth 808. For example, the second accessory 806 may collide with or otherwise interfere with the portion 816 of the frame 812. In some embodiments, the first accessory 804 is an attachment configured to engage a dental appliance, and the second accessory 806 is a dental feature configured to receive a resilient element (e.g., a traction clip, hook, etc.). In some embodiments, a first locator is applied to engage the first accessory, then the first locator is removed, and a second locator is applied to engage the second accessory. In other embodiments, a second locator is applied to engage the second accessory, then the second locator is removed, and a first locator is applied to engage the second accessory.

[0106] Next reference Figure 8B The design of the auxiliary support 802 can be modified to avoid collisions or interference with other objects. For example, a portion 816 of the frame 812 that is too close to the second auxiliary 806 can be partially or completely removed (e.g., trimmed, truncated), leaving a gap 818 to accommodate the second auxiliary 806. As another example, the position and geometry of the second auxiliary 806 can be detected and used to design the frame 812 with the gap 818 to accommodate the second auxiliary 806. The size and position of the gap 818 can be selected to provide a sufficiently large separation distance between the remaining portion of the frame 812 and the second auxiliary 806, while also maintaining the stability and accurate placement of the first auxiliary 804 at the desired position on the tooth 808, as described elsewhere herein.

[0107] Next reference Figure 8CThe design of the auxiliary support 802 can be modified alternatively or additionally by changing the shape of a portion 816 of the frame 812. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the shape of the portion 816 has been adjusted to bend away from the second auxiliary member 806, thereby maintaining a minimum spacing distance between the frame 812 and the second auxiliary member 806. Optionally, the modified shape of the portion 816 of the frame 812 can be used to guide the placement of the second auxiliary member 806 on the tooth 808, such as in embodiments where the second auxiliary member 806 is mounted on the tooth 808 simultaneously or subsequently with a locator including the auxiliary support 802. For example, the modified shape of the portion 816 of the frame 812 can be similar to and / or complementary to the shape of a corresponding portion of the second auxiliary member 806; for example, the portion 816 can have the same or similar curvature as the corresponding portion of the second auxiliary member 806. Thus, practitioners (e.g., clinicians) can use the frame 812 as a visual guide to position the second auxiliary member 806 appropriately on the tooth 808. In this example, the second aid 806 can be positioned and applied by the practitioner without a separate locator, where the separate locator is placed on top of the current locator, or where the separate aid is coupled to the current locator. This method simplifies the treatment process by allowing the first aid 804 and the second aid 806 to be placed simultaneously on the tooth 808. By simultaneously positioning and / or combining the aids, redundancy can be eliminated to save significant time and effort that would otherwise be required for preparing the tooth surface (e.g., drying the surface and isolating the surface from saliva, etching the surface to achieve bonding), positioning the aids, and combining the aids. For example, the practitioner can be able to perform each of these steps once, rather than having to perform each combination multiple times (e.g., first for the first aid and second for the second aid).

[0108] In some embodiments, a dental accessory locator includes at least one accessory support configured to reduce or eliminate debris generated when the accessory is released from the accessory support. As described elsewhere herein, the accessory may be coupled to the accessory support via one or more breakable struts that, after the accessory has been attached to the tooth, break (e.g., manually or with the aid of a tool) to separate the accessory from the rest of the locator. In some cases, the force applied to the accessory support to cause the struts to break may result in the breakage of other parts of the accessory support. For example, frames may be particularly prone to accidental breakage because this component is typically relatively thin and fragile. Accidental breakage of the frame and / or other parts of the accessory support may generate loose debris, which poses safety risks such as if the debris is swallowed by the patient, or if the debris impacts the patient or clinician. Furthermore, from a user experience perspective, a locator that generates debris upon breakage may be undesirable.

[0109] Figure 9A This is a front view of a portion of a dental accessory locator 900a according to an embodiment of the present technology. The dental accessory locator 900a includes an accessory support 902 configured to reduce debris. The accessory support 902 includes a frame 904 extending partially around an accessory 906, and a plurality of struts 908 coupling the frame 904 to the accessory 906. The accessory 906 may be coupled to a registration element 912 that receives the tooth to which the accessory 906 is to be mounted.

[0110] like Figure 9A As shown, frame 904 is trimmed or truncated to include gap 914, such that frame 904 has a U-shaped or C-shaped structure. The size of gap 914 can vary as needed; for example, gap 914 can span at least 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 33%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 66%, 70%, or 75% of the periphery of auxiliary member 906; and / or gap 914 can span no more than 25%, 30%, 33%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 66%, 70%, 75%, 80%, or 90% of the periphery of auxiliary member 906. Optionally, auxiliary member support 902 can include at least a first pillar 908a and a second pillar 908b positioned adjacent to gap 914, for example, to stabilize auxiliary member 906.

[0111] The gap 914 can be positioned on a first side of the frame 904, opposite a second side of the frame 904 coupled to the registration element 912. In some embodiments, the first side is the gingival side of the frame 904, and the second side is the occlusal side of the frame 904. Stress generated by removing the locator 900a can be concentrated near the gingival side of the locator 900a (e.g., at the interface between the first post 908a and the auxiliary member 906, and at the interface between the second post 908b and the auxiliary member 906), making the gingival portion of the frame 904 more prone to fracture. Therefore, removing the gingival portion of the frame 904 can reduce the likelihood of the frame 904 breaking and generating loose debris. References below are provided for example. Figures 17A-18E The description can be combined with Figure 9A Additional features in the locator 900a.

[0112] Figure 9B This is a perspective view of a portion of a dental aid positioner 900b according to an embodiment of the present technology, the dental aid positioner 900b including a frameless aid support 922 for reducing debris. The aid support 922 includes one or more pillars 924, which are directly coupled to the aid 926 without any frame, because, as mentioned above, a frame can be very prone to accidental breakage. Figure 9BAs shown, each strut 924 may include at least one first end 930 connected to the auxiliary member 926 and a second end 932 connected to the registration element 928. The first end 930 of the strut 924 may be bent and / or angled relative to the rest of the strut 924 to position the auxiliary member 926 against the tooth surface.

[0113] Figure 9C This is a perspective view of a portion of a dental assist positioner 900c according to an embodiment of the present technology. The dental assist positioner 900c includes interconnected assist support members 942 for reducing debris. The positioner 900c includes a plurality of assist support members 942 coupled to corresponding plurality of registration elements 944, as described elsewhere herein. Figure 9C As shown, some or all of the frames 946 in the auxiliary support 942 can be coupled to one or more adjacent frames 946 of the auxiliary support 942 via one or more frame connectors 948. The frame connectors 948 can be any structure suitable for connecting the frames 946 to each other, such as elongated members, wires, straps, crossbars, etc., and can be rigid or flexible. Therefore, even if one or more of the frames 946 break during locator removal, the frame connectors 948 can keep the broken frame 946 connected to the remainder of the locator 900c, thereby preventing the formation of loose debris. The frame connectors 948 can be integrally formed with the frames 946, or they can be formed separately and then coupled to the frames 946.

[0114] In some embodiments, the dental accessory locator of this technology is configured without a registration element on one or more distal teeth (e.g., distal molars) of the patient's dental arch. This method allows for more space within the patient's oral cavity to isolate the tooth receiving the accessory from saliva. For example, a saliva-isolating device such as a cotton roll, gauze, etc., can be placed close to the tooth to absorb and / or deflect saliva away from the tooth surface that will receive the accessory. Reducing or minimizing saliva on the tooth surface during the bonding process can be advantageous, as the presence of moisture can interfere with the bonding of the accessory to the tooth, as discussed elsewhere herein. Therefore, by providing additional space in the posterior region of the patient's oral cavity to accommodate the placement of the saliva-isolating device, the dental accessory locator disclosed herein can facilitate better adhesion of the accessory to the teeth.

[0115] While some embodiments of the dental aid locators described herein are configured to be coupled to multiple teeth of a patient, in other embodiments, the dental aid locator of this technology can be configured to be coupled to a single tooth. A “single tooth” locator can be more compact than a “multiple tooth” locator, and therefore can advantageously, for example, place the aid on a tooth that is otherwise inaccessible, in at least some cases.

[0116] Figures 10A-10D A representative example of a dental aid locator for placing an accessory on a single tooth, according to an embodiment of the present technology, is shown. Figures 10A-10D Any features of the embodiments can be combined with each other. Furthermore, Figures 10A-10D The embodiments thereof may be combined with or replace any other embodiments of the dental aid positioners disclosed herein.

[0117] Figure 10A This is a perspective view of a dental aid locator 1000a for placing an aid 1002 on a single tooth according to an embodiment of the present technology. The locator 1000a includes a cap 1004 configured to fit onto the crown of a tooth. In some embodiments, the cap 1004 serves as a registration element because it may include a cavity formed therein to define an inner surface of a corresponding surface of the received tooth (e.g., the occlusal, buccal, and / or lingual surface of the tooth) to mount the cap 1004 onto the tooth. Although Figure 10A A cap extending over most of the tooth surface is shown, but in some embodiments, a single tooth aid locator may extend only on specific portions of the tooth (e.g., occlusal and lingual sides, occlusal and buccal sides), for example, to allow for greater flexibility in locating the aid, to save on material costs, etc.

[0118] Positioner 1000a also includes an auxiliary support 1006 formed in cap 1004 to couple auxiliary 1002 to cap 1004. In the illustrated embodiment, auxiliary support 1006 is a recess (e.g., cavity, notch, container) in which auxiliary 1002 is received. Auxiliary 1002 may be a separate prefabricated component placed in the recess before cap 1004 is placed on the tooth. When cap 1004 is placed on the tooth, auxiliary support 1006 can position auxiliary 1002 at a predetermined location abutting a surface of the tooth (e.g., buccal, lingual, or occlusal surface). Auxiliary 1002 can then be bonded to the tooth (e.g., via an energy-curable adhesive as described herein), and cap 1004 can then be removed from the tooth to leave the bonded auxiliary 1002 in place.

[0119] In some embodiments, the cap 1004 is an elastic and / or self-tightening component configured to maintain contact between the accessory 1002 and the tooth during bonding. For example, the cap 1004 may have a resting and / or unloaded state, wherein the volume of the cavity of the cap 1004 is smaller than the volume of the corresponding portion of the tooth. To place the cap 1004 onto the tooth, the cap 1004 may expand (e.g., stretch) from its initial volume to a larger volume, such that the tooth may at least partially fit into the cavity of the cap 1004. The force generated by the cap 1004 resisting expansion to return to its initial volume may hold the cap 1004 to the tooth. These forces may also apply pressure to the accessory 1002 to bias the accessory 1002 against the tooth surface, which may improve the strength and quality of the bond. The pressure applied by the cap 1004 may be used in combination with or as an alternative to the pressure applied to the accessory 1002 via an energy applicator (e.g., a light-curing rod). This method can be beneficial in promoting a strong bond, especially in cases with inaccessible teeth where there is not enough space for the energy applicator to make direct contact with the aid 1002 (e.g., due to malocclusion, crowding and / or obstruction by other objects), but it can also be used on accessible teeth (e.g., to promote the bonding process as described below).

[0120] In some embodiments, the cap 1004 is made wholly or partially of a material that provides elasticity and / or self-tightening properties, such as shape memory materials (e.g., polymers, metal alloys, foams) or suitable combinations thereof. Alternatively or in combination, the cap 1004 may include structural features that impart elasticity and / or self-tightening properties. For example, in Figure 10A In one embodiment, the cap 1004 includes a compliant mesh, grid, or spring 1008 formed therein, which is elastically deformable to allow the cap 1004 to be stretched to fit onto the teeth. The resistance of the mesh 1008 to elastic deformation can generate a force that holds the cap 1004 onto the teeth and applies pressure to bias the accessory 1002 against the teeth. Although the mesh 1008 is depicted as being positioned only a portion of the cap 1004, in other embodiments, the entire cap 1004 may be constituted by the mesh 1008.

[0121] Figure 10B This is a perspective view of another dental aid locator 1000b for placing the aid 1012 on a single tooth according to an embodiment of the present technology. The locator 1000b may be generally similar to Figure 10A In some embodiments, such as, the locator 1000b includes a cap 1014 configured to be coupled to a tooth, and the cap 1014 includes an accessory support 1016 (e.g., a recess) for receiving an accessory 1012 to be placed on the tooth. Figure 10BAs shown, the cap 1014 is divided into two (or in some cases, more than two) discrete segments 1018 (e.g., two halves). The two segments 1018 may be coupled to each other via one or more fasteners 1020 (e.g., sutures, stitches, cords, ties), which are partially or entirely made of a material with elastic and / or self-tightening properties (e.g., polymeric materials, shape memory materials). When the cap 1014 is placed on a tooth, the fasteners 1020 may elastically deform (e.g., stretch) to allow the two segments 1018 to separate from each other, thereby enlarging the size of the cap 1014 to fit onto the tooth. The resistance of the fasteners 1020 to elastic deformation can generate a force that holds the cap 1014 on the tooth and applies pressure to bias the accessory 1012 against the tooth.

[0122] Figure 10C This is a perspective view of another dental aid locator 1000c for placing an aid 1022 on a single tooth according to an embodiment of the present technology. The locator 1000c may be generally similar to Figure 10A and Figure 10B In one embodiment, for example, the locator 1000c includes a cap 1024 configured to couple to a tooth 1030, and the cap 1024 includes an auxiliary support 1026 (e.g., a recess) that receives an auxiliary 1022 to be placed on the tooth 1030. Figure 10C As shown, the cap 1024 includes one or more pleated sections 1028 (e.g., accordion folds) that can expand to allow the cap 1024 to fit onto the tooth 1030. The pleated sections 1028 are part of a circumferential band around the tooth 1030 to hold and bias the accessory 1022 against the tooth. The resistance of the pleated sections 1028 to expansion can generate a force that holds the cap 1024 against the tooth 1030 and applies pressure to bias the accessory 1022 against the tooth 1030. Although the illustrated embodiment depicts a cap 1024 with two pleated sections 1028 on opposite sides of the accessory support 1026, in other embodiments, the cap 1024 may include fewer or more pleated sections 1028. Optionally, the cap 1024 may include an extension 1031 that wraps around the occlusal surface of the tooth 1030 to cover another surface of the tooth 1030 (e.g., if the aid 1022 is placed on the buccal surface, it covers the lingual surface; or if the aid 1022 is placed on the lingual surface, it covers the buccal surface).

[0123] Figure 10D This is a perspective view of another dental aid locator 1000d for placing an aid 1032 on a single tooth according to an embodiment of the present technology. The locator 1000d may be generally similar to Figures 10A-10CIn one embodiment, for example, the locator 1000d includes a cap 1034 configured to be coupled to a tooth, and the cap 1034 includes an accessory support 1036 coupled to an accessory 1032 to be placed on the tooth. Figure 10D In one embodiment, the auxiliary support 1036 includes a plurality of struts 1038 connecting the auxiliary 1032 to a peripheral portion of the cap 1034. The struts 1038 may be formed, for example, by creating a plurality of perforations in the cap 1034 along the periphery of the auxiliary 1032, wherein the remaining material between the perforations serves as the struts 1038. Alternatively, the struts may be formed by a direct manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing) method, similar to the struts, auxiliary components, and auxiliary positioners described elsewhere herein. The struts 1038 may be breakable to allow the auxiliary 1032 to be released from the cap 1034 after it has been engaged with the tooth. For example, this configuration may be used as… Figures 10A-10C An alternative to the recessed auxiliary support shown.

[0124] In some embodiments, one or more individual dental aid positioners (e.g., Figures 10A-10D The positioner described herein may be part of a larger positioner system similar to positioners 300a, 300b, 400, 500, 600, and 900c. For example, instead of multiple auxiliary support members having a frame for the auxiliary member (e.g., such as...), Figure 6 The accessory support 602 shown here represents a similar locator that may include multiple individual dental accessory locators (e.g., locators such as 1000a, 1000b, 1000c, and / or 1000d). In some embodiments, the locator may include an accessory support with a frame for accessible teeth and individual dental accessory locators for inaccessible teeth. In some embodiments, the locator may include individual dental accessory locators for all teeth, regardless of whether they are inaccessible. As described above, individual dental accessory locators may have resilient and / or self-tightening properties (or some other biasing mechanism) that hold and bias the accessory against their respective teeth to apply sufficient pressure to allow for optimal fusion. This facilitates the fusion process (regardless of whether the tooth is inaccessible) by allowing the practitioner to simply direct energy toward the accessory without having to manually apply pressure. The result is a simpler and faster fusion process, and in some cases, a more optimized fusion process (e.g., because the pressure is more controlled and less likely to cause the accessory to shift from manually applied pressure).

[0125] Figure 11This is a flowchart illustrating a method 1100 for designing a dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, according to an embodiment of the present technology. Method 1100 can be used to design and manufacture any dental aid locator described herein. In some embodiments, some or all of the processes of method 1100 are implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., program code) configured to be executed by one or more processors of a computing device, such as a treatment planning system, a locator design system, a locator manufacturing system, or a suitable combination thereof.

[0126] Method 1100 may begin at box 1102, where a 3D model of the patient's teeth is accessed. The 3D model may be a 3D digital representation or information configured to render such a representation. For example, the 3D model may be a mesh model, a surface model, a parametric model, or other model type depicting the 3D shape and position of the teeth. In some embodiments, the 3D model shows the patient's teeth in an initial (e.g., pre-treatment) alignment. The 3D model can be generated using any suitable technique, such as via direct intraoral scanning or scanning of tooth molds, impressions, models, etc.

[0127] At box 1104, method 1100 may include identifying at least one inaccessible tooth among the patient's teeth based on a 3D model. As described herein, a tooth may be considered inaccessible if there is insufficient space to place the aid on the surface of the tooth, insufficient space to assemble the aid support near the tooth, insufficient space to mount the registration element on the crown of the tooth, and / or insufficient space to assemble the energy applicator on the aid to bind the aid to the tooth.

[0128] Various techniques can be used to identify inaccessible teeth, such as automatic or semi-automatic algorithms (e.g., rule-based algorithms, machine learning algorithms), based on input from users (e.g., technicians or clinicians), or suitable combinations thereof. In some embodiments, inaccessible teeth are identified by measuring dimensional parameters of each tooth in a 3D model, such as the amount of exposed surface area on one or more surfaces of the tooth (e.g., buccal, lingual, and / or occlusal surfaces), the amount of unobstructed space adjacent to one or more surfaces of the tooth (e.g., the amount of unobstructed space on the buccal, lingual, and / or occlusal sides of the tooth), and / or any other parameter indicating the accessibility of the tooth. The measured dimensional parameters can be compared to thresholds to determine whether a tooth is considered inaccessible. For example, if the amount of exposed surface area on the tooth and / or the amount of unobstructed space adjacent to the tooth is less than a threshold, the tooth can be identified as inaccessible.

[0129] Alternatively or in combination, an unreachable tooth is identified by determining an initial design of an accessory support configured to position the accessory on the tooth, and then determining whether the accessory support with the initial design is too close to another object near the tooth (e.g., close to another tooth, another accessory or accessory support, or another object within the oral cavity). If the accessory support is determined to be too close to the object, the tooth can be identified as unreachable. In some embodiments, the initial design is a “default” design that is generated without specific features and / or modifications to accommodate other objects near the tooth. The initial design can be considered too close to another object if the minimum spacing between the accessory support and another object is less than a threshold (e.g., less than 2 mm, 1.5 mm, 1 mm, 0.5 mm, or 0.25 mm), and / or if the other object intersects with, collides with, or otherwise obstructs the accessory support.

[0130] In some embodiments, the process at block 1104 involves determining a first buffer zone around the accessory support using an initial design, determining a second buffer zone around the object near the teeth, and determining whether the first and second buffer zones overlap. If the first and second buffer zones overlap, the accessory support can be considered too close to the object, and therefore the teeth can be identified as inaccessible. The first and second buffer zones may each have the same overall shape as the accessory support and the object, but with enlarged dimensions to provide a safety margin between the accessory support and the object. For example, the sizes of the first and second buffer zones may be 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, or 125% of the sizes of the accessory support and the object, respectively. The size of the buffer zones can vary depending on the type of object, its position in the oral cavity, and / or other relevant considerations. For example, the buffer zones may be larger around traction clips or other accessories that are manually mounted on the teeth, as such accessories may be relatively small and difficult to position precisely.

[0131] At block 1106, method 1100 may continue to determine the design of a dental aid locator configured to position an aid on an inaccessible tooth. The locator may have any of the features of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the locator may include a plurality of registration elements configured to couple to a patient's tooth, and at least one aid support configured to place the aid on an inaccessible tooth. The aid support may be configured to place the aid on the lingual surface of the tooth, for example, as per [reference to...]. Figure 3A and Figure 3B As described. The auxiliary support member can be coupled to a connector extending from one or more registration elements, rather than being directly coupled to the registration elements, for example, as per [reference to...]. Figures 4A-6As described. The auxiliary support may include modifications to adapt to objects that obstruct teeth, for example, as per [the description of]... Figures 7A-8C As described. Optionally, the auxiliary support may include features for reducing debris generated when the auxiliary is released from the auxiliary support, for example, as described regarding Figures 9A-9C As described. In some embodiments, the locator is or includes a cap that fits onto a single tooth to place the aid on the tooth, for example, as described regarding Figures 10A-10D As described.

[0132] At box 1108, method 1100 may include instructions for generating a dental aid locator with a defined design. For example, the instructions may be used to directly manufacture the locator using an additive manufacturing process. Examples of additive manufacturing processes include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) vat photopolymerization and similar processes, in which objects are constructed from a vat or other bulk source of liquid resin, including techniques such as stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), continuous liquid interface production (CLIP), two-photon induced photopolymerization (TPIP), and volumetric additive manufacturing; (2) material spraying, in which materials are sprayed onto a build platform using a continuous or drop-on-demand (DOD) method; (3) adhesive spraying, in which alternating layers of build material (e.g., powder-based materials) and adhesive material (e.g., liquid adhesives) are deposited by a printhead; and (4) material extrusion. The process includes: (5) material intake through a nozzle, heating and depositing layer by layer, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM) and direct ink writing (DIW); (6) powder bed fusion, including techniques such as direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), electron beam melting (EBM), selective thermal sintering (SHS), selective laser melting (SLM), and selective laser sintering (SLS); (7) sheet lamination, including techniques such as laminated solid fabrication (LOM) and ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM); and (8) directional energy deposition, including techniques such as laser engineered mesh forming, directional light fabrication, direct metal deposition, and 3D laser cladding. Optionally, the positioner may be manufactured using a combination of two or more additive manufacturing processes.

[0133] It can be modified in many different ways Figure 11 Method 1100 is shown. For example, some procedures of method 1100, such as the procedure in box 1108, may be omitted. Method 1100 may include Figure 11 Additional processes, not shown, include displaying the locator with the determined design on the output device, receiving feedback on the design from a user (e.g., a technician or clinician), and / or modifying the design based on the received feedback. Optionally, multiple different designs can be generated and displayed, allowing the user to compare designs and select the final design to use for the locator.

[0134] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 1200 for designing a dental aid locator for placing an aid on a tooth according to an embodiment of the present technology. Method 1200 can be used in combination with any other method described herein, such as... Figure 11 Method 1100. In some embodiments, some or all of the processes of method 1200 are implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., program code) configured to be executed by one or more processors of a computing device, such as a treatment planning system, a positioner design system, a positioner manufacturing system, or a suitable combination thereof.

[0135] Method 1200 can begin at box 1202, where a 3D model of the patient's teeth is accessed. The procedure at box 1202 can be combined with... Figure 11 The process of method 1100 is the same as or similar to that of box 1102.

[0136] At block 1202, method 1200 may include determining a design for an accessory support configured to position an accessory on a tooth. The accessory support may include any features described herein, such as a frame extending partially or completely around the periphery of the accessory, and one or more struts connecting the accessory to the frame. The struts may be breakable struts configured to break to release the accessory from the frame, as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the accessory support includes a bridging element connecting the frame to another part of the locator (e.g., to a registration element or connector), while in other embodiments, the frame may be directly connected to another part of the locator without any intermediate components. Optionally, the design resulting in block 1202 may be a “default” design that does not include specific features and / or modifications to accommodate other objects near the tooth.

[0137] At box 1204, method 1200 may continue to determine whether the designed accessory support is too close to an object near a tooth. The object may be another tooth (e.g., an adjacent tooth), another part of the same locator including the accessory support (e.g., another accessory of the locator, accessory support, or registration element), another device within the oral cavity (e.g., another dental appliance, another accessory to be installed to the same or different teeth), or a combination thereof. The accessory support may be considered too close to the object if the minimum spacing between the accessory support and the object is less than a threshold (e.g., less than 0.2 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.05 mm, or 0.005 mm), and / or if the object intersects with, collides with, or otherwise obstructs the accessory support.

[0138] In some embodiments, the process at block 1204 involves determining a first buffer zone around an accessory support having been designed, determining a second buffer zone around an object close to the teeth, and determining whether the first and second buffer zones overlap. If the first and second buffer zones overlap, the accessory support can be considered too close to the object, and therefore the teeth can be identified as inaccessible. The first and second buffer zones may each have the same overall shape as the accessory support and the object, but with enlarged dimensions to provide a safety margin between the accessory support and the object. For example, the sizes of the first and second buffer zones may be 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, or 125% of the sizes of the accessory support and the object, respectively. The size of the buffer zones can vary depending on the type of object, its position in the oral cavity, and / or other relevant considerations. For example, the buffer zones may be larger around traction clips or other accessories that are manually mounted on the teeth, as such accessories may be relatively small and difficult to position precisely.

[0139] At box 1208, method 1200 may include modifying the design of the auxiliary support to fit the object. Modifications may include removing portions of the auxiliary support that would otherwise collide with or be too close to the object, changing the shape of those portions, or combinations thereof. For example, modifications may include removing a portion of the frame of the auxiliary support and / or changing the shape of a portion of the frame, for example, as per [reference to...]. Figures 7A-8C As described. In some embodiments, appropriate modifications to be made are determined based on the position and / or overlap between the first and second buffers. For example, the shape of the frame may be adjusted and / or changed at one or more locations where the buffers overlap. In some embodiments, relatively small overlaps are corrected by changing the shape of the frame, while relatively large overlaps are corrected by removing a portion of the frame.

[0140] Optionally, method 1200 may include determining whether the auxiliary support with the modified design is still too close to the object, or whether it is sufficiently spaced from the object. For example, method 1200 may check whether the minimum spacing distance between the modified auxiliary support and the object exceeds a threshold. Alternatively or in combination, method 1200 may determine a third buffer zone around the modified auxiliary support and determine whether the third buffer zone overlaps with a second buffer zone around the object. If the modified auxiliary support is still too close to the object, method 1200 may return to box 1208 to further modify the design to fit the object. This process may be repeated to iteratively modify the design until a satisfactory design is achieved. Optionally, if a satisfactory design cannot be produced, method 1200 may generate a notification to the user (e.g., a technician or clinician) indicating that it is impossible to design an auxiliary support for that tooth.

[0141] At block 1210, method 1200 may include generating instructions for manufacturing a dental accessory locator, the dental accessory locator including an accessory support with a modified design. Figure 11 The process of method 1100 is the same as or largely similar to that of box 1108.

[0142] It can be modified in many different ways Figure 12 Method 1200 is shown. For example, some procedures of method 1200, such as those in box 1210, may be omitted. Method 1200 may include... Figure 12 Additional processes, not shown, include displaying the locator with the modified design on the output device, receiving feedback from the user (e.g., a technician or clinician) regarding the modified design, and / or further adjustments to the modified design based on the received feedback. Optionally, multiple modified designs can be generated and displayed, allowing the user to compare designs and select the final design to use for the locator.

[0143] In some embodiments, this technology provides systems, apparatus, and methods for attaching aids to teeth (such as inaccessible teeth). For example, Figure 13A The process of attaching an accessory 1302 to a tooth 1304 using an energy applicator 1306 according to an embodiment of the present technology is illustrated. The accessory 1302 can be placed at a predetermined location on the tooth 1304 using a dental appliance (such as any of the accessory placement appliances described herein). In some embodiments, a curable adhesive is applied to a first surface 1308 of the accessory 1302 that contacts the surface of the tooth 1304. After the accessory 1302 has been placed on the tooth 1304, the energy applicator 1306 (e.g., a curing rod) can be used to output energy (e.g., UV light, visible light, infrared light) to cure the curable adhesive, thereby bonding the accessory 1302 to the tooth. Figure 13A As shown, the energy applicator 1306 may include an applicator tip 1312 that directs energy toward the accessory 1302 to cure the adhesive at the interface between the accessory 1302 and the tooth 1304. In some embodiments, during the curing process, the applicator tip 1312 (or any other suitable device / structure) is used to apply pressure to the accessory 1302 to promote the formation of a strong bond with the tooth. Specifically, when the applicator tip 1312 applies energy to cure the adhesive at the first surface 1308 of the accessory 1302, the applicator tip 1312 may be brought into contact with the second surface 1310 of the accessory 1302.

[0144] In some cases, malocclusion, crowding, and / or the presence of other objects in the oral cavity may make it difficult or impossible to access the aid for curing with an energy applicator. For example, Figure 13B A tooth arrangement is shown, wherein the approach of an auxiliary 1302 on tooth 1304 is blocked by a second auxiliary 1314 on adjacent tooth 1316. Due to the position of the second auxiliary 1314 and the adjacent tooth 1316 relative to the auxiliary 1302 and tooth 1304, the applicator tip 1312 cannot directly contact the second surface 1310 of the auxiliary 1302 (or at least, it may be difficult to make sufficient direct contact with the applicator tip 1312) during curing to provide pressure, which may result in poor or insufficient bonding between the auxiliary 1302 and the tooth 1304. Furthermore, controlling the humidity level at or near the second surface 1310 of the auxiliary 1302 can be challenging. The presence of moisture at the interface between the auxiliary 1302 and the tooth 1304 due to saliva and / or other intraoral fluids can impair bonding performance, and this problem is exacerbated when pressure cannot be applied to the auxiliary to prevent saliva / fluid from entering at the interface. When, for example, Figure 13B When adjacent teeth 1316 prevent tooth 1304 from being accessible, isolating the surface of tooth 1304 from saliva and / or other intraoral fluids may be time-consuming and ineffective.

[0145] To address these and other challenges, this technology provides systems, apparatus, and methods for installing aids into teeth that are inaccessible (e.g., difficult to reach) by energy applicators. (The following is a continuation of the previous paragraph.) Figures 14A-16 Describe representative examples of such systems, apparatuses, and methods. Figures 14A-16 Any feature of an embodiment may be combined with each other and / or with features of other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0146] Figures 14A-14C These are partial schematic top, side, and front views of the moldable material 1402 of the auxiliary member 1404 applied to the tooth 1406 according to an embodiment of the present technology. (See also:) Figures 14A-14C The moldable material 1402 can be used to bond the auxiliary component 1404 to the tooth 1406 by means of an energy applicator 1408, which outputs energy 1410 to bond the auxiliary component 1404 to the tooth 1406. The moldable material 1402 can be a putty, gel, paste, etc., deformable to conform to the shape of the auxiliary component 1404 and the tooth surface, and sufficiently robust to remain in place after application and to transfer pressure from the energy applicator (or other device / structure) to the auxiliary component. The moldable material 1402 can also transmit the energy 1410 generated by the energy applicator 1408, ensuring that the presence of the moldable material 1402 does not interfere with the curing process, as described in more detail below.

[0147] like Figure 14A and Figure 14B As best shown, the aid 1404 may include a first surface 1412 configured to be mounted to a surface of the tooth 1406, a second surface 1414 opposite to the first surface, and one or more side surfaces 1416 connecting the first surface 1412 to the second surface 1414. A moldable material 1402 may be applied to the second surface 1414 of the aid 1404 to partially or completely cover the second surface 1414. Optionally, the moldable material 1402 may also partially or completely cover the side surfaces 1416 of the aid 1404 and / or portions of the tooth surface adjacent to the aid 1404, thereby forming a barrier around the aid 1404 to isolate the first surface 1412 of the aid 1404 from moisture, which may improve the bonding between the aid 1404 and the tooth 1406. The moldable material 1402 may be applied to the aid 1404 manually or using a delivery device (e.g., a syringe). In some embodiments, the delivery device may be coupled to or may be part of the energy applicator 1408 (e.g., having an opening for flowing / extruding moldable material near the tip of the energy applicator), such that a single device can be used to apply the moldable material 1402 and subsequently solidify the attachment with the moldable material 1402 in place (e.g., it is not necessary to switch to another device and / or significantly move the tip 1418 after delivering the moldable material 1402). The moldable material 1402 may remain in place until one or more attachments are joined, and when the attachments are released from the attachment support, the moldable material 1402 will hold the attachment support, thereby minimizing ejected debris or fragments.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first surface 1412 is configured to bond to the tooth 1406 via a curable adhesive (e.g., a UV-curable adhesive) interposed between the first surface 1412 and the tooth 1406, as described herein. Therefore, the energy applicator 1408 may be a curing bar or other similar device that outputs energy 1410 to cure the curable adhesive. For example, the energy applicator 1408 may be a light-curing bar that outputs light energy. Alternatively or in combination, the energy applicator 1408 may provide other types of output to facilitate curing, such as thermal, chemical, or mechanical outputs (e.g., pressure). Figure 14A As shown, the energy applicator 1408 may include an applicator tip 1418 (e.g., a straight or curved tip) that directly contacts the moldable material 1402 to apply pressure thereto. At least some of the pressure from the applicator tip 1418 (by...) Figure 14B(Indicated by the arrow in the figure) can be transferred through the moldable material 1402 to the second surface 1414 of the auxiliary 1404, thereby providing a force that holds the auxiliary 1404 against the tooth 1406 during curing to improve the bond with the tooth 1406.

[0149] During the curing process, energy 1410 generated by energy applicator 1408 can be output from applicator tip 1418 and directed toward auxiliary member 1404 and the curable adhesive on the first surface 1412 of auxiliary member 1404. For example, energy 1410 can be light energy, such as UV light, visible light, or infrared light. Parameters of energy 1410 (e.g., energy type, wavelength, intensity, exposure time) can be selected based on the type of curable adhesive used, the type of material used for auxiliary member 1404, the amount of desired bond strength, and / or other relevant considerations. Moldable material 1402 can be configured to receive, direct, and transfer energy 1410 from energy applicator 1408 to auxiliary member 1404 with sufficiently high efficiency to allow the adhesive to cure. For example, the transfer efficiency can be high enough that at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the energy 1410 output by energy applicator 1408 reaches auxiliary member 1404. In embodiments where energy 1410 is light energy, the moldable material 1402 may be optically translucent or transparent to the wavelength of light used to cure the adhesive. For example, in embodiments where UV light is used to cure the photocurable adhesive, the moldable material 1402 may be a UV-transparent material. Examples of energy-transmitting materials that can be used as the moldable material 1402 include polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyvinylsiloxane (PVS), PVS-PDMS hybrids, hydrogels, and combinations thereof (e.g., copolymers, mixtures).

[0150] Next reference Figure 14CIn some embodiments, the aid 1404 is placed on the tooth 1406 via an aid support 1420. For example, the aid support 1420 may include a frame 1422 extending partially or completely around the aid 1404, and one or more struts 1424 connecting the aid 1404 to the frame 1422. The struts 1424 may break to release the aid 1404 from the aid support 1420 after bonding, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, a moldable material 1402 (depicted using dashed lines for clarity) covers and adheres to the frame 1422 and / or the struts 1424 such that any debris generated by the breaking of the struts 1424 is captured by the moldable material 1402. Therefore, when the moldable material 1402 is removed from the aid 1404 and the tooth 1406 after the bonding process, debris may also be removed from the patient's mouth along with the moldable material 1402. When using an accessory support with fragile parts to place the accessory, this method can improve safety and user experience by preventing debris from eventually entering the oral cavity.

[0151] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 1500 for placing a dental aid on a tooth according to an embodiment of the present technology. Method 1500 can be combined with any other method described herein (e.g., Figure 11 Method 1100 and / or Figure 12 Method 1200) is executed in combination.

[0152] Method 1500 may begin at frame 1502, positioning the accessory and curable adhesive on the patient's tooth. The accessory can be placed on the tooth using any dental accessory locator described herein. The curable adhesive can be any adhesive suitable for attaching the accessory to the tooth, such as a UV-curable adhesive. The curable adhesive may be interposed between the accessory and the tooth surface and may be applied to the bonding surface of the accessory prior to placement on the tooth. In some embodiments, the tooth is inaccessible, such as due to another tooth, another portion of the same locator, and / or due to a dental appliance or object, such that the energy applicator (e.g., a curing rod) does not have sufficient space to directly contact the accessory.

[0153] At box 1504, method 1500 may include applying a moldable material to the auxiliary member. The moldable material (e.g., Figures 14A-14CThe moldable material 1402 can be a gel, putty, paste, etc., which contacts and conforms to the accessory to provide an interface for curing the curable adhesive between the accessory and the energy applicator. As described herein, the moldable material can partially or completely cover the accessory to isolate the bonding surface of the accessory from intraoral fluid that may interfere with bonding. In some embodiments, the moldable material is applied manually to the accessory, while in other embodiments, the moldable material is applied via a delivery device (e.g., a syringe).

[0154] At block 1506, method 1500 may include applying pressure to a moldable material and an accessory. For example, pressure may be applied using an energy applicator to cure a curable adhesive. In some embodiments, the process at block 1506 involves directly contacting the moldable material with an energy applicator and applying pressure thereto. The moldable material may transfer the pressure from the energy applicator to the accessory, thereby applying force to the accessory during bonding to maintain contact between the accessory and the tooth surface.

[0155] At frame 1508, method 1500 may continue by directing energy through the moldable material and toward the accessory to cure the curable adhesive, thereby bonding the accessory to the tooth. Energy (e.g., UV light, visible light, infrared light) may be output toward the moldable material by an energy applicator, and the moldable material may receive and transmit energy toward the accessory. As described herein, the moldable material may sufficiently transmit energy to avoid interfering with the curing process; for example, energy may be transmitted through the moldable material with an efficiency of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%. For example, the moldable material may be an optically transparent material, such as a UV-transparent material.

[0156] At block 1510, method 1500 may include, for example, removing moldable material from the accessory after bonding is complete. In some embodiments, the accessory is separated from the dental accessory locator before the moldable material is removed, such as by breaking one or more components of the locator (e.g., a breakable strut). In such embodiments, the moldable material may be used to capture and remove debris generated by the breakage of the locator.

[0157] It can be modified in many different ways Figure 15 Method 1500 is shown. For example, some procedures of method 1500, such as the procedure in box 1506, may be omitted. Method 1500 may include Figure 15 Additional processes not shown, and / or may be modified. Figure 15 The sequence of processes shown is as follows. For example, processes in boxes 1506 and 1508 can be executed simultaneously.

[0158] Figure 16This is a perspective view of a device 1600 according to an embodiment of the present technology, which includes an auxiliary component 1602 and an integrated interface 1608 for an energy applicator. For example, the device 1600 can be used when the energy applicator cannot be directly accessed by the auxiliary component 1602 (e.g., the auxiliary component 1602 is placed on an inaccessible tooth). Figure 16 As shown, the accessory 1602 includes a first surface 1604 configured to be mounted to a tooth, and a second surface 1606 opposite to the first surface 1604. The interface 1608 may be an elongated hollow structure (e.g., a tube) including a first end 1610 coupled to the accessory 1602, a second end 1612 opposite to the first end 1610, and a lumen 1614 extending between the first end 1610 and the second end 1612. In some embodiments, the first end 1610 includes one or more struts 1616 connected to the first surface 1604 of the accessory 1602. The struts 1616 may break to release the accessory 1602 from the interface 1608 after it has been attached to the tooth, for example, struts similar to those of accessory supports disclosed herein.

[0159] The lumen 1614 of interface 1608 allows energy generated by an energy applicator (e.g., a curing rod) to be directed toward accessory 1602 to cure a curable adhesive for bonding accessory 1602 to a tooth, as described elsewhere herein. The second end 1612 can be configured to engage the energy applicator during the bonding process, allowing the energy applicator to apply pressure indirectly to accessory 1602. Figure 16 As shown, the second end portion 1612 may include a surface 1618 (e.g., an annular surface) configured to receive and directly contact the applicator tip of the energy applicator. Therefore, pressure applied by the applicator tip to the second end portion 1612 of the interface 1608 can be transmitted to the auxiliary member 1602, thereby applying force to the auxiliary member 1602 to facilitate engagement between the auxiliary member 1602 and the tooth, as disclosed herein.

[0160] In some embodiments, interface 1608 is integrally formed with accessory 1602. For example, interface 1608 and accessory 1602 may be manufactured together in a single manufacturing operation (e.g., via a single additive manufacturing process). Alternatively, interface 1608 and accessory 1602 may be discrete components that are manufactured separately (e.g., via a separate additive manufacturing process) and subsequently assembled to form device 1600. For example, interface 1608 may be manufactured in a separate operation and subsequently coupled to accessory 1602 using adhesives, fasteners, mechanical fasteners, etc.

[0161] The device 1600 can be used in conjunction with a dental aid locator, which serves as a template for placing the aid 1602 at a predetermined location on a tooth. In such embodiments, the locator may include a registration element having a cavity formed therein to receive a tooth. The registration element may be a cap fitted onto a single tooth, or it may be one of a plurality of registration elements coupled to corresponding multiple patient teeth, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, the registration element includes a recess (e.g., an incision) formed therein to guide the placement of the aid 1602 onto the tooth. For example, the recess may have a shape complementary to the shape of the aid 1602, such that the aid 1602 can be positioned appropriately on the tooth by inserting the aid 1602 into the recess.

[0162] While some embodiments of the apparatus and methods provided herein are described in conjunction with placing an aid on inaccessible teeth, this is not intended to be limiting. Any embodiments described herein (e.g., in conjunction with...) Figures 3A-16 It can also be used to place aids on teeth that are not considered inaccessible.

[0163] In some cases, proper placement of the dental accessory locator on the tooth can be challenging if the geometry of the locator does not adequately match the tooth geometry—for example, if the registration element is not properly fitted onto the tooth, or if the size and shape of the accessory support do not place the accessory in the correct position on the tooth. Such problems can arise, for example, due to inaccuracies in the data used to design the dental accessory locator (e.g., errors in intraoral scan data), inaccuracies in the digital design of the locator, and / or inaccuracies in the manufacture of the locator (e.g., if the actual geometry of the manufactured locator does not match the intended design). Poor accessory placement can result in insufficient contact between the accessory and the tooth surface, which may lead to weak bonding and / or gaps after engagement. Additionally, incorrect accessory placement can cause the dental appliance to apply insufficient and / or incorrect force to the tooth, potentially making placement of the dental appliance on the accessory challenging and / or uncomfortable, and / or potentially causing the accessory to break or shift during appliance placement or removal.

[0164] To address these and other issues, this technology provides a dental accessory locator with controlled flexibility, allowing clinicians to adjust the position of the accessory relative to the teeth, for example, to compensate for fitting errors and / or ensure sufficient tooth contact for bonding purposes. In some embodiments, the dental accessory locator includes an accessory support comprising a flexible bridge (e.g., a flexible elongated shaft) coupling the accessory to a registration element, wherein the flexible bridge can move (e.g., bend, translate, rotate) in one or more directions (e.g., mesial-distal, buccal-lingual, and / or occlusal-gingival) to adjust the accessory. Furthermore, the accessory can be coupled to the flexible bridge via one or more struts and frames, and the struts and frames can be designed to allow the accessory to be easily released from the accessory support after bonding with little or no loose debris. Other advantages of the flexible accessory support described herein may include increased durability and / or printability (e.g., the accessory support is more likely to withstand forces applied to it during additive manufacturing of the dental accessory locator).

[0165] Figure 17A This is a side view of a portion of a dental aid positioner 1700a including a flexible aid support 1702 according to an embodiment of the present technology, and Figure 17B This is a perspective view of the individual auxiliary support 1702 of the positioner 1700a.

[0166] First refer to Figure 17A The locator 1700a may be generally similar to other embodiments of the locator described herein. For example, the locator 1700a may include a plurality of registration elements 1704 configured to receive and couple to a patient's tooth. Each registration element 1704 may include a cavity defining an inner surface that engages at least a portion of the occlusal, buccal, and / or lingual surface of the corresponding tooth to mount the registration element 1704 onto the tooth. The locator 1700a also includes a plurality of auxiliary support members 1702, each auxiliary support member 1702 configured to position a corresponding auxiliary member 1706 at a predetermined position abutting against or near a tooth surface when the locator 1700a is placed on the patient's tooth. Each accessory support 1702 can be coupled to a corresponding registration element 1704, which receives the tooth to which the accessory 1706 is to be mounted, such that when the registration element 1704 engages the tooth, the accessory 1706 is positioned at or near a target location on the tooth surface (e.g., buccal surface, lingual surface, occlusal surface).

[0167] As in Figure 17BAs best viewed, the auxiliary support 1702 includes: a frame 1708 that extends partially around the periphery of the auxiliary 1706; a plurality of struts 1710 that couple the auxiliary 1706 to the frame 1708; and a flexible bridging member 1712 that couples the frame 1708 to the registration element 1704. The flexible bridging member 1712 may be flexible relative to the registration element 1704 and the received tooth in one or more directions, such as mesial-distal, buccal-lingual, and / or occlusal-gingival directions. Bending of the flexible bridging member 1712 may produce corresponding displacements in the positions of the frame 1708 and the auxiliary 1706, thereby allowing the auxiliary 1706 to be repositioned relative to the underlying tooth. Optionally, the flexible bridging member 1712 may be configured to allow other types of movement for repositioning the auxiliary 1706, such as rotation of the frame 1708 and the auxiliary 1706 relative to the flexible bridging member 1712.

[0168] In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible bridging member 1712 is a curved elongated shaft (e.g., a curved trunk) comprising a first end 1714a coupled to the registration element 1704, a second end 1714b coupled to the frame 1708, and a curved body 1716 between the first end 1714a and the second end 1714b. The second end 1714b may be narrower than the first end 1714a, or vice versa, or both ends 1714a and 1714b may have the same width and / or diameter.

[0169] At least a portion of the curved body 1716 may extend laterally outward away from the registration element 1704 (the term "laterally outward extension" encompasses extension only in the lateral direction, as well as extension in both the lateral and vertical directions). For example, the portion of the curved body 1716 near the first end 1714a may bend upward and laterally outward away from the registration element 1704. The portion of the curved body 1716 near the second end 1714b may bend upward and laterally inward toward the received tooth. The curvature of the curved body 1716 may be configured to allow the flexible bridging element 1712 to bend, for example, in a buccal-lingual direction. For example, a clinician may press the auxiliary element 1706 and / or the flexible bridging element 1712 against the tooth surface to ensure adequate contact for bonding purposes and / or reduce the likelihood of gaps between the bonding auxiliary element 1706 and the tooth surface. Alternatively or in combination, the flexible bridging element 1712 may also be movable in other directions, such as in a mesial-distal direction. The registration element 1704 may optionally include a recess 1720 formed in a surface near the flexible bridging element 1712 to accommodate movement of the flexible bridging element 1712, such as bending the flexible bridging element 1712 inward toward the registration element 1704 and / or bending along the registration element 1704 in a mesial-to-distal direction.

[0170] In some embodiments, the locator 1700a is configured to constrain the repositioning of the accessory 1706 to a predetermined range of positions. The predetermined range may be large enough to allow for minor adjustments to the accessory 1706, but small enough to prevent the accessory 1706 from being adjusted too far from a predetermined target position on the tooth. In some embodiments, the predetermined range is no more than 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm, or 0.1 mm away from the predetermined target position (e.g., in the buccal-lingual direction, mesial-distal direction, and / or gingival-occlusal direction). The repositioning of the accessory 1706 may be constrained via various techniques, such as based on the geometry of the flexible bridging element 1712 (e.g., length, diameter, width, curvature), the material properties of the flexible bridging element 1712 (e.g., stiffness), and / or the geometry of the recess 1720 in the registration element 1704 (e.g., size, shape).

[0171] The auxiliary support 1702 may alternatively or additionally be configured to reduce or eliminate debris generated when the auxiliary 1706 is released from the auxiliary support 1702. As described elsewhere herein, the auxiliary 1706 may be released after engagement with the tooth by breaking the strut 1710, thereby allowing removal of the locator 1700a while the auxiliary 1706 remains in proper position on the tooth. The auxiliary support 1702 may be designed such that the frame 1708, strut 1710, and flexible bridging member 1712 remain connected to each other after the auxiliary 1706 is released, thereby avoiding the generation of loose debris. For example, the frame 1708 may extend only partially around the auxiliary 1706 (e.g., in a U-shape or C-shape), such that a gap 1722 exists in the frame 1708. The gap 1722 may be located on the upper side of the frame 1708, opposite the side coupled to the flexible bridging member 1712, which may reduce the likelihood of frame 1708 breaking, for example, as previously discussed. Figure 9A The discussion continues. Furthermore, the lower side of frame 1708 may be curved to reduce stress concentration at the connection between frame 1708 and flexible bridging member 1712. Additionally, the angle of the pair of supports 1710a adjacent to gap 1722 can be configured to concentrate stress at or near the interface between support 1710a and auxiliary member 1706, as will be discussed below. Figures 18A-18E Further discussion is needed.

[0172] Figure 17C This is a perspective view of a portion of a dental aid positioner 1700b including a flexible auxiliary support 1752 according to an embodiment of the present technology, and Figure 17D This is a perspective view of the individual auxiliary support 1752 of the positioner 1700b.

[0173] First refer to Figure 17CThe locator 1700b may be substantially similar to other embodiments of the locator described herein, such as... Figure 17A and Figure 17B Positioner 1700a. For example, positioner 1700b may include: a plurality of registration elements 1754 configured to receive and couple to a patient's tooth; and a plurality of auxiliary support members 1752, each coupled to a corresponding registration element 1754 and configured to position a corresponding auxiliary member 1756 at a predetermined position against or near the tooth surface when positioner 1700b is placed on the patient's tooth.

[0174] like Figure 17D As best shown, the auxiliary support 1752 includes: a frame 1758 that extends partially around the periphery of the auxiliary 1756; a plurality of struts 1760 that couple the auxiliary 1756 to the frame 1758; and a flexible bridging member 1762 that couples the frame 1758 to the registration element 1754. Except as described below, the auxiliary support 1752 may be generally similar to Figure 17A and Figure 17B Auxiliary support component 1702.

[0175] exist Figure 17C and Figure 17D In one embodiment, the flexible bridging member 1762 is a straight, elongated shaft (e.g., a straight trunk) comprising a first end 1764a coupled to the registration element 1754, a second end 1764b coupled to the frame 1758, and a linear body 1766 between the first end 1764a and the second end 1764b. The second end 1764b may be narrower than the first end 1764a, or vice versa, or both ends 1764a and 1764b may have the same width and / or diameter.

[0176] At least a portion of the linear body 1766 may extend laterally outward away from the registration element 1754. For example, a portion of the linear body 1766 near the first end 1764a may be angled laterally outward away from the registration element 1754 (e.g., at least angled to the vertical direction). A portion of the linear body 1766 near the second end 1764b may also be angled laterally outward, may extend vertically upward, or may be angled laterally inward toward the tooth. The geometry of the linear body 1766 may be configured to allow the flexible bridging element 1762 to bend at 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 30°, 40°, or 45° in the buccal-lingual direction. Alternatively or in combination, the flexible bridging element 1762 may also be movable in other directions, such as in the mesial-distal direction.

[0177] Similar to Figure 17A and Figure 17BPositioners 1700a and 1700b can be configured to constrain the repositioning of the accessory 1756 to a predetermined range of positions (e.g., no more than 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm, or 0.1 mm away from a predetermined target position in the buccal-lingual, mesial-distal, and / or gingival-occlusal directions). The repositioning of the accessory 1756 can be constrained via various techniques, such as based on the geometry of the flexible bridging member 1762 (e.g., length, diameter, width, angle) and / or the material properties of the flexible bridging member 1762 (e.g., stiffness).

[0178] The auxiliary support 1752 may alternatively or additionally be configured to reduce or eliminate debris generated when the auxiliary 1756 is released from the auxiliary support 1752. As described elsewhere herein, the auxiliary 1756 may be released after engagement with the tooth by breaking the strut 1760, thereby allowing removal of the locator 1750a while the auxiliary 1756 remains in proper position on the tooth. The auxiliary support 1752 may be designed such that the frame 1758, strut 1760, and flexible bridging member 1762 remain connected to each other after the auxiliary 1756 is released, thereby avoiding the generation of loose debris. For example, the frame 1758 may extend only partially around the auxiliary 1756 (e.g., in a U-shape or C-shape), such that a gap 1768 exists in the frame 1758. The gap 1768 may be located on the upper side of the frame 1758, opposite the side coupled to the flexible bridging member 1762, which may reduce the likelihood of frame 1758 breaking, for example, as previously discussed. Figure 9A The discussion continues. Furthermore, the lower side of frame 1758 may be curved to reduce stress concentration at the connection between frame 1758 and flexible bridging member 1762. Additionally, the angle of the pair of supports 1760a adjacent to gap 1722 can be configured to concentrate stress at or near the interface between support 1760a and auxiliary member 1756, as will be discussed below. Figures 18A-18E Further discussion is needed.

[0179] In some embodiments, the accessory support 1752 includes features that facilitate positioning the accessory 1756 on the lingual surface of the tooth. For example, the frame 1758 may be bent and / or folded to reduce the overall size of the accessory support 1752, which can facilitate fitting into limited space on the lingual side of the tooth. Furthermore, the cross-sectional thickness of the strut 1760 and / or the flexible bridging member 1762 may vary to provide enhanced strength (e.g., in the buccal-lingual direction) to withstand forces exerted by the patient's tongue. However, in other embodiments, the accessory support 1752 may be used to position the accessory 1756 on other surfaces of the tooth, such as the buccal or occlusal surfaces. Additionally, other types of accessory supports may be used to position the accessory on the lingual surface of the tooth, such as… Figure 17A and Figure 17B Auxiliary support component 1702.

[0180] In some embodiments, the accessory support described herein includes one or more fractured struts that fracture to release the accessory when the dental accessory locator is removed from the patient's tooth. Components of the accessory support may be designed such that forces applied to the accessory and accessory support during removal of the dental accessory locator from the tooth cause stress concentration at or near the interface between the strut and the accessory, such that the accessory support fractures only at the interface and not at other locations where loose debris might be generated (e.g., frames, bridging members).

[0181] Figure 18A The removal of a dental aid locator 1800 from a patient's tooth 1802 according to an embodiment of the present technology is illustrated. Figure 18A As indicated by the arrows, during the removal process, the locator 1800 can rotate in a direction from the lingual side to the buccal side, which can result in different forces being applied to the auxiliary members and auxiliary support members on the lingual side of the locator 1800 and the auxiliary members and auxiliary support members on the buccal side of the locator 1800. In some embodiments, at least some of the struts of the auxiliary support members of the locator 1800 are offset (e.g., perpendicular to) the axis of rotation of the locator 1800 in order to increase or maximize stress concentration at the appropriate location.

[0182] Figure 18B This is a partial schematic diagram of a support column 1810 coupled at an orthogonal angle to an auxiliary member 1812 according to an embodiment of the present technology. The support column 1810 is coupled to the upper side of the auxiliary member 1812 and may be adjacent to a gap in the frame surrounding the auxiliary member 1812 (e.g., similar to...). Figure 17B The pillar 1710a in the middle is only for simplicity. Figure 18B(Frame omitted). In the illustrated embodiment, each support 1810 is at a positive angle A1 relative to the upper side of the auxiliary member 1812. For example, the support 1810 is partially or completely located above the auxiliary member 1812 and angled downwards to connect to the auxiliary member 1812. The positive angle A1 can be at least 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, or 90°; and / or can be in the range of 5° to 45°, or 45° to 80°.

[0183] Figure 18C This is a partial schematic diagram of a support column 1820 coupled to an auxiliary member 1822 at a negative angle according to an embodiment of the present technology. The support column 1820 is coupled to the upper side of the auxiliary member 1822 and may be adjacent to a gap in the frame surrounding the auxiliary member 1822 (e.g., similar to...). Figure 17D The pillar 1760a in the middle is only for simplicity. Figure 18C (Frame omitted). In the illustrated embodiment, each support 1820 forms a negative angle A2 relative to the upper side of the auxiliary member 1822. For example, the support 1820 is partially or completely located below the auxiliary member 1822 and angled upwards to connect to the auxiliary member 1822. The negative angle A2 can be at least 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, or 90°; and / or can be in the range of 5° to 45°, or 45° to 80°.

[0184] Figure 18D This is a partial schematic diagram of the stress applied to the buccal accessory support 1830 during locator removal according to an embodiment of the present technology. The buccal accessory support 1830 is connected to the registration element 1832 of the dental accessory locator and is configured to position the accessory 1834 on the buccal surface of the tooth T (for simplicity, some elements of the accessory support 1830, such as frames and bridging members, are omitted from the illustration). The accessory support 1830 may include one or more pillars 1836 located on the gingival side of the accessory 1834 (e.g., a pair of pillars, three pillars radially positioned around the accessory 1834, etc.), each pillar 1836 having a gingival end 1838 and an occlusal end 1840 (for simplicity, in...). Figure 18DA single post 1836 is shown. The occlusal end 1840 can be connected to the auxiliary 1834 at the post-auxiliary interface P1, and the gingival end 1838 can be coupled to the frame (not shown) of the auxiliary support 1830 at the post-frame interface P2. In other words, the post-auxiliary interface P1 can be occlusally positioned relative to the post-frame interface P2 such that the post 1836 is at a positive angle relative to the auxiliary 1834. During removal of the locator from tooth T, the registration element 1832 can rotate about the rotation center C in the lingual to buccal direction. The torque from the rotation of the registration element 1832 is transmitted to the auxiliary support 1830, the frame, and the post 1836 (vector V represents the torque arm from the rotation center R to the post-frame interface P2), thus producing a corresponding rotation of the post 1836 about the post-auxiliary interface P1 in the buccal to lingual direction. Therefore, the stress generated by the removal of the locator may be concentrated at the strut-auxiliary interface P1 rather than at the strut-frame interface P2, thus increasing the possibility that the auxiliary support 1830 will break only at the strut-auxiliary interface P1.

[0185] Figure 18E This is a partial schematic diagram of the stress applied to the lingual accessory support 1840 during locator removal according to an embodiment of the present technology. The lingual accessory support 1850 is connected to the registration element 1852 of the dental accessory locator and is configured to position the accessory 1854 on the lingual surface of the tooth T (for simplicity, some elements of the accessory support 1850, such as frames and bridging members, are omitted from the illustration). The accessory support 1850 may include one or more pillars 1856 located on the gingival side of the accessory 1854 (e.g., a pair of pillars, three pillars radially positioned around the accessory 1854, etc.), each pillar 1856 having a gingival end 1858 and an occlusal end 1860 (for simplicity, in...). Figure 18EA single post 1856 is shown. The occlusal end 1860 can be connected to the accessory 1534, and the gingival end 1858 can be coupled to the frame 1852 of the accessory support 1850. In other words, the post-accessory interface P1 can be occlusally positioned relative to the post-frame interface P2 such that the post 1856 is at a positive angle relative to the accessory 1854. During removal of the locator from tooth T, the registration element 1852 can rotate about the rotation center C in the lingual to buccal direction. The torque from the rotation of the registration element 1852 is transmitted to the accessory support 1850, the frame, and the post 1856 (vector V represents the torque arm from the rotation center R to the post-frame interface P2), thus producing a corresponding rotation of the post 1856 about the post-accessory interface P1 in the buccal to lingual direction, such that the post 1856 is at a positive angle relative to the accessory 1854. Therefore, the stress generated by the removal of the locator may be concentrated at the strut-auxiliary interface P1 rather than at the strut-frame interface P2, thus increasing the possibility that the auxiliary support 1850 will break only at the strut-auxiliary interface P1.

[0186] In some embodiments, the present technology provides a method for designing a dental accessory locator for placing an accessory on a patient's teeth, wherein the locator includes one or more accessory supports designed based on location, such as whether the accessory supports are designed to place the accessory on the buccal or lingual surface of the tooth. As discussed herein, in some cases, certain configurations may be more suitable for buccal placement (e.g., Figure 17A and Figure 17B (as in the embodiments), while in some cases, other configurations may be more suitable for tongue-side placement (e.g., Figure 17C and Figure 17D (Examples of embodiments). In some embodiments, the design process involves selecting a design template for the accessory support based on whether the accessory support is to be positioned on the buccal or lingual surface, wherein the design template includes features known to favor buccal or lingual placement (e.g., support angle, support position, frame shape, bridging shape). The design template can then be customized according to the specific patient's tooth shape, accessory geometry, etc.

[0187] Alternatively or in combination, the design process may involve identifying the forces that will be applied to the dental accessory and / or accessory support when the dental accessory locator is removed from the tooth, and then determining the design of the accessory support based on the identified forces. For example, features such as post angle, post position, frame shape, bridging member shape, etc., can be selected and / or optimized such that the applied forces concentrate stress at the post-accessory interface. Various techniques can be used to identify the forces, such as simulation, modeling, experimental data, data from previous locator designs, etc.

[0188] Optionally, the design process may include determining an accessory support configuration that strengthens contact between the accessory and the tooth surface, for example, to avoid gaps between the accessory and the tooth surface that could impair the quality of the bond. In some embodiments, the design process involves identifying the tooth surface on which the accessory is to be positioned, and then determining the geometry of the accessory support that positions the accessory with a negative offset from the tooth surface. In other words, the accessory support may be designed to position the tooth contact surface of the accessory at a spatial location offset inward from the tooth surface, rather than aligned with the tooth surface. For example, the offset may be at least 10 μm, 25 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm, 100 μm, 150 μm, or 200 μm; and / or within the range of 10 μm to 50 μm, 50 μm to 100 μm, 100 μm to 150 μm, or 50 μm to 150 μm. Therefore, when a dental accessory locator is placed on a patient's teeth, negative offset can cause the accessory support to exert a "self-holding" force on the accessory, which biases the accessory against the tooth surface, thereby enhancing contact for bonding purposes. Negative offset can also reduce the likelihood of gaps forming between the accessory and the tooth due to surface mismatch between the accessory and the tooth.

[0189] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 1900 for placing a dental aid on a patient's teeth according to an embodiment of the present technology. Method 1900 can be implemented using any of the devices described herein and can be performed in combination with any other methods described herein.

[0190] Method 1900 may begin at frame 1902, positioning the dental aid locator on the patient's teeth. The dental aid locator may be any of the embodiments described herein (e.g., regarding...). Figures 17A-18E For example, a dental accessory locator may include at least one registration element configured to receive a tooth, and an accessory support coupled to the registration element and further coupled to the accessory. The accessory support may include a frame extending at least partially around the accessory, one or more pillars coupling the accessory to the frame, and a flexible bridging member coupling the frame to the registration element.

[0191] At frame 1904, method 1900 may include adjusting the position of the dental accessory on the tooth surface using a dental accessory locator. In some embodiments, the position is adjusted by moving (e.g., bending, rotating, translating) a flexible bridging member connected to the accessory in a buccal-lingual, mesial-distal, or occlusal-gingival direction. As described herein, the movement of the flexible bridging member may optionally be limited within a predetermined range to prevent the accessory from being adjusted too far from a target position on the tooth.

[0192] At box 1906, method 1900 may include bonding an accessory to a tooth surface via a curable adhesive. The bonding process may include applying energy (e.g., UV light, visible light, infrared light) to the curable adhesive (e.g., a UV-curable compound) using an energy applicator (e.g., a curing rod) to bond the accessory to the tooth surface using the curable adhesive. Optionally, pressure may be applied to the accessory during the bonding process to maintain good contact with the curable adhesive and the tooth surface.

[0193] At box 1908, method 1900 can continue by separating the dental aid from the dental aid locator by rotating the dental aid locator. For example, the dental aid locator can be rotated relative to the patient's teeth (e.g., in a position where...). Figure 18A (As shown in the tongue-to-buccal direction), stress is applied to the auxiliary support to cause the auxiliary support to release the auxiliary, for example, by causing one or more struts that connect the auxiliary to the remainder of the auxiliary support to break. As discussed herein, the auxiliary support can be designed to concentrate stress at appropriate locations on the auxiliary support (e.g., strut-auxiliary interface) to avoid the formation of loose debris.

[0194] II. Dental instruments and related methods

[0195] Figure 20A A representative example of a tooth repositioning appliance 2000 configured according to embodiments of the present technology is shown. Appliance 2000 can be used in combination with any of the systems, methods, and devices described herein. Appliance 2000 (also referred to herein as an "orthodontic appliance") can be worn by a patient to achieve incremental repositioning of individual teeth 2002 in the jaw. Appliance 2000 may include a housing (e.g., a continuous polymer housing or a segmented housing) having a tooth receiving cavity that receives and resiliently repositions the teeth. Appliance 2000 or portions thereof can be manufactured indirectly using a physical model of the teeth. For example, an appliance (e.g., a polymer appliance) can be formed using a physical model of the teeth and suitable polymer material sheets. In some embodiments, the physical appliance is manufactured directly from a digital model of the appliance, for example using additive manufacturing techniques.

[0196] The appliance 2000 can be adapted to all teeth present in the maxilla or mandible, or to fewer than all teeth. The appliance 2000 can be specifically designed to accommodate the patient's teeth (e.g., the morphology of the tooth-accommodating cavity matches the morphology of the patient's teeth) and can be manufactured based on a positive or negative mold of the patient's teeth generated by impression, scanning, etc. Alternatively, the appliance 2000 can be a general-purpose appliance configured to accommodate teeth, but not necessarily shaped to match the morphology of the patient's teeth. In some cases, only certain teeth accommodated by the appliance 2000 are repositioned by the appliance 2000, while other teeth can provide a base or mounting area to hold the appliance in place when the appliance 2000 applies force to one or more teeth targeted for repositioning. In some cases, some, most, or even all teeth can be repositioned at some point during treatment. The moved teeth can also be used as a base or mounting area to hold the appliance in place while the patient wears it. In the preferred embodiment, no thread or other means is provided for holding the appliance 2000 in proper position on the tooth. However, in some cases, it may be desirable or necessary to provide a separate attachment 2004 or other aid (e.g., a traction buckle) on the tooth 2002, having a corresponding receiving portion 2006 or hole in the appliance 2000, so that the appliance 2000 can apply selected forces on the tooth. Representative examples of appliances, including those used in the Invisalign® system, are described in numerous patents and patent applications of Alain Technologies, Inc. (including, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,450,807 and 5,975,893) and on the company’s website accessible on the World Wide Web (e.g., see url “invisalign.com”). Examples of attachments mounted on the teeth suitable for use with orthodontic appliances are also described in the patents and patent applications of Alain Technologies, Inc., including, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,309,215 and 6,830,450.

[0197] Figure 20BA tooth repositioning system 2010 comprising multiple appliances 2012, 2014, 2016, according to embodiments of the present technology, is illustrated. Any appliance described herein may be designed and / or provided as part of a set of multiple appliances for use in a tooth repositioning system. Each appliance may be configured such that the tooth receiving cavity has a geometry corresponding to an intermediate or final tooth arrangement intended for use with the appliance. By placing a series of incremental position-adjusting appliances on a patient's teeth, the patient's teeth can be progressively repositioned from an initial tooth arrangement to a target tooth arrangement. For example, the tooth repositioning system 2010 may include: a first appliance 2012 corresponding to the initial tooth arrangement; one or more intermediate appliances 2014 corresponding to one or more intermediate arrangements; and a final appliance 2016 corresponding to the target arrangement. The target tooth arrangement may be the planned final tooth arrangement selected for the patient's teeth at the end of all planned orthodontic treatment. Alternatively, the target alignment can be one of several intermediate alignments used for the patient's teeth during orthodontic treatment, and can include a variety of different treatment scenarios, including but not limited to cases where surgery is recommended, interproximal reduction (IPR) is appropriate, scheduling progress checks, optimal anchor placement, desired palatal expansion, and cases involving restorative dentistry (e.g., inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, implants, veneers, etc.). Therefore, it should be understood that the target tooth alignment can be the result of any planned alignment of the patient's teeth following one or more incremental repositioning phases. Similarly, the initial tooth alignment can be any initial alignment of the patient's teeth following one or more incremental repositioning phases.

[0198] Figure 20CA method 2020 for orthodontic treatment using multiple appliances according to an embodiment of the present technology is illustrated. Method 2020 can be practiced using any of the appliances or groups of appliances described herein. In box 2022, a first orthodontic appliance is applied to the patient's teeth to reposition the teeth from a first dental alignment to a second dental alignment. In box 2024, a second orthodontic appliance is applied to the patient's teeth to reposition the teeth from the second dental alignment to a third dental alignment. Method 2020 can be repeated as needed using any suitable number of sequential appliances and combinations of sequential appliances to incrementally reposition the patient's teeth from the initial alignment to the target alignment. Appliances can be manufactured all at once, in groups, or in batches (e.g., at the beginning of a treatment phase), or appliances can be manufactured one at a time, and the patient can wear each appliance until pressure from each appliance on the teeth is no longer felt or until the maximum amount of expressed tooth movement for that given phase has been achieved. Multiple different appliances (e.g., a set) can be designed or even manufactured before the patient wears any of the appliances in the multiple appliances. After wearing an appliance for an appropriate period of time, the patient can replace the current appliance with the next appliance in the series until no more appliances are available. Appliances are typically not fixed to the teeth, and the patient can place and change appliances at any time during the procedure (e.g., patient-removable appliances). The final appliance or multiple appliances in the series may have one or more geometries selected for overcorrecting tooth alignment. For example, one or more appliances may have geometries that will (if fully achieved) move individual teeth beyond the alignment that has been selected as “final.” Such overcorrection may be desirable to counteract potential relapse / regression after the repositioning method has been terminated (e.g., allowing individual teeth to move toward their pre-correction positions). Overcorrection can also be beneficial to accelerate the correction rate (e.g., an appliance with a geometry positioned beyond the desired intermediate or final position can move individual teeth toward that position at a greater rate). In this case, the use of the appliance can be terminated before the teeth reach the position defined by the appliance. Furthermore, overcorrection may be intentionally applied to compensate for any inaccuracies or limitations of the appliance.

[0199] Figure 21 A method 2100 for designing orthodontic appliances according to an embodiment of the present technology is illustrated. Method 2100 can be applied to any embodiment of the orthodontic appliances described herein. Some or all of the steps of method 2100 can be performed by any suitable data processing system or apparatus (e.g., one or more processors configured with suitable instructions).

[0200] In box 2102, a movement path is determined to move one or more teeth from an initial alignment to a target alignment. The initial alignment can be determined, for example, using wax bite method, direct contact scanning, X-ray imaging, tomography, ultrasound imaging, and other techniques for obtaining information about the position and structure of teeth, jaws, gingiva, and other orthodontic-related tissues from a mold or scan of the patient's teeth or oral tissues. A digital dataset representing the initial (e.g., pre-treatment) alignment of the patient's teeth and other tissues can be derived from the obtained data. Optionally, the initial digital dataset is processed to segment the tissue components to each other. For example, a data structure digitally representing the individual crowns can be generated. Advantageously, a digital model of the entire tooth can be generated, including the measured or inferred hidden surfaces and root structures, as well as the surrounding bone and soft tissue.

[0201] The target alignment of teeth (e.g., the desired and expected end result of orthodontic treatment) can be received from the clinician in the form of a prescription, calculated based on fundamental orthodontic principles, and / or inferred from the clinical prescription. By specifying the desired final position of the teeth and a digital representation of the teeth themselves, the final position and surface geometry of each tooth can be specified to form a complete model of the tooth alignment at the end of the desired treatment.

[0202] Having both an initial position and a target position for each tooth, a movement path can be defined for the movement of each tooth. In some embodiments, the movement path is configured to move the tooth from its initial position to its desired target position in the fastest manner with the least amount of round trips. The tooth path can optionally be segmented (partitioned), and the segments can be computed such that the movement of each tooth within a segment remains within threshold limits of linear translation and rotational translation. In this way, the endpoints of each path segment can constitute a clinically feasible repositioning, and the set of segment endpoints can constitute a clinically feasible sequence of tooth positions such that moving from one point to the next in the sequence does not result in tooth collision.

[0203] In box 2104, the force system that produces the movement of one or more teeth along the movement path is identified. The force system may include one or more forces and / or one or more torques. Different force systems can result in different types of tooth movement, such as tilting, translation, rotation, extrusion, intrusion, root movement, etc. Biomechanical principles, modeling techniques, force calculation / measurement techniques, etc. (including knowledge and methods commonly used in orthodontics) can be used to determine the appropriate force system to be applied to the teeth to achieve tooth movement. Sources may be considered when determining the force system to be applied, including literature, force systems determined through experimental or virtual modeling, computer-based modeling, clinical experience, minimization of unwanted forces, etc.

[0204] The determination of a force system can be performed in a variety of ways. For example, in some embodiments, the force system is determined on a patient-by-patient basis, for example, using patient-specific data. Alternatively or in combination, the force system can be determined based on a general model of tooth movement (e.g., based on experimental, modeling, clinical data, etc.), making it unnecessary to use patient-specific data. In some embodiments, the determination of the force system involves calculating a specific force value to be applied to one or more teeth to produce a specific movement. Alternatively, the determination of the force system can be performed at a high level without calculating specific force values ​​for the teeth. For example, block 2104 may involve determining a specific type of force to be applied (e.g., extrusion force, invasive force, translational force, rotational force, tilting force, torsional force, etc.) without calculating the specific magnitude and / or direction of the force.

[0205] Determining the force system can include constraints on permissible forces, such as permissible directions and magnitudes, and constraints on the desired movement induced by the applied forces. For example, different patients may require different movement strategies when fabricating a palatal expander. For instance, the amount of force required to dissect the palate can depend on the patient's age, as very young patients may not have fully formed sutures. Therefore, in adolescent patients and others with incompletely closed palatal sutures, palatal expansion can be accomplished with lower force magnitudes. Slower palatal movement can also aid bone growth to fill the expanding suture. For other patients, faster expansion may be required, which can be achieved by applying greater forces. The structure and materials of the appliance can be selected based on these requirements; for example, by selecting a palatal expander capable of applying large forces to break the palatal suture and / or induce rapid expansion of the palate. Subsequent appliance stages can be designed to apply varying amounts of force, such as initially applying large forces to break the suture, followed by smaller forces to maintain suture separation or gradually expand the palate and / or dental arch.

[0206] Determining the force system may also involve modeling the patient's facial structures, such as the skeletal structure of the jaw and palate. For example, scan data of the palate and dental arch (such as X-ray data or 3D optical scan data) can be used to determine parameters of the skeletal and muscular systems of the patient's oral cavity in order to determine the force sufficient to provide the desired expansion of the palate and / or dental arch. In some embodiments, the thickness and / or density of the palatal suture may be measured or input by a treatment professional. In other embodiments, the treatment professional may select appropriate treatment based on the patient's physiological characteristics. For example, the characteristics of the palate may also be estimated based on factors such as the patient's age; for instance, younger adolescent patients may require less force to expand the suture than older patients because the suture has not yet fully formed.

[0207] In box 2106, the design for an orthodontic appliance configured to generate a force system is defined. This design may include appliance geometry, material composition, and / or material properties, and may be determined in various ways, such as using a treatment or force application simulation environment. The simulation environment may include, for example, a computer modeling system, a biomechanical system, or an instrument. Optionally, a digital model of the appliance and / or teeth, such as a finite element model, may be generated. The finite element model can be created using computer program application software available from various vendors. To create the solid geometry model, computer-aided engineering (CAE) or computer-aided design (CAD) programs, such as AutoCAD® software products available from Autodesk, Inc., San Rafael, California, can be used. To create and analyze the finite element model, program products from multiple vendors can be used, including the finite element analysis package from ANSYS, Inc., Fort Cannons, Pennsylvania, and the SIMULIA (Abaqus) software product from Dassault Systèmes, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts.

[0208] Optionally, one or more designs can be selected for testing or force modeling. As described above, the desired tooth movement and the required or desired force system to induce the desired tooth movement can be identified. Using a simulation environment, candidate designs can be analyzed or modeled to determine the actual force system generated by using the candidate apparatus. One or more modifications to the candidate apparatus are optionally possible, and force modeling can be further analyzed as described, for example, to iteratively determine the apparatus design that produces the desired force system.

[0209] In block 2108, instructions for manufacturing orthodontic appliances containing a design are generated. The instructions may be configured to control a manufacturing system or apparatus to produce orthodontic appliances having the specified design. In some embodiments, the instructions are configured to manufacture the orthodontic appliance using direct manufacturing (e.g., stereolithography, selective laser sintering, fused deposition modeling, 3D printing, continuous direct manufacturing, multimaterial direct manufacturing, etc.) according to various methods presented herein. In alternative embodiments, the instructions may be configured to indirectly manufacture the appliance, such as by thermoforming.

[0210] While the steps described above illustrate a method 2100 for designing orthodontic appliances according to some embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize some variations based on the teachings described herein. Some steps may include sub-steps. Some steps may be repeated frequently as needed. One or more steps of method 2100 can be performed using any suitable manufacturing system or apparatus, such as the embodiments described herein. Some steps may be optional; for example, the process in box 2104 may be omitted, allowing the orthodontic appliance to be designed based on desired tooth movement and / or determined tooth movement paths rather than on a force system. Furthermore, the order of steps may be changed as needed.

[0211] Figure 22 A method 2200 for orthodontic treatment and / or design or manufacture of a digital planning appliance according to an embodiment is shown. Method 2200 can be applied to any treatment procedure described herein and can be performed by any suitable data processing system.

[0212] In box 2202, a digital representation of the patient's teeth is received. The digital representation may include surface topography data of the patient's oral cavity (including teeth, gingival tissue, etc.). The surface topography data can be generated by directly scanning the oral cavity, a physical model (positive or negative) of the oral cavity, or an impression of the oral cavity using a suitable scanning device (e.g., a handheld scanner, a desktop scanner, etc.).

[0213] In box 2204, one or more treatment phases are generated based on the digital representation of the teeth. A treatment phase can be an incremental repositioning phase in the orthodontic treatment process, designed to move one or more of the patient's teeth from an initial tooth arrangement to a target arrangement. For example, a treatment phase can be generated by determining the initial tooth arrangement indicated by the digital representation, determining the target tooth arrangement, and determining the movement path for one or more teeth in the initial arrangement required to achieve the target tooth arrangement. The movement path can be optimized based on minimizing the total distance of movement, preventing collisions between teeth, avoiding more difficult tooth movements, or any other suitable criteria.

[0214] In box 2206, at least one orthodontic appliance is manufactured based on the generated treatment phase. For example, a set of appliances can be manufactured, each appliance shaped according to a tooth alignment specified by one of the treatment phases, such that the appliances can be worn sequentially by the patient to incrementally reposition the teeth from the initial alignment to the target alignment. The appliance set may include one or more orthodontic appliances as described herein. The manufacture of the appliances may involve creating a digital model of the appliance to serve as input to a computer-controlled manufacturing system. Direct manufacturing methods, indirect manufacturing methods, or a combination thereof may be used to form the appliances, as needed.

[0215] In some cases, the phased division of various arrangements or treatment stages may not be necessary for the design and / or manufacture of the device. For example... Figure 22 As shown by the dashed lines, the design and / or manufacture of orthodontic appliances and possible specific orthodontic treatments may include using a representation of the patient's teeth (e.g., including receiving a digital representation of the patient's teeth (box 2202)), and then designing / or manufacturing orthodontic appliances based on the representation of the patient's teeth in an arrangement represented by the received representation.

[0216] The embodiments described herein can be used in conjunction with an orthodontic appliance and / or a series of orthodontic appliances having a tooth-receiving cavity configured to move a person’s teeth from an initial alignment toward a target alignment according to a treatment plan. Orthodontic appliances may include mandibular repositioning elements, such as those described in the following documents: U.S. Patent No. 10,912,629, filed November 30, 2015, entitled "Dental Appliances with Repositioning Jaw Elements"; U.S. Patent No. 10,537,406, filed September 19, 2014, entitled "Dental Appliances with Repositioning Jaw Elements"; and U.S. Patent No. 9,844,424, filed February 21, 2014, entitled "Dental Appliances with Repositioning Jaw Elements"; the entire disclosure of these U.S. patents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0217] The embodiments described herein can be used in conjunction with the manufacture of an incremental palatal expander and / or a series of incremental palatal expanders for expanding a person's palate from an initial position toward a target position according to one or more aspects of a treatment plan. Examples of incremental palatal expanders can be found in at least the following documents: U.S. Application No. 16 / 380,801, filed April 10, 2019, entitled "Releasable Palatal Expanders"; U.S. Application No. 16 / 022,552, filed June 28, 2018, entitled "Devices, Systems, and Methods for DentalArch Expansion"; U.S. Patent No. 11,045,283, filed June 8, 2018, entitled "Palatal Expander with Skeletal Anchorage Devices"; and U.S. Application No. 16 / 380,801, filed December 4, 2017, entitled "Palatal Expanders and Methods of Expanding a Palate". U.S. Patent No. 10,993,783, filed December 4, 2017, entitled “Methods and Apparatuses for Customizing a Rapid Palatal Expander”; and U.S. Patent No. 7,192,273, filed August 7, 2003, entitled “System and Method for Palatal Expansion”; the entire disclosure of these U.S. applications / patents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0218] Example

[0219] The following examples are included to further illustrate some aspects of this technology and are not intended to limit the scope of this technology.

[0220] Example 1. A dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the dental aid locator comprising: The registration element is configured to receive the patient's teeth; and An auxiliary support member, coupled to the registration element and also coupled to the auxiliary member, wherein the auxiliary support member is configured to position the auxiliary member against the surface of the tooth, and wherein the auxiliary support member includes: The frame extends at least partially around the auxiliary component. One or more pillars couple the auxiliary component to the frame, and A flexible bridging element couples the frame to the registration element, wherein the flexible bridging element is configured to bend relative to the tooth in one or more directions to adjust the position of the auxiliary element on the surface of the tooth.

[0221] Example 2. A dental aid locator according to Example 1, wherein the flexible bridging member includes an elongated shaft having at least a portion extending laterally away from the registration element.

[0222] Example 3. A dental aid locator according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the flexible bridging member bends between the registration element and the frame.

[0223] Example 4. A dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the flexible bridging member includes a first end coupled to the registration element and a second end coupled to the frame, the second end being narrower than the first end.

[0224] Example 5. A dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the one or more directions include a buccal-lingual direction, a mesial-distal direction, or a combination thereof.

[0225] Example 6. The dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 1 to 5 further includes a recess formed in the surface of the registration element near the flexible bridging member, wherein the recess is configured to accommodate bending of the flexible bridging member in one or more directions.

[0226] Example 7. A dental accessory locator according to Example 6, wherein the flexible bridging member is configured to constrain the position of the accessory on the surface of the tooth within a predetermined range.

[0227] Example 8. A dental aid locator according to Example 7, wherein the predetermined range includes a set of positions no more than 0.3 mm from a predetermined position of the aid on the tooth.

[0228] Example 9. A dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the frame extends only partially around the aid.

[0229] Example 10. A dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the frame includes a first side coupled to the flexible bridging member and a second side of the frame opposite to the first side, and wherein a gap exists in the second side of the frame.

[0230] Example 11. A dental accessory locator according to Example 10, wherein the one or more pillars include a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, wherein each of the pair of pillars is oriented at an angle relative to the accessory, and wherein the angle is configured to concentrate stress at or near the interface between each pillar and the accessory when the dental accessory locator is removed from the tooth.

[0231] Example 12. A dental accessory locator according to Example 10 or 11, wherein the one or more pillars include a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, wherein each of the pair of pillars is oriented at an angle relative to the accessory, and wherein the dental accessory locator is configured to rotate in a lingual to buccal direction to remove the dental accessory locator from the tooth, and the angle is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0232] Example 13. A dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 10 to 12, wherein the one or more pillars comprise a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, wherein each of the pair of pillars is oriented at an angle relative to the accessory, and wherein the angle is a positive angle.

[0233] Example 14. A dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 10 to 13, wherein the one or more pillars comprise a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, and wherein the interface between each pillar and the accessory is located on the occlusal side relative to the interface between the pillar and the frame.

[0234] Example 15. A dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein when the tooth is received within the registration element, the accessory support positions the accessory at a predetermined position on the tooth.

[0235] Example 16. A dental aid positioner according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the aid is configured to engage a dental appliance to hold the tooth or apply force to the tooth.

[0236] Example 17. A dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the accessory includes an attachment, traction buckle, lever arm, splint, telescoper, bracket or archwire.

[0237] Example 18. A dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 1 to 17 further includes a plurality of registration elements configured to receive a plurality of the patient's teeth.

[0238] Example 19. A computer-implemented method for designing a dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the computer-implemented method comprising, via one or more processors: Access a 3D model of the patient's teeth; Determine the design for a dental accessory locator configured to position an accessory on a patient's teeth, wherein the dental accessory locator comprises a dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 1 to 18; and Generate instructions for manufacturing the dental aid positioner with a defined design.

[0239] Example 20. A computer-implemented method according to Example 19, wherein the instructions are configured to cause an additive manufacturing system to manufacture the dental accessory locator via an additive manufacturing process.

[0240] Example 21. The computer-implemented method according to Example 20 further includes manufacturing the dental aid locator via the additive manufacturing process.

[0241] Example 22. A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 19 to 21, wherein determining the design comprises: Identify the surface of the tooth to be positioned as the auxiliary component, and The geometry of the auxiliary support is determined, and the geometry positions the auxiliary component at a negative offset from the surface of the tooth.

[0242] Example 23. A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 19 to 22, wherein determining the design comprises: Determine whether the auxiliary component should be positioned on the buccal or lingual surface of the tooth, and The design template for the auxiliary support is selected based on whether the auxiliary support is to be positioned on the cheek-side surface or on the tongue-side surface.

[0243] Example 24. A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 19 to 23, wherein determining the design comprises: Identify the force applied to the dental aid locator during removal from the tooth, and The angle of at least one of the one or more pillars is determined based on the identified force.

[0244] Example 25. A method for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the method comprising: The dental accessory is positioned on the patient's teeth by placing the dental accessory locator on the patient's teeth, wherein the dental accessory locator comprises: A registration element is configured to receive the teeth, and Auxiliary support components, including: The frame extends at least partially around the auxiliary component. One or more pillars couple the auxiliary component to the frame, and A flexible bridging element couples the frame to the registration element. The flexible bridging member is bent to position the auxiliary member at a target location on the surface of the tooth; The auxiliary component is bonded to the target location on the surface of the tooth via a curable adhesive; and The dental aid is separated from the dental aid locator by rotating it relative to the patient's teeth, wherein the rotation causes the one or more supports to release the aid.

[0245] Example 26. The method according to Example 25, wherein the rotation causes the one or more pillars to break to release the auxiliary component.

[0246] Example 27. The method according to Example 26, wherein the one or more pillars break at or near the respective interface between each pillar and the auxiliary component.

[0247] Example 28. The method according to Example 26 or 27, wherein, after the one or more pillars break, the registration element, the frame, the one or more pillars and the flexible bridging element remain coupled to each other.

[0248] Example 29. The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 28, wherein the flexible bridging member includes an elongated shaft having at least a portion extending laterally away from the registration element.

[0249] Example 30. The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 29, wherein the flexible bridging member bends between the registration element and the frame.

[0250] Example 31. The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 30, wherein the flexible bridging member includes a first end coupled to the registration element and a second end coupled to the frame, the second end being narrower than the first end.

[0251] Example 32. The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 31, wherein the flexible bridging member is bent in the buccal-lingual direction, the mesial-distal direction, or a combination thereof.

[0252] Example 33. The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 32, wherein the dental aid locator further includes a recess formed in the surface of the registration element near the flexible bridging member, wherein the recess is configured to accommodate the bending of the flexible bridging member.

[0253] Example 34. The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 33, wherein the flexible bridging member is configured to constrain the position of the auxiliary member on the surface of the tooth within a predetermined range during the bending.

[0254] Example 35. The method according to Example 34, wherein the predetermined range includes a set of positions no more than 0.3 mm away from a predetermined position of the aid on the tooth.

[0255] Example 36. The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 35, wherein the frame extends only partially around the auxiliary member.

[0256] Example 37. The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 36, wherein the frame includes a first side coupled to the flexible bridging member and a second side of the frame opposite to the first side, and wherein a gap exists in the second side of the frame.

[0257] Example 38. The method according to Example 37, wherein the one or more pillars include a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, wherein each of the pair of pillars is oriented at an angle relative to the accessory, and wherein the angle is configured to concentrate stress at or near the interface between each pillar and the accessory when the dental accessory locator is removed from the tooth.

[0258] Example 39. The method according to Example 37 or 38, wherein the one or more pillars include a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, wherein each of the pair of pillars is oriented at an angle relative to the dental aid, and wherein the dental aid locator is rotated in a lingual to buccal direction to remove the dental aid locator from the tooth, and the angle is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0259] Example 40. The method according to any one of Examples 37 to 39, wherein the one or more pillars comprise a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, wherein each of the pair of pillars is oriented at an angle relative to the auxiliary member, and wherein the angle is a positive angle.

[0260] Example 41. The method according to any one of Examples 37 to 40, wherein the one or more pillars comprise a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, and wherein the interface between each pillar and the auxiliary member is located on the engagement side relative to the interface between the pillar and the frame.

[0261] Example 42. The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 41, wherein when the tooth is received within the registration element, the auxiliary support positions the auxiliary at a predetermined position on the tooth.

[0262] Example 43. The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 42, wherein the auxiliary member is configured to engage a dental appliance to hold the tooth or apply force to the tooth.

[0263] Example 44. The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 43, wherein the auxiliary component includes an accessory, a traction buckle, a lever arm, a clamp, a telescoper, a bracket, or a bow wire.

[0264] Example 45. The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 44, wherein the dental aid locator includes a plurality of registration elements configured to receive a plurality of the patient's teeth.

[0265] Example 46. A dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the dental aid locator comprising: The registration element is configured to receive the patient's teeth; A connector, coupled to the registration element and extending toward the lingual surface of the tooth received by the registration element; and An auxiliary support member is coupled to the connector and also to the auxiliary member, wherein the auxiliary support member is configured to position the auxiliary member against the lingual surface of the tooth.

[0266] Example 47. A dental aid locator according to Example 46, wherein the buccal surface of the tooth is not accessible to one or more adjacent teeth, soft tissue, another aid, or dental appliance.

[0267] Example 48. The dental aid locator according to Example 46 further includes a second aid support coupled to the registration element and also coupled to a second aid, wherein the second aid support is configured to position the second aid against the buccal surface of the tooth.

[0268] Example 49. A dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 46 to 48, wherein the registration element includes an inner surface configured to engage with the occlusal surface of the tooth, and the connector is offset from the surface of the tooth.

[0269] Example 50. A dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 46 to 49, wherein the connector does not contact the teeth.

[0270] Example 51. A dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 46 to 50, wherein, when the tooth is received within the registration element, the accessory support positions the accessory at a predetermined position on the lingual surface of the tooth.

[0271] Example 52. A dental accessory positioner according to any one of Examples 46 to 51, wherein the accessory support comprises: The frame extends at least partially around the auxiliary component. One or more pillars couple the auxiliary component to the frame, and A bridging element couples the frame to the connector.

[0272] Example 53. A dental accessory locator according to Example 52, wherein the one or more pillars are configured to release the accessory from the accessory support.

[0273] Example 54. A dental aid locator according to Example 52 or 53, wherein the bridging element extends from the connector.

[0274] Example 55. A dental aid positioner according to any one of Examples 46 to 54, wherein the aid is configured to engage a dental appliance to hold the tooth or apply force to the tooth.

[0275] Example 56. A dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 46 to 55, wherein the accessory includes an attachment, traction buckle, lever arm, splint, telescoper, bracket or archwire.

[0276] Example 57. The dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 46 to 56 further includes a plurality of registration elements configured to receive a plurality of the patient's teeth.

[0277] Example 58. A dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, wherein the dental aid locator comprises: The registration element is configured to receive the patient's first tooth; Connector, coupled to the registration element; and An auxiliary component support, coupled to the connector and also coupled to the auxiliary component, wherein the auxiliary component support is configured to position the auxiliary component against the second tooth. The dental aid locator does not include a registration element for the second tooth.

[0278] Example 59. A dental aid locator according to Example 58, wherein the first tooth prevents the second tooth from accessing.

[0279] Example 60. A dental aid locator according to Example 58 or 59, wherein the connector is configured to be positioned close to the buccal or lingual surface of the second tooth.

[0280] Example 61. A dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 58 to 60, wherein the connector is configured to be spaced apart from the occlusal surface of the second tooth.

[0281] Example 62. A dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 58 to 61, wherein the accessory support includes one or more struts coupled to the accessory, and wherein the one or more struts are configured to release the accessory from the accessory support.

[0282] Example 63. A dental accessory locator according to Example 62, wherein the accessory support further includes a frame extending at least partially around the accessory, and wherein the one or more pillars couple the accessory to the frame.

[0283] Example 64. A dental accessory locator according to Example 63, wherein the accessory support further includes a bridging member for connecting the frame to the connector.

[0284] Example 65. A dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 58 to 64, wherein the accessory support is integrally formed with the connector.

[0285] Example 66. A dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 58 to 64, wherein the accessory support is a discrete component coupled to the connector.

[0286] Example 67. A dental accessory locator according to Example 66, wherein the connector includes a plurality of openings configured to receive the accessory support.

[0287] Example 68. A dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 58 to 67, wherein the accessory support includes a compliance mechanism configured to allow the accessory support to move relative to the connector within a predetermined range of motion.

[0288] Example 69. A dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 58 to 68, wherein the aid is configured to engage a dental appliance to hold the second tooth or apply force to the second tooth.

[0289] Example 70. A dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 58 to 69, wherein the accessory includes an attachment, traction buckle, lever arm, splint, telescoper, bracket, or archwire.

[0290] Example 71. A dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 58 to 70, wherein the registration element is a first registration element, and wherein the dental aid locator further includes a second registration element configured to receive the patient's third tooth.

[0291] Example 72. A dental aid locator according to Example 71, wherein the connector is coupled to the second registration element.

[0292] Example 73. A dental aid locator according to Example 71 or 72, wherein the second tooth is located between the first tooth and the third tooth, and wherein the connector extends between the first registration element and the second registration element.

[0293] Example 74. A dental aid locator according to Example 73, wherein the dental aid locator does not include any registration element between the first registration element and the second registration element.

[0294] Example 75. The dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 58 to 74 further includes a plurality of registration elements configured to receive a plurality of the patient's teeth.

[0295] Example 76. A computer-implemented method for designing a dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the computer-implemented method comprising, via one or more processors: Access a 3D model of the patient's teeth; Based on the 3D model, identify the inaccessible teeth in the patient's dentition; Determine the design for a dental aid locator configured to position an aid on an inaccessible tooth, wherein the dental aid locator comprises a dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 46 to 68; and Generate instructions for manufacturing the dental aid positioner with a defined design.

[0296] Example 77. A computer-implemented method according to Example 76, wherein identifying the inaccessible tooth comprises: Measure the proximity of the teeth to the 3D model, and Determine whether the amount of exposed surface area is less than a threshold.

[0297] Example 78. A computer-implemented method according to Example 76 or 77, wherein identifying the inaccessible tooth comprises: The design for the auxiliary component support is determined, the auxiliary component support being configured to position the auxiliary component on the teeth, and Determine whether the auxiliary support with the design is too close to the object near the teeth.

[0298] Example 79. A computer-implemented method according to Example 78, wherein determining whether the auxiliary support having the design is too close to the object includes: Determine a first buffer zone around the auxiliary support member having the aforementioned design. Determine the second buffer zone surrounding the object, and Determine whether the first buffer and the second buffer intersect.

[0299] Example 80. A system for designing a dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the system comprising: One or more processors; and A memory, operatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform a computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 76 to 79.

[0300] Example 81. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computing system, cause the computing system to perform a computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 76 to 79.

[0301] Example 82. A dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the dental aid locator comprising: The registration element is configured to receive the patient's teeth; and An auxiliary component support member is coupled to the registration element and also coupled to the auxiliary component, wherein the auxiliary component support member includes: A frame, extending at least partially around the auxiliary member, wherein the frame is configured to accommodate objects that prevent the teeth from accessing them, and One or more pillars couple the auxiliary component to the frame.

[0302] Example 83. A dental aid locator according to Example 82, wherein the object that makes the tooth inaccessible includes a second tooth adjacent to the tooth.

[0303] Example 84. A dental aid locator according to Example 82 or 83, wherein the object that makes the tooth inaccessible includes another portion of the dental aid locator.

[0304] Example 85. A dental aid locator according to Example 84, wherein the object that prevents the tooth from accessing includes another aid support of the dental aid locator.

[0305] Example 86. A dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 82 to 85, wherein the object that makes the tooth inaccessible includes a second aid configured to be mounted on the tooth.

[0306] Example 87. A dental aid locator according to Example 86, wherein the second aid is a dental feature configured to receive an elastic element.

[0307] Example 88. A dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 82 to 87, wherein the frame includes a gap configured to accommodate an object that prevents the tooth from accessing it.

[0308] Example 89. A dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 82 to 87, wherein the frame includes a curved portion configured to receive an object that prevents the tooth from accessing it.

[0309] Example 90. A dental aid locator according to Example 89, wherein the curved portion is configured to guide the placement of a device to be mounted on the tooth.

[0310] Example 91. A dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 82 to 90, wherein when the dental aid locator is placed on the patient's tooth, the aid support is spaced at least 0.08 mm from the object that prevents the tooth from accessing it.

[0311] Example 92. A dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 82 to 91, wherein when the tooth is received within the registration element, the accessory support positions the accessory at a predetermined position on the tooth.

[0312] Example 93. A dental aid positioner according to any one of Examples 82 to 92, wherein the aid is configured to engage a dental appliance to hold the tooth or apply force to the tooth.

[0313] Example 94. A dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 82 to 93, wherein the accessory includes an attachment, traction buckle, lever arm, splint, telescoper, bracket or archwire.

[0314] Example 95. The dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 82 to 94 further includes a plurality of registration elements configured to receive a plurality of the patient's teeth.

[0315] Example 96. A computer-implemented method for designing a dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the computer-implemented method comprising, via one or more processors: Access a 3D model of the patient's teeth; Determine the design for the accessory support, which is configured to position the accessory on the patient's teeth; Determine whether the auxiliary support with the design is too close to the object near the teeth; In response to determining that the auxiliary support having the design is too close to the object, the design of the auxiliary support is modified to fit the object; and Generate instructions for manufacturing a dental accessory positioner that includes the accessory support with a modified design.

[0316] Example 97. A computer-implemented method according to Example 96, wherein the auxiliary support member comprises: The frame extends at least partially around the auxiliary component, and One or more pillars couple the auxiliary component to the frame.

[0317] Example 98. A computer-implemented method according to Example 97, wherein the design is modified by modifying the framework.

[0318] Example 99. A computer-implemented method according to Example 98, wherein the frame is modified by removing a portion of the frame.

[0319] Example 100. A computer-implemented method according to Example 98 or 99, wherein the frame is modified by changing the shape of a portion of the frame.

[0320] Example 101. A computer-implemented method according to Example 100, wherein the object is a second aid to be installed on the tooth, and the altered shape of the portion of the frame is configured to guide the placement of the second aid on the tooth.

[0321] Example 102. A computer-implemented method according to Example 101, wherein the second auxiliary member is a tooth feature configured to receive an elastic member.

[0322] Example 103. A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 96 to 102, wherein the object includes a second tooth.

[0323] Example 104. A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 96 to 103, wherein the object includes another portion of the dental aid locator.

[0324] Example 105. A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 96 to 104, wherein the object includes a second auxiliary component configured to be mounted on the tooth.

[0325] Example 106. A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 96 to 105, wherein determining whether the auxiliary support having the design is too close to the object comprises: Determine a first buffer zone around the auxiliary support member having the aforementioned design. Determine the second buffer zone surrounding the object, and Determine whether the first buffer and the second buffer overlap.

[0326] Example 107. A computer-implemented method according to Example 106, wherein the design of the auxiliary support is modified based on one or more of the amount or position of overlap between the first buffer and the second buffer.

[0327] Example 108. The computer-implemented method according to Example 106 or 107 further includes: Determine the third buffer zone around the auxiliary support member with the modified design, and Determine whether the first buffer and the third buffer intersect.

[0328] Example 109. A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 96 to 108, wherein the modified design conforms to one or more manufacturability constraints.

[0329] Example 110. A system for designing a dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the system comprising: One or more processors; and A memory, operatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform a computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 96 to 109.

[0330] Example 111. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computing system, cause the computing system to perform a computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 96 to 109.

[0331] Example 112. A dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the dental aid locator comprising: The registration element is configured to receive the patient's teeth; and The auxiliary support member is coupled to the registration element and also coupled to the auxiliary member, wherein: The auxiliary support is configured to position the auxiliary component against the tooth. The auxiliary component support includes one or more fractureable struts coupled to the auxiliary component, and The one or more fracture-resistant struts are configured to reduce debris generated when the auxiliary component is released from the auxiliary component support.

[0332] Example 113. A dental accessory locator according to Example 112, wherein the accessory support further includes a frame extending at least partially around the accessory, and the one or more breakable struts couple the accessory to the frame.

[0333] Example 114. A dental accessory locator according to Example 113, wherein the one or more fractureable struts are configured to fracture to release the accessory from the accessory support without breaking the frame.

[0334] Example 115. A dental aid locator according to Example 113 or 114, wherein the frame includes a gap.

[0335] Example 116. A dental aid locator according to Example 115, wherein the frame includes a first side coupled to the registration element, and the gap is located in a second side of the frame opposite to the first side.

[0336] Example 117. A dental aid locator according to Example 115 or 116, wherein the frame includes a gingival side and an occlusal side, and the gap is located on the gingival side of the frame.

[0337] Example 118. A dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 115 to 117, wherein the one or more pillars comprise a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame.

[0338] Example 119. A dental accessory locator according to Example 112, wherein the accessory support further includes a bridging member coupled to the registration element, and wherein the one or more breakable struts extend directly from the bridging member of the accessory support without any frame extending around the accessory.

[0339] Example 120. A dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 112 to 119, wherein, when the tooth is received within the registration element, the accessory support positions the accessory at a predetermined position on the tooth.

[0340] Example 121. A dental aid positioner according to any one of Examples 112 to 120, wherein the aid is configured to engage a dental appliance to hold the tooth or apply force to the tooth.

[0341] Example 122. A dental accessory locator according to any one of Examples 112 to 121, wherein the accessory includes an attachment, traction buckle, lever arm, splint, telescoper, bracket or archwire.

[0342] Example 123. The dental aid locator according to any one of Examples 112 to 122 further includes a plurality of registration elements configured to receive a plurality of the patient's teeth.

[0343] Example 124. A dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the dental aid locator comprising: Multiple registration elements are configured to receive the patient's teeth; and Multiple auxiliary support components, including: Each auxiliary support is coupled to a registration element among the plurality of registration elements and also coupled to an auxiliary element, and is configured to position the auxiliary element against a tooth received by the registration element. Each auxiliary component support includes one or more fracture-resistant struts coupled to the auxiliary component; and One or more frame connectors couple the frames of adjacent auxiliary support members to each other.

[0344] Example 125. A dental aid locator according to Example 124, wherein the one or more frame connectors include one or more elongated members, elastic elements, wires, straps, or crossbars.

[0345] Example 126. A dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the dental aid locator comprising: The registration element is configured to receive the patient's teeth; and The auxiliary support member is coupled to the registration element and also coupled to the auxiliary member, wherein: The auxiliary support is configured to position the auxiliary against the tooth, and The auxiliary support includes one or more breakable struts coupled to the auxiliary component, wherein each breakable strut includes a first end connected to the auxiliary component and a second end connected to the bridging component.

[0346] Example 127. A system for placing an aid on teeth, the system comprising: A dental accessory locator includes an accessory configured to be mounted on a tooth via a curable adhesive, wherein the accessory is releasably coupled to the dental accessory locator; and A moldable material is configured to be positioned between the auxiliary component and an energy applicator, wherein the moldable material is configured to receive energy generated by the energy applicator and transmit energy toward the auxiliary component to cure the curable adhesive, and wherein the moldable material is configured to receive and transmit pressure applied to the auxiliary component by the energy applicator.

[0347] Example 128. The system according to Example 127, wherein the moldable material is putty or gel.

[0348] Example 129. A system according to Example 127 or 128, wherein the moldable material comprises polydimethylsiloxane, polyvinylsiloxane, or a combination thereof.

[0349] Example 130. A system according to any one of Examples 128 to 129, wherein the auxiliary component includes a first surface configured to be mounted to the tooth and a second surface oriented away from the tooth, and the moldable material is configured to be positioned on the second surface.

[0350] Example 131. A system according to any one of Examples 127 to 130, wherein the moldable material is configured to cover the auxiliary member to isolate the auxiliary member from intraoral fluid.

[0351] Example 132. A system according to any one of Examples 127 to 131, wherein the energy applicator is configured to deliver one or more of light energy, thermal energy, chemical output, or mechanical output.

[0352] Example 133. The system according to any one of Examples 127 to 132 further includes the energy applicator.

[0353] Example 134. The system according to Example 133, wherein the energy applicator is a photocurable rod.

[0354] Example 135. A system according to Example 133 or 134, wherein the energy applicator comprises: An energy source, configured to generate energy, and The applicator tip is configured to direct energy toward the auxiliary component.

[0355] Example 136. The system according to Example 135, wherein the applicator tip includes a surface configured to contact the moldable material and apply pressure to the moldable material.

[0356] Example 137. The system according to any one of Examples 127 to 136 further includes a delivery means for the moldable material.

[0357] Example 138. A system according to any one of Examples 127 to 137, wherein the dental aid positioner comprises: One or more registration elements are configured to receive one or more teeth, and An auxiliary support is coupled to a registration element among the one or more registration elements and also coupled to the auxiliary element, wherein the auxiliary support is configured to position the auxiliary element against the tooth.

[0358] Example 139. The system according to Example 138, wherein the auxiliary support member comprises: The frame extends at least partially around the auxiliary component. One or more pillars couple the auxiliary component to the frame, and A bridging element couples the frame to the connector.

[0359] Example 140. A system according to Example 138 or 139, wherein when the tooth is received within the registration element, the auxiliary support positions the auxiliary at a predetermined position on the tooth.

[0360] Example 141. A system according to any one of Examples 127 to 140, wherein the auxiliary member is configured to engage a dental appliance to hold the tooth or apply force to the tooth.

[0361] Example 142. A system according to any one of Examples 127 to 141, wherein the auxiliary component includes an accessory, a traction buckle, a lever arm, a clamp, a telescoper, a bracket, or a bow wire.

[0362] Example 143. A method for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the method comprising: The dental accessory is positioned on the patient's tooth by placing a dental accessory positioner, which includes the accessory, on the patient's tooth, wherein a curable adhesive is inserted between the accessory and the tooth. Apply a moldable material to the auxiliary component; The auxiliary component is bonded to the tooth via the curable adhesive by curing a curable adhesive through the moldable material and toward the auxiliary component; and Separate the auxiliary component from the dental auxiliary component positioner.

[0363] Example 144. The method according to Example 143, wherein the moldable material is putty or gel.

[0364] Example 145. The method according to Example 143 or 144, wherein the moldable material comprises polydimethylsiloxane, polyvinylsiloxane, or a combination thereof.

[0365] Example 146. The method according to any one of Examples 143 to 145, wherein the auxiliary member includes a first surface configured to be mounted to the tooth and a second surface oriented away from the tooth, and the moldable material is applied to the second surface.

[0366] Example 147. The method according to any one of Examples 143 to 146 further includes covering the auxiliary member with the moldable material to isolate the auxiliary member from intraoral fluid.

[0367] Example 148. The method according to any one of Examples 143 to 147, wherein energy is output by an energy applicator.

[0368] Example 149. The method according to Example 148, wherein the energy applicator is configured to deliver one or more of light energy, thermal energy, chemical output, or mechanical output.

[0369] Example 150. The method according to Example 149 further includes contacting the moldable material with the energy applicator.

[0370] Example 151. The method according to Example 149 or 150 further includes applying pressure to the auxiliary member via the energy applicator and the moldable material while outputting energy from the energy applicator.

[0371] Example 152. The method according to any one of Examples 149 to 151, wherein the tooth is inaccessible, such that there is not enough space to position the energy applicator directly against the auxiliary member.

[0372] Example 153. The method according to any one of Examples 143 to 152, wherein the dental aid positioner comprises: One or more registration elements are configured to receive one or more teeth, and An auxiliary support is coupled to a registration element among the one or more registration elements and also coupled to the auxiliary element, wherein the auxiliary support is configured to position the auxiliary element against the tooth.

[0373] Example 154. The method according to Example 153, wherein the auxiliary support member comprises: The frame extends at least partially around the auxiliary component. One or more pillars couple the auxiliary component to the frame, and A bridging element couples the frame to the connector.

[0374] Example 155. The method according to Example 153 or 154, wherein the moldable material is configured to adhere to one or more parts of the auxiliary support to capture debris generated by the breakage of the auxiliary support.

[0375] Example 156. The method according to any one of Examples 143 to 155, wherein the auxiliary member is configured to engage a dental appliance to hold the tooth or apply force to the tooth.

[0376] Example 157. The method according to any one of Examples 143 to 156, wherein the auxiliary component includes an accessory, a traction buckle, a lever arm, a clamp, a telescoper, a bracket, or a bow wire.

[0377] Example 158. A device for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the device comprising: The auxiliary component is configured to be installed on the patient's teeth; and An applicator interface, coupled to the auxiliary component, wherein the applicator interface includes: The first end includes one or more breakable struts coupled to the auxiliary component. The second end is configured to engage an energy applicator, and The lumen extends between the first end and the second end.

[0378] Example 159. A system for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the system comprising: The apparatus according to Example 158; and A dental aid locator includes a registration element configured to receive a patient's tooth, wherein the registration element includes a recess formed therein to guide the placement of the aid of the device on the patient's tooth.

[0379] in conclusion

[0380] While numerous embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods for placing aids on inaccessible teeth have been described above, this technology is applicable to other applications and / or other methods, such as placing aids on teeth that are not inaccessible. Furthermore, other embodiments besides those described herein are also within the scope of this technology. Additionally, several other embodiments of this technology may have different configurations, components, or procedures than those described herein. Therefore, those skilled in the art will accordingly understand that this technology may have other embodiments with additional elements, or that the technology may have embodiments without the above references. Figures 1A-22 Other embodiments of several features shown and described.

[0381] The various processes described herein can be implemented, partially or completely, using program code comprising instructions executable by one or more processors of a computing system to implement specific logical functions or steps within the process. The program code can be stored on any type of computer-readable medium, such as storage devices including disks or hard disk drives. Computer-readable media containing code or portions thereof can include any suitable medium known in the art, such as non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented using any method or technology for storing and / or transmitting information, including, but not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies; optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital video disc (DVD) or other optical storage devices; magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices; solid-state drives (SSDs) or other solid-state storage devices; or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and can be accessed by system devices.

[0382] The description of embodiments of the present technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise forms disclosed above. Singular or plural terms may also include plural or singular terms, respectively, where the context permits. Although specific embodiments and examples of the present technology have been described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present technology, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. For example, while the steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform the steps in a different order. The various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0383] As used herein, the terms “generally,” “basically,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to explain the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0384] Furthermore, unless the word “or” is explicitly limited to referring to only a single item, excluding other items in a list of two or more items, its use in such a list should be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all items in the list, or (c) any combination of items in the list. As used herein, the phrase “and / or” in “A and / or B” refers to A alone, B alone, and both A and B. Additionally, the term “including” is used throughout to indicate that at least one or more of the stated features are included, such that no further number of the same features and / or additional features of the same type are excluded.

[0385] In the event of any conflict between this disclosure and any material incorporated herein by reference, this disclosure shall prevail.

[0386] It should also be understood that specific embodiments have been described herein for illustrative purposes, but various modifications may be made without departing from the present technology. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the present technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments must exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, this disclosure and associated technologies may cover other embodiments not explicitly shown or described herein.

Claims

1. A dental aid positioner for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the dental aid positioner comprising: The registration element is configured to receive the patient's teeth; as well as An auxiliary support member, coupled to the registration element and also coupled to the auxiliary member, wherein the auxiliary support member is configured to position the auxiliary member against the surface of the tooth, and wherein the auxiliary support member includes: The frame extends at least partially around the auxiliary component. One or more pillars couple the auxiliary component to the frame, and A flexible bridging element couples the frame to the registration element, wherein the flexible bridging element is configured to bend relative to the tooth in one or more directions to adjust the position of the auxiliary element on the surface of the tooth.

2. The dental auxiliary positioning device according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible bridging element includes an elongated shaft having at least a portion extending laterally away from the registration element.

3. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The flexible bridging element bends between the registration element and the frame.

4. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The flexible bridging element includes a first end coupled to the registration element and a second end coupled to the frame, the second end being narrower than the first end.

5. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The one or more directions include the buccal-lingual direction, the mesial-distal direction, or a combination thereof.

6. The dental aid locator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a recess formed in the surface of the registration element adjacent to the flexible bridging member, wherein, The recess is configured to accommodate the bending of the flexible bridging member in one or more directions.

7. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 6, wherein, The flexible bridging member is configured to constrain the position of the auxiliary member on the surface of the tooth within a predetermined range.

8. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 7, wherein, The predetermined range includes a set of positions no more than 0.3 mm away from a predetermined position of the accessory on the tooth.

9. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The frame extends only partially around the auxiliary component.

10. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The frame includes a first side coupled to the flexible bridging member and a second side of the frame opposite to the first side, wherein a gap exists in the second side of the frame.

11. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 10, wherein, The one or more pillars include a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, wherein each of the pair of pillars is oriented at an angle relative to the accessory, and wherein the angle is configured to concentrate stress at or near the interface between each pillar and the accessory when the dental accessory locator is removed from the tooth.

12. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The one or more pillars include a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, wherein each of the pair of pillars is oriented at an angle relative to the accessory, and wherein the dental accessory locator is configured to rotate in a lingual to buccal direction to remove the dental accessory locator from the tooth, and the angle is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

13. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The one or more pillars include a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, wherein each of the pair of pillars is oriented at an angle relative to the auxiliary member, and wherein the angle is a positive angle.

14. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, The one or more pillars include a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, wherein the interface between each pillar and the auxiliary member is located on the interlocking side relative to the interface between the pillar and the frame.

15. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, When the tooth is received within the registration element, the auxiliary support positions the auxiliary at a predetermined location on the tooth.

16. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The accessory is configured to engage dental appliances to hold the tooth or apply force to the tooth.

17. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, The auxiliary components include accessories, traction buckles, lever arms, clamps, telescopers, brackets, or bow wires.

18. The dental aid locator according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a plurality of registration elements configured to receive a plurality of the patient's teeth.

19. A computer-implemented method for designing a dental aid positioner for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the computer-implemented method comprising, via one or more processors: Access a 3D model of the patient's teeth; The design for a dental accessory locator is determined, the dental accessory locator being configured to position the accessory on a patient's teeth, wherein... The dental aid locator comprises the dental aid locator according to any one of claims 1 to 18; and Generate instructions for manufacturing the dental aid positioner with a defined design.

20. The computer-implemented method according to claim 19, wherein, The instructions are configured to cause the additive manufacturing system to manufacture the dental accessory locator via an additive manufacturing process.

21. The computer-implemented method of claim 20, further comprising manufacturing the dental aid locator via the additive manufacturing process.

22. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein, Determining the design includes: Identify the surface of the tooth to be positioned as the auxiliary component, and The geometry of the auxiliary support is determined, and the geometry positions the auxiliary component at a negative offset from the surface of the tooth.

23. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein, Determining the design includes: Determine whether the auxiliary component should be positioned on the buccal or lingual surface of the tooth, and The design template for the auxiliary support is selected based on whether the auxiliary support is to be positioned on the cheek-side surface or on the tongue-side surface.

24. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein, Determining the design includes: Identify the force applied to the dental aid locator during removal from the tooth, and The angle of at least one of the one or more pillars is determined based on the identified force.

25. A method for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the method comprising: The dental accessory is positioned on the patient's teeth by placing the dental accessory locator on the patient's teeth, wherein the dental accessory locator comprises: A registration element is configured to receive the teeth, and Auxiliary support components, including: The frame extends at least partially around the auxiliary component. One or more pillars couple the auxiliary component to the frame, and A flexible bridging element couples the frame to the registration element. The flexible bridging member is bent to position the auxiliary member at a target location on the surface of the tooth; The auxiliary component is bonded to the target location on the surface of the tooth via a curable adhesive; and The dental aid is separated from the dental aid locator by rotating it relative to the patient's teeth, wherein the rotation causes the one or more supports to release the aid.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The rotation causes the one or more supports to break, thereby releasing the auxiliary component.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, The one or more pillars broke at or near the corresponding interface between each pillar and the auxiliary component.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein, After one or more pillars break, the registration element, the frame, the one or more pillars, and the flexible bridging element remain coupled to each other.

29. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein, The flexible bridging element includes an elongated shaft having at least a portion extending laterally away from the registration element.

30. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein, The flexible bridging element bends between the registration element and the frame.

31. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein, The flexible bridging element includes a first end coupled to the registration element and a second end coupled to the frame, the second end being narrower than the first end.

32. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 31, wherein, The flexible bridging element is bent in the buccal-lingual direction, the mesial-distal direction, or a combination thereof.

33. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 32, wherein, The dental aid locator further includes a recess formed in the surface of the registration element near the flexible bridging member, wherein the recess is configured to accommodate the bending of the flexible bridging member.

34. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 33, wherein, The flexible bridging member is configured to constrain the position of the auxiliary member on the surface of the tooth within a predetermined range during the bending.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein, The predetermined range includes a set of positions no more than 0.3 mm away from a predetermined position of the accessory on the tooth.

36. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 35, wherein, The frame extends only partially around the auxiliary component.

37. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 36, wherein, The frame includes a first side coupled to the flexible bridging member and a second side of the frame opposite to the first side, wherein a gap exists in the second side of the frame.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein, The one or more pillars include a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, wherein each of the pair of pillars is oriented at an angle relative to the accessory, and wherein the angle is configured to concentrate stress at or near the interface between each pillar and the accessory when the dental accessory locator is removed from the tooth.

39. The method according to claim 37 or 38, wherein, The one or more pillars include a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, wherein each of the pair of pillars is oriented at an angle relative to the dental aid, and wherein the dental aid locator is rotated in a lingual to buccal direction to remove the dental aid locator from the tooth, and the angle is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

40. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein, The one or more pillars include a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, wherein each of the pair of pillars is oriented at an angle relative to the auxiliary member, and wherein the angle is a positive angle.

41. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein, The one or more pillars include a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame, wherein the interface between each pillar and the auxiliary member is located on the interlocking side relative to the interface between the pillar and the frame.

42. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 41, wherein, When the tooth is received within the registration element, the auxiliary support positions the auxiliary at a predetermined location on the tooth.

43. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 42, wherein, The accessory is configured to engage dental appliances to hold the tooth or apply force to the tooth.

44. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 43, wherein, The auxiliary components include accessories, traction buckles, lever arms, clamps, telescopers, brackets, or bow wires.

45. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 44, wherein, The dental aid locator includes multiple registration elements configured to receive multiple teeth of the patient.

46. ​​A dental aid positioner for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the dental aid positioner comprising: The registration element is configured to receive the patient's teeth; A connector, coupled to the registration element and extending toward the lingual surface of the tooth received by the registration element; as well as An auxiliary support member is coupled to the connector and also to the auxiliary member, wherein the auxiliary support member is configured to position the auxiliary member against the lingual surface of the tooth.

47. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 46, wherein, The buccal surface of the tooth is not accessible to one or more adjacent teeth, soft tissue, another accessory, or dental appliance.

48. The dental accessory positioner of claim 46, further comprising a second accessory support, the second accessory support being coupled to the registration element and also coupled to the second accessory, wherein, The second auxiliary support is configured to position the second auxiliary against the buccal surface of the tooth.

49. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein, The registration element includes an inner surface configured to engage with the occlusal surface of the tooth, and the connector is offset from the surface of the tooth.

50. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 46 to 49, wherein, The connector does not contact the teeth.

51. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 46 to 50, wherein, When the tooth is received within the registration element, the auxiliary support positions the auxiliary at a predetermined position on the lingual surface of the tooth.

52. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 46 to 51, wherein, The auxiliary support component includes: The frame extends at least partially around the auxiliary component. One or more pillars couple the auxiliary component to the frame, and A bridging element couples the frame to the connector.

53. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 52, wherein, The one or more pillars are configured to release the auxiliary member from the auxiliary member support.

54. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 52 or 53, wherein, The bridging element extends from the connector.

55. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 46 to 54, wherein, The accessory is configured to engage dental appliances to hold the tooth or apply force to the tooth.

56. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 46 to 55, wherein, The auxiliary components include accessories, traction buckles, lever arms, clamps, telescopers, brackets, or bow wires.

57. The dental aid locator according to any one of claims 46 to 56, further comprising a plurality of registration elements configured to receive a plurality of the patient's teeth.

58. A dental aid positioner for placing a dental aid on a tooth, wherein, The dental accessory positioner includes: The registration element is configured to receive the patient's first tooth; Connector, coupled to the registration element; and An auxiliary component support, coupled to the connector and also coupled to the auxiliary component, wherein the auxiliary component support is configured to position the auxiliary component against the second tooth. The dental aid locator does not include a registration element for the second tooth.

59. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 58, wherein, The first tooth prevents the second tooth from approaching.

60. The dental aid positioner according to claim 58 or 59, wherein, The connector is configured to be positioned close to the buccal or lingual surface of the second tooth.

61. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 58 to 60, wherein, The connector is configured to be spaced apart from the occlusal surface of the second tooth.

62. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 58 to 61, wherein, The auxiliary component support includes one or more pillars coupled to the auxiliary component, wherein the one or more pillars are configured to release the auxiliary component from the auxiliary component support.

63. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 62, wherein, The auxiliary support also includes a frame that extends at least partially around the auxiliary, and wherein the one or more pillars couple the auxiliary to the frame.

64. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 63, wherein, The auxiliary support also includes a bridging component that connects the frame to the connector.

65. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 58 to 64, wherein, The auxiliary support is integrally formed with the connector.

66. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 58 to 64, wherein, The auxiliary support is a discrete component coupled to the connector.

67. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 66, wherein, The connector includes a plurality of openings configured to receive the auxiliary support member.

68. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 58 to 67, wherein, The auxiliary support includes a compliant mechanism configured to allow the auxiliary support to move relative to the connector within a predetermined range of motion.

69. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 58 to 68, wherein, The auxiliary component is configured to engage dental appliances to hold the second tooth or apply force to the second tooth.

70. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 58 to 69, wherein, The auxiliary components include accessories, traction buckles, lever arms, clamps, telescopers, brackets, or bow wires.

71. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 58 to 70, wherein, The registration element is a first registration element, and the dental aid locator further includes a second registration element configured to receive the patient's third tooth.

72. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 71, wherein, The connector is coupled to the second registration element.

73. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 71 or 72, wherein, The second tooth is located between the first tooth and the third tooth, and the connector extends between the first registration element and the second registration element.

74. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 73, wherein, The dental aid locator does not include any registration element between the first registration element and the second registration element.

75. The dental aid locator according to any one of claims 58 to 74, further comprising a plurality of registration elements configured to receive a plurality of the patient's teeth.

76. A computer-implemented method for designing a dental aid positioner for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the computer-implemented method comprising, via one or more processors: Access a 3D model of the patient's teeth; Based on the 3D model, identify the inaccessible teeth in the patient's dentition; A design for a dental accessory locator is determined, the dental accessory locator being configured to position an accessory on an inaccessible tooth, wherein the dental accessory locator comprises a dental accessory locator according to any one of claims 46 to 68. as well as Generate instructions for manufacturing the dental aid positioner with a defined design.

77. The computer-implemented method according to claim 76, wherein, Identifying the inaccessible teeth includes: Measure the proximity of the teeth to the 3D model, and Determine whether the amount of exposed surface area is less than a threshold.

78. The computer-implemented method according to claim 76 or 77, wherein, Identifying the inaccessible teeth includes: The design for the auxiliary component support is determined, the auxiliary component support being configured to position the auxiliary component on the teeth, and Determine whether the auxiliary support with the design is too close to the object near the teeth.

79. The computer-implemented method according to claim 78, wherein, Determining whether the auxiliary support member with the aforementioned design is too close to the object includes: Determine a first buffer zone around the auxiliary support member having the aforementioned design. Determine the second buffer zone surrounding the object, and Determine whether the first buffer and the second buffer intersect.

80. A system for designing a dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the system comprising: One or more processors; as well as A memory operatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform a computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 76 to 79.

81. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computing system, cause the computing system to perform a computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 76 to 79.

82. A dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the dental aid locator comprising: The registration element is configured to receive the patient's teeth; as well as An auxiliary component support member is coupled to the registration element and also coupled to the auxiliary component, wherein the auxiliary component support member includes: A frame, extending at least partially around the auxiliary member, wherein the frame is configured to accommodate objects that prevent the teeth from accessing them, and One or more pillars couple the auxiliary component to the frame.

83. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 82, wherein, The object that makes the tooth inaccessible includes a second tooth that is close to the tooth.

84. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 82 or 83, wherein, The object that makes the teeth inaccessible includes another part of the dental aid locator.

85. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 84, wherein, The object that prevents the teeth from being accessed includes another auxiliary support of the dental aid locator.

86. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 82 to 85, wherein, The object that makes the tooth inaccessible includes a second auxiliary component configured to be mounted on the tooth.

87. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 86, wherein, The second auxiliary component is a dental feature configured to receive an elastic element.

88. The dental aid positioner according to any one of claims 82 to 87, wherein, The frame includes gaps configured to accommodate objects that prevent the teeth from accessing them.

89. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 82 to 87, wherein, The frame includes a curved portion configured to accommodate the object that prevents the teeth from accessing it.

90. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 89, wherein, The curved portion is configured to guide the placement of the device to be installed on the tooth.

91. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 82 to 90, wherein, When the dental aid locator is placed on the patient's tooth, the aid support is spaced at least 0.08 mm away from the object that prevents the tooth from accessing it.

92. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 82 to 91, wherein, When the tooth is received within the registration element, the auxiliary support positions the auxiliary at a predetermined location on the tooth.

93. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 82 to 92, wherein, The accessory is configured to engage dental appliances to hold the tooth or apply force to the tooth.

94. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 82 to 93, wherein, The auxiliary components include accessories, traction buckles, lever arms, clamps, telescopers, brackets, or bow wires.

95. The dental aid locator according to any one of claims 82 to 94, further comprising a plurality of registration elements configured to receive a plurality of the patient's teeth.

96. A computer-implemented method for designing a dental aid positioner for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the computer-implemented method comprising, via one or more processors: Access a 3D model of the patient's teeth; Determine the design for the accessory support, which is configured to position the accessory on the patient's teeth; Determine whether the auxiliary support with the design is too close to the object near the teeth; In response to determining that the auxiliary support having the design is too close to the object, the design of the auxiliary support is modified to fit the object; as well as Generate instructions for manufacturing a dental accessory positioner that includes the accessory support with a modified design.

97. The computer-implemented method according to claim 96, wherein, The auxiliary support component includes: The frame extends at least partially around the auxiliary component, and One or more pillars couple the auxiliary component to the frame.

98. The computer-implemented method according to claim 97, wherein, The design is modified by modifying the framework.

99. The computer-implemented method according to claim 98, wherein, The frame is modified by removing a portion of it.

100. The computer-implemented method according to claim 98 or 99, wherein, The frame is modified by changing the shape of a portion of the frame.

101. The computer-implemented method according to claim 100, wherein, The object is a second auxiliary component to be installed on the tooth, and the altered shape of the portion of the frame is configured to guide the placement of the second auxiliary component on the tooth.

102. The computer-implemented method according to claim 101, wherein, The second auxiliary member is a tooth feature configured to receive an elastic member.

103. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 96 to 102, wherein, The object includes the second tooth.

104. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 96 to 103, wherein, The object includes another part of the dental aid locator.

105. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 96 to 104, wherein the object includes a second auxiliary component configured to be mounted on the tooth.

106. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 96 to 105, wherein, Determining whether the auxiliary support member with the aforementioned design is too close to the object includes: Determine a first buffer zone around the auxiliary support member having the aforementioned design. Determine the second buffer zone surrounding the object, and Determine whether the first buffer and the second buffer overlap.

107. The computer-implemented method according to claim 106, wherein, The design of the auxiliary support is modified based on one or more of the overlap amount or overlap position between the first buffer and the second buffer.

108. The computer-implemented method according to claim 106 or 107, further comprising: Determine the third buffer zone around the auxiliary support member with the modified design, and Determine whether the first buffer and the third buffer intersect.

109. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 96 to 108, wherein, The modified design conforms to one or more manufacturing constraints.

110. A system for designing a dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the system comprising: One or more processors; as well as A memory operatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform a computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 96 to 109.

111. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computing system, cause the computing system to perform a computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 96 to 109.

112. A dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the dental aid locator comprising: The registration element is configured to receive the patient's teeth; as well as The auxiliary support member is coupled to the registration element and also coupled to the auxiliary member, wherein: The auxiliary support is configured to position the auxiliary component against the tooth. The auxiliary component support includes one or more fractureable struts coupled to the auxiliary component, and The one or more fracture-resistant struts are configured to reduce debris generated when the auxiliary component is released from the auxiliary component support.

113. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 112, wherein, The auxiliary support also includes a frame that extends at least partially around the auxiliary, and the one or more fractured struts couple the auxiliary to the frame.

114. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 113, wherein, The one or more fractured struts are configured to fracture to release the auxiliary member from the auxiliary member support without causing the frame to break.

115. The dental aid positioner according to claim 113 or 114, wherein, The frame includes gaps.

116. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 115, wherein, The frame includes a first side coupled to the registration element, and the gap is located in a second side of the frame opposite to the first side.

117. The dental aid positioner according to claim 115 or 116, wherein, The frame includes a gingival side and an occlusal side, and the gap is located on the gingival side of the frame.

118. The dental aid positioner according to any one of claims 115 to 117, wherein, The one or more pillars include a pair of pillars positioned adjacent to the gap in the frame.

119. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 112, wherein, The auxiliary support also includes a bridging element coupled to the registration element, wherein the one or more fractureable struts extend directly from the bridging element of the auxiliary support without any frame extending around the auxiliary.

120. The dental aid positioner according to any one of claims 112 to 119, wherein, When the tooth is received within the registration element, the auxiliary support positions the auxiliary at a predetermined location on the tooth.

121. The dental aid positioner according to any one of claims 112 to 120, wherein, The accessory is configured to engage dental appliances to hold the tooth or apply force to the tooth.

122. The dental accessory positioner according to any one of claims 112 to 121, wherein, The auxiliary components include accessories, traction buckles, lever arms, clamps, telescopers, brackets, or bow wires.

123. The dental aid locator according to any one of claims 112 to 122, further comprising a plurality of registration elements configured to receive a plurality of the patient's teeth.

124. A dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the dental aid locator comprising: Multiple registration elements are configured to receive the patient's teeth; as well as Multiple auxiliary support components, including: Each auxiliary support is coupled to a registration element among the plurality of registration elements and also coupled to an auxiliary element, and is configured to position the auxiliary element against a tooth received by the registration element. Each auxiliary component support includes one or more breakable struts coupled to the auxiliary component; as well as One or more frame connectors couple the frames of adjacent auxiliary support members to each other.

125. The dental accessory positioner according to claim 124, wherein, The one or more frame connectors include one or more elongated members, elastic elements, wires, straps, or crossbars.

126. A dental aid locator for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the dental aid locator comprising: The registration element is configured to receive the patient's teeth; as well as The auxiliary support member is coupled to the registration element and also coupled to the auxiliary member, wherein: The auxiliary support is configured to position the auxiliary against the tooth, and The auxiliary support includes one or more breakable struts coupled to the auxiliary component, wherein each breakable strut includes a first end connected to the auxiliary component and a second end connected to the bridging component.

127. A system for placing an aid on teeth, the system comprising: A dental accessory locator includes an accessory configured to be mounted on a tooth via a curable adhesive, wherein the accessory is releasably coupled to the dental accessory locator. as well as A moldable material is configured to be positioned between the auxiliary component and an energy applicator, wherein the moldable material is configured to receive energy generated by the energy applicator and transmit energy toward the auxiliary component to cure the curable adhesive, and wherein the moldable material is configured to receive and transmit pressure applied to the auxiliary component by the energy applicator.

128. The system according to claim 127, wherein, The moldable material is putty or gel.

129. The system according to claim 127 or 128, wherein, The moldable material includes polydimethylsiloxane, polyvinylsiloxane, or combinations thereof.

130. The system according to any one of claims 128 to 129, wherein, The auxiliary component includes a first surface configured to be mounted to the tooth and a second surface oriented away from the tooth, and the moldable material is configured to be positioned on the second surface.

131. The system according to any one of claims 127 to 130, wherein, The moldable material is configured to cover the accessory to isolate it from intraoral fluid.

132. The system according to any one of claims 127 to 131, wherein, The energy applicator is configured to deliver one or more of light energy, heat energy, chemical output, or mechanical output.

133. The system according to any one of claims 127 to 132, further comprising the energy applicator.

134. The system according to claim 133, wherein, The energy applicator is a photocurable rod.

135. The system according to claim 133 or 134, wherein, The energy applicator includes: An energy source, configured to generate energy, and The applicator tip is configured to direct energy toward the auxiliary component.

136. The system according to claim 135, wherein, The applicator tip includes components configured to contact the moldable material and apply pressure to the surface of the moldable material.

137. The system according to any one of claims 127 to 136, further comprising a delivery means for the moldable material.

138. The system according to any one of claims 127 to 137, wherein, The dental accessory positioner includes: One or more registration elements are configured to receive one or more teeth, and An auxiliary support is coupled to a registration element among the one or more registration elements and also coupled to the auxiliary element, wherein the auxiliary support is configured to position the auxiliary element against the tooth.

139. The system according to claim 138, wherein, The auxiliary support component includes: The frame extends at least partially around the auxiliary component. One or more pillars couple the auxiliary component to the frame, and A bridging element couples the frame to the connector.

140. The system according to claim 138 or 139, wherein, When the tooth is received within the registration element, the auxiliary support positions the auxiliary at a predetermined location on the tooth.

141. The system according to any one of claims 127 to 140, wherein, The accessory is configured to engage dental appliances to hold the tooth or apply force to the tooth.

142. The system according to any one of claims 127 to 141, wherein, The auxiliary components include accessories, traction buckles, lever arms, clamps, telescopers, brackets, or bow wires.

143. A method for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the method comprising: The dental accessory is positioned on the patient's tooth by placing a dental accessory positioner, which includes the accessory, on the patient's tooth, wherein a curable adhesive is inserted between the accessory and the tooth. Apply moldable material to the auxiliary component; The auxiliary component is bonded to the tooth via the curable adhesive by curing a curable adhesive through the moldable material and toward the auxiliary component; and Separate the auxiliary component from the dental auxiliary component positioner.

144. The method according to claim 143, wherein, The moldable material is putty or gel.

145. The method according to claim 143 or 144, wherein, The moldable material includes polydimethylsiloxane, polyvinylsiloxane, or combinations thereof.

146. The method according to any one of claims 143 to 145, wherein, The auxiliary component includes a first surface configured to be mounted to the tooth and a second surface oriented away from the tooth, and the moldable material is applied to the second surface.

147. The method according to any one of claims 143 to 146, further comprising covering the auxiliary member with the moldable material to isolate the auxiliary member from intraoral fluid.

148. The method according to any one of claims 143 to 147, wherein, Energy is output from the energy applicator.

149. The method according to claim 148, wherein, The energy applicator is configured to deliver one or more of light energy, heat energy, chemical output, or mechanical output.

150. The method of claim 149, further comprising contacting the moldable material with the energy applicator.

151. The method of claim 149 or 150, further comprising applying pressure to the auxiliary member via the energy applicator and the moldable material while outputting energy from the energy applicator.

152. The method according to any one of claims 149 to 151, wherein, The teeth are inaccessible, leaving insufficient space to position the energy applicator directly against the auxiliary component.

153. The method according to any one of claims 143 to 152, wherein, The dental accessory positioner includes: One or more registration elements are configured to receive one or more teeth, and An auxiliary support is coupled to a registration element among the one or more registration elements and also coupled to the auxiliary element, wherein the auxiliary support is configured to position the auxiliary element against the tooth.

154. The method according to claim 153, wherein, The auxiliary support component includes: The frame extends at least partially around the auxiliary component. One or more pillars couple the auxiliary component to the frame, and A bridging element couples the frame to the connector.

155. The method according to claim 153 or 154, wherein, The moldable material is configured to adhere to one or more components of the auxiliary support to capture debris generated by the breakage of the auxiliary support.

156. The method according to any one of claims 143 to 155, wherein, The accessory is configured to engage dental appliances to hold the tooth or apply force to the tooth.

157. The method according to any one of claims 143 to 156, wherein, The auxiliary components include accessories, traction buckles, lever arms, clamps, telescopers, brackets, or bow wires.

158. A device for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the device comprising: The auxiliary component is configured to be installed on the patient's teeth; as well as An applicator interface, coupled to the auxiliary component, wherein the applicator interface includes: The first end includes one or more breakable struts coupled to the auxiliary component. The second end is configured to engage an energy applicator, and The lumen extends between the first end and the second end.

159. A system for placing a dental aid on a tooth, the system comprising: The apparatus according to claim 158; as well as A dental aid locator includes a registration element configured to receive a patient's tooth, wherein the registration element includes a recess formed therein to guide the placement of the aid of the device on the patient's tooth.

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