Orthodontic treatment systems

Abstract

To provide an improved orthodontic appliance.SOLUTION: An orthodontic appliance and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises an anchor 102 configured to be positioned adjacent to a patient's teeth, and an arm 130 extending away from and coupled to the anchor. The arm can include a first end portion 130a at the anchor, and a second end portion 130b configured to be coupled to a securing member adhered to a tooth T1, T2 of the patient. The second end portion can include a first region and a second region extending from the first region at an angle. When the appliance is positioned adjacent to the patient's teeth and secured to the securing member, the first and second regions may inhibit the second end portion from translating and / or rotating relative to the securing member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 842,391, filed May 2, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 956,290, filed January 1, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] This application is also related to the following applications, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 865,323, entitled "DENTAL APPLIANCES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed May 2, 2020; International Patent Application No. PCT / US20 / 31211, entitled "DENTAL APPLIANCES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed May 2, 2020; U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 929,443, entitled "DENTAL APPLIANCES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE," filed May 2, 2020; No. 15 / 929,444, entitled "DENTAL APPLIANCES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF MANUFACTURING," filed May 2, 2020; and International Application No. PCT / US20 / 70016, entitled "DENTAL APPLIANCES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF MANUFACTURING," filed May 2, 2020.

[0003] The present technology relates to the field of orthodontics, and more particularly to devices, systems, and methods for securing orthodontic appliances to a patient's teeth. [Background technology]

[0004] A common goal in orthodontics is to move a patient's teeth to positions where they function optimally and aesthetically. To move the teeth, the orthodontist begins by taking multiple scans and / or impressions of the patient's teeth and determines a series of correction paths between the teeth's initial and desired end positions. The orthodontist then fits the patient with one of two main appliance types: braces or aligners.

[0005] Traditional braces consist of brackets, an archwire placed across the front of the teeth, and elastic ties or ligatures to secure the archwire to the brackets. In some cases, self-ligating brackets may be used instead of the ties or wires. The shape and stiffness of the archwire and the interaction between the archwire and brackets determine the forces exerted on the teeth, which in turn determines the direction and extent of tooth movement. To apply the desired forces to the teeth, orthodontists often manually bend the archwire. Orthodontists monitor patients' progress through regular appointments, during which they visually assess treatment progress and manually adjust the archwire (e.g., a new bend) and / or replace or reposition brackets. The adjustment process is time-consuming and tedious for patients, often causing discomfort for several days after the appointment. Furthermore, braces are aesthetically unpleasing and make brushing, flossing, and other dental hygiene procedures difficult.

[0006] Aligners include a clear, removable polymer shell with cavities shaped to accept and reposition teeth, creating a final tooth alignment. Often referred to as "invisible braces," aligners offer patients significantly improved aesthetics compared to braces. Aligners do not require orthodontists to bend wires or reposition brackets, and they are generally more comfortable than braces. However, unlike braces, aligners cannot effectively treat all malocclusions. Tooth repositioning steps, such as extrusion, translation, and certain rotations, can be difficult or impossible to achieve with aligners. Furthermore, because aligners are removable, treatment success is highly dependent on patient compliance, which can be unpredictable and inconsistent.

[0007] Lingual braces are an alternative to aligners and traditional (buccal) braces and have become increasingly popular in recent years. Two examples of existing lingual braces are the Incognito™ Appliance System (3M United States) and INBRACE® (Swift Health Systems, Irvine, California, USA), each consisting of brackets and archwires placed on the lingual, or tongue-side, surfaces of the teeth. In contrast to traditional braces, lingual braces are virtually invisible, and unlike aligners, lingual braces are fixed to the patient's teeth, enforcing compliance. However, these existing lingual technologies also have several drawbacks. Most notably, traditional lingual appliances still rely on a bracket-archwire system to move teeth, which requires multiple office visits and painful adjustments. For example, lingual techniques typically have a relatively short distance between brackets, which generally enhances archwire compliance. As a result, the entire lingual appliance is more sensitive to archwire adjustments, causing more pain for the patient. Furthermore, the lingual surface of the appliance can irritate the tongue, affecting speech and making the appliance difficult to clean. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 156823 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2009 / 126433 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2016 / 149008 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Therefore, a need exists for improved orthodontic appliances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The subject technology is illustrated according to various aspects described below, including with reference to, for example, Figures 1A-134. Examples of various aspects of the subject technology are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples and are not intended to be limitations of the subject technology.

[0011] Clause 1. An appliance placed on a patient's teeth, at least one first rigid segment having a length dimension and at least one second rigid segment having a length dimension, each of the first and second rigid segments configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth of the patient's jaw when the appliance is in place; at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment; at least one loop or curved feature formed along the length dimension of the second segment; and a plurality of bracket connectors, each bracket connector configured to selectively connect to a bracket that may be secured to a respective one of the patient's teeth, the plurality of bracket connectors including at least one first bracket connector on the at least one arm and at least one second bracket connector on the at least one second rigid segment.

[0012] Clause 2. The appliance of clause 1, wherein the first and second rigid segments are configured to extend along the same two or more adjacent teeth of the patient's jaw when the appliance is in place.

[0013] Clause 3. The appliance of clause 1, wherein the at least one first rigid segment is configured to extend along different sets of two or more adjacent teeth of the patient's jaw when the appliance is in place relative to the teeth along which the at least one second rigid segment is configured to extend.

[0014] Clause 4. The appliance of clause 1, wherein at least a portion of the first segment includes an arch-shaped member having an arch or partial arch shape and configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth of the patient's jaw.

[0015] Clause 5. The apparatus of Clause 4, wherein the at least one arm includes a first arm extending from the first rigid segment to a first of the first bracket connectors and a second arm extending from the first rigid segment to a second of the first bracket connectors, and the at least one second rigid segment extends from the first of the first bracket connectors to the second of the first bracket connectors.

[0016] Clause 6. The apparatus of Clause 5, wherein the at least one second bracket connector includes a plurality of second bracket connectors positioned along the at least one second rigid segment between a first one of the first bracket connectors and a second one of the first bracket connectors.

[0017] Clause 7. The apparatus of clause 6, wherein the at least one first bracket connector includes one or more additional bracket connectors on the at least one first rigid segment.

[0018] Clause 8. The apparatus of clause 4, wherein each of the first arm and the second arm includes a spring member.

[0019] Clause 9. The apparatus of clause 4, wherein at least one second rigid segment has a length dimension extending from one end of the arch-shaped member of the first rigid segment.

[0020] Clause 10. The apparatus of clause 9, wherein the at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment comprises a plurality of arms, the at least one first bracket connector comprises a plurality of first bracket connectors on the plurality of arms, and the at least one second bracket connector comprises a plurality of bracket connectors along a length dimension of the second rigid segment.

[0021] Clause 11. The apparatus of clause 9, wherein at least one second rigid segment has a length dimension extending from the second end of the arch-shaped member of the first rigid segment.

[0022] Clause 12. The apparatus of clause 11, wherein the at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment includes a plurality of arms, the at least one first bracket connector includes a plurality of first bracket connectors on the plurality of arms, and the at least one second bracket connector includes a plurality of bracket connectors along each length dimension of the second rigid segment.

[0023] Clause 13. The apparatus of Clause 1, wherein the at least one arm includes a first arm extending from the first rigid segment to a first of the first bracket connectors and a second arm extending from the first rigid segment to a second of the first bracket connectors, and the at least one second rigid segment extends from the first of the first bracket connectors to the second of the first bracket connectors.

[0024] Clause 14. The apparatus of clause 13, wherein the at least one arm includes at least one additional arm disposed along the length of the first rigid segment between the first arm and the second arm, each additional arm extending from the first rigid segment to a respective further one of the first bracket connectors disposed between a first one of the first bracket connectors and a second one of the second bracket connectors.

[0025] Clause 15. The appliance of clause 1, wherein at least a portion of the second rigid segment includes an arch-shaped member having an arch or partial arch shape and configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth of the patient's jaw.

[0026] Clause 16. The device of clause 1, wherein the device is constructed as a single, integral structure from a single sheet of material.

[0027] Article 17. An appliance placed on the patient's teeth, at least one first rigid segment having a length dimension and at least one second rigid segment having a length dimension, wherein at least one of the first and second rigid segments is configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth of the patient's jaw when the appliance is in place; at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment; at least one loop or curved feature formed along the length dimension of the second rigid segment; and a plurality of bracket connectors, each configured to selectively connect to a bracket that may be secured to a respective one of the patient's teeth, the bracket connectors provided along a length dimension of the second rigid segment, the bracket connectors including at least one bracket connector connected to at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment.

[0028] Clause 18. The apparatus of clause 17, wherein at least one arm includes a spring member disposed between the at least one first rigid segment and a bracket connector to which the at least one arm is connected.

[0029] Clause 19. The apparatus of clause 17, wherein two or more bracket connectors are connected to two or more arms extending from the at least one first rigid segment.

[0030] Clause 20. The apparatus of clause 18, wherein each of the two or more arms includes a spring member disposed between at least one first rigid segment and a bracket connector to which the arm is connected.

[0031] Article 21. Orthodontic appliances, an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent to a patient's tooth; an arm extending away from the anchor and coupled to the anchor, the arm including a first end portion to the anchor and a second end portion configured to be coupled to a fixation member adhered to the patient's tooth, the second end portion including a first region and a second region extending at an angle from the first region, the first region being farther from the anchor than the second region; wherein when the appliance is positioned adjacent a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the stationary member, (a) the second region extends generally in a mesio-distal direction and abuts a coupling arm of the stationary member, and (b) the first region abuts a portion of the coupling arm, thereby preventing rotation of the second end portion relative to the stationary member. Orthodontic appliances.

[0032] Clause 22. The appliance of clause 1, wherein the first region extends generally occlusally and gingivally when the appliance is positioned adjacent a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member.

[0033] Clause 23. An appliance according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second region extends in a generally mesio-distal direction below the coupling arm of the anchorage member when the appliance is positioned adjacent a patient's tooth.

[0034] Clause 24. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein when the appliance is positioned adjacent to a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member, the first region prevents translation of the second end portion relative to the anchoring member.

[0035] Clause 25. The second end portion further includes a third region closer to the anchor than the second region; the coupling arm portion is a first portion of the coupling arm; When the appliance is placed adjacent a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member, the third region extends generally in an occlusal-gingival direction and abuts a second portion of the coupling arm that is closer to the patient's gingiva than the second region of the second end portion. 10. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein.

[0036] Clause 26. The coupling arm is a first coupling arm, and the fixing member further includes a second coupling arm; the first region has a first side and a second side; When the appliance is placed adjacent a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the fixation member, a first side of the first region abuts the first coupling arm and a second side of the first region abuts the second coupling arm, and the first region resists mesial and distal rotation and / or translation relative to the fixation member. 10. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein.

[0037] Clause 27. The second end portion of the arm further includes a third region closer to the anchor than the second region; the coupling arm is a first coupling arm, and the fixed member further includes a second coupling arm; when the appliance is positioned adjacent a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member, the third region abuts regions of the first and second coupling arms that are closer to the root of the patient's tooth than regions of the first and second coupling arms that extend over the second region of the second end portion; 10. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein.

[0038] Clause 28. An appliance according to clause 26 or clause 27, wherein the second region extends in a generally mesio-distal direction under both the first and second coupling arms when the appliance is positioned adjacent a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member.

[0039] Clause 29. The coupling arm portion is a first portion of the coupling arm; the second end portion further includes a third region extending from the second region toward the anchor, the third region having first and second legs; when the appliance is positioned adjacent a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member, one or both of the first and second legs of the third region abut a second portion of the coupling arm that is closer to the root of the patient's tooth than the first portion; 10. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein.

[0040] Clause 30. The device of clause 29, further comprising a fourth region extending between the first leg and the second leg, the first and second legs, the second region and the fourth region together defining an opening.

[0041] Clause 31. The second end portion further includes a third region extending from the second region, the third region being farther from the anchor than the second region; When the appliance is positioned adjacent a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member, the first region is adjacent a first side of the coupling arm and the third region is adjacent a second, opposite side of the coupling arm. 10. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein.

[0042] Clause 32. The device of clause 31, wherein each of the first and third regions extends at an angle of greater than 90° relative to the second region.

[0043] Clause 33. The device of clause 31, further comprising a fourth region extending between the first region and the third region, the first, second, third, and fourth regions together defining an opening.

[0044] Clause 34. The coupling arm portion is a first portion of the coupling arm; The device further includes a fifth region extending from the second region toward the anchor, the fifth region having first and second legs; when the appliance is positioned adjacent to a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member, one or both of the first and second legs of the fifth region abut a second portion of the coupling arm that is closer to the root of the patient's tooth than the first portion; The appliances referred to in clause 33.

[0045] Clause 35. The opening is the first opening; the device further includes a sixth region extending between the first leg and the second leg of the fifth region; the second, fifth, and sixth regions together define a second opening; The appliances referred to in clause 34.

[0046] Clause 36. The appliance of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the anchor is configured to be positioned adjacent to the lingual side of the patient's tooth.

[0047] Clause 37. The appliance of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the anchor is configured to be positioned adjacent the buccal side of a patient's tooth.

[0048] Clause 38. An apparatus described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the arm is one of a plurality of arms, each of the plurality of arms having a respective second end portion comprising first and second regions.

[0049] Clause 39. A device according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm are formed from a single integral member.

[0050] Clause 40. A device according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm are integral with one another.

[0051] Clause 41. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm comprise a continuous surface.

[0052] Clause 42. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the angle is between 70° and 110°.

[0053] Clause 43. A device described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the anchor is arch-shaped.

[0054] Clause 44. A device described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm are formed from a superelastic material.

[0055] Clause 45. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the arm includes a biasing region between the first end portion and the second end portion, the biasing region configured to provide a rotational force and / or a longitudinal force to at least one of the patient's teeth when the second end portion is secured to the securing member.

[0056] Clause 46. The device of clause 45, wherein the biasing region comprises a serpentine shape.

[0057] Clause 47. The device of clause 45, wherein the biasing region includes a first portion having a first inflection point and a second portion having a second inflection point, the second portion being farther from the anchor than the first portion.

[0058] Clause 48. An apparatus as described in Clause 45, wherein the biasing region includes a first concave region facing a first direction and a second concave region facing a second direction different from the first direction, the first concave region being farther from the anchor than the second concave region.

[0059] Clause 49. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the fixation member is a 2D® lingual bracket.

[0060] Clause 50. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein at least one of the anchor, arm, or fixation member comprises nitinol, stainless steel, beta titanium, cobalt chromium, other metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, and / or combinations thereof.

[0061] Clause 51. An apparatus described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the coupling arm of the fixation member is bent on the second region of the second end portion.

[0062] Clause 52. An apparatus described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the coupling arm of the fixation member is plastically deformed on the second region of the second end portion.

[0063] Article 53. Orthodontic appliances, an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent to a patient's tooth; an arm extending away from the anchor, the arm including a first end portion to the anchor and a second end portion configured to be coupled to a fixation member adhered to the patient's tooth, the second end portion including an extension and first and second shoulder regions adjacent the extension; wherein when the appliance is placed adjacent a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the fixation member, (a) the extension extends in a generally mesio-distal direction and abuts the coupling means of the fixation member, and (b) the first and second shoulder regions abut mesial and distal sides of the coupling means, respectively, thereby preventing rotation and / or translation of the second end portion relative to the fixation member. Orthodontic appliances.

[0064] Clause 54. The appliance of clause 53, wherein the first region extends generally occlusally and gingivally when the appliance is positioned adjacent a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member.

[0065] Clause 55. The appliance of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the anchor is configured to be placed on the lingual side of the patient's teeth.

[0066] Clause 56. An appliance according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the anchor is configured to be placed on the buccal side of the patient's teeth.

[0067] Clause 57. An apparatus described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the arm is one of a plurality of arms, each of the plurality of arms having a respective second end portion with respective first and second shoulder regions.

[0068] Clause 58. A device according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm are formed from a single integral member.

[0069] Clause 59. A device according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm are integral with each other.

[0070] Clause 60. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm comprise a continuous surface.

[0071] Clause 61. An apparatus described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the anchor is arch-shaped.

[0072] Clause 62. A device described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm are formed from a superelastic material.

[0073] Clause 63. The device described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein at least one of the anchor, arm, or fixation member comprises nitinol, stainless steel, beta titanium, cobalt chromium, other metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, and / or combinations thereof.

[0074] Clause 64. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the arm includes a biasing region between the first end portion and the second end portion, the biasing region configured to apply a rotational force and / or a longitudinal force to at least one of the patient's teeth when the distal portion is secured to the anchoring member.

[0075] Clause 65. An appliance according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the fixation member is a 2D lingual bracket.

[0076] Clause 66. An apparatus described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the coupling arms of the fixation member are bent on the second region of the distal portion.

[0077] Clause 67. An apparatus described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the coupling arm of the fixation member is plastically deformed on the second region of the distal portion.

[0078] Article 68. Orthodontic systems, an anchor configured to be implanted adjacent to a patient's tooth; a plurality of spaced apart arms coupled to the anchor, the first arms including: (i) an end portion; (ii) a first member at the end portion and extending in a first direction; and (iii) a second member at the end portion and extending from the first member in a second direction at an angle relative to the first member, the first member being farther from the anchor than the second member; a plurality of anchoring members configured to be placed on the patient's teeth, the plurality of anchoring members including a first anchoring member including a coupling arm configured to secure an end portion of the first arm to the first anchoring member, such that rotation and / or translation of the end portion relative to the first anchoring member is prevented via the coupling arm; Orthodontic system.

[0079] Clause 69. The system of clause 66, wherein when the first arm is coupled to the first anchoring member, the first arm is oriented in a generally occlusal-gingival direction such that an end portion of the first arm is apposed to a lingual surface of at least one of the patient's teeth.

[0080] Clause 70. A system described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the coupling arm is disposed on the second member and configured to secure the first arm to the first fixing member therein.

[0081] Clause 71. A system described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first fixation member includes a base attached to the coupling arm and configured to be fixed to a lingual surface of one of the patient's teeth.

[0082] Clause 72. The system of clause 71, wherein a portion of the coupling arm includes a curved surface, and at least a portion of the curved surface is spaced from the base.

[0083] Clause 73. A system described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the coupling arm is a first coupling arm and the system further includes a second coupling arm, and when the first arm is coupled to the first fixed member, the first coupling arm is spaced from the second coupling arm via a base region of an end portion of the first arm.

[0084] Clause 74. The system of clause 73, wherein the first coupling arm abuts a first side of the first member and the second coupling arm abuts a second side of the first member, the first side being opposite the second side.

[0085] Clause 75. A system described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first arm includes a frame portion defining an opening and including the second member, and a portion of the coupling arm is disposed within the opening when the first arm is coupled to the first fixed member.

[0086] Clause 76. A system according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the angle is in the range of 70° to 110°.

[0087] Article 77. Orthodontic systems, an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent to a patient's tooth; an arm coupled to the anchor and extending from the anchor, an actuating portion; and an arm including an attachment portion extending from the biasing portion, the attachment portion including: (i) a first member extending in a first direction; and (ii) a second member extending in a second direction at an angle relative to the first member; a fixation member configured to be attached to a patient's tooth, the fixation member including a coupling arm configured to secure the attachment portion to the fixation member and prevent rotation and / or translation of the attachment portion relative to the fixation member; Orthodontic system.

[0088] Clause 78. The system of clause 77, wherein the first member is further from the anchor than the second member.

[0089] Clause 79. A system described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the anchor includes an arch shape and is configured to be placed on the lingual side of the patient's teeth.

[0090] Clause 80. The system of any one of the clauses herein, wherein at least one of the anchor, arm, or fixation member comprises nitinol, stainless steel, beta titanium, cobalt chromium, other metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, and / or combinations thereof.

[0091] Clause 81. A system according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the second direction.

[0092] Clause 82. A system described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the coupling arm is attached to the base of the fixed member and includes a coupling portion, and when the attachment portion is coupled to the fixed member, the coupling portion is positioned on a second member of the attachment portion to secure the attachment portion to the fixed member.

[0093] Clause 83. A system as described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the arm includes a frame portion defining an opening and including a second member, and when the attachment portion is secured to the fixed member, a portion of the coupling arm is disposed within the opening.

[0094] Clause 84. A system according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein when the attachment part is coupled to the fixed member, the first member of the attachment part is juxtaposed with or abuts the coupling arm.

[0095] Clause 85. A system described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the arm includes a third member extending in the second direction and farther from the anchor than the second member, and when the attachment portion is secured to the fixing member, the third member abuts an end portion of the coupling arm.

[0096] Clause 86. A system described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the arm includes a third member extending in a first direction and farther from the anchor than the second member, the second member extending from the first member to the third member, and when the attachment portion is secured to the fixed member, the coupling arm is between the first member and the third member.

[0097] Clause 87. The system of clause 86, wherein the arm includes a fourth member extending from the first member to the third member, the fourth member being farther from the anchor than the second member, the first, second, third, and fourth members together defining an opening, and a portion of the coupling arm being disposed within the opening when the attachment portion is secured to the fixed member.

[0098] Article 88. A method for attaching orthodontic appliances to a patient's teeth, comprising: An orthodontic appliance, Anchor, and providing an orthodontic appliance including an arm extending away from and coupled to an anchor, the arm including a first end portion of the anchor and a second end portion further from the anchor than the first end portion, the second end portion including a first region and a second region extending at an angle from the first region, the first region being further from the anchor than the second region; bonding a fixation member to the patient's tooth; and coupling the instrument to the stationary member, thereby preventing rotation and / or translation of the second end portion relative to the stationary member. method.

[0099] Article 89. The fixing member includes a coupling arm, and the coupling of the device to the fixing member is 89. The method of clause 88, comprising positioning a second end portion of the instrument apposed to the fixation member such that a second region of the second end portion extends generally in a mesiodistal direction below a coupling arm of the fixation member.

[0100] Article 90. The connection of the appliance to the fixed member shall be 89. The method of claim 89, comprising temporarily moving a portion of the coupling arm to an open position before positioning the second end portion, thereby allowing the second region to be positioned under the coupling arm.

[0101] Clause 91. The second end portion of the arm includes a base region extending from the second region of the second end portion toward the anchor; the fixed member includes a first coupling arm and a second coupling spaced from the first coupling arm; Coupling the device to the fixation member comprises: positioning the second end portion of the instrument in apposition to the fixation member such that (i) a second region of the second end portion extends in a generally mesio-distal direction beneath each of the first and second coupling arms of the fixation member, and (ii) a base region is between the first and second coupling arms; 2. The method according to any one of the clauses herein.

[0102] Clause 92. A method according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the device is according to any one of the clauses herein.

[0103] Clause 93. A positioning member including a first portion shaped to resiliently receive a patient's tooth, and a second portion shaped to receive a bracket configured to be bonded to one of the patient's teeth, the second portion defining a channel positioned to receive a coupling arm of the bracket; Orthodontic appliances.

[0104] Clause 94. The device of clause 93, wherein the second portion includes a first region extending in a first direction and a second region extending in a second direction different from the first region or angled relative to the first region, the first and second regions at least partially defining a channel.

[0105] Clause 95. An appliance according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first direction extends generally in an occlusal-gingival direction when the appliance is placed on the patient's teeth.

[0106] Clause 96. An appliance according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second direction extends generally in a mesio-distal direction when the appliance is placed on a patient's tooth.

[0107] Clause 97. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the channel is one of two channels, and the second portion includes a first region extending in a first direction between the two channels and a second region extending in a second direction different from the first direction, the first and second regions at least partially defining the two channels.

[0108] Clause 98. An apparatus as described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the channel is a first channel and the second portion further defines a second channel spaced apart from the first channel, each of the first and second channels being positioned to receive a coupling arm of the bracket.

[0109] Clause 99. An apparatus as described in any one of the clauses herein, further comprising a third region surrounding the first region and extending in the first direction.

[0110] Clause 100. An apparatus described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the channel is a first channel, and the apparatus further includes (i) a second channel, and (ii) a fourth region surrounding the first region and extending in the first direction, the first channel being disposed between the first region and the third region, and the second channel being disposed between the first region and the fourth region.

[0111] Clause 101. The appliance of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second portion further includes a bracket-receiving portion disposed within the channel.

[0112] Clause 102. An appliance according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the bracket receiving portion includes a recess shaped to receive a coupling arm or an end portion of a coupling arm of the bracket.

[0113] Clause 103. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the bracket receiving portion extends a first distance from a base surface of the second portion, and the outermost surface of the second portion extends from the base surface a second distance that is greater than the first distance.

[0114] Clause 104. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second portion includes a first side and a second side generally opposite the first side, and the bracket receiving portion is disposed on and / or faces the first side.

[0115] Article 105. The second part includes a first side and a second side generally opposite the first side; When the appliance is placed on the patient's teeth, the first side faces at least partially in a lingual direction and the second side faces at least partially in a buccal direction. 10. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein.

[0116] Clause 106. An appliance as described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second side of the second part includes a cavity for receiving a base portion of the bracket, and the coupling arm is fixed to the base portion.

[0117] Clause 107. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second side of the second portion includes a cavity for receiving a base of a bracket, the base being configured to be bonded directly to a lingual surface of a patient's tooth.

[0118] Clause 108. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second portion protrudes from the outermost surface of the first portion.

[0119] Clause 109. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first and second parts are integral with one another.

[0120] Clause 110. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first and second parts comprise a single component.

[0121] Clause 111. An apparatus as described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first and second portions comprise an integrally formed structure.

[0122] Clause 112. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first and second portions comprise continuous surfaces.

[0123] Clause 113. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first and second parts comprise a polymer, plastic, or composite material.

[0124] Clause 114. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first and second portions comprise a flexible, elastic, and / or non-rigid material.

[0125] Clause 115. An appliance according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the positioning member is an aligner.

[0126] Clause 116. An appliance according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the positioning member is configured to perform indirect coupling of the bracket.

[0127] Clause 117. An appliance according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the positioning member is not configured to reposition the patient's teeth.

[0128] Clause 118. An appliance according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second portion, when placed on the patient's teeth, generally has an orientation corresponding to the occlusal-gingival axis.

[0129] Clause 119. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein when the positioning member is placed on the patient's teeth, the second portion is generally positioned adjacent to or lingually to the lingual surface of one of the patient's teeth.

[0130] Clause 120. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second portion of the positioning member is one of a plurality of second portions, each of the second portions corresponding to a different tooth of the patient's teeth.

[0131] Clause 121. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the bracket is a fixation member described in any one of the clauses herein.

[0132] Clause 122. An appliance according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first portion comprises a cavity to be placed over the patient's tooth.

[0133] Clause 123. An appliance according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first portion includes a plurality of individual cavities, each configured to be placed over one of the patient's teeth.

[0134] Article 124. Orthodontic appliances a positioning member including a first portion shaped to resiliently receive a patient's tooth; and a second portion shaped to receive a bracket to be bonded to one of the patient's teeth, the second portion including a first region extending in a first direction and a second region extending in a second direction angled relative to the first direction, wherein the first and second regions define, in part, an area configured to receive a coupling arm; Orthodontic appliances.

[0135] Clause 125. The apparatus of clause 124, wherein the extent is a first extent on a first side of the first region, the coupling arm is a first coupling arm, and the first and second regions partially define a second extent on a second side of the first region configured to receive a second coupling arm.

[0136] Clause 126. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first and second regions form a "T" shape.

[0137] Article 127. A method of fixing one or more brackets to a patient's teeth using orthodontic appliances, comprising: providing a positioning member including: (i) a first portion shaped to resiliently receive a patient's tooth; and (ii) a second portion shaped to receive a bracket secured to the patient's tooth, the second portion defining a channel; placing a bracket on the second portion; placing the positioning member on the patient's tooth; method.

[0138] Clause 128. The method of clause 127, wherein the positioning member comprises a positioning member according to any one of the clauses herein.

[0139] Clause 129. A method according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein positioning the positioning member on the patient's tooth includes positioning the positioning member on the patient's tooth so that the bracket of the second portion of the positioning member is adjacent to the lingual surface of the patient's tooth.

[0140] Clause 130. The method of any one of the clauses herein, further comprising exposing the bracket to a light source after placing the positioning member on the patient's tooth, thereby bonding the bracket to the patient's tooth.

[0141] Clause 131. After the positioning member is placed on the patient's tooth, the bracket is exposed to a light source, thereby bonding the bracket to the patient's tooth. further comprising removing the positioning member from the patient's tooth after exposing the bracket, leaving the bracket adhered to the patient's tooth. 2. The method according to any one of the clauses herein.

[0142] Clause 132. A method according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein positioning the bracket on the second part includes sliding the bracket onto the second part so that a coupling arm of the bracket is received in a channel in the second part.

[0143] Clause 133. The method of any one of the clauses herein, wherein positioning the bracket on the second part includes sliding the bracket onto the second part so that a coupling arm of the bracket (i) is received in a channel in the second part and (ii) is coupled to the positioning member.

[0144] Clause 134. The method of any one of the clauses herein, wherein positioning the bracket on the second part includes coupling a coupling arm of the bracket to a positioning member.

[0145] Clause 135. A method according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second part includes a bracket-receiving portion having a recess, and positioning the bracket on the second part includes coupling the bracket to the positioning member by moving the bracket onto the second part and snapping a coupling arm of the bracket into the recess.

[0146] Clause 136. The positioning member includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the second side including a substantially flat base surface; The bracket includes a base portion and a coupling arm disposed on the base portion; Positioning the bracket on the second portion includes positioning the bracket such that the coupling arm is received in a channel in the second portion of the first side; 2. The method according to any one of the clauses herein.

[0147] Clause 137. The positioning member includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the second side including a substantially flat base surface; The bracket includes a base portion and a coupling arm disposed on the base portion; Positioning the bracket on the second portion includes positioning the bracket such that the base portion is received on the second side of the positioning member. 2. The method according to any one of the clauses herein.

[0148] Article 138. Orthodontic appliances, an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent to a patient's tooth; an arm extending away from the anchor and coupled to the anchor, the arm including a first end portion to the anchor and a second end portion configured to be coupled to a fixation member adhered to the patient's tooth, the second end portion including a first region and a second region extending at an angle from the first region, the first region being farther from the anchor than the second region; wherein the second end portion includes an opening extending therethrough; Orthodontic appliances.

[0149] Clause 139. The appliance of clause 138, wherein when the appliance is positioned adjacent a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member, (a) the second region extends generally in a mesio-distal direction and abuts a coupling arm of the anchoring member, and (b) the first region abuts a portion of the coupling arm, thereby preventing rotation of the second end portion relative to the anchoring member.

[0150] Clause 140. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the opening is an elongated opening and extends generally in an occluso-gingival direction when the appliance is positioned adjacent a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member.

[0151] Clause 141. An apparatus described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the opening is an elongated opening extending through a portion of the first region.

[0152] Clause 142. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the opening has a first dimension such that the opening is configured to receive an orthodontic tool.

[0153] Clause 143. An appliance according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the opening has first and second dimensions such that the opening is configured to receive an orthodontic tool.

[0154] Clause 144. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the arm further comprises a notch extending from the position of the arm, the notch being at an angle relative to the arm at that position.

[0155] Clause 145. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the notch is generally perpendicular to the arm at that position.

[0156] Clause 146. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the angle is between 60 and 120 degrees.

[0157] Clause 147. An apparatus described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the notch is a first notch extending in a first direction, and the arm further includes a second notch extending from the position of the arm in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0158] Clause 148. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first direction is generally opposite to the second direction.

[0159] Clause 149. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein at least one of the first notch or the second notch generally extends in a mesio-distal direction when the appliance is positioned adjacent a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member.

[0160] Article 150. Orthodontic appliances, an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent to a patient's tooth; an arm extending away from the anchor and coupled to the anchor, the arm including a first end portion to the anchor and a second end portion configured to be coupled to a fixation member adhered to the patient's tooth, the second end portion including a first region and a second region extending at an angle from the first region, the first region being farther from the anchor than the second region; wherein the arm further includes a notch extending from the arm at a location, the notch being at an angle relative to the arm at that location; Orthodontic appliances.

[0161] Clause 151. The device of clause 150, wherein the notch is a first notch extending in a first direction, and the arm further includes a second notch extending from the position of the arm in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0162] Clause 152. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first direction is generally opposite to the second direction.

[0163] Clause 153. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein at least one of the first notch or the second notch extends generally in a mesio-distal direction when the appliance is positioned adjacent a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member.

[0164] Article 154. Orthodontic appliances, an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent to a patient's tooth; an arm extending away from and coupled to the anchor, the arm including a first end portion to the anchor and a second end portion configured to be coupled to a fixation member adhered to the patient's tooth, the second end portion being farther from the anchor than the first end portion, the second end portion including first and second extensions extending from a common point, each of the first and second extensions including (i) a first region and (ii) a second region spaced apart from the first region; wherein the first and second regions of the first extension extend in a first direction, and the first and second regions of the second extension extend in a second direction different from the first direction. Orthodontic appliances.

[0165] Clause 155. The appliance of clause 93, wherein when the appliance is positioned adjacent a patient's tooth and the second end portion is coupled to the anchoring member, the first extension is biased in a mesial direction and the second extension is biased in a distal direction.

[0166] Clause 156. An instrument described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein when the second end portion is coupled to the fixation member, the first and second regions extend generally in a mesio-distal direction.

[0167] Clause 157. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein at least one of the first extension or the second extension is biased away from the other extension.

[0168] Clause 158. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second region is further from the common point than the first region.

[0169] Clause 159. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first extension is generally a reflection of the second extension about the axis.

[0170] Clause 160. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second region is at a terminal portion of each extension.

[0171] Clause 161. An apparatus as described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first regions are spaced apart from the respective second regions such that the first and second regions and a portion of each extension define an opening on three sides.

[0172] Clause 162. An apparatus as described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first regions are spaced apart from the respective second regions such that the first and second regions and a portion of each extension define a U-shaped opening.

[0173] Clause 163. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the arm includes a biasing region between the proximal portion and the distal portion, the biasing region configured to apply a rotational force and / or a longitudinal force to at least one of the patient's teeth when the distal portion is secured to the anchoring member.

[0174] Clause 164 of the present specification. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein at least one of the anchor, arm, or fixation member comprises nitinol, stainless steel, beta titanium, cobalt chromium, other metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, and / or combinations thereof.

[0175] Clause 165. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein when the appliance is positioned adjacent to a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the first and second regions of the first and second extensions, respectively, are configured to abut against respective protrusions of the securing member.

[0176] Clause 166. An appliance according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first extension is biased in an occlusal direction when the appliance is positioned adjacent to a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member.

[0177] Clause 167. An appliance according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second extension is biased in a gingival direction when the appliance is positioned adjacent to a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member.

[0178] Clause 168. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein at least one of the first extension or the second extension is biased away from the other extension.

[0179] Clause 169. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first extension includes a biasing region, and wherein when the second end portion is coupled to the anchoring member, the biasing region is configured to bias the first and second regions in an occlusal-gingival direction.

[0180] Clause 170. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first and second regions of the first extension are farther from a common point than the first and second regions of the second extension.

[0181] Clause 171. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first and second regions are at terminal portions of the respective extensions.

[0182] Clause 172. An apparatus as described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first regions are spaced apart from the respective second regions such that the first and second regions and a portion of each extension define an opening on three sides.

[0183] Clause 173. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first regions are spaced apart from the respective second regions such that the first and second regions and a portion of each extension define a U-shaped opening.

[0184] Clause 174. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first extension includes a biasing region such that when the appliance is positioned adjacent to a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member, the biasing region of the first extension is configured to bias the patient's tooth in an occlusal direction.

[0185] Clause 175. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the arm includes a biasing region between the first end portion and the second end portion, the biasing region configured to apply a rotational force and / or a translational force to at least one of the patient's teeth when the second end portion is secured to the securing member.

[0186] Clause 176. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein when the appliance is positioned adjacent to a patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the first and second regions of the first and second extensions, respectively, are configured to abut against respective protrusions of the securing member.

[0187] Clause 177. The device described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein at least one of the anchor, arm, or fixation member comprises nitinol, stainless steel, beta titanium, cobalt chromium, other metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, and / or combinations thereof.

[0188] Article 178. Orthodontic appliances, an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent to a patient's tooth; an arm extending away from the anchor and coupled to the anchor, the arm including a first end portion to the anchor and a second end portion configured to be coupled to a fixation member adhered to the patient's tooth, the second end portion being farther from the anchor than the first end portion, wherein the second end portion includes a first region, a second region extending from the first region, and a third region extending from the second region, wherein at least a portion of each of the first and third regions are biased away from each other in opposite directions; Orthodontic appliances.

[0189] Clause 179. The apparatus of clause 178, wherein the second end portion is configured to be coupled to the anchoring member via the first and third regions.

[0190] Clause 180. An apparatus described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein at least one of the first region or the third region includes a first protrusion, a second protrusion spaced from the first protrusion, and an opening defined by the first and second protrusions, and when the apparatus is coupled to the fixation member, the first and second protrusions are positioned on opposite sides of the protrusion of the fixation member.

[0191] Clause 181. An appliance described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first and second protrusions extend generally in a mesio-distal direction when the appliance is coupled to the fixation member.

[0192] Clause 182. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second region has a curved surface and / or a semicircular shape.

[0193] Clause 183. An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the first, second and third regions comprise a single component and / or a continuous surface.

[0194] Article 184. Orthodontic fixing devices, a base region configured to be bonded to a patient's tooth; first and second protrusions disposed on the base region, each including a first portion extending away from the base region and a second portion extending from the first portion toward a central extent of the base region; Orthodontic fixing components.

[0195] Clause 185. The anchoring member according to Clause 184, wherein the first and second portions of the first and second projections, respectively, define openings for receiving end portions of an orthodontic appliance.

[0196] Clause 186. A fixation member described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein when the base region is coupled to the patient's teeth, the first portions of the first and second protrusions generally extend in a buccal direction away from the patient's teeth.

[0197] Clause 187. An anchoring member according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein when the base region is coupled to a patient's tooth, the second portions of the first and second protrusions extend generally in a mesial or distal direction.

[0198] Clause 188. An anchoring member described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein when the base region is coupled to a patient's tooth, (i) the second portion of the first projection extends generally in a mesial direction, and (ii) the first portion of the first projection extends generally in a distal direction.

[0199] Clause 189. A fixing member described in any one of the clauses herein, further comprising a third protrusion disposed on an upper portion of the base region, the third protrusion extending from the upper portion toward a central area of the base region.

[0200] Clause 190. A fixation member as described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the third projection includes a first portion extending away from the central area and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the central area.

[0201] Clause 191. A fixing member according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein an end portion of the third projection is spaced apart from the base region.

[0202] Clause 192. A fixation member described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second portion extends laterally and the device further includes a third protrusion disposed on the upper portion of the base region, the third protrusion extending laterally across the base region.

[0203] Clause 193. A fixation member according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the third protrusion defines a surface facing the first and second protrusions.

[0204] Clause 194. A fixing member described in any one of the clauses herein, further including third and fourth protrusions disposed on the base region, each of the third and fourth protrusions including a first portion extending away from the base region and a second portion extending from the first portion toward a central extent of the base region.

[0205] Clause 195. A fixing member described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the third protrusion is spaced from the first protrusion to define a first opening, and the fourth protrusion is spaced from the second protrusion to define a second opening.

[0206] Clause 196. An anchoring member according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the second portions of the first and second protrusions extend generally in an occlusal-gingival direction when the anchoring member is coupled to a patient's teeth.

[0207] Clause 197. An anchoring member according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein when the base region is coupled to a patient's tooth, (i) the second portion of the first protrusion extends generally in a gingival direction, and (ii) the first portion of the first protrusion extends generally in an occlusal direction.

[0208] Article 198. Orthodontic fixing devices, a body region configured to be bonded to a patient's tooth and including a slot; a clip portion coupled to the body region, the clip portion being movable relative to the body region from a closed position to an open position, wherein the slot is configured to receive a portion of the orthodontic appliance when the clip portion is in the open position; Orthodontic fixing components.

[0209] Clause 199. The anchoring member according to Clause 198, wherein the slot is not configured to receive an orthodontic appliance when the clip portion is in the closed position.

[0210] Clause 200. The fixation member of any one of the clauses herein, further comprising a biasing element that biases the clip portion toward the closed position.

[0211] Clause 201. A fixation member according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein when the body region is adhered to a patient's teeth, movement of the clip portion from the closed position to the open position is generally in an occlusal-gingival direction.

[0212] Clause 202. The fixation member according to clause 191, wherein the biasing element is disposed between the body region and the clip portion.

[0213] Clause 203. A fixation member described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the body region further includes a lip portion around the periphery of the clip portion, and when the body region is adhered to a patient's tooth, the lip portion prevents movement of the clip portion in a lingual or buccal direction.

[0214] Article 204. Orthodontic systems, An apparatus according to any one of the clauses herein; a fixing member according to any one of the clauses herein; Orthodontic system.

[0215] Article 205. Orthodontic anchorage devices, a hardened structure configured to be directly bonded to a patient's tooth, the hardened structure having at least a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions spaced apart from one another to define a continuous gap configured to receive an attachment portion of an orthodontic appliance; wherein the hardened structure is configured to secure the attachment portion to the tooth; Orthodontic fixing components.

[0216] Clause 206. A fixation member according to clause 205, wherein the fixation member fixes the attachment portion to the tooth such that the patient cannot remove the orthodontic appliance.

[0217] Clause 207. A fixing member according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the fixing member comprises only a stiffening structure.

[0218] Clause 208. A fixing member according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the fixing member does not contain metal.

[0219] Clause 209. A fixation member according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the hardened structure comprises a hardened composite resin or synthetic material.

[0220] Clause 210. The fixation member of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the stiffening structure further includes a third portion, and the first, second, and third portions are spaced apart from one another to define a gap.

[0221] Clause 211. A fixing member as described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the hardened structure further includes a third portion and a fourth portion, and the first, second, third, and fourth portions are spaced apart from one another to define a gap.

[0222] Clause 212. The stiffening structure further comprises a third portion and a fourth portion; the first, second, third, and fourth portions are spaced apart from one another to define a gap; the first portion has a first abutment portion including a gingival-facing surface and a mesial-facing surface; the second portion has a second abutment portion including a gingival-facing surface and a distal-facing surface; the third portion has a third abutment portion including an occlusally-facing surface and a mesial-facing surface; the fourth portion has a fourth abutment portion including an occlusally-facing surface and a distally-facing surface; when the appliance is placed adjacent the patient's tooth and the attachment portion is engaged with the hardened structure, the first, second, third, and fourth abutment portions abut adjacent regions of the attachment portion, thereby resisting rotation and / or translation of the attachment portion relative to the fixation member; A fixing member according to any one of the clauses herein.

[0223] Clause 213. An anchoring member according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the gaps define a pattern complementary to the portion of the orthodontic appliance received by the gaps.

[0224] Clause 214. A method for attaching an orthodontic anchoring element to a patient's tooth, comprising: positioning a substrate containing a hardenable material adjacent to the patient's teeth such that the hardenable material on the substrate engages the patient's teeth; hardening the hardenable material after positioning the support, thereby causing the hardenable material to acquire a hardened structure and / or bond to the patient's teeth; and removing the support from the cured structure. method.

[0225] Clause 215. The method of clause 213, further comprising engaging an orthodontic appliance with the recess or opening defined by the hardened structure.

[0226] Clause 216. The method of clause 215, further comprising, after engaging the orthodontic appliance, securing the orthodontic appliance to the hardened structure via a moldable material.

[0227] Clause 217. The method of clause 216, wherein the moldable material comprises a composite resin or synthetic material.

[0228] Clause 218. The method of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the hardenable material is a composite resin or synthetic material.

[0229] Clause 219. The method of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the curable material comprises a photoinitiator.

[0230] Article 220. An appliance system including appliances for placement on a patient's teeth, at least one rigid segment having a length dimension configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth of the patient's jaw when the appliance is in place; at least one bracket connector supported by the at least one rigid segment and configured to selectively connect to a dental bracket, a body portion having first and second arm sections connected to one another at an interface, each arm section having a free end, the body portion being sufficiently flexible and resilient to allow the free ends of the first and second arm sections to be forced to move toward one another into a compressed state when a sufficient squeezing force is applied to the first and second arm sections, and to resiliently return to one another from the compressed state to an uncompressed or partially uncompressed state when the force is removed; wherein at least a portion of the body portion includes at least one bracket connector having a first width dimension when the first and second arm sections are in a compressed state and a second width dimension when the first and second arm sections are in a non-compressed state, the second width dimension being greater than the first width dimension; Instrument system.

[0231] Clause 221. The instrument system of clause 220, wherein the body portion is configured to be received by the bracket when the first and second arm sections are in a compressed state and to lock to the bracket in which it is received when the first and second arm sections are in a non-compressed state.

[0232] Clause 222. An instrument system as described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein the interface where the first and second arm sections connect to each other is a U-shaped interface.

[0233] Clause 223. An instrument system as described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein each of the first and second arm sections has a free end and one or more protrusions extending from the arm section at or near the free end.

[0234] Clause 224. An instrument system as described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein each of the first and second arm sections has a free end and a plurality of protrusions extending from the arm section at or near the free end.

[0235] Clause 225. An appliance system as described in Clause 224, further comprising: a bracket including a base configured to be secured to a tooth; and a plurality of protrusions extending from the base, the plurality of protrusions including at least two protrusions arranged to define a gap therebetween, wherein the gap has a size sufficient to receive first and second arm sections of the bracket connector between the at least two protrusions when the first and second arm sections are in a compressed state, and wherein the plurality of protrusions extending from each arm section are arranged to extend on two sides of one of the two protrusions when the first and second arm sections are received within the gap in an uncompressed state.

[0236] Clause 226. An appliance system as described in any one of the clauses herein, further comprising: a bracket including a base configured to be secured to a tooth; and a plurality of protrusions extending from the base, the plurality of protrusions including at least two protrusions arranged to define a gap therebetween.

[0237] Clause 227. An instrument system as described in clause 226, wherein the gap has a size sufficient to receive the body portion between the at least two protrusions when the first and second arm sections are in a compressed state and to lock it to the bracket in which it is received when the first and second arm sections are in a non-compressed state.

[0238] Clause 228. An instrument system according to clause 226, wherein each of the at least two protrusions has an extension extending away from the gap.

[0239] Clause 229. The instrument system of clause 226, wherein the at least two protrusions include a plurality of protrusions on a first side of the gap and a plurality of protrusions on a second side of the gap.

[0240] Clause 230. An instrument system as described in Clause 229, wherein the plurality of protrusions on the first side of the gap include first and second protrusions that are spaced apart by a distance at least as large as a width dimension of the protrusion extending from the first or second arm section.

[0241] Clause 231. An instrument system described in any one of the clauses herein, further comprising either (a) at least one arm extending from at least one first rigid segment, (b) at least one loop or curved feature formed along a length dimension of the second rigid segment, or (c) at least one arm extending from at least one first rigid segment and at least one loop or curved feature formed along a length dimension of the second rigid segment.

[0242] Clause 232. An appliance system according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the appliance is constructed from a single sheet of material as a single, integral structure.

[0243] Clause 233. Bracket connectors for dental appliances, a body portion having first and second arm sections connected to one another at an interface, each arm section having a free end, the body portion being sufficiently flexible and resilient to allow the free ends of the first and second arm sections to be forced to move toward one another into a compressed state when a sufficient squeezing force is applied to the first and second arm sections, and to resiliently return to one another from the compressed state to an uncompressed or partially uncompressed state when the force is removed; wherein at least a portion of the body portion has a first width dimension when the first and second arm sections are in a compressed state and a second width dimension when the first and second arm sections are in a non-compressed state, the second width dimension being greater than the first width dimension; Bracket connector.

[0244] Clause 234. The bracket connector according to clause 223, wherein the body portion is configured to be received by the bracket when the first and second arm sections are in a compressed state and to lock to the bracket in which it is received when the first and second arm sections are in a non-compressed state.

[0245] Clause 235. The bracket connector of clause 233 or 234, wherein the interface where the first and second arm sections connect to one another is a U-shaped interface.

[0246] Clause 236. A bracket connector as described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein each of the first and second arm sections has a free end and one or more protrusions extending from the arm section at or near the free end.

[0247] Clause 237. A bracket connector as described in any one of the clauses herein, wherein each of the first and second arm sections has a free end and a plurality of protrusions extending from the arm section at or near the free end.

[0248] Clause 238. A bracket connector according to any one of the clauses herein, wherein the bracket connector is constructed from a single sheet of material as a single, integral structure.

[0249] Article 239. Brackets for dental appliances, a base configured to be secured to a tooth; a plurality of protrusions extending from the base, at least two of the protrusions being arranged to define a gap therebetween, the gap having a size sufficient to receive the first and second arm sections of the bracket connector between the at least two protrusions when the first and second arm sections are in a compressed state; wherein the plurality of protrusions extending from each arm section are arranged to extend on two sides of each of the two protrusions when the first and second arm sections are received in the gap in an uncompressed state; Brackets for orthodontic appliances.

[0250] Article 240. Orthodontic appliances, an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent to a patient's tooth; a connector extending away from and coupled to the anchor, the connector including an attachment portion and a biasing portion disposed along a longitudinal axis of the connector between the anchor and the attachment portion, wherein the attachment portion is configured to be removably secured to an orthodontic bracket that is adhered to a patient's tooth, the attachment portion including: (a) a base that extends generally along an occlusal-gingival dimension when the appliance is placed in the patient's mouth, and (b) an arm extending at an angle from the base, the arm being disposed at an intermediate position along the length of the base, the base including a proximal region proximal to the intermediate position and a distal region distal to the intermediate position; wherein when the appliance is positioned adjacent a patient's tooth and the attachment portion is secured to the fixation member, (a) the arms extend generally in a mesio-distal direction and abut against coupling arms of the fixation member, and (b) each of the proximal and distal regions abuts a portion of the coupling arms, thereby preventing rotation of the connector relative to the fixation member. Orthodontic appliances.

[0251] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0252] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a schematic representation of directional references relative to the patient's dentition. [Figure 1B] 1 shows a schematic representation of directional references relative to the patient's dentition. [Figure 2A] 1 shows a schematic illustration of an orthodontic appliance constructed in accordance with the present technology placed in a patient's mouth adjacent the patient's dentition. [Figure 2B] 1 is a schematic diagram of connection configuration options configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 2C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an instrument configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 3A]1A-1C are elevational views of appliances constructed in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology placed on the upper and lower jaws of a patient's mouth, with the patient's teeth in their original and final tooth configurations, respectively; [Figure 3B] 1A-1C are elevational views of appliances constructed in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology placed on the upper and lower jaws of a patient's mouth, with the patient's teeth in their original and final tooth configurations, respectively; [Figure 3C] 1 is a graph showing stress-strain curves for Nitinol and steel. [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates an exemplary method for manufacturing an orthodontic appliance in accordance with the present technique. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates an exemplary method for manufacturing an orthodontic appliance in accordance with the present technique. [Figure 4C] 1 illustrates an exemplary method for manufacturing an orthodontic appliance in accordance with the present technique. [Figure 4D] 1 illustrates an exemplary method for manufacturing an orthodontic appliance in accordance with the present technique. [Figure 4E] 1 illustrates an exemplary method for manufacturing an orthodontic appliance in accordance with the present technique. [Figure 4F] 1 illustrates an exemplary method for manufacturing an orthodontic appliance in accordance with the present technique. [Figure 4G] 1 illustrates an exemplary method for manufacturing an orthodontic appliance in accordance with the present technique. [Figure 4H] 1 illustrates an exemplary method for manufacturing an orthodontic appliance in accordance with the present technique. [Figure 4I] 1 illustrates an exemplary method for manufacturing an orthodontic appliance in accordance with the present technique. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connection configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 36] 14 illustrates an arm of an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 37] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 38] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 39] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 40] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 41] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 42] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 43] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 44] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 45] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 46] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 47] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 48] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 49] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 50]10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 51] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 52] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 53] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 54] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 55] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 56] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 57] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 58] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 59] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 60] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 61] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 62] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 63] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 64] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 65] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 66] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 67] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 68] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 69] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 70] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 71] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 72] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 73] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 74] FIG. 1 is an isometric top view of an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 75] FIG. 1 is an isometric top view of an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 76] FIG. 76 is a perspective view of the orthodontic appliance of FIG. 75 placed in a patient's mouth. [Figure 77] 10A-10C illustrate various configurations of orthodontic appliances constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 78] 10A-10C illustrate various configurations of orthodontic appliances constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 79] 10A-10C illustrate various configurations of orthodontic appliances constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 80] 10A-10C illustrate various configurations of orthodontic appliances constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 81] 10A-10C illustrate various configurations of orthodontic appliances constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 82] 10A-10C illustrate various configurations of orthodontic appliances constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 83] 10A-10C illustrate various configurations of orthodontic appliances constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 84]10A-10C illustrate various configurations of orthodontic appliances constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 85] 10A-10C illustrate various configurations of orthodontic appliances constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 86] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 87] 10A-10C illustrate different arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 88] 10A-10C illustrate different arm configurations for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 89] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 90] 1A-1C illustrate exemplary instrument configurations in accordance with embodiments of the present technology; [Figure 91] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 92] 10A-10C illustrate various arm configurations configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 93A] FIG. 1 is a top view of a planar version of an orthodontic appliance constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 93B] FIG. 93B is a treatment configuration of the device shown in FIG. 93A. [Figure 94] 1 illustrates an orthodontic appliance constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology shown installed in a patient's mouth. [Figure 95] FIG. 10 is a close-up front view of an exemplary arm of an orthodontic appliance in accordance with the present technology. [Figure 96] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a fixation member configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 97] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a fixation member configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 98A] 96A and 96B are isometric, front, top, and side views, respectively, of the attachment portion shown in FIG. 95 and the fixation member shown in FIG. 96, configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 98B]96A and 96B are isometric, front, top, and side views, respectively, of the attachment portion shown in FIG. 95 and the fixation member shown in FIG. 96, configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 98C] 96A and 96B are isometric, front, top, and side views, respectively, of the attachment portion shown in FIG. 95 and the fixation member shown in FIG. 96, configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 98D] 96A and 96B are isometric, front, top, and side views, respectively, of the attachment portion shown in FIG. 95 and the fixation member shown in FIG. 96, configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 99] 10A-10C are front views of various embodiments of attachment portions and fixation members configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology; [Figure 100] 10A-10C are front views of various embodiments of attachment portions and fixation members configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology; [Figure 101] 10A-10C are front views of various embodiments of attachment portions and fixation members configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology; [Figure 102] 10A-10C are front views of various embodiments of attachment portions and fixation members configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology; [Figure 103] 10A-10C are front views of various embodiments of attachment portions and fixation members configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology; [Figure 104] 10A-10C are front views of various embodiments of attachment portions and fixation members configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology; [Figure 105] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an orthodontic device configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology and placed over a patient's teeth. [Figure 106A] FIG. 106 is an enlarged view of the portion of the device shown in FIG. 105. [Figure 106B] FIG. 106 is an enlarged view of the portion of the device shown in FIG. 105. [Figure 106C] FIG. 106 is an enlarged view of the portion of the device shown in FIG. 105. [Figure 106D]FIG. 106 is an enlarged view of the portion of the device shown in FIG. 105. [Figure 106E] FIG. 106 is an enlarged view of the portion of the device shown in FIG. 105. [Figure 107A] 10A-10C illustrate a method of attaching a fixing member to a patient's teeth. [Figure 107B] 10A-10C illustrate a method of attaching a fixing member to a patient's teeth. [Figure 107C] 10A-10C illustrate a method of attaching a fixing member to a patient's teeth. [Figure 108] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary orthodontic device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 109A] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary orthodontic device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 109B] FIG. 109B is an enlarged view of a portion of the device shown in FIG. 109A. [Figure 110] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary arm of an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 111] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary arm of an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 112] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary arm of an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 113] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary arm of an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 114] FIG. 1 is a front view of an orthodontic tool for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 115] FIG. 1 is a front view of an orthodontic tool for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 116] FIG. 116 is an enlarged view of the orthodontic tool shown in FIGS. 114 and 115. [Figure 117] 1 is a diagram of an orthodontic tool for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 118] 1 is a diagram of an orthodontic tool for use with the orthodontic appliance of the present technology. [Figure 119A]FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a fixation member configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 119B] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 119C] 119B is an isometric view of the fixation member shown in FIG. 119A and the attachment portion shown in FIG. 119B. [Figure 120A] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a fixation member configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 120B] 120B is an isometric view of the fixation member shown in FIG. 120A and the orthodontic appliance shown in FIG. 119B. [Figure 121A] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a fixation member configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 121B] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 121C] 121B is an isometric view of the fixation member shown in FIG. 121A and the orthodontic appliance shown in FIG. 121B. [Figure 122] 10A-10C are isometric views of various embodiments of fixation members configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology; [Figure 123] 10A-10C are isometric views of various embodiments of fixation members configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology; [Figure 124A] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a fixation member configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 124B] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 124C] 124B is an isometric view of the fixation member shown in FIG. 124A and the orthodontic appliance shown in FIG. 124B. [Figure 125A] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a fixation member configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 125B] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 125C] 125B is an isometric view of the fixation member shown in FIG. 125A and the orthodontic appliance shown in FIG. 125B. [Figure 126A]1 is an isometric view of a fixation member formed from a curable material, configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 126B] FIG. 126B is an isometric view of the orthodontic appliance and fixation member shown in FIG. 126A configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 127A] 1 is an isometric view of a fixation member formed from a curable material, configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 127B] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 128A] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 128B] FIG. 128B is an isometric view of the pad and device shown in FIG. 128A configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 129] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a fixation member configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 130A] 10A-10C are front and back isometric views, respectively, of a fixation member configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 130B] 10A-10C are front and back isometric views, respectively, of a fixation member configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 130C] 130A and 130B are isometric views of an orthodontic appliance and fixation member configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 131] FIG. 1 illustrates an orthodontic appliance of the present technology placed in a patient's mouth. [Figure 132] 1 illustrates several devices configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 133] 1 illustrates several devices configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 134] 1 illustrates several devices configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0253] I. Definition 1A and 1B schematically illustrate several directional terms related to a patient's dentition. The terms used herein to provide anatomical directions or orientations are intended to encompass different orientations of the appliance when placed in a patient's mouth, regardless of whether the described structure is shown installed in the mouth in the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, "mesial" means a direction along the patient's curved dental arch toward the midline of the patient's face, "distal" means a direction along the patient's curved dental arch away from the midline of the patient's face, "occlusal" means a direction toward the chewing surfaces of the patient's teeth, "gingival" means a direction toward the patient's gums or gingiva, "facial" means a direction toward the patient's lips or cheeks (used interchangeably herein with "buccal" and "labial"), and "lingual" means a direction toward the patient's tongue.

[0254] As used herein, the terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to locations closer and farther, respectively, from a given reference point. Often, the reference point is a particular connector, such as an anchor, and "proximal" and "distal" refer to locations closer and farther, respectively, from the reference connector along a line passing through the centroid of a cross section of the portion of the instrument that branches off from the reference connector.

[0255] As used herein, terms such as "generally," "substantially," "about," and the like are used as terms of approximation, not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for inherent variations in measurements or calculations, which will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0256] As used herein, the term "operator" refers to a clinician, practitioner, technician, or any person or machine that designs and / or manufactures an orthodontic appliance or portion thereof and / or facilitates the design and / or manufacture of the appliance or portion thereof, and / or any person or machine involved in placing the appliance in a patient's mouth and / or subsequent treatment of the patient involving the appliance.

[0257] As used herein, the term "force" refers to the magnitude and / or direction of a force, torque, or combination thereof.

[0258] II. Overview of orthodontic appliances using this technology FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of an orthodontic appliance 100 (or "appliance 100") configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology and shown positioned adjacent to a patient's teeth in a patient's mouth. FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of a portion of appliance 100. Appliance 100 is configured to be placed in a patient's mouth and apply a force to one or more teeth to reposition all or a portion of the teeth. In some cases, appliance 100 may additionally or alternatively be configured to maintain the position of one or more teeth. As shown schematically in FIGS. 2A and 2B, appliance 100 may comprise a deformable member including one or more attachment portions 140 (each represented schematically by a box), each configured to be secured to a tooth surface directly or indirectly via a securing member 160. The appliance 100 may further include one or more connectors 102 (shown schematically), each extending directly between an attachment portion 140 ("first connector 104"), between an attachment portion 140 and one or more other connectors 102 ("second connector 106"), or between two or more other connectors 102 ("third connector 108"). Only two attachment portions 140 and two connectors 102 are labeled in FIG. 2A for ease of illustration. As discussed herein, the number, configuration, and location of the connectors 102 and attachment portions 140 may be selected to provide a desired force on one or more teeth when the appliance 100 is installed. Additional details regarding different configurations of the connectors 102 are provided elsewhere herein, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 5-35 below.

[0259] The attachment portions 140 may be configured to be removably coupled to a fixation member 160 that is bonded, glued, or otherwise secured to a surface of one of the teeth to be moved. In some embodiments, one or more of the attachment portions 140 may be bonded, glued, or otherwise secured directly to a corresponding tooth without a fixation member or another connection interface on the tooth. The attachment portions 140 may also be referred to herein as "bracket connectors" or "male connector elements." Different attachment portions 140 of a given appliance 100 may have the same or different shapes, the same or different sizes, and / or the same or different configurations. Attachment portion 140 may be any one or combination of attachment portions disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, attachment portions 9540, 9940, 10040, 10140, 10240, 10340, 10440, 11040, 11140, 11240, 11340, 11940, 12140, 12440, 12540, 12640, 12740, 12840, 12940, 13040), any one of the bracket connectors and / or male connector elements disclosed herein, as well as any attachment portion, bracket connector, and / or male connector element disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 370,704 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823), filed December 6, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0260] The appliance 100 may include any number of attachment portions 140 suitable for securely attaching the appliance 100 to one or more of the patient's teeth to achieve a desired movement. In some instances, multiple attachment portions 140 may be attached to a single tooth. The appliance 100 may include attachment portions for all teeth, fewer attachment portions than teeth, or more attachment portions 140 than teeth. In these and other embodiments, the appliance 100 may be configured such that one or more of the attachment portions 140 are coupled to one, two, three, four, five, or more connectors 102.

[0261] As previously mentioned, connector 102 may include one or more first connectors 104 that extend directly between attachment portions 140. The one or more first connectors 104 may extend generally along a mesio-distal dimension when appliance 100 is installed in a patient's mouth. In these and other embodiments, appliance 100 may include one or more first connectors 104 that extend generally along an occlusal-gingival and / or buccolingual dimension when appliance 100 is installed in a patient's mouth. In some embodiments, appliance 100 does not include a first connector 104.

[0262] Additionally or alternatively, the connector 102 may include one or more second connectors 106 extending between the one or more attachment portions 140 and the one or more connectors 102. The one or more second connectors 106 may extend generally along an occlusal-gingival dimension when the appliance 100 is placed in a patient's mouth. In these and other embodiments, the appliance 100 may include one or more second connectors 106 that extend generally along a mesio-distal and / or buccolingual dimension when the appliance 100 is placed in a patient's mouth. In some embodiments, the appliance 100 does not include a second connector 106. In such embodiments, the appliance 100 may include only a first connector 104 extending between the attachment portions 140. The second connector 106 and the attachment portion 140 to which it is attached may include an "arm" as used herein (such as the arm 130 in FIGS. 2A and 2B ). In some embodiments, multiple second connectors 106 can extend from the same location along the instrument 100 to the same attachment portion 140. In such cases, the multiple second connectors 106 and attachment portion 140 together comprise an "arm," as used herein. By using two or more connectors to connect two points on the instrument 100, greater forces (compared to a single connector connecting the same points) can be applied without increasing strain on the individual connectors. Such a configuration is particularly beneficial given the spatial constraints of the fixed displacement processes herein. Additional details regarding the use of multiple connectors for separation-type connections (such as arms) are provided elsewhere herein, e.g., with reference to Figures 36-57 below.

[0263] Additionally or alternatively, a connector 102 may include one or more third connectors 108 that extend between two or more other connectors 102. The one or more third connectors 108 may extend generally along a mesio-distal dimension when the appliance 100 is placed in a patient's mouth. In these and other embodiments, the appliance 100 may include one or more third connectors 108 that extend generally along an occlusal-gingival and / or buccolingual dimension when the appliance 100 is placed in a patient's mouth. In some embodiments, the appliance 100 does not include a third connector 108. One, some, or all of the third connectors 108 may be positioned gingivally relative to one, some, or all of the first connectors 104. In some embodiments, the appliance 100 includes a single third connector 108 that extends along at least two adjacent teeth and provides a common attachment for two or more second connectors 106. In some embodiments, the appliance 100 includes a plurality of non-adjacent third connectors 108, each extending along at least two adjacent teeth.

[0264] As shown in FIG. 2A , in some embodiments, the appliance 100 can be configured such that one, some, or all of the connectors 102 are positioned in full or in part adjacent to the patient's gums when the appliance 100 is placed in a patient's mouth. For example, one or more third connectors 108 can be configured such that all or a portion of the one or more third connectors 108 are positioned below the patient's gum line, adjacent to but spaced from the gums. In many cases, it can be beneficial to provide a small gap (e.g., 0.5 mm or less) between the third connector(s) 108 and the patient's gums because contact between the third connector(s) 108 (or any portion of the appliance) and the gums can cause irritation and patient discomfort. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the third connector(s) 108 are configured to directly contact the gums when the appliance 100 is placed in a patient's mouth. Additionally or alternatively, all or a portion of one or more of first connectors 104 and / or second connectors 106 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the gums.

[0265] According to some embodiments, one or more connectors 102 may extend between an attachment portion 140 or connector 102 and a joint including (a) two or more connectors 102, (b) two or more attachment portions 140, or (c) at least one attachment portion 140 and at least one connector 102. According to some embodiments, one or more connectors 102 may extend between a first joint including (a) two or more connectors 102, (b) two or more attachment portions 140, or (c) at least one attachment member and at least one connector 102, and a second joint including (a) two or more connectors 102, (b) two or more attachment portions 140, or (c) at least one attachment portion 140 and at least one connector 102. An example of a connector 102 extending between (a) the joint between the second connector 106 and the third connector 108 and (b) the joint between the second connector 106 and the attachment portion 140 is depicted schematically and labeled 109 in FIG. 2B .

[0266] Each of the connectors 102 can be designed to have a desired stiffness, such that an individual connector 102 or a combination of connectors 102 applies a desired force to one or more teeth. In many cases, the force exerted by a given connector 102 can be determined by Hooke's Law, i.e., F=k×x, where F is the restoring force exerted by the connector 102, k is the stiffness coefficient of the connector 102, and x is the displacement. In the most basic example, if a connector 102 is not between two points on the appliance 100, the stiffness coefficient along that path is zero and no force is applied. In this case, the individual connectors 102 of the present technology can have varying, non-zero stiffness coefficients. For example, one or more of the connectors 102 can be rigid (i.e., have an infinite stiffness coefficient), so that the connector 102 does not bend or flex between its two endpoints. In some embodiments, one or more of the connectors 102 may be "flexible" (i.e., have a positive, non-zero stiffness coefficient) such that the connector 102 can deform to impart (or absorb) forces to one or more associated teeth or another connector 102.

[0267] In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to include one or more rigid connectors between two or more teeth. Rigid connectors 102 may be referred to herein as "rigid bars" or "anchors." Each rigid connector 102 may be sufficiently rigid to hold and maintain its shape and resist bending. The rigidity of the connectors 102 may be achieved by selecting a particular shape, width, length, thickness, and / or material. Connectors 102 configured to be relatively rigid may be employed, for example, when the teeth connected to the connectors 102 or arms will not be moved (or will be moved only a limited amount) and may be used for fixation. For example, molars may provide good fixation because they have larger roots than most teeth and require more force to move them. Furthermore, fixing one or more parts of the appliance 100 to multiple teeth is safer than fixing them to a single tooth. As another example, a rigid connection may be desirable when moving a group of teeth relative to one or more other teeth. For example, consider a patient with five teeth separated by a space from one tooth, and the treatment plan is to fill that space. The best course of treatment is usually to move one tooth toward five teeth, not vice versa. In this case, it may be beneficial to provide one or more rigid connectors between the five teeth. For all of the reasons discussed above and many others, appliance 100 may include one or more rigid first connectors 104, one or more rigid second connectors 106, and / or one or more rigid third connectors 108.

[0268] In these and other embodiments, the appliance 100 may include one or more flexible first connectors 104, one or more flexible second connectors 106, and / or one or more flexible third connectors 108. Each flexible connector 102 may have a particular shape, width, thickness, length, material, and / or other parameters to provide a desired degree of flexibility. In accordance with some embodiments of the present technology, the stiffness of a given connector 102 may be adjusted by incorporating one or more resiliently flexible biasing portions 150. As shown schematically in FIG. 2B , one, some, or all of the connectors 102 may include one or more biasing portions 150, e.g., springs, each configured to apply a specific, customized force to the tooth to which it is attached.

[0269] As shown in the schematic diagram depicted in FIG. 2C , biasing portion(s) 150 can extend along all or a portion of the longitudinal axis L1 of the respective connector 102 (only the longitudinal axis L1 of the second connector 106 and the longitudinal axis L2 of the third connector 108 are labeled in FIG. 2C ). The direction and magnitude of the force and torque applied to the teeth by the biasing portion 150 depend, at least in part, on the shape, width, thickness, length, material, shape-setting conditions, and other parameters of the biasing portion 150. Accordingly, one or more aspects of the biasing portion 150 (including the aforementioned parameters) can be varied so that the corresponding arm 130, connector 102, and / or biasing portion 150 produces the desired tooth movement when the appliance 100 is placed in a patient's mouth. Each arm 130 and / or biasing portion 150 may be designed to move one or more teeth in one, two, or all three translational directions (i.e., mesio-distal, buccolingual, and occlusal-gingival) and / or in one, two, or all three rotational directions (i.e., buccolingual root torque, mesio-distal angulation, and mesial out-in rotation).

[0270] The biasing portion 150 of the present technology can have any length, width, shape, and / or size sufficient to move the respective teeth toward the desired position. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the connectors 102 can have one or more inflection points along their respective biasing portion 150. The connectors 102 and / or biasing portion 150 can have a serpentine configuration such that the connectors 102 and / or biasing portion 150 fold back on themselves at least one or more times in diametrically opposed directions before extending toward the attachment portion 140. For example, in some embodiments, the second connector 106 folds back on itself twice along the biasing portion 150, thereby forming first and second concave surface regions that generally face in different directions relative to each other (see, for example, FIG. 13B ). The open loop or overlapping portion of connector 102 corresponding to biasing portion 150 may be positioned on either side of a plane P (FIG. 2C) that bisects the overall width W (FIG. 2C) of arm 130 and / or connector 102, such that the excess length of arm 130 and / or connector 102 is accommodated by space mesial and / or distal to arm 130 and / or connector 102. This allows arm 130 and / or connector 102 to have a longer length (compared to a linear arm) to accommodate greater tooth movement, despite limited occlusal-gingival or vertical space between the associated third connector 108 and the location where arm 130 is attached to the tooth.

[0271] It will be understood that biasing portion 150 may have other shapes or configurations. For example, in some embodiments, connector 102 and / or biasing portion 150 may include one or more linear regions that zigzag toward attachment portion 140. One, some, or all of connectors 102 and / or biasing portion 150 may have only linear segments or regions, or may have a combination of curved and linear regions. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of connectors 102 and / or biasing portion 150 do not include curved portions.

[0272] According to some examples, a single connector 102 may have multiple biasing portions 150 in series along the longitudinal axis of each connector 102. In some embodiments, multiple connectors 102 may extend between two points along the same or different paths. In such embodiments, different connectors 102 may have the same stiffness or different stiffness. Additional details regarding the latter embodiment are provided elsewhere herein, e.g., with reference to Figures 36-57 below.

[0273] In embodiments in which the device 100 has two or more connectors 102 with biasing portions 150, some or all of the connectors 102 may have the same or different lengths, the same or different widths, the same or different thicknesses, the same or different shapes, or none, and / or may be made of the same or different materials, among other characteristics. In some embodiments, some of the connectors 102 have biasing portions 150. Connectors 102 without biasing portions 150 may include one or more rigid connections, for example, between the rigid third connector 108 and the attachment portion 140. In some embodiments, none of the connectors 102 of the device 100 have biasing portions 150.

[0274] According to some embodiments, for example, as shown schematically in FIG. 2A , the appliance 100 may include a single, continuous, substantially rigid third connector (referred to as “anchor 120”) and multiple flexible arms 130 extending away from the anchor 120. When the appliance 100 is placed in the patient's mouth, each of the arms 130 connects to a different one of the teeth to be moved and applies a specific force to each tooth, thereby allowing the operator to move each tooth independently. Such a configuration offers a significant improvement over traditional braces in which all teeth are connected by a single archwire, where movement of one tooth can cause unintended movement of one or more nearby teeth. As discussed in more detail herein, the independent, customized tooth movement enabled by the appliances of the present technology allows the operator to more efficiently move teeth from original tooth arrangements ("OTA") to final tooth arrangements ("FTA"), thereby eliminating the need for periodic adjustments, reducing the number of office visits, reducing or eliminating patient discomfort, and allowing the overall treatment time (i.e., the length of time the appliances are in place in the patient's mouth) to be reduced by at least 50% relative to the overall treatment time for traditional braces.

[0275] Anchor 120 may include any structure of any shape and size configured to fit comfortably within a patient's mouth and provide common support for one or more arms 130. In many embodiments, anchor 120 is positioned near the patient's gums when appliance 100 is placed in the patient's mouth, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2B . For example, the appliance may be designed so that all or a portion of anchor 120 is positioned below the patient's gum line, adjacent to but spaced from the gums, when placed in the patient's mouth. In many cases, it may be beneficial to provide a small gap (e.g., 0.5 mm or less) between anchor 120 (or any portion of appliance 100) and the patient's gums, as contact between anchor 120 and the gums can cause irritation and patient discomfort. In some embodiments, all or a portion of anchor 120 is configured to contact the gums when appliance 100 is placed in the patient's mouth.

[0276] Anchor 120 may be significantly stiffer than arms 130, so that the equal and opposite force experienced by each arm 130 when applying a force to a respective tooth is countered by the stiffness of anchor 120 and the force exerted by another arm 130 and does not significantly affect the force on the other tooth. Thus, anchor 120 effectively isolates the force experienced by each arm 130 from the remaining arms 130, thereby allowing independent tooth movement.

[0277] According to some embodiments, for example, as shown schematically in FIGS. 2A and 2B, anchor 120 includes an elongated member having a longitudinal axis L2 (see FIG. 2C) and forming an arch shape configured to extend along the patient's jaw when appliance 100 is in place. In these and other embodiments, anchor 120 may be shaped and sized to span two or more of the patient's teeth when placed in the patient's mouth. In some examples, anchor 120 may include a rigid linear bar or a structure having both linear and curved segments. In these and other embodiments, anchor 120 may extend across all or a portion of the patient's mouth (e.g., across all or a portion of the palate, across all or a portion of the mandible, etc.) and / or in a generally anterior-posterior direction. Furthermore, appliance 100 may include more than a single anchor. For example, appliance 100 may include multiple separate, spaced-apart anchors, each having two or more arms 130 extending therefrom. In these and other embodiments, the device 100 may include one or more other connectors extending between adjacent arms 130 .

[0278] Any and all of the features described above with respect to anchor 120 may be applied to any of the third connectors 108 disclosed herein.

[0279] As shown in FIG. 2B , each of the arms 130 may extend between a proximal or first end portion 130 a and a distal or second end portion 130 b and may have a longitudinal axis L extending between the first end portion 130 a and the second end portion 130 b. The first end portions 130 a of one, some, or all of the arms 130 may be disposed on the anchor 120. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the arms 130 are integral with the anchor 120, such that the first end portions 130 a of such arms are continuous with the anchor 120. The arms 130 may extend from the anchor 120 at spaced apart intervals along the longitudinal axis L2 of the anchor 120, as shown in FIG. 2A . In some embodiments, the arms 130 may be equally spaced apart relative to one another or at uneven intervals relative to one another along the longitudinal axis L2 of the anchor 120.

[0280] One, some, or all of the arms 130 may include an attachment portion 140 at or near the second end portion 130b. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C , one or more of the arms 130 are cantilevered from the anchor 120, such that the second end portion 130b of the cantilevered arm(s) 130 has a free distal end portion 130b. In these and other embodiments, the distal end of the attachment portion 140 may coincide with the distal end of the arm 130. The attachment portion 140 may be configured to removably couple each arm 130 to an anchoring member (e.g., a bracket) that is bonded, glued, or otherwise secured to a surface of one of the teeth to be moved. In some embodiments, the attachment portion 140 may be bonded, glued, or otherwise secured directly to the corresponding tooth, such that there is no anchoring member or other connection interface on the tooth.

[0281] 2A and 2B , one, some, or all of the arms 130 can include one or more resiliently flexible biasing portions 150, such as springs, each configured to apply a customized force, torque, or combination of force and torque specific to the tooth to which it is attached. The biasing portion(s) 150 can extend along all or a portion of the longitudinal axis L1 of each arm 130 between the anchor 120 and the attachment portion 140. The direction and magnitude of the force and torque applied to the tooth by the biasing portion 150 depend, at least in part, on the shape, width, thickness, length, material, shape-setting conditions, and other parameters of the biasing portion 150. Thus, one or more aspects of the arms 130 and / or biasing portions 150 (including the aforementioned parameters) can be varied so that the arms 130 and / or biasing portions 150 generate the desired tooth movement when the appliance 100 is placed in a patient's mouth. Each arm 130 and / or biasing portion 150 may be designed to move one or more teeth in one, two, or all three translational directions (i.e., mesio-distal, buccolingual, and occlusal-gingival), and / or one, two, or all three rotational directions (i.e., buccolingual root torque, mesio-distal angulation, and mesial out-in rotation).

[0282] The biasing portion 150 of the present technology can have any length, width, shape, and / or size sufficient to move the respective tooth toward the desired FTA. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the arms 130 can have one or more inflection points along their respective biasing portion 150. The arms 130 and / or biasing portion 150 can have a serpentine configuration, where the arms 130 and / or biasing portion 150 fold back on themselves at least one or more times in diametrically opposed directions before extending toward the attachment portion 140. As shown in FIG. 2B , the arms 130 fold back on themselves twice along the biasing portion 150, thereby forming first and second concave surface regions that generally face in different directions relative to each other. The open loop or overlapping portion of arm 130 corresponding to biasing portion 150 may be positioned on either side of a plane P that bisects the overall width W of arm 130, so that the excess length of arm 130 is accommodated by mesial and / or distal spacing of arm 130. This allows arm 130 to have a longer length (compared to a linear arm) to accommodate greater tooth movement, despite limited occlusal-gingival or vertical space between anchor 120 and the location where arm 130 is attached to the tooth.

[0283] It will be understood that biasing portion 150 can have other shapes or configurations. For example, in some embodiments, arm 130 and / or biasing portion 150 may include one or more linear regions that zigzag toward attachment portion 140. One, some, or all of arm 130 and / or biasing portion 150 may have only linear segments or regions, or may have a combination of curved and linear regions. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of arm 130 and / or biasing portion 150 do not include a curved portion.

[0284] According to some examples, a single arm 130 can have multiple biasing portions 150. The multiple biasing portions 150 can be in series along the longitudinal axis L1 of each arm 130. In some embodiments, the multiple arms 130 can extend in parallel between two points along the same path or along different paths. In such embodiments, the different arms 130 can have the same stiffness or different stiffness.

[0285] In embodiments in which the device 100 has two or more arms 130 with biasing portions 150, some or all of the arms 130 may have the same or different lengths, the same or different widths, the same or different thicknesses, the same or different shapes, or none, and / or may be made of the same or different materials, among other characteristics. In some embodiments, some of the arms 130 have biasing portions 150. Arms 130 without biasing portions 150 may include one or more rigid connections, for example, between the anchor 102 and the attachment portion 140. In some embodiments, none of the arms 130 of the device 100 have biasing portions 150.

[0286] The appliances of the present technology may include any number of arms 130 suitable for repositioning a patient's teeth while considering the patient's comfort. Unless the specification explicitly dictates a particular number of arms, the appliances of the present technology may include a single arm, two arms, three arms, five arms, ten arms, sixteen arms, etc. In some examples, one, some, or all of the arms 130 of the appliance may be configured to individually connect to multiple teeth (i.e., a single arm 130 may be configured to couple to two teeth simultaneously). In these and other embodiments, the appliance 100 may include two or more arms 130 configured to simultaneously connect to the same tooth.

[0287] Any portion of the instrument of the present technology may include a biasing portion 150. For example, in some embodiments, the portion (e.g., anchor(s), arm(s), biasing portion(s), attachment portion(s), link(s), etc.) may include one or more superelastic materials.

[0288] Additional details relating to the biasing portion 150, or more generally the individual directional force(s) applied via the arm 130, are described in U.S. Application No. 15 / 370,704, published August 20, 2019, now U.S. Patent No. 10,383,707, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0289] The devices disclosed herein and / or any portion thereof (e.g., anchor(s), arm(s), biasing portion(s), attachment portion(s), link(s), etc.) may comprise one or more superelastic materials. The devices disclosed herein and / or any portion thereof (e.g., anchor(s), arm(s), biasing portion(s), attachment portion(s), link(s), etc.) may comprise nitinol, stainless steel, beta titanium, cobalt chrome, MP35N, 35N LT, one or more metal alloys, one or more polymers, one or more ceramics, and / or combinations thereof.

[0290] 3A and 3B are elevational views of the appliance 100 placed on both the upper and lower arches of a patient's mouth M, with the arms 130 coupled to anchoring elements 160 attached to the lingual surfaces of the teeth. It will be appreciated that the appliance 100 on one or both of the upper and lower arches may be positioned adjacent the buccal surfaces of the patient's teeth, and the anchoring elements 160 and / or arms 130 may instead be coupled to the buccal surfaces of the teeth.

[0291] FIG. 3A shows a tooth in an OTA with the arm 130 in a deformed or loaded state, while FIG. 3B shows a tooth in an FTA with the arm 130 in a substantially unloaded state. When the arm 130 is initially secured to the anchor member 160 while the tooth is in the OTA, the arm 130 is forced to assume a shape or path different from its “designed” configuration. Due to the inherent memory of the resilient biasing portion 150, the arm 130 exerts a continuous orthodontic force on the tooth, moving it toward the FTA while the biasing portion 150 is in its designed or unloaded configuration. Thus, tooth repositioning using the appliance of the present technology can be achieved in a single step using a single appliance. In addition to enabling fewer office visits and shorter treatment times, the appliance of the present technology significantly reduces or eliminates the pain experienced by patients as a result of tooth movement compared to braces. With conventional braces, every time an orthodontist makes an adjustment (such as placing a new archwire, bending an existing archwire, or repositioning brackets), significant forces are exerted on the affected teeth, which can be very painful for patients. Over time, the applied force weakens, eventually requiring new wires. However, the appliances of the present technology continuously apply movement-generating forces to the teeth while the appliance is in place, allowing the teeth to move at a slower rate and with significantly less pain (if any) to the patient. Because the appliances disclosed herein apply lower, less painful forces to the teeth, but the applied forces are continuous and the teeth can move independently (and therefore more efficiently), the appliances of the present technology reach FTA more quickly than traditional braces or aligners, both of which require intermediate adjustments.

[0292] In many embodiments, the movement-generating forces are lower than those applied by conventional braces. In those embodiments in which the appliance includes a superelastic material (such as nitinol), the superelastic material acts like a constant-force spring over a specific range of strain, and therefore the applied force does not drop appreciably as the teeth move. For example, as shown in the stress-strain curves for nitinol and steel in FIG. 3C, the nitinol curve is relatively flat compared to the steel curve. Thus, the superelastic connectors, biasing portions, and / or arms of the present technology apply essentially the same stress for many different levels of strain (e.g., deflection). As a result, the force applied to a given tooth remains constant as the tooth moves during treatment, at least until the tooth is very close to or has reached its final position. The appliances of the present technology are configured to apply a force just below the pain threshold, so that the appliance consistently applies the maximum pain-free force to the tooth(s) during tooth movement. This results in the most efficient (i.e., fastest) pain-free tooth movement.

[0293] In some embodiments, tooth repositioning may involve multiple steps performed incrementally by using multiple appliances. Embodiments involving multiple steps (or appliances, or both) may include one or more intermediate tooth arrangements (ITAs) between the original tooth arrangement (OTA) and the desired final tooth arrangement (FTA). Similarly, the appliances disclosed herein may be designed to be installed after a first or subsequently used appliance has moved teeth from the OTA to the ITA (or from one ITA to another) and then removed. Thus, the appliances of the present technology may be designed to move teeth from the ITA to the FTA (or another ITA). Additionally or alternatively, the appliances may be designed to move teeth from the OTA to the ITA or from the OTA to the FTA without changing the appliance at the ITA.

[0294] In some embodiments, the appliances disclosed herein can be configured so that once placed on the patient's teeth, the appliance cannot be removed by the patient. In some embodiments, the appliances may be removable by the patient.

[0295] Any of the example devices or device portions described herein may be made of any suitable material or materials, such as, but not limited to, nitinol (NiTi), stainless steel, beta titanium, cobalt chrome or another metal alloy, a polymer, or a ceramic, and may be made as a unitary, monolithic structure, or alternatively, from multiple separately formed components integrally connected into a single structure. However, in certain examples, the rigid bars, bracket connectors, and loop or curved features of the devices (or portions of devices) described in these examples are made by cutting the two-dimensional (2D) shape of the device from a 2D sheet of material and folding the 2D shape into the desired 3D shape of the device, according to the process described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 370,704, filed December 6, 2016 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823), or another suitable process. Manufacturing method

[0296] 4A-4I illustrate exemplary methods for designing and manufacturing orthodontic appliances as described herein. The specific processes described herein are merely exemplary and may be appropriately modified to achieve desired results (e.g., desired forces exerted by the appliance on each tooth, desired material properties of the appliance, etc.). In various embodiments, other suitable methods or techniques may be utilized to manufacture orthodontic appliances. Furthermore, although various aspects of the methods disclosed herein refer to a sequence of steps, in various embodiments, the steps may be performed in a different order, two or more steps may be combined together, certain steps may be omitted, and additional steps not explicitly discussed may be included in the process as needed.

[0297] As described above, in some embodiments, the orthodontic appliance is configured to be coupled to a patient's teeth while the teeth are in their OTAs. In this position, elements of the appliance apply customized loads to individual teeth, urging them toward the desired FTAs. For example, the arms 130 of the appliance 100 can be configured to couple to the teeth and apply a force to urge the teeth in a desired direction toward the FTA. In one example, the arms 130 of the appliance 100 can be configured to apply a tensile force that urges the teeth lingually along the facial-lingual axis. By selecting appropriate dimensions, shapes, shape settings, material properties, and other aspects of the arms 130, customized loads can be applied to each tooth to move each tooth from its OTA toward its FTA. In some embodiments, each arm 130 is configured to apply little or no force once the tooth to which it is coupled achieves its FTA. In other words, the appliance 100 can be configured so that the arms 130 are stationary in the FTA state.

[0298] The method may begin by obtaining data (e.g., position data) characterizing a patient's OTA. As shown in FIG. 4A , in some embodiments, an operator may obtain a digital representation 400 of the patient's OTA, for example, using optical scanning, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), scanning of a patient impression, or other suitable imaging technology to obtain position data of the patient's teeth, gums, and, optionally, other adjacent anatomical structures while the patient's teeth are in their original or pre-treatment state.

[0299] The method may further include obtaining data (e.g., position data) characterizing the patient's intended or desired FTA, and in many cases may include generating a digital representation of the patient's FTA. The data characterizing the FTA may include coordinates (e.g., X, Y, Z coordinates) of each of the patient's teeth and gums. Additionally or alternatively, such data may include positioning each of the patient's teeth relative to the patient's other teeth and / or gums.

[0300] In some embodiments, segmentation software (e.g., iROK Digital Dentistry Studio) may be used to create individual virtual teeth and gums from the OTA data. Appropriate software may be used to move the virtual teeth to their FTAs. As shown in FIG. 4B, in some cases, a digital model of a fixation member 404 may be added to the OTA digital model 400 (e.g., by an operator selecting a location on the lingual surface for placement of the fixation member 404 thereon). Appropriate software may be used to move the virtual teeth with the attached fixation members 404 from the OTA to their desired final positions. An example of a digital FTA model with a virtual fixation member model 404 attached is shown in FIG. 4C.

[0301] As shown in FIG. 4D , in some embodiments, a digital model 408 of the heat treatment fixture may be obtained. In some embodiments, the digital model 408 of the heat treatment fixture may correspond to and / or be derived from an FTA digital model (such as the FTA digital model of FIG. 4C ). For example, the FTA digital model may be modified in various ways (e.g., using MeshMixer or other suitable modeling software) to make the model suitable for manufacturing a heat treatment fixture. In some embodiments, the FTA digital model may be modified to replace the fixation member 404 (configured to couple to the arm 130 of the appliance 100 ( FIG. 2A )) with member 410 (which may be configured to facilitate temporarily coupling the heat treatment fixture to the appliance for shape setting). Additionally or alternatively, the FTA digital model may be modified to expand or thicken the gums, extract one or more teeth, and / or add structural components for increased rigidity. In some embodiments, gingival expansion or thickening may be performed to ensure that portions of a manufactured appliance (e.g., anchors) that are based in part on the FTA digital model do not engage or contact the patient's gingiva when the appliance is installed. As a result, modifications to the FTA digital model may be performed as described herein to provide the patient with a less painful tooth repositioning experience.

[0302] The method may further include obtaining a digital model of the instrument. As used herein, the terms "digital model" and "model" are intended to refer to a virtual representation of an object or a collection of objects. For example, the term "digital model of the instrument" refers to a virtual representation of the structure and shape of the instrument, including its individual components (e.g., anchors, arms, biasing portions, attachment portions, etc.). In some embodiments, a substantially planar digital model of the instrument is generated at least in part based on the digital model of the thermal treatment fixture (and / or the FTA digital model). According to some examples, a contoured or 3D digital model of the instrument, generally corresponding to the FTA, may first be generated, which conforms to the surface and attachment features of the digital model of the thermal treatment fixture. In some embodiments, the 3D digital model of the instrument may include generic arm portions and fixation members, without the specific shape, dimensions, or other characteristics of the arms selected or defined by a particular patient. The 3D digital model of the instrument may then be flattened to generate a substantially planar digital model of the instrument. In some embodiments, the particular configuration of the arm 130 (e.g., shape of the biasing portion 150, position along the anchor 120 (FIG. 2A), etc.) is then selected to apply a desired force to bias the corresponding tooth (to which the arm 130 is attached) from its OTA toward its FTA. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the arm is configured to be substantially stationary or substantially unstressed when at the FTA. The selected arm configuration can then be replaced or otherwise incorporated into a digital model of the planar instrument.

[0303] In some cases, before a physical appliance is manufactured based on the intended appliance design, it may be beneficial to evaluate the design of the intended appliance and evaluate how the physical appliance will function during treatment. For example, because the pre-installed shape of the appliance is based, at least in part, on the desired FTA, the position of one or more portions of the appliance may shift relative to the gums when the physical appliance is installed in the patient's mouth (e.g., with the patient's teeth at the OTA). As a result, the shifted position of one or more of the physical appliance may cause pain to the patient, potentially reducing treatment compliance and / or satisfaction.

[0304] In some embodiments, finite element analysis (or other suitable computational techniques) may be used to manipulate the 3D appliance digital model and evaluate its performance prior to manufacturing. For example, as shown in FIG. 4E , the 3D appliance digital model 414 may be virtually transformed (e.g., using finite element analysis) into a position that will engage the patient's teeth in an OTA. As shown in FIG. 4E , the resulting virtual model 412 represents the appliance digital model 414 after it has been transformed into a position that will engage the patient's teeth in the OTA. The output of the virtual transformation may be evaluated to assess whether the physical appliance will function as intended. Based on the evaluation of the output, the intended appliance design can be modified as needed, or a final appliance design may be obtained. In the example shown in FIG. 4E , a portion of the appliance digital model 414 impacts the digital model of the gums. As a result, the appliance design may be modified, and evaluation may be repeated until the appliance digital model 414 no longer impacts the gums. This process may be repeated iteratively until a satisfactory appliance design is achieved.

[0305] The heat treatment fixture can then be manufactured, for example, using the digital model of the heat treatment fixture, which can be cast, molded, 3D printed, or otherwise manufactured using a suitable material configured to withstand the shape-setting heat of the overlying tool.

[0306] In some embodiments, fabricating the device involves first fabricating the device in a planar configuration based on a digital model of the planar device. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4F and 4G, a pattern 424 of the planar shape of the final device is cut from a sheet of material 424 to obtain a planar member 426. In some embodiments, the device is cut from a sheet of nitinol or another metal using laser cutting, water jetting, stamping, or other suitable techniques. The thickness of the material may be varied throughout the device by, for example, electropolishing, etching, deposition, or otherwise manipulating the device material to achieve desired material properties.

[0307] According to some embodiments, a planar member 426 (e.g., 3D printed or cut from a sheet of metal) can be bent or otherwise manipulated into a desired configuration (e.g., substantially corresponding to the FTA) to form a therapeutic 3D instrument. In some embodiments, the planar instrument 426 can be bent into place by coupling the planar instrument 426 to a heat treatment fixture 432, as shown in FIG. 4H. The heat treatment fixture 432 can be, for example, the physical shape of a previously obtained heat treatment fixture digital model 408. For example, the arms of the planar member 426 can be removably coupled to hook members of the heat treatment fixture, and, if necessary, ligatures or other temporary fasteners can be used to secure the arms or another portion of the instrument to the heat treatment fixture 432. The resulting assembly (i.e., the instrument fastened to the heat treatment fixture) can then be heated to shape-set the instrument into its final shape, which can correspond to or substantially correspond to the FTA. As a result, the instrument is configured to be stress-free at the FTA. The shape-set instrument may then be removed from the heat treatment fixture 432 .

[0308] During operation, the appliance can then be placed in the patient's mouth (e.g., by bending or manipulating the arms of the appliance to couple to brackets on the patient's teeth while they are at the OTA). Due to the configuration of the appliance and the shape of the arms and anchors, the arms tend to bias each tooth from the OTA toward the FTA.

[0309] III. Selected Examples of Orthodontic Appliance Configurations The appliances of the present technology may include any combination of structural elements that directly or indirectly couple a first tooth(s) to a second tooth(s) and / or to another anatomical structure or location within or adjacent to the oral cavity. A particular configuration may be selected based on one or more desired functional characteristics, such as flexibility, magnitude of biasing force, direction of biasing force, durability, etc. Figures 5-34 show several example configurations for use with the appliances of the present technology. While each configuration is described with reference to two attachment portions 140, the appliances of the present technology may also include

[0310] As shown in FIG. 5, the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a first connector 106a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140a, a first connector 106b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140b, and a third connector 108 extending between the gingival ends of the first connectors 106a, 106b. The attachment portions 140a, 140b are not connected by the first connector 104. In FIG. 5, all three connectors 106a, 106b, and 108 are generally linear, have a relatively wide width w, and do not include a biasing portion. As a result, each of the connectors 106a, 106b, and 108 includes a rigid connector (i.e., has an infinite stiffness coefficient k), preventing the first and second teeth T1, T2 from moving relative to one another.

[0311] The attachment portions 140a, 140b utilized in a given connection configuration may have the same or different shapes, sizes, and / or configurations and may include any of the attachment portions, bracket connectors, and / or male connector elements disclosed herein, as well as any of the attachment portions, bracket connectors, and / or male connector elements disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,383,707, filed December 6, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Similarly, the instruments carrying attachment portions 140a, 140b may be any of the instruments disclosed herein, as well as any of the instruments disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,383,707, filed December 6, 2016.

[0312] As shown in FIG. 6, the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140a, a second connector 106b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140b, and a third connector 108 extending between the gingival ends of the first and second connectors 106a, 106b. The attachment portions 140a, 140b are not connected by the first connector 104. In FIG. 6, the second connectors 106a, 106b are generally linear, have a relatively wide width w, and do not include a biasing portion. As a result, each of the second connectors 106a, 106b includes a rigid connector (i.e., has an infinite stiffness coefficient k). However, the first connector 104 is narrow and has two biasing portions 150 along its longitudinal axis. As a result, first connectors 104 have a positive, non-zero stiffness coefficient. Each of biasing portions 150 includes an open loop / U-shaped portion of first connector 104 that extends generally in an occlusal direction, such that each of biasing portions 150 has a concave portion facing gingivally.

[0313] As shown in Figure 7, the appliance 100 can include one or more connection configurations including a first connector 104 having a biasing portion 150 such that the first connector 104 has a non-zero positive stiffness coefficient. As a result, the first connector 104 is relatively flexible, allowing movement between the first tooth T1 and the second tooth T2. The connection configuration of Figure 7 does not include a second or third connector, and therefore the attachment portions 140a, 140b (and associated teeth) are connected only by the first connector 104.

[0314] As shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the appliance 100 can include one or more connection configurations, including, for example, a generally rigid first connector 104, as shown in FIG. 8. The first connector 104 does not have a biasing portion and has a relatively wide width. In contrast to the configuration of FIG. 7, the first connector 104 of FIG. 8 does not accommodate relative movement between the teeth. Such a configuration can be beneficial, for example, when moving two or more teeth as a group, or when two or more teeth can be used to secure an anchor without requiring movement between the OTA and FTA.

[0315] As shown in Figure 9, the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140a, a second connector 106b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140b, a third connector 108 extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106a, 106b, and the first connector 104 extending between the first and second attachment portions 140a, 140b. In Figure 9, the second connector 106a, the second connector 106b, and the third connector 108 are generally linear, have a relatively wide width w, and do not include a biasing portion. As a result, each of the connectors 106a, 106b, and 108 includes a rigid connector (i.e., has an infinite stiffness coefficient k). The first connector 104 includes a single biasing portion 150 and therefore has a non-zero positive stiffness coefficient. However, the overwhelming stiffness provided by the second connector 106a, the second connector 106b, and the third connector 108 prevents the first and second teeth T1, T2 from moving relative to one another.

[0316] As shown in FIG. 10 , the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106 a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140 a, a second connector 106 b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140 b, a third connector 108 extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106 a, 106 b, and the first connector 104 extending between the first and second attachment portions 140 a, 140 b. In FIG. 10 , the second connectors 106 a, 106 b are generally linear, have a relatively wide width w, and do not include a biasing portion. As a result, each of the connectors 106 a, 106 b includes a rigid connector (i.e., has an infinite stiffness coefficient k). The first connector 104 includes a single biasing portion 150 and therefore has a non-zero positive stiffness coefficient, and the third connector 108 includes two biasing portions 150 in series and therefore also has a non-zero positive stiffness coefficient.

[0317] As shown in FIG. 11 , the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106 a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140 a, a second connector 106 b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140 b, a first connector 104 extending between the first and second attachment portions 140 a, 140 b, and a third connector 108 extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106 a, 106 b. In FIG. 11 , all of the connectors 106 a, 106 b, 108, and 104 are generally linear, have a relatively wide width w, and do not include a biasing portion. As a result, each of the connectors 106 a, 106 b, 108, and 104 includes a rigid connector (i.e., has an infinite stiffness coefficient k), and the first and second teeth T1, T2 do not move relative to each other.

[0318] As shown in FIG. 12, the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140a, a second connector 106b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140b, a first connector 104 extending between the first and second attachment portions 140a, 140b, and a third connector 108 extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106a, 106b. In FIG. 12, the second connector 106a, the second connector 106b, and the first connector 104 are generally linear, have a relatively wide width w, and do not include a biasing portion. As a result, each of the connectors 106a, 106b, 104 includes a rigid connector (i.e., has an infinite stiffness coefficient k). The third connector 108 has a relatively narrow width and two biasing portions 150 in series, and therefore has a positive, non-zero stiffness coefficient. However, the overwhelming stiffness provided by the second connector 106a, the second connector 106b, and the first connector 104 prevents the first and second tines T1, T2 from moving relative to each other.

[0319] As shown in FIG. 13, the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140a, a second connector 106b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140b, and a third connector 108 extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106a, 106b. This configuration does not include the first connector 104 extending between the attachment portions 140a, 140b. In FIG. 13, the second connectors 106a and 106b each include a single, S-shaped biasing portion 150 along their respective longitudinal axes, while the third connector 108 is generally linear, has a relatively wide width w, and does not include a biasing portion. As a result, the third connector 108 includes a rigid connector (i.e., has an infinite stiffness coefficient k). As a result, the first and second teeth T1, T2 can move relative to each other.

[0320] As shown in FIG. 14, the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140a, a second connector 106b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140b, and a third connector 108 extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106a, 106b. This configuration does not include the first connector 104 extending between the attachment portions 140a, 140b. In FIG. 14, the second connectors 106a and 106b each include a single S-shaped biasing portion 150 along their respective longitudinal axes, while the third connector 108 includes two U-shaped biasing portions 150 in series. As a result, the first and second teeth T1, T2 may move relative to one another.

[0321] As shown in FIG. 15 , the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106 a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140 a, a second connector 106 b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140 b, a first connector 104 extending between the attachment portions 140 a, 140 b, and a third connector 108 extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106 a, 106 b. In FIG. 15 , the second connectors 106 a, 106 b each include a single S-shaped biasing portion 150 along their respective longitudinal axes, and the first connector 104 includes a single U-shaped biasing portion 150. The third connector 108 is generally linear, has a relatively wide width w, and does not include a biasing portion. As a result, the third connector 108 includes a rigid connector (i.e., has an infinite stiffness coefficient k).

[0322] As shown in Figure 16, the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140a, a second connector 106b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140b, the first connector 104 extending between the attachment portions 140a, 140b, and a third connector 108 extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106a, 106b. In Figure 16, the second connectors 106a and 106b each include a single S-shaped biasing portion 150 along their respective longitudinal axes, the first connector 104 has a single U-shaped biasing portion 150, and the third connector 108 includes two U-shaped biasing portions 150 in series. The U-shaped biasing portion 150 of the first connector 104 may be concave in the occlusal direction, while both of the U-shaped biasing portions 150 of the third connector 108 may be concave in the gingival direction.

[0323] As shown in FIG. 17, the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140a, a second connector 106b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140b, a first connector 104 extending between the attachment portions 140a, 140b, and a third connector 108 extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106a, 106b. In FIG. 17, each of the second connectors 106a, 106b includes a single, S-shaped biasing portion 150 along its respective longitudinal axis, while the first connector 104 and the third connector 108 are generally linear, have a relatively wide width w, and do not include a biasing portion. As a result, each of the first and third connectors 104, 108 includes a rigid connector (i.e., has an infinite stiffness factor k).

[0324] As shown in FIG. 18 , the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106 a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140 a, a second connector 106 b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140 b, a first connector 104 extending between the attachment portions 140 a, 140 b, and a third connector 108 extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106 a, 106 b. In FIG. 18 , the second connectors 106 a, 106 b each include a single S-shaped biasing portion 150 along their respective longitudinal axes, and the third connector 108 includes two U-shaped biasing portions 150 in series. The U-shaped biasing portion 150 of the third connector 108 may be concave in the gingival direction. The first connector 104 is generally linear, has a relatively wide width w, and does not include a biasing portion. As a result, the first connector 104 comprises a rigid connector (i.e., has an infinite stiffness factor k).

[0325] As shown in Figure 19, the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140a, a second connector 106b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140b, a first connector 104 extending between the attachment portions 140a, 140b, and a third connector 108 extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106a, 106b. In Figure 19, the second connector 106b includes a single S-shaped biasing portion 150 along its respective longitudinal axis, and the first connector 104 includes a single U-shaped biasing portion 150. The second connector 106a and the third connector 108 are generally linear, have a relatively wide width w, and do not include biasing portions. As a result, each of the second connector 106a and the third connector 108 comprises a rigid connector (ie, has an infinite stiffness coefficient k).

[0326] As shown in Figure 20, the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140a, a second connector 106b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140b, the first connector 104 extending between the attachment portions 140a, 140b, and a third connector 108 extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106a, 106b. In Figure 20, the second connector 106b includes a single S-shaped biasing portion 150 along its respective longitudinal axis, the first connector 104 includes a single U-shaped biasing portion 150, and the third connector 108 includes two U-shaped biasing portions 150 in series. The U-shaped biasing portion 150 of the first connector 104 may be concave in the occlusal direction, while both U-shaped biasing portions 150 of the third connector 108 may be concave in the gingival direction. The second connector 106a is generally linear, has a relatively wide width w, and does not include a biasing portion. As a result, the second connector 106a includes a rigid connector (i.e., has an infinite stiffness coefficient k).

[0327] As shown in FIG. 21 , the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140a, a second connector 106b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140b, and a third connector 108a extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106a, 106b. The configuration shown in FIG. 21 does not include the first connector 104 extending between the attachment portions 140a, 140b and does not include a rigid connector. Each of the second connectors 106a, 106b may include a single S-shaped biasing portion 150 along their respective longitudinal axes, and the third connector 108a may include two U-shaped biasing portions 150 in series. Both of the U-shaped biasing portions 150 of the third connector 108a may be concave gingivally. In some embodiments, one or both of the biasing portions 150 of the third connector 108a are concave in the occlusal direction. The connection configuration shown in FIG. 21 further includes a third connector 108c extending gingivally from the gingival end portion of the second connector 106, a third connector 108d extending gingivally from the gingival end portion of the second connector 106b, and a third connector 108b extending between the gingival end portions of the third connectors 108c, 108d. The overall length of the third connector 108b can be gingivally relative to the overall length of the third connector 108a. The third connector 108b may include a single, S-shaped biasing portion 150 with opposing concave surfaces facing mesial and distal directions, respectively, such that the third connector 108b includes two generally linear portions spaced apart from each other in the occlusal-gingival direction. The third connectors 108a-108d together surround the cell.

[0328] As shown in FIG. 22 , the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140a, a second connector 106b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140b, and a third connector 108a extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106a, 106b. The configuration shown in FIG. 22 does not include the first connector 104 extending between the attachment portions 140a, 140b and does not include a rigid connector. Each of the second connectors 106a, 106b may include a single S-shaped biasing portion 150 along their respective longitudinal axes, and the third connector 108a may include two U-shaped biasing portions 150 in series. Both of the U-shaped biasing portions 150 of the third connector 108a may be concave gingivally. In some embodiments, one or both of the biasing portions 150 of the third connector 108a are concave in the occlusal direction. The connection configuration shown in FIG. 22 further includes a third connector 108c extending gingivally from the gingival end portion of the second connector 106, a third connector 108d extending gingivally from the gingival end portion of the second connector 106b, and a third connector 108b extending between the gingival end portions of the third connectors 108c and 108d. The overall length of the third connector 108b can be gingivally relative to the overall length of the third connector 108a. The third connector 108b can include a single vertical, S-shaped biasing portion 150 with two generally linear portions on either side generally aligned with each other along the occlusal-gingival dimension. The third connectors 108a-108d together enclose a cell.

[0329] 23, the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140a, a second connector 106b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140b, a third connector 108a extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106a, 106b, and a rigid first connector 104 extending between the first and second attachment portions 140a, 140b. Each of the second connectors 106a, 106b may include a single S-shaped biasing portion 150 along their respective longitudinal axes, and the third connector 108a may include two U-shaped biasing portions 150 in series. Both of the U-shaped biasing portions 150 of the third connector 108a may be concave gingivally. In some embodiments, the U-shaped biasing portion 150 is concave in the occlusal direction. The first connector 104 can be generally linear, have a relatively large width w, and do not include a biasing portion. The connection configuration shown in FIG. 23 further includes a third connector 108c extending gingivally from a gingival end portion of the second connector 106a, a third connector 108d extending gingivally from a gingival end portion of the second connector 106b, and a third connector 108b extending between the gingival end portions of the third connectors 108c, 108d. The overall length of the third connector 108b can be gingivally longer than the overall length of the third connector 108a. The third connector 108b may include a single S-shaped biasing portion 150 with opposing concave surfaces facing mesial and distal directions, respectively, such that the third connector 108b includes two generally linear portions spaced apart from one another in an occlusal-gingival direction. The third connectors 108a-108d together enclose a cell.

[0330] 24, the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a flexible second connector 106a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140a, a flexible second connector 106b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140b, a flexible third connector 108a extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106a, 106b, and a rigid first connector 104 extending between the first and second attachment portions 140a, 140b. Each of the second connectors 106a, 106b may include a single S-shaped biasing portion 150 along their respective longitudinal axes, and the third connector 108a may include two U-shaped biasing portions 150 in series. Both of the U-shaped biasing portions 150 of the third connector 108a may be concave gingivally. In some embodiments, one or both of the U-shaped biasing portions 150 of the third connector 108a are concave in the occlusal direction. The first connector 104 can be generally linear, have a relatively large width w, and include no biasing portions. The connection configuration shown in FIG. 24 further includes a third connector 108c extending gingivally from the gingival end portion of the second connector 106a, a third connector 108d extending gingivally from the gingival end portion of the second connector 106b, and a third connector 108b extending between the gingival end portions of the third connectors 108c and 108d. The third connector 108b can include a single vertical, S-shaped biasing portion 150 with two flanking generally linear portions generally aligned with each other along the occlusal-gingival dimension. The overall length of the third connector 108b can be gingivally relative to the overall length of the third connector 108a. The third connectors 108a-108d together surround the cell.

[0331] As shown in FIG. 25, the appliance 100 may include one or more connection configurations, including a second connector 106a extending gingivally from the first attachment portion 140a, a second connector 106b extending gingivally from the second attachment portion 140b, and a third connector 108a extending between the gingival ends of the second connectors 106a, 106b. The configuration shown in FIG. 25 does not include the first connector 104 extending between the attachment portions 140a, 140b and does not include a rigid connector. Each of the second connectors 106a, 106b may include a relatively short segment. The third connector 108a may include a single U-shaped biasing portion 150 that is concave in the gingival direction. In some embodiments, the biasing portion 150 of the third connector 108a is concave in the occlusal direction. The connection configuration shown in FIG. 25 further includes a third connector 108c extending gingivally from the gingival end portion of the second connector 106a, a third connector 108d extending gingivally from the gingival end portion of the second connector 106b, and a third connector 108b extending between the gingival end portions of the third connectors 108c and 108d. In contrast to the configuration shown in FIG. 24, for example, only a portion of the length of the third connector 108b may be gingivally aligned relative to the entire length of the third connector 108a. The third connector 108b may include a single vertical, S-shaped biasing portion 150 with two generally linear portions on either side generally aligned with each other along the occlusal-gingival dimension. The third connectors 108a-108d together enclose a cell.

[0332] 25-33 show some additional example configurations, labeled in accordance with the present technique.

[0333] 34, in some embodiments, the device 100 may include a portion in which a single flexible third connector 3402 extends from the anchor 120 (or another more rigid third connector 108) and splits into two flexible second connectors 3406, 3400, which terminate in corresponding attachment portions 140a, 140b. Each of the third connector 3402 and the second connectors 3406, 3400 may include a biasing portion (as shown). In some embodiments, one or both of the third connector 3402 and / or second connectors 3406, 3400 do not include a biasing portion and / or are rigid.

[0334] It will be understood that the first connector 104, second connector 106, third connector 108, and other connectors of the present technology can include zero, three, four, five, six, or more biasing portions. Similarly, even if a particular connector is shown or described with a particular type of biasing portion, it will be understood that the connector can have any type of shape or biasing portion.

[0335] In some embodiments, one or more of the arms of the device 100 may include multiple second connectors 106 extending from another, more rigid connector to the same attachment portion 140. By using two or more connectors to connect two points on the device 100 (such as an anchor and an attachment portion), greater forces (compared to a single connector connecting the same points) can be applied without increasing strain on the individual connectors. Such a configuration is particularly beneficial given the spatial constraints of the fixed displacement processes herein. Further details regarding the use of multiple connectors for separate connections (such as arms) are provided below.

[0336] FIG. 36 is an isolated view of a portion of an instrument having an arm 130 and two second connectors 150a, 150b extending between the anchor 120 and an attachment portion (not shown). Each of the connectors 150a, 150b may have a first end 130a at the anchor 120 and a second end 130b at the attachment portion. The connectors 150a, 150b may be separated by a gap 172 between their first and second ends 130a, 130b. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 36, each of the connectors 150a, 150b also includes a biasing portion. While the arm 130 is shown with two serpentine connectors 150a, 150b extending parallel to one another, in some embodiments, the arm may include three or more connectors. In these and other embodiments, the individual connectors may extend along the same or different paths and / or have the same or different shapes.

[0337] As shown in FIG. 37 , in some embodiments, arm 130 includes one or more bridges 170 that extend across gaps 172 and couple second connectors 150a, 150b at various locations along the length of connectors 150a, 150b. Including one or more bridges 170 can increase the overall stiffness of the arm. For example, arm 130a may have more bridges 170 and be more stiff than arm 130b, which may have more bridges and be more stiff than arm 130c. For those embodiments with more than one bridge, the bridges 170 may have the same or different lengths. As shown in FIG. 38 , the width of one or both connectors 150a, 150b may be increased to increase the stiffness of the individual connector or may be narrowed to decrease the stiffness of the individual connector. Different connectors 150a, 150b may have the same or different widths.

[0338] 39-42, the bridges 170 may be evenly spaced along the length of the arm, or may be randomly or unevenly spaced. In some embodiments, the arm 130 may include a first bridge closer to the anchor and a second bridge closer to the attachment portion 140.

[0339] Figure 43 shows additional examples of multiple connector arm configurations. It will be appreciated that any of the attachment portions herein may be coupled to an anchor (or another connector) via multiple connectors.

[0340] 44, the width of one or both of the connectors 150a, 150b can be increased to increase the stiffness of the individual connector, or can be narrowed to decrease the stiffness of the individual connector. Different connectors 150a, 150b can have the same or different widths.

[0341] FIG. 45 shows an exemplary arm 130 that includes multiple connectors 150a-150c. As shown in FIG. 45, fewer than all of the connectors extend the entire length between anchor 120 and attachment portion 140. For example, connectors 150a, 150b, and another connector (not labeled) all begin at anchor 120, but only connector 150b travels the entire length of the arm to attachment portion 140. As shown in FIG. 46, in some embodiments, an arm can include three or more connectors, all of which extend the entire length of the arm between the anchor and the attachment portion.

[0342] According to some embodiments, as shown in Figures 47 and 48, for example, multiple connectors can create a path between anchor 120 and attachment portion 140 that includes one or more substantially linear segments. The substantially linear segments can extend in an occlusal-gingival or mesio-distal direction.

[0343] As shown in Figures 49-57, multiple connectors can form multiple turns between anchor 120 and attachment portion 140. The turns can be stacked mesio-distal or occluso-gingivally. The peaks (more occlusal) of successive turns can be aligned or offset along the occluso-gingival axis. In these and other embodiments, the valleys (more occlusal) of successive turns can be aligned or offset along the occluso-gingival axis.

[0344] 58 shows two arms 130a, 130b of the present technology, each having a flexible connector 150 with multiple openings 5800 along its length. The thickness of the sidewalls 5802 of the openings 5800 can be increased or decreased to affect the flexibility of the arms.

[0345] 59-74, a single flexible connector may form multiple turns between anchor 120 and attachment portion 140. For example, an arm may form two or more stacks of turns 5900a, 5900b, where the turns are stacked occlusally-gingivally. The stacks may be separated by a generally linear portion of the arm. In some embodiments, an arm may form two or more stacks of turns, where the turns are stacked mesio-distally. In some embodiments, an arm may include both mesio-distal and occlusal-gingival stacks. The peaks (more occlusally or more mesial) of successive turns may be aligned or offset along the occlusal-gingival axis. In these and other embodiments, the valleys (more occlusally or more mesial) of successive turns may be aligned or offset along the occlusal-gingival axis.

[0346] 74 includes an anchor 7412 and a plurality of arms 7414 extending from the anchor 7412. The anchor 7412 is formed with an arch shape (an arch-shaped member having a generally arch-shaped configuration). The anchor 7412 is configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth (or teeth) in one of the patient's jaws when the appliance 7400 is placed, as described herein.

[0347] The anchor 7412 has a length dimension that includes a first portion 7412a configured to extend along the incisors, lateral incisors, and conical teeth (cuspids). The length dimension of the anchor 7412 further includes second and third portions 7412b and 7412c configured to extend along some or all of the premolars and molars. In another embodiment, the anchor 7412 may be shorter in length, for example, may include the first portion 7412a (or a portion of the first portion 7412a) but not the second or third portions 7412b, 7412c. In another embodiment, the anchor 7412 may include the first portion 7412a and a portion of the length of one or each of the second and third portions 7412b, 7412c. In some embodiments, the appliance may include one or more second and third portions 7412b, 7412c (of any suitable length) and not include the first portion 7412a. In yet another embodiment, the device may include one or more anchor second and third portions 7412b, 7412c (of any suitable length) and a Z embodiment device feature or another device feature at the location of the first portion 7412a (instead of the anchor portion) connecting the second and third portions 7412b, 7412c.

[0348] The multiple arms 7414 can extend from the anchor 7412 at spaced intervals along the longitudinal axis L2 of the anchor 7412. The multiple arms 7414 can be equally spaced relative to one another or unevenly spaced relative to one another along the length dimension of the anchor 7412. In certain instances, the arms 7414 are provided at positions along the length dimension of the anchor 7412 that correspond to or are associated with the positions of the teeth (or, in more particular instances, the FTAs of each tooth) to which the arms connect when the appliance is installed.

[0349] Each arm 7414 includes a spring portion (or spring member) 7414a and a bracket connector element (or male connector element) 7414b. Each spring member 7414a in the device 7400 may correspond to any of the spring members or spring portions on the arms in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 370,704 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823) or described herein. Each bracket connector element (or male connector element) 7414b in the device 7400 may correspond to any of the bracket connectors (or male connector elements) in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 370,704 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823) or described herein.

[0350] As shown in FIG. 74 , device 7400 includes ten arms 7414 extending from anchor 7412, five on the right side of the device and five on the left side. One of the arms 7414 is disposed at a respective distal end of anchor 7412. The five arms on the right side of device 7400 are spaced apart and disposed along length section 7412b, and the five arms on the left side of device 74100 are spaced apart and disposed along length section 7412c of anchor 7412. In another example, device 7400 may include fewer or more arms along one or both length sections 7412b and 7412c. In these or other examples, some or all of the arms 7414 may extend from section 7412a of anchor 7412.

[0351] 74, the arm 7414 closest to the right section 7412a of the instrument and the arm 7414 closest to the left section 7412a of the instrument are each connected (by being bonded or integral with) a respective end of an additional rigid section of additional rigid material (or second rigid bar) 7416. The additional rigid section 7416 extends adjacently along section 7412a of the anchor 7412. In another example, the additional rigid section 7416 may also, or alternatively, extend adjacently along part or all of the length of section 7412b or section 7412c (or both sections 7412b and 7412c) of the anchor 7412. While the device 7400 of FIG. 74 further includes one rigid section 7416, another example may include two or more further rigid sections of additional rigid material 7416 (e.g., positioned adjacent to and over two or more of sections 7412a, 7412b, and 7412c, or portions thereof).

[0352] The further rigid section 7416 has along its length dimension a plurality of bracket connectors 7417. The further rigid section 7416 also has a plurality of loops or curved features 7418 formed along its length dimension.

[0353] Each bracket connector 7417 may be a bracket connector (or male connector element) corresponding to any of the bracket connectors (or male connector elements) described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 370,704 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823) or herein. Alternatively, some or all of the bracket connectors 7417 may have another suitable bracket connector configuration. In the example of FIG. 74, the bracket connector 7417 has a configuration corresponding to bracket connectors 266, 267, 268, or 269 described with respect to FIG. 29 of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 865,323.

[0354] 74, four bracket connectors 7417 extend from the further rigid section 7416. The bracket connectors 7417 are spaced apart along the length dimension of the further rigid section 7416, and thus along at least a portion of the corresponding length dimension of the section 7412a of the anchor 7412. In other examples, the appliance 100 may include fewer or more bracket connectors 7417. In certain examples, the bracket connectors 7417 are provided at positions along the length dimension of the further rigid section 7416 that correspond to or are associated with the positions of the teeth that the bracket connectors 7417 connect to when the appliance is installed.

[0355] One or more (or each) of the loop or curve features 7418 in the further rigid section 7416 may be configured to provide flexibility or bias or spring force in one or more directions (or both), force magnitude, durability, or other characteristics based in part on the shape, material, and configuration of the feature 7418. In certain examples, as shown in FIG. 74 , the device 7400 includes five loops or curve features 7418 along the length of the further rigid section 7416. Also, in certain examples, as shown in FIG. 74 , one bracket connector 7417 is disposed between each adjacent pair of loops or curve features 7418.

[0356] The loop or curve feature 7418 may include a loop or curve feature 7418a located at a left end of the further rigid section 7416 and a loop or curve feature 7418b located at a right end of the further rigid section 7416. In such an example, the further rigid section 7416 may be connected to an arm 7414 that extends from the anchor 7412 through the loop or curve features 7418a and 7418b. Thus, one or both of the loop or curve feature 7418a or 7418b may be configured to provide one or more of a desired flexibility, magnitude of biasing force, direction of biasing force, durability, or other property at the interface of the arm extending from the anchor 7412 and the further rigid section 7416.

[0357] 74, all of the bracket connectors 7417 on the further rigid section 7416 are positioned between the loop and curve features 7418a and 7418b. In another example, one or more bracket connectors 7417 can be positioned between one or both features 7418a or 7418b and the respective arms 7414 connected to the ends of the further rigid section 7416.

[0358] Another example may include more or less than five loops or curved features along the length of the additional rigid section 7416, one or more or zero bracket connectors 7417 between each adjacent pair of loops or curved features 7418, or one or more loops or curved features 7418 between two adjacent bracket connectors 7417. The number, configuration, and position of bracket connectors 7417 and loops or curved features 7418 may be selected for the appliance 7400 to provide the desired tooth connection positions and forces on the teeth (when the appliance is installed), as described herein. For example, the number, configuration, and position of bracket connectors 7417 and loops or curved features 7418 are selected to move one or more teeth from an Original Tooth Arrangement (OTA) to a Final Tooth Arrangement (FTA), or to an Intermediate Tooth Arrangement (ITA), or from an ITA to an FTA or another ITA.

[0359] The appliance 7400 is configured to be installed on a patient by coupling the bracket connector element 7414b and the bracket connector 7417 to corresponding brackets (or female connector elements) that are secured to the patient's teeth (or a selected number of teeth) in one of the patient's jaws. The brackets or female connector elements may have any suitable configuration and may be secured to the patient's teeth in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to, the securement configurations and methods described in connection with brackets or female connector elements at reference numbers 700, 1300, 1501, 1601, 1706, 2600, and 2610 of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 370,704 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823).

[0360] The appliance 7400 and associated bracket (or female connector element) may be manufactured by any suitable method, including, but not limited to, any suitable method of manufacturing either the appliance or the bracket (or female connector element) as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 370,704 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823), including, but not limited to, molding, casting, machining, 3D printing, stamping, extrusion, etc. However, in certain examples, the appliance 7400 or the female connector element (or both) are made by cutting the two-dimensional (2D) shape of the appliance from a 2D sheet of material and bending the 2D shape into the desired 3D shape of the appliance, by the process described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 370,704 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823) or another suitable process. In these or other examples, the appliance 100 may be constructed as a single, unitary structure from a single sheet (or type) of material. In another example, the device 7400 may be made up of multiple components joined together in any suitable manner, such as, but not limited to, welding, soldering, adhesives, press or friction fits, mechanical connectors, etc.

[0361] 74, the device 7400 includes a combination of X and Z features (including one or more features of one or more examples according to embodiment Z and one or more features of one or more examples according to embodiment X). With respect to the features according to embodiment X, the device 7400 includes one or more separate arms 7414 extending from one or more rigid bars 7412. With respect to the examples according to embodiment Z, the device 7400 also includes one or more rigid bars 7416 having one or more bracket connectors 7417 and one or more loop or curve features 7418 (force-applying features) formed along its length dimension.

[0362] Another example of an appliance 7500 having a combination of X and Z characteristics is shown in FIGS. 75 and 76. Appliance 7500 is shown in an un-installed state (not installed on a patient) in FIG. 75. Appliance 7500 is shown in an installed state (installed on a patient's teeth) in FIG. 76. Appliance 7500 includes anchor 7522 that corresponds to anchor 7412 of appliance 7400. However, anchor 7522 has a length dimension that includes section 7522a configured to extend along the incisors, lateral incisors, and conical teeth (cuspids) when the appliance is installed, and additional sections 7522b and 7522c configured to extend along some but not all of the premolars or molars. In another embodiment, anchor 7522 may be shorter in length, for example, it may include section 7522a (or a portion of section 7522a), but not portions of sections 7522b or 7522c. In another embodiment, anchor 7522 may include section 7522a and longer section 7522b or longer section 7522c, which, when the appliance is placed, extend to the molar teeth on one side of the appliance 7522. Anchor 7522 may be formed in an arch shape (an arch-shaped member having a generally arch-shaped configuration) that is configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth on one jaw of the patient when the appliance 7500 is placed.

[0363] A plurality of arms 7530 extend from anchor 7522. The arms 7530 of appliance 7500 may correspond in structure and function as described with respect to arms 7414 of appliance 7400. For example, arms 7530 may include spring members and bracket connectors (or male connector elements) similar to those described with respect to arms 7414 of appliance 7400. The arms 7530 may be spaced apart along the length dimension of anchor 7522 in a manner similar to the spacing described with respect to arms 7414 on anchor 7412. However, in appliance 7500, at least some of the arms 7530 are disposed along anchor section 7522a configured to extend along some or all of the incisors, lateral incisors, and canines. In another example, device 7500 may include an additional rigid section (such as, but not limited to, additional rigid section 7416 of device 7400) extending along anchor section 7522a or along some or all of anchor sections 7522b or 7522c instead of or in addition to one or more (or all) of arms 7530 positioned along anchor section 7522a (or along sections 7522b or 7522c).

[0364] 75, the device 7500 includes ten arms 7530 extending from the anchor 7522, including six arms extending from anchor section 7522a, two arms extending from anchor section 7522b, and two arms extending from anchor section 7522c. In another example, the device 7500 may include fewer or more arms along one or more of the length sections 7522a, 7522b, and 7522c.

[0365] The device 7500 also includes additional rigid sections (or second rigid bars) 7526 and 7527, which extend from the right and left ends, respectively, of the anchor 7522. The additional rigid sections 7526 and 7527 each have a longitudinal dimension extending from one end of the anchor 7522 to a distal end 7526a and 7527a, respectively. In another example, the device 7500 may include one of the additional rigid sections 7526 or 7527 but not another additional rigid section 7527 or 7528. In these or other examples, the device 7500 may include one or more additional rigid sections (similar to the additional rigid sections 7526 and 7527) disposed along a portion (or all) of the length of anchor section 7522a in place of (or instead of) anchor section 7522a.

[0366] 75, the further rigid section 7526 has a shape that corresponds to (or is a mirror image of) the shape of the further rigid section 7527. In another example, the further rigid section 7526 may have a shape and configuration that differs from the shape and configuration of the further rigid section 7527.

[0367] Each additional rigid section 7526 and 7527 has a plurality of bracket connectors 7528 and a plurality of loop or curved features 7529 formed along its length dimension. The distal end of each additional rigid section 7526 and 7527 may include a portion of a bracket connector 7528a. Each of the bracket connectors 7528a and loop or curved features 7529 may correspond in structure, arrangement, and function to any of the various examples described with respect to the bracket connector 7417 and loop or curved feature 7418 of the device 7400. In other examples, one or more (or all) of the bracket connectors 7528 or features 7529 may have other suitable structures, configurations, or functions.

[0368] 75, the loop or curve feature 7529 may include a loop or curve feature 7529a at or adjacent where the further rigid section 7526 extends from the anchor 7522 and a further loop or curve feature 7529b at or adjacent where the further rigid section 7527 extends from the anchor 7522. In such examples, the further rigid sections 7526 and 7527 may be connected to the anchor 7522 via the loop or curve feature 7529a or 7529b. In some examples, the loop or curve feature 7529a and 7529b may be curve or loop features on an arm extending from the anchor 7522 (e.g., similar to arm 30). Thus, one or both of the loop or curved features 7529a or 7529b can be configured to provide one or more of the desired flexibility, magnitude of biasing force, direction of biasing force, durability or other properties to the interface of the anchor 7522 and the further rigid sections 7526 and 7527.

[0369] 75, all of the bracket connectors 7528 on the left side of the device 7500 are disposed between the loop or curved feature 7529a and the distal end 7526a of the further rigid section 7526. Similarly, all of the bracket connectors 7528 on the right side of the device 7500 are disposed between the loop or curved feature 7529b and the distal end 7527a of the further rigid section 7527. In another example, one or more bracket connectors 7528 may be disposed between the loop or curved feature 7529a or 7529b and the distal end 7526a or 7527a of the anchor, respectively.

[0370] Similar to the appliance 7400, the number, configuration, and position of the arms 7530, bracket connectors 7528, and loop or curved features 7529 can be selected for the appliance 7500 to provide desired tooth connection locations and desired forces on the teeth (when the appliance is installed), as described herein. For example, the number, configuration, and position of the arms, bracket connectors, and loop or curved features can be selected to move one or more teeth from an original tooth arrangement (OTA) to a final tooth arrangement (FTA), or to an intermediate tooth position (ITA), or from an ITA to an FTA or another ITA.

[0371] For example features according to embodiment X, the device 7500 includes one or more separate arms 30 extending from one or more rigid bars 7522. For example features according to embodiment Z, the device 7500 also includes one or more rigid bars 7526 or 7527 having one or more bracket connectors 7528 and one or more loop or curve features 7529 (force-applying features) formed along its length dimension.

[0372] Another example of an instrument having a combination of X and Z characteristics is described with respect to a 2D member 7700 for forming an instrument, as shown in Figure 77. The 2D instrument member 7700 of Figure 77 is configured to be bent or otherwise formed into a 3D instrument in any suitable manner, including processes such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 370,704 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823). However, instruments having characteristics such as those described with respect to the example of Figure 77 may be made according to another suitable process.

[0373] An apparatus according to the example of Figure 77 may be made and used in a manner similar to or corresponding to that described herein for apparatuses 7400 and 7500. An apparatus according to the example of Figure 77 may include certain features that correspond in structure or function (or both) to some features of apparatus 7400 or apparatus 7500.

[0374] For example, appliance member 7700 includes anchor 7742 that corresponds to anchor 7412 of appliance 7400. Anchor 7742 has a length dimension that includes section 7742a configured to extend along the incisors, lateral incisors, and canines when an appliance formed from appliance member 7700 is installed, and additional sections 7742b and 7742c configured to extend along some but not all of the premolars or molars. In another embodiment, anchor 7742 may be shorter in length, for example, it may include section 7742a (or part of section 7742a) but not include portions of sections 7742b or 7742c. In another embodiment, anchor 7742 may include section 7742a and longer section 7742b or longer section 7742c that extend to the molars on either side of the appliance when the appliance is formed and installed. In yet another embodiment, the device may include an anchor 7742 having a length dimension and has one or two second rigid bars (or additional rigid bar sections) having the features of the Z embodiment (e.g., corresponding to second rigid bars 7526 or 7527 of device 7500).

[0375] Anchor 7742 may have an arch shape (an arch-shaped member having a generally arch-shaped configuration) that is configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in one of the patient's jaws when the appliance is formed and placed. A plurality of arms 7744 extend from anchor 7742. Arms 7744 may correspond in structure and function to those described with respect to arms 7414 or 7530 of appliance 7400 or 7500. For example, arms 7744 may include a spring member and bracket connector (or male connector element) similar to those described with respect to arms 7414 and 7530.

[0376] The arms 7744 may be spaced apart along the length dimension of the anchor 7742 in a manner similar to the spacing described for the arms 7414 on anchor 7412. However, in the instrument member 7700, at least some of the arms 7744 are disposed along anchor section 7742a, which is configured to extend along some or all of the incisors, lateral incisors, and conical (cuspid) teeth. In another example, the instrument member 7700 may include an additional rigid section extending along anchor section 7742a or along some or all of anchor sections 7742b or 7742c (for example, but not limited to, additional rigid section 7416 of the instrument 7400), instead of one or more (or all) of the arms 7744 being disposed along anchor section 7742a (or along sections 7742b or 7742c).

[0377] In the example of FIG. 77 , the instrument member 7700 includes sixteen arms 7744 extending from the anchor 7742 to fourteen bracket connectors 7745a-n. One or more (or all) of the bracket connectors may be connected to or be part of two respective arms 7744, as shown, for example, in FIG. 77 with bracket connectors 7745a and 7745b. One or more (or all) of the separate bracket connectors may be connected to or be part of a single arm 7744, as shown, for example, in FIG. 77 with bracket connectors 7745c-n. In another example, the instrument member 7700 may include fewer or more arms along one or more of the length sections 7742a, 7742b, and 7742c. Furthermore, another example instrument member 7700 may include fewer or more bracket connectors.

[0378] The example instrument member of FIG. 77 includes one or more second rigid bars extending to and between two or more bracket connectors. In the example of FIG. 77, instrument member 7700 includes a second rigid bar having segments 7746a, 7746b, and 7746c extending between bracket connectors 7745b, 7745c, 7745d, and 7745e. Instrument 7740 includes another second rigid bar having segments 7746d, 7746e, 7746f, and 7746g extending between bracket connectors 7745j, 7745k, 7745l, 7745m, and 7745n. In another example, the number and configuration of second rigid bars and segments 7746a-g and the number and location of bracket connectors 7745a-7745n between which the second rigid bar segments extend are selected to provide a desired flexibility and / or force, as described herein.

[0379] Each second rigid bar segment 7746a-7746g can have one or more loop or curved features 7748 formed along its length dimension. Each of the bracket connectors 7745a-7745n and loop or curved features 7748 can correspond in structure, arrangement, and function to any of the various examples described with respect to the bracket connector 7417 and loop or curved feature 7418 of the appliance 7400. In other examples, one or more (or all) of the bracket connectors 7745a-7745n or features 7748 can have another suitable structure, configuration, or function. One or more of the loop or curved features 7748 can be configured to provide one or more of the desired flexibility, bias strength, and bias direction between the two or more bracket connectors 7745a-7745n.

[0380] In certain examples, such as that shown in FIG. 77, the appliance member (or appliance) may include an anchor holder for securing the appliance to the patient's palate. In the example of FIG. 77, the appliance member 7700 includes an anchor holder 7749 or Nance. The anchor holder 7749 is connected (by being bonded or integral with) the anchor 7742. In the example of FIG. 77, the anchor holder 7749 has a round, plate-shaped head portion 7749a connected to the anchor 7742 via a narrow neck section 7749b. A plurality of apertures are provided in the head portion 7749a and the neck portion 7749b of the anchor holder 7749. Once the appliance is formed and placed, one or more temporary fixation devices TADs (or other suitable fixation devices) may be extended through one or more apertures in the anchor holder 7749 and into the patient's palate (soft and hard tissue) to secure the appliance to the patient's palate. In certain examples, the anchor holder 7749 is for securing soft tissue, which is used to assist in securing the appliance. In some examples, the appliance member (or appliance) including the anchor holder may be placed against the soft tissue of the patient's palate without the use of a TAD (or another suitable fixation device) when the appliance is placed. In other examples, a TAD or another suitable anchor holder may be used. An anchor holder (such as, but not limited to, anchor holder 7749) may be included in any of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0381] Another example of an instrument having a combination of X and Z characteristics is described with respect to a 2D member 7800 for forming an instrument, as shown in Figure 78. The 2D instrument member 7800 of Figure 78 is configured to be bent or otherwise formed into a 3D instrument in any suitable manner, including processes such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 370,704 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823). However, instruments having characteristics such as those described with respect to the example of Figure 78 may be made according to another suitable process.

[0382] An instrument according to the example of Figure 78 may be made and used in a manner similar to or corresponding to that described herein for instrument 7400 or 7500, or instrument member 7700. An instrument according to the example of Figure 78 may include certain features that correspond in structure or function (or both) to certain features of instrument 7400 or 7500, or instrument member 7700.

[0383] For example, appliance member 7800 includes anchor 7852, which corresponds to anchor 7412 of appliance 7400, or anchor 7522 of appliance 7500, or anchor 7742 of appliance member 7700. Anchor 7852 has a longitudinal dimension configured to extend along the incisors, lateral incisors, and canines when the appliance is formed and installed. Additional rigid bars or bar sections 7853 and 7854 are connected (joined or extended) to anchor 7852 and extend along some or all of the premolars or molars when the appliance is formed and installed from appliance member 7850. In another example, anchor 7852 may be shorter in length than shown in FIG. 78 , for example, it may extend along some (but not all) of the incisors, lateral incisors, and canines when the appliance is formed and installed. In another example, anchor 7852 may extend further along the premolar or molar (in place of some or all of the bar or one or both of bar sections 7853 and 7854) once the appliance is formed and placed. In yet another example, one or both of sections 7853 and 7854 may be omitted or may be smaller than shown in FIG.

[0384] Anchor 7852 may have an arch shape (an arch-shaped member having a generally arch-shaped configuration) that is configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in one of the patient's jaws when the appliance is formed and placed. A plurality of arms 7856 extend from anchor 7852. Arms 7856 may correspond in structure and function to those described with respect to arms 7414, 7530, or 7744 of appliance 7400 or 7500, or appliance member 7700. For example, arms 7856 may include spring members and bracket connectors (or male connector elements) similar to those described with respect to arms 7414, 7530, or 7744.

[0385] The arms 7856 may be spaced apart along the length dimension of the anchor 7852 in a manner similar to the spacing described with respect to the arms 7414 on the anchor 7412 in Figure 74 or the arms 7744 on the anchor 7742 in Figure 77. In the instrument member 7800, all of the arms 7856 are positioned along the anchor 7852 configured to extend along some or all of the incisors, lateral incisors, and canines.

[0386] In the example of FIG. 78 , the instrument member 7800 includes six arms 7856 extending from the anchor 7852 to six corresponding bracket connectors 7857. Each bracket connector 7857 may be connected to or part of a single respective arm 7856, as shown in FIG. 78 . In another example, one or more (or all) bracket connectors may be connected to or part of two respective arms (e.g., similar to the manner shown in FIG. 77 for bracket connectors 7745a and 7745b). In another example, the instrument member 7800 may include fewer or more arms along the length of the rigid bar 7852. Also, another example instrument member 7800 may include fewer or more bracket connectors.

[0387] The example instrument member of FIG. 78 includes one or more additional rigid bars or bar sections 7853 and 7854 connected to anchor 7852. Each additional rigid bar 7853 and 7854 can have one or more loop or curve features and one or more bracket connectors (or male connector elements) along its length dimension. In the example of FIG. 78, anchors 7853 and 7854 have a total of eight loop or curve features 7858a-7858h and eight bracket connectors (or male connector elements) 7859a-7859h. In other examples, each rigid bar 7853 and 7854 can have more or fewer loops or curve features or bracket connectors than shown in the example of FIG. 78.

[0388] Each of the bracket connectors 7859 and loop or curved features 7858 may correspond in structure, arrangement, and function to any of the various examples described with respect to the bracket connector 7417 and loop or curved feature 7418 of the appliance 7400, or with respect to the bracket connectors 7745a-7745n and loop or curved feature 7748 of the appliance member 7700. In other examples, one or more (or all) of the bracket connectors 7859 or features 7858 may have another suitable structure, configuration, or function. One or more of the loop or curved features 7858 may be configured to provide one or more of a desired flexibility, biasing force strength, or biasing force direction between two or more bracket connectors 7859.

[0389] 78 , the loop or curve feature 7858 may include a loop or curve feature 7858a at or adjacent where the additional rigid bar 7853 extends from the anchor 7852, and a loop or curve feature 7858e at or adjacent where the additional rigid bar 7854 extends from the anchor 7852. In such an example, the additional rigid bars 7853 and 7854 may connect to the anchor 7852 via the loop or curve feature 7858a or 7858e. Thus, one or both of the loop or curve feature 7858a or 7858e may be configured to provide one or more of a desired flexibility, magnitude of biasing force, direction of biasing force, durability, or another property at the interface of the anchor 7852 and the additional rigid bars 7853 and 7854.

[0390] Further exemplary instruments (or instrument members) 7900, 8000, 8100, and 8200 having combinations of X and Z features are shown in Figures 79-82, respectively, and may be made and used in a manner similar to or corresponding to that described herein for instrument 7400 or 7500, or instrument member 7700 or 7800. An instrument according to any of the examples of Figures 79-82 may include certain features that correspond in structure or function (or both) to some of the features of instrument 7400 or 7500, or instrument member 7700 or 7800.

[0391] In particular, each of instruments (or instrument members) 7900, 8000, 8100, and 8200 includes one or more rigid bars and one or more separate arms extending from the one or more rigid bars, e.g., in accordance with features of the X embodiments described herein. In particular, instrument (or instrument member) 7900 includes two rigid bars 7962 and 7963. Instrument 8000 (or instrument member) includes anchor 8072. Instrument 8100 includes anchor 8182, and instrument 8200 (or instrument member) includes anchor 8292. Anchors 7962, 8182, and 8292 each have a length dimension configured to extend along two or more teeth when the appliance is formed and placed. However, anchors 7963 and 8072 each have a length dimension configured to extend along a single tooth when the appliance is formed and placed. Anchors 7962, 7963, 8072, 8183 and 8292 may correspond in structure to anchors 7412 of instrument 7400, anchors 7522 of instrument 7500, anchors 7742 of instrument member 7700, or anchors 7852 of instrument member 7800, respectively. Other examples may include any suitable number, size, and location of rigid bars.

[0392] Each of instruments (or instrument members) 7900, 8000, 8100, and 8200 includes one or more arms (or multiple arms) extending from one or more rigid bars. For example, instrument (or instrument member) 7900 includes two arms 7964a and 7964b extending from anchor 7962 and a third arm 7964c extending from anchor 7963. Instrument (or instrument member) 8000 includes one arm 8074 extending from anchor 8072. Instrument (or instrument member) 8100 includes arms 8184a and 8184b extending from anchor 8182. Instrument 8200 (or instrument member) includes one arm 8294 extending from anchor 8292. Each arm extends to a respective bracket connector (or male connector element).

[0393] Each of instruments (or instrument members) 7900, 8000, 8100, and 8200 includes one or more further rigid sections, which have the features of the Z embodiment and are connected (by being joined or integral with) anchors 7962, 7963, 8072, 8183, or 8292 via one or more arms. For example, instrument (or instrument member) 7900 includes further rigid section 7966 connected to anchor 7962 via arms 7964a and 7964b, and to anchor 7963 via arm 7964c. Similarly, instrument (or instrument member) 8000 includes further rigid section 8076, which is connected to anchor 8072 via arm 8074. Similarly, instrument (or instrument member) 8100 includes further rigid section 8186, which is connected to anchor 8182 via arm 8184b. Similarly, the instrument (or instrument member) 8200 also includes a further rigid section 8296 , which is connected to the anchor 8292 via an arm 8294 .

[0394] Each of the additional rigid sections 7966, 8076, 8186, and 8296 has a length dimension that extends in a generally arcuate configuration. One or more bracket connectors and one or more loop or curve features (force application features) are provided along the length dimension of the one or more additional rigid sections 7966, 8076, 8186, and 8296. For example, rigid section 7966 of instrument (or instrument member) 7900 has eight bracket connectors 7968 and seven loop or curve features 7969. Similarly, rigid section 8076 of instrument (or instrument member) 8000 has eight bracket connectors 8078 and seven loops or curved features 8079, rigid section 8186 of instrument (or instrument member) 8180 has eight bracket connectors 8188 and seven loops or curved features 8189, and rigid section 8296 of instrument (or instrument member) 8290 has eight bracket connectors 8298 and seven loops or curved features 8299. Any of the examples described herein may include one or more additional bracket connectors that are connected to anchors but not to additional rigid sections, for example, the bracket connector at the distal end of arm 8184a of instrument (or instrument member) 8100 in FIG. 81 .

[0395] In the example shown in Figures 79-82, each loop or curve feature (7969, 8079, 8189, or 8299) is positioned between pairs of adjacent bracket connectors (7968, 8078, 8188, or 8298) along the length dimension of the further rigid section (7966, 8076, 8186, or 8296, respectively). In another example, the further rigid section may not include a loop or curve feature (or more than one loop or curve feature) between any adjacent pairs of bracket connectors. The number, configuration, and location of the loop or curve features on the further rigid section 7966, 8076, 8186, or 8296 may be selected to provide desired tooth connection locations and desired forces on the teeth when the appliance is installed, as described herein.

[0396] Additional examples of appliances (or appliance members) are shown in Figures 83-85, each including multiple additional rigid sections, each having features of the Z embodiment. Exemplary appliance (or appliance member) 8300 of Figure 83 has four additional rigid sections 8352, 8353, 8354, and 8355 extending from a T-shaped central rigid bar 8356. Central rigid bar 8356 has a generally T-shape. Exemplary appliance (or appliance member) 8400 of Figure 84 has four additional rigid sections 8462, 8463, 8464, and 8465 extending from a central rigid palate plate 8466. Central rigid palate plate 8466 is shaped to fit against the patient's palate. The exemplary instrument (or instrument member) 8500 of FIG. 85 has four additional rigid sections 8572, 8573, 8574, and 8575 extending from a central, annular-shaped rigid bar 8576. In any of the instruments described herein, one or more of the arms, loops, or curved features, or bracket connector elements may be omitted and replaced, for example, with portions of anchors or additional rigid sections formed with minimal or no flexible rigidity to improve fixation.

[0397] In each of the examples of Figures 74-85, the appliance (or appliance member) includes one or more X embodiment features (in combination with one or more Z embodiment features) and includes one or more arms (or arms) extending to one or more bracket connectors (or male connector elements). One or more (or each) of the arms may include one or more spring member features. Any of the arms, spring members, and bracket connectors (or male connector elements) of Figures 74-85 may have any suitable configuration, including the configurations shown in their respective Figures 74-85. In other examples, any one or more of the arms, spring members, or bracket connectors (or male connector elements) in any of those or other appliances (or appliance members) described herein may have another suitable configuration according to any of the other arms, spring members, or bracket connectors (or male connector elements) described herein.

[0398] Further examples of arms that may be used as one or more arms in any of the examples described herein or in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 370,704 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823), or in yet another instrument example, are described with reference to Figures 86-90. Each example arm extends from an anchor to an associated bracket connector (or male connector element). The anchors may correspond to the anchors in any of the examples in Figures 74-85, or in another example described herein, or in yet another instrument or instrument member example.

[0399] Each of arms 8600-8608, 8909-8930, 9031, and 9032 includes a spring member 8600b-8608b, 8909b-8930b, 9031b, and 9032b. In another example, an arm may include multiple spring members. In certain examples, each spring member has a configuration (including shape, material, and size) that provides one or more of a desired flexibility, magnitude of biasing force, direction of biasing force, durability, or other characteristic. The number, configuration, and position of the spring members may be selected to provide a desired force (when the appliance is installed) to the teeth to which the bracket connectors of the appliance connect when the appliance is installed as described herein. For example, the number, configuration, and position of the spring members may be selected to move one or more teeth from an original tooth arrangement (OTA) to a final tooth arrangement (FTA), or an intermediate tooth arrangement (ITA), or from an ITA to an FTA or another ITA.

[0400] The arm 8600 includes a spring member 8600b, which is shaped to have two open loop portions positioned adjacent to one another in a horizontal direction (a direction generally parallel to the length dimension of the anchor 8633) to form an "S" shape in that horizontal direction. In another example, the spring member can have one open loop or two or more open loops. In the example of FIG. 86 , the bracket connector 8600a of the arm 8600 is positioned vertically above where the arm joins or extends from the anchor 8633 (and is centered along axis A, perpendicular to the length dimension of the anchor 8633, at the location where the arm 8600 connects to the anchor 8633). In another example, the bracket connector 8600a can be positioned laterally offset from axis A (e.g., to the right or left of axis A).

[0401] The example arm 8600 in FIG. 86 includes a linear arm section 8600c that extends from the spring member 8600b to the bracket connector 8600a. In some examples, the linear arm section 8600c may extend along axis A, as shown in FIG. 86. In another example, the linear arm section 8600c is spaced laterally from axis A, but may be parallel to axis A, or may extend at a transverse (non-parallel) angle to axis A. In another example, the arm section 8600c may be non-linear (curved or another suitable shape) or may be omitted (so that the spring member 8600b extends to the bracket connector 8600a). In certain examples, arm section 8600c (or a corresponding arm section of another arm described herein) has a length dimension sufficient to be grasped by an operator, physician, or other trained person (using a tool, such as, but not limited to, a Weingart tool described herein) during installation of the device to assist in guiding bracket connector 8600a into engagement with the bracket.

[0402] The two open loop portions of spring member 8600b of arm 8600 have a generally rectangular shape and include one or more straight edges (e.g., the horizontal and vertical edges of spring member 8600b in FIG. 86) that meet at rounded corners. In another example, the open loop portions of the spring members may have curved edges or may extend in a vertical (axis A) direction or a horizontal direction (perpendicular to axis A), or in a direction that is at an obtuse angle to axis A.

[0403] For example, arm 8601 in FIG. 86 has spring member 8601b and arm section 8601c, which are similar in shape and configuration to spring member 8600b and arm section 8600c of arm 8600. However, the two open loop portions of spring member 8601b of arm 8601 have rounded edges. In addition, the two open loop portions of spring member 8601b extend further in the vertical direction (in the direction of axis A) than in the horizontal direction (perpendicular to the direction of axis A). In another example, the open loop portions of spring member 8601b may extend further in the horizontal direction or in a direction at an obtuse angle relative to axis A than in the vertical direction. Similarly, another example of spring member 8600b of arm 8600 may have longer loop portions in the vertical, horizontal, or obtuse angle directions relative to axis A.

[0404] FIG. 86 shows another example of an arm 8602 including a spring member 8602b having two open loop portions disposed adjacent to one another in a horizontal direction (a direction generally parallel to the length dimension of the anchor 8633), forming a horizontally oriented "S" shape. However, the center of the bracket connector 8602a of the arm 8602 is laterally offset from axis A, such that the bracket connector 8602a is disposed mostly or completely on one side of axis A (the left side of FIG. 86). In another example, the spring member 8602b may be oriented in the opposite direction as shown, such that the bracket connector 8602a is disposed mostly or completely on the other side of axis A (the right side of FIG. 86).

[0405] In the arm 8602, the spring member 8602b is configured such that the entire spring member 8602b (or substantially the entire spring member 8602b) is vertically disposed below the bracket connector 8602a (between the bracket connector 8602a and the anchor 8633). In another example, some or all of the spring member 8602b can be disposed laterally offset (perpendicular to axis A) from the bracket connector 8602a.

[0406] For example, in FIG. 86, arm 8603 has spring member 8603b and arm section 8603c, which are similar in shape and configuration to spring member 8602b and arm section 8602c of arm 8602. However, the two open loop portions of spring member 8603b extend laterally beyond the open loop portion of spring member 8602b. As a result, a substantial portion of spring member 8603b (e.g., one of the loop portions) is laterally offset from bracket connector 8603a in a direction perpendicular to axis A.

[0407] Arm 8604 includes a spring member 8604b and an arm section 8604c, which are similar in shape and configuration to spring member 8603b and arm section 8603c of arm 8603. However, the two loop portions of spring member 8604b are shaped differently from loop portion 8603b. In particular, one open loop feature of spring member 8604b has a "U" shape, with one side or arm of the "U" shaped loop extending to bracket connector 8604a and another side or arm of the "U" shaped loop extending from another loop of spring member 8604b. Additionally, the length of arm section 8604c is shorter than the length of arm section 8603c. In certain examples, the lengths of arm sections 8600c-8630c may be selected to provide a desired distance between bracket connectors 8600a-8630a and anchor 8633. The length of the arm sections can be selected to correspond to or fit the desired or particular patient's tooth arrangement.

[0408] FIG. 86 shows another example of arms 8605, 8605′, 8606, 8607, and 8608, which include spring members shaped with two or more open loop portions arranged adjacent to each other in a horizontal direction (a direction generally parallel to the length dimension of anchor 8633), where the spring members form an “S” shape lying in that horizontal direction.

[0409] Arms 8605 and 8605' in FIG. 86 are each connected to the same (common) bracket connector, such that bracket connector 8605a is connected to anchor 8633 via two arms 8605 and 8605'. Arm 8605 has spring member 8605b similar in shape to spring member 8603b but oriented in the opposite direction. Arm 8605' has spring member 8605b' similar in shape to spring member 8602b. In another example, arms 8605 and 8605' may have spring members having any suitable configuration, shape, and size, including, but not limited to, those described herein or in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 370,704 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823).

[0410] Arm 8606 in FIG. 86 includes a spring member 8606b having two or more (i.e., four) open loop portions. Other examples of that or other spring members described herein may include any suitable number of loop portions. Spring member 8607b of arm 8607 in FIG. 86 has loop portions that extend in a direction that is at an obtuse angle relative to axis A. Arm 8608 in FIG. 86 includes a spring member 8608b that is similar in shape to spring member 8603b. However, arm 8608 includes arm section 8608c that is wider (in the horizontal dimension) than other sections of arm 8608. Other examples of any of the arm members described herein or in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 370,704 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823) may include an arm section (similar to arm section 8608c) that is wider than other sections of the arm.

[0411] 87 and 88 show exemplary configurations in which the attachment portion is coupled directly to the anchor (not shown in FIG. 87) by a single connector or via multiple connectors.

[0412] FIG. 89 shows additional examples of arms 8909, 8914, 8915, and 8922-8930, which include spring members shaped with at least two open loop portions arranged adjacent to one another in a horizontal direction (a direction generally parallel to the length dimension of anchor 8933) to form an "S" shape across the horizontal direction. FIG. 89 also shows additional examples of arms 8910, 8912, and 8917-8921, which include spring members shaped with at least two open loop portions arranged adjacent to one another in a vertical direction (a direction generally perpendicular to the length dimension of anchor 8933) to form one or more "S" shapes across the vertical direction. FIG. 89 shows additional example of arm 8911 having a "U"-shaped spring member 8911b. Additional example of arm 8913 in FIG. 89 includes spring member 8913b formed with two right-angle bends along the length dimension of the arm.

[0413] In any of the examples described herein, the width dimension of an arm, or selected portions of an arm, may be selected to provide one or more of a desired flexibility, magnitude of biasing force, direction of biasing force, durability, or another characteristic. For example, arms 8915 and 8916 have similar shapes, but the width dimension of arm 8915 is greater than the width of arm 8916. As another example, arms 8922, 8923, and 8924 in FIG. 89 have similar shapes, but the width dimension of arm 8924 is greater than the width of arm 8923. Similarly, the width dimension of arm 8923 is greater than the width of arm 8922. In further examples, in addition to or instead of variable width dimensions, one or more arms (or selected portions of arms) may have variable thickness dimensions (dimensions into or out of the plane of the page in FIG. 89 ) for a desired flexibility, magnitude or direction of biasing force, durability, or other characteristic. In certain instances, the arms may be made smaller in width or thickness dimension (or both) relative to the anchors 8933 from which they extend, such that the anchors 8933 can provide more rigid fixation, while the arms can provide the desired flexibility and resilience. The variation in width or thickness dimension can be provided by any suitable process, including but not limited to, machining, molding, laser cutting, 3D printing, or sinker EDM (electrical discharge machining), to vary the thickness of the portion of the instrument member cut from a sheet. In addition to, or alternatively to, selecting or varying the width or thickness dimension, the length of the arms can be selected to provide or contribute the desired flexibility, bias, magnitude or direction, durability, or another characteristic.

[0414] As another example, arms 8925, 8926, and 8927 in FIG. 89 have similar shapes, but the width dimension of arm 8927 is greater than the width of arm 8926, which is greater than the width of arm 8925. As yet another example, arms 8928, 8929, and 8930 in FIG. 89 have similar shapes, but the width dimension of arm 8930 is greater than the width of arm 8929, which is greater than the width of arm 8928. Each of the exemplary arms 8909-8930 shown in FIG. 89 has a constant, uniform width dimension throughout the arm. In another example, the width dimension of one or more portions of any of arms 8900-8932 can be greater or less than the width dimension of one or more other portions of the same arm.

[0415] Figure 90 shows a further example of two adjacent arms 9031 and 9032 extending from an anchor 9033 of an instrument, instrument member (or portion of an instrument or instrument member). Each arm 9031 and 9032 extends to an associated bracket connector (or male connector element) 9031a or 9031b. Each of the arms 9031 and 9032 includes a spring member 9031b or 9032b and an arm section 9031c or 9032c that extends from the spring member to the bracket connector 9031a or 9032a.

[0416] The bracket connector 9031a is configured to connect to a bracket fixed to a first tooth 9034 of the patient's jaw, and the bracket connector 9032a is configured to connect to a bracket fixed to a second tooth 9035 of the patient's jaw. The first tooth 9034 and the second tooth 9035 may be adjacent teeth of the patient's jaw. In another example, one or more other teeth (or extracted tooth positions) may be located between the first tooth 9034 and the second tooth 9035. In one example, the tooth 9034 may be a canine tooth and the tooth 9035 may be a second premolar. In another example, the teeth 9034 and 9035 may be other teeth of the patient's jaw (upper or lower jaw).

[0417] In certain instances, the arm configuration can be selected to provide one or more of the desired flexibility, biasing force magnitude, biasing force direction, durability, or other characteristics. For example, arms configured according to examples 8600 and 8601 can provide sufficient force (magnitude and direction) to impart some, but limited, amount of occlusal-gingival or buccolingual movement when the appliance is in place. Arms configured according to examples 8602, 8603, and 8604 can provide sufficient force (magnitude and direction) for extrusion or occlusal-gingival movement. Arms configured to be relatively rigid can be used when the teeth connected to the arms are not moved (or moved only a limited amount) and may also be used for fixation. In certain examples, arms configured according to examples 8606, 8607, and 8608 can be used in the case of tooth extraction to apply force near the center of resistance of the tooth and prevent the tooth from tipping, and arm sections 8606c, 8607c, and 8608c in these examples are formed wider than other portions of the arm so that the arm can function as a power arm.

[0418] In certain examples, the arms of any of Figures 86, 89, or 90 (or other arms described herein) can be configured to provide a biasing force in a direction and magnitude at a desired location along the length of the arm, and thus relative to the patient's tooth structure. For example, the arms shown in Figure 90 can be configured to apply a force to one or both of teeth 9034 and 9035 (when bracket connectors 9031a and 9032a are connected to the respective brackets of teeth 9034 and 9035), with the force on each tooth being directed toward the adjacent tooth. In certain examples, arms 9031 and 9032 are configured to apply a force to one or both of teeth 9034 and 9035 at a location along the length dimension of each tooth that corresponds to the center of resistance location. In the drawings, in Figure 90, teeth 9034 and 9035 are shown laterally adjacent to their respective arms 9031 and 9032. However, it will be understood that when the bracket connectors 9031a and 9032a are connected to the brackets on the respective teeth 9034 and 9035, as described herein, each of the bracket connectors 9031a and 9032a is positioned on or directly adjacent to the surface of the respective tooth 9034 and 9035 to which the bracket (not shown in FIG. 90) is fixed.

[0419] In the example of Figure 90, arm 9031 is configured such that arm section 9031c is generally parallel to but laterally offset from axis A1 (the axial direction perpendicular to the length dimension of anchor 9033 where arm 9031 connects to anchor 9033). Similarly, arm 9032 is configured such that arm section 9032c is generally parallel to but laterally offset from axis A2 (the axial direction perpendicular to the length dimension of anchor 9033 where arm 9031 connects to anchor 9033).

[0420] In particular, arm section 9031c is laterally offset from axis A1 in a direction to the left of A1, such that spring member 9031b of arm 9031 and axis A1 are disposed between arm section 9031c and arm 9032. Similarly, arm section 9032c is laterally offset from axis A2 in a direction to the left of A2, such that spring member 9032b of arm 9032 and axis A2 are disposed between arm section 9032c and arm 9031. Additionally, spring members 9031b and 9032b of arms 9031 and 9032 are configured such that (when arms 9031 and 9032 are connected to their respective teeth 9034 and 9035) arm 9031 exerts a force F1 on tooth 9034 in a direction toward arm 9032, and arm 9032 exerts a force F2 on tooth 9035 in a direction toward arm 9033. The magnitude of forces F1 and F2 depends on one or more (or a combination thereof) of the shape and configuration of arms 9031 and 9032 (including spring members 9031b and 9032b), the lateral spacing between arms 9031 and 9033, and the thickness and material of arms 9031 and 9032.

[0421] 90, spring members 9031b and 9032b of arms 9031 and 9032 are positioned adjacent to (or relatively close to) anchor 9033. Additionally, the lengths of arm sections 9031c and 9032c can be configured to position anchor 9033 at or near the centers of resistance 9034a and 9035a of the respective teeth 9034 and 9035. In this manner, spring members 9031b and 9032b can be positioned at or near the centers of resistance 9034a and 9035a of the respective teeth 9034 and 9035 (to impart force F1 or F2 to tooth 9034 or 9035 at or near the centers of resistance 9034a or 9035a of tooth 9034 or 9035). In another example, arms 9031 and 9032 may be configured to apply force F1 or F2 to tooth 9034 or 9035 at a location that is spaced a specified distance (vertically offset in the orientation of FIG. 90) from the center of resistance 9034a or 9035a of tooth 9034 or 9035. In such another example, force F1 or F2 may have a lever-like action on tooth 9034 or 9035, with the center of resistance acting as a fulcrum. The center of resistance of a tooth may depend on various factors, including root depth and angle, tooth type, and other factors. In certain examples described herein, the appliance (or method) may include one or more arms configured to apply one or more forces to one or more teeth, and the direction and magnitude of the one or more forces may be selected, and the location of the forces (relative to the center of resistance of the tooth) may be selected, in part, based on the configuration of the arms (e.g., including the configuration of spring members 9031b, 9032b, the distance and location of the spring members relative to anchor 9033, and the length of arm sections 9031c, 9032c).

[0422] Each of the exemplary arms 8600-8608 in Figure 86 and arms 9031 and 9032 in Figure 90 is shown as extending to (integrally formed with or coupled to) a bracket connector 100a-108a having an annular or ring shape, specifically a square annular shape (having a substantially square periphery and a substantially square opening). In other examples, the annular or ring-shaped bracket connector can have a substantially circular or rounded shape, an oval shape (having a circular or oval periphery and a circular or oval opening), or another suitable shape.

[0423] Each of the example arms 8909-8930 in Figure 89 extends to a bracket connector 8900a-8908a in a T-shaped configuration. In certain examples, such T-shaped bracket connectors may correspond to the T-shaped male connector elements described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 370,704 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823) (such as those identified by reference numbers 1802, 1822, or 2500 therein).

[0424] In another example, any of the arms described with respect to Figures 86 and 90 can extend in place of (be integrally formed with or coupled to) bracket connectors 8600a-8608a to any of the T-shaped bracket connectors of Figure 89 or another bracket connector (or male connector element) described herein or in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 370,704 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823). Similarly, in another example, any of the arms described with respect to Figure 89 can extend in place of bracket connectors 8909a-8930a to any of the annular or ring-shaped bracket connectors described with respect to the example of Figure 86 or another bracket connector (or male connector element) described herein or in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 370,704 (Publication No. 2017 / 0156823).

[0425] Figures 91 and 92 show specific examples of features of the Z embodiment, including a rigid bar (9130 in Figure 91 and 9240 in Figure 92) with various example loop or curve features (9131-9138 in Figure 91 and 9241-9248 in Figure 92) between associated pairs of bracket connectors (or male connector elements).

[0426] Each of the loop or curved features 9131-9138 and 9241-9248 in Figures 91 and 92 includes a pair of linear arm sections joined by one or more curved sections. For example, the loop or curved feature 9131 in Figure 91 includes first and second linear arm sections 9131a and 9131b extending from the remainder of the rigid bar 9130 to the curved section 9131c. In each of the examples in Figures 91 and 92, both the first and second arm sections of the loop or curved feature are larger (e.g., wider) in at least one dimension than the corresponding dimension of the curved section of that feature. For example, each of the linear arm sections 9131a and 9131b of the loop or curved feature 9131 in Figure 91 has a dimension that is larger (e.g., wider) than the corresponding dimension (width) of the curved section 9131c of that feature 9131.

[0427] In another example, one, but not both, of the first and second arm sections of any of loop or curved features 9131-9138 or 9241-9248 can be formed to be larger (e.g., wider) in at least one dimension than the corresponding dimension of the curved section. In another example, the curved section of any of features 9131-9138 or 9241-9248 can be formed to be larger (e.g., wider) in at least one dimension than the corresponding dimension of one or both of the arm sections. This allows the appliance to apply force closer to the center of resistance of the tooth (or any desired location along the length of the tooth based on the location of the larger or wider section). In yet another example, the first and second linear arm sections and the curved sections of any of features 9131-9138 or 9241-9248 can be formed to have uniform or constant corresponding dimensions (e.g., width).

[0428] The loop or curved feature 9131 includes a curved section 9131c (an inverted U in the orientation of FIG. 91 ) having a generally U-shaped portion 9131d, and two laterally extending curved loop portions 9131e and 9131f (located on two respective sides of the U-shaped portion 9131d). The U-shaped portion 9131d extends along between the first arm section 9131a and the second arm section 9131b. The curved loop portion 9131e connects one end of the U-shaped portion 9131d to the first arm section 9131a, while the curved loop portion 9131f connects the other end of the U-shaped portion 9131d to the second arm section 9131b. Each of the curved loop portions 9131e and 9131f has a rounded closed end that is wider (in the horizontal dimension of FIG. 91 ) than the remainder of the curved loop portion of the feature 9131. The wide rounded ends (9131e' and 9131f') may increase flexibility while simultaneously reducing the risk of breakage.

[0429] Loop or curved feature 9132 has a configuration similar to that described with respect to feature 9131. For example, loop or curved feature 9132 may include first and second linear arm sections 9132a and 9132b and curved section 9132c having U-shaped portion 9132d and curved loop portions 9132e and 9132f (corresponding to sections 9131a, 9131b, and 9132c and portions 9131d, 9131e, and 9131f of feature 9131). However, U-shaped portion 9132d of loop or curved feature 9132 is smaller than U-shaped portion 9131d of loop or curved feature 9131. 91, U-shaped portion 9131d extends along approximately 75 percent of the length of first and second arm sections 9131a and 9131b, while U-shaped portion 9132d extends along approximately 25 percent of the length of first and second arm sections 9132e and 9132f. In another example, U-shaped portion 9131d or 9132d may extend along any suitable portion of the length of the first and second arm sections. A longer U-shaped portion (as shown in 9131d) may be more flexible than a shorter U-shaped portion (as shown in 9132d).

[0430] Another example of loop or curved feature 9133 also includes first and second linear arm sections 9133a and 9133b and curved section 9133c (e.g., corresponding to arm sections 9131a and 9131b and curved section 9131c of feature 9131). However, linear arm sections 9133a and 9133b have a shorter length than linear arm sections 9131a and 9131b of feature 9131. The linear arm sections of any of loop or curved features 9131-9138 or 9241-9248 may be any suitable length (or may have different lengths for the first and second arm sections). The length of the linear arm sections of a loop or curved feature may at least partially determine the amount of force applied to an adjacent tooth.

[0431] The curved section 9133c of the loop or curved feature 9133 has a generally U-shaped portion 9133d (an inverted U in the orientation of FIG. 91) and two laterally extending curved loop portions 9133e and 9133f (located on two respective sides of the U-shaped portion 9133d). However, the generally U-shaped portion 9133d has an enlarged section 9133d' adjacent the location where the curved loop portions 9133e and 9133f connect to the generally U-shaped portion 9133d. The enlarged section 9133d' is larger (e.g., wider) in at least one dimension (the horizontal dimension in the orientation of FIG. 91) than the remainder of the generally U-shaped portion 9133d. The curved loop portions 9133e and 9133f generally correspond to the curved loop portions 9131e and 9131f of the feature 9131. However, curved loop portion 9133e does not extend laterally beyond the left side of first arm section 9133a, and curved loop portion 9133f does not extend laterally beyond (or much beyond) the right side of second arm section 9133b, compared to the lateral extension of curved or loop portions 9131e and 9131f. The narrower profile provided by curved loop portions 9133e and 9133f (compared to curved or loop portions 9131e or 9131f) can be beneficial in contexts where bracket connectors are close together (e.g., on anterior teeth or in another context where space in the mesio-distal or lateral dimensions is limited).

[0432] Another example of loop or curved feature 9135 also includes first and second linear arm sections 9135a and 9135b and a curved section 9135c. Linear arm sections 9135a and 9135b are similar to linear arm sections 9133a and 9133b of feature 9133. However, curved section 9135c has a C-shaped or open-circle shaped portion 9135d (shaped like a circle with open edges) instead of the U-shape described for feature 9133. Curved section 9135c also has two laterally extending curved loop portions 9135e and 9135f (corresponding to curved loop portions 9133e and 9133f of feature 9133) located on two respective sides of C-shaped portion 9135d.

[0433] Another example of loop or curved feature 9134 also includes first and second linear arm sections 9134a and 9134b and a curved section 9134c. Linear arm sections 9134a and 9134b are similar to linear arm sections 9133a and 9133b of feature 9133. However, curved section 9134c has a C-shape or open dome shape (circular in shape with open edges). The radius of the circular shape of curved section 9134c can be selected to provide desired performance characteristics. For example, each of loop or curved features 9136, 9137, and 9138 has a similar shape and configuration to that of loop or curved feature 9134, but has a circular shape with a different diameter. In particular, loop or curved feature 9136 includes first and second linear arm sections 9136a and 9136b and a curved section 9136c having a smaller diameter than curved section 9134c of feature 9134. Similarly, loop or curved feature 9137 includes first and second linear arm sections 9137a and 9137b and a curved section 9137c having a smaller diameter than curved section 9136c of feature 9136. Similarly, loop or curved feature 9138 includes first and second linear arm sections 9138a and 9138b and a curved section 9138c having a smaller diameter than curved section 9137c of feature 9137. The smaller diameter may be beneficial in certain contexts, for example, for certain types of teeth or when space in the lateral dimension is limited.

[0434] Another example of loop or curved feature 9241 in FIG. 92 has a configuration that has some similarities to the configuration of loop or curved feature 9131 in FIG. 91. In particular, loop or curved feature 9241 includes first and second linear arm sections 9241a and 9241b and curved section 9241c. Linear arm sections 9241a and 9241b are similar to linear arm sections 9131a and 9131b of feature 9131. Curved section 9241c also has a generally U-shaped portion 9241d (similar to generally U-shaped portion 9131d of feature 9131). However, curved section 9241c of feature 9240 has two laterally extended curved loop portions 9241e and 9241f, which have a C-shape or open-edged circle shape, respectively, instead of the curved loop shape of feature 9131. Loop or curved feature 9248 has a similar configuration as loop or curved feature 9241 .

[0435] Another example of loop or curved feature 9245 in Figure 92 has a configuration that has some similarities to the configuration of loop or curved feature 9131 in Figure 91. In particular, loop or curved feature 9245 includes first and second linear arm sections 9245a and 9245b and curved section 9245c. Linear arm sections 9245a and 9245b are similar to linear arm sections 9131a and 9131b of feature 9131. Additionally, curved section 9245c has a generally U-shaped portion 9245d (corresponding to generally U-shaped portion 9131d of feature 9131). However, generally U-shaped portion 9245d has an enlarged section 9245d' at the closed end of U-shaped portion 9245d, and a second enlarged section 9245d" where curved loop portions 9245e and 9245f connect to generally U-shaped portion 9245d. Enlarged sections 9245d' and 9245d" are each larger (e.g., wider) in at least one dimension (the horizontal dimension in the orientation of FIG. 92) than the other sections of generally U-shaped portion 9245d. Curved loop portions 9245e and 9245f generally correspond to curved loop portions 9131e and 9131f of feature 9131.

[0436] 92 has a configuration that corresponds to the configuration of feature 9245 (including first and second arm sections 9246a, 9246b and curved section 9246c with generally U-shaped portion 9246d that are similar to the corresponding portions of feature 9245), but loop or curved feature 9246 has curved loop portions 9246e and 9246f that correspond in shape to curved loop portions 9241e and 9241f of feature 9241.

[0437] Another example of loop or curved feature 9247 in Figure 92 has a configuration corresponding to that of feature 9241 (including first and second arm sections 9247a, 9247b and curved section 9247c having curved loop portions 9247e and 9247f that correspond in shape to curved loop portions 9241e and 9241f of feature 9241). However, curved section 9247c of loop or curved feature 9247 has a C-shaped or open circle-shaped portion 9247d (having the shape of a circle with an open edge) instead of the generally U-shaped illustrated in feature 9241d.

[0438] Other examples of loop or curved features 9242, 9243, and 9244 in Figure 92 also include first and second linear arm sections and a curved section. The curved section of each of loop or curved features 9242, 9243, and 9244 may include various combinations of generally U-shaped portions and C- or open circle-shaped portions, and may be configured to provide a desired flexibility, bias or spring force in one or more directions (or both), force magnitude, durability, or other characteristic.

[0439] FIG. 93A is a top view of a flat version of an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, and FIG. 93B is a treatment configuration of the appliance shown in FIG. 93A.

[0440] FIG. 94 illustrates an orthodontic appliance constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology shown installed in a patient's mouth.

[0441] IV. SELECTED DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TOOTH ATTACHMENT According to some aspects of the present technology, one or more portions of the orthodontic appliances and / or fixation members disclosed herein can be configured to have a low profile (e.g., in a dimension extending away from the teeth, including in the buccolingual, mesiodistal, and / or occlusal-gingival directions). A low profile can improve the patient experience because the appliances and / or fixation members are typically less noticeable to the patient and less likely to disturb surrounding tissues.

[0442] For example, Fig. 95 shows a low-profile attachment portion 9540 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In Fig. 95, the attachment portion 9540 is shown coupled to a serpentine bias portion 9550, which, along with the attachment portion 9540, includes arms 9530 extending from anchors 9520. It will be understood that the attachment portion 9540 may be used with any of the arm configurations described herein and / or may be coupled to any of the bias portions and / or connectors described herein.

[0443] As shown in FIG. 95 , the attachment portion 9540 may include a base 9551 and first and second arms 9556 a, 9556 b (collectively “arms 9556”) coupled to and extending laterally away from the base 9551. The base 9551 may include a proximal region 9552 proximal to where the arms 9556 connect to the base 9551 and a distal region 9554 distal to where the arms 9556 connect to the base 9551 (and distal to the proximal region 9552). The first arm 9556 a may be disposed at a first angle θ1 relative to the base 9551, and the second arm 9556 b may be disposed at a second angle θ2 relative to the base 9551. The base 9551 can extend in a first direction A1, and the arms 9556 can extend in a second direction A2 that is angled relative to the first direction A1. In some embodiments, the arms 9556 extend away from the base 9551 at substantially the same longitudinal position and / or at substantially the same angle. In some embodiments, the arms 9556 extend away from the base 9551 at different longitudinal positions and / or at different angles.

[0444] The first and second angles θ1, θ2 can be the same as or different from one another. In some embodiments, the first angle θ1 is (i) at least 30°, (ii) not more than 120°, or (iii) within the range of 30-120°, or any increment between one of these ranges (e.g., 35°, 90°, 110°, etc.). In these and other embodiments, the second angle θ2 is (i) at least 30°, (ii) not more than 120°, or (iii) within the range of 30-120°, or any increment between one of these ranges (e.g., 35°, 90°, 110°, etc.). In some embodiments, the first region 9554 is generally orthogonal to the second region 9556.

[0445] As described herein, the attachment portion 9540 is configured to removably couple the arm 9530 to a fixation member placed on the patient's tooth. The attachment portion 9540 can be configured to engage with the fixation member so as to substantially prevent longitudinal (e.g., translational) and / or rotational movement of the attachment portion 9540 relative to the corresponding fixation member. Thus, the appliance of the present technology can efficiently transfer all, or substantially all, of the force provided by the arm (such as the arm 9530) to the tooth via the corresponding fixation member. By limiting or preventing movement of the attachment portion 9540 relative to the corresponding fixation member, the appliance of the present technology is configured to move the tooth with less force than required with traditional braces.

[0446] 96 and 97 are isometric views of exemplary fixation members 9600, 9700 configured for use with appliances of the present technology. The arms and / or attachment portions described herein can be configured to removably couple one or both of the fixation members 9600, 9700 and secure the appliance to the patient's dentition during treatment. As shown in FIG. 96, the fixation member 9600 can include a base 9610 and coupling arms 9680a, 9680b (collectively "coupling arms 9680") coupled to the base 9610. The base 9610 can include a first side 9612 on which the coupling arms 9680 are disposed and a second side 9614 configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to one or more of the patient's teeth via an adhesive, such as a composite resin. The base 9610 can be coupled to the patient's teeth such that the coupling arms 9680 are disposed in a generally vertical orientation (e.g., occluso-gingival). In some embodiments, the base 9610 can be coupled to a patient's teeth such that the coupling arms 9680 can be positioned in different directions, such as horizontally (e.g., mesiodistal) or diagonally (e.g., partially mesiodistal or partially occlusogingival). In some embodiments, the coupling arms 9680 can be positioned at the same and / or different angles relative to one another. The surface of the second side 9614 can be generally flat and / or roughened to increase its surface area and enhance bonding to one or more of the patient's teeth. In some embodiments, the surface of the second side 9614 can have a shape or slope that is generally complementary to the shape or slope of one or more tooth surfaces to which the base 9610 is configured to be coupled, such as the lingual surfaces of one or more teeth. The base 9610 can include a border or perimeter 9616 within which the one or more coupling arms 9680 generally reside. In some embodiments, the anchoring member 9600 can be a commercially available 2D lingual bracket (Bernhard Foerster GmbH).

[0447] Each coupling arm 9680a, 9680b may include a base portion 9622a, 9622b (collectively "base portion 9622") secured to the base 9610 (e.g., via adhesive, welding, solder, etc.), and a coupling portion 9624a, 9624b (collectively "coupling portion 9624") extending from the base portion 9622. When placed in a patient's mouth, the coupling portion 9624 may be farther from the patient's gums than the base portion 9622. Each of the coupling portions 9624 may include a curved surface spaced from the first side 9612 of the base 9610, or another configuration generally resembling a hook or similar shape. In some embodiments, the coupling portion 9624 may be sufficiently flexible, plastic, and / or deformable such that the coupling portion 9624s can be temporarily moved from a closed state to an open state and an attachment portion (such as attachment portion 9540) can be moved to a position below the coupling portion 9624.

[0448] 97, the fixation member 9700 may have similar features to the fixation member 9700 shown in FIG. 96. For example, the fixation member 9700 may include a base 9710 having a first side 9712, a second side 9714, and a perimeter 9716. A coupling arm 9780 including a base portion 9722 and a coupling portion 9724 may be disposed on the first side 9712 of the base 9710. As shown in FIGS. 96 and 97, the fixation members 9600 and 9700 may include two coupling arms 9680 or a single coupling arm 9780. In some embodiments, the fixation members of the present technology may include more than two coupling arms (e.g., three coupling arms, four coupling arms, etc.).

[0449] 98A-98D are isometric, front, top, and side views, respectively, of the attachment portion 9540 shown in FIG. 95 and the fixation member 9600 shown in FIG. 96, configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Referring initially to FIG. 98A, a coupling portion 9624 of a coupling arm 9680 is disposed on the second region 9556 of the attachment portion 9540, one of the coupling arms 9680 is disposed on the second region 9556 on a first side of the first region 9554, and another coupling arm 9680 is disposed on the second, opposite arm 9556 of the distal region 9554. In some embodiments, when the appliance is placed adjacent a patient's tooth and the attachment portion 9540 is secured to the fixation member 9600, (i) the arm 9556 extends in a generally mesio-distal direction below the coupling arm 9680, and (ii) the distal region 9554 extends in a generally occluso-gingival direction and abuts a portion (e.g., proximal) of the coupling arm 9680. In doing so, the configuration of the fixation member 9600 and the attachment portion 9540 prevents or inhibits longitudinal and / or rotational movement of the attachment portion 9540 relative to the fixation member 9600, e.g., in or about the occluso-gingival direction (indicated by axis A1), mesio-distal direction (indicated by axis A2), and / or linguofacial direction (indicated by axis A3). As a result, when the appliance is attached to the patient's tooth via the fixation member 9600, a force of a particular magnitude and direction provided through each arm 9530 can be transmitted substantially entirely to the respective tooth. Furthermore, because substantially all of the force of the magnitude and direction provided through each of the arms 9530 may be transmitted to the respective teeth, movement of the teeth from the original tooth arrangement to the final tooth arrangement may be achieved to a lesser extent than would otherwise be required.

[0450] Each of the coupling arms 9680 can include a side 9625a, 9625b (collectively "side 9625") configured to be disposed juxtaposed to the distal region 9554 and / or the proximal region 9552 of the attachment portion 9540, such that the coupling arms 9680 are spaced apart from one another by the distal region 9554 and / or the proximal region 9552. As shown in FIGS. 98B and 98C, when the attachment portion 9540 is coupled to the fixation member 9600, the side 9625 of the coupling arm 9680 can be juxtaposed with the attachment portion 9540. In some embodiments, the attachment portion 9540 can be in direct contact with one or both of the coupling arms 9680 or can be spaced less than a predetermined distance from one or both of the coupling arms 9680 to ensure, for example, that longitudinal movement and / or rotation of the fixation member 9600 relative to the attachment portion 9640 is sufficiently inhibited. The predetermined distance can be, for example, less than about 0.01 millimeters (mm), about 0.1 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, or about 3 mm, or any increment between about 0.01 and 3 mm. The juxtaposition of the coupling arms 9680 and the attachment portion 9540 can help ensure that the magnitude and direction of force provided through the arms 9530 (e.g., provided at least partially along or about the mesio-distal axis and / or about the occlusal-gingival axis) is substantially transferred to the respective teeth when the appliance is implanted adjacent the patient's teeth and coupled to the fixation member 9600.

[0451] As shown in FIG. 98C , the respective thicknesses of the distal region 9554 and the arms 9556 of the attachment portion 9540 can be approximately the same. In some embodiments, the thicknesses of the distal region 9554 and the arms 9556 can be different from one another, for example, the distal region 9554 can be thicker than the arms 9556, or vice versa. The thickness of the base 9610 of the fixation member 9600 can generally be thinner than the thickness of the attachment portion 9540 and / or the coupling arms 9680. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 98C , the distal region 9554 and the arms 9556 are disposed proximal to the base 9610, which can prevent movement of the attachment portion 9540 in the lingual-facial direction and / or about the mesio-distal axis relative to the fixation member 9600.

[0452] FIG. 98D is a side view of the attachment portion 9540 and fixation member 9600 shown in FIGS. 98A-98C. As shown in FIG. 98D, the coupling arm 9680 can be configured to be positioned juxtaposed with the first side 9612 of the base 9610. A surface 9625c of the coupling arm 9680 at one end adjacent to the base 9610 (e.g., the occlusal end) and / or a surface 9625d of the coupling arm 9680 at another end adjacent to the base 9610 (e.g., the gingival end) can each abut the first surface 9612 of the base 9610. As further shown in FIG. 98D, the coupling arm 9680 can be configured to be positioned juxtaposed with a portion of the arm 9556 of the attachment portion 9540. That is, an innermost surface 9625e of the coupling portion 9624 of the coupling arm 9680 can abut the arm 9556 of the attachment portion 9540. Positioning the coupling arm 9680 around the arm 9556 in such a manner may prevent movement of the attachment portion 9540 relative to the fixation member 9600, for example, in an occlusal-gingival direction and / or about a mesio-distal axis.

[0453] Still referring to FIG. 98D , the second side 9614 of the base 9610 can be configured to be positioned and / or secured against one or more of the patient's teeth. For example, in some embodiments, the second side 9614 can be secured to the lingual or buccal surface of one or more of the patient's teeth. Thus, the base 9610, and more generally the anchoring member 9600 and attachment portion 9540, can be at least partially positioned occluso-gingivally (e.g., vertically) when the attachment portion 9540 is secured to the anchoring member 9600. For example, the anchoring member 9600 and attachment portion 9540, or portions thereof, can be positioned to be generally parallel to the lingual or buccal surface of one or more of the patient's teeth.

[0454] 99-104 are front views of various embodiments of attachment portions and fixation members configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Attachment portions of the present invention may be configured to couple to fixation elements, such as fixation member 9600 with multiple coupling arms 9680, fixation member 9700 with a single coupling arm 9780, or another suitable coupling configuration. The attachment portions shown and described with reference to FIGS. 99-104 may be part of a respective arm (e.g., arm 9530) of an appliance, as described elsewhere herein. Additionally, each of the attachment portions described with reference to FIGS. 99-104 may be configured to inhibit or prevent longitudinal movement and / or rotation of the attachment portion relative to the corresponding fixation member, such that loads and / or directions applied via the attachment portion are substantially transferred to the patient's teeth via the corresponding fixation member. The attachment portions shown and described with reference to Figures 99-104 achieve this at least in part by abutting or locating a contact area between the surface of the corresponding securing member 9600 or 9700 and the attachment portion.

[0455] The attachment portion 9940 shown in FIG. 99 can be configured to minimize translation and / or rotation of the attachment portion 9940 relative to a corresponding fixation member, such as fixation member 9600. The attachment portion 9940 can have a generally rectangular shape defined by an inner perimeter 9902 and an outer perimeter 9904, which together define a width of the rectangle. The attachment portion 9940 can include a distal region 9956a, lateral regions 9956b, 9956c, and / or a proximal region 9956d (collectively “regions 9956”). In some embodiments, the attachment portion 9940 can have a frame portion 9970 between the regions 9956a, 9956b, 9956c, and 9956d. The distal arm 9954 can extend distally from the distal region 9956a and can be configured to be disposed between the coupling arms 9680. Thus, the distal arm 9954 can be configured to engage with an inner surface 9625a and / or 9625b of at least one coupling arm 9680 to prevent excessive lateral translation of the attachment portion 9940 relative to the fixation member 9600. Similarly, the lateral regions 9956b and / or 9956c can be configured to engage with an outer surface 9662 of the coupling arm 9680 to prevent excessive lateral translation of the attachment portion 9940. The lateral regions 9956b and / or 9956c contact the distal arm 9954 to form a shoulder region, which can be configured to limit proximal and / or distal translation of the attachment portion 9940. In some embodiments, the proximal arm 9964 can extend proximally from the proximal region 9956d.

[0456] According to some embodiments, the coupling arm 9680 can be configured to be spaced apart from the attachment region 9940, as shown in FIG. 99. In some embodiments, one or more regions of the attachment portion 9940 can be configured to contact one or more regions of the fixation member 9600. For example, a portion of the inner periphery 9902 of the lateral regions 9956b, 9956c of the attachment portion 9940 can be configured to contact a corresponding outer surface 9962a, 9962b of the fixation member 9600 when the attachment portion 9940 is coupled to the fixation member 9600.

[0457] FIG. 100 illustrates one embodiment of an attachment portion 10040 comprising multiple distal arms 10054 configured to further limit lateral translation of the attachment portion 10040 relative to the fixation member 9600. As shown in FIG. 100, the attachment portion 10040 can include distal, lateral, and proximal regions 10056a, 10056b, 10056c, 10064, such as the region 9956 described with reference to FIG. 99. In some embodiments, the attachment portion 10040 can have two distal arms 10054, as shown in FIG. 100. In some embodiments, the attachment portion 10040 can include three or more distal arms 10054. In accordance with some aspects of the present technology, for example, as shown in FIG. 100, the distal arms 10054 can be configured to be spaced apart or positioned proximate to the outer surface 9662 of the coupling arm 9680. The distal arm 10054, distal region 10056a, and / or lateral regions 10056b, 10056c can be configured to engage with the coupling arm 9680 of the fixation member 9600 to limit translation and / or rotation of the attachment portion 10040 relative to the fixation member 9600.

[0458] 101 , the attachment portion 10140 can include multiple frame portions 10170, 10172 configured to surround the coupling arm 9680 of the fixation member 9600 to further limit proximal and / or distal translation of the attachment portion 10140 relative to the fixation member 9600. The attachment portion 10140 shown in FIG. 101 includes a distal region 10156 a, lateral regions 10156 b, 10156 c, and a proximal region 10156 d (collectively “region 10156”), as previously described. Additionally, the attachment region 10140 has an intermediate region 10156 e, which extends between the lateral regions 10156 b, 10156 c and is disposed between the distal region 10156 a and the proximal region 10156 d. The intermediate region 10156e can be configured to be disposed adjacent the coupling region 9624 of the coupling arm 9680 of the fixation member 9600. As described above with reference to FIGS. 99 and 100 , the region 10156 can be configured to contact or be adjacent to the coupling arm 9680 based on the desired security of the coupling. By disposing the region 10156 adjacent each surface of the coupling arm 9680, the attachment portion 10140 can be configured to prevent translation and / or rotation of the attachment portion 10140 relative to the fixation member 9600. The proximal arm 10164 can extend proximally from the proximal region 10156d and can couple to a connector of the present technology to form an arm, as described elsewhere herein.

[0459] 102-104 includes a fixation member 9700 having a single coupling arm 9780. Referring initially to FIG. 102, the attachment portion 10240 can include a distal region 10256a, lateral regions 10256b, 10256c, and a proximal region 10256d (collectively "region 10256"). The attachment portion 10240 can be attached to a connector of the technology to form an arm via a proximal protrusion 10264. The attachment portion 10240 can include distal arms 10254a, 10254b extending distally from the distal portion 10256a. The distal arms 10254a, 10254b can be configured to engage surfaces 9756a, 9756b of the coupling arm 9780 to limit lateral translation of the attachment portion 10240 relative to the fixation member 9700. Although the attachment portion 10240 is shown with regions 10256 spaced apart from the coupling arm 9780, in some embodiments, one or more regions 10256 can be configured to directly contact the coupling arm 9780.

[0460] An attachment portion configured for use with a fixation member having a single coupling arm 9700, such as the attachment portion 10340 shown in FIG. 103, may include multiple framing regions 9770 such that when the attachment portion 10340 is coupled to the fixation member 9700, each surface of the coupling arm 9780 of the fixation member 9700 abuts a region of the attachment portion 10340 to reduce translation of the attachment portion 10340. The attachment portion 10340 may include a distal region 10356a, a proximal region 10356d, and an intermediate region 10356e (collectively "region 10356") disposed between the distal region 10356a and the proximal region 10356d. Each of the distal, proximal, and intermediate regions 10356a, 10356d, 10356e may extend between the lateral regions 10256b, 10256c, as shown in FIG. 103. In some embodiments, each region of the attachment portion 10340 may be configured to abut a corresponding surface of the coupling arm 9780 to limit translation of the attachment region 10340. For example, the distal region 10356a and the proximal region 10356d may be configured to be disposed adjacent the distal surface 9756c and the proximal surface 9756d of the coupling arm 9780, respectively, to limit proximal and / or distal translation of the attachment portion 10340. The lateral regions 10356b, 10356c can abut lateral surfaces 9756a, 9756b of the coupling arm 9780 to limit inward and / or lateral translation of the attachment portion 10340. The intermediate portion 10356e can abut an inner surface 9756e of the coupling arm 9780, for example, as shown in FIG. 98D , to limit proximal and / or distal translation of the attachment portion 10340. In some embodiments, the size of the framing portions 9770, 9772 can be selected such that the region 10356 is spaced from the surface of the coupling arm 9780 when coupled to the fixation member 9700. The spacing, or lack thereof, between the region 10356 and the surface of the coupling arm 9780 can be based on the intended security of the coupling between the attachment portion 10340 and the fixation member 9700.

[0461] According to some embodiments, an attachment portion, such as the attachment portion 10440 shown in FIG. 104, can be configured to contact a larger area of the fixation member (e.g., the fixation member 10400) to enhance the security of the connection. In some embodiments, the fixation member 10400 can have a generally rounded shape and a single coupling arm 10480, as shown in FIG. 104. The attachment portion 10440 can have generally similar features to the attachment portion 10240 shown in FIG. 102. For example, the attachment portion 10440 can include a distal region 10456a, lateral regions 10456b, 10456c, and a proximal region 10465d (collectively "regions 10456"). Together, the regions 10456 can define a framing region 10470. The attachment portion 10440 may further include a proximal arm 10464 extending proximally from the proximal region 10456d and / or distal arms 10454a, 10454b extending distally from the distal region 10456a. As shown in FIG. 104, the distal arms 10454a, 10454b may be disposed at an angle relative to the distal region 10456a. In some embodiments, the angle may be greater than 90° (e.g., 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, etc.). The angle may be increased to increase the area of the attachment portion 10440 so that when the attachment portion 10440 is coupled to the fixation member 10400, the attachment portion 10440 engages a greater range of the fixation member 10400, further inhibiting translation of the attachment portion and / or increasing the security of the coupling.

[0462] FIG. 105 is an isometric view of a positioning device 10500 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The positioning device 10500 is configured to hold one or more fixation members in a desired position relative to a patient's teeth to facilitate coupling of the fixation members to the teeth in the desired positions. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 105, the positioning device 10500 includes a first portion 10505 configured to be removably secured to one or more of the patient's teeth and one or more second portions 10510 coupled to the first portion 10505, each configured to hold a fixation member. The positioning device 10500 may include a cover configured to be placed over all or a portion of the patient's teeth. In some embodiments, the cover generally conforms to the topography of the patient's teeth to provide a snug fit. In some embodiments, the device 10500 is configured to be placed over the patient's teeth T such that the surface of the device 10500 closest to the gums and adjacent the lingual surface of the patient's teeth T is positioned in a middle portion of the patient's teeth T (e.g., not at or below the patient's gums).

[0463] As shown in Figure 105, the securing member 9600 corresponds to that shown and described with reference to Figures 96 and 98A-98D. However, in some embodiments, the securing member 9600 may correspond to that shown in Figure 97. Additionally, the securing member 9600 can correspond to any of the securing members described herein. In such embodiments, the second portion 10510 may have a shape configured to receive such a securing member.

[0464] The device 10500 may include silicone, plastic, polymer, and / or another flexible, non-metallic material. The first and second portions 10505, 10510 may include the same or different materials. For example, the first portion 10505 may include a first material and the second portion 10510 may include a second material that is different from the first material. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second portions 10505, 10510 of the device 10500 may be formed from a single, integrally formed structure. As shown in FIG. 105, the second portion 10510 may protrude from and / or be disposed on the first portion 10505 such that the second portion 10510 faces in a generally lingual direction when the device 10500 is placed on the patient's tooth T. The first portion 10505 may include multiple regions, each region corresponding to one or more of the patient's teeth T. In some embodiments, the device 10500 can be tailored to a particular patient's tooth T. For example, the occlusally-facing surface of each region of the first portion 10505 can correspond to the respective occlusal surface S of the tooth on which the device 10500 is configured to be placed. In such embodiments, the device 10500 can fit securely onto the patient's tooth T, ensuring that, for example, the anchoring member 9600 received by the second portion 10510 is properly positioned adjacent, for example, the lingual surface of the patient's tooth T.

[0465] As described elsewhere herein, once the device 10500 is positioned on the patient's teeth T and / or the fixing member 9600 is properly positioned, for example, on the lingual surfaces of the patient's teeth T, the fixing member 9600 may be bonded to each one of the patient's teeth T (e.g., by exposing the fixing member 9600 to energy or ultraviolet (UV) light), after which the device 10500 is removed from the patient's teeth T, leaving the fixing member 9600 on the patient's teeth. Such a process used to position and / or bond the fixing member 9600 to the patient's teeth T is often referred to as "indirect bonding," or IDB. After the fixing member 9600 is bonded to the patient's teeth T, an orthodontic appliance (e.g., any appliance 100 described elsewhere herein) may be bonded to the fixing member 9600 to reposition the patient's teeth into a desired configuration (e.g., final tooth configuration). In such embodiments, the device 10500 itself is not primarily used to reshape or reposition the patient's teeth.

[0466] FIG. 106A is an enlarged view of a portion of the device 10500 shown in FIG. 105. For purposes of illustration, the fixation member 9600 is removed in FIG. 106A. As shown in FIG. 106A, the device 10500, or particularly the first portion 10505 of the device 10500, can include one or more cavities 10515a, 10515b, 10515c. As described elsewhere herein, each of the cavities 10515a-c can correspond to a respective tooth of the patient in which the respective cavity 10515a-c is located. The individual cavities 10515a-c can together form a single cavity configured to receive all of the patient's teeth along the upper or lower jaw.

[0467] FIG. 106B is an enlarged isometric view of the second portion 10510 shown in FIG. 105. The first portion 10505 is not shown in FIG. 106B for illustrative purposes. As shown in FIG. 106B, the securing member 9600 is coupled to and received by the second portion 10510. As described above, the securing member 9600 includes a base 9610 and one or more coupling arms 9680 secured to the base 9610 and spaced apart from one another. As described elsewhere herein (e.g., with reference to FIGS. 106C-106E), the base 9610 is received within a cavity on one side of the second portion 10510, and each of the coupling arms 9680 is disposed in a respective channel of the second portion 10510 on the opposite side of the second portion 10510.

[0468] 106C and 106D are isometric views of the second portion 10510 of FIG. 106B without the fixation member 9600. FIG. 106C shows a first side 10512a of the device 10500, and FIG. 106D shows a second, opposite side 10512b of the device 10500. When the device 10500 is placed on a patient's teeth, the first side 10512a of the device 10500 can face in a generally lingual direction, and the second side 10512b of the device 10500 can face in a generally buccal (or facial) direction. Referring initially to FIG. 106C, the second portion 10510 can include a first region 10516 (e.g., a middle region or member) extending in a first direction and a second region 10520 (e.g., a lateral region or member) extending in a second direction at an angle relative to the first direction. In some embodiments, the first region 10516 can be generally perpendicular to the second region 10520 or at an angle between about 60 and 120 degrees. The second portion 10510 can further include one or more third regions 10518a, 10518b (e.g., peripheral regions or members) that are circumferential to the first region 10516 and extend generally in a first direction. In use, for example, when the device 10500 is placed on a patient's teeth, the first region 10516 and the third regions 10518a-b can extend generally in an occlusal-gingival direction, and the second region 10520 can extend generally in a mesio-distal direction. The first region 10516 and the second region 10520, and in some embodiments, the third regions 10518a-b, can generally define one or more channels 10522a, 10522b. 106C, the first region 10516, the third region 10518a, and a portion of the second region 10520 can define a first channel 10522a, and the first region 10516, the third region 10518b, and a portion of the second region 10520 can define a second channel 10522b. The second channel 10522b is spaced apart from the first channel 10522a. Each of the first and second channels 10522a-b can be configured to receive a respective portion (e.g., a coupling arm 9680, FIG. 106B) of a fixation member (e.g., fixation member 9600, FIG. 106B).

[0469] 106C , the second portion 10510 can include a bracket receiving portion 10530 disposed within a respective one of the channels 10522a-b. The bracket receiving portion 10530 can include a recess 10532 configured to receive a portion of a fixation member and / or secure a fixation member to the second portion 10510 (and the device 10500 therein). In some embodiments, the bracket receiving portion 10530 can also include a curved surface 10534 adjacent the recess 10532 and closer to the entrance of the channels 10522a-b. The outermost surface of the bracket receiving portion 10530 can be spaced apart from the base surface 10514a of the second portion 10510 by a distance D2, which can be less than the distance D1 spanning between the base surface 10514a and the outermost surface of the first region 10516 or the third region 10518a-b.

[0470] In operation, the bracket receiving portion 10530 can slidably receive the fixation member 9600 ( FIG. 106B ) such that each of the coupling arms 9680 ( FIG. 106B ) of the fixation member 9600 is received by the respective channels 10522a-b and engages with the respective bracket receiving portion 10530. As the coupling arms 9680 approach their respective recesses 10532, the curved surfaces 10534 displace the respective coupling arms 9680 away from the base 9610 ( FIG. 106B ) of the fixation member 9600 until the respective coupling arms 9680 reach their respective recesses 10532, at which point the respective coupling arms 9680 snap into and / or become secured to the second portion 10510 (and the device 10500 therein) via the recesses 10532. When the respective coupling arms 9680 snap into and / or couple with the recesses 10532, the coupling arms can be plastically deformed relative to their default rest position.

[0471] As previously mentioned, FIG. 106D shows the second side 10512b of the second portion 10510 of the device 10500. The second side 10512b is configured to receive the securing member 9600 ( FIG. 106B ) such that the base 9610 ( FIG. 106B ) is positioned near the base surface 10514a. That is, the second portion 10510 is configured to receive the securing member 9600 such that the base 9610 is positioned on one side of a plane defined by the base surface 10514a and the coupling arm 9680 is positioned on another, opposite side of the plane.

[0472] FIG. 106E is another view of the second side 10512b of the second portion 10510, showing the second portion 10510 integral with the first portion 10505 of the device 10500. FIG. 106E also shows a portion of the first side 10512a of the device 10500, which includes the first region 10516, the third regions 10518a-b, the channels 10522a-b, and the bracket receiving portion 10530. The second side 10512b of the second portion 10510 includes a cavity 10540 extending from the base surface 10514a, which is configured to receive the fixation member 9600. In some embodiments, the cavity 10540 and / or the outermost surface of the second side 10512b can be spaced from the base surface 10514a by a distance D3 and can taper in a direction toward the entrance of the channels 10522a-b. The distance D3 can be equal to or less than the thickness of the fixing member 9600, or in some embodiments, less than the thickness of the base 9610 of the fixing member 9600, such that a back surface of the fixing member 9600 that is bonded to the patient's teeth can protrude from the cavity 10540, for example, beyond the outermost surface of the second side 10512b. The distance D3 and / or the tapering of the outermost surface can thereby more reliably engage (e.g., directly engage) the back surface of the fixing member(s) with each of the patient's teeth when the fixing member 9600 is received by the second portion 10510 and the device 10500 is placed on the patient's teeth.

[0473] 107A-107C illustrate a method of attaching a securing member 9600 to a patient's teeth. FIG. 107A is an isometric view of a device 10500, as described elsewhere herein. As shown in FIG. 107A, the device 10500 includes a first portion 10505 and a second portion 10510. Additionally, multiple securing members 9600 are disposed within and / or coupled to the second portion 10510. As described above, each of the securing members 9600 can be slidably received by a respective second portion 10510, such that the coupling arm 9680 of the securing member 9600 is disposed on a first side (e.g., a side toward a lingual side) of the second portion 10510 and the base 9610 of the securing member 9600 is disposed on a second side (e.g., a side toward a buccal or labial side) of the second portion 10510. As described elsewhere herein, the fixation member 9600 may include multiple coupling arms or portions (eg, as shown in FIG. 107A) or a single coupling arm or portion (eg, as shown in FIG. 97).

[0474] FIG. 107B is an isometric view of the device 10500 positioned on a patient's tooth or dentition T. For example, a first portion 10505 of the device 10500 is positioned on the patient's tooth T, and a second portion 10510 of the device 10500 is generally positioned on or adjacent to the lingual surface of the patient's tooth T. Additionally, the fixing members 9600 disposed within the second portion 10510 are positioned or disposed on the lingual surface of the patient's tooth T, with the back surfaces of each of the fixing members 9600 engaging (e.g., directly engaging) the respective portions of the patient's tooth T to which the fixing members will be bonded. Thus, as described elsewhere herein, when the device 10500 is positioned on the patient's tooth T, the second portion 10510 and / or the fixing members 9600 are generally oriented in an occlusal-gingival direction. Once the device 10500 is placed on the patient's tooth T, the fixing members 9600 may be bonded (e.g., directly bonded) to the patient's tooth T, for example, via an adhesive and / or a hardenable material disposed on the back surface of each of the fixing members 9600. The hardenable material may include a composite resin, a ceramic, and / or another synthetic material. In some embodiments, the hardenable material may include a dimethacrylate monomer, a filler material (e.g., silica), and / or a photoinitiator that may be activated by UV light (e.g., for bonding). In some embodiments, bonding the fixing members 9600 to the patient's tooth T may include exposing the fixing members 9600, including the hardenable material disposed thereon, to an energy source (e.g., UV light).

[0475] After bonding the fixing member 9600 to the patient's tooth T, the device 10500 can be removed from the patient's tooth T, leaving the fixing member 9600 bonded to the patient's tooth T. FIG. 107C is an isometric view of the tooth T with the fixing member bonded thereto after the device 10500 has been removed. In some embodiments, removing the device 10500 so that the fixing member 9600 remains bonded to the patient's tooth T comprises separating the device 10500 from the fixing member 9600 by moving or sliding the device 10500 in a generally occlusal direction away from the patient's gums and / or the fixing member 9600 bonded to the patient's tooth T. In some embodiments, before separating the devices 10500 from the fixing members 9600, individual fixing members 9600 can be separated from their respective second portions 10510 and / or devices 10500 by depressing an end portion of the coupling arm (e.g., the end portion of the coupling arm closest to the patient's gums), thereby separating the opposite end of the coupling arm from the second portion 10510 (e.g., from the recess 10532 ( FIG. 106C ) of the second portion 10510). Once the devices 10500 are removed, leaving the fixing members 9600 adhered to the patient's teeth T, orthodontic appliances can be coupled to the fixing members 9600 (as described elsewhere herein) and the patient's teeth repositioned to desired positions.

[0476] FIG. 108 is an isometric view of an exemplary orthodontic device 10800 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The device 10800 includes features generally similar to those of the device 10500 described with reference to FIGS. 105-107C. For example, the device 10800 includes a shell, cap, or shell-type aligner configured to be placed over the patient's teeth and includes a second portion 10510 configured to receive one or more anchoring members. In addition, the device 1800 includes a first portion 10805 generally similar to the first portion 10505 described above. However, as shown in FIG. 108, a region 10810 of the first portion 10805 between adjacent second portions 10510a, 10510b is removed. In other words, the area 10810 between adjacent second portions 10510a-b of device 10800 is substantially devoid of material, such that one or more corresponding teeth adjacent second portion 10510 are more exposed to the device 10500 and / or the teeth covered by first portion 10505 (as described above). In such embodiments, the fixing member, or in particular the back surface of the fixing member, is more exposed to device 10800 compared to device 10500. Thus, with device 10800, when bonding the fixing members to the patient's respective teeth by exposing the fixing members to a UV light or energy source, the practitioner may have easier access to or exposure of the fixing members to the UV light or energy, thereby ensuring that the fixing members are properly bonded to the patient's teeth.

[0477] FIG. 190A is an isometric view of an orthodontic device 10900 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Device 10900 includes features generally similar to those of device 10500 described with reference to FIGS. 105-107C. For example, device 10900 includes a shell, cap, or shell-type aligner configured to be placed over a patient's teeth, as described above, and includes a first portion 10505 (or first portion 10805) configured to receive the patient's teeth. In addition, device 10900 includes a second portion 10910 generally similar to second portion 10510 described above. However, as shown in FIG. 109A, second portion 10910 omits certain portions of second portion 10510. As shown in FIG. 109B, which is an enlarged view of a portion of the device 10900 shown in FIG. 109A, the second portion 10910 of the device 10900 includes a first region 10516 (e.g., a middle region or member) extending in a first direction and a second region 10520 (e.g., a lateral region or member) extending in a second direction at an angle (e.g., between 60 and 120 degrees) relative to the first direction. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the first region 10516 can be generally orthogonal to the second region 10520. In contrast to the second portion 10510 described with reference to FIGS. 105-107C, the second portion 10910 of FIG. 109B omits the third regions 10518a-b. 109B, the second portion 10910 can also include a bracket receiving portion 10530 adjacent the first and second regions 10516, 10520, e.g., near the intersection of the first and second regions 10516, 10520. Advantageously, the second portion 10910 can allow for more visibility of the fixation member and / or the back surface of the fixation member. Thus, as described elsewhere herein, bonding the fixation member to the patient's tooth can be easier for a practitioner using device 10900 compared to device 10500.

[0478] 110-113 are isometric views of an exemplary arm 130 of an orthodontic appliance 100 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring initially to FIG. 110, the arm 130 includes many features generally similar to those described above with reference to FIG. 95 and elsewhere herein. For example, as shown in FIG. 110, the arm 130 includes a biasing portion 150 coupled to and extending from the anchor 120, and an attachment portion 11040 extending from the biasing portion 150. The arm 130, or particularly the attachment portion 11040, may further include an opening or slot 11090. The opening 11090 may extend through the attachment portion 11040 and / or the base region 9652 of the attachment portion 11040. Additionally or alternatively, the opening 11090 may be disposed between the second regions 11056 of the attachment portion 11040. In some embodiments, the opening 11090 can be an elongated opening, such that the opening 11090 extends generally in an occlusal-gingival direction when the appliance 100 is ...

Claims

1. Orthodontic appliances a fixing member including a base coupled to a patient's tooth and two coupling arms each including a base portion coupled to the base and a coupling portion spaced apart from the base; an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent the patient's tooth; an arm extending away from the anchor and coupled to the anchor, the arm including a first end portion configured to be coupled to the anchor and a second end portion configured to be coupled to the fixing member, the second end portion including a first region and two second regions extending at an angle from the first region toward both sides, the first region having a distal region that is farther from the anchor than the second region; When the orthodontic appliance is positioned adjacent to the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the fixing member, (a) the two second regions extend generally in a mesio-distal direction and abut the base-side sides of the two coupling arms of the fixing member, respectively; and (b) the distal region is located between the two coupling arms in the mesio-distal direction and abuts a portion of the coupling arms, thereby preventing rotation of the second end portion relative to the fixing member. An orthodontic appliance characterized by:

2. the first region extends generally occlusally and gingivally when the orthodontic appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member; 10. The orthodontic appliance of claim 1.

3. the second region extends generally in a mesio-distal direction below the coupling arm of the fixation member when the orthodontic appliance is placed adjacent the patient's tooth; 3. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 1 or 2.

4. when the orthodontic appliance is positioned adjacent to the patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the first region prevents translation of the second end portion relative to the securing member.

4. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 1.

5. the second end portion further includes a third region closer to the anchor than the second region; the portion of the coupling arm is a first portion of the coupling arm; when the orthodontic appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the third region extends generally in an occlusal-gingival direction and abuts a second portion of the coupling arm that is closer to the patient's gingiva than the second region of the second end portion; 5. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the two coupling arms include a first coupling arm and a second coupling arm; the first region has a first side and a second side; when the orthodontic appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the fixing member, the first side of the first region abuts the first coupling arm, the second side of the first region abuts the second coupling arm, and the first region resists mesial and distal rotation and / or translation relative to the fixing member.

6. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the second end portion of the arm further includes a third region closer to the anchor than the second region; the coupling arm is a first coupling arm, and the fixed member further includes a second coupling arm; when the orthodontic appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the third region abuts regions of each of the first and second coupling arms that are closer to the root of the patient's tooth than regions of each of the first and second coupling arms that extend over the second region of the second end portion.

7. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. when the orthodontic appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the anchoring member, the second region extends in a generally mesio-distal direction under both the first and second coupling arms.

8. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 6 or 7.

9. the portion of the coupling arm is a first portion of the coupling arm; the second end portion further includes a third region extending from the second region toward the anchor, the third region having first and second legs; when the orthodontic appliance is positioned adjacent to the patient's tooth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, one or both of the first and second legs of the third region abut a second portion of the coupling arm that is closer to the root of the patient's tooth than the first portion.

9. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. and a fourth region extending between the first and second legs, wherein the first and second legs, the second region, and the fourth region together define an opening.

10. The orthodontic appliance of claim 9.

11. Orthodontic appliances a fixing member including a base to be connected to a patient's tooth and two coupling means each including a base portion connected to the base and a coupling portion spaced apart from the base; an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent the patient's tooth; an arm extending away from the anchor, the arm including a first end portion configured to be coupled to the anchor and a second end portion configured to be coupled to a fixation member adhered to the patient's tooth, the second end portion including first and second shoulder regions, a connection region connecting the first and second shoulder regions, and a distal region extending from the connection region in a direction away from the anchor; When the orthodontic appliance is placed adjacent to the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the fixing member, (a) the connection region extends generally in a mesio-distal direction and abuts against the base-side sides of the two coupling means of the fixing member, and (b) the first and second shoulder regions are located outside the two coupling means in the mesio-distal direction, respectively, and the distal region is located between the two coupling means in the mesio-distal direction, and the distal region abuts against a portion of the coupling means, thereby preventing rotation and / or translation of the second end portion relative to the fixing member. An orthodontic appliance characterized by:

12. the first shoulder region extends generally occlusally and gingivally when the orthodontic appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member.

12. The orthodontic appliance of claim 11.

13. the anchor is configured to be placed on a lingual side of the patient's tooth; 13. An orthodontic appliance according to claim 11 or claim 12.

14. the anchor is configured to be placed on the buccal side of the patient's tooth; The orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. the arm is one of a plurality of arms, each of the plurality of arms having a respective second end portion with respective first and second shoulder regions; 15. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

16. the anchor and the arm are formed from a single, integral member; 16. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 15.

17. the anchor and the arm are integral with one another; 17. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 16.

18. the anchor and the arm include a continuous surface; 18. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 17.

19. The anchor is arch-shaped.

19. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 18.

20. the anchor and the arm are formed of a superelastic material; 20. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 19.

21. At least one of the anchor, the arm, or the fixation member comprises nitinol, stainless steel, beta titanium, cobalt chromium, another metal alloy, a polymer, a ceramic, and / or a combination thereof; 21. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 20.

22. the arm includes a biasing region between the first end portion and the second end portion; the biasing region is configured to provide a rotational and / or translational force to at least one of the patient's teeth when a distal portion is secured to the anchoring member.

22. An orthodontic appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 21.

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