Transparent orthodontic device

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention provides a transparent orthodontic device comprising: a transparent orthodontic body configured to accommodate all teeth in a dental arch in order to move a tooth to be corrected from an initial position to a target position; a thickness reinforcement part for supplementing the thickness of a specific area of the transparent orthodontic body in order to apply an orthodontic force to the tooth to be corrected; and a gingival line reinforcement part which is formed to extend from a gingival cut line of the transparent orthodontic body so as to at least partially cover gums and thus reinforces the strength of the gingival cut line.

Description

Clear aligners

[0001] The present invention relates to a transparent orthodontic device.

[0002] Orthodontic treatment is a treatment used to correct irregularities in the alignment of teeth or abnormal bite patterns between the upper and lower jaws. Conventional orthodontic treatment involves attaching orthodontic brackets made of biocompatible materials to teeth to correct malocclusions. This is followed by applying force to the brackets via orthodontic wires. Conventional orthodontic treatment using brackets and wires is aesthetically unsightly because the brackets and wires remain fixed to the teeth during treatment, and can lead to oral hygiene issues.

[0003] To address these shortcomings, a new orthodontic treatment utilizing clear aligners has recently been widely implemented worldwide. Clear aligners utilize transparent polymer materials, eliminating the need for brackets and wires, resulting in superior aesthetics. They can be removed when needed, making them effective for maintaining oral hygiene. Furthermore, clear aligners cause relatively little discomfort, allowing patients to receive orthodontic treatment with greater comfort.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1510857 (April 3, 2015)

[0006] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a transparent orthodontic device in which the thickness of a portion requiring tooth movement is formed relatively thick, and the thickness of a portion not requiring tooth movement is formed relatively thin.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a transparent orthodontic device including a transparent orthodontic body configured to accommodate all teeth in an arch to move a tooth to be corrected from an initial position to a target position, a thickness reinforcing portion that supplements the thickness of a specific region of the transparent orthodontic body to impart corrective force to the tooth to be corrected, and a gingival line reinforcing portion that extends from a gingival cutting line of the transparent orthodontic body to at least partially cover the gums and reinforces the strength of the gingival cutting line.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, another aspect of the present invention provides a transparent orthodontic device including a transparent orthodontic body configured to accommodate some teeth in the arch to move the teeth to be corrected from an initial position to a target position, and a thickness reinforcing member that supplements the thickness of a specific region of the transparent orthodontic body to impart corrective force to the teeth to be corrected.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gum line reinforcement part may be a transparent orthodontic device characterized in that it is formed integrally with the transparent orthodontic body.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gingival line reinforcement part may be formed on at least one of the lingual surface side and the buccal surface side of the transparent orthodontic body, which may be a transparent orthodontic device.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gingival line reinforcement formed on the lingual surface side or the buccal surface side may be a transparent orthodontic device characterized in that it is formed continuously to be connected to the gingival cutting line of the transparent orthodontic body.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transparent orthodontic device may be a transparent orthodontic device characterized in that it is manufactured using a direct output method using a 3D printer.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness reinforcing portion may be formed in a manner that reinforces the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body located distal from the direction of movement of the tooth to be corrected.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the case of an expansion case, the thickness reinforcing part may be formed to reinforce the thickness of the lingual side of the transparent orthodontic body, which may be a transparent orthodontic device.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the case of a retraction case, the thickness reinforcing part may be formed to reinforce the thickness of the buccal side of the transparent orthodontic body, which may be a transparent orthodontic device.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the case of an extrusion case, the thickness reinforcing portion may be formed to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body located proximally from the root based on the maximum windage line of the tooth, which may be a transparent orthodontic device.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the case of an intrusion case, the thickness reinforcing portion may be formed to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body located distal from the root based on the maximum windage line of the tooth, which may be a transparent orthodontic device.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the case of a rotation case, the thickness reinforcing portion may be formed to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body located in a diagonal direction when four quadrants are set based on a groove line formed on an occlusal surface of a tooth.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the case of an angulation case, the thickness reinforcing portion may be formed to reinforce the thickness of the mesial side of the transparent orthodontic body located in one direction based on the maximum wind line of the tooth, and the thickness of the distal side of the transparent orthodontic body located in the other direction based on the maximum wind line of the tooth, which may be a transparent orthodontic device.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the case of a torque control case, the thickness reinforcing portion may be formed to reinforce the thickness of the lingual side of the transparent orthodontic body located in one direction based on the maximum wind line of the teeth, and the thickness of the buccal side of the transparent orthodontic body located in the other direction based on the maximum wind line of the teeth, which may be a transparent orthodontic device.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, in a transparent orthodontic device, areas requiring tooth movement can be formed relatively thick, while areas not requiring tooth movement can be formed relatively thin. Accordingly, orthodontic force can be concentrated on areas requiring significant tooth movement, thereby promoting effective tooth movement and shortening the treatment period. Furthermore, by concentrating material use only on areas requiring tooth movement, material costs can be reduced and manufacturing time can be shortened.

[0022] Furthermore, the transparent aligner device can prevent deformation due to external forces such as removal or occlusal force by forming a gingival line reinforcement along the gingival cutting line. Furthermore, the gingival line reinforcement prevents the loss of the tooth-moving force imparted to the transparent aligner device, thereby enabling more accurate tooth movement as required.

[0023] In addition, transparent orthodontic devices are manufactured through direct output using 3D devices such as 3D printers, simplifying the manufacturing process, improving precision by eliminating manual work, and preventing unnecessary material consumption.

[0024] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the detailed description of the present invention or the composition of the invention described in the claims.

[0025] Fig. 1 (a) is a plan view of a transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 1 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of Fig. 1 (a).

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 3 (a) shows an upper jaw digital tooth model with a contact area indicated according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 (b) shows a lower jaw digital tooth model with a contact area indicated according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the occlusion of the upper and lower teeth in a state where a transparent orthodontic device including an occlusal portion according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the teeth.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the occlusion of the upper and lower teeth in a state where a transparent orthodontic device including a thickness reinforcing part according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the teeth.

[0030] Figure 6 shows an application area of ​​a thickness reinforcement part according to an expansion case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 7 shows an application area of ​​a thickness reinforcement part according to a retraction case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8 shows an application area of ​​a thickness reinforcement part according to an extrusion case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 9 shows an application area of ​​a thickness reinforcement part according to an embedded case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 10 shows an application area of ​​a thickness reinforcement part according to a rotation case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 11 shows an application area of ​​a thickness reinforcement part according to an angulation case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 12 shows an application area of ​​a thickness reinforcement part according to a torque control case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figures 13 (a) to (c) are drawings showing a partial form of a transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 14 (a) is a plan view of a transparent orthodontic device including a gum line reinforcement part according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 14 (b) is a BB' cross-sectional view of Fig. 14 (a).

[0039] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the occlusion of the upper and lower teeth in a state where a transparent orthodontic device including a gum line reinforcement part according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the teeth.

[0040] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is therefore not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, irrelevant parts have been omitted for clarity of description, and similar parts have been designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0041] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only "directly connected" but also "indirectly connected" with other elements intervening. Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies that the other components may be included, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0043] Orthodontic treatment can be divided into fixed orthodontic methods, which attach brackets made of hard materials such as metal, resin, and ceramic to the teeth and correct them through the elasticity of the wire, and removable orthodontic methods, which use elastic orthodontic devices that are easy to attach and detach. In particular, transparent orthodontic methods, one of the removable orthodontic methods, are methods in which transparent orthodontic devices made of a transparent material are placed over the teeth. Because the orthodontic devices are not only invisible from the outside but can also be freely attached and removed, they are superior in wearability and are greatly attracting attention compared to other orthodontic methods. It is desirable that these transparent orthodontic devices be composed of elastic materials to enable the devices to be put on and taken off.

[0044] FIG. 1 (a) is a plan view of a transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of FIG. 1 (a), and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] The transparent orthodontic device (100) of the present invention can be manufactured by setting virtual treatment object data based on initial data of the patient's teeth, and then generating intermediate data for each step so that the teeth can be gradually moved from the initial position to the target position, and indirectly or directly outputting the intermediate data and target data for each step. Orthodontic dentition data, such as the intermediate data and target data, can be acquired through three-dimensional image software from images of the patient's teeth obtained through impression taking, CT, 3D scanning, etc. That is, the orthodontic dentition data can be three-dimensional image data. The orthodontic dentition data can include at least one of maxillary dentition data and mandibular dentition data. For example, if the orthodontic teeth of a patient whose teeth have been moved through orthodontic treatment are only the maxillary dentition, the orthodontic dentition data can be composed of only maxillary dentition data, and if the orthodontic teeth of a patient whose teeth have been moved through orthodontic treatment are only the mandibular dentition, the orthodontic dentition data can be composed of only mandibular dentition data.

[0046] The indirect output method is a method of producing a tooth model through an oral scan or impression taking, and producing a transparent orthodontic device by applying pressure to a molding sheet on the tooth model. The method comprises the steps of producing a tooth model through an oral scan or impression taking, and performing vacuum forming to apply pressure so that a transparent molding sheet is placed on the tooth model. The output transparent orthodontic device has an occlusal area created manually. In other words, the transparent orthodontic device according to the indirect output method is produced through vacuum forming using a molding sheet.

[0047] The direct output method is a method of designing a transparent orthodontic device by acquiring orthodontic dentition data through an oral scan and directly manufacturing the transparent orthodontic device, comprising: a step of acquiring orthodontic dentition data through an oral scan; a step of automatically recognizing and displaying the contact areas of the upper and lower jaws on a computer using the orthodontic dentition data, or a step of manually modifying and designing the contact areas on a computer; and a step of directly outputting the transparent orthodontic device using a 3D device such as a 3D printer. That is, the transparent orthodontic device according to the direct output method can be manufactured using a 3D device such as a 3D printer. In this way, the direct output method of directly outputting the transparent orthodontic device using a 3D device can simplify the device manufacturing process using software, improve precision by eliminating manual work, and prevent unnecessary material consumption.

[0048] It will be apparent that the transparent correction device (100) according to various embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the above-described methods and can be manufactured through various known methods.

[0049] Meanwhile, the transparent orthodontic device (100) can be used for various orthodontic cases, such as expansion, retraction, extrusion, intrusion, and rotation, to wrap the mandibular or maxillary teeth to be corrected and arrange them from the initial position to the target position. That is, the transparent orthodontic device (100) is used by being placed over the patient's teeth, and can be manufactured and used for each stage, taking into account the maximum amount of movement of the teeth requiring correction.

[0050] The transparent orthodontic device (100) may be made of an elastic material. The elasticity or shape-retaining power of the transparent orthodontic device (100) can provide a force in a certain direction to the teeth to move the teeth from an initial position to a target position.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the transparent orthodontic device (100) may be formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, and glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate.

[0052] According to another embodiment, the transparent orthodontic device (100) may be made of a polymer material or an elastic polymer. The polymeric material or elastomeric polymer may include, for example, natural polyisoprene such as cis-1,4-polyisoprene natural rubber and trans-1,4-polyisoprene gutta percha, synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber, polychloroprene, neoprene, bayprene, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, halogenated nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomer, perfluoroelastomer, polyether block amide, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, thermoplastic elastomer, polysulfide rubber, elastomeric olefin, or combinations thereof. The materials of the above-described transparent orthodontic device (100) are exemplary and not limited thereto. That is, a material having the properties necessary to achieve the function of the transparent orthodontic device (100), such as transparency and elasticity, can be used as a material of the transparent orthodontic device (100).

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the transparent orthodontic device (100) of the present invention includes a transparent orthodontic body (110). The transparent orthodontic body (110) has an outer surface (111), an inner surface (112), a channel (113) defined by the inner surface (112) and configured to accommodate teeth, and a gingival cutting line (114) formed at both ends of the transparent orthodontic body (110). That is, the transparent orthodontic body (110) is configured to be fitted to a tooth to be corrected in order to move the tooth from an initial position to a target position at each stage. At this time, the transparent orthodontic body (110) may have a negative shape that reflects the target position at each stage of orthodontic treatment.

[0054] Meanwhile, the transparent orthodontic device (100) includes an occlusal portion (120). The occlusal portion (120) is defined in the transparent orthodontic body (110) and may be formed in an occlusal area that contacts the opposing teeth during occlusion. The occlusal area may include an occlusal area of ​​the molars and / or an occlusal area of ​​the anterior teeth. The position of the occlusal portion (120) on the transparent orthodontic device (100) may vary depending on the occlusal area that contacts the opposing teeth at each stage of orthodontic treatment.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the occlusal portion (120) can be adjusted to be thicker or thinner at least partially to suit the orthodontic case according to the patient's dental condition.

[0056] For example, in orthodontic cases requiring molar intrusion, the thickness of the occlusal portion (120) may be formed to be thicker than the thickness of the area other than the occlusal portion (120).

[0057] The occlusal area (120) is an area that makes continuous contact with the opposing teeth. If the thickness of the occlusal area (120) is formed thicker than the thickness of the area other than the occlusal area (120), durability can be improved, and the tendency of the transparent orthodontic device (100) to spread in the buccal and lingual directions due to chewing pressure can be reduced, thereby improving the traction and retention force of the transparent orthodontic device (100). In addition, if the thickness of the occlusal area (120) is increased, early contact between the molar and the opposing teeth can be induced, and accordingly, molar intrusion can be induced more efficiently in orthodontic cases where molar intrusion is required.

[0058] Additionally, in orthodontic cases to prevent molar intrusion and open bite, the thickness of the occlusal portion (120) may be formed thinner than the thickness of the area other than the occlusal portion (120).

[0059] If the thickness of the occlusal portion (120) is formed thinner than the thickness of the area other than the occlusal portion (120), early contact of teeth including the molars during occlusion can be prevented, thereby preventing molar intrusion and open bite. On the other hand, if the thickness of the occlusal portion (120) on the molar side of the transparent orthodontic device (100) is formed thinner than the thickness of the occlusal portion (120) on the anterior side, intrusion of the anterior teeth can also be induced.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the direction and angle of the occlusal surface of the occlusal portion (120) can be adjusted to induce intentional sliding movement of the lower jaw while engaging with the occlusal portion (120) mounted on the opposing teeth. At this time, the direction in which the sliding movement of the lower jaw is induced can be anterior in the case of Class II malocclusion, and posterior in the case of Class III malocclusion.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the occlusal portion (120) may be formed to be parallel to the occlusal portion (120) mounted on the opposing teeth. That is, if the thickness of the occlusal portion (120) is adjusted to be parallel to the opposing teeth, wear of the orthodontic device (100) can be reduced in the case of a bruxism patient, and the force applied to the lower jaw can be reduced.

[0062] FIG. 3 (a) shows an upper jaw digital tooth model with a contact area indicated according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 (b) shows a lower jaw digital tooth model with a contact area indicated according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the occlusion of upper jaw teeth and lower jaw teeth in a state where a transparent orthodontic device including an occlusal portion according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on teeth.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the occlusal portion (120) can be formed on the transparent orthodontic body (110) based on the contact areas (11a, 11b) mapped by the digital tooth model (10a) of the maxilla and the digital tooth model (10b) of the mandible. Mapping means visually expressing the contact areas (11a, 11b) so that they can be distinguished according to the contact strength between the maxillary and mandibular teeth. That is, the occlusal area (30) can be formed based on the contact areas (11a, 11b) mapped according to the contact strength, and the occlusal portion (120) can be formed based on the occlusal area (30). The occlusal area (30) refers to an area formed to include at least a portion of the contact areas (11a, 11b) of the maxillary and mandibular teeth. In this way, the occlusal portion (120) can be formed in a more precise occlusal area (30) of the transparent orthodontic body (110), and the thickness can be adjusted at least partially to suit the orthodontic case according to the patient's dental condition.

[0064] Below, we will focus on the molars as an example. However, the technical features of the transparent orthodontic device applied to the molars can be applied equally to all teeth.

[0065] Referring to Fig. 4, the upper teeth (20a) and the lower teeth (20b) form an occlusal area (30) when occluding. The transparent orthodontic device (100) includes a transparent orthodontic body (110) mounted on the teeth and an occlusal portion (120) formed on the transparent orthodontic body (110) in an area corresponding to the occlusal area (30).

[0066] The transparent orthodontic body (110) may include a boundary defining the occlusal area (120). The occlusal area (30) may be set to include additional space so that the opposing teeth do not contact the boundary of the transparent orthodontic body (110) during occlusion or the boundaries of the transparent orthodontic bodies (110) mounted on the upper and lower jaws do not contact each other, taking into account not only vertical occlusion but also lateral occlusion. For example, the space may be approximately 1 mm or more.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the occlusion of the upper and lower teeth in a state where a transparent orthodontic device including a thickness reinforcing part according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the teeth.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 5, the transparent orthodontic device (100) can be formed to be relatively thick in areas requiring tooth movement, and relatively thin in areas not requiring tooth movement. Accordingly, by concentrating corrective force on areas requiring significant tooth movement, effective tooth movement can be achieved, while shortening the treatment period. Furthermore, by concentrating material use only on areas requiring tooth movement, material costs can be reduced and manufacturing time can be shortened.

[0069] That is, the transparent correction device (100) of the present invention may further include a thickness reinforcement part (130).

[0070] This thickness reinforcement part (130) can be formed in a manner that reinforces the thickness of a specific area of ​​the transparent orthodontic body (100) depending on each case of orthodontic treatment. That is, the thickness reinforcement part (130) is configured to make the area where the force of the transparent orthodontic device (100) is applied thicker than the area where it is not applied so that the orthodontic force can be sufficiently transmitted to the teeth at that location.

[0071] The thickness reinforcement part (130) can be manufactured as an integral type using the same material as the transparent correction body (110). In this case, the thickness reinforcement part (130) can also be formed integrally with the transparent correction body (110) using, for example, a 3D device.

[0072] Alternatively, the thickness reinforcement member (130) may be made of a different material from the transparent orthodontic body (110) and conformally joined to the transparent orthodontic body (110). In this case, the thickness reinforcement member (130) may be formed in a tapered or knife edge or wedge shape to minimize a foreign body sensation at the boundary with the outer surface (111) of the transparent orthodontic body (110) where the thickness reinforcement member (130) is not formed.

[0073] The thickness reinforcing member (130) may be formed to reinforce the thickness of a specific portion of the transparent orthodontic body (110), and the thickness of other portions of the transparent orthodontic body (110) may be relatively thin.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the thickness reinforcement part (130) may be formed to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located distal from the direction of movement of the tooth to be corrected. That is, the thickness reinforcement part (130) is configured to provide corrective force to the tooth to be corrected.

[0075] In this way, the thickness reinforcement part (130) can minimize deformation of the transparent orthodontic device (100) and extend the period of time during which a constant force is applied to the teeth so that tooth movement can proceed as planned, thereby improving tooth movement and tooth movement speed. Ultimately, the speed and accuracy of tooth correction can be improved.

[0076] Below, the application area of ​​the thickness reinforcement part (130) for the transparent orthodontic body (110) according to each case of orthodontic treatment will be examined. At this time, the description will be based on the lower jaw molar region, and the technical characteristics of the transparent orthodontic device applied to the lower jaw molar region can be equally applied to all teeth.

[0077] Figure 6 shows an application area of ​​a thickness reinforcement part according to an expansion case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] According to one embodiment, in the case of an expansion case, the thickness reinforcing member (130) is formed to reinforce the thickness of the lingual side of the transparent correction body (110).

[0079] Expansion Case refers to a case where corrective force is applied from the lingual side to the buccal side to move the teeth to be corrected.

[0080] At this time, it is necessary to reinforce the thickness of the lingual side of the transparent orthodontic body (110) in order to move the teeth to be corrected from the lingual side to the buccal side. That is, since the thickness reinforcement part (130) is formed to reinforce the thickness of the lingual side of the transparent orthodontic body (110), the corrective force in the expansion case can be supplemented.

[0081] In the case of an expansion case, the occlusal portion (120) can be formed by considering an additional occlusal area (40) due to tooth movement in addition to the initial occlusal area (30).

[0082] Fig. 7 shows an application area of ​​a thickness reinforcement part according to a retraction case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] According to one embodiment, in the case of the retraction case, the thickness reinforcing member (130) is formed to reinforce the thickness of the buccal side of the transparent orthodontic body (110).

[0084] A retraction case is a case where corrective force is applied from the buccal side to the lingual side to move the teeth to be corrected.

[0085] At this time, it is necessary to reinforce the thickness of the buccal side of the transparent orthodontic body (110) in order to move the teeth to be corrected from the buccal side to the lingual side. That is, since the thickness reinforcement part (130) is formed to reinforce the thickness of the buccal side of the transparent orthodontic body (110), it is possible to supplement the corrective force in the retraction case.

[0086] In the case of a retraction case, the occlusal portion (120) can be formed by considering an additional occlusal area (40) due to tooth movement in addition to the initial occlusal area (30).

[0087] Figure 8 shows an application area of ​​a thickness reinforcement part according to an extrusion case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] According to one embodiment, in the case of the extrusion case, the thickness reinforcing member (130) is formed to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located proximally from the root (below the maximum erosion line (L1) based on the lower jaw teeth) based on the maximum erosion line (L1) of the tooth. In this case, the maximum erosion line (L1) of the tooth means a line connecting the points where the tooth is maximally raised in the lateral direction.

[0089] An extrusion case is a case where corrective force is applied in the direction of extrusion from the root to the tooth to be corrected to move the tooth.

[0090] At this time, in order to move the tooth to be corrected in the direction of extrusion, it is necessary to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located proximally from the root (below the maximum erosion line (L1) based on the lower teeth) based on the maximum erosion line (L1) of the tooth. That is, since the thickness reinforcement part (130) is formed to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located proximally from the root (below the maximum erosion line (L1) based on the lower teeth), it is possible to supplement the orthodontic force in the extrusion case.

[0091] Figure 9 shows an application area of ​​a thickness reinforcement part according to an embedded case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] According to one embodiment, in the case of the intrusion case, the thickness reinforcing member (130) is formed to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located distally from the root (above the maximum erosion line (L1) based on the lower jaw teeth) based on the maximum erosion line (L1) of the tooth. In this case, the maximum erosion line (L1) of the tooth means a line connecting the points where the tooth is maximally raised in the lateral direction.

[0093] Intrusion Case refers to a case where corrective force is applied in the direction of intrusion to the teeth to be corrected to move them.

[0094] At this time, in order to move the tooth to be corrected in the direction of intrusion, it is necessary to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located proximally from the root (below the maximum erosion line (L1) based on the lower teeth) based on the maximum erosion line (L1) of the tooth. That is, since the thickness reinforcement part (130) is formed to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located distally from the root (above the maximum erosion line (L1) based on the lower teeth), it is possible to supplement the orthodontic force in the intrusion case.

[0095] Fig. 10 shows an application area of ​​a thickness reinforcement part according to a rotation case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] According to one embodiment, in the case of the Rotation Case, the thickness reinforcing portion (130) is formed to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located diagonally when four quadrants are set based on the groove line (L2) formed on the occlusal surface of the teeth. At this time, the groove line (L2) means a line that connects the sunken points formed on the edges of the teeth that face each other among the edges defining the occlusal surface.

[0097] Rotation Case refers to a case where corrective force is applied in the direction of rotation to the teeth to be corrected to rotate them.

[0098] At this time, when four quadrants are set based on the groove line (L2) formed on the occlusal surface of the teeth in order to rotate the teeth to be corrected, it is necessary to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body (110) positioned diagonally from each other. That is, since the thickness reinforcing part (130) is formed to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body (110) positioned diagonally from each other based on the groove line (L2), it is possible to supplement the orthodontic force in the rotation case.

[0099] Fig. 11 shows an application area of ​​a thickness reinforcement part according to an angulation case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] According to one embodiment, in the case of an angulation case, the thickness reinforcing member (130) is formed to reinforce the thickness of the mesial side of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located in one direction based on the maximum erosion line (L1) of the tooth, and the thickness of the distal side of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located in the other direction based on the maximum erosion line (L1) of the tooth. At this time, the maximum erosion line (L1) of the tooth means a line connecting points where the tooth is maximally raised in the lateral direction.

[0101] Angulation Case refers to a case where corrective force is applied in the direction of adjusting the mesial-distal inclination of the teeth.

[0102] At this time, in order to move the tooth to be corrected in the direction of inclination adjustment, it is necessary to reinforce the thickness of the mesial side of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located in one direction based on the maximum windage line (L1) of the tooth, and the thickness of the distal side of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located in the other direction based on the maximum windage line (L1) of the tooth. That is, since the thickness reinforcement part (130) is formed to reinforce the thickness of the mesial side and the distal side of the transparent orthodontic body (110), it is possible to supplement the orthodontic force in the angulation case.

[0103] Fig. 12 shows an application area of ​​a thickness reinforcement part according to a torque control case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] According to one embodiment, in the case of the Torque Control Case, the thickness reinforcing member (130) is formed to reinforce the thickness of the lingual side of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located in one direction based on the maximum erosion line (L1) of the tooth and the thickness of the buccal side of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located in the other direction based on the maximum erosion line (L1) of the tooth. At this time, the maximum erosion line (L1) of the tooth means a line connecting points where the tooth is maximally raised in the lateral direction.

[0105] Torque Control Case refers to a case where corrective force is applied in the direction desired to adjust the lingual-buccal inclination of the teeth.

[0106] At this time, in order to move the teeth to be corrected in the direction of inclination adjustment, it is necessary to reinforce the thickness of the lingual side of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located in one direction based on the maximum erosion line (L1) of the teeth, and the thickness of the buccal side of the transparent orthodontic body (110) located in the other direction based on the maximum erosion line (L1) of the teeth. That is, since the thickness reinforcing part (130) is formed to reinforce the thickness of the lingual side and the buccal side of the transparent orthodontic body (110), it is possible to supplement the orthodontic force in the torque control case.

[0107] Figures 13 (a) to (c) are drawings showing a partial form of a transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Referring to (a) to (c) of FIG. 13, the partial transparent orthodontic device (100a, 100b, 100c) of the present invention may be configured to cover only some teeth in the arch, rather than all teeth in the arch. That is, a full transparent orthodontic device that covers all teeth in the arch may be manufactured by dividing it into a plurality of partial transparent orthodontic devices that cover some teeth in the arch. As an example, the partial transparent orthodontic device may be a transparent orthodontic device (100a) that covers only anterior teeth, as shown in (a) of FIG. 13, a transparent orthodontic device (100b) that covers only posterior teeth, as shown in (b) of FIG. 13, and a transparent orthodontic device (100c) that covers some anterior teeth and some posterior teeth, as shown in (c) of FIG.

[0109] A full-length transparent aligner device gradually moves a specific set of teeth within the arch, covering all teeth within the jaw. The remaining teeth serve as anchor points for the device. In other words, forming an appropriate anchor point is crucial for the device to exert the corrective force needed to move the teeth to their target positions.

[0110] Meanwhile, tooth movements difficult to achieve with clear aligners can be achieved with other orthodontic devices, such as reimplantation (RPE) appliances. However, if these other devices are used simultaneously with full-length clear aligners, the structural characteristics of full-length clear aligners, which cover all teeth within the arch, can lead to physical interference between the two devices, potentially leading to loss of anchorage for the clear aligners.

[0111] That is, the partial-type transparent orthodontic device (100a, 100b, 100c) can be applied simultaneously with other orthodontic devices, such as a maxillary arch expander (RPE), without physical interference, for tooth movement that is difficult to achieve with the transparent orthodontic device alone, and each device can be used in complementary orthodontic treatment.

[0112] FIG. 14 (a) is a plan view of a transparent orthodontic device including a gum line reinforcement part according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 (b) is a BB' cross-sectional view of FIG. 14 (a), and FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the occlusion of upper and lower teeth in a state where a transparent orthodontic device including a gum line reinforcement part according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on teeth.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the transparent orthodontic device (100) may include a gingival line reinforcement part (140). This gingival line reinforcement part (140) is formed to extend from a gingival cutting line (114) located at both ends of the transparent orthodontic body (110) to reinforce the strength of the gingival cutting line (114) and to at least partially cover the gums (G).

[0114] The gingival cutting line (114) is the entrance through which the teeth enter when worn on the teeth, and is a part that is prone to repeated contact with the teeth or gingiva. It is also a part that the wearer grips with his / her hand and applies force when removing the gingival cutting line from the teeth. If external force is repeatedly applied to this gingival cutting line (114), damage or deformation may occur to the gingival cutting line (114), which may cause deformation of the entire transparent orthodontic device (100).

[0115] Accordingly, by forming a gingival line reinforcement part (140) on the gingival cutting line (114) to more firmly reinforce the gingival cutting line (114), the transparent orthodontic device (100) can be prevented from being deformed by external forces such as attachment / detachment or occlusal force. Furthermore, the gingival line reinforcement part (140) prevents the loss of the force that can move teeth applied to the transparent orthodontic device (100), thereby enabling the required amount of tooth movement to be achieved more accurately.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the gingival line reinforcement part (140) can be manufactured integrally with the transparent orthodontic body (110) by direct output using a 3D device. That is, when manufacturing the transparent orthodontic device (100) using a 3D device, the thickness of the gingival cutting line (114) can be adjusted to be thicker in the software to form the gingival line reinforcement part (140).

[0117] Vacuum forming, a method of manufacturing transparent aligners by compressing sheets under pressure, presents challenges in accurately calculating and implementing the appropriate amount of undercut during the prosthetic process. This can lead to device deformation when attaching or removing the device from the tooth model. Furthermore, even when the remaining area is trimmed using a cotton wheel or similar device after gingival trimming, the area that comes into excessive contact with the cotton wheel will become thinner, potentially reducing its strength and durability.

[0118] That is, since the transparent orthodontic device (100) including the gingival line reinforcement part (140) of the present invention is manufactured by a direct output method using a 3D device, not only can deformation of the transparent orthodontic device (100) be prevented, but also the amount of undercut can be precisely adjusted through software to facilitate attachment and detachment. In addition, as the thickness of the gingival cutting line (114) of the transparent orthodontic device (100) is reinforced, the inner side can be adjusted using a carbide bur or the like to maintain an appropriate hardness.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the gingival line reinforcement part (140) may be formed at least partially on at least one of the lingual side and the buccal side of the transparent orthodontic body. The gingival line reinforcement part (140) formed on either the lingual side or the buccal side may be formed continuously. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and multiple gingival line reinforcement parts (140) may be formed at intervals from each other only in a portion requiring strength reinforcement.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the gingival line reinforcement part (140) may be made of a different material from the transparent orthodontic body (110) and may be conformally joined to the transparent orthodontic body (110). That is, the gingival line reinforcement part (120) may be formed of a separate material having greater strength and less elastic deformation than the transparent orthodontic body (110) in order to prevent deformation of the transparent orthodontic body (110).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the gingival line reinforcement (140) may be formed in a tapered or knife edge or wedge shape to minimize foreign body sensation at the boundary with the outer surface (111) of the transparent orthodontic body (110) where the gingival line reinforcement (140) is not formed.

[0122] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be readily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not limiting. For example, each component described as a single entity may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0123] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0124] Description of the symbol

[0125] 100 Clear Correction Devices

[0126] 110 Transparent Correction Body

[0127] 111 External surface

[0128] 112 Inner surface

[0129] Channel 113

[0130] 114 Gingival cutting line

[0131] 120 occlusal area

[0132] 130 thickness reinforcement

[0133] 140 Gingival line reinforcement

[0134] 10a Digital tooth model of the maxilla

[0135] 10b Digital tooth model of the mandible

[0136] 11a Contact area mapped to the maxilla

[0137] 11b Contact area mapped to the mandible

[0138] 20a maxillary teeth

[0139] 20b mandibular teeth

[0140] 30 Initial occlusal area

[0141] 40 additional occlusal areas

[0142] G gums

Claims

1. A transparent orthodontic body configured to accommodate all teeth within the arch to move the teeth to be corrected from the initial position to the target position; A thickness reinforcing member that supplements the thickness of a specific area of ​​the transparent orthodontic body to provide corrective force to the teeth to be corrected; and A transparent orthodontic device comprising a gingival line reinforcement portion that extends from the gingival cutting line of the transparent orthodontic body to at least partially cover the gums and reinforces the strength of the gingival cutting line.

2. A transparent orthodontic body configured to accommodate some teeth within the arch to move the teeth to be corrected from the initial position to the target position; and A transparent orthodontic device including a thickness reinforcing member that supplements the thickness of a specific area of ​​the transparent orthodontic body to provide orthodontic force to teeth to be corrected.

3. In paragraph 1, A transparent orthodontic device characterized in that the gum line reinforcement part is formed integrally with the transparent orthodontic body.

4. In paragraph 1, A transparent orthodontic device, characterized in that the gum line reinforcement part is formed on at least one of the lingual surface side and the buccal surface side of the transparent orthodontic body.

5. In paragraph 4, A transparent orthodontic device characterized in that the gingival line reinforcement formed on the lingual side or the buccal side is formed continuously to be connected to the gingival cutting line of the transparent orthodontic body.

6. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above transparent orthodontic device is characterized in that it is manufactured using a direct output method using a 3D printer.

7. In paragraph 1 or 2, A transparent orthodontic device characterized in that the thickness reinforcing portion is formed in a manner that reinforces the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body located distal from the direction of movement of the tooth to be corrected.

8. In paragraph 7, In the case of an expansion case, a transparent orthodontic device characterized in that the thickness reinforcing portion is formed to reinforce the thickness of the lingual side of the transparent orthodontic body.

9. In paragraph 7, In the case of a retraction case, a transparent orthodontic device characterized in that the thickness reinforcing portion is formed to reinforce the thickness of the buccal side of the transparent orthodontic body.

10. In paragraph 7, In the case of an extrusion case, a transparent orthodontic device characterized in that the thickness reinforcing portion is formed to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body located proximally from the root based on the maximum wind line of the tooth.

11. In paragraph 7, In the case of an intrusion case, a transparent orthodontic device characterized in that the thickness reinforcing portion is formed to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body located distal from the root based on the maximum wind line of the tooth.

12. In paragraph 7, In the case of a rotation case, the thickness reinforcing portion is formed to reinforce the thickness of the transparent orthodontic body located in a diagonal direction when four quadrants are set based on the groove line formed on the occlusal surface of the teeth.

13. In paragraph 7, In the case of an angulation case, the thickness reinforcement part is formed to reinforce the thickness of the mesial side of the transparent orthodontic body located in one direction based on the maximum wind line of the tooth, and the thickness of the distal side of the transparent orthodontic body located in the other direction based on the maximum wind line of the tooth, a transparent orthodontic device characterized in that.

14. In paragraph 7, In the case of a torque control case, a transparent orthodontic device characterized in that the thickness reinforcing portion is formed to reinforce the thickness of the lingual side of the transparent orthodontic body located in one direction based on the maximum wind line of the teeth, and the thickness of the buccal side of the transparent orthodontic body located in the other direction based on the maximum wind line of the teeth.

Images