Anchor for use with orthodontic appliance

Abstract

An anchor for use with an orthodontic appliance is provided. The anchor is configured to be coupled to an anchor surface defining a reference plane. The anchor includes a base configured to be coupled to the anchor surface, such that the reference plane interfaces with the base. The anchor further includes a hook portion extending from the base and curving towards the reference plane. The hook portion includes a tip distal to the base. The hook portion defines a pocket having a minimum width relative to the reference plane. A maximum distance between the tip and the reference plane is less than the minimum width of the pocket.

Description

[0001] PA102027W002

[0002] ANCHOR FOR USE WITH ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to an anchor for use with an orthodontic appliance.

[0005] Background

[0006] Orthodontics relates to repositioning of patient's teeth for improved function and aesthetic appearance. Orthodontic appliances and treatment methods generally involve application of forces to move the patient's teeth into a proper bite configuration, or occlusion. Orthodontic treatment may involve use of alignment trays, such as clear or transparent, polymer-based tooth positioning trays, often referred to as clear tray aligners (CTAs). CTAs may include forming a tray having shells that engage one or more teeth of the patient. Each shell may be deformed from an initial position of a tooth, e.g., a malocclusion position. The deformed position of a respective shell of the CTA may apply a force to the respective tooth toward a desired position of the tooth.

[0007] In some instances, it may be advantageous to use an orthodontic elastic member to generate a tension force between a patient's upper and lower teeth to bring the teeth and / or jaws into a desired occlusion. Typically, one or more anchors (or brackets) are bonded or otherwise provided on the alignment trays of upper and lower jaws or mounted directly on the patient's teeth. The orthodontic elastic member is coupled to the anchors to generate the tension force. Conventional anchors tend to undergo distortion and bending due to long-term use. This may reduce the accuracy of the orthodontic treatment. The damaged or deformed anchors may irritate the patient to greatly reduce a wearability or a reliability of the alignment trays. Further, the conventional anchors include sharp edges that may interfere with the orthodontic elastic member. Moreover, the conventional anchors are limited to being positioned on a gingival edge of gums, causing the patient to often experience discomfort.

[0008] U.S. Publication No. 2024 / 0081953 discloses an orthodontic aligner that includes a shell defining a tooth cavity. The tooth cavity is configured to receive a patient's tooth and has an edge that defines an opening. An integral hook extends outwardly from wall portions of the shell and is spaced occlusally apart from the edge. The integral hook has a side wall that defines an interior space and includes a window. The window extends through the side wall so that the interior space is accessible. The window can be sized to interfere with an insertion of an elastic band. The integral hook is configured to receive an attachment. The attachment is accessible through the window.

[0009] Summary

[0010] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an anchor for use with an orthodontic appliance. The anchor is configured to be coupled to an anchor surface defining a reference plane. The anchor includes a base configured to be coupled to the anchor surface, such that the reference plane interfaces with the base. The anchor further includes a hook portion extending from the base and curving towards the reference plane. The hook portion includes a tip distal to the base. The hook portion defines a pocket having a minimum width relative to the reference plane. A maximum distance between the tip and the reference plane is less than the minimum width of the pocket.

[0011] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an orthodontic appliance. The orthodontic appliance includes an appliance body including a plurality of tooth-receiving cavities configmed to receive a patient’s teeth and to apply a force to one or more of the patient’s teeth to move one or more of the patient’s teeth. The appliance body defines a reference plane. The orthodontic appliance further includes one or more anchors extending from the appliance body. Each anchor of the one or more anchors includes a base coupled to the appliance body, such that the reference plane interfaces with the base. Each anchor further includes a hook portion extending from the base and curving towards the reference plane. The hook portion includes a tip distal to the base. The hook portion defines a pocket having a minimum width relative to the reference plane. A maximum distance between the tip and the reference plane is less than the minimum width of the pocket.

[0012] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides an orthodontic appliance. The orthodontic appliance includes an appliance body including a plurality of tooth-receiving cavities configmed to receive a patient’s teeth and to apply a force to one or more of the patient’s teeth to move one or more of the patient’s teeth. The appliance body defines a reference plane. The orthodontic appliance further includes one or more anchors extending from the appliance body. Each anchor of the one or more anchors includes a base coupled to the appliance body, such that the reference plane interfaces with the base. Each anchor further includes a hook portion extending from the base and curving towards the reference plane. The hook portion includes a tip distal to the base, a proximal surface facing the appliance body, and a distal surface facing away from the appliance body. The distal surface is smooth without any sharp edges.

[0013] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure me set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other featmes, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0014] Brief Description of Drawings

[0015] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the following figures. The figures me not necessmily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

[0016] FIG. 1 A is a schematic perspective view of a lower jaw of a patient and an orthodontic appliance including an anchor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. IB is a schematic side view of a portion of the lower jaw, an upper jaw, and corresponding orthodontic appliances, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of the lower jaw, the orthodontic appliance, and the anchor, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 2B is a schematic side view of a portion of the lower jaw, the upper jaw, and the corresponding orthodontic appliances, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the anchor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIGS. 4 A and 4B are schematic front and rear perspective views of the anchor, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the anchor, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0023] FIGS. 6 A and 6B are schematic front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the anchor of FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Detailed Description

[0025] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part thereof and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0026] In the following disclosure, the following definitions are adopted.

[0027] As used herein, the term “orthodontic treatment” generally refers to any type of medical intervention aimed at correcting malocclusions associated with a subject's teeth, including surgical and non-surgical manipulations, such as, but not limited to, using aligners. Further, the orthodontic treatment, as referred to herein, may be determined by a professional practitioner in the field of dentistry (such as, an orthodontist, a maxillofacial surgeon, for example), or automatically by a software, based on respective image data and input parameters associated with the subject.

[0028] As used herein, the term “orthodontic appliance” shall be interpreted broadly and shall be understood to include all manner of contrivances that are used to treat malocclusions in a patient. For example, the orthodontic appliance is configured to receive one or more of a patient's teeth and to apply a force to one or more of the patient's teeth to reposition the one or more teeth from an original tooth arrangement to a desired tooth arrangement. The desired tooth arrangement may be a final arrangement or an intermediate arrangement on a path to the final arrangement.

[0029] Orthodontic treatment can involve use of alignment trays, e.g., clear tray aligners (CTAs). CTAs may include forming a tray having shells that engage one or more teeth of a patient. Each shell may be deformed from an initial position of a tooth, e.g., a malocclusion position. The deformed position of a respective shell of the CTA may apply a force to the respective tooth toward a desired position of the tooth. It may be advantageous to use an orthodontic elastic member to generate a tension force between a patient's upper and lower teeth to bring the teeth and / or jaws into a desired occlusion. Typically, one or more anchors (or brackets) are provided on the alignment trays of upper and lower jaws or mounted directly on the patient's teeth. The orthodontic elastic member is coupled to the anchors to generate the tension force. Conventional anchors tend to undergo distortion and bending due to long-term use. This may reduce the accuracy of the orthodontic treatment. The damaged or deformed anchors may irritate the patient to greatly reduce a wearability or a reliability of the alignment trays. Further, the conventional anchors include sharp edges that may interfere with the orthodontic elastic member. Moreover, the conventional anchors are limited to being positioned on a gingival edge of gums, causing the patient to often experience discomfort.

[0030] The present disclosure provides an anchor for use with an orthodontic appliance. The anchor is configured to be coupled to an anchor surface defining a reference plane. The anchor includes a base configured to be coupled to the anchor surface, such that the reference plane interfaces with the base. Each anchor further includes a hook portion extending from the base and curving towards the reference plane. The hook portion includes a tip distal to the base. The hook portion defines a pocket having a minimum width relative to the reference plane. A maximum distance between the tip and the reference plane is less than the minimum width of the pocket.

[0031] The anchor of the present disclosure may be used to support an orthodontic elastic member in conjunction with an orthodontic appliance. The anchor has a unique and robust shape / design. The anchor includes the base configured to be coupled to the anchor surface. The base has a cross-sectional shape that is flared, thereby increasing a strength and / or a durability of the anchor. This may mitigate bending and distortion of the anchor. Additionally, the hook portion of the anchor has an outside surface that is rounded (devoid of any sharp edges) to reduce interference with the orthodontic elastic member and to maximize the comfort of the patient.

[0032] The maximum distance between the tip of the hook portion and the reference plane is less than the minimum width of the pocket. This may compress the orthodontic elastic member when inserting the orthodontic elastic member inside the pocket enabling the anchor to hold the orthodontic elastic member in place within the pocket. In some cases, the anchor may be integrally formed with the orthodontic appliance via three-dimensional (3D) printing or additive manufacturing. This may allow the anchor to be placed on any desired teeth of the patient including teeth with attachments.

[0033] Referring now to Figures, FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of an orthodontic appliance 100 and a patient’s dental arch including patient’s teeth 108. Specifically, FIG. 1A illustrates a lower jaw 103 of the patient (not shown). The orthodontic appliance 100 may be worn by the patient for applying repositioning forces to the patient’s teeth 108 to achieve an incremental repositioning of the patient’s teeth 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the orthodontic appliance 100 is an orthodontic aligner. However, in some other cases, the orthodontic appliance 100 may also be an orthodontic retainer. In some embodiments, the orthodontic appliance 100 may be designed and / or provided as a part of a set or a plurality of aligners. A similar orthodontic appliance 100 may also be used with an upper jaw 105 (shown in FIG. IB) of the patient. FIG. IB is a schematic side view of a portion of the lower jaw 103, the upper jaw 105 and the corresponding orthodontic appliances 100.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1A and IB, in some embodiments, the orthodontic appliance 100 includes an appliance body 104 including a plurality of tooth-receiving cavities 106 configured to receive the patient’s teeth 108 and to apply a force to one or more of the patient’s teeth 108 to move one or more of the patient’s teeth 108. In other words, the plurality of tooth-receiving cavities 106 receive and resiliently reposition the patient’s teeth 108.

[0035] In some embodiments, the one or more patient’s teeth 108 may be repositioned by the orthodontic appliance 100 while the other patient’s teeth 108 may provide a base or anchor region for holding the orthodontic appliance 100 as the orthodontic appliance 100 applies the force against the one or more patient’s teeth 108 for repositioning. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of tooth-receiving cavities 106 may be configured such that each tooth-receiving cavity 106 has a geometry corresponding to an intermediate or a final tooth arrangement intended for the patient’s teeth 108.

[0036] In some embodiments, the orthodontic appliance 100 may be made of a polymeric material. In some embodiments, the orthodontic appliance 100 may be clear or translucent. In some embodiments, the orthodontic appliance 100 may include a continuous polymeric shell or segmented shells with the plurality of tooth-receiving cavities 106. In some embodiments, the orthodontic appliance 100 or portion(s) thereof may be indirectly fabricated using a physical and / or a digital model of the patient’s teeth 108 and may be necessarily shaped to match a topography of the patient’s teeth 108. In some embodiments, the orthodontic appliance 100 is formed via additive manufacturing (using the digital model) and may include cured layers of the polymeric material. Techniques for manufacturing the orthodontic appliance 100 may be found in, for example, WIPO Publication No. WO 2024 / 079567 (Tong et. al.), which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0037] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the orthodontic appliance 100 may be formed by thermoforming the orthodontic appliance 100 over the physical model. The physical model of the patient’s teeth 108 may be formed through a variety of techniques, including additive manufacturing.

[0038] The orthodontic appliance 100 includes one or more anchors 110 extending from the appliance body 104. In some examples, the one or more anchors 110 are used for class correction and / or when using auxiliary mechanics. During a course of an orthodontic treatment, it may be desirable to interface the orthodontic appliance 100 with the one or more anchors 110 that are provided on a surface of the orthodontic appliance 100. For example, the one or more anchors 110 may be provided to receive an elastic band 102 (shown in FIG. IB). In such cases, the orthodontic appliance 100 for the lower jaw 103 and the orthodontic appliance 100 for the upper jaw 105 may be coupled via the elastic band 102 allowing tooth repositioning forces to be applied by the elastic band 102 between the one or more anchors 110 and the orthodontic appliance 100. In FIG. 1A, only one anchor 110 from the one or more anchors 110 is shown for the purpose of illustration. The term “one or more anchors 110” is interchangeably referred to herein as “the anchor 110”.

[0039] In some embodiments, the one or more anchors 110 are integrally formed with the appliance body 104. In such cases, the orthodontic appliance 100 is an additively manufactured part and the one or more anchors 110 are integrally formed with the appliance body 104. For example, a method of manufacturing the orthodontic appliance 100 includes additively manufacturing the orthodontic appliance 100, such that the one or more anchors 110 are integrally formed with the appliance body 104. Further, the appliance body 104 and the anchors 110 may be made up of suitable layers of the polymeric material.

[0040] Alternatively, the one or more anchors 110 are produced via additive manufacturing separate from the appliance body 104. In such cases, the one or more anchors 110 are fixedly coupled to the appliance body 104 via bonding (or any other suitable technique). For example, a method of manufacturing the orthodontic appliance 100 includes additively manufacturing the one or more anchors 110 separate from the appliance body 104, and bonding the one or more anchors 110 with the appliance body 104. This may allow the anchors 110 to be used with the orthodontic appliance 100 made from thermoformed or different materials.

[0041] In cases involving complex movement of the patient’s teeth 108 or complex treatment plans, it may be beneficial to utilize auxiliary components in conjunction with the orthodontic appliance 100. Examples of such auxiliary components may include, but are not limited to, elastics, wires, springs, bars, arch expanders, palatal expanders, twin blocks, occlusal blocks, bite ramps, mandibular advancement splints, bite plates, pontics, hooks, anchors, buttons, brackets, headgear tubes, springs, bumper tubes, palatal bars, frameworks, pin-and-tube apparatuses, buccal shields, buccinator bows, wire shields, lingual flanges and pads, lip pads or bumpers, protrusions, divots, and the like.

[0042] FIG. 2 A is a schematic perspective view of the orthodontic appliance 100 and the patient’s dental arch including the patient’s teeth 108, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 2A illustrates the lower jaw 103 of the patient (not shown). FIG. 2B is a schematic side view of a portion of the lower jaw 103, the upper jaw 105, and the corresponding orthodontic appliances 100, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in the illustrated embodiment, the anchor 110 is configured to be coupled to an anchor surface 112. In some embodiments, the anchor surface 112 is a surface of the patent’s teeth 108. Thus, the anchor 110 is directly coupled to the patent’s teeth 108. For example, the anchor 110 is bonded to the patient’s teeth 108.

[0043] Additionally, the orthodontic appliance 100 includes a cut-out 115, such that the anchor 110 at least partially protrudes through the cut-out 115 as the orthodontic appliance 100 receives the patient’s teeth 108. Thus, the orthodontic appliance 100 in conjunction with the anchor 110 forms a system for the orthodontic treatment of the patient’s teeth 108 and may be utilized with the elastic band 102 (shown in FIG. 2B) as described above. The anchors 110 may be positioned bilaterally for class correction unless an asymmetric one-sided shift is required. In the latter case, the anchor 110 is unilaterally placed on a side with the class correction. The one or more anchors 110 may be positioned on both the canine teeth and the molar teeth, for example. In some examples, areas of recession may be avoided when positioning the anchor 110 by moving the anchor 110 more occlusally. Attachments may be applied for retention. For example, the attachments may be positioned at a distance greater than or equal to 1.5 millimeters (mm) from the anchor 110 and the cutout 115 to provide trimline clearance.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the anchor 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic front and rear perspective views of the anchor 110, respectively. Referring to FIGS. 1A, IB and 3-4B, the appliance body 104 defines a reference plane 126 (shown in FIG. 3). The reference plane 126 may be a part of a surface of the orthodontic appliance 100. Each anchor 110 of the one or more anchors 110 includes a base 116 coupled to the appliance body 104, such that the reference plane 126 interfaces with the base 116. Specifically, the appliance body 104 is substantially coplanar with the base 116 of the anchor 110. In some embodiments, each anchor 110 extends from the appliance body 104 via the base 116.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2 A, 2B and 3-4B, the anchor 110 is configmed to be coupled to the anchor surface 112. Specifically, the anchor surface 112 is a surface of the patent’s teeth 108. In such a case, the anchor surface 112 defines the reference plane 126, such that the reference plane 126 interfaces with the base 116 of the anchor 110.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 3-4B, in some embodiments, the base 116 has a semicircular cross-section (more clearly visible in FIG. 4B). Thus, the base 116 has a cross-sectional shape that is flared, thereby increasing a strength and / or a durability of the anchors 110. This may mitigate bending and distortion of the anchors 110. However, it should be noted that the base 116 may have any other cross-sectional shape, including regular and irregular shapes.

[0047] Each anchor 110 of the one or more anchors 110 further includes a hook portion 114 extending from the base 116 and curving towards the reference plane 126. In other words, the hook portion 114 may be in the form of a curved portion extending from the base 116. In some embodiments, the hook portion 114 is concave with respect to the appliance body 104 (shown in FIGS. 1 A and IB) or the anchor surface 112 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). In some embodiments, the base 116 tapers from the appliance body 104 or the anchor surface 112 to the hook portion 114.

[0048] The hook portion 114 includes a tip 128 distal to the base 116. The tip 128 may be an end portion of the hook portion 114. In some embodiments, the tip 128 includes a planar surface 130 (shown in FIG. 4B) facing the reference plane 126. In some embodiments, the hook portion 114 includes a proximal surface 122 facing the appliance body 104 (shown in FIGS. 1 A and IB) or the anchor surface 112 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) and a distal surface 123 facing away from the appliance body 104 or the anchor surface 112. The distal surface 123 is smooth without any sharp edges. This may reduce an interference with the elastic band 102 (shown in FIGS. IB and 2B) and maximize the comfort of the patient.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 3, the hook portion 114 defines a pocket 118 having a minimum width 120 relative to the reference plane 126. A maximum distance 124 between the tip 128 and the reference plane 126 is less than the minimum width 120 of the pocket 118. This may allow the elastic band 102 (shown in FIGS. IB and 2B) to be compressed when the elastic band 102 is inserted inside the pocket 118 enabling the anchor 110 to hold the elastic band 102 in place within the pocket 118.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the anchor 110 has a curved configuration for receiving the elastic band 102. However, other configurations of anchor 110 are also possible, such as anchors having an “L”- shaped configuration. As other alternatives, the anchor 110 may include tabs, bumps, pegs, buttons, knobs, or other types of protrusions.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of one or more anchors 210, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 5, only one anchor 210 from the one or more anchors 210 is shown for the purpose of illustration. In some examples, the anchor 210 may be functionally similar to the anchor 110 shown in FIGS. 1A-4B, with same components or portions being referred to by equivalent reference numerals. The term “one or more anchors 210” is interchangeably referred to herein as “the anchor 210”. FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic front and rear perspective views of the anchor 210, respectively.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 5-6B, each anchor 210 includes a base 216 attached to the appliance body 104 (shown in FIGS. 1A and IB) or the anchor surface 112 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). In the illustrated embodiment, the base 216 has a cross-section shaped like a circular sector. However, in some other embodiments, the base 216 may have any other cross-section shape, including regular and irregular shapes.

[0053] Each anchor 210 further includes a hook portion 214 extending from the base 216 and curving towards a reference plane 226 defined by the appliance body 104 (shown in FIGS. 1 A and IB) or by the anchor surface 112 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The hook portion 214 includes a tip 228 distal to the base 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the tip 228 includes a curved surface 232 facing the reference plane 226.

[0054] In some embodiments, the hook portion 214 further includes a first portion 230 extending from the base 216. The hook portion 214 further includes a second portion 234 extending from the first portion 230 and including the tip 228. The second portion 234 is inclined to the first portion 230. In some embodiments, the first portion 230 tapers from the base 216 to the second portion 234.

[0055] In some embodiments, the hook portion 214 further includes a proximal surface 222 facing the appliance body 104 (shown in FIGS. 1A and IB) or the anchor surface 112 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) and a distal surface 223 facing away from the aligner body 104 or the anchor surface 112. The hook portion 214 defines a pocket 218 (shown in FIG. 5) having a minimum width 220 relative to the reference plane 226. A maximum distance 224 between the tip 228 and the reference plane 226 is less than the minimum width 220 of the pocket 218. Referring to FIGS. 1A-6B, the anchor 110 of the present disclosure may be used to support the elastic band 102 or other auxiliary provided with the orthodontic appliance 100. The anchor 110, 210 has a unique and robust shape / design. The anchor 110, 210 includes the base 116, 216 flush with or coupled to the appliance body 104 or the anchor surface 112. The base 216 has a cross-sectional shape that is flared, thereby increasing a strength and / or a durability of the anchor 110, 210. Additionally, the hook portion 114 of the anchor 110 has an outside surface that is rounded (devoid of any sharp edges) to reduce any interference with the elastic band 102 and maximize the comfort of the patient.

[0056] The maximum distance 124, 224 between the tip 128, 228 of the hook portion 114, 214 and the reference plane 126, 226 is less than the minimum width 120, 220 of the pocket 118, 218. This may allow the elastic band 102 to be compressed when the elastic band 102 is inserted inside the pocket 118, 218 enabling the anchor 110, 210 to hold the elastic band 102 in place within the pocket 118, 218. In some cases, the anchor 110, 210 may be integrally formed with the orthodontic appliance 100 via 3D printing or additive manufacturing. This may allow the anchor 110, 210 to be placed on any desired teeth of the patient including teeth with attachments.

[0057] In the present detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The illustrated embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0058] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0059] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0060] Spatially related terms, including but not limited to, “proximate,” “distal,” “lower,” “upper,” “beneath,” “below,” “above,” and “on top,” if used herein, are utilized for ease of description to describe spatial relationships of an element(s) to another. Such spatially related terms encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the particular orientations depicted in the figures and described herein. For example, if an object depicted in the figures is turned over or flipped over, portions previously described as below or beneath other elements would then be above or on top of those other elements.

[0061] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An anchor for use with an orthodontic appliance, the anchor configured to be coupled to an anchor surface defining a reference plane, the anchor comprising: a base configured to be coupled to the anchor surface, such that the reference plane interfaces with the base; and a hook portion extending from the base and curving towards the reference plane, the hook portion comprising a tip distal to the base, wherein the hook portion defines a pocket having a minimum width relative to the reference plane, and wherein a maximum distance between the tip and the reference plane is less than the minimum width of the pocket.

2. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the hook portion comprises a proximal surface facing the anchor surface and a distal surface facing away from the anchor surface, and wherein the distal surface is smooth without any sharp edges.

3. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the hook portion is concave with respect to the anchor surface.

4. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the base has a semicircular cross-section.

5. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the base has a cross-section shaped like a circular sector.

6. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the hook portion further comprises: a first portion extending from the base; and a second portion extending from the first portion and comprising the tip, wherein the second portion is inclined to the first portion.

7. The anchor of claim 6, wherein the first portion tapers from the base to the second portion.

8. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the tip comprises a curved surface facing the reference plane.

9. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the tip comprises a planar surface facing the reference plane.

10. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the base tapers from the anchor surface to the hook portion.

11. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the anchor is produced via additive manufacturing.

12. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the anchor surface is a surface of a patient’s teeth.

13. An orthodontic appliance comprising: an appliance body comprising a plurality of tooth-receiving cavities configmed to receive a patient’s teeth and to apply a force to one or more of the patient’s teeth to move one or more of the patient’s teeth, the appliance body defining a reference plane; and one or more anchors extending from the appliance body, each anchor of the one or more anchors comprising: a base coupled to the appliance body, such that the reference plane interfaces with the base; and a hook portion extending from the base and curving towards the reference plane, the hook portion comprising a tip distal to the base, wherein the hook portion defines a pocket having a minimum width relative to the reference plane, and wherein a maximum distance between the tip and the reference plane is less than the minimum width of the pocket.

14. The orthodontic appliance of claim 13, wherein the hook portion comprises a proximal surface facing the appliance body and a distal surface facing away from the appliance body, and wherein the distal surface is smooth without any sharp edges.

15. The orthodontic appliance of claim 13, wherein the hook portion is concave with respect to the appliance body.

16. The orthodontic appliance of claim 13, wherein the base has a semicircular cross-section.

17. The orthodontic appliance of claim 13, wherein the base has a cross-section shaped like a circular sector.

18. The orthodontic appliance of claim 13, wherein the hook portion further comprises: a first portion extending from the base; and a second portion extending from the first portion and comprising the tip, wherein the second portion is inclined to the first portion.

19. The orthodontic appliance of claim 18, wherein the first portion tapers from the base to the second portion.

20. The orthodontic appliance of claim 13, wherein the tip comprises a curved surface facing the reference plane.

21. The orthodontic appliance of claim 13, wherein the tip comprises a planar surface facing the reference plane.

22. The orthodontic appliance of claim 13, wherein the base tapers from the appliance body to the hook portion.

23. The orthodontic appliance of claim 13, wherein the one or more anchors are integrally formed with the appliance body.

24. The orthodontic appliance of claim 13, wherein the orthodontic appliance is an additively manufactured part.

25. The orthodontic appliance of claim 13, wherein the one or more anchors are produced via additive manufacturing separate from the appliance body.

26. The orthodontic appliance of claim 13, wherein the one or more anchors are fixedly coupled to the appliance body via bonding.

27. A method of manufacturing the orthodontic appliance of claim 13, the method comprising additively manufacturing the orthodontic appliance, such that the one or more anchors are integrally formed with the aligner body.

28. A method of manufacturing the orthodontic appliance of claim 13, the method comprising additively manufacturing the one or more anchors separate from the appliance body, and bonding the one or more anchors with the appliance body.

29. An orthodontic appliance comprising: an appliance body comprising a plurality of tooth-receiving cavities configmed to receive a patient’s teeth and to apply a force to one or more of the patient’s teeth to move one or more of the patient’s teeth, the appliance body defining a reference plane; and one or more anchors extending from the appliance body, each anchor of the one or more anchors comprising:a base coupled to the appliance body, such that the reference plane interfaces with the base; and a hook portion extending from the base and curving towards the reference plane, the hook portion comprising a tip distal to the base, a proximal surface facing the appliance body, and a distal surface facing away from the appliance body, wherein the distal surface is smooth without any sharp edges.

30. The orthodontic appliance of claim 29, wherein the hook portion defines a pocket having a minimum width relative to the reference plane, and wherein a maximum distance between the tip and the reference plane is less than the minimum width of the pocket.

31. The orthodontic appliance of claim 29, wherein the hook portion is concave with respect to the appliance body.

32. The orthodontic appliance of claim 29, wherein the base has a semicircular cross-section.

33. The orthodontic appliance of claim 29, wherein the tip comprises a planar surface facing the reference plane.

34. The orthodontic appliance of claim 29, wherein the base tapers from the appliance body to the hook portion.

35. The orthodontic appliance of claim 29, wherein the one or more anchors are integrally formed with the appliance body.

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