Placing an orthodontic element on a tooth surface

• US 20080145812A1
• Filed: 10/31/2007
• Published: 06/19/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/1997
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Cadent Ltd (Align Technology Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Cadent Ltd (Align Technology Incorporated)
• Inventors: Taub, Eldad, Kopelman, Avi, Nissenbaum, Baruch
• Application Number:
  US11/980,369
• Publication Number:
  US 20080145812A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 433/3
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/002 Orthodontic computer assisted systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/145 Lingual brackets
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/146 Positioning or placement of brackets; Tools therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 9/0053 Optical means or methods, e.g. scanning the teeth by a laser or light beam

Abstract

A method for comparing between an orthodontic element'"'"'s actual position on the surface of a tooth and a proper position comprise monitoring the element, the tooth or both once the element and the tooth are proximal to one another by an image acquisition unit which transmits an image to a screen that displays the image and displaying information on the screen regarding proper position of the element in a manner allowing to compare between the actual and the proper position is disclosed. Further disclosed is a system and device for positioning of an orthodontic element or a marking device having a marking member for marking a position for subsequent placement of an orthodontic element on a surface of a tooth.

Claims

1. A marking device for marking a position for subsequent placement of an orthodontic element on a surface of a tooth, comprising:

a marking member held on said marking device in a manner allowing to mark said position on a tooth surface; and

an image acquisition unit for capturing an image of the marking device and of its surrounding.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the marking member and the image acquisition unit are mutually fixed such that said member appears in a predetermined spot of the image captured by the image acquisition unit.