Systems and methods for improved engagement between aligners and teeth
First Claim
1. A system for repositioning teeth, comprising:
- a force-receiving component for bonding to at least one of a patient'"'"'s teeth; and
a polymeric shell repositioning appliance, having at least one force-transmitting component, for placement over the patient'"'"'s teeth, the force-transmitting component structured so that the force-transmitting component engages the force-receiving component on the at least one tooth at a contact point within a locus of engagement, wherein a position of the contact point adjusts within the locus of engagement as the tooth is repositioned so that the force transmitted to said tooth increases if the tooth lags its intended position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for repositioning teeth in a patient jaw includes an attachment bonded to a tooth. The attachment has at least one force receiving component for receiving a force. A polymeric shell repositioning appliance is positioned over at least some of the teeth in the patient jaw. The polymeric shell has at least one force transmitting component for engaging the force receiving component to form a locus of engagement. The locus of engagement transmits the force and moves but is maintained as the tooth is repositioned. In specific embodiments the locus of engagement is maintained over a substantial range of motion. The force transmitted at the locus of engagement increases in response to the tooth lagging an intended position. A space between the positioned appliance and the tooth permits the tooth to move into an intended position.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A system for repositioning teeth, comprising:
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a force-receiving component for bonding to at least one of a patient'"'"'s teeth; and a polymeric shell repositioning appliance, having at least one force-transmitting component, for placement over the patient'"'"'s teeth, the force-transmitting component structured so that the force-transmitting component engages the force-receiving component on the at least one tooth at a contact point within a locus of engagement, wherein a position of the contact point adjusts within the locus of engagement as the tooth is repositioned so that the force transmitted to said tooth increases if the tooth lags its intended position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A polymeric shell repositioning appliance, comprising:
a shell appliance for placement over a patient'"'"'s teeth, comprising a plurality of teeth receiving cavities having geometries shaped to receive and resiliently position the patient'"'"'s teeth, and further comprising at least one force-transmitting component that is structured so that the force-transmitting component engages a force-receiving component bonded to at least one of the patient'"'"'s teeth at a contact point within a locus of engagement, wherein a position of the contact point adjusts within the locus of engagement as the tooth is repositioned so that the force transmitted to said tooth increases if the tooth lags its intended position. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A polymeric shell orthodontic appliance, comprising:
a shell appliance for placement over a patient'"'"'s teeth, comprising at least one force-transmitting component for placement over a patient'"'"'s teeth so that the force-transmitting component engages a force-receiving component bonded to at least one of the patient'"'"'s teeth at a contact point within a locus of engagement, wherein a position of the contact point adjusts within the locus of engagement as the tooth is repositioned so that the force transmitted to said tooth increases if the tooth lags its intended position, wherein the force-transmitting component comprises a pawl, a ratchet, or meshing teeth.
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26. A system for repositioning teeth, comprising:
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a force-receiving component for bonding to at least one of a patient'"'"'s teeth; and a polymeric shell repositioning appliance, having at least one force-transmitting component, for placement over the patient'"'"'s teeth, the force-transmitting component and/or the force-receiving component structured so that the force-transmitting component engages the force-receiving component on the at least one tooth at a contact point within a locus of engagement, wherein a position of the contact point adjusts within the locus of engagement as the tooth is repositioned so that the force transmitted to said tooth increases if the tooth lags its intended position.
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Specification