Abstract: A method for managing an office using a network of robotic elements. The method includes transmitting a first signal corresponding to a request to at least one robotic element within the network of robotic elements, wherein the request comprises a first location and a first task to be completed at the first location. The robotic element then navigates to the first location associated with the request and performs the first task that is associated with the request. The robotic element then transmits a second signal which corresponds to the request by the at least one robotic element to the network of robotic elements, wherein the second signal corresponding to the request comprises a notification that the first task has been performed. The robotic element may be an airborne drone or a wheeled robot. Each robotic element may perform several tasks associated with office management.

Abstract: An interproximal reduction (IPR) kit and method for using the same. The patient takes their own dental impression and submits it to a dental service provider for a treatment plan. A set of aligners based on the treatment plan are then delivered to the patient as part of a kit. The kit also includes a set of written instructions and/or a treatment diagram and a plurality of strips used to reduce the widths of specific spots of the patient's teeth according to the treatment plan. The patient follows the reapproximation instructions or is instructed to go to a website for supervision for the performance of the reapproximation process. After sufficient instruction, the patient applies the plurality of strips to the correct spots between their teeth. Once reapproximation is complete, the patient is ready to begin wearing the aligners as dictated by the treatment plan.

Abstract: A method for directly printing orthodontic and dental appliances on the teeth of a patient. The tooth is scanned with a scanner which is communicated with a computer controller configured to recognize the anatomy of the tooth. The surface of a tooth of the patient is then prepared in order to receive the type of appliance designated for the patient. Using image data from the print head, the computer controller prepares a three-dimensional blueprint or design of an appropriate orthodontic or dental appliance. The computer controller controls the type and amount of material that is distributed through the print head only when the print head passes over the recognized anatomy so as to directly print the corresponding appliance onto the tooth layer by layer as the print head makes successive passes over the surface of the tooth.

Abstract: A system and method that is a web based application for creating and managing 3D models used in orthodontic laboratory prescriptions within a dental clinic or lab. The method includes automatically detecting and removing any appliances contained within the 3D image file. After the appliances have been removed, the system then automatically replaces the removed image data with new mage data that is calculated to approximate the surface of the tooth disposed beneath the deleted appliance in order to create a clean, second 3D image. The method may further automatically refine the second 3D image of the patients teeth or delete any artifacts which remain after creation of the second 3D image. The second 3D image may then be used as the basis on which to change the patients orthodontic or dental prescription.

Abstract: A system and method that is a web based application for creating and managing orthodontic laboratory prescriptions within a dental clinic or lab. The system receives a standard triangle language (STL) image file which has been obtained from an intraoral digital scan or cone-beam of a patient's mouth and teeth. The user manually selects brackets, attachments, bands, or other appliances and removes them from the 3D image file via a series of selections made through an interface within a digital workspace. The system then calculates a surface of the tooth that was disposed beneath the removed appliance and integrates it into the 3D image to create a clean 3D image of the patient's teeth free from any appliances. After the appliances have been removed, the user may further refine the image of the patient's teeth using a suite of tools including addition, deletion, smoothening, and definition tools.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible pouch for accommodating an orthodontic appliance while not is use. The pouch may be selectively and repeatedly coupled to a variety of objects. After selectively coupling the pouch to a desired object, the user opens the pouch by expanding at least one collapsible wall or side. The user then removes their orthodontic appliance, inserts it into the open pouch, and then closes the pouch by letting the pouch contract. When the orthodontic appliance is needed again, the user removes the appliance from the pouch and lets the pouch contract into its original position flush against the surface of the object. The pouch is coupled to the object via a magnet disposed within the pouch that is configured to interact with the surface of the object. The pouch also includes a second magnet which assists the pouch maintain a closed position while an appliance is inserted therein.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible pouch for accommodating an orthodontic appliance while not is use. The pouch may be selectively and repeatedly coupled to a variety of objects. After selectively coupling the pouch to a desired object, the user opens the pouch by expanding at least one collapsible wall or side. The user then removes their orthodontic appliance, inserts it into the open pouch, and then closes the pouch by letting the pouch contract. When the orthodontic appliance is needed again, the user removes the appliance from the pouch and lets the pouch contract into its original position flush against the surface of the object. The pouch is coupled to the object via a magnet disposed within the pouch that is configured to interact with the surface of the object. The pouch also includes a second magnet which assists the pouch maintain a closed position while an appliance is inserted therein.

Abstract: An automated system and method for efficiently cleaning, organizing, and sterilizing medical instruments including but not limited to surgical, dental, and orthodontic instruments. The sterilization center includes at least one robotic arm or robotic element which is disposed over or near a workspace comprising a plurality of devices for cleaning, maintaining, and sterilizing instruments. The at least one robotic arm has the ability to move or traverse across the workspace and transfer each medical instrument as it completes each step in the sterilization process. The automated system is scalable and customizable, allowing it to be used in a variety of different office or hospital configurations. The system also includes an RFID reader which is configured to scan each instrument, allowing a user to track the sterilization process of any one particular instrument or be notified when any set of instruments has completed the sterilization process and is ready for use.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus includes a printed assembly conforming to the tooth with a separation line or zone defined therein having a configuration adapted to facilitate removal of the printed assembly. The separation zone or line takes the form of a slit, slot, serration, thinned indentation, a horizontal or vertical separation line or zone or a combination thereof, and an open slot defined in a cross configuration into the printed assembly with a vertical slot and intersecting horizontal slot, the vertical slot extending to the lower edge of the assembly. The assembly includes at least two separate portions, a buccal portion and a lingual portion conformed to the tooth, the separation line or zone being defined on at least one of the two separate portions. A three dimensional structural fixture may also be defined in the printed assembly for engagement with a tool.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible pouch for accommodating an orthodontic appliance while not is use. The pouch may be selectively and repeatedly coupled to a variety of objects. After selectively coupling the pouch to a desired object, the user opens the pouch by expanding at least one collapsible wall or side. The user then removes their orthodontic appliance, inserts it into the open pouch, and then closes the pouch by letting the pouch contract. When the orthodontic appliance is needed again, the user removes the appliance from the pouch and lets the pouch contract into its original position flush against the surface of the object. The pouch is coupled to the object via a magnet disposed within the pouch that is configured to interact with the surface of the object. The pouch also includes a second magnet which assists the pouch maintain a closed position while an appliance is inserted therein.

Abstract: A method for improving 3D intraoral scans performed at home which allows the dental professional to directly fill in any missing 3D image data with pre-existing 3D image data that was previously obtained from the patient. After the at home intraoral scan is completed, the patient transmits it to the dental professional who then reviews it and determines whether or not the at home intraoral scan comprises any missing 3D image data required for producing a complete and accurate 3D model. If the self-intraoral scan is complete, the dental professional may transmit it directly to an appliance manufacturer. However, if the at home intraoral scan is incomplete and comprises missing 3D image information, the dental professional may instead complete the provided scan by comparing it with the reference intraoral scan. The improved scan is then sent to the appliance manufacturer who may then produce the required appliance.

Abstract: A method for directly printing orthodontic and dental appliances on the teeth of a patient. The tooth is scanned with a scanner which is communicated with a computer controller configured to recognize the anatomy of the tooth. The surface of a tooth of the patient is then prepared in order to receive the type of appliance designated for the patient. Using image data from the print head, the computer controller prepares a three-dimensional blueprint or design of an appropriate orthodontic or dental appliance. The computer controller controls the type and amount of material that is distributed through the print head only when the print head passes over the recognized anatomy so as to directly print the corresponding appliance onto the tooth layer by layer as the print head makes successive passes over the surface of the tooth.

Abstract: A method for managing a dental work flow using digital automation. After a remote consultation, the patient is sent a portable scanning wand or device by a dental professional. The patient performs a self intra-oral scan as directed and then transmits the video over a network such as the internet. Before the dental professional can review the transmitted data, a data management module analyzes the transmitted video using a suite of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and automatically prepares an original report or summary which details any likely issues present within the patient's teeth. An additional supplemental report may also be generated by the suite of AI tools which lists any required treatments, any possible elective treatments, and any further treatment options that may be provided responsively to the patient. The dental professional can then form a diagnosis for the patient and then send the diagnosis directly to the patient.

Abstract: A prescription management system is used by an orthodontic or dental lab and a plurality of prescribing users who send prescriptions for customized orthodontic or dental appliances to the lab. The prescriptions are stored in a database selectively accessible by the lab and plurality of prescribing users. A digital workspace is provided in the system in which the lab or prescribing users may create designs for the customized appliances. The designs of the appliances are stored in the database. A tracking record of fabrication of the appliances is stored in the database. A plurality of billings are simultaneously generated in response to the submissions and storage of the prescriptions, the designs of the customized appliances and the fabrication of the designed customized appliances.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the degree of fit of an aligner among a series of aligners includes the steps of selecting an aligner in the series of aligners whose fit to a patient's teeth are to be tested to determine its fit with the selected aligner; disposing a nontoxic colored plastic material into the selected aligner; setting the patient's teeth into the selected aligner containing the material; and determining the amount of material disposed onto the interior aligner's surfaces by visual inspection by assessment of the material disposed therein, a good fit being indicated by a minimum of material extruded onto almost all of the interior aligner surfaces and by a light color, and a poor fit being indicated by an excess of material extruded onto one or more locations of the aligner interior surfaces and a dark color.

Abstract: An interproximal reduction (IPR) kit and method for using the same. The patient takes their own dental impression and submits it to a dental service provider for a treatment plan. A set of aligners based on the treatment plan are then delivered to the patient as part of a kit. The kit also includes a set of written instructions and/or a treatment diagram and a plurality of strips used to reduce the widths of specific spots of the patient's teeth according to the treatment plan. The patient follows the reapproximation instructions or is instructed to go to a website for supervision for the performance of the reapproximation process. After sufficient instruction, the patient applies the plurality of strips to the correct spots between their teeth. Once reapproximation is complete, the patient is ready to begin wearing the aligners as dictated by the treatment plan.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the degree of fit of an aligner among a series of aligners. First, an aligner in the series of aligners is selected whose fit to a patient's teeth are to be tested. Next the method includes disposing a nontoxic plastic material comprising an ultra violet reactive agent into the selected aligner, setting the patient's teeth into the selected aligner containing the material, and then illuminating the patient's teeth and the selected aligner with ultra violet light to determine the amount of material disposed onto the interior aligner's surfaces by visual inspection. The material disposed therein is then assessed, a good fit being indicated by a low degree of reflected ultra violet light from the disposed material, and a poor fit being indicated by a high degree of reflected ultra violet light from the disposed material.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus includes a printed assembly conforming to the tooth with a separation line or zone defined therein having a configuration adapted to facilitate removal of the printed assembly. The separation zone or line takes the form of a slit, slot, serration, thinned indentation, a horizontal or vertical separation line or zone or a combination thereof, and an open slot defined in a cross configuration into the printed assembly with a vertical slot and intersecting horizontal slot, the vertical slot extending to the lower edge of the assembly. The assembly includes at least two separate portions, a buccal portion and a lingual portion conformed to the tooth, the separation line or zone being defined on at least one of the two separate portions. A three dimensional structural fixture may also be defined in the printed assembly for engagement with a tool.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the degree of fit of an aligner among a series of aligners includes the steps of selecting an aligner in the series of aligners whose fit to a patient's teeth are to be tested to determine its fit with the selected aligner; disposing a nontoxic colored plastic material into the selected aligner; setting the patient's teeth into the selected aligner containing the material; and determining the amount of material disposed onto the interior aligner's surfaces by visual inspection by assessment of the material disposed therein, a good fit being indicated by a minimum of material extruded onto almost all of the interior aligner surfaces and by a light color, and a poor fit being indicated by an excess of material extruded onto one or more locations of the aligner interior surfaces and a dark color.

Abstract: A prescription management system is used by an orthodontic or dental lab and a plurality of prescribing users who send prescriptions for customized orthodontic or dental appliances to the lab. The prescriptions are stored in a database selectively accessible by the lab and plurality of prescribing users. A digital workspace is provided in the system in which the lab or prescribing users may create designs for the customized appliances. The designs of the appliances are stored in the database. A tracking record of fabrication of the appliances is stored in the database. A plurality of billings are simultaneously generated in response to the submissions and storage of the prescriptions, the designs of the customized appliances and the fabrication of the designed customized appliances.