Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of managing delivery of an orthodontic treatment plan using treatment guidelines, instructions and appointment planning tools customized to the individual patient being treated. A method includes, e.g., generating a treatment plan for a patient, generating a customized set of treatment guidelines, providing the set of customized treatment guidelines to the practitioner; and providing a set of orthodontic appliances to the practitioner.

Abstract: A variety of improvements to the vibrating devices for dental remodeling are provided, including improved bite plate designs that accommodate common patient bite structure, a connector for a bite plate, a sizing tray for same, as well as better motors providing improved performance characteristics for an extraoral vibrator, and a completely intraoral vibrating dental plate with very thin cross section.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a housing, an emitter, and an electronic circuit. The housing is configured to fit within a patient's mouth. The emitter is at least partially encased within the housing. The emitter is configured to emit an effective amount of light to the alveolar soft tissue when the housing is disposed within the mouth. The electronic circuit is operatively coupled to the emitter. The electronic circuit is configured to control the emitter when the housing is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during orthodontic treatment. The apparatus and its use for regulating tooth movement or maintaining or improving oral tissue health are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Method and system including receiving one or more parameters associated with an orthodontic condition, receiving a treatment goal information associated with the orthodontic condition, and providing a predefined template associated with the received treatment goal information, wherein the predefined template includes at least one orthodontic condition related information, are provided.

Abstract: Braces placed on teeth are retained, until a predetermined criteria is satisfied. A plurality of aligners are ordered while retaining the braces on the teeth, in response to the predetermined criteria being satisfied. The braces are replaced with a first aligner of the plurality of aligners.

Abstract: A variety of improvements to the vibrating devices for dental remodeling are provided, including improved bite plate designs that accommodate common patient bite structure, a connector for a bite plate, a sizing tray for same, as well as better motors providing improved performance characteristics for an extraoral vibrator, and a completely intraoral vibrating dental plate with very thin cross section.

Abstract: A protective shield is removably mounted over an orthodontic appliance in a user's mouth and includes an outer resilient compressible material layer joined to an inner adhesive layer. The shield is flexible for easy installation over all exposed surfaces of the orthodontic appliance; but is removable after a period of use. The outer resilient material layer of the shield can be formed of closed cell foam or a gelatinous material.

Abstract: An orthodontic device including positioning aligner, devices allowing incremental movement of teeth and continuous tooth movements appliances is described herein. In particular, it provides an appliance including at least one shell for receiving at least one tooth for repositioning, the shell including a tooth receiving cavity, in which, during use, the tooth may sit; and further including a wire receiving member for receiving a connecting wire, and an anchor. It also provides methods of making and using such appliances.

Abstract: A system for repositioning teeth comprises a plurality of individual appliances used with braces. The appliances are configured to be placed successively on the patient's teeth and to incrementally reposition the teeth from an initial tooth arrangement, through a plurality of intermediate tooth arrangements, and to a final tooth arrangement. The appliances may be substituted with braces as appropriate to optimize the treatment of the teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic remodeling device, having an extra-oral driver, a bite plate or other intra-oral orthodontic appliance, and a dual headed connector for connecting the two.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance including a shell aligner having a portion accommodating movement of a patient's bracketed teeth between a first position and the second position as elicited by force from an orthodontic braces appliance worn by the patient, related systems and methods.

Abstract: An electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a maxillary arch of a patient is displayed. Inputs indicating a peak of a mesiobuccal cusp of a maxillary first molar are received for both the patient's right and left sides. In addition, an electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a mandibular arch of a patient is displayed. Inputs indicating relevant points on the mandibular first molar are received for both the patient's right and left sides. Side scores are generated for the patient's right and left sides based on the indicated points. A final occlusion score for the patient is displayed. The final occlusion score is based on the side score for the right side and the side score for the left side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of developing and tracking delivery and patient progression through an orthodontic treatment plan. One method includes identifying deviations from an orthodontic treatment plan, including receiving a digital representation of an actual arrangement of a patient's teeth after an orthodontic treatment plan has begun for the patient and prior to completion of the orthodontic treatment plan. The method further includes comparing the actual arrangement to a pre-determined planned arrangement to determine if the actual arrangement substantially deviates from the planned arrangement, the comparing comprising matching teeth from a previously segmented model to a surface of an unsegmented representation of the actual arrangement; and calculating one or more positional differences between the actual and planned arrangements of at least some of the corresponding teeth.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an orthodontic system and a method of using the same to perform orthodontics. In one example, an orthodontic system is presented. The orthodontic system includes a tube having at least one sidewall and two opening ends, and a luting agent. The luting agent is disposed on at least a portion of one or more of the at least one sidewall of the tube and a portion of a surface of a tooth onto which the tube is directly attached or adhered. The two opening ends of the tube remain substantially open so that a wire can move along the tube.

Abstract: An inventive medical imaging marker includes a base (2) composed of a non-imageable material, three spherical members (10, 11, 12) provided in a predetermined positional relationship in the base (2) and each composed of an imageable material, and auxiliary marker members (20, 21, 22) provided in the base (2) and composed of the imageable material. The auxiliary marker members (20, 21, 22) respectively have linear portions (20L, 21L, 22L) which are disposed parallel to straight lines extending through center points of the three spherical members (10, 11, 12) and each have a predetermined length sufficient to serve as a mark. The center points of the three spherical members (10, 11, 12) can be correctly identified in a captured image with reference to the linear portions (20L, 21L, 22L) of the auxiliary marker members (20, 21, 22) of the inventive medical imaging marker. Thus, reference axes can be correctly defined in the image.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket extension system for orthodontic braces, the orthodontic bracket extension system including a plurality of bracket base extensions adapted for coupling one each to a corresponding plurality of brackets to increase a bracket bonding surface area for greater securement of each of the plurality of brackets to each of a corresponding plurality of teeth.

Abstract: Occlusal contact between upper and lower virtual three-dimensional teeth of a patient when the upper and lower arches are in an occlused condition are determined and displayed to the user on a user interface of a general purpose computing device. Various techniques for determining occlusal contacts are described. The areas where occlusal contact occurs is displayed on the user interface in a readily perceptible manner, such as by showing the occlusal contacts in green. If the proposed set-up would result in a interpenetration of teeth in opposing arches, such locations of interpenetration are illustrated in a contrasting color or shading (e.g., red). The ability to calculate distances and display occlusal contacts in a proposed set-up assists the user in planning treatment for the patient. The process can be extended to interproximal contact detection as well. The concepts also apply to dental prosthetics, such as crowns, fillings and dentures.

Abstract: A physical model of at least a portion of a patient's dentition has model dental surfaces corresponding to real dental surfaces of the patient's dentition. The physical model includes one or more targets, each configured for facilitating placement of an 5 orthodontic appliance on the model at a desired location. The targets lack mechanical stops that are outwardly protruding from the original model dental surfaces. Also provided are a method of manufacturing a physical model for use in indirect bonding procedures, a method for indirect bonding for use in an orthodontic procedure, a method for providing an indirect bonding transfer tray for use in an orthodontic procedure, and a 10 system for providing a physical model for use in indirect bonding orthodontic procedures.

Abstract: Method and system for managing multiple impressions of a patient's jaw for an orthodontic treatment is provided. The method includes scanning at least a first impression and a second impression of same jaw for the orthodontic treatment; determining if the first jaw impression and the second jaw impression have distortion in different areas; selecting the first jaw impression or the second jaw impression as a base impression; and replacing a distorted tooth data from the base impression with data for the same tooth from a non-base impression. The method also includes scanning at least a first jaw impression for the orthodontic treatment; scanning a bite impression for the orthodontic treatment; matching the scanned first jaw impression with the scanned bite impression; comparing bite information with a tooth occlusal surface; and determining if reconstruction is to be performed on the tooth occlusal surface.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance is automatically designed and manufactured from digital lower jaw and tooth shape data of a patient. A computer calculates the post-treatment positions of the teeth and produces three-dimensional images of the teeth, individually and in their calculated positions. The appliance is automatically designed according to the final design, which also can be interactively modified and approved by the orthodontist, with the computer recalculating the effects on the treatment as a result of the doctor's changes. Brackets are fabricated as an integrated set, either by cutting slots therein or by building the brackets in layers by, for example, stereo lithography. Three-dimensional custom jigs are automatically made to exactly position the brackets on a patient's teeth.

Abstract: Orthodontic appliances for correcting teeth irregularities and for retaining the position of teeth are disclosed. According to an aspect, an orthodontic appliance may include an arch component configured to engage one of teeth and gums of a patient. Further, the orthodontic appliance may include a spring having a teeth engaging portion and an anchor portion. The teeth engaging portion may be shaped to engage the incisors of the patient. The anchor portion may be attached to the arch component.

Abstract: Improved aligners are provided with pearlescent white coloring and improved aesthetics.

Abstract: An oral appliance, a system and a method for correcting malocclusions may cause teeth and/or jaws of the patient to move into a corrected position. An upper body and a lower body of the appliance may be connected by a hinge. Lingual protrusions may extend rearward from the anterior portion of the upper body and contact the maxilla of the patient when the appliance is worn. A protrusion may extend from the anterior portion of the lower body forward relative to the mouth and contact the lips and exert a rearward force against the lower teeth.

Abstract: Described is an orthodontic aligner implement that can ensure the accuracy and efficiency of clear aligner orthodontic therapies as well as increase patient compliance by reducing discomfort and combining functionality into a breath-freshening medium. The implement includes a consumable mass having at least two channels disposed on opposite sides of the mass and traversing the width of the mass. The channels are adapted to seat between opposing anterior or incisor teeth. Also described is a method of positioning an orthodontic aligner into a prescribed position that includes placing the aligner approximately in the prescribed position in one's mouth, placing the aligner implement described above into the mouth, and applying the implement in contact with the aligner in one's mouth.

Abstract: A processor containing software allowing for measuring the speed of a motor, and adjusting that speed by pulse width modulation is provided. A dedicated voltage limiter prevents excess speed, and a battery charge management controller to charge the battery and monitor the battery charge status, ensures battery voltage is regulated to 3.3 V. These additional features contribute to safety, such that when included on an orthodontic remodeling device they allow safe and effective vibration, with minimal changes in frequency and force and no danger of excess speed or power.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a portion made of a shape memory alloy having a base alloy composition of at least two different metallic elements and a treated region having an alloy composition that is depleted in at least one of the metallic elements. The base alloy may include a nickel titanium alloy (NiTi), a copper chromium nickel titanium alloy (CuCrNiTi), or a copper aluminum nickel (CuAlNi) alloy. The treated region may be depleted in at least one of copper, aluminum, nickel, and titanium relative to the base alloy composition by exposing the base alloy to a source of energy. The base alloy composition has a first austenitic finish temperature and the treated region has an austenitic finish temperature that may be different than the first austenitic finish temperature. The treated region may form a part of an archwire, a stop, a hook, a crown, a band, or an orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: This invention is a dynamic orthodontic bracket system which allows brackets to be adjusted for particular angulations required for each individual tooth of a patient, while the frames are continuously attached to tooth surface. The orthodontist manually adjusts the relationship of a bracket and a frame during treatment eliminating the necessity of a full repositioning of all components. The bracket can be locked or unlocked within the frame with the use of a plate having a tapered thickness. The bracket is positioned such that it can move in various directions to achieve a proper angulation for tooth repositioning. The exterior of the frame can also be textured to provide more secure attachment to the surface of the tooth. This system leads to lower treatment cost, a more stable bracket system, and quicker adjustments of the orthodontic bracket system.

Abstract: Indirect bonding trays and methods for making and using the same may include an indirect bonding tray which is created by use of a three-dimensional printer or similar functioning device. The indirect bonding trays may include flex hinges or tear-away areas for facilitating removal from a set of teeth. The method of making the indirect bonding tray may include obtaining a digital representation of the teeth; placing one or more digital brackets on the teeth and printing or otherwise forming an indirect bonding tray based on the digital representational of the teeth and digital brackets.

Abstract: A system for repositioning teeth comprises a plurality of individual appliances used with braces. The appliances are configured to be placed successively on the patient's teeth and to incrementally reposition the teeth from an initial tooth arrangement, through a plurality of intermediate tooth arrangements, and to a final tooth arrangement. The appliances may be substituted with braces as appropriate to optimize the treatment of the teeth.

Abstract: Provided is an orthodontic splint and related methods, which use two or more bonding pads and a flexible connector beam that deflects in response to stress, effectively reducing the amount of stress felt by the adhesive. The connector beam has a non-uniform cross-section along its length, thereby shifting the maximum stress away from the ends of the beam and toward the mid-point of the beam. Further, the connector beam attached to each base along locations remote from the outer edge of the base. These splint configurations can decrease the likelihood of bond failure and improve fatigue performance by causing stress, and associated strain, encountered during treatment to be spread more evenly along the length of the beam.

Abstract: Method for reducing abrasion caused by braces to the interior of a user's mouth are provided in which one of several types of polymeric materials are applied to the braces within the user's mouth and permitted to set, thereby providing an insulative coating of the braces that would otherwise scrape against the interior of the user's mouth and permitting the user to both eat and brush their teeth without substantially impacting the insulative property of the material or dislodging the material from the braces, the material being configured to be removable from the braces with tweezers or the like when the user desires to replace the material periodically. Such materials include compounds from the group consisting of hydrocolloids and elastomers.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention seek to alleviate patient discomfort and inconvenience by eliminating the need to take the dental impression. For some embodiments, a dental positioner appliance is fabricated from a digital model of optimally-aligned and optimally-fit teeth. Using the digital model removes the need to physically take a dental impression of a patient.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for utilizing metallic portions in dental positioning appliances. One embodiment includes a removable dental positioning appliance having a shell having one or more cavities shaped to receive and reposition one or more teeth from a first orientation to a successive orientation and where at least a portion of the shell is formed from a metallic mesh material.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a faster method of orthodontic remodeling, where a patient wears an orthodontic fixed appliance biting an orthodontic remodeling device, the orthodontic remodeling device comprising: an extraoral housing containing a power source operably coupled to an actuator operably coupled to a processor that controls the actuator and captures and communicates device usage data; the extraoral housing operably connected to an intraoral U-shaped bite plate; the bite plate having upper and lower vertical rims on a facial edge thereof to contact both arches of teeth; and wherein during use the orthodontic remodeling device vibrates at a frequency from 0.1 to 400 Hz. The patient then activates the orthodontic remodeling device for about 20 minutes daily. The method provides accelerated tooth movement as compared to without using the orthodontic remodeling device.

Abstract: A physical model of at least a portion of a patient's dentition has model dental surfaces corresponding to real dental surfaces of the patient's dentition. The physical model includes one or more targets, each configured for facilitating placement of an orthodontic appliance on the model at a desired location. The targets lack mechanical stops that are outwardly protruding from the original model dental surfaces. Also provided are a method of manufacturing a physical model for use in indirect bonding procedures, a method for indirect bonding for use in an orthodontic procedure, a method for providing an indirect bonding transfer tray for use in an orthodontic procedure, and a system for providing a physical model for use in indirect bonding orthodontic procedures.

Abstract: An adjustable orthodontic bracket is described which includes a body member having an orthodontic archwire fixing member and a first faying surface; a bonding base member having a second faying surface and a tooth bonding surface; and a connecting member that includes a layer of a thermoplastic polymer, and which connects the first faying surface of the body member to the second faying surface of the bonding base member. Methods of repositioning and manufacturing the adjustable orthodontic brackets are also described. A method is also provided for reducing a bond strength of an orthodontic appliance adhered to a tooth structure with a cured adhesive composition, which includes treating the orthodontic bracket with ultrasonic energy thereby reducing the bond strength more than about 20%. The cured adhesive composition includes an ultrasonic energy responsive filler, and under the ultrasonic energy stimulation, the cured adhesive composition softens thereby reducing the overall bonding strength.

Abstract: A mouthpiece includes first and second bodies over teeth of a user and connector between the bodies. The bodies comprise frames with a bite pad between upper and lower teeth. The bite pad is molded in the frames while in situ in the mouth. The frames, prior to having the bite pads in place are hollow spaces with spanning elements spaced from each other projecting into the hollow space between a top and a bottom of each of the frames. The material of the bodies and connector employ a durometer selectively between Shore A 40-45, and selectively the amount of material is between 4-6 grams for each of a first base putty and for a second catalyst putty for the making of the guard, in combination with the frame. At least one putty is of a first color and selectively the second putty is a same or different color to the first color, and at least one frame is selectively clear or colored, and at least one of the putties includes a flavoring or is flavorless.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems including orthodontic tooth positioning appliances. An exemplary appliance can include teeth receiving cavities shaped such that, when worn by a patient, repositioning the patient's teeth from a first arrangement toward a subsequent or target arrangement. Appliances can include a cavity having one or more shaped features or protrusions shaped and/or positioned so as to apply a desired force to a patient's tooth received in the cavity and move the tooth along a desired path or direction.

Abstract: A dental appliance comprising at least two plies of thermoformable material, wherein a first ply of a first material, having a first set of characteristics properties, provides a first primary surface of the dental appliance and wherein a second ply of a material different from the first ply, having a second set of characteristic properties, provides an opposing second primary surface of the dental appliance.

Abstract: An aesthetic, partially removable orthodontic appliance is described, including a polymeric body that conforms to the lingual soft tissue and at least one wire member extending from the polymeric body. Each wire member releasably engages with a respective anchor that is, in turn, connected to the lingual surface of a respective tooth when the polymeric body is moved in a generally gingival direction into abutting relationship with the lingual soft tissue. Other features of the appliance include self-guiding magnetic couplings and couplings based on interlocking mechanical structures that provide releasable engagement between the removable section and the anchors, as well as related methods for making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of developing and tracking delivery and patient progression through an orthodontic treatment plan. One method includes identifying deviations from an orthodontic treatment plan, including receiving a digital representation of an actual arrangement of a patient's teeth after an orthodontic treatment plan has begun for the patient and prior to completion of the orthodontic treatment plan. The method further includes comparing the actual arrangement to a pre-determined planned arrangement to determine if the actual arrangement substantially deviates from the planned arrangement, the comparing comprising matching teeth from a previously segmented model to a surface of an unsegmented representation of the actual arrangement; and calculating one or more positional differences between the actual and planned arrangements of at least some of the corresponding teeth.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems including orthodontic tooth positioning appliances. An exemplary appliance can include teeth receiving cavities shaped such that, when worn by a patient, repositioning the patient's teeth from a first arrangement toward a subsequent or target arrangement. Appliances can include a cavity having one or more shaped features or protrusions shaped and/or positioned so as to apply a desired force to a patient's tooth received in the cavity and move the tooth along a desired path or direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved devices, systems and methods for repositioning teeth from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement. Repositioning is accomplished with a system comprising a series of polymeric shell appliances configured to receive the teeth and incrementally reposition individual teeth in a series of successive steps. The individual appliances may be formed from layers having different stiffnesses (elastic moduluses), and the stiffnesses of successive appliances may be different, or both.

Abstract: A dental orthotic strut having at least one multi-axis rotable joint connecting the strut to either a maxillary and/or mandibular retainer attached to the teeth. Jaw advancement may be accomplished by periodically replacing the strut with a new strut having a slightly longer minimum length, thereby advancing the resting position of the closed jaw. The rotable joint or joints allow greater freedom of movement and comfort when the jaw is opened in a non-sagittal plane. A plurality of strut pairs having a same length, but with progressively longer sets of strut pairs is generally supplied, so that left and right struts can be progressively replaced with longer struts over time.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for digital dental modeling. One method embodiment includes receiving a three-dimensional data set including a first jaw and a second jaw of a three-dimensional digital dental model and receiving a two-dimensional data set corresponding to at least a portion of the first jaw and the second jaw. The method includes mapping two-dimensional data of the two-dimensional data set to the three-dimensional digital dental model by transforming a coordinate system of the two-dimensional data to a coordinate system of the three-dimensional data set. The method includes positioning the first jaw with respect to the second jaw based on the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set. The method includes using at least a portion of the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set as a target of movement of the first jaw with respect to the second jaw in the three-dimensional digital dental model.

Abstract: Methods for recognizing a virtual tooth surface, defining a virtual tooth coordinate system, and simulating a collision between virtual teeth are provided. Methods include receiving input data specifying a point on the rendered surface model associated with a tooth, deriving a perimeter on the surface model of the tooth, and analyzing the surface model along a plurality of paths outwardly extending from points on the perimeter. Methods also include receiving point input data, receiving axis input data that defines first and second axes associated with the virtual tooth, computing a substantially normal vector for a portion of the tooth surface surrounding the point, and computing a coordinate system. Methods also include receiving permissible movement input data directed to permissible movement of a first virtual tooth, bringing the first virtual tooth into contact with a second virtual tooth, and displaying data resulting from the simulation.

Abstract: Improved bite plates for use with orthodontic vibratory devices and devices offering other treatment modalities. The bite plates are specifically designed to be used with Class II and II correctors, such as the Herbst appliance. Such bite plates can be used with a variety of treatment modalities, including laser, IR, micropulse, vibration, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a dental implant surgical guide is disclosed. A patient-specific virtual model is generated using image data specific to a patient and virtual dental implants. The virtual model aligns the image data with the virtual dental implants using modeling software. A virtual mold is generated from the virtual model, and a physical mold is generated from the virtual mold. The physical mold is covered with a thermoplastic sheet via a thermoforming process. Excess thermoplastic material is trimmed off after the thermoforming process to produce a thermoformed piece. Metal tubes corresponding to each the virtual dental implants are placed onto the physical mold denoting the position, trajectory, and depth of the one or more virtual dental implants. A dental implant surgical guide that contains the thermoformed piece with the one or more tubes is produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of developing and tracking delivery and patient progression through an orthodontic treatment plan. One method includes identifying deviations from an orthodontic treatment plan, including receiving a digital representation of an actual arrangement of a patient's teeth after an orthodontic treatment plan has begun for the patient and prior to completion of the orthodontic treatment plan. The method further includes comparing the actual arrangement to a pre-determined planned arrangement to determine if the actual arrangement substantially deviates from the planned arrangement, the comparing comprising matching teeth from a previously segmented model to a surface of an unsegmented representation of the actual arrangement; and calculating one or more positional differences between the actual and planned arrangements of at least some of the corresponding teeth.

Abstract: A method for positioning orthodontic braces includes scanning a patient's teeth by a computer in which installation locations of orthodontic braces for the teeth to be cured are arranged; carving out by a carving machine a denture mold and positioning members at the installation locations of the orthodontic braces on the denture mold to attach monomer substrata bound with the orthodontic braces or the orthodontic braces connected serially by connection members onto the denture mold one by one; connecting the monomer substrata together by light curing resin; attaching the serially connected monomer substrata and orthodontic braces directly onto the patient's teeth, and removing flexible members binding the monomer substrata and monomer substrata or the connection members connecting the orthodontic braces serially to secure the orthodontic braces on the surfaces of teeth, which installs the orthodontic braces more conveniently and efficiently.