By Mouthpiece-type Retainer Patents (Class 433/6)
  • Patent number: 10363161
    Abstract: A sleep apnea oral appliance in which a pair of appliance trays are worn over respective orthodontic trays. The appliance trays are adjustable in order to allow them to be used with a series of orthodontic trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: SELANE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Robin Veis, Payam Ataii
  • Patent number: 10271923
    Abstract: Orthodontic positioning devices, and related methods and systems, are disclosed for use with one or more orthodontic elastic members. The disclosed devices are configured to couple with an orthodontic elastic member so as to react a force from the elastic member into the appliance to, for example, generate traction forces on the patient's teeth to produce a desired occlusion. A positioning device includes a patient removable tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to a patient's teeth. The appliance includes a hook configured to interface with an orthodontic elastic member. The hook can be configured to be offset from a surface of a tooth when the appliance is coupled with the patient's teeth and no elastic member is coupled with the tooth. The hook can be curved so that the hook is more retentive on the aligner. The hook can be reinforced so that the reinforcement resists deformation when the elastic is in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Kuo, Artem Borovinskih, Shiva Sambu
  • Patent number: 10231801
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for tracking teeth movement correction. One method embodiment includes using a set of positioning appliances shaped to move teeth through a number of successive stages of arrangements of an expected teeth arrangement model where each stage corresponds to a particular positioning appliance, mapping a current teeth position based upon positions of a number of physical markers attached to a number of physical teeth, comparing the positions of the number of physical markers with a corresponding number of virtual markers positioned on a number of virtual teeth of a stage in the expected teeth arrangement model, determining whether midcourse correction is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Viacheslav V. Korytov, Roman A. Roschin
  • Patent number: 10210951
    Abstract: Techniques are described for detecting the presence or absence of certain molecules, analytes, or substances present in the oral cavity or characteristics of the saliva in the oral cavity. In particular, aspects of the invention disclose a systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for detecting bio-markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Dustin Ryan Kimmel
  • Patent number: 10179063
    Abstract: An appliance and methods are described that include embodiments of a mandibular advancement or positioning device which can use elastic bands to pull the jaw forward. The appliance has an upper plastic tray conforming to the patient's upper teeth and including 3D printed sets of retention hooks coupled to the upper plastic tray via being encased in plastic, one on the right and one on the left anterior buccal portion of an upper plastic base. The appliance also has a lower plastic tray conforming to the patient's lower teeth including mandibular dentition, and includes having a 3D printed bite pad which opens the bite vertically. The lower tray also has a set of 3D printed plastic retention hooks encased in plastic extending outwardly from the teeth, one on the right and one on the left of the posterior buccal portion of the lower plastic base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Frantz Design Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph Lee Frantz, Donald Frantz
  • Patent number: 10136964
    Abstract: An orthodontic positioning device and methods for making an orthodontic positioning device including a first patient removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to a patient's teeth provided in one of an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The first appliance includes a hook configured to receive an orthodontic elastic band. The orthodontic positioning device also includes a second patient removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to a patient's teeth provided in the other of the upper jaw and the lower jaw. The second appliance includes a cutout operable to expose an orthodontic elastic band receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Artem Borovinskih, Anton Terekhov, Rene Sterental, Mikhail Minchenkov, Ivan Pavlov
  • Patent number: 10111730
    Abstract: A segmented orthodontic aligner includes at least a first segment and a second segment. Each segment is shaped to fit over a set of teeth of a patient. The segmented aligner further includes a connector that joins the first segment to the second segment. The connector isolates the transmission of force between the first segment and the second segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Webber, Jennifer C. Chen, Yan Chen
  • Patent number: 10080627
    Abstract: The present invention provides orthodontic appliances and systems, and related methods, for applying a force to a target tooth as an appliances is worn by the patient. One positioning appliance includes a tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to apply a positioning force to the patient's teeth. The appliance includes a spring-loaded tooth movement device disposed in the appliance so as to engage an attachment mounted on a surface of a patient's tooth and apply a force to the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Parshan Namiranian, Ali Kakavand, Eric Kuo
  • Patent number: 10073925
    Abstract: A system for providing XML syndication content to an Internet advertisement panel rendered in a web browser is disclosed. The system includes a web content server, an Internet advertisement server, and a XML syndication content feed site server. Both the web content server and the Internet advertisement servers are in communications with the web browser. The web content server is configured to respond to requests from the web browser for a web page and to deliver the web page to the web browser. The Internet advertisement server is configured to choose and deliver an Internet advertisement panel, having embedded XML syndication content, to the web browser. The XML syndication content feed site server is in communications with the Internet advertisement server and is configured to send XML syndication content updates to the Internet advertisement server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: INTERPOLS NETWORK, INC.
    Inventors: Peter H. I. Kim, Hyo Lee
  • Patent number: 10045835
    Abstract: Tooth attachments are provided comprising one or more convex surfaces for engagement by a surface of an orthodontic appliance. Polymeric shell appliances are provided in which the polymeric shell appliances are configured to provide one or more activation forces to facilitate tooth movement. The polymeric shell appliances may comprise one or more tooth receiving cavities. The polymeric shell appliances may further comprise an engagement portion with a surface configured to engage a convex attachment surface in order to apply a tooth moving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Boronkay, Tzishing Jesse Lim
  • Patent number: 10028805
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing an orthodontic retainer with which there are no aesthetic concerns and smooth pronunciation during conversation is possible, and which is able to secure favorable fitting and can be worn for long periods. The retainer is configured so that, by being fitted so as to surround the entire dental arch (T) of the maxilla (A) or the mandible and by the inner surface being fitted, on the front and back surfaces of the entire dental arch (T), with a specified vertical width (H) that encompasses the cervical sections (T1, T2) of said teeth, a retaining force is applied on a portion of the crown (T3) of each tooth from the front and back surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Tadateru Tairaku
  • Patent number: 9968422
    Abstract: Improved shapeable bite plates for use with orthodontic vibratory devices and devices offering other treatment modalities. The shapeable bite plates can be manually shaped to fit the Euro arch, arch form I, the Roth arch, and even widest Damon Arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Tamsen Valoir
  • Patent number: 9949868
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are mandibular advancement devices comprising an upper splint and a lower splint, where the upper splint comprises one or more upper fins, where each upper fin is located at a distance UD from back of the upper splint; the lower splints comprise one or more lower fins, where each lower fin is located at a distance LD from back of the lower splint; where the position of the upper and lower fins is unchangeable. Also disclosed are methods of reducing partial constriction of airway during sleep for a patient, the method comprising identifying a patient in need thereof; and administering to the patient the disclosed mandibular advancement device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a mandibular advancement device, the method comprising obtaining measurements from a patient's dentition; digitally designing a mandibular advancement device; and milling the mandibular advancement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: PROSOMNUS SLEEP TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Sung Kim, David W. Kuhns, Leonard A. Liptak, Laura Sheppard
  • Patent number: 9820882
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are mandibular advancement devices comprising an upper splint and a lower splint, where the upper splint comprises one or more upper fins, where each upper fin is located at a distance UD from back of the upper splint; the lower splints comprise one or more lower fins, where each lower fin is located at a distance LD from back of the lower splint; where the position of the upper and lower fins is unchangeable. Also disclosed are methods of reducing partial constriction of airway during sleep for a patient, the method comprising identifying a patient in need thereof; and administering to the patient the disclosed mandibular advancement device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a mandibular advancement device, the method comprising obtaining measurements from a patient's dentition; digitally designing a mandibular advancement device; and milling the mandibular advancement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: PROSOMNUS SLEEP TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Leonard A. Liptak, David W. Kuhns, Sung Kim, Laura Sheppard
  • Patent number: 9795461
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides method, systems, and devices for expanding arch of teeth. A device for expanding an arch of teeth of a patient can include a removable shell formed of a first material having a number of cavities formed therein. The number of cavities are shaped to receive teeth of a patient. A device for expanding an arch of teeth of a patient can include an arch element extending from the removable shell in a lingual direction and across an arch width of the removable shell. The arch element can be formed of the first material and a second material that is a different material than the first material, can be designed to expand an arch of the teeth of the patient, and can have a width specific to a stage of a treatment plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Kopelman, Shiva Sambu, Rene M. Sterental, Eric Kuo, Mauricio de Alencar Casa
  • Patent number: 9788918
    Abstract: The invention relates to the production of a dental correction splint (1) and to the resulting splint, in which a patient record is made by taking an impression of his/her teeth (2) and said impression is processed by processing the image of the impression. The method comprises the production of an orthodontic splint (1) which is based on the processed impression and provided externally with the desired result of the correction. The method is characterized in that it includes a step of calculating the internal modifications to the splint (1) by removing and/or replacing the material of the splint (1) which is adapted for each orthodontic movement specific to each stage of the correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: COPRECI, S. COOP
    Inventor: Monica Badrena Morales
  • Patent number: 9707054
    Abstract: An apparatus and method define a fit of a set of upper and lower teeth of a patient by generating a computer representation of the teeth; and determining an occlusion from the computer representation of the teeth using one or more keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Muhammad Ziaullah Khan Chishti, Andrew C. Beers
  • Patent number: 9700228
    Abstract: A system and methods for performing neurophysiology assessments during surgery, such as assessing the health of the spinal cord via at least one of MEP and SSEP monitoring and assessing bone integrity, nerve proximity, neuromuscular pathway, and nerve pathology during spine surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Doug Layman
  • Patent number: 9668828
    Abstract: Methods of inducing tooth movement and treating malocclusion, craniofacial anomalies, bony defects, and dentofacial deformities through accelerated bone remodeling as caused by the delivery non-static forces; reducing pain and discomfort in patients; and improving tissue integrity long-term results as to prevent post-orthodontic treatment relapse. The methods and apparatus include a mechanism for data capture and analysis related to patient compliance and usage behavior, as well as for establishing the invention as a component of the clinical office workflow to increase efficiency and productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kenneth Lowe, Christopher Lyle Wasden, William Brent Tarver
  • Patent number: 9649182
    Abstract: An oral appliance is provided for delivering a medicament to at least a portion of teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside a mouth. The oral appliance contains an interior surface having a medicament disposed in or on at least a portion of and/or the entire interior surface of the oral appliance. The interior surface of the oral cavity is formed to fit contours of at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity and is configured for holding the medicament in contact with at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity to deliver the medicament to strategic areas in need of treatment. In some embodiments, computer, network and computer readable storage media are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventor: Peter John Zegarelli
  • Patent number: 9597360
    Abstract: A method of treatment for pulpitis and/or enhancement for dentinogenesis, includes using dental materials that include at least one of a protein having matrix metalloprotease 3 activities or matrix metalloprotease 3 precursor protein as an active ingredient. The dental materials can also contain a carrier having biocompatibility, and can contain at least one cell type among pulp cells, pulp stem cells, pulp progenitor cells, odontoblasts or cells that can differentiate into odontoblasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL CENTER FOR GERIATRICS AND GERONTOLOGY
    Inventors: Misako Nakashima, Hiroshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9597164
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus's for improving orthodontic treatments. In an embodiment, an orthodontic system including a tactile object is provided for modulating an engagement between a tooth attachment and an orthodontic appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chunhua Li, Jennifer Chen, John Morton, Jon Moss, Clark Kaufhardt, Heng Cao
  • Patent number: 9517113
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ortho-Tain, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl O. Bergersen
  • Patent number: 9492243
    Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and series of appliances are provided for dental implant positioning. One method for positioning an implant with dental treatment includes determining an implant location based on a virtual model of an optimized dental occlusion, moving one or more teeth using a first number of a series of dental appliances, from a first orientation to a second orientation, the second orientation exposing the implant location, placing an implant at the exposed implant location using a landmark included in at least one of the series of dental appliances, repositioning one or more teeth using a second number of the series of dental appliances, from the second orientation to a successive orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric E. Kuo
  • Patent number: 9433850
    Abstract: A “boil and bite” mouthguard including projections to improve molding of the mouthguard to the user's teeth is described. The mouthguard also includes a base-wall configuration that acts to minimize thinning of the base during molding and use of the mouthguard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: OPRO International Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Swann, Peter Searle
  • Patent number: 9408675
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Peter G. Knopp, Aaron J. Miller, Rob Van Den Berg
  • Patent number: 9393083
    Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method provide automatic tooth straightening. An appliance may be placed on teeth to straighten teeth. The appliance or series of appliances may be made to fit a particular patient. A portion of the appliance may be attached to fully erupted teeth that are substantially straight. The appliance may fit onto the teeth that do not require straightening using a section that may be made from relatively stiff material. The erupted teeth that require straightening may be straightened with a softer more resilient material. The unerupted teeth may be guided into the mouth by another portion of the appliance that is preformed with predicted sizes and shapes of teeth determined from sizes of other erupted adult teeth and shapes from anatomical standards. A hard stiffer inner shell and/or a stiffer isthmus having a softer material is overlayed to directly contact the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Earl O. Bergersen
  • Patent number: 9387053
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dental splint with a U-shaped base and wall-shaped reinforcements on the tongue and lip sides, said reinforcements forming channels, and to a method for the production of said dental splint. Said splint consists of different plastics of different degrees of hardness. The dental splint is thus flexible, offers a high degree of wearing comfort, and causes an increase in power and endurance in the wearer during athletic activities. An upper jaw dental splint can also be used as a mouth guard in contact sports with an additional reinforcement. Said dental splint for the upper jaw can be designed such that a free space is formed in the front teeth region after inserting the dental splint and clenching the teeth, whereby additional air for breathing can reach the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Steffen G. Tschackert
  • Patent number: 9387118
    Abstract: An oral device for temporary placement in a patient's oral cavity includes a base, a tongue-engaging member and a tongue pocket. Partial vacuums are separately drawn through the tongue-engaging member and the tongue pocket in order to advance and control the position of the tongue in order to clear the patient's airway to reduce sleep apnea or treat other conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: ApniCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Vaska, Jonathan L. Podmore, Nicholas R. Vitale, Michael C. Holzbaur, John Edwards Crowe, Sean Christopher Daniel
  • Patent number: 9320575
    Abstract: An apparatus and method define a fit of a set of upper and lower teeth of a patient by generating a computer representation of the teeth; and determining an occlusion from the computer representation of the teeth using one or more keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Muhammad Ziaullah Khan Chishti, Andrew C. Beers
  • Patent number: 9241825
    Abstract: An oral device for temporary placement in a patient's oral cavity includes upper and lower jaw braces and a tongue-engaging member. The upper and lower jaw braces are connected so that the lower jaw brace is advanced in an anterior direction relative to the upper jaw brace when the upper and lower jaw braces are closed together. A partial vacuum is drawn in the oral cavity and the vacuum and lower jaw displacement together control the position of the tongue in order to clear the patient's airway to reduce sleep apnea or treat other conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Apnicure, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Vaska, Jonathan L. Podmore, John Edwards Crowe, Sean Christopher Daniel
  • Patent number: 9220579
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus fit a set of upper and lower teeth in a masticatory system by generating a computer representation of the masticatory system and computing an occlusion based on interactions in the computer representation of the masticatory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Muhammad Chishti, Andrew Beers
  • Patent number: 9192505
    Abstract: A custom oral splint that is operatively secured to the maxilla and mandible of a subject/patient to assist in reduction and provide maintenance of reduction of maxillary and mandibular fractures in the edentulous or partially edentulous subject/patient. In this difficult patient population, there are very limited options for maxillomandibular fixation, and none provide stable reduction of fractures. The novel device minimizes operative time and equipment, as well as offers the ability to transition the patient from rigid fixation to elastics postoperatively. The novel device is custom-designed for each patient's degree of bone atrophy, ensuring a high quality, and effective product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Summer Joy Decker, Jonathan Michael Ford, Jessica Allen Ching
  • Patent number: 9161823
    Abstract: Orthodontic systems and related methods are disclosed for designing and providing improved or more effective tooth moving systems for eliciting a desired tooth movement and/or repositioning teeth into a desired arrangement. Methods and orthodontic systems of the invention include tooth attachments having improved or optimized parameters selected or modified for more optimal and/or effective application of forces for a desired/selected orthodontic movement. Attachments of the present invention can be customized to a particular patient (e.g., patient-customized), a particular movement, and/or a sub-group or sub-set of patients, and configured to engage an orthodontic tooth positioning appliance worn by a patient, where engagement between the attachment and orthodontic appliance results in application of a repositioning force or series/system of forces to the tooth having the attachment and will generally elicit a tooth movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Morton, Vadim Matov, Heng Cao, Ryan Kimura, Jihua Cheng, Bastien Pesenti
  • Patent number: 9161824
    Abstract: A computer is used to create a plan for repositioning an orthodontic patient's teeth. The computer receives an initial digital data set representing the patient's teeth at their initial positions and a final digital data set representing the teeth at their final positions. The computer then uses the data sets to generate treatment paths along which the teeth will move from the initial positions to the final positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Muhammad Chishti, Kelsey Wirth, Andrew Beers, Huafeng Wen, Phillips Alexander Benton, Timothy N. Jones, Ross J. Miller, Brian Freyburger
  • Patent number: 9119691
    Abstract: The present invention provides orthodontic appliances and systems, and related methods, for applying a force to a target tooth as an appliances is worn by the patient. One positioning appliance includes a tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to apply a positioning force to the patient's teeth. The appliance includes a spring-loaded tooth movement device disposed in the appliance so as to engage an attachment mounted on a surface of a patient's tooth and apply a force to the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Parshan Namiranian, Ali Kakavand, Eric Kuo
  • Patent number: 9084657
    Abstract: Embodiments include dental appliances, dental appliance systems, and methods of making and using such appliances. In one embodiment, a dental appliance includes a shell having a number of cavities to receive one or more teeth, each cavity having an inner surface. At least a first portion of a particular cavity is scaled-up in size by a first selected percentage over one or more dimensions of a corresponding tooth to provide a first space between the cavity inner surface and the corresponding tooth surface. At least a second portion of the particular cavity is scaled-up in size by a second scaled-up percentage over one or more dimensions of a corresponding gingival outer surface adjacent to the corresponding tooth to provide a second shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick M. Matty, Anthony W. Morefield, Devin K. Webb
  • Publication number: 20150140501
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clear aligner, a manufacturing method thereof, a traction device for a clear aligner, and an auxiliary tool for a traction device for a clear aligner. More particularly, the present invention relates to a clear aligner (10), a manufacturing method thereof, a traction device for a clear aligner, and an auxiliary tool (40) for a traction device for a clear aligner, wherein the clear aligner can improve orthodontic effects by increasing a correction force by traction of a clear aligner using an elastic band when it is impossible to correct teeth only with the clear aligner due to uneven teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: E-CLEAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tae-Weon KIM
  • Publication number: 20150132707
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Stanley S.T. HUANG, Craig A. ANDREIKO, Ian D. KITCHING
  • Publication number: 20150125802
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Nimrod TAL
  • Patent number: 9022781
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Kuo, Rick Matty, Artem Borovinskih
  • Patent number: 9005120
    Abstract: A vital signs monitor system is integrated with personal protective equipment (“PPE”) so that upon wearing the PPE, the monitor is placed in an operational position to monitor a vital sign. In one embodiment, the vital signs sensor comprises a thermal sensor located at a mouth guard to automatically make operational contact with tissue under the tongue when the mouth guard is worn. A second vital signs monitor comprising reflective pulse oximetry devices senses oxygen saturation and heart rate. Vital signs data are communicated to an RF module located in an associated helmet for transmission to a remote location. A gateway at that remote location receives the transmitted vital signs data and forwards that data to a data collection, organization, and access system that is programmed to make the vital signs data available over the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Richard H. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9004915
    Abstract: Embodiments include dental appliances, dental appliance systems, and methods of making and using such appliances. In one embodiment, a dental appliance includes a number of tooth apertures for the placement of teeth therein and a tab representing a position of a tooth that has not fully erupted and oriented to be received over the position of the tooth that has not fully erupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon F. Moss, Rene M. Sterental
  • Publication number: 20150093713
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes method, system, apparatus, and indicator embodiments. One apparatus includes an appliance for placement over one or more teeth and a release agent receptacle including an outer portion provided on appliance surface, an inner portion provided within the outer portion, and one or more apertures formed in the outer portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Jennifer C. Chen, Li-Hung Su, Chunhua Li
  • Publication number: 20150086935
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Jeff Paul
  • Patent number: 8986003
    Abstract: Improved aligners are provided with pearlescent white coloring and improved aesthetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Tamsen Valoir
  • Publication number: 20150079530
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Ortho-Tain, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl O. Bergersen
  • Patent number: 8978659
    Abstract: A dental device has a U-shaped carrier with at least one channel for embracing an arch of teeth. There are recessed insets in the channel. Discrete inserts carrying a beneficial agent can fit into the insets and release the agent gradually. The device may be used in a therapeutic application and as an athletic mouthguard. Temporary blanks may be initially fitted in the insets, while a portion of the mouthguard is softened before an arch of teeth is pressed into the channel to make a custom impression. The inserts possess different physical properties than the carrier and may be positioned and shaped to mechanically buffer teeth of the arch from mechanical shocks as well as release beneficial agents. The inserts may be replaced or refreshed to maintain the beneficial agent. A dental device having a core carrying a beneficial agent inside a liquid-permeable shell functions as an infant's teething device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dynamic Mouth Devices, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Laura Bardach, James Geduldig, Salvatore Napoli
  • Publication number: 20150044623
    Abstract: Liquid radiation curable resin compositions for additive manufacturing comprising: from about 5 to about 30 wt % of an oxetane; a (meth)acrylate component; a cationic photoinitiator; a free-radical photoinitiator; and from about 50 to about 80 wt % of an epoxy, which further comprises a cycloaliphatic epoxy component, and an epoxy component having an aromatic glycidyl ether group, wherein the majority of the epoxy is the cycloaliphatic epoxy component are described and claimed. Also described and claimed is a process for using the liquid radiation curable resins for additive manufacturing to create molds for dental aligners, and the three-dimensional molds made from the liquid radiation curable resins for additive manufacturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Beth RUNDLETT
  • Patent number: 8936463
    Abstract: The present invention relates to orthodontic positioning appliances that represent teeth in desired positions and related systems and methods. An appliance can include teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to a patient's teeth. An appliance can include an outer component having a surface representing teeth in desired positions. An outer component can be integral with an appliance. An outer component can be separate and configured to couple with an appliance main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David Mason, Eric Kuo