Abstract: Various features are provided for a custom orthodontic appliance manufacturing or designing system. These include features for inputting of data of patient anatomy and practitioner decisions, features for interactively or automatically manipulating data to arrive at applicant characteristics, and features for affecting design or manufacture of the appliance.

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.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides method, computing device readable medium, and devices for dental appliances with repositioning jaw elements. An example of a method can include identifying a misaligned jaw of a patient from a virtual image of the patient's jaw, and providing a treatment plan for the patient including a virtual model of a dental appliance having a first shell and a second shell configured to reposition at least one tooth of the patient. The virtual model of the dental appliance including repositioning jaw elements on the first shell and the second shell configured to move a position of the misaligned jaw of the patient.

Abstract: A method for generating a mapping of dental occlusion generates a three-dimensional model of the patient's teeth according to acquired image data. The maxillary and mandibular arches are positioned in opposition in the generated model of the patient's teeth and a meal model generated having characteristics of a foam material. A pressure field distribution for the generated meal model is calculated for one or more pairs of opposed teeth from the generated three-dimensional model of the patient's teeth. The calculated pressure field distribution can be displayed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of manufacturing an oral appliance, the method comprising the steps of: a) importing into a computer aided design (CAD) computer program a digitized data set obtained from a three-dimensional scan of a patient's dentition; b) preparing a three-dimensional electronic model of the patient's dentition; c) subtracting the three-dimensional electronic model of the patient's dentition from an image of a solid block to obtain an appliance data set; and d) manufacturing a dental appliance in accordance with the appliance data set. Also disclosed are devices made by the above method, and methods of treating a condition, for example a sleep breathing disorder, by using a device made by the above method.

Abstract: A three-dimensional computer model of the patient's tooth, including the pulp chamber and root canals, is created by combining at least one grey value image of the tooth and/or surface information about at least part of the intra-orally visible part of the tooth with a statistical, parameterized shape model of each tooth type (upper or lower incisors, canines, pre-molars, molars) as the patient's tooth to be treated. This allows for planning and/or simulation of one or more root canal treatments on the computer model of the patient's tooth and that the dentist or dental specialist is given qualitative and/or quantitative information by the system in order to aid in adequately analyzing the risks related to performing the root canal treatment with the proposed or user-selected endodontic tools.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a system and a method of designing a dental component for a region on a patient's set of teeth. More particularly, the invention relates to obtaining a digital 3D representation of at least the region of the patient's set of teeth, where the digital 3D representation is based on a 3D scan.

Abstract: A method of making a patient specific surgical guide includes obtaining a virtual model of a fixation member, and virtually designing a guide that defines at least one hole that corresponds to a hole of the virtual model of the fixation member.

Abstract: A device having medical and veterinary applications of light to antimicrobial and antineoplastic chemicals includes a solution retainer adapted to retain a therapeutic solution against a user, the therapeutic solution including an antimicrobial chemical, an antineoplastic chemical, or both; a fiber optic cable; a light termination on the fiber optic cable that provides light from the fiber optic cable to the therapeutic solution in the solution retainer; and a light source that provides a light of a predetermined wavelength to the fiber optic cable; wherein the light provides a synergistic effect in the therapeutic solution that inhibits microbial or neoplastic growth.

Abstract: The present invention discloses orthodontic treatment planning using virtual articulator with the help of a computer workstation. A virtual articulator can be activated from the workstation. The virtual articulator displays opening/closing movements, and left/right excursive movements. One can also adjust the angle of the articular eminence to more accurately display the patient's chewing motion. Treatment planning simulation using virtual articulator can detect collision of teeth and lead to a treatment plan that can avoid such collisions. Composite three dimensional models of dentition obtained by scanning of teeth and through CBCT are used in identifying the articulator; which is then used in virtual simulation by means of software instructions in the workstation.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining an orthodontic diagnostic analysis of a patient at various dental maturity stages predicts future conditions and/or treatment recommendations. The system and the method locate points in a mouth of a patient using an imaging device wherein the imaging device generates imaging data. The imaging data is transferred to a central processing unit wherein the central processing unit has access to a database having information associated with orthodontic conditions stored therein. The central processing unit obtains measurements associated with selected points and dentition in the mouth of the patient and predicts orthodontic conditions of the patient based upon the measurements and the information in the database. The central processing unit recommends treatments to the patient based upon the predicted orthodontic conditions.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, method, apparatus and system for receiving digital representations of the initial parameters of a dentition; simulating a first orthodontic treatment process on the digital representations of the initial parameters, displaying a set of output results from the simulation of the first orthodontic treatment process, simulating a second orthodontic treatment process on the output results from the simulation of the first orthodontic treatment process, and displaying a set of output results from the simulation of the second orthodontic treatment process are provided.

Abstract: A method and system for the fabrication of dental articles includes at least two imaging and measuring devices, which measure and provide images of the internal and external structure of intra-oral objects in a patient's oral cavity. The outputs from these devices are linked so that the descriptions of the intra-oral objects and features, oral cavity and surrounding bone structure are stored in a system of reference positions. The system of reference positions functions as a “global positioning device” registering locations and orientations of the measuring and imaging device or probe relative to the intra-oral objects and bone structure and orientations of the resulting individual frames or scans in the global system of coordinates. Three-dimensional images, scans and/or maps of the oral cavity obtained from each device are pieced together to generate solid three-dimensional models of the intra-oral objects.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a total joint arthroplasty procedure on a patient's damaged bone region. A CT image or other suitable image is formed of the damaged bone surfaces, and location coordinate values (xn,yn,zn) are determined for a selected sequence of bone surface locations using the CT image data. A mathematical model z=f(x,y) of a surface that accurately matches the bone surface coordinates at the selected bone spice locations, or matches surface normal vector components at selected bone surface locations, is determined. The model provides a production file from which a cutting jig and an implant device (optional), each patient-specific and having controllable alignment, are fabricated for the damaged bone by automated processing.

Abstract: Dental and medical devices with a light source and antimicrobial solution include an antimicrobial solution; a fiber optic cable that exposes the antimicrobial solution to light of a predetermined wavelength; and a solution holding apparatus that retains the lighted antimicrobial solution against the tissue. A method for antimicrobial treatment of a user includes retaining an antimicrobial solution in a solution holding apparatus; purposefully selecting a wavelength of light that reacts with the antimicrobial solution; providing the selected wavelength of light from an LED or laser or other appropriate light source; utilizing a fiber optic cable to expose the antimicrobial solution to the light; and utilizing the solution holding apparatus to hold the lighted antimicrobial solution against the user.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for finding virtual tooth features on virtual three-dimensional models of the teeth of patients. The tooth features comprise marginal ridges, cusp tips, contact points, central groove and buccal groove. Tooth axes system plays a key role in identifying the tooth features. An iterative method is disclosed for improving the accuracy of the tooth axes system. A virtual three-dimension model preferably obtained by scanning the dentition of a patient forms the basis for determining the tooth features. Tooth features are derived for all categories of teeth including molars, premolars, canines and front teeth. Tooth features are very helpful and used in planning orthodontic treatment. The tooth features are determined automatically using the computerized techniques; and can be manually adjusted when necessary.

Abstract: Method for shaping an orthodontic wire, made of a shape-memory material, into a target geometry in order to permit precise insertion into a patient-specific orthodontic apparatus, said method having the following steps: a) creating a patient-specific target set-up of the upper jaw or lower jaw of the patient, b) placing brackets on teeth to be treated in the target set-up, c) preparing a two-dimensional image of the target set-up with brackets in a plan view, d) loading the image into a data processor, e) identifying the position of the slots of the brackets in the image, f) exporting data on the position of the slots from the data processor, g) creating a baking mold for the shape-memory wire, wherein the data are used to help generate wire-fixing portions in the baking mold that maintain the wire in areas corresponding to the slots during the baking, h) inserting the wire into the baking mold, and i) baking the wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed enabling an orthodontist or a user to create an unified three dimensional virtual craniofacial and dentition model of actual, as-is static and functional anatomy of a patient, from data representing facial bone structure; upper jaw and lower jaw; facial soft tissue; teeth including crowns and roots; information of the position of the roots relative to each other; and relative to the facial bone structure of the patient; obtained by scanning as-is anatomy of craniofacial and dentition structures of the patient with a volume scanning device; and data representing three dimensional virtual models of the patient's upper and lower gingiva, obtained from scanning the patient's upper and lower gingiva either (a) with a volume scanning device, or (a) with a surface scanning device. Such craniofacial and dentition models of the patient can be used in optimally planning treatment of a patient.

Abstract: A method for generating a mapping of dental occlusion generates a three-dimensional model of the patient's teeth (1a, 1b) according to acquired image data. The maxillary and mandibular arches are positioned in opposition in the generated model of the patient's teeth and a meal model (50) generated having characteristics of a foam material. A pressure field distribution for the generated meal model is calculated for one or more pairs of opposed teeth (1a, 1b) from the generated three-dimensional model of the patient's teeth. The calculated pressure field distribution (54) can be displayed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to prevent interference between two physical tooth models in a physical dental arch model by acquiring the coordinates of a plurality of points on the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models and digitally representing the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models by a mesh of points in three dimensions using the acquired coordinates. The meshes representing the surfaces of the two physical tooth models intersect at least at one point to form an overlapping portion. The method also includes calculating the depth of the overlapping portion between the two meshes to quantify the interference of the two physical tooth models.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods to plan, display and evaluate orthodontic treatment plans. A plurality of teeth in a representation on a computer display may be moved simultaneously in accordance with a mathematically defined pattern. Software tools available to generate the treatment path may include adjusting the smile teeth, moving teeth along a curve fit to points in the mandible, individually moving a tooth, cross sectioning to check for interference and simulations of occlusal points, highlighting teeth that have moved from their original position, making notations on the teeth, and generating and saving animation sequences of before and after treatment tooth positions.

Abstract: A process of applying at least one dental element to a patient's arch employs a device having a support tray shaped to fit to at least a portion of a patient's dental arch. A formed, liquid-soluble material (such as a thin starch layer formed from a starch sheet) is supported by the support tray and holds at least one dental element in a location for allowing an exposed surface of the at least one dental element to be applied to a patient's dental arch. Afterwards, the support tray is removed from the liquid-soluble material and the liquid-soluble is removed by dissolving it in a liquid, such as water.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a computer-implemented method for dynamically manipulating a three-dimensional virtual model representing a patient's teeth so as to facilitate visualization of an orthodontic treatment plan being applied thereto. The method comprises: rendering the three-dimensional virtual model based, at least in part, upon one or more images of a patient's teeth, and manipulating the three-dimensional virtual model via a translational movement in a two-dimensional computer display area and along a plane vertically oriented relative to the oppositely-oriented teeth. The translational movement imposes a translational manipulation upon a first one of the two sets of oppositely oriented teeth and a rotational manipulation upon a second one of the two sets of oppositely oriented teeth, the simultaneous manipulation being configured to open the teeth relative to one another so as to facilitate visualization of an orthodontic treatment plan.

Abstract: Medical devices with a light source and antimicrobial solution include a solution retainer adapted to retain an antimicrobial solution against a user; a fiber optic cable; a light termination on the fiber optic cable that provides light from the fiber optic cable to the antimicrobial solution in the solution retainer; and a light source that provides a light of a predetermined wavelength to the fiber optic cable. Medical device includes a container, a bowl, a full body suit, garments for body parts, a helmet, and a catheter.

Abstract: The positions of orthodontic appliances such as brackets and buccal tubes on a patient's teeth are determined using digital data that represents the shapes of the patient's teeth. Certain landmarks of the teeth such as the marginal ridges are determined using software, and the software adjusts positions of the virtual appliances on the teeth as needed in order to bring the marginal ridges into proper alignment at the conclusion of treatment. The resulting positions are optionally used to determine the location of the appliances in an indirect bonding apparatus such as a transfer tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a method for manufacturing transparent braces. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing transparent braces in such a way that a plurality of dental molds are manufactured based on orthodontic dental data that is created on the basis of current dental data of a patient and instructions of a dentist and includes a plurality of orthodontic process steps, and then transparent substances are vacuum-pressed onto the respective dental molds.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of generating a virtual model of a set of teeth for manufacturing a physical model of the set of teeth includes providing a virtual model of the set of teeth generating a cavity in said gingival part, into which cavity a removable component fits, where the removable component and the cavity are configured to provide a gap at an interface; and providing for supporting and positioning the removable component in the cavity, wherein the area of contact between the removable component and the cavity wall at the interface is controlled by the shape of the adjoining surfaces of the supporting and positioning and the other of the removable component and the cavity wall.

Abstract: A method and workstation are described for designing compensation in an orthodontic archwire in order to offset the bracket-slot-to-wire play and realize the disered displacement in a tooth from an initial position to the target position. Bracket-slot-to-wire play can reduce the effectiveness of an archwire in bringing the teeth of an orthodontic patient from malocclusion to desired target. Bracket-slot-to-wire play is the difference in volume between the size of a bracket slot, which is larger than the size of the archwire, and the size of the sliding segment of an archwire inserted in the bracket slot. Customized archwires comprise alternating sliding segments interconnected by segments with bends and/or twists in three-dimensional space. The sliding segments are placed in the bracket slots and exert forces on the brackets created by the segments with bends and/or twists for moving the teeth towards the target positions.

Abstract: A tray for use in bonding orthodontic appliances to selected teeth of a patient is disclosed. The tray includes an outer shell having wall sections extending over facial, lingual, and occlusal surfaces of the selected teeth to form a channel including tooth cavities having a configuration matching and arranged for receiving the selected teeth. A matrix is bonded to the inner surface of the outer shell and is contoured to complement the facial or lingual surface of the teeth. A stabilization member extends from the outer shell and includes an inside surface contoured to complement at least a portion of the facial surface of a tooth located adjacent the selected teeth. Orthodontic appliances are detachably connected to the matrix, wherein each appliance includes a base for bonding the appliance to a tooth.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for use in the corrective treatment of malocclusion and other dentofacial defects is provided. The apparatus has at least one stimulator which is configured to apply a stimulus to a part of the dento-oral complex and includes at least one actuator controllable by means of electronic signals. A feedback system is also provided and is configured to measure parameters relating to the biomechanical tissue response resulting from the stimulus applied by the at least one stimulator, to analyze the parameters by means of a processor, and to adjust the stimulus applied by the at least one stimulator by means of the required control signals in order to apply a stimulus representing an optimal orthodontic force.

Abstract: A processing device receives an intraoral image of a first intraoral site and determines an identity of the first intraoral site. The processing device then locks the intraoral image and selects a portion of the intraoral image depicting a portion of the first intraoral site based at least in part on the identity of the first intraoral site. The processing device may then generate a model comprising the first intraoral site based at least in part on the locked intraoral image, wherein the portion of the locked intraoral image is used for a first region of the model, and wherein data from one or more additional intraoral images that also depict the portion of the first intraoral site is not used for the first region of the model.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed enabling an orthodontist or a user to create an integrated three dimensional digital model of dentition and surrounding anatomy of an orthodontic patient from a three-dimensional digital model obtained using a scanner with a three-dimensional digital model obtained using a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) or Magnetic Resonance Tomography (MRT) imaging devices. The digital data obtained from scanning as well as from CBCT imaging are downloaded into a computer workstation, and registered together in order to create a comprehensive 3-D model of the patient's teeth with roots, bones and soft tissues. The invention provides substantial improvement over the traditional two dimensional imaging modalities such as x-rays, photographs, cephalometric tracing for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a customized jig for an orthodontic appliance, to an assembly formed by the jig, a base and a bracket, and to the associated design methods. The customized jig is used to install a bracket-bearing base on a tooth, said base forming part of an orthodontic appliance. The invention is characterized in that: the jig is a cap that covers the tooth, covering the free edge thereof and at least portions of the front and rear surfaces of same; and the shape of the jig is such that it matches that of the base in at least one portion of at least one of the edges thereof. The invention also relates to an assembly formed by a customized base bearing a bracket and a customized jig of the type mentioned above, and to methods for designing one such jig.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes computing device related, systems, and methods for identifying force placed on a tooth are described herein. One method includes receiving initial orthodontic data (IOD) including teeth data; creating a virtual set of teeth from the IOD; receiving dental appliance information including at least one of dental appliance material properties and characteristics; virtually placing a dental appliance, formed from the dental appliance information, onto the virtual set of teeth; and determining one or more forces applied to the teeth based on information from the IOD and dental appliance information.

Abstract: A method for virtual orthodontic treatment is provided in which a virtual set of orthodontic components is associated, in a virtual space, with a first virtual three-dimensional image of teeth, and then by a set of rules which define the effect of the set of components' teeth, the effect of the virtual treatment can be computed. This virtual treatment can be used to predict the results of a real-life orthodontic treatment as to design such a treatment.

Abstract: The canine tooth traction device is a 0.019?×0.025? stainless steel sectional wire. It is distally inserted in the molar band of a transpalatal arch anchorage and mesially ligated to a bondable attachment (bracket or button) on the canine tooth. The canine tooth traction device is an elongated member that has a cinching end and an attachment end. The cinching end is 15 mm in length, with 4-5 mm length activation bend of 45° mesial to the molar band. The length of the traction arm from the activation bend to the bondable attachment ligating loop is 40-50 mm. The loop of the attachment end is ligated to the bracket or button. The cinching end is cinched toward and behind the anchor headgear molar tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides computing device implemented methods, computing device readable medium, and molds for filling undercut areas of teeth relative to an axis of placement. Filling undercut areas of teeth relative to an axis of placement can include calculating an undercut area of a tooth relative to an axis of placement of part of a dental appliance over a number of teeth and a height of contour that is defined based on the axis of placement. Filling undercut areas of teeth relative to an axis of placement can also include filling in a part of the undercut area of the tooth with a virtual filler wherein the undercut is filled to within a threshold distance from the tooth that is defined relative to the axis of placement and the height of contour.

Abstract: Methods and systems for viewing images. One system includes a source of images, a computer, and a screen. The computer includes a processor and a user interface module configured to generate a graphical user interface or GUI. The GUI includes a first window in which one or more of the images are displayed. The GUI is displayed on the screen and the graphical user interface module generates an output or modifies the GUI in response to user input (e.g., tap, click, etc.). In response to the input, the graphical user interface generates an image-navigation map. The image-navigation map is displayed in a foreground of the first window and the one or more images are in displayed in a background of the first window. The image-navigation map includes one or more thumbnail images of at least one of the one or more images.

Abstract: A maxillary skeletal expander includes a pair of bodies, an extending screw adjusting a space between the pair of bodies, guide rails having both sides inserted into the pair of bodies and guiding a movement of the bodies, a key hole integrally formed with the extending screw, screw insertion portions integrally formed with the bodies and having screw insertion holes guiding mini-screws implanted to an upper jaw, arms having one end fixed to the bodies and the other end extending toward teeth, and a teeth fixing part integrally formed with the arms and fixed to teeth of a patient.

Abstract: A set of rules to design an orthodontic appliance for generating an aesthetic smile is maintained in a computational device, where the set of rules is associated with an application that executes in the computational device. At least one measured value is computed from one or more features extracted by processing dental information of a patient. The application generates a parameter to design an orthodontic appliance based on the at least one measured value and the set of rules for generating the aesthetic smile.

Abstract: A collaborative method of generating a design representation of an object between a first user and a second user is described.

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: Apparatus, system, and methods for utilizing one or more computing devices to stage the movement of teeth during an alignment treatment are disclosed. The computing device receives an electronic representation of the patient's teeth in their initial position and an electronic representation of the teeth a final position for each tooth. A route each tooth will travel to reach its final position is determined, and the teeth are scheduled to move according to a movement pattern. Moreover, the schedule of movement takes into account a maximum rate of tooth movement for each tooth, the path of movement for each tooth, the distance each tooth needs to move, any needed tooth staggering, any needed round-tripping or tooth movement slowing. The invention also includes techniques for determining an optimum number of stages for the treatment based on the schedule of movement.

Abstract: A technique for fabricating a surgical splint for use in correcting a dental condition of a patient. The technique involves obtaining a three-dimensional digital model of lower and upper arch dentitions of the patient having the dental condition. Relative positions of the lower and upper arch dentitions are adjusted with respect to each other in the three-dimensional digital model using a computing device. A relative positioning structure is added to the three-dimensional digital model using the computing device. A physical model of the patient's corrected dentition is then generated from the three-dimensional digital model. The physical model includes the relative positioning structure that connects the lower and upper arch dentitions of the physical model at the adjusted relative position. The surgical splint is then formed using the physical model. A non-surgical splint is also described.

Abstract: Methods and devices utilizing a dental appliance for dental retainer wire attachment are disclosed. One such wire attachment appliance includes a shell having one or more cavities formed therein and shaped to receive one or more teeth, at least two wire attachment members provided on the shell, and at least one attachment material reservoir provided on the shell, wherein the attachment material is provided to attach a wire to a tooth adjacent to a particular reservoir of the at least one attachment material reservoir.

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.

Abstract: A system providing transitional bracket and transfer jig modules that have been custom designed to address a rotated or partially erupted tooth in advance of applying a computer aided bracketing system to the tooth. The transfer jigs and brackets are used until the problem tooth is moved into a position that will allow positioning of the “ideal” bracket. Once the ideal brackets are position, the treatment plan can proceed as it would with existing systems to reach the final ideal position. The transitional modules are integrated into the customized treatment plan such that the orthodontist just follows the digitized plan, including correction of misaligned teeth. The computer system that assists with defining the treatment plan takes into account the starting position of the teeth and can adjust the plan, as well as use of transitional brackets, to accommodate many more patients that have one or more problem teeth needing correction.

Abstract: A series of polymeric orthodontic appliances is made by providing a set of tooth analogs, each having a model crown that represents the shape of a corresponding tooth of the patient. The tooth analogs are moved along respective guides as needed in order to bring the associated model crown an incremental step toward or away from its desired position. The polymeric appliance is formed by placing a sheet of polymeric material over the model crowns after at least one tooth analog has been moved to create a desired model tooth arrangement.

Abstract: Herein are provided methods, systems, computer-readable media, techniques and processes for occlusion estimation in dental prosthesis design. These include determining a first contact point between antagonist teeth, then simulating motion in order to determine additional contact points. Various of the determined contact points may not be used in the simulated motion, based on the simulated physics. When one or more predetermined stopping criteria have been met, then the contact points may be used to define the relative occlusal positions of antagonists. In some embodiments, sets of teeth in a bridge or crown, e.g., may be simulated as moving separately and a new state for each set of teeth may be determined.

Abstract: Embodiments for determining a dental treatment difficulty are described herein. One method embodiment includes receiving an initial and subsequent position of each of a first tooth and a second tooth and calculating a change in position of each of the first tooth and the second tooth. The method embodiment can also include projecting the changes in position of each of the first tooth and the second tooth onto a reference line and calculating a change in position on the reference line for the first tooth and the second tooth. The method embodiment can further include determining the dental treatment difficulty based on the changes in position on the reference line.