Orthodontic aligner removal device and method
OwnerRohit Madaninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device for removing orthodontic aligners. The device comprises a hinge mechanism that enables a tweezing motion, allowing a wearer to grasp an orthodontic aligner in between two contact regions precisely and easily. Tips and extensions extending from these contact regions ensure comprehensive contact with aligner ridges and bases, while central segments in between them, possibly with textured surfaces, enhance grip. The device's design, including tips having sloped segments, guide the aligner ridges into the tips, ensures a snug fit. Variations include acute or obtuse angles between extensions and central segments for effective aligner positioning, and textured leg surfaces for improved user grip.
Claims18
A device for removing an orthodontic aligner, the device comprising:
- a hinge to enable a tweezing motion of the device;
- a first leg and a second leg coupled to the hinge;
- an outer contact region positioned at a distal end of the first leg;
- an inner contact region positioned at a distal end of the second leg;
- wherein
- the orthodontic aligner is secured in between the outer and inner contact regions when the outer and inner contact regions are caused to approach each other;
- a set of tips, extending out of distal ends of the outer and inner contact regions, face each other and are configured to contact inner and outer ridges of the orthodontic aligner;
- a set of extensions, extending out of proximal ends of the outer and inner contact regions, face each other and are configured to contact the base of the orthodontic aligner;
- and
- central segments of the contact regions, in between the tips and the extensions, are configured to contact the inner and outer walls of the orthodontic aligner.
A device for removing an orthodontic aligner, the device comprising:
- a hinge to enable a tweezing motion of the device;
- a first leg and a second leg coupled to the hinge;
- an outer contact region positioned at a distal end of the first leg;
- an inner contact region positioned at a distal end of the second leg;
- wherein
- a set of tips, extending out of distal ends of the outer and inner contact regions, face each other and are configured to contact inner and outer ridges of the orthodontic aligner;
- a set of extensions, extending out of proximal ends of the outer and inner contact regions, face each other and are configured to contact the base of the orthodontic aligner;
- and
- central segments of the contact regions, in between the tips and the extensions, are configured to contact the inner and outer walls of the orthodontic aligner;
- the outer and inner contact regions are caused to move apart from each other when a user applies pressure to the first and second legs;
- the first and the inner contact regions are caused to approach each other when a user stops applying pressure to the first and second legs;
- the orthodontic aligner is secured in between the outer and inner contact regions when the outer and inner contact regions are caused to approach each other;
- a distance between the tips and their corresponding extensions is equal to a height of the orthodontic aligner.
A method of removing an orthodontic aligner from teeth, the method comprising steps of:
- providing a device, the device comprising:
- a hinge to enable a tweezing motion of the device;
- a first leg and a second leg coupled to the hinge;
- an outer contact region positioned at a distal end of the first leg;
- an inner contact region positioned at a distal end of the second leg;
- a set of tips, extending out of distal ends of the outer and inner contact regions, face each other and are configured to contact inner and outer ridges of the orthodontic aligner;
- a set of extensions, extending out of proximal ends of the outer and inner contact regions, face each other and are configured to contact the base of the orthodontic aligner
- central segments of the contact regions, in between the tips and the extensions, are configured to contact the inner and outer walls of the orthodontic aligner
- causing the outer and inner contact regions to move apart from each other when a user applies pressure to the first and second legs;
- positioning the outer and inner contact regions around the orthodontic aligner;
- causing the outer and inner contact regions to approach each other when a user stops applying pressure to the first and second legs such that the orthodontic
- aligner is secured in between the outer and inner contact regions;
- and
- dislodging the orthodontic retainer from the teeth.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.