Embedded features and methods of a dental appliance

#The present invention is related generally to the field of orthodontics. Particularly, this invention relates to the use of removable orthodontic appliances for producing tooth movements. More particularly, this invention relates to improved devices, systems and methods for producing such tooth movements with elastic repositioning appliances.

#Orthodontic treatments involve repositioning misaligned teeth and bite configurations for improved cosmetic appearance and dental function. Repositioning teeth is accomplished by applying controlled forces to the teeth over an extended period of time. This is conventionally accomplished by wearing what are commonly referred to as “braces.” Braces are typically comprised of brackets or bands which are bonded to the teeth and linked with the use of archwires, ligatures and O-rings. After the archwire is in place, periodic appointments with the orthodontist are required, during which the patient's braces will be adjusted. This involves installing different archwires having different force-inducing properties or by replacing or tightening existing ligatures. Between meetings, the patient may be required to wear supplementary appliances, such as elastic bands or headgear, to supply additional or extraoral forces.

#Although conventional braces are effective, they are often a tedious and time consuming process requiring many visits to the orthodontists office. Moreover, from a patient's perspective, they are unsightly and uncomfortable. The archwire and ligatures which connect the brackets in a continuous network make brushing, flossing between the teeth and other dental hygiene procedures difficult, possibly contributing to the development of gingivitis, caries, and other dental disease. Consequently, alternative orthodontic treatments are needed. In particular, it would be desirable to use appliances which can be removed by the patient during daily dental hygiene routines, while participating in athletic activities, or for cosmetic purposes.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration a variety of orthodontic components or accessories typically used with fixed orthodontic devices mounted on or embedded in the polymeric shell of a removable elastic repositioning appliance.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of a typical transpalatal arch bar mounted on or embedded in the polymeric shell of an appliance.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration an appliance having a lip pad.

#Traditional orthodontic treatment often involves the use of basic repositioning devices, such as braces, and the use of supplementary devices, components or accessories to achieve desired end results. As previously described, such supplementary components may be mounted on fixed, non-removable devices or they may be part of a removable appliance typically worn prior to the application of the fixed devices. As with traditional treatment, it may be desired to utilize similar supplementary components when repositioning teeth with removable elastic repositioning appliances. Due to the nature of elastic appliances, such components may take a variety of forms ranging from readily available traditional accessories to specially created devices, as will be described below.

#Referring to FIG. 1, a variety of orthodontic components or accessories typically used with fixed orthodontic devices, such as braces, are shown in conjunction with a removable elastic positioning appliance 10. The majority of these accessories may be readily available since they are typically used with conventional treatment. They are also typically mounted on fixed devices, so they are available as separate individual components. As previously described, these components may be embedded in the polymeric shell 12 of an elastic repositioning appliance 10 during production or they may be mounted on the shell 12 in a post-production assembly. One such type of component is a tube 14 which is used in pairs to mount a headgear appliance. Headgear appliances are typically mounted on opposite posterior molars of the upper jaw for a number of purposes, including keeping the upper jaw from growing, pulling the upper teeth backward, and pulling the upper jaw and teeth upward and backward so that they align with the lower jaw and teeth. Therefore, tubes 14 for receiving headgear may be mounted on the buccal surfaces of the polymeric shell 12 covering the posterior molars. The distal ends of the headgear which enter the oral cavity may then be inserted into the tubes 14 to apply extra oral forces to the teeth and jaw. Other components may include hooks 16, primarily used for mounting elastic bands, brackets 18, used for mounting additional components and accessories or possibly for interconnection with fixed brackets or devices, and buttons 20, primarily used as an attachment point for various purposes. It may be appreciated that such components have been shown on the same appliance 10 for illustrative purposes, however typical use may involve one or a few of such components with varying arrangements.

#Referring to FIG. 2, an additional component which may be mounted on or embedded in a polymeric shell 12 is a transpalatal arch bar 26. Such palatal bars typically span the palate and are fixed at both ends to permanent devices mounted on opposing molars. This is often used to stabilize and maintain positioning after active arch expansion. In the case of an elastic repositioning appliance 10, the conventional arch bar 26 may be positioned in a similar location, attached at both ends to the polymeric shell covering the lingual surfaces of opposing upper molars. In addition, a low hanging transpalatal bar for control of vertical dimension may be used. Also shown in FIG. 2, one or more wires 22 may be mounted on or embedded in the polymeric shell 12. Such wires 22 may span the majority of the arch, as in the case of a conventional archwire, as shown. Or, such wires 22 may span only portions of the arch, may be present on or within the facial and/or lingual surfaces of the shell, may be multiple in number at a given location, and may be curved, straight or a combination of these, to name a few. The presence of such a wire 22 may be used most commonly for structural reinforcement but may also be used to aid in the application of orthodontic repositioning forces. Again, it may be appreciated that such components have been shown on the same appliance 10 for illustrative purposes, however typical use may involve one or a few of such components with varying arrangements.