Techniques for securing models using a ball plunger
AssigneeInstitut Straumann AG
InventorsMaximilian Sattler, Florian Seidl, Maximilian Hoyer, Markus Altenbuchinger
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Abstract
The present disclosure discusses techniques for securing thermoform models, including a locator plate for receiving and securing individually unique dental models having a polygon cutout, wherein the locator plate has at least one ball plunger positioned within a raised polygon, the at least one ball plunger having a cylindrical body, a spring, and a ball extending partially outside the cylindrical body. The present disclosure also includes a system for thermoforming an orthodontic aligner and methods thereof.
Claims22
A locator plate for receiving and securing individually unique dental models, the locator plate comprising:
- a raised pentagon extending from a surface of the locator plate and having a rectangular bottom portion and a triangular top portion;
- and
- at least one ball plunger positioned within the raised pentagon, the at least one ball plunger having a cylindrical body, a spring, and a ball extending partially outside the cylindrical body,
- wherein a portion of the ball extending partially outside the cylindrical body of the ball plunger extends from the rectangular bottom portion of the raised pentagon, and away from an apex of the triangular top portion of the raised pentagon.
A method of securing a dental aligner, comprising:
- printing a 3D dental model including a positive model of a dental arch, and a 3D printed locator tab positioned within an interior of the dental arch, wherein printing the 3D dental model includes printing edges of a polygon cutout within the 3D printed locator tab;
- providing a locator plate having a raised polygon extending from a surface of the locator plate, wherein the raised polygon includes at least one ball plunger having a ball extending partially away from a surface of the raised polygon;
- securing the 3D dental model to the locator plate by positioning the raised polygon within the polygon cutout such that the at least one ball plunger engages with the polygon cutout;
- and
- thermoforming a polymer sheet over the dental model secured to the locator plate.
A system for thermoforming an orthodontic aligner, comprising:
- a locator plate having a raised polygon extending from a surface of the locator plate;
- at least one ball plunger positioned within the raised pentagon, the at least one ball plunger having a cylindrical body, a spring, and a ball extending partially outside the cylindrical body;
- a 3D dental model including a positive model of a dental arch, and a 3D printed locator tab positioned within an interior of the dental arch,
- wherein the 3D dental model defines edges of a polygon cutout within the 3D printed locator tab, and
- wherein the 3D dental model mates with the locator plate by positioning the raised polygon within the polygon cutout, and engaging the ball of the ball plunger with a portion of the polygon cutout;
- and
- a heat source for thermoforming a polymer sheet over the 3D dental model once secured to the locator plate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.