Efficient data representation of teeth model
Granted: July 1, 2004
Application Number:
20040128010
A computer-implemented method for generating a computer model of one or more teeth by receiving a digital data set of meshes representing the teeth; creating a parametric representation of the digital data set; and displaying the computer model of the teeth using the parametric representation.
Computer automated development of an orthodontic treatment plan and appliance
Granted: June 10, 2004
Application Number:
20040110110
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.
System and method for separating three-dimensional models
Granted: May 20, 2004
Application Number:
20040096799
A computer-implemented method separates first and second portions of a tooth by defining a cutting surface intersecting the first and second portions by specifying two points; and applying the cutting surface to the tooth to separate the tooth into two portions.
Dental pliers for forming and removing bumps on appliances
Granted: May 6, 2004
Application Number:
20040086823
Pliers for forming and removing bumps for the dental appliance without heating are disclosed. The eraser pliers for erasing a bump on an appliance include a first elongated member having a first jaw portion at one end and a handle portion at the other end, the jaw portion having flat surface mounted at a distal end of the first jaw portion; and a second elongated member joined to the first elongated member, the second elongated member having a second jaw portion at one end and a second…
Digitally modeling the deformation of gingival tissue during orthodontic treatment
Granted: April 29, 2004
Application Number:
20040081938
A computer obtains a digital model of a patient's dentition, including a dental model representing the patient's teeth at a set of initial positions and a gingival model representing gum tissue surrounding the teeth. The computer then derives from the digital model an expected deformation of the gum tissue as the teeth move from the initial positions to another set of positions.
Attachment devices and methods for a dental appliance
Granted: March 11, 2004
Application Number:
20040048223
The present invention provides improved systems and methods for removably attaching a dental positioning appliance to the dental features of a patient during orthodontic treatment. These appliances function by applying force to specific surfaces of the teeth or dental features to cause directed movement. The application of force is improved by the use of one or more attachment devices which may be positioned on the teeth or dental features to provide the appropriate physical features.…
Systems and methods for treatment analysis by teeth matching
Granted: February 26, 2004
Application Number:
20040038168
Systems and methods are disclosed for matching computer models of two sets of teeth includes calculating a difference for two sets of teeth shapes; finding the position of one set of teeth with respect to the other set of teeth; calculating a positional difference of the corresponding teeth; and finding a corrective path to bring one set of teeth to the other set of teeth.
System and methods for dental treatment planning
Granted: February 5, 2004
Application Number:
20040023183
Computer-implemented systems and methods implement a dental treatment plan by specifying tooth movement patterns using a two-dimensional array; and generating treatment paths to move the teeth in accordance with the specified pattern.
Systems and methods for removing gingiva from computer tooth models
Granted: February 5, 2004
Application Number:
20040023188
A computer-implemented method separates gingiva from a model of a tooth by defining a cutting surface along the gingiva; and applying the cutting surface to the tooth to separate the gingiva from the tooth.
Systems and methods for automated bite-setting of tooth models
Granted: December 25, 2003
Application Number:
20030235803
A method to bite set a dental model includes: scanning upper and lower arches of the dental model; scanning the upper and lower arches in their bite position; and aligning the upper and lower arches..
System and method for producing tooth movement
Granted: November 27, 2003
Application Number:
20030219691
The present invention provides methods and systems of repositioning teeth for use in orthodontic treatment, with particular applicability to removable elastic repositioning appliances. Such appliances may be challenged by traditional tooth movements which intrude the crown of the tooth or present tooth positions which reduce available points of purchase. These challenges may be overcome with a series of tooth movements in which a tooth is translated in a “root-first”…
Methods and systems for concurrent tooth repositioning and substance delivery
Granted: November 13, 2003
Application Number:
20030211440
The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for orthodontic treatment using elastic repositioning appliances while concurrently providing dental and periodontal therapies. Such therapies are traditionally provided with the use of a variety of accessories and devices which are applied when the repositioning appliance is removed from the patient's mouth. The present invention eliminates the need for such removal and additional devices by incorporating these therapies into…
Systems and methods for treating patients
Granted: November 6, 2003
Application Number:
20030207227
Systems and methods for treating a patient at a treatment provider's office include digitally scanning the patient at the treatment provider's office and generating at the treatment provider's office one or more appliances to treat the patient.
Manipulable dental model system for fabrication of a dental appliance
Granted: October 30, 2003
Application Number:
20030203334
A dental appliance fabrication system includes a reconfigurable dental model including a frame having one or more tooth members disposed on the frame; and one or more micro-positioners each coupled to one tooth member to move the tooth in six degrees of freedom relative to the frame.
Systems and methods for improved engagement between aligners and teeth
Granted: October 23, 2003
Application Number:
20030198911
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…
Methods and systems for modeling bite registration
Granted: October 23, 2003
Application Number:
20030198917
The present invention provides methods and devices for determining an axis of upper and lower jaw articulation of a patient and modeling jaw movement about such an axis, particularly with the use of computerized visual images. The methods comprise providing digital data sets of tooth and bite configuration information which may be used to determine an estimated condylar axis of rotation for a patient. A number of data sets may be acquired and utilized for such estimations. Data sets may…
Embedded features and methods of a dental appliance
Granted: October 9, 2003
Application Number:
20030190576
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. Such 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 components when repositioning teeth with removable…
System and method for releasing tooth positioning appliances
Granted: October 2, 2003
Application Number:
20030186184
An improved dental appliance system, and methods for using and fabricating the improved appliance, including a polymeric overlay or shell having a teeth-receiving cavity formed therein. The dental appliance having the necessary stiffness or strength to firmly secure the appliance on the teeth and provide controlled forces required for repositioning the teeth, until such time as removal of the appliance is desired. The appliance may be configured for use with a removal mechanism. The…
Efficient data representation of teeth model
Granted: July 24, 2003
Application Number:
20030139834
A computer-implemented method generates a computer model of one or more teeth by receiving as input a digital data set of meshes representing the teeth; selecting a curved coordinate system with mappings to and from a 3D space; and generating a function in the curved coordinate system to represent each tooth.
System for determining final position of teeth
Granted: April 3, 2003
Application Number:
20030064345
An apparatus and method define a fit a set of upper and lower teeth in a masticatory system of a patient by generating a computer representation of the masticatory system of the patient; and determining an occlusion from the computer representation of the masticatory system using one or more keys.
