Patent ID: 6736638
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: A61C,A61F

Abstract:
A method for optimizing the design of an orthodontic apparatus relative to the dentition of a patient, comprising the steps of:a) obtaining a digital model of an orthodontic structure of an orthodontic patient; b) selecting a digital model of an initial arch wire receptacle from a plurality of digital models of arch wire receptacles; c) simulating placing the digital model of the initial arch wire receptacle on a plurality of teeth in the digital model of the orthodontic structure to provide a digital arch wire receptacle placement; d) simulating placing a digital model of an arch wire on the digital arch wire receptacle placement; e) digitally simulating, and enabling modification of the digital simulation, of one or more of the following parameters either singly or in combination: i) a bonding pad associated with said arch wire receptacles, ii) a bonding agent bonding said arch wire receptacles to said teeth; iii) the shape or properties of said arch wire; iv) ligation forces associated with said arch wire; v) the coupling between the arch wire receptacle and the arch wire, and vi) biological factors for said orthodontic structure, including interference between teeth, eruption of teeth, root length of teeth, jaw growth and function, and anatomy of said teeth; f) digitally modeling with a computer the forces applied to a tooth by a force system for the teeth based on the digital model of the initial arch wire receptacle, the digital arch wire receptacle placement, the digital model of the arch wire and one or more of the parameters simulated in step (e) so as to enable evaluation of whether said force system is optimal; and g) when the force system is non-optimal, digitally modifying one or more components of the force system so as to provide a more optimal force system.