Patent ID: 8070485
Filing Date: 2011-12-06
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. A method of constructing an orthodontic postioning appliance incorporating a pontic, comprising the steps of: a) making an impression of a patient's dentition; b) constructing a dental impression cast from said impression, the cast having an edentulous area; c) providing a pontic having a notch pre-formed therein; d) fitting the pontic having the notch pre-formed therein to the edentulous area of the cast; e) temporarily adhering the pontic to the cast; f) thermoforming a plastic sheet over the cast to form a plastic orthodontic positioning appliance, wherein a portion of the plastic sheet physically engages the pre-formed notch of the pontic to mechanically lock the pontic to the plastic orthontic postioning appliance; and g) removing the plastic orthodontic possition appliance with the mechanically locked pontic therein from the cast.