Dental appliances, systems and methods

An orthodontic appliance and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the present technology includes a positioning member configured to position an orthodontic appliance during installation in the patient's mouth. The positioning member may comprise a first portion configured to be coupled to the patient's teeth and a second portion extending away from the first portion. The second portion may be configured to be detachably coupled to the orthodontic appliance. While the positioning member is coupled to the orthodontic appliance, the positioning member is configured to be positioned in the patient's mouth and coupled to the patient's teeth, thereby positioning the orthodontic appliance at a desired location adjacent a patient's oral anatomy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

Present embodiments relate generally to appliances, appliance members for making appliances, systems and methods for making appliances and appliance members, and systems and methods for repositioning teeth, including orthodontic systems and methods that include or employ one or more appliances that are installed (in a removable or non-removable manner) on a patient's teeth. Further embodiments relate to components of appliances and appliance members, additional elements that may be employed with an appliance (including installation units, platforms, aligners and retainers), and systems and methods that include combinations of appliances or appliance members and one or more of such additional elements.

In orthodontics, repositioning the teeth for aesthetic or other purposes has been performed by orthodontic devices traditionally referred to as braces. Braces are typically composed of brackets, archwires, O-rings and ligature wires. In addition to braces that typically have an appliance in front of the teeth, other methods include lingual orthodontics (which employs an appliance behind the teeth) and clear aligners such as Invisalign™ aligners (which employ transparent polymeric shells over the teeth).

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods for repositioning teeth and include or employ one or more appliances that are installed (in a removable or non-removable manner) on a patient's teeth.

According to an example, an appliance for installing on a patient's teeth includes at least one first rigid segment having a length dimension, and at least one second rigid segment having a length dimension, wherein each of the first and second rigid segments is configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in a jaw of the patient when the appliance is installed. At least one arm extends from the at least one first rigid segment. At least one loop or curved feature is formed along the length dimension of the second segment. The appliance further includes a plurality of bracket connectors, where each bracket connector is configured to selectively connect to a bracket that may be secured to respective one of the patient's teeth. The plurality of bracket connectors includes at least one first bracket connector on the at least one arm and at least one second bracket connector on the at least one second rigid segment.

In an appliance according to a further example, the first and second rigid segments are configured to extend along the same two or more adjacent teeth in the jaw of the patient when the appliance is installed.

In an appliance according to a further example, the at least one first rigid segment is configured to extend along a different set of two or more adjacent teeth in the jaw of the patient relative to the teeth that the at least one second rigid segment is configured to extend along, when the appliance is installed.

In an appliance according to a further example, at least a portion of the first segment includes an arch shaped member having an arch shape or partial arch shape and configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in the patient's jaw.

In an appliance according to a further example, the at least one arm includes a first arm extending from the first rigid segment to a first one of the first bracket connectors, and a second arm extending from the first rigid segment to a second one of the first bracket connectors, and wherein the at least one second rigid segment extends from the first one of the first bracket connectors to the second one of the first bracket connectors.

In an appliance according to a further example, the at least one second bracket connector includes a plurality of second bracket connectors located along the at least one second rigid segment, between the first one of the first bracket connectors to the second one of the first bracket connectors.

In an appliance according to a further example, the at least one first bracket connector includes one or more further bracket connectors on the at least one first rigid segment.

In an appliance according to a further example, each of the first arm and the second arm includes a spring member.

In an appliance according to a further example, the at least one second rigid segment has a length dimension extending from one end of the arch shaped member of the first rigid segment.

In an appliance according to a further example, the at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment includes a plurality of arms, the at least one first bracket connector includes a plurality of first bracket connectors on the plurality of arms, and the at least one second bracket connectors include a plurality of bracket connectors along the length dimension of the second rigid segment.

In an appliance according to a further example, the at least one second rigid segment has a length dimension extending from a second end of the arch shaped member of the first rigid segment.

In an appliance according to a further example, the at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment includes a plurality of arms, the at least one first bracket connector includes a plurality of first bracket connectors on the plurality of arms, and the at least one second bracket connector includes a plurality of bracket connectors along the length dimension each of the second rigid segments.

In an appliance according to a further example, the at least one arm includes a first arm extending from the first rigid segment to a first one of the first bracket connectors, and a second arm extending from the first rigid segment to a second one of the first bracket connectors, and wherein the at least one second rigid segment extends from the first one of the first bracket connectors to the second one of the first bracket connectors.

In an appliance according to a further example, the at least one arm includes at least one additional arm located along the length of the first rigid segment between the first arm and the second arm, each additional arm extending from the first rigid segment to a respective further one of the first bracket connectors located between the first one of the first bracket connectors and the second one of the second bracket connectors.

In an appliance according to a further example, at least a portion of the second rigid segment includes an arch shaped member having an arch shape or partial arch shape and configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in the patient's jaw.

According to an example, an appliance for installing on a patient's teeth includes at least one first rigid segment having a length dimension, and at least one second rigid segment having a length dimension, wherein at least one of the first and second rigid segments is configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in a jaw of the patient when the appliance is installed. The appliance further includes at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment and at least one loop or curved feature formed along the length dimension of the second rigid segment. The appliance further includes a plurality of bracket connectors, each bracket connector configured to selectively connect to a bracket that may be secured to respective one of the patient's teeth, the bracket connectors being provided along the length dimension of the second rigid segment, the bracket connectors including at least one bracket connector connected to the at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment.

In that appliance according to a further example, the at least one arm includes a spring member located between the at least one first rigid segment and the bracket connector to which the at least one arm is connected.

In that appliance according to a further example, two or more of the bracket connectors are connected to two or more of the arms extending from the at least one first rigid segment.

In that appliance according to a further example, each of the two or more of the arms includes a spring member located between the at least one first rigid segment and the bracket connector to which the arm is connected.

In that appliance according to a further example, the appliance is configured as single, unitary structure from a single sheet of material.

According to an example, an appliance system includes an appliance for installing on a patient's teeth, where the appliance includes at least one rigid segment having a length dimension configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in a jaw of the patient when the appliance is installed. At least one bracket connector is supported by the at least one rigid segment and is configured to selectively connect to a tooth bracket. The at least one bracket connector includes a body portion having first and second arm sections that connect to each other at an interface and that each have a free end, the body portion being sufficiently flexible and resilient to allow the free ends of the first and second arm sections to be forced to move toward each other into a compressed state when a sufficient squeezing force is applied to the first and second arm sections, and to resiliently move back away from each other from the squeezed state to an uncompressed or partially uncompressed state when the force is removed. At least part of the body portion has a first width dimension when the first and second arm sections are in the compressed state and a second width dimension when the first and second arm sections are in the uncompressed state, and wherein the second width dimension is greater than the first width dimension.

In that appliance system according to a further example, the body portion is configured to be received by the bracket when the first and second arm sections are in the compressed state, and to be locked to the bracket in which it is received, when the first and second arm sections are in the uncompressed state.

In that appliance system according to a further example, the interface at which the first and second arm sections connect to each other is a U-shaped interface.

In that appliance system according to a further example, each of the first and second arm sections has a free end and one or more projections extending from the arm section at or near the free end.

In that appliance system according to a further example, each of the first and second arm sections has a free end and a plurality of projections extending from the arm section at or near the free end.

That appliance system according to a further example, further includes the bracket, including a base configured to be secured to a tooth. A plurality of projections extend from the base, including at least two projections arranged to define a gap between the at least two projections, wherein the gap has a size sufficient to receive the first and second arm sections of the bracket connector between the at least two projections when the first and second arm sections are in the compressed state, and wherein the plurality of projections extending from each arm section are arranged to extend on two respective sides of one of the two projections when the first and second arm sections are received in the gap and in the un-compressed state.

That appliance system according to another example, further includes the bracket, including a base configured to be secured to a tooth, where a plurality of projections extend from the base, including at least two projections arranged to define a gap between the at least two projections.

In that appliance system according to a further example, the gap has a size sufficient to receive the body portion between the at least two projections when the first and second arm sections are in the compressed state, and to be locked to the bracket in which it is received, when the first and second arm sections are in the uncompressed state.

In that appliance system according to a further example, each of the at least two projections has an extension, extending in a direction away from the gap.

In that appliance system according to a further example, the at least two projections includes a plurality of projections on a first side of the gap and a plurality of projections on the second side of the gap.

In that appliance system according to a further example, the plurality of projections on the first side of the gap include first and second projections that are spaced apart by a distance at least as great as a width dimension of a projection extending from the first or second arm section.

That appliance system according to a further example, includes either (a) at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment, (b) at least one loop or curved feature formed along the length dimension of the second rigid segment, or (c) at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment and at least one loop or curved feature formed along the length dimension of the second rigid segment.

In that appliance system according to a further example, the appliance is configured as single, unitary structure from a single sheet of material.

According to an example, a bracket connector for a dental appliance includes a body portion having first and second arm sections that connect to each other at an interface and that each have a free end. The body portion is sufficiently flexible and resilient to allow the free ends of the first and second arm sections to be forced to move toward each other into a compressed state when a sufficient squeezing force is applied to the first and second arm sections, and to resiliently move back away from each other from the squeezed state to an uncompressed or partially uncompressed state when the force is removed. At least part of the body portion has a first width dimension when the first and second arm sections are in the compressed state and a second width dimension when the first and second arm sections are in the uncompressed state, wherein the second width dimension is greater than the first width dimension.

In the bracket connector according to a further example, the body portion is configured to be received by a bracket when the first and second arm sections are in the compressed state, and to be locked to the bracket in which it is received, when the first and second arm sections are in the uncompressed state.

In the bracket connector according to a further example, the interface at which the first and second arm sections connect to each other is a U-shaped interface.

In the bracket connector according to a further example, each of the first and second arm sections has a free end and one or more projections extending from the arm section at or near the free end.

In the bracket connector according to a further example, each of the first and second arm sections has a free end and a plurality of projections extending from the arm section at or near the free end.

In the bracket connector according to a further example, the bracket connector is configured as single, unitary structure from a single sheet of material.

According to another example, a bracket connector for a dental appliance includes a base configured to be secured to a tooth, and a plurality of projections extending from the base, including at least two projections arranged to define a gap between the at least two projections. The gap has a size sufficient to receive the first and second arm sections of the bracket connector between the at least two projections when the first and second arm sections are in the compressed state. The plurality of projections extending from each arm section are arranged to extend on two respective sides of one of the two projections when the first and second arm sections are received in the gap and in the un-compressed state.

According to another example, an orthodontic appliance system includes an appliance for installing on a patient's teeth, where the appliance is configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in a jaw of the patient when the appliance is installed. The appliance has at least one platform connector element. The system also includes an anchoring platform for installing on the patient's maxilla or mandible. The anchoring platform has at least one appliance connector element configured to selectively connect with the at least one platform connector element of the appliance.

In that system according to a further example, the appliance includes at least one first rigid segment and at least one platform connector arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment, and wherein the at least one platform connector element of the appliance is provided on the at least one arm.

In that system according to a further example, the appliance includes at least one further arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment and a bracket connector on each further arm. Each bracket connector is configured to selectively connect to a bracket that may be secured to respective one of the patient's teeth.

In that system according to a further example, the appliance includes a plurality of further arms extending from the at least one first rigid segment and a plurality of bracket connectors including a bracket connector on each further arm. Each bracket connector is configured to selectively connect to a bracket that may be secured to respective one of the patient's teeth.

In that system according to a further example, the at least one platform connector element includes at least one Y shaped member having laterally projecting end portions configured to be received within corresponding apertures of the at least one appliance connector element.

In that system according to a further example, the anchoring platform includes at least one anchorage connector element configured to receive at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's maxilla.

In that system according to a further example, the anchoring platform includes at least one anchorage connector element configured to receive at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's mandible.

In that system according to a further example, the anchoring platform includes an annular body configured to be installed on the patient's mandible.

In that system according to a further example, the anchoring platform further includes at least one anchorage connector element extending from the annular body and configured to receive at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's mandible.

In that system according to a further example, the anchoring platform further includes a plurality of anchorage connector elements extending from the annular body and configured to receive at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's mandible, the plurality of anchorage connector elements including one or more first anchorage connector elements extending inward from the annular body toward a central area surrounded by the annular body.

In that system according to a further example, the plurality of anchorage connector elements further includes one or more second anchorage connector elements extending outward from the annular body toward an area outside of the annular body.

In that system according to a further example, the anchoring platform further includes a plurality of anchorage connector elements extending from the annular body and configured to receive at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's mandible. The plurality of anchorage connector elements include one or more anchorage connector elements extending outward from the annular body toward an area outside of the annular body.

In that system according to a further example, the anchoring platform includes a plate-like body configured to be installed on the patient's mandible.

In that system according to a further example, the plate-like body of the anchoring platform further includes at least one opening through which at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) may extend for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's mandible.

In that system according to a further example, the plate-like body of the anchoring platform has a convex surface for abutting against a patient's palate and a concave surface facing opposite to the convex surface.

In that system according to a further example, the plate-like body of the anchoring platform is configured to correspond to an impression mold of the patient's palate.

In that system according to a further example, the anchoring platform further includes one or more appliance connector elements extending from the concave surface, and configured to selectively connect with the one or more platform connector elements of the appliance.

An example of a method of making an orthodontic appliance system includes configuring an appliance for installing on a patient's teeth, to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in a jaw of the patient when the appliance is installed. The method further includes providing the appliance with at least one platform connector element, configuring an anchoring platform for installing on the patient's maxilla or mandible, and providing the anchoring platform with at least one appliance connector element configured to selectively connect with the at least one platform connector element of the appliance.

In that method, according to a further example, configuring the appliance includes configuring at least one first rigid segment and at least one platform connector arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment, wherein the at least one platform connector element of the appliance is provided on the at least one arm.

In that method, according to a further example, configuring the appliance includes configuring includes at least one further arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment, and providing a bracket connector on each further arm, wherein each bracket connector is configured to selectively connect to a bracket that may be secured to respective one of the patient's teeth.

According to a further example, the method further includes providing the anchoring platform with at least one anchorage connector element configured to receive at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's maxilla.

According to a further example, the method further includes providing the anchoring platform with at least one anchorage connector element or opening configured to receive at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's mandible.

In that method, according to a further example, providing the anchoring platform includes forming an annular body configured to be installed on the patient's mandible.

In that method, according to a further example, providing the anchoring platform includes forming a plate-like body configured to be installed on the patient's mandible.

An example of an installation unit for installing an orthodontic appliance or a platform on a patient, includes a body portion having a shape that corresponds to one or more (or a plurality of) teeth in one of the patient's jaws. The body portion is configured to hold an appliance during installation of the appliance on the patient's teeth, and wherein the body portion includes a plurality of connection sections for temporarily connecting with the orthodontic appliance during installation, the plurality of connection sections being configured to release the appliance from the body portion, after the appliance is installed on the patient.

An installation unit according to a further example further includes at least one wire or tie member for temporarily connecting the orthodontic appliance to the plurality of connection sections.

An installation unit according to a further example further includes at least one slot or receptacle in or between the plurality of connection sections, for receiving and temporarily holding one or more sections of the orthodontic appliance.

In the installation unit according to a further example, the body portion having a shape corresponding to a plurality of teeth in the patient's jaw.

In the installation unit according to a further example, the body portion has an arch shape corresponding to a dental impression of the patient's jaw.

In the installation unit according to a further example, each connection section includes a hook, tab or finger extension on the body portion.

In the installation unit according to a further example, the body portion has an arch shape and the installation unit further includes a central frame portion extending within the arch shape of the body portion. The central frame portion is configured to hold the platform during installation of the platform on the patient.

In the installation unit according to a further example, the central frame portion includes one or more (or a plurality of) connection sections for temporarily connecting with the platform during installation. The plurality of connection sections are configured to release the platform from the central frame portion, after the platform is installed on the patient.

A method of making an installation unit for installing an orthodontic appliance or a platform on a patient includes forming a body portion having a shape that corresponds to one or more (or a plurality of) teeth in one of the patient's jaws. The body portion is configured to hold an appliance during installation of the appliance on the patient's teeth. The method further includes providing a plurality of connection sections on the body for temporarily connecting with the orthodontic appliance during installation, the plurality of connection sections being configured to release the appliance from the body portion, after the appliance is installed on the patient.

The method according to further examples further includes providing at least one wire or tie member for temporarily connecting the orthodontic appliance to the plurality of connection sections.

The method according to further examples further includes providing at least one slot or receptacle in or between the plurality of connection sections, for receiving and temporarily holding one or more sections of the orthodontic appliance.

In the method according to a further example, the body portion has an arch shape and the method further includes forming a central frame portion that extends within the arch shape of the body portion to hold the platform during installation of the platform on the patient.

In the method according to further examples, forming the central frame portion includes configuring one or more (or a plurality of) connection sections for temporarily connecting with the platform during installation, and to release the platform from the central frame portion after the platform is installed on the patient.

An example of a method of installing an appliance includes providing an installation unit having a body configured in a shape that corresponds to one or more (or a plurality of) teeth in one of the patient's jaws. The method further includes connecting an appliance to the installation unit, and placing the installation unit, having the appliance connected thereto, onto the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw. The method further includes securing the appliance to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw, while the appliance is connected to the installation unit and while the installation unit is on the one or more (or plurality of) teeth. The method further includes disconnecting the appliance from the installation unit, while the appliance is secured to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw, and removing the installation unit from the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw, while the appliance remains secured to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth.

That method according to a further example further includes connecting one or more (or a plurality of) brackets to the appliance before securing the appliance to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth, wherein securing the appliance includes connecting the one or more (or a plurality of) brackets to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw while the appliance is connected to the installation unit.

In that method according to a further example, connecting the one or more (or a plurality of) brackets to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw includes bonding the one or more (or a plurality of) brackets to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw.

In that method according to a further example, connecting an appliance to the installation unit includes providing one or more temporary connectors, and connecting the appliance to the installation unit with the one or more temporary connectors.

In that method according to a further example, the one or more temporary connector elements include one or more wire ties.

In that method according to a further example, connecting an appliance to the installation unit includes extending one or more arms of the appliance through one or more slots or gaps in the installation unit, and wherein disconnecting the appliance from the installation unit includes removing the one or more arms of the appliance from the slots or gaps in the installation unit.

In that method according to a further example, providing an installation unit includes forming or selecting the installation unit body having a shape that corresponds to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw, and wherein placing the installation unit onto the one or more (or plurality of) teeth includes fitting the installation unit body over the one or more (or plurality of) teeth.

In that method according to a further example, providing an installation unit includes forming or selecting the installation unit body having an arch shape and a central frame portion that extends within the arch shape of the body to hold a platform during installation of the platform on the patient. That method further includes connecting the platform to the central frame portion before placing the installation unit onto the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw, installing the platform on the patient after placing the installation unit onto the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw, and disconnecting the platform from the central frame after installing the platform.

Examples of the present technology include the following:

1. An appliance for installing on a patient's teeth, the appliance comprising:at least one first rigid segment having a length dimension, and at least one second rigid segment having a length dimension, wherein each of the first and second rigid segments is configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in a jaw of the patient when the appliance is installed;at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment;at least one loop or curved feature formed along the length dimension of the second segment; anda plurality of bracket connectors, each bracket connector configured to selectivelyconnect to a bracket that may be secured to respective one of the patient's teeth, the plurality of bracket connectors including at least one first bracket connector on the at least one arm and at least one second bracket connector on the at least one second rigid segment.

2. The appliance of example 1, wherein the first and second rigid segments are configured to extend along the same two or more adjacent teeth in the jaw of the patient when the appliance is installed.

3. The appliance of example 1, wherein the at least one first rigid segment is configured to extend along a different set of two or more adjacent teeth in the jaw of the patient relative to the teeth that the at least one second rigid segment is configured to extend along, when the appliance is installed.

4. The appliance of example 1, wherein at least a portion of the first segment comprises an arch shaped member having an arch shape or partial arch shape and configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in the patient's jaw.

5. The appliance of example 4, wherein the at least one arm comprises a first arm extending from the first rigid segment to a first one of the first bracket connectors, and a second arm extending from the first rigid segment to a second one of the first bracket connectors, and wherein the at least one second rigid segment extends from the first one of the first bracket connectors to the second one of the first bracket connectors.

6. The appliance of example 5, wherein the at least one second bracket connector comprises a plurality of second bracket connectors located along the at least one second rigid segment, between the first one of the first bracket connectors to the second one of the first bracket connectors.

7. The appliance of example 6, wherein the at least one first bracket connector comprises one or more further bracket connectors on the at least one first rigid segment.

8. The appliance of example 4, wherein each of the first arm and the second arm includes a spring member.

9. The appliance of example 4, wherein the at least one second rigid segment has a length dimension extending from one end of the arch shaped member of the first rigid segment.

10. The appliance of example 9, wherein the at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment comprises a plurality of arms, the at least one first bracket connector comprises a plurality of first bracket connectors on the plurality of arms, and the at least one second bracket connectors comprise a plurality of bracket connectors along the length dimension of the second rigid segment.

11. The appliance of example 9, wherein the at least one second rigid segment comprises has a length dimension extending from a second end of the arch shaped member of the first rigid segment.

12. The appliance of example 11, wherein the at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment comprises a plurality of arms, the at least one first bracket connector comprises a plurality of first bracket connectors on the plurality of arms, and the at least one second bracket connectors comprise a plurality of bracket connectors along the length dimension each of the second rigid segments.

13. The appliance of example 1, wherein the at least one arm comprises a first arm extending from the first rigid segment to a first one of the first bracket connectors, and a second arm extending from the first rigid segment to a second one of the first bracket connectors, and wherein the at least one second rigid segment extends from the first one of the first bracket connectors to the second one of the first bracket connectors.

14. The appliance of example 13, wherein the at least one arm comprises at least one additional arm located along the length of the first rigid segment between the first arm and the second arm, each additional arm extending from the first rigid segment to a respective further one of the first bracket connectors located between the first one of the first bracket connectors and the second one of the second bracket connectors.

15. The appliance of example 1, wherein at least a portion of the second rigid segment comprises an arch shaped member having an arch shape or partial arch shape and configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in the patient's jaw.

16. An appliance for installing on a patient's teeth, the appliance comprising:at least one first rigid segment having a length dimension, and at least one second rigid segment having a length dimension, wherein at least one of the first and second rigid segments is configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in a jaw of the patient when the appliance is installed;at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment;at least one loop or curved feature formed along the length dimension of the second rigid segment; anda plurality of bracket connectors, each bracket connector configured to selectively connect to a bracket that may be secured to respective one of the patient's teeth, the bracket connectors being provided along the length dimension of the second rigid segment, the bracket connectors including at least one bracket connector connected to the at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment.

17. The appliance of example 16, wherein the at least one arm includes a spring member located between the at least one first rigid segment and the bracket connector to which the at least one arm is connected.

18. The appliance of example 16, wherein two or more of the bracket connectors are connected to two or more of the arms extending from the at least one first rigid segment.

19. The appliance of example 18, wherein each of the two or more of the arms includes a spring member located between the at least one first rigid segment and the bracket connector to which the arm is connected.

20. The appliance of example 1, wherein the appliance is configured as single, unitary structure from a single sheet of material.

21. An appliance system including an appliance for installing on a patient's teeth and comprising:at least one rigid segment having a length dimension configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in a jaw of the patient when the appliance is installed;at least one bracket connector supported by the at least one rigid segment in and configured to selectively connect to a tooth bracket, the at least one bracket connector including:a body portion having first and second arm sections that connect to each other at an interface and that each have a free end, the body portion being sufficiently flexible and resilient to allow the free ends of the first and second arm sections to be forced to move toward each other into a compressed state when a sufficient squeezing force is applied to the first and second arm sections, and to resiliently move back away from each other from the squeezed state to an uncompressed or partially uncompressed state when the force is removed;wherein at least part of the body portion has a first width dimension when the first and second arm sections are in the compressed state and a second width dimension when the first and second arm sections are in the uncompressed state, and wherein the second width dimension is greater than the first width dimension.

22. The appliance system of example 21, wherein the body portion is configured to be received by the bracket when the first and second arm sections are in the compressed state, and to be locked to the bracket in which it is received, when the first and second arm sections are in the uncompressed state.

23. The appliance system of example 21, wherein the interface at which the first and second arm sections connect to each other is a U-shaped interface.

24. The appliance system of example 21, wherein each of the first and second arm sections has a free end and one or more projections extending from the arm section at or near the free end.

25. The appliance system of example 21, wherein each of the first and second arm sections has a free end and a plurality of projections extending from the arm section at or near the free end.

26. The appliance system of example 25, further comprising the bracket, including a base configured to be secured to a tooth, a plurality of projections extending from the base, including at least two projections arranged to define a gap between the at least two projections, wherein the gap has a size sufficient to receive the first and second arm sections of the bracket connector between the at least two projections when the first and second arm sections are in the compressed state, and wherein the plurality of projections extending from each arm section are arranged to extend on two respective sides of one of the two projections when the first and second arm sections are received in the gap and in the un-compressed state.

27. The appliance system of example 21, further comprising the bracket, including a base configured to be secured to a tooth, a plurality of projections extending from the base, including at least two projections arranged to define a gap between the at least two projections.

28. The appliance system of example 27, wherein the gap has a size sufficient to receive the body portion between the at least two projections when the first and second arm sections are in the compressed state, and to be locked to the bracket in which it is received, when the first and second arm sections are in the uncompressed state.

29. The appliance system of example 27, wherein each of the at least two projections has an extension, extending in a direction away from the gap.

30. The appliance system of example 27, wherein the at least two projections comprises a plurality of projections on a first side of the gap and a plurality of projections on the second side of the gap.

31. The appliance system of example 30, wherein the plurality of projections on the first side of the gap include first and second projections that are spaced apart by a distance at least as great as a width dimension of a projection extending from the first or second arm section.

32. The appliance system of example 21, further comprising either (a) at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment, (b) at least one loop or curved feature formed along the length dimension of the second rigid segment, or (c) at least one arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment and at least one loop or curved feature formed along the length dimension of the second rigid segment.

33. The appliance system of example 21, wherein the appliance is configured as single, unitary structure from a single sheet of material.

34. A bracket connector for a dental appliance comprising:a body portion having first and second arm sections that connect to each other at aninterface and that each have a free end, the body portion being sufficiently flexible and resilient to allow the free ends of the first and second arm sections to be forced to move toward each other into a compressed state when a sufficient squeezing force is applied to the first and second arm sections, and to resiliently move back away from each other from the squeezed state to an uncompressed or partially uncompressed state when the force is removed;wherein at least part of the body portion has a first width dimension when the first and second arm sections are in the compressed state and a second width dimension when the first and second arm sections are in the uncompressed state, and wherein the second width dimension is greater than the first width dimension.

35. The bracket connector of example 34, wherein the body portion is configured to be received by a bracket when the first and second arm sections are in the compressed state, and to be locked to the bracket in which it is received, when the first and second arm sections are in the uncompressed state.

36. The bracket connector of example 34, wherein the interface at which the first and second arm sections connect to each other is a U-shaped interface.

37. The bracket connector of example 34, wherein each of the first and second arm sections has a free end and one or more projections extending from the arm section at or near the free end.

38. The bracket connector of example 34, wherein each of the first and second arm sections has a free end and a plurality of projections extending from the arm section at or near the free end.

39. The bracket connector of example 34, wherein the bracket connector is configured as single, unitary structure from a single sheet of material.

40. A bracket for a dental appliance comprising;a base configured to be secured to a tooth;a plurality of projections extending from the base, including at least two projections arranged to define a gap between the at least two projections, wherein the gap has a size sufficient to receive the first and second arm sections of the bracket connector between the at least two projections when the first and second arm sections are in the compressed state, and wherein the plurality of projections extending from each arm section are arranged to extend on two respective sides of one of the two projections when the first and second arm sections are received in the gap and in the un-compressed state.

41. An orthodontic appliance system comprising:an appliance for installing on a patient's teeth, the appliance configured to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in a jaw of the patient when the appliance is installed, the appliance having at least one platform connector element;an anchoring platform for installing on the patient's maxilla or mandible, the anchoring platform having at least one appliance connector element configured to selectively connect with the at least one platform connector element of the appliance.

42. The system of example 41, wherein the appliance includes at least one first rigid segment and at least one platform connector arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment, and wherein the at least one platform connector element of the appliance is provided on the at least one arm.

43. The system of example 42, wherein the appliance includes at least one further arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment; and a bracket connector on each further arm, each bracket connector configured to selectively connect to a bracket that may be secured to respective one of the patient's teeth.

44. The system of example 42, wherein the appliance includes a plurality of further arms extending from the at least one first rigid segment; and a plurality of bracket connectors including a bracket connector on each further arm, each bracket connector configured to selectively connect to a bracket that may be secured to respective one of the patient's teeth.

45. The system of example 41, wherein the at least one platform connector element comprises at least one Y shaped member having laterally projecting end portions configured to be received within corresponding apertures of the at least one appliance connector element.

46. The system of example 41, wherein the anchoring platform includes at least one anchorage connector element configured to receive at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's maxilla.

47. The system of example 41, wherein the anchoring platform includes at least one anchorage connector element configured to receive at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's mandible.

48. The system of example 41, wherein the anchoring platform includes an annular body configured to be installed on the patient's mandible.

49. The system of example 48, wherein the anchoring platform further includes at least one anchorage connector element extending from the annular body and configured to receive at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's mandible.

50. The system of example 48, wherein the anchoring platform further includes a plurality of anchorage connector elements extending from the annular body and configured to receive at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's mandible, the plurality of anchorage connector elements including one or more first anchorage connector elements extending inward from the annular body toward a central area surrounded by the annular body.

51. The system of example 50, wherein the plurality of anchorage connector elements further includes one or more second anchorage connector elements extending outward from the annular body toward an area outside of the annular body.

52. The system of example 48, wherein the anchoring platform further includes a plurality of anchorage connector elements extending from the annular body and configured to receive at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's mandible, the plurality of anchorage connector elements including one or more anchorage connector elements extending outward from the annular body toward an area outside of the annular body.

53. The system of example 41, wherein the anchoring platform includes a plate-like body configured to be installed on the patient's mandible.

54. The system of example 53, wherein the plate-like body of the anchoring platform further includes at least one opening through which at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) may extend for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's mandible.

55. The system of example 54, wherein the plate-like body of the anchoring platform has a convex surface for abutting against a patient's palate and a concave surface facing opposite to the convex surface.

56. The system of example 55, wherein the plate-like body of the anchoring platform is configured to correspond to an impression mold of the patient's palate.

57. The system of example 55, wherein the anchoring platform further includes one or more appliance connector elements extending from the concave surface, and configured to selectively connect with the one or more platform connector elements of the appliance.

58. A method of making an orthodontic appliance system comprising:configuring an appliance for installing on a patient's teeth, to extend along two or more adjacent teeth in a jaw of the patient when the appliance is installed; providing the appliance with at least one platform connector element;configuring an anchoring platform for installing on the patient's maxilla or mandible; providing the anchoring platform with at least one appliance connector element configured to selectively connect with the at least one platform connector element of the appliance.

59. The method of example 58, wherein configuring the appliance comprises configuring at least one first rigid segment and at least one platform connector arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment, and wherein the at least one platform connector element of the appliance is provided on the at least one arm.

60. The method of example 59, wherein configuring the appliance comprises configuring includes at least one further arm extending from the at least one first rigid segment, and providing a bracket connector on each further arm, wherein each bracket connector is configured to selectively connect to a bracket that may be secured to respective one of the patient's teeth.

61. The method of example 58, further comprising providing the anchoring platform with at least one anchorage connector element configured to receive at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's maxilla.

62. The method of example 58, further comprising providing the anchoring platform with at least one anchorage connector element or opening configured to receive at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) for holding the anchoring platform onto the patient's mandible.

63. The method of example 58, wherein providing the anchoring platform comprises forming an annular body configured to be installed on the patient's mandible.

64. The method of example 58, wherein providing the anchoring platform comprises forming a plate-like body configured to be installed on the patient's mandible.

65. An installation unit for installing an orthodontic appliance or a platform on a patient, the installation unit comprising:a body portion having a shape that corresponds to one or more (or a plurality of) teeth in one of the patient's jaws, wherein the body portion is configured to hold an appliance during installation of the appliance on the patient's teeth, and wherein the body portion includes a plurality of connection sections for temporarily connecting with the orthodontic appliance during installation, the plurality of connection sections being configured to release the appliance from the body portion, after the appliance is installed on the patient.

66. An installation unit of example 65, further comprising at least one wire or tie member for temporarily connecting the orthodontic appliance to the plurality of connection sections.

67. An installation unit of example 65, further comprising at least one slot or receptacle in or between the plurality of connection sections, for receiving and temporarily holding one or more sections of the orthodontic appliance.

68. An installation unit of example 65, wherein the body portion having a shape corresponding to a plurality of teeth in the patient's jaw.

69. An installation unit of example 65, wherein the body portion has an arch shape corresponding to a dental impression of the patient's jaw.

70. An installation unit of example 65, wherein each connection section comprises a hook, tab or finger extension on the body portion.

71. An installation unit of example 65, wherein the body portion has an arch shape and the installation unit further comprises a central frame portion extending within the arch shape of the body portion, the central frame portion is configured to hold the platform during installation of the platform on the patient.

72. An installation unit of example 71, wherein the central frame portion includes one or more (or a plurality of) connection sections for temporarily connecting with the platform during installation, the plurality of connection sections being configured to release the platform from the central frame portion, after the platform is installed on the patient.

73. A method of making an installation unit for installing an orthodontic appliance or a platform on a patient, the method comprising forming a body portion having a shape that corresponds to one or more (or a plurality of) teeth in one of the patient's jaws, wherein the body portion is configured to hold an appliance during installation of the appliance on the patient's teeth; and providing a plurality of connection sections on the body for temporarily connecting with the orthodontic appliance during installation, the plurality of connection sections being configured to release the appliance from the body portion, after the appliance is installed on the patient.

74. The method of example 73, further comprising providing at least one wire or tie member for temporarily connecting the orthodontic appliance to the plurality of connection sections.

75. The method of example 73, further comprising providing at least one slot or receptacle in or between the plurality of connection sections, for receiving and temporarily holding one or more sections of the orthodontic appliance.

76. The method of example 73, wherein the body portion has an arch shape and the method further comprises forming a central frame portion that extends within the arch shape of the body portion to hold the platform during installation of the platform on the patient.

77. The method of example 76, wherein forming the central frame portion comprises configuring one or more (or a plurality of) connection sections for temporarily connecting with the platform during installation, and to release the platform from the central frame portion after the platform is installed on the patient.

78. A method of installing an appliance comprising:providing an installation unit having a body configured in a shape that corresponds to one or more (or a plurality of) teeth in one of the patient's jaws;connecting an appliance to the installation unit;placing the installation unit, having the appliance connected thereto, onto the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw;securing the appliance to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw, while the appliance is connected to the installation unit and while the installation unit is on the one or more (or plurality of) teeth;disconnecting the appliance from the installation unit, while the appliance is secured to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw; andremoving the installation unit from the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw, while the appliance remains secured to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth.

79. The method as recited in example 78, further comprising connecting one or more (or a plurality of) brackets to the appliance before securing the appliance to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth, wherein securing the appliance comprises connecting the one or more (or a plurality of) brackets to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw while the appliance is connected to the installation unit.

80. The method as recited in example 79, wherein connecting the one or more (or a plurality of) brackets to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw comprises bonding the one or more (or a plurality of) brackets to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw.

81. The method as recited in example 78, wherein connecting an appliance to the installation unit comprises providing one or more temporary connectors, and connecting the appliance to the installation unit with the one or more temporary connectors.

82. The method as recited in example 81, wherein the one or more temporary connector elements comprise one or more wire ties.

83. The method as recited in example 78, wherein connecting an appliance to the installation unit comprises extending one or more arms of the appliance through one or more slots or gaps in the installation unit, and wherein disconnecting the appliance from the installation unit comprises removing the one or more arms of the appliance from the slots or gaps in the installation unit.

84. The method as recited in example 78, wherein providing an installation unit comprises forming or selecting the installation unit body having a shape that corresponds to the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw, and wherein placing the installation unit onto the one or more (or plurality of) teeth comprises fitting the installation unit body over the one or more (or plurality of) teeth.

85. The method of example 78, wherein providing an installation unit comprises forming or selecting the installation unit body having an arch shape and a central frame portion that extends within the arch shape of the body to hold a platform during installation of the platform on the patient, and wherein the method further comprises: connecting the platform to the central frame portion before placing the installation unit onto the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw; installing the platform on the patient after placing the installation unit onto the one or more (or plurality of) teeth in the patient's jaw; and disconnecting the platform from the central frame after installing the platform.

86. A device for guiding installing of an orthodontic appliance in a patient's mouth, the device comprising:a first portion configured to be coupled to a patient's teeth; anda second portion extending away from the first portion towards an interior portion of the mouth, the second portion configured to be releasably coupled to the orthodontic appliance,wherein, while the device is coupled to the orthodontic appliance, the device is configured to be positioned in the patient's mouth such that (a) the orthodontic appliance is proximate the palate and (b) the first portion is coupled to the patient's teeth, thereby positioning the orthodontic appliance at a desired location adjacent the palate.

87. The device of example 86, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise a unitarily-formed, integral structure.

88. The device of any one of the previous examples, wherein the first portion is a cover configured to be disposed over an occlusal surface of the patient's teeth.

89. The device of any one of the previous examples, wherein the device comprises a transparent material.

90. The device of any one of the previous examples, wherein the second portion of the device includes an indentation complementary to a topography of all or a portion of the orthodontic appliance such that the complementary portion of the orthodontic appliance is configured to be received within the indentation, thereby releasably securing the orthodontic appliance to the device.

91. The device of any one of the previous examples, wherein the device includes one or more openings through while at least a portion of the orthodontic appliance is visible when the orthodontic appliance is coupled to the second portion.

92. A system, comprising:an appliance configured to be installed within a patient's mouth adjacent the patient's palate; anda positioning member comprising:a first portion configured to be coupled to a patient's teeth, andsecond portion extending away from the first portion towards an interior portion of the mouth, the second portion configured to be releasably coupled to the appliance,wherein, while the positioning member is coupled to the appliance, the positioning member is configured to be positioned in the patient's mouth such that (a) the appliance is proximate the palate and (b) the first portion is coupled to the patient's teeth, thereby positioning the appliance at a desired location adjacent the palate.

93. The system of example 92, wherein the appliance includes at least one anchorage connector element configured to receive at least one temporary anchoring device (TAD) for holding the appliance onto the patient's maxilla and/or mandible.

94. The system of any one of the previous examples, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the positioning member comprise a unitarily-formed, integral structure.

95. The system of any one of the previous examples, wherein the first portion of the positioning member is a cover configured to be disposed over an occlusal surface of the patient's teeth.

96. The system of any one of the previous examples, wherein the positioning member comprises a transparent material.

97. The system of any one of the previous examples, wherein the second portion of the positioning member includes an indentation complementary to a topography of all or a portion of the appliance such that the complementary portion of the appliance is configured to be received within the indentation, thereby releasably securing the appliance to the positioning member.

98. The system of any one of the previous examples, wherein the positioning member includes one or more openings through while at least a portion of the appliance is visible when the appliance is coupled to the second portion of the positioning member.

99. A system, comprising:a first appliance configured to be installed within a patient's mouth adjacent the patient's teeth to reposition one or more of the teeth;a second appliance configured to be installed within a patient's mouth adjacent the patient's palate, the second appliance configured to be coupled to the first appliance; anda positioning member comprising:a first portion configured to be coupled to a patient's teeth, anda second portion extending away from the first portion towards an interior portion of the mouth, the second portion configured to be releasably coupled to the second appliance,wherein, while the positioning member is coupled to the second appliance, the positioning member is configured to be positioned in the patient's mouth such that (a) the second appliance is proximate the palate and (b) the first portion is coupled to the patient's teeth, thereby positioning the second appliance at a desired location adjacent the palate.

100. The system of example 99, wherein the second appliance includes at least one anchorage connector element configured to receive at least one TAD for holding the second appliance onto the patient's maxilla and/or mandible.

101. The system of any one of the previous examples, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the positioning member comprise a unitarily-formed, integral structure.

102. The system of any one of the previous examples, wherein the first portion of the positioning member is a cover configured to be disposed over an occlusal surface of the patient's teeth.

103. The system of any one of the previous examples, wherein the positioning member comprises a transparent material.

104. The system of any one of the previous examples, wherein the second portion of the positioning member includes an indentation complementary to a topography of all or a portion of the second appliance such that the complementary portion of the second appliance is configured to be received within the indentation, thereby releasably securing the second appliance to the positioning member.

105. The system of any one of the previous examples, wherein the positioning member includes one or more openings through while at least a portion of the second appliance is visible when the second appliance is coupled to the second portion of the positioning member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various example embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and in which are shown by way of illustration specific examples in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples disclosed in the present disclosure.

In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated and/or simplified for clarity. Terms, such as “vertical,” “vertically,” “horizontal,” “horizontally,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “under,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of explanation (for example, as reference to orientations of elements or features in a drawing figures) to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, where such different orientations may also be referred to as first and second (and so forth) orientations. As used herein, the term “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Example embodiments described herein relate to appliances, systems and methods for repositioning teeth. Particular examples relate to appliances, systems and methods for repositioning teeth from an original tooth arrangement (OTA) to a desired final tooth arrangement (FTA). In particular examples, tooth repositioning can be accomplished in one single step, by using one appliance. In other examples, tooth repositioning involves multiple steps performed progressively, by using multiple appliances. Example embodiments involving multiple steps (or multiple appliances, or both) may include one or more intermediate tooth arrangements (ITAs) between an original tooth arrangement (OTA) and a desired final tooth arrangement (FTA).

Example embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016, which is incorporated herein, in its entirety. Particular examples described herein may correspond to one or more (or a combination) of appliance and method embodiments described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016, and may include one or more further features described herein. In other examples, one or more features described herein may be included in other suitable appliances or methods, not limited to the particular examples described in the cited patent application.

Examples described herein may use non-sliding mechanics in which one or more appliances can be installed behind the teeth for aesthetically concerned patients. However, in further examples, appliances or appliance members described herein may employ any suitable mechanics to install one or more appliances behind or in front of the patient's teeth, or both behind and in front of the patient's teeth. The decision of whether or not to place the appliance in front of or behind the teeth is typically made by a clinician, doctor or other trained personnel, with the patient.

Certain examples described herein include or employ a fixed appliance that cannot be removed by the patient once the appliance is installed on the patient's teeth. Other examples described herein include or employ a removable appliance that can be selectively removed and installed on the patient's teeth, by the patient. Examples that include or employ a fixed appliance may require or involve less patient cooperation and training, as compared to examples that include or employ removable orthodontic techniques.

Particular example embodiments described herein allow for computerized design and manufacturing, for example, to design or to custom configure various aspects of one or more appliances, appliance members or additional elements that may be employed with an appliance (including installation units, platforms, aligners and retainers). Computerized design and manufacturing techniques may be employed to design and/or manufacture appliances or appliance members (or portions or components thereof), including one or more (or each) spring, arm, rigid bar, bracket connector, or other feature of the appliance or appliance member, in according to any of the examples described herein. Such computerized design and manufacture may be based on computer input associated with which tooth or teeth is/are to be moved and the desired amount and direction of movement. In particular examples, a computerization of the shape and features of the appliance and/or manufacturing techniques described herein, can provide significant advantages. In particular examples, such computerization can simplify the treatment process for the clinician and can increase treatment precision as compared to traditional techniques. In certain examples, an appliance, appliance member, or components thereof, according to any of the examples described herein may be made, after rearranging a three dimensional (3D) digital OTA to a 3D digital FTA, and designing (via computer aided design or other suitable design techniques) an appliance shape that is configured to impart forces on the patient's teeth to move the teeth from the OTA to the FTA (or to an ITA, or from an ITA to an FTA or another ITA).

Appliances (and components of the appliances) as described herein may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to Nitinol (NiTi), stainless steel, beta-titanium, cobalt chrome or other metal alloy, polymers or ceramics, and may be made as a single, unitarily-formed structure or, alternatively, in multiple separately-formed components connected together in a single structure. In certain examples, appliances (or certain components of appliances) are formed in a single, unitary and integral structure, and are not made by connecting separately formed elements together.

Particular examples and features described herein can reduce the number of patient visits to the clinician as well as the chair time for the clinician and the patient. In addition, particular examples can shorten the total treatment time as compared to traditional orthodontics procedures.

One or more appliances and methods described herein may include or be combined with one or more bone anchorage devices including, but not limited to, temporary anchorage devices, mini-plates, implants and the like.

Appliances, appliance members, systems and methods according to examples described herein include some or all of the components and features of any of the appliances, systems and methods of any of the example embodiments described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016, as well as appliances, systems and methods having other suitable features or configurations. An appliance according to the example embodiments described herein is configured to secure to one or more teeth (or a plurality of teeth or, in some examples, all of the teeth) of an upper jaw or a lower jaw of a patient. In some examples, the appliance includes one or more (or multiple) sections to secure to one or more teeth in both the upper jaw and the lower jaw of the patient.

With systems or methods according to example embodiments described herein, translational orthodontic tooth movement is feasible in one or more, or all three directions of space (i.e. mesiodistal, buccolingual and occlusogingival). Alternatively, or in addition to translational movement of the teeth, one or more, or all three rotational movements including torque, angulation and rotation (i.e. buccolingual root torque, mesiodistal angulation and mesial out-in rotation) are possible.

Systems or methods according to certain examples include or employ an appliance configured to extend along two or more (or a plurality of) adjacent teeth in a patient's jaw (the upper jaw or the lower jaw), when installed. The appliance includes one or more rigid bars that are configured to, individually or together, extend along the two or more (or a plurality of) adjacent teeth. In some examples, an appliance or system of appliances includes one or more rigid bars that is configured to extend along two or more (or a plurality of) adjacent teeth in one of the patient's jaws (e.g., the upper jaw) and a further one or more rigid bars that is configured to extend along two or more (or a plurality of) adjacent teeth in the other one of the patient's jaw (e.g., the lower jaw). Each rigid bar may have sufficient rigidity to hold and maintain its shape and, in particular examples, is sufficiently rigid to resist bending, but may have some flexibility and shape-returning resilience provided by its shape, configuration, and material. In various examples, a rigid bar having a desired amount or degree of rigidity, flexibility and resilience can be determined and designed for a particular patient, or groups of patients (or all patients), by designing or selecting the shape, configuration, material or other characteristics of the rigid bar.

In particular examples, the one or more rigid bars includes an arch-shaped member having an arch shape or partial arch shape that is configured to extend along two or more (or a plurality of) adjacent teeth in a patient's jaw. In other examples, the one or more rigid bars includes a rigid bar having a linear or other suitable shape that extends along two or more (or a plurality of) adjacent teeth in the patient's jaw.

In some examples (referred to herein as examples according to embodiment X), the appliance includes one or more (or a plurality) of separate arms that extend from the one or more rigid bars. Each separate arm is configured to connect to a corresponding one or more of the patient's teeth. In some examples, each arm of the appliance is configured to connect to a different respective tooth relative to each other arm of the appliance. In further examples, the appliance may include one arm configured to connect to a plurality of teeth, or multiple separate arms configured to connect to a corresponding one of the patient's teeth, or various combinations of arm-to-tooth connections. In certain examples, the appliance includes a single rigid bar, to which each of the separate arms is attached. In other examples, the appliance includes more than one rigid bar, with one or more arms attached to each rigid bar. Some examples of appliances according to embodiment X are described with reference to FIGS. 8-11, 18a-18f, and 23a-23b of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016. Other examples of appliances according to embodiment X are described herein.

In further examples (referred to herein as examples according to embodiment Z), the appliance includes additional rigid material (that may form one or more further rigid sections or further rigid bars) having one or more bracket holders (also referred to herein as bracket connectors or male connector elements) and one or more loop or curved feature (force applying feature) formed along the length dimension of the one or more rigid bars. Some examples of appliances according to embodiment Z are described with reference to FIGS. 17a and 17b, 19a-19c, 22a and 22b of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016. Other examples of appliances according to embodiment Z are described herein.

In yet further examples (referred to herein as examples according to embodiment XZ), the appliance includes a combination of X and Z features (including one or more features of one or more examples according to embodiment Z and one or more features of one or more examples according to embodiment X).

An appliance (and methods of making an appliance) configured with a combination of X and Z features can provide significant advantages. For example, an appliance having embodiment X features (including a rigid bar and a plurality of arms extending from the rigid bar) may be desirable for some or all of the teeth in a particular patient's jaw. However, in some cases, it may not be possible to provide an appliance having embodiment X features for the entire jaw. For example, a digital (or computer-generated) scan of the patient's gingiva or jaw may be unclear, incomplete or may not include the patient's entire jaw. In such cases, one or more portions of the appliance may include Z embodiment features to accommodate one or more sections of the patient's jaw, corresponding to the portions of the scans that are unclear, incomplete or missing.

In certain examples, the Z embodiment features may be configured to be located further occlusally (and not extend as far gingivally as certain X embodiment features) when the appliance is installed. Such examples can be beneficial, in contexts in which a patient's scan does not show a complete image of the gingiva, or a part of the patient's anatomy (e.g., a tori) makes it difficult to place a rigid bar of an X embodiment feature on that part of the gingiva.

An appliance having one or more Z embodiment features in combination with X embodiment features may provide other advantages, including, but not limited to, accommodating or fitting the patient's anatomy when the patient has a tori or other growth or anatomical feature in the gingiva, or for accommodating locations where a tooth or teeth have been extracted.

Examples appliances according to embodiment XZ are shown inFIGS.1-9. Other appliances according to embodiment XZ may have other suitable configurations and combinations of X and Z features.

The example appliance10shown inFIG.1includes a rigid bar12and a plurality of arms14extending from the rigid bar12. The rigid bar12is formed in an arch shape (an arch shaped member having a generally arch-shaped configuration). The rigid bar12is configured to extend along two or more (or a plurality of) adjacent teeth in one of the patient's jaws, when the appliance10is installed, as described herein.

The rigid bar12has a lengthwise dimension that includes a section12athat is configured to extend along the incisor, lateral incisor, and cuspid (canine) teeth. The lengthwise dimension of the rigid bar12includes further sections12band12cconfigured to extend along some or all of the bicuspid and molar teeth. In other embodiments, the rigid bar12may be smaller in length and, for example, may include section12a(or a portion of section12a), but no sections12bor12c. In other embodiments, the rigid bar12may include section12aand a portion of the length of one or each of sections12band12c. In yet other embodiments, the appliance may include one or more rigid bar sections12band12c(of any suitable length) and no section12a. In yet other embodiments, the appliance may include one or more rigid bar sections12band12c(of any suitable length) and Z embodiment appliance features or other appliance features in the location of section12a(instead of a rigid bar section12a) connecting sections12band12c.

The plurality of arms14extend from the rigid bar12, at spaced intervals along the length dimension of the rigid bar12. The plurality of arms14may be spaced at even intervals relative to each other, or at uneven intervals relative to each other, along the length dimension of the rigid bar12. In particular examples, the arms14are provided at locations along the length dimension of the rigid bar12that correspond to or are associated with locations of teeth (or, in further particular examples, to the FTA of each tooth) to which the arms connect, when the appliance is installed.

Each arm14includes a spring portion (or spring member)14aand a bracket connector element (or male connector element)14b. Each spring member14ain the appliance10may correspond to any of the spring members or spring portions on arms described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016 or herein. Each bracket connector element (or male connector element)14bin the appliance10may correspond to any of the bracket connectors (or male connector elements) described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016 or herein.

In the example inFIG.1, the appliance10includes ten arms14extending from the rigid bar12, including five arms on the right side and five arms on the left side of the appliance. A respective one of the arms14is located at each respective distal end of the rigid bar12. The five arms on the right side of the appliance10are spaced apart and located along the length section12b, and the five arms on the left side of the appliance10are spaced apart and along the length section12c. of the rigid bar12In other examples, the appliance10may include fewer or more arms along one or both length sections12band12c. In those or other examples, some or all of the arms14may extend from the section12aof the rigid bar12.

In the example shown inFIG.1, the arm14closest to the section12aon the right side of the appliance and the arm14closest to the section12aon the left side of the appliance are, each, connected to (by being either coupled to or integral with) a respective end of a further rigid section of additional rigid material (or second rigid bar)16. The further rigid section16extends along and adjacent to section12aof the rigid bar12. In other examples, the further rigid section16may also or alternatively extend along and adjacent some or all of the length of section12bor of section12c(or of both sections12band12c) of the rigid bar12. While the appliance10inFIG.1includes one further rigid section16, other examples may include two or more further rigid sections of additional rigid material16(for example, arranged over and adjacent two or more of the sections12a,12b, and12c, or of portions of those sections).

The further rigid section16has a plurality of bracket connectors17along its length dimension. The further rigid section16also has a plurality of loop or curved features18formed along its length dimension.

Each bracket connector17may be a bracket connector (or male connector element) corresponding to any of the bracket connectors (or male connector elements) described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016 or herein. Alternatively, some or all of the bracket connectors17may have other suitable bracket connector configurations. In the example ofFIG.1, the bracket connectors17have a configuration corresponding to the bracket connectors266,267,268or269described below.

In the example inFIG.1, four bracket connectors17extend from the further rigid section16. The bracket connectors17are spaced apart and located along the length dimension of the further rigid section16and, thus, along at least a portion of the corresponding length dimension of section12aof the rigid bar12. In other examples, the appliance10may include fewer or more bracket connectors17. In particular examples, the bracket connectors17are provided at locations along the length dimension of the further rigid section16that correspond to or are associated with locations of teeth to which the bracket connectors17connect, when the appliance is installed.

One or more (or each) of the loop or curved features18in the further rigid section16may be configured to provide a flexibility or a bias or spring force in one or more directions (or both), a force magnitude, durability, or other characteristic, based in part on the shape, material and configuration of the feature18. In certain examples, as shown inFIG.1, the appliance10includes five loop or curved features18along the length of the further rigid section16. Also, in certain examples, as shown inFIG.1, one bracket connector17is located between each adjacent pair of the loop or curved features18.

The loop or curved features18may include a loop or curved feature18alocated on the left end of the further rigid section16, and a loop or curved feature18blocated on the right end of the further rigid section16. In such examples, the further rigid section16may connect to arms14extending from the rigid bar12, through the loop or curved feature18aand18b. Accordingly, one or both of the loop or curved feature18aor18bcan be configured to provide one or more of a desired flexibility, bias force magnitude, bias force direction, durability or other characteristics at the interfaces of arms extending from the rigid bar12and the further rigid section16.

In the example inFIG.1, all of the bracket connectors17on the further rigid section16are located between the loop or curved features18aand18b. In other examples, one or more of the bracket connectors17may be located between one or both features18aor18band the respective arms14that are connected to the ends of the further rigid section16.

Other examples may include more or fewer than five loop or curved features along the length of the further rigid section16, more or fewer than one bracket connector17between each adjacent pair of loop or curved features18, or more than one loop or curved feature18between two adjacent bracket connectors17. The number, configuration and location of the bracket connectors17and the loop or curved features18may be selected for the appliance10, to provide (when the appliance is installed) the desired teeth connection positions and desired forces on the teeth, as described herein. For example, the number, configuration and location of the bracket connectors17and the loop or curved features18may be selected to move one or more teeth from an original tooth arrangement (OTA) to the final tooth arrangement (FTA), or to an intermediate tooth arrangement (ITA), or from an ITA to an FTA or another ITA.

The appliance10is configured to be installed on a patient, by coupling the bracket connector elements14band bracket connectors17to corresponding brackets (or female connector elements) that have been secured to the patient's teeth (or to a selected number of teeth) in one of the patient's jaws. The brackets or female connector elements may have any suitable configuration and may be secured to a patient's teeth in any suitable manner including, but not limited to the configurations and manners of securing described In connection with the brackets or female connector elements at reference numbers 700, 1300, 1501, 1601, 1706, 2600, and 2610 in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016.

The appliance10and associated brackets (or female connector elements), may be manufactured in any suitable manners, including, but not limited to any of the manners of manufacturing any of the appliances or brackets (or female connector elements) as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016, including, but not limited to molding, casting, machining, 3D printing, stamping, extruding, or the like. However, in particular examples, the appliance10or female connector elements (or both) are made by cutting a two dimensional (2D) form of the appliance from a 2D sheet of material and bending the 2D form into a desired 3D shape of the appliance, according to processes as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016 or other suitable processes. In those or other examples, the appliance10may be configured in a single, unitary structure, from a single sheet (or type) of material. In other examples, the appliance10may be configured from multiple components that are coupled together in any suitable manner such as, but not limited to, welds, solder, adhesives, press or friction fitting, mechanical connector, or the like.

In the examples described with reference toFIG.1, the appliance10includes a combination of X and Z features (including one or more features of one or more examples according to embodiment Z and one or more features of one or more examples according to embodiment X). With regard to features according to embodiment X, the appliance10includes one or more (or a plurality) of separate arms14that extend from the one or more rigid bars12. With regard to features examples according to embodiment Z, the appliance10also includes one or more rigid bars16having one or more bracket connectors17and one or more loop or curved feature18(force applying feature) formed along its length dimension.

Another example of an appliance20having a combination of X and Z features is shown inFIGS.2and3, and may be made, and used in manners similar or corresponding to such manners described herein for appliance10. The appliance20is shown inFIG.2, in an un-installed state (not installed on a patient). The appliance20is shown inFIG.3, in an installed state (installed on the teeth of a patient). The appliance20includes certain features corresponding in structure or function (or both) to some of the features of appliance10.

For example, the appliance20includes a rigid bar22that corresponds to the rigid bar12of appliance10. However, the rigid bar22has a lengthwise dimension including a section22athat is configured to extend along the incisor, lateral incisor, and cuspid (canine) teeth, and further sections22band22cconfigured to extend along some, but not all of the bicuspid or molar teeth, when the appliance is installed. In other embodiments, the rigid bar22may be smaller in length and, for example, may include section22a(or a portion of section22a), but no portions of sections22bor22c. In other embodiments, the rigid bar22may include section22aand a longer section22bor a longer section22cthat extend to molar teeth on one side of the appliance22, when the appliance is installed. The rigid bar22may be formed in an arch shape (an arch shaped member having a generally arch-shaped configuration) that is configured to extend along two or more (or a plurality of) adjacent teeth in one of the patient's jaws, when the appliance20is installed.

A plurality of arms24extend from the rigid bar22. The arms24of the appliance20may correspond in structure and function as described with regard to the arms14of the appliance10. For example, the arms24may include spring members and bracket connectors (or male connector elements) similar to those described with regard to arms14of the appliance10. The arms24may be spaced along the length dimension of the rigid bar22in a manner similar to the spacing described with regard to arms14on the rigid bar12. However, in the appliance20, at least some of the arms24are located along the rigid bar section22athat is configured to extend along some or all of the incisor, lateral incisor, and cuspid (canine) teeth. In other examples, the appliance20may include a further rigid section extending along the rigid bar section22a, or along some or all of the rigid bar sections22bor22c(such as, but not limited to the further rigid section16of the appliance10), instead of or in addition to one or more (or all) of the arms24located along the rigid bar section22a(or along sections22bor22c).

In the example inFIG.2, the appliance20includes ten arms24extending from the rigid bar22, including six arms extending from the rigid bar section22a, two arms extending from the rigid bar section22band two arms extending from the rigid bar section22c. In other examples, the appliance20may include fewer or more arms along one or more of the length sections22a,22band22c.

The appliance20also includes further rigid sections (or second rigid bars)26and27, extending from the right side end and the left side end, respectively of the rigid bar22. Each further rigid section26and27has a lengthwise dimension extending from one end of the rigid bar22to a distal end26aand27a, respectively. In other examples, the appliance20may include one of the further rigid sections26or27, but not the other further rigid section27or26. In those or other examples, the appliance20may include one or more further rigid sections (similar to the further rigid sections26and27) located along a portion (or all) of the length of the rigid bar section22a, instead of (in place of) the rigid bar section22a.

In the example inFIG.2, the further rigid section26has a shape that corresponds to (or is a mirror image of) the shape of the further rigid section27. In other examples, the further rigid section26may have a shape and configuration that is different from the shape and configuration of the further rigid section27.

Each further rigid section26and27has a plurality of bracket connectors28and a plurality of loop or curved features29formed along its length dimension. The distal end of each further rigid section26and27may include a portion of a bracket connector28a. Each of the bracket connectors28, and loop or curved features29may correspond in structure, arrangement and function to any of the various examples described with regard to the bracket connectors17and loop or curved features18of the appliance10. In other examples, one or more (or all) of the bracket connectors28, or features29may have other suitable structures, configurations or functions.

In certain examples, such as shown inFIG.2, the loop or curved features29may include a loop or curved feature29aat or adjacent the location at which the further rigid section26extends from the rigid bar22, and a further loop or curved feature29bat or adjacent the location at which the further rigid section27extends from the rigid bar22. In such examples, the further rigid sections26and27may connect to the rigid bar22, through the loop or curved feature29aor29b. In some examples, the loop or curved features29aand29bmay be a curved or loop feature on an arm extending from the rigid bar22(for example, similar to an arm24). Accordingly, one or both of the loop or curved feature29aor29bcan be configured to provide one or more of a desired flexibility, bias force magnitude, bias force direction, durability or other characteristics at the interfaces of the rigid bar22and the further rigid sections26and27.

In the example inFIG.2, all of the bracket connectors28on the left side of the appliance20are located between the loop or curved feature29aand the distal end26aof the further rigid section26. Similarly, all of the bracket connectors28on the right side of the appliance20are located between the loop or curved feature29band the distal end27aof the further rigid section27. In other examples, one or more of the bracket connectors28may be located between the loop or curved feature29aor29band the rigid bar distal ends26aor27a, respectively.

Similar to the appliance10, the number, configuration and location of the arms24, bracket connectors28and loop or curved features29may be selected for the appliance20, to provide (when the appliance is installed) the desired teeth connection positions and desired forces on the teeth, as described herein. For example, the number, configuration and location of the arms, the bracket connectors, and the loop or curved features may be selected to move one or more teeth from an original tooth arrangement (OTA) to the final tooth arrangement (FTA), or to an intermediate tooth arrangement (ITA), or from an ITA to an FTA or another ITA.

With regard to features according to embodiment X, the appliance20includes one or more (or a plurality) of separate arms24that extend from the one or more rigid bars22. With regard to features examples according to embodiment Z, the appliance20also includes one or more rigid bars26or27having one or more bracket connectors28and one or more loop or curved feature29(force applying feature) formed along its length dimension.

Another example of an appliance having a combination of X and Z features is described with regard to the 2D member40for forming an appliance, as shown inFIG.4. The 2D appliance member40inFIG.4is configured to be bent or otherwise formed into a 3D appliance in any suitable manner, including processes as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016. However, an appliance having features as described with regard to the example inFIG.4may be made according to other suitable processes.

An appliance in accordance with the example ofFIG.4may be made and used in manners similar or corresponding to such manners described herein for appliances10and20. An appliance according to the example ofFIG.4may include certain features corresponding in structure or function (or both) to some of the features of appliance10or appliance20.

For example, the appliance member40includes a rigid bar42that corresponds to the rigid bar12of appliance10. The rigid bar42has a lengthwise dimension including a section42athat is configured to extend along the incisor, lateral incisor, and cuspid (canine) teeth, and further sections42band42cconfigured to extend along some, but not all of the bicuspid or molar teeth, when the appliance formed from the appliance member40and is installed. In other embodiments, the rigid bar42may be smaller in length and, for example, may include section42a(or a portion of section42a), but no portions of sections42bor42c. In other embodiments, the rigid bar42may include section42aand a longer section42bor a longer section42cthat extend to molar teeth on one side of the appliance, when the appliance is formed and installed. In yet other embodiments, the appliance may include a rigid bar42having a length dimension, with one or two second rigid bars (or further rigid bar sections) having Z embodiment features (for example, corresponding to the second rigid bars26or27of the appliance20).

The rigid bar42may have an arch shape (an arch shaped member having a generally arch-shaped configuration) that is configured to extend along two or more (or a plurality of) adjacent teeth in one of the patient's jaws, when the appliance is formed and installed. A plurality of arms44extend from the rigid bar42. The arms44may correspond in structure and function as described with regard to the arms14or24of the appliance10or20. For example, the arms44may include spring members and bracket connectors (or male connector elements) similar to those described with regard to arms14and24.

The arms44may be spaced along the length dimension of the rigid bar42in a manner similar to the spacing described with regard to arms14on the rigid bar12. However, in the appliance member40, at least some of the arms44are located along the rigid bar section42athat is configured to extend along some or all of the incisor, lateral incisor, and cuspid (canine) teeth. In other examples, the appliance member40may include a further rigid section extending along the rigid bar section42a, or along some or all of the rigid bar sections42bor42c(such as, but not limited to the further rigid section16of the appliance10), instead of one or more (or all) of the arms44located along the rigid bar section42a(or along sections42bor42c).

In the example inFIG.4, the appliance member40includes sixteen arms44extending from the rigid bar42to fourteen bracket connectors45a-45n. One or more (or all) of the bracket connectors may be connected to or part of two respective arms44, such as shown inFIG.4with regard to the bracket connectors45aand45b. One or more (or all) of the other bracket connectors may be connected to or part of a single arm44, such as shown inFIG.4with regard to the bracket connectors45c-45n. In other examples, the appliance member40may include fewer or more arms along one or more of the length sections42a,42band42c. Also, the appliance member40of other examples may include fewer or more bracket connectors.

An appliance member according to the example inFIG.4includes one or more second rigid bars extending to and between two or more of the bracket connectors. In the example inFIG.4, the appliance member40includes a second rigid bar having segments46a,46band46cextending between bracket connectors45b,45c,45dand45e. The appliance40includes another second rigid bar having segments46d,46e,46fand46gextending between the bracket connectors45j,45k,45l,45mand45n. In other examples, the number and configuration of second rigid bars and segments46a-g, and the number and location of bracket connectors45a-45nto and between which the second rigid bar segments extend, is selected to provide a desired flexibility or force, or both, as described herein.

Each second rigid bar segment46a-46gmay have one or more (or a plurality of) loop or curved features48formed along its length dimension. Each of the bracket connectors45a-45nand loop or curved features48may correspond in structure, arrangement and function to any of the various examples described with regard to the bracket connectors17and loop or curved features18of the appliance10. In other examples, one or more (or all) of the bracket connectors45a-45n, or features48may have other suitable structures, configurations or functions. One or more of the loop or curved features48can be configured to provide one or more of a desired flexibility, bias force strength, bias force direction, between two or more of the bracket connectors45a-45n.

In certain examples, such as shown inFIG.4, the appliance member (or appliance) may include an anchor holder, for anchoring the appliance to a patient's palate. In the example inFIG.4, the appliance member40includes an anchor holder49or Nance. The anchor holder49is connected to (by being either coupled to or integral with) the rigid bar42. In the example inFIG.4, the anchor holder49has a rounded, plate-shaped head portion49aconnected to the rigid bar42, through a narrowed neck section49b. A plurality of apertures is provided in the head portion49aand the neck portion49bof the anchor holder49. When the appliance is formed and installed, one or more temporary anchorage devices TADs (or other suitable anchorage devices) may be extended through the one or more apertures in the anchor holder49, and into the patient's palate (soft and hard tissue), to anchor the appliance to the patient's palate. In particular examples, the anchor holder49is for soft tissue anchorage, where soft tissue is used to help anchor the appliance. In some examples, the appliance member (or appliance), including the anchor holder, may lay against the soft tissue in the patient's palate, without the use of TADs (or other suitable anchoring devices), when the appliance is installed. In other examples, TADs or other suitable anchor holders may be employed. An anchor holder (such as, but not limited to the anchor holder49) may be included in any of the example embodiments described herein.

Another example of an appliance having a combination of X and Z features is described with regard to the 2D member50for forming an appliance, as shown inFIG.5. The 2D appliance member50inFIG.5is configured to be bent or otherwise formed into a 3D appliance in any suitable manner, including processes as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016. However, an appliance having features as described with regard to the example inFIG.5may be made according to other suitable processes.

An appliance in accordance with the example ofFIG.5may be made and used in manners similar or corresponding to such manners described herein for the appliances10or20or the appliance member40. An appliance according to the example ofFIG.5may include certain features corresponding in structure or function (or both) to some of the features of the appliance10or the appliance20, or the appliance member40.

For example, the appliance member50includes a rigid bar52that corresponds to the rigid bar12of the appliance10, or the rigid bar22of the appliance20, or the rigid bar42of the appliance member40. The rigid bar52has a lengthwise dimension that is configured to extend along the incisor, lateral incisor, and cuspid (canine) teeth, when the appliance is formed and installed. Further rigid bars or bar sections53and54are connected to (coupled to or extended from) the rigid bar52, to extend along some or all of the bicuspid or molar teeth, when the appliance formed from the appliance member50and is installed. In other examples, the rigid bar52may be smaller in length than shown inFIG.5and, for example, may extend along some (but not all) of the incisor, lateral incisor, and cuspid (canine) teeth when the appliance is formed and installed. In other examples, the rigid bar52may extend further along bicuspid or molar teeth (in place of some or all of one or both bar or bar sections53and54) when the appliance is formed and installed. In yet other examples, one or both sections53and54may be omitted or smaller than shown inFIG.5.

The rigid bar52may have an arch shape (an arch shaped member having a generally arch-shaped configuration) that is configured to extend along two or more (or a plurality of) adjacent teeth in one of the patient's jaws, when the appliance is formed and installed. A plurality of arms56extend from the rigid bar52. The arms56may correspond in structure and function as described with regard to the arms14,24or44of the appliance10or20or the appliance member40. For example, the arms56may include spring members and bracket connectors (or male connector elements) similar to those described with regard to arms14,24or44.

The arms56may be spaced along the length dimension of the rigid bar52in a manner similar to the spacing described with regard to arms14on the rigid bar12inFIG.1, or the arms44on the rigid bar42inFIG.4. In the appliance member50, all of the arms56are located along the rigid bar52that is configured to extend along some or all of the incisor, lateral incisor, and cuspid (canine) teeth.

In the example inFIG.5, the appliance member50includes six arms56extending from the rigid bar52to six corresponding bracket connectors57. Each respective bracket connector57may be connected to or part of a single respective arm56, such as shown inFIG.5. In other examples, one or more (or all) of the bracket connectors may be connected to or part of two respective arms (for example, similar to the manner shown inFIG.4with regard to the bracket connectors45aand45b). In other examples, the appliance member50may include fewer or more arms along the length of rigid bar52. Also, the appliance member50of other examples may include fewer or more bracket connectors.

An appliance member according to the example inFIG.5includes one or more further rigid bars or bar sections53and54connected to the rigid bar52. Each further rigid bar53and54may have one or more (or a plurality of) loop or curved features and one or more (or a plurality of) bracket connectors (or male connector elements) along its length dimension. In the example inFIG.5, the rigid bars53and54have a total of eight loop or curved features58a-58hand eight bracket connectors (or male connector elements)59a-59h. In other examples, each rigid bar53and54may have more or fewer loop or curved features or bracket connectors than shown in the example ofFIG.5.

Each of the bracket connectors59and loop or curved features58may correspond in structure, arrangement and function to any of the various examples described with regard to the bracket connectors17and loop or curved features18of the appliance10, or with regard to the bracket connectors45a-45nand loop or curved features48of the appliance member40. In other examples, one or more (or all) of the bracket connectors59, or features58may have other suitable structures, configurations or functions. One or more of the loop or curved features58can be configured to provide one or more of a desired flexibility, bias force strength, bias force direction, between two or more of the bracket connectors59.

In certain examples, such as shown inFIG.5, the loop or curved features58may include a loop or curved feature58aat or adjacent the location at which the further rigid bar53extends from the rigid bar52, and a further loop or curved feature58eat or adjacent the location at which the further rigid bar54extends from the rigid bar52. In such examples, the further rigid bars53and54may connect to the rigid bar52, through the loop or curved feature58aor58e. Accordingly, one or both of the loop or curved feature58aor58ecan be configured to provide one or more of a desired flexibility, bias force magnitude, bias force direction, durability or other characteristics at the interfaces of the rigid bar52and the further rigid bars53and54.

Other examples appliances (or appliance members)60,70,80and90having a combination of X and Z features are shown inFIGS.6-9A, respectively, and may be made and used in manners similar or corresponding to such manners described herein for the appliances10or20, or the appliance members40or50. An appliance according to any of the examples ofFIGS.6-9Amay include certain features corresponding in structure or function (or both) to some of the features of the appliances10or20, or the appliance members40or50.

In particular, each of the appliances (or appliance members)60,70,80and90includes one or more rigid bars and one or more (or a plurality) of separate arms that extend from the one or more rigid bars, for example, in accordance with X embodiment features described herein. In particular, the appliance (or appliance member)60includes two rigid bars62and63. The appliance70(or appliance member) includes a rigid bar72. The appliance80includes a rigid bar82, and the appliance90(or appliance member) includes a rigid bar92. Each of the rigid bars62,82and92have a lengthwise dimension that is configured to extend along two or more teeth, when the appliance is formed and installed. However, each of the rigid bars63and72has a lengthwise dimension that is configured to extend along one tooth, when the appliance is formed and installed. The rigid bars62,63,72,83and92may each correspond in structure to the rigid bar12of the appliance10, the rigid bar22of the appliance20, the rigid bar42of the appliance member40or the rigid bar52of the appliance member50. Other examples may include any suitable number, size and locations of rigid bars.

Each of the appliances (or appliance members)60,70,80and90includes one or more (or a plurality of) arms extending from the one or more rigid bars. For example, the appliance (or appliance member)60includes two arms64aand64bextending from the rigid bar62, and a third arm64cextending from the rigid bar63. The appliance (or appliance member)70includes one arm74extending from the rigid bar72. The appliance (or appliance member)80includes arms84aand84bextending from the rigid bar82. The appliance90(or appliance member) includes one arm94extending from the rigid bar92. Each of the arms extends to a respective bracket connector (or male connector element).

Each of the appliances (or appliance members)60,70,80and90includes one or more further rigid sections having Z embodiment features, and connected to (by being coupled to or integral with) the rigid bar62,63,72,83or92, through one or more arms. For example, the appliance (or appliance member)60includes a further rigid section66connected to the rigid bar62through arms64aand64b, and connected to the rigid bar63through the arm64c. Similarly, the appliance (or appliance member)70includes a further rigid section76that is connected to the rigid bar72through the arm74. Also similarly, the appliance (or appliance member)80includes a further rigid section86that is connected to the rigid bar82through an arm84b. Also similarly, the appliance (or appliance member)90includes a further rigid section96that is connected to the rigid bar92through an arm94.

Each of the further rigid sections66,76,86and96have a length dimension extending in a generally arch shaped configuration. One or more bracket connectors and one or more loop or curved feature (force applying feature) are provided along the length dimension of the one or more further rigid sections66,76,86and96. For example, the rigid section66of the appliance (or appliance member)60has eight bracket connectors68and seven loop or curved features69. Similarly, the rigid section76of the appliance (or appliance member)70has eight bracket connectors78and seven loop or curved features79, the rigid section86of the appliance (or appliance member)80has eight bracket connectors88and seven loop or curved features89, and the rigid section96of the appliance (or appliance member)90has eight bracket connectors98and seven loop or curved features99. Any of the examples described herein may include one or more further bracket connectors that are connected to a rigid bar, but not to the further rigid section, such as the bracket connector at the distal end of the arm84ain the appliance (or appliance member)80ofFIG.8.

In the examples shown inFIGS.6-9A, each loop or curved feature (69,79,89, or99) is located between a pair of adjacent bracket connectors (68,78,88or98) along the length dimension of the further rigid section (66,76,86or96, respectively). In other examples, the further rigid section may include no loop or curved feature (or two or more loop or curved features) between any of the adjacent pairs of bracket connectors. The number, configuration and location of loop or curved features on the further rigid bar66,76,86or96may be selected to provide the desired teeth connection positions and desired forces on the teeth, when the appliance is installed, as described herein.

Additional examples of appliances (or appliance members) are shown inFIGS.9B-9D, each including a plurality of further rigid sections, each having Z embodiment features. In the example appliance (or appliance member)1050inFIG.9Bhas four further rigid sections1052,1053,0154and1055extending from a T-shaped central rigid bar1056. The central rigid bar1056has a generally T shape. The example appliance (or appliance member)1060ofFIG.9C, has four further rigid sections1062,1063,1064and1065extending from a central rigid palate plate1066. The central rigid palate plate1066has a shape to fit against a patient's palate. The example appliance (or appliance member)1070inFIG.9Dhas four further rigid sections1072,1073,0174and1075extending from a central annular-shaped rigid bar1076. In any of the appliances described herein, one or more of the arms or loop or curved features or bracket connector elements may be omitted, and replaced with a portion of the rigid bar or further rigid section that is formed to be rigid with minimal or no flexibility, for example for improved anchorage.

In each of the examples inFIGS.1-9, the appliance (or an appliance member) includes one or more X embodiment features (in combination with one or more Z embodiment features), including one or more (or a plurality of) arms, extending to one or more (or a plurality of) bracket connectors (or male connector elements). One or more (or each) of the arms may include one or more spring member features. Any of the arms, spring members, and bracket connectors (or male connector elements) ofFIGS.1-9may have any suitable configuration, including the configurations shown in the respective drawings of thoseFIGS.1-9. In other examples, any one or more of the arms, spring members, or bracket connectors (or male connector elements) in any of those or other appliances (or appliance members) described herein may have other suitable configurations according to any of the other arms, spring members, or bracket connectors (or male connector elements) described herein.

Further examples of arms100-132that may be employed as one or more of the arms in any of the examples described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016, or yet other appliance examples, are described with reference toFIGS.10,11and12. Each of the example arms100-132extends from a rigid bar133to an associated bracket connector (or male connector element)100a-132a. The rigid bar133may correspond to the rigid bar12,22,42,52,62,63,72,82or92in any of the examples ofFIGS.1-9, or the rigid bar of any other examples described herein, or of yet other appliance or appliance member examples.

Each of the arms100-132includes a spring member100b-132b. In other examples, an arm may include more than one spring member. In particular examples, each spring member has a configuration (including a shape, material, and size) that provides one or more of a desired flexibility, bias force magnitude, bias force direction, durability or other characteristics The number, configuration and location of the spring members may be selected to provide (when the appliance is installed) the desired forces on the teeth to which the bracket connectors of the appliance connect, when the appliance is installed as described herein. For example, the number, configuration and location of the spring members may be selected to move one or more teeth from an original tooth arrangement (OTA) to the final tooth arrangement (FTA), or to an intermediate tooth arrangement (ITA), or from an ITA to an FTA or another ITA.

The arm100includes a spring member100bthat has a shape having two open loop portions arranged adjacent each other in a horizontal direction (direction generally parallel to the length dimension of the rigid bar133), forming an “S” shape laying in that horizontal direction. In other examples, the spring member may have one open loop or more than two open loops. In the example ofFIG.10, the bracket connector100aof the arm100is located vertically above the location at which the arm couples to or extends from the rigid bar133(and is centered along an axis A perpendicular to the length dimension of the rigid bar133at the location at which the arm100connects to the rigid bar133). In other examples, the bracket connector100amay be located laterally offset from the axis A (e.g., toward the right or the left of the axis A).

The arm100in the example inFIG.10includes a linear arm section100cthat extends from the spring member100bto the bracket connector100a. In some examples, the linear arm section100cmay extend along the axis A as shown inFIG.10. In other examples, the linear arm section100cmay be laterally spaced from but parallel to the axis A, or may extend at an angle transverse (non-parallel) to the axis A. In other examples, the arm section100cmay be non-linear (curved or other suitable shape) or may be omitted (such that the spring member100bextends to the bracket connector100a). In certain examples, the arm section100c(or corresponding arm section of other arms described herein) has a sufficient length dimension to be gripped by a clinician, doctor or other trained personnel (e.g., with a tool, such as, but not limited to a Weingart tool as described herein) during installation of an appliance, to help guide the bracket connector100ainto engagement with a bracket.

The two open loop portions of the spring member100bof the arm100have a generally rectangular shape, including one or more straight edges (e.g., the horizontal and vertical edges of the spring member100binFIG.10) that meet at rounded corners. In other examples, the open loop portions of the spring member may have curved edges or may be elongated in the vertical (axis A) direction or in the horizontal direction (perpendicular to axis A), or in a direction that is at an obtuse angle relative to the axis A.

For example, the arm101inFIG.10has a spring member101band arm section101cthat is similar in shape and configuration to the spring member100band arm section100cof the arm100. However, the two open loop portions of the spring member101bof the arm101have rounded edges. In addition, the two open loop portions of the spring member101bare more elongated in the vertical direction (direction of axis A) than in a horizontal direction (perpendicular to the direction of axis A). In other examples, the open loop portions of the spring member101bmay be more elongated in the horizontal direction than in in the vertical direction, or in a direction at an obtuse angle relative to the axis A. Similarly, other examples of the spring member100bof the arm100may have loop portions that are more elongated in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, or an obtuse angled direction, relative to the axis A.

FIG.10shows another example of an arm102that includes a spring member102bwith a shape having two open loop portions arranged adjacent each other in a horizontal direction (direction generally parallel to the length dimension of the rigid bar133), forming an “S” shape laying in that horizontal direction. However, the center of the bracket connector102aof the arm102is laterally offset from the axis A, such that the bracket connector102ais located mostly or entirely on one side of the axis A (the left side inFIG.10). In other examples, the spring member102bmay be oriented in the opposite direction as shown, such that the bracket connector102ais located mostly or entirely on the other side of the axis A (the right side inFIG.10).

In the arm102, the spring member102bis configured such that the entire spring member102b(or substantially the entire spring member102b) is located vertically below the bracket connector102a(between the bracket connector102aand the rigid bar133). In other examples, some or all of the spring member102bmay be located laterally offset from the bracket connector102a(in a direction perpendicular to the axis A).

For example, the arm103inFIG.10has a spring member103band arm section103cthat is similar in shape and configuration to the spring member102band arm section102cof the arm102. However, the two open loop portions of the spring member103bare spread out in the lateral direction more than the open loop portions of the spring member102b. As a result, a substantial portion of the spring member103b(e.g., one of the loop portions) is laterally offset from the bracket connector103ain a direction perpendicular to the axis A.

The arm104has a has a spring member104band arm section104cthat is similar in shape and configuration to the spring member103band arm section103cof the arm103. However, the two loop portions of the spring member104bare shaped different from the loop portions103b. In particular, one of the open loop features of the spring member104bhas a “U” shape, with one of the sides or arms of the “U” shape loop extending to the bracket connector104aand the other side or arm of the “U” shape loop extending from the other loop of the spring member104b. In addition, the length of the arm section104cis smaller than the length of the arm section103c. In certain examples, the length of the arm section100c-130cmay be selected, to provide a desired distance between the bracket connector100a-130aand the rigid bar133. The arm section length may be selected to accommodate or fit a desired or particular patient tooth arrangement.

FIG.10shows other examples arms105,105′,106,107and108that include a spring member with a shape having two or more open loop portions arranged adjacent each other in a horizontal direction (direction generally parallel to the length dimension of the rigid bar133), forming an “S” shape laying in that horizontal direction.

The arms105and105′ inFIG.10are each connected to the same (a common) bracket connector, such that the bracket connector105ais connected to the rigid bar133through the two arms105and105′. The arm105has a spring member105bthat is similar in shape to the spring member103b, but oriented in the opposite direction. The arm105′ has a spring member105b′ that is similar in shape to the spring member102b. In other examples, the arms105and105′ may have a spring member having any suitable configuration, shape and size such as, but not limited to the other examples of spring members described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016.

The arm106inFIG.10includes a spring member106bhaving more than two (i.e., four) open loop portions. Other examples of that spring member or other spring members described herein may include any suitable number of loop portions. The spring member107bof the arm107ofFIG.10has loop portions that are elongated in a direction that is at an obtuse angle relative to the axis A. The arm108inFIG.10has a spring member108bthat is similar in shape to the spring member103b. However, the arm108has an arm section108cthat is wider (in the horizontal dimension) than other sections of the arm108. Other examples of any of the arm members described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016 may include an arm section (similar to arm section108c) that is wider than other sections of the arm.

FIG.11shows further examples of arms109,114,115and122-130that include a spring member with a shape having at least two open loop portions arranged adjacent each other in a horizontal direction (direction generally parallel to the length dimension of the rigid bar133), forming an “S” shape laying in that horizontal direction.FIG.11also shows examples of arms110,112, and117-121that include a spring member with a shape having at least two open loop portions arranged adjacent each other in a vertical direction (direction generally perpendicular to the length dimension of the rigid bar133), forming one or more “S” shapes in that perpendicular direction.FIG.11shows a further example of an arm111having a “U” shaped spring member111b. A further example of an arm113inFIG.11has a spring member113bformed of two right angle bends along the length dimension of the arm.

In any of the examples described herein, the width dimensions of the arm or of one or more selected portions of the arm) may be selected to provide one or more of a desired flexibility, bias force magnitude, bias force direction, durability or other characteristics. For example, the arms115and116have a similar shape, but the width dimension of the arm115is greater than the width of the arm116. As another example, the arms122,123and124inFIG.11have a similar shape, but the width dimension of the arm124is greater than the width of the arm123. Similarly, the width dimension of the arm123is greater than the width of the arm122. In further examples, as an alternative or in addition to varying width dimensions, one or more of the arms (or selected portions of the arms) may have a varying thickness dimension (in the dimension into and out of the plane of the page ofFIG.11), for a desired flexibility, bias force magnitude or direction, durability or other characteristic. In certain examples, the arms may be made smaller in width or thickness dimension (or both) relative to the rigid bar133from which they extend, such that the rigid bar133may provide a more rigid anchorage, while the arms provide a desired flexibility and resilience. Width or thickness dimension variances may be provided by any suitable process, including but not limited to machining, molding, laser cutting, 3D printing, or sinker EDM (Electronic Discharge Machining) to vary thickness of portions of an appliance member cut from a sheet. Alternatively or in addition to selecting or varying width or thickness dimensions, the arm length may be selected to provide or contribute to a desired flexibility, bias force, magnitude or direction, durability or other characteristic.

As another example, the arms125,126and127inFIG.11have a similar shape relative to each other, but the width dimension of the arm127is greater than the width of the arm126, which is greater than the width of the arm125. As yet another example, the arms128,129and130inFIG.11have a similar shape relative to each other, but the width dimension of the arm130is greater than the width of the arm129, which is greater than the width of the arm128. Each of the example arms109-130shown inFIG.11has a uniform width dimension that is constant over the entire arm. In other examples, the width dimension of one or more portions of any of the arms100-132may be made greater or smaller than the width dimension of one or more other portions of the same arm.

FIG.12shows further examples of two adjacent arms131and132extending from a rigid bar133of an appliance, appliance member (or a portion of an appliance or appliance member). Each arm131and132extends to an associated bracket connector (or male connector element)131aor131b. Each of the arms131and132include a spring member131bor132b, and an arm section131cor132cextending from the spring member to the bracket connectors131aor132a.

The bracket connector131ais configured to be connected to a bracket secured to a first tooth134in a patient's jaw, and the bracket connector132ais configured to be connected to a bracket secured to a second tooth135in the patient's jaw. The first tooth134and the second tooth135may be adjacent teeth in the patient's jaw. In other examples, one or more other teeth (or extracted teeth locations) may be located between the first tooth134and the second tooth135. In one example, the tooth134may be a canine tooth, while the tooth135may be a second pre-molar. In other examples, the teeth134and135may be other teeth in a patient's jaw (upper jaw or lower jaw).

In certain examples, the arm configuration may be selected to provide one or more of a desired flexibility, bias force magnitude, bias force direction, durability or other characteristics. For example, arms configured according to examples100and101may provide sufficient force (magnitude and direction) for providing some, but a limited amount of movement in occlusogingival direction or a buccolingual direction, when the appliance is installed. Arms configured according to examples102,103and104may provide sufficient force (magnitude and direction) to move extrude or to move in occlusogingival direction. Arms configured to be relatively rigid may be employed when the tooth to be connected to the arm is not to be moved (or moved by a limited amount) and may be used for anchorage. In certain examples, arms configured according to examples106,107and108may be used in extraction cases to apply a force closer to the center of resistance of the teeth and to prevent the teeth from tipping, as the arm section106c,107cand108cin those examples is formed wider than other portions of the arm, such that the arm can act as a power arm.

In certain examples, any of the arms100-132inFIG.10,11or12(or other arms described herein) may be configured to provide a bias force direction and magnitude at a desired location along the length of the arm and, thus, at a desired location relative to the tooth structure of a patient. For example, the arms shown inFIG.12may be configured to provide a force on one or both teeth134and135(when the bracket connectors131aand132aare connected to respective brackets on the teeth134and135), where the force on each tooth is directed toward the adjacent tooth. In particular examples, the arms131and132are configured to apply the force on one or both teeth134and135, at a location along the length dimension of each tooth corresponding to a center of resistance location. In the drawing ifFIG.12, the teeth134and135are shown laterally adjacent to the respective arms131and132. However, it will be understood that, when the bracket connectors131aand132aare connected to brackets on the respective teeth134and135, each of the bracket connectors131aand132awill be placed on or directly adjacent to a surface of a respective tooth134and135on which a bracket (not shown inFIG.12) is secured, as described herein.

In the example inFIG.12, the arm131is configured such that the arm section131cextends generally parallel to, but laterally offset from an axis A1(the axis direction perpendicular to the length dimension of the rigid bar133at the location at which the arm131connects to the rigid bar133). Similarly, the arm132is configured such that the arm section132cextends generally parallel to, but laterally offset from an axis A2(the axis direction perpendicular to the length dimension of the rigid bar133at the location at which the arm131connects to the rigid bar133).

More specifically, the arm section131cis laterally offset from the axis A1, in a direction to the left of A1, such that spring member131bof the arm131and the axis A1are located between the arm section131cand the arm132. Similarly, the arm section132cis laterally offset from the axis A2, in a direction to the left of A2, such that spring member132bof the arm132and the axis A2are located between the arm section132cand the arm131. In addition, the spring members131band132bof the arms131and132are configured such that (when the arms131and132are connected to respective teeth134and135) the arm131imparts a force F1on the tooth134in a direction toward the arm132, and the arm132imparts a force F2on the tooth135in a direction toward the arm133. The magnitude of the force F1and F2depend on one or more (or a combination of) the shape and configuration of the arms131and132(including the spring members131band132b), the lateral spacing between the arms131and133, and the thickness and material of the arms131and132.

In the example inFIG.12, the spring members131band132bof the arms131and132are located adjacent (or relatively close to) the rigid bar133. In addition, the length of the arm sections131cand132cmay be configured to locate the rigid bar133at or near the centers of resistance134aand135aof the respective teeth134and135. In that manner, the spring members131band132bmay be located at or near the centers of resistance134aand135aof the respective teeth134and135(to impart the force F1or F2on the tooth134or135, at or near the center of resistance134aor135aof the tooth134or135). In other examples, the arms131and132may be configured to impart a force F1or F2on a tooth134or135, at a location that is spaced apart (e.g., vertically offset in the orientation ofFIG.12) from the center of resistance134aor135aof the tooth134or135, by a specified distance. In such other examples, the force F1or F2can have a lever-like action on a tooth134or135, where the center of resistance acts as a fulcrum. The center of resistance of a tooth may depend on various factors, including the depth and angle of the root of the tooth, type of tooth or other factors. In particular examples described herein, an appliance (or method) may include one or more arms that are configured to impart one or more forces on one or more teeth, where the direction, and magnitude of the force or forces may be selected, and the location of the force (relative to a center of resistance of the tooth) may be selected based, in part, on the configuration of the arm (including, for example, the configuration of the spring member131b,132b, the distance and location of the spring member relative to the rigid bar133, and the length of the arm section131c,132c).

Each of the example arms100-108inFIG.10and arms131and132inFIG.12is shown as extending to (being formed integral with or coupled to) to a bracket connector100a-108athat has an annular or ring shape and in particular, a square, annular shape (having a generally square-shaped outer perimeter and a generally square-shaped opening). In other examples, an annular or ring-shaped bracket connector may have a generally round or rounded shape, an oval shape (having a round or oval outer perimeter and a round or oval opening) or other suitable shape.

Each of the example arms109-130inFIG.11extends to a bracket connector100a-108athat has a T shaped configuration. In certain examples, such T shaped bracket connectors may correspond to the T shaped male connector elements as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016 (such as those identified by reference numbers 1802, 1822, or 2500 in that publication).

In other examples, any of the arms described with regardFIGS.10and12, may extend to (be formed integral with or coupled to) a T shaped bracket connector ofFIG.11, or any of the other bracket connectors (or male connector elements) described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016, in place of the bracket connectors100a-108a. Similarly, in other examples, any of the arms described with regardFIG.11, may extend to an annular or ring shaped bracket connector described in regard to the examples ofFIG.10, or any of the other bracket connectors (or male connector elements) described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016, in place of the bracket connectors109a-130a.

One further example of a connector element (or male connector element) and brackets (or female connector element) is described with reference toFIGS.13-34herein.

In particular,FIGS.13and14show an example of a bracket connector140aon an arm140, and an associated bracket142. InFIG.13, the bracket connector140ais shown in a connected state (connected to a bracket142).

The bracket connector140ahas an annular or ring shape and in particular, a square, annular shape (having a generally square-shaped outer perimeter and a generally square-shaped opening). The bracket connector140aofFIG.13may correspond, for example, to the bracket connectors100a-108ainFIG.10. The arm140may have a spring member, and may have a configuration corresponding to any of the arms and spring member described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016, including but not limited to the arms100-130and spring members100b-132binFIGS.10,11and12, or other suitable configuration.

The bracket142has a body portion142adefining a back surface142b(facing inward toward the plane of the page inFIG.14) for securing to an outer surface of a patient's tooth. The surface142bmay be secured to a patient's tooth via direct or indirect bonding, or other suitable mechanism for fixedly securing the elements to a surface of the teeth. Bonding materials may include adhesives such as, but not limited to composite resin. In the case of indirect bonding, a clinician may use a jig to increase the accuracy of the bracket placement. In particular examples, the bracket142may be configured to have the lowest profile possible (to minimize the size in the dimension extending away from the tooth.

Intraoral scanning or an impression of the arches may be taken after attaching bracket elements on one or more (or all) of the patient's teeth. The impressions or scans (or both) include and, thus, provide information to help identify the position of the brackets on the teeth. That information is used by clinicians, manufacturers or technicians in the design of the appliance, for example, to help identify appropriate positions on the appliance to place or form one or more bracket connectors (or male connector elements), for proper alignment with one or more brackets on the teeth.

The bracket142includes a clip portion142cthat extends outward from the body portion142aand has a clip that is configured to receive and hold the bracket connector140a. The clip portion142cincludes a lip142dand a flexible spring element142ethat (with the body portion142a) form a receptacle142f. The receptacle142fis configured to selectively receive a portion (the upper edge) of the annular or ring shaped bracket connector140a, as shown inFIG.13.

Before and after receiving the bracket connector140aby the clip portion142c, the spring element142ehas one end that engages (but is not attached to) the lip142dat an interface, to enclose or partially enclose a volume defining the receptacle142f. The spring element142e(or the lip142d, or both) is sufficiently flexible to flex and allow the bracket connector140ato be passed between the spring element142eand the lip142dfrom a location outside of the receptacle142f, to a location inside of the receptacle142f. For example, the spring element142eor the lip142d(or both) may flex away from each other, when engaged and pressed with sufficient force (for example, by pressing a bracket connector140ainto the interface of spring element142eand the lip142d). The spring element142eor the lip142d(or both) may be made of sufficiently resilient material so as to return to or toward a pre-flexed state, after the bracket connector140ais received within the receptacle142f, to retain (and hold) the bracket connector140awithin the receptacle142f. In particular examples, the clip portion142cmay be configured to selectively release a bracket connector140afrom the receptacle142f, for example, by a clinician, doctor or other trained personnel using a tool to flex the spring element142eor the lip142d(or both), while withdrawing the bracket connector140afrom the receptacle142f.

In particular examples, the receptacle142f(and portions of the lip142dthat define the receptacle142f) has a generally linear or straight surface on which a linear or straight edge of the bracket holder140aengages, when the bracket holder140ais connected to the bracket142, as shown inFIG.13. In other examples, the lip142dmay have a curved surface for engaging a curved edge of a bracket holder (for example, where the bracket holder has an annular or ring shape that is circular or oval.

The bracket142may be made of any suitable material or materials, such as, but not limited to Nitinol (NiTi), stainless steel, beta-titanium, cobalt chrome or other metal alloy, polymers or ceramics, and may be made as a single, unitarily-formed structure or, alternatively, in multiple separately-formed components connected together in single structure.

FIGS.15-28show further examples of bracket connectors (or male connector elements) and associated brackets (or female connector elements), where the bracket connectors have a squeezable configuration that, during installation, is squeezed to compress in at least one dimension, and then resiliently expanded to connect with a bracket upon release of the squeezing force.

Each of the bracket connectors shown inFIGS.15,17,19,21,23and28is on one end of an arm. The arm may have a spring member having a configuration as shown in the drawings. In other examples, the arm and the spring member associated with any of those bracket connector examples ofFIGS.15,17,19,21,23and28, may be configured to correspond to any of the other arms and spring members described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016, including but not limited to the arms100-132and spring members100b-132binFIGS.10,11and12, or other suitable configuration. In particular examples, each of the bracket connectors shown inFIGS.15,17,19,21,23and28is on one end of arm that extends from a rigid bar of an appliance, in accordance with a X embodiment feature. In other examples, a bracket connector as described with regard to any of those drawings may be included as one or more of the bracket connectors on a rigid bar of an Z embodiment feature.

A bracket connector150and associated bracket160is shown inFIGS.15-17. InFIG.15, the bracket connector150is shown in a disconnected state (not connected to a bracket160). InFIG.16, the bracket160is shown in a disconnected state (not connected to a bracket connector150). InFIG.17, the bracket connector150and the bracket160are shown in a connected state (with the bracket connector150connected to a bracket160).

The bracket connector150inFIG.15includes a shaped body portion having first and second arm sections152and153. The arm sections152and153connect to each other at a U-shaped interface (having a central axis A). Each arm section152and153has a free end152aand153a, respectively, and one or more (or a plurality of) projections extending from the arm section at or near the free end.

In the example ofFIG.15, the arm section152has two projections152band152cfacing outward relative to the U-shape (or axis A). Similarly, the arm section153has two projections153band153cfacing outward relative to the U-shape (or axis A). The two projections152band152care spaced apart from each other by a specified distance to define a gap152dbetween the projections. Similarly, the two projections153band153care spaced apart from each other by a specified distance to define a gap153dbetween the projections. In other examples, each arm section152and153may have more than two projections. In certain examples, the number of projections on the arm section152is equal to the number of projections on the arm153. In other examples, the number of projections on the arm section152is greater or less than the number of arms on the arm section153. In yet other examples, one of the arm sections may have no projections.

In the example inFIG.15, the arm sections152and153are spaced apart from each other (except at the U shaped connected end), to form a gap154between the arm sections and extending along a portion of the length of each arm section. The bracket connector150is made of a sufficiently flexible and resilient material that allows the free ends152aand153aof the arm sections152and153to be forced to move toward each other when a sufficient squeezing force is applied to the arm sections (in a direction toward the axis A), and then resiliently move back to their original state when the force is removed. When the arm sections152and153are forced toward each other, the width dimension of the gap154between the arm sections152and153decreases, resulting in a decrease in the width dimension of the bracket connector150(at least along a portion of the length of each arm section152and153). In that state (a squeezed or compressed state), the bracket connector150is received by the bracket160. When the bracket connector150is received by the bracket160, the force on the arm sections152and153is released to allow the arm sections to resiliently move outward, toward a second state (such as an un-forced or passive state, or a partially released state), to lock or secure the bracket connector150to the bracket160.

The bracket (or female connector element)160shown inFIG.16includes a base or body portion162having a back surface (surface facing inward toward the plane of the page inFIG.16) for securing to an outer surface of a patient's tooth. The back surface of the body portion162may be secured to a patient's tooth in any suitable manner including those described with regard to the bracket142.

The bracket160includes two projections or wing members163and164, extending from the base or body portion162. The projections163and164are spaced apart from each other, to form a gap165between the projections. The gap165is wide enough to allow the bracket connector150to be received between the projections163and164, when the bracket connector150is squeezed (or compressed) to a compressed state for installation. In some examples, the gap165is also sufficient to allow an installed bracket connector150to be squeezed (or compressed) to a compressed state (or further compressed state) and removed from the bracket160, through the gap165.

The projections163and164of the bracket160may have a dimension (the height or vertical dimension D ofFIG.16) that is no greater than the corresponding dimension (the height or vertical dimension ofFIG.15) of the gap152dand the gap153d, respectively, in the associated bracket connector150. More specifically, the dimension D of the projections163and164is sufficiently small to allow the projections163and164to fit within the gaps152dand153d, respectively, of the bracket connector150, when the bracket connector150is connected to the bracket160as shown inFIG.17.

In certain examples, one or both of the projections163and164has an extension portion (such as extension portions163aand164ainFIG.16) that extends over a portion of the gap165in a direction toward the other projection. The extension portion163aand164acan help hold and retain the arm sections152and153of the bracket connector150, when the bracket150is connected to the bracket160as shown inFIG.17. In other examples, the extension portions163aand164amay be omitted.

In certain examples, the bracket160may have a relatively small form factor or dimension (in the height or vertical dimension ofFIG.16), to increase bonding placement options and to provide or increase space between the bracket and the gingival. The gingival-facing edge of the bracket may be curved as shown in the drawings, or straight.

In other examples, the bracket may have a larger form factor. For example, the bracket170inFIGS.18and19may be configured (and operate) similar to the bracket160ofFIG.16, but has a larger base or body portion. InFIG.18, the bracket170is shown, alone. InFIG.19, the bracket170is shown in a connected state (connected with a bracket connector corresponding to bracket connector150ofFIG.15).

The bracket170includes two projections or wing members173and174(corresponding in structure and operation to the projections or wings163and164of the bracket160) extending from a base or body portion172. The base or body portion172may correspond to the base or body portion162inFIGS.16and17. However, the base172inFIGS.18and19is larger in the occlusogingival dimension (in the height or vertical dimension ofFIG.18) than the base162inFIGS.16and17. A larger base172can provide a larger bonding surface and, thus, a stronger bond to the patient's tooth.

In other examples, the bracket may have more than two projections or wings. For example, the bracket180inFIGS.20and21may be configured (and operate) similar to the bracket160ofFIG.16, but has more than two projections or wings. InFIG.20, the bracket180is shown, alone. InFIG.21, the bracket180is shown in a connected state (connected with a bracket connector corresponding to bracket connector150ofFIG.15).

The bracket180includes four projections or wing members183,184,185and186extending from a base or body portion182. The base or body portion182may correspond to the base or body portion162inFIGS.16and17. Each of the projections or wing members183,184,185and186may correspond in structure and operation to the projections or wings163and164of the bracket160. The projections or wing members are arranged such that two of the projections or wing members183and184are on one side of a gap187, and two of the projections or wing members185and186are on an opposite side of the gap187(where the gap187corresponds to the gap165between the projections or wing members inFIG.17). In addition, the projection or wing members of the bracket180are arranged such that the projection or wing members183and184are spaced apart from each other (in the height or vertical dimension ofFIG.20), and the projection or wing members185and186are spaced apart from each other in the occlusogingival dimension (in the height or vertical dimension ofFIG.20) such that a further gap is formed between those pairs of projections or wing members.

The gap187is wide enough to allow the bracket connector150to be received between the projections183and184, and between the projections185and186, when the bracket connector150is squeezed (or compressed) to a compressed state for installation. In addition, the gap between the projections183and184is larger than (or of sufficient size to receive) the projection152cof the bracket connector150, when the bracket connector150is connected to the bracket180as shown inFIG.21. Similarly, the gap between the projections185and186is larger than (or of sufficient size to receive) the projection153cof the bracket connector150, when the bracket connector150is connected to the bracket180as shown inFIG.21.

Alternatively, or in addition, the gap between the projections183and184may be configured to be larger than (or of sufficient size to receive) the projection152b(instead of152c), and the gap between the projections185and186may be configured to be larger than (or of sufficient size to receive) the projection153b(instead of153c), when the bracket connector150is connected to the bracket180. In that case, the bracket connector150may connect to the bracket180in a lower position than shown inFIG.21(or in either the position shown inFIG.21or a lower position, for example, at the discretion of a clinician, doctor or other trained personnel).

In other examples, the bracket may be configured with four (or more) projections or wing members, but have a larger form factor. For example, the bracket190inFIGS.22and23may be configured (and operate) similar to the bracket180ofFIGS.20and21, but has a larger base or body portion. InFIG.22, the bracket190is shown, alone. InFIG.23, the bracket190is shown in a connected state (connected with a bracket connector corresponding to bracket connector150ofFIG.15).

The bracket190includes four projections or wing members193,194,195and196(corresponding in structure and operation to the projections or wings183,184,185and186of the bracket180) extending from a base or body portion192. The base or body portion192may correspond to the base or body portion182inFIGS.20and21. However, the base192inFIGS.22and23is larger (in the height or vertical dimension ofFIG.22) than the base182inFIGS.20and21and, thus, can provide additional benefits as described herein.

In each of the examples described with regard toFIGS.16-23, one or more projections or wing members are arranged on one side (e.g., the left side in the drawings) of a centrally-located gap165,175,187,197, and one or more projections or wing members are arranged on the opposite side (e.g., the right side in the drawings).

In any of the examples described with regard toFIGS.16-23or other examples, the bracket may include one or more further projections or wings arranged above or below the gap165,175,187or197(for example, centered on a vertical axis located between the one or more projections or wing members located on the left side of the gap, and the one or more projections or wing members located on the right side of the gap).

For example, the bracket200inFIG.24is configured similar to the bracket170ofFIG.18, but includes a further projection or wing arranged above the gap between the left and right side projection or wing members. More specifically, the bracket200includes a base or body portion202(corresponding to the base or body portion172of the bracket170), and two projections or wing members203and204(corresponding in structure and operation to the projections or wing members173and174of the bracket170), defining a gap205between the projections or wing members. The bracket200includes a further projection or wing206arranged above the gap205.

The further projection or wing member206extends outward from the base or body portion202(in the same direction that the projections or wing members203and204project). In the example inFIG.24, the further projection or wing member206extends from a side edge of the base or body portion202(the edge, in theFIG.24orientation, forming a top side edge extending between the rear-facing bonding surface, and the front or outward facing surface from which the projections or wing members203and204extend). In other examples, the further projection or wing member206may extend outward directly from the front or outward facing surface of the base or body portion202.

In the example inFIG.24, the further projection or wing member206curves downward toward the gap205or has a portion that extends downward toward the gap205. In certain examples, the further projection or wing member206may have an overall curved or hook shape (as shown in the example inFIG.24). The further projection or wing member206has a free or distal end portion206a. In certain examples, the free end portion206aof the further projection or wing member206may include one or more features for holding or retaining one or more bands, wires, ties or other connection structure. In the example inFIG.24, the distal end portion206aof the further projection or wing member206has a widened shape (relative to other portions or the rest of the further projection or wing member206). Other examples include other suitable shapes or features for assisting with retaining one or more bands, wires, ties or other connection structure.

Another example of a bracket210inFIG.25is configured similar to the bracket200inFIG.24. The bracket210includes a base or body portion212(corresponding to the base or body portion202of the bracket200), and two projections or wing members213and214(corresponding in structure and operation to the projections or wing members203and204of the bracket200), defining a gap215between the projections or wing members. The bracket210includes a further projection or wing member216arranged above the gap215. The further projection or wing member216extends outward from the base or body portion212and includes a first section216athat extends generally linearly and perpendicular relative to the plane of the bonding surface of the base or body portion212. In the example inFIG.25, the further projection or wing member216extends from a side edge of the base or body portion212(the edge, in theFIG.25orientation, forming a top side edge extending between the bonding surface that faces inward of the page, and the outward facing surface from which the projections or wing members213and214extend). In other examples, the further projection or wing member216may extend outward directly from the front or outward facing surface of the base or body portion212.

The further projection or wing member216includes a second section216bthat extends downward from the first section216a, toward the gap215. In the example inFIG.26, the distal end portion of the further projection or wing member216is not widened relative to other portions of the further projection or wing member216. However, in other examples, the distal end portion of the further projection or wing member216may include one or more features for holding or retaining one or more bands, wires, ties or other connection structure as described above, for example, with regard to the further projection or wing member206inFIG.24.

Another example of a bracket220inFIG.26is configured similar to the bracket200inFIG.24and the bracket210inFIG.25. The bracket220includes a base or body portion222(corresponding to the base or body portions202and212of the brackets200and210), and two projections or wing members223and224(corresponding in structure and operation to the projections or wing members203and204of the bracket200or the projections or wing members213and214of the bracket212), defining a gap225between the projections or wing members. The bracket220includes a further projection or wing member226arranged above the gap225.

InFIG.26, the further projection or wing member226extends outward from the base or body portion222and has a curved or a hook shape, similar to the shape of the further projection or wing member206inFIG.24. However, in the example inFIG.26, the distal end portion of the further projection or wing member226is not widened relative to other portions of the further projection or wing member226.

In any of the examples described with regard toFIGS.16-26or other examples, the bracket may include a shield portion arranged above or below the gap165,175,187or197(for example, centered on a vertical axis located between the one or more projections or wing members located on the left side of the gap, and the one or more projections or wing members located on the right side of the gap).

For example, the bracket230inFIG.27is configured similar to the bracket170ofFIG.18, but includes a shield member above the gap between the left and right side projection or wing members. More specifically, the bracket230includes a base or body portion232(corresponding to the base or body portion172of the bracket170), and two projections or wing members233and234(corresponding in structure and operation to the projections or wing members173and174of the bracket170), defining a gap235between the projections or wing members. The bracket230includes a shield member236.

The shield member236extends from the base or body portion232, at a location above the gap235. In particular examples, the shield member236extends an entire width dimension of the base or body portion232(from the right to the left sides of the base or body portion232in the orientation ofFIG.27) and is adjacent but spaced from the projections or wing members233and234(above the projections or wing members233and234in the orientation ofFIG.27). The shield member236can deflect forces from the bracket when the patient bites down onto food, to decrease the chance of the bracket becoming de-bonded from the patient's tooth. Additionally, or alternatively, the shield member236may provide a relatively smooth surface or canopy adjacent the projections or wing members233and234and the gap235, which can feel smoother and more comfortable to the patient, and can provide a more favorable appearance.

In the examples described with reference toFIGS.16-27, the bracket includes one or more projections or wing members arranged on one side of a gap (e.g., gap165,175,187,197,205,215,225or235) and one or more projections or wing members are on an opposite side of the gap, separated in a horizontal direction relative to the orientation in the drawings. In any of those or other examples, the one or more projections or wing members may be arranged on opposite sides of the gap, in a vertical direction.

For example, the bracket240inFIG.28is configured similar in some ways to the bracket160ofFIG.16, but includes a pair of projection or wing members separated by a gap in a vertical direction. More specifically, the bracket240includes a base or body portion242(corresponding to the base or body portion162of the bracket160), and two projections or wing members243and244(corresponding in structure and operation to the projections or wing members163and164of the bracket160), defining a gap245between the projections or wing members.

However, the projections or wing members243and244are arranged adjacent each other in the vertical direction (such that one of the projections or wing members is above the other projection or wing member) in the orientation ofFIG.28. In that example, a bracket connector (or male connector element)250is configured with arm sections that flex together (to compress in at least the vertical dimension), similar to the resilient flexing function and operation described with regard to the arms152and153of the bracket connector150inFIG.15, but in a vertical direction. A vertical connection configuration (as provided with bracket connector250and bracket240) can be beneficial in certain contexts, such as where minimal space in a widthwise or horizontal direction is limited or other contexts in which a bracket having a relatively narrower width is desired.

Any of the brackets described in any of the examples ofFIGS.16-28may be made of any suitable material or materials, such as, but not limited to Nitinol (NiTi), stainless steel, beta-titanium, cobalt chrome or other metal alloy, polymers or ceramics, and may be made as a single, unitarily-formed structure or, alternatively, in multiple separately-formed components connected together in single structure.

The bracket connectors (or male connector elements) described in any of the examples ofFIGS.15.17,19,21,23and28may be made of any suitable material or materials, such as, but not limited to Nitinol (NiTi), stainless steel, beta-titanium, cobalt chrome or other metal alloy, polymers or ceramics, and may be made as a single, unitarily-formed structure or, alternatively, in multiple separately-formed components connected together in single structure. However, in particular examples, the bracket connectors described in those examples are made by cutting a two dimensional (2D) form of the appliance from a 2D sheet of material and bending the 2D form into a desired 3D shape of the appliance, according to processes as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016 or other suitable processes.

Such bracket connectors can be beneficial in certain contexts, such as where space is limited, as the bracket connectors can be made relatively small. Additionally, or alternatively, brackets and bracket connectors as described inFIGS.15-28can be made to be relatively comfortable, easy to install and remove (using a squeezing action).

Further examples of bracket connectors (or male connector elements) that may be employed with any of the appliance or method examples described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016. Also, any of the appliance or appliance member examples described herein, one or more (or all) of the bracket connectors (or male connector elements) may be replaced by one or more cap connector elements configured to fit over a single tooth (or a plurality of teeth), such as but not limited to the cap connector elements described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016.

Certain appliances (and methods of making an appliance) according to examples described herein may be configured with Z embodiment features or a combination of X and Z embodiment features. Further examples of certain Z embodiment features are described herein, with reference toFIGS.29-38. Any of the appliances (or methods of making an appliance) according to examples described herein may be configured with Z embodiment features (or Z embodiment features in combination with X embodiment features) as shown and described with regard toFIGS.29-38. Other appliances according (or methods) according to examples described herein may include other suitable Z embodiment features.

FIG.29shows certain examples of Z embodiment features, including a rigid bar260having loop or curved features and bracket connectors (or male connector elements). A rigid bar as described with regard to the rigid bar260(or features thereof) may be included in Z embodiment features on any of the appliances described herein, such as, but not limited to, the Z embodiment features in the rigid bars26or27inFIGS.2and3, or in the rigid bars53and54inFIG.5, or in the rigid bars66,76,86,96ofFIGS.6-9. In other examples, a rigid bar as described with regard to the rigid bar260(or features thereof) may be included in Z embodiment features of other suitable appliances (or methods).

The rigid bar260includes various examples of loop or curved features262,263and264that may be included in Z embodiment features of any of the appliances described herein. The loop or curved feature262has a U shape configuration that is generally symmetrical about an axis A extending through the center of the U shape. The loop or curved feature263also has a generally U shape configuration (symmetrical about an axis A), but is wider at the closed or loop end263arelative to the open end263bof the general U shape. In other examples, the loop or curved feature262or263may be asymmetrical about a central axis and, thus, may extend to one side of the axis a greater distance or in a different curvature or shape, than on the other side of the axis.

The loop or curved feature264has a generally L shape loop configuration, which is also wider at its closed or loop end264arelative to its open end264b. The loop or curved feature264includes a section (264c) that extends laterally (to one side) relative to the width of the open end264b. In the example inFIG.29, the section264cextends to the left, relative to the width of the open end264b. In other examples, the section264cmay extend to the right, relative to the width of the open end264b. In yet other examples, the loop or curved feature264may include a section264cextending to the left of the open end264b, and a further section (similar to section264c) extending to the right of the open end264b, to form a T shaped loop. In other examples, the rigid bar260may include loop or curved features having other suitable shapes or configurations.

In the examples shown inFIG.29, each of the loop or curved features262,263and264is formed of a curved or bent portion of the rigid bar260(curved or bent in the shape shown and described). In other examples, one or more (or each) of the loop or curved features may be formed separately of other sections of the rigid bar260and then coupled to the other sections of the rigid bar260to form the overall length dimension of the rigid bar260.

In the examples shown inFIG.29, the section of the rigid bar260that forms each of the loop or curved features262,263and264has a width dimension (in the right-left horizontal direction ofFIG.29) and a thickness dimension (in the direction into the page ofFIG.29) that remains constant over the entire length of the loop or curved feature. In other examples, one or more (or each) of the loop or curved features262,263and264has a width dimension or a thickness dimension (or both) that varies over some (or all) of the length of the loop or curved feature, such that one or more portions of the rigid bar along the loop or curved feature are wider or thicker than one or more other portions of the rigid bar along the same loop or curved feature. The shape and dimension (and other aspects of the configuration) of each loop or curved feature can affect or provide certain characteristics, including, but not limited to flexibility, bias force magnitude, bias force direction, durability and other characteristics. For example, a loop or curved feature having a generally U shape (such as the loop or curved feature262) may provide sufficient forces for typical tooth aligning. A loop or curved feature having a compressed U shape (such as the loop or curved feature263may be useful tooth aligning, in contexts in which space is limited (such as tooth crowding). A loop or curved feature having an L shaped loop (such as the loop or curved feature264may be useful in contexts in which an extrusion or intrusion is needed. A loop or curved feature having a shape of feature351as shown inFIG.38(discussed below) may be useful in extraction cases, for example, where the arm sections are wider or thicker in a dimension, to act as power arms and apply sufficient force on a center of resistance of one or two teeth, to help move a tooth without tipping the tooth. Accordingly, in certain examples of appliances and methods, the shape, dimension and other aspects of one or more (or each) loop or curved feature in the appliance is selected or configured to provide one or more of a desired flexibility, bias force magnitude, bias force direction, durability or other characteristics. Loop or curved feature configurations as shown at262,263and264inFIG.29or other examples of loop or curved features may be included in any appliances (or methods) having one or more Z embodiment features. Some of such other examples of loop or curved features are described below, with regard toFIGS.36-38.

Referring again toFIG.29, the rigid bar260includes examples of bracket connectors (or male connector elements) that may be included in any of the Z embodiment features of example appliances or methods described herein. Other appliances or methods examples as described herein may include other suitable bracket connectors (or male connector elements) including, but not limited to other examples described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016.

InFIG.29, rigid bar260includes a respective bracket connector266,267,268and269on each respective side (right and left side) of each loop or curved feature262,263and264, such that one respective loop or curved feature is located between each pair bracket connectors along the length dimension of the rigid bar260. In other examples, two or more loop or curved features are located between one or more (or each) pair of adjacent bracket connectors. In other examples, two or more bracket connectors are located between one or more (or each) pair of adjacent loop or curved features along the length dimension of the rigid bar260.

In the example inFIG.29, the bracket connectors266,267,268and269have a similar configuration. In other examples, one or more (or each) bracket connector on an appliance may have a different configuration than one or more (or each) other bracket connector on the same appliance. Each of the bracket connectors266,267,268and269includes a first extension portion and a second extension portion (represented by the first extension portion266aand the second extension portion266bof the bracket connector266) that are separated by a length section (represented by266cof the bracket connector266) of the rigid bar located between the first and second extension portions. In certain examples, the first and second extension portions (e.g.,266aand266b) are formed integral and unitary with the rigid bar260(e.g., as raised, thickened or widened portions of the rigid bar). In other examples, the first and second extension portions (e.g.,266aand266b) are formed separate from, and then coupled to the rest of the rigid bar260by any suitable coupling mechanism such as, but not limited to adhesive, welding, soldering, or the like.

In the example inFIG.29, the extension portions of each of the bracket connectors266,267,268and269extends or projects from the rigid bar260in a direction toward the patient's gums (the gingival direction), when the appliance is installed. In other examples, such as shown inFIG.30, one or more (or all) of the extension portions of each of the bracket connectors may extend or project from the rigid bar in a direction away the patient's gums (the occlusal direction), when the appliance is installed.

More specifically, the example inFIG.30includes a rigid bar270having loop or curved features272,273and274(corresponding to the rigid bar260and loop or curved feature262,263and264ofFIG.28). A plurality of bracket connectors276,277,278and279are provided on the rigid bar270, for example, in a manner similar to that described for the bracket connectors266,267,268and269inFIG.29). However, each of the bracket connectors276,277,278and279inFIG.30is formed of first and second extension portions (such as the first extension portion276aand the second extension portion276b) that extend in the occlusal direction, when the appliance is installed. Similar to the bracket connectors described with regard toFIG.29, the bracket connectors276,277,278and279inFIG.30include a length section (represented by276cof the bracket connector276) of the rigid bar located between the first and second extension portions.

In other examples, such as shown inFIG.31, one or more (or all) of the extension portions of each of the bracket connectors may extend or project from the rigid bar in two directions, both toward and away the patient's gums (the gingival and the occlusal directions), when the appliance is installed. More specifically, the example inFIG.31includes a rigid bar280having loop or curved features282,283and284(corresponding to the rigid bar260and loop or curved feature262,263and264ofFIG.29). A plurality of bracket connectors286,287,288and289are provided on the rigid bar280, for example, in a manner similar to that described for the bracket connectors266,267,268and269inFIG.29). However, each of the bracket connectors286,287,288and289inFIG.29is formed of first and second extension portions (such as the first extension portion286aand the second extension portion286b) that extend in both the gingival direction and the occlusal direction, when the appliance is installed. Similar to the bracket connectors described with regard toFIG.29, the bracket connectors286,287,288and289inFIG.29include a length section (represented by286cof the bracket connector286) of the rigid bar located between the first and second extension portions.

In other examples, one or more (but not all) of the bracket connectors on an appliance have a configuration as described with regard toFIG.29with extension portions that extend in the gingival direction, while one or more (but not all) of the bracket connectors on an appliance have a configuration as described with regard toFIG.30with extension portions that extend in the occlusal direction, when the appliance is installed. In other examples, one or more (but not all) of the bracket connectors on an appliance have a configuration as described with regard toFIG.29with extension portions that extend in the gingival direction, while one or more (but not all) of the bracket connectors on an appliance have a configuration as described with regard toFIG.31with extension portions that extend in the two direction, when the appliance is installed. In yet other examples, one or more (but not all) of the bracket connectors on an appliance have a configuration as described with regard toFIG.30with extension portions that extend in the gingival direction, while one or more (but not all) of the bracket connectors on an appliance have a configuration as described with regard toFIG.31with extension portions that extend in the two directions, when the appliance is installed. In yet other examples, one or more (but not all) of the bracket connectors on an appliance have a configuration as described with regard toFIG.29with extension portions that extend in the gingival direction, while one or more (but not all) of the bracket connectors on an appliance have a configuration as described with regard toFIG.30with extension portions that extend in the occlusal direction, when the appliance is installed, and while one or more (but not all) of the bracket connectors on an appliance have a configuration as described with regard toFIG.31with extension portions that extend in the two directions, when the appliance is installed.

Bracket connectors (or male connector elements) as shown in the examples inFIGS.29-31may be configured to selectively connect with a bracket having any suitable configuration to which the bracket connect can secure. In certain examples, the bracket connectors (or male connector elements) in the examples inFIGS.29-31may be configured to selectively connect with a bracket as described with reference to the bracket142example inFIG.14. In such examples, the receptacle142fof the bracket142is configured to receive at least a portion of a length section of the rigid bar located between the first and second extension portions of a bracket connector (e.g., one of the length sections266c,276cand286cof the bracket connectors266,276and286ofFIGS.29-31), when the bracket connector is connected to the bracket142. For example,FIG.32shows the rigid bar270(from the example inFIG.30), connected to four brackets (each corresponding to a bracket142as shown in the example inFIG.14). In the example inFIG.32, each of the brackets142may be secured to (e.g., bonded to) a different respective one of the patient's teeth (not shown).

In the examples ofFIGS.29-32, the bracket connectors (or male connector elements) may be configured to prevent lateral (mesiodistal) movement of the appliance, relative to the brackets, when the appliance is installed (connected to the brackets). Accordingly, the first and second extension portions of the bracket connectors266,276and286ofFIGS.29-31may be configured to be larger in one or more cross-section dimension than the cross section dimension of the receptacle142fof the bracket142, such that the first and second extension portions are sufficiently adjacent or abutted against the bracket142to inhibit lateral movement of the bracket connector (and the appliance) relative to the bracket142, when the bracket connector is connected to the bracket142. In other examples, the extension portions of the bracket connectors may have any suitable shape that inhibits lateral movement of the bracket connector (and the appliance) relative to the bracket142, when the bracket connector is connected to the bracket142.

In further examples, such as shown inFIGS.33and34, a bracket connector (or male connector element) may include one or more other features on the rigid bar of the appliance that are configured to inhibit such lateral movement, or that cooperate with one or more extension portions of a bracket connector to inhibit lateral movement of the bracket connector (and the appliance) relative to the bracket142, when the bracket connector is connected to the bracket142. For example, inFIG.33, a rigid bar290(which may correspond to the rigid bars260,270or280ofFIGS.29-31) has loop or curved features292,293and294and a plurality of bracket connectors296,297,298and299. InFIG.33, the bracket connectors296and299correspond to the bracket connectors266and269described with regard toFIG.29.

InFIG.33, the bracket connector297includes a first extension portion297a, similar to the extension portion266adescribed with regard toFIG.29. The bracket connector297also includes a section297c(corresponding to the section266cdescribed inFIG.29) configured to be received in a receptacle142fof the bracket142. However, the bracket connector297employs an arm section293aof the loop or curved feature293as (or in place of) a second extension portion. In that example, the arm section293aextends from the section297cof the bracket connector297at a sufficiently large angle (such as, but not limited to 90 degrees) to inhibit lateral movement of the rigid bar290relative to a bracket142, when installed.

InFIG.33, the bracket connector298includes a section298c(corresponding to the section266cinFIG.29) configured to be received in a receptacle142fof the bracket142. However, the bracket connector298employs an arm section293bof the loop or curved feature293as (or in place of) a first extension portion, and an arm section294aas (or in place of) a second extension portion. In that example, each of the arm sections293band294aextend from the section298cof the bracket connector298at a sufficiently large angle (such as, but not limited to 90 degrees) to inhibit lateral movement of the rigid bar290relative to a bracket140, when installed. While the examples shown inFIG.33include arm sections293a,293band294athat extend from respective bracket connector sections297cand298cat an angle of about 90 degrees, in other examples, the angle may be smaller or greater (such as, but not limited to an angle within the range of about 30-150 degrees).

FIG.34shows a rigid bar300having other examples of bracket connectors301-312along its length dimension. The rigid bar300also includes loop or curved sections, shown between adjacent pairs of bracket connectors. The example bracket connectors inFIG.34include bracket connectors302,303,304,310and311having first and second extension portions and a length section between the extension portions (e.g., corresponding to the first and second extension portions266aand266band the length section266cof the bracket connector266inFIG.29). However, the extension portions of the bracket connectors302,303,310and311extend all of the way to the leg portion of the adjacent loop or curved section (i.e., extend from the length section between the extension portions to the leg of the adjacent loop or curved section). The example bracket connectors301and312include a single extension portion (e.g., extension portion301aor312a), and a length section (e.g., length section302cor312c) extending from the extension portion to a terminal end of the rigid bar300(e.g., terminal end300aor300b). In the example inFIG.34, the terminal ends300aand300bof the rigid bar300include (or are provided in place of) a second extension portion that extends at a sufficiently large angle (such as, but not limited to 90 degrees, or between 30-150 degrees) to inhibit lateral movement of the rigid bar290relative to a bracket140, when installed. The example bracket connectors305,306,307and309inFIG.34each have a first extension portion and employ a leg of an adjacent loop or curved feature as (or in place of) a second extension.FIG.35shows an example of an appliance320having a configuration similar to the appliance300(including a rigid bar having loop or curved features and bracket connectors along its length dimension), installed on the teeth of a patient.

While an appliance (or method) having Z embodiment features as described herein may include one or more bracket connectors (or male connector elements) as described with regard toFIGS.29-35, other examples of appliances (or methods) having Z embodiment features may include other suitable bracket connectors, including, but not limited to annular or ring shape bracket connectors as described with regard to bracket connectors68,78,88and98inFIGS.6-9D, T shape as described with regard to bracket connectors inFIG.11, a squeezable configuration as described with regard to the bracket connector inFIG.15or28, other bracket connectors (or male connector elements) described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016, or yet other suitable bracket connectors (or male connector elements). Also, in any of the example appliance or appliance portions described herein as having Z embodiment features, one or more (or all) of the bracket connectors (or male connector elements) may be replaced by one or more cap connector elements configured to fit over a single tooth (or a plurality of teeth), such as but not limited to the cap connector elements described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016.

While an appliance (or method) having Z embodiment features as described herein may include one or more loop or curved features as described with regard toFIGS.29-35, other examples of appliances (or methods) having Z embodiment features may include other suitable curved or loop features, including, but not limited to examples described with regard toFIGS.36-38. In particular,FIGS.36and37show certain examples of Z embodiment features, including a rigid bar (330inFIGS.36and340inFIG.37) having loop or curved features (331-338inFIGS.36and341-348inFIG.37) according to various examples, between associated pairs of bracket connectors (or male connector elements).

Each of the loop or curved features331-338and341-348inFIGS.36and37includes a pair of linear arm sections coupled by one or more curved sections. For example, the loop or curved feature331inFIG.36includes first and second linear arm sections331aand331bthat extend from the rest of the rigid bar330to a curved section331c. In each of the examples inFIGS.36and37, both of the first and second arm sections of the loop or curved feature is larger (e.g., wider) in at least one dimension than the corresponding dimension of the curved section of that feature. For example, each of the linear arm sections331aand331bof the loop or curved feature331inFIG.36has a larger (e.g., wider) dimension than the corresponding dimension (width) of the curved section331cof that feature331.

In other examples, one, but not both of the first and second arm sections of any of the loop or curved features331-338or341-348may be formed larger (e.g., wider) in at least one dimension than the corresponding dimension of the curved section. In other examples, the curved section of any of the features331-338or341-348may be formed to be larger (e.g., wider) in at least one dimension than the corresponding dimension of one or both of the arm sections. This can allow the appliance to apply a force closer to the center of resistance of the tooth (or any desired location along the length of the tooth, based on the location of the larger or wider section). In yet other examples, the first and second linear arm sections and the curved section of any of the features331-338or341-348may be formed to have a uniform or constant corresponding dimension (e.g., width).

The loop or curved feature331includes a curved section331chaving a generally U shaped portion331d(an inverted U in the orientation ofFIG.36), and two laterally extended curved loop portions331eand331f(located on the two respective sides of the U shaped portion331d). The U shaped portion331dextends along and between the first and second arm sections331aand331b. The curved loop portion331econnects one end of the U shaped portion331dto the first arm section331a, while the curved loop portion331fconnects the other end of the U shaped portion331dto the second arm section331b. Each of the curved loop portions331eand331fhas a rounded closed end that is wider (in the horizontal dimension ofFIG.36) than the rest of the curved loop portion of the feature331. The wider, rounded end (331e′ and331f) can provide increased flexibility while decreasing risk of fracture.

The loop or curved feature332has a configuration that is similar to the configuration described with regard to feature331. For example, the loop or curved feature332may include first and second linear arm sections332aand332b, and a curved section332chaving a U shaped portion332dand curved loop portions332eand332f(corresponding to sections331a,331band332cand portions331d,331eand331fof feature331). However, the U shaped portion332dof the loop or curved feature332is smaller than the U shaped portion331dof the loop or curved feature331. In the examples inFIG.36, the U shaped portion331dextends along about seventy-five percent of the length of the first and second arm sections331aand331b, while the U shaped portion332dextends along about twenty-five percent of the length of the first and second arm sections332eand332f. In other examples, the U shaped portion331dor332dmay extend along any suitable portion of the length of the first and second arm sections. A longer U shaped portion (such as shown at331d) may be more flexible than a shorter U shaped portion (such as shown at332d).

Another example of a loop or curved feature333also includes first and second linear arm sections333aand333band a curved section333c(for example, corresponding to the arm sections331aand331band curved section331cof the feature331). However, the linear arm sections333aand333bare smaller in length than the linear arm sections331aand331bof feature331. The linear arm sections of any of the loop or curved features331-338or341-348may be of any suitable length (or have different lengths for first and second arm sections). The length of the linear arm section of a loop or curved feature can at least partially determine an amount of force applied to adjacent teeth.

The curved section333cof the loop or curved feature333has a generally U shaped portion333d(an inverted U in the orientation ofFIG.36), and two laterally extended curved loop portions333eand333f(located on the two respective sides of the U shaped portion333d). However, the generally U shaped portion333dhas an enlarged section333d′ adjacent where the curved loop portions333eand333fconnect to the generally U shaped portion333d. The enlarged section333d′ is larger (e.g., wider) in at least one dimension (the horizontal dimension in the orientation ofFIG.36) than the rest of the generally U shaped portion333d. The curved loop portions333eand333fcorrespond, generally to the curved loop portions331eand331fof feature331. However, the curved loop portion333edoes not extend laterally beyond the left side of the first arm section333a, and the curved loop portion333fdoes not extend laterally beyond (or as far beyond) the right side of the second arm section333b, relative to lateral extension of the curved or loop portions331eand331f. The narrower profile provided by the curved loop portions333eand333f(relative to the curved or loop portions331eor331f) can be beneficial in contexts in which bracket connectors are closer together (for example, for anterior teeth or other contexts in which space in the mesiodistal dimension or lateral width dimension is limited).

Another example of a loop or curved feature335also includes first and second linear arm sections335aand335band a curved section335c. The linear arm sections335aand335bare similar to the linear arm sections333aand333bof the feature333. However, the curved section335chas a C shape or an open circle shaped portion335d(having a shape of a circle with an open edge), instead of a U shape described for feature333. The curved section335calso has two laterally extended curved loop portions335eand335f(corresponding to curved loop portions333eand333fof feature333) located on the two respective sides of the C shape portion335d.

Another example of a loop or curved feature334also includes first and second linear arm sections334aand334band a curved section334c. The linear arm sections334aand334bare similar to the linear arm sections333aand333bof the feature333. However, the curved section334chas a C shape or an open circle shape (shape of a circle, with an open edge). The radius of the circle shape of the curved section334cmay be selected to provide a desired performance characteristic. For example, each of the loop or curved features336,337and338has a shape and configuration similar to that of the loop or curved feature334, but with a circle shape having a different diameter. More specifically, the loop or curved feature336includes first and second linear arm sections336aand336band a curved section336cthat has a smaller diameter than the curved section334cof feature334. Similarly, the loop or curved feature337includes first and second linear arm sections337aand337band a curved section337cthat has a smaller diameter than the curved section336cof feature336. Similarly, the loop or curved feature338includes first and second linear arm sections338aand338band a curved section338cthat has a smaller diameter than the curved section337cof feature337. A smaller diameter may be beneficial in certain contexts, for example, for certain types of teeth or where space in the lateral width dimension is limited.

Another example of a loop or curved feature341inFIG.37has a configuration having some similarities to the configuration of the loop or curved feature331inFIG.36. In particular, the loop or curved feature341includes first and second linear arm sections341aand341band a curved section341c. The linear arm sections341aand341bare similar to the linear arm sections331aand331bof the feature331. Also, the curved section341chas a generally U shaped portion341d(similar to the generally U shaped portion331dof feature331). However, the curved section341cof the feature340has two laterally extended curved loop portions341eand341fthat each have a C shape or an open circle shape (shape of a circle, with an open edge), instead of a curved loop shape of feature331. The loop or curved feature348has a similar configuration as the loop or curved feature341.

Another example of a loop or curved feature345inFIG.37has a configuration having some similarities to the configuration of the loop or curved feature331inFIG.36. In particular, the loop or curved feature345includes first and second linear arm sections345aand345band a curved section345c. The linear arm sections345aand345bare similar to the linear arm sections331aand331bof the feature331. Also, the curved section345chas a generally U shaped portion345d(corresponding to the generally U shaped portion331dof feature331). However, the generally U shaped portion345dhas an enlarged section345d′ at the closed end of the U shaped portion345d, and a second enlarged section345d″ where curved loop portions345eand345fconnect to the generally U shaped portion345d. The enlarged sections345d′ and345d″ are each larger (e.g., wider) in at least one dimension (the horizontal dimension in the orientation ofFIG.37) than other sections of the generally U shaped portion345d. The curved loop portions345eand345fcorrespond, generally to the curved loop portions331eand331fof feature331.

Another example of a loop or curved feature346inFIG.37has a configuration corresponding to the configuration of feature345(including first and second arm sections346a,346band a curved section346chaving a generally U shaped portion346dsimilar to corresponding parts of the feature345). However, the loop or curved feature346has curved loop portions346eand346fthat correspond in shape to the curved loop portions341eand341fof feature341.

Another example of a loop or curved feature347inFIG.37has a configuration corresponding to the configuration of feature341(including first and second arm sections347a,347band a curved section347chaving curved loop portions347eand347fthat correspond in shape to the curved loop portions341eand341fof feature341). However, the curved section347cof the loop or curved feature347has a C shape or an open circle shaped portion347d(having a shape of a circle with an open edge), instead of a generally U shape described for feature341d.

Other examples of loop or curved features342,343and344inFIG.37also include first and second linear arm sections and a curved section. The curved sections of each of the loop or curved features342,343and344include various combinations of generally U shaped portions and C or open circle shaped portions, configured to provide a desired flexibility, a bias or spring force in one or more directions (or both), a force magnitude, durability, or other characteristics.

In particular examples, the configuration of one or more (or each) of the loop or curved features on any of the example appliance (or method) described herein may be selected and designed to provide a desired bias or spring force in one or more directions (or both) and magnitude, for moving one or more teeth in a patient's jaw. For example, inFIG.38, a rigid bar350includes a loop or curved feature351(which may correspond to the rigid bar340and the loop or curved feature341described with regard toFIG.37). The rigid bar350also includes bracket connectors352and354, for selectively connecting to brackets (not shown) that are secured to the teeth356and357, respectively, as described herein. In certain examples, the loop or curved feature351may be configured to provide a force on one or both teeth356and357(when the bracket connectors352and354are connected to respective brackets on the teeth356and357), where the force on each tooth is directed toward the adjacent tooth. In one example, the tooth356may be a canine tooth, while the tooth357may be a second pre-molar. In other examples, the teeth356and357may be other teeth in a patient's jaw (upper jaw or lower jaw).

In particular examples, the loop or curved feature351is configured to apply the force on one or both teeth356and357, at a location along the length dimension of each tooth corresponding to a center of resistance location. In the drawing ifFIG.38, the teeth356and357are shown laterally adjacent to the bracket connectors352and354. However, it will be understood that, when the bracket connectors352and354are connected to brackets on the respective teeth356and357, each of the bracket connectors352and354will be placed on or directly adjacent to a surface of a respective tooth356and357on which a bracket (not shown inFIG.38) is secured, as described herein.

In the example inFIG.38, the loop or curved feature351is configured such that (when the bracket connectors352and354are connected to respective teeth356and357) the loop or curved feature351imparts a force F1on the tooth356in a direction toward the tooth357, and also imparts a force F2on the tooth357in a direction toward the tooth356. The magnitude of each force F1and F2depend on one or more (or a combination of) the shape and configuration of the loop or curved feature351, the lateral spacing between the bracket connectors352and354, and the thickness and material of the loop or curved feature351.

In the example inFIG.38, the loop or curved feature351includes linear arm sections351aand351bthat have a selected length dimension. The length of the linear arm sections351aand351bmay be selected to locate one or more curved sections351cof the loop or curved feature351adjacent (or relatively close to) the location (along the arch or horizontal dimension of the jaw) of the centers of resistance356aand357aof the respective teeth356and357.

In that manner, the loop or curved feature351(or the one or more curved sections351c) may be located at or near an alignment with the centers of resistance356aand357aof the respective teeth356and357(to impart the force F1or F2on the tooth356or357, at or near the center of resistance356aor357aof the tooth356or357, for example, along an imaginary dimension line that extends from one center of resistance356ato the other center of resistance357a). In other examples, the loop or curved feature351(or the one or more curved sections351c) may be configured to impart a force F1or F2on a tooth356or357, at a location that is spaced apart (e.g., vertically offset in the orientation ofFIG.38) from the center of resistance356aor357a(or from the imaginary dimension line), by a specified distance. In such other examples, the force F1or F2can have a lever-like action on a tooth356or357, where the center of resistance acts as a fulcrum. In particular examples described herein, an appliance (or method) may include one or more loop or curved features that are configured to impart one or more forces on one or more teeth, where the direction, and magnitude of the force or forces may be selected, and the location of the force (relative to a center of resistance of one or more of the teeth) may be selected based, in part, on the configuration of the loop or curved feature, the lengths of the arm sections of the loop or curved feature, and the width or thickness dimension and material of the loop or curved feature).

Any of the example appliances or appliance portions (including rigid bars, bracket connectors, and loop or curved features) having Z embodiment features as described in any of the examples ofFIGS.29-38may be made of any suitable material or materials, such as, but not limited to Nitinol (NiTi), stainless steel, beta-titanium, cobalt chrome or other metal alloy, polymers or ceramics, and may be made as a single, unitarily-formed structure or, alternatively, in multiple separately-formed components connected together in single structure. However, in particular examples, the rigid bars, bracket connectors and loop or curved features of an appliance (or portion of an appliance) described in those examples are made by cutting a two dimensional (2D) form of the appliance from a 2D sheet of material and bending the 2D form into a desired 3D shape of the appliance, according to processes as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016 or other suitable processes.

Any of the example appliances described herein (or other suitable appliances) may include or connect with an anchoring platform, for engaging or securing the appliance to a maxilla or a mandible bone of a patient. Examples of anchoring platforms are shown and described with regard toFIGS.39-42,63and64. InFIG.39, a platform400for securing to a palate or maxilla bone of a patient is shown, detached from a rigid bar of an appliance. InFIG.40, an appliance402includes platform connection arms402a,402band402c, to be selectively connected with an anchoring platform (such as platform400). Further examples of anchoring platforms having various different platform configurations are shown inFIGS.41A-41E, represented as being secured to a patent's maxilla or mandible.

The platform400inFIG.39has an annular body400a, one or more (or a plurality of) anchorage device connector elements400b, and one or more (or a plurality of) appliance connector elements400c,400dand400e. The example inFIG.39includes four anchorage device connector elements400band three appliance connector elements400c,400dand400e. In other examples, the platform may include more or fewer anchorage device connector elements, or more or fewer appliance connector elements than shown inFIG.39. In other examples, the platform body400amay have other suitable shapes and configurations, including but not limited to plate-shaped or cup-shaped configurations that are not annular.

In the example inFIG.39, each of the anchorage device connector elements400bextend from the annular body400a, toward the center of (or inward from) the annular shape. Also in the example inFIG.39, each of the appliance connector elements400c,400dand400eextend from the annular body400a, in a direction away from the center of (or outward from) the annular shape. In other examples, some or all of the anchorage device connector elements400bmay extend outward, or one or more of the appliance connector elements400c,400dand400emay extend inward, relative to the annular shape of the body400a.

Each of the anchorage device connector elements400bis configured to hold a permanent anchorage device or a temporary anchorage device (TAD). In certain examples, the anchorage device connector elements400bmay correspond to the TAD holders described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016 (for example, at reference numbers 812, 904 or 1012 in that application). The anchorage device connector elements400ballow a clinician to secure the annular body400aof the platform to a patient's palate using one or more anchoring devices such as, but not limited to screws, temporary anchorage devices TADs or other suitable anchorage device that extend into the patient's palate (soft and hard tissue). In certain examples, each anchorage device connector element400bmay have an opening (e.g., an opening in an annular extension) through which a screw, TAD or other anchor device may extend. In other examples, other suitable anchorage device connector element configurations may be employed for receiving or holding a screw, TAD or other anchor device.

Each of the appliance connector elements400c,400dand400eis configured to be selectively connected with a respective platform connection arm on an appliance (such as the appliance402inFIG.40). Each appliance connector element400c,400dand400emay have a configuration corresponding to any of the brackets (or female connector elements) described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016. Each platform connection arm402may have a configuration corresponding to any of the bracket connectors (or male connector elements) described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016. In other examples, each appliance connector element and each platform connection arm may have any other suitable configuration for selectively connecting and disconnecting from each other. In certain examples, each appliance connector element400c,400dand400ehas a configuration that includes a receptacle for receiving and holding a portion of respective platform connection arm of an appliance.

InFIG.40, an appliance402includes a rigid bar402aand a plurality of arms402b(for example, in accordance with certain X embodiment features as described herein). The appliance402also includes a plurality of platform connector arms402c,402dand402e. In other examples, similar platform connector arms may extend from a rigid bar or rigid bar section of any of the other example appliances, appliance members (or methods) described herein.

Each of the platform connector arms402c,402dand402ehas a connector element at its distal end, for selectively connecting to a respective appliance connector element400c,400dor400eof a platform. In certain examples, each connector element (on the arms402c,402dand402e) is configured to be selectively connectable (from a disconnected state) and selectively disconnectable (from a connected state) to a respective one of the appliance connector element400c,400dor400e(on the platform).

In the example inFIG.40, the connector element at the distal end of each connector arm402c,402dor402ehas a Y shape, with each finger of the Y having a laterally projecting end portion (represented as402c1and402c2on the connector arm402c) that is configured to be received within a corresponding aperture in one of the appliance connector element400c,400dor400e, to connect the connector element to the appliance connector element. More specifically, the Y shaped arm402c,402dand402emay be made of sufficiently resilient material to allow the fingers of the Y shape to be squeezed together (such as by a dental tool) to allow the fingers of the Y shape to be placed between projecting segments (represented by400c1and400c2of the appliance connector element400cinFIG.39), with the laterally projecting end portion (e.g.,402c1and402c2) aligned with receptacles (apertures or indentations) in the appliance connector element (e.g., in the projecting segment400c1and400c2). Once the fingers of the Y shape are squeezed together and placed between the projecting segments of the appliance connector, the fingers may be released to allow the Y shaped arm to resiliently expand back to shape (under its natural spring force). As the Y shaped arm expands back to shape, the laterally projecting end portion (e.g.,402c1and402c2) are received within (extend into) the receptacles (apertures or indentations) in the appliance connector element, to secure the Y shaped arm to the platform. In other examples, the connector elements and appliance connector elements may have other suitable shapes and configurations for selective connection (and, in certain examples, for selective dis-connection from a connected state).

A further example of a platform410, represented as being secured to a patient's maxilla, is shown inFIG.41Aas having an annular body410aconfigured similar to the platform400. The platform410inFIG.41Aincludes a plurality of anchorage device connector elements410b(e.g., similar to the anchorage connector elements400bdescribed above). However, on the platform410, two of the anchorage device connector elements410bextend inward from the annular body410a, toward the center of the annular body, and two of the anchorage device connector elements410bextend outward from the annular body410a.

Another example of a platform420, represented as being secured to a patient's maxilla, is shown inFIG.41bas having an annular body420aconfigured similar to the platforms400and410. The platform420inFIG.41Bincludes a plurality of anchorage device connector elements420b, each of which extend inward toward the center of the annular body (e.g., similar to the anchorage connector elements400bdescribed above).

Another example of a platform430configured to be secured to a patient's maxilla, is shown inFIG.41C. The platform430includes a body430ahaving a plate-like shape that is concaved or curved in a shape of a patient's palate. In particular examples, the body430ais has a surface (e.g., a convex curved surface facing into the page inFIG.41C) formed to correspond to and fit with the palate shape of a particular patient and may be formed from an intraoral scan or an impression mold made from the patient's palate. In other examples, the body430amay be formed to correspond to and fit with many patient's palates. In some examples, multiple shapes or sizes of the body430amay be made to fit multiple groups of patients, where each shape or size may fit a defined group of patients. The platform body430aincludes one or more (or a plurality of) openings430bthrough which one or more TADs, bolts or other anchoring devices may extend, to secure the platform body to a patient's palate. In the example shown inFIG.41C, the platform body430aincludes four TAD openings430b. Other examples may include any other suitable number of TAD openings and locations on the platform body430a.

The platform430includes one or more (or a plurality of) appliance connector elements that extend from the concave surface of the platform body430. The example inFIG.41Cincludes three appliance connector elements430c,430dand430e, which may correspond (in structure and operation) to appliance connector elements400c,400dand400ediscussed above. In other examples, the platform430may include any suitable number, location and configuration of appliance connector elements. The platform430is configured to secure to a patient's palate and be connected with an appliance, similar to the platform400discussed above. However, the concave plate-like shape of the platform body430acan provide additional stability on the patient's palate and comfort.

Another example of a platform440configured to be secured to a patient's maxilla, is shown inFIG.41D. The platform440includes a body440ahaving a concave, plate-like shape, with a plurality of openings440b(which may be similar to the platform body430aand openings430bdescribed above). The platform440includes appliance connector elements440c,440dextending from a central region of the concave surface of the platform body440a. Each connector element440cand440dis configured to provide a snap fit or friction fit with a corresponding connector element on an appliance (not shown). For example, each appliance connector element440cand440dhas a free end with a head that has an enlarged width relative to the rest of the appliance connector element (where the head is configured to friction fit or snap fit with a mating shaped receptacle on a platform connection arm of an appliance (not shown). In other examples, each of the appliance connector elements440cand440dmay be configured to snap together or otherwise connect with an aligner (such as an aligner as described herein or other aligner) having suitable mating receptacles for receiving the appliance connector elements. Other examples may include any other suitable number, location and configurations of appliance connector elements on the platform body440a.

In other examples, anchoring platforms are configured to be secured to a patient's mandible. An example of two platforms450and460is shown inFIG.41E, represented as secured to a patient's maxilla. Each platform450and460includes a platform body450aor460a, one or more anchorage device connector elements450bor460band one or more appliance connector elements450cor460c. In the example inFIG.41E, each platform450and460includes one appliance connector element450bor460band two anchorage device connector elements450cor460c. The appliance connector elements450band460bmay correspond (in configuration and operation) to the appliance connector elements400c-ediscussed above. The anchorage device connector elements450band460bmay correspond to the anchorage connector elements400bdiscussed above. In other examples, one or both platforms450and460may include any suitable number, location and configuration of appliance connector elements and anchorage device connector elements.

In the example ofFIG.41E, the platform body450aor460acomprises a rigid bar having an arc or curved shape, to correspond to the curvature of a portion of a patient's denture or gingival. In the example inFIG.41E, each platform body450aand460ais configured to curve around a portion of a patient's rear molar, on the lower jaw. In other examples, the platform body450aor460amay be shaped to correspond and fit around or adjacent any other suitable portion of the patient's lower jaw, to provide an anchoring location for an appliance at a desired position along the patient's jaw. A platform as shown and described inFIG.41Emay be configured for securing to any suitable location on the patient's mandible, for providing an anchoring position for an appliance. In various examples, platforms may be configured to be secured to the mandible or the maxilla of a patient, in any suitable location, such as, but not limited to the buccal vestibule with TADs between the roots that will not move, buccal shelf in the mandible, plate, zygomatic area, or the like.

In particular examples, a platform as described herein is configured to be installed using anchorage devices and the anchorage device connector elements as described herein. Either before or after installing the platform body on the patient's palate, an appliance (such as, but not limited to the appliance402inFIG.40) is installed on a patient's teeth, as described herein. As part of the installation of the appliance (e.g., the appliance402as an example), the connector elements of the platform connector arms (such as, but not limited to the arms402c,402dand402einFIG.40) are connected to the appliance connector elements (such as, but not limited to the elements400c,400dor400eof the platform400, as shown inFIG.42). In particular examples, an appliance (such as, but not limited to the appliance402) may be connected with any suitable platform as described herein, to provide additional anchorage and support. In some contexts, the additional anchorage and support can help to move (or more completely move) one or more teeth (or a plurality of teeth independent of each other).

Platforms400,410,420,430440,450,460and6300(and components of the platforms) as described herein may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to Nitinol (NiTi), stainless steel, beta-titanium, cobalt chrome or other metal alloy, polymers or ceramics, and may be made as a single, unitarily-formed structure or, alternatively, in multiple separately-formed components connected together in a single structure.

Any of the example appliances described herein (or other suitable appliances) may include or operate with an installation unit, for assisting a clinician or technician to install the appliance. Installation units according to various examples are described with regard toFIGS.43-49.

In certain examples, as shown inFIGS.43and44, an installation unit500includes a body portion502configured to fit onto one or more (or a plurality of) teeth in a patient's jaw (an upper jaw or a lower jaw). In certain examples, the body portion502may have a shape that corresponds to the entire set of teeth in one of the patient's jaws. For example, the body portion502may have an arch shape (or partial arch shape) of an intraoral scan or a dental impression formed of the patient's jaw. Accordingly, the body portion502may include a recess502afor receiving one or more (or all) of the teeth in a patient's jaw, when installed, so that the installation unit500may be fitted onto a patient's jaw. In particular examples, the body portion502is formed from an actual impression or computer rendition of the patient's teeth, so that the body portion502fits the patient's teeth in a customized manner. In other examples, the body portion502may be configured to fit a plurality of patients (and not customized for a particular patient). For example, various installation unit sizes can be made, to fit a large portion of the public, without requiring a customized body portion502for each patient.

The installation unit500is configured to hold (temporarily) an appliance600, during installation. In certain examples, the body portion502of the installation unit500may include a plurality connection sections502b, such as, but not limited to hooks, tabs, fingers or the like, located or extending along the inward-facing surface of the arch shape (for installing an appliance on the inner or lingual surface of a patient's teeth). In other examples, the body portion of the installation unit may include a similar plurality of connection sections (such as, but not limited to hooks, tabs, fingers or the like) located or extending along the outward-facing surface of the arch shape (for installing an appliance on the outer or buccal surface of a patient's teeth).

The connection sections502bare configured for retaining temporary wire or tie members504that temporarily secure the appliance600to the body portion502of the installation unit500. In other examples, the connection sections502bmay be configured with slots or receptacles to receive and temporarily retain arms or other portions of the appliance in a friction fit or snap fitting arrangement. For example, the installation unit500may be configured with a plurality of connection sections502bcorresponding in number to the number of arms extending from the rigid bar of the appliance600(or corresponding in number to the number of bracket connectors on the appliance600). As shown inFIG.43, the appliance600may be coupled to the installation unit500, by a plurality of wires or ties504, where each wire or tie504couples an arm or a bracket connector of the appliance600to a respective one of the connection sections502bof the installation unit500(for example, by twisting or tying the wire or tie around or through the arm or bracket connector and around or through the connection section). In this manner, the appliance600may be held by the installation unit500, during an installation procedure (for installing the appliance onto a patient's teeth).

More specifically, an installation process may include forming or selecting an appliance600(for example, according to any of the processes described herein or other suitable processes), and forming or selecting an installation unit500to correspond to the patient's teeth in that jaw (for example, to match an impression of a patient's teeth) and to correspond to an appliance. After forming the appliance600, each of the bracket connectors on the appliance may be connected to a corresponding bracket. In addition, the appliance (with the brackets connected) may be secured to the connection sections502bof the installation unit500, by wire ties (or other suitable tie structure, or other temporary connection mechanism). Then, the installation unit500(with the appliance600and brackets attached) can be fitted (placed) on a patient's teeth. In certain examples, the arms of the appliance600extend through slots or gaps between adjacent connection sections502b(such as, but not limited to between hooks, tabs, fingers or the like), located or extending along the arch shape, such that the brackets that are already connected with bracket connectors on the appliance arms are arranged adjacent respective teeth, when the installation unit500is fitted (placed) on the patient's teeth. Then, the brackets may be bonded to respective teeth, while the installation unit500(holding the appliance600) is on the patient's teeth. Once the brackets are bonded to the patient's teeth, the appliance600may be freed from the installation unit500(for example, by untying or cutting the wire or ties), and the installation unit500may be removed, while leaving the appliance600connected to the brackets in place on the patient's teeth.

In particular examples, the appliance600is secured to the installation unit500at a position that locates the appliance600at its proper installation location on the patient's jaw, when the installation unit500is fitted onto the patient's teeth (and the teeth are received within the recess502a). Therefore, once the installation unit500(with the appliance600attached) is placed on the patient's teeth, the appliance600is automatically aligned with the patient's teeth, in a position for connecting to the brackets on the patient's teeth.

In other examples, the installation unit500may be used to install the appliance, after the brackets have been bonded to the patient's teeth. In such examples, the appliance600is secured to the installation unit500(by wire, other tie structures, or other temporary connection mechanism as described herein). In addition, each bracket is bonded to a respective tooth. Then, the installation unit500(with the appliance secured thereto) is placed or fitted onto the patient's teeth. The bracket connector elements on the appliance are then secured to the brackets and the wire, ties or other temporary connection mechanisms are released or removed, to release the appliance from the installation unit500, while the appliance600is secured to the patient's teeth. Then, the installation unit500may be removed (slipped off of the patient's teeth), while the appliance600remains connected to the patient's teeth.

Another example of an installation unit700and an appliance800is shown inFIGS.45-49. The appliance800includes (or is connected with) any of the platforms described herein, such as platform400as described with regard toFIG.39and/or any of the platforms ofFIGS.41A-41E,42and63. Accordingly, the installation unit700inFIGS.45-49includes a central frame702for holding and retaining the platform400in place, relative to the appliance800, for installation with the appliance. The central frame702may include one or more hooks, tabs, fingers or the like on which one or more wire ties (or other tie or temporary connection mechanisms) may secure the platform400to the hooks, tabs, fingers or the like.

The installation unit700and appliance800may be installed in a manner similar to the procedure described for the installation unit500and the appliance600. However, further operations of connecting the platform400to the appliance800may be performed (for example, before the installation unit700is placed in the patient's mouth, for simplifying installation procedures). In addition, further operations of installing the platform400with one or more TADs or other anchoring devices may be performed, after the installation unit700is fitted onto the patient's teeth and before the installation unit700is removed.

Accordingly, the installation unit500or700allows a doctor, clinician or technician to install an appliance (e.g., appliance600or800, or other appliance) or a combination of an appliance and a platform (e.g., platform400or other platform) in one procedure. In addition, some of the installation connections (e.g., as between the appliance and the platform) may be carried out prior to inserting the installation unit into the patient's mouth, to further simplify the installation procedure.

While example appliances600and800and the example platform400are shown inFIGS.43-49, other examples of installation units may be configured as described herein, for any of the other appliances and (or other combinations of appliance and platform) as described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016.

An installation unit as described herein may be configured of any suitable material including, but not limited to a plastic, a rubber, a metal, a composite material, or the like, or combinations thereof. The installation unit may be formed by any suitable manufacturing process including, but not limited to molding, 3D printing, machining, or the like.

Various example appliances or appliance members described herein (or other suitable appliances or appliance members) include a rigid bar that is configured to extend along two or more (or a plurality of) adjacent teeth in a patient's jaw (the upper jaw or the lower jaw), when installed. In some examples, the rigid bar includes X embodiment features, or Z embodiment features, or a combination of X and Z embodiment features as described herein. In any of those examples (or other suitable examples), the appliance or appliance member may include a first portion that, when installed, extends to or along one or more teeth (or a plurality of adjacent teeth) in one of the patient's jaws, and a second portion that extends to or along one or more teeth (or a plurality of adjacent teeth) in the other one of the patient's jaws. In those examples, the appliance or appliance member may include an inter-arch feature (such as, but not limited to an inter-arch spring member) that extends from the first portion of the appliance to the second portion of the appliance (from one jaw to the other jaw), when installed.

In examples having one or more inter-arch feature, the appliance or appliance member may include one or more (or a plurality of) first bracket connectors (or male connector elements) that are configured to connect to one or more (or a plurality of) corresponding brackets on one or more (or a plurality of) associated teeth in one of the patient's jaws (the upper jaw or the lower jaw), and one or more (or a plurality of) second bracket connectors (or male connector elements) that are configured to connect to one or more (or a plurality of) corresponding brackets on one or more (or a plurality of) associated teeth in the other one of the patient's jaws (the other one of the upper jaw or the lower jaw). The bracket connectors (or male connector elements) and associated brackets may include any of the examples described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016, or other suitable examples.

InFIG.50, an example appliance900having an inter-arch feature, in an installed arrangement, installed on teeth on the patient's upper and lower jaws. The appliance900includes a first appliance portion902connected to a bracket903that is secured on a tooth in the patient's upper jaw, and a second appliance portion904connected to a bracket905secured on a tooth in the patient's lower jaw. In the example inFIG.50, the first portion902of the appliance900includes or is a bracket connector. In the example inFIG.50, the second portion904of the appliance900extends along a plurality of teeth in the patient's lower jaw, at least when the patient's jaws are in a closed position as shown in the drawing.

In the example inFIG.50, the appliance900includes an arm906that forms the inter-arch feature when the patient's jaws are in a closed position as shown in the drawing. The appliance900also includes a rigid bar having a plurality of loop or curved features (for example, according to Z embodiment features) that forms the second portion904of the appliance, and can extend to form some of the inter-arch feature when the patient's jaws are in an open or partially open position.

Other examples of appliances910and920are shown inFIGS.51and52, where the entire length of the appliance includes a rigid bar having a plurality of loop or curved features (for example, according to Z embodiment features). In the example inFIG.51, the direction of the length dimension of the rigid bar forms an angle (such as a right angle or other suitable angle) along its length, between a first and second end of the appliance. In the example inFIG.52, the direction of the length dimension of the rigid bar is generally linear. Each of the appliances910and920may be configured such that the bracket connector on one end of the appliance is configured to connect to a bracket on a tooth in one of the patient's jaws, while the bracket connector on the other end of the appliance is configured to connect to a bracket on a tooth in the other one of the patient's jaws. Further examples of appliances corresponding to appliance920are shown inFIGS.53-55, installed on teeth of a patient.

In each of the examples shown inFIGS.50-55, the appliance includes one bracket connector at one end of the appliance and a second bracket connector at a second end of the appliance, with no further bracket connectors. In other examples, the appliance (or appliance member) may include one or more (or a plurality of) further bracket connectors between the bracket connectors at the first and second ends (or instead of one or more of the bracket connectors at the first and second ends) of the appliance (or appliance member). In the examples shown inFIGS.50-53, the bracket connectors and brackets have an annular or ring shape configuration, for example similar to that described for the bracket connector140ainFIG.13, and the brackets903and905have a configuration, for example, similar to that described for the bracket142inFIG.14. In other examples, the appliances or appliance members described with regard toFIGS.50-53may include other bracket connectors as described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016, or other suitable bracket connectors, for connection with associated brackets.

Various example appliances or appliance members described herein (or other suitable appliances or appliance members) are configured to selectively connect with a plurality of brackets secured to a corresponding plurality of teeth in a patient's jaw, as described herein. In certain procedures as described herein and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016, an appliance (or series of appliances) may be installed and maintained on the patient's teeth for a period of time, to effect a desired FTA (or an ITA), after which the appliance is removed. In some examples, after an appliance has been removed from a patient, it may be desirable for the patient to wear a slip-on teeth aligner to provide additional teeth-movement forces or to maintain a desired tooth or teeth arrangement and position.

In particular examples as shown and described with reference toFIGS.56and57, the slip on aligner includes an aligner body950configured to fit over a plurality (or all) of the teeth in a patient's jaw (upper jaw or lower jaw, whereFIGS.56and57show teeth and an aligner for an upper jaw). In particular examples, the aligner body950is formed from a mold made of an impression of a patient's teeth or jaw. The aligner body950may be formed of a plastic, transparent plastic, or other suitable material. The aligner body950may be made by any suitable process including, but not limited to molding, 3D printing, machining, or the like. In some examples, the aligner body950may be made of a material and shape similar to aligners of the type made and sold under the Invisalign™ trademark by Align Technology. In other examples, the aligner body950may be made of other suitable materials or shapes.

In particular examples, the aligner body950is configured to engage and interact with one or more brackets952that are secured to the patient's teeth. The brackets952may correspond to any of the brackets (or female connector elements) described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016, or may correspond to any other suitable bracket. In particular examples, the aligner body950is configured to engage and interact with one or more (or all) of the same brackets952that were already secured to the patient's teeth and that were previously connected with an appliance (or series of appliances) before the appliance was removed. In those examples, after removal of the appliance (or of the last of the series of appliances) from the brackets on a patient's teeth, the brackets remain on the patient's teeth and a slip on aligner body is installed on the patient's teeth, over the brackets. In those examples, the appliance (or series of appliances) may correspond to any of the appliances described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016, or may correspond to any other suitable appliances.

In particular examples, the aligner body950has one or more (or a plurality of) engaging surfaces that are configured to engage a corresponding one or more (or plurality of) brackets952, when the aligner is installed on the patient's teeth, over the teeth on which the brackets are secured. In certain examples, the aligner includes a plurality of receptacles or recesses954that include or define the engaging surfaces. Each receptacle or recess954has one or more engaging surface or surfaces for receiving and engaging a bracket952on the patient's teeth when the aligner body950is installed over the patient's teeth (including the tooth on which the bracket is secured). When the aligner body950is slipped onto the teeth, over the brackets952, the brackets952function as handles on which the aligner body950is able to interface (by abutting) and apply forces on the teeth, for moving, aligning or retaining teeth positions.

A slip on aligner may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to a plastic, a thermoplastic, a rubber, a metal, a composite material, or the like, or combinations thereof. The aligner may be formed by any suitable manufacturing process including, but not limited to molding, 3D printing, machining, or the like.

Systems and processes according to any of the examples described herein or other examples may include a comfort cover or retainer device that is configured to be worn by a patient, while the patient has the appliance in the mouth.

The cover or retainer may be a comfort cover that covers the brackets and the appliance during treatment, and has a smooth outer surface to provide additional comfort to the user. In some examples, the comfort cover or retainer is configured to fit over and cover an appliance and brackets as described herein. In other examples, the comfort cover or retainer may be configured to cover other types of dental appliances, traditional braces, or the like.

In particular examples, the comfort cover or retainer may include a retainer body having a shape to fit over and cover some or all of the teeth in a patient's jaw (upper jaw or lower jaw). In particular examples, the retainer body is shaped to fit over at least some of the patient's teeth and provide a sufficiently tight or snug fit on the patient's teeth, so as to retain the retainer body on the patient's teeth, yet allow the patient to selectively remove (slide off) the retainer from the teeth.

In some examples, the comfort cover or retainer may be configured similar to (and of similar materials as) the aligner body described above, but is configured to cover the appliance and bracket during treatment, while the appliance is secured to the brackets. In other examples, the comfort cover or retainer may be made of other suitable materials or shapes. The retainer body may be formed by any suitable process as described herein and may be formed from an impression taken of the patient's teeth. In particular examples, the retainer body is shaped to provide a sufficiently tight fit to be retained on a patient's teeth (over an appliance and brackets), yet also provide space for one or more teeth to move, without obstruction, between an OTA and an FTA, or between an OTA and an ITA, or between two ITAs, or between an ITA and an FTA.

In that regard, the retainer body may be configured to have a shape and dimension that corresponds to and fits over the patient's current teeth arrangement (with an appliance and brackets), with sufficiently tight fitting portions on at least some of the teeth covered by the retainer body to hold the retainer onto the teeth, yet also include sufficient spacing adjacent one or more of the teeth to allow the teeth to move (due to the action of an appliance) without obstruction or friction from retainer body. For example, a clearance or spacing may be provided adjacent one or more of the teeth, to allow teeth movement, where the spacing may be uniform along some or all of the retainer body, or may vary along the retainer body so as to be different for different teeth locations. A clearance or spacing of, for example, 0.2 mm may be provided adjacent one or more teeth that are being moved by an underlying appliance. In other examples, the clearance or spacing may range from about 0.1 mm to about 0.3 mm. In other examples, other suitable clearance or spacing may be used.

The retainer body may have a relatively smooth outer surface that avoids or minimizes contact between the patient's tongue or cheek and sharp or protruding portions of the appliance or brackets. In further examples, comfort covers may have sufficient rigidity to provide splints for treating certain conditions, such as, but not limited to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions. In further examples, comfort covers may be configured to provide additional protection of the patient's teeth or appliances secured to the teeth, for example, in sports or other activities, similar to a sports mouth guard.

The retainer body may be formed of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to a flexible, plastic or thermoplastic material, a rubber, a metal, a composite material, or the like, or combinations thereof. The retainer body may be made by any suitable manufacturing process including, but not limited to molding, transforming or suck down machine, 3D printing, machining, or the like.

Any of the example appliances or appliance members described herein (or other suitable appliances or appliance members) may be configured with a computer-aided procedure for selecting or configuring one or more (or all) of the arms on the appliance or appliance member (e.g., arms for an X embodiment feature), one or more (or all) of the loop or curved features (e.g., loop or curved features for a Z embodiment feature).

In particular examples, the computer-aided procedure employs an algorithm for selecting or configuring an arm or a loop or curved feature, for example, from one or more predefined sets of options or one or more ranges of options. Thus, for example, a set of options or a range of options may be predefined for one or more parameters associated with an arm or a loop or curved feature. The one or more parameters associated with an arm may include, but are not limited to, the overall length of the arm, the length of the arm section between the spring member and the bracket connector (e.g., corresponding to arm section100cof arm100inFIG.10), the shape or configuration of the spring member, the shape or configuration of the bracket connector on the distal end of the arm, the width dimension of one or more sections of the arm, the thickness dimension of one or more sections of the arm, or the like. The one or more parameters associated with a loop or curved feature, or an Z embodiment feature may include, but is not limited to the shape or configuration of the loop or curved feature, the width dimension of one or more sections of the loop or curved feature, the thickness dimension of one or more sections of the loop or curved feature, the shape, configuration or type of bracket connector, or the like.

In particular examples, the computer-aided procedure employs an algorithm for selecting or configuring an appliance or an arm or curved or loop feature of an appliance includes, as input, (but is not limited to) one or more values representing one or more of: (a) up to three translational and up to three rotational movements from an OTA to an ITA or FTA, or from an ITA to another ITA or FTA; (b) the surface of periodontal ligament (PDL) or the area of the root of a or each tooth; (c) bone density of the patient; (d) biological determinants for example, obtained from saliva, gingival fluid (GCF), blood, urine, mucosa, or other sources; (e) gender of the patient; (f) ethnicity of the patient; (g) the jaw (maxilla or mandible) for which the appliance is to be installed; (i) the number of teeth on which the appliance is to be installed; and (j) mechanical properties of the tissue (lips, tongue, gingiva) and bone around the teeth to be moved. An output generated by the computer-aided procedure, based on such input, includes, but is not limited to one or more of: (a) a design of an arm in an X embodiment appliance section, or a design of a curved or loop feature of a Z embodiment appliance section; (b) a width or cut-width of one or more of such arms or curved or loop features; (c) a thickness dimension of the appliance or of curved or loop feature or other sections of the appliance; (d) mechanical properties of such arms or curved or loop features including but not limited to amount of flexibility, or a magnitude of bias force or resilience; (e) transformational temperature of the nitinol (or other material) in one or more (or each) section of the appliance. The algorithm may employ finite element analysis (FEA) or other suitable analysis process.

The procedure may be configured to select one (or more than one) arm, loop or curved feature, bracket connector, or parameter thereof, based on one or more input data. For example, input data may include, but is not limited to, a type of a tooth (e.g., molar, canine, incisor, etc.) or a size of a tooth. A larger tooth (such as a molar) may require larger arms or larger, wider or thicker loop or curved features for providing a greater force, than for a smaller tooth (such as an incisor). Alternatively or in addition, input data may include the size of the periodontal ligament (PDL) of one or more teeth. The size of the PDL may be obtained by any suitable process including, but not limited to, CBCT scan or other imaging technique. Other input data may include, but is not limited to, the number or direction of forces to be applied to a tooth or teeth in a three-dimensional space. For example, a desired tooth movement direction may require one or more shapes or configurations of spring members or of loop or curved features, that differ from the shapes or configurations required for a different tooth movement direction. Other input data may include but is not limited to, the number or direction of rotational forces (or torque) to be applied to a tooth or teeth. For example, a desired tooth movement in a rotational direction may require one or more shapes or configurations of spring members or of loop or curved features, that differ from the shapes or configurations required for a different tooth movement direction. In other examples, other suitable input data may be employed. The computer-aided process employs a computer programed or configured with suitable non-transient software, hardware, firmware, or combinations thereof, to generate an output (such as one or more selected arm configurations or one or more selected loop or curved feature configurations), based on the one or more input data.

In particular examples, computer-aided processes can be employed to make customized appliances or appliance members, for each given patient. In other examples, appliances or appliance members may be made in a plurality (set number) of predefined sizes, shapes, configurations, or the like, based on a population group. Accordingly, a different semi-customized size, shape or configuration (or combination) would be configured to fit each different selected portion of the population group. In that manner, a more limited number of different appliance sizes, shapes and configurations may be made to accommodate a relatively large portion of the population. Similar manufacturing processes, for producing sizes, shapes and configurations suitable for population groups (rather than individual patients) may be applied to the manufacture of aligners and comfort covers or retainers as described herein.

Systems and processes according to any of the example appliances described herein or other example appliances may include or operate with an expander device. An expander device may include, but is not limited to a palatal expansion device, a rapid palatal expander (RPE), a mini screw assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) device, or a Maxillary Skeletal Expansion (MSE) device. Such expander devices are installed on a patient's palate, for applying an expansion force to spread or widen the palate. The expander device may include an expandable platform having one or more openings or TAD connector features through which one or more TADs (or other suitable anchorage devices) may be extended, to secure the expandable platform to the patient's maxilla. In some examples, the expander device may include a threaded screw or other operator that can be operated by a doctor, clinician or technician, to adjust the expansion force (for example, as part of a treatment plan).

An expander device according to examples described herein includes one or more connection features for selectively connecting an appliance to the expander device, such as, but not limited to any of the appliances as described herein. Accordingly, in such examples, expansion and alignment forces may be provided, simultaneously.

In particular examples, an expander device can provide an anchoring platform having one or more anchoring locations for an appliance. An expander device may be provided with one or more (or a plurality) of appliance connector elements, which may correspond to appliance connector elements400c,400dand400efor connecting to a platform connection arm of an appliance, as discussed above, or may have other suitable configuration for connecting to an appliance. For example, each appliance connector element may have a configuration similar to bracket (or female connector elements) described herein, including, but not limited to the bracket160described above.

An example of an expander device1000that provides an expander function, but also provides an anchoring platform, is shown inFIGS.58and59, as installed on a patient's palate. The expander device1000is shown inFIG.58, as installed on a patient's palate, before connection with an appliance (or after removal of an appliance). The expander device1000is shown inFIG.59, connected with an appliance1002that is installed on the patient's teeth. The appliance1002may be any of the appliance examples described herein or another suitable appliance.

In particular examples, the expander device1000may be installed on the patient, before the appliance is installed. Then the appliance may be installed on the patient's teeth. Then the appliance may be connected to the appliance connection elements on the expander device, to help anchor the appliance.

The expander device1000inFIGS.58and59has or operates with three appliance connector elements1004,1005and1006. In the example inFIGS.58and59, each appliance connector element1004,1005and1006has a winged shape (having two projections or wings), similar to the bracket160described above. In the example inFIGS.58and59, two of the appliance connector elements1005and1006are arranged near the back (or molar teeth end) of the expander device, for positioning near the patient's molars when installed. A third appliance connector element1004is arranged near the incisor teeth end of the expander device, for positioning near the patient's incisors when installed. In other examples, the expander device100may include any suitable number, configuration and location of appliance connector elements, for providing anchor positions for one or more platform connection arms of an appliance.

The appliance1002includes three platform connection arms1014,1015and1016, for selectively connecting to the appliance connector elements1004,1005and1006, respectively, as shown inFIG.59. In other examples, the appliance may include any suitable number of platform connection arms, such as a number corresponding to the number of appliance connector elements provided on the expander device. Each platform connection arm1014,1015and1016has a distal end on which a platform connector element is provided, for connecting to a respective appliance connector element1004,1005and1006. In the example inFIG.59, each platform connector element has a configuration corresponding to the bracket connector (or male connector element)150discussed above, for selectively connecting to the winged shaped appliance connector element1004,1005or1006(similar to the manner in which the bracket connector150selectively connects with the bracket160as discussed above).

In certain examples, the appliance connector elements1004,1005and1006may be formed on the body of the expander device1000. In other examples, the appliance connector elements1004,1005and1006are provided on a hook member1020(FIG.60) that is configured to be attached to the body of an expander device1000. InFIG.59, the hook member1020is attached to the body of the expander device1000, for example, to a bottom surface (in the orientation ofFIG.59) of the expander device1000by an adhesive, weld, snap or friction fit or other suitable connection mechanism. In certain examples, the hook member1020is configured to attach to the body of a standard expander device1000. In other examples, the hook member1020is configured to attach to a custom-made expander device.

Systems and processes according to any of the examples described herein or other examples may be installed on a patient in any suitable manner. Typically, tools are used to hold and selectively squeeze and release bracket connectors or other components during installation. A common dental tool is shown inFIG.61and is referred to as a Weingart orthodontic pliers1030. However, as appliance components located in molar or other regions of a patient's jaw can be difficult to reach and manipulate, using standard Weingart style tools.

Accordingly, an example of an orthodontic pliers tool1032having a configuration similar in some manners to a Weingart pliers is shown inFIG.62. The Weingart tool has a pair of handles that are pivotally connected to each other at a pivot point, and are manually pivotal to move in a direction to spread apart or close together. The Weingart tool has a pair of jaws that are moveable to spread apart or close together, with the pivotal movement of the handles.

However, the tool1030has a pair of jaws1033and1034that extend from the pivot point, at an angle relative to an axis AA extending (symmetrically) between handles1035and1036. In the example inFIG.62, the jaws1033and1034are directed at an angle of about 90 degrees from the axis AA. In other examples, the jaws1033and1034may be directed at other angles (e.g., within the range of 60 to 120 degrees) of the axis AA.

The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative, and not restrictive. The present disclosure is in no way limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Various modifications and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

FIG.63is a perspective view of an anchoring platform6300(or “platform6300”) configured to be installed in a patient's mouth, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Similar to the anchoring platforms described herein, for example with respect toFIGS.39-42, the platform6300is configured to be positioned within the patient's oral cavity to secure the appliances of the present technology to local hard and/or soft tissue, including tissue comprising the palate, the maxilla bone, and/or the mandible bone. According to some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG.63, the platform6300includes an annular body6305defining an opening6315, one or more anchorage connector elements6310a,6310b,6310c,6310d(collectively referred to as “anchorage connector elements6310”) configured to facilitate fastening of the platform6300to the patient's palate, and one or more appliance connector elements6320a,6320b,6320c(collectively referred to as “appliance connector elements6320”) configured to be coupled to an orthodontic appliance for repositioning a patient's dentition. Each of the anchorage connector elements6310and/or appliance connector elements6320can extend inwardly from the body6305toward the opening6315or can extend outwardly from the body6305, away from the opening6315. In the embodiments depicted byFIG.63, connector elements6310a,6310bextend inwardly toward the opening6315and connector elements6310c,6310d, and6320a-cextend outwardly, away from the opening6315. Other configurations are within the scope of the present technology.

The body6305can have an ovular shape (as shown inFIG.63) or can define or enclose other shapes, such as a circle, rectangle, a square, a polygon, any non-polygonal shape, etc. In some embodiments, the body6305forms an open frame, such as a C-shape, an arch, and/or any other structure having two longitudinal ends that are spaced apart and/or not connected. According to various embodiments, the body6305comprises a solid structure. The body6305can be formed of one or more metals, polymers, or other substantially rigid materials.

Although the device6300shown inFIG.63includes four anchorage connector elements6310and three appliance connector elements6320, in some embodiments the device6300may include more or fewer anchorage connector elements6310(e.g., one, two, three, five, seven, etc.) and/or more or fewer appliance connector elements6320(e.g., one, two, four, five, seven, etc.). Each of the anchorage connector elements6310a-dis configured to hold a permanent anchorage device or a temporary anchorage device (TAD). In certain examples, the anchorage connector elements6310may correspond to the TAD holders described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016 (for example, at reference numbers 812, 904 or 1012 in that application). The anchorage connector elements6310allow a clinician to secure the body6305of the platform6300to a patient's palate using one or more anchoring devices such as, but not limited to screws, temporary anchorage devices TADs or other suitable anchorage device that extend into the patient's palate (soft and hard tissue). In certain examples, each anchorage device connector element6310a-dmay have an opening (e.g., an opening in an annular extension) through which a screw, TAD or other anchor device may extend. In some examples, other suitable connector element configurations may be employed for receiving or holding a screw, TAD or other anchor device.

Each of the appliance connector elements6320can include a base portion6325extending directly from the body6305and one or more protrusions6330(only one labeled) extending from the base portion6325. When the platform6300is installed within the patient's mouth on or adjacent the palate, the base portions6325may angle away from the body6305along a dimension generally parallel to palate, and the protrusions6330may extend away from the base portions625substantially perpendicular to the plane of the respective base portion6325. In some embodiments, the protrusions6330associated with a given base portion6325may be spaced apart from one another such that a gap is formed therebetween. In some embodiments, the appliance connector elements6320or portions thereof, as well as the positional arrangement of one or more portions of the appliance connector elements6320(including the protrusions6330) can be configured to secure another device thereto. For example, as explained above with respect toFIGS.39-42, the appliance connector elements6320or portions thereof may be configured to be selectively connected with a respective platform connection arm on an appliance (such as any of the appliances disclosed herein). Each appliance connector element6320a-cmay have a configuration corresponding to any of the brackets (or female connector elements) described herein, described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016. Each platform connection arm of the appliance may have a configuration corresponding to any of the bracket connectors (or male connector elements) described herein, described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704, filed Dec. 5, 2016. In other examples, each appliance connector element and each platform connection arm may have any other suitable configuration for selectively connecting and disconnecting from each other. In certain examples, each appliance connector element6320a-chas a configuration that includes a receptacle for receiving and holding a portion of respective platform connection arm of an appliance.

The anchorage connector elements6310and/or the appliance connector elements6320can be formed of one or more metals, polymers, or other substantially rigid materials. In some embodiments, the body6305and/or one, some, or all of the anchorage connector elements6310and/or one, some, or all of the appliance connector elements6320may comprise a single component having a continuous surface. In several embodiments, the body6305, all of the anchorage connector elements6310, and all of the appliance connector elements6320comprise a unitary, integrally formed structure.

Several aspects of the present technology may include a positioning member to guide installation of the platforms disclosed herein within the patient's mouth. In particular, the positioning members may be configured to position the anchorage connector elements at a desired location(s) along the palate and/or mandible to ensure correct placement of the platform once installed.FIG.64, for example, is a perspective view of the platform6300ofFIG.63coupled to a positioning member6400disposed over a patient's teeth, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. While the positioning member6400is described below with reference to the platform6300, it will be appreciated that the positioning member6400can be used with any of the platforms disclosed herein, including platforms400,410,420,430,440,450and460. As shown inFIG.64, the positioning member6400can include a first portion6405configured to be positioned at the patient's teeth, and one or more second portions6410a,6410b,6410c(collectively referred to as “second portions6410”) coupled to and extending from the first portion6405and configured to engage the platform.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG.64, the positioning member6400may be configured to be disposed on or adjacent to the occlusal surfaces of the patient's teeth. Additionally or alternatively, the positioning member6400may be configured to be disposed on or adjacent other surfaces of the teeth. In some embodiments the first portion6405comprises a covering, such as a cap or aligner, configured to fit over the patient's teeth and having a shape specifically resembling the patient's teeth such that the positioning member6400is designed to fit the patient's dentition. In some embodiments, the first portion6405comprises an open frame, wire, or other structural member that does not cover the patient's teeth. According to several embodiments, the first portion6405comprises both a cover portion and an open frame portion. The positioning member6400may comprise any suitable material such as a plastic, a polymer, a thermoplastic, a rubber, a metal, a composite material, or the like, or combinations thereof.

The second portion6410of the positioning member6400may be configured to be temporarily coupled to the platform6300such that the positioning member6400holds the platform6300in a desired location and/or orientation during installation of the platform6300but can be removed once the platform6300is installed. In some embodiments, for example, the second portion6410includes coupling regions configured to releasably engage all or a portion of the platform6300. The coupling regions may comprise one or more indentations at the underside of the positioning member6400(i.e., facing the platform) that are shaped to complement all or a portion of the shape and/or topography of the platform6300. The indentations may provide a sufficiently tight or snug fit on all or a portion of the platform6300, yet allow the positioning member6400to be removed once the platform is installed. In some embodiments, the coupling regions comprise coupling members attached to the second portion6410and/or other releasable fastening means.

It some cases it may be beneficial to design the positioning member6400such that all or a portion of the platform6300is visible to the clinician during installation, including the anchorage connector elements6310. For example, all or a portion of the positioning member6400may be sufficiently transparent such that the platform6300is visible through the positioning member6400when coupled to the platform6300. In these and other embodiments, the second portion6410of the positioning member6400may comprise one or more gaps or openings through which portions of the platform6300are visible and/or accessible by the clinician, such as the anchorage connector elements6310. In some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG.64, the second portion6410may comprise three distinct regions with gaps therebetween, each of the regions extending from the first portion6405to a corresponding end region that is configured to be coupled to the platform6300. In some embodiments, the positioning member6400has more or fewer regions (e.g., one continuous region, two regions, four regions, etc.). The length of each of the regions of the second portions6410may be the same or different depending on the required placement of the platform6300relative to the patient's teeth and palate.

One or more portions of the second portion6410(including any region thereof) can have a length configured to position the platform6300in a desired location and desired arrangement or orientation relative to the teeth and palate. For example, referring to the positioning member6400and platform6300shown inFIG.64, the lengths of the individual second portions6410a,6410b,6410ccan ensure the platform6300is arranged over the patient's palate such that the fasteners received through the anchorage connector elements6310secure the platform6300to the patient's palate.

The positioning member6400may be designed based on an oral scan of the patient's mouth and/or obtained data corresponding to an original tooth arrangement of the patient. Based on the scan and the intended appliance, the clinician or operator may determine the shape and size of the platform6300, the shape, size, and positioning of the anchorage connector elements6310, and/or the shape, size, and positioning of the appliance connector elements6320. The positioning member6400may be formed by any suitable manufacturing process including, but not limited to molding, thermoforming, 3D printing, machining, or the like.

In use, the platform6300can be coupled to the positioning member6400, for example by inserting the platform6300in pre-made grooves within the positioning member6400. For example, the platform6300can snap into the grooves so that the platform6300and positioning member6400are temporarily connected. The positioning member and platform assembly can then be disposed over the patient's teeth such that the platform6300(including the anchorage connector elements6310) is disposed at a desired location along the patient's palate. One or more fastening elements may then be used to secure the anchorage connector elements6310in place. With the platform6300secured to the patient's palate, the positioning member6400can be decoupled from the platform6300and removed from the patient's mouth. For example, the positioning member6400may be pulled away from the platform6300such that the platform6300is freed from the indentations of the positioning member6400.