DENTAL APPLIANCES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE

An orthodontic appliance and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent a patient's teeth, and an arm extending away from and coupled to the anchor. The arm can include a first end portion at the anchor and a second end portion configured to be coupled to a securing member adhered to a tooth of the patient. The second end portion can include a first region and a second region extending from the first region at an angle. When the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and secured to the securing member, the first and second regions may inhibit the second end portion from translating and/or rotating relative to the securing member.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to the field of orthodontics and, more particularly, to devices, systems, and methods for securing orthodontic appliances to a patient's teeth.

BACKGROUND

A common objective in orthodontics is to move a patient's teeth to positions where the teeth function optimally and aesthetically. To move the teeth, the orthodontist begins by obtaining multiple scans and/or impressions of the patient's teeth to determine a series of corrective paths between the initial positions of the teeth and the desired ending positions. The orthodontist then fits the patient to one of two main appliance types: braces or aligners.

Traditional braces consist of brackets and an archwire placed across a front side of the teeth, with elastic ties or ligature wires to secure the archwire to the brackets. In some cases self-ligating brackets may be used in lieu of ties or wires. The shape and stiffness of the archwire as well as the archwire-bracket interaction governs the forces applied to the teeth and thus the direction and degree of tooth movement. To exert a desired force on the teeth, the orthodontist often manually bends the archwire. The orthodontist monitors the patient's progress through regular appointments, during which the orthodontist visually assesses the progress of the treatment and makes manual adjustments to the archwire (such as new bends) and/or replaces or repositions brackets. The adjustment process is both time consuming and tedious for the patient and more often than not results in patient discomfort for several days following the appointment. Moreover, braces are not aesthetically pleasing and make brushing, flossing, and other dental hygiene procedures difficult.

Aligners comprise clear, removable, polymeric shells having cavities shaped to receive and reposition teeth to produce a final tooth arrangement. Dubbed “invisible braces,” aligners offer patients significantly improved aesthetics over braces. Aligners do not require the orthodontists to bend wires or reposition brackets and are generally more comfortable than braces. However, unlike braces, aligners cannot effectively treat all malocclusions. Certain tooth repositioning steps, such as extrusion, translation, and certain rotations, can be difficult or impossible to achieve with aligners. Moreover, because the aligners are removable, success of treatment is highly dependent on patient compliance, which can be unpredictable and inconsistent.

Lingual braces are an alternative to aligners and traditional (buccal) braces and have been gaining popularity in recent years. Two examples of existing lingual braces are the Incognito™ Appliance System (3M United States) and INBRACE® (Swift Health Systems, Irvine, Calif., USA), each of which consists of brackets and an archwire placed on the lingual, or tongue side, of the teeth. In contrast to traditional braces, lingual braces are virtually invisible, and, unlike aligners, lingual braces are fixed to the patient's teeth and force compliance. These existing lingual technologies, however, also come with several disadvantages. Most notably, conventional lingual appliances still rely on a bracket-archwire system to move the teeth, thus requiring multiple office visits and painful adjustments. For example, lingual technologies have a relatively short inter-bracket distance, which generally makes compliance of the archwire stiffer. As a result, the overall lingual appliance is more sensitive to archwire adjustments and causes more pain for the patient. Moreover, the lingual surfaces of the appliance can irritate the tongue and impact speech, and make the appliance difficult to clean.

Therefore, a need exists for improved orthodontic appliances.

SUMMARY

The subject technology is illustrated, for example, according to various aspects described below, including with reference toFIGS. 1A-134. Various examples of aspects of the subject technology are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples and do not limit the subject technology.

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 selectively connect 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 Clause 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 Clause 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 Clause 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 Clause 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 Clause 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 Clause 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 Clause 4, wherein each of the first arm and the second arm includes a spring member.

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

17. 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; and 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.

18. The appliance of Clause 17, 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.

19. The appliance of Clause 17, 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.

20. The appliance of Clause 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.

21. An orthodontic appliance, comprising:an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent a patient's teeth; andan arm extending away from and coupled to the anchor, the arm including a first end portion at the anchor and a second end portion configured to be coupled to a securing member adhered to a tooth of the patient, wherein the second end portion comprises a first region and a second region extending from the first region at an angle, the first region being farther from the anchor than the second region,wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, (a) the second region extends in a generally mesial-distal direction and abuts a coupling arm of the securing member, and (b) the first region abuts a portion of the coupling arm, thereby inhibiting rotation of the second end portion relative to the securing member.

22. The appliance of Clause 1, wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the first region extends in a generally occlusal-gingival direction.

23. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth, the second region extends in a generally mesial-distal direction under the coupling arm of the securing member.

24. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the first region inhibits translation of the second end portion relative to the securing member.

25. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein:the second end portion further comprises a third region closer to the anchor than the second region,the portion of the coupling arm is a first portion of the coupling arm, andwhen the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the third region extends in a generally occlusal-gingival direction and abuts a second portion of the coupling arm that is closer to the patient's gingiva than the second region of the second end portion.

26. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein:the coupling arm is a first coupling arm and the securing member further comprises a second coupling arm,the first region has a first side and a second side, andwhen the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the first side of the first region abuts the first coupling arm and the second side of the first region abuts the second coupling arm such that the first region opposes mesial and distal rotation and/or translation relative to the securing member.

27. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein:the second end portion of the arm further comprises a third region closer to the anchor than the second region,the coupling arm is a first coupling arm and the securing member further comprises a second coupling arm, andwhen the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the third region abuts a region of each of the first and second coupling arms that is closer to the root of the patient's tooth than a region of each of the first and second coupling arms that extends over the second region of the second end portion.

28. The appliance of Clause 26 or Clause 27, wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the second region extends under both the first and second coupling arms in a generally mesial-distal direction.

29. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein:the portion of the coupling arm is a first portion of the coupling arm,the second end portion further comprises a third region extending from the second region toward the anchor, the third region having first and second legs, andwhen the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, one or both of the first and second legs of the third region abut a second portion of the coupling arm that is closer to the root of the patient's tooth than the first portion.

30. The appliance of Clause 29, further comprising a fourth region extending between the first and second legs, wherein the first and second legs, second region, and fourth region together define an opening.

31. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein:the second end portion further comprises a third region extending from the second region, the third region being farther from the anchor than the second region, andwhen the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the first region is adjacent a first side of the coupling arm and the third region is adjacent a second, opposing side of the coupling arm.

32. The appliance of Clause 31, wherein each of the first and third regions extends at an angle, relative to the second region, greater than 90°.

33. The appliance of Clause 31, further comprising a fourth region extending between the first and third regions, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth regions together define an opening.

34. The appliance of Clause 33, wherein:the portion of the coupling arm is a first portion of the coupling arm,the appliance further comprises a fifth region extending from the second region toward the anchor, the fifth region having first and second legs,when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, one or both of the first and second legs of the fifth region abut a second portion of the coupling arm that is closer to the root of the patient's tooth than the first portion.

35. The appliance of Clause 34, wherein:the opening is a first opening,the appliance further comprises a sixth region extending between the first and second legs of the fifth region, andthe second, fifth, and sixth regions together define a second opening.

36. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the anchor is configured to be positioned adjacent a lingual side of the patient's teeth.

37. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the anchor is configured to be positioned adjacent a buccal side of the patient's teeth.

38. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the arm is one of a plurality of arms, each of the plurality of arms having a respective second end portion with first and second regions.

39. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm are formed of a single, unitary member.

40. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm are integral with one another.

41. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm comprise a continuous surface.

42. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the angle is between 70°-110°.

43. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the anchor is arch-shaped.

44. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm are formed of a superelastic material.

45. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the arm includes a biasing region between the first and second end portions, wherein the biasing region is configured to provide a rotational force and/or a longitudinal force to at least one of the patient's teeth when the second end portion is secured to the securing member.

46. The appliance of Clause 45, wherein the biasing region includes a serpentine shape.

47. The appliance of Clause 45, wherein the biasing region includes a first portion having a first inflection point and a second portion having a second inflection point, the second portion being farther from the anchor than the first portion.

48. The appliance of Clause 45, wherein the biasing region includes a first concave region facing a first direction, and a second concave region facing a second direction different than the first direction, the first concave region being farther from the anchor than the second concave region.

49. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the securing member is a 2D® lingual bracket.

50. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein at least one of the anchor, the arm, or the securing member comprises nitinol, stainless steel, beta-titanium, cobalt chrome, other metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, and/or combinations thereof.

51. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the coupling arm of the securing member is bent over the second region of the second end portion.

52. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the coupling arm of the securing member is plastically deformed over the second region of the second end portion.

53. An orthodontic appliance, comprising:an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent a patient's teeth; andan arm extending away from the anchor, the arm including a first end portion at the anchor and a second end portion configured to be coupled to a securing member adhered to a tooth of the patient, wherein the second end portion comprises an extension and first and second shoulder regions adjacent the extension;wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, (a) the extension extends in a generally mesial-distal direction and abuts a coupling means of the securing member, and (b) the first and second shoulder regions abut mesial and distal sides of the coupling means, respectively, thereby inhibiting rotation and/or translation of the second end portion relative to the securing member.

54. The appliance of Clause 53, wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the first region extends in a generally occlusal-gingival direction.

55. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the anchor is configured to be positioned on a lingual side of the patient's teeth.

56. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the anchor is configured to be positioned on a buccal side of the patient's teeth.

57. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the arm is one of a plurality of arms, each of the plurality of arms having a respective second end portion with respective first and second shoulder regions.

58. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm are formed of a single, unitary member.

59. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm are integral with one another.

60. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm comprise a continuous surface.

61. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the anchor is arch-shaped.

62. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the anchor and the arm are formed of a superelastic material.

63. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein at least one of the anchor, the arm, or the securing member comprises nitinol, stainless steel, beta-titanium, cobalt chrome, other metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, and/or combinations thereof.

64. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the arm includes a biasing region between the first and second end portions, wherein the biasing region is configured to provide a rotational force and/or longitudinal force to at least one of the patient's teeth when the distal portion is secured to the securing member.

65. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the securing member is a 2D® lingual bracket.

66. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the coupling arm of the securing member is bent over the second region of the distal portion.

67. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the coupling arm of the securing member is plastically deformed over the second region of the distal portion.

68. An orthodontic system, comprising:an anchor configured to be implanted adjacent a patient's teeth;a plurality of arms coupled to the anchor and spaced apart from one another, the plurality of arms comprising a first arm including (i) an end portion, (ii) a first member at the end portion and extending in a first direction, and (iii) a second member at the end portion and extending from the first member in a second direction at an angle relative to the first member, the first member being farther from the anchor than the second member; anda plurality of securing members configured to be disposed on the patient's teeth, the plurality of securing members comprising a first securing member including a coupling arm configured to secure the end portion of the first arm to the first securing member such that rotation and/or translation of the end portion relative to the first securing member is inhibited via the coupling arm.

69. The system of Clause 66, wherein, when the first arm is coupled to the first securing member, the first arm is generally oriented in an occlusal-gingival direction such that the end portion of the first arm is in apposition with a lingual face of at least one of the patient's teeth.

70. The system of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the coupling arm is configured to be disposed over the second member and therein secure the first arm to the first securing member.

71. The system of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first securing member comprises a base attached to the coupling arm and configured to be fixed to a lingual face of one of the patient's teeth.

72. The system of Clause 71, wherein a portion of the coupling arm includes a curved surface, at least a portion of the curved surface being spaced apart from the base.

73. The system of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the coupling arm is a first coupling arm, the system further comprising a second coupling arm, wherein, when the first arm is coupled to the first securing member, the first coupling arm is spaced apart from the second coupling arm via a base region of the end portion of the first arm.74. The system of Clause 73, wherein the first coupling arm abuts a first side of the first member and the second coupling arm abuts a second side of the first member, the first side being opposite the second side.

75. The system of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first arm comprises a frame portion defining an opening and including the second member, a portion of the coupling arm being disposed within the opening when the first arm is coupled to the first securing member.

76. The system of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the angle is within a range from 70° to 110°.

77. An orthodontic system, comprising:an anchor configured to be disposed adjacent a patient's teeth;an arm coupled to and extending from the anchor, the arm comprising—a biasing portion, andan attachment portion extending from the biasing portion, the attachment portion including (i) a first member extending in a first direction and (ii) a second member extending in a second direction at an angle relative to the first member; anda securing member configured to be attached to the patient's teeth, the securing members comprising a coupling arm configured to secure the attachment portion to the securing member such that rotation and/or translation of the attachment portion relative to the securing member is inhibited.

78. The system of Clause 77, wherein the first member is farther from the anchor than the second member.

79. The system of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the anchor comprises an arch shape and is configured to be disposed on a lingual side of the patient's teeth.

80. The system of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein at least one of the anchor, the arm, or the securing member comprises nitinol, stainless steel, beta-titanium, cobalt chrome, other metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, and/or combinations thereof.

81. The system of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first direction is substantially orthogonal to the second direction.

82. The system of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the coupling arm is attached to a base of the securing member and includes a coupling portion, wherein, when the attachment portion is coupled to the securing member, the coupling portion is disposed over the second member of the attachment portion to secure the attachment portion to the securing member.

83. The system of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the arm comprises a frame portion defining an opening and including the second member, wherein, when the attachment portion is secured to the securing member, a portion of the coupling arm is disposed within the opening.

84. The system of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the attachment portion is coupled to the securing member, the first member of the attachment portion is in apposition with or abuts the coupling arm.

85. The system of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the arm comprises a third member extending in the second direction and is farther from the anchor than the second member, wherein, when the attachment portion is secured to the securing member, the third member abuts an end portion of the coupling arm.

86. The system of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the arm comprises a third member extending in the first direction and is farther from the anchor than the second member, wherein the second member extends from the first member to the third member, and wherein, when the attachment portion is secured to the securing member, the coupling arm is between the first member and the third member.

87. The system of Clause 86, wherein the arm comprises a fourth member extending from the first member to the third member, the fourth member being farther from the anchor than the second member, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth members together define an opening, and wherein, when the attachment portion is secured to the securing member, a portion of the coupling arm is disposed within the opening.

88. A method for attaching an orthodontic appliance to a patient's tooth, the method comprising:providing an orthodontic appliance including—an anchor; andan arm extending away from and coupled to the anchor, the arm including a first end portion at the anchor and a second end portion farther from the anchor than the first end portion, wherein the second end portion comprises a first region and a second region extending at an angle from the first region, the first region being farther from the anchor than the second region;coupling a securing member to a patient's tooth; andcoupling the appliance to the securing member, thereby inhibiting rotation and/or translation of the second end portion relative to the securing member.

89. The method of Clause 88, wherein the securing member includes a coupling arm, and wherein coupling the appliance to the securing member comprises:positioning the second end portion of the appliance in apposition to the securing member such that the second region of the second end portion extends in a generally mesial-distal direction under the coupling arm of the securing member.

90. The method of Clause 89, wherein coupling the appliance to the securing member further comprises:before positioning the second end portion, temporarily moving a portion of the coupling arm to an open position, thereby enabling the second region to be positioned under the coupling arm.

91. The method of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein:the second end portion of the arm includes a base region extending from the second region of the second end portion toward the anchor,the securing member includes a first coupling arm and a second coupling spaced apart from the first coupling arm, andcoupling the appliance to the securing member comprises—positioning the second end portion of the appliance in apposition to the securing member such that (i) the second region of the second end portion extends in a generally mesial-distal direction under each of the first and second coupling arms of the securing member, and (ii) the base region is between the first and second coupling arms.

92. The method of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the appliance is that of any one of the Clauses herein.

93. An orthodontic appliance, comprising:a positioning member including a first portion shaped to resiliently receive a patient's teeth, and a second portion shaped to receive a bracket configured to be adhered to one of the patient's teeth, the second portion defining a channel positioned to receive a coupling arm of the bracket.

94. The appliance of Clause 93, wherein the second portion includes a first region extending in a first direction and a second region extending in a second direction different than or angled relative to the first region, the first and second regions at least partially defining the channel.

95. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the appliance is disposed over the patient's teeth, the first direction extends in a generally occlusal-gingival direction.

96. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the appliance is disposed over the patient's teeth, the second direction extends in a generally mesial-distal direction.

97. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the channel is one of two channels, and wherein the second portion includes a first region extending in a first direction between the two channels and a second region extending in a second direction different than the first direction, the first and second regions at least partially defining the two channels.

98. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the channel is a first channel, and wherein the second portion further defines a second channel spaced apart from the first channel, each of the first and second channels being positioned to receive a coupling arm of the bracket.

99. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, further comprising a third region peripheral to the first region and extending in the first direction.

100. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the channel is a first channel, the appliance further comprising (i) a second channel, and (ii) a fourth region peripheral to the first region and extending in the first direction, the first channel being positioned between the first and third regions and the second channel being between the first and fourth regions.

101. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, the second portion further comprising a bracket receiving portion disposed in the channel.

102. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the bracket receiving portion comprises a recess shaped to receive the coupling arm of the bracket or an end portion of the coupling arm.

103. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the bracket receiving portion extends from a base surface of the second portion by a first distance, and wherein an outermost surface of the second portion extends from the base surface by a second distance greater than the first distance.

104. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the second portion includes a first side and a second side generally opposite the first side, the bracket receiving portion being disposed on and/or facing the first side.

105. The appliance of any one of the Clauses, wherein:the second portion includes a first side and a second side generally opposite the first side, andwhen the appliance is disposed over the patient's teeth, the first side at least partially faces a lingual direction and the second portion at least partially faces a buccal direction.

106. The appliance of any one of the Clauses, wherein the second side of the second portion includes a cavity to receive a base portion of the bracket, the coupling arm being fixed to the base portion.

107. The appliance of any one of the Clauses, wherein the second side of the second portion includes a cavity to receive a base of the bracket, the base being configured to be adhered directly to a lingual surface of the patient's teeth.

108. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the second portion protrudes from an outermost surface of the first portion.

109. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first and second portions are integral with one another.

110. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first and second portions comprise a single component.

111. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first and second portions comprise a unitarily formed structure.

112. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first and second portions comprise a continuous surface.

113. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first and second portions comprise a polymer, plastic, or composite material.

114. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first and second portions comprise a flexible, resilient, and/or non-rigid material.

115. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the positioning member is an aligner.

116. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the positioning member is configured to perform indirect bonding of a bracket.

117. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the positioning member is not configured to reposition a patient's teeth.

118. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the second portion, when disposed over the patient's teeth, generally has an orientation corresponding to an occlusal-gingival axis.

119. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the positioning member is disposed over the patient's teeth, the second portion is generally positioned adjacent or lingual to a lingual surface of one of the patient's teeth.

120. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the second portion of the positioning member is one of a plurality of second portions, each of the second portions corresponding to different ones of the patient's teeth.

121. The appliance of any one of the Clauses here, wherein the bracket is the securing member of any one of the Clauses herein.

122. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first portion comprises a cavity to be disposed over the patient's teeth.

123. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first portion comprises a plurality of individual cavities each configured to be disposed over one of the patient's teeth.

124. An orthodontic appliance, comprising:a positioning member including a first portion shaped to resiliently receive a patient's teeth, and a second portion shaped to receive a bracket to be adhered to one of the patient's teeth, the second portion including a first region extending in a first direction, and a second region extending in a second direction angled relative to the first direction, wherein the first and second regions in part define an area configured to receive a coupling arm.

125. The appliance of Clause 124, wherein the area is a first area on a first side of the first region and the coupling arm is a first coupling arm, and wherein the first and second regions in part define a second area on a second side of the first region configured to receive a second coupling arm.

126. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first and second regions form a “T” shape.

127. A method for fixing one or more brackets to a patient's tooth using an orthodontic appliance, the method comprising:providing a positioning member including (i) a first portion shaped to resiliently receive a patient's teeth, and (ii) a second portion shaped to receive a bracket to be fixed to the patient's teeth, the second portion defining a channel;positioning the bracket in the second portion; anddisposing the positioning member over the patient's teeth.

128. The method of Clause 127, wherein the positioning member comprises the positioning member of any one of the Clauses herein.

129. The method of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein disposing the positioning member over the patient's teeth comprises disposing the positioning member over the patient's teeth such that bracket in the second portion of the positioning member is adjacent a lingual surface of the patient's teeth.

130. The method of any one of the Clauses herein, further comprising, after disposing the positioning member over the patient's teeth, exposing the bracket to a light source thereby causing the bracket to adhere to the patient's teeth.

131. The method of any one of the Clauses herein, further comprising:after disposing the positioning member over the patient's teeth, exposing the bracket to a light source thereby causing the bracket to adhere to the patient's teeth; andafter exposing the bracket, removing the positioning member from the patient's teeth such that the bracket remains adhered to the patient's teeth.

132. The method of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein positioning the bracket in the second portion comprises sliding the bracket into the second portion such that a coupling arm of the bracket is received in a channel of the second portion.

133. The method of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein positioning the bracket in the second portion comprises sliding the bracket into the second portion such that a coupling arm of the bracket (i) is received in a channel of the second portion and (ii) is coupled to the positioning member.

134. The method of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein positioning the bracket in the second portion comprises coupling a coupling arm of the bracket to the positioning member.

135. The method of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the second portion includes a bracket receiving portion having a recess, and wherein positioning the bracket in the second portion comprises coupling the bracket to the positioning member by moving the bracket into the second portion and causing a coupling arm of the bracket to snap into the recess.

136. The method of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein:the positioning member includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the second side including a generally flat base surface,the bracket includes a base portion and a coupling arm disposed over the base portion, andpositioning the bracket in the second portion comprises positioning the bracket such that the coupling arm is received in a channel of the second portion at the first side.

137. The method of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein:the positioning member comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the second side including a generally flat base surface,the bracket includes a base portion and a coupling arm disposed over the base portion, andpositioning the bracket in the second portion comprises positioning the bracket such that the base portion is received at the second side of positioning member.

138. An orthodontic appliance, comprising:an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent a patient's teeth; andan arm extending away from and coupled to the anchor, the arm including a first end portion at the anchor and a second end portion configured to be coupled to a securing member adhered to a tooth of the patient, wherein the second end portion comprises a first region and a second region extending from the first region at an angle, the first region being farther from the anchor than the second region,wherein the second end portion includes an opening extending through the second end portion.

139. The appliance of Clause 138, wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, (a) the second region extends in a generally mesial-distal direction and abuts a coupling arm of the securing member, and (b) the first region abuts a portion of the coupling arm, thereby inhibiting rotation of the second end portion relative to the securing member.

140. The appliance any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the opening is an elongate opening such that, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the opening extends in a generally occlusal-gingival direction.

141. The appliance any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the opening is an elongate opening extending through a portion of the first region.

142. The appliance any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the opening has a first dimension such that the opening is configured to receive an orthodontic tool.

143. The appliance any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the opening has first and second dimensions such that the opening is configured to receive an orthodontic tool.

144. The appliance any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the arm further comprises a notch extending from a position of the arm, the notch being at an angle relative to the arm at the position.

145. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the notch is generally normal to the arm at the position.

146. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the angle is between 60-120 degrees.

147. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the notch is a first notch extending in a first direction, the arm further comprising a second notch extending from the position of the arm in a second direction different than first direction.

148. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first direction is generally opposite the second direction.

149. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, at least one of the first notch or the second notch extends in a generally mesial-distal direction.

150. An orthodontic appliance, comprising:an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent a patient's teeth; andan arm extending away from and coupled to the anchor, the arm including a first end portion at the anchor and a second end portion configured to be coupled to a securing member adhered to a tooth of the patient, wherein the second end portion comprises a first region and a second region extending from the first region at an angle, the first region being farther from the anchor than the second region,wherein the arm further comprises a notch extending from a position of the arm, the notch being at an angle relative to the arm at the position.

151. The appliance of Clause 150, wherein the notch is a first notch extending in a first direction, the arm further comprising a second notch extending from the position of the arm in a second direction different than first direction.

152. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first direction is generally opposite the second direction.

153. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, at least one of the first notch or the second notch extends in a generally mesial-distal direction.

154. An orthodontic appliance, comprising:an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent a patient's teeth; andan arm extending away from and coupled to the anchor, the arm including a first end portion at the anchor and a second end portion configured to be coupled to a securing member adhered to a patient's teeth, the second end portion being farther from the anchor than the first end portion, wherein the second end portion comprises first and second extensions extending from a common point, each of the first and second extensions including (i) a first region and (ii) a second region spaced apart from the first region,wherein the first and second regions of the first extension extend in a first direction and the first and second regions of the second extension extend in a second direction different than the first direction.

155. The appliance of Clause 93, wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is coupled to the securing member, the first extension is biased in a mesial direction and the second extension is biased in a distal direction.

156. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the second end portion is coupled to the securing member, the first and second regions extend generally in the mesial-distal directions.

157. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein at least one of the first extension or the second extensions is biased away from the other extension.

158. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the second region is farther from the common point than the first region.

159. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first extension is generally a reflection of the second extension about an axis.

160. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the second region is at a terminal end portion of the respective extension.

161. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first region is spaced apart from the respective second region such that the first and second regions and a portion of the respective extension define a three-sided opening.

162. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first region is spaced apart from the respective second region such that the first and second regions and a portion of the respective extension define a U-shaped opening.

163. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the arm includes a biasing region between the proximal and distal portions, wherein the biasing region is configured to provide a rotational force and/or longitudinal force to at least one of the patient's teeth when the distal portion is secured to the securing member.

164. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein at least one of the anchor, the arm, or the securing member comprises nitinol, stainless steel, beta-titanium, cobalt chrome, other metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, and/or combinations thereof.

165. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the first and second regions of each of the first and second extensions are configured to abuts respective protrusions of the securing member.

166. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the first extension is biased in an occlusal direction.

167. The appliance of any one of the Clauses here, wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member the second extension is biased in a gingival direction.

168. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein at least one of the first extension or the second extension is biased away from the other extension.

169. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first extension includes a biasing region, wherein, when, the second end portion is coupled to the securing member, the biasing region is configured to bias the first and second regions in the occlusal-gingival direction.

170. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first and second regions of the first extension are farther from the common point than the first and second regions of the second extension.

171. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first and second regions are at a terminal end portion of the respective extension.

172. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first region is spaced apart from the respective second region such that the first and second regions and a portion of the respective extension define a three-sided opening.

173. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first region is spaced apart from the respective second region such that the first and second regions and a portion of the respective extension define a U-shaped opening.

174. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first extension comprises a biasing region such that, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the biasing region of the first extension is configured to bias the patient's tooth in the occlusal direction.

175. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the arm includes a biasing region between the first and second end portions, wherein the biasing region is configured to provide a rotational force and/or translational force to at least one of the patient's teeth when the second end portion is secured to the securing member.

176. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the second end portion is secured to the securing member, the first and second regions of each of the first and second extensions are configured to abut respective protrusions of the securing member.

177. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein at least one of the anchor, the arm, or the securing member comprises nitinol, stainless steel, beta-titanium, cobalt chrome, other metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, and/or combinations thereof.

178. An orthodontic appliance, comprising:an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent a patient's teeth; andan arm extending away from and coupled to the anchor, the arm including a first end portion at the anchor and a second end portion configured to be coupled to a securing member adhered to a tooth of the patient, the second end portion being farther from the anchor than the first end portion, wherein the second end portion comprises a first region, a second region extending from the first region, and a third region extending from the second regions, wherein at least a portion of each of the first and third regions are biased away from one another in opposing directions.

179. The appliance of Clause 177, wherein the second end portion is configured to be coupled to a securing member via the first and third regions.

180. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein at least one of the first region or the third region includes a first protrusion, a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion, and an opening defined by the first and second protrusions, wherein, when the appliance is coupled to the securing member, the first and second protrusions are disposed on opposing sides of a protrusion of the securing member.

181. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the appliance is coupled to the securing member, the first and second protrusions generally extend in the mesial distal direction.

182. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the second region has a curved surface and/or a semi-circular shape.

183. The appliance of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the first, second, and third regions comprise a single component and/or a continuous surface.

184. An orthodontic securing member, comprising:a base region configured to be coupled to a patient's tooth; andfirst and second protrusions disposed over the base region, each of the first and second protrusions including a first portion extending away from the base region, and a second portion extending from the first portion toward a central area of the base region.

185. The securing member of Clause 184, wherein the first and second portions of each of the first and second protrusions define an opening for receiving an end portion of an orthodontic appliance.

186. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the base region is coupled to the patient's tooth, the first portions of the first and second protrusions extend in a generally buccal direction away from the patient's tooth.

187. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the base region is coupled to the patient's tooth, the second portions of the first and second protrusions extend in a generally mesial or distal direction.

188. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the base region is coupled to the patient's tooth, (i) the second portion of the first protrusion extends in a generally mesial direction, and (ii) the first portion of the first protrusion extends in a generally distal direction.

189. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, further comprising a third protrusion disposed over an upper portion of the base region, the third protrusion extending from the upper portion and toward the central area of the base region.

190. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the third protrusion includes a first portion extending away from the central area, and a second portion extending from the first portion and toward the central area.

191. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein a terminal end portion of the third protrusion is spaced apart from the base region.

192. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the second portion extends in a lateral direction, the appliance further comprising a third protrusion disposed over an upper portion of the base region, the third protrusion extending in the lateral direction across the base region.

193. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the third projection defines a surface facing toward the first and second protrusions.

194. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, further comprising third and fourth protrusions disposed over the base region, each of the third and fourth protrusions including a first portion extending away from the base region, and a second portion extending from the first portion toward a central area of the base region.

195. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the third protrusion is spaced apart from the first protrusion to define a first opening and the fourth protrusion is spaced apart from the second protrusion to define a second opening.

196. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the securing member is coupled to the patient's tooth, the second portions of the first and second protrusions extend in a generally occlusal-gingival direction.

197. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the base region is coupled to the patient's tooth, (i) the second portion of the first protrusion extends in a generally gingival direction, and (ii) the first portion of the first protrusion extends in a generally occlusal direction.

198. An orthodontic securing member, comprising:a body region configured to be adhered to a patient's tooth, the body region including a slot; anda clip portion coupled to the body region, the clip portion being movable relative to the body region from a closed position to an open position, wherein the slot is configured to receive a portion of an orthodontic appliance when the clip portion is in the open position.

199. The securing member of Clause 198, wherein the slot is not configured to receive the orthodontic appliance when the clip portion is in the closed position.

200. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, further comprising a biasing element biasing the clip portion toward the closed position.

201. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein, when the body region is adhered to a patient's tooth, movement of the clip portion from the closed position to the open position is generally in the occlusal-gingival direction.

202. The securing member of Clause 191, wherein the biasing element is disposed between the body region and clip portion.

203. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the body region further comprises a lip portion peripheral to the clip portion, wherein, when the body region is adhered to a patient's tooth, the lip portion inhibits movement of the clip portion in the lingual or buccal direction.

204. An orthodontic system, comprising:the appliance of any one of the Clauses herein; andthe securing member of any one of the Clauses herein.

205. An orthodontic securing member, comprising:a cured structure configured to be adhered directly to a patient's tooth, the cured structure having at least a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions being spaced apart from one another to define a continuous gap configured to receive an attachment portion of an orthodontic appliance,wherein the cured structure is configured to secure the attachment portion to the tooth.

206. The securing member of Clause 205, wherein the securing member secures the attachment portion to the tooth such that the patient cannot remove the orthodontic appliance.

207. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the securing member only includes the cured structure.

208. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the securing member does not include a metal.

209. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the cured structure comprises a cured composite resin or synthetic material.

210. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the cured structure further comprises a third portion, and wherein the first, second, and third portions are spaced apart from one another to define the gap.

211. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the cured structure further comprises a third portion and a fourth portion, and wherein the first, second, third, and fourth portions are spaced apart from one another to define the gap.

212. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein—the cured structure further comprises a third portion and a fourth portion,the first, second, third, and fourth portions are spaced apart from one another to define the gap,the first portion has first abutting portions comprising a gingival-facing surface and a mesial-facing surface,the second portion has second abutting portions comprising a gingival-facing surface and a distal-facing surface,the third portion has third abutting portions comprising an occlusal-facing surface and a mesial-facing surface,the fourth portion has fourth abutting portions comprising an occlusal-facing surface and a distal-facing surface, andwhen the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the attachment portion is engaged with the cured structure, the first, second, third, and fourth abutting portions abut adjacent regions of the attachment portion, thereby opposing rotation and/or translation of the attachment portion relative to the securing member.

213. The securing member of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the gap defines a pattern that is complementary to the portion of the orthodontic appliance to be received by the gap.

214. A method for attaching an orthodontic securing member to a patient's tooth, the method comprising:positioning a support containing a curable material adjacent a patient's tooth such that the curable material on the support engages a patient's tooth;after positioning the support, curing the curable material, thereby causing the curable material to obtain a cured structure and/or adhere to the patient's tooth; andremoving the support from the cured structure.

215. The method of Clause 213, further comprising engaging an orthodontic appliance with an indentation or opening defined by the cured structure.

216. The method of Clause 215, further comprising, after engaging the orthodontic appliance, securing the orthodontic appliance to the cured structure via a moldable material.

217. The method of Clause 216, wherein the moldable material comprises a composite resin or synthetic material.

218. The method of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the curable material is a composite resin or synthetic material.

219. The method of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the curable material comprises a photoinitiator.

220. 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.

221. The appliance system of Clause 220, 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.

222. The appliance system of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the interface at which the first and second arm sections connect to each other is a U-shaped interface.

223. The appliance system of any one of the Clauses herein, 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.

224. The appliance system of any one of the Clauses herein, 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.

225. The appliance system of Clause 224, 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.

226. The appliance system of any one of the Clauses herein, 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.

227. The appliance system of Clause 226, 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.

228. The appliance system of Clause 226, wherein each of the at least two projections has an extension, extending in a direction away from the gap.

229. The appliance system of Clause 226, 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.

230. The appliance system of Clause 229, 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.

231. The appliance system of any one of the Clauses herein, 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.

232. The appliance system of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the appliance is configured as single, unitary structure from a single sheet of material.

233. 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.

234. The bracket connector of Clause 233, 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.

235. The bracket connector of Clause 233 or 234, wherein the interface at which the first and second arm sections connect to each other is a U-shaped interface.

236. The bracket connector of any one of the Clauses herein, 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.

237. The bracket connector of any one of the Clauses herein, 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.

238. The bracket connector of any one of the Clauses herein, wherein the bracket connector is configured as single, unitary structure from a single sheet of material.

239. 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, andwherein 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.

240. An orthodontic appliance, comprising:an anchor configured to be positioned adjacent a patient's teeth; anda connector extending away from and coupled to the anchor, the connector including an attachment portion and a biasing portion disposed between the anchor and the attachment portion along a longitudinal axis of the connector, wherein the attachment portion is configured to be releasably secured to an orthodontic bracket that is adhered to a tooth of the patient, wherein the attachment portion comprises (a) a base extending along a generally occlusogingival dimension when the appliance is installed in the patient's mouth, (b) an arm extending away from the base at an angle, wherein the arm is disposed at an intermediate location along length of the base, and wherein the base comprises a proximal region proximal to the intermediate location and a distal region distal to the intermediate location,wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent the patient's teeth and the attachment portion is secured to the securing member, (a) the arm extends in a generally mesial-distal direction and abuts a coupling arm of the securing member, and (b) each of the proximal and distal regions abut a portion of the coupling arm, thereby inhibiting rotation of the connector relative to the securing member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A and 1Bschematically depict several directional terms related to a patient's dentition. Terms used herein to provide anatomical direction or orientation are intended to encompass different orientations of the appliance as installed in the patient's mouth, regardless of whether the structure being described is shown installed in a mouth in the drawings. As illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B: “mesial” means in a direction toward the midline of the patient's face along the patient's curved dental arch; “distal” means in a direction away from the midline of the patient's face along the patient's curved dental arch; “occlusal” means in a direction toward the chewing surfaces of the patient's teeth; “gingival” means in a direction toward the patient's gums or gingiva; “facial” means in a direction toward the patient's lips or cheeks (used interchangeably herein with “buccal” and “labial”); and “lingual” means in a direction toward the patient's tongue.

As used herein, the terms “proximal” and “distal” refer to a position that is closer and farther, respectively, from a given reference point. In many cases, the reference point is a certain connector, such as an anchor, and “proximal” and “distal” refer to a position that is closer and farther, respectively, from the reference connector along a line passing through the centroid of the cross-section of the portion of the appliance branching from the reference connector.

As used herein, the term “operator” refers to a clinician, practitioner, technician or any person or machine that designs and/or manufactures an orthodontic appliance or portion thereof, and/or facilitates the design and/or manufacture of the appliance or portion thereof, and/or any person or machine associated with installing the appliance in the patient's mouth and/or any subsequent treatment of the patient associated with the appliance.

As used herein, the term “force” refers to the magnitude and/or direction of a force, a torque, or a combination thereof.

II. Overview of Orthodontic Appliances of the Present Technology

FIG. 2Ais a schematic representation of an orthodontic appliance100(or “appliance100”) configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology, shown positioned in a patient's mouth adjacent the patient's teeth.FIG. 2Bis an enlarged view of a portion of the appliance100. The appliance100is configured to be installed within a patient's mouth to impart forces on one or more of the teeth to reposition all or some of the teeth. In some cases, the appliance100may additionally or alternatively be configured to maintain a position of one or more teeth. As shown schematically inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the appliance100can comprise a deformable member that includes one or more attachment portions140(each represented schematically by a box), each configured to be secured to a tooth surface directly or indirectly via a securing member160. The appliance100may further comprise one or more connectors102(also depicted schematically), each extending directly between attachment portions140(“first connectors104”), between an attachment portion140and one or more other connectors102(“second connectors106”), or between two or more other connectors102(“third connectors108”). Only two attachment portions140and two connectors102are labeled inFIG. 2Afor ease of illustration. As discussed herein, the number, configuration, and location of the connectors102and attachment portions140may be selected to provide a desired force on one or more of the teeth when the appliance100is installed. Additional details regarding different configurations of connectors102are provided elsewhere herein, for example below with reference toFIGS. 5-35.

The attachment portions140may be configured to be detachably coupled to a securing member160that is bonded, adhered, or otherwise secured to a surface of one of the teeth to be moved. In some embodiments, one or more of the attachment portions140may be directly bonded, adhered, or otherwise secured to a corresponding tooth without a securing member or other connection interface at the tooth. The attachment portions140may also be referred to as “bracket connectors” or “male connector elements” herein. The different attachment portions140of a given appliance100may have the same or different shape, same or different size, and/or same or different configuration. The attachment portions140may comprise any one or combination of the attachment portions disclosed herein (including but not limited to attachment portions9540,9940,10040,10140,10240,10340,10440,11040,11140,11240,11340,11940,12140,12440,12540,12640,12740,12840,12940,13040), any one of the bracket connectors and/or male connector elements disclosed herein, as well as any of the attachment portions, bracket connectors, and/or male connector elements disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823) filed Dec. 6, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The appliance100may include any number of attachment portions140suitable for securely attaching the appliance100to the patient's tooth or teeth in order to achieve a desired movement. In some examples, multiple attachment portions140may be attached to a single tooth. The appliance100may include an attachment portion for every tooth, fewer attachment portions than teeth, or more attachment portions140than teeth. In these and other embodiments, the appliance100one or more of the attachment portions140may be configured to be coupled to one, two, three, four, five or more connectors102.

As previously mentioned, the connectors102may comprise one or more first connectors104that extend directly between attachment portions140. The one or more first connectors104may extend along a generally mesiodistal dimension when the appliance100is installed in the patient's mouth. In these and other embodiments, the appliance100may include one or more first connectors104that extend along a generally occlusogingival and/or buccolingual dimension when the appliance100is installed in the patient's mouth. In some embodiments, the appliance100does not include any first connectors104.

Additionally or alternatively, the connectors102may comprise one or more second connectors106that extend between one or more attachment portions140and one or more connectors102. The one or more second connectors106can extend along a generally occlusogingival dimension when the appliance100is installed in the patient's mouth. In these and other embodiments, the appliance100may include one or more second connectors106that extend along a generally mesiodistal and/or buccolingual dimension when the appliance100is installed in the patient's mouth. In some embodiments, the appliance100does not include any second connectors106. In such embodiments, the appliance100would only include first connectors104extending between attachment portions140. A second connector106and the attachment portion140to which it is attached may comprise an “arm,” as used herein (such as arm130inFIGS. 2A and 2B). In some embodiments, multiple second connectors106may extend from the same location along the appliance100to the same attachment portion140. In such cases, the multiple second connectors106and the attachment portion140together comprise an “arm,” as used herein. The use of two or more connectors to connect two points on the appliance100enables application of a greater force (relative to a single connector connecting the same points) without increasing the strain on the individual connectors. Such a configuration is especially beneficial given the spatial constraints of the fixed displacement treatments herein. Additional details regarding the use of multiple connectors for a discrete connection (such as an arm) are provided elsewhere herein, for example below with reference toFIGS. 36-57.

Additionally or alternatively, the connectors102may comprise one or more third connectors108that extend between two or more other connectors102. The one or more third connectors108may extend along a generally mesiodistal dimension when the appliance100is installed in the patient's mouth. In these and other embodiments, the appliance100may include one or more third connectors108that extend along a generally occlusogingival and/or buccolingual dimension when the appliance100is installed in the patient's mouth. In some embodiments, the appliance100does not include any third connectors108. One, some, or all of the third connectors108may be positioned gingival to one, some, or all of the first connectors104. In some embodiments, the appliance100includes a single third connector108that extends along at least two adjacent teeth and provides a common attachment for two or more second connectors106. In several embodiments, the appliance100includes multiple non-contiguous third connectors108, each extending along at least two adjacent teeth.

As shown inFIG. 2A, in some embodiments the appliance100may be configured such that all or a portion of one, some, or all of the connectors102are disposed proximate the patient's gingiva when the appliance100is installed within the patient's mouth. For example, one or more third connectors108may be configured such that all or a portion of the one or more third connectors108is positioned below the patient's gum line and adjacent to but spaced apart from the gingiva. In many cases it may be beneficial to provide a small gap (e.g., 0.5 mm or less) between the third connector(s)108and the patient's gingiva, as contact between the third connector(s)108(or any portion of the appliance100) and the gingiva can cause irritation and patient discomfort. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the third connector(s)108is configured to be in direct contact with the gingiva when the appliance100is disposed in the patient's mouth. Additionally or alternatively, all or a portion of one or more first connectors104and/or second connectors106may be configured to be disposed proximate the gingiva.

According to some embodiments, one or more connectors102may extend between an attachment portion140or connector102and a joint comprising (a) two or more connectors102, (b) two or more attachment portions140, or (c) at least one attachment portion140and at least one connector102. According to some embodiments, one or more connectors102may extend between a first joint comprising (a) two or more connectors102, (b) two or more attachment portions140, or (c) at least one attachment member and at least one connector102, and a second joint comprising (a) two or more connectors102, (b) two or more attachment portions140, or (c) at least one attachment portion140and at least one connector102. An example of a connector102extending between (a) a joint between a second and third connector106,108, and (b) a joint between a second connector106and an attachment portion140is depicted schematically and labeled109inFIG. 2B.

Each of the connectors102may be designed to have a desired stiffness so that an individual connector102or combination of connectors102imparts a desired force on one or more of the teeth. In many cases, the force applied by a given connector102may be governed by Hooke's Law, or F=k×x, where F is the restoring force exerted by the connector102, k is the stiffness coefficient of the connector102, and x is the displacement. In the most basic example, if a connector102does not exist between two points on the appliance100, then the stiffness coefficient along that path is zero and no forces are applied. In the present case, the individual connectors102of the present technology may have varying non-zero stiffness coefficients. For example, one or more of the connectors102may be rigid (i.e., the stiffness coefficient is infinite) such that the connector102will not flex or bend between its two end points. In some embodiments, one or more of the connectors102may be “flexible” (i.e., the stiffness coefficient is non-zero and positive) such that the connector102can deform to impart (or absorb) a force on the associated tooth or teeth or other connector102.

In some embodiments it may be beneficial to include one or more rigid connectors between two or more teeth. A rigid connector102is sometimes referred to herein as a “rigid bar” or an “anchor.” Each rigid connector102may have sufficient rigidity to hold and maintain its shape and resist bending. The rigidity of the connector102can be achieved by selecting a particular shape, width, length, thickness, and/or material. Connectors102configured to be relatively rigid may be employed, for example, when the tooth to be connected to the connector102or arm is not to be moved (or moved by a limited amount) and can be used for anchorage. Molar teeth, for example, can provide good anchorage as molar teeth have larger roots than most teeth and thus require greater forces to be moved. Moreover, anchoring one or more portions of the appliance100to multiple teeth is more secure than anchoring to a single tooth. As another example, a rigid connection may be desired when moving a group of teeth relative to one or more other teeth. Consider, for instance, a case in which the patient has five teeth separated from a single tooth by a gap, and the treatment plan is to close the gap. The best course of treatment is typically to move the one tooth towards the five teeth, and not vice versa. In this case, it may be beneficial to provide one or more rigid connectors between the five teeth. For all of the foregoing reasons and many others, the appliance100may include one or more rigid first connectors104, one or more rigid second connectors106, and/or one or more rigid third connectors108.

In these and other embodiments, the appliance100may include one or more flexible first connectors104, one or more flexible second connectors106, and/or one or more flexible third connectors108. Each flexible connector102may have a particular shape, width, thickness, length, material, and/or other parameters to provide a desired degree of flexibility. According to some embodiments of the present technology, the stiffness of a given connector102may be tuned via incorporation of a one or more resiliently flexible biasing portions150. As shown schematically inFIG. 2B, one, some, or all of the connectors102may include one or more biasing portion150, such as springs, each configured to apply a customized force specific to the tooth to which it is attached.

As depicted in the schematic shown inFIG. 2C, the biasing portion(s)150may extend along all or a portion of the longitudinal axis L1of the respective connector102(only the longitudinal axis L1for second connector106and the longitudinal axis L2for third connector108is labeled inFIG. 2C). The direction and magnitude of the force and torque applied on a tooth by a biasing portion150depends, at least in part, on the shape, width, thickness, length, material, shape set conditions, and other parameters of the biasing portion150. As such, one or more aspects of the biasing portion150(including the aforementioned parameters) may be varied so that the corresponding arm130, connector102, and/or biasing portion150produces a desired tooth movement when the appliance100is installed in the patient's mouth. Each arm130and/or biasing portion150may be designed to move one or more teeth in one, two, or all three translational directions (i.e., mesiodistal, buccolingual, and occlusogingival) and/or in one, two, or all three rotational directions (i.e., buccolingual root torque, mesiodistal angulation and mesial out-in rotation).

The biasing portions150of the present technology can have any length, width, shape, and/or size sufficient to move the respective tooth towards a desired position. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the connectors102may have one or more inflection points along a respective biasing portion150. The connectors102and/or biasing portions150may have a serpentine configuration such that the connector102and/or biasing portion150doubles back on itself at least one or more times before extending towards the attachment portion140. For example, in some embodiments the second connectors106double back on themselves two times along the biasing portion150, thereby forming first and second concave regions facing in generally different directions relative to one another (as an example, seeFIG. 13B). The open loops or overlapping portions of the connector102corresponding to the biasing portion150may be disposed on either side of a plane P (FIG. 2C) bisecting an overall width W (FIG. 2C) of the arm130and/or connector102such that the extra length of the arm130and/or connector102is accommodated by the space medial and/or distal to the arm130and/or connector102. This allows the arm130and/or connector102to have a longer length (as compared to a linear arm) to accommodate greater tooth movement, despite the limited space in the occlusal-gingival or vertical dimension between any associated third connector108and the location at which the arm130attaches to the tooth.

It will be appreciated that the biasing portion150may have other shapes or configurations. For example, in some embodiments the connector102and/or biasing portion150may include one or more linear regions that zig-zag towards the attachment portion140. One, some, or all of the connectors102and/or biasing portions150may have only linear segments or regions, or may have a combination of curved and linear regions. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the connectors102and/or biasing portions150do not include any curved portions.

According to some examples, a single connector102may have multiple biasing portions150in series along the longitudinal axis of the respective connector102. In some embodiments, multiple connectors102may extend between two points along the same or different paths. In such embodiments, the different connectors102may have the same stiffness or different stiffnesses. Additional details regarding the latter embodiments are provided elsewhere herein, for example below with reference toFIGS. 36-57.

In those embodiments where the appliance100has two or more connectors102with biasing portions150, some, none, or all of the connectors102may have the same or different lengths, the same or different widths, the same or different thicknesses, the same or different shapes, and/or may be made of the same or different materials, amongst other properties. In some embodiments, less than all of the connectors102have biasing portions150. Connectors102without biasing portions150may, for example, comprise one or more rigid connections between a rigid third connector108and the attachment portion140. In some embodiments, none of the connectors102of the appliance100have a biasing portion150.

According to some embodiments, for example as depicted schematically inFIG. 2A, the appliance100may include a single, continuous, substantially rigid third connector (referred to as “anchor120”) and a plurality of flexible arms130extending away from the anchor120. When the appliance100is installed in the patient's mouth, each of the arms130may connect to a different one of the teeth to be moved and exerts a specific force on its respective tooth, thereby allowing an operator to move each tooth independently. Such a configuration provides a notable improvement over traditional braces in which all of the teeth are connected by a single archwire, such that movement of one tooth can cause unintentional movement of one or more nearby teeth. As discussed in greater detail herein, the independent and customized tooth movement enabled by the appliances of the present technology allows the operator to move the teeth from an original tooth arrangement (“OTA”) to a final tooth arrangement (“FTA”) more efficiently, thereby obviating periodic adjustments, reducing the number of office visits, and reducing or eliminating patient discomfort, and reducing the overall treatment time (i.e., the length of time the appliance is installed in the patient's mouth) by at least 50% relative to the overall treatment time for traditional braces.

The anchor120may comprise any structure of any shape and size configured to comfortably fit within the patient's mouth and provide a common support for one or more of the arms130. In many embodiments, the anchor120is disposed proximate the patient's gingiva when the appliance100is installed within the patient's mouth, for example as shown inFIG. 2B. For instance, the appliance may be designed such that, when installed in the patient's mouth, all or a portion of the anchor120is positioned below the patient's gum line and adjacent but spaced apart from the gingiva. In many cases it may be beneficial to provide a small gap (e.g., 0.5 mm or less) between the anchor120(or any portion of the appliance100) and the patient's gingiva as contact between the anchor120and the gingiva can cause irritation and patient discomfort. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the anchor120is configured to be in contact with the gingiva when the appliance100is disposed in the patient's mouth.

The anchor120may be significantly more rigid than the arms130such that the equal and opposite forces experienced by each of the arms130when exerting a force on its respective tooth are countered by the rigidity of the anchor120and the forces applied by the other arms130, and do not meaningfully affect the forces on other teeth. As such, the anchor120effectively isolates the forces experienced by each arm130from the rest of the arms130, thereby enabling independent tooth movement.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown schematically inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the anchor120comprises an elongated member having a longitudinal axis L2(seeFIG. 2C) and forming an arched shape configured to extend along a patient's jaw when the appliance100is installed. In these and other embodiments, the anchor120may be shaped and sized to span two or more of the patient's teeth when positioned in the patient's mouth. In some examples, the anchor120includes a rigid, linear bar, or may comprise a structure having both linear and curved segments. In these and other embodiments, the anchor120may extend laterally across all or a portion of the patient's mouth (e.g., across all or a portion of the palate, across all or a portion of the lower jaw, etc.) and/or in a generally anterior-posterior direction. Moreover, the appliance100may comprise a single anchor or multiple anchors. For example, the appliance100may comprise multiple, discrete, spaced apart anchors, each having two or more arms130extending therefrom. In these and other embodiments, the appliance100may include one or more other connectors extending between adjacent arms130.

Any and all of the features discussed above with respect to anchor120applies to any of the third connectors108disclosed herein.

As shown inFIG. 2B, each of the arms130may extend between a proximal or first end portion130aand a distal or second end portion130b, and may have a longitudinal axis L extending between the first end portion130aand the second end portion130b. The first end portion130aof one, some, or all of the arms130may be disposed at the anchor120. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the arms130are integral with the anchor120such that the first end portion130aof such arms are continuous with the anchor120. The arms130may extend from the anchor120at spaced intervals along the longitudinal axis L2of the, as shown inFIG. 2A. In some embodiments, the arms130may be spaced at even intervals relative to each other, or at uneven intervals relative to each other, along the longitudinal axis L2of the anchor120.

One, some, or all of the arms130may include an attachment portion140at or near the second end portion130b. In some embodiments, for example as shown inFIGS. 2A-2C, one or more of the arms130is cantilevered from the anchor120such that the second end portion130bof the cantilevered arm(s)130has a free distal end portion130b. In these and other embodiments, a distal terminus of the attachment portion140may coincide with a distal terminus of the arm130. The attachment portion140may be configured to detachably couple the respective arm130to a securing member (e.g., a bracket) that is bonded, adhered, or otherwise secured to a surface of one of the teeth to be moved. In some embodiments, the attachment portion140may be directly bonded, adhered, or otherwise secured to a corresponding tooth without a securing member or other connection interface at the tooth.

Referring to still toFIGS. 2A and 2B, one, some, or all of the arms130may include one or more resiliently flexible biasing portions150, such as springs, each configured to apply a customized force, torque or combination of force and torque specific to the tooth to which it is attached. The biasing portion(s)150may extend along all or a portion of the longitudinal axis L1of the respective arm130between the anchor120and the attachment portion140. The direction and magnitude of the force and torque applied on a tooth by a biasing portion150depends, at least in part, on the shape, width, thickness, length, material, shape set conditions, and other parameters of the biasing portion150. As such, one or more aspects of the arm130and/or biasing portion150(including the aforementioned parameters) may be varied so that the arm130and/or biasing portion150produce a desired tooth movement when the appliance100is installed in the patient's mouth. Each arm130and/or biasing portion150may be designed to move one or more teeth in one, two, or all three translational directions (i.e., mesiodistal, buccolingual, and occlusogingival) and/or in one, two, or all three rotational directions (i.e., buccolingual root torque, mesiodistal angulation and mesial out-in rotation).

The biasing portions150of the present technology can have any length, width, shape, and/or size sufficient to move the respective tooth towards a desired FTA. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the arms130may have one or more inflection points along a respective biasing portion150. The arms130and/or biasing portions150may have a serpentine configuration such that the arm130and/or biasing portion150doubles back on itself at least one or more times before extending towards the attachment portion140. InFIG. 2B, the arm130doubles back on itself two times along the biasing portion150, thereby forming first and second concave regions facing in generally different directions relative to one another. The open loops or overlapping portions of the arm130corresponding to the biasing portion150may be disposed on either side of a plane P bisecting an overall width W of the arm130such that the extra length of the arm130is accommodated by the space medial and/or distal to the arm130. This allows the arm130to have a longer length (as compared to a linear arm) to accommodate greater tooth movement, despite the limited space in the occlusal-gingival or vertical dimension between the anchor20and the location at which the arm130attaches to the tooth.

It will be appreciated that the biasing portion150may have other shapes or configurations. For example, in some embodiments the arm130and/or biasing portion150may include one or more linear regions that zig-zag towards the attachment portion140. One, some, or all of the arms130and/or biasing portions150may have only linear segments or regions, or may have a combination of curved and linear regions. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the arms130and/or biasing portions150do not include any curved portions.

According to some examples, a single arm130may have multiple biasing portions150. The multiple biasing portions150may be in series along the longitudinal axis L1of the respective arm120. In some embodiments, multiple arms130may extend in parallel between two points along the same path or along different paths. In such embodiments, the different arms130may have the same stiffness or different stiffnesses.

In those embodiments where the appliance100has two or more arms130with biasing portions150, some, none, or all of the arms130may have the same or different lengths, the same or different widths, the same or different thicknesses, the same or different shapes, and/or may be made of the same or different materials, amongst other properties. In some embodiments, less than all of the arms130have biasing portions150. Arms130without biasing portions150may, for example, comprise one or more rigid connections between the anchor120and the attachment portion140. In some embodiments, none of the arms130of the appliance100have a biasing portion150.

The appliances of the present technology may include any number of arms130suitable for repositioning the patient's teeth while taking into account the patient's comfort. Unless explicitly limited to a certain number of arms in the specification, the appliances of the present technology may comprise a single arm, two arms, three arms, five arms, ten arms, sixteen arms, etc. In some examples, one, some, or all of the arms130of the appliance may be configured to individually connect to more than one tooth (i.e., a single arm130may be configured to couple to two teeth at the same time). In these and other embodiments, the appliance100may include two or more arms130configured to connect to the same tooth at the same time.

Any portion of the appliances of the present technology may include a biasing portion150. For example, in some embodiments, portion thereof (e.g., the anchor(s), the arm(s), the biasing portion(s), the attachment portion(s), the link(s), etc.) may comprise one or more superelastic materials.

Additional details related to the individual directional force(s) applied via the biasing portion150or, more generally the arm130, are described in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/370,704, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,383,707, issued Aug. 20, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The appliances disclosed herein and/or any portion thereof (e.g., the anchor(s), the arm(s), the biasing portion(s), the attachment portion(s), the link(s), etc.) may comprise one or more superelastic materials. The appliances disclosed herein and/or any portion thereof (e.g., the anchor(s), the arm(s), the biasing portion(s), the attachment portion(s), the link(s), etc.) may comprise Nitinol, stainless steel, beta-titanium, cobalt chrome, MP35N, 35N LT, one or more metal alloys, one or more polymers, one or more ceramics, and/or combinations thereof.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare elevation views of the appliance100installed on both the upper and lower arches of a patient's mouth M with the arms130coupled to securing members160attached to the lingual surfaces of the teeth. It will be appreciated that the appliance100of one or both of the upper and lower arches may be positioned proximate a buccal side of a patient's teeth, and that the securing elements160and/or arms130may alternatively be coupled to the buccal surface of the teeth.

FIG. 3Ashows the teeth in an OTA with the arms130in a deformed or loaded state, andFIG. 3Bshows the teeth in the FTA with the arms130in a substantially unloaded state. When the arms130are initially secured to the securing members160when the teeth are in the OTA, the arms130are forced to take a shape or path different than their “as designed” configurations. Because of the inherent memory of the resilient biasing portions150, the arms130impart a continuous, corrective force on the teeth to move the teeth towards the FTA, which is where the biasing portions150are in their as-designed or unloaded configurations. As such, tooth repositioning using the appliances of the present technology can be accomplished in a single step, using a single appliance. In addition to enabling fewer office visits and a shorter treatment time, the appliances of the present technology greatly reduce or eliminate the pain experienced by the patient as the result of the teeth moving as compared to braces. With traditional braces, every time the orthodontist makes an adjustment (such as installing a new archwire, bending the existing archwire, repositioning a bracket, etc.), the affected teeth experience a high force which is very painful for the patient. Over time, the applied force weakens until eventually a new wire is required. The appliances of the present technology, however, apply a movement-generating force on the teeth continuously while the appliance is installed, which allows the teeth to move at a slower rate that is much less painful (if painful at all) for the patient. Even though the appliances disclosed herein apply a lower and less painful force to the teeth, because the forces being applied are continuous and the teeth can move independently (and thus more efficiently), the appliances of the present technology arrive at the FTA faster than traditional braces or aligners, as both alternatives require intermediate adjustments.

In many embodiments, the movement-generating force is lower than that applied by traditional braces. In those embodiments in which the appliance comprises a superelastic material (such as nitinol), the superelastic material behaves like a constant force spring for certain ranges of strain, and thus the force applied does not drop appreciably as the tooth moves. For example, as shown in the stress-strain curves of nitinol and steel inFIG. 3C, the curve for nitinol is relatively flat compared to that of steel. Thus, the superelastic connectors, biasing portions, and/or arms of the present technology apply essentially the same stress for many different levels of strain (e.g., deflection). As a result, the force applied to a given tooth stays constant as the teeth move during treatment, at least up until the teeth are very close or in the final arrangement. The appliances of the present technology are configured to apply a force just below the pain threshold, such that the appliance applies the maximum non-painful force to the tooth (or teeth) at all times during tooth movement. This results in the most efficient (i.e., fastest) tooth movement without pain.

In some embodiments, tooth repositioning may involve multiple steps performed progressively, by using multiple appliances. 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). Likewise, the appliances disclosed herein may be designed to be installed after a first or subsequently used appliance had moved the teeth from an OTA to an ITA (or from one ITA to another ITA) and was subsequently removed. Thus, the appliances of the present technology may be designed to move the teeth from an ITA to an FTA (or to another ITA). Additionally or alternatively, the appliances may be designed to move the teeth from an OTA to an ITA, or from an OTA to an FTA without changing appliances at an ITA.

In some embodiments, the appliances disclosed herein may be configured such that, once installed on the patient's teeth, the appliance cannot be removed by the patient. In some embodiments, the appliance may be removable by the patient.

Any of the example appliances or appliance portions described herein may 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 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823), filed Dec. 6, 2016, or other suitable processes.

Methods of Manufacturing

FIGS. 4A-4Iillustrate an example method for designing and fabricating an orthodontic appliance as described herein. The particular processes described herein are exemplary only, and may be modified as appropriate to achieve the desired outcome (e.g., the desired force applied to each tooth by the appliance, the desired material properties of the appliance, etc.). In various embodiments, other suitable methods or techniques can be utilized to fabricate an orthodontic appliance. Moreover, although various aspects of the methods disclosed herein refer to sequences of steps, in various embodiments the steps can be performed in different orders, two or more steps can be combined together, certain steps may be omitted, and additional steps not expressly discussed can be included in the process as desired.

As noted above, in some embodiments an orthodontic appliance is configured to be coupled to a patient's teeth while the teeth are in an OTA. In this position, elements of the appliance exert customized loads on individual teeth to urge them toward a desired FTA. For example, an arm130of the appliance100can be coupled to a tooth and configured to apply a force so as to urge the tooth in a desired direction toward the FTA. In one example, an arm130of the appliance100can be configured to apply a tensile force that urges the tooth lingually along the facial-lingual axis. By selecting the appropriate dimensions, shape, shape set, material properties, and other aspects of the arms130, a customized load can be applied to each tooth to move each tooth from its OTA toward its FTA. In some embodiments, the arms130are each configured such that little or no force is applied once the tooth to which the arm130is coupled has achieves its FTA. In other words, the appliance100can be configured such that the arms130are at rest in the FTA state.

The method may begin with obtaining data (e.g., position data) characterizing the patient's OTA. As depicted inFIG. 4A, in some embodiments the operator may obtain a digital representation400of the patient's OTA, for example using optical scanning, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), scanning of patient impressions, or other suitable imaging technique to obtain position data of the patient's teeth, gingiva, and optionally other adjacent anatomical structures while the patient's teeth are in the original or pre-treatment condition.

The method may further comprise obtaining data (e.g., position data) characterizing the patient's intended or desired FTA, and in many cases generating a digital representation of the patient's FTA. The data characterizing the FTA can include coordinates (e.g., X,Y,Z coordinates) for each of the patient's teeth and the gingiva. Additionally or alternatively, such data can include positioning of each of the patient's teeth relative to other ones of the patient's teeth and/or the gingiva.

In some embodiments, segmentation software (e.g., iROK Digital Dentistry Studio) be used to create individual virtual teeth and gingiva from the OTA data. Suitable software can be used to move the virtual teeth to their FTA positions. As shown inFIG. 4B, in some cases digital models of securing members404can be added to the OTA digital model400(e.g., by an operator selecting positions on the tooth surface for placement of securing members404thereon). Suitable software can be used to move the virtual teeth with the attached securing members404from the OTA to a desired final position. An example of a digital FTA model with the virtual securing member models404attached is shown inFIG. 4C.

As shown inFIG. 4D, in some embodiments a heat treatment fixture digital model408can be obtained. In some embodiments, the heat treatment fixture digital model408can correspond to and/or be derived from the FTA digital model (such as the FTA digital model ofFIG. 4C). For example, the FTA digital model can be modified (e.g., using MeshMixer or other suitable modeling software) in a variety of ways to render a model suitable for manufacturing a heat treatment fixture. In some embodiments, the FTA digital model can be modified to replace the securing members404(which are configured to couple to arms130of an appliance100(FIG. 2A)) with members410(which can be configured to facilitate temporary coupling of the heat treatment fixture to the appliance for shape-setting). Additionally or alternatively, the FTA digital model can be modified to enlarge or thicken the gingiva, to remove one or more of the teeth, and/or to add structural components for increased rigidity. In some embodiments, enlarging or thickening the gingiva may be done to ensure portions (e.g., the anchor) of the fabricated appliance, which is based in part on the FTA digital model, does not engage or contact the patient's gingiva when the appliance is installed. As a result, modifying the FTA digital model as described herein may be done to provide a less painful teeth repositioning experience for the patient.

The method may further comprise obtaining an appliance digital model. As used herein, the term “digital model” and “model” are intended to refer to a virtual representation of an object or collection of objects. For example, the term “appliance digital model” refers to the virtual representation of the structure and geometry of the appliance, including its individual components (e.g., the anchor, arms, biasing portions, attachment portions, etc.). In some embodiments, a substantially planar digital model of the appliance is generated based at least in part on the heat treatment fixture digital model (and/or the FTA digital model). According to some examples, a contoured or 3D appliance digital model generally corresponding to the FTA can first be generated that conforms to the surface and attachment features of the heat treatment fixture digital model. In some embodiments, the 3D appliance digital model can include generic arm portions and securing members, without particular geometries, dimensions, or other properties of the arms being selected or defined by a particular patient. The 3D appliance digital model may then be flattened to generate a substantially planar appliance digital model. In some embodiments, the particular configuration of the arms130(e.g., the geometry of biasing portions150, the position along the anchor120(FIG. 2A), etc.) can then be selected so as to apply the desired force to urge the corresponding tooth (to which the arm130is attached) from its OTA toward its FTA. As noted previously, in some embodiments the arms are configured so as to be substantially at rest or in a substantially unstressed state when at the FTA. The selected arm configurations can then be substituted or otherwise incorporated into the planar appliance digital model.

In some cases, it may be beneficial to evaluate an intended appliance design prior to fabricating a physical appliance based on the intended appliance design to assess how the physical appliance would perform during treatment. For example, because the pre-installation form of the appliance is based at least in part on a desired FTA, the position of one or more portions of the appliance may shift relative to the gingiva once the physical appliance is installed in the patient's mouth (e.g., with the patient's teeth in the OTA). As a result, one or more shifted positions of the physical appliance may cause pain for the patient that may reduce treatment compliance and/or satisfaction.

In some embodiments, finite element analysis (or other suitable computational techniques) can be used to manipulate the 3D appliance digital model to assess its performance prior to fabrication. For example, as shown inFIG. 4E, the 3D appliance digital model414can be virtually deformed (e.g., using finite element analysis) into a position for engagement with the patient's teeth in the OTA. As shown inFIG. 4E, the resulting virtual model412represents the appliance digital model414after it has been deformed into position to be engaged with the patient's teeth in the OTA. An output of the virtual deformation can be evaluated to assess whether the physical appliance will function as intended. Based on the evaluation of the output, the intended appliance design can be modified as needed, or a final appliance design can be obtained. In the example shown inFIG. 4E, a portion of the appliance digital model414impinges on the gingiva digital model. As a result, the design of the appliance may be modified, and the evaluation may be repeated until the appliance digital model414no longer impinges on the gingiva. This process may be repeated iteratively until a satisfactory appliance design is achieved.

Next, the heat treatment fixture can be fabricated. For example, using the heat treatment fixture digital model, the heat treatment fixture can be cast, molded, 3D printed, or otherwise fabricated using suitable materials configured to withstand heating for shape setting of an appliance thereon.

In some embodiments, fabricating the appliance includes first fabricating the appliance in a planar configuration based on the planar appliance digital model. For example, as shown inFIGS. 4F and 4G, a pattern424of the planar form of the final device can be cut out of a sheet of material424to get a planar member426. In some embodiments, the appliance is cut out of a sheet of Nitinol or other metal using laser cutting, water jet, stamping, or other suitable technique. The thickness of the material can be varied across the appliance, for example by electropolishing, etching, depositing, or otherwise manipulating the material of the appliance to achieve the desired material properties.

According to some embodiments, the planar member426(e.g., as 3D-printed or as cut out from a sheet of material) can be bent or otherwise manipulated into the desired arrangement (e.g., substantially corresponding to the FTA) to form a 3D appliance for treatment. In some embodiments, the planar member426can be bent into position by coupling the planar member426to a heat treatment fixture432, as shown inFIG. 4H. The heat treatment fixture432may be, for example, the physical form of the previously-obtained heat treatment fixture digital model408. For example, the arms of the planar member426can be removably coupled to hook members of the heat treatment fixture, and optionally ligature wire or other temporary fasteners can be used to secure the arms or other portions of the appliance to the heat treatment fixture432. The resulting assembly (i.e., the appliance fastened to the heat treatment fixture) can then be heated to shape-set the appliance into its final form, which can correspond or substantially correspond to the FTA. As a result, the appliance is configured to be in an unstressed state in the FTA. The shape set appliance can then be removed from the heat treatment fixture432.

In operation, the appliance can then be installed in the patient's mouth (e.g., by bending or otherwise manipulating arms of the appliance to be coupled to brackets of the patient's teeth while in the OTA). Due to the shape set of the appliance and the geometry of the arms and anchor, the arms will tend to urge each tooth away from its OTA and toward the FTA.

III. Selected Examples of Orthodontic Appliance Configurations

The appliances of the present technology may comprise any combination of structural elements to directly or indirectly couple a first tooth (or teeth) to a second tooth (or teeth) and/or another anatomical structure or location within or proximate the oral cavity. The particular configuration may be selected based on one or more desired functional characteristics, such as flexibility, bias force magnitude, bias force direction, durability, and others.FIGS. 5-34depict several examples of configurations for use with the appliances of the present technology. Although each configuration is explained with reference to two attachment portions140, the appliances of the present technology may ha

As shown inFIG. 5, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a first connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a first connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, and a third connector108extending between the gingival end portions of the first connectors106a,106b. The attachment portions140a,140bare not connected by a first connector104. InFIG. 5, all three of the connectors106a,106b, and108are generally linear, have a relatively large width w, and do not include any biasing portions. As a result, each of the connectors106a,106b, and108comprises a rigid connector (i.e., having an infinite stiffness coefficient k) such that the first and second teeth T1, T2will not move relative to one another.

The attachment portions140a,140butilized in a given connection configuration may have the same or different shape, size, and/or configuration, and may comprise any of the attachment portions, bracket connectors, and/or male connector elements disclosed herein, as well as any of the attachment portions, bracket connectors, and/or male connector elements disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,383,707, filed Dec. 6, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Likewise, the appliance carrying the attachment portions140a,140bmay be any of the appliances disclosed herein, as well as any of the appliances disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,383,707, filed Dec. 6, 2016.

As shown inFIG. 6, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, and a third connector108extending between the gingival end portions of the first and second connectors106a,106b. The attachment portions140a,140bare not connected by a first connector104. InFIG. 6, the second connectors106a,106bare generally linear, have a relatively large width w, and do not include any biasing portions. As a result, each of the second connectors106a,106bcomprise a rigid connector (i.e., having an infinite stiffness coefficient k). The first connector104, however, has a smaller width and two biasing portions150along its longitudinal axis. As a result, the first connector104has a positive, non-zero stiffness coefficient. Each of the biasing portions150comprise an open loop/U-shaped portion of the first connector104that extends in a generally occlusal direction such that each of the biasing portions150has a concave portion that faces in a gingival direction.

As shown inFIG. 7, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a first connector104having a biasing portion50such that the first connector104has a non-zero, positive stiffness coefficient. As a result, the first connector104is relatively flexible and allows for movement between the first and second teeth T1, T2. The connection configuration ofFIG. 7does not include any second connectors or third connectors, and thus the attachment portions140a,140b(and associated teeth) are connected only by the first connector104.

As shown inFIG. 8, in some embodiments, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a first connector104that is generally rigid, for example as shown inFIG. 8. The first connector104does not have a biasing portion and has a relatively larger width. In contrast to the configuration ofFIG. 7, the first connector104ofFIG. 8does not allow for relative movement between the teeth. Such a configuration may be beneficial, for example, when moving two or more teeth as a group, or when two or more teeth do not require any movement between the OTA and the FTA and so can be used to help anchor the anchor.

As shown inFIG. 9, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, a third connector108extending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b, and a first connector104extending between the first and second attachment portions140a,140b. InFIG. 9, the second connector106a, the second connector106b, and the third connector108are generally linear, have a relatively large width w, and do not include any biasing portions. As a result, each of the connectors106a,106b, and108comprises a rigid connector (i.e., having an infinite stiffness coefficient k). The first connector104includes a single biasing portion50and thus has a non-zero, positive stiffness coefficient. However, the overwhelming rigidity provided by the second connector106a, second connector106b, and third connector108dictates that the first and second teeth T1, T2will not move relative to one another.

As shown inFIG. 10, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, a third connector108extending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b, and a first connector104extending between the first and second attachment portions140a,140b. InFIG. 10, the second connector106aand the second connector106bare generally linear, have a relatively large width w, and do not include any biasing portions. As a result, each of the connectors106a,106bcomprises a rigid connector (i.e., having an infinite stiffness coefficient k). The first connector104includes a single biasing portion50and thus has a non-zero, positive stiffness coefficient, and the third connector108includes two biasing portions150in series and thus also has a non-zero, positive stiffness coefficient.

As shown inFIG. 11, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, a first connector104extending between the first and second attachment portions140a,140b, and a third connector108extending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b. InFIG. 11, all of the connectors106a,106b,108, and104are generally linear, have a relatively large width w, and do not include any biasing portions. As a result, each of the connectors106a,106b,108,104comprises a rigid connector (i.e., having an infinite stiffness coefficient k) such that the first and second teeth T1, T2will not move relative to one another.

As shown inFIG. 12, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, a first connector104extending between the first and second attachment portions140a,140b, and a third connector108extending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b. InFIG. 12, the second connector106a, the second connector106b, and the first connector104are generally linear, have a relatively large width w, and do not include any biasing portions. As a result, each of the connectors106a,106b,104comprises a rigid connector (i.e., having an infinite stiffness coefficient k). The third connector108has a relatively smaller width and two biasing portions150in series, and thus has a positive, non-zero stiffness coefficient. However, the overwhelming rigidity provided by the second connector106a, second connector106b, and first connector104dictates that the first and second teeth T1, T2will not move relative to one another.

As shown inFIG. 13, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, and a third connector108extending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b. The configuration does not include a first connector104extending between the attachment portions140a,140b. InFIG. 13, each of the second connector106aand the second connector106bcomprise a single, S-shaped biasing portion150along their respective longitudinal axes, while the third connector108is generally linear, has a relatively large width w, and does not include any biasing portions. As a result, the third connector108comprises a rigid connector (i.e., having an infinite stiffness coefficient k). As a result, the first and second teeth T1, T2can move relative to one another.

As shown inFIG. 14, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, and a third connector108extending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b. The configuration does not include a first connector104extending between the attachment portions140a,140b. InFIG. 14, each of the second connector106aand the second connector106bcomprise a single, S-shaped biasing portion150along their respective longitudinal axes, while the third connector108comprises two U-shaped biasing portions150in series. As a result, the first and second teeth T1, T2can move relative to one another.

As shown inFIG. 15, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, a first connector104extending between the attachment portions140a,140b, and a third connector108extending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b. InFIG. 15, each of the second connector106aand the second connector106bcomprise a single, S-shaped biasing portion150along their respective longitudinal axes, and the first connector104comprises a single, U-shaped biasing portion150. The third connector108is generally linear, has a relatively large width w, and does not include any biasing portions. As a result, the third connector108comprises a rigid connector (i.e., having an infinite stiffness coefficient k).

As shown inFIG. 16, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, a first connector104extending between the attachment portions140a,140b, and a third connector108extending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b. InFIG. 16, each of the second connector106aand the second connector106bcomprise a single, S-shaped biasing portion150along their respective longitudinal axes, the first connector104comprises a single, U-shaped biasing portion150, and the third connector108comprises two, U-shaped biasing portions150in series. The U-shaped biasing portion150of the first connector104may be concave in an occlusal direction while both of the U-shaped biasing portions150of the third connector108may be concave in a gingival direction.

As shown inFIG. 17, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, a first connector104extending between the attachment portions140a,140b, and a third connector108extending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b. InFIG. 17, each of the second connectors106a,106bmay comprise a single, S-shaped biasing portion150along their respective longitudinal axes, while the first connector104and the third connector108are generally linear, have a relatively large width w, and do not include any biasing portions. As a result, each of the first and third connectors104,108comprise a rigid connector (i.e., having an infinite stiffness coefficient k).

As shown inFIG. 18, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, a first connector104extending between the attachment portions140a,140b, and a third connector108extending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b. InFIG. 18, each of the second connector106aand the second connector106bcomprise a single, S-shaped biasing portion150along their respective longitudinal axes, and the third connector108comprises two, U-shaped biasing portions150in series. The U-shaped biasing portions150of the third connector108may be concave in a gingival direction. The first connector104is generally linear, has a relatively large width w, and does not include any biasing portions. As a result, the first connector104comprises a rigid connector (i.e., having an infinite stiffness coefficient k).

As shown inFIG. 19, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, a first connector104extending between the attachment portions140a,140b, and a third connector108extending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b. InFIG. 19, the second connector106bcomprises a single, S-shaped biasing portion150along its respective longitudinal axis, and the first connector104comprises a single, U-shaped biasing portion150. The second connector106aand the third connector108are generally linear, have a relatively large width w, and do not include any biasing portions. As a result, each of the second connector106aand the third connector108comprise a rigid connector (i.e., having an infinite stiffness coefficient k).

As shown inFIG. 20, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, a first connector104extending between the attachment portions140a,140b, and a third connector108extending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b. InFIG. 20, the second connector106bcomprises a single, S-shaped biasing portion150along its respective longitudinal axis, the first connector104comprises a single, U-shaped biasing portion150, and the third connector108comprises two, U-shaped biasing portions150in series. The U-shaped biasing portion150of the first connector104may be concave in an occlusal direction while both of the U-shaped biasing portions150of the third connector108may be concave in a gingival direction. The second connector106ais generally linear, has a relatively large width w, and does not include any biasing portions. As a result, the second connector106acomprises a rigid connector (i.e., having an infinite stiffness coefficient k).

As shown inFIG. 21, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, and a third connector108aextending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b. The configuration shown inFIG. 21does not include a first connector104extending between the attachment portions140a,140b, and does not include any rigid connectors. Each of the second connectors106a,106bmay comprise a single, S-shaped biasing portion150along their respective longitudinal axes, and the third connector108amay comprise two, U-shaped biasing portions150in series. Both of the U-shaped biasing portions150of the third connector108amay be concave in a gingival direction. In some embodiments, one or both of the biasing portions150of third connector108aare concave in an occlusal direction. The connection configuration shown inFIG. 21further includes a third connector108cextending gingivally from a gingival end portion of the second connector106, a third connector108dextending gingivally from a gingival end portion of the second connector106b, and a third connector108bextending between the gingival end portions of third connectors108c,108d. The entire length of the third connector108bmay be gingival to the entire length of third connector108a. The third connector108bmay include a single, S-shaped biasing portion150with opposing concavities facing in a mesial direction and a distal direction, respectively, such that the third connector108bcomprises two generally linear portions spaced apart from one another in the occlusogingival direction. The third connectors108a-108dtogether enclose a cell.

As shown inFIG. 22, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, and a third connector108aextending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b. The configuration shown inFIG. 22does not include a first connector104extending between the attachment portions140a,140b, and does not include any rigid connectors. Each of the second connectors106a,106bmay comprise a single, S-shaped biasing portion150along their respective longitudinal axes, and the third connector108amay comprise two, U-shaped biasing portions150in series. Both of the U-shaped biasing portions150of the third connector108amay be concave in a gingival direction. In some embodiments, one or both of the biasing portions150of third connector108aare concave in an occlusal direction. The connection configuration shown inFIG. 22further includes a third connector108cextending gingivally from a gingival end portion of the second connector106, a third connector108dextending gingivally from a gingival end portion of the second connector106b, and a third connector108bextending between the gingival end portions of third connectors108c,108d. The entire length of the third connector108bmay be gingival to the entire length of third connector108a. The third connector108bmay include a single, vertically-oriented S-shaped biasing portion150with two generally linear portions on either side that are generally aligned with one another along an occlusogingival dimension. The third connectors108a-108dtogether enclose a cell.

As shown inFIG. 23, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, a third connector108aextending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b, and a rigid first connector104extending between the first and second attachment portions140a,140b. Each of the second connectors106a,106bcomprise a single, S-shaped biasing portion150along their respective longitudinal axes, and the third connector108acomprises two, U-shaped biasing portions150in series. Both of the U-shaped biasing portions150of the third connector108may be concave in a gingival direction. In some embodiments, the U-shaped biasing portions150may be concave in an occlusal direction. The first connector104may be generally linear, has a relatively large width w, and does not include any biasing portions. The connection configuration shown inFIG. 23further includes a third connector108cextending gingivally from a gingival end portion of the second connector106a, a third connector108dextending gingivally from a gingival end portion of the second connector106b, and a third connector108bextending between the gingival end portions of the third connectors108c,108d. The entire length of the third connector108bmay be gingival to the entire length of third connector108a. The third connector108bmay include a single, S-shaped biasing portion150with opposing concavities facing in a mesial direction and a distal direction, respectively, such that the third connector108bcomprises two generally linear portions spaced apart from one another in the occlusogingival direction. The third connectors108a-108dtogether enclose a cell.

As shown inFIG. 24, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a flexible second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a flexible second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, a flexible third connector108aextending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b, and a rigid first connector104extending between the first and second attachment portions140a,140b. Each of the second connectors106a,106bmay comprise a single, S-shaped biasing portion150along their respective longitudinal axes, and the third connector108amay comprise two, U-shaped biasing portions150in series. Both of the U-shaped biasing portions150of the third connector108amay be concave in a gingival direction. In some embodiments, one or both of the U-shaped biasing portions150of the third connector108amay be concave in an occlusal direction. The first connector104is generally linear, has a relatively large width w, and does not include any biasing portions. The connection configuration shown inFIG. 24further includes a third connector108cextending gingivally from a gingival end portion of the second connector106a, a third connector108dextending gingivally from a gingival end portion of the second connector106b, and a third connector108bextending between the gingival end portions of the third connectors108c,108d. The third connector108bmay include a single, vertically-oriented S-shaped biasing portion150with two generally linear portions on either side that are generally aligned with one another along an occlusogingival dimension. The entire length of the third connector108bmay be gingival to the entire length of third connector108a. The third connectors108a-108dtogether enclose a cell.

As shown inFIG. 25, the appliance100may include one or more connection configurations comprising a second connector106aextending gingivally from a first attachment portion140a, a second connector106bextending gingivally from a second attachment portion140b, and a third connector108aextending between the gingival end portions of the second connectors106a,106b. The configuration shown inFIG. 25does not include a first connector104extending between the attachment portions140a,140b, and does not include any rigid connectors. Each of the second connectors106a,106bmay comprise relatively short segments. The third connector108amay comprise a single U-shaped biasing portion150that is concave in a gingival direction. In some embodiments, the biasing portions150of third connector108ais concave in an occlusal direction. The connection configuration shown inFIG. 25further includes a third connector108cextending gingivally from a gingival end portion of the second connector106a, a third connector108dextending gingivally from a gingival end portion of the second connector106b, and a third connector108bextending between the gingival end portions of third connectors108c,108d. In contrast to the configuration shown inFIG. 24, for example, only a portion of the length of the third connector108bmay be gingival to the entire length of third connector108a. The third connector108bmay include a single, vertically-oriented S-shaped biasing portion150with two generally linear portions on either side that are generally aligned with one another along an occlusogingival dimension. The third connectors108a-108dtogether enclose a cell.

FIGS. 25-33depict several additional example configurations, labeled in accordance with the present technology.

As shown inFIG. 34, in some embodiments the appliance100may include a portion in which a single, flexible third connector3402extends from the anchor120(or another more rigid third connector108) and splits into two flexible second connectors3406,3400, each of which terminates at a corresponding attachment portion140a,140b. The third connector3402and each of the second connectors3406,3400may include a biasing portion (as shown). In some embodiments, the third connector3402and/or one or both second connectors3406,3000do not include a biasing portion and/or are rigid.

It will be appreciated that the first connectors104, second connectors106, third connectors108, and other connectors of the present technology may include zero, three, four, five, six, or more biasing portions. Likewise, even though a particular connector may be shown or described with a particular type of biasing portion, it will be appreciated that the connectors can have any type of shape or biasing portion.

In some embodiments one or more of the arms of the appliance100may comprise multiple second connectors106extending from another more rigid connector to the same attachment portion140. The use of two or more connectors to connect two points on the appliance100(such as the anchor and an attachment portion) enables application of a greater force (relative to a single connector connecting the same points) without increasing the strain on the individual connectors. Such a configuration is especially beneficial given the spatial constraints of the fixed displacement treatments herein. Additional details regarding the use of multiple connectors for a discrete connection (such as an arm) are provided below.

FIG. 36is an isolated view of a portion of an appliance having an arm130comprising two second connectors150a,150bextending between the anchor120and the attachment portion (not shown). Each of the connectors150a,150bmay have a first end130aat the anchor120and a second end130bat the attachment portion. The connectors150a,150bmay be separated by a gap172between their first and second ends130a,130b. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 36, each of the connectors150a,150balso comprise a biasing portion. While the arm130is shown with two serpentine connectors150a,150brunning parallel to one another, in some embodiments the arm may include more than two connectors. In these and other embodiments, the individual connectors may extend along the same or different paths and/or have the same or different shapes.

As shown inFIG. 37, in some embodiments the arm130includes one or more bridges170extending across the gap172and coupling the second connectors150a,150bat various locations along the lengths of the connectors150a,150b. The inclusion of one or more bridges170can increase the overall stiffness of the arm. Arm130a, for example, has more bridges170and is stiffer than arm130b, and arm130bhas more bridges and is stiffer than arm130c. For those embodiments having more than one bridge, the multiple bridges170may have the same or different lengths. As demonstrated inFIG. 38, the width of one or both of the connectors150a,150bmay be increased to increase a stiffness of the individual connector, or may be decreased to decrease the stiffness of the individual connector. The different connectors150a,150bmay have the same or different widths.

As shown inFIGS. 39-42, the bridges170may be spaced at even intervals along the length of the arm, or may be positioned at random or uneven intervals. In some embodiments the arm130may include a first bridge closer to the anchor and a second bridge closer to the attachment portion140.

FIG. 43shows additional examples of multiple connector-arm configurations. It will be appreciated that any of the attachment portions herein may be coupled to an anchor (or another connector) via multiple connectors.

As demonstrated inFIG. 44, the width of one or both of the connectors150a,150bmay be increased to increase a stiffness of the individual connector, or may be decreased to decrease the stiffness of the individual connector. The different connectors150a,150bmay have the same or different widths.

FIG. 45shows an example arm130comprising multiple connectors150a-150c. As shown inFIG. 45, fewer than all of the connectors extend the entire length between the anchor120and the attachment portion140. For example, connectors150a,150b, and another connector (not labeled) all start at the anchor120, but only connector150btravels the entire length of the arm to the attachment portion140. As shown inFIG. 46, in some embodiments the arm may comprise three or more connectors, all of which extend the entire length of the arm between the anchor and the attachment portion.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown inFIGS. 47 and 48, the multiple connectors may create a path between the anchor120and the attachment portion140that includes one or more substantially linear segments. The substantially linear segments may extend in an occlusogingival direction or a mesiodistal direction.

As shown inFIGS. 49-57, the multiple connectors can form multiple turns between the anchor120and the attachment portion140. The turns may be stacked in a mesiodistal direction, or may be stacked in an occlusogingival direction. The peaks (more occlusal) of sequential turns may be aligned along an occlusogingival axis, or may be offset. In these and other embodiments, the valleys (more gingival) of sequential turns may be aligned along an occlusogingival axis, or may be offset.

FIG. 58depicts two arms130a,130bof the present technology, each having flexible connector150with a plurality of openings5800along its length. A thickness of the sidewalls5802of the openings5800may be increased or decreased to affect the flexibility of the arm.

As shown inFIGS. 59-74, a single, flexible connector may form multiple turns between the anchor120and the attachment portion140. For example, the arm may form two or more stacks of turns5900a,5900b, where the turns are stacked in the occlusogingival direction. The stacks may be separated by a generally linear portion of the arm. In some embodiments, the arm may form two or more stacks of turns where the turns are stacked in the mesiodistal direction. In some embodiments, the arm may include both mesiodistal and occlusogingival stacks. The peaks (more occlusal or more mesial) of sequential turns may be aligned along an occlusogingival axis, or may be offset. In these and other embodiments, the valleys (more gingival or more mesial) of sequential turns may be aligned along an occlusogingival axis, or may be offset.

The example appliance7400shown inFIG. 74includes an anchor7412and a plurality of arms7414extending from the anchor7412. The anchor7412is formed in an arch shape (an arch shaped member having a generally arch-shaped configuration). The anchor7412is configured to extend along two or more (or a plurality of) adjacent teeth in one of the patient's jaws, when the appliance7400is installed, as described herein.

The anchor7412has a lengthwise dimension that includes a first portion7412athat is configured to extend along the incisor, lateral incisor, and cuspid (canine) teeth. The lengthwise dimension of the anchor7412includes further second and third portions7412band7412cconfigured to extend along some or all of the bicuspid and molar teeth. In other embodiments, the anchor7412may be smaller in length and, for example, may include the first portion7412a(or a portion of the first portion7412a), but no second or third portions7412b,7412c. In other embodiments, the anchor7412may include the first portion7412aand a portion of the length of one or each of the second and third portions7412b,7412c. In some embodiments, the appliance may include one or more second and third portions7412b,7412c(of any suitable length) and no first portion7412a. In yet other embodiments, the appliance may include one or more anchor second and third portions7412b,7412c(of any suitable length) and Z embodiment appliance features or other appliance features in the location of first portion7412a(instead of an anchor portion) connecting second and third portions7412b,7412c.

The plurality of arms7414may extend from the anchor7412at spaced intervals along the longitudinal axis L2of the anchor7412. The plurality of arms7414may be spaced at even intervals relative to each other, or at uneven intervals relative to each other, along the length dimension of the anchor7412. In particular examples, the arms7414are provided at locations along the length dimension of the anchor7412that 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 arm7414includes a spring portion (or spring member)7414aand a bracket connector element (or male connector element)7414b. Each spring member7414ain the appliance7400may correspond to any of the spring members or spring portions on arms described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823) or herein. Each bracket connector element (or male connector element)7414bin the appliance7400may correspond to any of the bracket connectors (or male connector elements) described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823) or herein.

In the example inFIG. 74, the appliance7400includes ten arms7414extending from the anchor7412, including five arms on the right side and five arms on the left side of the appliance. A respective one of the arms7414is located at each respective distal end of the anchor7412. The five arms on the right side of the appliance7400are spaced apart and located along the length section7412b, and the five arms on the left side of the appliance74100are spaced apart and along the length section7412cof the anchor7412. In other examples, the appliance7400may include fewer or more arms along one or both length sections7412band7412c. In those or other examples, some or all of the arms7414may extend from the section7412aof the anchor7412.

In the example shown inFIG. 74, the arm7414closest to the section7412aon the right side of the appliance and the arm7414closest to the section7412aon 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)7416. The further rigid section7416extends along and adjacent to section7412aof the anchor7412. In other examples, the further rigid section7416may also or alternatively extend along and adjacent some or all of the length of section7412bor of section7412c(or of both sections7412band7412c) of the anchor7412. While the appliance7400inFIG. 74includes one further rigid section7416, other examples may include two or more further rigid sections of additional rigid material7416(for example, arranged over and adjacent two or more of the sections7412a,7412b, and7412c, or of portions of those sections).

The further rigid section7416has a plurality of bracket connectors7417along its length dimension. The further rigid section7416also has a plurality of loop or curved features7418formed along its length dimension.

Each bracket connector7417may 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 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823) or herein. Alternatively, some or all of the bracket connectors7417may have other suitable bracket connector configurations. In the example ofFIG. 74, the bracket connectors7417have a configuration corresponding to the bracket connectors266,267,268or269described with respect to FIG. 29 in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/865,323.

In the example inFIG. 74, four bracket connectors7417extend from the further rigid section7416. The bracket connectors7417are spaced apart and located along the length dimension of the further rigid section7416and, thus, along at least a portion of the corresponding length dimension of section7412aof the anchor7412. In other examples, the appliance100may include fewer or more bracket connectors7417. In particular examples, the bracket connectors7417are provided at locations along the length dimension of the further rigid section7416that correspond to or are associated with locations of teeth to which the bracket connectors7417connect, when the appliance is installed.

One or more (or each) of the loop or curved features7418in the further rigid section7416may 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 feature7418. In certain examples, as shown inFIG. 74, the appliance7400includes five loop or curved features7418along the length of the further rigid section7416. Also, in certain examples, as shown inFIG. 74, one bracket connector7417is located between each adjacent pair of the loop or curved features7418.

The loop or curved features7418may include a loop or curved feature7418alocated on the left end of the further rigid section7416, and a loop or curved feature7418blocated on the right end of the further rigid section7416. In such examples, the further rigid section7416may connect to arms7414extending from the anchor7412, through the loop or curved feature7418aand7418b. Accordingly, one or both of the loop or curved feature7418aor7418bcan 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 anchor7412and the further rigid section7416.

In the example inFIG. 74, all of the bracket connectors7417on the further rigid section7416are located between the loop or curved features7418aand7418b. In other examples, one or more of the bracket connectors7417may be located between one or both features7418aor7418band the respective arms7414that are connected to the ends of the further rigid section7416.

Other examples may include more or less than five loop or curved features along the length of the further rigid section7416, more or less than one bracket connector7417between each adjacent pair of loop or curved features7418, or more than one loop or curved feature7418between two adjacent bracket connectors7417. The number, configuration and location of the bracket connectors7417and the loop or curved features7418may be selected for the appliance7400, 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 connectors7417and the loop or curved features7418may 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 appliance7400is configured to be installed on a patient, by coupling the bracket connector elements7414band bracket connectors7417to 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 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823).

The appliance7400and 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 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823), including, but not limited to molding, casting, machining, 3D printing, stamping, extruding, or the like. However, in particular examples, the appliance7400or 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 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823) or other suitable processes. In those or other examples, the appliance100may be configured in a single, unitary structure, from a single sheet (or type) of material. In other examples, the appliance7400may 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. 74, the appliance7400includes 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 appliance7400includes one or more (or a plurality) of separate arms7414that extend from the one or more rigid bars7412. With regard to features examples according to embodiment Z, the appliance7400also includes one or more rigid bars7416having one or more bracket connectors7417and one or more loop or curved feature7418(force applying feature) formed along its length dimension.

Another example of an appliance7500having a combination of X and Z features is shown inFIGS. 75 and 76. The appliance7500is shown inFIG. 75in an uninstalled state (not installed on a patient). The appliance7500is shown inFIG. 76in an installed state (installed on the teeth of a patient). The appliance7500includes an anchor7522that corresponds to the anchor7412of appliance7400. However, the anchor7522has a lengthwise dimension including a section7522athat is configured to extend along the incisor, lateral incisor, and cuspid (canine) teeth, and further sections7522band7522cconfigured to extend along some, but not all of the bicuspid or molar teeth, when the appliance is installed. In other embodiments, the anchor7522may be smaller in length and, for example, may include section7522a(or a portion of section7522a), but no portions of sections7522bor7522c. In other embodiments, the anchor7522may include section7522aand a longer section7522bor a longer section7522cthat extend to molar teeth on one side of the appliance7522, when the appliance is installed. The anchor7522may 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 appliance7500is installed.

A plurality of arms7530extend from the anchor7522. The arms7530of the appliance7500may correspond in structure and function as described with regard to the arms7414of the appliance7400. For example, the arms7530may include spring members and bracket connectors (or male connector elements) similar to those described with regard to arms7414of the appliance7400. The arms7530may be spaced along the length dimension of the anchor7522in a manner similar to the spacing described with regard to arms7414on the anchor7412. However, in the appliance7500, at least some of the arms7530are located along the anchor section7522athat is configured to extend along some or all of the incisor, lateral incisor, and cuspid (canine) teeth. In other examples, the appliance7500may include a further rigid section extending along the anchor section7522a, or along some or all of the anchor sections7522bor7522c(such as, but not limited to the further rigid section7416of the appliance7400), instead of or in addition to one or more (or all) of the arms7530located along the anchor section7522a(or along sections7522bor7522c).

In the example inFIG. 75, the appliance7500includes ten arms7530extending from the anchor7522, including six arms extending from the anchor section7522a, two arms extending from the anchor section7522band two arms extending from the anchor section7522c. In other examples, the appliance7500may include fewer or more arms along one or more of the length sections7522a,7522band7522c.

The appliance7500also includes further rigid sections (or second rigid bars)7526and7527, extending from the right side end and the left side end, respectively of the anchor7522. Each further rigid section7526and7527has a lengthwise dimension extending from one end of the anchor7522to a distal end7526aand7527a, respectively. In other examples, the appliance7500may include one of the further rigid sections7526or7527, but not the other further rigid section7527or7526. In those or other examples, the appliance7500may include one or more further rigid sections (similar to the further rigid sections7526and7527) located along a portion (or all) of the length of the anchor section7522a, instead of (in place of) the anchor section7522a.

In the example inFIG. 75, the further rigid section7526has a shape that corresponds to (or is a mirror image of) the shape of the further rigid section7527. In other examples, the further rigid section7526may have a shape and configuration that is different from the shape and configuration of the further rigid section7527.

Each further rigid section7526and7527has a plurality of bracket connectors7528and a plurality of loop or curved features7529formed along its length dimension. The distal end of each further rigid section7526and7527may include a portion of a bracket connector7528a. Each of the bracket connectors7528, and loop or curved features7529may correspond in structure, arrangement and function to any of the various examples described with regard to the bracket connectors7417and loop or curved features7418of the appliance7400. In other examples, one or more (or all) of the bracket connectors7528, or features7529may have other suitable structures, configurations or functions.

In certain examples, such as shown inFIG. 75, the loop or curved features7529may include a loop or curved feature7529aat or adjacent the location at which the further rigid section7526extends from the anchor7522, and a further loop or curved feature7529bat or adjacent the location at which the further rigid section7527extends from the anchor7522. In such examples, the further rigid sections7526and7527may connect to the anchor7522, through the loop or curved feature7529aor7529b. In some examples, the loop or curved features7529aand7529bmay be a curved or loop feature on an arm extending from the anchor7522(for example, similar to an arm30). Accordingly, one or both of the loop or curved feature7529aor7529bcan 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 anchor7522and the further rigid sections7526and7527.

In the example inFIG. 75, all of the bracket connectors7528on the left side of the appliance7500are located between the loop or curved feature7529aand the distal end7526aof the further rigid section7526. Similarly, all of the bracket connectors7528on the right side of the appliance7500are located between the loop or curved feature7529band the distal end7527aof the further rigid section7527. In other examples, one or more of the bracket connectors7528may be located between the loop or curved feature7529aor7529band the anchor distal ends7526aor7527a, respectively.

Similar to the appliance7400, the number, configuration and location of the arms7530, bracket connectors7528and loop or curved features7529may be selected for the appliance7500, 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 appliance7500includes one or more (or a plurality) of separate arms30that extend from the one or more rigid bars7522. With regard to features examples according to embodiment Z, the appliance7500also includes one or more rigid bars7526or7527having one or more bracket connectors7528and one or more loop or curved feature7529(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 member7700for forming an appliance, as shown inFIG. 77. The 2D appliance member7700inFIG. 77is 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 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823). However, an appliance having features as described with regard to the example inFIG. 77may be made according to other suitable processes.

An appliance in accordance with the example ofFIG. 77may be made and used in manners similar or corresponding to such manners described herein for appliances7400and7500. An appliance according to the example ofFIG. 77may include certain features corresponding in structure or function (or both) to some of the features of appliance7400or appliance7500.

For example, the appliance member7700includes an anchor7742that corresponds to the anchor7412of appliance7400. The anchor7742has a lengthwise dimension including a section7742athat is configured to extend along the incisor, lateral incisor, and cuspid (canine) teeth, and further sections7742band7742cconfigured to extend along some, but not all of the bicuspid or molar teeth, when the appliance formed from the appliance member7700is installed. In other embodiments, the anchor7742may be smaller in length and, for example, may include section7742a(or a portion of section7742a), but no portions of sections7742bor7742c. In other embodiments, the anchor7742may include section7742aand a longer section7742bor a longer section7742cthat 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 an anchor7742having 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 bars7526or7527of the appliance7500).

The anchor7742may 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 arms7744extend from the anchor7742. The arms7744may correspond in structure and function as described with regard to the arms7414or7530of the appliance7400or7500. For example, the arms7744may include spring members and bracket connectors (or male connector elements) similar to those described with regard to arms7414and7530.

The arms7744may be spaced along the length dimension of the anchor7742in a manner similar to the spacing described with regard to arms7414on the anchor7412. However, in the appliance member7700, at least some of the arms7744are located along the anchor section7742athat is configured to extend along some or all of the incisor, lateral incisor, and cuspid (canine) teeth. In other examples, the appliance member7700may include a further rigid section extending along the anchor section7742a, or along some or all of the anchor sections7742bor7742c(such as, but not limited to the further rigid section7416of the appliance7400), instead of one or more (or all) of the arms7744located along the anchor section7742a(or along sections7742bor7742c).

In the example inFIG. 77, the appliance member7700includes sixteen arms7744extending from the anchor7742to fourteen bracket connectors7745a-7745n. One or more (or all) of the bracket connectors may be connected to or part of two respective arms7744, such as shown inFIG. 77with regard to the bracket connectors7745aand7745b. One or more (or all) of the other bracket connectors may be connected to or part of a single arm7744, such as shown inFIG. 77with regard to the bracket connectors7745c-7745n. In other examples, the appliance member7700may include fewer or more arms along one or more of the length sections7742a,7742band7742c. Also, the appliance member7700of other examples may include fewer or more bracket connectors.

An appliance member according to the example inFIG. 77includes one or more second rigid bars extending to and between two or more of the bracket connectors. In the example inFIG. 77, the appliance member7700includes a second rigid bar having segments7746a,7746band7746cextending between bracket connectors7745b,7745c,7745dand7745e. The appliance7740includes another second rigid bar having segments7746d,7746e,7746fand7746gextending between the bracket connectors7745j,7745k,7745l,7745mand7745n. In other examples, the number and configuration of second rigid bars and segments7746a-g, and the number and location of bracket connectors7745a-7745nto 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 segment7746a-7746gmay have one or more (or a plurality of) loop or curved features7748formed along its length dimension. Each of the bracket connectors7745a-7745nand loop or curved features7748may correspond in structure, arrangement and function to any of the various examples described with regard to the bracket connectors7417and loop or curved features7418of the appliance7400. In other examples, one or more (or all) of the bracket connectors7745a-7745n, or features7748may have other suitable structures, configurations or functions. One or more of the loop or curved features7748can be configured to provide one or more of a desired flexibility, bias force strength, bias force direction, between two or more of the bracket connectors7745a-7745n.

In certain examples, such as shown inFIG. 77, the appliance member (or appliance) may include an anchor holder, for anchoring the appliance to a patient's palate. In the example inFIG. 77, the appliance member7700includes an anchor holder7749or Nance. The anchor holder7749is connected to (by being either coupled to or integral with) the anchor7742. In the example inFIG. 77, the anchor holder7749has a rounded, plate-shaped head portion7749aconnected to the anchor7742, through a narrowed neck section7749b. A plurality of apertures is provided in the head portion7749aand the neck portion7749bof the anchor holder7749. 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 holder7749, and into the patient's palate (soft and hard tissue), to anchor the appliance to the patient's palate. In particular examples, the anchor holder7749is 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 holder7749) 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 member7800for forming an appliance, as shown inFIG. 78. The 2D appliance member7800inFIG. 78is 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 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823). However, an appliance having features as described with regard to the example inFIG. 78may be made according to other suitable processes.

An appliance in accordance with the example ofFIG. 78may be made and used in manners similar or corresponding to such manners described herein for the appliances7400or7500or the appliance member7700. An appliance according to the example ofFIG. 78may include certain features corresponding in structure or function (or both) to some of the features of the appliance7400or the appliance7500, or the appliance member7700.

For example, the appliance member7800includes an anchor7852that corresponds to the anchor7412of the appliance7400, or the anchor7522of the appliance7500, or the anchor7742of the appliance member7700. The anchor7852has 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 sections7853and7854are connected to (coupled to or extended from) the anchor7852, to extend along some or all of the bicuspid or molar teeth, when the appliance formed from the appliance member7850and is installed. In other examples, the anchor7852may be smaller in length than shown inFIG. 78and, 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 anchor7852may extend further along bicuspid or molar teeth (in place of some or all of one or both bar or bar sections7853and7854) when the appliance is formed and installed. In yet other examples, one or both sections7853and7854may be omitted or smaller than shown inFIG. 78.

The anchor7852may 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 arms7856extend from the anchor7852. The arms7856may correspond in structure and function as described with regard to the arms7414,7530or7744of the appliance7400or7500or the appliance member7700. For example, the arms7856may include spring members and bracket connectors (or male connector elements) similar to those described with regard to arms7414,7530or7744.

The arms7856may be spaced along the length dimension of the anchor7852in a manner similar to the spacing described with regard to arms7414on the anchor7412inFIG. 74, or the arms7744on the anchor7742inFIG. 77. In the appliance member7800, all of the arms7856are located along the anchor7852that is configured to extend along some or all of the incisor, lateral incisor, and cuspid (canine) teeth.

In the example inFIG. 78, the appliance member7800includes six arms7856extending from the anchor7852to six corresponding bracket connectors7857. Each respective bracket connector7857may be connected to or part of a single respective arm7856, such as shown inFIG. 78. 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. 77with regard to the bracket connectors7745aand7745b). In other examples, the appliance member7800may include fewer or more arms along the length of rigid bar7852. Also, the appliance member7800of other examples may include fewer or more bracket connectors.

An appliance member according to the example inFIG. 78includes one or more further rigid bars or bar sections7853and7854connected to the anchor7852. Each further rigid bar7853and7854may 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. 78, the anchors7853and7854have a total of eight loop or curved features7858a-7858hand eight bracket connectors (or male connector elements)7859a-7859h. In other examples, each rigid bar7853and7854may have more or less loop or curved features or bracket connectors than shown in the example ofFIG. 78.

Each of the bracket connectors7859and loop or curved features7858may correspond in structure, arrangement and function to any of the various examples described with regard to the bracket connectors7417and loop or curved features7418of the appliance7400, or with regard to the bracket connectors7745a-7745nand loop or curved features7748of the appliance member7700. In other examples, one or more (or all) of the bracket connectors7859, or features7858may 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 connectors7859.

In certain examples, such as shown inFIG. 78, the loop or curved features7858may include a loop or curved feature7858aat or adjacent the location at which the further rigid bar7853extends from the anchor7852, and a further loop or curved feature7858eat or adjacent the location at which the further rigid bar7854extends from the anchor7852. In such examples, the further rigid bars7853and7854may connect to the anchor7852, through the loop or curved feature7858aor7858e. Accordingly, one or both of the loop or curved feature7858aor7858ecan 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 anchor7852and the further rigid bars7853and7854.

Other example appliances (or appliance members)7900,8000,8100and8200having a combination of X and Z features are shown inFIGS. 79-82, respectively, and may be made and used in manners similar or corresponding to such manners described herein for the appliances7400or7500, or the appliance members7700or7800. An appliance according to any of the examples ofFIGS. 79-82may include certain features corresponding in structure or function (or both) to some of the features of the appliances7400or7500, or the appliance members7700or7800.

In particular, each of the appliances (or appliance members)7900,8000,8100and8200includes 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)7900includes two rigid bars7962and7963. The appliance8000(or appliance member) includes an anchor8072. The appliance8100includes an anchor8182, and the appliance8200(or appliance member) includes an anchor8292. Each of the anchors7962,8182and8292have a lengthwise dimension that is configured to extend along two or more teeth, when the appliance is formed and installed. However, each of the anchors7963and8072has a lengthwise dimension that is configured to extend along one tooth, when the appliance is formed and installed. The anchors7962,7963,8072,8183and8292may each correspond in structure to the anchor7412of the appliance7400, the anchor7522of the appliance7500, the anchor7742of the appliance member7700or the anchor7852of the appliance member7800. Other examples may include any suitable number, size and locations of rigid bars.

Each of the appliances (or appliance members)7900,8000,8100and8200includes one or more (or a plurality of) arms extending from the one or more rigid bars. For example, the appliance (or appliance member)7900includes two arms7964aand7964bextending from the anchor7962, and a third arm7964cextending from the anchor7963. The appliance (or appliance member)8000includes one arm8074extending from the anchor8072. The appliance (or appliance member)8100includes arms8184aand8184bextending from the anchor8182. The appliance8200(or appliance member) includes one arm8294extending from the anchor8292. Each of the arms extends to a respective bracket connector (or male connector element).

Each of the appliances (or appliance members)7900,8000,8100and8200includes one or more further rigid sections having Z embodiment features, and connected to (by being coupled to or integral with) the anchor7962,7963,8072,8183or8292, through one or more arms. For example, the appliance (or appliance member)7900includes a further rigid section7966connected to the anchor7962through arms7964aand7964b, and connected to the anchor7963through the arm7964c. Similarly, the appliance (or appliance member)8000includes a further rigid section8076that is connected to the anchor8072through the arm8074. Also similarly, the appliance (or appliance member)8100includes a further rigid section8186that is connected to the anchor8182through an arm8184b. Also similarly, the appliance (or appliance member)8200includes a further rigid section8296that is connected to the anchor8292through an arm8294.

Each of the further rigid sections7966,8076,8186and8296have 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 sections7966,8076,8186and8296. For example, the rigid section7966of the appliance (or appliance member)7900has eight bracket connectors7968and seven loop or curved features7969. Similarly, the rigid section8076of the appliance (or appliance member)8000has eight bracket connectors8078and seven loop or curved features8079, the rigid section8186of the appliance (or appliance member)8180has eight bracket connectors8188and seven loop or curved features8189, and the rigid section8296of the appliance (or appliance member)8290has eight bracket connectors8298and seven loop or curved features8299. Any of the examples described herein may include one or more further bracket connectors that are connected to an anchor, but not to the further rigid section, such as the bracket connector at the distal end of the arm8184ain the appliance (or appliance member)8100ofFIG. 81.

In the examples shown inFIGS. 79-82, each loop or curved feature (7969,8079,8189, or8299) is located between a pair of adjacent bracket connectors (7968,8078,8188or8298) along the length dimension of the further rigid section (7966,8076,8186or8296, 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 bar7966,8076,8186or8296may 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. 83-85, each including a plurality of further rigid sections, each having Z embodiment features. In the example appliance (or appliance member)8300inFIG. 83has four further rigid sections8352,8353,8354and8355extending from a T-shaped central rigid bar8356. The central rigid bar8356has a generally T shape. The example appliance (or appliance member)8400ofFIG. 84, has four further rigid sections8462,8463,8464and8465extending from a central rigid palate plate8466. The central rigid palate plate8466has a shape to fit against a patient's palate. The example appliance (or appliance member)8500inFIG. 85has four further rigid sections8572,8573,8574and8575extending from a central annular-shaped rigid bar8576. 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 anchor 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. 74-85, 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. 74-85may have any suitable configuration, including the configurations shown in the respective drawings of thoseFIGS. 74-85. 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 arms that 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 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823), or yet other appliance examples, are described with reference toFIGS. 86-90. Each of the example arms extends from an anchor to an associated bracket connector (or male connector element). The anchor may correspond to the anchor in any of the examples ofFIGS. 74-85, or the anchor of any other examples described herein, or of yet other appliance or appliance member examples.

Each of the arms8600-8608,8909-8930,9031and9032includes a spring member8600b-8608b,8909b-8930b,9031band9032b. 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 arm8600includes a spring member8600bthat 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 anchor8633), 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. 86, the bracket connector8600aof the arm8600is located vertically above the location at which the arm couples to or extends from the anchor8633(and is centered along an axis A perpendicular to the length dimension of the anchor8633at the location at which the arm8600connects to the anchor8633). In other examples, the bracket connector8600amay be located laterally offset from the axis A (e.g., toward the right or the left of the axis A).

The arm8600in the example inFIG. 86includes a linear arm section8600cthat extends from the spring member8600bto the bracket connector8600a. In some examples, the linear arm section8600cmay extend along the axis A as shown inFIG. 86. In other examples, the linear arm section8600cmay 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 section8600cmay be nonlinear (curved or other suitable shape) or may be omitted (such that the spring member8600bextends to the bracket connector8600a). In certain examples, the arm section8600c(or corresponding arm section of other arms described herein) has a sufficient length dimension to be gripped by an operator, 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 connector8600ainto engagement with a bracket.

The two open loop portions of the spring member8600bof the arm8600have a generally rectangular shape, including one or more straight edges (e.g., the horizontal and vertical edges of the spring member8600binFIG. 86) 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 arm8601inFIG. 86has a spring member8601band arm section8601cthat is similar in shape and configuration to the spring member8600band arm section8600cof the arm8600. However, the two open loop portions of the spring member8601bof the arm8601have rounded edges. In addition, the two open loop portions of the spring member8601bare 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 member8601bmay 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 member8600bof the arm8600may 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. 86shows another example of an arm8602that includes a spring member8602bwith a shape having two open loop portions arranged adjacent each other in a horizontal direction (direction generally parallel to the length dimension of the anchor8633), forming an “S” shape laying in that horizontal direction. However, the center of the bracket connector8602aof the arm8602is laterally offset from the axis A, such that the bracket connector8602ais located mostly or entirely on one side of the axis A (the left side inFIG. 86). In other examples, the spring member8602bmay be oriented in the opposite direction as shown, such that the bracket connector8602ais located mostly or entirely on the other side of the axis A (the right side inFIG. 86).

In the arm8602, the spring member8602bis configured such that the entire spring member8602b(or substantially the entire spring member8602b) is located vertically below the bracket connector8602a(between the bracket connector8602aand the anchor8633). In other examples, some or all of the spring member8602bmay be located laterally offset from the bracket connector8602a(in a direction perpendicular to the axis A).

For example, the arm8603inFIG. 86has a spring member8603band arm section8603cthat is similar in shape and configuration to the spring member8602band arm section8602cof the arm8602. However, the two open loop portions of the spring member8603bare spread out in the lateral direction more than the open loop portions of the spring member8602b. As a result, a substantial portion of the spring member8603b(e.g., one of the loop portions) is laterally offset from the bracket connector8603ain a direction perpendicular to the axis A.

The arm8604has a has a spring member8604band arm section8604cthat is similar in shape and configuration to the spring member8603band arm section8603cof the arm8603. However, the two loop portions of the spring member8604bare shaped different from the loop portions8603b. In particular, one of the open loop features of the spring member8604bhas a “U” shape, with one of the sides or arms of the “U” shape loop extending to the bracket connector8604aand the other side or arm of the “U” shape loop extending from the other loop of the spring member8604b. In addition, the length of the arm section8604cis smaller than the length of the arm section8603c. In certain examples, the length of the arm section8600c-8630cmay be selected, to provide a desired distance between the bracket connector8600a-8630aand the anchor8633. The arm section length may be selected to accommodate or fit a desired or particular patient tooth arrangement.

FIG. 86shows other examples arms8605,8605′,8606,8607and8608that 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 anchor8633), forming an “S” shape laying in that horizontal direction.

The arms8605and8605′ inFIG. 86are each connected to the same (a common) bracket connector, such that the bracket connector8605ais connected to the anchor8633through the two arms8605and8605′. The arm8605has a spring member8605bthat is similar in shape to the spring member8603b, but oriented in the opposite direction. The arm8605′ has a spring member8605b′ that is similar in shape to the spring member8602b. In other examples, the arms8605and8605′ 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 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823).

The arm8606inFIG. 86includes a spring member8606bhaving 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 member8607bof the arm8607ofFIG. 86has loop portions that are elongated in a direction that is at an obtuse angle relative to the axis A. The arm8608inFIG. 86has a spring member8608bthat is similar in shape to the spring member8603b. However, the arm8608has an arm section8608cthat is wider (in the horizontal dimension) than other sections of the arm8608. Other examples of any of the arm members described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823) may include an arm section (similar to arm section8608c) that is wider than other sections of the arm.

FIGS. 87 and 88show an example configuration in which the attachment portion is coupled to the anchor (not shown inFIG. 87) by a single connector, or directly via multiple connectors.

FIG. 89shows further examples of arms8909,8914,8915and8922-8930that 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 anchor8933), forming an “S” shape laying in that horizontal direction.FIG. 89also shows examples of arms8910,8912, and8917-8921that 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 anchor8933), forming one or more “S” shapes in that perpendicular direction.FIG. 89shows a further example of an arm8911having a “U” shaped spring member8911b. A further example of an arm8913inFIG. 89has a spring member8913bformed 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 arms8915and8916have a similar shape, but the width dimension of the arm8915is greater than the width of the arm8916. As another example, the arms8922,8923and8924inFIG. 89have a similar shape, but the width dimension of the arm8924is greater than the width of the arm8923. Similarly, the width dimension of the arm8923is greater than the width of the arm8922. 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. 89), 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 anchor8933from which they extend, such that the anchor8933may 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 arms8925,8926and8927inFIG. 89have a similar shape relative to each other, but the width dimension of the arm8927is greater than the width of the arm8926, which is greater than the width of the arm8925. As yet another example, the arms8928,8929and8930inFIG. 89have a similar shape relative to each other, but the width dimension of the arm8930is greater than the width of the arm8929, which is greater than the width of the arm8928. Each of the example arms8909-8930shown inFIG. 89has 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 arms8900-8932may be made greater or smaller than the width dimension of one or more other portions of the same arm.

FIG. 90shows further examples of two adjacent arms9031and9032extending from an anchor9033of an appliance, appliance member (or a portion of an appliance or appliance member). Each arm9031and9032extends to an associated bracket connector (or male connector element)9031aor9031b. Each of the arms9031and9032include a spring member9031bor9032b, and an arm section9031cor9032cextending from the spring member to the bracket connectors9031aor9032a.

The bracket connector9031ais configured to be connected to a bracket secured to a first tooth9034in a patient's jaw, and the bracket connector9032ais configured to be connected to a bracket secured to a second tooth9035in the patient's jaw. The first tooth9034and the second tooth9035may 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 tooth9034and the second tooth9035. In one example, the tooth9034may be a canine tooth, while the tooth9035may be a second pre-molar. In other examples, the teeth9034and9035may 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 examples8600and8601may 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 examples8602,8603and8604may 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 examples8606,8607and8608may 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 section8606c,8607cand8608cin 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 arms inFIG. 86, 89 or 90(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. 90may be configured to provide a force on one or both teeth9034and9035(when the bracket connectors9031aand9032aare connected to respective brackets on the teeth9034and9035), where the force on each tooth is directed toward the adjacent tooth. In particular examples, the arms9031and9032are configured to apply the force on one or both teeth9034and9035, at a location along the length dimension of each tooth corresponding to a center of resistance location. In the drawing ifFIG. 90, the teeth9034and9035are shown laterally adjacent to the respective arms9031and9032. However, it will be understood that, when the bracket connectors9031aand9032aare connected to brackets on the respective teeth9034and9035, each of the bracket connectors9031aand9032awill be placed on or directly adjacent to a surface of a respective tooth9034and9035on which a bracket (not shown inFIG. 90) is secured, as described herein.

In the example inFIG. 90, the arm9031is configured such that the arm section9031cextends generally parallel to, but laterally offset from an axis A1(the axis direction perpendicular to the length dimension of the anchor9033at the location at which the arm9031connects to the anchor9033). Similarly, the arm9032is configured such that the arm section9032cextends generally parallel to, but laterally offset from an axis A2(the axis direction perpendicular to the length dimension of the anchor9033at the location at which the arm9031connects to the anchor9033).

More specifically, the arm section9031cis laterally offset from the axis A1, in a direction to the left of A1, such that spring member9031bof the arm9031and the axis A1are located between the arm section9031cand the arm9032. Similarly, the arm section9032cis laterally offset from the axis A2, in a direction to the left of A2, such that spring member9032bof the arm9032and the axis A2are located between the arm section9032cand the arm9031. In addition, the spring members9031band9032bof the arms9031and9032are configured such that (when the arms9031and9032are connected to respective teeth9034and9035) the arm9031imparts a force F1on the tooth9034in a direction toward the arm9032, and the arm9032imparts a force F2on the tooth9035in a direction toward the arm9033. The magnitude of the force F1and F2depend on one or more (or a combination of) the shape and configuration of the arms9031and9032(including the spring members9031band9032b), the lateral spacing between the arms9031and9033, and the thickness and material of the arms9031and9032.

In the example inFIG. 90, the spring members9031band9032bof the arms9031and9032are located adjacent (or relatively close to) the anchor9033. In addition, the length of the arm sections9031cand9032cmay be configured to locate the anchor9033at or near the centers of resistance9034aand9035aof the respective teeth9034and9035. In that manner, the spring members9031band9032bmay be located at or near the centers of resistance9034aand9035aof the respective teeth9034and9035(to impart the force F1or F2on the tooth9034or9035, at or near the center of resistance9034aor9035aof the tooth9034or9035). In other examples, the arms9031and9032may be configured to impart a force F1or F2on a tooth9034or9035, at a location that is spaced apart (e.g., vertically offset in the orientation ofFIG. 90) from the center of resistance9034aor9035aof the tooth9034or9035, by a specified distance. In such other examples, the force F1or F2can have a lever-like action on a tooth9034or9035, 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 member9031b,9032b, the distance and location of the spring member relative to the anchor9033, and the length of the arm section9031c,9032c).

Each of the example arms8600-8608inFIG. 86and arms9031and9032inFIG. 90is 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 arms8909-8930inFIG. 89extends to a bracket connector8900a-8908athat 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 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823) (such as those identified by reference numbers 1802, 1822, or 2500 in that publication).

In other examples, any of the arms described with regardFIGS. 86 and 90may extend to (be formed integral with or coupled to) a T shaped bracket connector ofFIG. 89, or any of the other bracket connectors (or male connector elements) described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823), in place of the bracket connectors8600a-8608a. Similarly, in other examples, any of the arms described with regardFIG. 89, may extend to an annular or ring shaped bracket connector described in regard to the examples ofFIG. 86, or any of the other bracket connectors (or male connector elements) described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/370,704 (Publ. No. 2017/0156823), in place of the bracket connectors8909a-8930a.

FIGS. 91 and 92show certain examples of Z embodiment features, including a rigid bar (9130inFIGS. 91 and 9240inFIG. 92) having loop or curved features (9131-9138inFIGS. 91 and 9241-9248inFIG. 92) according to various examples, between associated pairs of bracket connectors (or male connector elements).

Each of the loop or curved features9131-9138and9241-9248inFIGS. 91 and 92includes a pair of linear arm sections coupled by one or more curved sections. For example, the loop or curved feature9131inFIG. 91includes first and second linear arm sections9131aand9131bthat extend from the rest of the rigid bar9130to a curved section9131c. In each of the examples inFIGS. 91 and 92, 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 sections9131aand9131bof the loop or curved feature9131inFIG. 91has a larger (e.g., wider) dimension than the corresponding dimension (width) of the curved section9131cof that feature9131.

In other examples, one, but not both of the first and second arm sections of any of the loop or curved features9131-9138or9241-9248may 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 features9131-9138or9241-9248may 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 features9131-9138or9241-9248may be formed to have a uniform or constant corresponding dimension (e.g., width).

The loop or curved feature9131includes a curved section9131chaving a generally U shaped portion9131d(an inverted U in the orientation ofFIG. 91), and two laterally extended curved loop portions9131eand9131f(located on the two respective sides of the U shaped portion9131d). The U shaped portion9131dextends along and between the first and second arm sections9131aand9131b. The curved loop portion9131econnects one end of the U shaped portion9131dto the first arm section9131a, while the curved loop portion9131fconnects the other end of the U shaped portion9131dto the second arm section9131b. Each of the curved loop portions9131eand9131fhas a rounded closed end that is wider (in the horizontal dimension ofFIG. 91) than the rest of the curved loop portion of the feature9131. The wider, rounded end (9131e′ and9131f′) can provide increased flexibility while decreasing risk of fracture.

The loop or curved feature9132has a configuration that is similar to the configuration described with regard to feature9131. For example, the loop or curved feature9132may include first and second linear arm sections9132aand9132b, and a curved section9132chaving a U shaped portion9132dand curved loop portions9132eand9132f(corresponding to sections9131a,9131band9132cand portions9131d,9131eand9131fof feature9131). However, the U shaped portion9132dof the loop or curved feature9132is smaller than the U shaped portion9131dof the loop or curved feature9131. In the examples inFIG. 91, the U shaped portion9131dextends along about seventy-five percent of the length of the first and second arm sections9131aand9131b, while the U shaped portion9132dextends along about twenty-five percent of the length of the first and second arm sections9132eand9132f. In other examples, the U shaped portion9131dor9132dmay extend along any suitable portion of the length of the first and second arm sections. A longer U shaped portion (such as shown at9131d) may be more flexible than a shorter U shaped portion (such as shown at9132d).

Another example of a loop or curved feature9133also includes first and second linear arm sections9133aand9133band a curved section9133c(for example, corresponding to the arm sections9131aand9131band curved section9131cof the feature9131). However, the linear arm sections9133aand9133bare smaller in length than the linear arm sections9131aand9131bof feature9131. The linear arm sections of any of the loop or curved features9131-9138or9241-9248may 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 section9133cof the loop or curved feature9133has a generally U shaped portion9133d(an inverted U in the orientation ofFIG. 91), and two laterally extended curved loop portions9133eand9133f(located on the two respective sides of the U shaped portion9133d). However, the generally U shaped portion9133dhas an enlarged section9133d′ adjacent where the curved loop portions9133eand9133fconnect to the generally U shaped portion9133d. The enlarged section9133d′ is larger (e.g., wider) in at least one dimension (the horizontal dimension in the orientation ofFIG. 91) than the rest of the generally U shaped portion9133d. The curved loop portions9133eand9133fcorrespond, generally to the curved loop portions9131eand9131fof feature9131. However, the curved loop portion9133edoes not extend laterally beyond the left side of the first arm section9133a, and the curved loop portion9133fdoes not extend laterally beyond (or as far beyond) the right side of the second arm section9133b, relative to lateral extension of the curved or loop portions9131eand9131f. The narrower profile provided by the curved loop portions9133eand9133f(relative to the curved or loop portions9131eor9131f) 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 feature9135also includes first and second linear arm sections9135aand9135band a curved section9135c. The linear arm sections9135aand9135bare similar to the linear arm sections9133aand9133bof the feature9133. However, the curved section9135chas a C shape or an open circle shaped portion9135d(having a shape of a circle with an open edge), instead of a U shape described for feature9133. The curved section9135calso has two laterally extended curved loop portions9135eand9135f(corresponding to curved loop portions9133eand9133fof feature9133) located on the two respective sides of the C shape portion9135d.

Another example of a loop or curved feature9134also includes first and second linear arm sections9134aand9134band a curved section9134c. The linear arm sections9134aand9134bare similar to the linear arm sections9133aand9133bof the feature9133. However, the curved section9134chas 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 section9134cmay be selected to provide a desired performance characteristic. For example, each of the loop or curved features9136,9137and9138has a shape and configuration similar to that of the loop or curved feature9134, but with a circle shape having a different diameter. More specifically, the loop or curved feature9136includes first and second linear arm sections9136aand9136band a curved section9136cthat has a smaller diameter than the curved section9134cof feature9134. Similarly, the loop or curved feature9137includes first and second linear arm sections9137aand9137band a curved section9137cthat has a smaller diameter than the curved section9136cof feature9136. Similarly, the loop or curved feature9138includes first and second linear arm sections9138aand9138band a curved section9138cthat has a smaller diameter than the curved section9137cof feature9137. 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 feature9241inFIG. 92has a configuration having some similarities to the configuration of the loop or curved feature9131inFIG. 91. In particular, the loop or curved feature9241includes first and second linear arm sections9241aand9241band a curved section9241c. The linear arm sections9241aand9241bare similar to the linear arm sections9131aand9131bof the feature9131. Also, the curved section9241chas a generally U shaped portion9241d(similar to the generally U shaped portion9131dof feature9131). However, the curved section9241cof the feature9240has two laterally extended curved loop portions9241eand9241fthat 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 feature9131. The loop or curved feature9248has a similar configuration as the loop or curved feature9241.

Another example of a loop or curved feature9245inFIG. 92has a configuration having some similarities to the configuration of the loop or curved feature9131inFIG. 91. In particular, the loop or curved feature9245includes first and second linear arm sections9245aand9245band a curved section9245c. The linear arm sections9245aand9245bare similar to the linear arm sections9131aand9131bof the feature9131. Also, the curved section9245chas a generally U shaped portion9245d(corresponding to the generally U shaped portion9131dof feature9131). However, the generally U shaped portion9245dhas an enlarged section9245d′ at the closed end of the U shaped portion9245d, and a second enlarged section9245d″ where curved loop portions9245eand9245fconnect to the generally U shaped portion9245d. The enlarged sections9245d′ and9245d″ are each larger (e.g., wider) in at least one dimension (the horizontal dimension in the orientation ofFIG. 92) than other sections of the generally U shaped portion9245d. The curved loop portions9245eand9245fcorrespond, generally to the curved loop portions9131eand9131fof feature9131.

Another example of a loop or curved feature9246inFIG. 92has a configuration corresponding to the configuration of feature9245(including first and second arm sections9246a,9246band a curved section9246chaving a generally U shaped portion9246dsimilar to corresponding parts of the feature9245). However, the loop or curved feature9246has curved loop portions9246eand9246fthat correspond in shape to the curved loop portions9241eand9241fof feature9241.

Another example of a loop or curved feature9247inFIG. 92has a configuration corresponding to the configuration of feature9241(including first and second arm sections9247a,9247band a curved section9247chaving curved loop portions9247eand9247fthat correspond in shape to the curved loop portions9241eand9241fof feature9241). However, the curved section9247cof the loop or curved feature9247has a C shape or an open circle shaped portion9247d(having a shape of a circle with an open edge), instead of a generally U shape described for feature9241d.

Other examples of loop or curved features9242,9243and9244inFIG. 92also include first and second linear arm sections and a curved section. The curved sections of each of the loop or curved features9242,9243and9244include 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.

FIG. 93Ais a plan view of a planar version of an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology, andFIG. 93Bis a treatment configuration of the appliance shown inFIG. 93A.

FIG. 94depicts an orthodontic appliance configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology, shown installed in a patient's mouth.

IV. Selected Devices, Systems, and Methods for Tooth Attachment

According to some aspects of the present technology, one or more portions of the orthodontic appliances and/or securing members disclosed herein may be configured to have a low profile (e.g., in a dimension extending away from the tooth, including the buccolingual, mesiodistal, and/or occlusogingival directions). A lower profile can improve the patient's experience, as the appliance and/or securing member will typically be less perceptible to the patient and less likely to agitate surrounding tissue.

FIG. 95, for example, shows a low-profile attachment portion9540configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. InFIG. 95, the attachment portion9540is depicted coupled to a serpentine biasing portion9550that, together with the attachment portion9540, comprises an arm9530that extends from anchor9520. It will be appreciated that the attachment portion9540may be used with any of the arm configurations described herein, and/or can be coupled to any of the biasing portions and/or connectors described herein.

As shown inFIG. 95, the attachment portion9540can comprise a base9551and first and second arms9556a,9556b(collectively “arms9556”) coupled to and extending laterally away from the base9551. The base9551may comprise a proximal region9552proximal of where the arms9556connect to the base9551and a distal region9554distal to where the arms9556connect to the base9551(as well as distal to the proximal region9552). The first arm9556amay be disposed at a first angle θ1relative to the base9551, and the second arm9556bmay be disposed at a second angle θ2relative to the base9551. The base9551may extend in a first direction A1and the arms9556may extend in a second direction A2that is angled relative to the first direction A1. In some embodiments, the arms9556extend away from the base9551at substantially the same longitudinal location and/or at substantially the same angle. In some embodiments, the arms9556extend away from the base9551at different longitudinal locations and/or at different angles.

The first and second angles θ1, θ2can be the same as or may differ from one another. In some embodiments, the first angle θ1is (i) at least 30 degrees, (ii) no more than 120 degrees, or (iii) within a range of from 30-120 degrees, or any incremental value between one of these ranges (e.g., 35 degrees, 90 degrees, 110 degrees, etc.). In these and other embodiments, the second angle θ2is (i) at least 30 degrees, (ii) no more than 120 degrees, or (iii) within a range of from 30-120 degrees, or any incremental value between one of these ranges (e.g., 35 degrees, 90 degrees, 110 degrees, etc.). In some embodiments, the first region9554is generally orthogonal to the second region9556.

As described herein, the attachment portion9540is configured to detachably couple the arm9530to a securing member disposed on a patient's tooth. The attachment portion9540may be configured to engage the securing member in such a way that substantially inhibits longitudinal (e.g., translational) and/or rotational movement of the attachment portion9540relative to the corresponding securing member. Accordingly, the appliances of the present technology may efficiently transfer all or substantially all of the force provided by the arm (such as arm9530) to a tooth via a corresponding securing member. By limiting or inhibiting movement of the attachment portion9540relative to the corresponding securing member, the appliances of the present technology are configured to move teeth with less force than is necessary with traditional braces.

FIGS. 96 and 97are isometric views of example securing members9600,9700configured for use with the appliances of the present technology. The arms and/or attachment portions described herein may be configured to detachably couple one or both securing members9600,9700to secure the appliance to the patient's dentition during treatment. As shown inFIG. 96, the securing member9600may include a base9610and coupling arms9680a,98680b(collectively “coupling arms9680”) coupled to the base9610. The base9610may comprise a first side9612on which the coupling arms9680are disposed, and a second side9614configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to one or more of the patient's teeth, e.g., via an adhesive such as a composite resin. The base9610can be coupled to the patient's tooth such that the coupling arms9680are disposed in a generally vertical orientation (e.g., an occlusal-gingival direction). In some embodiments, the base9610can be coupled to the patient's teeth such that the coupling arms9680may be disposed in another orientation, such as a horizontal orientation (e.g., a mesial-distal direction) or diagonal orientation (e.g., a partial mesial-distal direction or partial occlusal-gingival direction). In some embodiments, the coupling arms9680may be disposed at the same angle and/or different angles from one another. The surface of the second side9614can be generally flat and/or roughened to increase its surface area for enhanced bonding to the one or more of the patient's teeth. In some embodiments, the surface of the second side9614can have a shape or slope that generally complements that of the one or more of the teeth the base9610is configured to be coupled to, such as a lingual face of the one or more of the patient's teeth. The base9610can include a boundary or perimeter9616within which the one or more coupling arms9680are generally within. In some embodiments, the securing member9600may be a commercially available 2D® Lingual bracket (Bernhard Foerster GmbH).

Each coupling arm9680a,9680bcan include a base portion9622a,9622b(collectively “base portions9622”) fixed to the base9610(e.g., via an adhesive, weld, solder, etc.), and a coupling portion9624a,9624b(collectively “coupling portions9624”) extending from the base portion9622. When disposed within a patient's mouth, the coupling portions9624may be farther from the patient's gingiva than the base portions9622. Each of the coupling portion9624can include a curved surface that is spaced apart from the first side9612of the base9610, or other configuration that generally resembles a hook or similar shape. In some embodiments, the coupling portions9624can be sufficiently flexible, plastic and/or deformable such that the coupling portion9624scan be temporarily moved from a closed state to an open state in which an attachment portion (such as attachment portion9540) can be moved into position under the coupling portions9624.

As depicted inFIG. 97, securing member9700can have similar features to securing member9700shown inFIG. 96. For example, the securing member9700can comprise a base9710having a first side9712, a second side9714, and a perimeter9716. A coupling arm9780comprising a base portion9722and a coupling portion9724can be disposed on the first side9712of the base9710. As shown inFIGS. 96 and 97, the securing members9600and9700can include two coupling arms9680or a single coupling arm9780. In some embodiments, the securing members of the present technology can include more than two coupling arms (e.g., three coupling arms, four coupling arms, etc.).

FIGS. 98A-Dare isometric, front, top, and side views, respectively, of the attachment portion9540shown inFIG. 95and the securing member9600shown inFIG. 96, configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring first toFIG. 98A, the coupling portions9624the coupling arms9680are disposed over the second region9556of the attachment portion9540, with one of the coupling arms9680disposed over the second region9556on a first side of the first region9554and the other of the coupling arms9680disposed over the arms9556on a second, opposing side of the distal region9554. In some embodiments, when the appliance is disposed adjacent the patient's teeth and the attachment portion9540is secured to the securing member9600, (i) the arms9556extend in a generally mesial-distal direction under the coupling arms9680, and (ii) the distal region9554extends in a generally occlusal-gingival direction and abuts (e.g., is proximate to) a portion of the coupling arms9680. In doing so, the securing member9600and the configuration of the attachment portion9540prevents or inhibits longitudinal and/or rotational movement of the attachment portion9540relative to the securing member9600, e.g., in or about the occlusal-gingival direction (as indicated by axis A1), the mesial-distal direction (as indicated by axis A2), and/or lingual-facial direction (as indicated by axis A3). As a result, when an appliance is attached to a patient's teeth via the securing member9600, the particular magnitude and directional force provided via each of the arms9530may be substantially entirely translated to the respective tooth. Moreover, because the magnitude and directional force provided via each of the arms9530may be substantially entirely translated to the respective tooth, movement of the tooth from an original tooth arrangement to final tooth arrangement can be achieved with less magnitude than may otherwise be required.

Each of the coupling arms9680can comprise a side surface9625a,9625b(collectively “side surfaces9625”) configured to be positioned in apposition to of the distal region9554and/or proximal region9552of the attachment portion9540such that the coupling arms9680are spaced apart from one another by the distal region9554and/or proximal region9552. As shown inFIGS. 98B and 98C, when the attachment portion9540is coupled to the securing member9600, the side surfaces9625of the coupling arms9680may be in apposition with the attachment portion9540. In some embodiments, the attachment portion9540may be in direct contact with one or both of the coupling arms9680, or spaced apart from one or both of the coupling arms9680by no more than a predetermined distance, e.g., to ensure longitudinal movement and/or rotation of the securing member9600relative to the attachment portion9640is sufficiently inhibited. The predetermined distance may, for example, be less than about 0.01 millimeters (mm), about 0.1 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, or about 3 mm, or any incremental value between about 0.01 to 3 mm. Apposition of the coupling arm9680with the attachment portion9540can help ensure the magnitude and directional force (e.g., provided at least partially along or about the mesial-distal axis and/or about the occlusal-gingival axis) provided via the arm9530is substantially translated to the respective tooth when the appliance is implanted adjacent a patient's teeth and coupled to the securing member9600.

As shown inFIG. 98C, a thickness of each of the distal region9554and the arms9556of the attachment portion9540can be generally the same. In some embodiments, the thickness of the distal region9554and the arms9556may differ from one another, e.g., with the distal region9554having a greater thickness than that of the arms9556, or vice versa. The thickness of the base9610of the securing member9600may be generally less than that of the attachment portion9540and/or coupling arm9680. As also shown inFIG. 9C, the distal region9554and the arms9556are positioned in close proximity to the base9610, which can inhibit movement of the attachment portion9540relative to the securing member9600in the lingual-facial direction and/or about the mesial-distal axis.

FIG. 98Dis a side view of the attachment portion9540and securing member9600shown inFIGS. 98A-98C. As shown inFIG. 98D, the coupling arm9680may be configured to be positioned in apposition with the first side9612of the base9610. A surface9625cof the coupling arm9680at one end (e.g., an occlusal end) adjacent the base9610, and/or a surface9625dof the coupling arm9680at another end (e.g., a gingival end) adjacent the base9610, may each abut the first surface9612of the base9610. As also shown inFIG. 98D, the coupling arm9680can be configured to be positioned in apposition with portions of the arms9556of the attachment portion9540. That is, an innermost surface9625eof the coupling portion9624of the coupling arm9680may abut the arms9556of the attachment portion9540. Positioning the coupling arms9680around the arms9556in such a manner may inhibit movement of the attachment portion9540relative to the securing member9600, e.g., in the occlusal-gingival direction and/or about the mesial-distal axis.

Still referring toFIG. 98D, the second side9614of the base9610may be configured to be positioned against and/or fixed to one or more of the patient's teeth. For example, in some embodiments the second side9614may be fixed to a lingual or buccal face of the one or more of the patient's teeth. As such, the base9610, and more generally the securing member9600and attachment portion9540, can be at least partially disposed in the occlusal-gingival direction (e.g., with a vertical orientation) when the attachment portion9540is secured to the securing member9600. For example, the securing member9600and attachment portion9540, or portions thereof, may be disposed to be generally parallel to the lingual or buccal surface of the one or more of the patient's teeth.

FIGS. 99-104are front views of various embodiments of an attachment portion and a securing member, configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. An attachment portion of the present invention can be configured to be coupled to a securing element such as securing member9600with multiple coupling arms9680, securing member9700with a single coupling arm9780, or another suitable coupling configuration. An attachment portion shown and described with reference toFIGS. 99-104may be part of a respective arm (e.g., the arm9530) of an appliance as described elsewhere herein. Additionally, each of the attachment portions described with reference toFIGS. 99-104may be configured to inhibit or prevent longitudinal movement and/or rotation of the attachment portion relative to the corresponding securing member, such that the load and/or direction applied via the attachment portion is substantially translated to the patient's teeth via the corresponding securing member. The attachment portions shown and described with reference toFIGS. 99-104accomplish this at least in part by abutting or placing in contact regions of the attachment portion with surfaces of the corresponding securing member9600or9700.

Attachment portion9940shown inFIG. 99can be configured to minimize translation and/or rotation of the attachment portion9940relative to a corresponding securing member such as securing member9600. The attachment portion9940can have a generally rectangular shape defined by an inner perimeter9902and an outer perimeter9904that together define a width of the rectangular shape. The attachment portion9940can comprise a distal region9956a, lateral regions9956b,9956c, and/or a proximal region9956d(collectively “regions9956). In some embodiments, the attachment portion9940can have a framed portion9970between regions9956a,9956b,9956c, and9956d. A distal arm9954can extend distally from distal region9956aand be configured to be positioned between coupling arms9680. Accordingly, the distal arm9954can be configured to engage an inner surface9625aand/or9625bof at least one coupling arm9680to prevent excessive lateral translation of the attachment portion9940relative to securing member9600. Similarly, lateral region9956band/or9956ccan be configured to engage an outer surface9662of a coupling arm9680to prevent excessive lateral translation of the attachment portion9940. The lateral regions9956band/or9956cmeet the distal arm9954to form a shoulder region that may be configured to limit proximal and/or distal translation of the attachment portion9940. In some embodiments, a proximal arm9964can extend proximally from proximal region9956d.

According to some embodiments, coupling arms9680can be configured to be spaced apart from the attachment region9940as shown inFIG. 99. In some embodiments, one or more regions of the attachment portion9940can be configured to contact one or more regions of the securing member9600. For example, a portion of the inner perimeter9902of the lateral regions9956b,9956cof the attachment portion9940can be configured to contact a corresponding outer surface9962a,9962bof the securing member9600when the attachment portion9940is coupled to the securing member9600.

FIG. 100depicts an embodiment of an attachment portion10040with multiple distal arms10054configured to further limit lateral translation of the attachment portion10040relative to the securing member9600. As shown inFIG. 100, the attachment portion10040may include the distal, lateral, and proximal regions10056a,10056b,10056c,10064, such as the regions9956described with reference toFIG. 99. In some embodiments, the attachment portion10040can have two distal arms10054as shown inFIG. 100. In some embodiments, the attachment portion10040can include more than two distal arms10054. According to some aspects of the present technology, for example as shown inFIG. 100, distal arms10054can be configured to be spaced apart from or positioned in close proximity to outer surfaces9662of the coupling arms9680. Distal arms10054, distal region10056a, and/or lateral regions10056b,10056ccan be configured to engage coupling arms9680of the securing member9600to limit translation and/or rotation of the attachment portion10040relative to the securing member9600.

In some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG. 101, an attachment portion10140can include multiple framed portions10170,10172configured to surround the coupling arms9680of the securing member9600in order to further limit proximal and/or distal translation of the attachment portion10140relative to the securing member9600. The attachment portion10140shown inFIG. 101includes a distal region10156a, lateral regions10156b,10156c, and a proximal region10156d(collectively “regions10156”), as previously described. Additionally, the attachment region10140has an intermediate region10156eextending between lateral regions10156b,10156cand positioned between the distal region10156aand the proximal region10156d. The intermediate region10156ecan be configured to be positioned adjacent the coupling regions9624of the coupling arms9680of the securing member9600. As previously described in reference toFIGS. 99 and 100, regions10156can be configured to be in contact with or adjacent to the coupling arms9680based on a desired security of the coupling. By positioning regions10156adjacent to each surface of the coupling arms9680, the attachment portion10140can be configured to inhibit translation and/or rotation of the attachment portion10140relative to the securing member9600. Proximal arm10164can extend proximally from the proximal region10156dand can couple to a connector of the present technology to form an arm as described elsewhere herein.

Embodiments of the present technology illustrated inFIGS. 102-104include securing members9700having a single couple arm9780. Referring first toFIG. 102, the attachment portion10240may include a distal region10256a, lateral regions10256b,10256c, and a proximal region10256d(collectively “regions10256”). The attachment portion10240can be attached to a connector of the present technology to form an arm via a proximal protrusion10264. The attachment portion10240can include distal arms10254a,10254bextending distally from distal portion10256a. The distal arms102can be configured to engage surfaces9756a,9756bof the coupling arm9780to limit lateral translation of the attachment portion10240relative to the securing member9700. Although the attachment portion10240is depicted with regions10256spaced apart from the coupling arm9780, in some embodiments one or more regions10256can be configured to be in direct contact with the coupling arm9780.

An attachment portion configured for use with a securing member with a single coupling arm9700, for example attachment portion10340shown inFIG. 103, can comprise multiple framing regions9770such that when the attachment portion10340is coupled to the securing member9700, each surface of the coupling arm9780of the securing member9700abuts a region of the attachment portion10340reduce translation of the attachment portion10340. The attachment portion10340can include a distal region10356a, a proximal region10356d, and an intermediate region10356epositioned between the distal region10356aand the proximal region10356d(collectively “regions10356”). Each of the distal, proximal, and intermediate regions10356a,10356d,10356emay extend between lateral regions10256b,10256c, as shown inFIG. 103. In some embodiments, each region of the attachment portion10340may be configured to abut a corresponding surface of the coupling arm9780to provide a limit to translation of the attachment region10340. For example, the distal region10356aand the proximal region10356dcan be configured to be positioned proximate a distal surface9756cand a proximal surface9756dof the coupling arm9780, respectively to limit proximal and/or distal translation of the attachment portion10340. Lateral regions10356b,10356ccan abut lateral surfaces9756a,9756bof the coupling arm9780to limit medial and/or lateral translation of the attachment portion10340. Intermediate portion10356ecan abut an inner surface9756eof the coupling arm9780, for example as depicted inFIG. 98D, to limit proximal and/or distal translation of the attachment portion10340. In some embodiments, a size of the framing portions9770,9772can be selected such that the regions10356are spaced apart from surfaces of the coupling arm9780when coupled to the securing member9700. Spacing, or a lack thereof, between the regions10356and the surfaces of the coupling arm9780may be based on an intended security of the coupling between the attachment portion10340and the securing member9700.

According to some embodiments, an attachment portion such as attachment portion10440shown inFIG. 104can be configured to contact a greater area of a securing member (e.g., securing member10400) for enhanced security of the connection. In some embodiments, the securing member10400can have a generally rounded shape and a single coupling arm10480as depicted inFIG. 104. The attachment portion10440may have generally similar features to the attachment portion10240shown inFIG. 102. For example, the attachment portion10440may comprise a distal region10456a, lateral regions10456b,10456c, and proximal region10456d(collectively “regions10456”). Together, the regions10456can define a framing region10470. The attachment portion10440can further comprise a proximal arm10464extending proximally from the proximal region10456dand/or distal arms10454a,10454bextending distally from the distal region10456a. As shown inFIG. 104, the distal arms10454a,10454bmay be positioned at an angle relative to the distal region10456a. In some embodiments the angle may be greater than 90 degrees (e.g., 95 degrees, 100 degrees, 105 degrees, 110 degrees, etc.). The angle can be increased in order to increase an area of the attachment portion10440such that when the attachment portion10440is coupled to the securing member10400, the attachment portion10440engages a greater area of the securing member10400, further inhibits translation of the attachment portion, and/or increases a security of the coupling.

FIG. 105is an isometric view of a positioning device10500configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The positioning device10500is configured to hold one or more securing members in a desired position relative to the patient's teeth to facilitate bonding of the securing members to the teeth in the desired position. In some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG. 105, the positioning device10500may comprise a first portion10505configured to be releasably secured to one or more of the patient's teeth, and one or more second portions10510coupled to the first portion10505, each configured to hold a securing member. The positioning device10500may include a cover configured to be disposed over all or a portion of the patient's teeth. In some embodiments, the cover generally conforms to the patient's dental topography to provide a snug fit. In some embodiments, the device10500is configured to be disposed over the patient's teeth T such that a surface of the device10500closest to the gingiva and adjacent a lingual surface of the patient's teeth T is positioned at an intermediate portion of the patient's teeth T (e.g., not at or below the patient's gingiva).

As shown inFIG. 105, the securing member9600corresponds to that shown and described with reference toFIGS. 96 and 98A-98D. However, in some embodiments, the securing member9600can correspond to that shown inFIG. 97. Additionally, the securing member9600can correspond to any of the securing members described herein. In such embodiments, the second portion10510can have a shape configured to receive such a securing member.

The device10500can comprise a silicone, plastic, polymer, and/or other flexible, non-metal material. The first and second portions10505,10510can comprise the same material or different materials. For example, the first portion10505may comprise a first material and the second portion10510may comprise a second material different than the first material. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second portions10505,10510of the device10500may be formed of a single, unitarily-formed structure. As shown inFIG. 105, the second portions10510can protrude from and/or be disposed over the first portion10505such that the second portion10510faces in a general lingual direction when the device10500is disposed over the patient's teeth T. The first portion10505can include a plurality of regions, each of which corresponds to one or more of the patient's teeth T. In some embodiments, the device10500can be tailored to a particular patient's teeth T. For example, an occlusal-facing surface of each region of the first portion10505may correspond to a respective occlusal surface S of the tooth which the device10500is configured to be positioned over. In such embodiments, the device10500can fit securely over the patient's teeth T, e.g., to ensure the securing member9600received by the second portion10510are properly positioned, e.g., adjacent a lingual surface of patient's teeth T.

As explained elsewhere herein, once the device10500is positioned over the patient's teeth T, and/or the securing members9600are properly positioned, e.g., over a lingual surface of the patient's teeth T, the securing members9600may be adhered to respective ones of the patient's teeth T (e.g., by exposing the securing members9600to energy or ultraviolet (UV) light), after which the device10500may be removed from the patient's teeth T such that the securing members9600remain on the patient's teeth. Such a process used to position and/or adhere the securing members9600to a patient's teeth T is often referred to as “indirect bonding” or IDB. After adhering the securing members9600to the patient's teeth T, an orthodontic appliance (e.g., any of the appliances100described elsewhere herein) can be coupled to the securing members9600to reposition the patient's teeth to a desired arrangement (e.g., a final tooth arrangement). In such embodiments, the device10500itself is not used primarily to reshape or reposition the patient's teeth.

FIG. 106Ais an enlarged view of a portion of the device10500shown inFIG. 105. For illustrative purposes, the securing members9600have been removed inFIG. 106A. As shown inFIG. 106A, the device10500, or more particularly, the first portion10505of the device10500, can include one or more cavities10515a,10515b,10515c. As described elsewhere herein, each of the cavities10515a-ccan correspond to a respective tooth of the patient that the respective cavities10515a-care to be disposed over. The individual cavities10515a-ctogether can form a single cavity that is configured to receive all of the patient's teeth along the upper or lower jaw.

FIG. 106Bis an enlarged isometric view of the second portion10510shown inFIG. 105. The first portion10505is not shown inFIG. 106Bfor illustrative purposes. As shown inFIG. 106B, the securing member9600is coupled to and received by the second portion10510. As previously described, the securing member9600includes a base9610, and one or more coupling arms9680fixed to the base9610and spaced apart from one another. As explained elsewhere herein (e.g., with reference toFIGS. 106C-106E), the base9610is received within a cavity on one side of the second portion10510, and each of the coupling arms9680are disposed in respective channels of the second portion10510on an opposing side of the second portion10510.

FIGS. 106C and 106Dare isometric views of the second portion10510shown inFIG. 106Bwithout the securing member9600.FIG. 106Cshows a first side10512aof the device10500andFIG. 106Dshows a second, opposing side10512bof the device10500. When the device10500is disposed over the patient's teeth, the first side10512aof the device10500can generally face a lingual direction and the second side10512bof the device10500can generally face a buccal (or facial) direction. Referring first toFIG. 106C, the second portion10510can include a first region10516(e.g., an intermediate region or member) extending in a first direction, and a second region10520(e.g., a lateral region or member) extending in a second direction at an angle relative to the first direction. In some embodiments, the first region10516can be generally orthogonal to the second region10520or at an angle between about 60-120 degrees. The second portion10510may further comprise one or more third regions10518a,10518b(e.g., peripheral regions or members) peripheral to the first region10516and generally extending in the first direction. In use, such as when the device10500is disposed over a patient's teeth, the first region10516and the third regions10518a-bcan generally extend in the occlusal-gingival direction and the second region10520can generally extend in the mesial-distal direction. The first region10516and the second region10520, and in some embodiments the third regions10518a-b, can generally define one or more channels10522a,10522b. As shown inFIG. 106C, the first region10516, third region10518a, and part of the second region10520can define the first channel10522a, and the first region10516, third region10518b, and part of second region10520can define the second channel10522b. The second channel10522bis spaced apart from the first channel10522a. Each of the first and second channels10522a-bcan be configured to receive a respective portion (e.g., a coupling arm9680;FIG. 106B) of a securing member (e.g., the securing member9600;FIG. 106B).

As further shown inFIG. 106C, the second portion10510can comprise a bracket receiving portion10530disposed within each one of the channels10522a-b. The bracket receiving portion10530can include a recess10532configured to receive a portion of the securing member and/or secure the securing member to the second portion10510(and therein to the device10500). In some embodiments, the bracket receiving portion10530may also include a curved surface10534adjacent the recess10532and closer to the entrance of the channel10522a-b. An outermost surface of the bracket receiving portion10530may be spaced apart from a base surface10514aof the second portion10510by a distance D2, which may be less than a distance D1spanning between the base surface10514aand an outermost surface of the first region10516or third regions10518a-b.

In operation, the bracket receiving portion10530can slidably receive the securing member9600(FIG. 106B) such that each of the coupling arms9680(FIG. 106B) of the securing member9600is received by a respective channel10522a-band engages the respective bracket receiving portion10530. As the coupling arms9680approach the respective recess10532, the curved surface10534displaces the respective coupling arm9680away from the base9610(FIG. 106B) of the securing member9600until the respective coupling arm9680reaches the respective recess10532, at which point the respective coupling arm9680snaps into the recess10532and/or becomes secured to the second portion10510(and therein to the device10500) via the recess10532. When the respective coupling arms9680are snapped into and/or coupled to the recess10532, the coupling arms may be plasticly deformed relative to their default, at-rest position.

As previously described,FIG. 106Dshows the second side10512bof the second portion10510of the device10500. The second side10512bis configured to receive the securing member9600(FIG. 106B) such that the base9610(FIG. 106B) is disposed proximate the base surface10514a. That is, the second portion10510is configured to receive the securing member9600such that the base9610is disposed on one side of a plane defined by the base surface10514a, and the coupling arms9680are disposed on another, opposing side of the plane.

FIG. 106Eis another view of the second side10512bof the second portion10510, and illustrates the second portion10510integral with the first portion10505of the device10500.FIG. 106Ealso shows portions of the first side10512aof the device10500, which includes the first region10516, third regions10518a-b, channels10522a-b, and bracket receiving portions10530. The second side10512bof the second portion10510includes a cavity10540extending from the base surface10514aand that is configured to receive the securing member9600. In some embodiments, the outermost surface of the cavity10540and/or second side10512bmay be spaced apart from the base surface10514aby a distance D3, which may taper in a direction toward the entrance of the channels10522a-b. The distance D3may be equal to or less than a thickness of the securing member9600, or in some embodiments less than a thickness of the base9610of the securing member9600, such that a back surface of the securing member9600to be adhered to the patient's tooth can protrude from cavity10540, e.g., beyond the outermost surface of the second side10512b. The distance D3and/or the tapering of the outermost surface can thereby better ensure that when the securing member9600is received by the second portion10510and the device10500is positioned over the patient's teeth, the back surface of the securing member(s) can engage (e.g., directly engage) respective ones of the patient's teeth.

FIGS. 107A-107Cillustrate a method for attaching a securing member9600to a patient's teeth.FIG. 107Ais an isometric view of the device10500, as described elsewhere herein. As shown inFIG. 107A, the device10500includes the first portion10505and the second portion10510. Additionally, a plurality of securing members9600are positioned within and/or coupled to the second portion10510. As previously described, each of the securing members9600can be slidably received by a respective second portion10510such that the coupling arms9680of the securing members9600are disposed on a first side (e.g., a lingual-facing side) of the second portion10510and the base9610of the securing members9600is disposed on a second side (e.g., a buccal or labial-facing side) of the second portion10510. As described elsewhere herein, the securing members9600can include multiple coupling arms or portions (e.g., as shown inFIG. 107A) or a single coupling arm or portion (e.g., as shown inFIG. 97).

FIG. 107Bis an isometric view of the device10500disposed over a patient's teeth or dentition T. For example, the first portion10505of the device10500is disposed over the patient's teeth T and the second portion10510of the device10500is generally disposed over or adjacent a lingual surface of the patient's teeth T. Moreover, the securing members9600disposed within the second portion10510are positioned or disposed over the lingual surface of the patient's teeth T such that a back surface of each of the securing members9600engages (e.g., directly engages) portions of respective ones of the patient's teeth T where the securing member is to be adhered. Accordingly, and as described elsewhere herein, when the device10500is disposed over the patient's teeth T, the second portion10510and/or the securing members9600are generally oriented in an occlusal-gingival direction. Once the device10500is disposed over the patient's teeth T, the securing members9600can be adhered (e.g., directly adhered) to the patient's teeth T, e.g., via an adhesive and/or a curable material disposed on the back surface of each of the securing members9600. The curable material can include a composite resin, ceramic, and/or other synthetic material. In some embodiments, the curable material can include dimethacrylate monomers, a filler material (e.g., silica), and/or a photoinitiator that may be activated by UV light (e.g., for bonding). In some embodiments, adhering the securing members9600to the patient's teeth T can comprise exposing the securing members9600, including the curable material disposed on the securing members9600, to an energy source (e.g., UV light).

After adhering the securing members9600to the patient's teeth T, the device10500can be removed from the patient's teeth T such that the securing members9600remain adhered to the patient's teeth T.FIG. 107Cis an isometric view of the patient's teeth T with adhered securing members after the device10500has been removed. In some embodiments, removing the device10500such that the securing members9600remain adhered to the patient's teeth T can comprise decoupling the device10500from the securing members9600by moving or sliding the device10500in a general occlusive direction away from the patient's gingiva and/or the securing members9600adhered to the patient's teeth T. In some embodiments, prior to moving the device10500away from the securing members9600, individual securing members9600can be decoupled from respective second portions10510and/or the device10500by pushing down on an end portion (e.g., an end portion of the coupling arm closer to the patient's gingiva) of the coupling arm, thereby causing an opposing end of the coupling arm to uncouple from the second portion10510(e.g., to uncouple from the recess10532(FIG. 106C) of the second portion10510). Once the device10500has been removed such that the securing members9600remain adhered to the patient's teeth T, an orthodontic appliance (as described elsewhere herein) can be coupled to the securing members9600to reposition the patient's teeth to a desirable position.

FIG. 108is an isometric view of an example orthodontic device10800, configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The device10800includes features generally similar to those of device10500described with reference toFIGS. 105-107C. For example, the device10800includes a shell, cap, or shell-type aligner configured to be disposed over a patient's teeth and that includes the second portion10510configured to receive one or more securing members. Additionally, the device1800includes a first portion10805generally similar to the first portion10505previously described. However, as shown inFIG. 108, areas10810of the first portion10805between adjacent second portions10510a,10510bare removed. Stated differently, the areas10810between adjacent second portions10510a-bof the device10800are substantially void of material such that the corresponding tooth or teeth adjacent the second portions10510are more exposed relative to teeth covered by the device10500and/or the first portion10505(as previously described). In such embodiments, the securing members, or more particularly the back surface of the securing members, are more exposed for the device1800, relative to the device10500. As such, for the device10800, when adhering the securing members to the respective teeth of the patient by exposing the securing members to UV light or an energy source, the practitioner can more easily access or expose the securing member to the UV light or energy and thereby ensure the securing member is properly adhered to the patient's tooth.

FIG. 109Ais an isometric view of an orthodontic device10900, configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The device10900includes features generally similar to those of device10500described with reference toFIGS. 105-107C. For example, the device10900includes a shell, cap, or shell-type aligner configured to be disposed over a patient's teeth and that includes the first portion10505(or first portion10805) configured to receive a patient's teeth, as previously described. Additionally, the device10900includes a second portion10910generally similar to the second portion10510previously described. However, as shown inFIG. 109A, the second portion10910omits certain portions of the second portion10510. As shown inFIG. 109B, which is an enlarged view of a portion of the device10900shown inFIG. 109A, the second portion10910of the device10900includes the first region10516(e.g., an intermediate region or member) extending in a first direction, and the second region10520(e.g., a lateral region or member) extending in a second direction at an angle (e.g., between 60-120 degrees) relative to the first direction. As previously described, in some embodiments the first region10516can be generally orthogonal to the second region10520. Relative to the second portion10510described with reference toFIGS. 105-107C, the second portion10910ofFIG. 109Bomits the third regions10518a-b. As shown inFIG. 109B, the second portion10910can also include the bracket receiving portion10530adjacent the first and second regions10516,10520, e.g., proximate the intersection of the first and second regions10516,10520. Advantageously, the second portion10910can enable more visibility of the securing member and/or the back surface of the securing member. As such, adhering the securing member to the patient's teeth, as described elsewhere herein, may be easier for the practitioner using the device10900, relative to the device10500.

FIGS. 110-113are isometric views of example arms130of an orthodontic appliance100, configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring first toFIG. 110, the arm130includes many features generally similar to those previously described with reference toFIG. 95and elsewhere herein. For example, as shown inFIG. 110, the arm130is coupled to the anchor120, and includes the biasing portion150extending from the anchor120, and an attachment portion11040extending from the biasing portion150. The arm130, or more particularly the attachment portion11040, can further include an opening or slot11090. The opening11090can extend through the attachment portion11040and/or a base region9652of the attachment portion11040. Additionally or alternatively, the opening11090can be positioned between second regions11056of the attachment portion11040. In some embodiments, the opening11090can be an elongate opening such that, when the appliance100is installed within a patient's mouth, the opening11090generally extends in the occlusal-gingival direction. As described elsewhere herein, the opening11090can be configured to receive a portion (e.g., an end portion) of an orthodontic tool to aid an operator in positioning the appliance100and/or individual arm130relative to a patient's teeth.

FIG. 111is another example arm130similar to the arm130ofFIG. 110, but further including a protrusion or member11194. As shown inFIG. 111, the protrusion11194is positioned on the arm130between the anchor120and the attachment portion11040. The protrusion11194can extend at an angle (e.g., about 90 degrees or between 60-120 degrees) from the portion of the arm130the protrusion is connected. As shown inFIG. 111, the protrusion11194can be an elongate, straight arm. In other embodiments, the protrusion11194can have a bend or curvature, and/or an “L” or “T” shape. When the appliance100is installed in a patient's mouth, the protrusion11194can generally extend in the mesial-direction direction. As described elsewhere herein, the protrusion11194can be utilized as a support such that an orthodontic tool (e.g., the same orthodontic tool configured to be received by the opening11090) can position the appliance100and/or individual arm130via the protrusion11194.

FIG. 112is another example arm130similar to the arm130ofFIG. 111, but further including another protrusion11294. As shown inFIG. 112, each of the protrusions11294are positioned on opposing side of the arm130and are spaced apart from the attachment portion11040and/or biasing portion by the same distance. Each of (e.g., one or both of) the protrusions11294can extend at an angle (e.g., about 90 degrees or between 60-120 degrees) from the portion of the arm130the respective protrusions11294are connected. As shown inFIG. 1112, the protrusions11294can each be an elongate, straight arm. In other embodiments, each of the protrusions11294can have a bend or curvature, and/or an “L” or “T” shape. When the appliance100is installed in a patient's mouth, the protrusions11294can generally extend in the mesial-direction direction. As described elsewhere herein, the protrusions11294can be utilized as a support such that an orthodontic tool (e.g., the same orthodontic tool configured to be received by the opening11090) can position the appliance100and/or individual arm130via the protrusions11294.FIG. 113is another example arm130similar to the arm130ofFIG. 112, but without the opening11090.

FIGS. 114 and 115are front views of orthodontic tools11400,11500to be used with orthodontic appliances of the present technology. As shown inFIG. 114, the tool11400includes a handle11410and a distal region11420extending from the handle11410. The distal region11420can include an end portion11430. As shown inFIG. 115, the tool11500includes the handle11410and a distal region11520extending from the handle11410. The distal region11520can include a bend or swivel, e.g., that enables the practitioner to better manipulate, position, and/or control an orthodontic appliance. In some embodiments, the bend or swivel may be movable relative to another portion of the distal region11520. The distal region11520can also include an end portion11530.

As shown in the enlarged view of the end portion11430/11530inFIG. 116, the end portion11430/11530can include a notch11602formed by a recessed end surface11650of the device. The notch11602can extend through all or a portion of the thickness (or depth) of the device, and have a width bound by sidewalls11645a,11645b. The end portion11430/11530can include an outermost width W1and a depth D1, and the notch11602can include a width W2. In some embodiments, the width W1can be approximately equal to a dimension of the opening11090of the arm130(e.g., as shown inFIG. 117), thereby enabling the end portion11430/11530of the tool11400or11500to manipulate, position, and/or control the arm130of the appliance100. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a width W2can be approximately equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the portion of the arm130(such as arms130shown inFIGS. 110-113) distal or proximal of where the protrusion or protrusions are positioned. Such a configuration enables the end portion11430/11530of the corresponding device to manipulate, position, and/or control the arm130of the appliance100.

FIGS. 117 and 118are views of an orthodontic tool11700(e.g., the orthodontic tool11400or11500) in use with orthodontic appliances of the present technology. As shown inFIG. 117, the end portion of the tool11700may be positioned at least partially within the opening of an arm130of an appliance100. As shown inFIG. 118, the end portion of the tool11700may be positioned against the protrusions of the corresponding attachment portion and/or arm, thereby enabling the practitioner to urge the arm130in a desired direction via the tool11700.

According to some embodiments, an attachment portion of the present technology can be configured for use with a securing member particularly suited for moving a patient's tooth in a preferred direction. For example,FIG. 119Adepicts a securing member11900intended to move a patient's tooth in a mesial-distal direction to a greater extent an occlusal-gingival direction and/or buccal-lingual direction. In some embodiments, the preferred direction can be an occlusal-gingival direction, a buccal-lingual direction, and/or a direction oblique to the mesial-distal axis, the occlusal-gingival axis, and/or the buccal-lingual axis. An attachment portion of the present technology, such as attachment portion11940shown inFIG. 119B, can be configured for use with securing member11900, as depicted inFIG. 119C. Portions of the securing member11900and/or attachment portion11940may have a first stiffness that permits movement of the tooth in the mesial-distal direction, while other portions of the securing member11900and/or attachment portion11940have a second, greater stiffness that inhibits movement in the occlusal-gingival direction and/or buccal-lingual direction.

FIG. 119Ais an isometric view of a securing member11900, configured to move a tooth in a mesial-distal direction, as previously described. The securing member11900includes a base region11905having a first side11907and a second side11909, and first and second protrusions11910a,11910a(collectively “protrusions11910”) disposed over and coupled to the first side11907of the base region11905. In some embodiments, the base region11905and the protrusions11910can comprise a unitary structure (e.g., a single component) that has a continuous surface. The second side11909can be configured to be bonded to a patient's tooth, e.g., via an adhesive, as described herein. The first protrusion11910amay a first portion11912aextending away from the first side11907of the base region11905(e.g., in a labial-facial direction), and a second portion11914aextending laterally from the first portion11912atoward a central area of the base region11905(e.g., in a mesial-distal direction) and/or toward the second protrusion11910b. The second protrusion11910bincludes a first portion11912bextending away from the base region11905(e.g., in a labial-facial direction), and a second portion11914bextending laterally from the first portion11912btoward a central area of the base region11905(e.g., in a mesial-distal direction) and/or toward the first protrusion11910a. The first portion11912a, second portion11914a, and first side11907adefine a first opening or void11916a, and the first portion11912b, second portion11914b, and first side11907define a second opening or void11916b. The first and second openings11916a,11916b(collectively “openings11916”), are configured to receive and secure portions of an attachment portion of an orthodontic appliance, as explained herein.

FIG. 119Bis an isometric view of an attachment portion11940configured to be coupled to a securing member such as securing member11900shown inFIG. 119A. InFIG. 119B, the attachment portion11940is depicted coupled to a serpentine biasing portion11950that, together with the attachment portion11940, comprises an arm11930that extends from anchor11920. It will be appreciated that the attachment portion11940may be used with any of the arm configurations described herein, and/or can be coupled to any of the biasing portions and/or connectors described herein.

As shown inFIG. 119B, the attachment portion11940can comprise first and second extensions11970a,11970bextending distally from a common point and generally away from the biasing portion11950and/or anchor11920. In some embodiments, the anchor11920, the biasing portion11950, and the attachment portion11940can comprise a unitary structure that has a continuous surface. As shown inFIG. 119B, the first extension11970amay comprise an elongate member extending along a first direction, a proximal arm11972a, a distal arm11974aspaced apart from the proximal arm11972a, and an opening11976abetween the proximal and distal arms11972a,1974a. The proximal and distal arms11972a,11974acan extend along a second direction that is angled and/or orthogonal to the first direction. The second extension11970bcan comprise an elongate member extending in a third direction, as well as a proximal arm11972b, a distal arm11974bspaced apart from the proximal arm11972b, and an opening11976bbetween the proximal and distal arms11972b,11974b. The proximal and distal arms11972b,11974bcan extend along a fourth direction that is angled and/or orthogonal to the third direction. In some embodiments, the second and fourth directions are generally mesial-distal directions. In some embodiments, the first extension11970amay generally be a mirrored reflection of the second extension11970babout an axis A1. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first and third directions can be generally parallel to axis A1. As shown inFIG. 119B, a portion of the first and third direction that the first and second extensions11970a,11970bextend along can be disposed at an angle to axis A1such that the first and second extensions11970a,11970bare biased in generally opposing directions from one another. For example, the first extension11970amay be biased in the mesial direction and the second extension11970bmay be biased in the distal direction. Biasing of the first and/or second extensions11970a,11970bcan facilitate coupling of the attachment portion11940to the securing member11900, as described below.

FIG. 119Cis an isometric view of the securing member11900and the attachment portion11940configured to move a tooth in a preferred mesial-distal direction. As shown inFIG. 119C, the attachment portion11940can be configured to be coupled to the securing member11900. The opening11976a(FIG. 119B) of the first extension11970aof the attachment portion11940can be configured to be received by the opening11916a(FIG. 119A) of the first protrusion11910aof the securing member11900, such that the proximal and distal arms11972a,11974aare configured to be positioned in apposition with and on opposing sides of the first protrusion11910a. The opening11976b(FIG. 10B) of the second extension11970bof the attachment portion11940may be configured to be received by the opening11916b(FIG. 119A) of the second protrusion11910bof the securing member11900, such that the proximal and distal arms11972b,11974bare configured to be positioned in apposition with and on opposing sides of the second protrusion11910b.

In some embodiments, a lateral distance between first and second protrusions11910a,11910bof the securing member11900can be less than a lateral distance between openings11976a,11976bof the attachment portion11940such that first and second extensions11970a,11970bof the attachment portion11940are configured to be compressed when the attachment portion11940is coupled to the securing member11900. First and second extensions11970a,11970bcan thus apply mesial-distal directed forces to the first and second protrusions11910a,11910bfor secure coupling of the attachment portion11940to the securing member11900and to prevent translation of the attachment portion11940relative to the securing member11900along or about the mesial distal, occlusal-gingival, and/or lingual-facial axes. Engagement of the first and second extensions11970a,11970bwith the first and second protrusions11910a,11910bmay also serve to transfer force from an appliance to a patient's tooth.

FIG. 120Adepicts another embodiment of a securing member12000configured to move a tooth in a preferred mesial-distal direction. The securing member12000can include features generally similar to those of the securing member11900previously described. For example, the securing member12000may include a base region12005, a first protrusion12010a, a second protrusion12010b, a third protrusion12010c, and/or a fourth protrusion12010d(collectively “protrusions12010”). As shown inFIG. 120A, the third protrusion12010cmay be spaced apart from the first protrusion12010ato define an opening12015aand/or the fourth protrusion12010dmay be spaced apart from the second protrusion12010bto define an opening12015b(collectively “openings12015”). In some embodiments, the openings12015can be configured to receive a portion of an attachment region. For example, the opening12015amay be configured to receive the distal arm11974aof attachment portion11940. The protrusions12010may be generally similar to the first and second protrusions11910a,11910bpreviously described in reference toFIG. 119A.

In some embodiments, at least one of the protrusions12010can include a first portion extending away from the base region12005(e.g., in a labial-facial direction) and a second portion extending laterally from the first portion toward a central area of the base region12005(e.g., in a mesial-distal direction) to define an opening12035between the second portion and the base region12005. The opening12035may be configured to receive a portion of an of attachment portion such as attachment region11940.

According to some embodiments, for example as depicted inFIG. 120B, the attachment portion11940shown inFIG. 119Bmay be configured to be coupled to the securing member12000. In some cases, securing member12000can be configured to inhibit translation of the attachment portion as compared to securing member11900to a greater extent than other securing members (e.g., securing member11900). The proximal arm11972aof the first extension11970aof the attachment portion11940may be configured to be positioned within the opening12035(FIG. 120A) of the securing member12000. The distal region11974aof the first extension11970amay be configured to be positioned distally to the first protrusion12010aof the securing member12000. Similarly, the proximal region11972bof the second extension11970bof the attachment portion11940may be configured to be disposed within the opening12025(FIG. 120A) securing member12000and/or the distal region11974bof the second extension11970bmay be configured to be positioned distal to the second protrusion12010b.

In some embodiments, the proximal regions11972a,11972band/or the distal regions11974a,11974bmay be configured to contact adjacent protrusions12010of the securing member12000when the attachment portion11940is coupled to the securing member12000. According to some embodiments, a degree of coupling between the attachment portion11940and the securing member12000can be based, at least in part, on biasing of the first and second extensions11970a,11970band/or forces imparted on the proximal regions11972a,11972band/or distal regions11974a,11974bby the protrusions12010. The attachment portion11940may be configured to be secured to the corresponding securing member12000by compressing the first and second extensions11970a,11970b, positioning the proximal regions11972a,11972band/or distal regions11974a,11974badjacent the protrusions12010as previously described, and removing the compressive force from the first and second extensions11970a,11970b. According to some embodiments, the third and fourth protrusions12010c,12010dof the securing member12000may limit translation of the attachment portion11940relative to the securing member12000along or about the mesial-distal, occlusal-gingival, and/or lingual-facial axes.

FIGS. 121A-Cdepict a securing member and an attachment portion in accordance with the present technology. As shown inFIG. 121A, a securing member12100can have a base region12105having a generally ovular shape, a first side12107, and a second side12109. Compared to the securing member11900described with reference toFIG. 119A, the ovular base region12105of the securing member12100can contact a greater area of the patient's tooth to facilitate force transfer from an appliance to the tooth. The securing member12100can include first and second protrusions12110a,12110b(collectively “protrusions12110”) extending from base region12105. In some embodiments, the base region12105, first protrusion12110, and second protrusion12120can comprise a monolithic structure and/or separate components joined by adhesive, bonding, welding, or another suitable joining method. The second side12109of the base region12105may be configured to be bonded to a patient's tooth, as explained herein.

In some embodiments, the first protrusion12110acan include a first portion12112aextending away from the base region12105(e.g., in a labial-facial direction) and a second portion12114aextending laterally from the first portion12112atoward a central area of the base region12105(e.g., in a mesial-distal direction) to define an opening12035between the second portion12114aand the base region12005. Similarly, the second protrusion12110bcan include a first portion12112bextending away from the base region12105(e.g., in a labial-facial direction) and a second portion12114bextending laterally from the first portion12112btoward a central area of the base region12105(e.g., in a mesial-distal direction) to define an opening12035between the second portion12114band the base region12005. The openings12035may be configured to receive a portion of an attachment region (e.g., first extension11970a, second extension11970b).

FIG. 121Bis an isometric view of an attachment portion12140, configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. InFIG. 121B, the attachment portion12140is depicted coupled to a serpentine biasing portion12150that, together with the attachment portion12140, comprises an arm12130that extends from an anchor12120. It will be appreciated that the attachment portion12140may be used with any of the arm configurations described herein, and/or can be coupled to any of the biasing portions and/or connectors described herein.

In some embodiments, the attachment portion can be configured for increased coupling security and/or efficient force transfer to a tooth. As shown inFIG. 121B, the attachment portion12140can comprise a distal region12165connected to first and second proximal regions12170a,12170bby intermediate portions12174a,12174b. In some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG. 121B, a proximal end of the first proximal region12170acan be attached to the biasing portion12150. First and second arms12172a,12172bcan extend laterally from corresponding first and second proximal regions12170a,12170b. In some embodiments, first and second arms12172a,12172bextend away from a midline of the attachment portion12140. An opening (e.g., first opening12176a, second opening12176b) can be defined by a distance separating an arm and a corresponding intermediate portion. According to some embodiments, openings12176a,12176bcan be configured to receive a protrusion of a securing member. As shown inFIG. 121B, the distal region12165may comprise a semicircular shape that can generally correspond to a shape of a base region of a securing member (e.g., base region12107of securing member12100). Based on this geometric relationship, the attachment portion12140can contact a greater area of securing member12100for enhanced coupling and to limit translation of the attachment portion12140relative to the securing member12100. According to some embodiments, first and second proximal regions12170a,12170bof the attachment portion12140can be biased such that a distance between distal ends of the proximal regions12170a,12170bis less than a distance between proximal ends of the proximal regions12170a,12170b. Biasing of the first and second proximal regions12170a,12170bcan facilitate coupling of the attachment portion12140to the securing member12100, as described below.

As shown inFIG. 121C, the attachment portion12140can be configured to be coupled to the securing member12100. Each opening12176a,12176bof the attachment portion12140can be configured to receive a corresponding protrusion12110of the securing member12100. Biasing of the first and second proximal regions12170a,12170bcan result the first and second proximal regions12170a,12170bbeing configured to apply a laterally-outward force to the protrusions12110to facilitate coupling of the attachment portion12140to the securing member12100.

According to some aspects of the present technology, protrusions of a securing member can be configured to limit a specific directional translation and/or rotation of an attachment portion relative to the securing member. For example,FIG. 122depicts a securing member12200comprising first and second protrusions12210a,12210b, as previously described. The securing member12200can further comprise a third protrusion12210cpositioned at a distal end of a base region12205of the securing member12200. The third protrusion12210ccan extend from a first end12212in a direction generally distal and away from the base region12205(e.g., in a labial-facial direction) toward an apex region12214. The third protrusion12210ccan extend from the apex region12214proximally and away from the base region toward a second end12216. An opening12236can be defined between the second end12216of the third protrusion12210cand the base region12205of the securing member. The opening12236can be configured to receive a region of an attachment portion, for example, the distal region12165of the attachment portion12140(seeFIG. 121B), and thereby secure the attachment portion12140to the securing member12200. Consequently, the third protrusion12230, or more generally the securing member12200, can be configured to prevent translation and/or rotation of the attachment portion relative to the securing member12200. In particular, the third protrusion12230can be configured to limit translation of the attachment portion12140along the occlusal-gingival and/or lingual-facial axes and/or to limit rotation of the attachment portion about the mesial-distal and/or lingual-facial axes.

In some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG. 123, a securing member12300can comprise a protrusion with a larger area to enhance coupling of an attachment portion to the securing member12300. The securing member12300can include features generally similar to those of the securing member12100previously described. As shown inFIG. 123, in addition to the first and second protrusions12310a,12310b, the securing member12300may include a third protrusion12310c(e.g., a plate) disposed at an upper portion of the base region12305. The third protrusion12310ccan generally extend away from the base region12305in a direction similar to the first and second protrusions12310a,12310b, such that the third protrusion12310cextends in a lateral direction across all or a portion of the base region12305. The third protrusion12310ccan define a surface facing toward the first and second protrusions12310a,12310b, with the first, second, and third projections12310a,12310b,12310cdefining an opening12336therebetween. The opening12336can be configured to receive a region (e.g., the distal regions11974a,11974b(FIG. 119B)) of an attachment portion (e.g., the attachment portion11940), and thereby better secure that region to the securing member12300. In doing so, the third protrusion12310c, or more generally the securing member12300, can further inhibit movement and/or rotation of an attachment portion relative to the securing member12300.

According to some embodiments, a securing member and/or an attachment portion can be configured to urge a patient's tooth in at least an occlusal-gingival direction. For example, the securing member12400depicted inFIG. 124Acan have a length L to width W ratio greater than that of securing members of previously described embodiments. The securing member12400may comprise a base region12405and first and second protrusions12410a,12410b(collectively “protrusions12410”) attached to and extending along a lingual-facial axis away from the base region12405. Each protrusion can define an opening12435configured to receive a region of an attachment portion as described herein. As shown inFIG. 124A, openings12435can extend along a mesial-distal axis through the protrusions12410, in contrast to the openings that extend along an occlusal-gingival axis inFIGS. 119A, 120A, 121A, 122 and 123.

FIG. 124Bshows an example of an attachment portion12440configured for use with a securing member, such as the securing member12400shown inFIG. 124A. InFIG. 124B, the attachment portion12440is depicted coupled to a serpentine biasing portion12450that, together with the attachment portion12440, comprises an arm12430that extends from anchor12420. It will be appreciated that the attachment portion12440may be used with any of the arm configurations described herein, and/or can be coupled to or include any of the biasing portions and/or connectors described herein.

The attachment portion12440may comprise first and/or second extensions12460,12470extending from a common proximal point along directions generally away from the biasing portion12450and/or anchor12420. The first extension12460may be an elongate member comprising a distal region12462, a first distal arm12464aand a second distal arm12464b(collectively “distal arms12464”). The first and second distal arms12464a,12464bcan extend distally from the distal region12462and/or can be spaced apart to define an opening12466. The first extension12460can also include a distal biasing region12465configured to bias the distal arms12464in an occlusal and/or gingival direction and/or to urge the distal arms12464in the occlusal-gingival direction. The second extension can include a lateral regions12474a,12474b. In some embodiments the first and second extensions12460,12470are moveable toward and/or away from one another, e.g., in the occlusal-gingival direction, and may be biased in generally opposing directions from one another. For example, the first extension12460may be biased in the gingival direction and the second extension12470may be biased in the occlusal direction

As shown inFIG. 124C, the attachment portion12440can be configured to be detachably secured to the securing member12400. The opening12466(FIG. 124B) of the first extension12460of the attachment portion12440may be configured to receive the opening12435(FIG. 124A) of the protrusion12410aof the securing member12400, such that the distal arms12464are configured to be positioned in apposition to and on opposing sides of the first protrusion12410a. The opening12476(FIG. 124B) of the second extension12470of the attachment portion12440may be configured to receive the opening12435(FIG. 124A) of the second protrusion12410bof the securing member12400, such that the lateral regions12474a,12474bare configured to be positioned in apposition to and on opposing sides of the second protrusion12410b.

In operation, the attachment portion12440may be configured to be secured to the securing member12400, which may be bonded to one of the patient's teeth by moving the first extension12460toward the second extension12470(or vice versa), and then releasing the first extension12460(or the second extension12470) such that it is secured within the opening12435(FIG. 124A) of the first protrusion12410a(or within the opening12435of the second protrusion12410b). In doing so, the engagement of the first and second extensions12460,12470with the respective first and second protrusions12410a,12410bhelp ensure the desired force is applied to the patient's tooth via the securing member12400. Additionally or alternatively, the engagement of the first and second extensions12460,12470with the respective first and second protrusions12410a,12410bcan prevent translation of the attachment portion12440relative to the securing member12440along or about the mesiodistal, occlusogingival, and/or lingual-facial axes.

Additionally, some embodiments of embodiments of the securing member12400and/or attachment portion12440may be particularly suited for moving the patient's teeth in a specific direction. For example, in some embodiments the securing member12400and/or attachment portion12440may be configured to more easily move a patient's teeth in the gingival direction relative to the occlusal direction, mesial-distal direction and/or buccal-lingual direction. That is, portions of the securing member12400and/or attachment portion12440may have a first stiffness that enable teeth movement in the gingival direction, while other portions of the securing member12400and/or attachment portion12440have a second, greater stiffness that inhibit movement in other directions, such as the occlusal direction, and/or buccal-lingual direction.

FIG. 125Ais an isometric view of a securing member12500configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The securing member12500, for example, may be a SPEED Appliance (SPEED System Orthodontics, Ontario, Canada). The securing member12500may include a body region12505having a back surface12510configured to be attached to a patient's tooth, a recess12512configured to receive a portion of an attachment portion, a lip portion12514, and/or a clip portion12520movable relative to and extending outwardly from the body region12505. The clip portion12520can include a clip and a biasing element (e.g., a spring). The biasing element can be configured to bias the clip to remain in the closed position (as shown inFIG. 125A). When force is applied (e.g., by an operator) the biasing element can be configured to enable the clip to move from the closed position away from the body region12505, slot12512, and/or lip portion12514toward an open position (e.g., in an occlusal-gingival direction). The clip portion12520in the open position can be configured to enable a portion of an attachment portion to be inserted into the slot12512. That is, the slot12512becomes exposed when the clip portion12520is in the open position, thereby allowing a portion of the attachment portion to be inserted thereto. In the closed position, the lip portion12514can help ensure the clip portion12520remains in the closed position and/or prevent the attachment portion from being inadvertently removed from the slot12512.

FIG. 125Bis an isometric view of an attachment portion12540, configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. InFIG. 125, the attachment portion12540is depicted coupled to a serpentine biasing portion12550that, together with the attachment portion12540, comprises an arm12530that extends from anchor9520. It will be appreciated that the attachment portion12540may be used with any of the arm configurations described herein, and/or can be coupled to any of the biasing portions and/or connectors described herein. The attachment portion12540can comprise a base region12570configured to be received by a securing member. According to some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG. 125B, the base region12570can have a generally rectangular shape with an opening12580therethrough. A rectangular shape may facilitate prevention of rotation of the attachment portion12540relative to a securing member. In some embodiments, the attachment portion12540may have another suitable shape (e.g., circular, polygonal, triangular, etc.).

FIG. 125Cis an isometric view of the securing member12500shown inFIG. 125Aand the attachment portion12540shown inFIG. 125B. As shown inFIG. 125C, the attachment portion12540may be secured to the securing member12500. Specifically, the lip portion12514of the securing member12500can be configured to extend through the opening12580of the attachment portion12540, and a first portion12572of the base region12570can be configured to be disposed within the slot12512of the securing member12500.FIG. 125Cdepicts the clip portion12520in the closed position and disposed over the first portion12572of the base region12570, thereby securing the first portion12572within the slot12512and more generally the attachment portion12540to the securing member12500.

According to some embodiments, a securing member such as securing member12600shown inFIG. 126Amay be formed from a curable material. The securing member12600can include one or more distinct portions12610a-dthat have been cured to form a cured structure. The distinct portions12610a-dmay be spaced apart from one another to define an indentation12680. Although the securing member12600shown inFIG. 126Ahas four portions12610a-d, in some embodiments, the securing member12600may have more than four portions or less than four portions. As shown inFIG. 126A, the indentation12680may form a generally cross or “+” shape. A shape of the indentation12680may be based at least in part on a shape of an attachment portion configured to be coupled to the securing member12600. For example, the cross-shaped indentation12680depicted inFIG. 126Amay be configured to receive a cross-shaped attachment portion.

The securing member12600may be formed of a curable material such that the securing member12600may be configured to be bonded directly to a patient's tooth, e.g., without the need for additional materials or bonding agents. The curable material can be generally moldable prior to being cured, and can include a composite resin, ceramic, and/or other synthetic material. In some embodiments, the curable material can include dimethacrylate monomers, a filler material (e.g., silica), and/or a photoinitiator that may be activated by UV light for bonding. The curable material can be bonded directly to the patient's tooth. In some embodiments, the curable material is the only component of the securing member12600. As such, embodiments of the securing member12600can minimize the cost and difficulties associated with manufacturing multiple components together and/or coupling multiple components of a traditional securing member to a patient's tooth.

FIG. 126Bis a front view of an attachment portion12640of an orthodontic appliance and the securing member12600, configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The attachment portion12640can correspond to any one of the attachment portions described herein. As shown inFIG. 126B, the attachment portion12640may have a shape complementary to a shape of the indentation12680(FIG. 126A) formed by the portions12610a-d. The complementary nature of the shape of the attachment portion12640to the indentation12680can help inhibit movement of the attachment portion12640relative to the indentation12680along and/or about the mesial-distal, occlusal-gingival, and/or lingual-facial axes.

According to some embodiments, the securing member12600may be manufactured and coupled to a patient's tooth simultaneously. In some embodiments, the securing member12600is manufactured and then coupled to a patient's tooth. Manufacturing the securing member12600can include providing a support (e.g., a tray) having indentations complementary to portions12610a-dshown inFIG. 126A. The indentations of the support may be filled with the curable or moldable material, and the support may be subsequently positioned adjacent the patient's tooth. Energy (e.g., UV light) is applied to the support and curable material to form a cured structure. In some embodiments, the applied energy may also cause the curable material to bond to the patient's tooth. In some embodiments, an adhesive that does not require UV light to cure may be used. After curing, the support can be removed from the patient's mouth while the cured material (i.e., the securing member12600) remains attached to the patient's tooth. Once the securing member12600is secured to the patient's tooth, an appliance or arm of an appliance can be coupled to the securing member12600by positioning an attachment portion of the arm within the indentation defined by the securing member. The attachment portion can be secured by disposing an adhesive, composite resin, or other synthetic material over the attachment portion within the indentation. The adhesive, composite resin, or synthetic material used to secure the attachment portion to the securing member12600may be cured via UV light. In some embodiments, the attachment portion is secured to the securing member12600without UV light.

FIG. 127Ais an isometric view of a securing member12700formed from a curable material, configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The securing member12700and manufacturing methods thereof may be generally similar to those of the securing member12600previously described with reference toFIGS. 126A and 126B. As shown inFIG. 127A, the securing member12700may include distinct portions12710a-cthat have been cured to form a cured structure and are spaced apart from one another to define an indentation12780. As shown inFIG. 127A, the indentation12780generally forms a heart shape with multiple extensions therefrom and is configured to receive an attachment portion of an orthodontic appliance or arm having that or a similar shape. In other embodiments, the indentation12780can define other shapes (e.g., a circle, triangle, polygon, cloud, apple, etc.) as needed for a particular application or desired by a patient.

FIG. 127Bis an isometric view of an attachment portion12740configured to mate with securing member12700. The attachment portion12740may have a shape complementary to the shape of the indentation12780(FIG. 127A) formed by the portions12710a-c. The complementary nature of the shape of the attachment portion12740to the indentation12780can help inhibit movement and/or rotation of the attachment portion12740relative to the indentation12780along or about the mesial-distal, occlusal-gingival, and/or lingual-facial axes

In some cases, it may be beneficial to configure an attachment portion with openings configured to receive and/or retain a moldable and/or curable material to adhere the attachment portion to the patient's tooth.FIG. 128Adepicts an attachment portion12840comprising a base region12855having a generally planar surface and including one or more openings12880a-c(collectively “openings12880”) extending through the base region12855. According to some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG. 128B, the attachment portion12840may be configured to be coupled to a pad12180. The pad12810may be configured to be bonded to a patient's tooth. In some embodiments, the pad12810may be formed of a mesh material. The pad12810can be secured to the attachment portion12840via coupling elements (not shown) extending through the openings12880and at least partially through the pad12810. As shown inFIG. 128B, the pad12810may have a surface area greater than a surface area of the base region12855of the attachment portion12840. As such, when coupled to the attachment portion12840, the pad12810can be configured to increase the bonding surface between the patient's tooth and the attachment portion12840, thereby forming a stronger bond therebetween.

AlthoughFIGS. 128A and 128Bdepict three of the openings12880in the base region12855of the attachment portion12840, in some embodiments, the attachment portion12840may include more than three or fewer than three openings12880. For example,FIG. 129depicts an attachment portion12940comprising a base region12955having eighteen openings12980extending through the base region12955.

In some embodiments, the attachment portion12940can be bonded directly to a patient's tooth and, in such embodiments, the openings12980may be configured to receive and retain a moldable and/or curable material that adheres the attachment portion12940to the patient's tooth. The moldable and/or curable material may be any of the materials described herein (e.g., with reference toFIG. 126A). In some embodiments, the moldable and/or curable material may be cured (e.g., via UV light) once disposed within the openings12980. Advantageously, embodiments of the attachment portion12940can be secured to a patient's tooth without the need for a separate securing member.

According to some aspects of the present technology, a securing member can be configured to have a recess of varying depth throughout the recess, for example as shown inFIGS. 130A and 130B.FIGS. 130A and 130Bare front and back isometric views, respectively, of a securing member13000, configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring first toFIG. 130A, the securing member13000can include one or more distinct portions13010a-cspaced apart from one another. The distinct portions13010a-cmay together define a recess13080. The recess13080can have a first area including a base surface13025of the securing member13000configured to receive an attachment portion. Second distinct portions13015a-ccan have a second area spaced apart along a lingual-facial axis from the base surface13025. The first area can have a shape that generally resembles or compliments that of the attachment portion to be disposed therein. The second area can include a curable material (as previously described) or be configured to receive a curable material after the attachment portion has been disposed within the first area. Such a curable material can secure, or further secure, the attachment portion to the securing member13000. In some embodiments, the second area may be roughened to increase its surface area and therein improve the bonding strength between the second area and curable material disposed thereon.

Referring toFIG. 130B, the securing member13000can have a back side13005configured to be bonded to a patient's tooth. The back side13005can include a curable material or be configured to receive a curable material, as previously described, for coupling the securing member13000to a patient's tooth. In some embodiments, the back side13005may be roughened to increase its surface area and therein improve the bonding strength between the back side13005and curable material disposed thereon.

FIG. 130Cis an isometric view of an attachment portion13040and the securing member13000shown inFIGS. 130A and 130B, configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. InFIG. 130C, the attachment portion13040is depicted coupled to a serpentine biasing portion13050that, together with the attachment portion13040, comprises an arm13030that extends from anchor13020. It will be appreciated that the attachment portion13040may be used with any of the arm configurations described herein, and/or can be coupled to any of the biasing portions and/or connectors described herein.

As shown inFIG. 130C, the attachment portion13040may have a shape generally similar to the shape of the first area of the recess13080(FIG. 130A). As shown inFIG. 130C, the attachment portion13040may include portions13070extending laterally away from the securing member13000. When the appliance100is disposed or installed within a patient's mouth and the secured to the securing member13000, the portions13070can extend generally in a mesial-distal direction. In some embodiments, the portion13070may be configured to be coupled to adjacent ones of the patient's teeth and/or to adjacent arms13030of the appliance. The complementary nature of the attachment portion13040and the securing member13000can help further inhibit movement and/or rotation of the attachment portion13040relative to the securing member13000.

FIG. 131shows a retainer13100configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG. 131, the retainer13100may comprise an elongated member having a series of alternating curved segments13102and straight (or mesiodistal) segments13104. The retainer13100may be configured to be bonded directly to the patient's teeth (i.e., without the use of a bracket) in such a way that the patient cannot remove the retainer. The retainer may be configured to be positioned such that the curved, U-shaped portions are aligned with the mesial and distal surfaces of adjacent teeth, and the more linear segments extend in a generally mesiodistal direction along the surface of the tooth between curved segments1302. Positioning the curved segments between the teeth provides the advantage of allowing the patients to floss. In some embodiments, the curved segments are flexible while the more linear segments are rigid. Other configurations are possible.

Any of the appliance and connector configurations disclosed herein may be permanently attached to the patient's teeth (i.e., such that the patient cannot remove the appliance).FIG. 132depicts a jig that may be utilized to hold the retainer at the correct position at the surface of the teeth while the retainer is bonded to the teeth.FIGS. 132-134show different IDBs that may be used for making and positioning the retainer.

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.

CONCLUSION

Although many of the embodiments are described above primarily with respect to systems, devices, and methods for orthodontic appliances positioned on a lingual side of a patient's teeth, the technology is applicable to other applications and/or other approaches, such as orthodontic appliances positioned on a facial side of the patient's teeth. Moreover, other embodiments in addition to those described herein are within the scope of the technology. Additionally, several other embodiments of the technology can have different configurations, components, or procedures than those described herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art, therefore, will accordingly understand that the technology can have other embodiments with additional elements, or the technology can have other embodiments without several of the features shown and described above with reference toFIGS. 1A-134.

The descriptions of embodiments of the technology are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively. For example, embodiments described herein as using multiple coupling arms may just as well be modified to include fewer (e.g., one) or more (e.g., three) coupling arms. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. The various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments.