Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7578673?dq=patent:4807115
Timestamp: 2017-11-22 17:19:23
Document Index: 556999487

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts1', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4']

Patent US7578673 - System and methods for combination treatments of dental patients - Google Patents
Systems and methods for fabricating a dental template to position an object on a patient's tooth to move the tooth from an initial position to a target position are disclosed. The system digitizes a model of the patient's tooth at the initial position; places an object on the tooth model at the target...http://www.google.com/patents/US7578673?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7578673 - System and methods for combination treatments of dental patients
Publication number US7578673 B2
Application number US 10/870,689
Also published as US20040166463, US20050064360
Publication number 10870689, 870689, US 7578673 B2, US 7578673B2, US-B2-7578673, US7578673 B2, US7578673B2
Inventors Huafeng Wen, Eric Kuo, Amir Abolfathi, Loc X. Phan, Peter G. Knopp
Patent Citations (113), Non-Patent Citations (99), Referenced by (42), Classifications (10), Legal Events (3)
System and methods for combination treatments of dental patients
US 7578673 B2
1. A method of fabricating a dental template to position a plurality of brackets on a patient's teeth to move at least one of the teeth from an initial position to a subsequent position, the method comprising:
providing a digital model of the patient's teeth in their initial positions;
determining a target position for each of the brackets on the digital teeth model;
creating a bracketed model comprising placing virtual representations of the brackets on the digital teeth model at the target positions;
creating a scaled teeth model by scaling up the digital teeth model;
locating the bracketed model within the volume of the scaled teeth model;
generating a template model, the generating comprising removing a volume from the scaled teeth model corresponding to the volume of the located bracketed model so as to create teeth receiving cavities within the scaled teeth model, and further removing portions of the scaled teeth model so as to create a plurality of openings to the positions of the virtual brackets; and
directly fabricating the dental template from the template model, wherein the template comprises multiple openings, each opening configured to guide a bracket into the target position on one of the patient's teeth after the template is placed over the patient's teeth.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a target orientation for each of the brackets to position a slot of each bracket to receive an orthodontic wire, wherein the template is configured to orient the brackets on the patient's teeth.
each bracket includes a slot adapted to receive an orthodontic wire passing therethrough, and wherein
the target orientations for the brackets are determined to minimize strain on the wire when the teeth are moved from initial to subsequent positions.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the wire is arch-shaped when the teeth are in their subsequent positions and irregular when the teeth are in their initial positions.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising allowing a user to change the position of at least one of the brackets away from its target position on the digital tooth model, before fabricating the template.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising determining a deviation of at least one of the brackets from an ideal placement and iteratively adjusting the position of the bracket to minimize the deviation.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein fabricating comprises rendering a physical dental template using a rapid prototyping method.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the openings are configured so that the brackets can be inserted into the openings after the template is placed over the patient's teeth.
9. The method of claim 1, the at least one opening of the template configured such that a bracket on the patient's tooth is positionable in the at least one opening and the bracket is movable through an open gingival side of the at least one opening during removal of the template from the patient's teeth.
10. A method of positioning a bracket on a patient's tooth, the method comprising:
providing a dental template of claim 1 for positioning of one or more brackets on a patient's teeth, the template configured to fit over a plurality of the patient's teeth and for each of at least a plurality of teeth the template has a first surface fixed in shape and designed to be disposed opposite a corresponding surface of the tooth, wherein the first surface of the template and the corresponding surface of the tooth have approximately matching three-dimensional geometries, the first surface of the template having an opening comprising a cut-out that is open to a gingival side of the template, the opening being configured to guide the bracket into position on the tooth;
fitting the template on the patient's teeth; and
positioning a bracket on the patient's tooth comprising positioning the bracket in the opening and in contact with the patient's tooth.
11. A method for fabricating a dental template to position a bracket on a patient's tooth, the method comprising:
providing a digital model of the patient's tooth at an initial tooth position;
providing a final position for the tooth on the digital model;
placing a virtual representation of the bracket on the tooth in its final position;
determining a location of the bracket on the tooth in its initial position by backtracking from the placement of the bracket on the tooth in its final position;
creating a scaled digital model of the tooth by scaling up the digital model;
generating a template model, the generating comprising removing a volume from the scaled tooth model corresponding to the volume of the digital model and positioned bracket so as to create teeth receiving cavities within the scaled tooth model, and further removing a portion of the scaled tooth model so as to create an opening to the backtracked position of the bracket representation; and
fabricating a dental template from the template model.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein fabricating comprises rendering a physical dental template using a rapid prototyping method.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the template is articulable with a plurality of flexibly linked cavities.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the bracket guiding opening is configured so that the bracket can be inserted into the opening after the template is placed over the tooth.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising rendering simulated teeth movement over time.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising treating teeth using a combination of removable and fixed appliances.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the fixed appliance covers two or more teeth on an arch.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the fixed appliance is positioned on a lingual side of the patient's teeth.
19. A method for fabricating a dental template for positioning a plurality of orthodontic brackets on a patient's teeth, the method comprising:
determining a target position on the digital teeth model for positioning of each of one or more virtual brackets;
generating a template model, the generating comprising removing a volume from the scaled teeth model corresponding to the volume of the digital teeth model and positioned virtual brackets so as to create teeth receiving cavities within the scaled teeth model, and further removing portions of the scaled teeth model so as to create a plurality of openings to the target positions of the brackets; and
fabricating the dental template from the template model.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein positioning a digital model of each bracket at its target position comprises creating a bracketed teeth model comprising the digital teeth model and the bracket models.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising locating the digital teeth model within the volume of the scaled teeth model.
22. The method of claim 19, further comprising determining a target orientation for each of the brackets to position a slot of each bracket to receive an orthodontic wire, wherein the template is configured to orient the brackets on the patient's teeth.
23. The method of claim 19, wherein fabricating comprises rendering a physical dental template using a rapid prototyping method.
The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/375,224, filed Feb. 26, 2003 abandoned, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIGS. 4A–4D show perspective views of various templates.
FIG. 6A illustrates a process of fabricating a dental template to position an object on a patient's tooth to move the tooth from an initial position to a target position.
FIG. 6B shows an example of brackets positioned on teeth at their final positions.
FIG. 6C shows an exemplary user interface that allows a user to visualize teeth at each treatment stage.
FIG. 6D shows the exemplary brackets when backtracked into their initial positions.
FIG. 7 is a diagram of a process to attach an object on a tooth.
FIG. 8 is a diagram of a process to fit wire on the teeth.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the marking of a wire for attachment placement.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating attachment mounting using the dental template.
Alternatively, from 110 if indirect forming is to be done, the process forms an aligner, and cuts and removes excess material (112).
From 108, if a non-articulated template is to be indirectly fabricated (116), an aligner is formed and trimmed (118). In the case of a directly formed non-articulated template (116), the process proceeds to 120 where each tooth in the arch is scaled; cavities are formed to enclose the teeth when the dental template or appliance is inserted over the patient's teeth. Next, unnecessary structures are removed from the digital model. The digital model is produced as a physical model.
FIG. 3B shows a process for providing four possible templates. First, the process acquires a digital model of dentition, adds virtual brackets to teeth, and creates a combined model (180). Next, one of four templates options can be selected. The first option is unified (or single piece)—direct fabrication option where the process scales the arch (est. 105–150%), locates original arch and scaled arch in same 3D space, creates cavity of original inside scaled arch, removes gingival portions, substantial part of lingual tooth surfaces, buccogingival surfaces covering virtual brackets, and produces real arch model from digital model (182).
In the third option (articulated direct fabrication), the process scales individual tooth (est. 105–150%), locates each original tooth and its scaled version in same 3D space, creates a cavity of each original inside its scaled version, removes gingival portions, substantial part of lingual tooth surfaces, buccogingival surfaces covering virtual brackets, produces real tooth models from digital models, positions teeth in appropriate locations and orientations, forms a flexible or pliable material over teeth, and trims excess material from the template (186).
In the fourth option (articulated indirect fabrication), the process forms an aligner-like template on a mold of an arch. The template is removed from the mold and gingival portions, substantial part of lingual tooth surfaces, and buccogingival surface covering virtual brackets are trimmed. The process cuts an arch template onto an individual tooth. A flexible or pliable layer over the template is formed, and excess material is trimmed (188).
Scale the teeth to values likely within the range 105–150%.
More information on the fabrication of the dental template or appliance is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,997 “Manipulable dental model system for fabrication of a dental appliance”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,574 “Modified tooth positioning appliances and methods and systems for their manufacture”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,499 “Methods for correcting deviations in preplanned tooth rearrangements”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,298 “System and method for releasing tooth positioning appliances”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,511 “Defining tooth-moving appliances computationally”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,344 “Effic data representation of teeth model”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,457,972 “System for determining final position of teeth”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,565 “Systems and methods for varying elastic modulus appliances”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,807 “System and method for positioning teeth”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,504 “Manipulating a digital dentition model to form models of individual dentition components”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,292 “System for determining final position of teeth”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,548 “Method system for incrementally moving teeth”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,801 “Manipulable dental model system for fabrication of dental appliances”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,812 “System and method for releasing tooth positioning appliances”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,878 “Systems and methods for removing gingiva from teeth”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,864 “Stress indicators for tooth positioning appliances”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,761 “Flexible plane for separating teeth models”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,994 “Tooth path treatment plan”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,215 “Attachment devices and method for a dental appliance”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,440 “System and method for producing tooth movement”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,851 “Manipulable dental model system for fabrication of a dental appliance”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,850 “Teeth viewing system”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,325 “Method and system for incrementally moving teeth”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,162 “Creating a positive mold of a patient's dentition for use in forming an orthodontic appliance”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,893 “Method and system for incrementally moving teeth,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The template section 252 may be made from materials that contain physical property switches for ease of removal. These switches might include temperature responsive, pH responsive, moisture responsive or a multi-layer system wherein the layers have varying physical properties. The section 252 represents a flexible or pliable material. Additionally, the material could be fiber, cord, fiber mesh, or a fiber-reinforced solid. The interproximal material can be homogenous or heterogeneous.
Sequencing is the determination of which aligner feasible movements should be performed first, according to degree of ease or needs for effective treatment outcome. One exemplary implementation of combination treatment performs high-confidence movements earlier in the treatment, followed by more challenging movements. This can mean that removable appliances are used in the first phases of treatment, followed by attachment and wire treatments. Alternatively; attachment and wire treatments can be used first for a case, with removable appliances used in the final phase of treatment. Treatment methods can also be alternated (i.e. aligners, attachments and wires, followed by aligners) and combination treatments can be used simultaneously (i.e. aligners and attachments and wires uses at the same time). Attachments and wires can be placed on the buccal or lingual sides of the teeth. The appliances can also be partial (such as a 3—3 anterior arch), combined with partial attachments and wire treatments (i.e. placed on molars or posterior teeth). In one example iteration, an IPR (interproximal reduction) is used to create space on teeth such as the bicuspid on the upper arch of a patient's jaw. Then, a wire is mounted to pull the anterior teeth back to reduce the arch size and close the interproximal space, followed by 3—3 movement that is achieved using aligners.
FIG. 6A illustrates a process of fabricating a dental template to position an object (such as a bracket) on a patient's tooth to move the tooth from an initial position to a target position. The process includes digitizing a model of the patient's tooth at the initial position (602). Next, the target position is determined (604). The target position can be a final position for the teeth at the end of the treatment.
Next, after fabrication of the templates the doctor positions a plurality of brackets on the patient's teeth at the target position, each bracket having a slot adapted to receive an orthodontic wire passing therethrough (606) as illustrated in FIG. 6B showing the mounted brackets on the final position of the patient's teeth. The process optionally aligns the brackets to minimize strain on the wire at the target position (608).
The process determines the position of the object at the initial position by backtracking from the tooth's final position one stage at a time until tooth reaches its the initial position (610). The coordinate transformation for moving the tooth from its final position to its initial position is applied to determine the position of the object's initial position.
FIG. 6C shows an exemplary user interface that allows a user to visualize teeth at each treatment stage. In one example, the teeth can be backtracked one stage at a time to arrive at the initial positions. Since the brackets are secured to the teeth, the backtracked position of the brackets can also be determined. FIG. 6D shows the exemplary brackets when backtracked into their initial positions. The process can also determine a deviation of the object from an ideal placement and iteratively adjust the position of the object to minimize the deviation.
Referring back to FIG. 6A, finally, the dental template is fabricated to allow the doctor to locate the object on the patient's tooth (612). The template can be fabricated using a rapid prototyping method. One or more bracket objects can be embedded in the dental template and the dental template can be inserted over the patient's teeth. Alternatively, the bracket objects can be inserted into an opening on the dental template prior to being bonded on the teeth.
FIG. 7 describes one exemplary implementation of Combination Treatments. A stage of treatment is selected (step 702). The process makes a prediction of a treatment that is convenient for the doctor, to use either a removable appliance for treatment or to use attachments and wires (step 704).
Based on the final setup of the case, the proper attachments are selected (step 706). Once the attachments are determined, a predetermined fit value such as a FACC point is defined (step 708). Factors included in the determination of the FACC point include teeth, attachment, and wire collisions. Once the FACC point is determined, the database provides the best-fit wire for use by the doctor (step 710). Dental practitioners use individual approaches when selecting wires for patients. Some doctors use a single type of wire, others choose from a number of different wires. Alternatively, a standard wire can be used. Once selected, the wire is marked for proper placement of the attachments (step 712). Finally, the attachments and wire(s) are mounted on the patient's teeth (step 714).
FIG. 8 describes Step 710. The best-fit wire is determined using a series of simple least mean square mathematical formulas. Given a particular patient case (step 722), a wire is selected. Using the final position of the treatment (step 724), the shortest distance from the bracket tip to the edge of the wire is calculated (726).
For any i=1–16 or 17–32, depending on which tooth/jaw,
where D is a number defined to be between 0.1 mm and 50 mm. This wire is set as the best-fit wire, with the minimum distance between the attachments and wire (728). All subsequent wires are measured using the same calculations (730–734).
FIG. 9 describes more detail step 712, marking the wire for attachment placement by the doctor. Measurements are retrieved from the placement of the attachments on the jaw at the initial position. Distance and direction are measured between the points (742). Two additional areas can be measured: 1) the physical property of the wire, i.e. how much wire can bend (step 744), and 2) the curve distance from one bracket tip to the next (step 746). Finally, points are placed on the wire to show the place where the first attachment stops (step 748). The same iteration is repeated with each subsequent attachment.
FIG. 10 describes in more detail step 714. To mount the wire and attachments, transition geometry is determined from the base of the tooth to the wire (752). Attachment object is placed inside the pocket area of the aligner (754). The filler material, most likely cement, is placed in the aligner behind the attachment and in the remaining aligner area (756 and 758). This increases ease of removal of the aligner at the later stages when the attachments are placed on the teeth. The doctor snaps the aligner with the attachment and cement on the teeth (760). Ultraviolet light is used to secure the cement filler material to the teeth (762). For Testa based aligners, hot water is sprayed on the aligner (step 764) because the Testa material responds to the heat by becoming more pliable. Once the aligner has cooled (766), the doctor can remove it from the patient's mouth with relative ease (768). The attachment(s) are now fastened to the teeth, which follows standard orthodontics principles of placing brackets. Finally, the doctor connects the wire to each attachment using the designations that were marked on the wire in step 712 as a reference.
Make a prediction to use attachments and wires treatment based on highest degree of convenience for doctor.
Set this value as (set_minimum distance) and best-fit wire.
US3949478 Dec 27, 1974 Apr 13, 1976 Firma Scheu-Dental, Inhaber Rudolf Scheu Herstellung Und Vertrieb Von Dentalbedarf Process and apparatus for fitting orthodontic brackets to teeth
US4501554 Jul 25, 1983 Feb 26, 1985 Hickham John H Two tray indirect bonding system for labial and lingual brackets
US4812118 Apr 3, 1987 Mar 14, 1989 Creekmore Thomas D Placement apparatus for lingual and buccal brackets
US5971574 Sep 17, 1997 Oct 26, 1999 Stanley Electric Co., Ltd Automobile headlight
US6296481 Nov 14, 2000 Oct 2, 2001 Hee M. Kyung Indirect bonding bracket positioner for correction of irregularities of the teeth
US6464496 Apr 28, 2000 Oct 15, 2002 Orametrix, Inc. Method and apparatus for determining and monitoring orthodontic treatment
US6540512 Nov 30, 1999 Apr 1, 2003 Orametrix, Inc. Method and apparatus for treating an orthodontic patient
US6905337 * Sep 17, 2002 Jun 14, 2005 Orametrix, Inc. Tooth templates for bracket positioning and other uses
US7056115 * Jun 17, 2004 Jun 6, 2006 Align Technology, Inc. Systems and methods for fabricating a dental template
US7252509 Apr 11, 2005 Aug 7, 2007 Orametrix, Inc. Tooth templates for bracket positioning and other uses
US20020010568 Apr 13, 2001 Jan 24, 2002 Rudger Rubbert Orthodontic treatment planning with user-specified simulation of tooth movement
US20030194677 Apr 14, 2003 Oct 16, 2003 Orametrix, Inc. Method and apparatus for generating an orthodontic template that assists in placement of orthodontic apparatus
US20040175670 Mar 11, 2004 Sep 9, 2004 Cadent Ltd. Method and system for assisting in applying an orthodontic treatment
US20050208450 May 23, 2005 Sep 22, 2005 Rohit Sachdeva Method and apparatus for generating an orthodontic template that assists in placement of orthodontic apparatus
3 Altschuler et al., "Analysis of 3-D Data for Comparative 3-D Serial Growth Pattern Studies of Oral-Facial Structures," IADR Abstracts, Program and Abstracts of Papers, 57th General Session, IADR Annual Session, Mar. 29, 1979 - April 1, 1979, New Orleans Marriot, Journal of Dental Research, vol. 58, Jan. 1979, Special Issue A, p. 221.
5 Altschuler, "3D Mapping of Maxillo-Facial Prosthesis," AADR Abstract #607, 1980, 1 page total. .
7 Andersson et al., "Clinical Results with Titanium Crowns Fabricated with Machine Duplication and Spark Erosion,"Acte Odontological Scandinavia, vol. 47 (1989), pp. 279-286.
8 Baumrind et al., "A Stereophotogrammetric System for the Detection of Prosthesis Loosening in Total Hip Anthroplasty", NATO Symposium on Applications of Human Biostereometrics, Jul. 9-13, 1978, SPIE vol. 166, pp. 112-123.
20 Burstone (interview), "Dr. Charles J. Burstone on The Uses of the Computer in Orthodontic Practice (Parts1 and 2)," Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, (Part 1) vol. 8, No. 7 , July 1979; (Part 2) vol. 8, No. 8 pp. 539-551, Aug. 1979.
22 Chaconas et al., "The DigiGraph Work Station, Part 1, Basic Concepts," JCO(Jun. 1990), pp. 360-367.
23 Chafetz et al., "Subsidence of the Femoral Prothesis, A Stereophotogrammetric Evaluation," Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, No. 201 (Dec. 1985), pp. 60-67.
25 Cottingham, "Gnathologic Clear Plastic Positioner" Am. J. Orthod., vol. 55, No. 1, (Jan. 1969),. pp. 23-31.
27 Crawford, "Computers in Dentistry: Part 1: CAD/CAM: The Computer Moves Chairside,"0 "Part 2: F. Duret-A Man With A Vision," "Part 3: The Computer Gives New Vision- Literally, " "Part 4: Bytes 'N Bites" The Computer Moves From The Front Desk To The Operatory, Canadian Dental Journal, vol. 54(9), , (1988), pp. 661-666.
29 Cureton, "Correcting Malaligned Mandibular Incisors With Removable Retainers" J. Clin. Orthod., 30:390-395, 1996.
32 DCS Dental AG, "The CAD/CAM 'DCS Titan System' for Production of Crowns/Bridges" DSC Production AG, Jan. 1992, pp. 1-7.
41 Elsasser, "Some Observations on the History and Uses of the Kesling Positioner" Am. J. Orthod., vol. 36, No. 5, (May1950) pp. 368-374.
43 Felton et al. "A computerized analysis of the shape and stability of mandibular arch form," Am. Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, vol. 92, No. 6 (Dec. 1987), pp. 478-483.
44 Friede et al., "Accuracy of Cephalometric Prediction in Orthognathic Surgery," Abstract of Papers, Journal of Dental Research, vol. 70 (1987), pp. 754-760.
47 Guess et al., "Computer Treatment Estimates in Orthodontics and Orthognathic Surgery," JCO, (Apr. 1989), pp. 262-228.
49 Hoffmann et al., "Role of Cephalometry for Planning of Jaw Orthopedics and Jaw Surgery Procedures," (Article Summary in English, article in German). Informationen, (Mar. 1991), pp. 375-396.
50 Huckins, "CAD-CAM Generated Mandibular Model Prototype from MRI Data," AAOMS, 1999, p. 96.
51 JCO Interviews, "Craig Andreiko , DDS, MS on the Elan and Orthos Systems", JCO, (Aug. 1994), pp. 459-468.
57 Kanazawa et al., "Three-Dimensional Measurements of the Occlusal Surfaces of Upper Molars in a Dutch Population," J. Dent. Res., vol. 63, No. 11 (Nov. 1984), pp. 1298-1301.
58 Kesling, "Coordinating the Predetermined Pattern and Tooth Positioner With Conventional Treatment" Am. J. Orthod. Oral. Surg., 32:285-293, 1946.
64 Manetti et al., "Computer-aided Cefalometry and New Mechanics in Orthodontics" (Article Summary in English, article in German), Fortschr. Kieferorthop, 44, 370-376 (Nr. 5), 1983.
67 McNamara et al., Chapter 19: Invisible Retainers, Orthodontic and Orthopedic Treatment in the Mixed Dentition, Needham Press, Jan. 1993, pp.347-353.
69 Mörmann et al., "Marginal Adaptation von adhasiven Porzellaninlays in vitro, " Schwizerische Monatsshrift fur zahnmedizin, vol. 85 (1985), p. 1118-1129.
70 Nahoum, "The Vacuum Formed Dental Contour Appliance" The New York State Dental Journa, 30(9):385-390, Nov. 1964.
73 Orametrix, Inc., "The SureSmile White Paper, SureSmile and Straight-Wire, Correcting for Limitation in the Straight Archwire Approach"(Dec. 10, 2002) pp. 1-5.
74 Orametrix, Inc., "Treatment Planning Software" (Dec. 10, 2002) pp. 1-2.
75 Pinkham, "Foolish Concept Propels Technology," Dentist, Jan./Feb. 1989, 3 pages total.
77 Ponitz, "Invisible Retainers", Am. J. Orthodontics, vol. 59, No. 3, Mar. 1971, pp. 266-272.
78 Procera Research Projects, PROCERA Research Projects1993-Abstract Collection, 1993, pp. 3-24.
79 Rekow, "A Review of the Developments in Dental CAD/CAM Systems," (contains references to Japanese efforts and content of the papers of particular interest to the clinician are indicated with a one-line summary of their content in the bibliography), Dental Clinics: Prosthodontics and Endodontics, pp.25-33, 1992.
80 Rekow, "CAD/CAM in Dentistry: A Historical Perspective and View of the Future," Journalvol. 58 No. 4, (Apr. 1992), pp. 283, 287-288.
81 Rekow, "Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing in Dentistry: A Review of the State of the Art," The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, vol. 58, No. 4 (Oct. 1987), pp. 512-516.
82 Rekow, "Dental CAD-CAM Systems: What is the State of the Art?" Journal of the American Dental Assoc., vol. 122 (1991), pp. 43-48.
83 Rekow, Feasibility of an Automated System for Production of "Dental Restorations," PhD Thesis, Univ. of Minnesota, Nov. 1988, 244 pages total.
84 Richmond et al., Research Reports, "The Development of a 3D Cast Analysis System," British Journal of Orthodontics, vol. 13, No. 1, (Jan. 1986) pp. 53-54.
85 Richmond, "Recording The Dental Cast in Three Dimensions," Am. J. Orthod. Dentofac. Orthop., vol. 92, No. 3, (Sep. 1987), pp. 199-206.
86 Rudge, "Dental arch analysis: Arch Form, A review of the literature," European Journal of Orthodontics, vol. 3, No. 4(1981), pp. 279-284.
87 Sakuda et al., "Integrated information-processing system in clinical orthodontics: An approach with use of a computer network system," Am. J. Orthod. Dentofac. Orthop.vol. 101 No. 3 (Mar. 1992), pp. 210-220.
88 Schellhas et al., "Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography in Maxillofacial Surgical Planning," Arch Otolamgol Head Neck Surg. vol. 114 (Apr. 1988), pp. 438-442.
89 Shilliday, "Minimizing Finishing Problems With the Mini-Positioner" Am. J. Orthod.59:596-599, 1971.
90 Siemens, "CEREC-Computer-Reconstruction," High Tech in der Zahnmedizin, 14 page total.
91 Sirona Dental Systems GmbH, CEREC 3D, Manuel utilisateur, Version 2.0X (in French), 2003, 114 pages total.
92 Stoll et al., "Computer-aided Technologies in Dentistry" (Article Summary in English, article in German), Dtsch ZahnarztlZ 45, 314-322, 1990.
93 U.S. Department of Commerce, National Technical Information Service, "Automated Crown Replication Using Solid Photography SM," Solid Photography Inc. Melville NY, Oct. 1977, 20 pages total.
94 U.S. Department of Commerce, National Technical Information Service, "Holodontography: An Introduction to Dental Laser Holography," School of Aerospace Medicine Brooks AFB Tex, Mar. 1973, 37 pages total.
95 U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 60/050342, filed on Jun. 20, 1997, 41 pages total.
96 Van Der Linden et al., "Three-Dimensional Analysis of Dental Casts by Means of the Optocom," J Dent Res, Jul.-Aug. 1972, vol. 51, No. 4, p. 1101.
97 Van Der Linden, "A New Method to Determine Tooth Positions and Dental Arch Dimensions," Jul.-Aug. 1972, p. 1104.
98 Van Der Zel, "Ceramic-fused-to-metal Restorations with a New CAD/CAM System," Quintessence International, vol. 24(11) (1993), pp. 769-778.
99 Varady et al., Reverse Engineering Of Geometric Models-An Introduction. Computer-Aided Design, 29(4):255-268, 1997.
US8734149 * Sep 14, 2012 May 27, 2014 Align Technology, Inc. Systems and methods for fabricating a dental template
US9757211 Aug 16, 2016 Sep 12, 2017 Robert Ward Stents for placement of orthodontic attachments, and methods of producing and using such stents
US20150238282 * Mar 17, 2015 Aug 27, 2015 Align Technology, Inc. Orthodontic appliances that accommodate incremental and continuous tooth movement, systems and methods
International Classification A61C7/14, A61C13/00, A61C3/00, A61C7/00
Cooperative Classification A61C7/146, A61C13/0004, A61C7/002, B33Y80/00
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WEN, HUAFENG;KUO, ERIC;ABOLFATHI, AMIR;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:015364/0238;SIGNING DATES FROM 20040815 TO 20041027