Patent Description:
Malocclusion is one of three major diseases of the oral cavity, and has a high prevalence rate. Generally, malocclusion is resulted from genetic or environmental factors during growth. Malocclusion is harmful to the oral cavity and even the whole body, for example, malocclusion negatively affects maxillofacial growth, oral cavity health, oral function, and appearance. Currently, malocclusion is mainly treated through surgical operations or orthodontic appliances.

In recent years, invisible orthodontic appliances are used by more and more people due to comfort and dignity they bring to people. During an orthodontic treatment, any force applied to and moves teeth would generate in an opposite direction a force equal to the force applied. A situation that supports a reaction force caused by moving a tooth to be corrected is referred to as "anchoring". In fact, anchoring is a basis for providing an orthodontic force. Generally, in orthodontic treatment, an anchoring portion is mainly composed of non-orthodontic teeth, and the palate and alveolar can also be used as anchoring portions. Teeth in the anchoring portion are affected by an anchoring force in an opposite position generated from the orthodontic force. During an invisible orthodontic treatment, an anchoring control is generally performed by increasing a number of anchoring teeth, preparation for anchoring, intermaxillary elastic traction and implant anchoring. However, the control method has following problems. Increasing the number of anchoring teeth is only applicable to a minor number of cases. By preparation for anchoring, an increased unit cannot be accurately controlled when the number of anchors is insufficient, resulting in an uncertain orthodontic result. Because there are both maxillary (mandibular) adduction and mandibular (or maxillary) guides in the intermaxillary elastic traction and implant anchoring, there would be a side effect during use of this method. Implant anchorage requires implantation damage in patient's oral cavity, which is not acceptable to some patients, and the operation is relatively demanding for doctors. Therefore, the above control methods have some problems during a personalized orthodontic treatment. In a fixing treatment, apart from the implant anchorage among anchoring control methods, there is methods of adding two devices, a trans-palate anchorage (TPA) and a Nance arch. The methods anchor well. However, the devices have to be fixed with molars, which affects eating and oral hygiene and brings poor experience to a patient.

Therefore, it is magnificent to study for an invisible orthodontic appliance that not only can strengthen anchorage, but also brings nice experience and oral hygiene to the patient.

<CIT> relates to an orthodontic alignment device can have a palatal contour anchorage (PCA) feature that generally matches the shape of the patient's hard pallet. This PCA feature may be built slightly off-set to deliberately push against the patient's palate and/or gingiva to provide anchorage support of staged translation of the teeth. By transferring the required anchorage away from the teeth and onto the palate, through the PCA feature, the adjacent teeth are no longer subjected to unwanted side effects of reaction forces.

<CIT> relates to an orthodontic palatal expander may include a first shell configured to receive at least one tooth of a first posterior segment of a dental arch of a patient; a second shell configured to receive at least one tooth of a second posterior segment of the dental arch; and a split beam connected between the first shell and the second shell. The split beam may include a first beam comprising a relatively high modulus material, a second beam comprising the high modulus material, and a region between the first beam and the second beam.

<CIT> relates to a method, systems, and devices for adjusting an arch of teeth. An appliance includes a removable shell formed of a first material having a number of cavities formed therein, where the number of cavities are shaped to receive teeth of a patient, and an arch element extending from the removable shell in a lingual direction and across at least a portion of the arch width of the removable shell, wherein the arch element is designed to expand an arch of the teeth of the patient, wherein the arch element has a width specific to a stage of a treatment plan.

The present disclosure provides an orthodontic appliance, a dental instrument, an orthodontic appliance set and an orthodontic system as well as a designing method and a manufacturing method of the orthodontic appliance. When worn on maxillary teeth and moving posterior teeth in a distal direction, the orthodontic appliance is able to increase anchorage of the anterior teeth to prevent the anterior teeth from tilting towards a labial side.

In one aspect, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first orthodontic appliance including a shell-like body provided with several cavities accommodating maxillary teeth. The shell-like body at least has a geometric structure allowing at least one tooth in a posterior region to move in a distal direction. The shell-like body is further provided with an auxiliary anchoring portion capable of absorbing a reaction force generated by the at least one tooth in the posterior region while moving in the distal direction. The auxiliary anchoring portion is connected to a lingual side in the posterior region of both left and right sides of the shell-like body.

Herein, provided between the shell-like body and the auxiliary anchoring portion is an auxiliary transmitting portion used for aiding transmission of the reaction force generated by the at least one tooth in the posterior region while moving in the distal direction. The auxiliary transmitting portion is provided between an anterior region of the shell-like body and the auxiliary anchoring portion. Alternatively, the auxiliary transmitting portion provided between the posterior region of the shell-like body and the auxiliary anchoring portion.

Herein, when the first orthodontic appliance is being worn on the maxillary teeth, the auxiliary anchoring portion is in contact with a palatal mucosa of an anterior region of a maxillary hard palate so that the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate serves as an anchorage for an anterior region or a partial anchorage for the anterior region, and the reaction force generated by the at least one tooth in the posterior region while moving in the distal direction is absorbed or partially absorbed by the maxillary hard palate.

Further, the auxiliary transmitting portion is a spacer hole provided between the shell-like body and the auxiliary anchoring portion, the spacer hole partially separating the auxiliary anchoring portion from the shell-like body.

Further, the shell-like body includes the anterior region of the shell-like body and the posterior region of the shell-like body. The auxiliary transmitting portion is provided between a left canine and a right canine in the anterior region of the shell-like body. The auxiliary transmitting portion has in a dental arch direction a length that is equal to a length of at least one tooth in the anterior region in a mesial-distal direction.

Further, the auxiliary anchoring portion includes an anchorage body provided in the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate and anchorage junctions connected with left and right sides of the shell-like body, and the left and right sides of the shell-like body are respectively provided with at least one of the anchorage junctions.

Further, when there are a plurality of anchorage junctions connected to the left side of the shell-like body and/or a plurality of anchorage junctions connected to the right side of the shell-like body, the spacer hole between the anchorage junctions is the auxiliary transmitting portion.

Further, a width of connection between each anchorage junction and the shell-like body is greater than or equal to <NUM>.

Further, the anchorage body has a surface at a side facing the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate, the surface being shaped as adaptive to a surface of the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate.

Further, the auxiliary anchoring portion is connected to a gingival margin at the lingual side or a position close to the gingival margin at the lingual side in the posterior region at both the left and right sides of the shell-like body.

Further, the position close to the gingival margin at the lingual side is a position <NUM>/<NUM>-<NUM>/<NUM> of a distance from a height of an entire tooth crown to the gingival margin.

Further, the shell-like body and the auxiliary anchoring portion are an integrally-formed structure or a non-integrally-formed structure.

In another aspect, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a dental instrument including the first orthodontic appliance as described in the above and a second orthodontic appliance.

Herein, the second orthodontic appliance includes a shell-like body and a holding portion. The shell-like body is provided with several cavities accommodating maxillary teeth and has a geometric structure adducting anterior teeth. The holding portion is separately connected to a lingual side in a posterior region of both left and right sides of the shell-like body. The second orthodontic appliance is worn on the maxillary teeth after the first orthodontic appliance is off, so that in response to adduction of the anterior teeth, both left and right maxillary teeth in the posterior region integrally anchorage, and the left and right maxillary teeth in the posterior region move to right positions and stay unchanged.

Further, the holding portion is separately connected to the gingival margin at the lingual side or the position close to the gingival margin at the lingual side in the posterior region at both the left and right sides of the shell-like body.

Further, the position close to the gingival margin at the lingual side is the position <NUM>/<NUM>-<NUM>/<NUM> of the distance from the height of the entire tooth crown to the gingival margin.

Further, the holding portion is an arch structure having a radian consistent with a radian of an upper palate.

Further, a reinforcing portion for increasing stability is provided on the holding portion.

Further, the strengthening portion is at least one reinforcing ridge buccolingually provided and having a curvature consistent with or different from a curvature of the holding portion.

Further, a section of the reinforcing ridge along a mesial-distal direction of a sagittal plane is a discontinuous section or a continuous section.

Further, a section of a cross section of the reinforcing ridge in the mesial-distal direction is provided above and below a cross section of the holding portion, or is provided above the cross section of the holding portion, or is provided below the cross section of the holding portion.

Further, the section of the cross section of the reinforcing ridge in the mesial-distal direction is an arc or a semi-closed polygon.

Further, a length of connection between the holding portion and the shell-like body is equal to a length of a second premolar and a first molar of the shell-like body in the mesial-distal direction.

Further, the shell-like body and the holding portion are an integrally-formed structure or a non-integrally-formed structure.

An orthodontic appliance set including a maxillary orthodontic appliance and a mandibular orthodontic appliance. Herein, the maxillary orthodontic appliance is the first orthodontic appliance as described in the above, and the mandibular orthodontic appliance includes a mandibular shell-like body for accommodating mandibular teeth.

Further, the mandibular shell-like body includes a mandibular anterior region and a mandibular posterior region. The mandibular shell-like body is further provided with a mandibular support that enhances anchorage by using dental arch cortex, the mandibular support is provided in the mandibular anterior region.

Further, provided between the mandibular support and the mandibular anterior region is a mandibular gap separating the mandibular anterior region from the mandibular support.

In still another aspect, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an orthodontic appliance set including a maxillary orthodontic appliance and a mandibular orthodontic appliance. Herein, the maxillary orthodontic appliance is the dental instrument as described in the above. The mandibular orthodontic appliance includes a mandibular shell-like body for accommodating mandibular teeth.

Further, the mandibular shell-like body includes a mandibular anterior region and a mandibular posterior region. The mandibular shell-like body is further provided with a mandibular support that enhances anchorage by using dental arch cortex. The mandibular support is provided in the mandibular anterior region.

An orthodontic system including a plurality of orthodontic appliance sets that include at least one orthodontic appliance set as described in the above. The plurality of orthodontic appliance sets have a geometric shape that gradually re-positions teeth from initial positions to target positions.

Further, the maxillary orthodontic appliance in the orthodontic appliance set provides anterior anchorage when the maxillary orthodontic appliance is the first orthodontic appliance. The maxillary orthodontic appliance coordinates with the mandibular orthodontic appliance so that both maxillary and mandibular teeth are synchronously adjusted to target positions for distal movement of both maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth. Then the maxillary orthodontic appliance in the orthodontic appliance set provides posterior anchorage when the maxillary orthodontic appliance is the second orthodontic appliance. The maxillary orthodontic appliance coordinates with the mandibular orthodontic appliance so that both maxillary and mandibular teeth are synchronously adjusted to target positions for adduction of both maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth.

In yet another aspect, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an orthodontic system including a plurality of orthodontic appliance sets that include at least one orthodontic appliance set as described in the above. The plurality of orthodontic appliance sets have a geometric shape that gradually re-positions teeth from initial positions to target positions.

Further, the maxillary orthodontic appliance in the orthodontic appliance set provides anterior anchorage when the maxillary orthodontic appliance is the first orthodontic appliance. The maxillary orthodontic appliance coordinates with the mandibular orthodontic appliance so that both maxillary and mandibular teeth are synchronously adjusted to target positions for distal movement of both maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth. Then the maxillary orthodontic appliance in the orthodontic appliance set provides posterior anchoring when the maxillary orthodontic appliance is the second orthodontic appliance. The maxillary orthodontic appliance coordinates with the mandibular orthodontic appliance so that both maxillary and mandibular teeth are synchronously adjusted to target positions for adduction of both maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth.

In still a further aspect, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a designing method of a first orthodontic appliance. The designing method includes steps of:.

In one more aspect, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a manufacturing method of the first orthodontic appliance. Herein, the first orthodontic appliance designed is manufactured based on the designing method described in the above. The manufacturing method includes: a manufacturing method of thermoforming and then cutting or a manufacturing method of direct 3D printing.

Herein, both the orthodontic appliance assisting posterior teeth to move in the distal direction and the orthodontic appliance holding the posterior teeth to stay unchanged in terms of relative positions may be manufactured in the manufacturing method of thermoforming and then cutting and/or the manufacturing method of direct 3D printing.

Compared with existing technologies, the present disclosure has following beneficial effects or advantages.

The present disclosure provides the first orthodontic appliance. The auxiliary anchoring portion and the auxiliary transmitting portion are provided in the shell-like body of the first orthodontic appliance. In this way, when the first orthodontic appliance is worn on maxillary teeth and moves posterior teeth in the distal direction, aided by the auxiliary transmitting portion, the reaction force generated from movement of the posterior teeth in the distal direction is totally or partially transmitted through the shell-like body to the auxiliary anchoring portion. Further, the reaction force is transmitted to the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate contacting the auxiliary anchoring portion. In this way, the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate is or partially is an anchorage of the anterior region. The reaction force is finally absorbed or partially absorbed by the maxillary hard palate. As a result, relative positions of the anterior teeth may be maintained, thereby preventing the anterior teeth from tilting to a labial side. The dental instrument provided includes the first orthodontic appliance and the second orthodontic appliance. Herein, the second orthodontic appliance is worn on the maxillary teeth after the first orthodontic appliance is off. In this way, after the anterior teeth are moved to target positions by the first orthodontic appliance, the second orthodontic appliance adducts the anterior teeth. Both left and right maxillary teeth in the posterior region integrally anchor to maintain positions of the posterior teeth unchanged. The orthodontic appliance set provided is able to treat both maxillary and mandibular teeth, and may synchronously use the first orthodontic appliance and the mandibular orthodontic appliance. Alternatively, the first orthodontic appliance and the second orthodontic appliance may be used in different periods, while coordinating with the mandibular orthodontic appliance. Selection may be based on what is needed in treatment. The orthodontic system provided includes a series of orthodontic appliance sets that are able to gradually move teeth in the posterior region in the distal direction while treating the teeth, so that the teeth are moved from initial positions to target positions.

In the designing method of the first orthodontic appliance provided by the present disclosure, the auxiliary anchoring portion and the auxiliary transmitting portion are provided on the orthodontic appliance body. When the orthodontic appliance body is worn on maxillary teeth and moves posterior teeth in the distal direction, aided by the auxiliary transmitting portion, the reaction force generated from movement of the posterior teeth in the distal direction is transmitted through the shell-like orthodontic appliance body to the auxiliary anchoring portion. The reaction force is absorbed or partially absorbed by the auxiliary anchoring portion. Anchorage to the anterior region is increased. As a result, relative positions of the anterior teeth may be maintained, thereby preventing the anterior teeth from tilting to a labial side. In the manufacturing method of the first orthodontic appliance provided by the present disclosure, after designing is performed using the above designing method, a corresponding orthodontic appliance is manufactured. Manufacturing methods include a manufacturing method of thermoforming and then cutting or a manufacturing method of direct 3D printing. Herein, the method of thermoforming and then cutting is easier. Manufacturing of the corresponding orthodontic appliance may be performed according to a patient's individual condition and request. Concerning the method of direct 3D printing, a structure that is complicated or hard to form may be directly printed, during which no artificial operation is required and thus accuracy may be well controlled.

<FIG> show embodiments which are not part of the claimed subject matter.

Reference signs in the drawings: <NUM>. first orthodontic appliance; <NUM>. shell-like body (also named as orthodontic appliance body); <NUM>. auxiliary anchoring portion; <NUM>. anchorage body; <NUM>. anchorage junction; <NUM>. auxiliary transmitting portion; <NUM>. second orthodontic appliance; <NUM>. shell-like body; <NUM>. holding portion; <NUM>. reinforcing ridge; <NUM>. mandibular orthodontic appliance; <NUM>. mandibular shell-like body; <NUM>. mandibular support; <NUM>. mandibular gap.

In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some rather than all embodiments of the present disclosure. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without inventive work fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used herein shall have ordinary meanings as understood by those of ordinary skills in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. As used herein, "comprising", "including" and similar words mean that the elements or things appearing before the word encompass the elements or things recited after the word and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or things.

In an orthodontic treatment, teeth are generally used for anchorage. The teeth for anchorage resist function of a reaction force generated from resisting an orthodontic force. Generally, the teeth for anchorage are not expected to move. When an invisible orthodontic appliance is applied to posterior teeth's movement in a distal direction, a reaction force generated from the movement stresses on anterior teeth. This would easily cause the anterior teeth to tilt towards a labial side. This would result in an unexpected treatment result. When an invisible orthodontic appliance is applied to anterior teeth's adduction, a reaction force generated from the movement stresses on the posterior teeth. This would cause the posterior teeth which have already moved to target positions to move in a mesial direction. This would also result in an unexpected treatment result. These have to be avoided in the orthodontic treatment. Therefore, when an invisible orthodontic appliance is applied to an orthodontic treatment, anchorage has to be added to moving teeth, so as to effectively avoid problems as described above.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an orthodontic appliance including a first orthodontic appliance <NUM> and a second orthodontic appliance <NUM>. The first orthodontic appliance <NUM> is configured to wear on maxillary teeth and move posterior teeth in the distal direction. When the posterior teeth are being moved in the distal direction, the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> is able to increase anchorage of the anterior teeth to maintain relative positions of the anterior teeth and prevent the anterior teeth from tilting towards the labial side. The second orthodontic appliance <NUM> is configured to wear on the maxillary teeth after the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> is off. The second orthodontic appliance <NUM> adducts the maxillary teeth in an anterior region. During this time, the second orthodontic appliance <NUM> is able to maintain positions of the posterior teeth, so that the posterior teeth stay in target orthodontic positions where the posterior teeth are when finishing wearing the first orthodontic appliance <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, Embodiment <NUM> of the present disclosure provides the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> including a shell-like body <NUM>, an auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> and an auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM>.

The shell-like body <NUM> is provided with several cavities accommodating maxillary teeth, and is divided into an anterior region and a posterior region. The shell-like body <NUM> at least has a geometric structure allowing at least one tooth in the posterior region to move in the distal direction. Herein, the "posterior region" is defined according to classification of teeth in <NPL>. The posterior region includes premolars and molars, that is, teeth <NUM> to <NUM> as indicated by using a foreign direct investment (FDI) marking method. The "anterior region" includes teeth <NUM> to <NUM> as indicated by using the FDI marking method. The anterior region in the shell-like body <NUM> is capable of accommodating central incisors, lateral incisors and canines of the maxillary teeth. The posterior region in the shell-like body <NUM> is capable of accommodating first premolars, second premolars, first molars, second molars and third molars of the maxillary teeth.

An auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> is provided on the shell-like body <NUM> and connected to a lingual side in the posterior region of both left and right sides of the shell-like body <NUM>. When at least one tooth in the posterior region is moving in the distal direction, the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> is capable of absorbing a reaction force generated by the at least one tooth moving in the distal direction and transmitting the reaction force to an anterior region of a maxillary hard palate. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> is connected to a gingival margin at the lingual side or a position close to the gingival margin at the lingual side in the posterior region at both the left and right sides of the shell-like body <NUM>. Preferably, the position close to the gingival margin at the lingual side is a position <NUM>/<NUM>-<NUM>/<NUM> of a distance from a height of an entire tooth crown to the gingival margin. When the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> is being worn, the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> at the connecting position is able to reduce foreign body sensation in a patient's oral cavity and brings more comfortable wearing experience. The shell-like body <NUM> and the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> may be an integrally-formed structure or a non-integrally-formed structure. Herein, the shell-like body <NUM> and the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> may be an integrally-formed film lamination structure or a 3D-printed structure, or may be a non-integrally-formed structure formed through sticking, magnet, clamping or the like.

The auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> is provided between the shell-like body <NUM> and the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>, and is configured to aid transmission of the reaction force generated by the at least one tooth in the posterior region while moving in the distal direction. In this embodiment, the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> is provided between the anterior region of the shell-like body <NUM> and the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. In an example, the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> is a spacer hole provided between the shell-like body <NUM> and the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. The spacer hole partially separates the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> from the shell-like body <NUM>. The auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> is configured to transmit the reaction force generated by the at least one tooth in the posterior region while moving in the distal direction to the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. Besides, the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> is able to prevent the reaction force transmitted to the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> from being transmitted to the anterior region of the maxillary teeth. Further, the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM>, i.e., the spacer hole, is provided between a left canine and a right canine in the anterior region of the shell-like body <NUM>. The auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> has in a dental arch direction a length that is equal to a length of at least one tooth in the anterior region in a mesial-distal direction. The spacer hole having the structure is able to effectively separate the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> from the anterior region of the shell-like body <NUM>, and effectively prevent the reaction force transmitted to the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> from being transmitted to the anterior region of the maxillary teeth.

When the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> is being worn on the maxillary teeth, the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> contacts a palatal mucosa of the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate. In this way, the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate serves as an anchorage for the anterior region or a partial anchorage for the anterior region, and the reaction force generated by the at least one tooth in the posterior region while moving in the distal direction is absorbed or partially absorbed by the maxillary hard palate. The maxillary hard palate is divided into an anterior region of the maxillary hard palate close to the labial side and a posterior region of the maxillary hard palate away from the labial side. In this embodiment, when the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> is being worn on the maxillary teeth, the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> extends to the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate and contacts the palatal mucosa of the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate.

In particular, when the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> is being worn on the maxillary teeth, the geometric structure of the shell-like body <NUM> allows at least one tooth in the posterior region to move in the distal direction. The at least one tooth moving in the distal direction generates in an opposite direction a reaction force equal to the orthodontic force of the shell-like body <NUM>. The reaction force is totally or partially transmitted through the shell-like body <NUM> to the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. The auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> totally or partially absorbs the reaction force, and transmits the reaction force to the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate contacting the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. In this way, the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate is or partially is an anchorage of the anterior region, and thus anchorage to the anterior region is increased. The reaction force generated while the at least one tooth in the posterior region is moving in the distal direction is finally absorbed or partially absorbed by the maxillary hard palate. As a result, relative positions of anterior teeth may be maintained, thereby preventing the anterior teeth from tilting to the labial side.

Referring to <FIG>, the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> includes an anchorage body <NUM> provided in the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate and anchorage junctions <NUM> respectively connected with left and right sides of the shell-like body <NUM>, and the left and right sides of the shell-like body <NUM> are respectively provided with at least one of the anchorage junctions <NUM>. In the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the anchorage body <NUM> is a film generally oval in shape. At least one of the anchorage junctions <NUM> is arranged on the left and right sides respectively. Each of the anchorage junctions <NUM> is connected between the anchorage body <NUM> and the shell-like body <NUM>. The anchorage junctions <NUM> are able to transmit the reaction force generated by the at least one tooth in the posterior region while moving in the distal direction to the anchorage body <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> in Embodiment <NUM> has a similar structure with the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> in Embodiment <NUM>. They are different in that in Embodiment <NUM>, the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> is provided between the posterior region in the shell-like body <NUM> and the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. In an example, the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> is a spacer hole provided between the shell-like body <NUM> and the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. The spacer hole partially separates the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> from the shell-like body <NUM>. In <FIG>, the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM>, i.e., the spacer hole, is provided between the posterior region in the shell-like body <NUM> and the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. The auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> is also connected to the anterior region in the shell-like body <NUM>. When the reaction force generated while the at least one tooth in the posterior region is moving in the distal direction is transmitted in the mesial direction, aided by the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM>, the reaction force is totally or partially transmitted through the shell-like body <NUM> to the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. The auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> totally or partially absorbs the reaction force, and transmits the reaction force to the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate contacting the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. In this way, anchorage to the anterior region is increased. As a result, relative positions of anterior teeth may be maintained during movement of the posterior teeth in the distal direction, thereby preventing the anterior teeth from tilting to the labial side.

Referring to <FIG>, concerning the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> in Embodiment <NUM>, when there are a plurality of anchorage junctions <NUM> connected to the left side of the shell-like body <NUM> and/or a plurality of anchorage junctions <NUM> connected to the right side of the shell-like body <NUM>, a spacer hole between the anchorage junctions <NUM> is the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the anchorage body <NUM> is connected to the left side of the shell-like body <NUM> through two anchorage junctions <NUM>. Provided between the two anchorage junctions <NUM> is a spacer hole. The spacer hole is an auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> on the left side. The anchorage body <NUM> is connected to the right side of the shell-like body <NUM> through two anchorage junctions <NUM>. Provided between the two anchorage junctions <NUM> on the right is a spacer hole. The spacer hole is an auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> on the right side. In addition, concerning the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> in this embodiment, an auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> of a spacer hole structure is provided between the anchorage body <NUM> and the anterior region of the shell-like body <NUM>. The auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> has an identical or similar structure with the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> in the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> in Embodiment <NUM>. The first orthodontic appliance <NUM> in this embodiment, aided by the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> and the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM>, is able to transmit the reaction force generated while the at least one tooth in the posterior region is moving in the distal direction to the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate contacting the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. This manner is similar with the manner of the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> in Embodiment <NUM> and Embodiment <NUM>, and thus is not repeated herein.

The more anchorage junctions <NUM> connected to the left and right sides of the shell-like body <NUM> there are, the more advantageous it is for the transmission of the reaction force. However, an increasing number of the anchorage junctions <NUM> would cause a smaller connection width between the anchorage junctions <NUM> and the shell-like body <NUM>. Anchorage junctions <NUM> with an excessively small connection width are not advantageous for transmission of the reaction force. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the connection width between the anchorage junctions <NUM> and the shell-like body <NUM> is greater than or equal to <NUM>. That is, the connection width at the gingival margin at the lingual side or a connection width close to the gingival margin at the lingual side between the anchorage junctions <NUM> and the shell-like body <NUM> is greater than or equal to <NUM>. In this way, the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> has good capability in force transaction.

The number of the anchorage junctions <NUM> at the left side of the shell-like body <NUM> may be identical with or different from the number of the anchorage junctions <NUM> at the right side of the shell-like body <NUM>. The number of the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> at the left side of the shell-like body <NUM> may be identical with or different from the number of the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> at the right side of the shell-like body <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, concerning the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> in Embodiment <NUM>, the anchorage body <NUM> is connected to the posterior region at the left side of the shell-like body <NUM> through two anchorage junctions <NUM>. An auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> of the spacer hole structure is provided between the two anchorage junctions <NUM> at the left side. The anchorage body <NUM> is connected to the posterior region at the right side of the shell-like body <NUM> through one anchorage junction <NUM>. An auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> of the spacer hole structure is further provided between the anchorage body <NUM> and the anterior region in the shell-like body <NUM>. The first orthodontic appliance <NUM> in this embodiment is also able to transmit the reaction force generated while the at least one tooth in the posterior region is moving in the distal direction to the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate contacting the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>, which is not repeated herein.

Referring to <FIG>, concerning the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> in Embodiment <NUM>, the anchorage body <NUM> is connected to the posterior region at the left side of the shell-like body <NUM> through one anchorage junction <NUM>. The anchorage body <NUM> is connected to the posterior region at the right side of the shell-like body <NUM> through two anchorage junctions <NUM>. An auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> having the spacer hole structure is provided between the two anchorage junctions <NUM>. An auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> of the spacer hole structure is further provided between the anchorage body <NUM> and the anterior region in the shell-like body <NUM>. The first orthodontic appliance <NUM> in this embodiment is also able to transmit the reaction force generated while the at least one tooth in the posterior region is moving in the distal direction to the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate contacting the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>, which is not repeated herein.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a surface of the anchorage body <NUM> facing the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate is adapted to a surface shape of the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate, and the surface shape adaptation may be in the form of convex-concave matching. That is, a shape of the anchorage body <NUM> and a shape of the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate match in a convex-concave manner. This makes more fit and more comfortable wearing of the orthodontic appliances, and is advantageous for transmission of the reaction force and increase of anchoring.

Referring to <FIG>, Embodiment <NUM> of the present disclosure provides a second orthodontic appliance <NUM> including a shell-like body <NUM> and a holding portion <NUM>.

The shell-like body <NUM> is provided with several cavities accommodating maxillary teeth, and is divided into an anterior region and a posterior region. The shell-like body <NUM> has a geometric structure adducting anterior teeth. The anterior region in the shell-like body <NUM> is capable of accommodating central incisors, lateral incisors and canines of the maxillary teeth. The posterior region in the shell-like body <NUM> is capable of accommodating first premolars, second premolars, first molars, second molars and third molars of the maxillary teeth.

The holding portion <NUM> is separately connected to a lingual side in a posterior region of both left and right sides of the shell-like body <NUM>, and the second orthodontic appliance <NUM> is worn on the maxillary teeth after the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> is off, so that in response to adduction of the anterior teeth, both left and right maxillary teeth in the posterior region integrally anchorage, and the left and right maxillary teeth in the posterior region move to right positions that are unchanged.

Specifically, after the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> is worn and off, maxillary teeth at both left and right sides of the posterior region move in the distal direction to right positions. Then, when the second orthodontic appliance <NUM> is worn on the maxillary teeth, the geometric structure of the shell-like body <NUM> generates an orthodontic force that adducts the anterior teeth. During adduction, the anterior teeth generate in an opposite direction a reaction force equal to the orthodontic force of the shell-like body <NUM>. The reaction force is transmitted through the shell-like body <NUM> to the posterior teeth, and makes the posterior teeth tend to move in the mesial direction. The holding function of the holding portion <NUM> maintains unchanged positions of maxillary teeth at both the right and left sides of the posterior region that integrally act as anchorage. This reduces or removes effect of the reaction force generated from adduction of the anterior teeth on the maxillary teeth at both the right and left sides of the posterior region, and maintains unchanged positions of the posterior teeth.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the holding portion <NUM> is separately connected to the gingival margin at the lingual side or the position close to the gingival margin at the lingual side in the posterior region at both the left and right sides of the shell-like body <NUM>. The position close to the gingival margin at the lingual side is the position <NUM>/<NUM>-<NUM>/<NUM> of the distance from the height of the entire tooth crown to the gingival margin. The holding portion <NUM> at the connecting position is able to reduce foreign body sensation in a patient's oral cavity and brings more comfortable wearing experience. Preferably, a length of connection between the holding portion <NUM> and the shell-like body <NUM> is equal to a length of a second premolar and a first molar of the shell-like body <NUM> in the mesial-distal direction, so that there is a good connection strength between the holding portion <NUM> and the shell-like body <NUM>. Not only does the holding portion have a good holding force, but the connection length reduces foreign body sensation in the patient's oral cavity and brings more comfortable wearing experience. The shell-like body <NUM> and the holding portion <NUM> may be an integrally-formed structure or a non-integrally-formed structure. Herein, the shell-like body <NUM> and the holding portion <NUM> may be an integrally-formed film lamination structure or a 3D-printed structure, or may be a non-integrally-formed structure formed through sticking, magnet, clamping or the like.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the holding portion <NUM> is an arch structure having a radian consistent with a radian of an upper palate. When performing adduction on the maxillary teeth in the anterior region, stress generated from compression of arch of the holding portion <NUM> has a cortex anchorage effect on a maxillary posterior arch. This can effectively reduce or remove the reaction force generated from adduction of the anterior teeth and applied to the posterior teeth, so that relative positions of posterior teeth is maintained while the anterior teeth are being adducted.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, referring to <FIG>, a reinforcing portion for increasing stability is provided on the holding portion <NUM>. Preferably, the strengthening portion is at least one reinforcing ridge <NUM> buccolingually provided and having a curvature consistent with or different from a curvature of the holding portion <NUM>. The reinforcing portion increases stability of the holding portion <NUM>, and has an improved capability of resisting the reaction force generated from the adduction of the anterior teeth and maintaining positions of the anterior teeth unchanged.

Referring to <FIG>, a section of the reinforcing ridge <NUM> along a mesial-distal direction of a sagittal plane may be a discontinuous section or a continuous section. When the section is a discontinuous section, as examples, the section of the holding portion along the mesial-distal direction of the sagittal plane as shown in <FIG> includes a plurality of separated U-shaped sections, and the section of the holding portion along the mesial-distal direction of the sagittal plane as shown in <FIG> includes a plurality of separated arc sections. When the section is a continuous section, as an example, <FIG> shows the section of the holding portion along the mesial-distal direction of the sagittal plane is formed by a plurality of arc sections with their ends connected. Any adjacent two arc sections are connected smoothly to form a continuous wave section. The section of the reinforcing ridge <NUM> along the mesial-distal direction is provided above and below, above, or below the section of the holding portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the section of the reinforcing ridge <NUM> along the mesial-distal direction is provided above the section of the holding portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the section of the reinforcing ridge <NUM> in the mesial-distal direction is provided below the section of the holding portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the section of the reinforcing ridge <NUM> in the mesial-distal direction is provided above and below the section of the holding portion <NUM>. These varied manners improve stability of the holding portion <NUM> and capability of maintaining positions of the anterior teeth unchanged. Preferably, the section of the reinforcing ridge <NUM> along the mesial-distal direction is an arc or a closed polygon. The reinforcing ridge <NUM> of the structure is able to effectively improve stress generated from compression of arch of the holding portion <NUM>, and is able to reduce or remove the reaction force generated from adduction of the anterior teeth.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an orthodontic system. The orthodontic system includes a plurality of orthodontic appliance sets having a geometric shape that gradually positions teeth from initial positions to target positions. One orthodontic appliance set in this embodiment is described in detail in the following.

The orthodontic appliance set includes a maxillary orthodontic appliance and a mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM>. The maxillary orthodontic appliance is the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> and the second orthodontic appliance <NUM> according in the above Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>. The mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> includes a mandibular shell-like body <NUM> for accommodating mandibular teeth. The mandibular shell-like body <NUM> may be of a geometric structure allowing at least one mandibular tooth in the posterior region to move in the distal direction. The maxillary orthodontic appliance and the mandibular orthodontic appliance coordinate to separately treat the maxillary teeth and the mandibular teeth.

Referring to <FIG>, in the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM>, the mandibular shell-like body <NUM> includes a mandibular anterior region and a mandibular posterior region. The mandibular anterior region of the mandibular shell-like body <NUM> is capable of accommodating central incisors, lateral incisors and canines of the mandibular teeth. The posterior region in the mandibular shell-like body <NUM> is capable of accommodating first premolars, second premolars, first molars, second molars and third molars of the mandibular teeth.

The mandibular shell-like body <NUM> is further provided with a mandibular support <NUM> that enhances anchoring by using dental arch cortex, the mandibular support <NUM> provided in the mandibular anterior region. In this embodiment, the mandibular support <NUM> is connected to a lingual side in the anterior region of the mandibular shell-like body <NUM>. The mandibular support <NUM> is generally a plate or sheet structure. When the maxillary orthodontic appliance and the mandibular orthodontic appliance coordinate to separately treat the maxillary teeth and the mandibular teeth, the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> as the maxillary orthodontic appliance moves the maxillary teeth in the posterior region in the distal direction. All or part of the reaction force generated from the movement is transmitted through the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> provided on the shell-like body <NUM> of the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> to the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate, so that the reaction force is partially or totally absorbed. The mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> moves the mandibular teeth in the posterior region to the distal direction. At least one tooth moving in the distal direction generates in an opposite direction a reaction force equal to the orthodontic force of the mandibular shell-like body <NUM>. The reaction force makes the mandibular teeth in the anterior region have a tendency of tilting to the labial side. With anchoring of dental arch cortex, the mandibular support <NUM> on the mandibular shell-like body <NUM> reduces or removes the reaction force transmitted to the anterior region of the mandibular shell-like body <NUM> while the mandibular teeth in the posterior region are moving in the distal direction. The mandibular support <NUM> increases anchorage by the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> while the mandibular teeth in the posterior region are moving to the distal direction. As a result, relative positions of the mandibular teeth in the anterior region are maintained, thereby preventing the mandibular teeth in the anterior region from tilting to the labial side.

Referring to <FIG>, a mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> in Embodiment <NUM> has a structure similar to the structure of the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> in Embodiment <NUM>. The difference is that in the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> in Embodiment <NUM>, a mandibular gap <NUM> is further provided between the mandibular support <NUM> and the mandibular teeth in the anterior region. The mandibular gap <NUM> separates the mandibular teeth in the anterior region from the mandibular support <NUM>. The mandibular support <NUM> in this embodiment is generally of a rod structure. The mandibular support <NUM> of the rod structure may also increase anchoring by the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> while the mandibular teeth in the posterior region are moving in the distal direction. As a result, relative positions of the mandibular teeth in the anterior region are maintained, thereby preventing the mandibular teeth in the anterior region from tilting to the labial side.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of varied orthodontic appliance sets are able to gradually move teeth from initial positions to target positions. Herein, each orthodontic appliance set includes both the maxillary orthodontic appliance and the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> in Embodiment <NUM> and Embodiment <NUM>, so that the maxillary teeth and the mandibular teeth are treated synchronously. The initial positions are relative positions in a digital model collected for a patient. The target positions are positions of a final result of the treatment by a doctor and a medical designer according to the patient's condition and request. Due to difference between individuals, patients have different oral conditions. Teeth are to be gradually moved from the initial positions to the target positions, during which a series of varied orthodontic appliance sets are required to treat the teeth. For a patient requesting posterior teeth to be moved in the distal direction, when an orthodontic appliance set is being worn, a reaction force generated while the maxillary teeth in the posterior region are moving in the distal direction is totally or partially transmitted, aided by the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM>, through the shell-like body <NUM> to the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. The reaction force is further transmitted to the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate contacting the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. In this way, the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate acts as an anterior anchorage or a partial anterior anchorage. The reaction force is finally absorbed or partially absorbed by the maxillary hard palate, so that the relative positions of the anterior teeth may be maintained, thereby preventing the maxillary teeth in the anterior region from tilting to the labial side. Besides, the mandibular support <NUM> increases anchoring by the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> while the mandibular teeth in the posterior region are moving in the distal direction. As a result, relative positions of the mandibular teeth in the anterior region are maintained, thereby preventing the mandibular teeth in the anterior region from tilting to the labial side.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure further provide another orthodontic system. The orthodontic system includes a plurality of orthodontic appliance sets having a geometric shape that gradually re-positions teeth from initial positions to target positions. One orthodontic appliance set in this embodiment is described in detail in the following.

The orthodontic appliance set includes a maxillary orthodontic appliance and a mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM>. The maxillary orthodontic appliance is the dental instrument in the above embodiments. The dental instrument includes a first orthodontic appliance <NUM> and a second orthodontic appliance <NUM>. The mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> includes a mandibular shell-like body <NUM> for accommodating the maxillary teeth. The maxillary orthodontic appliance and the mandibular orthodontic appliance coordinate to separately treat the maxillary teeth and the mandibular teeth. The mandibular shell-like body <NUM> may be the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> in Embodiments <NUM> and <NUM>, and is not repeated.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of varied orthodontic appliance sets are able to gradually move teeth from initial positions to target positions. Herein, each orthodontic appliance set includes both the maxillary orthodontic appliance and the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> in Embodiment <NUM> and Embodiment <NUM>, so that the maxillary teeth and the mandibular teeth are treated synchronously. The initial positions are relative positions in a digital model collected for a patient. The target positions are positions of a final result of the treatment by a doctor and a medical designer according to the patient's condition and request. Due to difference between individuals, patients have different oral conditions. Teeth are to be gradually moved from the initial positions to the target positions, during which a series of varied orthodontic appliance sets are required to treat the teeth. For a patient requesting posterior teeth to be moved in the distal direction and anterior teeth to be adducted to the lingual side, when one orthodontic appliance set is being worn, the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> is worn on the maxillary teeth in the first place so that a reaction force generated while the maxillary teeth in the posterior region are moving in the distal direction is totally or partially transmitted, aided by the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM>, through the shell-like body <NUM> to the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. The reaction force is further transmitted to the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate contacting the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. In this way, the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate acts as an anterior anchorage or a partial anterior anchorage. The reaction force is finally absorbed or partially absorbed by the maxillary hard palate, so that the relative positions of the anterior teeth may be maintained, thereby preventing the maxillary teeth in the anterior region from tilting to the labial side. Besides, the mandibular support <NUM> increases anchoring by the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> while the mandibular teeth in the posterior region are moving in the distal direction. As a result, relative positions of the mandibular teeth in the anterior region are maintained, thereby preventing the mandibular teeth in the anterior region from tilting to the labial side. When the maxillary teeth in the posterior region are moved in place, the second orthodontic appliance <NUM> is worn on the maxillary teeth, so that the anterior teeth are adducted after the first orthodontic appliance <NUM> are moved in place by moving in the distal direction. The teeth on the left and right sides of the maxillary teeth in the posterior region as an integrally anchorage to maintain positions of the posterior teeth unchanged.

In the orthodontic system in the above two embodiments, the maxillary orthodontic appliance provides anterior anchorage when the maxillary orthodontic appliance is the first orthodontic appliance <NUM>. The maxillary orthodontic appliance and the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> coordinate to synchronously adjust the maxillary and mandibular teeth to the target position of distal movement of the maxillary and mandibular teeth. Preferably, the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> that moves the posterior teeth in the distal direction is the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> having the mandibular support <NUM> in Embodiments <NUM> and <NUM>, so as to increase anterior teeth anchorage. Then, the maxillary orthodontic appliance in the orthodontic appliance set provides anterior anchoring when the maxillary orthodontic appliance is the second orthodontic appliance <NUM>. The maxillary orthodontic appliance and the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> coordinate to synchronously adjust the maxillary and mandibular teeth to the target positions after adduction of the maxillary and mandibular teeth in the anterior region. Preferably, the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> that adducts the anterior teeth is an orthodontic appliance normally worn which is, for example, the mandibular orthodontic appliance <NUM> without the mandibular support <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a designing method of a first orthodontic appliance according to Embodiment <NUM> of the present disclosure, including steps of S11 to S14.

S11: obtain a digital dental model, and the digital dental model including a digital dental model body and a digital palate portion.

Herein, the digital dental model may be a maxillary digital dental model which may be obtained through initial dental information, or may be obtained through intermediate-state dental information during treatment. Herein, the initial dental information or the intermediate-state dental information may be obtained through oral scanning or scanning of a user's dental model. The initial dental information may specifically include a dental shape, a gingiva position and the like, and may further include tooth root information obtained from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data. The dental shape further includes such shapes as a labial surface, a lingual surface and an occlusal plane. Further, the dental shape may include a cusp, a ridge, a pit and a groove of teeth.

S12: design, based on the digital dental model, an orthodontic appliance body allowing at least one tooth in a posterior region to move in a distal direction. The orthodontic appliance body includes a shell-like orthodontic appliance body <NUM> (i.e., a shell-like body; shell-like orthodontic appliance body and shell-like body have the same reference and may replace each other in this text) designed based on the digital dental model body and an auxiliary body designed based on the digital palate portion and connected to the shell-like orthodontic appliance body <NUM>.

Design the orthodontic appliance body may specifically be to design a digital orthodontic appliance body or an entity orthodontic appliance body. Herein, the digital orthodontic appliance body may be to use the finite element analysis (FEA) method to design a special component on a virtual digital orthodontic appliance. The entity orthodontic appliance body may be used for designing for an entity after the digital dental model is thermoformed, that is, to perform special cutting on a thermoformed orthodontic appliance.

The shell-like orthodontic appliance body <NUM> may be provided with several cavities accommodating maxillary teeth, and is divided into an anterior region and a posterior region. Preferably, the shell-like orthodontic appliance body <NUM> is provided to at least have a geometric structure allowing at least one tooth in the posterior region to move in the distal direction. Herein, the "posterior region" is defined according to classification of teeth in <NPL>. The posterior region includes premolars and molars, that is, teeth <NUM> to <NUM> as indicated by using the FDI marking method. The "anterior region" includes teeth <NUM> to <NUM> as indicated by using the FDI marking method. The anterior region in the shell-like orthodontic appliance body <NUM> is capable of accommodating central incisors, lateral incisors and canines of the maxillary teeth. The posterior region in the shell-like orthodontic appliance body <NUM> is capable of accommodating first premolars, second premolars, first molars, second molars and third molars of the maxillary teeth.

S13: provide on the auxiliary body an auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> that absorbs a reaction force generated when at least one tooth in a posterior region of the shell-like orthodontic appliance body <NUM> moving in the distal direction. The auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> is connected to a lingual side in the posterior region at both sides of the shell-like orthodontic appliance body <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a position where the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> is connected to the posterior region of both sides of the shell-like orthodontic appliance body <NUM> is provided at a gingival margin at the lingual side or a position close to the gingival margin at the lingual side in the posterior region. The position close to the gingival margin at the lingual side is a position <NUM>/<NUM>-<NUM>/<NUM> of a distance from a height of an entire tooth crown to the gingival margin. When the orthodontic appliance body is being worn, the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> at the connecting position is able to reduce foreign body sensation in a patient's oral cavity and brings more comfortable wearing experience. The shell-like orthodontic appliance body <NUM> and the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> may be designed as an integrally-formed structure or a non-integrally-formed structure. Herein, the shell-like orthodontic appliance body <NUM> and the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> may be an integrally-formed film lamination structure or a 3D-printed structure, or may be a non-integrally-formed structure formed through sticking, magnet, clamping or the like.

A maxillary hard palate is divided into an anterior region of the maxillary hard palate close to a labial side and a posterior region of the maxillary hard palate away from the labial side. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> is designed as having the following features. When the orthodontic appliance body is being worn on the maxillary teeth, the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> contacts a palatal mucosa of the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate. A reaction force that is generated while the at least one tooth in the posterior region is moving in the distal direction and that is absorbed by the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> is can be transmitted to the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate contacting the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>. The reaction force is finally absorbed by the maxillary hard palate, so that the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate acts as an anchorage for the anterior region or a partial anchorage for the anterior region. Therefore, anchoring to the anterior region is increased.

S14: provide an auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> auxiliarily transmitting a reaction force generated by the at least one tooth in the posterior region while moving in the distal direction between an anterior region of the shell-like orthodontic appliance body <NUM> and the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>, or between the posterior region of the shell-like orthodontic appliance body <NUM> and the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the auxiliary transmitting portion <NUM> is designed as a spacer hole provided between the shell-like orthodontic appliance body <NUM> and the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM>, the spacer hole partially separating the auxiliary anchoring portion <NUM> from the shell-like orthodontic appliance body <NUM>.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a manufacturing method of the orthodontic appliance. Manufacturing is correspondingly performed based on the orthodontic appliance designed in the above designing method. The manufacturing method includes: a manufacturing method of thermoforming and then cutting or a manufacturing method of direct 3D printing.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a manufacturing method based on the first orthodontic appliance. Both the orthodontic appliance assisting posterior teeth to move in the distal direction and the orthodontic appliance holding the posterior teeth to stay unchanged in terms of relative positions may be manufactured in the manufacturing method of thermoforming and cutting and/or the manufacturing method of direct 3D printing.

In one implementation, a manufacturing module in the manufacturing method may be an additive manufacturing machine. To manufacture an orthodontic appliance by using the additive manufacturing machine is to directly print the orthodontic appliance from a finite element digital model of the orthodontic appliance obtained as required by using the 3D printing technology. The 3D printing technology may be the stereo lithography apparatus (SLA) or the digital light projection (DLP).

In another implementation, the a manufacturing module of the manufacturing method may further be a 3D printing device, a laminating device, a cutting device, a polishing device, or a cleaning and disinfection device. The manufacturing method is as follows. Firstly, the 3D printing technology is used to directly print a finite element digital model of a digital dental model as required. Then lamination is performed on a printed 3D dental model. Finally, such operations as cutting, polishing, cleaning and disinfection are performed a laminated orthodontic appliance to obtain a completed orthodontic appliance.

Claim 1:
A first orthodontic appliance (<NUM>), comprising a shell-like body (<NUM>) provided with several cavities accommodating maxillary teeth and at least having a geometric structure allowing at least one tooth in a posterior region to move in a distal direction; wherein
the shell-like body (<NUM>) is further provided with an auxiliary anchoring portion (<NUM>) capable of absorbing a reaction force generated by the at least one tooth in the posterior region while moving in the distal direction, the auxiliary anchoring portion (<NUM>) connected to a lingual side at the posterior region of both left and right sides of the shell-like body (<NUM>);
provided between the shell-like body (<NUM>) and the auxiliary anchoring portion (<NUM>) is an auxiliary transmitting portion (<NUM>) used for aiding transmission of the reaction force generated by the at least one tooth in the posterior region while moving in the distal direction, the auxiliary transmitting portion (<NUM>) provided between an anterior region of the shell-like body (<NUM>) and the auxiliary anchoring portion (<NUM>), or the auxiliary transmitting portion (<NUM>) provided between the posterior region of the shell-like body (<NUM>) and the auxiliary anchoring portion (<NUM>);
in response to the first orthodontic appliance (<NUM>) being worn on the maxillary teeth, the auxiliary anchoring portion (<NUM>) is in contact with a palatal mucosa of an anterior region of a maxillary hard palate so that the anterior region of the maxillary hard palate serves as an anchorage for an anterior region or a partial anchorage for the anterior region, and the reaction force generated by the at least one tooth in the posterior region while moving in the distal direction is absorbed or partially absorbed by the maxillary hard palate.