Patent ID: 12213857

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

FIG.1aschematically illustrates the arrangement of teeth in the lower jaw (mandible). A front portion of the mouth110may be referred to as a mesial region. A rear portion of the mouth120may be referred to as a distal region. In orthodontics, mesial and distal are terms used to refer to something being respectively closer to and further away from a central midline of the arch of teeth.

An inner portion of the mouth behind the teeth130may be referred to as a lingual region (a region in which the tongue is located). An outer portion of the mouth140may be referred to as a labial region (a region in which the lips are located). A mesial-distal direction115with respect to a specific tooth (first molar) has been schematically indicated inFIG.1. Also indicated inFIG.1is a lingual-labial direction135with respect to the same tooth. This terminology will be adhered to in the present disclosure.

Even though a mandible is illustrated in this particular figure, it should be clear that the same terminology applies to the maxilla.

FIG.1bschematically illustrates a molar. A mesial side of the molar is indicated by reference sign110(closer to a midline of the arch of teeth), whereas a distal side of the molar is indicated with reference sign120(further away from the midline). Reference signs130and140respectively indicate the lingual and labial sides (or surfaces) of the molar. Reference sign150indicates the occlusal surface of the tooth. An occlusal surface of a tooth in the maxilla (upper jaw) faces an occlusal surface of a tooth in the mandible and vice versa.

FIG.2aillustrates an example of an orthodontic system. The system comprises a segmentary shell10for being placed on a teeth segment. The segment in this example extends from a canine31to a molar33in the mandible22. The segmentary shell may be designed for each patient specifically, i.e. the shell may be manufactured to fit substantially exactly around a patient's teeth taking into account e.g. small irregularities on individual teeth and deviations of individual teeth. The shell may preferably be made of an elastic, semi-rigid or rigid transparent or translucent material.

The segmentary shell10in this example comprises a hook16on a labial surface of the shell. A rubber band may be fitted around this hook16and around a second hook14. In this example, the second hook14may be provided on an attachment17in the complete fixating shell, the hook in this case being arranged close to a molar43in the maxilla20. As the rubber band12is elongated, the rubber band applies a distalization force to the segmentary shell10. Because the shell10encompasses the segment from the canine31to molar33, the distalization is transmitted to the segment.

FIG.2bschematically illustrates another view of the segmentary shell10.

Particularly advantageous is the fact that the segmentary shell does not cover the complete dental arch, and that it is provided for only a teeth segment. There is no connection between the shell and anterior teeth or other teeth in the mandible. Thanks to this configuration, the appliance disclosed is able to focus the corrective forces on the misaligned teeth of the segment. This force concentration has the effect of providing faster results and the overall treatment time can therefore be reduced. Other attempts to provide orthodontic appliances in the form of shell elements covering a complete dental arch cannot provide results as quickly.

It is important to avoid force transfer between the segmentary shell and other portions of the same arch, or other segmentary shell elements used in the treatment, as they would exert a distorting negative influence in the applied corrective forces, and can partially or completely neutralize the intended correction, which can finally lead to a slowing down of the treatment.

At the same time, a mesial force is applied to the molar43in the maxilla. In order to avoid mesial movement of the molar43and other teeth in the maxilla, a complete fixating shell or splint that acts as an anchor to the maxillary teeth may be worn by a patient. This complete shell includes the entire arch of the maxilla (in this case) and extends from the distal side of the last molars to the mesial side of the anterior teeth. This way any forward movement of the teeth in the maxilla with respect to the maxilla can be avoided.

In the example ofFIG.2a, the segmentary shell is applied to a posterior segment in the mandible. However, in other examples the segmentary shell may be applied to a posterior segment in the maxilla. In this case, the anchor for the elastic band may be part of a bracket cemented on e.g. a molar or premolar in the mandible. And in that case, a shell covering the entire arch of the mandible may be provided so as to avoid movement in the mandible. This case is illustrated e.g. inFIG.2c.

InFIG.2c, the segmentary shell10in the maxilla20has a hook or protrusion on the segmentary shell. A resilient traction element may be disposed between first hook16and second hook14. In the example illustrated inFIG.2c, the complete fixating shell30has a cut-out25arranged with a premolar in the mandible22. This premolar carries a bracket17with a second hook14.

Other anchors such as TADs fitted to a bone may also be used in further examples. In the examples shown, the hook (or some sort of other projection or protrusion) may be part of the segmentary shell10. In other examples, the hook may be attached to a tooth of the segment. The segmentary shell may comprise an opening, recess, cut-out or window through which the hook protrudes.

In the examples ofFIGS.2aand2c, the hook is shown at the position of the canine, near a proximal end of the shell. In other examples, the hook may be provided e.g. midway along the length of the shell, either on the segmentary shell itself or on e.g. a premolar.

In some variations, the segmentary shell element may comprise different types of retention feature for being pulled by the elastic band. These shapes could be any suitable protrusion shaped such that an elastic band can be attached, such as for instance an L-shaped protrusion, a hook or hitch among others. Also a discontinuity like a cut, a flap, a strip or the like, would suffice for performing this function.

FIG.3aschematically illustrates another example of a segmentary shell10adapted to be fitted over a segment of teeth, in particular a segment teeth in a posterior jawbone sector. The segmentary shell10may generally be similar to the shell10shown inFIG.2.

In this example however, the shell comprises a unilateral indent18in a region between two teeth, in particular a molar33and a neighbouring tooth which may be another molar or premolar. The unilateral indent is provided on the labial side140of the segmentary shell. The indent may be shaped and sized slightly larger than the available space between the teeth.

When the shell is fitted over the teeth, the indent is slightly compressed. In use, the indent thus has the tendency to open which applies a rotational force to molar33which as a result can pivot around its palatal root. The bottom of the indent thus has a hinge like function, enabling a movement of a posterior portion of the shell10with respect to a more proximal portion of the shell.

By choosing an appropriate indent shape and size it is possible to control the shell stiffness in this region and by designing the shell profile is possible to define the deformation necessary for positioning the aligner in the patient's teeth. The molar to which a rotational force may be applied may be a first molar.

FIG.3bshows another example of a shell configured to be fitted over a segment of teeth. The shell is similar to the shell shown inFIG.3a. In this case, a bottom19of the indent may include further recesses extending slightly diagonally and slightly mesially. Such recesses weaken the shell and the hinge function of the indent may be adjusted in accordance with circumstances. In this figure (and in other figures), the segmentary shell is not shown with any sort of retention feature for retaining a traction element. It should be clear that in all such examples, such retention features may indeed be provided on the segmentary shell or on teeth covered by the segmentary shell.

FIG.3cschematically illustrates another example of a segmentary shell. In this example the segmentary shell has a first indent18on a labial side140of the segmentary shell and a second indent28on a lingual side of the segmentary shell. In particular, the first indent may be arranged between a premolar51and a first molar53, whereas the second indent may be arranged between the first molar53and the second molar55.

As explained before, the indents are compressed when the segmentary shell is fitted to the segment of teeth. The first indent on the labial side and the second indent on the lingual side together provide a rotational force on the first molar. A smaller rotational force in the opposite direction may be exerted on the premolar. But since the premolar is in contact with the teeth mesial from it, this rotational force will not lead to an actual noticeable rotation of the premolar. The second molar might undergo a small rotational movement, but this potential movement is less important in the treatment of the malocclusion than a correct rotational position of the first molar.

In a method of treatment, a scan or photos of teeth of patient may be made so that an original situation of the teeth may be registered. Based on the malocclusion, a treatment plan may be devised for the teeth to reach a final desired position. The final desired position may effectively be a final stage of a treatment. However, in other examples, the final stage of a first treatment of the segment may be the begin stage for another treatment. For example, a first treatment may start with a class II malocclusion, whereas the treatment of the segment ends with a class I malocclusion. A second treatment may include traditional brackets, or shells covering a complete arch such as for example Invisalign®.

The method includes fitting a shell to a segment of teeth in a posterior lateral sector, and applying a distal force to the segment of teeth without transferring the distal force to other teeth. The whole treatment may be done with a single shell. In other examples, a number of intermediate situations between the original situation and the final desired situation may be determined. These intermediate situations may be calculated based on a computer model of the patient's teeth. A series of consecutive shells may be manufactured, wherein consecutive shells substantially correspond to the intermediate situations. Each of the consecutive shell segments may be worn by a patient during a period of time, e.g. a week, or two weeks. After the period of time has passed, a shell is substituted by a consecutive shell corresponding to the next intermediate situation.

Each of the shells can apply corrective forces to the segment of teeth, independent from the distalizing forces applied by a traction element, e.g. an elastic band. Preferably, in a first stage of treatment, only distal forces are applied to the canine, and premolars. Rotational forces may only be applied to the (first) molar.

In some examples, one or more shells of the series of shells are configured to apply a rotational force to a (first) molar around a palatal root of the molar. The rotational force may be provided by an indent as discussed before, or by including in the series of consecutive shells a progressing rotational movement of the molar. This has been schematically illustrated inFIG.4. A plurality of shells with increased rotation of molar33may be provided. Whereas the uninterrupted line may indicate a first segmentary shell, the interrupted line indicates a segmentary shell10B further along in the treatment.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a treatment may involve the use of several rubber bands to vary the amount of force exerted. However the elastic element may have any other configuration suitable for its purpose, the elastic element could also be formed by a spring, a wire or any other suitable element.

FIG.5aschematically illustrates an example of a segmentary shell according to a further aspect of the present disclosure. The segmentary shell10is shown to be fitted over a segment of teeth in the maxilla20. In this example, the segmentary shell comprises first protrusions60and60A. Both these protrusions in this example have a sloping (i.e. inclined surface). Such protrusions60and60A may be contacted by corresponding second protrusions on a shell in the mandible, as will be illustrated inFIGS.5b-5dshowing cross-sectional views of segmentary and complete shells.

In the example ofFIG.5b, segmentary shell10has protrusions60and60A extending from an occlusal surface61. The occlusal surface61of the segmentary shell in use faces the occlusal surface71of complete shell30. The protrusions60and60A have a sloping surface62which in this case is substantially straight and flat, i.e. of constant inclination. The sloping surface extends from a base at the occlusal surface61towards a top edge66, i.e. an edge closer to the mandible. The top edge is located more distal than the base.

In this example, the sloping surface72of the protrusions70and70A have a substantially complementary shape to the sloping surfaces62of the protrusions60and60A, i.e. the sloping surfaces fit well on top of each other. The sloping surface72is also substantially straight and extends from a base74at the occlusal surface to the top edge76, i.e. closer to the maxilla. The top edge is located more mesial than the base.

When a patient wears the segmentary shell and the complete shell, the protrusions will repeatedly enter into contact as a patient opens and closes his/her mouth (indicated with arrows on the right hand side of the figure). Whenever contact is established, the second protrusions exert a distalization force (indicated with an arrow on the left hand side of the figure) onto the first protrusions and thereby to the segment of teeth in the maxilla.

Since the complete fixating shell covers a complete arch of the mandible from behind the last molar to before the front surface of the incisors, the teeth in the mandible will not perform a mesial movement.

As illustrated inFIG.5b, in some examples, the top edge of the second protrusions may be located slightly distally with respect to the base of the first protrusions. Similarly, the base of the second protrusions may be located slightly distally with respect to the top of the first protrusions. The relative displacement of the first protrusions with respect to second protrusions allows a relative sliding movement of a pair of first and second protrusions as the patient closes his/her mouth during which the second protrusions move (relatively) in a mesial direction and the first protrusions move in a distal direction.

FIG.5cillustrates a further example of a segmentary shell and a complete fixating shell with first and second protrusions respectively. The functioning of the shells and the protrusions may generally be similar to the example explained inFIG.5c. However in the example ofFIG.5c, the first and second protrusions do not have substantially straight/flat sloping surfaces. Rather, one or more of the first protrusions60,60A may be substantially concave. One or more of the second protrusions70,70A have sloping surfaces72that are substantially convex.

The concavities and convexities in this example are shaped as part circular sectors, and the sloping surfaces are substantially complementary but the present disclosure is not limited in that way. The second protrusions in this example are again arranged slightly distally with respect to the first protrusions so that the protrusions can move horizontally relative to each other as the patient closes or opens his/her mouth.

In further non-illustrated examples, the first and the second protrusions may both be convex.

It should be clear that not all the first protrusions have to have the same shape. Similarly, not all the second protrusions have to have the same shape necessarily. For example, a segmentary shell might include one or more of the first protrusions as shown inFIG.5band one or more protrusions as shown inFIG.5c. Similarly, the complete shell might include second protrusions as shown inFIG.5band one or more second protrusions as shown inFIG.5c.

FIG.5dschematically illustrates yet a further example. In this example, the first and second protrusions do not have complementary surfaces. The first protrusions have sloping surfaces that are substantially straight, and the second protrusions are substantially curved, and in particular convex. The second protrusions70,70A can “roll” over the first protrusions60,60A as they enter into contact, thereby providing a distlization force onto the first protrusions, the segmentary shell, and thus the segment of teeth.

Even though in all examples ofFIGS.5a-5d, the segmentary shell is provided in the maxilla and the complete fixating shell is provided in the mandible, and this arrangement is particularly suitable for treating a class II malocclusion. Instead for treating a class III malocclusion, the segmentary shell may be provided in the mandible, and the complete shell may be provided in the maxilla. A distalization force may be provided onto the segmentary shell. The shapes of the protrusions might be mirrored as to the shapes shown in the previous figures. In particular, the base of a sloping surface may be arranged mesially with respect to a top edge of a sloping surface.

In any of the orthodontic systems, devices and methods disclosed herein, a treatment may in some examples be asymmetric, focusing only on either a right side or a left side of the mouth of a patient.

For reasons of completeness, various aspects of the present disclosure set out in the following numbered clauses:

Clause 1. An orthodontic system comprising:a removable segmentary shell for being fitted on a segment of teeth in a posterior lateral sector, the segment of teeth comprising between two and six adjacent teeth and extending from a canine or premolar to a premolar or molar; anda resilient traction element, whereineither the segment of teeth or the removable segmentary shell comprises a labial retention feature configured to be coupled with the traction element; and whereinthe orthodontic system is configured to apply distal forces to the segment of teeth, without transferring the distal forces to other teeth outside the segment.

Clause 2. The orthodontic system according to clause 1, wherein the segmentary shell comprises an opening, and a tooth of the segment of teeth comprises the labial retention feature for receiving the resilient traction element, wherein the retention feature optionally is a hook.

Clause 3. The orthodontic system according to claim1, wherein the shell comprises the labial retention feature for receiving the resilient traction element, wherein the retention feature optionally is a hook.

Clause 4. The orthodontic system according to any of clauses 1-3, further comprising an anchor for receiving the resilient traction element.

Clause 5. The orthodontic system according to clause 4, wherein the anchor is a bracket configured for mounting on a tooth.

Clause 6. The orthodontic system according to any of clauses 1-5, wherein the segmentary shell comprises a first unilateral indent between a first pair of teeth of the segment, wherein the first indent is oversized with respect to a space between the first pair of teeth, such that the first indent is compressed when the shell is positioned on the segment of teeth.

Clause 7. The orthodontic system according to clause 6, wherein the first unilateral indent is an indent on a labial side.

Clause 8. The orthodontic system according to clause 6 or 7, wherein the first pair of teeth of the segment include a premolar and a first molar.

Clause 9. The orthodontic system according to any of clauses 6-8, wherein the segmentary shell comprises a second unilateral indent on a side opposite to the unilateral indent and between a second pair of teeth of the segment, wherein the second indent is oversized with respect to a space between the second pair of teeth, such that the second indent is compressed when the shell is positioned on the segment of teeth.

Clause 10. The orthodontic system according to clause 9, wherein the second pair of teeth of the segment are a first molar and a second molar.

Clause 11. The orthodontic system according to any of clauses 1-10, further comprising a fixating complete shell covering a complete dental arch of either the maxilla or mandible.

Clause 12. The orthodontic system according to clause 11, wherein the fixating complete shell includes a hook for receiving the resilient traction element.

Clause 13. The orthodontic system according to any of clauses 1-12, wherein the resilient traction element is an elastic band.

Clause 14. The orthodontic system according to any of clauses 1-13, comprising a series of consecutive segmentary shells, wherein the segmentary shells are configured to apply a corrective distal force to the segment of teeth, and wherein the consecutive segmentary shells of the series are shaped to correspond to consecutive positions of the segment of teeth in a desired treatment.

Clause 15. The orthodontic system according to clause 14, wherein the series of consecutive segmentary shells substantially do not apply corrective forces other than distal forces to canine or premolars.

Clause 16. The orthodontic system according to clause 14, wherein one or more shells of the series of segmentary shells are configured to apply a rotational force to a molar around a palatal root of the molar, wherein optionally the molar is a first molar.

Clause 17. The orthodontic system according to any of clauses 1-16, wherein the segment extends from a canine to a molar.

Clause 18. The orthodontic system according to any of clauses 1-16, wherein the segment extends from a premolar to a molar.

Clause 19. The orthodontic system according to any of clauses 1-18, wherein the segmentary shell is substantially transparent or translucent.

Clause 20. A method for treating a malocclusion, includingfitting a removable segmentary shell to a segment of teeth in a posterior lateral sector, the segment of teeth comprising between two and six adjacent teeth and extending from a canine or premolar to a premolar or molar,applying a distal force to the segment of teeth without transferring the distal force to other teeth outside the segment.

Clause 21. The method according to clause 20, wherein applying a distal force includes providing a resilient traction element between an anchor and the segmentary shell or an attachment bonded to a tooth of the segment of teeth.

Clause 22. The method according to clause 21, wherein the segmentary shell comprises an opening, and a tooth of the segment of teeth comprises a retention feature for receiving the resilient traction element, wherein the retention feature optionally is a hook.

Clause 23. The method according to clause 21, wherein the segmentary shell comprises a retention feature for receiving the resilient traction element, wherein the retention feature optionally is a hook.

Clause 24. The method according to any of clauses 21-23, wherein the anchor is a bracket mounted on a tooth, or a temporary anchorage device.

Clause 25. The method according to any of clauses 20-24, further comprising fitting a fixating complete shell covering a complete dental arch of a jaw in which the segmentary shell is not fitted.

Clause 26. The method according to clause 25, wherein the fixating complete shell includes a hook for receiving the resilient traction element.

Clause 27. The method according to any of clauses 20-26, wherein the resilient traction element is an elastic band.

Clause 28. The method according to any of clauses 20-27, wherein the segmentary shell comprises a first unilateral indent between a first pair teeth of the segment, wherein the first indent is oversized with respect to a space between the first pair of teeth, such that the first indent is compressed when the shell is positioned on the segment of teeth.

Clause 29. The method according to clause 28, wherein the first indent is an indent on a labial side.

Clause 30. The method according to clause 25 or 26, wherein the first pair of teeth include a premolar and the first molar.

Clause 31. The method according to any of clauses 28-30, wherein the segmentary shell comprises a second unilateral indent on a side opposite to the first unilateral indent and between a second pair of teeth of the segment, wherein the second indent is oversized with respect to a space between the pair of teeth, such that the second indent is compressed when the shell is positioned on the segment of teeth.

Clause 32. The method according to clause 31, wherein the second pair of teeth of the segment are a first molar and a second molar.

Clause 33. The method according to any of clauses 20-32, comprising providing a series of consecutive segmentary shells,fitting a first segmentary shell of the series of consecutive segmentary shells to the segment of teeth, applying the distal force to the segment of teeth with the first segmentary shell fitted on the segment of teeth for a first period of time,replacing the first segmentary shell with a second segmentary shell of the series of consecutive shells to the segment of teeth and applying the distal force to the segment of teeth with the second segmentary shell fitted on the segment of teeth for a second period of time.

Clause 34. The method according to clause 33, wherein the consecutive segmentary shells are shaped to correspond to consecutive positions of the segment of teeth in a desired treatment.

Clause 35. The method according to clause 33 or 34, wherein the consecutive segmentary shells are configured to apply a corrective distal force to the segment of teeth.

Clause 36. The method according to clause 35, wherein the series of consecutive segmentary shells substantially do not apply corrective forces other than distal forces to canine or premolars.

Clause 37. The method according to clause 35 or 36, wherein one or more segmentary shells of the series of shells are configured to apply a rotational force to a molar around a palatal root of the molar.

Clause 38. An orthodontic system comprisinga segmentary shell configured to cover a segment of teeth in a posterior lateral sector of either a maxilla or a mandible,a complete fixating shell configured to fit over an arch of teeth of the other of the maxilla and the mandible,wherein the segmentary shell has a first surface and the complete fixating shell has a corresponding second surface,wherein the first surface comprises one or more first protrusionsand the second surface comprises one or more second protrusions,wherein the first and second protrusions are shaped such that when the first and second protrusions enter into contact, the second protrusions provide a distalization force to the first protrusions.

Clause 39. An orthodontic system according to clause 38, wherein the first surface is an occlusal surface of the segmentary shell and the second surface is an occlusal surface of the complete fixating shell facing the first surface.

Clause 40. An orthodontic system according to clause 38 or 39, wherein the first surface is a lingual surface of the segmentary shell and the second surface is a lingual surface of the complete fixating shell.

Clause 41. An orthodontic system according to any of clauses 38-40, wherein the first surface is a labial surface of the segmentary shell and the second surface is a labial surface of the complete fixating shell.

Clause 42. An orthodontic system according to any of clauses 38-41, wherein the first protrusions have a first sloping surface extending between a first base and a first top edge, the first top edge being located distally with respect to the first base.

Clause 43. An orthodontic system according to any of clauses 38-42, wherein the second protrusions have a second sloping surface extending between a second base and a second top edge, the second top edge being located mesially with respect to the second base.

Clause 44. An orthodontic system according to clause 42 and 43, wherein the first sloping surface and the second sloping surface are substantially complementary to each other.

Clause 45. An orthodontic system according to clause 44, wherein the second top edge is distally displaced with respect to the first base.

Clause 46. An orthodontic system according to clause 44 or 45, wherein the first sloping surface and the second sloping surface are substantially straight.

Clause 47. An orthodontic system according to clause 44 or 45, wherein the first sloping surface is substantially concave, and the second sloping surface is substantially convex.

Clause 48. An orthodontic system according to clause 44 or 45, wherein the second sloping surface is substantially concave, and the first sloping surface is substantially convex.

Clause 49. An orthodontic system according to any of clauses 38-48, wherein the segmentary shell or the segment of teeth comprises a first retention feature for receiving a first end of a resilient traction element, the orthodontic system further comprising an anchor for receiving a second end of the resilient traction element, wherein the first retention feature optionally is a hook.

Clause 50. The orthodontic system according to any of clauses 38-49, comprising a series of consecutive segmentary shells, wherein the segmentary shells are configured to apply a corrective distal force to the segment of teeth, and wherein the consecutive segmentary shells of the series are shaped to correspond to consecutive positions of the segment of teeth in a desired treatment.

Clause 51. The orthodontic system according to clause 50, wherein the series of consecutive segmentary shells substantially do not apply corrective forces other than distal forces to canine or premolars.

Clause 52. The orthodontic system according to clause 50 or 51, further comprising a series of complete fixating shells with varying positions of second protrusions.

Clause 53. The orthodontic system according to any of clauses 38-52, wherein the segment extends from a canine to a molar.

Clause 54. The orthodontic system according to any of clauses 38-53, wherein the segment extends from a premolar to a molar.

Clause 55. A removable segmentary shell for being fitted on a segment of teeth in a posterior lateral sector of a maxilla, the segment of teeth comprising between two and six adjacent teeth and extending from a canine or premolar to a premolar or molar, wherein the segmentary shell comprises one or more protrusions having a sloping surface extending between a base, and a top edge, the top edge being located closer to the mandible than the base, whereinthe top edge is located distally with respect to the base.

Clause 56. A removable segmentary shell according to clause 55, wherein the sloping surface is substantially straight.

Clause 57. A removable segmentary shell according to clause 55, wherein the sloping surface is substantially concave.

Clause 58. A removable segmentary shell according to clause 55, wherein the sloping surface is substantially convex.

Clause 59. A removable segmentary shell according to any of clauses 55-58, wherein the protrusions are provided on an occlusal surface of the segmentary shell.

Clause 60. A removable segmentary shell according to any of clauses 55-58, wherein the protrusions are provided on a labial surface of the segmentary shell.

Clause 61. A removable segmentary shell according to any of clauses 55-58, wherein the protrusions are provided on a lingual surface of the segmentary shell.

Clause 62. A removable segmentary shell for being fitted on a segment of teeth in a posterior lateral sector of the mandible, the segment of teeth comprising between two and six adjacent teeth and extending from a canine or premolar to a premolar or molar, wherein the segmentary shell comprises one or more protrusions having a sloping surface extending between a base, and a top edge, the top edge being located closer to the maxilla than the base, whereinthe top edge is located distally with respect to the base.

Clause 63. A method for treating a malocclusion, includingfitting a removable segmentary shell to a segment of teeth in a posterior lateral sector of a maxilla or mandible, the segment of teeth comprising between two and six adjacent teeth and extending from a canine or premolar to a premolar or molar,fitting a complete fixating shell configured to fit over an arch of teeth of the other of the maxilla and the mandible,wherein the segmentary shell has a first surface and the complete fixating shell has a corresponding second surface,wherein the first surface comprises one or more first protrusionsand the second surface comprises one or more second protrusions,wherein the first and second protrusions are shaped such that when the first and second protrusions enter into contact, the second protrusions provide a distalization force to the first protrusions.

Although only a number of examples have been disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses and/or equivalents thereof are possible. Furthermore, all possible combinations of the described examples are also covered. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by particular examples, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.