Align Technology, Inc.

United States of America

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A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers 101
A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions 95
A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor 39
A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same 24
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1.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING DIRECTLY MANUFACTURABLE DENTAL APPLIANCES

      
Application Number US2023077346
Publication Number 2024/086752
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-10-19
Publication Date 2024-04-25
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Li, Chunhua
  • Pesenti, Bastien
  • Roschin, Roman A.
  • Sato, Jun
  • Wang, Yuxiang

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices for computer-aided design, digital treatment planning, and direct additive manufacturing of dental appliances are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a treatment plan for a patient's teeth, the treatment plan specifying a target arrangement for the teeth and a plurality of treatment stages to reposition the teeth from an initial arrangement toward the target arrangement. The method can include identifying appliance design parameters for one or more dental appliances to implement at least one treatment stage of the plurality of treatment stages. The appliance design parameters can include one or more manufacturability parameters corresponding to an additive manufacturing process to be used to directly fabricate the one or more dental appliances. The method can further include determining an appliance geometry for the one or more dental appliances using the set of appliance design parameters.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing

2.

LOWER ARCH EXPANSION

      
Application Number US2023075651
Publication Number 2024/073753
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-09-29
Publication Date 2024-04-04
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Riley, Jeremy
  • Sato, Jun
  • Derakhshan, Mitra
  • Li, Chunhua
  • Kimura, Ryan
  • Liu, Siyi
  • Xia, Damin
  • Su, Kangning
  • Peri, Somesh
  • Wang, Yuxiang

Abstract

Dental appliances and methods for expanding the lower dental arch. The appliances may be removable mandibular expander devices for efficient arch expansion while being comfortable to wear and easy to use. The appliances may include a lingual portion that is shaped and sized to apply an expansion force to lingual surfaces of one or more teeth. The shape and size of the lingual portion may be configured to distribute the forces among posterior and/or anterior teeth. A series of expander devices may be designed to provide the expansion forces in a stepwise fashion toward a target lower arch configuration according to a treatment plan.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/10 - Devices having means to apply outwardly directed force, e.g. expanders

3.

MODULAR BUILD PLATFORMS FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

      
Application Number US2023074797
Publication Number 2024/064832
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-09-21
Publication Date 2024-03-28
Owner
  • CUBICURE GMBH (Austria)
  • ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Förster-Romswinckel, Thomas
  • Gmeiner, Robert
  • Martl, Otmar
  • Kesel, Oliver
  • Busetti, Bernhard
  • Kury, Markus
  • Cole, Michael Christopher
  • Dorfinger, Peter
  • Stromenger, Shawn
  • Meenakshisundaram, Viswanath
  • Pickens, Lance Robert

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices for additive manufacturing are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes: coupling a plurality of build platforms to a carrier; forming a plurality of 3D objects on the plurality of build platforms using an additive manufacturing process, where each build platform receives at least one 3D object thereon; removing the plurality of build platforms from the carrier; performing post-processing of the plurality of 3D objects while the 3D objects remain on the respective build platforms; and separating the plurality of 3D objects from the respective build platforms.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B29C 64/106 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material
  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same
  • B29C 64/124 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified
  • B29C 64/245 - Platforms or substrates
  • B29C 64/35 - Cleaning
  • B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
  • B33Y 40/20 - Post-treatment, e.g. curing, coating or polishing

4.

ORTHODONTIC DISTALIZER APPARATUS AND METHODS

      
Application Number US2023073973
Publication Number 2024/059560
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-09-12
Publication Date 2024-03-21
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liu, Siyi
  • Wang, Yuxiang
  • Sato, Jun
  • Riley, Jeremy
  • Nishimuta, James

Abstract

Apparatuses (e.g., distalizers) and methods for distalizing a subject's teeth while preventing or reducing undesirable tipping and/or rotation of the teeth. The distalizer apparatuses may include tooth engagement regions shaped to accommodate molars, canines and/or premolar teeth, may include a transpalatal region extending between engagement regions having an anterior edge that is posterior to a premolar region of the first tooth engagement region, and may include an attachment site for an elastic band on the outer buccal surface.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/10 - Devices having means to apply outwardly directed force, e.g. expanders
  • A61C 7/36 - Devices acting between upper and lower teeth

5.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TEETH WHITENING SIMULATION

      
Application Number US2023073977
Publication Number 2024/059564
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-09-12
Publication Date 2024-03-21
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gao, Yun
  • Shi, Chao
  • Cramer, Christopher E.

Abstract

Methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed for simulating a tooth whitening procedure. The simulation may generally obtain a patient's two-dimensional or three-dimensional dental scan and color space convert color information from a first or native color space to a color space based on an International Commission on Illumination color space (CIELAB). The simulation may include modifying color information in the CIELAB color space then returning the modified color information to the native color space.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06T 11/00 - 2D [Two Dimensional] image generation

6.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MODIFYING SURFACES OF ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED OBJECTS

      
Application Number US2023074250
Publication Number 2024/059749
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-09-14
Publication Date 2024-03-21
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Singh, Paramjot
  • Pickens, Lance Robert
  • Li, Chunhua

Abstract

Systems and methods for processing additively manufactured objects are described herein. In some embodiments, for example, a system includes a controller configured to provide one or more control signals; a heater coupled to the controller, where the heater comprises one or more heating elements arranged to heat a blasting medium in response to the one or more control signals; a chamber coupled to the controller, where the chamber comprises an agitatable drum shaped to receive a plurality of additively manufactured objects, and to agitate the plurality of additively manufactured objects in response to the one or more control signals; and an applicator coupled to the controller, where the applicator comprises a nozzle operative to direct, in response to the one or more control signals, a plurality of thermally conductive particles in the blasting medium toward the plurality of additively manufactured objects within the agitatable drum.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B24C 1/08 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effects; Use of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for polishing surfaces, e.g. by making use of liquid-borne abrasives
  • A61C 7/10 - Devices having means to apply outwardly directed force, e.g. expanders
  • B24C 3/28 - Apparatus using nozzles
  • B24C 9/00 - Appurtenances of abrasive blasting machines or devices, e.g. working chambers, arrangements for handling used abrasive material
  • B24C 11/00 - Selection of abrasive materials for abrasive blasts
  • B29C 64/30 - Auxiliary operations or equipment
  • B33Y 40/20 - Post-treatment, e.g. curing, coating or polishing
  • B29C 71/02 - Thermal after-treatment
  • B29C 59/08 - Surface shaping, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor by flame treatment
  • B29C 59/10 - Surface shaping, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor by electric discharge treatment
  • B29C 59/14 - Surface shaping, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor by plasma treatment

7.

3D FACIAL RECONSTRUCTION AND VISUALIZATION IN DENTAL TREATMENT PLANNING

      
Application Number US2023031561
Publication Number 2024/049918
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-08-30
Publication Date 2024-03-07
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chang, Michael
  • Huber, Niko Benjamin
  • Meyer, Eric Paul
  • Tanskanen, Petri
  • Saurer, Olivier

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to capturing a 3-dimensional representation of a patient's face from multiple angles to be integrated with (fused) with at least a 3-dimensional intra-oral mesh of the patient's teeth for purposes of visualizing a dental treatment plan. In one aspect, a method includes capturing media of a patient's face from multiple angles, using at least one device; transforming the media into a 3-dimensional representation of the patient's face; and transmitting, the 3-dimensional representation of the patient's face to one or more processing components to be integrated with a 3- dimensional representation of the patient's intra-oral scan to visualize a dental treatment plan for the patient.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06T 19/20 - Editing of 3D images, e.g. changing shapes or colours, aligning objects or positioning parts
  • G06T 19/00 - Manipulating 3D models or images for computer graphics
  • A61C 1/00 - Dental machines for boring or cutting

8.

METHODS FOR PRODUCING ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED OBJECTS WITH HETEROGENEOUS PROPERTIES

      
Application Number US2023072172
Publication Number 2024/040029
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-08-14
Publication Date 2024-02-22
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dorfinger, Peter
  • Cole, Michael Christopher

Abstract

Methods for manufacturing objects are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a digital data set representing an object, and applying energy to a curable material based on the digital data set to form the object. The object (400) can include at least two object portions (402, 404) formed from the curable material using different energy application parameters. The method can further include removing residual curable material from the object (400). A different amount of the residual curable material can be removed from each of the at least two object portions (402, 404). After the residual curable material is removed, the at least two object portions can each have different material properties.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 13/15 - Curing devices for plastics prostheses for curing by the action of light
  • B22F 10/12 - Formation of a green body by photopolymerisation, e.g. stereolithography [SLA] or digital light processing [DLP]
  • B22F 10/38 - Process control to achieve specific product aspects, e.g. surface smoothness, density, porosity or hollow structures
  • B22F 10/60 - Treatment of workpieces or articles after build-up
  • B29C 35/02 - Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising
  • B29C 35/08 - Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising by wave energy or particle radiation
  • B29C 64/124 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified
  • B29C 64/35 - Cleaning
  • B29C 71/00 - After-treatment of articles without altering their shape; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C 71/02 - Thermal after-treatment
  • B29C 71/04 - After-treatment of articles without altering their shape; Apparatus therefor by wave energy or particle radiation
  • B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 40/20 - Post-treatment, e.g. curing, coating or polishing
  • B33Y 70/00 - Materials specially adapted for additive manufacturing
  • B29C 64/10 - Processes of additive manufacturing

9.

AUGMENTATION OF 3D SURFACE OF DENTAL SITE USING 2D IMAGES

      
Application Number US2023029779
Publication Number 2024/039547
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-08-08
Publication Date 2024-02-22
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Weiss, Assaf
  • Moshe, Maayan
  • Gerth, Maik
  • Alesinskyy, Evgeni

Abstract

Methods and systems are described that use 2D images and intraoral scans to generate and/or augment 3D models of dental site. In one example a method includes receiving a plurality of intraoral scans of a dental site generated by an intraoral scanner and a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) images of the dental site generated by the intraoral scanner, generating a three-dimensional (3D) surface of the dental site from the plurality of intraoral scans, determining a correspondence between points on the 3D surface and points in one or more 2D images of the plurality of 2D images, and performing one or more operations using the correspondence between the points on the 3D surface and the points on the one or more 2D images.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • G06T 17/00 - 3D modelling for computer graphics

10.

VINYL ETHER-BASED INKJET INK PHOTOPOLYMERIZED BY THIOL-ENE CLICK CHEMISTRY USED FOR TOUGHENING OF PHOTOPOLYMERS

      
Application Number US2023030274
Publication Number 2024/039675
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-08-15
Publication Date 2024-02-22
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Koch, Bettina
  • Theuer, Timon
  • Hochwallner, Alexander
  • Liska, Robert
  • Stampfl, Jürgen
  • Chen, Yan
  • Li, Chunhua
  • Dorfinger, Peter

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a range of printed materials comprising discrete layers or segment with distinct compositions, and which can collectively lend to high levels of strength, toughness, and break resistance, and these printed materials may contain thin, ductile layers interspersed between thicker, harder layers, thus in printing such materials, the present disclosure further provides a range of compositions and methods, including low viscosity, air stable, and rapidly solutions amenable to thin layer inkjet printing.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G03F 7/027 - Non-macromolecular photopolymerisable compounds having carbon-to-carbon double bonds, e.g. ethylenic compounds

11.

REAL-TIME BITE ARTICULATION

      
Application Number US2023028793
Publication Number 2024/030310
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-07-27
Publication Date 2024-02-08
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Ben Dov, Moti
  • Katz, Ran
  • Farkash, Shai
  • Fahn, Roy
  • Chang, Michael
  • Huber, Niko Benjamin
  • Meyer, Eric
  • Ismael, Gustavo
  • Relic, Zelko
  • Gerth, Maik

Abstract

A method may include obtaining a first 3D model of an upper jaw of a patient using an intraoral scanner and obtaining a second 3D model of the lower jaw of the patient using the intraoral scanner. The method may also include capturing a series of 2D images of the upper and lower jaws of the patient as the patient is moves the upper jaw and lower jaw in dynamic occlusion and processing the captured series of 2D images to identify features associated with the upper jaw of the patient and the lower jaw of the patient. For each 2D image in the captured series of 2D images, the method may include identifying a relative position of the first 3D model and the second 3D model based on alignment of features in the first 3D model and second 3D model with the features identified in the 2D image to generate a series of relative positions of the first 3D model and the second 3D model. The method may also include modeling dynamic occlusion of the upper jaw and the lower jaw of the patient based on the series of relative positions of the first 3D model and the second 3D model.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 19/05 - Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry for determining occlusion
  • A61C 19/04 - Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor

12.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OCCLUSAL MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT BLOCK PLACEMENT

      
Application Number US2023028785
Publication Number 2024/025987
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-07-27
Publication Date 2024-02-01
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Tanugula, Rohit
  • Nishimuta, James
  • Joshi, Nilesh
  • Jansen, Thomas
  • Gorelova, Anna
  • Menshova, Ekaterina
  • Trotsko, Artem
  • Prokopenko, Andrey
  • Yakshibaeva, Arina

Abstract

A method of treating malocclusions of teeth may include receiving a scan of a patient's teeth and generating a treatment plan to move a patient's teeth from a first position toward a second position. The treatment plan may include moving a jaw from a first position towards a second position. The treatment plan may include a series of jaw movement stages to move the jaw from the first position towards the second position. The method may include generating a digital model of an aligner having mandibular relocation structures. A location of the mandibular relocation structures may be based on a set of location constraints. The method may include fabricating a physical aligner based on the digital model of the aligner.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/36 - Devices acting between upper and lower teeth

13.

INTEGRATED TISSUE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS IN ORTHODONTIC ALIGNERS

      
Application Number US2023070918
Publication Number 2024/026296
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-07-25
Publication Date 2024-02-01
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Garrubba, David Francisco
  • Blankenburg, Magdalena

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for managing soft tissue in preparation for a restorative implant procedure. The methods and apparatuses may be used shape the soft tissue in a manner that improves an emergence profile of the restorative implant, thereby providing a natural-looking and protective base for the implant. The apparatuses may include a tissue shaping feature, which may be used with one or more dental aligners, to apply a tissue shaping pressure to the soft tissue. The methods may be integrated with orthodontic treatment planning systems to provide a specialized treatment plan.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 8/00 - Means to be fixed to the jaw-bone for consolidating natural teeth or for fixing dental prostheses thereon; Dental implants; Implanting tools
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

14.

ULTRAMINIATURE PATTERN PROJECTOR

      
Application Number US2023028839
Publication Number 2024/026016
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-07-27
Publication Date 2024-02-01
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Atiya, Yosef
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Shekel, Noam

Abstract

An apparatus for intraoral scanning comprises an elongate wand comprising a probe at a distal end of the elongate wand. The apparatus further comprises one or more structured light projectors disposed within the probe, each structured light projector comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a light source disposed within the housing and comprising: a semiconductor laser die; and a beam shaping optical element; and (c) a pattern generating optical element. A distance D between an emission point of the semiconductor laser die and an input face of the beam shaping optical element is 50-250 microns. Each structured light projector is configured to project a pattern of light onto an intraoral surface when the light source of the structured light projector is activated to emit light through the pattern generating optical element of the structured light projector.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor

15.

METHOD OF DETERMINING TOOTH ROOT APICES USING INTRAORAL SCANS AND PANORAMIC RADIOGRAPHS

      
Application Number US2023070913
Publication Number 2024/026293
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-07-25
Publication Date 2024-02-01
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chernov, Vitaliy Vladimirovich
  • Khromov, Egor A.
  • Rychagov, Mikhail Nikolaevich

Abstract

Methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed for determining accurate tooth root apices from two-dimensional panoramic radiograph data and/or three-dimensional intraoral scan data. In some variations, one or more deep learning networks may be trained to determine coordinates of tooth root apices based on training data that may include cone beam computer tomography tooth data and corresponding two-dimensional panoramic radiograph data and three-dimensional intraoral scan data.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
  • A61B 6/00 - Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras

16.

BIOGLASS FIBER REINFORCEMENT OF ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED POLYMERS

      
Application Number US2023027041
Publication Number 2024/010873
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-07-06
Publication Date 2024-01-11
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Stampfl, Jürgen
  • Chen, Yan
  • Li, Chunhua
  • Dorfinger, Peter
  • Hochwallner, Alexander

Abstract

Curable resins and polymeric materials generated therefrom containing property-modifying solids capable of chemical- and site-selective removal from printed products, and such resins and materials can be used to generate devices with minimal surface extrusion by the property-modifying solids, thereby enabling use of higher concentrations of the property-modifying solids and extending the utilities of the materials therewith.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/06 - Extra-oral force transmitting means, i.e. means worn externally of the mouth and placing a member in the mouth under tension
  • A61F 2/02 - Prostheses implantable into the body
  • A61K 6/76 - Fillers comprising silicon-containing compounds
  • A61K 6/77 - Glass
  • A61K 6/887 - Compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
  • A61L 27/54 - Biologically active materials, e.g. therapeutic substances
  • B33Y 70/10 - Composites of different types of material, e.g. mixtures of ceramics and polymers or mixtures of metals and biomaterials
  • B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
  • C08F 18/04 - Vinyl esters

17.

3D PRINTABLE MATERIAL FOR THE FABRICATION OF PRINTED DENTAL ATTACHMENTS AND DENTAL ATTACHMENT PLACEMENT DEVICES

      
Application Number US2023027046
Publication Number 2024/010877
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-07-06
Publication Date 2024-01-11
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Durban, Matthew
  • Riedesel, John Michael
  • Dorfinger, Peter
  • Chen, Yan

Abstract

Disclosed herein are curable compositions which can contain high crosslinker content and cure to form tough, color neutral materials effective for a wide range of dental applications. In various implementations, the compositions and/or polymers produced therefrom may be used for dental appliances, including but not limited to aligners, attachment placement devices, incremental palatal expanders, dentures, crowns, etc.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61K 6/16 - Refractive index
  • A61K 6/60 - Preparations for dentistry comprising organic or organo-metallic additives
  • A61K 6/62 - Photochemical radical initiators
  • A61K 6/76 - Fillers comprising silicon-containing compounds
  • A61K 6/77 - Glass
  • A61K 6/78 - Pigments
  • A61K 6/887 - Compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
  • B33Y 70/00 - Materials specially adapted for additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing

18.

DEFECT DETECTION FOR DENTAL APPLIANCES

      
Application Number US2023026255
Publication Number 2024/006224
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-06-26
Publication Date 2024-01-04
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kopylov, Eduard
  • Pogorelova, Elena
  • Kossov, Evgeniy
  • Olkhovskiy, Igor

Abstract

A method of automated defect detection of a dental appliance comprises receiving a plurality of images of the dental appliance, and processing the plurality of images by a processing device to determine one or more defect estimations. The method comprises processing one or more sets of defect estimations to determine one or more defect classifications, wherein each set of the one or more sets comprises the one or more defect estimations associated with a subset of the plurality of images. The method comprises determining whether the dental appliance has a defect based on the one or more defect classifications associated with the one or more sets of defect estimations.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • B29C 33/38 - SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING - Details thereof or accessories therefor characterised by the material or the manufacturing process
  • B33Y 50/00 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
  • G01N 21/88 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination

19.

ORTHO-RESTORATIVE TREATMENT PLANNING

      
Application Number US2023069161
Publication Number 2024/006753
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-06-27
Publication Date 2024-01-04
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sun, Zhaonan
  • Wang, Yuxiang
  • Nishimuta, James
  • Valdivieso Casique, Manlio Fabio
  • Sato, Jun
  • Gerth, Maik
  • Steinbrecher, Tillmann

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for generating ortho-restorative treatment plans and orthodontic aligners. The ortho-restorative treatment plan may include prescribed movements of one or more teeth to correct mal-positioned teeth while accounting for planned restorative treatments on a patient's dentition. The methods may include forming a virtual target dentition model having a target restorative feature, and one or more virtual intermediate dentition models having one or more intermediate restorative features having a different shape and/or size as the target restorative feature. The methods may be used generate a series of aligners in accordance with the ortho-restorative treatment plan.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

20.

INTRAORAL SCANNER WITH WAVEGUIDE PATTERN PROJECTOR

      
Application Number US2023021380
Publication Number 2023/229834
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-05-08
Publication Date 2023-11-30
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Fain, Nadav
  • Nizard, Eliahou Franklin

Abstract

An intraoral scanner comprises an elongate wand comprising a probe at a distal end of the elongate wand, one or more light sources disposed within the elongate wand away from the distal end of the probe, one or more waveguides disposed within the probe, and one or more image sensors disposed at the distal end of the probe. The one or more light sources are configured to generate unpatterned light, The one or more waveguides are configured to receive the unpatterned light generated by the one or more light sources and to output patterned light from one or more locations at the distal end of the probe. The one or more image sensors are configured to capture images of intraoral objects illuminated by the patterned light.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • A61B 1/00 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
  • A61B 1/06 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
  • A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
  • G01B 11/25 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures by projecting a pattern, e.g. moiré fringes, on the object

21.

OCCLUSAL FEATURES FOR MANDIBULAR ARCH EXPANSION

      
Application Number US2023066836
Publication Number 2023/220642
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-05-10
Publication Date 2023-11-16
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Qin, Shipin
  • Wang, Yuxiang
  • Yu, Zhou
  • Nishimuta, James
  • Sato, Jun
  • Liu, Siyi

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for retaining or treating a dental arch to apply a lateral expansion force to a lower jaw while permitting the extrusion of one or more teeth may include the use of a maxillary dental appliance device and/or a mandibular dental appliance device including projection regions extending from the occlusal surfaces of the device to apply a laterally outward expansion force.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/36 - Devices acting between upper and lower teeth
  • A61C 7/10 - Devices having means to apply outwardly directed force, e.g. expanders
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

22.

APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR INTRAORAL APPLIANCES WITH SENSING DEVICES

      
Application Number US2023021960
Publication Number 2023/220327
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-05-11
Publication Date 2023-11-16
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Zhu, Zijie
  • Wong, Wesly
  • Park, Byong-Ho
  • Ting, Fred
  • Shanjani, Yaser
  • Zhang, Zhichao
  • Su, Kangning
  • Chen, Hongling
  • Sato, Jun
  • Kaza, Srinivas
  • Lvova, Maria
  • Likhacheva, Olga

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for electronic devices associated with monitoring a patient's use of an intraoral dental appliance. The monitoring electronics may communicate with near-field communication (NFC) signals. An NFC booster is disclosed to improve NFC data transfer between the electronic devices that monitor patient usage and communication devices. NFC boosters may be included within dental appliance cases and/or mobile phone cases. Also described are method and apparatuses for mounting the monitoring electronics onto the dental appliance. Also described are compact sensors, e.g., capacitive sensors, that may be included as part of a monitoring electronics unit.

IPC Classes  ?

23.

METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR DETECTING INTERPROXIMAL SPACES

      
Application Number US2023066521
Publication Number 2023/215767
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-05-02
Publication Date 2023-11-09
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Coslovsky, Jonathan
  • Zulti, Avraham
  • Saphier, Ofer

Abstract

An apparatus (system, device, method, and the like) is disclosed for refining a three-dimensional (3D) model, particularly 3D models of a subject's dentition. An initial 3D model is received or generated along with a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) images corresponding to the 3D model. The 3D model is refined using edge boundaries of a space around or between two or more objects of the 3D model identified from the 2D images.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06T 17/00 - 3D modelling for computer graphics
  • G06T 19/20 - Editing of 3D images, e.g. changing shapes or colours, aligning objects or positioning parts
  • G06T 7/55 - Depth or shape recovery from multiple images
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • G16H 30/40 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images for processing medical images, e.g. editing

24.

PATIENT AND CONSUMER DATA DE-IDENTIFICATION

      
Application Number US2023020461
Publication Number 2023/212356
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-04-28
Publication Date 2023-11-02
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Meyer, Eric P.
  • Cramer, Christopher E.
  • Cetin, Doruk
  • Huber, Niko Benjamin
  • Brown, Chad Clayton

Abstract

The present technology provides solutions for anonymizing patient data and in particular, for anonymizing potentially unique patient-identifying information while retaining clinically relevant information, for example, that can be used to illustrate the results or outcomes of a clinical intervention. In some aspects, a process of the disclosed technology can include steps for receiving patient data, wherein the patient data comprises a patient image corresponding with a patient, receiving treatment data, wherein the treatment data is based on a treatment goal for the patient, automatically determining, using one or more semantic controls, one or more anonymization parameters for the patient image; and generating, based on the one or more anonymization parameters, an anonymized patient image. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G16H 30/20 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images for handling medical images, e.g. DICOM, HL7 or PACS
  • G16H 30/40 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images for processing medical images, e.g. editing

25.

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SCANNING TEETH FOR RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

      
Application Number US2023017219
Publication Number 2023/192652
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-03-31
Publication Date 2023-10-05
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Farkash, Shai
  • Ben-Dov, Moti
  • Katz, Ran
  • Agniashvili, Pavel
  • Turko, Sergey

Abstract

A method of intraoral scanning includes receiving a plurality of intraoral scans of a dental site during an intraoral scanning session, generating a three-dimensional (3D) surface of the dental site from the plurality of intraoral scans, identifying hard tissue and soft tissue in at least one of a) the plurality of intraoral scans of the dental site or b) the 3D surface of the dental site, and displaying a view of the 3D surface, wherein a first visualization is used to display first portions of the 3D surface identified as hard tissue and a second visualization is used to display second portions of the 3D surface identified as soft tissue.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06T 7/11 - Region-based segmentation
  • G06T 7/12 - Edge-based segmentation
  • G06T 7/33 - Determination of transform parameters for the alignment of images, i.e. image registration using feature-based methods
  • G06T 7/579 - Depth or shape recovery from multiple images from motion
  • G06T 11/00 - 2D [Two Dimensional] image generation

26.

DIRECT FABRICATION OF ORTHODONTIC ALIGNERS

      
Application Number US2023064876
Publication Number 2023/183884
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-03-23
Publication Date 2023-09-28
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Wang, Yuxiang
  • Shanjani, Yaser
  • Yu, Zhou (jonelle)
  • Tjhia, Crystal
  • Su, Kangning
  • Valdivieso Casique, Manlio Fabio
  • Cai, Luyao
  • Sato, Jun
  • Meenakshisundaram, Viswanath
  • Liu, Siyi
  • Pokotilov, Pavel
  • Dews-Flick, John
  • Anandan, Sudharshan

Abstract

A method for use in additively manufacturing an orthodontic aligner may include receiving a digital model of an aligner, processing the digital model of the aligner to modify the digital model based on predicted deviations during fabrication to generate a first updated digital model of the aligner, determining that whether the predicted deviations of a physical aligner additively manufactured based on the first updated digital model of the aligner are acceptable, and outputting the first updated digital model of the aligner for fabrication of the physical aligner by additive manufacture of the physical aligner.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
  • B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor

27.

CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

      
Application Number US2023063154
Publication Number 2023/164569
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-02-23
Publication Date 2023-08-31
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Singh, Paramjot
  • Lee, Joanne L.
  • Meenakshisundaram, Viswanath

Abstract

Systems and methods for manufacturing objects are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for producing an additively manufactured object includes applying energy to a curable material (106) according to a set of print parameters to form a cured material layer (112) on a build platform (104) or on an object (102) on the build platform (104). The method can also include conveying remaining material away from the build platform. The method can further include detecting, via one or more sensors, that the remaining material includes a portion (114) of the cured material layer that has separated from the build platform or from the object. The method can subsequently include determining an adjusted set of print parameters configured to improve adhesion of cured material to the build platform or to the object.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B29C 64/124 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified
  • B29C 64/188 - Processes of additive manufacturing involving additional operations performed on the added layers, e.g. smoothing, grinding or thickness control
  • B29C 64/223 - Foils or films, e.g. for transferring layers of building material from one working station to another
  • B29C 64/35 - Cleaning
  • B29C 64/357 - Recycling
  • B29C 64/393 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
  • B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
  • B33Y 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
  • B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes

28.

TREATMENT PARAMETER ESTIMATION

      
Application Number US2023013642
Publication Number 2023/164007
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-02-22
Publication Date 2023-08-31
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Lobsiger, Janik
  • Thomaszewski, Bernhard Steffen
  • Peter, Daniel Michel
  • Huber, Niko Benjamin

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosed technology provide solutions of simulating patient treatment outcomes and in particular, for estimating treatment parameters that can be optimally modified to achieve a desired treatment outcome. In some aspects, a process of the disclosed technology includes steps for receiving patient data, receiving a plurality of treatment parameters, and generating an output state of the patient based on the initial state of the patient and the treatment goal for the patient. In some aspects, the process can further include steps for calculating an objective function based on the output state of the patient and the treatment goal of the patient, and updating one or more of the treatment parameters based on the objective function. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G16H 20/40 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture
  • G16H 50/20 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
  • G16H 50/50 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for simulation or modelling of medical disorders
  • A61C 7/36 - Devices acting between upper and lower teeth

29.

CLINICAL PARTNER EVENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

      
Application Number US2023012939
Publication Number 2023/154525
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-02-13
Publication Date 2023-08-17
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Holmes, Kimberly
  • Derakhshan, Mitra

Abstract

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for coordinating events based on enterprise-partner relationship management. Specifically, a partner of a clinical enterprise can be identified. Further, one or more interaction events during which partners of the clinical enterprise present information related to the clinical enterprise can be identified. As follows, access for managing the participation of the partner in association with an interaction event of the one or more interaction events can be provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06Q 10/101 - Collaborative creation, e.g. joint development of products or services
  • G16H 80/00 - ICT specially adapted for facilitating communication between medical practitioners or patients, e.g. for collaborative diagnosis, therapy or health monitoring
  • G16H 40/20 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

30.

MOLD ARCH REINFORCEMENT AND LABELING FOR DENTAL APPLIANCE MANUFACTURING

      
Application Number US2023012017
Publication Number 2023/150124
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-01-31
Publication Date 2023-08-10
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Soltero Borrego, Enrique
  • Fadeev, Denis
  • Kalinichenko, Alexey
  • Parpara, Anatoliy
  • Lopez Diaz, Fernando Jose
  • Hernandez Lopez, Daniel Antonio
  • Gonzalez Tobias, Isidro Salvador

Abstract

A mold for a dental appliance includes a dental arch portion and a beam. The dental arch portion is associated with teeth of a user. The dental arch portion includes a first distal portion, a second distal portion, and an incisor portion disposed between the first distal portion and the second distal portion. The beam extends from the first distal portion to the second distal portion. The beam includes a label portion disposed between the first distal portion and the second distal portion. The label portion forms a label for identification of the mold.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • B29C 33/20 - Opening, closing or clamping
  • B29C 33/30 - Mounting, exchanging or centering
  • B29C 33/42 - SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING - Details thereof or accessories therefor characterised by the shape of the moulding surface, e.g. ribs or grooves
  • B29C 45/26 - Moulds

31.

PHOTO-BASED DENTAL APPLIANCE AND ATTACHMENT ASSESSMENT

      
Application Number US2023060941
Publication Number 2023/141533
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-01-19
Publication Date 2023-07-27
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Cramer, Christopher E.
  • Brown, Chad Clayton
  • Li, Guotu

Abstract

A method for dental treatment may include receiving a plurality of images of a patient, the plurality of images including the patient's dentition and an orthodontic appliance while the patient is wearing the orthodontic appliance, determining whether each of the plurality of images satisfy a plurality of detection criteria, segmenting the teeth in the images, segmenting the images to classify each pixel as being of the orthodontic appliance and the teeth, classifying the pixels of the image as being pixels belonging to a space between an aligner and a tooth, assigning the pixels belonging to a space to one or more of the teeth, determining a conversion between image-based spatial measurements to real-world spatial measurements by projecting a tooth from the treatment plan into a plane that corresponds to a plane of a corresponding tooth in the image, and determining a size of each of the one or more spaces.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

32.

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING PARTICLE DISTRIBUTION IN POLYMERS

      
Application Number US2022082569
Publication Number 2023/130034
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-12-29
Publication Date 2023-07-06
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Meenakshisundaram, Viswanath
  • Chavez, Jennifer
  • Cole, Michael Christopher

Abstract

The present disclosure provides photo-polymerizable components, photo-curable resins comprising one or more of such monomers, as well as polymeric materials formed from the photo-curable resins. Further provided herein are methods of producing the compositions and using the same for the fabrication of medical devices, such as orthodontic appliances.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B29C 64/124 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified
  • B29C 64/214 - Doctor blades
  • B29C 64/223 - Foils or films, e.g. for transferring layers of building material from one working station to another
  • B29C 64/236 - Driving means for motion in a direction within the plane of a layer
  • B29C 64/241 - Driving means for rotary motion
  • B29C 64/393 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
  • B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
  • B33Y 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
  • B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
  • B33Y 70/10 - Composites of different types of material, e.g. mixtures of ceramics and polymers or mixtures of metals and biomaterials
  • B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing

33.

RELAPSE PREVENTION RETAINER

      
Application Number US2022082666
Publication Number 2023/130097
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-12-30
Publication Date 2023-07-06
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Wu, Ken
  • Li, Huizhong
  • Derakhshan, Mitra
  • Nishimuta, James
  • Wang, Yuxiang
  • Cai, Xi
  • Tanugula, Rohit
  • Choi, Jeeyoung
  • Yau, Eric
  • Sato, Jun
  • Yu, Zhou
  • Morton, John, Y.

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for customized retainers to prevent relapse. In particular, described herein are customized retainers, and methods and apparatuses for making customized retainers that specifically reenforce and prevent movement of one or more teeth having a higher likelihood of relapse following completion of an orthodontic treatment plan.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • G16H 20/30 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
  • A61C 5/00 - Filling or capping teeth

34.

SYNTHESIS OF PARA-ALKYLATED SYRINGYL (METH)ACRYLATE DERIVATIVES AND PHOTOPOLYMERIZABLE COMPOSITIONS FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING IN DENTAL APPLICATIONS

      
Application Number US2022082584
Publication Number 2023/130042
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-12-29
Publication Date 2023-07-06
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Choudhary, Umesh Upendra
  • Su, Jessica Kalay

Abstract

The present disclosure provides polymerizable monomers which may be used as reactive diluents in additive manufacturing. The polymerizable monomers may have low vapor pressures and may be compatible with a range of low glass transition temperature oligomers.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C08F 20/18 - Esters of monohydric alcohols or phenols of phenols or of alcohols containing two or more carbon atoms with acrylic or methacrylic acids
  • C07C 69/54 - Acrylic acid esters; Methacrylic acid esters
  • C07C 67/08 - Preparation of carboxylic acid esters by reacting carboxylic acids or symmetrical anhydrides with the hydroxy or O-metal group of organic compounds

35.

CONVERSION APPLIANCE FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

      
Application Number US2022081947
Publication Number 2023/115062
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-12-19
Publication Date 2023-06-22
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Matvienko, Ruslan
  • Vakhnovetskaya, Maria
  • Ten, Dmitriy, Konstantinovich
  • Petunin, Dmitry
  • Derakhshan, Mitra

Abstract

Apparatuses (e.g., systems and devices, including dental appliances and series of dental appliances) that may include one or more conversion appliances that may be worn on a subject's during a treatment plan without applying substantial orthodontic forces on the subject's teeth. The conversion appliances described herein may be configured to provide the user with a similar feel as a dental appliance. In some cases these appliances are not part of the dental treatment plan but are added between one or more stages. The dental professional may include one or more conversion appliances between one or more stages of a dental treatment plan, and conversion appliances may be added after the dental treatment plan has been finalized.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers

36.

ORTHODONTIC ALIGNER MANUFACTURING AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT SYSTEM

      
Application Number US2022050637
Publication Number 2023/096876
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-11-21
Publication Date 2023-06-01
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Nishimuta, James
  • Soltero Borrego, Enrique
  • Guzman Olivas, Enrique Jonathan
  • Sato, Jun
  • Rodriguez Trujillo, Kevin Daniel
  • Blanco Romo, Jose Kiyotaka
  • Enriquez De Anda, Erick
  • Pickens, Lance Robert
  • Wong, Wesly
  • Perez Vallejo, Gabriela
  • Garcia Carmona, Carlos Alberto
  • Barraza Alvarez, Omar
  • Hurtado Soltero, Miguel Angel
  • Turner, David

Abstract

Implementations describe systems and methods for manufacturing and performing quality assessment of dental appliances. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a dental appliance comprises receiving, at a holder, a feature of the dental appliance, the feature comprising a first surface having a first shape, wherein the holder holds the feature of the dental appliance at a reference position. The method further includes automatically placing an object against the feature at the reference position using a robot arm, wherein the object comprises a second surface having a second shape that mates with the first shape. The method further includes applying pressure to press the object against the feature of the dental appliance and bonding the object to the feature of the dental appliance while applying the pressure.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • B29C 33/38 - SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING - Details thereof or accessories therefor characterised by the material or the manufacturing process
  • B29C 51/30 - Moulds
  • B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
  • A61B 5/103 - Measuring devices for testing the shape, pattern, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
  • A61C 7/36 - Devices acting between upper and lower teeth
  • B65G 47/90 - Devices for picking-up and depositing articles or materials
  • A61C 5/00 - Filling or capping teeth
  • A61F 5/56 - Devices for preventing snoring

37.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR POST-PROCESSING ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED OBJECTS

      
Application Number US2022048184
Publication Number 2023/076570
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-10-28
Publication Date 2023-05-04
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Meenakshisundaram, Viswanath
  • Kaza, Srinivas
  • Li, Chunhua
  • Pickens, Lance Robert
  • Stromenger, Shawn
  • Sato, Jun
  • O'Leary, Siobhan
  • Webber, Peter
  • Kelly, Brett E.
  • Chavez, Jennifer

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices for post-processing additively manufactured objects are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a plurality of additively manufactured objects (404) having excess material thereon. The method can include removing the excess material from the plurality of additively manufactured objects by rotating the plurality of additively manufactured objects. The method can also include adjusting an environmental temperature while rotating the plurality of additively manufactured objects according to a dynamic temperature profile that facilitates removal of the excess material from the plurality of additively manufactured objects. The dynamic temperature profile can include (a) a first temperature configured to decrease a viscosity of the excess material, and (b) a second temperature configured to increase a stiffness of the plurality of additively manufactured objects.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B29C 64/35 - Cleaning
  • B29C 64/124 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified
  • B29C 64/357 - Recycling
  • B29C 64/30 - Auxiliary operations or equipment
  • B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
  • B33Y 40/20 - Post-treatment, e.g. curing, coating or polishing

38.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ORTHODONTIC AND RESTORATIVE TREATMENT PLANNING

      
Application Number US2022078761
Publication Number 2023/076985
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-10-27
Publication Date 2023-05-04
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chekh, Dmitry Yurievich
  • Lopes, David Patrick
  • Miryaha, Vladislav Andreevich
  • Agilina, Elena
  • Chikhanova, Anastasia
  • Lisitsin, Alexey
  • Khzmalyan, David
  • Harrison, Travis
  • Blanco, Samuel
  • Surov, Sergey Borisovich
  • Sabina, Michael
  • Deshpande, Akhil

Abstract

Systems and methods for planning a treatment for a patient's teeth are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a treatment plan including a target tooth arrangement including a change in mass of at least one tooth. The method can also include outputting a graphical user interface including a visualization of the treatment plan. The visualization can include a plurality of digital models, each digital model representing an intermediate tooth arrangement configured to adjust the patient's teeth toward the target tooth arrangement. The visualization can also include a heatmap overlaid onto at least one digital model of the plurality of digital models. The heatmap can show a difference in tooth mass between the target tooth arrangement and the corresponding at least one intermediate tooth arrangement of the at least one digital model.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G16H 20/40 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • G16H 50/50 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for simulation or modelling of medical disorders
  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor

39.

RECOATING SYSTEM

      
Application Number US2022046597
Publication Number 2023/064488
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-10-13
Publication Date 2023-04-20
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Meenakshisundaram, Viswanath
  • Dorfinger, Peter
  • Choudhary, Umesh Upendra
  • Cole, Michael Christopher

Abstract

In some embodiments, a system includes a carrier film (260), a first blade (270A) configured to form a layer of resin on the carrier film, a second blade (270B) configured to prevent printed features from contacting the first blade, and a build platform (120), where a portion of the layer of resin is to be added to an object being formed on the build platform. In some embodiments, a system includes a build platform and one or more blades configured to provide layers of resin to form an object on the build platform, where at least a first blade is configured to vibrate to reduce viscosity of the layers of resin. In some embodiments, a system includes a partial enclosure (280) configured to hold resin, one or more structures configured to at least partially cover the resin to prevent evaporation, and a build platform configured to support an object being formed from the resin.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B29C 64/124 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified
  • B29C 64/214 - Doctor blades
  • B29C 64/223 - Foils or films, e.g. for transferring layers of building material from one working station to another
  • B29C 64/227 - Driving means
  • B29C 64/295 - Heating elements
  • B29C 64/35 - Cleaning
  • B29C 64/393 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
  • B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
  • B33Y 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
  • B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
  • B29C 64/255 - Enclosures for the building material, e.g. powder containers

40.

PALATAL EXPANSION APPLIANCES AND METHODS OF PRODUCING AND USING THE SAME

      
Application Number US2022044580
Publication Number 2023/049377
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-09-23
Publication Date 2023-03-30
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dorfinger, Peter
  • Chavez, Jennifer, Marie

Abstract

The present disclosure provides multi-material orthodontic appliances useful for expanding a palate or arch of a patient, and, in some case, moving one or more teeth of the patient from a first to a second location according to a treatment plan. Further provided herein are methods for producing and using such multi-material orthodontic appliances on an individualized basis where each appliance is tailored to the specific treatment requirements of a patient.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/10 - Devices having means to apply outwardly directed force, e.g. expanders
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers

41.

INTRAORAL SCANNER REAL TIME AND POST SCAN VISUALIZATIONS

      
Application Number US2022041739
Publication Number 2023/028339
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-08-26
Publication Date 2023-03-02
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Ayal, Shai
  • Ozerov, Sergei
  • Moshe, Maayan
  • Chezhin, Sergey
  • Kryzhanovsky, Konstantin
  • Agniashvili, Pavel
  • Gagarin, Sergey
  • Arkhipovskiy, Ilya
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Rasovsky, Leon
  • Sabina, Michael
  • Levin, Adi

Abstract

Embodiments relate to techniques for real-time and post-scan visualization of intraoral scan data, which may include 3D images, 3D scans, 3D surfaces and/or 3D models. In one embodiment, an intraoral scanning system comprises a plurality of image sensors to periodically generate a set of intraoral two-dimensional (2D) images, wherein for each set of intraoral 2D images each image sensor of the plurality of image sensors is to generate an intraoral 2D image, and wherein relative positions and orientations of the plurality of image sensors are known. The intraoral scanning system further comprises a computing device, wherein the computing device is to perform the following for each set of intraoral 2D images: generate a combined intraoral image based on merging the set of intraoral 2D images together during scanning; and output the combined intraoral image to a display.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • G06T 3/00 - Geometric image transformation in the plane of the image
  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same
  • G06T 3/40 - Scaling of a whole image or part thereof

42.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CUSTOMIZING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT AND TREATMENT PLANNING

      
Application Number US2022074782
Publication Number 2023/019183
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-08-10
Publication Date 2023-02-16
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Blanco, Samuel
  • Lapshin, Anton
  • Meyer, Eric, P.
  • Flanagan, Michael
  • Slynko, Yury
  • Shalashov, Maxim
  • Malashkin, Evgeniy
  • Cheong, Rowena
  • Roschin, Roman, A.
  • Liubimov, Sergei

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for user modification of a rule or set of textual rules in plain language the reference instructions in a domain-specific treatment language that is used to generate dental appliance data. In some cases, the user may interact with a graphical user interface to modify a practitioner-specific subset of textural rules. The graphical user interface may allow modification of the practitioner-specific subset of textural rules without prior knowledge of the domain-specific treatment programming language. Each interaction region may cause sections of the predefined treatment preferences to be modified without knowledge of the dental protocol language. The example systems, methods, and/or computer-readable media described herein help with designing treatment plans for orthodontic treatments, including treatment plans based on predefined treatment preferences expressed in a dental protocol language.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G16H 40/60 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
  • G16H 40/63 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for local operation
  • G16H 50/20 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

43.

INTUITIVE INTRAORAL SCANNING

      
Application Number US2022039615
Publication Number 2023/014995
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-08-05
Publication Date 2023-02-09
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Ayal, Shai
  • Agniashvili, Pavel
  • Veryovkin, Pavel
  • Volgin, Maxim

Abstract

An intraoral scanning system includes an intraoral scanner and a computing device. The computing device receive a plurality of intraoral scans from the intraoral scanner during an intraoral scanning session; registers the plurality of intraoral scans together based on overlapping features of the plurality of intraoral scans; generates a first three-dimensional (3D) surface based on the plurality of intraoral scans; receives one or more additional intraoral scans; determines that the one or more additional intraoral scans fail to satisfy one or more registration criteria for registering to at least one of the plurality of intraoral scans or the first 3D surface; and generates a second 3D surface based on the one or more additional intraoral scans.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06T 17/00 - 3D modelling for computer graphics
  • G06T 7/38 - Registration of image sequences
  • A61B 6/14 - Applications or adaptations for dentistry
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

44.

INTRAORAL SCANNER WITH ILLUMINATION SEQUENCING AND CONTROLLED POLARIZATION

      
Application Number US2022038067
Publication Number 2023/004147
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-07-22
Publication Date 2023-01-26
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC (USA)
Inventor
  • Atiya, Yossef Y.
  • Moshe, Maayan
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Ayal, Shai
  • Levy, Raphael
  • Verker, Tal

Abstract

An intraoral scanner includes a probe with a sensing face, patterned light sources that are coupled to the probe, un-patterned light sources coupled to the probe, near infrared (NIR) light sources couple to the probe, cameras coupled to the probe, and a processing device coupled to the probe. The processing device is configured to control an operation of the patterned light sources, the un-patterned light sources, and the NIR light sources.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor

45.

RECOVERY OF MONOMERIC AND OLIGOMERIC BUILDING BLOCKS FROM POLYMERIC MATERIALS

      
Application Number US2022034948
Publication Number 2022/272094
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-06-24
Publication Date 2022-12-29
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor Choudhary, Umesh, Upendra

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods and processes for the recovery of compounds (e.g., pendant groups) from polymeric materials, as well as methods for recycling and reusing such compounds by synthetically converting a recovered compound to building blocks that can be used in, e.g., curable resins for the fabrication of new devices, such as medical devices (e.g., orthodontic appliances).

IPC Classes  ?

  • C08J 11/10 - Recovery or working-up of waste materials of polymers by chemically breaking down the molecular chains of polymers or breaking of crosslinks, e.g. devulcanisation

46.

MULTI-VALENT POLYMERIZABLE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF PRODUCING AND USING THE SAME

      
Application Number US2022035012
Publication Number 2022/272142
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-06-24
Publication Date 2022-12-29
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Choudhary, Umesh, Upendra
  • Thai, Raymond, Bao
  • Su, Jessica, Kalay

Abstract

The present disclosure provides photo-polymerizable components, photo-curable resins comprising one or more of such monomers, as well as polymeric materials formed from the photo-curable resins. Further provided herein are methods of producing the compositions and using the same for the fabrication of medical devices, such as orthodontic appliances.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • C08G 18/34 - Carboxylic acids; Esters thereof with monohydroxyl compounds
  • C08G 18/75 - Polyisocyanates or polyisothiocyanates cyclic cycloaliphatic
  • C08G 18/24 - Catalysts containing metal compounds of tin
  • C08G 18/80 - Masked polyisocyanates
  • C08G 18/42 - Polycondensates having carboxylic or carbonic ester groups in the main chain
  • C08G 18/10 - Prepolymer processes involving reaction of isocyanates or isothiocyanates with compounds having active hydrogen in a first reaction step
  • C08G 18/67 - Unsaturated compounds having active hydrogen
  • C08G 18/48 - Polyethers
  • C08F 290/06 - Polymers provided for in subclass
  • C08L 75/16 - Polyurethanes having carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds having terminal carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • B33Y 70/00 - Materials specially adapted for additive manufacturing
  • C08G 65/00 - Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions forming an ether link in the main chain of the macromolecule

47.

DYNAMIC THERMOFORMING OF DENTAL APPLIANCES

      
Application Number US2022033072
Publication Number 2022/265937
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-06-10
Publication Date 2022-12-22
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Martínez González, Luis Carlos
  • Garcia Saucedo, Rowan Fernando
  • Rito Martinez, Mario Alfonso
  • Núñez García, Ismael
  • Alfaro, René David
  • Sambu, Shiva P.

Abstract

A method includes identifying first geometry of a first mold associated with a first dental arch and a second geometry of a second mold associated with a second dental arch. The method further includes determining, based on the first geometry and the second geometry that the first mold and the second mold are to be used for simultaneous forming of a first dental appliance and a second dental appliance on a plate in a dental appliance manufacturing system. The method further includes causing, based on the first geometry and the second geometry, one or more portions of the dental appliance manufacturing system to be configured to form the first dental appliance and the second dental appliance.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • B29C 51/18 - Thermoforming apparatus
  • B29C 51/22 - Thermoforming apparatus having movable moulds or mould parts rotatable about an axis
  • B29C 51/26 - Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
  • B29C 51/30 - Moulds
  • B29C 51/42 - Heating or cooling

48.

AUTOMATED MANAGEMENT OF CLINICAL MODIFICATIONS TO TREATMENT PLANS USING THREE-DIMENSIONAL CONTROLS

      
Application Number US2022031752
Publication Number 2022/256392
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-06-01
Publication Date 2022-12-08
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Blanco, Samuel
  • Flanagan, Michael
  • Meyer, Eric P.
  • Logvanev, Igor
  • Mednikov, Dmitry
  • Poryvkin, Alexander
  • Makarov, Sergey
  • Ivanov, Vasily

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses, including systems, for forming and modifying treatment plans, including modifying treatment plan in real time. In particular are methods and apparatuses for modifying and orthodontic treatment plan in real time that may include the use of an enhanced user interface including a 3D user overlay.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same
  • B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
  • G16H 50/00 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics

49.

OCCLUSAL BLOCK DESIGN FOR LATERAL LOCKING

      
Application Number US2022072652
Publication Number 2022/256792
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-05-31
Publication Date 2022-12-08
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Nishimuta, James
  • Sato, Jun
  • Tanugula, Rohit

Abstract

A first appliance and a second appliance comprise engagement surfaces that provide mandibular relocation forces and forces to limit lateral movement of the jaw, such as opposing inclined surfaces on opposite sides of the mouth. In some embodiments, engagement surfaces between oral appliances comprise a curvature difference, which allows engagement at differing angles and positions.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/36 - Devices acting between upper and lower teeth

50.

DISINFECTANT DEVICE CASES FOR INTRAORAL APPLIANCES

      
Application Number US2022030403
Publication Number 2022/246300
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-05-20
Publication Date 2022-11-24
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ting, Fred
  • Wong, Wesly
  • Zhu, Zijie
  • Park, Byong-Ho
  • Sato, Jun
  • Cam, Bruce
  • Shanjani, Yaser
  • Chen, Hongling
  • Zhang, Zhichao

Abstract

Apparatuses for sanitizing and/or sterilizing a dental/orthodontic appliance are described herein. These apparatuses may include an internal chamber in which one or more sanitizing/sterilizing modes, such as UV light (e.g., UVC light), ultrasound, heat, etc. may be applied to an appliance.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61L 2/025 - Ultrasonics
  • A61C 17/00 - Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
  • A61L 2/10 - Ultraviolet radiation
  • A61L 2/18 - Liquid substances
  • A61L 2/26 - Accessories

51.

INTRAORAL SCANNER SLEEVE

      
Application Number US2022029780
Publication Number 2022/245906
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-05-18
Publication Date 2022-11-24
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gorfinkel, Roee
  • Ishay, Eran
  • Gordon, Benny
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Makmel, Nir

Abstract

Apparatuses, including sleeves, intraoral scanning systems to use these sleeves, and methods of using the sleeve.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor

52.

SMARTPHONE DENTAL IMAGING ATTACHMENT APPARATUS

      
Application Number US2022026297
Publication Number 2022/232108
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-04-26
Publication Date 2022-11-03
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Farkash, Shai
  • Atiya, Yossef, Y.
  • Moshe, Maayan

Abstract

Provided herein are systems for monitoring a subject's teeth during orthodontic treatment. In particular, described herein are apparatuses (100) having a fixed focal length for coupling to a patient's smartphone (101), including a built-in lip/cheek retractor. These smartphone dental imaging apparatuses may be configured to easily and robustly interface with the user's smartphone to allow capture of dental images.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61B 1/00 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
  • A61B 1/24 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth

53.

MONOMERIC AND POLYMERIC COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF PRODUCING AND USING THE SAME

      
Application Number US2022026206
Publication Number 2022/226416
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-04-25
Publication Date 2022-10-27
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Choudhary, Umesh Upendra
  • Su, Jessica Kalay
  • Chavez, Jennifer Marie
  • Cole, Michael Christopher
  • Thai, Raymond Bao

Abstract

The present disclosure provides photo-polymerizable monomers, photo-curable resins comprising one or more of such monomers, as well as polymeric materials formed from the photo-curable resins. Further provided herein are methods of producing the compositions and using the same for the fabrication of medical devices, such as orthodontic appliances.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C07C 69/54 - Acrylic acid esters; Methacrylic acid esters
  • C07C 69/86 - Esters of carboxylic acids having an esterified carboxyl group bound to a carbon atom of a six-membered aromatic ring of monocyclic hydroxy carboxylic acids, the hydroxy groups and the carboxyl groups of which are bound to carbon atoms of a six-membered aromatic ring with esterified hydroxyl groups
  • B33Y 70/00 - Materials specially adapted for additive manufacturing
  • C07F 7/02 - Silicon compounds
  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same
  • C08F 220/18 - Esters of monohydric alcohols or phenols of phenols or of alcohols containing two or more carbon atoms with acrylic or methacrylic acids
  • A61K 6/887 - Compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
  • C07C 233/09 - Carboxylic acid amides having carbon atoms of carboxamide groups bound to hydrogen atoms or to acyclic carbon atoms having nitrogen atoms of carboxamide groups bound to hydrogen atoms or to carbon atoms of unsubstituted hydrocarbon radicals with carbon atoms of carboxamide groups bound to carbon atoms of an acyclic unsaturated carbon skeleton
  • B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
  • C07D 201/00 - Preparation, separation, purification, or stabilisation of unsubstituted lactams
  • C07F 7/00 - Compounds containing elements of Groups 4 or 14 of the Periodic System
  • C08F 8/12 - Hydrolysis
  • C08F 226/06 - Copolymers of compounds having one or more unsaturated aliphatic radicals, each having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond, and at least one being terminated by a single or double bond to nitrogen or by a heterocyclic ring containing nitrogen by a heterocyclic ring containing nitrogen
  • C08F 293/00 - Macromolecular compounds obtained by polymerisation on to a macromolecule having groups capable of inducing the formation of new polymer chains bound exclusively at one or both ends of the starting macromolecule
  • C08F 220/30 - Esters containing oxygen in addition to the carboxy oxygen containing aromatic rings in the alcohol moiety

54.

PHOTOPOLYMERIZABLE BLOCK POLYMERS AND METHODS OF PRODUCING AND USING THE SAME

      
Application Number US2022026224
Publication Number 2022/226424
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-04-25
Publication Date 2022-10-27
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Choudhary, Umesh Upendra
  • Su, Jessica Kalay
  • Cole, Michael Christopher
  • Chavez, Jennifer Marie

Abstract

Provided herein are curable compositions for use in a high temperature lithography-based photopolymerization process, and telechelic block polymers and methods of using such polymers in curable compositions to produce medical devices such as orthodontic appliances comprising the polymeric compositions comprising the telechelic block polymers.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C08F 293/00 - Macromolecular compounds obtained by polymerisation on to a macromolecule having groups capable of inducing the formation of new polymer chains bound exclusively at one or both ends of the starting macromolecule
  • C08F 220/18 - Esters of monohydric alcohols or phenols of phenols or of alcohols containing two or more carbon atoms with acrylic or methacrylic acids
  • B33Y 70/00 - Materials specially adapted for additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
  • C08F 8/12 - Hydrolysis
  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same
  • A61K 6/887 - Compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds

55.

CAPTURING TRUE BITE AND OCCLUSION CONTACTS

      
Application Number US2022071619
Publication Number 2022/217269
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-04-08
Publication Date 2022-10-13
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Morton, John Y.
  • Kopelman, Avi

Abstract

A method for determining biting occlusion of a patient's teeth including generating a first 3D digital model of the patient's lower arch in non-occlusion. A second 3D digital model of the patient's upper arch in non-occlusion may be generated. A third 3D digital model of the patient's upper and lower arches in biting occlusion may be generated. The first and second 3D digital models May be aligned with corresponding teeth of the third 3D digital model to generate a fourth 3D model of the patient's teeth in biting occlusion.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • A61C 19/05 - Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry for determining occlusion

56.

ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES WITH EDGE PROFILES FOR OPTIMIZED TOOTH MOVEMENT AND METHODS FOR FORMING THE SAME

      
Application Number US2022023292
Publication Number 2022/212943
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-04-04
Publication Date 2022-10-06
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Lim, Tzishing, Jesse
  • Wu, Fuming
  • Yau, Eric
  • Pesenti, Bastien
  • Sato, Jun

Abstract

Dental appliances having modified gingival edge profiles for optimizing orthodontic tooth movement. In some cases, at least a portion of the gingival edge is lengthened to extend past the gumline of the patient, thereby directing forces closer to a center of resistance of one or more teeth. In some cases, at least a portion of the gingival edge is shortened with respect to the gumline of the patient, thereby directing forces farther from a center of resistance of one or more teeth. The change in the force system of the dental appliance due to the gingival edge modification can be tailored and tuned for specific tooth movements.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

57.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GUIDING DENTAL X-RAY IMAGING

      
Application Number US2022021269
Publication Number 2022/204091
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-22
Publication Date 2022-09-29
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Sabina, Michael

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for positioning of dental imaging devices, such as X-rays, CTs and ultrasound imaging devices. These methods and apparatuses may use an initial intraoral scan of a patient's dentition taken, e.g., using a visible light and/or infrared source, and generate an imaging plan and/or guide(s) for taking one or more penetrative images, such as X-ray images, of the patient's dentition using the intraoral scan data.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61B 6/14 - Applications or adaptations for dentistry
  • A61B 6/00 - Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment

58.

DISTRIBUTED INTRAORAL SCANNING SYSTEM

      
Application Number US2022013758
Publication Number 2022/164827
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-01-25
Publication Date 2022-08-04
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Fridman, Edi
  • Levin, Adi
  • Burbea, Abraham Albert
  • Sagi, Ofer
  • Farkash, Shai
  • Katz, Ran

Abstract

In embodiments set forth herein, an intraoral scanning system includes a first intraoral scanner, a second intraoral scanner, and a computing device wirelessly connected to both the first intraoral scanner and the second intraoral scanner. The computing device receives first intraoral scan data from the first intraoral scanner and generates a first three-dimensional (3D) surface of at least a portion of a first patient's dental arch based on the first intraoral scan data. The computing device further receives second intraoral scan data from the second intraoral scanner and generates a second 3D surface of at least a portion of a second patient's dental arch based on the second intraoral scan data.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61B 1/00 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
  • A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
  • A61B 6/14 - Applications or adaptations for dentistry
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • G06T 17/00 - 3D modelling for computer graphics
  • G16H 30/40 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images for processing medical images, e.g. editing

59.

DENTAL DIAGNOSTICS HUB

      
Application Number US2021065557
Publication Number 2022/147160
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-12-29
Publication Date 2022-07-07
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Elbaz, Gilad
  • Sabina, Michael
  • Katz, Ran
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Kuo, Eric
  • Rasovsky, Leon

Abstract

A method includes receiving intraoral scan data of an intraoral cavity of a patient; processing the intraoral scan data to determine, for each dental condition of a plurality of dental conditions, whether the dental condition is detected for the patient and a severity of the dental condition; and presenting indications of the plurality of dental conditions together in a graphical user interface (GUI), wherein the indications show, for each dental condition of the plurality of dental conditions, whether the dental condition was detected for the patient and the severity of the dental condition.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G16H 50/20 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
  • A61B 1/24 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth
  • A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
  • A61B 6/14 - Applications or adaptations for dentistry
  • G16H 50/30 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for individual health risk assessment

60.

REPLACEMENT ATTACHMENT SYSTEM

      
Application Number US2021063096
Publication Number 2022/132638
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-12-13
Publication Date 2022-06-23
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Webber, Peter
  • O'Leary, Siobhan

Abstract

Dental attachment placement apparatuses with one or more replacement attachment systems for providing one or more replacement dental attachments. The replacement attachment systems may include a body that is configured to orient and align the apparatus with respect to the teeth. The apparatus may include one or more primary dental attachments coupled to the body, where the body is configured to position the primary dental attachments adjacent to the teeth for bonding. The replacement system can be configured to replace the primary dental attachments and align replacement dental attachments with respect to the teeth.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/14 - Brackets; Fixing brackets to teeth
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

61.

DENTAL APPARATUS WITH GEOMETRICAL FEATURES TO FACILITATE POST-FABRICATION CLEANING

      
Application Number US2021059977
Publication Number 2022/109191
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-11-18
Publication Date 2022-05-27
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dorfinger, Peter
  • O'Leary, Siobhan
  • Chen, Yan
  • Yu, Zhou
  • Sato, Jun

Abstract

The present application relates to components, such as dental apparatuses, having geometrical features to facilitate post-fabrication cleaning, including methods of fabricating the same. In one embodiment, a dental apparatus, such as a retainer, an aligner, or a dental attachment placement appliance, comprises one or more concave surfaces for which one or more apertures is formed therethrough at or near a maximum depth of a given concave surface.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 40/20 - Post-treatment, e.g. curing, coating or polishing
  • B29C 64/35 - Cleaning
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 5/00 - Filling or capping teeth
  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same

62.

AUTOMATIC SEGMENTATION OF DENTAL CBCT SCANS

      
Application Number US2021060661
Publication Number 2022/109500
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-11-23
Publication Date 2022-05-27
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chernov, Vitaliy, Vladimirovich
  • Zubatkin, Dmitry
  • Karsakov, Aleksandr, Sergeevich
  • Rychagov, Mikhail, Nikolaevich
  • Brailov, Yury, A.
  • Tolstaya, Ekaterina
  • Surov, Sergey, Borisovich
  • Chekh, Dmitry, Yurievich

Abstract

Provided herein are systems and methods for automatically segmenting a 3D model of a patient's teeth. A patient's dentition may be scanned with a 3D scanning system, such as CT, CBCT, or MRI. The 3D scan data may be automatically segmented with one or more neural networks. The segmented 3D scan can be incorporated into a dental treatment plan.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • G16H 20/40 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture

63.

MULTIPLE MATERIAL DENTAL APPARATUSES AND TECHNIQUES FOR MAKING THE SAME

      
Application Number US2021054321
Publication Number 2022/076925
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-10-09
Publication Date 2022-04-14
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chavez, Jennifer
  • Webber, Peter
  • Dorfinger, Peter

Abstract

Dental apparatuses, such as palatal expanders, and methods of forming them. The dental apparatuses may have multiple regions having different physical characteristics for performing different functions when worn by a patient as part of a dental treatment. The different regions may be made of different materials, or different combinations of materials, based on rigidity, flexibility and/or other physical characteristics. For palatal expanders, the different regions can include a tooth engagement region adapted to engage with the patient's teeth and a palatal region adapted to exert an expansion force across the patient's palate. The different regions may be joined together by a junction or a transition region configured to sufficiently hold adjacent regions together during use.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/10 - Devices having means to apply outwardly directed force, e.g. expanders
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers

64.

3D PRINTED COMPOSITES FROM PHASE SEPARATED MATERIALS

      
Application Number US2021048476
Publication Number 2022/047394
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-08-31
Publication Date 2022-03-03
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dorfinger, Peter
  • Cole, Michael Christopher

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods, systems, devices, and kits for creating composite materials from a single resin, the composite materials having multiple continuous phases. The disclosure includes a process to three-dimensionally print objects (e.g., orthodontic appliances) with composite properties. In some aspects, the composite properties are formed from a single formulation with components that, when processed, have hard and soft continuous phases. In some aspects, the composite properties are formed by separately processing the hard phase components and the soft phase components. In some aspects, the composite materials and devices are three-dimensionally printed using the processed material.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • B29C 64/00 - Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
  • B33Y 70/00 - Materials specially adapted for additive manufacturing
  • C08F 2/48 - Polymerisation initiated by wave energy or particle radiation by ultraviolet or visible light
  • C08F 220/30 - Esters containing oxygen in addition to the carboxy oxygen containing aromatic rings in the alcohol moiety
  • C08L 33/14 - Homopolymers or copolymers of esters of esters containing halogen, nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen atoms in addition to the carboxy oxygen

65.

DIRECT FABRICATION OF MIXED METAL AND POLYMER ORTHODONTIC DEVICES

      
Application Number US2021071069
Publication Number 2022/027071
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-07-30
Publication Date 2022-02-03
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Wang, Yuxiang
  • Sato, Jun

Abstract

The disclosed systems, methods, and apparatus for designing, fabricating, and making directly fabricated metal and polymer dental appliances may include may include receiving patient data and a treatment plan and determining, using the patient data and the treatment plan, an appliance design for treating the patient. The method may include directly fabricating a metal and polymer appliance based on the appliance design. The apparatus may include a directly fabricated metal and polymer appliance.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/10 - Devices having means to apply outwardly directed force, e.g. expanders
  • B33Y 50/00 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 70/10 - Composites of different types of material, e.g. mixtures of ceramics and polymers or mixtures of metals and biomaterials
  • B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing

66.

SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS FOR DENTAL CARE

      
Application Number US2021042838
Publication Number 2022/020638
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-07-22
Publication Date 2022-01-27
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Cramer, Christopher E.
  • Venkata, Rajiv
  • Parvathaneni, Leela
  • Harris, Phillip Thomas
  • Gurijala, Sravani
  • Hubenov, Svetozar
  • Hareng, Sebastien
  • Li, Guotu
  • Gao, Yun
  • Brown, Chad Clayton

Abstract

A method of dental treatment may include receiving one or more photo parameters to define clinically acceptable criteria for a plurality of clinically relevant photos of a person's dentition. The clinically acceptable criteria may include at least a plurality of clinically acceptable positions and a plurality of clinically acceptable orientations of teeth relative to a camera. The method may also include gathering a plurality of image-capture rules to capture the plurality of clinically relevant photos. The plurality of image capture rules may be based on the one or more photo parameters. The method may also include providing first automated instructions to capture the plurality of clinically relevant photos of the person's dentition using the plurality of image-capture rules and capturing the plurality of clinically relevant photos with the camera in response to the first automated instructions.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • G16H 30/40 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images for processing medical images, e.g. editing

67.

SMART SCANNING FOR INTRAORAL SCANNERS

      
Application Number US2021027523
Publication Number 2021/211871
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-04-15
Publication Date 2021-10-21
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Agniashvili, Pavel
  • Ben-Dov, Moti
  • Katz, Ran
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Volgin, Maxim
  • Malka, Doron
  • Zulti, Avraham
  • Veryovkin, Pavel
  • Moshe, Maayan
  • Tishel, Ido
  • Levin, Adi
  • Farkash, Shai
  • Karapetyan, Inna
  • Bova, Dina
  • Fridman, Edi
  • Coslovsky, Jonathan

Abstract

A method of intraoral scanning includes receiving a first one or more intraoral scans of a patient's oral cavity; automatically determining, based on processing of the first one or more intraoral scans, a first scanning role associated with the first one or more intraoral scans, wherein the first scanning role is a first one of an upper dental arch role, a lower dental arch role or a bite role; and determining a first three-dimensional surface associated with the first scanning role.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
  • G06K 9/62 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means
  • G06T 7/00 - Image analysis

68.

WEAK COVALENT CROSSLINKS IN THERMOSET MATERIALS FOR INCREASED TOUGHNESS

      
Application Number US2021022165
Publication Number 2021/183925
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-12
Publication Date 2021-09-16
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor Cole, Michael Christopher

Abstract

This disclosure provides polymeric materials comprising weak crosslinking covalent bonds and/or weak crosslinking units comprising a weak covalent bond. Weak covalent bonds can be used in place of hydrogen bonds present in traditional polymeric materials (e.g., polyurethanes). Advantageously, the toughness can be controlled by varying the strength of weak covalent bonds and/or by varying the number of weak covalent crosslinks. Crosslinked materials applying the weak covalent crosslinking bonds can be used to create tough materials able to resist stress relaxation. Further, the present disclosure provides polymer chains and polymeric materials comprising inchain loops (also referred to herein as rings). The inchain loops comprise weak bonds and/or weak bridges comprising at least one weak bond. This disclosure also provides compositions comprising the polymer chains, materials comprising the polymer chains, monomer units that can react to form inchain loop-comprising polymer chains, resins comprising the monomer units, and related materials, appliances, and uses.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C08F 2/48 - Polymerisation initiated by wave energy or particle radiation by ultraviolet or visible light
  • C08F 220/18 - Esters of monohydric alcohols or phenols of phenols or of alcohols containing two or more carbon atoms with acrylic or methacrylic acids
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers

69.

LOW VISCOSITY PHOTO-CURABLE RESINS FOR THE DIRECT FABRICATION OF ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES

      
Application Number US2021020398
Publication Number 2021/178363
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-02
Publication Date 2021-09-10
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Carter, Blaine
  • Chavez, Jennifer
  • Pickens, Lance Robert
  • Cole, Michael Christopher
  • Dorfinger, Peter
  • Chen, Yan

Abstract

This disclosure provides low-viscosity resins for producing polymers with properties suitable for use in various mechanical appliances, such as orthodontic appliances (e.g., aligners). The low-viscosity resins may be photo-curable and can be used with direct fabrication methods and equipment. In various embodiments, the polymeric materials produced from the low-viscosity resins described herein have high toughness while remaining resistant to stress relaxation. Low-viscosity, photo-curable resins described herein have reduced hydrogen bonding in comparison to traditional materials (e.g., materials having high urethane content) used in orthodontic appliances.

IPC Classes  ?

70.

MEDICAL IMAGING DATA COMPRESSION AND EXTRACTION ON CLIENT SIDE

      
Application Number US2021019053
Publication Number 2021/168415
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-02-22
Publication Date 2021-08-26
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Slynko, Yury
  • Chernov, Vitaliy, Vladimirovich
  • Baryshnikov, Ilya

Abstract

Apparatuses and computer-implemented methods for compression and extraction of three-dimensional (3D) volumetric imaging data, including in particular medical and dental imaging data, that may receive the 3D volumetric image data and preparing compressed 3D volumetric image data for compression by analyzing a relevant region of the 3D volumetric image data. The method may further include compressing, into compressed 3D volumetric image data, the pre-processed static 3D volumetric image data using a video compression scheme. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 19/85 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using pre-processing or post-processing specially adapted for video compression

71.

AT HOME PROGRESS TRACKING USING PHONE CAMERA

      
Application Number US2021017601
Publication Number 2021/163285
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-02-11
Publication Date 2021-08-19
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Farkash, Shai
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Moshe, Maayan
  • Nizard, Eliahou, Franklin
  • Coslovsky, Jonathan

Abstract

Provided herein are systems and methods for monitoring a subject's teeth during orthodontic treatment. A wide angle (e.g., fisheye) image showing an occlusal view of both arches of the subject's dentition and may be input into a monitoring system configured compare the image to the treatment plan to determine how closely the current position of the subject's teeth tracks with the expected or desired positions according to the orthodontic treatment plan.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
  • G16H 50/50 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for simulation or modelling of medical disorders

72.

OCCLUSAL BLOCK DESIGN FOR LATERAL LOCKING

      
Application Number US2020063743
Publication Number 2021/118975
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-12-08
Publication Date 2021-06-17
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sato, Jun
  • Nishimuta, James

Abstract

A first appliance and a second appliance comprise engagement surfaces that provide mandibular relocation forces and forces to limit lateral movement of the jaw, such as opposing inclined surfaces on opposite sides of the mouth. In some embodiments, engagement surfaces between oral appliances comprise a curvature difference, which allows engagement at differing angles and positions.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/36 - Devices acting between upper and lower teeth
  • A61F 5/56 - Devices for preventing snoring

73.

DIGITAL 3D MODELS OF DENTAL ARCHES WITH ACCURATE ARCH WIDTH

      
Application Number US2020060283
Publication Number 2021/097128
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-11-12
Publication Date 2021-05-20
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Kopelman, Avi

Abstract

A method of generating a virtual 3D model of a dental arch is provided. The method includes receiving intraoral scans of a dental arch, determining a first depth of a first intraoral 3D surface in a first intraoral scan, and determining a second depth of a second intraoral 3D surface in the first intraoral scan, and wherein there is a fixed distance between the first intraoral 3D surface and the second intraoral 3D surface in the first intraoral scan. The method further includes stitching together the intraoral scans and generating a virtual 3D model of the dental arch from the intraoral scans, wherein the fixed distance between the first intraoral 3D surface and the second intraoral 3D surface is included in the virtual 3D model.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
  • G06T 7/50 - Depth or shape recovery
  • A61B 5/107 - Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof

74.

CLINICALLY RELEVANT ANONYMIZATION OF PHOTOS AND VIDEO

      
Application Number US2020058966
Publication Number 2021/092078
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-11-04
Publication Date 2021-05-14
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Meyer, Eric P.
  • Cramer, Christopher E.

Abstract

The disclosed systems and methods for anonymizing clinical data may include receiving representation data corresponding to a body part. The representation data may include a clinically relevant region and an anonymization region. The method may include extracting, from the representation data, clinical representation data corresponding to the clinically relevant region of the representation data and generating artificial representation data corresponding to the anonymization region of the representation data. The method may further include creating, based at least on the clinical representation data and the artificial representation data, anonymized representation data that substantially preserves the clinically relevant region. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G16H 30/40 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images for processing medical images, e.g. editing

75.

CRYSTALLIZABLE RESINS

      
Application Number US2020057883
Publication Number 2021/087061
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-10-29
Publication Date 2021-05-06
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Cole, Michael Christopher
  • Chavez, Jennifer

Abstract

This disclosure provides polymeric materials comprising polymer crystals, methods and resins for making the same, and objects and appliances made from said polymeric materials. Polymeric materials having polymer crystals provide favorable properties, such as enhanced durability and rigidity. This disclosure also provides polymeric materials comprising a crystalline phase comprising at least one polymer crystal, as well as an amorphous phase comprising at least one amorphous polymer. The crystalline phase can confer rigidity to the polymeric material, while the amorphous phase can confer elasticity and flexibility.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/10 - Devices having means to apply outwardly directed force, e.g. expanders
  • C08F 222/10 - Esters

76.

DURABLE ORNAMENTAL INDICIA CARRIER

      
Application Number US2020048818
Publication Number 2021/055164
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-08-31
Publication Date 2021-03-25
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Venkatasanthanam, Sriram
  • Heydarpour, Ramin
  • Morton, John Y.
  • Sato, Jun
  • Cole, Michael Christopher
  • Mojdeh, Mehdi
  • Vanchy, Prashanth
  • Powers, Natalia Lysaya
  • Narin, Sibel
  • Riley, Jeremy

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to ornamental indicia carrier and method of producing the same. In some embodiments, the ornamental indicia carrier comprises an ultraviolet light ("UV") cured ink printed on a thin flexible film and combined with an adhesive layer. The ornamental indicia carrier is capable of enduring the conditions inside the mouth for an extended period of time and can be used in conjunction with a dental appliance.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 19/00 - Dental auxiliary appliances
  • B44C 1/00 - Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
  • C08K 5/00 - Use of organic ingredients
  • C09J 7/29 - Laminated material
  • A44C 15/00 - Other forms of jewellery
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers

77.

DENTAL PANORAMIC VIEWS

      
Application Number US2020050256
Publication Number 2021/050774
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-09-10
Publication Date 2021-03-18
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Moshe, Maayan
  • Ayal, Shai
  • Coslovsky, Jonathan
  • Levin, Adi
  • Zulti, Avraham
  • Farkash, Shai

Abstract

Provided herein are devices and methods generating a panoramic rendering of a subject's teeth. Methods and processes are provided to image the subject's teeth with a dental scan. Methods and processes are also provided to automatically 3D render the subject's teeth with the scan images. Methods and apparatuses are also provided to generate simulated panoramic views of the subject's dentition from various perspectives.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06T 3/40 - Scaling of a whole image or part thereof
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor

78.

AUTOMATED DETECTION, GENERATION AND/OR CORRECTION OF DENTAL FEATURES IN DIGITAL MODELS

      
Application Number US2020049523
Publication Number 2021/046434
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-09-04
Publication Date 2021-03-11
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Makiewsky, Igor
  • Weiss, Assaf
  • Volgin, Maxim
  • Agniashvili, Pavel
  • Brown, Chad Clayton
  • Raskhodchikov, Alexander
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Sabina, Michael
  • Ben-Dov, Moti
  • Farkash, Shai
  • Moshe, Maayan
  • Saphier, Ofer

Abstract

Methods and systems are described that mark and/or correct margin lines and/or other features of dental sites. In one example a three-dimensional model of a dental site is generated from intraoral scan data of the dental site, the three-dimensional model comprising a representation of a preparation tooth. An image of the preparation tooth is received or generated, the image comprising a height map. Data from the image is processed using a trained machine learning model that has been trained to identify margin lines of preparation teeth, wherein the trained machine learning model outputs a probability map comprising, for each pixel in the image, a probability that the pixel depicts a margin line. The three-dimensional model of the dental site is then updated by marking the margin line on the representation of the preparation tooth based on the probability map.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06T 7/12 - Edge-based segmentation
  • G06T 7/143 - Segmentation; Edge detection involving probabilistic approaches, e.g. Markov random field [MRF] modelling

79.

SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF DENTAL DEVICES USING PHOTOPOLYMER RESINS

      
Application Number US2020044094
Publication Number 2021/021948
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-07-29
Publication Date 2021-02-04
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • O’leary, Siobhan
  • Webber, Peter
  • Cole, Michael Christopher

Abstract

Strategies that reduce shrinkage and ultimately warping of parts that are directly fabricated from photopolymer resins. This increases the accuracy of directly fabricated parts, which is essential for patient specific applications. Implementing these strategies can reduce the need for directly fabricated parts to have supporting structures, which can reduce pre-processing and post-processing steps and facilitate an easier route for production level scale of additive manufacturing.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B29C 64/129 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified characterised by the energy source therefor, e.g. by global irradiation combined with a mask
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
  • B29C 64/286 - Optical filters, e.g. masks

80.

FULL-SCANNER BARRIER FOR AN INTRA-ORAL DEVICE

      
Application Number US2020043954
Publication Number 2021/021854
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-07-29
Publication Date 2021-02-04
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Shalev, Ariel
  • Green, Eran
  • Ginzburg, Zakhar
  • Durban, Matthew
  • Gorfinkel, Roee
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Verker, Tal
  • Makmel, Nir
  • Ishay, Eran
  • Levy, Raphael

Abstract

Removable barrier devices (e.g., sleeves) for covering medical scanning devices to reduce the chance of cross-contamination between patients and/or to protect the scanning devices from physical damage. The barrier device can include a cover that has an integrated window for passing optical signals between the scanning device and an external environment. The cover can include a sleeve that covers a handle portion of the scanning device to prevent contamination of the handle from a user's hand or glove. The cover and sleeve may both be formed of the same flexible material, or the cover may be rigid to maintain the window in a fixed position and the sleeve may be flexible to allow a user to activate a button or touchpad on the handle. An interface region between the cover and sleeve may provide a hermetic seal. The window may include a nano structured antireflective material to limit internal reflections.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • A61B 46/10 - Surgical drapes specially adapted for instruments
  • A61B 1/00 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor

81.

INTRAORAL 3D SCANNER EMPLOYING MULTIPLE MINIATURE CAMERAS AND MULTIPLE MINIATURE PATTERN PROJECTORS

      
Application Number US2020039438
Publication Number 2020/264035
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-06-24
Publication Date 2020-12-30
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Levy, Tal
  • Peleg, Gal
  • Dafna, Eliran
  • Ozerov, Sergei
  • Verker, Tal
  • Makmel, Nir
  • Atiya, Yossef

Abstract

A method for generating a 3D image includes driving structured light projector(s) to project a pattern of light on an intraoral 3D surface, and driving camera(s) to capture images, each image including at least a portion of the projected pattern, each one of the camera(s) comprising an array of pixels. A processor compares a series of images captured by each camera and determines which of the portions of the projected pattern can be tracked across the images. The processor constructs a three-dimensional model of the intraoral three-dimensional surface based at least in part on the comparison of the series of images. Other embodiments are also described.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons

82.

VISUAL PRESENTATION OF GINGIVAL LINE GENERATED BASED ON 3D TOOTH MODEL

      
Application Number US2020032462
Publication Number 2020/231984
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-05-12
Publication Date 2020-11-19
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gao, Yun
  • Shi, Chao
  • Li, Yingjie
  • Bushev, Andrey

Abstract

Systems and methods of simulating dental treatments are disclosed. A method may include capturing a first 2D image of a patient's face, including the patient's teeth, building a parametric 3D model of the patient's teeth and gingiva based on the first 2D image, developing a simulated outcome of a dental treatment of the patient's teeth by rendering the parametric 3D model with the patient's teeth in one or more positions and/or orientations corresponding to the treatment goals of the dental treatment plan, and rendering a second 2D image of the patient's face with gingiva and teeth according to a simulated outcome of the dental treatment plan. As noted herein, the dental treatment plan may include orthodontic and/or restorative elements. The simulated outcome may correspond to estimated outcomes and/or intended outcomes of the dental treatment plan.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor

83.

3D PRINTED OBJECT WITH SELECTIVE OVERCURE REGIONS

      
Application Number US2020026373
Publication Number 2020/206110
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-04-02
Publication Date 2020-10-08
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Mojdeh, Mehdi
  • Kelly, Brett E.
  • Sambu, Shiva P.

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional (3D) object may include fabricating a support structure and fabricating the 3D object on the support structure, wherein the support structure contacts the 3D object at a support region of the 3D object. The method further includes overcuring the 3D object at an overcure region of the 3D object, wherein the overcure region is distinct from the support region, and removing the support structure from the 3D object. After removal of the support structure, a support mark remains on the 3D printed object where the support structure had contacted the 3D object, wherein the overcure region of the 3D object projects past the support mark.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B29C 64/40 - Structures for supporting 3D objects during manufacture and intended to be sacrificed after completion thereof
  • B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same
  • B29C 64/129 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified characterised by the energy source therefor, e.g. by global irradiation combined with a mask

84.

INTRAORAL SCANNER SLEEVE AUTHENTICATION AND IDENTIFICATION

      
Application Number US2020026908
Publication Number 2020/206441
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-04-06
Publication Date 2020-10-08
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Sabina, Michael
  • Makmel, Nir
  • Levin, Adi
  • Zulti, Arad
  • Hsieh, Arthur

Abstract

Apparatuses, including sleeves, intraoral scanning systems to use these sleeves, and methods of using the sleeve, that authenticate the sleeve for use with an intraoral scanning system. Authentication may include verifying that the sleeve is new (unused) and/or verifying that the sleeve is appropriate and/or intended for use with the intraoral scanning system. Once authenticated, operation parameters of the intraoral scanning system can be automatically set based on information from a scanned identifier on the sleeve.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor

85.

VARIOUS STRUCTURED SUPPORTS FOR 3D PRINTED ALIGNERS/MOUTH PIECES

      
Application Number US2020024666
Publication Number 2020/198331
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-03-25
Publication Date 2020-10-01
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chavez, Jennifer
  • Webber, Peter
  • Yu, Zhou (jonelle)
  • Lim, Tzishing Jesse
  • Cai, Luyao
  • Yau, Eric

Abstract

A support is coupled to an appliance to decrease warpage. The support may comprise a plurality of extensions coupled to the appliance to decrease warpage. The extensions can be coupled to the appliance at one or more of many locations, such as on an occlusal surface, a wall, an edge or an interior of the appliance. In some embodiments, the extensions are coupled to walls of the appliance such as a buccal wall and a lingual wall, and the extensions can be coupled to the walls of the appliance near edges of the walls, such as a gingivally facing edges of the walls that are oriented toward the gingiva when the appliance is worn.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B29C 64/10 - Processes of additive manufacturing
  • B29C 64/188 - Processes of additive manufacturing involving additional operations performed on the added layers, e.g. smoothing, grinding or thickness control
  • B29C 64/40 - Structures for supporting 3D objects during manufacture and intended to be sacrificed after completion thereof
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers

86.

AUTOMATIC APPLICATION OF DOCTOR'S PREFERENCES WORKFLOW USING STATISTICAL PREFERENCE ANALYSIS

      
Application Number US2020023931
Publication Number 2020/191323
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-03-20
Publication Date 2020-09-24
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Roschin, Roman, A.
  • Karnygin, Evgenii, Vladimirovich
  • Kirsanov, Dmitry
  • Yazykov, Grigoriy
  • Sabirov, Ilfat
  • Matvienko, Ruslan
  • Paraketsov, Vasily

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for automatic treatment planning, including recommendation systems, quality assurance, error prevention, text mining, text matching, and treatment planning optimization.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G16H 20/00 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
  • G16H 50/00 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

87.

THERMOFORMING MULTIPLE ALIGNERS IN PARALLEL

      
Application Number US2020022589
Publication Number 2020/190698
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-03-13
Publication Date 2020-09-24
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Aguilar Mendez, David
  • Martínez González, Luis Carlos
  • Rito Martinez, Mario Alfonso

Abstract

Embodiments relate to thermoforming multiple aligners simultaneously. In one embodiment, an aligner manufacturing system includes a plate, a heating section, and a thermoforming chamber. The plate is configured to secure a first mold of a first dental arch and a second mold of a second dental arch. The heating section is configured to heat a sheet of plastic to generate a heated sheet. The thermoforming chamber is configured to simultaneously thermoform the heated sheet over the first mold of the first dental arch and the second mold of the second dental arch to form a first aligner shaped to fit the first dental arch and a second aligner shaped to fit the second dental arch.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • B29C 51/36 - Moulds specially adapted for vacuum forming
  • B29C 51/10 - Forming by pressure difference, e.g. vacuum
  • B29C 51/20 - Thermoforming apparatus having movable moulds or mould parts
  • B29C 51/26 - Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations

88.

FOREIGN OBJECT IDENTIFICATION AND IMAGE AUGMENTATION AND/OR FILTERING FOR INTRAORAL SCANNING

      
Application Number US2020021264
Publication Number 2020/185527
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-03-05
Publication Date 2020-09-17
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Sabina, Michael

Abstract

In a method of generating a virtual 3D model of a dental site, scan data comprising a plurality of images of a dental site is received during an intraoral scan. An analysis of an image is performed. A representation of a foreign object possibly with known properties is identified in the image based on the analysis. A virtual 3D model of the dental site is generated based on the plurality of images. The image and/or the virtual 3D model of the dental site is modified by adding additional data about the foreign object to or removing data for the foreign object from the intraoral image and/or the virtual 3D model. If the image is modified, it may be modified prior to generation of the virtual 3D model, and the virtual 3D model may be generated using the modified image.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

89.

AUTOMATIC ALIGNER DESIGN WITH ROBUST PARAMETRIC OPTIMIZATION METHOD

      
Application Number US2019069131
Publication Number 2020/142534
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-12-31
Publication Date 2020-07-09
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Wang, Yuxiang
  • Jang, Andrew
  • Cam, Bruce
  • Tanugula, Rohit
  • Li, Chunhua
  • Sato, Jun
  • Cai, Luyao
  • Pokotilov, Pavel
  • Su, Kangning
  • Morton, John Y.

Abstract

Methods and systems for producing orthodontic appliances are provided herein utilizing iterative modeling techniques to increase the efficiency and efficacy of said appliances. Further disclosed herein are the orthodontic appliances fabricated from such methods.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers

90.

MACHINE BASED THREE-DIMENSIONAL (3D) OBJECT DEFECT DETECTION

      
Application Number US2019061858
Publication Number 2020/102757
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-11-15
Publication Date 2020-05-22
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Shah, Paren Indravadan
  • Parpara, Anatoliy
  • Cherkas, Andrey
  • Kalinichenko, Alexey

Abstract

Implementations describe systems and methods for machine based defect detection of three-dimensional (3D) printed objects. A method of one embodiment of the disclosure includes providing a first illumination of a 3D printed object using a first light source arrangement. A plurality of images of the 3D printed object are then generated using one or more imaging devices. Each image may depict a distinct region of the 3D printed object. The plurality of images may then be processed by a processing device using a machine learning model trained to identify one or more types of manufacturing defects of a 3D printing process. The machine learning model may provide a probability that an image contains a manufacturing defect. The processing device may then determine, without user input, whether the 3D printed object contains one or more manufacturing defects based on the results provided by the machine learning model.

IPC Classes  ?

91.

DEVICES AND METHOD FOR REMOVING A SHELL FROM A MOULD

      
Application Number US2019058200
Publication Number 2020/092176
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-10-25
Publication Date 2020-05-07
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Mojdeh, Mehdi
  • Sambu, Shiva P.
  • Mcnamara, Dennis

Abstract

Embodiments relate to automating removal of an untrimmed shell (150) from a mold (140). In one embodiment, a shell removal device includes a body and a platform (120) disposed within the body (110). The platform is configured to secure a mold that has an untrimmed shell formed over the mold. The shell removal device further includes a cover (130A) configured to secure the untrimmed shell to an upper surface of one or more sidewalls of the body and provide a seal between a lower surface of the untrimmed shell and the upper surface of the one or more sidewalls of the body. The shell removal device may include a media inlet (116) in the body (110) to permit pressurized media into the interior (114) of the body to cause a pressure differential between an upper surface of the untrimmed shell and the lower surface of the untrimmed shell to cause the untrimmed shell to release from the mold.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B29D 11/00 - Producing optical elements, e.g. lenses or prisms
  • B29C 51/46 - Measuring, controlling or regulating
  • B29C 51/44 - Removing or ejecting moulded articles
  • B29L 31/00 - Other particular articles
  • B29C 51/26 - Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations

92.

ALIGNER DAMAGE PREDICTION AND MITIGATION

      
Application Number US2019053663
Publication Number 2020/069446
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-09-27
Publication Date 2020-04-02
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Wang, Yuxiang
  • Tanugula, Rohit
  • Shirazi Aghjari, Reza
  • Jang, Andrew
  • Li, Chunhua
  • Sato, Jun
  • Cai, Luyao
  • Medvinskaya, Viktoria
  • Kukk, Arno
  • Cherkas, Andrey
  • Akopova, Anna
  • Su, Kangning

Abstract

Embodiments relate to an aligner breakage solution. A method includes obtaining a digital design of a polymeric aligner for a dental arch of a patient. The polymeric aligner is shaped to apply forces to teeth of the dental arch. The method also includes performing an analysis on the digital design of the polymeric aligner using at least one of a) a trained machine learning model, b) a numerical simulation, c) a geometry evaluator or d) a rules engine. The method may also include determining, based on the analysis, whether the digital design of the polymeric aligner includes probable points of damage, wherein for a probable point of damage there is a threshold probability that breakage, deformation, or warpage will occur. The method may also include, responsive to determining that the digital design of the polymeric aligner comprises probable points of damage, performing corrective actions based on the probable points of damage.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

93.

HYBRID 3D PRINTING WITH PHOTO-CURABLE MATERIALS

      
Application Number US2019051181
Publication Number 2020/056378
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-09-13
Publication Date 2020-03-19
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Mojdeh, Mehdi
  • Cole, Michael Christopher
  • Dorfinger, Peter
  • Sambu, Shiva P.

Abstract

A method of three-dimensional (3D) printing includes heating a photo-curable material and extruding the photo-curable material from a nozzle (218) to form a first layer of an object according to a digital file, wherein the first layer has a first shape specified by the digital file, and wherein the first shape has a first minimum line width based on a diameter of the nozzle. The method further includes directing a light beam (315) onto the first layer according to the digital file or an additional digital file to cure a portion of the first layer (310), wherein the cured portion (310) of the first layer has a second shape, wherein the second shape may comprise features that are smaller than the first shape.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B29C 64/118 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using filamentary material being melted, e.g. fused deposition modelling [FDM]
  • B29C 64/209 - Heads; Nozzles
  • B29C 64/236 - Driving means for motion in a direction within the plane of a layer
  • B29C 64/268 - Arrangements for irradiation using electron beams [EB]
  • B29C 64/30 - Auxiliary operations or equipment
  • B29C 64/40 - Structures for supporting 3D objects during manufacture and intended to be sacrificed after completion thereof
  • B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor

94.

PROVIDING A SIMULATED OUTCOME OF DENTAL TREATMENT ON A PATIENT

      
Application Number US2019030266
Publication Number 2020/005386
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-05-01
Publication Date 2020-01-02
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Li, Yingjie
  • Shi, Chao
  • Relic, Zelko
  • Stocks, Michael Alan
  • Bushev, Andrey
  • Xue, Ya
  • Meyer, Eric P.

Abstract

Systems and methods of simulating dental treatments are disclosed. A method may include capturing a first 2D image of a patient`s face, including the patient`s teeth, building a parametric 3D model of the patient`s teeth based on the 2D image, developing a simulated outcome of a dental treatment of the patient`s teeth by rendering the 3D model with the patient`s teeth in one or more positions and/or orientations corresponding to the treatment goals of the dental treatment plan, and rendering a second 2D image of the patient`s face with teeth according to a simulated outcome of the dental treatment plan. As noted herein, the dental treatment plan may include orthodontic and/or restorative elements. The simulated outcome may correspond to estimated outcomes and/or intended outcomes of the dental treatment plan.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same

95.

INTRAORAL 3D SCANNER EMPLOYING MULTIPLE MINIATURE CAMERAS AND MULTIPLE MINIATURE PATTERN PROJECTORS

      
Application Number US2019038510
Publication Number 2019/246542
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-06-21
Publication Date 2019-12-26
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Atiya, Yossef
  • Rudnitsky, Arkady
  • Makmel, Nir
  • Ozerov, Sergei
  • Verker, Tal
  • Lampert, Erez
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Levy, Tal

Abstract

An apparatus for intraoral scanning includes an elongate handheld wand that has a probe. One or more light projectors and two or more cameras are disposed within the probe. The light projectors each has a pattern generating optical element, which may use diffraction or refraction to form a light pattern. Each camera may be configured to focus between 1 mm and 30 mm from a lens that is farthest from the camera sensor. Other applications are also described.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor

96.

AUTOMATIC ECTOPIC TEETH DETECTION ON SCAN

      
Application Number US2019031327
Publication Number 2019/217559
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-05-08
Publication Date 2019-11-14
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Roschin, Roman A.
  • Karnygin, Evgenii Vladimirovich
  • Grebenkin, Sergey
  • Lazarey, Alexey
  • Guskov, Dmitry
  • Slepynin, Ivan
  • Vladykin, Alexey
  • Vovchenko, Alexander
  • Beliaev, Alexander

Abstract

Provided herein are orthodontic devices and methods for patients with missing or ectopic teeth. Methods and processes are provided to properly number the teeth of a patient's arch after a dental scan. Methods and processes are also provided to automatically detect missing or ectopic teeth after a dental scan. Methods of designing and manufacturing the aligner are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers

97.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MANAGING CUSTOMIZED RUN DISPLAY ELEMENTS WITH TREATMENT TEMPLATES BASED ON TREATMENT DOMAIN-SPECIFIC PROTOCOLS

      
Application Number US2019029990
Publication Number 2019/213129
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-04-30
Publication Date 2019-11-07
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Levin, Adi
  • Lapshin, Anton
  • Foroodian, Behnam, J.
  • Meyer, Eric, P.
  • Tenzin, Konstantin
  • Chekhonin, Andrey
  • Sterental, Rene, M.
  • Sokolov, Pavel
  • Ramos, Jason
  • Malashkin, Evgeniy
  • Sivakova, Anna
  • Flanagan, Michael

Abstract

The example systems, methods, and/or computer-readable media described herein help with design treatment plans for orthodontic treatments. Treatment templates expressed according to treatment domain-specific protocols may be processed to provide treatment planning software, including automated or real-time treatment planning software, that accommodates treatment preferences of a practitioner and/or patient data relevant to a treatment plan. These methods and systems may be also be useful for planning, designing and producing as series of dental appliances (e.g., aligners).

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

98.

CURABLE COMPOSITION FOR USE IN A HIGH TEMPERATURE LITHOGRAPHY-BASED PHOTOPOLYMERIZATION PROCESS AND METHOD OF PRODUCING CROSSLINKED POLYMERS THEREFROM

      
Application Number US2019030683
Publication Number 2019/213585
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-05-03
Publication Date 2019-11-07
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liska, Robert
  • Gorsche, Christian
  • Harakaly, György
  • Kury, Markus
  • Stampfl, Jürgen
  • Dorfinger, Peter
  • Chen, Yan
  • Li, Chunhua
  • Kaza, Srinivas

Abstract

Provided herein are curable compositions for use in a high temperature lithography-based photopolymerization process, a method of producing crosslinked polymers using said curable compositions, crosslinked polymers thus produced, and orthodontic appliances comprising the crosslinked polymers.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61K 6/083 - Compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
  • C08F 236/02 - Copolymers of compounds having one or more unsaturated aliphatic radicals, at least one having two or more carbon-to-carbon double bonds the radical having only two carbon-to-carbon double bonds
  • C08G 18/75 - Polyisocyanates or polyisothiocyanates cyclic cycloaliphatic

99.

POLYMERIZABLE MONOMERS AND METHOD OF POLYMERIZING THE SAME

      
Application Number US2019030687
Publication Number 2019/213588
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-05-03
Publication Date 2019-11-07
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liska, Robert
  • Gorsche, Christian
  • Kury, Markus
  • Chen, Yan
  • Li, Chunhua
  • Kaza, Srinivas

Abstract

Provided herein are photopolymerizable monomers, optionally for use as reactive diluents in a high temperature lithography-based photopolymerization process, a method of producing polymers using said photopolymerizable monomers, the polymers thus produced, and orthodontic appliances comprising the polymers.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61K 6/02 - Use of preparations for artificial teeth, for filling or for capping teeth
  • A61K 6/08 - Use of natural or synthetic resins
  • A61K 6/087 - Compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
  • C07C 69/02 - Esters of acyclic saturated monocarboxylic acids having the carboxyl group bound to an acyclic carbon atom or to hydrogen
  • C07C 69/612 - Esters of carboxylic acids having a carboxyl group bound to an acyclic carbon atom and having a six-membered aromatic ring in the acid moiety
  • C07C 69/618 - Esters of carboxylic acids having a carboxyl group bound to an acyclic carbon atom and having a six-membered aromatic ring in the acid moiety having unsaturation outside the six-membered aromatic ring

100.

RELEASABLE PALATAL EXPANDERS

      
Application Number US2019026842
Publication Number 2019/200008
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-04-10
Publication Date 2019-10-17
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Kimura, Ryan
  • Shanjani, Yaser
  • Riley, Jeremy
  • Sato, Jun
  • Grove, Bob
  • Shirazi Aghjari, Reza

Abstract

Releasable and removable palatal expander apparatuses (100) for expanding a patient's palate ("palatal expanders") and methods of using and making them. These releasable palatal expanders (100) are adapted for ease in removal by the patient or caregiver, and may include a breach region (167) configured to predictably bend or break when a pulling force is applied. The palatal expander apparatuses (100) described herein may include one or more locks for locking the palatal expander onto the patient's teeth. The lock(s) may be unlocked to release the palatal expander from the teeth. A lock may include a control for manually unlocking the lock. Unlocking the locks may allow the palatal expander to automatically disengage from the patient's teeth.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/10 - Devices having means to apply outwardly directed force, e.g. expanders
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