18673306. METHODS OF FORMING A DENTAL APPLIANCE simplified abstract (ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.)

METHODS OF FORMING A DENTAL APPLIANCE

Organization Name

ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Inventor(s)

Chunhua Li of Cupertino CA (US)

Yan Chen of Cupertino CA (US)

METHODS OF FORMING A DENTAL APPLIANCE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18673306 titled 'METHODS OF FORMING A DENTAL APPLIANCE

Simplified Explanation: The patent application describes methods of forming a dental appliance by partially curing a prepolymer mixture into a semi-solid polymer material, shaping it over a dentition mold, and fully curing it to create a custom-fitted dental shell.

• The method involves partially curing a prepolymer mixture to create a semi-solid polymer material in a sheet form.
• The semi-solid polymer material is then shaped over a dentition mold, taking on a second shape that corresponds to a dental shell with cavities for teeth.
• The material is fully cured by exposure to energy, thermosetting it into the final shape.

Key Features and Innovation:

• Custom-fitted dental appliance creation process.
• Use of partially cured prepolymer mixture.
• Shaping over a dentition mold for precise fit.
• Full curing through energy exposure for durability.

Potential Applications: The technology can be used in the dental industry for creating custom dental appliances such as mouthguards, retainers, and night guards.

Problems Solved:

• Inefficient or inaccurate dental appliance fitting.
• Lack of customization in mass-produced dental appliances.

Benefits:

• Improved comfort and fit for patients.
• Enhanced durability and longevity of dental appliances.
• Customization for individual dental needs.

Commercial Applications: Custom dental appliance manufacturing for dental clinics, orthodontic practices, and dental laboratories.

Prior Art: Prior art related to this technology may include patents or research on dental appliance manufacturing processes using polymer materials.

Frequently Updated Research: Stay updated on advancements in dental polymer materials and curing techniques for improved dental appliance fabrication.

Questions about Dental Appliance Formation: 1. How does the partial curing process contribute to the overall quality of the dental appliance? 2. What are the key advantages of using a semi-solid polymer material for dental appliance fabrication?

Original Abstract Submitted

Methods of forming a dental appliance. The methods may include partially curing a prepolymer mixture into a semi-solid polymer material having a first shape that is a sheet. The semi-solid polymer material may be placed over a dentition mold, wherein the semi-solid polymer material may take on a second shape corresponding to a shell having one or more cavities for receiving one or more teeth. The semi-solid polymer material may be fully cured by exposure to energy until the semi-solid polymer material thermosets in the second shape.