SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV (20240300186). LASER-BASED SUPPORT STRUCTURE REMOVAL simplified abstract

LASER-BASED SUPPORT STRUCTURE REMOVAL

Organization Name

SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV

Inventor(s)

Tim Wucher of Windhoek (NA)

John Dargis of Nashville TN (US)

Eric Wagnon of Nashville TN (US)

Drew Marschner of Nashville TN (US)

Charlotte Xia of Nashville TN (US)

Justin Kreil of Nashville TN (US)

LASER-BASED SUPPORT STRUCTURE REMOVAL - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240300186 titled 'LASER-BASED SUPPORT STRUCTURE REMOVAL

The method described in the patent application involves the use of a computing system to analyze digital models of dental aligners, add support structures as needed, manufacture the aligners via additive manufacturing, and then remove the support structures using a laser system.

• The computing system receives digital models of dental aligners and analyzes their geometric characteristics.
• Support structures are added to the digital models based on the analysis to prepare them for manufacturing.
• The dental aligners, including those with support structures, are formed using additive manufacturing.
• A laser system is used to cut the support structures from the dental aligners.

Potential Applications: - This technology can be used in the dental industry for the efficient production of customized dental aligners. - It can streamline the manufacturing process of dental aligners, reducing production time and costs.

Problems Solved: - The method addresses the need for precise and customized dental aligners by incorporating support structures during manufacturing.

Benefits: - Improved efficiency in the production of dental aligners. - Enhanced accuracy in the customization of aligners for individual patients.

Commercial Applications: - "Innovative Method for Manufacturing Dental Aligners with Support Structures" can revolutionize the dental aligner industry by offering a more efficient and cost-effective production process.

Questions about the technology: 1. How does the use of support structures improve the manufacturing process of dental aligners? 2. What are the potential cost savings associated with this method compared to traditional manufacturing techniques?

Original Abstract Submitted

a method includes receiving, by a computing system, a plurality of digital models corresponding to a plurality of dental aligners each configured to move one or more teeth based on one or more treatment plans; analyzing, by the computing system, a geometric characteristic of the plurality of digital models; preparing, by the computing system, the plurality of digital models for manufacturing the plurality of dental aligners by adding one or more support structures to at least one digital model of the plurality of digital models based on the analysis; forming, via additive manufacturing, the plurality of dental aligners including at least one dental aligner with the one or more support structures; receiving, by a laser system, the at least one dental aligner; and cutting, by the laser system, the one or more support structures from the at least one dental aligner.