DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus, systems, and methods according to the present invention will include at least one appliance 100 removably replaceable over the teeth. Usually, appliance 100 is one of a plurality of incremental position adjustment appliances. The appliances are intended to effect incremental repositioning of individual teeth in the jaw. The appliance 100 may be used in place of any of the known positioners, retainers, or other removable appliances which are known for finishing and maintaining teeth positions in connection with orthodontic treatment. The appliances of the present invention, in contrast with prior apparatus and systems, are particularly suitable for use by a patient successively in order to achieve gradual tooth repositioning. A full description of an exemplary repositioning appliance is described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/947,080(Attomey Docket No. 18563-000110), filed Oct. 10, 1997, which is herein incorporated by reference for all purposes. A description of this exemplary dental appliance for use with the removal mechanism of the present invention is described below.

[0030] The exemplary appliance 100 includes a polymeric shell 102 having an inner cavity 120, a proximal edge 116, and a distal edge 118. Cavity 120 is shaped to receive and resiliently reposition teeth from one tooth arrangement to a successive tooth arrangement. The polymeric shell will preferably, but not necessarily, fit over all teeth present in the upper or lower jaw 114. Often, only certain one(s) of the teeth will be repositioned while others of the teeth will provide a base or anchor region for holding the repositioning appliance in place as it applies the resilient repositioning force against the tooth or teeth to be repositioned. The gums and/or the palette can also serve as an anchor region, thus allowing all or nearly all of the teeth to be repositioned simultaneously. Additionally, anchors and adhesives, which are described in more detail below, are available which may also serve as attachment points for appliance 100. What follows is a description of various embodiments for securing appliance 100 to the teeth.

[0031] As can be best understood with reference to FIGS. 2, 2A, and 2B, shell 102 is forced down over teeth T, typically by the patient biting down on the shell or by other forms of manual pressure being applied to the shell. Edges 116 and 118 are made to engage what is known as the undercut U of the teeth. Typically, this type of engagement is helpful in that it allows for specific tooth movements, such as extrusions (i.e. upward movement of the tooth).

[0032] Shell 102 is made of a material that has a predetermined modulus, also referred to as the stiffness, of the material. Generally, the modulus is a measurement of the inherent stiffness of a material determined by conducting stress and strain tests on a material specimen and plotting the results. The value of the slope of the line generated by the results is the modulus. The modulus can be predetermined to match the compliance required to reposition the teeth based on requirements set by an individual patient's repositioning needs. In one example, the shell may have a modulus in the range of between about 0.1 GPa to 4 GPa, usually 0.5 GPa to 3 GPa, preferably about 0.8 GPa to 1.5 GPa.

[0033] Often, the shell is formed from a material that has uniform properties, particularly stiffness, over the entire area. In some cases, however, it will be desirable to vary the stiffness, thickness, or other material properties of the shell at different points or segments. Also, other layers, reinforcement elements, holes, or components may be added to the shell to vary its stiffness and/or other mechanical properties.

[0034] The stiffness of the shell keeps edges 116 and 118 engaged with undercut U, which is designed to hold the appliance in place and effect tooth repositioning. The stiffness, however, prevents the shell from being easily removed from the undercut. Therefore, to reduce the effort of removing the shell from the teeth, the shell stiffness can be modified. For instance, in the example above, to reduce the 1 to 4 GPa stiffness between shell 102 and interfaces with the teeth, the stiffness of the shell may need to be temporarily reduced by at least 10%, usually at least 50%, typically by approximately 10% to 90%, more typically about 50% to 90%.

[0035] Once shell 102 is in position e.g. engaged with the undercut U of the tooth, the shell provides the desired repositioning forces to the teeth. At such time as desired, shell 102 may then be removed from the teeth. In one embodiment directed at removing the shell, shell 102 may be made of a polymeric material which can undergo a change from a first state to a second state. The state may include, for example a change in material property or a change in shape. The changes can be made to occur throughout the shell, but at least in the region of engagement with the undercut. The changes in material property or shape remove or reduce, as appropriate, the stiffness of the shell, which makes removal of the appliance substantially easier. The shell may include a single layer of material or else a plurality of polymeric materials. Each layer may undergo the property change independent of one another or simultaneously. The layer or layers may also be made of a cross-linked polymer capable of undergoing a change in shape. In this embodiment, shell 102 may be deformed, such that edges 116 and 118 of shell 102 can be made to disengage undercut U, which then allows for easy removal of appliance 100.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, in addition to the engagement with the undercut, or in some cases instead of the engagement with the undercut, an adhesive 122 (FIG. 2B) may be used to add holding strength between appliance 100 and the teeth. The adhesive may have a peel strength that may be reduced or eliminated in order to remove the shell. For example, in its initial state the adhesive should have a peel strength of no less than about 250 g/cm, however, to remove the shell, the peel strength is reduced to a value below the 250 g/cm threshold. Adhesives, with compositions that are side chain crystalizable based polymer such as polyethylacrylate-hexadecylacrylate copolymer with XAMA 2, polypentadecylacrylate with cross linker, polyoctadecylacrylate with XAMA 2, and the like, may be used for such purposes. The ability to reduce the peel strength of the adhesive, facilitates removal of the appliance. In a manner described below, the adhesive can be subjected to an environmental change (e.g. temperature) or other appropriate stimulus to reduce the peel strength. Since the peel strength can be recovered after the environmental change or stimulus is changed or removed, only one application of the adhesive to the shell may be necessary, regardless of the number of times the shell is removed from the teeth.

[0037] In another alternative embodiment, shell 102 may also be held or anchored to the teeth through an engagement between shell 102 and an attachment device such as anchor 124 (FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B). Attachment device 124 may be anchored to a distal surface (between tooth and cheek) and/or a proximal surface (between tooth and tongue) of the teeth using an adhesive or similar bonding substance. Various attachment device designs are described in more detail below. Tooth anchors used with convention wire braces are well known and described in the patent and dental literature. For use in the present invention, the anchors may have any of a variety of material properties with the objective being to point a force-transmitting interface between the appliance and the tooth when the appliance is in place. The anchors may be formed from most solid, physiologically acceptable materials, particularly metals, ceramics, and polymers. The materials may be rigid, resilient, or programmable, e.g. shape memory polymers or metal alloys. In some instances, it is also possible that the anchors would be mechanically complex, e.g. articulated, rotatable, or otherwise repositionable to facilitate mounting or removal of the appliance from the teeth.

[0038] Attachment device 124 has an engagement surface 130 that corresponds to an indentation feature 128 formed on the inner surface of cavity 120. As shell 102 is forced onto the teeth T, as described above, inner surface 126 of shell cavity 120 slidingly contacts engagement surface 130 until indentation feature 128 matches up to engagement surface 130. At that time, the indentation 128 conforms around the shape of anchor 124 with a snug fit to hold shell 102 in position. As can be appreciated from the geometric shape of anchor 124 shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, and 3B, the engagement between anchor 124 and shell 102 is a “one-way” engagement, which means shell 102 is substantially locked in position.

[0039] In this alternative embodiment, anchor 124 may be made of a polymeric material that can be made to undergo a change in material property. In particular, the combination of the strength of anchor 124, in an initial state, and the strength of shell 102, may be enough to hold shell 102 to the teeth, such that shell 102 may not be easily removed. However, as the material property of the anchor changes, the combination of strengths is reduced. When the strength is reduced below the force being applied to remove shell 102, the shell lifts-off from the teeth. Alternatively, anchor 124 may be made of a cross-linked polymer. In this alternative embodiment, anchor 124 can undergo a change in shape, which changes the geometry of the anchor such that the engagement between the anchor and the shell is weakened or else removed. Although, the entire shape of the anchor may be changed, the shape change may occur at least in the region of engagement between the anchor and the shell. The anchor may be made of a single layer or a plurality of layers each made of a polymer or cross-linked polymer as described in more detail below.

[0040] Shell 102 may also be configured with a reinforcement structure, such as a wire, a filament, a mesh, a ring, and/or a braid. The reinforcement structure may also be capable of undergoing a change in material property or else a change in shape, such that the change facilitates the removal of the appliance from the teeth. For example, appliance 100 may be fabricated with a polymeric external layer and a metal inner wire embedded in at least a portion of the appliance proximate to either the engagement with the undercut or the engagement with the anchor. The metal inner wire can be made of a memory shape metal, such as Nitinol®, Bimetal®, Memotal® or similar alloy. The wire undergoes a change in material property (and/or shape) as it is subjected to a thermal stimulus or other external stimulus. In this example, the wire changes geometry. Since the wire is embedded within the appliance, the appliance also changes shape, which reduces the shells hold on the teeth.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the changes described above may be provided through use of various polymers which undergo a glass transition at a preselected temperature, preferably a temperature above the average body temperature. What follow is a description of the various material property and shape changes undertaken by a change in glass transition temperature.

[0042] The glass transition may occur by using a plastic, such as a polymer, that has a molecular transition incorporated in the same. The polymeric material is biocompatible and is formulated so that the achieved transition can be activated upon subjecting the appliance to thermal stimuli as hereinafter explained. The molecular transitions, which are incorporated in the appliance, are typically in the form of thermotransitions, as for example, a crystalline melting point, above about 37° C., preferably between 40° C. and 55° C., of the polymer side chain, the polymer main chain, or a liquid-crystal (mesophase) transition of the polymer chain. The thermotransitions may also be accessed via a glass transition phenomenon or a local mode molecular transition. Examples 1-12 provide exemplary lists of such materials.

[0043] In one embodiment, a glass transition removal mechanism may comprise a single layer or a plurality of material layers 131 configured in shell 102, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C. The shell may include a variable number of layers 132, which may each have variable thickness and/or variable glass transition temperatures. The layers may be formed in various orientations and configurations to suit the modulus and application requirements. The shell layers will be formed by a process, such as thermoforming or similar process, and will have formed on them the desired shell cavities and indentations necessary for proper application of the repositioning forces to the teeth.

[0044] Glass Transition Polymers

EXAMPLE 1

[0045] 1

EXAMPLE 2

[0046] 2

EXAMPLE 3

[0047] 3

EXAMPLE 4

[0048] 4

EXAMPLE 5

[0049] 5

EXAMPLE 6

[0050] 6

EXAMPLE 7

[0051] 7

EXAMPLE 8

[0052] 8

EXAMPLE 9

[0053] 9

EXAMPLE 10

[0054] 10

EXAMPLE 11

[0055] 11

EXAMPLE 12

[0056] 12

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, using the materials as in Example 1 above for illustration purposes, shell 102 may include first, second, and third internal layers 132, each including 10 mils of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, having a glass transition temperature of about 50° C. Internal layers 132 are sandwiched between external layers 134, each of 5 mils of Polycarbonate material, which have a glass transition temperature of about 150° C. The Polycarbonate external layers 134 and the PVC inner layers 132, while under the glass transition temperature of both materials should have the combined modulus of all of the layers to provide the shell with the requisite modulus or strength to grab hold of and reposition the teeth. Alternatively, the inner layers may be configured with a higher transition temperature than that of the external layers. By reversing the threshold glass transition temperatures between the layers, the external layers can be made to lose stiffness while the inner layers maintain their stiffness.

[0058] In a preferred operation, a thermal stimulus is applied to shell 102. The temperature being above the glass transition temperature of inner layers 132, but below the glass transition temperature of outer layers 134. Once inner layers 132 reach their glass transition temperature, they lose stiffness, thus removing their contribution to the stiffness of shell 102. Since, shell 102 is less stiff, the appliance can be manipulated and removed from the teeth.

[0059] External layers 134 provide a structural member or superstructure that is kept from reaching its glass transition temperature so that it maintains its original shape. Thus, once appliance 100 is removed from the teeth, the above process can be reversed. To reverse the process, inner layers 132 may be brought below their glass transition temperature, which will cause inner layers 132 to return to their original high stiffness state. Appliance 100 can then be re-applied to the teeth in the manner described above and will have substantially the same stiffness, and therefore the same effectiveness, as before the initiation of the removal mechanism.

[0060] The glass transition removal mechanism may also comprise at least one layer of various different homopolymers, cross-linked homopolymers, and/or copolymer blends of thermoplastics, which have a “built-in” memory capability. The materials, a representative list shown in Examples 13-21 below, are individually selected or blended together to have a preselected glass transition temperature. As shown in FIG. 4D for illustrative purposes, the layer geometry may include a single material layer 132, which may range from about 1.0 mil to 60 mils, preferably 10-40 mils.

[0061] Glass Transition Polymers—Cross-Linked

EXAMPLE 13

[0062] 13

EXAMPLE 14

[0063] 14

EXAMPLE 15

[0064] 15

EXAMPLE 16

[0065] 16

EXAMPLE 17

[0066] 17

EXAMPLE 18

[0067] 18

EXAMPLE 19

[0068] 19

EXAMPLE 20

[0069] 20

EXAMPLE 21

[0070] 21

[0071] In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the memory removal mechanism, incorporated into shell 102 is shown in various stages of production. To form the memory removal mechanism, materials, such as those provided in Examples 13-21, may be extruded in sheets and then formed into any shape that is different, and yet approximates the general shape of the appliance.

[0072] Specifically, the cross-linked polymers may be formed into a rectangular cross-sectional form 140 or alternatively, the form may be any shape, such as a dome or a flat sheet. This form is considered the initial or first state. Form 140 may be fabricated into an appliance 142 by thermoforming or similar process, with the desired surface features necessary for proper application of repositioning forces to the teeth. Appliance 142 is then allowed to cool below its glass transition temperature, while being restrained in the desired appliance shape. Appliance 142 will maintain this shape as long as the appliance is not exposed to temperatures above the pre-set glass transition temperature.

[0073] After being secured to the teeth and upon such time when removal is desired, the single-layered shell will be subjected to a thermal stimulus which causes the material to surpass its glass transition temperature. The change in temperature causes appliance 142 to return to its original state (e.g. form 140). Since the original state of form 140 has a different shape than appliance 142, the engagement forces are reduced.

[0074] The memory removal mechanism can be made reversible. In an exemplary embodiment, form 140 may be made of a plurality of inner layers 150 sandwiched between an outer layer 152 as shown on appliance 148, illustrated in FIG. 6. The layers may have variable thickness and variable glass transition temperatures depending on the modulus requirements. The internal layers 150 may be made from a homopolymer, cross-linked homopolymer, copolymer, and/or cross-linked copolymer like those described in Examples 13-21. External layer 152 may be made of a Polycarbonate or similar material, which has a higher (or lower) glass transition temperature then the inner layers. The layers will be formed with the desired surface features and indentations necessary for proper application of the repositioning forces to the teeth.

[0075] In an exemplary operation of this embodiment, after the appliance has been applied to the teeth and upon such time as removal of the appliance is desired, a thermal stimulus is applied to shell 102. The temperature of the initiator is above the glass transition temperature of inner layers 150 but below the glass transition temperature of outer layer 152. Once inner layers 150 reach their glass transition temperature, they attempt to reconfigure to their original form, while outer layers 152 continue to maintain their original shape. The internal forces generated by the attempted reconfiguration of the inner layers, push outer layers 152 outward in the direction of arrows 154 until edges 116 and 118 reach positions 156. In moving the edges to positions 156, a reduction in the engagement forces between appliance 148 and the teeth is provided to allow for removal of the appliance.

[0076] The process may be reversed by cooling the shell below the glass transition temperature of the inner layers 150. Outer layers 152 maintain their useful shape and will continue to apply a biasing inward force in the direction of arrows 158 until the appliance returns to its original state.

[0077] In yet another embodiment of the glass transition removal mechanism, shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, at least one anchor 124 may be used to secure the appliance to the teeth. In the same manner as the appliance, anchor 124 may be made of the same polymers described above, to undergo the same types of state changes. For example, anchor 124 may comprise a plurality of layers, but at least one layer, that include the formulations of materials in the above Examples. When subjected to a thermal stimulus, anchor 124 may undergo a glass transition. Accordingly, anchor 124 may either be configured to lose strength, change shape, or both, which will facilitate removal of the shell from the anchor.

[0078] All of the embodiments described above may be used either in combination or independently, subject to the discretion of the practitioner.

[0079] In each of the above described embodiments, the glass transition temperature is described as the threshold temperature for activating the state change process of the appliance. However, alternatively, the melting point temperature may be used as the threshold temperature. An advantage to using the melting point temperature is that the change in properties from one state to another is greater, Also, the change in property occurs over a smaller temperature range.

[0080] A variety of thermal stimuli have been identified which can be used to initiate the state changes in any of the embodiments described above. For example, the heat may be supplied to the appliance by introducing a source of heat energy, preferably a liquid because of its greater heat transfer capabilities. The heated liquid causes heat to rapidly transfer to the shell 102 to raise the temperature of the shell until the temperature reaches the transition temperature of the shell, causing the shell to transition to a second state.

[0081] Similarly magnetism, electricity, and radio waves can be used as secondary sources of heat to cause the desired state changes. Such external heat can also be applied by using an infrared, microwave, or radio frequency sources as well as resistive heating.

[0082] Formulations for Ultra Violet and/or Thermally Initiated Polymerization

EXAMPLE 22

[0083] 22

EXAMPLE 23

[0084] 23

[0085] Examples 22 and 23 are glass transition materials which may be polymerized either thermally using a conventional heat source or by using Ultra Violet (UV) light. If polymerization by UV is desired then a UV initiator such as Duracure 1173 or benzoin methylether may be added in place of USP 245 or Perkadox 16N in Examples 22 and 23 above. The materials of Examples 22 and 23 may be used in the shell or in the anchor, as described above.

[0086] The removal mechanism of the present invention may also include polymers used together to provide a formulation which changes from a first state to a second state when subjected to an aqueous buffer solution having a predetermined pH ratio. Typical, material formulations as shown, for example, as Examples 24-27.

[0087] Typically, when the pH sensitive appliance is applied to the teeth, shell 102 will hydrate minimally, for example up to about 10%, when exposed to the pH level of the human mouth (normal physiological pH level). When the appliance is to be removed, the appliance may be subjected to a solution which will cause a change in the pH ratio of the mouth. Depending on the material formulation used, the change in pH causes the appliance to hydrate, for example, up to about 90% more than when at the normal pH level. When the appliance undergoes the change in hydrating states, the appliance changes dimension. For example, the linear dimension may change from about 2% to 300% when going from a lower hydration state to a higher hydration state. The swelling of the appliance removes its ability to properly engage the teeth.

[0088] Formulations for Changes by Absorption of a Liquid

EXAMPLE 24

[0089] 24

EXAMPLE 25

[0090] 25

EXAMPLE 26

[0091] 26

EXAMPLE 27

[0092] 27

[0093] Alternatively, the anchor attachment may be made from the materials, such as those listed in Examples 24-27 and may be made to undergo a hydration state change when subjected to a different pH ratio. In one embodiment, while at the normal pH level, the attachment device may swell to a size that facilitates the engagement between the appliance and the teeth. For example, the hydration of the anchor may be up to about 90%. When the attachment device is exposed to a different pH level, the attachment device will dehydrate and shrink to disengage from the appliance. The range of dimensional change depends on the attachment device material composition, but will nonetheless be sufficient to allow for removal of the appliance. As before, the change in the appliance properties and in the attachment device may take place together or independently.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 7, additional components which may be mounted on or embedded in a polymeric shell 212 include a transpalatal arch bar 226. Such palatal bars typically span the palate and are fixed at both ends to permanent devices mounted on opposing molars. This is often used to stabilize and maintain positioning after active arch expansion. In the case of an elastic repositioning appliance, the conventional arch bar 226 may be positioned in a similar location, attached at both ends to the polymeric shell covering the lingual surfaces of opposing upper molars. In addition, a low hanging transpalatal bar for control of vertical dimension may be used. Also shown in FIG. 7, one or more wires 222 may be mounted on or embedded in the polymeric shell 212. Such wires 222 may span the majority of the arch, as in the case of a conventional archwire, as shown. Or, such wires 222 may span only portions of the arch, may be present on or within the facial and/or lingual surfaces of the shell, may be multiple in number at a given location, and may be curved, straight or a combination of these, to name a few. The presence of such a wire 222 may be used most commonly for structural reinforcement but may also be used to aid in the application of orthodontic repositioning forces. Again, it may be appreciated that such components have been shown on the same appliance for illustrative purposes, however typical use may involve one or a few of such components with varying arrangements.

[0095] The removal mechanism may also respond to a state change caused by ionic strength changes, which causes water absorption in polymers subjected to different concentration of salts, including NaCl or sugar.

[0096] Typically, when the appliance is applied to the teeth, the shell will hydrate minimally, for example up to about 10%, based on the average concentration of salts in the human mouth (normal ionic strength). When the appliance is to be removed, the appliance may be subjected to a solution which will cause a change in the concentration of the salts. Depending on the material formulation used, the change in salt concentration causes the appliance to hydrate, for example, up to about 90% more than when in the normal concentration ranges. Exemplary material formulations are described in Examples 28 and 29. When the appliance undergoes the change in hydrating states, the appliance changes dimension. For example, the linear dimension may change from about 2% to 300% when going from a lower hydration state to a higher hydration state.

[0097] Formulation for Changes by Absorption of a Liquid in Different Ionic Strength Conditions

EXAMPLE 28

[0098] 28

EXAMPLE 29

[0099] 29

[0100] Alternatively, the anchor attachment may also be made from materials in Examples 28 and 29 and may undergo a hydration state change when subjected to a different concentration of salts. While in its initial state, the attachment device may swell to a size that facilitates the engagement between the appliance and the teeth. For example, the hydration of the anchor may be up to about 90%. When the attachment device is exposed to a different concentration of salts, the attachment device will dehydrate and shrink to disengage from the appliance. The range of dimensional change depends on the attachment device material composition. As before, the change in the appliance properties and in the attachment device may take place together or independently.

[0101] While the above is a complete description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. In one example, appliance 100 may be removed from the teeth when a pressure is directed down on the top surface of the teeth, either through biting down or through a direct manual application of the pressure. The pressure may force edges 116 and 118 in an outward direction, thus removing engagement between the appliance and interfaces on the teeth.

[0102] Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.