阅读说明：本技术 间接结合托盘系统 (Indirect tray system ) 是由 路易斯·舒勒 文华峰 亨利·曹 苏里亚·萨尔瓦 埃里克·吴 于 2020-03-02 设计创作，主要内容包括：公开了间接结合托盘系统,其中托盘通常可以包括一个或更多个个体模块,每个个体模块限定接纳通道并被构造成用于放置在患者的牙列上。具有一定的长度的移除凸片可以相对于个体模块横向延伸,并且枢转部分可以定位成离开移除凸片以使得移除凸片可围绕枢转部分旋转。(An indirect bonding tray system is disclosed, wherein the tray may generally include one or more individual modules, each individual module defining a receiving channel and configured for placement on a patient's dentition. A removal tab having a length may extend transversely relative to the individual modules, and the pivot portion may be positioned away from the removal tab such that the removal tab is rotatable about the pivot portion.)

1. An indirect-bond tray apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

one or more individual modules, each individual module defining a receiving channel and configured for placement on a patient's dentition;

a removal tab having a length extending transversely relative to the individual modules; and

a pivot portion positioned away from the removal tab to enable the removal tab to rotate about the pivot portion.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more individual modules constitute a plurality of modules formed into an arch configured for placement on the dentition.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of modules is coupled to an adjacent module via a coupling member.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of modules is removably removable from an adjacent module.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a stiffening tab extending parallel to the individual modules.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the pivot portion comprises a fracture joint configured to yield or bend.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the pivot portion is located proximate where the occlusal plane and the buccal plane of the indirect-bond tray device meet.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the pivot portion is positioned along a buccal plane adjacent the receiving channel.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the pivot portion defines a recessed portion adjacent the receiving channel.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the individual modules define an access lumen in communication with the receiving channel.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising an orthodontic bracket positionable within the receiving channel.

12. A method of removing an indirectly bonded tray device from a patient's dentition, the method comprising:

engaging a removal tab having a length extending laterally relative to an individual module and extending inward of an arch of the dentition;

pushing the removal tab to rotate about a pivot portion, the pivot portion positioned away from the removal tab; and

the receiving channels of the individual modules are pushed to rise away in a normal direction away from the buccal surface of the tooth.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein pushing the removal tab comprises lifting a reinforcement tab in a direction away from the dentition.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein pushing the removal tab comprises bending or breaking the pivot portion.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein pushing the receiving channel comprises releasing a bracket from within the receiving channel.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising fracturing or releasing the individual modules from adjacent modules.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising inserting a cleaning tool within a recess defined adjacent to the receiving channel.

18. An indirect-bond tray apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a first component defining a receiving channel and configured for placement on a first surface of a patient's tooth, wherein the first component further defines a receiving slot;

a second component having a mating groove extending transversely relative to the reinforcement tab, the mating groove configured for placement on a second surface of the tooth, wherein the mating groove is slidably positioned within the receiving slot.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the first component further comprises a removal tab extending parallel to the reinforcement tab.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein the first and second components are removably securable relative to one another.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to methods and devices for orthodontics. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and devices for positioning orthodontic brackets on teeth using indirectly bonded trays and facilitating tray removal in orthodontic treatment.

Background

Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry and is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (maloclusions) that may result from irregular teeth, disproportionate facial skeletal relationships, or both. Orthodontics treat malocclusions through displacement of teeth via bone reconstruction and control and modification of facial growth.

Typical treatments often involve the placement and positioning of a mouthpiece over a patient's teeth in order to apply static mechanical forces to cause bone remodeling to enable the teeth to move. The braces utilize orthodontic brackets (orthodontic brackets) attached to each tooth and an archwire interface (arch interface) that interfaces with each bracket. As the teeth respond to the pressure applied via the archwire by shifting the position of the teeth, the archwire is again tightened to apply additional pressure. Each bracket is typically aligned with a pre-planned position on each tooth to ensure that tightening of the archwire will result in the desired tooth movement. While brackets may be manually positioned and secured to each respective tooth, this is a time consuming process.

Orthodontists and other operators may utilize flexible orthodontic appliances, known as indirect bonding trays, that enable the operator to load the entire arch of brackets into the tray and then quickly transfer the brackets to their intended location on the dentition. These trays can be generated by using a positive model of the patient's dentition, which can be created by an orthodontic 3D scan. Thus, the tray can be customized to each particular patient's dentition. These trays may also be transparent to allow the operator to use curing light to bond the brackets throughout the arch at the same time.

However, many of these indirect bonded tray systems also have drawbacks. For example, some trays do not produce sufficient resolution to provide accurate placement of brackets on the teeth. Many trays do not provide enough space to clear excess adhesive used to secure the brackets to the tooth surface. In addition, many trays can cause the bond between the bracket and the tooth surface to fail when attempting to remove the tray from the dentition. These binding failures can be exacerbated by the presence of protrusions, such as integral hooks (such as integral ball hooks) or hooks for lashing that extend from the bracket away from the archwire slot, which can make tray removal difficult.

Accordingly, there is a need for an efficient and effective indirect bonding tray that facilitates placement of orthodontic brackets.

Summary of The Invention

An indirect bonding (IDB) tray may be used to place orthodontic brackets in a controlled manner to minimize the risk of bracket placement errors and to facilitate the bonding process. The IDB tray described herein may also be used with any number of other tooth planning treatment systems, such as those produced by Align Technologies, inc. (San Jose, CA).

One variation of an IDB tray may have a number of individual modules (individual modules) connected in series to any number of adjacent modules to form a partial or complete arch depending on the number of teeth to which the bracket is to be bonded. Each module may define a receiving channel within which the brackets may be placed prior to attachment to the tooth surface, and the modules 12 may be attached to each other via one or more coupling members 18, which may be preformed to easily break upon application of force.

Because individual modules may be formed for each crown that mate with the corresponding tooth using, for example, the buccal, lingual, and/or occlusal side surfaces, any number of individual modules may be removed from the IDB tray depending on the number of brackets to be applied. Thus, a single IDB tray may be broken apart via the coupling members, for example on different portions of the patient's dentition, leaving at least one individual module for use, or one or more individual modules that may or may not be attached to each other for use.

The individual modules are coupled to each other along the engagement side surface of the IDB tray via corresponding coupling members. If the operator desires to incorporate fewer crowns, or if the crowns have moved since the patient's last visit, the coupling members may be cut or broken by hand to allow the modular crowns to be incorporated individually, as part of a subset, or as a full set of brackets. Thus, the coupling member may be formed with a relatively low thickness, such as 0.002 inches, or the coupling member may be pre-formed with a weakened cross-section having recesses, notches, or the like.

Each of the individual modules may include a corresponding reinforcing tab that extends in juxtaposition with each module and functions as a clamping or fixed stop to hold the individual module in place on the patient's tooth or teeth. The strengthening tabs may extend, for example, parallel to the individual modules, such that when a bracketed module is positioned on the buccal surface of a tooth, the strengthening tabs may extend at least part of the length or the entire length on the lingual surface of the same tooth to hold the module in place on the buccal surface.

Further, each of the individual modules may further include a corresponding removal tab that may extend from the individual module and the strengthening tab away from the buccal surface and parallel to the occlusal side surface of the tooth or teeth such that the removal tab is positioned laterally relative to the module, such as along the buccal axis of the crown. Each module may include removal tabs, but the length of the tabs may vary for one or more modules, or the length of the tabs may be consistent between each module. In either case, the tab may be of sufficient length for a user to grasp or hold, either manually or via a grasping tool such as forceps.

The space of the individual modules may be selected according to the crown to be combined. For example, the modules may be formed to be relatively wide and long for placement on molar and premolar crowns. Modules designed for placement over incisors and bicuspids may be formed to have a relatively narrow width and a short length. The IDB tray may be formed such that each of the individual modules is formed to a common height (z-height) near its respective bite side surface for easy and quick 3D printing.

Brackets to be bonded to the tooth surfaces may be placed within their respective receiving channels with the bonding surfaces of the brackets positioned to lie along the buccal side of one or more teeth. In other variations, different geometries may be employed, with individual modules positioned along the lingual side of the dentition such that corresponding receiving channels are positioned on the lingual side to allow lingual bracket placement.

The IDB tray may be formed of a clear polymer material that may allow, for example, ultraviolet light to shine through the module after the IDB tray and corresponding brackets are in place on the patient's dentition. This may allow the bonding agent to be cured through the IDB tray to ensure that the brackets remain in their relative positions on the surface.

Although the IDB tray may be formed as a full arch that extends over the entire teeth of the patient, one or more individual modules may be utilized by breaking the coupling members that correspond to one or both sides of one or more individual modules. The occlusal side of the IDB tray is visible on the dentition such that the occlusal side of the IDB tray is positioned directly above the occlusal side surface of the teeth. Further, the bite side surface of the IDB tray may have a flat surface between each of the individual modules for printing or forming purposes. However, the IDB tray may be formed to have surfaces with alternative geometries, as desired.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the removal tab of each individual module extends away from the respective buccal surface of each individual module and towards the interior of the dental arch. The removal tabs may extend parallel to the occlusal side plane and transversely to the individual modules towards the interior of the dental arch. The respective strengthening tabs may also extend parallel to the individual modules such that the respective strengthening tabs may extend at least partially along the lingual surface of each respective one or more teeth. The reinforcement tabs may exchange positions with the modules such that the modules are positioned in contact against the lingual surface and the reinforcement tabs are positioned in contact against the buccal surface.

The individual modules may be formed with break joints (break joints) located in the region where the occlusal side surfaces of the modules meet the buccal portions of the modules. The fracture joints may be formed, for example, by preformed grooves, notches or cuts, which may vary depending on the length of the bite extrusion. A boolean subtraction (boolean subtraction) may be performed using the patient's crown as the cutting body to create a buccal, occlusal, and lingual matching surfaces for each cell. As described in further detail herein, these fracture joints may be formed to be easily breakable or easily bendable to facilitate removal of the IDB tray or individual module from the dentition after bracket bonding to the underlying tooth surface.

The bracket may be positioned within a receiving channel bonded to the underlying buccal surface. The fracture joint may be formed as a weakened portion where the occlusal and buccal planes of the module meet, and the removal tab can be seen to extend away from the buccal surface and inwardly toward the dental arch. After the brackets are fully bonded and the module is ready to be removed from the dentition, the removal tab may be pushed or lifted in a direction away from the occlusal side surface of the underlying tooth and rotated in the direction shown such that the removal tab rotates about a fracture joint that may serve as a pivot point (pivot).

When the removal tab is lifted further and rotated about the fracture joint, the fracture joint may begin to yield or partially fracture so that the module may be lifted away in a normal direction away from the buccal surface. Lifting or removing the module in a normal direction away from the bracket prevents the module from pushing on the bracket or catching any part of the bracket (such as any integral hook that may protrude away from the bracket). This may prevent displacement of the brackets on the bonding surface and may also prevent damage to any part of the brackets during removal of the module from the dentition.

Yet another variation of the individual modules may be formed with a recess defined along the pivot portion formed where the occlusal and buccal planes of the modules meet. Here, the recessed portion may allow access to the space near the bracket joint. The recess may also provide a relatively thin pivot portion that may be capable of bending or breaking the pivot portion when the removal tab is lifted to remove the module from the dentition and the adhered bracket. Removal of individual modules or IDB trays may be performed in the same or similar manner as described herein.

In addition to providing a pivot portion for removal, the recessed portion may also provide access to the tooth surface near the bracket. When the brackets are adhered to a surface, excess adhesive may leave the bonded brackets and spread over the entire surface. This excess cement is often spread between the tooth surface and portions of the module. However, when the IDB module is positioned on the dentition after the brackets are adhered to their respective surfaces, the recessed portion may allow the distal tip of a cleaning tool to be inserted into the portion for cleaning any excess adhesive

In one embodiment of an indirect tray device, the device may generally include one or more individual modules, each module defining a receiving channel and configured for placement on a patient's dentition. A removal tab having a length may extend transversely relative to the individual modules, and the pivot portion may be positioned away from the removal tab such that the removal tab is rotatable about the pivot portion.

In one embodiment of a method of removing an indirectly bonded tray device from a patient's dentition, the method may generally include engaging a removal tab having a length extending laterally relative to the individual module and extending inward of an arch of the dentition, thereby urging the removal tab to rotate about a pivot portion located away from the removal tab and urging a receiving channel of the individual module to lift away in a normal direction away from a buccal surface of the tooth.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1A and 1B show bottom and perspective views of a variation of an IDB tray formed in a full arch configuration.

Fig. 2A and 2B show bottom and perspective views of the variation of fig. 1A and 1B with brackets positioned in separate receiving channels of the brackets for bonding to respective tooth surfaces.

Fig. 3A and 3B show perspective and top views of another variation of an IDB tray positioned over a patient's dentition.

Fig. 3C, 3D and 3E show side, back and cross-sectional side views, respectively, of an IDB tray placed over a dentition.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of another variation of an IDB tray with fracture joints formed along the tray to facilitate removal from the dentition.

Fig. 5A and 5B show cross-sectional side views of an example, illustrating: one or more modules or the entire IDB tray may be removed from the patient's dentition without causing bracket bonding failure or bracket damage.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of yet another variation, where individual modules may be formed with recesses.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a cleaning tool that can be used to access the recessed portion for cleaning excess adhesive.

Fig. 8A-8B show perspective and bottom views of yet another variation, in which the IDB tray may include break joints along individual modules.

Fig. 8C shows a cross-sectional side view of the IDB tray variation shown in fig. 8A and 8B.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of an IDB tray variation having two separate components that can be mated with each other.

Fig. 10A and 10B show perspective views in which the presentation parts may be fixed to each other.

Fig. 11A and 11B show perspective and top views demonstrating that the second component can be placed on the lingual surface of the teeth and the first component can be aligned for engagement.

Fig. 12A and 12B show perspective and top views representing the advancement of the second component toward the first component for engagement.

Fig. 13A and 13B show perspective and top views showing the engagement of the second component to the first component.

Detailed description of the invention

An indirect bonding (IDB) tray may be used to place orthodontic brackets in a controlled manner to minimize the risk of bracket placement errors and to facilitate the bonding process. The IDB tray may be formed by any number of manufacturing processes (e.g., 3D printing, thermoforming, etc.) and the tray may be designed using automated design software and forming processes, such as those developed by uLab Systems, Inc. (Redwood City, CA) and further described in the following U.S. patent publications: 2017/0100207, respectively; 2017/0100208, respectively; 2017/0100209, respectively; 2017/0100210, respectively; 2017/0100211, respectively; 2018/0078347, respectively; 2018/0078343, respectively; 2018/0078344, respectively; 2018/0078335, respectively; 2017/0100214, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The IDB tray described herein may also be used with any number of other tooth planning treatment systems, such as those produced by Align Technologies, inc. (San Jose, CA).

A variation of an IDB tray is shown in the bottom and perspective views of fig. 1A and 1B, with fig. 1A and 1B illustrating an IDB tray 10 having a number of individual modules 12. The individual modules 12 may be connected in series to any number of adjacent modules to form a partial or complete arch depending on the number of teeth to which the bracket is to be bonded. Each of the modules 12 may define a receiving channel 16 within which a bracket may be placed prior to attachment to a tooth surface, and the modules 12 may be attached to each other via one or more coupling members 18, which coupling members 18 may be preformed to easily break upon application of a force.

Because individual modules 12 may be formed for each crown, the individual modules 12 being matched to the corresponding tooth using, for example, a facial side surface, a lingual side surface, and/or an occlusal side surface, any number of individual modules 12 may be removed from the IDB tray 10 depending on the number of brackets to be applied. Thus, a single IDB tray 10 may be disconnected via coupling members 18, for example, on different portions of a patient's dentition, leaving at least one individual module 12 for use, or leaving one or more individual modules 12 for use that may or may not be attached to each other.

The individual modules 12 are coupled to each other along the engagement side surface of the IDB tray 10 via corresponding coupling members 18. If the operator desires to bond fewer crowns, or if the crowns have moved since the patient's last visit, the coupling member 18 may be cut or manually disconnected to allow the modular crowns to be bonded individually, in a portion of a subset of the brackets, or in a full set of brackets. Thus, the coupling member 18 may be formed to have a relatively low thickness, such as 0.002 inches, or the coupling member 18 may be pre-formed with a weakened cross-section having recesses, notches, or the like.

Each of the individual modules 12 may include a corresponding reinforcing tab 22, with the reinforcing tab 22 extending in juxtaposition with each module 12 and acting as a clamping or fixed stop to hold the individual module 12 in place on the patient's tooth or teeth. The strengthening tabs 22 may extend, for example, parallel to the individual modules 12, such that when the bracketed module 12 is positioned on the buccal surface of a tooth, the strengthening tabs 22 may extend at least part of the length or the entire length on the lingual surface of the same tooth to hold the module 12 in place on the buccal surface.

Further, each of the individual modules 12 may also include a corresponding removal tab 14, which removal tab 14 may extend from the individual module 12 and the strengthening tab 22 away from the buccal surface and parallel to the occlusal side surface of the tooth or teeth such that the removal tab 14 is positioned laterally relative to the module 12, such as along the buccal axis LB of the crown (e.g., as shown in fig. 5A below). Each of the modules 12 may include a removal tab 14, but the length of the tab 14 may vary for one or more modules 12, or the length of the tab 14 may be consistent between each module 12. In either case, the tab 14 may have a length, for example, of 3 mm to 4 mm, sufficient for a user to grasp or hold it manually or via a grasping tool such as forceps.

The space (blank) of the individual modules 12 may be selected according to the crown to be incorporated. Also, the individual modules 12 may vary in size depending on the location of the module on the dentition. The module 12 located behind for placement on, for example, the posterior molars may be different in size from the module 12 located in front of it for placement on, for example, the incisors. For example, the rear module 12 for placement on molars may be formed to be relatively wide and long, such as 15 to 20 millimeters in length and 5 to 8 millimeters in width, for placement on molar and premolar crowns. The modules 12 designed for placement on incisors and bicuspids may be formed to have a width and length, for example, a length of 10 mm to 15 mm and a width of 3 mm to 7 mm. The IDB tray 10 may be formed such that each of the individual modules 12 is formed to a common height (z-height) near its respective bite side surface for easy and quick 3D printing.

As shown in the bottom and perspective views of fig. 2A and 2B, brackets 20 to be bonded to tooth surfaces may be placed within their respective receiving channels 16 with the bonding surfaces of the brackets 20 positioned to lie along the buccal side of one or more teeth. In other variations, different geometries may be employed, with the individual modules 12 positioned along the lingual side of the dentition such that the corresponding receiving channels 16 are positioned on the lingual side to allow lingual side socket placement.

As further shown, the IDB tray 10 may be formed of a transparent polymeric material that may allow, for example, ultraviolet light to shine through the module 12 after the IDB tray 10 and corresponding brackets 20 are in place on the patient's dentition. This may allow the bonding agent to be cured through the IDB tray 10 to ensure that the brackets 20 are maintained in their relative positions on the surface.

Fig. 3A and 3B show an example of an IDB tray 10 that may be positioned on a patient's dentition D for placement and fixation of brackets 20. Although the IDB tray 10 is illustrated as having a full arch extending over all of the patient's teeth T, one or more individual modules 12 may be utilized by breaking the coupling members 18 corresponding to one or both sides of one or more individual modules 12, as described herein. It can be seen that the occlusal side of the IDB tray 10 is located on the dentition T such that the occlusal side of the IDB tray 10 is positioned directly above the occlusal side surface of the tooth T. Further, the bite side surface of the IDB tray 10 is shown as having a flat surface between each of the individual modules 12 for printing or forming purposes. However, the IDB tray 10 may be formed to have surfaces with alternative geometries, as desired.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the removal tab 14 of each individual module 12 extends away from the respective buccal surface of each individual module 12 and towards the interior of the dental arch. Fig. 3C, 3D, and 3E show side, back, and cross-sectional side views, respectively, of IDB tray 10 placed on dentition D. Fig. 3D and 3E particularly illustrate that the removal tabs 14 may extend parallel to the occlusal plane and transverse to the individual modules 12 towards the interior of the dental arch. It can also be seen that the respective reinforcement tabs 22 extend parallel to the individual modules 12 such that the respective reinforcement tabs 22 may extend at least partially along the lingual surface of each respective one or more teeth. As described herein, the reinforcement tab 22 may be swapped positions with the module 12 such that the module 12 is positioned in contact against the lingual surface and the reinforcement tab 22 is positioned in contact against the buccal surface.

Further, one or more of the modules 12 may be formed with a reduced profile by removing excess material or forming modules 12 with a reduced profile between adjacent modules 12, particularly around the corners of the modules 12 near the gums when they are positioned on the dentition. In one example, as shown throughout fig. 3A-3E, one or more of the modules 12 may be formed with recesses or rounded portions 24 on either side of the module 12 such that a distal portion of the module 12 is narrowed relative to the remainder of the module cross-section. These recesses or rounded portions 24 may provide additional space between the modules for access to the underlying surface of the respective crowns for cleaning debris or excess adhesive after application of the brackets.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of another variation of an IDB tray 30 that illustrates individual modules 12, removal tabs 14, and receiving channels 16, but this embodiment may be formed with fracture joints 32 in the region where the occlusal side surfaces of the modules 12 meet the cheeks of the modules 12. Fracture joint 32 may include a pivot or curved portion that may be formed by, for example, pre-formed grooves, notches, or cuts that may vary depending on the length of the bite extrusion. The boolean subtraction may be performed using the patient's crown as the cutting body to create a facial side matching surface, an occlusal side matching surface, and a lingual side matching surface for each unit. As described in further detail herein, these fracture joints 32 may be formed to be easily breakable or easily bendable to facilitate removal of the IDB tray or individual module from the dentition after the bracket 20 is bonded to the underlying tooth surface.

Fig. 5A and 5B show cross-sectional side views of one example illustrating that one or more modules 12 or the entire IDB tray 10 may be removed from a patient's dentition without causing bonding failure of the brackets 20 or damage to the brackets 20 themselves. As shown in fig. 5A, the bracket 20 may be shown positioned within the receiving channel 16 bonded to the underlying buccal surface. The fracture joint 40 is a weakened portion at the location where the occlusal plane OP meets the buccal plane BP of the module 12, and it can be seen that the removal tab 14 extends away from the buccal plane BP and the buccal surface BS of the tooth T, and inwardly towards the dental arch. After the brackets 20 are sufficiently bonded and the module 12 is ready to be removed from the dentition, the removal tab 14 may be pushed or lifted in a direction away from the occlusal side surface OS of the underlying tooth T and rotated in the direction shown such that the removal tab 14 rotates about the fracture joint 40, which may serve as a pivot point. As described herein, fracture joint 40 may include a weakened portion having a relatively thinned portion, or fracture joint 40 may define one or more grooves, notches, cuts, etc., which facilitate bending, yielding, pivoting, etc., of fracture joint 40.

As the removal tab 14 is further lifted and rotated about the fracture joint 40, the fracture joint 40 may begin to yield or partially fracture such that the module 12 may be lifted away in a normal direction N away from the buccal surface, as shown in fig. 5B. Lifting or removing the module 12 in the normal direction N away from the bracket 16 prevents the module 12 from pushing on the bracket 20 or jamming any part of the bracket 20 (such as any integral hook that may protrude away from the bracket). This may prevent displacement of the bracket 20 on the bonding surface, and may also prevent damage to any portion of the bracket 20 during removal of the module from the dentition.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of yet another variation, wherein the individual modules 12 may be formed with recesses 50 defined along pivot portions 52, the pivot portions 52 being formed where the occlusal plane OP meets the buccal plane BP of the module 12. Here, the recessed portion 50 may allow access to the space near the junction of the brackets 20. The recessed portion 50 may also provide a relatively thinned pivot portion 52, the recessed portion 50 may be capable of bending or breaking the pivot portion 52 when the removal tab 14 is lifted to remove the module 12 from the dentition and the adhered bracket 20. Removal of individual modules 12 or IDB trays may be performed in the same or similar manner as described herein.

In addition to providing a pivot portion for removal, the recessed portion 50 may also provide access to the tooth surface near the bracket 20. When the brackets 20 are adhered to a surface, excess adhesive may be spread out over the entire surface away from the bonded brackets 20. This excess adhesive is often spread between the tooth surface and portions of the module 12. However, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 7, when the IDB tray is positioned on the dentition after the brackets are adhered to their respective surfaces, the recessed portion 50 may allow the distal tip 62 of the cleaning tool 60 to be inserted into the portion 50 for cleaning any excess adhesive.

Fig. 8A and 8B show perspective and bottom views of yet another variation of the IDB tray 70. In this embodiment, the individual modules 12 may have a reduced amount of material usage such that the individual modules 12 have relatively more space between adjacent modules 12 and any crowding between modules is reduced. In addition, each of the modules 12 may have a fracture joint 72 located along the buccal plane BP and near the receiving channel 16. The occlusal side of the receiving channel 16 may also open to the occlusal side plane OP by accessing the cavity 74.

Also shown are recesses or rounded portions 76 on each of the individual modules 12 or at least one or more of the modules 12, the recesses or rounded portions 76 providing increased space between adjacent modules 12 for debris removal or any excess adhesive removal as described herein. While the recess or rounded portion 76 is shown near the distal portion of the module 12 closest to the gums when used on the dentition, the recess or rounded portion 76 may also be formed near the occlusal side surface of the dentition along the proximal portion of the module 12 when used.

FIG. 8C shows a cross-sectional side view of the module 12 illustrating that the fracture joint 72 may be aligned with the position of the bracket 20 along the buccal plane BP. The receiving channel 16 may also illustrate: the channel 16 adjacent to the location of the gum can remain closed while the occlusal side can be removed so that the channel 16 forms an access cavity 74, which access cavity 74 opens to the environment through the occlusal side plane OP. The access cavity 74 may provide an access opening for removing any debris or clearing any excess bonding agent using, for example, the cleaning tool 60, and the cleaning tool 60 may be introduced into the access cavity 74 for insertion into the receiving channel 16. In addition, the access cavity 74 may also serve to direct the curing light into the parting line between the bracket 20 and the underlying crown without obstruction, thus allowing a stronger bond to form than if the curing light penetrated the resin material of the IDB tray. In addition, the access cavity 74 may also provide visual feedback of the fit between the bracket and the crown.

In yet another variation, fig. 9 shows a perspective view of an IDB tray 80 having two separate components rather than a single continuous 3D printed tray comprising individual modules. The first part 82 may include a bracket receiving module 92, the bracket receiving module 92 being configured for placement against either a facial or lingual crown surface and having a receiving slot 86 for sliding mating with the second part 84, the second part 84 may generally include an occlusal-facial-lingual (OBL) mating tray having a mating recess 88, the mating recess 88 may be correspondingly inserted into the receiving slot 86 to form a crown receiving passage 90. The second component 84 may also include reinforcing tabs 96 extending transversely relative to the mating groove 88 such that when the first and second components 82, 84 are secured to one another, the reinforcing tabs 96 are in juxtaposed alignment with the receiving module 92.

The first component 82 may be, for example, 3D printed and may further include a removal tab 94, the removal tab 94 may extend away from the receiving module 92 parallel to a reinforcement tab 96 of the second component 84, the second component 84 may also be, for example, 3D printed. The OBL tray of the second component may be printed to be relatively soft (e.g., relatively low durometer) compared to the first component 82, and the first component 82 may be injection molded to improve accuracy. Each of the first components 82 may be mass produced for each crown, according to the most common geometry of a patient's crowns.

As shown in the perspective assembly views of fig. 10A and 10B, the mating groove 88 of the second component 84 can extend laterally away from the reinforcement tab 96 and can be aligned with the receiving slot 86 for sliding mating with one another. When the mating groove 88 is inserted into the receiving slot 86, the first component 82 and/or the second component 84 may be pushed toward each other, as indicated by arrows 98, until a mating surface 100 defined along the first component 82 contacts a mating shoulder 102 defined along the second component 84, as shown. After being slid in all, the first and second components 82, 84 may be snap-engaged via, for example, a detent mechanism or other locking mechanism.

The geometry of the first and second parts 82, 84 and the manner in which the first and second parts 82, 84 mate are designed to allow the bracket receiving module 92 to move perpendicular to the facial crown face for bonding. This eliminates occlusal-gingival smearing of the bonding agent because the module is snapped vertically instead of the first and second parts 82, 84 sliding together over the large face of the crown. Because the parts 82, 84 are applied and removed perpendicularly with respect to the crown surface and the surface of the adhered bracket, the parts 82, 84 are prevented from making excessive contact with the bracket, particularly during removal of the tray from the dentition. Minimizing contact between the parts 82, 84 and the bracket also prevents damage to the bracket and also ensures that the bracket is not inadvertently moved after being secured to the crown surface and also prevents the application of bonding agents. Further, the distance between the parts may vary depending on the desired amount of compressive force exerted on the crown, where the increased amount of force may result in more precise placement of the bracket and less movement after placement.

Fig. 11A and 11B illustrate perspective and top views showing that the second component 84 can be placed on the lingual surface of the tooth T and the first component 82 can be aligned for engagement. As shown, the receiving channel 92 with bracket may be positioned facing the buccal surface, and the mating recess 88 may be aligned with the receiving slot 86. Fig. 12A and 12B show: the first component 82 may be advanced toward the second component 84 and the facial crown surface as the mating groove 88 slides within the receiving slot 86.

As shown in fig. 13A and 13B, when the first component 82 is fully advanced into contact against the crown surface, the mating recess 88 may lock with the receiving slot 86 to maintain the position of the components 82, 84 relative to each other and relative to the crown. In one variation, the components 82, 84 may be snapped into two stages of engagement, where a first stage of engagement may occur with an initial amount of clearance between the crown and bracket, and a second stage of engagement occurs with full engagement and normal force between the crown and bracket. After the bracket received within the receiving channel 92 has been sufficiently bonded to the underlying surface of the crown, the first part 82 may be grasped (e.g., via removal of the tab 94 or by grasping the side of the part 82) and pulled away from the second part 84 such that the first part 82 slides along the mating recess 88 while being pulled directly away from the crown and the adhered bracket in the normal direction without interference with the bracket. The second component 84 can then also be removed from the tooth.

While the first and second components 82, 84 may be formed as one individual module, multiple modules of the second component 84 may be attached to one another for placement on one or more teeth as described above. The individual first components 82 may be individually attached to the corresponding second components 84 as needed or desired.

The applications of the apparatus and methods discussed above are not limited to the described applications, but may include any number of further therapeutic applications. Modifications of the above-described assemblies and methods for carrying out the invention, combinations between different variations that may be practiced, and variations of aspects of the invention that are obvious to those of skill in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.