Align Technology, Inc.
THERMOFORMING MULTIPLE ALIGNERS IN PARALLEL

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.