Align Technology, Inc.
ENERGY-DELIVERING ORTHODONTIC ALIGNERS

Abstract:

Orthodontic appliances, including in particular, aligners, that are configured to deliver energy (e.g., light and/or heat and/or electrical energy) to regions of a patient's dental arch to aid in an orthodontic treatment. For example, described herein are systems and methods of embedding light emitting diodes (LEDs), heating elements and/or energy emitting elements in an orthodontic device for accelerating an orthodontic treatment. Method of modifying a dental arch using an orthodontic appliance that delivers local light and/or heat and/or electrical energy are also described.