Align Technology, Inc.
FLEXIBLE 3D PRINTED ORTHODONTIC DEVICE WITH ATTACHMENT SUPPORTS

Abstract:

A dental attachment placement device comprises a plurality of articulated registration elements shaped for placement on a plurality of teeth, which can facilitate placement, accommodate tooth movement, and improve alignment of the registration elements with the teeth, so as to accurately position an attachment for placement. An orthodontic device may include a plurally of registration element. A plurality of first flexible arms may extend from each registration element on a lingual side. The first flexible arm may have a connected end and a distal end. The distal end may be configured to extend at least part way over the tooth and apply a lingual force to bias the registration element against the tooth. A plurality of attachment supports may each be located on a buccal side of the plurally of registration elements and include an attachment frame that is releasably coupled to an attachment.