Enhanced Dental Aligner Placement System with Improved Safety and Efficiency
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An advanced dental aligner placement system that incorporates innovative features to enhance precision, safety, and efficiency in dental care, building upon the original aligner placement system and method of use.
Background and Problem Solved
The original aligner placement system, while effective, had limitations in terms of germ introduction risk during placement or removal, and potential imprecise fits. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a variable thickness profile, detachable and disposable tips, sterilization steps, built-in alignment sensors, and calibration steps to ensure precise alignment and minimize germ introduction.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced dental aligner placement system comprises a body with a variable thickness profile, enabling a more precise fit and reducing the risk of germ introduction during placement or removal. The system also features a detachable and disposable tip, which further reduces the risk of germ introduction. Additionally, the system incorporates a built-in alignment sensor, providing real-time feedback to ensure precise placement of the dental aligner. A sterilization step is included before each use, and a calibration step is performed to ensure precise alignment. The system's components work in harmony to provide a safer, more efficient, and more precise dental care experience.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce non-obvious improvements over the original patent, including the variable thickness profile, detachable and disposable tips, sterilization steps, built-in alignment sensors, and calibration steps. These innovations provide a significant enhancement to the original system, making it more effective, efficient, and safe for dental care professionals and patients.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the enhanced dental aligner placement system could include adjustable thickness profiles, interchangeable tips with different materials or geometries, or integration with other dental care tools or software. Variations of the system could be designed for specific dental care applications, such as orthodontic or periodontal treatments.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced dental aligner placement system has significant commercial potential in the dental care industry, particularly in orthodontic and periodontal treatments. The system's improved safety, efficiency, and precision features make it an attractive solution for dental care professionals and patients. The market for dental care systems is growing, and this innovative system is well-positioned to capture a significant share of that market.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61C7/023 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Dental care technologies, specifically dental aligner placement systems and orthodontic device manipulation techniques, requiring expertise in medical device design, biomechanical engineering, and dental ergonomics
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or dental technologist with advanced training in medical device design, proficient in understanding mechanical interfaces, sterilization protocols, and precision placement techniques for dental aligners
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the disclosed variations represent incremental improvements to the existing aligner placement system, utilizing known techniques in medical device design to address inherent limitations in the original patent. The modifications represent predictable solutions using standard engineering approaches to enhance safety, precision, and usability of dental alignment tools.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,388 |
|---|---|
| Title | Aligner placement system and method of use |