Enhanced Aligner Placement System and Method of Use

Publication ID: 24-11857388_0006_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Aligner Placement System and Method of Use,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857388_0006_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857388_0006_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,388.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept introduces a series of direct improvements and enhancements to the original aligner placement system, focusing on precision, sanitization, and visibility. The new system and method address the limitations of the original patent, providing a more efficient, safe, and effective solution for dental care professionals.

Background and Problem Solved

The original aligner placement system and method of use, as described in the original patent, have inherent limitations. For instance, the fixed thickness of the body may lead to imprecise aligner placement, and the lack of sanitization features may compromise patient health. The present inventive concept tackles these limitations by introducing a variable thickness body, sanitization protocols, detachable and replaceable tips, real-time monitoring, and integrated dental mirrors.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced aligner placement system comprises a body with a variable thickness, allowing for improved precision in aligner placement and removal. The system also features a sanitization method, involving the application of a sterilizing agent and UV light treatment to ensure complete sanitization. Additionally, the system incorporates a detachable and replaceable tip, enabling easy cleaning and replacement to minimize germ transmission. Furthermore, the system includes a sensor integrated into the aligner placement system, providing real-time feedback on the placement and removal of the aligner through a display unit. Finally, the system integrates a dental mirror, allowing for improved visibility and precision during aligner placement and removal.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a variable thickness body, sanitization protocols, detachable and replaceable tips, real-time monitoring, and integrated dental mirrors, which are not obvious from the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement over the original system, addressing its limitations and providing a more efficient, safe, and effective solution.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the material composition of the body to enhance durability, incorporating additional sensors for more comprehensive monitoring, or integrating the system with existing dental care software. Variations could also include adapting the system for use with different types of dental aligners or expanding its application to other dental care procedures.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced aligner placement system and method of use have significant commercial potential in the dental care industry, particularly among orthodontists and dental care professionals. The system's improved precision, sanitization features, and real-time monitoring capabilities make it an attractive solution for dental care providers seeking to enhance patient outcomes and streamline their workflow.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61C7/023

Field of Art

Dental care technologies, specifically dental aligner placement systems and associated medical devices for orthodontic treatment and dental procedures

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or dental technology specialist with expertise in medical device design, knowledge of sterilization protocols, sensor integration, and ergonomic medical tool development

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the enhancements in the PTD represent predictable incremental improvements to the existing aligner placement system. The variations address known limitations in dental care tools by applying standard engineering techniques such as modular design, sensor integration, and enhanced sanitization methods. These modifications represent logical extensions of existing technology that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize dental care equipment.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Body extending from handle end with fixed thickness
PTD Variation
Body with variable thickness for improved precision
Obviousness Reasoning
Adjustable tool geometries are a known design technique for enhancing precision in medical devices, representing a predictable solution to improve placement accuracy
Source Patent Element
Basic aligner placement system without integrated monitoring
PTD Variation
Sensor integration with real-time feedback display
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding electronic monitoring to medical tools is a standard approach for improving procedural accuracy, using well-established sensor and display technologies
Source Patent Element
Static placement tool without sanitization features
PTD Variation
Detachable tip with UV sterilization protocol
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular design and advanced sterilization techniques are common in medical device engineering to reduce cross-contamination risks
Source Patent Element
Basic aligner placement system without visual aids
PTD Variation
Integrated dental mirror for improved visibility
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating visual enhancement tools is a predictable solution for improving precision in medical procedures, representing a known design optimization strategy
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857388, the variations disclosed in this publication would be considered obvious to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art. The incremental enhancements represent predictable technological improvements using standard engineering techniques, thereby rendering potential claims covering similar technical variations as anticipated and non-patentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,388
TitleAligner placement system and method of use