초록 ▼

Method and apparatus for forming tooth positioners. The apparatus includes a pair of aligned model mounts which are relatively movable toward each other, a holding member between the mounts having a cavity for a positioner blank, a heating element embedded in the holding member, and a sandwiching pr

Method and apparatus for forming tooth positioners. The apparatus includes a pair of aligned model mounts which are relatively movable toward each other, a holding member between the mounts having a cavity for a positioner blank, a heating element embedded in the holding member, and a sandwiching pressure applicator. Preferred embodiments include a carrier member with which the holding member is removably engageable. The method includes heating the holding member by applying heat internally to it and applying sandwiching pressure to the blank, preferably concurrently.

대표청구항 ▼

In apparatus for forming tooth positioners of the type including a pair of aligned opposed toothwork model mounting means relatively movable toward each other and a holding member between the mounting means having a cavity to receive a positioner blank, the improvement comprising: heating means embe

In apparatus for forming tooth positioners of the type including a pair of aligned opposed toothwork model mounting means relatively movable toward each other and a holding member between the mounting means having a cavity to receive a positioner blank, the improvement comprising: heating means embedded in the holding member; and means to apply pressure on upper and lower surfaces of a blank in the cavity through the mounting means and the toothwork models thereon to shape the blank on the upper and lower surfaces, whereby heat can be specifically applied to the blank. A method for forming tooth positioners comprising: mounting a pair of upper and lower toothwork models on aligned opposed toothwork model mounting means; loading a positioner blank into a blank-receiving cavity of a holding member; placing the loaded holding member between the upper and lower toothwork models with the blank in alignment with the models; heating the loaded holding member by applying heat internally to the holding member; and applying pressure simultaneously to upper and lower surfaces of the blank through the toothwork models.