Method for forming an oral appliance
In methods for constructing orthodontic appliances constructed from multiple layers or shells, solvents can be utilized to bond the multiple layers or shells together. Such a construction technique overcomes the aforementioned issues with utilizing preformed laminates and also allows for addition of agents between the layers when the appliance is constructed.
1 . A method for forming an orthodontic appliance, the method comprising:
thermoforming a first layer to have a first concave surface shaped to fit onto teeth;
thermoforming a second layer to have a second concave surface shaped to fit onto the first layer; and
bonding the first layer to the second layer using a solvent to form a multilayer orthodontic appliance;
wherein the solvent includes one or more of a miscible or soluble therapeutic and/or one or more of a miscible or soluble wear-enhancing agent.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the solvent is a pure or diluted alcohol, acetone, ethanol, ethanol mixture, isopropyl alcohol, eugenol, reagent alcohol, n-butyl Acetate, or amyl acetate.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein one or more of a therapeutic and/or wear-enhancing agent is added to the first and second layers prior to or during bonding of the first and second layers.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first layer and/or second layer comprise polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG).
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first layer and/or second layer comprise thermoplastic urethane.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the solvent is a food grade solvent.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the solvent has a relatively low boiling point so as to evaporate completely at room temperature.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the included one or more agent includes a flavoring agent, fluoride component, pH balancing agent, anesthetic, pharmaceutical, or vitamin.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the solvent enables the included one or more agent to migrate between polymer chains of the first and second layer when the solvent plasticizes.
10 . A method for forming an orthodontic appliance, the method comprising:
thermoforming a first layer to have a first concave surface shaped to fit onto teeth;
thermoforming a second layer to have a second concave surface shaped to fit onto the first layer;
thermoforming a third layer to have a third concave surface shaped to fit onto the second layer and a convex outer surface to be exposed to an oral cavity; and
bonding the second layer to the third layer using a solvent to form a multilayer orthodontic appliance,
wherein the solvent includes one or more of a miscible or soluble therapeutic and/or one or more of a miscible or soluble wear-enhancing agent.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the solvent is a pure or diluted alcohol, acetone, ethanol, ethanol mixture, isopropyl alcohol, eugenol, reagent alcohol, n-butyl Acetate, or amyl acetate.
12 . The method of claim 10 , wherein one or more of a therapeutic and/or wear-enhancing agent is added to the second layer and third layer prior to or during bonding of the second layer and third layer.
13 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the second layer and/or third layer comprise polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG).
14 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the second layer and/or third layer comprise thermoplastic urethane.
15 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the solvent is a food grade solvent.
16 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the solvent has a relatively low boiling point so as to evaporate completely at room temperature.
17 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the included one or more agent includes a flavoring agent, fluoride component, pH balancing agent, anesthetic, pharmaceutical, or vitamin.
18 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the solvent enables the included one or more agent to migrate between polymer chains of the second layer and third layer when the solvent plasticizes.