STENTS FOR PLACEMENT OF ORTHODONTIC ATTACHMENTS, AND METHODS OF PRODUCING AND USING SUCH STENTS

摘要

An orthodontic direct bonding stent facilitates ideal positioning of physicalattachments on a patient's teeth. Novel designs of direct bonding stentsinclude uniquelyconfigured windows for guiding placement of the attachments. Windows ofreduceddepth leave a majority of each attachment exposed beyond the stent for easygrip andmanipulation, and use of a reduced height wall opposite the window-equippedwall easesremoval of the stent without disruption of the adhered attachments. Use ofelastomericmaterial at the window boundaries provides an improved seal with the tool forlessadhesive splay, and inter-arch stents enable maxillary and mandibularplacement with asingle appliance. Lingual windows enable lingual placement of attachments forreducedvisibility, and reduced wall thickness between adjacent windows providesimprovedmesial access to attachments. Enlarged bypass openings accommodate previouslyplacedattachments, and bridged voids provide improved access and visibility foradhesivecleanup and accurate placement.