Method of forming an orthodontic brace

Abstract

A model of the teeth in a patient's mouth and a prescription of desired positionings of such teeth are provided by the patient's orthodontist. The contour of the teeth in the patient's mouth is determined, preferably digitally, from the model. Calculations, preferably digital, on the contour and the desired positionings of the patient's teeth are then made to determine the geometry (e.g. grooves) to be provided in brackets for receiving an arch wire to form an orthodontic brace. Such geometry is intended to provide for the disposition of the arched wire on the brackets in a progressive curvature in a horizontal plane and a substantially linear configuration in a vertical plane. The geometry of the brackets is altered (e.g. by cutting grooves in the brackets at individual positions and angles and with particular depths) in accordance with such calculations of the bracket geometry. The brackets may be disposed on the model of the patient's teeth at positions dependent upon such calculations. A mold may be formed of the model of the patient's teeth and the brackets on such teeth. The model and the mold may be shipped to the orthodontist with written instructions for the disposition of the brace on the patient's teeth. Alternatively, an information sheet may be prepared, after the calculation of the bracket geometry, to specify the placement of the brackets on the patient's teeth and the disposition of the arch wire on such brackets. The brackets and the information sheet are sent to the orthodontist.