Bakersfield, California Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
Archform Inc. has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for its breakthrough in orthodontic appliance design. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12144703, titled ‘Tooth-positioning appliance, systems and methods of producing and using the same’, introduces a novel tooth-positioning system that combines rigid tooth-clasping elements with flexible zones, enhancing comfort and treatment precision.
Traditional clear aligners often struggle to balance rigidity for effective tooth movement with flexibility for patient comfort. ArchForm’s design addresses this by integrating less rigid, flexible arrangements connected to the tooth-clasping components. This configuration allows the appliance to securely engage teeth while adapting to individual dental anatomies, potentially reducing discomfort and improving treatment outcomes.
The patent outlines methods for producing these appliances, including generating various designs with flexible zones and incorporating voids in specific regions to tailor flexibility. This approach enables the creation of numerous appliance variations, each customized to a patient’s unique dental structure.
By innovating in the design and manufacturing of tooth-positioning appliances, ArchForm Inc. is contributing to the evolution of orthodontic treatments, offering solutions that prioritize both efficacy and patient comfort.