System and method for releasing tooth positioning appliances

摘要

An improved dental appliance system (100), and methods for using, fabricating the improved appliance (100) are disclosed. The appliance (100) includes a polymeric overlay or shell (102) having a teeth-receiving cavity (120) formed therein. The dental appliance (100) has the necessary stiffness or strength to firmly secure the appliance (100) on the teeth and provide controlled forces required for repositioning the teeth, until such time as removal of the appliance (100) is desired. The appliance (100) may be configured for use with a removal mechanism which provides for selective release of the appliance (100) from the teeth as the removal mechanism undergoes a state change stimulated by an environmental stimulus or environmental switch.