Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DECORATIVE DENTAL OVERLAY
Background of the Invention
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a decorative dental overlay.
2. Statement of the Problem
There are many ways in which people express their individuality. People like
to adorn and decorate themselves. They buy jewelry, die their hair, paint
their
nails, etc.
A cosmetic procedure that people obtain when they have crooked or
misaligned teeth is an orthodontic procedure that realigns and repositions
individual
teeth. New developments in orthodontic technology include clear aligner
devices
that fit over existing teeth and exert aligning forces on the teeth. A series
of such
aligner devices are used to gradually move the teeth of a patient.
A retainer is a device that is used to either protect teeth or maintain
previously aligned teeth in a desired position. The retainer can be clear or
translucent.
An aligner or retainer is typically created by taking an impression of the
subject's teeth. The impression is used to cast a mold of the subject's teeth.
The
mold is then used to form the aligner or retainer. The aligner or retainer can
be
formed using conventional methods, such as thermoforming. The formed aligner
or
retainer shell fits substantially over the patient's existing teeth.
Subsequently,
inward bumps or dimples are formed in the aligner shell. The bumps or dimples
exert forces at specific points on the teeth in order to move the teeth.
Inward
bumps or dimples (i.e., projections that extend towards the teeth) can be
placed in
the aligner to exert forces at specific points on the teeth in order to move
the teeth.
As a result, the completed aligner does not fit passively over the existing
teeth, but
has to be installed with some force.
In the prior art, aligner and retainer devices are employed for mechanical
purposes. However, these devices present opportunities to provide
individualized
aesthetic capabilities.
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Summary of the Solution
A decorative dental overlay is provided according to an embodiment of the
invention. The decorative dental overlay comprises a plastic overlay portion
formed
to fit over at least a portion of a set of upper or lower teeth, with the
plastic overlay
portion comprising a series of tooth cavities that substantially fit over
existing teeth,
and at least one decorative region formed on the plastic overlay portion.
A decorative dental overlay is provided according to an embodiment of the
invention. The decorative dental overlay comprises a plastic overlay portion
formed
to fit over at least a portion of a set of upper or lower teeth, with the
plastic overlay
portion comprising a series of tooth cavities that substantially fit over
existing teeth,
and at least one attachment structure formed on the plastic overlay portion.
A decorative dental overlay is provided according to an embodiment of the
invention. The decorative dental overlay comprises a plastic overlay portion
formed
to fit over at least a portion of a set of upper or lower teeth, with the
plastic overlay
portion comprising a series of tooth cavities that substantially fit over
existing teeth,
and at least one decorative object at least partially bonded to the plastic
overlay
portion.
A decorative dental overlay decorating kit is provided according to an
embodiment of the invention. The decorative dental overlay comprises a series
of
tooth color paints adapted for being applied to a plastic overlay portion of a
decorative dental overlay, and a color guide that correlates the series of
tooth color
paints to a series of natural tooth colors.
A method of forming a decorative dental overlay is provided according to an
embodiment of the invention. The method comprises forming a plastic overlay
portion to fit over at least a portion of a set of upper or lower teeth, with
the plastic
overlay portion comprising a series of tooth cavities that substantially fit
over
existing teeth, and forming at least one decorative region on the plastic
overlay
portion.
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Aspects of the Invention
One aspect of the invention includes a decorative dental overlay, comprising:
a plastic overlay portion formed to fit over at least a portion of a set of
upper
or lower teeth, with the plastic overlay portion comprising a series of tooth
cavities
that substantially fit over existing teeth; and
at least one decorative region formed on the plastic overlay portion.
Preferably, the decorative region includes a tooth cavity that does not
receive a tooth.
Preferably, the decorative region includes a tooth cavity that receives a
tooth.
Preferably, a sealer is applied over the at least one decorative region.
Preferably, the decorative region comprises one or more painted regions.
Preferably, a painted region of the one or more painted regions comprises a
tooth color paint.
Preferably, a painted region of the one or more painted regions comprises a
non-tooth color paint.
Preferably, the decorative region comprises one or more painted regions
covered with a sealer.
Preferably, the decorative region comprises one or more painted projections
formed in the plastic overlay portion.
Preferably, the decorative region comprises at least one excised portion.
Preferably, the decorative region comprises one or more applied films.
Preferably, the decorative region comprises at least one decorative object.
Preferably, the decorative region comprises at least one decorative object at
least partially bonded to the plastic overlay portion.
Preferably, the decorative region comprises at least one attachment
structure formed on the plastic overlay portion.
Preferably, the decorative region alters one or more of a tooth shape or a
tooth size.
Another aspect of the invention comprises a decorative dental overlay,
comprising:
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a plastic overlay portion formed to fit over at least a portion of a set of
upper
or lower teeth, with the plastic overlay portion comprising a series of tooth
cavities
that substantially fit over existing teeth; and
at least one attachment structure formed on the plastic overlay portion.
Preferably, the at least one attachment structure comprises a decorative
object.
Preferably, the at least one attachment structure is at least partially bonded
to the plastic overlay portion.
Another aspect of the invention comprises a decorative dental overlay,
comprising:
a plastic overlay portion formed to fit over at least a portion of a set of
upper
or lower teeth, with the plastic overlay portion comprising a series of tooth
cavities
that substantially fit over existing teeth; and
at least one decorative object at least partially bonded to the plastic
overlay
portion.
Preferably, the decorative region includes a tooth cavity that does not
receive a tooth.
Preferably, the decorative region includes a tooth cavity that receives a
tooth.
Preferably, the decorative object comprises at least one attachment structure
formed on the plastic overlay portion.
Another aspect of the invention comprises a decorative dental overlay
decorating kit, comprising:
a series of tooth color paints adapted for being applied to a plastic overlay
portion of a decorative dental overlay; and
a color guide that correlates the series of tooth color paints to a series of
natural tooth colors.
Preferably, the decorative dental overlay kit comprises a series of non-tooth
color paints for applying to the plastic overlay portion.
Another aspect of the invention comprises a method of forming a decorative
dental overlay, the method comprising:
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forming a plastic overlay portion to fit over at least a portion of a set of
upper
or lower teeth, with the plastic overlay portion comprising a series of tooth
cavities
that substantially fit over existing teeth; and
forming at least one decorative region on the plastic overlay portion.
Preferably, the method further comprises the decorative region including a
tooth cavity that does not receive a tooth.
Preferably, the method further comprises the decorative region including a
tooth cavity that receives a tooth.
Preferably, the method further comprises applying a sealer over the at least
one decorative region.
Preferably, the method further comprises the decorative region comprising
one or more painted regions.
Preferably, the method further comprises a painted region of the one or more
painted regions comprising a tooth color paint.
Preferably, the method further comprises a painted region of the one or more
painted regions comprising a non-tooth color paint.
Preferably, the method further comprises the decorative region comprising
one or more painted regions covered with a sealer.
Preferably, the method further comprises the decorative region comprising
one or more painted projections formed in the plastic overlay portion.
Preferably, the method further comprises the decorative region comprising at
least one excised portion.
Preferably, the method further comprises the decorative region comprising
one or more applied films.
Preferably, the method further comprises the decorative region comprising at
least one decorative object.
Preferably, the method further comprises the decorative region comprising at
least one decorative object at least partially bonded to the plastic overlay
portion.
Preferably, the method further comprises the decorative region comprising at
least one attachment structure formed on the plastic overlay portion.
Preferably, the method further comprises the decorative region altering one
or more of a tooth shape or a tooth size.
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Preferably, the method further comprises the forming further comprising
thermoforming.
Description of the Drawings
The same reference number represents the same element on all drawings.
It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.
FIGS. 1-2 show a decorative dental overlay according to an embodiment of
the invention.
FIG. 3 shows decorative regions on a front side and a back side of the
plastic overlay portion.
FIG. 4 shows the decorative dental overlay wherein the decorative region
extends over only a portion of a tooth cavity.
FIG. 5 shows the decorative dental overlay wherein the decorative region
extends over multiple tooth cavities.
FIG. 6 shows the decorative dental overlay including multiple decorative
regions.
FIG. 7 shows the decorative dental overlay including at least one excised
portion according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 shows a front view of the decorative dental overlay including a
decorative object according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 shows a side view of the decorative dental overlay wherein a
projection is formed in the plastic overlay portion according to an embodiment
of
the invention.
FIG. 10 shows a side view of the decorative dental overlay wherein an
attachment structure is formed on the plastic overlay portion according to an
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11 shows the decorative dental overlay including altered tooth shapes
and and/or altered tooth sizes.
FIG. 12 shows the decorative dental overlay including an applied film
according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 13 shows the decorative dental overlay in use to fill in for a damaged
tooth.
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FIG. 14 shows a decorative dental overlay decorating kit according to an
embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
FIGS. 1-14 and the following description depict specific examples to teach
those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of the invention.
For
the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects have
been
simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations
from these
examples that fall within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art
will
appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways
to
form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is not
limited to
the specific examples described below, but only by the claims and their
equivalents.
FIGS. 1-2 show a decorative dental overlay 100 according to an embodiment
of the invention. FIG. 1 is a front (labial) view of the decorative dental
overlay 100
and FIG. 2 is a rear (lingual) view. The decorative dental overlay 100
includes a
plastic overlay portion 102 that is formed to substantially fit over at least
a portion of
a set of upper or lower teeth. As a result, very minimal force is required to
place
the plastic overlay portion 102 on the wearer's teeth. The decorative dental
overlay
100 further includes at least one decorative region 105 formed on the plastic
overlay portion 102. When the decorative dental overlay 100 is worn by a
person,
the decorative region 105 is visible on the person's teeth.
The plastic overlay portion 102 comprises a series of tooth cavities 103. The
tooth cavities 103 can fit over any number of teeth. The plastic overlay
portion 102
does not have to include all of the upper or lower teeth of the wearer. A
decorative
region 105 according to the invention can span part of a tooth cavity 103 or
can
span any number of tooth cavities 103.
The plastic overlay portion 102 can be thermoformed, for example. The
plastic overlay portion 102 can be substantially rigid or can be at least
partially
flexible. The plastic overlay portion 102 can comprise a polymer material, for
example.
The decorative region 105 can be formed to appear on the outer surfaces of
the wearer's teeth. In one embodiment, a decorative region 105 is formed on an
inside portion of one or more tooth cavities 103. Consequently, the decorative
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region 105 is protected when the decorative dental overlay 100 is being worn.
Alternatively, the decorative region 105 can be formed on an outside of the
plastic
overlay portion 102.
The decorative region 105 can be formed at a tooth cavity 103 that receives
a tooth. The decorative region 105 therefore can alter the tooth appearance,
such
as by changing a tooth color or obscuring the tooth. In some cases, the
decorative
region 105 can act as a stain or veneer and can provide a more natural or
pleasing
tooth color and appearance.
Alternatively, the decorative region 105 can be formed at a tooth cavity 103
that does not receive a tooth. In addition, the decorative region 105 can be
formed
at a tooth cavity 103 that is only partially filled by a tooth, such as an
undersized or
damaged tooth (see FIG. 13). This is referred to in the dental field as a
pontic,
where a pontic is a replacement or artificial tooth or teeth.
A pontic in the prior art is mounted on a fixed or removal dental appliance.
Pontics are used in both partial and complete dentures. However, a prior art
pontic
takes significant time to produce. A prior art pontic is expensive. A prior
art pontic
typically must be attached to adjacent teeth or fixed to an implant installed
in the
bone.
A pontic can be formed in the decorative dental overlay 100 according to the
invention. A desired tooth cavity or cavities is first formed in the plastic
overlay
portion 102, such as by adding a pontic to the mold and forming the plastic
overlay
portion 102 on the mold. The mold is made from an impression of the person's
teeth and the plastic overlay portion 102 is formed over the mold. The pontic
on
the mold creates a tooth cavity in the plastic overlay portion 102. The
created tooth
cavity is then painted.
The decorative region 105 can comprise a painted region. The painted
region can include a sealer that protects the underlying paint. The paint can
comprise natural tooth color paint. For example, the paint can mask a missing,
damaged, or discolored tooth, as previously described. In addition, the paint
can
comprise other non-tooth color paints, including decorative colors. The colors
can
include any manner of designs, symbols, characters or alphanumeric characters,
etc. The decorative region 105 can have a metallic appearance. The decorative
region 105 can comprise designs, symbols, graphics, etc.
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FIG. 3 shows decorative regions 105 and 105' on the front side and the back
side of the plastic overlay portion 102. Although only the front decorative
region
105 is necessary in most cases for an acceptable appearance, it should be
understood that alternatively both the front and back of the plastic overlay
portion
102 can include decorative regions 105 and 105'.
FIG. 4 shows the decorative dental overlay 100 wherein the decorative
region 105 extends over only a portion of a tooth cavity 103. The size and
extent of
the decorative region 105 can be varied as desired.
FIG. 5 shows the decorative dental overlay 100 wherein the decorative
region 105 extends over multiple tooth cavities 103. The decorative region 105
can
be substantially continuous, as shown, or can be discontinuous.
FIG. 6 shows the decorative dental overlay 100 including multiple decorative
regions 105. In this embodiment, the various decorative regions 105 do not
have to
be adjacent.
FIG. 7 shows the decorative dental overlay 100 including at least one
excised portion 106 according to an embodiment of the invention. The excised
portion 106 can be cut, punched, stamped, or otherwise removed from the
plastic
overlay portion 102. In some embodiments, the excised portion 106 is removed
from a decorative region 105. The confluence of an excised portion 106 and a
decorative region 105 may create a desired effect, including a heightened
visual
contrast.
FIG. 8 shows a front view of the decorative dental overlay 100 including a
decorative object 105 according to an embodiment of the invention. The
decorative
object 105 can comprise any shape, item, etc. For example, the decorative
object
105 can comprise a symbol, gem, or charm, among other things. It should be
understood that the decorative dental overlay 100 can include multiple
decorative
objects 105 as desired.
The decorative object 105 can be received and held in a projection formed in
the plastic overlay portion 102 (see the text below accompanying FIG. 9).
Alternatively, the decorative object 105 can be at least partially bonded to
the
plastic overlay portion 102. For example, where the plastic overlay portion
102 is
thermo-formed, the plastic overlay portion 102 may bond to the decorative
object
105 during the forming process. The decorative object 105 can be placed on the
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tooth mold and can be formed over by (and adhered to) the plastic overlay
portion
102 during the forming process. A sealer can be used to cover and protect the
decorative object 105.
FIG. 9 shows a side view of the decorative dental overlay 100 wherein a
projection 108 is formed in the plastic overlay portion 102 according to an
embodiment of the invention. The projection 108 extends outwardly from the
plastic overlay portion 102, as shown. The projection 108 can receive paint,
paint
and sealer, decorative objects (such as gems or charms), etc., and therefore
can
include the decorative region 105. The projection 108 can make painting the
decorative region 105 easier and more accurate. It should be understood that
the
decorative dental overlay 100 can include multiple projections 108 as desired.
FIG. 10 shows a side view of the decorative dental overlay 100 wherein an
attachment structure 112 is formed on the plastic overlay portion 102
according to
an embodiment of the invention. The attachment structure 112 extends outwardly
from the plastic overlay portion 102. The attachment structure 112 can include
an
aperture 113. Various decorative items can be affixed to the attachment
structure
112, such as charms, jewelry, etc. The attachment structure 112 can include a
locking fixture, loop, eyelet, etc., that is attached to or formed to the
plastic overlay
portion 102.
The attachment structure 112 can be formed from the material of the plastic
overlay portion 102 or can comprise an independent component that is bonded,
welded, or otherwise affixed to the plastic overlay portion 102. It should be
understood that the decorative dental overlay 100 can include multiple
attachment
structures 112 as desired.
FIG. 11 shows the decorative dental overlay 100 including altered tooth
shapes and/or altered tooth sizes. The tooth shape and/or size can be altered
by
altering a mold made from a tooth impression of the person. Material can be
added
to or removed from the mold before the mold is used to form the plastic
overlay
portion 102. The mold is altered prior to forming the overlay. As a result, a
tooth
can be altered or repaired, and the plastic overlay portion 102 plus the
decorative
region 105 provides a repaired or unblemished appearance for the wearer.
In this embodiment, a tooth cavity 103 in the plastic overlay portion 102
deviates from a normal or expected tooth shape. For example, the tooth cavity
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can be larger than a corresponding tooth of a subject. The application of the
decorative region 105 can cause the decorative dental overlay 100 to represent
a
larger tooth or a tooth of a different shape, such as where a tooth is broken,
chipped, severely worn, or otherwise damaged. Consequently, the decorative
dental overlay 100 can be used to alter a tooth shape and/or alter a tooth
size.
FIG. 12 shows the decorative dental overlay 100 including an applied film
107 according to an embodiment of the invention. The applied film 107 in this
embodiment comprises a decorative region 105. The applied film 107 can be at
least partially bonded to the plastic overlay portion 102. In some
embodiments, an
applied film 107 can be applied to the mold, wherein the applied film 107 is
subsequently bonded to the inside of the plastic overlay portion 102 when the
plastic overlay portion 102 is formed over the mold. The bonding can comprise
an
adhesive or other bonding agent, a melt or weld, an electrostatic attraction,
etc. It
should be understood that the decorative dental overlay 100 can include
multiple
applied films 107 as desired. The applied film 107 can be on the outside or
the
inside of the plastic overlay portion 102. A sealer can optionally be applied
over the
applied film 107.
The applied film 107 can comprise an applique, decal, etc. For example, the
applied film 107 can comprise a decorative film designed for use with a
toenail or
fingernail.
FIG. 13 shows the decorative dental overlay 100 in use to fill in for a
damaged tooth 110. The configuration of the tooth can be repaired by first
altering
a mold made from a tooth impression of the person. The altered mold is then
used
to form the overlay, presenting the appearance of an unblemished tooth in
place of
the damaged tooth. The damaged tooth 110 can be chipped, broken, cracked,
ground or worn off, etc. A corresponding tooth cavity 103 includes a
decorative
region 105, such as a decorative region created to match adjacent teeth of the
person. By wearing the decorative dental overlay 100, the damaged tooth 110
can
be made to look substantially normal in appearance.
FIG. 14 shows a decorative dental overlay decorating kit 120 according to an
embodiment of the invention. The decorative dental overlay decorating kit 120
can
accompany a decorative dental overlay 100, for example. The decorative dental
overlay decorating kit 120 includes a series of tooth color paints 121 adapted
for
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being applied to the plastic overlay portion 102 of the decorative dental
overlay
100. The series of tooth color paints 121 can be arranged in a carrier 125.
The
decorative dental overlay decorating kit 120 further includes a color guide
122. The
color guide 122 correlates the series of tooth color paints 121 to a series of
natural
tooth colors. Consequently, the color guide 122 can include a series of
natural
tooth color samples 123 and a corresponding series of paint identifiers 124.
The
series of paint identifiers 124 can specify a paint of the series of tooth
color paints
121 that will generate the tooth color. In addition, the series of paint
identifiers 124
can specify a combination/mix of paints that will generate the tooth color. As
a
result, the color guide 122 can be used to select a tooth color paint (or
paints) for a
particular subject.
In addition, the decorative dental overlay decorating kit 120 can include a
series of non-tooth color paints 121. Further, the kit 120 can include a
sealer 121
that can be applied over a painted region in order to seal and protect the
underlying
paint.
A method of forming a decorative dental overlay 100 according to the
invention comprises forming a plastic overlay portion 102 to fit over at least
a
portion of a set of upper or lower teeth, with the plastic overlay portion 102
comprising a series of tooth cavities 103, and forming at least one decorative
region
105 on the plastic overlay portion 102.
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