US 12409014B2

Patent Summary: US 12,409,014 B2

Title: Systems and methods for orthodontic bracket design

Assignee: The patent was initially assigned to Lightforce Orthodontics Inc. and later records show a security interest assignment to Trinity Capital Inc.

Inventors: Alfred Charles Griffin, III; Kelsey A. Fafara

Filing Date: March 13, 2024

Issue Date: Based on the information available, the publication date is listed as September 9, 2025. This should be considered the projected issue date, as the current date is May 6, 2026.

Abstract: The patent describes a method for manufacturing customized ceramic labial/lingual orthodontic brackets using additive manufacturing. The process involves obtaining a 3D computer-assisted design (CAD) model of a patient's teeth from dentition data. A virtual 3D CAD model of a bracket is then designed based on the tooth model. This bracket model is sent to an additive manufacturing machine which produces the bracket layer-by-layer from an inorganic material such as a ceramic, a polymer-derived ceramic, or a polymer-derived metal.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

This patent appears to have one independent claim based on the provided text.

Claim 1: This claim outlines a comprehensive method for creating custom orthodontic brackets. The process begins with scanning a patient's teeth to create a 3D digital model. Based on this model, a custom bracket is designed using CAD software. The digital design is then sent to a 3D printer (additive manufacturing machine) that builds the physical bracket from a ceramic or metal-like material. The claim specifies that the digital bracket design includes features to improve its functionality and ease of use. These features include:

• A precisely angled slot for the archwire, which is designed with a slight "dovetail" shape to compensate for any shrinkage during the printing process, ensuring the final slot has parallel walls.
• A thin "fracture wall" around the base of the bracket, designed to break predictably when force is applied, making it easier and safer to remove the bracket at the end of treatment.
• A custom-contoured base that perfectly matches the shape of the individual tooth it will be bonded to, taking into account the desired tooth movement (in/out, tip, and torque).
• A "fracture groove" on the base of the bracket to create a weak point, further aiding in predictable and safe removal.
• A pattern of retentive structures on the bracket's base to enhance the bond with the dental adhesive. These structures have a specific trapezoidal cross-section that is wider at the surface facing the tooth.
• Rounded gingival corners on the bracket to avoid interfering with the gum line, allowing for more precise placement.
• The bracket can have both a horizontal slot for the main archwire and a vertical slot for additional attachments or specialized wires.

Litigation Search:

A search of the CAFC (Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit) dockets for 2026 for "12409014B2" revealed no pending or decided cases involving this patent.

Uncertainty Note: The issue date of September 9, 2025, is a future date relative to the "today's date" of May 6, 2026, provided in the prompt. This suggests the patent is scheduled to be granted on that future date. All information is based on the provided patent document text.