Orthodontic aligner removal tool

Abstract

An orthodontic aligner removal tool and kit. An embodiment of the tool includes a shaft including a proximate end and a distal end. A C-shaped portion is positioned at the proximate end of the shaft. The C-shaped portion includes a top hook and a bottom hook. The top hook extends from the shaft and curves toward the bottom hook. The bottom hook extends from the shaft and curves toward the top hook. A handle portion is positioned at the distal end of the shaft.

1 . An orthodontic aligner removal tool comprising:
 a shaft including a proximate end and a distal end;   a C-shaped portion at the proximate end of the shaft, the C-shaped portion including a top hook and a bottom hook, the top hook extends from the shaft and curves toward the bottom hook, the bottom hook extends from the shaft and curves toward the top hook, the top hook and bottom hook configured to engage between the orthodontic aligner and teeth when the orthodontic aligner is worn over the teeth; and   a handle portion at the distal end of the shaft; and   wherein the top hook the bottom hook point away from the shaft.   
     
     
         2 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the top hook and the bottom hook are spaced at least 5 mm from each other along the shaft axis. 
     
     
         3 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the top hook extends from the shaft at a greater distance than the bottom hook extends from the shaft. 
     
     
         4 . The tool of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the top hook includes a top V-shaped tip end;   wherein the bottom hook includes a bottom V-shaped tip end; and   wherein the top and bottom V-shaped tip ends are configured to engage between the orthodontic aligner and the teeth when the orthodontic aligner is worn over the teeth.   
     
     
         5 . The tool of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the top hook meets the proximate end of the shaft at an angle less than 90 degrees; and   wherein the bottom hook meets the proximate end of the shaft at an angle less than 90 degrees.   
     
     
         6 . The tool of  claim 1 , where at least some of the handle portion is curved away from the C-shaped portion. 
     
     
         7 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the handle portion includes a tapered end opposite the C-shaped portion. 
     
     
         8 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the handle portion includes a surface treatment to aid in gripping the handle portion. 
     
     
         9 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a flexible sleeve configured to slide, at least partially, over the handle portion and aid in seating the aligner over teeth when a user bites down on the flexible sleeve. 
     
     
         10 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the handle portion includes a flexible sleeve configured to aid in seating the aligner over teeth when a user bites down on the flexible sleeve. 
     
     
         11 . An orthodontic appliance kit comprising:
 a case;   at least one orthodontic aligner for aligning teeth of a patient positioned inside the case; and   an aligner removal tool positioned inside the case, the aligner removal tool including:
 a shaft including a proximate end and a distal end; 
 a C-shaped portion at the proximate end of the shaft, the C-shaped portion including a top hook and a bottom hook, the top hook extends from the shaft and curves toward the bottom hook, the bottom hook extends from the shaft and curves toward the top hook; and 
 a handle portion at the distal end of the shaft. 
   
     
     
         12 . The orthodontic appliance kit of  claim 11 , further comprising a flexible sleeve configured to slide, at least partially, over the handle portion and aid in seating the aligner over teeth when a user bites down on the flexible sleeve. 
     
     
         13 . The orthodontic appliance kit of  claim 11 , wherein the handle portion includes a flexible sleeve configured to aid in seating the aligner over teeth when a user bites down on the flexible sleeve. 
     
     
         14 . The orthodontic appliance kit of  claim 11 , wherein a portion of the orthodontic aligner rests between the top hook and the bottom hook. 
     
     
         15 . The orthodontic appliance kit of  claim 11 , wherein the top hook the bottom hook point away from the shaft.