US Patent 11571279 Aligner damage prediction at weak spots with simulation

Embodiments relate to an aligner breakage solution that tests probability of aligner breakage at weak points. A method includes gathering a digital model representing an aligner for a dental arch of a patient, receiving material property information for a material to be used to manufacture the aligner, and analyzing one or more regions of the aligner. Analyzing a region of the aligner comprises simulating application of a load around the region, determining at least one of a stress, a strain or a strain energy density at the region, evaluating a strength of the aligner at the region, and determining whether the region satisfies a damage criterion based on the strength of the aligner at the region.