Structure, manufacturing method and application of indirect bonding guide plate with flip-up cover

Abstract

The application discloses a structure of a fence type indirect bonding guide plate with a removable cover, a manufacturing method and application, and belongs to the technical field of oral fixed orthodontics. The application obtains a three-dimensional data model by scanning, adopts a guide plate design software, determines the bracket position of each tooth on the three-dimensional data model, designs an element for positioning the single-tooth bracket position, specifically designs the structure of the removable cover, single-axis movement and the breakable horizontal fence of the element, copies the element on each tooth position on the three-dimensional data model, connects the elements of each tooth position through a connecting piece, completes the design of the indirect bonding guide plate, and adopts 3D printing to manufacture the finished product. The indirect bonding guide plate has the advantages of easy positioning, no undercut, easy removal of the excess bonding agent, and difficulty in removing the bracket when dislocation, and is a global oral field exploration topic and a future development direction of oral diagnosis and treatment, represents the top level of modern digital medical technology, and makes oral fixed orthodontic treatment more scientific, accurate and convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fixed orthodontics and relates to indirect bonding guides. Specifically, it relates to the structure, manufacturing method and application of a 3D-printed indirect bonding guide with a flip-top fence-like design, which is mainly used in clinical applications of fixed orthodontics where accurate bonding of brackets is required. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of fixed orthodontic treatment, brackets are crucial components. They are bonded to the tooth crown surface with adhesive, and archwires apply various types of orthodontic forces through the brackets. Therefore, the accuracy of bracket bonding directly affects the precision and efficiency of orthodontic treatment.

[0003] In traditional orthodontic treatment, brackets are typically bonded to the tooth crown surface by the dentist using forceps or pliers, relying on touch and experience to directly bond each bracket to the tooth surface inside the mouth. This is called direct bonding. Direct bracket bonding is a manual process based on the dentist's clinical experience, highly dependent on their bonding skills and visual observation. Because the brackets are fixed to the tooth surface with adhesive, their position cannot be easily changed once fixed. Therefore, the selection, positioning, and fine adjustment of the brackets are time-consuming. Furthermore, the irregular shape of the brackets makes them difficult to manipulate, resulting in a high workload for the dentist, low efficiency, poor repeatability, and less than ideal precision. Despite this, due to its intuitiveness, it is still widely used in clinical practice by most orthodontists.

[0004] To overcome the drawbacks of direct bonding, the concept of indirect bonding was proposed by Silverman et al. in the 1970s and has been developed ever since. Compared to traditional intraoral direct bonding of brackets, indirect bonding involves positioning the bracket on a plaster model or computer-generated 3D model, and then placing the bracket in a transfer device, often called an indirect bonding guide. Indirect bonding guides are currently typically made of transparent or semi-transparent silicone or similar materials, and their structure resembles a concave brace. They can be used as a complete brace or as a single-tooth brace. The inner surface of the concave portion of the brace has a recessed area for filling the bracket. The bracket is filled into the recessed area one by one, and after the indirect bonding guide is placed into the dental arch, the back of the bracket can bond to the tooth surface. With the assistance of the indirect bonding guide, the bracket is transferred and bonded to the tooth, and finally, the indirect bonding guide is removed. Indirect bonding helps improve bracket positioning accuracy, shortens the dentist's operation time, and increases work efficiency, greatly promoting the development of orthodontic technology.

[0005] In current clinical practice, indirect adhesive bonding still has several problems:

[0006] (1) Problem of inaccurate positioning: When using indirect bonding guides, the tooth supports the indirect bonding guide. The undercut of the tooth can cause errors in the positioning of the indirect bonding guide. During the operation, when positioning the indirect bonding guide in the mouth, it is necessary to observe to ensure that the inner surface of the indirect bonding guide base is highly attached to the surface of the hard tissue of the tooth and the surface of the soft tissue of the mucosa. Since the traditional indirect bonding guide is a whole piece and fully enclosed, it obstructs the line of sight and makes it difficult for the doctor to observe the positioning status. If the indirect bonding guide is not fully positioned, even slight movement will cause the bracket to be inaccurately positioned, resulting in deviation and affecting the correction time and treatment effect.

[0007] (2) Problems with adhesive removal: Traditional indirect bonding guides are single, all-encompassing pieces that cover the entire tooth surface and bracket surface, affecting intraoral procedures, especially as it is difficult to remove residual adhesive. Because adhesive has poor flowability, residual adhesive can only overflow onto the tooth surface and cannot reach the gum line for removal. This residual adhesive, once it overflows onto the tooth surface, is then covered by the indirect bonding guide, causing the brackets bonded to the tooth surface to deviate from the bracket position in the design plan, resulting in deviations and affecting the treatment time and outcome.

[0008] (3) Problem of brackets easily falling off during dislocation: Indirect bonding guides need to have a certain strength and a stable structure. This ensures that the position between the indirect bonding guide and the bracket is relatively stable and that the bracket is accurately positioned when bonded to the tooth surface. Due to the stable and immovable structure of traditional indirect bonding guides, it is difficult to dislocate them. On the one hand, the indirect bonding guide must be completely removed, and on the other hand, care must be taken to ensure that the dislocation of the indirect bonding guide does not affect the bracket that has just been bonded. It is easy for the bracket that has just been bonded to fall off along with the indirect bonding guide. This requires the doctor to work hard and sometimes repeat the operation multiple times, increasing the difficulty of the doctor's operation. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a structure, manufacturing method, and application of a flip-top grid-type indirect bonding guide. The indirect bonding guide of this invention is a flip-top grid-type indirect bonding guide manufactured based on digital technology, through professional design software, and combined with 3D printing technology. This invention optimizes the design process of the indirect bonding guide, and the indirect bonding guide manufactured in this way has the advantages of easy positioning, no undercuts, easy removal of excess adhesive, and less likelihood of bracket detachment during dislocation, making orthodontic fixed treatment more scientific, precise, and convenient.

[0010] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the technical solution adopted is as follows:

[0011] A method for manufacturing a flip-top, grid-type indirect bonding guide, applicable to the fabrication of indirect bonding guides for precise bonding of brackets in orthodontics; the method includes:

[0012] Data acquisition: Intraoral scanning was performed on patients requiring fixed orthodontic treatment to obtain three-dimensional data of the working side;

[0013] Designing bracket placement: Perform planar positioning on the 3D data; refine the 3D data to form a standard model; segment the 3D data for each tooth and locate the long axis of the tooth; set the clinical crown center for each tooth; place the bracket at the clinical crown center of each tooth, make fine adjustments, and generate a 3D data model containing the bracket placement for later use;

[0014] Design Components: A component for designing the position of a single tooth bracket. The component enables a single-axis movement of the cover and ensures that the position of the rotating shaft is not loose or shifted. The component consists of a cover plate, a rotating shaft, a fixing body, and a horizontal rail. The cover plate is connected to the rotating shaft, the rotating shaft is connected to the fixing body, and one end of the horizontal rail is connected to the fixing body and the other end is connected to the rotating shaft.

[0015] Designing an indirect bonding guide: Import the components into a 3D data model containing the bracket positions, and copy the components for each tooth position; design the main shaft and connecting shaft to connect the components for each tooth position, generating a fence-style indirect bonding guide in a 3D printable file format;

[0016] 3D printing: Import the 3D printable file format of the fence-type indirect bonding guide plate into the 3D printing layout software, add support rods and short crossbars, and perform 3D printing to form a 3D printed indirect bonding guide plate.

[0017] Finished product: Remove the support rod from the 3D printed indirect bonding guide plate, expose it to light, and polish it to complete the production.

[0018] Preferably, the step of designing the bracket position is performed using 3ShapeDentalSystem software.

[0019] Preferably, in the step of designing the bracket position, the specific principle for placing the bracket position and making fine adjustments is: the bracket setting does not contain undercuts, and the surface compensation is 0.1mm.

[0020] Preferably, the design element step is performed using Magics software.

[0021] Preferably, the design of the indirect bonding guide plate step is performed using PlasyCAD software.

[0022] Preferably, in the step of designing the indirect bonding guide plate, the main shaft connects all the fixing bodies of the components; the connecting rod connects the two fixing bodies after crossing several tooth positions.

[0023] Application of a flip-top grid-type indirect bonding guide: A pre-prepared tray is placed in the fabricated 3D-printed indirect bonding guide, with the tray positioned at the cover plate location; adhesive is applied to the bottom plate of the tray; the indirect bonding guide is placed in the patient's oral cavity and irradiated; after the tray is bonded and fixed, the horizontal grid is ground off using a high-speed dental handpiece; after the horizontal grid is ground off, the cover plate can be rotated relative to the fixed body via a pivot, achieving a flip-top action, removing the indirect bonding guide, and completing the bonding process.

[0024] A hinged, grid-type indirect bonding guide plate has the following structure: It includes components positioned at each tooth location. Each component comprises a cover plate, a rotating shaft, a fixed body, and a horizontal grid. The cover plate is larger than the bracket area and is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, which is movably connected to the fixed body. One end of the horizontal grid is fixedly connected to the fixed body, and the other end is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. The components at each tooth location are connected by a main shaft and a connecting shaft. The main shaft connects the fixed bodies of all components. The connecting rod spans several tooth locations and connects two fixed bodies. The connecting rod is not mandatory; it can be omitted when the indirect bonding guide plate is short, and one or more connecting rods can be used when the indirect bonding guide plate is long.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0026] This invention utilizes scanning to acquire a three-dimensional data model. Using guide design software such as 3ShapeDentalSystem, PlastyCAD, and Magics, the bracket position for each tooth is determined on the three-dimensional data model. Components for positioning individual tooth brackets are designed, including a hinged cover, uniaxial movement, and a grindable transverse grid structure. The position and orientation of these components on the three-dimensional data model are also designed. Connecting components for each tooth position completes the design of the indirect bonding guide. Finally, 3D printing technology is used to fabricate this hinged, grid-type indirect bonding guide. The hinged, grid-type indirect bonding guide produced by this invention allows for full exposure of the surgical area, easy intraoral placement, no undercuts, easy removal of excess adhesive, and reduced bracket detachment during dislocation, thus ensuring the success of fixed orthodontic treatment. The fabrication of this hinged, grid-type indirect bonding guide is an important research topic in the global dental community and a direction for future dental treatment development. It represents the pinnacle of modern digital medical technology, making fixed orthodontics faster, more precise, and safer. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional data STL file on the working side in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of planar positioning of three-dimensional data in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of modifying three-dimensional data to form a standard model in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the segmentation of each tooth and the positioning of its long axis using three-dimensional data in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the clinical crown center of each tooth in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the placement and fine-tuning of the bracket position in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the generation of a three-dimensional data model containing the bracket positions in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the components at the position of a single tooth bracket in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an element with a horizontal fence in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the replication of elements for each tooth position in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the indirect bonding guide plate designed in the embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the indirect bonding guide plate after 3D printing in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an indirect bonding guide plate placed in a pre-prepared tray in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the placement of the indirect bonding guide plate in the oral cavity of patient A in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal fence after it has been broken by a high-speed handpiece specifically for oral cavity use in an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the bonding process by removing the indirect bonding guide plate in an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 17 This is a flowchart summarizing the indirect bonding guide plate manufacturing method in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification.

[0045] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that other embodiments may also be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The following detailed description should not be considered limiting, and the scope of the embodiments of the present application is defined only by the claims of the published patents. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present application.

[0046] Case information: Patient A, gender: female; age: adolescent; chief complaint: malocclusion, requesting orthodontic treatment; treatment goals: (1) relieve crowding of teeth; (2) improve occlusion; (3) adjust to a neutral relationship between molars and canines; treatment plan: (1) full mouth fixed orthodontic treatment; (2) intermaxillary traction; (3) fine adjustment; (4) retention.

[0047] Production steps:

[0048] I. Data Collection:

[0049] Intraoral scanning was performed on patient A, who required fixed orthodontic treatment, to obtain a three-dimensional STL file of the working side (see [link]). Figure 1 ).

[0050] STL (Stereolithographic) is an interface standard for 3D solid modeling systems proposed by 3D Systems, Inc. It specifies the interface format and uses discrete triangular facets to approximate 3D models. It is currently considered the standard description file format in the rapid prototyping field. It has wide applications in reverse engineering, finite element analysis, medical imaging systems, and cultural relic preservation. The most distinctive feature of STL files is that they consist of a series of randomly arranged triangular facets.

[0051] The STL data collected above will serve as the basis for later design.

[0052] I. Design of bracket location:

[0053] The 3D data was used for planar positioning using the 3ShapeDentalSystem software (see [link]). Figure 2 The three-dimensional data is then refined to form a standard model① (see...). Figure 3 The 3D data is segmented for each tooth, and the long axis of the tooth is located (see...). Figure 4 Set the clinical crown center for each tooth (see...). Figure 5 Place brackets in the center of the clinical crown of each tooth and make minor adjustments (see [link]). Figure 6 Generate a 3D data model containing the bracket location ② (see...) Figure 7 The specific principles are: the bracket should not have undercuts, and the surface compensation should be 0.1mm. Import the 3D data model containing the bracket location ② into PlastyCAD software for later use.

[0054] 3Shape DentalSystem: DentalSystem software developed by 3Shape is designed specifically for dental technicians to provide their lab clients with a variety of high-quality restorations in a cost-effective manner.

[0055] PlastyCAD: CAD design software developed by an Italian company.

[0056] III. Design Components:

[0057] Designing components for single-tooth bracket placement in Magics 21.0 software ③ (see...) Figure 8 The design element is to enable component ③ to achieve a single-axis movement with a hinged lid. Component ③ consists of a cover plate 1, a rotating shaft 2, and a fixed body 3; the cover plate 1 is slightly larger than the area of ​​the tray and is used to place the tray; the cover plate 1 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 2, and the rotating shaft 2 is movably connected to the fixed body 3; through the rotating shaft 2, the cover plate 1 and the fixed body 3 can rotate relative to each other, i.e., "hinging the lid". Based on component ③, a horizontal grid 4 is designed with one end on the fixed body 3 and the other end on the rotating shaft 2, forming component ④ that ensures the position of the rotating shaft is not loose or shifted (see...). Figure 9 ).

[0058] Magics 21.0 is a rapid prototyping software developed by Materialise. It sets the standard for ease of use and efficiency in processing 2D data, and provides advanced, highly automated STL operations. It can slice the 3D information of a part into a 2D information set, and send these 2D information sets to a rapid prototyping machine for part processing.

[0059] IV. Design of indirect bonding guide plate:

[0060] Import component ④ into the 3D data model ② containing the bracket location in PlastyCAD software, and copy component ④ for each tooth position (see...). Figure 10The spindle 5 and connecting rod 6 are designed to connect the components ④ at each tooth position. The spindle 5 connects all the fixed bodies of the components ④; the connecting rod 6 spans several tooth positions and connects two fixed bodies 3. The connecting rod 6 is not mandatory; it can be omitted when the indirect bonding guide is short; when the indirect bonding guide is long, one or more connecting rods 6 can be used to increase strength. Note: The spanning connecting rod 6 is typically 3-4mm. The spindle 5 is slightly thicker. Finally, a grid-style 3D printed indirect bonding guide STL is generated (see...). Figure 11 ).

[0061] V. 3D Printing:

[0062] Import the STL file of the fence-type 3D printed indirect bonding guide plate into the 3D printing layout software, add support rods and short crossbars, and perform 3D printing to form the 3D printed indirect bonding guide plate (see...). Figure 12 ).

[0063] VI. Finished Product:

[0064] After removing the support rod from the 3D-printed indirect bonding guide plate, it is light-cured, sanded, and polished to complete the fabrication. Place the pre-prepared slot into cover plate 1 (see...). Figure 13 ).

[0065] VII. Clinical Applications:

[0066] Apply adhesive to the base plate of the bracket and place the indirect bonding guide plate into the patient A's oral cavity (see...). Figure 14 After bonding and fixing, the transverse fence 4 was ground off using a high-speed handpiece specifically for oral cavity use (see...). Figure 15 After the horizontal fence 4 is worn off, the cover plate 1 can be rotated relative to the fixed body 3 via the rotating shaft 2 to achieve the lifting action, remove the indirect bonding guide plate, and complete the bonding (see...). Figure 16 ).

[0067] See Figure 17 This demonstrates the overall process of manufacturing the flip-top fence-type indirect bonding guide plate of this application.

[0068] Note that the software names used in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not limited to specific software types. Any digital design tool with similar functions can be used interchangeably.

[0069] As can be seen, the indirect bonding guide plate combining digital design and 3D printing technology in this application has the following advantages compared with traditional indirect bonding guide plates:

[0070] (1) Compared with traditional indirect bonding guides, the indirect bonding guide of this application adopts a fence-shaped design, has no undercut, makes it easy to observe the positioning, and makes the bracket bonding more precise.

[0071] (2) Compared with traditional indirect bonding guides, the indirect bonding guide of this application adopts a fence-shaped design, which makes it easier to remove the adhesive around the bracket and the adhesive is cured more thoroughly.

[0072] (3) Compared with traditional guide plates, the indirect bonding guide plate of this application adopts a flip-top structure. Before flipping the cover, the horizontal grid ensures that the pivot does not loosen or shift, ensuring accurate positioning of the bracket. After flipping the cover, the guide plate can be easily and conveniently dislodged, and the bracket will not be dislodged at the same time.

[0073] In summary, the indirect bonding guide of this application demonstrates good clinical feasibility, strong operability and repeatability, and reliable results in fixed orthodontics. It can quickly, accurately, safely, and cost-effectively complete the bracket positioning and bonding process, making it an effective and worthwhile digital design technology with a very broad application prospect.

[0074] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this application should still be covered by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a hinged, fence-type indirect bonding guide plate, characterized in that, Fabrication of an indirect bonding guide plate for precise bonding of brackets in orthodontics; the fabrication method includes: Data acquisition: Intraoral scanning was performed on patients requiring fixed orthodontic treatment to obtain three-dimensional data of the working side; Designing bracket placement: Perform planar positioning on the 3D data; refine the 3D data to form a standard model; segment the 3D data for each tooth and locate the long axis of the tooth; set the clinical crown center for each tooth; place the bracket at the clinical crown center of each tooth, make fine adjustments, and generate a 3D data model containing the bracket placement for later use; Design Component: A component for designing the position of a single tooth bracket. This component enables a single-axis movement that allows for a hinged cover, ensuring that the position of the pivot remains stable and does not shift. The component comprises a cover plate, a pivot, a fixing body, and a horizontal rail. The cover plate is used to place the bracket and is connected to the pivot, which is in turn connected to the fixing body. One end of the horizontal rail is connected to the fixing body, and the other end is connected to the pivot. The horizontal rail can be ground off. After the horizontal rail is ground off, the cover plate can rotate relative to the fixing body via the pivot, thus achieving the hinged cover action. Designing an indirect bonding guide: Import the components into a 3D data model containing the bracket positions, and copy the components for each tooth position; design the main shaft and connecting shaft to connect the components for each tooth position, generating a fence-style indirect bonding guide in a 3D printable file format; 3D printing: Import the 3D printable file format of the fence-type indirect bonding guide plate into the 3D printing layout software, add support rods and short crossbars, and perform 3D printing to form a 3D printed indirect bonding guide plate. Finished product: Remove the support rod from the 3D printed indirect bonding guide plate, expose it to light, and polish it to complete the production.

2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The design of the bracket position was achieved using 3ShapeDental System software.

3. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific principle for fine-tuning the placement of the bracket in the design is as follows: the bracket should not have any undercuts, and the surface compensation should be 0.1mm.

4. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The design elements were created using Magics software.

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The design of the indirect bonding guide plate was carried out using PlasyCAD software.

6. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the design of the indirect bonding guide plate, the main shaft connects all the fixing bodies of the components; the connecting shaft connects two fixing bodies after crossing several tooth positions.

7. An application of the hinged, fence-type indirect bonding guide plate as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Place the pre-prepared tray into the fabricated 3D-printed indirect bonding guide plate, positioning the tray at the cover plate position; apply adhesive to the bottom plate of the tray; place the indirect bonding guide plate inside the patient's oral cavity and expose it to light; after the tray is bonded and fixed, use a high-speed dental handpiece to grind off the transverse rails; after the transverse rails are ground off, the cover plate can be rotated relative to the fixed body via a pivot to achieve a lifting action, remove the indirect bonding guide plate, and complete the bonding.

8. A structure of a hinged, fence-type indirect adhesive guide plate, characterized in that, The system includes components installed at each tooth position. These components consist of a cover plate, a rotating shaft, a fixing body, and a transverse rail. The cover plate is larger than the bracket area and is used to hold the bracket. The cover plate is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, which is movably connected to the fixing body. One end of the transverse rail is fixedly connected to the fixing body, and the other end is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. The transverse rail can be ground off; after it is broken, the cover plate can rotate relative to the fixing body via the rotating shaft, achieving a lifting action. The components at each tooth position are connected by a main shaft and connecting shafts. The main shaft connects all the fixing bodies of the components. The connecting shaft connects two fixing bodies after crossing several tooth positions. Connecting shafts are not used when the indirect bonding guide is short; one or more connecting shafts are used when the indirect bonding guide is long.

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