Orthodontic system and method of installing orthodontic attachments for a clear aligner

Abstract

This application discloses an orthodontic system and a method for installing orthodontic attachments for clear aligners. The orthodontic system includes a clear aligner, orthodontic attachments bonded to the tooth surface, and an installation handle. The clear aligner has a constraint slot, which has an open surface, an installation surface, and a control surface. The orthodontic attachment is pre-assembled within the constraint slot and includes an adhesive surface, an adapter surface, and a controlled surface. The orthodontic attachment generates orthodontic torque through the interaction of at least the controlled surface and the control surface, and the orthodontic attachment has free travel at least in the direction from the controlled surface to the adhesive surface. The installation handle includes a force-applying end and a control end. An adapter structure is provided on the installation surface, and the control end drives the orthodontic attachment to adhere. During the adhesion process, the orthodontic attachment moves at least within its free travel. This application, through the synergistic cooperation of the clear aligner and orthodontic attachments, effectively improves the installation efficiency and accuracy of the orthodontic attachments while ensuring treatment effectiveness, providing a foundation for precision orthodontic treatment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of dental orthodontics, and in particular to orthodontic systems and methods for installing orthodontic attachments for clear aligners. Background Technology

[0002] In clinical orthodontic practice, metal and ceramic fixed orthodontic appliances are commonly used. These appliances use stainless steel archwires placed within the brackets' archwire slots to control tooth movement. While these appliances offer advantages such as accurate measurement of treatment data and good therapeutic results, they also have drawbacks including less aesthetically pleasing appearance, difficulty in cleaning, and a tendency to accumulate tartar.

[0003] Therefore, invisible removable orthodontic appliances made from transparent polymer materials were developed. The invisible removable orthodontic appliances currently on the market were originally invented and manufactured by Align Technology in the United States. The biggest advantages of these appliances are that they are convenient to wear, can be removed at any time, cause little foreign body sensation for patients, and are invisible and aesthetically pleasing. However, invisible orthodontic appliances also have problems such as inaccurate interpretation of treatment data and difficulty in controlling the root cause of the disease.

[0004] For example, Chinese patent document CN111759495A discloses an invisible aligner capable of achieving three-dimensional precise control and its manufacturing method. The invisible aligner includes: multiple invisible posts, each with an adhesive portion for connection to the tooth surface and a control portion for fixing to the adhesive portion; and invisible archwires, sequentially connected to each invisible post. The archwires wrap around the control portions of each invisible post and apply force to the posts using their own elastic deformation. The outer edge of the control portion has multiple force-bearing surfaces, each abutting against the archwire. The technical solution disclosed in this application combines the advantages of traditional brackets with those of invisible aligners. It replaces stainless steel archwires with the elasticity of invisible archwires, and replaces traditional brackets with invisible posts, thereby controlling the movement of the invisible posts to achieve control of the teeth.

[0005] However, in practical use, the inventors discovered that the above technical solution still has certain problems. Generally, the installation of invisible orthodontic attachments involves first placing the attachment in the positioning slot of the invisible aligner, then filling the positioning slot and the bottom of the attachment with resin, then placing the invisible aligner on the patient's teeth, and finally light-curing the resin on the aligner. Therefore, a relatively large amount of resin needs to be pre-filled, making the overall operation quite cumbersome. Furthermore, the accuracy of the orthodontic attachment positioning has room for improvement, limiting the development of this technical approach. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application discloses an orthodontic system, including an invisible aligner, orthodontic attachments bonded to the tooth surface, and mounting handles.

[0007] The invisible aligner has several constraint slots for accommodating the orthodontic attachments. Each constraint slot includes an open surface facing the tooth surface, an mounting surface opposite the open surface, and a control surface disposed between the open surface and the mounting surface.

[0008] The orthodontic attachment is pre-assembled into the constraint slot via the open surface. The orthodontic attachment constrained within the constraint slot includes an adhesive surface facing the teeth, an adapter surface opposite the adhesive surface, and a controlled surface disposed between the adhesive surface and the adapter surface. The orthodontic attachment obtains orthodontic torque at least through the interaction of the controlled surface and the controlled surface, and the orthodontic attachment has free travel at least in the direction from the controlled surface to the adhesive surface.

[0009] The installation handle includes a force-applying end for gripping and a corresponding control end. The installation surface is provided with an adapter structure. The control end cooperates with the adapter surface through the adapter structure and drives the orthodontic attachment to be bonded to the surface of the tooth according to preset conditions. During the bonding process, the orthodontic attachment moves at least in the free travel.

[0010] Several alternative methods are provided below, but they are not intended as additional limitations on the overall solution above. They are merely further additions or optimizations. Provided there are no technical or logical contradictions, each alternative method can be combined individually with respect to the overall solution above, or multiple alternative methods can be combined with each other.

[0011] Optionally, the adapter structure is positioned at or near the geometric center of the mounting surface.

[0012] Optionally, the controlled surface of the orthodontic attachment is a plane or is provided with a controlled structure, the controlled structure being positioned corresponding to the adapter structure, and the controlled structure being used to cooperate with the control end to drive the orthodontic attachment to move in space.

[0013] Optionally, the adapter structure is a flexible member disposed on the mounting surface, the flexible member being deformable along the free stroke to drive the orthodontic attachment to move; and / or

[0014] The adapter structure is an open window disposed on the mounting surface, and the control end penetrates the open window and interacts with the controlled surface of the orthodontic accessory.

[0015] Optionally, the adapter structure includes a guide ring disposed on the side of the mounting surface facing away from the open surface and having a shape complementary to the control end, the guide ring being used to guide the control end to align with the orthodontic attachment.

[0016] Optionally, the adapter structure includes an open window disposed on the mounting surface, the inner diameter of the open window being slightly larger than the outer diameter of the control end, the inner diameter of the guide ring being slightly larger than the inner diameter of the open window, and the guide ring and the open window having a smooth transition.

[0017] Optionally, the guide ring is raised or recessed relative to the surface of the mounting surface, and the distance between the raised or recessed portion is the guide spacing D; when the guide ring is raised, the ratio between the guide spacing D and the average thickness H of the clear aligner ranges from 0.5 to 1.2; when the guide ring is recessed, the ratio between the guide spacing D and the average thickness H of the clear aligner ranges from 0.2 to 0.8.

[0018] Optionally, the mounting handle is sequentially divided into a force-applying end, a connecting section, and a control end, wherein the radial dimensions of the force-applying end, the connecting section, and the control end decrease sequentially and transition smoothly, wherein the ratio between the length S of the control end and the length L of the free travel ranges from 1.1 to 4.5.

[0019] Optionally, the ratio between the length L of the free travel and the average thickness H of the invisible orthodontic appliance ranges from 1.2 to 3.5; and the ratio between the depth W of the constraint groove and the length L of the free travel ranges from 1.5 to 5.5 in the direction from the open surface to the mounting surface.

[0020] This application also discloses a method for installing orthodontic accessories for invisible aligners, implemented based on the orthodontic system in the above technical solution, including:

[0021] A predetermined number of orthodontic attachments are pre-installed in the corresponding constraint slots of the invisible aligner through the open surface, and a predetermined amount of adhesive is attached to the bonding surface of the orthodontic attachments.

[0022] Install the invisible aligner into the preset position to achieve alignment between the aligning accessory and the preset installation position;

[0023] The control end of the mounting handle interacts with the controlled surface of the orthodontic attachment via an adapter structure. The orthodontic attachment is subjected to force and moves along the free stroke until it adheres to the tooth surface. The adhesive is cured under preset conditions.

[0024] The technical solution disclosed in this application, through the synergistic cooperation of invisible aligners and orthodontic attachments, effectively improves the installation efficiency and accuracy of orthodontic attachments while ensuring treatment effectiveness, thus providing a foundation for precision orthodontic treatment.

[0025] The specific beneficial technical effects will be further explained in the specific implementation methods in conjunction with the specific structures or steps. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the orthodontic system in one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of a portion of the orthodontic system;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal coordination of the orthodontic system in one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal coordination of the orthodontic system in another embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the orthodontic system and teeth in one embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified schematic diagram of a portion of the orthodontic system.

[0032] The annotations in the figure are explained as follows:

[0033] 1. Invisible aligner; 11. Restraint groove; 12. Open surface; 13. Mounting surface; 14. Control surface; 15. Adaptor structure; 151. Open window; 152. Flexible component; 153. Guide ring;

[0034] 2. Orthodontic attachments; 21. Adhesive surface; 22. Fitting surface; 23. Controlled surface;

[0035] 3. Install handle; 31. Force application end; 32. Control end; 33. Connecting section. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or it can be connected to a component in between. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or it may be set to a component in between.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] Reference Appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 As shown, this application discloses an orthodontic system, including an invisible aligner 1, an orthodontic attachment 2 bonded to the tooth surface, and a mounting handle 3.

[0040] The invisible aligner 1 is provided with a plurality of restraint slots 11 for accommodating the orthodontic attachment 2. The restraint slot 11 includes an open surface 12 facing the tooth surface, an mounting surface 13 opposite to the open surface 12, and a control surface 14 disposed between the open surface 12 and the mounting surface 13.

[0041] The orthodontic attachment 2 is pre-assembled into the constraint slot 11 via the open surface 12. The orthodontic attachment 2 constrained in the constraint slot 11 includes an adhesive surface 21 facing the teeth, an adapter surface 22 opposite to the adhesive surface 21, and a controlled surface 23 disposed between the adhesive surface 21 and the adapter surface 22. The orthodontic attachment 2 obtains orthodontic torque at least through the interaction of the controlled surface 23 and the control surface 14. The orthodontic attachment 2 has free travel at least in the direction from the controlled surface 23 to the adhesive surface 21.

[0042] The mounting handle 3 includes a force-applying end 31 for gripping and a corresponding control end 32. The mounting surface 13 is provided with an adapter structure 15. The control end 32 cooperates with the adapter surface 22 through the adapter structure 15 and drives the orthodontic attachment 2 to be bonded to the surface of the teeth according to preset conditions. During the bonding process, the orthodontic attachment 2 moves at least in the free travel.

[0043] In existing technologies, a large amount of adhesive is used to overcome the gap between the orthodontic attachment 2 and the tooth surface. Therefore, from a design perspective, it is necessary to minimize the gap between the orthodontic attachment 2 and the tooth surface, which leads to higher manufacturing precision requirements for both the clear aligner 1 and the orthodontic attachment 2, and consequently reduces the applicable range. At the same time, a large amount of adhesive reduces the precision of the orthodontic attachment 2 during bonding, making the procedure more cumbersome for the surgeon and potentially requiring subsequent cleaning of excess adhesive. In severe cases, bonding failure may occur during subsequent treatment, negatively impacting the overall treatment process. The technical solution disclosed in this application achieves precise bonding of the orthodontic attachment 2 through the synergistic cooperation of the clear aligner 1 and the orthodontic attachment 2 via the adapter structure 15. This allows for precise positioning of the orthodontic attachment 2 with less adhesive, effectively improving the installation efficiency and precision of the orthodontic attachment 2 while ensuring treatment effectiveness, thus providing a foundation for precise orthodontic treatment.

[0044] Regarding the coordination of accessory 2 and clear aligner 1, refer to the attached document. Figure 2 To be continued Figure 4 As shown, the adapter structure 15 is positioned at or near the geometric center of the mounting surface 13. The adapter structure 15, located at or near the geometric center, can provide a more uniform and precise driving torque to the orthodontic attachment 2, thereby driving the orthodontic attachment 2 to move according to preset conditions and achieve precise adhesion. "Near" here means that the straight-line distance between the geometric center of the adapter structure 15 and the geometric center of the mounting surface 13 is less than or equal to 5% of the diameter of the circumscribed circle on the mounting surface 13. Further, referring to one embodiment, the controlled surface 23 of the orthodontic attachment 2 is planar or has a controlled structure. The controlled structure corresponds to the adapter structure 15 and is used to cooperate with the control end 32 to drive the orthodontic attachment 2 to move in space. The controlled structure can specifically be a snap-fit ​​structure capable of transferring circumferential torque. Correspondingly, the control end 32 has a control structure that is compatible with the snap-fit ​​structure, thereby realizing the movement of the orthodontic attachment 2 in various dimensions, such as translation, rotation, and torsion. The controlled structure can also be specifically manifested as a non-contact mutual force field. For example, the orthodontic attachment 2 is pre-embedded with magnetic components, and the control end 32 has an electromagnet that can control the magnitude of the magnetic force and the magnetism, which can drive the orthodontic attachment 2 through the magnetism of the control end 32.

[0045] When the control terminal 32 applies a force, it requires the cooperation of the adapter structure 15. For the implementation of the adapter structure 15, please refer to the appendix. Figure 2 To be continued Figure 3 As shown, the adapter structure 15 is an open window 151 disposed on the mounting surface 13, and the control end 32 penetrates the open window 151 and interacts with the controlled surface 23 of the orthodontic accessory 2. (See attached diagram) Figure 4As shown, the adapter structure 15 is a flexible member 152 disposed on the mounting surface 13. The flexible member 152 can deform in its free stroke to drive the orthodontic attachment 2 to move. Both of these methods can be used simultaneously, for example, in the case of an attachment... Figure 4 As shown, the flexible element 152 is disposed within the open window 151. The advantage of the flexible element 152 is that it can form a closed inner wall space, thereby preventing foreign objects from accumulating between the clear aligner 1 and the teeth or the orthodontic attachment 2 and the mounting surface 13. The advantage of the open window 151, especially the open window 151 without the flexible element 152, is that it can provide a more direct control feel, facilitating direct control of the orthodontic attachment 2 by the control end 32. Regarding the issue of foreign objects, the clear aligner 1 with the open window 151 can be used as an installation auxiliary attachment, and traditional orthodontic attachments can be used for long-term wear; it can also be used for short-term rapid treatment. Overall, the open window 151 provides a stable operating space, which can suppress the movement of the control end 32 in other dimensions, thereby guiding the control end 32 to achieve movement of the orthodontic attachment 2 in a controlled dimension.

[0046] Independent of the open window 151, the adapter structure 15 in this application can also be independently provided with a guide ring 153. Referring to one embodiment, the adapter structure 15 includes a guide ring 153, which is disposed on the side of the mounting surface 13 facing away from the open surface 12 and has a shape complementary to the control end 32. The guide ring 153 is used to guide the control end 32 to align with the orthodontic accessory 2. The guide ring 153 can further assist in the positioning of the control end 32 and improve the operator's operating experience. When the guide ring 153 and the open window 151 are provided simultaneously, they can work together to achieve segmented guidance. Referring to one embodiment, the adapter structure 15 includes an open window 151 disposed on the mounting surface 13. The inner diameter of the open window 151 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the control end 32, and the inner diameter of the guide ring 153 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the open window 151. There is a smooth transition between the guide ring 153 and the open window 151.

[0047] The guide ring 153 can be flexibly configured structurally. Its specific function can be divided into two parts, each positioned on either the mounting surface 13 or the control end 32. Specifically, the guide ring 153 can be raised or recessed relative to the surface of the mounting surface 13. The distance between the raised or recessed portion is defined as the guide spacing D. When the guide ring 153 is raised, the ratio between the guide spacing D and the average thickness H of the clear aligner 1 ranges from 0.5 to 1.2. When the guide ring 153 is recessed, the ratio between the guide spacing D and the average thickness H of the clear aligner 1 ranges from 0.2 to 0.8.

[0048] Regarding the details of the installation handle 3, referring to one embodiment, the installation handle 3 is sequentially divided into a force-applying end 31, a connecting section 33, and a control end 32. The radial dimensions of the force-applying end 31, the connecting section 33, and the control end 32 decrease sequentially and transition smoothly. The larger force-applying end 31 provides a stable grip and facilitates operation; the smaller, slender connecting section 33 can easily extend within the oral cavity and withstand sufficient torque; the precisely sized control end 32 can stably cooperate with the fitting structure 15 and the orthodontic attachment 2 to achieve the driving effect.

[0049] Regarding the overall proportions, please refer to the appendix. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the ratio between the length L of the free travel and the average thickness H of the invisible aligner 1 ranges from 1.2 to 3.5; the ratio between the depth W of the constraint groove 11 and the length L of the free travel ranges from 1.5 to 5.5 in the direction from the open surface 12 to the mounting surface 13. The ratio between the length S of the control end 32 and the length L of the free travel ranges from 1.1 to 4.5.

[0050] Based on the above description, it is easy to understand that this application also discloses a method for installing the orthodontic accessory 2 of the invisible aligner 1, which is based on the orthodontic system implementation in the above technical solution, including:

[0051] A predetermined number of orthodontic attachments 2 are pre-installed in the corresponding constraint slots 11 of the invisible orthodontic appliance 1 through the open surface 12, and a predetermined amount of adhesive is attached to the adhesive surface 21 of the orthodontic attachments 2.

[0052] Install the invisible aligner 1 into the preset position to achieve alignment between the aligner accessory 2 and the preset installation position;

[0053] By means of the control end 32 of the mounting handle 3 interacting with the controlled surface 23 of the orthodontic attachment 2 via the adapter structure 15, the orthodontic attachment 2 is subjected to force and moves in its free stroke until it fits against the tooth surface, and the adhesive is cured by preset conditions.

[0054] The beneficial technical effects of the above methods can be found in the description of the orthodontic system, and will not be repeated here.

[0055] The technical features of the embodiments described above can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification. When technical features of different embodiments are embodied in the same drawing, it can be regarded as the drawing also disclosing examples of combinations of the various embodiments involved.

[0056] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A correction system, characterized in that, This includes invisible aligners, orthodontic attachments bonded to the surface of the teeth, and mounting handles; The invisible aligner has several constraint slots for accommodating the orthodontic attachments. Each constraint slot includes an open surface facing the tooth surface, an mounting surface opposite the open surface, and a control surface disposed between the open surface and the mounting surface. The orthodontic attachment is pre-assembled into the constraint slot via the open surface. The orthodontic attachment constrained in the constraint slot includes an adhesive surface facing the teeth, an adapter surface opposite to the adhesive surface, and a controlled surface disposed between the adhesive surface and the adapter surface. The orthodontic attachment obtains orthodontic torque at least through the interaction of the controlled surface and the control surface, and the orthodontic attachment has free travel at least in the direction from the open surface to the mounting surface; The installation handle includes a force-applying end for gripping and a corresponding control end. The installation surface is provided with an adapter structure. The control end cooperates with the adapter surface through the adapter structure and drives the orthodontic attachment to move in the free stroke until it fits against the tooth surface and is then bonded to the tooth surface according to preset conditions.

2. The orthodontic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adapter structure is positioned at or near the geometric center of the mounting surface.

3. The orthodontic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controlled surface of the orthodontic attachment is a plane or is provided with a controlled structure. The controlled structure corresponds to the position of the adapter structure. The controlled structure is used to cooperate with the control end to drive the orthodontic attachment to move in space.

4. The orthodontic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adapter structure is a flexible component disposed on the mounting surface, and the flexible component is capable of deforming in the free stroke to drive the orthodontic attachment to move; and / or The adapter structure is an open window disposed on the mounting surface, and the control end penetrates the open window and interacts with the controlled surface of the orthodontic accessory.

5. The orthodontic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adapter structure includes a guide ring, which is disposed on the side of the mounting surface facing away from the open surface and has a shape complementary to the control end. The guide ring is used to guide the control end to align with the orthodontic attachment.

6. The orthodontic system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The adapter structure includes an open window disposed on the mounting surface, the inner diameter of the open window being slightly larger than the outer diameter of the control end, the inner diameter of the guide ring being slightly larger than the inner diameter of the open window, and the guide ring and the open window having a smooth transition.

7. The orthodontic system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide ring is raised or recessed relative to the surface of the mounting surface, and the distance between the raised or recessed portion is the guide spacing D. When the guide ring is raised, the ratio between the guide spacing D and the average thickness H of the clear aligner ranges from 0.5 to 1.

2. When the guide ring is recessed, the ratio between the guide spacing D and the average thickness H of the clear aligner ranges from 0.2 to 0.

8.

8. The orthodontic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting handle is sequentially divided into a force-applying end, a connecting section, and a control end. The radial dimensions of the force-applying end, the connecting section, and the control end decrease sequentially and transition smoothly. The ratio between the length S of the control end and the length L of the free travel ranges from 1.1 to 4.

5.

9. The orthodontic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio between the length L of the free travel and the average thickness H of the invisible aligner ranges from 1.2 to 3.5; the ratio between the depth W of the constraint groove and the length L of the free travel in the direction from the open surface to the mounting surface ranges from 1.5 to 5.

5.

10. A method for installing orthodontic accessories for invisible aligners, characterized in that, Based on the corrective system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, it includes: A predetermined number of orthodontic attachments are pre-installed in the corresponding constraint slots of the invisible aligner through the open surface, and a predetermined amount of adhesive is attached to the bonding surface of the orthodontic attachments. Install the invisible aligner into the preset position to achieve alignment between the aligning accessory and the preset installation position; The control end of the mounting handle interacts with the controlled surface of the orthodontic attachment via an adapter structure. The orthodontic attachment is subjected to force and moves along the free stroke until it adheres to the tooth surface. The adhesive is cured under preset conditions.

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