Electrical stimulation device and method for promoting orthodontic tooth movement

Abstract

According to the electrical stimulation device and method for promoting orthodontic tooth movement, the synergistic effect of electrical stimulation parameters and mechanical orthodontic force is intelligently regulated and controlled, and orthodontic is achieved. The built-in microprocessor of the device can monitor the oral cavity state of a patient in real time, and parameters such as current intensity, pulse frequency and pulse width of low-frequency electrical stimulation are dynamically adjusted according to tooth movement data and alveolar bone stress feedback, so that the low-frequency electrical stimulation device accurately meets individual treatment requirements. Meanwhile, the electrical stimulation device is deeply fused with a traditional mechanical orthodontic device, the activity of periodontium cells is activated through electrical stimulation, cell proliferation and differentiation are promoted, the physiological reconstruction process of alveolar bones is accelerated, and a complementary effect with mechanical orthodontic force is formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of orthodontics, and particularly to an electrical stimulation device and method for promoting orthodontic tooth movement. Background Art

[0002] In the modern field of orthodontics, mechanical force correction remains the mainstream technology for driving tooth movement. Clinical data shows that the traditional orthodontic treatment course generally lasts for 1.5 to 2 years, during which patients often face continuous discomfort of periodontal tissues, mucosal injury pain and other problems. Mechanical correction relies on devices such as arch wires and brackets to continuously apply physical forces, which not only requires frequent follow-up adjustments, but also has the problem of limited tooth movement efficiency. For complex malocclusions, it is difficult to accurately control the direction and speed of tooth movement with mechanical forces, and slow bone remodeling may occur during the long-term treatment process, further prolonging the treatment cycle and affecting the treatment effect.

[0003] At the same time, the application of electrical stimulation technology in the field of biomedicine has brought new ideas for orthodontic treatment. Research has confirmed that low-frequency microcurrent stimulation can effectively promote periodontal tissue regeneration and bone metabolism by regulating cell physiological activities, and theoretically can significantly improve tooth movement efficiency and shorten the treatment duration. However, the current electrical stimulation devices have obvious limitations. Non-personalized designs and bulky devices are difficult to adapt to the complex oral environment, and fixed stimulation parameters cannot match the individual differences of patients. More importantly, the existing electrical stimulation technology has not been integrated with orthodontic treatment synchronously, resulting in the failure to fully utilize its advantages in clinical treatment. Therefore, organically combining electrical stimulation with mechanical correction and developing personalized and precise composite treatment plans have become the key directions to break through the bottleneck of traditional orthodontic technology, improve treatment efficiency and comfort, and also opened an important path for technological innovation in the field of orthodontics. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, an electrical stimulation device for promoting orthodontic tooth movement is proposed to overcome or at least partially solve the above problems, including: A radio stimulation module, which is built-in with a rechargeable power supply, a wireless transmitting coil and a microprocessor; the radio stimulation module is used to output electrical stimulation parameters, and the electrical stimulation parameters include current intensity, pulse frequency, pulse width and stimulation time; Tooth correction stimulation electrodes, fixedly embedded in the dental appliance, including flexible microelectrodes, a wireless receiving module and a feedback unit; the flexible microelectrodes are customized and arranged based on the three-dimensional model of the patient's oral cavity, and the feedback unit includes a tooth movement monitoring sensor and an alveolar bone stress feedback subunit; A radio controller, provided with electrical stimulation parameter adjustment buttons, and used to transmit the set electrical stimulation parameters to the wireless transmitting coil through the main control chip.

[0005] Optionally, the orthodontic stimulation electrode is sealed and fixed to the brace by biocompatible glue.

[0006] Optionally, a tooth movement monitoring sensor is fixed to the inner side of the braces at a position corresponding to the tooth surface, and is used to collect three-dimensional tooth movement direction data in real time and transmit it to a microprocessor.

[0007] Optionally, the alveolar bone stress feedback subunit includes a miniature piezoresistive stress sensor, which is embedded in the key stress-bearing area of the alveolar bone corresponding to the braces, and is used to sense stress changes in real time and convert them into electrical signals for transmission to the microprocessor.

[0008] Optionally, when the stress exceeds a preset safety range, the electrical stimulation parameters are automatically adjusted until the stress returns to within the preset safety range, and the adjustment records are stored in the microprocessor.

[0009] Optionally, if the stress still cannot return to the preset safety range after the electrical stimulation parameters are automatically adjusted, the electrical stimulation is stopped and an alarm is issued, and the electrical stimulation parameters before and after the adjustment are stored in the microprocessor.

[0010] Optionally, the microprocessor is connected to the user terminal via Bluetooth.

[0011] Optionally, the microprocessor is arranged on a PCB circuit board, and a magnetic isolation sheet is additionally provided between the PCB circuit board and the transmitting coil.

[0012] Optionally, the material of the flexible microelectrode includes at least polyimide and polydimethylsiloxane.

[0013] The present invention also provides an electrical stimulation method for promoting orthodontic tooth movement, comprising: Initial electrical stimulation parameters are set by a radio controller, and the wireless transmitting coil vibrates according to the initial electrical stimulation parameters; The wireless receiving coil of the orthodontic stimulation electrode resonates with the wireless transmitting coil and generates a stimulation current, which is then transmitted to the flexible microelectrode for real-time electrical stimulation; The feedback unit collects the patient's oral data in real time and transmits it to the microprocessor. The microprocessor dynamically adjusts the electrical stimulation parameters based on the oral data and transmits it to the wireless transmitting coil.

[0014] The present invention realizes tooth correction through the synergistic effect of intelligent regulation of electrical stimulation parameters and mechanical orthodontic forces. The microprocessor built into the system can monitor the patient's oral condition in real time. According to the tooth movement data and the feedback of alveolar bone stress, it dynamically adjusts parameters such as the current intensity, pulse frequency, and pulse width of the low-frequency electrical stimulation to accurately match the individual treatment needs. At the same time, the electrical stimulation system is deeply integrated with traditional mechanical orthodontic devices. By activating the cell activity of the periodontal tissue through electrical stimulation, it promotes cell proliferation and differentiation, accelerates the physiological remodeling process of the alveolar bone, and forms a complementary effect with the mechanical orthodontic forces. In addition, the present invention has personalized parameter settings, which can automatically optimize the stimulation plan according to the patient's alveolar bone density, age, and tooth movement needs. It has a miniaturized design and is integrated into the existing dental braces, eliminating the need for additional wearable devices. It uses a non-invasive method, which is safe, comfortable, and has high compliance. It significantly accelerates tooth movement, shortens the orthodontic treatment course, reduces the periodontal pain during orthodontics, and improves the patient experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, the drawings required for the description of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0016] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of an electrical stimulation device for promoting orthodontic tooth movement provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a radio electrical stimulation module provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a tooth correction stimulation electrode provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] In order to make the above objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] The present invention aims to develop a miniaturized, personalized low-frequency electrical stimulation device and its application method to address the problems of long traditional orthodontic treatment cycle, poor patient comfort, and application limitations of existing electrical stimulation devices. The device can be customized according to the patient's oral structure and orthodontic plan, intelligently adjust electrical stimulation parameters, coordinate mechanical correction force, promote tooth movement and alveolar bone reconstruction, reduce patient pain, shorten treatment cycle, and provide innovative solutions for oral orthodontic clinics.

[0019] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrical stimulation device for promoting orthodontic tooth movement provided by an embodiment of the present invention, which may specifically include: The wireless stimulation module 1 has a built-in rechargeable power source 1.4, a wireless transmitting coil 1.6 and a microprocessor; the wireless stimulation module is used to output electrical stimulation parameters, which include current intensity, pulse frequency, pulse width and stimulation time; The orthodontic stimulation electrode 2 is fixedly embedded in the braces, and comprises a flexible microelectrode 2.2, a wireless receiving module 2.1 and a feedback unit 2.3; the flexible microelectrode is arranged in a customized manner based on a three-dimensional model of the patient's oral cavity, and the feedback unit comprises a tooth movement monitoring sensor and an alveolar bone stress feedback subunit; The radio controller is provided with an electrical stimulation parameter adjustment button, which is used to transmit the set electrical stimulation parameters to the wireless transmitting coil through the main control chip.

[0020] Among them, the tooth movement monitoring sensor is fixed on the inner side of the braces corresponding to the tooth surface position, which is used to collect the three-dimensional tooth movement direction data in real time and transmit it to the microprocessor. The alveolar bone stress feedback subunit includes a micro piezoresistive stress sensor, which is embedded in the key stress-bearing area of the alveolar bone corresponding to the braces, and is used to sense the stress changes in real time and convert them into electrical signals for transmission to the microprocessor. The material of the flexible microelectrode includes at least polyimide and polydimethylsiloxane.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, a rechargeable power supply is provided inside the wireless stimulation module, and the power supply can be charged through the charging interface 1.2 to ensure that the microprocessor inside the wireless stimulation module can work normally; at the same time, a timing function is also provided, and timed electrical stimulation of the teeth can be achieved by touching the timing button 1.1.

[0022] The built-in microprocessor of the wireless electrical stimulation module can be used to output personalized electrical stimulation parameters, including current intensity, pulse frequency, pulse width and stimulation time.

[0023] The integrated microprocessor control unit of the embodiment of the present invention adopts a lightweight, low-power architecture, and the housing 1.3 can be made of aluminum-magnesium alloy, which has the characteristics of being light, portable, wear-resistant and heat-dissipating, and can meet the needs of long-term intermittent stimulation training.

[0024] Inside the microprocessor, five major modules can be integrated, namely control, communication, power regulation, frequency regulation, and power supply. Users can conveniently adjust the stimulation frequency and current magnitude through the buttons of the radio controller. The main control chip transmits the set parameters to the wireless transmitting coil via the communication module. This coil realizes energy transfer with the wireless receiving coil of the orthodontic stimulation electrode in a resonant manner, thereby accurately delivering the stimulation current to the stimulation electrode to achieve the goals of regulating the nervous system function and promoting tissue repair.

[0025] As the core control module, the microprocessor supports a dual regulation mode based on a preset program or real-time biofeedback signals. The control algorithm inside it can analyze the instructions from the external controller to achieve precise regulation of parameters such as current intensity (0.5 - 2.0 mA), pulse frequency (10 - 100 Hz), pulse width (50 - 200 μs), and stimulation duration (10 - 30 minutes / day).

[0026] In the embodiments of the present invention, in the preset program mode, the built-in orthodontic clinical knowledge base can call the phased treatment templates for different malocclusion types. For example, in the initial movement period, high-frequency stimulation is used to promote bone remodeling, and in the stable period, it switches to the low-frequency mode to enhance bone consolidation. The current intensity, pulse frequency, and other parameter combinations are automatically arranged by the timing controller to accurately simulate the treatment logic of the doctor's phased force application. In the biofeedback mode, the microprocessor can analyze multi-source sensing signals in real time: track the three-dimensional movement trajectory of teeth through the tooth movement monitoring sensor, monitor the stress distribution of the alveolar bone using the alveolar bone stress feedback subunit, evaluate the local inflammation status by combining tissue impedance changes, and then dynamically adjust the output electrical stimulation parameters. When slow movement is detected, the stimulation intensity can be increased step by step, and when stress concentration is encountered, the electrodes in the corresponding area can be turned off to ensure that the treatment is always within the physiological safety range.

[0027] In the embodiments of the present invention, the flexible microelectrode can achieve high-precision personalized design by using the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) precision manufacturing process: First, a flexible substrate with good biocompatibility such as polyimide or polydimethylsiloxane is selected. After the surface hydrophilicity is enhanced by oxygen plasma treatment, the electrode array layout is customized based on the patient's oral three-dimensional model through CAD design; then, a titanium / platinum alloy thin film is deposited by magnetron sputtering, and the electrode structure and flexible wires are formed by combining ultraviolet lithography and reactive ion etching techniques; after multi-level surface functionalization modification on the electrode working surface, it is encapsulated by spin-coating with medical-grade silicone.

[0028] Further, after the preparation of the flexible microelectrode, it can be integrated with the dental appliance: First, a three-dimensional digital model of the patient's dentition and hard and soft tissues is obtained using an intraoral scanner. Based on this data, a highly fitting dental appliance is customized for the patient using a transparent resin material through 3D printing or thermoforming technology. During the design of the dental appliance, the periodontal area where the electrode needs to be placed can be accurately located according to the treatment requirements, such as specific gingival sulcus or root surface position, and a micro-groove structure with a shape and size matching the flexible microelectrode is pre-designed and manufactured at the corresponding position on the inner wall of the dental appliance. These grooves provide an accommodation space for the electrodes to ensure that the electrodes can be in an ideal stimulation position, and each electrode can be connected through a wire 2.4. Subsequently, the prepared flexible microelectrode is embedded into the preset groove of the dental appliance. To ensure the long-term stable operation of the electrode in the complex oral environment, prevent saliva infiltration and module displacement, and reduce the irritation to the oral mucosa, the embodiment of the present invention can use a sealing glue with good biocompatibility and long-term stability, such as a photocurable resin glue or a specific silicone, to embed and cure the bonding gap between the electrode and the groove. The core advantage of this integration solution is that through a highly customized dental appliance structure and an embedded design, while maximizing the comfort of the patient's daily wear, it simultaneously achieves a highly tight, stable, and reliable fitting contact between the electrode sensing / stimulation surface and the target area of the tooth or gum, laying a solid foundation for subsequent accurate and continuous periodontal health monitoring or targeted treatment.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the stress exceeds the preset safety range, the electrical stimulation parameters are automatically adjusted until the stress returns to the preset safety range, and the adjustment record is stored in the microprocessor. When the stress still cannot return to the preset safety range after the automatic adjustment of the electrical stimulation parameters, the electrical stimulation is stopped and an alarm is issued, and at the same time, the electrical stimulation parameters before and after the adjustment are stored in the microprocessor. The microprocessor and the user terminal can be connected via Bluetooth.

[0030] It can be understood that to ensure the safety and controllability of the treatment process, the device provided by the embodiment of the present invention also sets up a stress safety protection mechanism. Its core lies in continuously comparing the real-time monitored stress data. Once the system detects that the current stress value exceeds the preset safety threshold range, it will immediately trigger an automatic adjustment program, that is, dynamically adjust the output parameters of the electrical stimulation. The system will modify the parameter settings according to the change trend of the stress feedback to keep the stress within the safety range. Each execution of the parameter adjustment will be recorded and stored in the microprocessor by the system to form a complete log for subsequent traceability and analysis.

[0031] In practical applications, considering the possibility of extreme situations or complex physiological reactions, the system also designs a second-level safety defense line: If, after the system automatically adjusts the electrical stimulation parameters, the real-time stress data still remains outside the preset safety range or continuously shows a dangerous trend, the system will determine that there are uncontrollable risks in the current state. At this time, the system will stop all electrical stimulation outputs and activate the alarm module. The alarm form can be a buzzer prompt on the device body, a flashing indicator light, or the alarm information can be pushed to the bound user terminal device in real time via Bluetooth, such as a doctor's workstation, a patient monitoring tablet, or a smartphone App, to ensure that relevant personnel can learn about the abnormal situation in the first time.

[0032] During the process of stopping stimulation and issuing an alarm, the system will also perform key data preservation operations, record the electrical stimulation parameters at the final stop of stimulation, the initial parameter state before automatic adjustment, and the parameter state after the last adjustment attempt, and store them in the microprocessor. The data stored in the core of the microprocessor can establish a connection with an authorized user terminal through a wireless link, enabling doctors or technicians to conveniently retrieve these detailed fault record data remotely or afterwards for in-depth problem diagnosis, efficacy evaluation, or equipment performance optimization, greatly enhancing the safety and maintainability of the system.

[0033] Among them, in terms of the adjustment of electrical stimulation parameters, the current intensity can be finely adjusted in the range of 0.1 - 10 mA to adapt to diverse treatment scenarios and individual differences. The pulse frequency can be flexibly set within the range of 1 - 100 Hz to fully utilize the advantages of low-frequency stimulation in the field of tissue repair and regeneration. The pulse width can be adjusted as needed between 0.1 - 1 ms to achieve different stimulation effects; the stimulation time can be freely set according to the treatment plan within several minutes to several hours. Through the precise control of various parameters by the microprocessor, personalized electrical stimulation waveforms are output, ensuring that the electrodes operate within a safe and effective parameter range, while improving the treatment effect and the patient's comfort experience, and significantly reducing the potential risk of adverse reactions caused by improper parameter settings.

[0034] In the embodiment of the present invention, the microprocessor is arranged on the PCB circuit board 1.7, and a magnetic isolation sheet 1.5 is additionally provided between the PCB circuit board and the transmitting coil. Among them, the magnetic isolation sheet can be made of materials such as ferrite, amorphous, or nanocrystalline, which can not only enhance the electromagnetic energy concentration but also shield the mutual interference between the transmitting coil and the PCB circuit, ensuring stable signal transmission and reliable stimulation effects.

[0035] In the embodiment of the present invention, an independent battery compartment can also be constructed in the non-force-bearing area of the dental appliance, a high-energy density lithium polymer battery is configured, and a wireless charging coil is integrated. Waterproof sealing technology is used to prevent oral liquids from invading, realizing stable power supply between the battery, the control module, and the electrodes.

[0036] The present invention realizes tooth correction through the synergistic effect of intelligent regulation of electrical stimulation parameters and mechanical orthodontic forces. The microprocessor built into the system can monitor the patient's oral state in real time. According to the tooth movement data and the stress feedback of the alveolar bone, it dynamically adjusts parameters such as the current intensity, pulse frequency, and pulse width of the low-frequency electrical stimulation to accurately match the individual treatment needs. At the same time, the electrical stimulation system is deeply integrated with the traditional mechanical orthodontic device. By activating the cell activity of the periodontal tissue through electrical stimulation, it promotes cell proliferation and differentiation, accelerates the physiological remodeling process of the alveolar bone, and forms a complementary effect with the mechanical orthodontic force. In addition, the present invention has personalized parameter settings, and can automatically optimize the stimulation plan according to the patient's alveolar bone density, age, and tooth movement requirements. It has a miniaturized design and is integrated into the existing dental braces without the need to wear additional equipment. It uses a non-invasive method, is safe, comfortable, and has high compliance. It significantly accelerates tooth movement, shortens the orthodontic treatment course, reduces the periodontal pain during orthodontics, and improves the patient experience.

[0037] An embodiment of the present invention further provides an electrical stimulation method for promoting orthodontic tooth movement, including: Setting the initial electrical stimulation parameters through a radio controller, and the wireless transmitting coil vibrates according to the initial electrical stimulation parameters; The wireless receiving coil of the tooth correction stimulation electrode resonates with the wireless transmitting coil and generates a stimulation current, and the stimulation current is transmitted to the flexible microelectrode for real-time electrical stimulation; The feedback unit collects the patient's oral data in real time and transmits it to the microprocessor, and the microprocessor dynamically adjusts the electrical stimulation parameters based on the oral data and transmits them to the wireless transmitting coil.

[0038] The above provides a detailed introduction to an electrical stimulation device and method for promoting orthodontic tooth movement. Specific examples are used in this article to elaborate on the principle and implementation manner of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and its core idea of the present invention; at the same time, for those of ordinary skill in the art, according to the idea of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation manner and application scope. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrical stimulation device for promoting orthodontic tooth movement, characterized in that, The device comprises: A wireless stimulation module, with a built-in rechargeable power supply, a wireless transmitting coil and a microprocessor; the wireless stimulation module is used to output electrical stimulation parameters, and the electrical stimulation parameters include current intensity, pulse frequency, pulse width and stimulation time; The tooth correction stimulation electrode is fixedly embedded in the braces, and includes a flexible microelectrode, a wireless receiving module and a feedback unit; the flexible microelectrode is customized based on the three-dimensional model of the patient's oral cavity, and the feedback unit includes a tooth movement monitoring sensor and an alveolar bone stress feedback subunit; The radio controller is provided with an electrical stimulation parameter adjustment button, which is used to transmit the set electrical stimulation parameters to the wireless transmitting coil through the main control chip.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The orthodontic stimulation electrode and the dental brace are sealed and fixed by biocompatible glue.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The tooth movement monitoring sensor is fixed to the inner side of the braces at a position corresponding to the tooth surface, and is used to collect three-dimensional tooth movement direction data in real time and transmit it to the microprocessor.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The alveolar bone stress feedback subunit includes a miniature piezoresistive stress sensor, which is embedded in the key stress-bearing area of the alveolar bone corresponding to the braces, and is used to sense stress changes in real time and convert them into electrical signals for transmission to the microprocessor.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the case where the stress exceeds a preset safety range, the electrical stimulation parameters are automatically adjusted until the stress returns to the preset safety range, and the adjustment record is stored in the microprocessor.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that If the stress still cannot return to the preset safety range after the electrical stimulation parameters are automatically adjusted, the electrical stimulation is stopped and an alarm is issued, and the electrical stimulation parameters before and after the adjustment are stored in the microprocessor.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The microprocessor is connected to the user terminal via Bluetooth.

8. The device according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that The microprocessor is arranged on a PCB circuit board, and a magnetic isolation sheet is additionally arranged between the PCB circuit board and the transmitting coil.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The material of the flexible microelectrode at least includes polyimide and polydimethylsiloxane.

10. An electrical stimulation method for promoting orthodontic tooth movement, characterized in that, The method comprises: Initial electrical stimulation parameters are set by a radio controller, and the wireless transmitting coil vibrates according to the initial electrical stimulation parameters; The wireless receiving coil of the orthodontic stimulation electrode resonates with the wireless transmitting coil and generates a stimulation current, and the stimulation current is transmitted to the flexible microelectrode for real-time electrical stimulation; The feedback unit collects the patient's oral data in real time and transmits it to the microprocessor. The microprocessor dynamically adjusts the electrical stimulation parameters based on the oral data and transmits them to the wireless transmitting coil.

Images