Invisible correction device for bidirectional jaw regulation and control

Abstract

The invention relates to an invisible correction device for bidirectional jaw regulation and control. Comprising an upper jaw appliance body and a lower jaw appliance body, the upper jaw appliance body comprises a first body part, a first protruding part and an arch expanding part which are integrally formed, and a first guiding inclined face is arranged behind the first protruding part; the lower jaw appliance comprises a second body part and a second convex part which are integrally formed, and a second guide inclined surface is arranged in front of the second convex part; the first guide inclined surface and the second guide inclined surface are attached to each other when the user occludes the jaw, and the first lug boss and the second lug boss jointly guide the functional retreat of the lower jaw; the arch expanding part is provided with an arch structure attached to the palate of a user, the upper surface of the arch structure abuts against the palate of the user and acts on dental crowns on the two sides in the transverse direction, expanding force is provided for the left side and the right side at the same time, and therefore the maxillary dental arch is expanded. Through the integrated and complete-cycle correction system, the limitations of overlong treatment course, poor correction experience, jaw bone and dentition control separation and the like in the existing two-stage correction mode are overcome.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of orthodontics, and more particularly to a bidirectional jawbone-controlled invisible orthodontic device. Background Technology

[0002] Angle Class III malocclusion is a common clinical condition in dentistry, typically presenting as maxillary retrusion, mandibular protrusion, anterior or complete dentition reverse overbite, often accompanied by transverse and sagittal hypoplasia of the maxilla. These patients exhibit a typical concave profile, characterized by a protruding chin, midfacial hypoplasia, blunted nasolabial angle, and increased lower facial height. These morphological abnormalities not only affect the patient's oral and maxillofacial functions such as chewing and speech but also significantly impact their appearance and mental health; therefore, its orthodontic treatment should be given high priority.

[0003] The reverse Twin-Block appliance guides the mandible backward through the inclined planes of the upper and lower guides. Patients actively position their mandible on the inclined plane during occlusion, stimulating functional adaptation responses in the masticatory muscles, teeth, and periodontal tissues, coordinating the muscle balance of the stomatognathic system, and gradually correcting jaw misalignment. Its smooth inclined plane design allows for a certain degree of lateral movement of the mandible, allowing children to wear it all day and maintain normal speech and eating functions with minimal impact on oral function, thus improving treatment efficiency. However, this appliance is mainly suitable for functional Class III malocclusion; its effectiveness is limited for skeletal Class III patients with mild to moderate maxillary hypoplasia. Furthermore, these patients often have narrow or functionally misaligned dental arches, requiring significant arch expansion, while anterior traction and arch expansion are usually independent systems compared to the reverse Twin-Block appliance, making simultaneous implementation difficult. In addition, tooth alignment is still required in the later stages of treatment, resulting in a longer overall treatment course. Single functional appliances or clear aligners are insufficient to achieve multi-dimensional control of the jawbone, muscles, dental arch, and dentition. Therefore, it is necessary to integrate and improve the functions of both to build a more efficient and systematic orthodontic solution.

[0004] The current approach is a two-stage orthodontic treatment: functional appliances + fixed appliances / invisible appliances. Stage 1 (Functional Treatment): Functional appliances (such as reverse twin-block or traction) guide mandibular position, promote maxillary development, or harmonize jaw relationships. These appliances typically consist of a resin base and metal archwire: the resin base covers part of the dental arch and mucosa, providing the main structure and retention support; the metal archwire is bent into functional components such as clasps, labial arches, and guide wires, which respectively serve to retain teeth, transmit corrective forces, or guide tooth movement. Stage 2 (Fixed / Invisible Treatment): After the jaw relationship has been largely improved, fixed appliances (such as straight wire appliances) or invisible appliances are used to align teeth, adjust tooth axes, and finely position the occlusal relationship, ultimately establishing a stable and functional occlusal relationship.

[0005] The existing treatment plan has been found to have the following problems: Single-electrode appliances have limited functionality and cannot achieve simultaneous control of the jawbone, muscles, dentition, and teeth. Two-stage orthodontic treatment is lengthy and inefficient, and the therapeutic effects are difficult to precisely connect and superimpose. Functional appliances are large, cause significant discomfort, and have long-term effects on oral function, hygiene, and aesthetics, significantly reducing patient compliance.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to improve one or more of the problems existing in the above-mentioned related technical solutions.

[0007] It should be noted that this section is intended to provide background or context for the technical solutions of the invention as set forth in the claims. The description herein does not imply acceptance as prior art simply because it is included in this section. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a bidirectional jawbone-controlled invisible orthodontic device, thereby at least partially solving one or more of the problems caused by the limitations and defects of related technologies.

[0009] This invention provides a bidirectional jawbone-modulating invisible orthodontic device, comprising: The maxillary appliance includes an integrally formed first body, a first protrusion, and an arch expander. The first body fits snugly over the crown of the user's maxilla. The first protrusion extends downward along the lower part of the first body and a first guide slope is provided behind the first protrusion. The mandibular appliance includes an integrally formed second body and a second protrusion. The second body fits and covers the crown of the user's mandible. The second protrusion extends upward along the second body and a second guide slope is provided in front of the second protrusion. Wherein, the first guide slope and the second guide slope fit together when the user's upper and lower jaws bite, and when the first guide slope and the second guide slope fit together, the first protrusion and the second protrusion jointly guide the mandible to retract functionally; The arch expander is provided with an arch-shaped structure that fits the user's upper jaw. The upper surface of the arch-shaped structure abuts against the user's upper jaw and acts on the crowns of the teeth on both sides in the lateral direction, providing an expanding force to both sides at the same time, thereby expanding the maxillary dental arch.

[0010] Optionally, the maxillary appliance may further include a traction arm integrally formed with the first body, and the end of the traction arm is provided with a traction hook.

[0011] Optionally, it may also include a faceplate disposed outside the user's mouth, the faceplate being provided with a connecting portion that is interconnected with the traction hook of the traction arm.

[0012] Optionally, the protrusion positions of the first protrusion include two symmetrical positions on the left and right sides of the user's upper jaw, and the protrusion positions of the second protrusion include two symmetrical positions on the left and right sides of the user's lower jaw.

[0013] Optionally, the protrusion positions of the second protrusion and the first protrusion are staggered in the axial direction, and the protrusion position of the second protrusion is always located behind the protrusion position of the first protrusion.

[0014] Optionally, the first guide ramp is located in the anterior region of the user's first premolar and second premolar or deciduous molar, and the second guide ramp is located in the posterior region of the user's first molar or deciduous molar.

[0015] Optionally, the arch-shaped structure of the expanding portion has a palatal lateral surface adapted to the shape of the palatal dome.

[0016] Optionally, the maxillary appliance and the mandibular appliance can be fabricated using 3D printing technology based on a three-dimensional digital model of the patient's dentition.

[0017] Optionally, the maxillary appliance and the mandibular appliance are made of a biocompatible transparent material.

[0018] The technical solution provided by this invention may include the following beneficial effects: In this invention, a reverse Twin-Block mechanism for mandibular retraction is formed by the first and second guiding ramps; a maxillary expansion mechanism is formed by the arch expander to correct lateral developmental insufficiency; and the sagittal development of the maxilla is promoted by the traction unit. All these elements are integrated into a single, comprehensive, full-cycle orthodontic system to overcome the limitations of existing two-stage orthodontic models, such as excessively long treatment periods, poor treatment experience, and separation of jawbone and dentition control. This system can simultaneously adjust the sagittal and lateral relationships of the jawbone and dentition alignment in a single treatment session, significantly improving treatment efficiency, enhancing patient comfort and aesthetics, and providing a coordinated and efficient overall solution for skeletal / functional Class III malocclusion accompanied by maxillary hypoplasia and narrow dental arches. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0020] Figure 1This diagram illustrates the structure of the invisible orthodontic device with bidirectional jawbone control in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This diagram shows a top-view structural schematic of the maxillary orthodontic appliance in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This diagram shows a top view of the mandibular orthodontic appliance in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the structure of the maxillary orthodontic appliance after it has been flipped in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the invisible orthodontic device with bidirectional jawbone control in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Reference numerals: 100, maxillary appliance; 110, first body part; 120, first protrusion; 121, first guide slope; 130, arch expander; 140, traction arm; 200, mandibular appliance; 210, second body part; 220, second protrusion; 221, second guide slope. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that the invention will be more comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0023] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative diagrams of embodiments of the present invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. Some block diagrams shown in the drawings are functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically or logically independent entities.

[0024] This invention provides a bidirectional jawbone-modulating invisible orthodontic device, referenced Figure 1 As shown, it includes: maxillary appliance 100 and mandibular appliance 200.

[0025] The maxillary appliance 100 includes an integrally formed first body portion 110, a first protrusion portion 120, and an arch expander portion 130. The first body portion 110 fits snugly over the crown of the user's maxilla. The first protrusion portion 120 extends downward along the lower part of the first body portion 110, and a first guide slope 121 is provided behind the first protrusion portion 120. The mandibular appliance 200 includes an integrally formed second body portion 210 and a second protrusion portion 220. The second body portion 210 fits snugly over the crown of the user's mandible. The second protrusion portion 220 extends upward along the upper part of the second body portion 210, and a second guide slope 221 is provided in front of the second protrusion portion 220.

[0026] The first guide slope 121 and the second guide slope 221 fit together when the user's upper and lower jaws bite, and when the first guide slope 121 and the second guide slope 221 fit together, the first protrusion 120 and the second protrusion 220 jointly guide the mandible to retract functionally.

[0027] The arch expander 130 is provided with an arch-shaped structure that fits the user's upper jaw. The upper surface of the arch-shaped structure abuts against the user's upper jaw and acts on the crowns of the teeth on both sides in the lateral direction, providing an expansion force to both sides at the same time, thereby expanding the maxillary dental arch.

[0028] It is important to understand that, with the center of the user's mouth as the reference point, the direction towards the incisors is the front, the direction towards the throat is the back, the direction towards the upper jaw is the top, the direction towards the lower jaw is the bottom, the direction towards the right cheek is the right, and the direction towards the left cheek is the left.

[0029] It is also important to understand that the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 210 closely conform to the clinical crowns of all teeth within their respective dental arches, with margins extending above the gingival margin and smoothly transitioning to provide good retention and aesthetics. The first protrusion 120 and the second protrusion 220 together guide the functional retraction of the mandible, which is a passive force and constraint used to coordinate the action of teeth, bones, and muscles, rather than an actively applied backward thrust.

[0030] It is also important to understand that the concave lingual surface of the expander 130 provides space for the tongue to move. The expander 130 is compressed downwards by the hard palate, providing continuous lateral corrective force through the deformation of its arch-shaped structure. The expander 130 generates mechanical force through elastic deformation, acting on the crowns on both sides of the teeth, transmitting it through the roots to the alveolar bone, concentrating at the mid-palatal suture, thus expanding the bone and causing alveolar bone remodeling and compensatory buccal tilting of the teeth.

[0031] It is also important to understand that after wearing the device, when the patient bites, the first guide slope 121 and the second guide slope 221 come into contact to form mechanical guidance. The first guide slope 121 effectively restricts the forward displacement of the second guide slope 221, thereby continuously and stably guiding the mandible to functionally retract to the target position set for treatment.

[0032] It is also important to understand that this orthodontic appliance combines the functions of guiding mandibular retraction, promoting maxillary development, arch expansion, and tooth alignment. It can simultaneously achieve changes in jaw position, maxillary bone remodeling, and tooth alignment, and can more effectively improve Class III malocclusion.

[0033] It is also important to understand that integrating the multiple stages of traditional staged treatment, such as jawbone adjustment, arch expansion, and tooth alignment, into a continuous and coherent full-cycle treatment process avoids treatment interruptions, shortens the total treatment duration, and improves overall orthodontic efficiency.

[0034] It is also important to understand that the alignment of the teeth and the establishment of the posterior occlusal relationship can be carried out simultaneously at the same stage as the jawbone adjustment, so that patients can obtain effective occlusal support throughout the treatment process, significantly improving and maintaining their chewing function.

[0035] The aforementioned bidirectional jawbone-regulating invisible orthodontic device utilizes a reverse Twin-Block mandibular retraction mechanism formed by the first guiding ramp 121 and the second guiding ramp 221, and a maxillary expansion mechanism formed by the arch expander 130 to correct lateral developmental insufficiency. Through integrated molding, these components form a unified, full-cycle orthodontic system, overcoming the limitations of existing two-stage orthodontic models, such as excessively long treatment duration, poor treatment experience, and separation of jawbone and dentition control. It can simultaneously adjust the sagittal and lateral relationships of the jawbone and dentition alignment in a single treatment session, significantly improving treatment efficiency, enhancing patient comfort and aesthetics, and providing a coordinated and efficient overall solution for skeletal / functional Class III malocclusion accompanied by maxillary developmental insufficiency and narrow dental arches.

[0036] Below, for reference Figures 1 to 5 The following will provide a more detailed description of the various parts of the above-described bidirectional jawbone-modulating invisible orthodontic device in this example embodiment.

[0037] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the maxillary appliance 100 also includes a traction arm 140 integrally formed with the first body 110, and the end of the traction arm 140 is provided with a traction hook. It should be understood that on the buccal side of the canine or premolar region of the maxillary invisible appliance, a traction arm 140 is integrally formed, with a traction hook at the end. One end of the traction arm 140 extends to the mesial position of the canine towards the gingiva and bends back into a hook distally.

[0038] In some embodiments, a faceplate disposed outside the user's oral cavity is also included, the faceplate having a connecting portion that engages with the traction hook of the traction arm 140. It should be understood that the traction hook can be elastically connected to components of the external faceplate-type anterior traction device. A forward traction force is applied through the faceplate, the force being evenly distributed across the maxilla and upper dentition via the traction arm 140 and the entire maxillary aligner, thereby promoting maxillary development in the sagittal direction. Mandibular guidance, maxillary arch expansion, and tooth alignment are simultaneously achieved by wearing an integrated clear aligner; optionally, the faceplate is connected to the traction component of the aligner to simultaneously apply anterior traction force.

[0039] In some embodiments, reference Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the first protrusion 120 has two symmetrical protrusions on the left and right sides of the user's maxilla, and the second protrusion 220 has two symmetrical protrusions on the left and right sides of the user's mandible. It should be understood that the symmetrical arrangement of the first and second protrusions 120 on the left and right sides facilitates more stable jaw guidance and functional movement.

[0040] In some embodiments, reference Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the protrusion positions of the second protrusion 220 and the first protrusion 120 are staggered in the axial direction, and the protrusion position of the second protrusion 220 is always located behind the protrusion position of the first protrusion 120. It should be understood that there are many possible positions where opposing teeth in the upper and lower jaws can stagger in the axial direction, but the second protrusion 220 is always located behind the teeth of the first protrusion 120. For example, the second protrusion 220 may be located between the last two teeth of the lower jaw, while the first protrusion 120 may be located between the second to last two teeth of the upper jaw. Alternatively, the second protrusion 220 may be located between the second to last two teeth of the lower jaw, while the first protrusion 120 may be located between the third to last two teeth of the upper jaw.

[0041] In some embodiments, reference Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the first guiding ramp 121 is located in the anterior region of the user's first and second premolars or primary molars, and the second guiding ramp 221 is located in the posterior region of the user's first molars or primary molars. It is important to understand that the upper and lower invisible aligners each have matching guiding ramps. The guiding ramp of the maxillary aligner is located in the anterior region of the first and second premolars or primary molars, while the guiding ramp of the mandibular aligner is located in the posterior region of the first molars or primary molars. The occlusal surface morphology of this guiding ramp corresponds to the cusp-fossa relationship of the opposing teeth, facilitating more stable jaw guidance and functional movement.

[0042] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the arch-shaped structure of the expander 130 has a palatal lateral surface that adapts to the shape of the palatal vault. It should be understood that the expander 130 is an arch-shaped structure integrally formed with the palatal part of the maxillary clear aligner. Its convex palatal lateral surface adapts to the shape of the palatal vault to stabilize the force. The arch shape provides continuous lateral corrective force through deformation, which is transmitted through the tooth root to the alveolar bone and concentrated in the palatal midline, thereby expanding the bone and causing alveolar bone remodeling and compensatory buccal tilting of the teeth.

[0043] In some embodiments, a one-piece maxillary appliance 100 and a one-piece mandibular appliance 200 are fabricated using 3D printing technology based on a three-dimensional digital model of the patient's dentition. It is important to understand that the expected arch morphology is determined through treatment plan design based on the patient's three-dimensional digital model of the dentition. During treatment, the overall arch expansion is broken down into multi-step progressive movements, and precise displacement paths and values ​​are planned for each tooth. A series of invisible aligners are designed and fabricated using 3D printing technology according to this sequence. By periodically changing the aligners sequentially, the patient achieves precise, controllable, and progressive expansion of the arch width and morphology, ultimately reaching the preset treatment goals. Personalized and precise fabrication of aligners through digital design and 3D printing technology not only conforms to the arch morphology but also dynamically adapts to changes in growth and development, improving the accuracy and adaptability of the treatment.

[0044] In some embodiments, the maxillary appliance 100 and mandibular appliance 200 are made of a biocompatible transparent material. It should be understood that using a biocompatible transparent material to make the maxillary appliance 100 and mandibular appliance 200 allows the invisible orthodontic device to provide a more discreet and aesthetically pleasing effect while still offering good retention. The appliances are made of transparent, elastic material, are inconspicuous, and highly comfortable, significantly improving patient willingness to wear them and treatment compliance. The appliances are removable and do not affect normal chewing and pronunciation, are easy to clean, and help maintain oral hygiene.

[0045] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0046] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This invention is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bidirectional jawbone-controlled invisible orthodontic device, characterized in that, include: The maxillary appliance includes an integrally formed first body, a first protrusion, and an arch expander. The first body fits snugly over the crown of the user's maxilla. The first protrusion extends downward along the lower part of the first body and a first guide slope is provided behind the first protrusion. The mandibular appliance includes an integrally formed second body and a second protrusion. The second body fits and covers the crown of the user's mandible. The second protrusion extends upward along the second body and a second guide slope is provided in front of the second protrusion. Wherein, the first guide slope and the second guide slope fit together when the user's upper and lower jaws bite, and when the first guide slope and the second guide slope fit together, the first protrusion and the second protrusion jointly guide the mandible to retract functionally; The arch expander is provided with an arch-shaped structure that fits the user's upper jaw. The upper surface of the arch-shaped structure abuts against the user's upper jaw and acts on the crowns of the teeth on both sides in the lateral direction, providing an expanding force to both sides at the same time, thereby expanding the maxillary dental arch.

2. The invisible orthodontic device with bidirectional jawbone control according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maxillary appliance also includes a traction arm integrally formed with the first body, and the end of the traction arm is provided with a traction hook.

3. The invisible orthodontic device with bidirectional jawbone control according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a faceplate disposed outside the user's mouth, the faceplate being provided with a connecting part that is connected to the traction hook of the traction arm.

4. The invisible orthodontic device with bidirectional jawbone control according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first protrusion has two symmetrical positions on the left and right sides of the user's upper jaw, and the second protrusion has two symmetrical positions on the left and right sides of the user's lower jaw.

5. The invisible orthodontic device with bidirectional jawbone control according to claim 4, characterized in that, The protrusion positions of the second protrusion and the first protrusion are staggered in the axial direction, and the protrusion position of the second protrusion is always located behind the protrusion position of the first protrusion.

6. The invisible orthodontic device with bidirectional jawbone control according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first guide ramp is located in the anterior region of the user's first premolar and second premolar or deciduous molar, and the second guide ramp is located in the posterior region of the user's first molar or deciduous molar.

7. The invisible orthodontic device with bidirectional jawbone control according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arch-shaped structure of the expanding part has a palatal lateral surface adapted to the shape of the palatal dome.

8. The invisible orthodontic device with bidirectional jawbone control according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Based on the patient's three-dimensional digital model of the dentition, the maxillary appliance and the mandibular appliance are manufactured in one piece using 3D printing technology.

9. The invisible orthodontic device with bidirectional jawbone control according to claim 8, characterized in that, The maxillary appliance and the mandibular appliance are made of a biocompatible transparent material.

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