An orthodontic appliance for pushing molars back and a method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

This invention discloses a posterior molar-pushing orthodontic appliance, comprising a mechanical structure located at the molar site of the appliance, used to adjust the transmission mode of orthodontic force to achieve effective distal movement of the molars and avoid reciprocating motion. This mechanical structure includes: a retention device that partially or entirely encloses the tooth surface; a force-applying device, which is an elastic structure for applying directional force to the teeth; and a maintenance device connected to an anchorage device, rigidly connecting at least one tooth to the anchorage device to stabilize the moved teeth and prevent reciprocating motion. This invention also discloses a method for manufacturing this posterior molar-pushing orthodontic appliance. This invention optimizes the force application mode of the appliance, achieving precise tooth movement, thereby improving treatment efficiency and shortening treatment time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of orthodontic technology, and more particularly to an orthodontic appliance that pushes molars backward. Background Technology

[0002] Invisible aligners offer significant advantages in the clinical application of molar distalization due to their excellent containment and force-based application method. However, some shortcomings and limitations still exist in clinical practice, as follows:

[0003] 1. Uneven distribution of corrective force

[0004] Current clear aligners typically move teeth by applying force throughout the entire tooth structure. However, when moving molars distally, the required force is relatively high due to the larger tooth area and complex root structure. Furthermore, traditional clear aligners have low force transmission efficiency in the molar region, which can easily lead to slow movement or failure to achieve the desired results.

[0005] 2. High patient compliance requirements.

[0006] Molar repositioning requires a long treatment period and necessitates strict adherence to orthodontic appliances and additional elastic bands to achieve distal movement of the molars. Poor patient compliance can significantly impact treatment outcomes.

[0007] 3. May cause reciprocating motion of the teeth.

[0008] When moving molars distally, current orthodontic appliances often involve first pushing the second molar distally, and then pushing the first molar distally. During this process, because the appliance between the first and second molars is shortened, the second molar is easily caused to move mesially again, resulting in reciprocating motion. This is detrimental to periodontal health and prolongs the treatment time. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To overcome the above-mentioned defects, the present invention aims to provide an orthodontic appliance that pushes molars backward, which can optimize the force application mode of the appliance, achieve precise tooth movement, thereby improving treatment efficiency and shortening treatment time.

[0010] The present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0011] An orthodontic appliance for pushing molars posteriorly includes a mechanical structure located at the molar site of the appliance, used to adjust the transmission mode of orthodontic force to achieve effective distal movement of the molars and avoid reciprocating motion of the molars. The mechanical structure includes:

[0012] A retention device, wherein the retention device partially or entirely encloses the tooth surface;

[0013] A force-applying device, wherein the force-applying device is an elastic structure, used to apply force to teeth in a directional manner;

[0014] A maintenance device, which is connected to an anchorage device, rigidly connects at least one tooth to the anchorage device to stabilize the moved tooth and prevent reciprocating motion.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the anchorage device is a thickened portion of the orthodontic appliance or a portion with increased elastic modulus.

[0016] As another preferred embodiment, the anchorage device is a component attached to the body of the orthodontic appliance for connection with a temporary anchorage device.

[0017] Preferably, the retention device holds the teeth by means of an accessory or a partial undercut.

[0018] Preferably, the force-applying device includes a curved surface structure; the curved surface structure includes a single curved surface or several curved surfaces, the single curved surface is used to apply linear force to the teeth, and the several curved surfaces are used to apply multi-dimensional force to the teeth.

[0019] More preferably, the direction of the elastic restoring force of the force-applying device is the normal direction of the curved surface.

[0020] Preferably, the maintaining device is rigidly connected to the retention device and the anchorage device that enclose the target tooth; the maintaining device is columnar or strip-shaped.

[0021] Furthermore, the mechanical structure also includes an anchorage device that conforms to the maxillary dentition and / or soft tissue to counteract the reaction force generated by the force applied by the orthodontic appliance.

[0022] Furthermore, the mechanical structure also includes an attachment, which includes a force-bearing structure attached to the surface of the retention device.

[0023] The present invention also discloses a method for manufacturing such an orthodontic appliance that pushes molars backward, comprising: the mechanical structure adopts an integrated manufacturing method, wherein the integrated manufacturing method is 3D printing, casting, hot pressing or injection molding.

[0024] Specifically, the manufacturing method includes the following steps:

[0025] S1. Obtain a digital model of the patient's dentition and soft tissues, wherein the digital model of the dentition and soft tissues includes the three-dimensional morphology of the dentition and periodontal soft tissues and the occlusal contact of the upper and lower jaws;

[0026] S2. In the tooth arrangement software, simulate the upper and lower teeth to establish the maximum occlusal contact position, check the occlusal contact of each tooth, move the teeth to remove heavy interference, and align the upper and lower dentition.

[0027] S3. Import the dental arch model into the 3shape software to form the main body model of the orthodontic appliance. Place the force application device on the mesial and distal parts of the molars that need to be distalized. Different anchorage devices can be selected according to the anchorage requirements.

[0028] S4. Trim the model of the main body of the orthodontic appliance, including removing burrs and imperfections, while retaining some of the contact surfaces with the palatal mucosa and gingival mucosa;

[0029] S5. According to the correctional needs, place the components on the main body model of the orthodontic appliance. The components include force application devices and / or anchorage devices.

[0030] S6. Export the complete shape of the orthodontic appliance for further 3D printing.

[0031] This invention discloses an orthodontic appliance that pushes molars posteriorly. By incorporating a mechanical structure at the molar site of the appliance and adjusting the transmission mode of orthodontic force, it achieves effective distal movement of the molars and avoids reciprocating motion. This invention optimizes the force application mode of the appliance, achieving precise tooth movement, thereby improving treatment efficiency and shortening treatment time. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the anchorage device, which is an attachment to the body of the orthodontic appliance for connection with the temporary anchorage device.

[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Side view.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of Example 2.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of Example 3.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of Example 4.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of Example 5.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of Example 6. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] This embodiment discloses an orthodontic appliance that pushes molars posteriorly, specifically as follows: Figures 1-4 As shown, the mechanical structure includes a mechanical structure located at the molar region of the orthodontic appliance, which is used to adjust the transmission mode of the orthodontic force to achieve effective distal movement of the molars and avoid reciprocating motion of the molars. This mechanical structure includes a retention device 2, a force application device 3, and a maintenance device 4.

[0044] The retention device 2 provides stable retention by partially or completely enveloping the tooth surface. The force application device 3 is an elastic structure that achieves controllable and directional force application through mechanical design. The maintenance device 4 is a connecting structure that rigidly connects a single tooth or a few teeth to the anchorage device to stabilize the moved teeth and prevent reciprocating movements. Attachment 5 is a resin component bonded to the tooth surface; its shape and position can be freely configured to facilitate efficient control of tooth movement by the orthodontic appliance. Specifically:

[0045] The inner wall of the anchorage device 1 fits against the maxillary dentition or soft tissue. The anchorage device 1 can be a local design of the orthodontic appliance, such as local thickening of the appliance or changes in the elastic modulus of the material; it can also be an additional appliance component manufactured by additive or subtractive manufacturing, such as a fixed orthodontic Nance bracket anchorage device that connects to the palatal soft tissue of the incisors from the appliance or a component that extends from the anterior orthodontic appliance to facilitate connection with a temporary anchorage device.

[0046] The retention device 2 can achieve stable retention using a single tooth or multiple teeth by using an accessory or a local undercut to hold the tooth in place.

[0047] The force application device 3 is a highly elastic curved surface structure design that generates a gentle, continuous, and stable directional force on the tooth. The curved structure of the force application device 3 can be composed of a single curved surface or multiple curved surfaces. It can apply linear force to the tooth on a single plane or control tooth movement in three dimensions. The direction of the elastic restoring force of the force application device 3 is the normal direction of the curved surface.

[0048] The maintaining device 4 is a mechanical device that connects the orthodontic appliance surrounding the target tooth to the anchorage device through a rigid connector to stabilize the spatial position of the target tooth. It can be columnar, strip-shaped, or any other rigid mechanical structure design.

[0049] Traction device 5 can be a localized design of the orthodontic appliance, such as a localized thickening of the appliance or a change in the elastic modulus of the material; it can also be an additional orthodontic appliance component manufactured through additive or subtractive manufacturing to facilitate the wearing of elastic traction devices such as rubber chains, elastic bands, and nickel-titanium tension springs.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] Based on Example 1, this example discloses an application instance A of this type of orthodontic appliance that pushes molars posteriorly, specifically as follows: Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, after the second molar is pushed into place by the orthodontic appliance that pushes the molar backward, the first molar is pushed backward. The position of the second molar is maintained by the holding device 4, and the force application device 3 acts solely on the first molar to achieve distalization of a single posterior tooth.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] Based on Example 2, this example discloses an application instance B of this type of orthodontic appliance that pushes molars posteriorly, specifically as follows: Figure 6 As shown, an anchorage device 1 is added to the orthodontic appliance, such as a nance bracket, or a traction point is added in the anterior region of the appliance to connect with the implant anchorage, in order to enhance the anterior tooth anchorage. The anchorage device 1 fits closely to the maxillary dentition or soft tissue to counteract the reaction force generated by the force applied by the orthodontic appliance.

[0054] Example 4

[0055] Based on Example 1, this example discloses an application instance C of this type of orthodontic appliance that pushes molars posteriorly, specifically as follows: Figure 7 As shown, when using this type of orthodontic appliance to push the molars backward, if the tooth itself is twisted, the force application device can be placed on one side, thereby rotating the tooth axis while efficiently pushing the molars backward, achieving simultaneous correction of twisting and pushing the molars backward.

[0056] Example 5

[0057] Based on Example 1, this example discloses an application instance D of this type of orthodontic appliance that pushes molars posteriorly, specifically as follows: Figure 8 As shown, when molars need to be moved distally and their width is uneven, this type of orthodontic appliance can be used to push the molars backward while adding traction buckles 7 to the buccal or lingual side of the target tooth. This allows the appliance to interact with the corresponding tooth on the opposite side or the tooth on the opposite side to correct the lateral width imbalance. Alternatively, it can be used in conjunction with implant anchorage to indent or elongate the molars, thereby achieving efficient sagittal and lateral combined posterior molar retraction.

[0058] Example 6

[0059] Based on Example 1 or 5, this example discloses an application instance E of this type of orthodontic appliance that pushes molars posteriorly, specifically as follows: Figure 9 As shown, when a molar needs to be moved distally and the molar has a mesial tilt, while using this type of orthodontic appliance to push the molar backward, the force application device 3 can be placed away from the center of the molar resistance, so that the crown of the target tooth tilts and moves, effectively correcting the mesial tilt of the target tooth.

[0060] Appendix 6 describes a component formed by bonding resin of a specific shape to the tooth surface using light-cured or chemically cured adhesives. Its shape and placement can be freely set, facilitating personalized orthodontic appliance biomechanical optimization design for different tooth movement types.

[0061] Example 7

[0062] Based on Example 1, this example discloses a method for manufacturing such a posteriorly pushing molar orthodontic appliance, including: the mechanical structure is designed in a specific area of ​​the invisible appliance and manufactured as a single unit. Methods such as 3D printing, casting, hot pressing, and injection molding can all be used as production means.

[0063] The specific steps in the production of orthodontic appliances are as follows:

[0064] S1. Obtain a digital model of the patient's dentition and soft tissues, including the three-dimensional morphology of the dentition and periodontal soft tissues and the occlusal contact of the upper and lower jaws;

[0065] S2. In the tooth arrangement software, simulate the upper and lower teeth to establish the maximum occlusal contact position, check the occlusal contact of each tooth, move the teeth to remove heavy interference, and align the upper and lower dentition.

[0066] S3. Import the dental arch model into the 3shape software to form the main body of the orthodontic appliance. Place the force application device 3 on the mesial and distal parts of the molars that need to be distalized. Different anchorage devices 1 can be selected according to the anchorage requirements.

[0067] S4. Trim the model, remove burrs and imperfections, while retaining part of the contact surface with the palatal mucosa and gingival mucosa;

[0068] S5. According to the orthodontic needs, place the required components on the appliance. For example, place the force application device 3 on the second molar to move the molar distally, and place the anchorage device 1 on the palatal mucosa to enhance the anchorage of the anterior teeth, etc.

[0069] S6. Export the complete shape of the orthodontic appliance for further 3D printing.

[0070] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An orthodontic appliance for pushing molars posteriorly, characterized in that, The orthodontic appliance includes a mechanical structure located at the molar region, used to adjust the transmission of orthodontic forces to achieve effective distal movement of the molars and avoid reciprocating motion. This mechanical structure includes: A retention device, wherein the retention device partially or entirely encloses the tooth surface; A force-applying device, wherein the force-applying device is an elastic structure, used to apply force to teeth in a directional manner; A maintenance device, which is connected to an anchorage device, rigidly connects at least one tooth to the anchorage device to stabilize the moved tooth and prevent reciprocating motion.

2. The orthodontic appliance for pushing molars posteriorly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anchorage device is a thickened portion of the orthodontic appliance or a portion with increased elastic modulus.

3. The orthodontic appliance for pushing molars posteriorly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anchorage device is a component attached to the body of the orthodontic appliance for connection with a temporary anchorage device.

4. The orthodontic appliance for pushing molars posteriorly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retention device holds the teeth by means of an accessory or a partial undercut.

5. The orthodontic appliance for pushing molars posteriorly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force-applying device includes a curved surface structure; the curved surface structure includes a single curved surface or several curved surfaces, the single curved surface is used to apply linear force to the teeth, and the several curved surfaces are used to apply multi-dimensional force to the teeth.

6. The orthodontic appliance for pushing molars posteriorly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The direction of the elastic restoring force of the force-applying device is the normal direction of the curved surface.

7. The orthodontic appliance for pushing molars posteriorly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maintaining device is rigidly connected to the retention device and the anchorage device that enclose the target tooth; the maintaining device is columnar or strip-shaped.

8. The orthodontic appliance for pushing molars posteriorly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanical structure also includes an anchorage device that fits into the maxillary dentition and / or soft tissue to counteract the reaction force generated by the application of force by the orthodontic appliance.

9. The orthodontic appliance for pushing molars posteriorly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanical structure also includes an attachment, which includes a force-bearing structure attached to the surface of the retention device.

10. A method for manufacturing an orthodontic appliance for pushing molars posteriorly as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The mechanical structure is manufactured using an integrated manufacturing method, which may be 3D printing, casting, hot pressing, or injection molding.

11. The manufacturing method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Obtain a digital model of the patient's dentition and soft tissues, wherein the digital model of the dentition and soft tissues includes the three-dimensional morphology of the dentition and periodontal soft tissues and the occlusal contact of the upper and lower jaws; S2. In the tooth arrangement software, simulate the upper and lower teeth to establish the maximum occlusal contact position, check the occlusal contact of each tooth, move the teeth to remove heavy interference, and align the upper and lower dentition. S3. Import the dental arch model into the 3shape software to form the main body model of the orthodontic appliance. Place the force application device on the mesial and distal parts of the molars that need to be distalized. Different anchorage devices can be selected according to the anchorage requirements. S4. Trim the model of the main body of the orthodontic appliance, including removing burrs and imperfections, while retaining some of the contact surfaces with the palatal mucosa and gingival mucosa; S5. According to the correctional needs, place the components on the main body model of the orthodontic appliance. The components include force application devices and / or anchorage devices. S6. Export the complete shape of the orthodontic appliance for further 3D printing.

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