Bracket-free invisible appliance with multi-curve structure

Abstract

The utility model provides a bracket-free invisible orthodontic appliance with a multi-curve structure, and belongs to the field of invisible orthodontic appliances in an orthodontic technology. The orthodontic appliance comprises a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance body which is attached to and covers the surface of teeth, and a multi-curved part which is formed on the surface of the orthodontic appliance body. The multi-curve part comprises a plurality of continuous or independent U-shaped curves, arc-shaped curves, T-shaped curves and the like, and is distributed on the cheek-tongue side, the jaw surface corresponding appliance part, the appliance extension part or the edge line area of teeth. According to the orthodontic appliance, the local elasticity and rigidity of the orthodontic appliance can be adjusted through the multi-curve structure, so that the mechanical property of the orthodontic appliance is optimized, the orthodontic appliance generates more suitable orthodontic force or retention force on teeth, meanwhile, a larger deformation range is obtained, the tolerance range of in-place teeth is increased, and finally the curative effect of invisible orthodontic treatment is enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of orthodontics, and more particularly to a bracketless clear aligner, specifically a clear aligner that optimizes flexibility and rigidity. Background Technology

[0002] Malocclusion, such as uneven teeth, overbite, and underbite, is quite common in dental diseases, with a prevalence rate exceeding 70%. These conditions impair patients' dentofacial function and aesthetics, and even digestive function and mental health. Orthodontists correct malocclusion by applying force with braces. Traditionally, fixed braces were used, which move teeth through the force generated by the deformation of elastic archwires or stabilize the dental arch shape through the rigidity of the archwires. Orthodontists adjust the force applied to the teeth by selecting different sizes of archwires (such as 0.012-inch round wire, 0.017*25-inch square wire), different properties of archwires (such as nickel-titanium archwires, stainless steel archwires, β-titanium archwires), and different bend shapes (such as teardrop bends, T-shaped bends, and omega bends).

[0003] In recent years, clear aligners have been widely used in clinical practice due to their advantages such as aesthetics, comfort, and ease of oral hygiene maintenance. Clear aligners move teeth by utilizing the force generated by the deformation of the aligner clasp. The mechanical properties of the aligner directly affect the efficiency of tooth movement. If the rigidity is too high, the aligner will not easily deform and settle into place, leading to detachment, or the force after settling will be too great, harming periodontal health. If the elasticity is too high, the force after settling will be too small and decay too quickly, resulting in inefficient orthodontic treatment. Balancing elasticity and rigidity is a challenge that clear aligners need to overcome. Ideally, clear aligners need appropriate elasticity to enter the undercuts of the teeth and attachments for retention, provide continuous and stable light force for teeth requiring movement, and maintain rigidity for anchorage teeth that do not require movement.

[0004] Patent document 1 relates to a dental orthodontic appliance with a ridge, which includes an appliance body and a ridge connecting the appliance body. The moment of inertia is increased by providing a ridge on the appliance body that protrudes in a direction away from the cavity, thereby increasing the local stiffness of the orthodontic appliance.

[0005] Patent Document 2 relates to a composite suction integrated invisible aligner and its manufacturing method. The invisible aligner includes a rigid diaphragm and an elastic material layer. By placing a high-strength TPU material on the outer side and a highly elastic silicone rubber material on the inner side, it ensures overall structural strength while avoiding excessive local stress, thus improving the orthodontic effect and wearing comfort. Patent Document 2 also discloses a reinforcing structure on the lingual side of the rigid diaphragm. This reinforcing structure is located on the lingual tooth body and gingival margin, and is a raised, pleated structure. By incorporating this lingual reinforcing structure, the support force on the lingual side is strengthened, increasing the ability to control and modify the dental arch morphology. Simultaneously, it forms an effective force couple with the labial aligner, thereby better controlling tooth movement and increasing orthodontic efficiency.

[0006] Patent document 3 relates to an invisible aligner and its preparation method. It obtains a surface-functionalized dental model by forming micro-nano pillars arranged in an array on the surface of a dental model. Then, using the surface-functionalized dental model as a mold, a polymer material film is hot-pressed to form an invisible aligner. The surface of the obtained invisible aligner has a micro-nano pillar array structure, thereby providing hydrophobic properties, self-cleaning performance and good antibacterial properties.

[0007] The term "dental occlusion" in this article is a professional term in dentistry. The characters for "tooth" and "occlusion" are the left and right parts of a single character, which cannot be found in standard character sets; therefore, they are written separately as "dental occlusion".

[0008] Existing technology

[0009] Patent Document 1: CN114305749A;

[0010] Patent Document 2: CN116942338A;

[0011] Patent Document 3: CN117532778A Utility Model Content

[0012] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0013] According to the technology in Patent Document 1, additional ridges are added as attachment structures. These added ridges are strip-shaped and are used to increase the local moment of inertia of the orthodontic appliance, i.e., its resistance to bending, to prevent deformation or breakage when the appliance is removed. Patent Document 1 does not address how to adjust the orthodontic force applied to the teeth by changing the performance of the appliance.

[0014] According to the technology in Patent Document 2, it seeks to balance elasticity and rigidity by setting two different materials on the outer and inner sides. This will undoubtedly increase the manufacturing cost and processing difficulty. In addition, it requires the use of primer to bond and fix the hard film to the elastic material layer, which further complicates the manufacturing process.

[0015] According to the technology in Patent Document 3, antibacterial ability is improved by setting a micro-nano pillar array structure on the surface of the invisible orthodontic device, but no attention is paid to how to balance elasticity and rigidity.

[0016] To address the shortcomings of existing clear aligners in terms of mechanical performance, this invention provides a clear aligner that optimizes mechanical performance through a localized multi-curved structure. This aligner can simultaneously adjust elasticity and rigidity, achieving a wider deformation range while generating more suitable orthodontic or retention forces, thus increasing the tolerance range for tooth placement.

[0017] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, one embodiment of the present invention provides a bracketless invisible aligner with a multi-curved structure, comprising a shell-shaped aligner body that conforms to and covers the surface of the teeth, and a multi-curved portion formed on the surface of the aligner body.

[0018] In some embodiments, the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance body and the multi-curved section are integrally formed from the same material, or are formed from a combination of materials with different properties.

[0019] In some embodiments, when the shell-shaped appliance body and the multi-curved portion are integrally formed from the same material, the multi-curved portion is in the form of a ridge away from the tooth surface or a valley towards the tooth surface.

[0020] In some embodiments, when the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance body and the multi-curved portion are formed by combining materials with different properties, the multi-curved portion is in the form of a ridge away from the tooth surface or a valley towards the tooth surface, or is flush with the body portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the multiple curved sections are U-shaped curves, T-shaped curves, teardrop-shaped curves, omega-shaped curves, small circle-shaped curves, boot-shaped curves, arc-shaped curves, zigzag curves, or combinations thereof.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the multi-curved portion is rectangular, trapezoidal, arc-shaped, triangular, or polygonal.

[0023] In some implementations, the multiple curves may be continuous or discontinuous.

[0024] In some embodiments, the number of curves in the multi-curved section is at least one.

[0025] In some embodiments, the multiple curved sections are distributed vertically, horizontally, or in a mixed distribution of multiple directions.

[0026] In some embodiments, the multi-curved portion is located on the buccal or lingual side, maxillofacial region, extension of the appliance, or edge area.

[0027] In some embodiments, the multi-curved portion is located on the buccal or lingual side, occlusal surface, extension of the appliance, or edge area.

[0028] In some embodiments, the multi-curved portion is provided corresponding to at least one of the tooth surface, interdental space, or cavitation area of ​​the tooth to be treated.

[0029] In some implementations, the multi-curved parts can be produced indirectly through curved attachments or directly generated by 3D printing.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: by using multiple curved sections, on the one hand, the total area of ​​the local bracketless clear aligner is increased, and on the other hand, the local aligner support structure is changed, similar to the principle of origami, which increases the elasticity and extensibility of the aligner in the direction of the extension of the multiple curved sections, and in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the extension of the multiple curved sections, the rigidity and stability are increased, thereby enabling the aligner to generate more suitable orthodontic force or retention force.

[0031] In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention, the effect of adjusting the elasticity and rigidity of the braces by local deformation can be assisted or replaced by different local material properties. For the area of ​​the orthodontic appliance that requires stable tooth position, a more rigid material is used, and for the area of ​​the orthodontic appliance that requires movable teeth, a more elastic material is used.

[0032] Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, the multi-curved portion can also be applied to invisible retainers. Retainers have the same mechanical performance requirements; excessive rigidity makes them difficult to wear and prone to breakage, while excessive elasticity makes them difficult to maintain tooth position. An ideal invisible retainer needs to have a certain degree of elasticity during insertion and removal, while maintaining strong rigidity once in place. The present invention enables the retainer to possess both good elasticity and rigidity. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a clear aligner with multiple curves and the corresponding dental arch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 For the present invention Figure 1 A specific example of the orientation of the multiple curved sections in the cross-sectional view of the AA, in which the teeth to be treated are aligned;

[0035] Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 1 Another specific example of the multi-curved orientation of the AA cross-section, in which it is matched with the tooth to be treated;

[0036] Figure 4 A perspective view of an invisible orthodontic appliance with multiple curves, which is another specific example of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 A perspective view of an invisible orthodontic appliance with multiple curves, which is another specific example of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 A perspective view of an invisible orthodontic appliance with multiple curves, which is another specific example of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 A perspective view of an invisible orthodontic appliance with multiple curves, which is another specific example of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 A perspective view of an invisible orthodontic appliance with multiple curves, which is another specific example of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 9 A perspective view of an invisible orthodontic appliance with multiple curves, which is another specific example of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 10 For the present invention Figure 1 Specific examples of the multi-curved section shape in the sectional view of AA;

[0043] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the multi-curved portion of the present invention at the location of the orthodontic appliance, which is a specific example of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional view of a clear aligner with multiple curves and a corresponding dental model, which is a specific example of the present invention.

[0045] In the diagram, number 10 represents a multi-curved section; number 101 represents the main body of the aligner; number 100 represents a clear aligner with a multi-curved section; number 11 represents the edentulous space; number 12 represents the interdental space; number 13 represents the adjacent teeth on both sides of the gap; number 200 represents the corresponding dentition; number 30 represents the multi-curved attachment; number 301 represents the dental model; and number 300 represents the dental model with multi-curved attachments. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] This invention utilizes computer-aided design to provide a bracketless invisible aligner that optimizes mechanical performance through localized multi-curve design.

[0048] In this specification, "multi-curved section" refers to a structural component with multiple curved shapes, which differs from the ridges in Patent Document 1, the small cylindrical structure on the tongue side in Patent Document 2, and the micro / nano column array structure in Patent Document 3. The following is a detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Combination Figure 1 This is a bracketless invisible aligner 100 with localized multi-curves 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] The clear aligner 100 includes a shell-shaped aligner body 101 that conforms to and covers the surface of the teeth, and a multi-curved portion 10 formed on the surface of the aligner body. 200 is the dentition corresponding to the aligner.

[0051] At the edentulous site 11 and the interdental site 12 where the gap needs to be closed, the multi-curved portion forms multiple vertical (gingival-occlusal) continuous U-shaped curves, increasing the elasticity of the local orthodontic appliance during the gap closure process. At the adjacent tooth sites 13 on both sides of the gap, the multi-curved portion forms multiple horizontal (mesi-distal) continuous U-shaped curves, increasing the vertical elasticity, which is beneficial for the vertical positioning and wrapping of the orthodontic appliance, while also increasing the rigidity in the mesi-distal direction, which is beneficial for the stability of the adjacent teeth in the mesi-distal direction during the gap closure process.

[0052] Combination Figure 2 The multi-curved part 10 is a ridge-like protrusion that is away from the tooth surface.

[0053] Combination Figure 3 The multi-curved portion 10 can also be a concave valley facing the tooth surface. In this case, when the appliance is put in, the multi-curved portion exerts an inward force on the teeth.

[0054] When the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance body and the multi-curved portion are integrally molded from the same material, the multi-curved portion is either a ridge-like shape away from the tooth surface or a valley-like shape towards the tooth surface.

[0055] When the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance body and the curved portion are formed by combining materials with different properties, the curved portion can be shaped as a ridge away from the tooth surface or as a valley towards the tooth surface, or flush with the body. In this case, the elasticity or rigidity of the curved portion differs from that of the body.

[0056] Combination Figure 4 In another embodiment of the present invention, a bracketless invisible aligner 100 with local multi-curves 10 has multiple independent vertical U-shaped curves in the corresponding tooth gap 11, and multiple independent horizontal strip-shaped curves in the adjacent tooth gap 13 on both sides of the gap, and the two transition at the adjacent tooth gap 12.

[0057] Combination Figure 5In another embodiment of the present invention, a bracketless clear aligner 100 with local multi-curves 10 has multiple U-shaped curves that are independent in the vertical direction and continuous in the horizontal direction at the corresponding edentulous gap 11 and the adjacent gap 12 between the teeth. At the adjacent tooth gaps 13 on both sides of the gap, the multi-curves are multiple independent arc-shaped curves. The ends of the curves enter the undercut of the teeth, which improves the mechanical properties of the local aligner and facilitates the placement, retention and removal of the aligner at the undercut.

[0058] Combination Figure 6 In another embodiment of the present invention, the bracketless invisible aligner 100 with local multi-curves 10 has multiple U-shaped curves that are independent in the vertical direction and continuous in the horizontal direction in the corresponding tooth gap 11 and the adjacent gap 12 between the teeth. In the adjacent tooth gap 13 on both sides of the corresponding gap, the multi-curves are multiple independent horizontal strip-shaped curves.

[0059] Figure 1 , 4 5. The curves displayed are strip-shaped, U-shaped, and arc-shaped.

[0060] Combination Figure 7 Multiple tracks (10) can also be T-shaped tracks.

[0061] Combination Figure 8 Multiple tracks 10 can also be Omega type tracks.

[0062] Combination Figure 9 The multiple curves 10 can also be teardrop-shaped curves, small circle-shaped curves, boot-shaped curves, zigzag curves, or combinations thereof. The diagram shows multiple curves distributed in the interdental regions of the teeth.

[0063] Combination Figure 10 The cross-section of the multi-curved 10 can be arc-shaped, trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, or a combination of different shapes.

[0064] Combination Figure 1 and 4 ~9, multiple sections are either consecutive sections or multiple independent sections that are broken.

[0065] Combination Figure 1 and 4 ~9. The number of songs in a multi-song section is at least one, and usually multiple.

[0066] Combination Figure 1 and 4 ~9, the multiple curves are distributed vertically, horizontally, or in a mixed manner in multiple directions.

[0067] Combination Figure 11 The multiple curves are located on the buccal and lingual sides, maxillofacial region, extension of the appliance, or edge area on the appliance.

[0068] Combination Figure 1 and 4 ~9, the multi-curved portion is provided at least one of the tooth surface, interdental space or vacuolar area of ​​the tooth to be treated.

[0069] Combination Figure 12 The clear aligner with multiple curves can be produced indirectly by designing curved attachments 30 on the dental mold 301 to obtain a dental mold 300 with multiple curves and then molding it with a mold, or by designing a digital model of the clear aligner with multiple curves and then directly generating it by 3D printing.

[0070] The above illustrations use tooth extraction orthodontic cases as specific examples, but the invisible aligner with multiple curves of the present invention can be used for both tooth extraction and non-extraction orthodontic cases.

[0071] The implementation method of the present invention has been described above. For those skilled in the art, any equivalent modifications or substitutions to the present invention are also within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent transformations and modifications made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the present invention.

Claims

1. A bracketless invisible aligner with a multi-curved structure, characterized in that, It includes a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance body that fits and covers the tooth surface, and a multi-curved portion formed on the surface of the orthodontic appliance body. In the edentulous area where gaps need to be closed and in the interdental area of ​​teeth, the multi-curved portion has multiple vertical continuous U-shaped curves; in the adjacent tooth areas on both sides of the gap, the multi-curved portion has multiple horizontal continuous U-shaped curves.

2. The bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell-shaped orthodontic appliance body and the multi-curved part are molded from the same material as a single piece, or they are molded from a combination of materials with different properties.

3. The bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance body and the multi-curved portion are integrally molded from the same material, the multi-curved portion is either a ridge-like shape away from the tooth surface or a valley-like shape towards the tooth surface.

4. The bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance body and the multi-curved portion are made of materials with different properties, the multi-curved portion is in the shape of a ridge away from the tooth surface or a valley towards the tooth surface, or is flush with the body.

5. The bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple curved parts are U-shaped curves, T-shaped curves, teardrop-shaped curves, omega-shaped curves, small circle-shaped curves, boot-shaped curves, arc-shaped curves, zigzag-shaped curves, or combinations thereof.

6. The bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the multi-curved portion is rectangular, trapezoidal, arc-shaped, triangular, or polygonal.

7. The bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple curves can be continuous or discontinuous.

8. The bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple curved sections are distributed vertically, horizontally, or in a mixed distribution in multiple directions.

9. The bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The location of the multi-curved portion on the orthodontic appliance is on the buccal or lingual side, occlusal surface, extension of the appliance, or edge area.

10. The bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-curved portion is provided corresponding to at least one of the tooth surface, interdental space, or cavitation area of ​​the tooth to be treated.

11. The bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multi-curved parts can be produced indirectly through curved attachments or directly generated through 3D printing.

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