Tooth appliance with individualized lowering device

By designing individualized intrusion devices in invisible aligners, and using spacers and circular elastic bands to apply force precisely, the mechanical control problem of molar intrusion is solved, simplifying the orthodontic process and improving patient comfort and compliance.

CN223860947UActive Publication Date: 2026-02-03CHANGZHI PEOPLES HOSPITAL (CHANGZHI OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE PREVENTION & CONTROL HOSPITAL)
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202423308895.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-31
Publication Date
2026-02-03
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing invisible aligners lack continuous and precise mechanical control in terms of molar intrusion. Traditional methods increase treatment complexity and cost, and cause greater patient discomfort.

Method used

The design of an individualized depressor involves placing a shim and a circular elastic band in the recess of the clear aligner body. By calculating the thickness of the shim and the elongation of the circular elastic band, force is precisely applied to depress the molars.

Benefits of technology

Simplify the orthodontic process, improve patient comfort, achieve precise control of molars, enhance treatment compliance, and avoid the use of additional anchorage devices.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a tooth correcting appliance with an individualized lowering device, which comprises an invisible correcting appliance main body and the individualized lowering device, and the individualized lowering device comprises a gasket which is arranged in a concave part of the invisible correcting appliance main body and is used for accommodating teeth; the individualized lowering device further comprises an annular correction elastic belt, two grooves used for installing the annular correction elastic belt are formed in the opposite side walls of the invisible correction device body respectively, and the annular correction elastic belt is arranged on columns formed by the two grooves in the opposite side walls in a sleeving mode.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model belongs to the field of orthodontics, concretely relates to a tooth appliance with individualized pressure reducing device, and realizes the accurate pressure reduction of teeth (especially molar) through the design of individualized force applying device. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a device widely used in adult orthodontic treatment, the invisible appliance is popular due to its invisible and aesthetic appearance, and especially the accurate pressure reduction of molar. However, the existing invisible appliance often fails to meet the requirements. The traditional invisible appliance adjusts the position of teeth through the spontaneous force of teeth, but for the special treatment requirements of accurate force, especially the pressure reduction of molar, the existing technology cannot provide continuous and accurate mechanical control, which limits the treatment effect.

[0003] Although some researches have explored the accurate force control through additional anchorage devices (such as micro-implants), this method increases the complexity and cost of treatment, and also increases the discomfort of patients and reduces the treatment compliance. Therefore, how to realize the individualized and accurate tooth pressure reduction force through the existing invisible appliance without relying on additional anchorage devices has become a major technical problem in the current orthodontic field.

[0004] A study shows that although the invisible appliance has good predictability in controlling the distal movement of molar, its effect in the vertical direction is still limited, especially the pressure reduction of molar. Therefore, how to improve the control force of invisible appliance on the vertical direction of teeth through innovative design without relying on external anchorage devices has become the key to current technical development. SUMMARY

[0005] The utility model solves the technical problems in the prior art, provides an individualized pressure reducing device used on a tooth appliance and a tooth appliance provided with the individualized pressure reducing device, and based on the individualized downward force applying device of the invisible appliance, accurate force is applied to realize the pressure reduction of specific teeth (such as molar). The utility model not only simplifies the treatment process and improves the comfort of patients, but also effectively overcomes the problem of inaccurate control of molar pressure reduction force in the prior art.

[0006] According to the utility model, a tooth appliance with individualized pressure reducing device is provided, which comprises an invisible appliance main body and an individualized pressure reducing device, wherein the individualized pressure reducing device comprises a gasket arranged in the recessed part of the invisible appliance main body for accommodating teeth.

[0007] Preferably, the gasket is arranged in the position of the recessed part of the invisible appliance main body corresponding to the molar.

[0008] Preferably, the thickness H of the pad is determined according to the force F0 to be applied by using the following formula:

[0009] H = E A δ / F0;

[0010] wherein A is the contact area of the pad with the tooth, δ is the deformation of the pad, and E is the elastic modulus of the pad.

[0011] Preferably, the individualized compression device further comprises an annular orthodontic elastic band, and two grooves for mounting the annular orthodontic elastic band are formed on the opposite side walls of the invisible orthodontic device body, and the annular orthodontic elastic band is sleeved on the columns formed by the two grooves on the opposite side walls.

[0012] Preferably, a scale in the vertical direction is formed on the column for marking the annular orthodontic elastic band.

[0013] Preferably, the elongation ΔL of the annular orthodontic elastic band is determined according to the force F0 to be applied by using the formula ΔL = F0 / k; wherein k is the elastic constant of the annular orthodontic elastic band; and the annular orthodontic elastic band has a certain length and a certain elastic constant, and the elongation of the annular orthodontic elastic band of a fixed length at this position and the force applied on the tooth are marked on the scale of the column.

[0014] According to the utility model, a tooth aligner with an individualized compression device is also provided, which comprises an invisible orthodontic device body and an individualized compression device, wherein the individualized compression device comprises an annular orthodontic elastic band, two grooves for mounting the annular orthodontic elastic band are formed on the opposite side walls of the invisible orthodontic device body, and the annular orthodontic elastic band is sleeved on the columns formed by the two grooves on the opposite side walls.

[0015] Preferably, a scale in the vertical direction is formed on the column for marking the annular orthodontic elastic band.

[0016] Preferably, the elongation ΔL of the annular orthodontic elastic band is determined according to the force F0 to be applied by using the formula ΔL = F0 / k; wherein k is the elastic constant of the annular orthodontic elastic band; and the annular orthodontic elastic band has a certain length and a certain elastic constant, and the elongation of the annular orthodontic elastic band of a fixed length at this position and the force applied on the tooth are marked on the scale of the column.

[0017] Preferably, the individualized compression device further comprises a pad arranged in the recess of the invisible orthodontic device body for accommodating the tooth; the pad is arranged in the position corresponding to the molar of the recess of the invisible orthodontic device body; and the thickness H of the pad is determined according to the force F0 to be applied by using the following formula:

[0018] H=E A δ / F0;

[0019] Where A is the contact area between the gasket and the tooth, δ is the deformation of the gasket, and E is the elastic modulus of the gasket.

[0020] This invention provides a personalized downward force application device based on invisible aligners. By designing fixed elastic band mounting points at the front and back on the existing invisible aligners, the elastic force of the elastic bands is used to apply downward force, thereby achieving precise intrusion of specific teeth (such as molars). This device has a simple structure, is easy to install, and can efficiently and continuously act on the target tooth, solving the problem of lacking effective mechanical control for molar intrusion in existing technologies. Furthermore, this device requires no additional anchorage, significantly improving patient comfort and treatment compliance. Attached Figure Description

[0021] A more complete understanding of the present invention and its accompanying advantages and features will be more readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a dental appliance with an individualized depressor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Note that the drawings illustrating the structure may not be drawn to scale. Furthermore, in the drawings, identical or similar elements are labeled with the same or similar reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0028] This invention is based on existing orthodontic appliances (such as clear aligners). By individually designing the areas of teeth requiring pressure application, it utilizes two methods to achieve precise pressure application on a single tooth. The spacer and circular elastic orthodontic force methods can be used to correct the same tooth or to correct different teeth separately.

[0029] Specifically, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a dental appliance with an individualized depressor device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the orthodontic appliance with an individualized depressor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes: a clear aligner body 10 and an individualized depressor, wherein the individualized depressor includes a pad 20 disposed in a recess of the clear aligner body 10 for accommodating teeth.

[0030] Preferably, the spacer 20 is arranged in the position corresponding to the molar in the recess of the clear aligner body 10 for receiving the tooth.

[0031] Furthermore, according to Hooke's Law, the force F applied by the gasket is calculated using the following formula:

[0032] F=E A δ / h

[0033] Where A is the contact area, δ is the deformation of the shim, h is the thickness of the shim, and E is the elastic modulus of the shim. By adjusting the thickness of the shim, the pressure applied to the target tooth can be adjusted to achieve individualized orthodontic force.

[0034] Conversely, the thickness H of the gasket is determined using the following formula based on the force F0 to be applied:

[0035] H=E A δ / F0;

[0036] Where A is the contact area between the gasket and the tooth, δ is the deformation of the gasket, and E is the elastic modulus of the gasket.

[0037] In clear aligners, spacers of varying thicknesses are placed at the tooth locations where indentation force needs to be applied. Utilizing the elasticity and stiffness of these spacers, downward pressure is applied to the teeth when the aligners are worn. The spacers primarily exert downward indentation force on the target teeth through their thickness and the elasticity of their material. When the patient wears the aligners, the spacers act as a buffer, continuously applying minute pressure to the target teeth through compression and elastic rebound. As the thickness of the spacers increases or decreases, the applied force varies, thus controlling the intensity of force during orthodontic treatment.

[0038] Preferably, such as Figure 1 As shown, as an addition or replacement, the individualized compression device may include: a ring-shaped orthodontic elastic band 30, and two grooves 11 for installing the ring-shaped orthodontic elastic band 30 are formed on the opposite sidewalls of the clear aligner body 10, and the ring-shaped orthodontic elastic band 30 is fitted onto the column 12 formed by the two grooves 11 on the opposite sidewalls.

[0039] As an elastic material, the elastic band (or orthodontic elastic band) has the property of generating elastic force when stretched. By fixing the two ends of the elastic band into the fixing holes of the orthodontic appliance, and adjusting the fixing point of the elastic band at different scale hole positions, the amount of stretching and the magnitude of the applied force can be precisely adjusted, thereby achieving downward indentation of the teeth.

[0040] Based on the elastic properties of circular orthodontic elastic bands, the force F applied to the teeth is directly proportional to the elongation ΔL of the band, which conforms to Hooke's Law:

[0041] F=k ΔL

[0042] Where k is the elastic constant of the circular orthodontic elastic band, and ΔL is the elongation of the circular orthodontic elastic band. By adjusting the elongation of the circular orthodontic elastic band at different scale positions (i.e., adjusting ΔL), the magnitude of the force applied to the target teeth can be precisely controlled.

[0043] Conversely, the elongation ΔL of the circular orthodontic elastic band is determined using the following formula based on the force F0 to be applied:

[0044] ΔL = F0 / k; where k is the elastic constant of the circular orthodontic elastic band.

[0045] Preferably, the column 12 has vertical graduations 13 for marking the circular orthodontic elastic band 30. Specifically, the graduations are designed to allow the elastic band to generate different forces at different positions. In each fixing hole, the stretch ΔL of the elastic band varies depending on the position of the hole, thereby precisely controlling the force applied to the teeth. By adjusting the fixing position of the elastic band (i.e., selecting different graduation positions), the dentist can gradually adjust the applied force according to the patient's treatment progress, ensuring force adaptability during the orthodontic process.

[0046] Preferably, the circular orthodontic elastic band has a defined length and a defined elastic constant, and the elongation of the fixed-length circular orthodontic elastic band at that position and the force applied to the teeth are marked on the scale 13 of the cylinder 12.

[0047] Therefore, the height of the circular orthodontic elastic band can be quickly determined after calculating the force that needs to be applied.

[0048] The clear aligner has graduated grooves on its inner and outer surfaces. These grooves are ingeniously designed, precisely positioned to apply pressure to the teeth as needed. The graduations within the grooves accurately indicate the magnitude of the pressure, allowing for adjustments to the connection points of elastic bands or other flexible elements to achieve varying intensities of pressure.

[0049] By adjusting the connection positions of the orthodontic elastic bands in different graduated holes, the indentation force applied to the teeth can be precisely controlled. Each graduated position corresponds to a different indentation force, and the dentist can adjust the fixing points of the elastic bands or elastic materials according to the patient's treatment progress to ensure the gradual increase or decrease of force and achieve the ideal treatment effect.

[0050] This invention achieves individualized indentation force on a single tooth through two different design methods (shim adjustment and elastic band adjustment). These designs ensure the stability and uniformity of force during treatment by precisely controlling the magnitude and application location of the force, thereby achieving ideal orthodontic results.

[0051] Furthermore, depending on the treatment needs, spacers of different thicknesses can be placed in different areas of the clear aligner, or the positions of the fixing holes with different scales can be adjusted, so as to apply forces of different intensities and directions to different teeth. This invention's individualized depressor can be used not only in conjunction with clear aligners, but also with traditional braces to meet more complex orthodontic needs.

[0052] The device of this invention requires the materials used to have excellent elasticity, durability, comfort, and biocompatibility to ensure effectiveness and patient comfort during long-term use.

[0053] The main body of the invisible aligner, as the fundamental component of this invention, is required to have high transparency and comfort, and to effectively conform to the teeth while maintaining stable transmission of orthodontic force. Commonly used materials include transparent thermoplastics (such as polyurethane); this material has good transparency and a certain degree of elasticity, allowing it to fit closely to the teeth while ensuring comfort. Polyurethane material has good wear resistance and toughness, making it suitable for long-term wear of aligners.

[0054] The materials used in orthodontic appliances must have extremely low irritation to avoid causing oral discomfort or allergic reactions in patients. The spacer is a crucial component of this invention, regulating the applied pressure force by controlling its thickness and elasticity. The spacer needs to be biocompatible, elastic, stiff, and durable. Specifically, the spacer material must be non-toxic and non-irritating to the oral environment, and must integrate well with the teeth and orthodontic appliance materials without affecting oral health. Medical-grade silicone and thermoplastics (such as polyurethane or polyetherimide) are commonly used. These materials have good biocompatibility and can maintain long-term contact with oral tissues without causing allergies or other adverse reactions. Furthermore, the spacer needs to possess a certain degree of elasticity and stiffness to ensure stable pressure is applied to the target teeth when the patient wears the appliance. The selected material should have a moderate modulus of elasticity, effectively applying force without being overly rigid and causing discomfort. Simultaneously, the spacer needs high durability, maintaining a stable shape and function during prolonged wear without performance degradation due to repeated use or temperature changes. Therefore, preferably, the pad is made of a biocompatible flexible material (such as silicone, thermoplastic, etc.) to ensure a good fit to the teeth and orthodontic appliance while avoiding irritation to other tissues in the oral cavity.

[0055] Orthodontic elastic bands (rubber bands) are one of the core materials for achieving controllable low-pressure force in this invention. They need to possess elasticity and adjustability, fatigue resistance, and biocompatibility. Specifically, the orthodontic elastic band needs to have a high elastic modulus to generate appropriate tensile force, and its elastic constant should be adjustable so that different intensities of force can be achieved by changing the length of the elastic band. Common materials include medical-grade rubber or thermoplastic elastomers, which can maintain good elastic recovery when stretched. Moreover, since the elastic band will be repeatedly stretched and recovered during long-term wear, its fatigue resistance is extremely important. The selected material should be able to maintain elasticity without aging or breakage during long-term use. In addition, the orthodontic elastic band material should be non-irritating to the oral environment and should not have a negative impact on teeth or gums. The medical-grade rubber or synthetic elastic material used should meet the biocompatibility standards for medical devices.

[0056] This invention embeds spacers of varying thicknesses within the tooth region requiring indentation force (such as molars). These spacers offer different heights and stiffnesses to suit the specific needs of each tooth, allowing for precise control of the indentation force applied to the teeth by adjusting the spacer thickness. By selecting a spacer of appropriate thickness, patients can apply suitable downward force to the target teeth while wearing the orthodontic appliance. The spacer thickness is adjustable, allowing users to gradually increase or decrease the thickness as treatment progresses, thus achieving continuous and gradual tooth indentation.

[0057] This invention can precisely control the orthodontic force on a single tooth, avoiding excessive or uneven force distribution and providing better orthodontic results. Furthermore, by adjusting the connection position of the elastic band or other elastic material, the treatment process can be adjusted at any time to meet the orthodontic needs of different patients and different teeth.

[0058] This invention provides a personalized downward force application device based on invisible aligners. By designing fixed elastic band mounting points at the front and back on the existing invisible aligners, the elastic force of the elastic bands is used to apply downward force, thereby achieving precise intrusion of specific teeth (such as molars). This device has a simple structure, is easy to install, and can efficiently and continuously act on the target tooth, solving the problem of lacking effective mechanical control for molar intrusion in existing technologies. Furthermore, this device requires no additional anchorage, significantly improving patient comfort and treatment compliance.

[0059] Furthermore, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., in the specification are used only to distinguish the various components, elements, and steps in the specification, and are not used to indicate the logical or sequential relationships between the various components, elements, and steps.

[0060] It is understood that although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, these embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. For any person skilled in the art, many possible variations and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention, or equivalent embodiments can be modified based on the disclosed technical content. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dental appliance with an individualized depressor, characterized in that... include: The clear aligner body and the individualized depressor, wherein the individualized depressor includes a pad disposed in a recess in the clear aligner body for receiving teeth.

2. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spacer is placed in the corresponding position of the molar in the recess of the body of the clear aligner for accommodating the tooth.

3. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The thickness H of the gasket is determined using the following formula based on the force F0 to be applied: H = E·A·δ / F0; Where A is the contact area between the gasket and the tooth, δ is the deformation of the gasket, and E is the elastic modulus of the gasket.

4. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The individualized compression device also includes a ring-shaped elastic band, and two grooves for installing the ring-shaped elastic band are formed on opposite sidewalls of the main body of the invisible aligner. The ring-shaped elastic band is fitted onto a column formed by the two grooves on opposite sidewalls.

5. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that, The column has vertical graduations for marking the circular orthodontic elastic band.

6. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that, The elongation ΔL of the circular orthodontic elastic band is determined using the formula ΔL=F0 / k based on the force F0 to be applied; Where k is the elastic constant of the circular orthodontic elastic band; and the circular orthodontic elastic band has a definite length and a definite elastic constant, and the elongation of the fixed-length circular orthodontic elastic band at that position and the force applied to the teeth are marked on the scale of the cylinder.

7. A dental appliance with an individualized depressor, characterized in that... include: The clear aligner body and the individualized pressing device, wherein the individualized pressing device includes a ring-shaped elastic band, wherein two grooves for installing the ring-shaped elastic band are formed on opposite sidewalls of the clear aligner body, and the ring-shaped elastic band is fitted onto a column formed by the two grooves on opposite sidewalls.

8. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that, The column has vertical graduations for marking the circular orthodontic elastic band.

9. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, The elongation ΔL of the circular orthodontic elastic band is determined using the following formula based on the force F0 to be applied: ΔL = F0 / k; where k is the elastic constant of the circular orthodontic elastic band; and the circular orthodontic elastic band has a definite length and a definite elastic constant, and the elongation of the fixed-length circular orthodontic elastic band at that position and the force applied to the teeth are marked on the scale of the cylinder.

10. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The individualized depressor also includes a pad placed in the recess of the clear aligner body to accommodate the teeth. The spacer is positioned in the molar corresponding location within the recess of the clear aligner body that accommodates the tooth; and the thickness H of the spacer is determined using the following formula based on the force F0 to be applied: H = E·A·δ / F0; Where A is the contact area between the gasket and the tooth, δ is the deformation of the gasket, and E is the elastic modulus of the gasket.