Active Dental Aligner Attachments with Movable Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic systems using static tooth attachments are not optimal for individual tooth morphology and composite movements, leading to suboptimal tooth movement and unwanted movements during orthodontic treatment.
Innovation Solution
The development of active tooth attachments that can apply and redirect forces between teeth and orthodontic appliances, featuring a base for static attachment and an actuator to move the interface surface relative to the base, allowing for additional or redirected forces to achieve more precise and predictable tooth movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static attachments are used, then the attachment structure is simple, but the tooth movement precision and effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment incorporates a movable interface surface that can shift position relative to the base attachment structure. This dynamic element allows the attachment to adapt to different tooth morphologies and apply forces more precisely, thereby improving tooth movement precision without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire attachment system.
2Ease of manufacture
If generic attachments are used, then the attachment selection is simple, but the adaptability to individual tooth morphology deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interface surface is designed with specific local characteristics that can be optimized for particular tooth types or movement requirements. By allowing the interface surface to be positioned or configured differently on various attachments, the system maintains ease of manufacture through standardized base structures while achieving local optimization for individual tooth morphology and treatment needs.
3Device complexity
If passive attachments are used, then the attachment design is simple, but the force application capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable interface surface creates a dynamic force transmission mechanism that can redirect and amplify forces applied by the orthodontic appliance. This dynamic interaction between the interface surface and the appliance allows passive attachments to generate more effective force systems, improving force application capability without requiring active actuators or complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are attachments for an orthodontic appliance, such as an aligner, that include a base region configured to be rigidly mounted to a tooth surface and an interface surface region that is configured to engage with the orthodontic appliance, in which the base region and the interface surface region are movably connected. These attachments may be configured as force applying attachments and/or as force redirecting attachments. Also described herein are modular attachments.