Interproximal Clear Aligner Coupling for Attachment-Free Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tooth-moving methods using transparent shell appliances with attachments are cumbersome for patients, and there is a need for improved tooth movement techniques that provide more accurate and efficient engagement with fewer attachments.
Innovation Solution
The use of interproximal engagement structures that extend into the interproximal space of teeth to engage the teeth, allowing for increased surface contact and improved tooth movement, including torque and rotation, with the ability to anchor appliances to posterior teeth and encourage anterior tooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If attachments are used on teeth to engage the appliance for tooth movement, then tooth movement effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes attachments from the teeth entirely and instead creates interproximal engagement structures that extend into the interproximal spaces between teeth. The appliance engages teeth directly through these interproximal structures rather than through attachments on the tooth surface, eliminating the need for cumbersome attachments while maintaining effective tooth movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from surface-level engagement (attachments on tooth surfaces) to three-dimensional interproximal engagement (structures extending between teeth). The interproximal engagement structures extend from the appliance into the interproximal spaces, creating engagement in the dimensional space between teeth rather than only on tooth surfaces
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional engagement methods are used, then appliance design is simpler, but tooth movement precision and accuracy deteriorate due to limited engagement surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends engagement into the interproximal dimension by creating structures that reach between teeth. This additional dimensional engagement provides more contact points and better control over tooth movement precision without significantly complicating the appliance design process
Solution Approach 2:
The interproximal engagement structures are integrated within the appliance body, with channels or pathways that guide the engagement structures into the interproximal spaces. This nested integration allows precise engagement geometry to be incorporated within the overall appliance structure
3Manufacturing precision
If more attachments are added to improve tooth movement control, then tooth movement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple engagement functions into a single integrated appliance structure. The interproximal engagement structures are formed as part of the appliance body itself, merging the engagement mechanism with the appliance shell rather than requiring separate attachments for each tooth
Solution Approach 2:
The interproximal engagement structures serve multiple functions: they provide engagement surfaces for tooth movement, enable rotational control, and distribute forces across multiple teeth. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized attachments for different tooth movement objectives
Data Source
AI summary
Polymeric shell appliances are provided in which the polymeric shell appliances are configured to provide one or more activation forces to facilitate tooth movement. In many embodiments, the appliances comprise interproximal engagement structures to provide activation forces to interproximal tooth surfaces. In many embodiments, the activation forces are arranged to provide a plurality of forces, including a force in a direction opposite to an intended direction of tooth movement. The polymeric shell appliances may comprise one or more tooth receiving cavities, in which each of the plurality of tooth receiving cavities is shaped and arranged to provide a counter moment of each of the plurality of teeth.