Integrated Aligner Elastic Cutout for Secure Retention and Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic aligner designs fail to securely retain elastics, leading to displacement, rotation, and discomfort, and often require trimming that compromises the aligner's integrity, causing gum recession and reduced treatment effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic aligner with a secure lock-up mechanism featuring a bubble-like cutout for elastics and a button on the opposite aligner, ensuring elastic retention and minimizing gum contact, fabricated using a three-layer plastic structure and a computer-assisted molding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional aligner designs are used with elastic attachments, then the aligner can be manufactured with standard procedures, but the elastics shift or rotate leading to reduced treatment effectiveness and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The aligner is segmented by creating a cutout window that separates the elastic retention area from the rest of the aligner structure. This allows the elastic to be contained within a specific zone, preventing it from shifting or rotating while maintaining the integrity of the overall aligner design.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic band is nested within the cutout window of the aligner, with the elastic positioned inside the confined space created by the cutout. This nesting arrangement ensures the elastic remains securely held in place during treatment, eliminating the shifting and rotation problems associated with conventional designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If aligners are trimmed to accommodate sectional braces or auxiliary devices, then these devices can be fitted, but the aligner's integrity is compromised reducing retention and anchorage
Solution Approach 1:
The cutout window is pre-designed and pre-positioned in the aligner during the manufacturing process, before the aligner is fitted to the patient. This preliminary action allows auxiliary devices to be accommodated without requiring later trimming or modification that would compromise the aligner's structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutout window is strategically positioned and sized to provide only the minimum necessary opening for elastic attachment, preserving the maximum amount of aligner material and structural integrity while still accommodating the required auxiliary function.
3Reliability
If aligners are cut to accommodate buttons for elastic attachments, then elastic retention is improved, but the aligner is weakened in those areas causing unpredictable tooth movement
Solution Approach 1:
The cutout window segments the aligner structure to create a defined boundary for elastic placement. This segmentation allows the elastic to be retained effectively while the surrounding intact aligner material maintains sufficient strength to control tooth movement predictably.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutout window is designed with specific dimensions and positioning to provide localized elastic retention only where needed, while the rest of the aligner maintains its full structural properties. This localized approach ensures that tooth movement control is not compromised in areas outside the cutout.
4Adaptability or versatility
If caplin hooks are used as elastic attachments, then metal buttons are replaced, but the base pad is not ideally contoured for aligners and is challenging for patients to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The complex metal hook structure with its challenging base pad contour is extracted and replaced with a simpler integrated cutout window design. This extraction eliminates the need for patients to manage difficult-to-handle metal components while maintaining effective elastic retention through the simplified window structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the biomechanics of tooth movement, reduces gum recession, and improves patient comfort by maintaining elastic position and applying consistent orthodontic forces.
Implementation Method 1
a polymeric material formed with multiple cavities configured to apply a load to at least one tooth to cause movement of said tooth
Implementation Method 2
cutout for elastic is configured to retain an elastic band
Implementation Method 3
cutout for elastic is configured to be connected with the button arranged on the opposite aligner
Data Source
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AI summary
This patent description outlines the comprehensive details of the improved elastic cutout in orthodontic aligners, comprising a polymeric material formed with multiple cavities configured to apply a load to at least one tooth to cause movement of said tooth. The integrated cutout for elastics is positioned on the aligner, wherein cutout for elastics is configured to retain an elastic band and wherein cutout for elastics is configured to be connected with the button arranged on the opposite aligner. The cutout for elastic is integrated into aligner and cutting of the cutout for elastic is performed on bubble-like element. This invention also provides a method for manufacturing of the cutout for elastics and the orthodontic treatment system which comprises the aligner with incorporated cutout for elastics, the opposite aligner on which a secure lock-up mechanism is fixed and elastic band which specifically is designed to create an elastic connection between the secure locking mechanism and the cutout for elastics.