Orthodontic Aligner Fixing Block Digital Extrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic aligners lack a reliable fixed connection to teeth, leading to inadequate loading conditions and instability, which can result in ineffective tooth alignment and potential detachment of tooth attachments during orthodontic treatment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating a digital aligner model with a fixing block that is operatively coupled to the tooth, using a computer system to acquire a digital dental archform model, define a dark zone, determine a tooth-coupling surface, and digitally extrude a fixing block surface to create a stable interface between the aligner and tooth, ensuring effective loading conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional aligners are used without fixing blocks, then the aligner body can be simple and easy to manufacture, but the connection between aligner and tooth is unstable and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The aligner is segmented into two functional parts: the aligner body and the fixing block. The fixing block is a separate component that can be attached to the aligner body, allowing the aligner to provide both simple coverage and secure fixation. This segmentation enables the connection mechanism to be optimized independently from the aligner body design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing block acts as an intermediary element between the aligner body and the tooth. It provides the actual fixation function through engagement with the tooth surface, while the aligner body maintains its simple conforming shape. The fixing block mediates the connection, transferring forces from the aligner to the tooth effectively.
2Reliability
If tooth attachments are used to connect aligners to teeth, then fixed connection can be achieved, but the attachments may become detached or need clinical removal
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching something to the tooth (attachment) and then connecting the aligner to it, this invention inverts the approach by providing fixation elements directly on the aligner (fixing blocks) that engage with the tooth surface. This reverses the traditional sequence and eliminates the need for separate tooth attachments that can detach or require removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing block is designed to self-adhere to the tooth surface through its adhesive layer, eliminating the need for separate attachment components. The fixing block performs multiple functions: providing fixation, maintaining alignment, and resisting dislodging forces without requiring additional clinical interventions or separate attachment elements.
3Ease of operation
If aligners are made removable for patient comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but adequate loading conditions and fixed connection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The aligner system transitions from a static connection (relying solely on friction and fit) to a dynamic connection system. The fixing block can be attached and detached as needed, allowing the aligner to be removable for comfort while providing secure fixation when worn. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt between comfort mode and treatment mode.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating an aligner configured to be coupled to a tooth, the aligner having a body defining a channel arranged for receiving the tooth and a fixing block arranged for coupling the aligner and the tooth, the method comprising acquiring a tooth model, defining a zone on the tooth model, determining, based on the zone, a tooth-coupling surface for coupling the tooth with the aligner, obtaining a body model having an inner surface corresponding to the channel of the desired aligner, generating, based on the determined tooth-coupling surface, a fixing block-coupling surface indicative of an outer surface of the fixing block by extruding the tooth-coupling surface by an interference length to inward of the tooth model so as to generate a block model having the fixing block-coupling surface, generating the aligner model by joining the block model with the body model.