Orthodontic Aligner With Built-In Hooks for Corrective Force

Solution Overview

Problem

Removable orthodontic aligners provide less corrective force than conventional metal braces, leading to prolonged treatment times and limitations in treating irregular tooth arrangements.

Innovation Solution

Integrally forming built-in hooks with the aligner body, allowing for more accurate and reproducible hook placement using interactive software and 3D modeling, which enhances the aligner's manufacturing efficiency and corrective force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If removable orthodontic aligners are used, then convenience and aesthetics are improved, but corrective force is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconvenienceVSAvoidcorrective force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the aligner body with built-in hooks as a single integrated structure. The hooks are formed simultaneously with the aligner body through thermoforming or 3D printing, eliminating the need for separate hook components and attachment processes. This integration ensures that the hooks are optimally positioned and securely attached to provide enhanced corrective force while maintaining the removable aligner's convenience and aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Force

If hooks are added to aligners after manufacturing, then corrective force is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrective forceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the hooks into the aligner body during the initial manufacturing process. The hooks are formed simultaneously with the aligner body through thermoforming or 3D printing, before the aligner is delivered to the patient. This eliminates subsequent steps for adding hooks, reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring optimal hook positioning and attachment strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional aligners without built-in hooks are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but treatment duration is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidtreatment duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the aligner body with built-in hooks as a single integrated structure. The hooks are formed simultaneously with the aligner body through thermoforming or 3D printing, eliminating the need for separate hook components and attachment processes. This integration ensures that the hooks are optimally positioned and securely attached to provide enhanced corrective force while maintaining the removable aligner's convenience and aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If hook location is determined after aligner manufacturing, then manufacturing process is simpler, but hook placement accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidhook placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the hooks into the aligner body during the initial manufacturing process. The hooks are formed simultaneously with the aligner body through thermoforming or 3D printing, before the aligner is delivered to the patient. This eliminates subsequent steps for adding hooks, reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring optimal hook positioning and attachment strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The built-in hooks provide increased corrective force, improve aligner stability, and ease of use, reducing treatment duration and enhancing patient comfort.

Implementation Method 1

thermoforming a plastic sheet over the 3D model, thereby creating an orthodontic aligner having a built in aligner hook

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoforming:

Data Source

PatentUS12426993B2Orthodontic aligner with built-in hook or traction device

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 AMERICAN ALIGNERS INC

AI summary

An orthodontic aligner includes an aligner body configured for receiving upper teeth or lower teeth. The aligner body has a facial surface, a lingual surface, a gingival edge, and an incisal edge. A hook is integrally formed on either the facial surface or the lingual surface of the aligner body. The hook is configured so that an elastic band can be removably attached thereto. The hook is positioned between the gingival edge and the incisal edge of the aligner body. The hook protrudes at an angle relative to the surface of the aligner body. The angle may be between 20 and 60 degrees. The aligner body and the hook are formed simultaneously during manufacturing.