3D Printed Orthodontic Aligner Layer Orientation for Trace-Free Front Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printed mouthpieces often form annular lamination traces on the buccal surface of front teeth, which affect aesthetics and cause discomfort due to light diffraction, impacting the quality of life by degrading the appearance of the front teeth portion.
Innovation Solution
Manufacturing mouthpieces using an additive manufacturing device to laminate hardened layers at specific angles, such as 0 to 60° or 120 to 240° relative to the occlusal plane, to prevent annular lamination traces on the buccal surface of front teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the mouthpiece is manufactured by conventional additive manufacturing without controlling lamination direction, then the manufacturing process is simple and fast, but annular lamination traces are formed on the buccal surface of front teeth, degrading aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different lamination directions to different regions of the mouthpiece. Specifically, the buccal surface of front teeth is manufactured with lamination directions that prevent annular traces, while other regions can use standard lamination patterns. This localized control of manufacturing parameters resolves the contradiction by improving aesthetic quality in critical areas without requiring complete redesign of the entire manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the lamination direction parameter during the additive manufacturing process. By adjusting the orientation of deposited layers in specific regions (particularly avoiding horizontal lamination on buccal surfaces), the method prevents annular trace formation. This parameter modification allows maintaining manufacturing efficiency while improving aesthetic outcomes in visible areas.
2Ease of manufacture
If annular lamination traces are formed on the buccal surface of front teeth, then the manufacturing process remains unchanged, but light diffraction occurs causing discomfort and reduced quality of life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements region-specific lamination control where only the buccal surfaces of front teeth receive special attention regarding lamination direction. Other regions of the mouthpiece can maintain standard manufacturing patterns. This selective approach reduces light diffraction in visible areas while preserving manufacturing simplicity overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of visible lamination traces into a benefit by strategically orienting layers to create more favorable trace patterns. Instead of trying to eliminate all lamination effects, the method utilizes the lamination structure itself to create patterns that are less visually disruptive and reduce unwanted light diffraction in aesthetic regions.
3Manufacturing precision
If the lamination direction is optimized to prevent annular traces on front teeth, then aesthetics are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective lamination control only in regions requiring high aesthetic quality (buccal surfaces of front teeth), while allowing standard manufacturing processes to continue for less visible areas. This localized precision approach maintains overall manufacturing efficiency while achieving superior surface quality where it matters most.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial optimization to the lamination process, focusing enhancement efforts only on critical aesthetic regions rather than the entire mouthpiece. This partial action approach achieves sufficient aesthetic improvement without the excessive complexity that would result from optimizing all surfaces equally, thereby preserving manufacturing productivity.
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
Prevents annular lamination traces on the buccal surface of front teeth, improving aesthetics and reducing discomfort when worn, while maintaining structural integrity and enhancing the mouthpiece's strength and durability.
Implementation Method 1
manufacturing the mouthpiece that is to be placed within an oral cavity to cover teeth by an additive manufacturing device
Implementation Method 2
laminating hardened layers not to form an annular lamination trace in a buccal portion that covers a buccal surface of a front tooth
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a mouthpiece and a method for manufacturing the mouthpiece that can prevent the formation of an annular lamination trace in a front teeth portion. A method for manufacturing a mouthpiece (orthodontic aligner (20)) includes manufacturing the mouthpiece that is to be placed within an oral cavity to cover teeth by an additive manufacturing device (30) and laminating hardened layers not to form an annular lamination trace in a buccal portion (22) that covers a buccal surface (12) of a front tooth (central incisor (10a), lateral incisors 10b, canine teeth 10c)).