Removable Aligner Malocclusion Correction Appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic appliances, such as fixed braces and removable aligners, are inadequate for correcting Class II and Class III malocclusions as they lack the necessary architectural platform to apply corrective forces to the jaw, and removable aligners can be dislodged by supplemental correction forces, limiting their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A malocclusion correction appliance with an adjustable length body connected to both upper and lower removable aligners, featuring a biasing member that pushes the ends of the appliance away from each other, providing a continuous force to move the lower jaw forward relative to the upper jaw, thus correcting Class II malocclusions while keeping the aligners properly seated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional orthodontic elastics are applied to removable aligners, then corrective force is applied to the jaw, but the aligners are pulled away from the patient's teeth, limiting treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pulling the aligners away from the teeth with traditional elastics, this invention pushes the aligners onto the teeth using a spring mechanism. The spring is compressed between the upper and lower aligners, generating a force that pushes both aligners against the teeth, thereby maintaining retention while providing corrective force to the jaw.
2Force
If fixed braces are used to provide architectural platform for corrective forces, then jaw alignment is achieved, but the device complexity and patient convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The removable aligner system with integrated spring mechanism provides the corrective force functionally equivalent to fixed braces, but the system remains removable and可自行 adjust. The spring mechanism automatically engages and disengages with the aligners, providing continuous corrective force without requiring complex fixed architecture or professional intervention for force application.
3Ease of operation
If removable aligners are used alone, then patient convenience is improved, but the ability to correct Class II and Class III malocclusions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The removable aligner system is enhanced with a spring mechanism that provides multi-functionality: the aligners continue to perform tooth alignment functions while the spring simultaneously provides corrective force to the jaw for Class II and Class III malocclusions. This integration allows a single removable system to address both tooth alignment and jaw alignment issues that previously required separate treatments.
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 appliance effectively treats Class II malocclusions by maintaining the aligners in place and gradually aligning the jaws, allowing for convenient patient use and progressive adjustment of appliance length to accommodate treatment progression.
Implementation Method 1
The malocclusion correction appliance may have a biasing member that functions to push opposite ends of the appliance away from each other
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic correction appliance may be directly connected to upper and lower removable orthodontic aligners to treat a Class II malocclusion. In some examples, the correction appliance has two elongated sections that are slidably connected to each other and allowed to move back and forth relative to each other. The ends of the two elongated sections can be attached to connectors extending from the removable aligners. In addition, the correction appliance can carry a biasing member that is connected to each of the two elongated sections of the appliance. The biasing member may bias the ends of the two elongated sections away from each other, providing a force to treat the Class II malocclusion while the patient is wearing the upper and lower removable orthodontic aligners.