Orthodontic Aligner Open Edge Using Reusable Gingival Control Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the cut line of orthodontic aligners fail to accurately follow the tooth-gingiva boundary, leading to discomfort and require repetitive computational efforts for re-determining the edge configuration at each stage of orthodontic treatment.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for determining the configuration of an open edge for orthodontic appliances by identifying control points on the gingiva with minimal profile change during treatment, using image data to establish vectors for edge positioning, and applying these coordinates across multiple aligners to minimize discomfort and computational burden.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the predetermined cut line does not follow the tooth-gingiva boundary accurately, then manufacturing is simpler, but the open edge causes discomfort to the subject such as rubbing and scratches of the gingiva

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddiscomfort to gingiva

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual or simple automated cut line determination with an image processing-based system that automatically identifies the tooth-gingiva boundary and determines the cut line. This substitution of mechanical/manual methods with computational image analysis enables precise following of the gingival margin while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the orthodontic appliance manufacturing process to self-determine the optimal cut line by automatically processing images of the subject's mouth, identifying the gingival margin, and generating the cut line configuration without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical measurement tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the cut line is re-determined for each consecutive aligner as teeth move during treatment, then accuracy is improved, but computational cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of open edge configurationVSAvoidcomputational time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent determines the cut line configuration in advance based on the initial tooth-gingiva boundary, and this predetermined cut line is then reused for subsequent aligners throughout the treatment process. This preliminary determination eliminates the need for repeated computational analysis as teeth move, significantly reducing computational time while maintaining adequate accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cut line configuration determined once serves multiple purposes across the entire orthodontic treatment sequence. The same cut line parameters are applied to all consecutive aligners in the treatment plan, making the computational process universal rather than requiring individual determination for each aligner stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a detailed predetermined cut line is used to follow the gum line accurately, then wear comfort is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear comfortVSAvoidcomplexity of manufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual measurement and marking procedures with an automated image processing system that captures the gingival margin geometry and translates it directly into cut line specifications. This substitution maintains the ability to create detailed, comfortable-fitting cut lines while simplifying the manufacturing process through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12616557B2Systems and methods for determining an edge of orthodontic appliances

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 OXILIO LTD

AI summary

A method and a system for determining a configuration of an open edge for a set of orthodontic appliances are provided. The method comprises: receiving a 3D digital model representative of a surface of a subject's arch form including teeth and a gingiva; obtaining, in the 3D digital model, along a surface of the gingiva, a respective position for a given control point of a plurality of control points, the plurality of control points defining the open edge for a given one of the set of orthodontic appliances; determining, based on the positions of the plurality of control points, a respective vector of positioning values for each of the plurality of control points; storing the respective vector of positioning values for each of the plurality of control points for further use in determining a respective configuration of the open edge for each other one of the set of orthodontic appliances.