Orthodontic Aligner Pressure Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic aligner treatments lack accurate methods to quantify the force applied to teeth, leading to uncertainty in tooth movement efficiency and potential for root resorption due to misapplied forces, with no standard for force duration or magnitude, resulting in prolonged treatment times and non-compliance issues.
Innovation Solution
Integration of sensors within the aligner to measure pressure between the aligner and teeth, transmitting data to a detection instrument and treatment tracking software for real-time monitoring and adjustment, allowing for precise force quantification and optimized treatment planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If aligners are used to move teeth without force measurement, then treatment can proceed with simple design, but force magnitude and duration cannot be quantified leading to uncertain treatment efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds flexible printed circuit boards and sensor elements within the thin aligner shell structure. The aligner material itself serves as both the orthodontic appliance and the substrate for integrating electronic measurement components, allowing force quantification without significantly increasing overall device complexity or thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the aligner structure: teeth alignment, force application, and force measurement. By integrating sensors and electronic components directly into the aligner body, the system merges the orthodontic function with diagnostic measurement function, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices.
2Productivity
If aligners apply force to teeth without monitoring, then device operation is simple, but treatment time is prolonged due to lack of optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously measure the force applied to teeth, and this data is transmitted to clinicians or patients via wireless communication. The feedback enables real-time monitoring of force magnitude and duration, allowing for optimization of treatment protocols and adjustment of aligner wear time to achieve efficient tooth movement within the optimal force range.
Solution Approach 2:
The aligner system performs self-monitoring of applied force through integrated sensors, eliminating the need for external measurement equipment. The system automatically tracks and records force data, providing self-service measurement and reporting capabilities that enable patients and clinicians to optimize treatment without additional manual intervention.
3Reliability
If force magnitude is not controlled, then aligner design is simplified, but root resorption risk increases due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical force control mechanisms with electronic sensing and data-based control. Instead of using mechanical stops, springs, or adjustable components to limit force, the system uses sensors to measure actual force and provides information that enables control through patient behavior modification or clinician intervention, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control approach from mechanical parameter limitation to electronic parameter measurement and information-based control. By measuring force magnitude electronically and providing feedback, the system enables dynamic adjustment of treatment parameters without requiring complex mechanical force-limiting structures in the aligner design.
4Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are embedded in aligner, then force quantification is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible printed circuit boards and thin-film sensor technology that can be laminated or embedded within the aligner material during the thermoforming process. This approach allows pressure sensors to be integrated into the aligner structure without requiring separate assembly steps, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling accurate pressure measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The aligner structure serves multiple functions: it provides the orthodontic force application surface, acts as the substrate for electronic components, and serves as the housing for sensor elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional manufacturing steps and components, making the overall manufacturing process more efficient despite the added measurement capabilities.
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
This solution enables more efficient and precise orthodontic treatment by providing quantified pressure data, reducing treatment time, minimizing root resorption risks, and improving patient compliance through real-time monitoring and personalized treatment plans.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor disposed in the aligner and configured to sense a pressure between the aligner and a tooth in the set of teeth
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
Devices, methods, systems, and computer program products for quantifying the amount of pressure exerted on a tooth or a set of teeth by an aligner. The quantification may be facilitated by a sensor disposed in the aligner and the sensor may be configured to generate an output signal signifying the amount of pressure in response to receiving an input signal. The input signal may be generated by a detection instrument or a computing device. The amount of pressure may be stored in a treatment tracking software and/or treatment tracking database for review and consideration by a treatment professional. The treatment professional may thereafter make decisions about the orthodontic treatment based on quantified amount of pressure on the tooth or set of teeth.