Multi-Point Dental Aligner Removal Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental aligner removal tools often damage teeth and composite attachments due to the need for lever action, which can be painful and inefficient, and may cause enamel damage or delay treatment.
Innovation Solution
A dental tool with a first contact point on the biting surface, a second contact point on the gumline end, and a third contact point on the lateral surface, allowing for pivoting to minimize force on teeth and gums, featuring a C-shaped member with a protrusion to stabilize the aligner and apply a flexing force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hook tools are used to remove aligners, then the aligner can be removed from teeth, but the tool may damage teeth and composite attachments due to lever action and shearing force
Solution Approach 1:
The removal force is segmented into multiple application points: the first contact point applies force to the biting surface, the second contact point applies force to the gumline end, and the third contact point provides stabilization. This segmentation distributes the removal action away from vulnerable areas like composite attachments and tooth enamel, eliminating the need for concentrated lever action at a single point.
2Strength
If the aligner is made stiff to maintain positioning, then tooth control is improved, but the aligner becomes difficult and painful to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The removal approach transitions from a linear lever-action model to a multi-dimensional force application system. By engaging three contact points distributed across different spatial dimensions (biting surface, gumline end, and lateral stabilization), the tool can effectively remove even stiff aligners without requiring excessive force at any single point, thereby reducing pain and damage risk.
3Productivity
If lever action is used to pry off the aligner, then removal is achieved, but force is applied against teeth causing enamel damage
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful lever-action mechanism is extracted and replaced with a multi-point force application system. Instead of using a hook to wedge between the aligner and tooth surface (which concentrates force on enamel), the new tool applies distributed forces through three contact points that work together to flex and slide the aligner off, eliminating the damaging lever action while maintaining removal efficiency.
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 tool effectively separates the aligner from the teeth with concentrated force on the aligner, reducing the risk of damage to teeth and surrounding tissues, making removal easier and less painful.
Implementation Method 1
a third contact point that is configured to contact a lateral surface of the aligner. Advantageously, during use, the third contact point stabilizes the tool relative to the aligner
Implementation Method 2
This allows for the tool to be pivoted relative to the third contact point while minimizing contact with any other structures within the mouth
Data Source
AI summary
A dental tool for removing a dental aligner secured to teeth may include a first contact point that is configured to contact a biting surface of the aligner; a second contact point that is configured to contact a gumline end of the aligner; and a third contact point that is configured to contact a lateral surface of the aligner. A method of using the dental tool to remove the dental aligner from teeth is also disclosed.