Orthodontic Aligner Stress Measurement Using Fluorescence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic appliances lack effective methods to monitor and measure the stress applied during tooth repositioning, which can impact treatment efficacy and longevity of the appliances.
Innovation Solution
Integration of force probes into polymeric materials that change emission spectra in response to mechanical forces, allowing for the detection of stress applied to orthodontic appliances, enabling real-time monitoring and guiding the progression of treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force probes are integrated into polymeric materials to enable stress monitoring, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force probe is integrated directly into the polymeric material of the orthodontic appliance, merging the sensing function with the structural component. This eliminates separate sensing elements and reduces overall device complexity while enabling stress measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric material serves dual functions: as the structural component of the appliance and as the sensing medium for stress detection. The force probe incorporated into the material can detect stress in its original configuration, and the same material can be used across multiple appliances without requiring additional complex sensing systems.
2Loss of information
If force probes are incorporated into orthodontic appliances to monitor stress, then treatment monitoring capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force probe is incorporated into the polymeric material during the manufacturing process, specifically during the 3D printing/fabrication stage. This preliminary integration ensures the sensing capability is built-in from the start, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing assembly of separate sensing components and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Measurement precision
If emission wavelength measurement is used to detect stress changes, then measurement precision is improved, but detection sensitivity to small forces may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric material acts as an intermediary that translates mechanical stress into optical signal changes. The force probe within the material converts applied forces into emission wavelength shifts, which can then be measured with high precision using optical detection systems, thereby enabling sensitive detection of small forces.
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
Enables precise monitoring of stress applied to orthodontic appliances, facilitating timely adjustments and extending the lifespan of the appliances by ensuring optimal force distribution during tooth repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
Force probes are useful for detecting stress changes in a local environment by measuring changes in emission wavelength
Implementation Method 2
the detectable fluorophore has an emission spectrum that overlaps with an absorption spectrum of the quencher
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides resins, polymeric materials, and devices incorporating force probes. Advantageously, the force probes emit an emission useful for determining the amount of force or stress applied to a material incorporated with force probes. Further, the present disclosure provides methods of detecting forces and stress applied to force probe incorporated materials. Materials such as orthodontic appliances comprising force probes possess particular advantage and utility as measurement of the emission of the orthodontic appliance(s) from a patient can aid in evaluating treatment progress.