Orthodontic Archwire Stiffness Optimization via Patient-Specific Modeling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic archwire solutions for severe malocclusions are inefficient, requiring significant chair time, prone to breakage, and do not consider clinical variables, leading to random force delivery and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A method using finite element analysis to optimize the stiffness of orthodontic archwires by constructing patient-specific models, iteratively changing material properties, and determining adjusted stiffness for varying archwire segments to achieve desired force levels and minimize unnecessary tooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If segmentation of archwire and construction of customized appliances is used, then force delivery can be optimized for specific teeth, but chair time increases and the solution becomes prone to breakage and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of a single archwire by applying thermal treatment to create segments with different stiffness values along its length. This allows the wire to deliver optimized forces to specific teeth (like a segmented wire) while remaining a single continuous piece that is easier to install and less prone to breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The archwire is created as a composite structure with segments having different material properties (different stiffness values) through thermal treatment. This composite approach allows different portions of the wire to serve different functions - some segments are softer for tooth movement while others are stiffer for anchorage, all within a single wire.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple archwires (piggyback approach) are used, then differential stiffness can be achieved, but chair time increases and initial alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple archwires with different stiffness values into a single archwire by creating segments with varying stiffness through thermal treatment. This eliminates the need to install multiple separate wires or perform initial alignment, as the single wire provides the required differential stiffness across different segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The single archwire performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate wires: it provides soft segments for tooth movement, stiff segments for anchorage, and intermediate segments for transition. This multi-functional wire simplifies the treatment protocol and reduces chair time.
3Shape
If triple force archwires are used, then progressively higher stiffness towards posterior region is achieved, but clinical variables are not considered leading to random force values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating segments with specific stiffness values at specific locations along the archwire based on clinical requirements. Rather than a uniform gradient, each segment's stiffness is tailored to the local needs of the teeth in that region, considering factors like tooth size, position, and movement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The archwire incorporates dynamic segments with different stiffness values that can adapt to the specific malocclusion being treated. The stiffness distribution is not fixed but can be customized for each patient's clinical variables, allowing the wire to deliver precise, non-random force values tailored to the individual case.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for optimizing stiffness of an orthodontic archwire for a tooth malocclusion of a patient with a computer system, the method including: constructing a model of a patient's teeth in the computer system; inputting material properties of the archwire to the computer system; and determining an adjusted stiffness of a first section of the orthodontic archwire, the first section associated with the tooth malocclusion of the patient. In some cases, the adjusted stiffness may be determined based on different variables associated with the patient's teeth, which may include at least one of interbracket distance, malocclusion magnitude, bracket slot size, wire size, teeth size or extent of stiffness modification of the archwire.