Beta Titanium Orthodontic Retainer Shape Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic appliances with acrylic covering the labial bow and lingual spring wear down over time, leading to a loss of ideal configuration and requiring frequent adjustments by doctors to maintain constant pressure on teeth, as they are designed to change from the doctor's ideal arch to a slightly off configuration due to acrylic wear.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic appliance made from beta titanium wire with shape memory properties, which engages teeth and gums, maintaining constant pressure and ideal configuration without the need for frequent adjustments, as it 'remembers' the original position set on the model and does not wear like acrylic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional acrylic retainers are used to cover the labial bow and lingual spring, then the appliance can be manufactured to fit the doctor's ideal arch configuration, but the acrylic wears down over time causing the appliance to deviate from the ideal configuration and requiring frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional acrylic to shape memory alloy (SMA), which fundamentally alters the wear characteristics and dimensional stability of the retainer, allowing it to maintain its ideal arch configuration without degradation over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite construction combining shape memory alloy with acrylic components, where the SMA provides the wear-resistant structural framework that maintains dimensional stability while the acrylic provides comfort and retention, resolving the contradiction between initial precision and long-term reliability
2Force
If conventional steel wire springs are used in the appliance, then the spring can provide force to move teeth, but additional adjustment by the doctor is required to maintain constant pressure on the teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional steel wire to shape memory alloy, which enables the spring to automatically maintain constant force through its shape memory effect, eliminating the need for frequent manual adjustments by the doctor while continuously applying pressure to move teeth
3Manufacturing precision
If acrylic is used to cover the labial bow and lingual spring, then the appliance can be manufactured to the doctor's ideal specifications, but the acrylic wears down with each removal and reinsertion causing the appliance to become slightly off from the ideal arch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from acrylic to shape memory alloy, which has superior dimensional stability and wear resistance, ensuring that the appliance maintains its ideal arch specifications indefinitely without the progressive degradation that occurs with acrylic wear
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for disposable or frequently replaced acrylic components by using durable shape memory alloy that maintains its structural integrity and dimensional accuracy throughout the entire treatment period, reducing the need for replacement or adjustment
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 beta titanium wire appliance applies consistent rotational force and maintains the ideal position of teeth throughout treatment, reducing the need for constant readjustment and minimizing acrylic wear, ensuring effective and long-lasting correction of teeth irregularities.
Implementation Method 1
An orthodontic appliance made from beta titanium wire with shape memory properties, which engages teeth and gums, maintaining constant pressure and ideal configuration without the need for frequent adjustments, as it 'remembers' the original position set on the model
Data Source
AI summary
Orthodontic appliances for correcting teeth irregularities and for retaining the position of teeth are disclosed. According to an aspect, an orthodontic appliance may include an arch component configured to engage one of teeth and gums of a patient. Further, the orthodontic appliance may include a spring having a teeth engaging portion and an anchor portion. The teeth engaging portion may be shaped to engage the incisors of the patient. The anchor portion may be attached to the arch component.