Clear Aligner Orthopedic Function for Mandible Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthodontic and orthopedic treatments are either visibly intrusive or uncomfortable, and there is a need for an apparatus that can simultaneously correct teeth arrangement and perform orthopedic treatment without causing a strong sense of foreign matter or restricting individual tooth movement.

Innovation Solution

An orthodontic appliance with orthopedic function comprising upper and lower aligners and occlusal force conversion units that interact to move the mandible to a normal position, and covers to isolate gums from muscles, allowing for simultaneous orthodontic and orthopedic treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional removable appliances are used for orthopedic treatment, then orthopedic function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and causes strong foreign matter sensation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorthopedic functionVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines orthodontic and orthopedic functions into a single integrated aligner appliance. The orthopedic function is achieved by incorporating specific structural elements (such as orthopedic buttons, springs, and force application mechanisms) directly into the aligner body, eliminating the need for separate removable appliances and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining both functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The aligner appliance is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: tooth alignment, orthopedic treatment, and jaw growth modification. By integrating various functional components into a single universal device, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate appliances and reduces the foreign matter sensation associated with complex multi-component systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional removable appliances are used for orthopedic treatment, then orthopedic function is achieved, but individual tooth movement is precluded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorthopedic functionVSAvoidtooth movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the aligner into multiple functional zones with independent adjustment capabilities. Different regions of the aligner can be independently designed and adjusted to accommodate both orthopedic forces and individual tooth movement requirements, allowing simultaneous achievement of orthopedic treatment and tooth alignment without restricting either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The aligner incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable springs, movable buttons, and flexible force application mechanisms that can adapt to changing treatment requirements. These dynamic components allow the appliance to provide orthopedic forces while simultaneously enabling individual tooth movement through controlled mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If clear orthodontic appliances are used, then aesthetics are improved and ease of attachment/detachment is achieved, but orthopedic treatment capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment and detachmentVSAvoidorthopedic treatment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges clear aesthetic materials with integrated orthopedic functional components into a single aligner appliance. The orthopedic elements (buttons, springs, force mechanisms) are incorporated within the transparent or translucent aligner body, maintaining the aesthetic advantage of clear appliances while adding orthopedic treatment capability through integrated mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If metal brackets and wires are used for orthodontic treatment, then teeth can be moved effectively, but visibility and comfort are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveteeth movement effectivenessVSAvoidvisibility and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional metal bracket-and-wire mechanical systems with a clear aligner-based mechanical system. The aligner itself serves as the force application mechanism, incorporating integrated buttons, springs, and force delivery structures that eliminate the need for visible metal brackets and wires, thereby improving aesthetics and comfort while maintaining teeth movement effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12594145B2Orthodontic appliance with orthopedic function

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 TNS CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to an orthodontic appliance with an orthopedic function. The orthodontic appliance includes an upper teeth aligner mounted on user's upper teeth to correct arrangement of the user's upper teeth, a lower teeth aligner mounted on user's lower teeth to correct arrangement of the user's lower teeth, and occlusal force conversion units respectively provided on the upper teeth aligner and the lower teeth aligner, and configured to interact with each other in a state in which the upper and lower teeth aligners are in contact, so as to cause the relative position of a mandible with respect to a maxilla to move to a normal position. The orthodontic appliance is freely attached to and detached from the user's teeth like conventional clear orthodontic appliances so as to be easily used, and thus simultaneously corrects teeth arrangement and performs orthopedic treatment.