Composite Orthodontic Retainer with Thermoformed Positioning Duct
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic restraint devices, particularly those made of metal, face issues such as unsightly appearance, rigidity leading to tooth immobilization and potential bone loss, difficulty in polymerization, and cleaning challenges, while polymerized devices are hard to control and may not adhere well to teeth.
Innovation Solution
A method involving modeling a restraint device as a ribbon, machining a composite polymer material, and thermoforming a positioning gutter to create a flexible, one-piece retainer that can be easily placed and glued onto teeth, using materials like amorphous cross-linked methacrylate or 3D printing with materials like NextDent C&B, which are more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal restraint devices are used, then strength and rigidity are improved, but appearance becomes unsightly and teeth become immobilized causing bone loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from rigid metal to flexible composite polymer, transforming the mechanical properties to provide both sufficient strength for retention and flexibility to allow tooth movement and prevent bone loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite polymer materials that combine the benefits of rigidity for structural integrity and flexibility for biological compatibility, resolving the contradiction between strength and harm to teeth
2Adaptability or versatility
If polymerized restraint devices are made in the mouth, then adaptability is improved, but polymerization control becomes difficult and thickness cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by creating a digital 3D model of the patient's dentition before fabrication, allowing precise thickness control and adaptability planning before the actual device is made
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual polymerization process in the mouth with computer-aided design and manufacturing, substituting mechanical/manual control with digital precision for better thickness control and adaptability
3Duration of action of stationary object
If metal restraint devices are used, then durability is improved, but appearance transfers gray color to teeth and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite polymer materials that are aesthetically pleasing (translucent or tooth-colored) while maintaining durability, eliminating the gray color transfer problem associated with metal devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition from metal to composite polymer, altering the surface properties to prevent color transfer and improve cleaning ease while maintaining sufficient durability
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 solution provides a discreet, flexible, and aesthetically appealing retainer that is less traumatic for teeth and tissues, maintaining orthodontic results without the drawbacks of metal devices, such as detachment or bone loss, and offers better adaptability and cleaning ease.
Implementation Method 1
amorphous cross-linked methacrylate
Implementation Method 2
thermoforming a positioning gutter
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present application relates to a containment device and a method for constructing the containment device (20, 30) comprising at least the following steps:- a step of modelling a containment device (20) in the form of a tape; - a step of constructing the containment device by machining a slab of composite polymer material or by 3D printing; - a step of constructing a positioning duct (30) by thermoforming on a support assembly which comprises the containment device (20) and a die (10') on which the containment device (20) is positioned; and - a step of separating the containment device (20, 30) from the die (10').