Constant-Force Orthodontic Assembly for Class II/III Tooth Movement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic appliances for treating Class II and Class III malocclusions require patient compliance to change elastic bands, leading to non-compliance issues that can stall treatment progress.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic appliance assembly with an elongated elastic member and spring member, precalibrated to provide a constant tension force, is used to move teeth en masse, eliminating the need for patient compliance by allowing professional installation and removal of the appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rubber bands are used to apply force for tooth movement, then the appliance can be simple and flexible, but patient compliance is required to change bands which leads to non-compliance and stalled treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is designed to automatically provide continuous force without requiring patient intervention. The spring member is pre-compressed and automatically expands to move the bridge assembly, eliminating the need for patient compliance to change rubber bands while maintaining reliable continuous force application
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member is pre-compressed during appliance assembly to store elastic potential energy. This preliminary action ensures that the force application begins immediately and continues automatically without requiring patient intervention to activate or maintain the force
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed braces are used to correct Class I malocclusions, then tooth alignment can be achieved, but additional appliances are needed for Class II and III malocclusions which increases treatment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the bridge assembly (for Class II/III correction) and the spring member (for force application) into a single integrated appliance that can be attached to fixed braces. This merging eliminates the need for separate additional appliances while achieving both jaw repositioning and tooth alignment functions
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member with bridge assembly is designed to work with fixed braces to provide multiple functions: correcting Class II/III malocclusions by repositioning the jaw, applying continuous force for tooth movement, and integrating with the existing brace system. This multi-functionality reduces overall treatment complexity
3Force
If rubber bands with decreasing elastic strength are used, then initial force application is strong, but force diminishes over time requiring frequent changes which increases patient burden
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is designed to provide continuous force application throughout the treatment period. As the spring expands, it maintains force on the bridge assembly continuously without interruption or degradation, ensuring uninterrupted tooth movement and jaw repositioning throughout the duration of treatment
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 appliance ensures consistent force application, reducing treatment time and the need for frequent patient visits, while allowing precise monitoring and adjustment of tooth movement.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated member (12) having a distal end (14) and a mesial end (16)... A spring member (42) is attached to the elongated member... The spring member (42) is precalibrated to provide a constant tension
Implementation Method 2
The elongated elastic device is precalibrated to provide a constant tension force... The elongated elastic member is preprogrammed to stop at a prescribed distance of movement
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An elongated member is used to create tension to move teeth en masse to correct Class II and Class III malocclusions. The elongated member has a constant force spring that, when stretched, provides tension along the elongated member. A mesial end of the elongated member is attached to a bridge assembly which is attached to a row of teeth, and a distal end of the elongated member is attached to an anchor. The spring member provides a constant tension which moves the bridge assembly, and hence the row of teeth, a precalibrated distance.