Convex Orthodontic Attachments for Variable Force Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic attachment systems are cumbersome, unsightly, and sensitive to manufacturing variations, leading to unpredictable forces applied to teeth during complex tooth movements.
Innovation Solution
The use of an attachment device with a convex surface that engages with an appliance shell to apply repositioning forces with improved reliability and reduced sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances, allowing for the application of multiple tooth moving forces at different locations and continuous variation of force direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple attachments are used on teeth for complex tooth movements, then the effectiveness of tooth movement is improved, but the device complexity and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is designed with a convex surface that can engage with multiple different appliance shells, each applying forces in different directions. This single multi-functional attachment replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate attachments, thereby maintaining treatment effectiveness while reducing device complexity and improving aesthetics
2Reliability
If prior attachment systems are used for complex tooth movements, then tooth repositioning can be achieved, but manufacturing precision and force consistency deteriorate due to sensitivity to manufacturing variations
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device incorporates a convex surface (spherical or curved geometry) that engages with planar surfaces of appliance shells. This curvature design provides a self-aligning mechanism that reduces sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances, ensuring consistent force application direction and magnitude even when there are variations in manufacturing precision
3Reliability
If attachments are designed for precise tooth movement control, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the ease of operation and treatment duration deteriorate due to need for attachment replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is designed to work with multiple appliance shells that apply forces in different directions. This universal design allows a single attachment to remain in place throughout the entire treatment process, eliminating the need for frequent replacements while maintaining precise control over tooth movement trajectories
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of force direction by changing which appliance shell is used, while the attachment itself remains fixed. This dynamic approach enables precise control of tooth movement without requiring physical replacement of the attachment device
Data Source
AI summary
Tooth attachments are provided comprising one or more convex surfaces for engagement by a surface of an orthodontic appliance. Polymeric shell appliances are provided in which the polymeric shell appliances are configured to provide one or more activation forces to facilitate tooth movement. The polymeric shell appliances may comprise one or more tooth receiving cavities. The polymeric shell appliances may further comprise an engagement portion with a surface configured to engage a convex attachment surface in order to apply a tooth moving force.