3D Printed Dental Appliances with Removable Support Structures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic treatments using static mechanical force are lengthy, uncomfortable, and aesthetically unappealing, with high force leading to root resorption and increased pain, resulting in low patient compliance due to the prolonged treatment time of approximately 24 months.
Innovation Solution
The development of three-dimensional printed oral appliances fabricated on removable support structures, allowing for sequential tooth movement correction, with varying stiffness and transparency, and the integration of sensors for enhanced treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high force is applied to accelerate tooth movement, then treatment time is reduced, but root resorption and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different force magnitudes to different teeth based on their individual movement requirements. The system determines optimal force for each tooth and applies it locally through customized aligners, preventing excessive force that causes root resorption while maintaining efficient treatment speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic force adjustment by creating multiple sequential aligners, each applying progressively modified forces as teeth move toward their target positions. This dynamic approach allows force optimization at each treatment stage, reducing harmful effects while maintaining treatment efficiency.
2Reliability
If traditional braces are used to treat malocclusion, then effective tooth displacement is achieved, but patient comfort and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical brace system with a series of simplified custom-fitted aligners. Each aligner uses optimized mechanical force distribution to achieve the same tooth displacement效果, while being removable, transparent, and more comfortable for patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the orthodontic treatment into multiple sequential stages, with each stage represented by a separate custom aligner. This segmentation allows progressive tooth movement while maintaining patient comfort and aesthetics throughout the treatment process.
3Reliability
If treatment time is extended to ensure proper tooth movement, then treatment effectiveness is maintained, but patient compliance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 3D scanning and computer modeling to pre-determine the complete treatment plan and create all necessary aligners before treatment begins. This preliminary planning optimizes the treatment path to achieve effective tooth movement in the minimum number of stages, reducing overall treatment time while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous tooth movement through a series of sequentially designed aligners, each building on the previous stage. This continuous action prevents treatment interruptions and maintains steady progress, reducing total treatment duration while ensuring proper tooth displacement.
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
This approach reduces treatment time, enhances patient comfort, improves aesthetics, and increases compliance by allowing for tailored force distribution and real-time monitoring, while maintaining effectiveness in correcting malocclusions.
Implementation Method 1
fabricating one or more oral appliances by capturing a three dimensional representation of a body part of a subject such as the dentition and creating a removable inner support structure. One or more of the oral appliances may be fabricated directly upon one or more corresponding support structures
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for fabricating a dental or oral appliance utilizing support structures. A three dimensional representation of the dentition of a patient may be captured and reconfigured for correcting one or more malocclusions. The oral appliance may be printed upon an inner structure which supports the oral appliance during fabrication. The inner structure may be subsequently removed once the oral appliance is completed.