Orthodontic Aligners With Synchronized Dual-Jaw Force Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic treatments with dental aligners are inefficient in achieving fast, precise, and individually tailored results due to the sequential application of appliances, leading to extended treatment duration and uncontrollable occlusal expansion.
Innovation Solution
A method and appliance using clear aligners and a synchronization device that applies additional forces through curvilinear grooves matching the arch shape, ensuring synchronized movement of both jaws, utilizing materials like PETG for aligners and ethylene vinyl acetate for the synchronization appliance, which are worn together with aligners to accelerate and synchronize treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential application of orthodontic appliances (trainers then aligners) is used, then treatment can be performed with standard appliances, but treatment duration is significantly extended and results are not synchronized between jaws
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the functions of trainers and aligners into a single integrated appliance that simultaneously applies corrective forces to both upper and lower jaws. This merging eliminates the sequential application process, allowing synchronized orthodontic treatment of both jaws at the same time, thereby significantly reducing overall treatment duration while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance incorporates pre-designed curvilinear grooves and channels that are prepared in advance to guide tooth movement along the desired path. These grooves are formed during appliance manufacturing based on digital models, allowing the appliance to immediately apply optimized forces when placed, eliminating the need for gradual adaptation periods and accelerating treatment progress from the start.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard universal trainers are used, then appliance availability is improved, but treatment precision and individualization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance features locally optimized curvilinear grooves and channels in specific regions to apply precise forces to individual teeth or tooth groups. Each groove is customized based on the patient's digital dental model, providing locally adapted corrective forces while maintaining the overall unified structure of the appliance. This allows high precision treatment tailored to individual needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance design incorporates variable parameters including groove depth, width, curvature radius, and material thickness that are adjusted based on the specific treatment requirements. These parameters are optimized during digital planning to achieve the desired tooth movement patterns, allowing the same basic appliance type to be adapted to different treatment scenarios while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
3Reliability
If aligners are worn for extended periods (16-18 hours), then treatment effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort and quality of life deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance is designed to be removed periodically for meals and oral hygiene, and can be temporarily taken out during speaking situations. The curvilinear grooves and channels maintain their corrective function during periodic wear cycles, and the appliance structure allows for easy removal and reinsertion. This periodic action pattern maintains treatment effectiveness while significantly improving patient comfort and quality of life compared to continuous wear requirements.
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
Accelerates orthodontic treatment by controlled force application, reducing treatment time and ensuring synchronized occlusal correction, minimizing uneven expansion and discomfort, while maintaining treatment plan parameters.
Implementation Method 1
The construction of the known appliances (trainers) is characterized with a body with U-shape and shaped grooves for both jaws... applying forces to the teeth
Implementation Method 2
A method and appliance using clear aligners and a synchronization device that applies additional forces through curvilinear grooves matching the arch shape
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an individualized apparatus that can be used in orthodontic treatments, in particular for accelerating and synchronizing orthodontic treatments with dental aligners. A method of accelerating and synchronizing orthodontic treatment with dental aligners involves making an orthodontic setup by arranging the patient's teeth according to an individual malocclusion treatment plan, then making orthodontic appliances—aligners that are used together and simultaneously with an appliance for acceleration and synchronization, in the upper 2 and lower 3 channels of which the dental aligners 4 are placed, in which the synchronizing apparatus 1 is used together with the dental aligners for at least 60 minutes a day. The acceleration device 1 is a bus body, with shaped upper 2 and lower 3 channels, the dental aligners 4 are placed, and the channels 2 and 3have a depth that ensures full coverage of the dental crowns and gingiva.