Elastic Orthodontic Appliance with Variable Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clear aligners require numerous trays and lengthy treatment times due to intermittent force application, limited material flexibility, and potential for tooth intrusion, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic appliance formed from a homogeneous composition of elastic and reinforcing materials, capable of continuous force application, with an elastic material that can stretch at least 300% of its original length, providing a more biologically favorable force for tooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If clear aligners are used with uniform thickness, then the appliance can be manufactured with consistent material properties, but the posterior teeth become imbedded inside the jaw bone causing intrusion movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the thickness of the aligner in different regions. Specifically, the aligner has reduced thickness at the posterior occlusal surface to prevent intrusion of posterior teeth, while maintaining adequate thickness in other areas to provide sufficient force and structural integrity. This localized thickness modification allows the appliance to address specific dental concerns without compromising overall functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic aligners are used, then the appliance can be fabricated through thermoforming, but the material has limited flexibility and can only move teeth by small increments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining thermoplastic material with elastic material in a layered structure. The thermoplastic layer provides structural integrity and can be fabricated through thermoforming, while the elastic layer contributes high flexibility and stretchability (capable of stretching 300% or more of original length). This composite construction allows the aligner to achieve both ease of manufacture and the flexibility needed for larger tooth movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the material composition and thickness distribution of the aligner. The inclusion of elastic material fundamentally changes the mechanical parameters of the appliance, enabling it to stretch 300% or more of its original length. Additionally, the variable thickness design (thinner at posterior occlusal surface, thicker elsewhere) optimizes the distribution of mechanical properties across different regions of the aligner.
3Force
If clear aligners are used, then the appliance can apply force to teeth, but the force dissipates quickly requiring numerous trays and lengthy treatment time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of a thermoplastic layer and an elastic layer. The elastic material component is specifically selected for its ability to sustain force over extended periods. When the aligner is inserted, the elastic material stretches and maintains continuous force on the teeth throughout the wear period, preventing the rapid force dissipation characteristic of traditional plastic aligners. This allows for fewer trays and shorter treatment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action through the elastic material's ability to maintain sustained force application. The elastic layer continuously exerts aligning force on the teeth throughout the wear period (typically 1-2 weeks per aligner), eliminating the intermittent force application of traditional aligners. This continuous force application accelerates tooth movement and reduces the total number of trays needed.
4Force
If plastic aligners with low flexibility are used, then the material applies large force initially, but the force dissipates quickly and requires multiple trays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials where the elastic material layer provides both high initial force and sustained force delivery. The elastic material's unique properties allow it to stretch 300% or more of its original length while maintaining force throughout the wear period. This eliminates the need for frequent tray changes and reduces overall treatment time compared to traditional plastic aligners that lose force quickly.
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 reduces the number of aligning steps, minimizes material waste, and prevents tooth intrusion, offering a more efficient and comfortable tooth movement process.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic material has an elasticity such that it is capable of being stretched at least 300% of its original length
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an orthodontic aligning appliance for moving tooth or teeth of a patient and methods of making and using the same.