Elastomeric Orthodontic Bracket Inner Body Force Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic brackets face challenges in providing customized force distribution and bond strength, particularly when dealing with teeth that require different force levels, as traditional solutions like elastomeric sections between the tooth and bracket base do not adequately address the need for varied force application and often compromise bond strength due to non-uniform stress distribution.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an orthodontic bracket design featuring an inner elastomeric body disposed between the outer bracket body and the bracket base, which maintains the axis of rotation while dispersing forces from the arch member, and creates customized clearance between the arch member and the tooth, allowing for adjustable force application and enhanced bond strength through a polymeric shell portion configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an elastomeric section is placed between the tooth and the bracket base, then elasticity is provided for force application, but bond strength is compromised due to non-uniform stress distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket body is divided into an inner elastomeric body and an outer rigid body, allowing each component to perform its specialized function - the inner body provides elasticity for force application while the outer body provides structural support and uniform stress distribution to maintain bond strength
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket combines two different materials with complementary properties - an elastomeric material for flexibility and force application, and a rigid material for structural integrity and uniform stress distribution, creating a composite structure that resolves the contradiction between elasticity and bond strength
2Force
If a stiff arch member is used for teeth requiring higher force, then force application is improved, but customization for different force levels requires multiple different arch members
Solution Approach 1:
The inner elastomeric body can be customized with varying thicknesses, material properties, and densities to provide different force characteristics for different teeth, eliminating the need for multiple different arch members while maintaining customized force application
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 design enables more precise control over force distribution and improved bond strength, allowing for effective tooth repositioning and alignment by accommodating varying force requirements across different teeth, thereby enhancing the efficacy of orthodontic treatments.
Implementation Method 1
an inner body disposed between the outer body and the bracket base... the inner body can be formed from an elastomeric material... positioning may not provide sufficient elasticity when applying certain forces to correct alignment of teeth
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic bracket can include a bracket body. The bracket body can include an outer body. The bracket body can also include an inner body coupled to the outer body. The orthodontic bracket can include a bracket base configured to couple to a tooth. The inner body of the outer body is disposed between the outer body and the bracket base.