Hybrid Orthodontic Guidance Element with Integrated Archwire Slot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current orthodontic treatment methods face challenges, including the aesthetic and hygiene issues with fixed braces and the difficulty in performing rotations, angulations, or extrusions using treatment splints, which limit the flexibility and effectiveness of orthodontic procedures.

Innovation Solution

A guidance element for teeth that combines features of both standard brackets and aligner therapy, allowing for the use of orthodontic treatment arches and splints interchangeably, with multiple engagement surfaces and self-ligating slots, enabling flexible and efficient orthodontic force application across various treatment stages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed braces brackets are glued onto the teeth, then orthodontic treatment can be applied, but it is optically not attractive and involves high hygienic effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorthodontic treatment effectivenessVSAvoidaesthetic appearance and hygiene

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the advantages of both fixed brackets and aligner therapy into a hybrid guidance element that combines a bracket body with an integrated archwire slot and engagement surfaces for splint interaction, eliminating the need for separate components while achieving both aesthetic appearance and effective treatment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guidance element serves multiple functions: it acts as a bracket for archwire engagement, provides engagement surfaces for treatment splint interaction, and maintains aesthetic appearance by being less visible than traditional buccal brackets, thereby combining features of different orthodontic approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If treatment splints with guiding pockets are used, then orthodontic forces can be applied, but certain treatment steps like rotation, angulation, or extrusion can be carried out only difficult or not at all

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorthodontic force applicationVSAvoidtreatment step flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The guidance element incorporates an integrated archwire slot that allows dynamic adjustment and application of various orthodontic forces including rotations, angulations, and extrusions, enabling the structure to adapt to different treatment requirements while maintaining engagement with treatment splints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a hybrid guidance element with integrated archwire slot is used, then flexibility in treatment is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment flexibilityVSAvoidguidance element structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the bracket body and archwire slot into a single integrated guidance element, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the flexibility to perform various orthodontic treatment steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10004573B2Guidance element for a tooth

Publication Date: 2018.06.26 2C DENTAL AG

AI summary

Guidance element for a tooth for interacting with an orthodontic treatment splint, the guidance element having a tooth connection surface as well as at least one engagement surface for engagement in the treatment splint in order to exert orthodontic torques and/or forces onto the tooth during the engagement, and having at least one slot for reception of an orthodontic treatment arch.