Indirect Bonding Model With Optical Targets for Bracket Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic indirect bonding methods require accurate placement of orthodontic appliances on teeth, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors due to the lack of precise positioning guides, often relying on mechanical stops that may not be effective for all types of appliances.
Innovation Solution
A physical model of the patient's dentition with targets that lack outwardly protruding mechanical stops, using recesses and optical markings to facilitate accurate placement of orthodontic appliances, allowing for precise alignment and positioning without the need for physical stops, and enabling the use of a transfer tray for efficient appliance placement during orthodontic procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical stops are used to position orthodontic appliances on the model, then placement precision is improved, but the method becomes less adaptable to different appliance types and requires protruding elements that may interfere with bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical stop system with an optical marking system. Instead of using protruding mechanical stops to define appliance positions, the invention uses optically detectable markings on the model that guide appliance placement through visual alignment. This substitution eliminates the need for physical protrusions while maintaining positioning accuracy, thereby improving adaptability to different appliance types without sacrificing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the desired appliance positions through markings on the model. These markings serve as a visual template that replicates the precise locations where appliances should be placed, allowing the orthodontist to accurately transfer the treatment plan from the digital or physical model to the actual patient's dentition without being constrained by mechanical stop geometries.
2Ease of operation
If traditional indirect bonding methods are used with mechanical stops, then appliance placement is facilitated, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical stops with optical markings, the invention streamlines the appliance placement process. The optical markings provide immediate visual feedback and guidance, eliminating the need to physically manipulate or locate mechanical stops. This reduces the time required for appliance placement and minimizes errors associated with mechanical stop misalignment or interference during the bonding process.
3Measurement precision
If outwardly protruding mechanical stops are used on the model, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the model surface is modified and may not accurately represent the actual tooth surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical stops with optical markings that do not alter the physical geometry of the model surface. The markings are applied to or integrated into the model in a way that preserves the accurate representation of tooth surfaces, while still providing precise positioning information through their optical characteristics. This allows the model to maintain its fidelity to the actual dentition while incorporating positioning guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local optical markings at specific positions on the model without modifying the overall surface geometry. These localized markings provide positioning information only where needed, leaving the rest of the model surface intact and accurate representations of the actual tooth surfaces. This selective application maintains model fidelity while enabling precise appliance placement.
Data Source
AI summary
A physical model of at least a portion of a patient's dentition has model dental surfaces corresponding to real dental surfaces of the patient's dentition. The physical model includes one or more targets, each configured for facilitating placement of an orthodontic appliance on the model at a desired location. The targets lack mechanical stops that are outwardly protruding from the original model dental surfaces. Also provided are a method of manufacturing a physical model for use in indirect bonding procedures, a method for indirect bonding for use in an orthodontic procedure, a method for providing an indirect bonding transfer tray for use in an orthodontic procedure, and a system for providing a physical model for use in indirect bonding orthodontic procedures.