Indirect Bonding Tray for Precise Orthodontic Bracket Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic appliances face challenges in accurately transferring and applying orthodontic brackets to patients' teeth, particularly in ensuring precise alignment and force application for effective tooth correction.
Innovation Solution
The development of indirect bonding trays made from moldable materials, which include impressions of teeth and placeholder slots for brackets, along with handles for tool insertion, facilitates accurate bracket placement. Additionally, a system for determining the accuracy of bracket placement using digital models and software for calculating force vectors to correct tooth positioning is introduced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If indirect bonding trays are used to transfer orthodontic brackets, then the accuracy of bracket placement is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for custom-molded trays with impressions and placeholder slots
Solution Approach 1:
The indirect bonding tray is prepared in advance with precise impressions of each tooth and placeholder slots positioned according to the treatment plan. This preliminary preparation allows the orthodontist to transfer brackets accurately without complex real-time adjustments during the bonding procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The indirect bonding tray serves as an intermediary device between the digital treatment plan and the actual bracket placement on the patient's teeth. It transfers the planned positions from the digital model to the physical teeth, simplifying the overall process despite its own structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If handles are added to the bonding tray for tool insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handles on the bonding tray serve multiple functions: they provide grip points for insertion tools, allow for precise positioning of the tray, and can be used to apply pressure during bracket transfer. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural elements.
3Measurement precision
If digital models and software are used to determine bracket placement accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The digital model system provides immediate feedback on bracket placement accuracy by comparing the actual bracket positions with the planned positions from the treatment plan. This allows for real-time verification and correction if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A digital copy or replica of the patient's dental arch is created, allowing virtual testing and verification of bracket positions before actual placement. This digital copying process enables precise measurement without adding physical complexity to the bonding tray itself.
Data Source
AI summary
Non-sliding orthodontic appliances may include an archwire having male fasteners for locking in place with brackets in a non-sliding manner and interproximal loops for exerting forces on the brackets. Appropriate forces may be calculated according to vectors between initial and ideal tooth positions. The brackets may be transferred to a patient's teeth using indirect bonding trays which contain slots for holding and aligning each bracket. The trays may include integrated handles for facilitating handling, may be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier application, and/or may be labeled for facilitating proper registration. Superposition of a digital placement plan and clinical model after bonding may illustrate the accuracy of bracket placement. The archwire may comprise atraumatic ends to avoid patient discomfort. A color registration system can be used to facilitate the attachment of the archwire to the brackets. The archwire may be locked into place with the brackets using crimpable stops.