Interproximal Aligner Structures for Attachment-Free Tooth Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tooth-moving methods using transparent shell appliances are less than ideal due to the cumbersome nature of attachments on the teeth, which can hinder effective tooth movement, especially for complex movements requiring interproximal engagement.
Innovation Solution
The use of interproximal engagement structures that extend into the interproximal space of teeth to provide enhanced engagement, allowing for more accurate tooth movement, including torque and rotation, by engaging the tooth on opposite sides and anchoring to posterior teeth for improved anchoring and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If attachments are used on teeth to move teeth with transparent shell appliances, then tooth movement effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes attachments from the teeth entirely and instead creates engagement structures directly on the transparent shell appliance that extend into the interproximal spaces between teeth. This extraction of the attachment concept from the tooth surface and relocation to the appliance itself maintains tooth movement effectiveness while eliminating patient discomfort associated with tooth-borne attachments.
2Manufacturing precision
If interproximal engagement structures are used to increase engagement surface area, then tooth movement precision is improved, but appliance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structures are segmented into multiple discrete interproximal elements distributed across the appliance surface. Each segment engages a specific interproximal space between adjacent teeth, allowing precise control of individual tooth movements while maintaining overall appliance integrity. This segmentation enables complex tooth movement patterns without requiring a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement structures extend into the interproximal dimension (the space between teeth) rather than only engaging tooth surfaces. By utilizing this previously underutilized dimensional space, the appliance achieves enhanced engagement and precision without adding significant structural complexity to the main appliance body.
3Strength
If interproximal engagement structures extend into interproximal space, then anchoring capability is improved, but risk of damage to periodontal tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structures are designed with adjustable parameters including length, width, and engagement depth that can be optimized for each patient's specific interproximal space dimensions. By varying these parameters, the appliance achieves strong anchoring capability while maintaining safe clearance from periodontal tissues, preventing damage through precise parameter control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the engagement structures have different properties - the portions engaging the tooth surfaces are designed for strong mechanical interaction, while the portions near the gum line are designed with reduced engagement depth and softer contact characteristics to protect periodontal tissues. This local differentiation of engagement properties enables strong anchoring without tissue damage risk.
Data Source
AI summary
Dental appliances and associated systems are provided. In some embodiments, a dental appliance includes a shell configured to receive a plurality of teeth, the shell having a sidewall and an interproximal engagement structure extending from the sidewall into a space of an interproximal region between a first tooth and a second tooth of the plurality of teeth. The interproximal engagement structure can be configured to contact the first tooth and the second tooth concurrently. The interproximal engagement structure can be larger than the space of the interproximal region, such that the contact causes deformation of one or more of the interproximal engagement structure or the sidewall.