Layered Arch Expander for Comfortable Removable Orthodontics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic appliances for expanding dental arches are aesthetically displeasing, cause discomfort, interfere with speech and chewing, require professional assistance, and have prolonged retention periods, while current skeletal expansion methods are painful and difficult for patients to use.
Innovation Solution
A series of removable dental appliances with a layered arch element, comprising a first material and a more rigid second material, designed to incrementally expand the dental arch by applying controlled forces in a transverse direction, allowing patients to self-administer treatment without professional help, reducing discomfort and treatment duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent fixture appliance with jackscrew mechanism is used to deliver horizontal stretching force to expand the dental arch, then the arch expansion effect is achieved, but the appliance causes discomfort and pain, interferes with speech and chewing, and is aesthetically displeasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical jackscrew system with a biochemical system using orthodontic elastomeric chains that apply continuous gentle force through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for manual activation and reducing patient discomfort while maintaining arch expansion effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the problematic jackscrew mechanism and its associated components (pinholes, activation keys) from the appliance design, retaining only the essential force application function through externally attached elastomeric chains, thereby eliminating speech and chewing interference
2Reliability
If a jackscrew mechanism is used for arch expansion, then the arch width can be increased, but the appliance requires professional assistance for activation and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to independently activate and adjust the arch expansion force by simply attaching and adjusting the elastomeric chains themselves, without requiring professional assistance, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable expansion capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable elastomeric chains that can be easily modified in length and tension by the patient, allowing real-time adjustment of expansion force without professional intervention, contrasting with the static or professionally-managed jackscrew mechanism
3Reliability
If traditional orthodontic appliances are used for arch expansion, then the expansion function is provided, but the retention period is prolonged and treatment time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic replacement of elastomeric chains at regular intervals (e.g., every 1-2 weeks) to maintain optimal expansion force, allowing for shorter overall treatment time compared to traditional appliances that require prolonged retention periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the time-dependent elastic properties of elastomeric materials that provide consistent force over shorter periods, enabling accelerated treatment protocols with reduced retention time while maintaining effective arch expansion
4Weight of moving object
If a thin shell aligner material is used for the appliance, then the appliance is lightweight and transparent, but it may not provide sufficient rigidity for effective arch expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lightweight, aesthetic thin shell aligner material with the force-generating elastomeric chain material, creating a composite system where each material performs its optimal function - the shell provides comfort and aesthetics while the elastomeric chains provide the necessary rigidity and expansion force
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
The appliances facilitate gradual and comfortable arch expansion, minimizing pain and interference with daily functions, enabling concurrent arch expansion and tooth alignment, and reducing overall treatment time.
Implementation Method 1
The arch element can be designed to apply a force to at least a portion of the number of teeth in a transverse direction to expand the arch of teeth of the patient
Implementation Method 2
Such appliances may utilize a thin shell of material having resilient properties, referred to as an 'aligner,' that generally conforms to a patient's teeth but is slightly out of alignment with a current tooth configuration
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides method, systems, and devices for expanding arch of teeth. A device for expanding an arch of teeth of a patient can include a removable shell formed of a first material having a number of cavities formed therein. The number of cavities are shaped to receive teeth of a patient. A device for expanding an arch of teeth of a patient can include an arch element extending from the removable shell in a lingual direction and across an arch width of the removable shell. The arch element can be formed of the first material and a second material that is a different material than the first material, can be designed to expand an arch of the teeth of the patient, and can have a width specific to a stage of a treatment plan.