Magnetic Aligners for Body Posture Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current orthodontic treatments for malocclusions are limited in their ability to address head, neck, shoulder, and back pain due to aesthetic concerns, limited corrective forces, and failure to consider the relationship between tooth alignment and overall body posture, often relying on pharmaceutical pain management.

Innovation Solution

A system combining software that generates custom alignment protocols with clear aligners embedded with neodymium magnets to correct tooth and jaw positions, addressing both aesthetic concerns and the need for comprehensive body alignment by calculating ideal tooth and head positions to improve posture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional brackets and wires are used for orthodontic treatment, then corrective force is sufficient to correct dental and skeletal malocclusion, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and oral hygiene maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrective forceVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical bracket-and-wire system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in clear aligner trays generate magnetic forces that act on ferromagnetic or paramagnetic particles within orthodontic appliances, eliminating the need for visible metal brackets and wires while maintaining corrective capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses clear aligner trays made from transparent or translucent plastic materials that are aesthetically pleasing and allow normal oral hygiene practices. These thin film structures embed magnets to provide corrective forces without compromising appearance or hygiene accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Shape

If Invisalign clear trays are used for orthodontic treatment, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but corrective force capability is insufficient for complex dental and skeletal malocclusion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidcorrective force

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite system combining clear plastic aligner trays with embedded magnets and ferromagnetic/paramagnetic particles. This composite structure maintains the aesthetic benefits of clear trays while introducing magnetic components that generate sufficient corrective forces for complex malocclusions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces ferromagnetic or paramagnetic particles as intermediaries that transmit and amplify magnetic forces from the embedded magnets to the teeth and jaw structures. These particles act as force mediators, enabling clear trays to exert sufficient corrective force on dental and skeletal malocclusions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If orthodontic treatment focuses only on tooth alignment to Class I placement, then dental alignment is improved, but head, neck, shoulder, and back pain persists due to neglected body posture relationship

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooth alignment precisionVSAvoidbody alignment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the orthodontic system into a multi-functional treatment that addresses not only tooth alignment but also jaw positioning, head posture, and overall body alignment. The magnetic field system can apply forces to multiple anatomical structures simultaneously, making the treatment universally applicable to both dental and postural issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the treatment approach into distinct phases or targets: initial tooth alignment, followed by jaw relationship correction, and ultimately head and body posture optimization. This segmentation allows the system to address each level of alignment systematically while maintaining the ability to treat all levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system effectively corrects misalignments causing pain by applying varied corrective forces, improving posture and reducing muscle tension without surgery or medication, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

Implementation Method 1

clear aligner embedded with powerful magnets, such as neodymium magnets, to push, pull, rotate, or twist teeth into the desired positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20220226074A1System for body alignment through correction of malocclusions

Publication Date: 2022.07.21 HA DANG

AI summary

The system for body alignment through tooth position addresses the lack of non-surgical treatment for head, neck, shoulder, and back pain by combining software that generates custom alignment protocols for each patient with a clear aligner embedded with powerful permanent magnets to pull teeth into the desired positions.