Masticatory Orthodontic Device Shape Memory Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic devices, such as clear aligners, require prolonged wear and can be painful due to the need for continuous and heavy forces to correct misaligned teeth, which can lead to discomfort and increased risk of root resorption.
Innovation Solution
A masticatory orthodontic device with a rigid shell and a shape memory mesh that utilizes intermittent occlusal forces during mastication to guide teeth movement, reducing wear time and discomfort by applying weak guiding forces without deforming under occlusal stress, and incorporating a buffering member to transmit forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clear aligners are used to provide continuous corrective force, then orthodontic results can be achieved, but the device must be worn over 20 hours per day causing patient discomfort and increased risk of root resorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by designing an orthodontic device that utilizes intermittent occlusal forces during natural chewing cycles instead of requiring continuous wear. The device includes a rigid shell that maintains its shape under occlusal loading and a shape memory mesh that activates periodically during mastication to deliver corrective forces, eliminating the need for 20+ hours of daily wear while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If clear aligners are made flexible to accommodate misaligned teeth, then the appliance can be worn comfortably, but additional fixed attachments are needed to provide sufficient engagement and corrective force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the orthodontic appliance into distinct functional components: a rigid shell structure that maintains overall form and a separate shape memory mesh that provides targeted engagement with misaligned teeth. This segmentation allows the mesh to independently deform and adapt to tooth positions without compromising the structural integrity of the entire appliance, eliminating the need for fixed attachments while maintaining sufficient corrective engagement.
3Productivity
If heavy continuous forces are applied to move teeth quickly, then orthodontic treatment time is reduced, but patient discomfort increases and root resorption risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the patient's own occlusal forces during natural chewing to drive tooth movement. The shape memory mesh is designed to convert these self-generated occlusal forces into directional corrective forces on misaligned teeth. This eliminates the need for externally applied heavy continuous forces from appliances, achieving effective tooth movement through the patient's own physiological functions while minimizing discomfort and tissue damage.
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
This approach accelerates orthodontic tooth movement while minimizing discomfort and wear time, as occlusal forces are intermittently applied, allowing for efficient tooth alignment with reduced risk of tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
A shape memory mesh is disposed between the teeth-receiving surface and the dental arch, configured to remember a shape of the teeth in target teeth positions to guide teeth movements from initial teeth positions toward the target teeth positions
Implementation Method 2
A buffering member is disposed between the teeth-receiving surface and the shape memory mesh. When the masticatory orthodontic device is worn during mastication, occlusal forces loading on the masticatory unit are transmitted to the shape memory mesh and the teeth through the buffering member that is resilient
Data Source
AI summary
A masticatory orthodontic device includes a masticatory unit with a rigid body. The masticatory unit is configured to be removably worn on a dental arch, wherein when worn during mastication, the shape of the masticatory unit is maintained even under a stress from occlusal forces. The masticatory unit includes a teeth-receiving surface with several recesses for accommodating teeth of the dental arch. A shape memory mesh is disposed between the teeth-receiving surface and the dental arch, configured to remember the shape of the teeth in target teeth positions to guide teeth movements from initial teeth positions toward the target teeth positions. A buffering member is disposed between the teeth-receiving surface and the shape memory mesh. Occlusal forces loading on the masticatory unit are transmitted to the shape memory mesh and the teeth through the buffering member, to achieve teeth movements in the recesses.