Masticatory Orthodontic Device With Rigid Shell
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic correction methods, such as clear aligners, require continuous wear and can be painful due to the need for attachments on misaligned teeth, and apply heavy, continuous forces that may lead to discomfort and increased risk of root resorption, whereas light, intermittent forces are preferable for faster tooth movement with reduced risks.
Innovation Solution
A masticatory orthodontic correction device featuring a rigid shell with a resilient member that guides teeth from an initial to a target arrangement using intermittent occlusal forces during mastication, allowing for patient removable appliances that do not deform under occlusal loading, thereby reducing wear time and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clear aligners with attachments are used to apply continuous corrective force, then orthodontic correction effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and risk of root resorption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by designing the appliance to deliver intermittent occlusal forces during mastication rather than continuous forces. The rigid shell maintains its shape during chewing, generating periodic corrective forces that accelerate tooth movement while reducing discomfort and root resorption risks associated with continuous force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a rigid shell instead of a flexible one. Rather than relying on the appliance material's elasticity to generate corrective force, the rigid shell maintains its shape and generates corrective forces through the occlusal interaction during mastication, eliminating the need for attachments and reducing patient discomfort.
2Duration of action of moving object
If clear aligners are worn continuously for 20+ hours per day, then corrective force is maintained, but wear time and patient inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by designing the appliance to deliver intermittent occlusal forces during mastication rather than continuous forces. The rigid shell maintains its shape during chewing, generating periodic corrective forces that accelerate tooth movement while reducing discomfort and root resorption risks associated with continuous force application.
3Manufacturing precision
If attachments are fixed on misaligned teeth to enable aligner engagement, then orthodontic correction precision is improved, but patient pain and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by completely removing the need for attachments from the orthodontic system. The rigid shell appliance achieves tooth repositioning precision through its occlusal surface design and intermittent forces during mastication, eliminating the painful attachment fixation process while maintaining correction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the rigid shell as an intermediary that transfers occlusal forces during mastication to generate corrective forces on misaligned teeth. This mediator approach eliminates the need for direct attachment fixation on teeth, reducing patient pain while maintaining the ability to guide tooth movement to target positions.
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 risk of root resorption by utilizing intermittent occlusal forces during eating and chewing, providing a more comfortable and efficient orthodontic correction method.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member has a receiving shape fitting the first tooth in the target tooth arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a dental appliance for repositioning a patient's teeth includes forming a rigid shell that is configured to receive the patient's teeth of a dental arch. The rigid shell has at least one first cavity with a space for accommodating at least one first tooth of the dental arch needing orthodontic correction and allowing the first tooth to move from an initial tooth arrangement to a target tooth arrangement. The method also includes forming at least one resilient member in the first cavity of the rigid shell. The resilient member has a receiving shape fitting the first tooth in the target tooth arrangement.