Micro-Magnetic Clear Aligner Structure for Faster Tooth Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional invisible orthodontic treatments are constrained by a principle of gradual tooth movement, leading to longer treatment cycles, patient discomfort, and reduced compliance due to the need for continuous wear of external devices, which can cause complications and increase treatment costs.
Innovation Solution
A micro-magnetic invisible orthodontic appliance integrated with permanent magnetic neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) powder in a polymer composite or ceramic material, providing localized magnetic stimulation for enhanced tooth movement and adjustable magnetic intensity through magnetizer blocks and flexible patches, eliminating the need for external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invisible orthodontic treatment uses gradual tooth movement principle, then tooth movement is safe and controlled, but treatment cycle becomes long (12-36 months)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the invisible orthodontic appliance with magnetic stimulation functionality into a single integrated device. The appliance includes magnetic particles dispersed in the transparent material, allowing simultaneous application of mechanical orthodontic force and magnetic field stimulation to accelerate tooth movement while maintaining the aesthetic advantage of invisibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthodontic appliance is made from composite materials containing magnetic particles (such as ferrite, magnetite, or other magnetic powders) dispersed within a transparent orthodontic material matrix. This composite structure enables the appliance to generate magnetic fields for accelerated tooth movement while maintaining optical transparency for aesthetic purposes.
2Productivity
If external field stimulation devices are used separately (like Well Lite or AcceleDent), then tooth movement is accelerated, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the magnetic stimulation function directly into the invisible orthodontic appliance structure. The appliance includes magnetic particles dispersed throughout the transparent material, eliminating the need for separate external acceleration devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining tooth movement acceleration capability.
3Productivity
If separate accelerator devices are worn in addition to invisible braces, then magnetic stimulation is provided, but patient compliance decreases due to discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the accelerator function with the orthodontic appliance into a single device that patients wear. The magnetic particles are embedded within the transparent appliance material, creating a unified structure that is more comfortable than separate devices and maintains high patient compliance while providing continuous magnetic stimulation.
4Productivity
If multiple separate devices are used for orthodontic acceleration, then treatment function is enhanced, but oral hygiene problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the magnetic acceleration function into the single invisible orthodontic appliance that contacts the teeth and gums. This eliminates the hygiene problems associated with multiple separate devices, as patients only need to maintain one appliance, reducing the risk of bacterial accumulation and oral health issues.
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
Accelerates tooth movement, reduces treatment duration, improves patient comfort, and enhances compliance by integrating magnetic stimulation directly into the orthodontic appliance, allowing for personalized and adjustable treatment plans.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom brace, the outer periodontal brace, and the inner periodontal brace are made from a polymer composite material, biological ceramic or an interpenetrating polymer network material, dispersed with permanent magnetic neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) powder
Implementation Method 2
dispersed with permanent magnetic neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) powder
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-magnetic invisible orthodontic appliance is provided. The micro-magnetic invisible orthodontic appliance includes a bottom brace (1), an outer periodontal brace (2) and an inner periodontal brace (3). The bottom brace (1), the outer periodontal brace (2) and the inner periodontal brace (3) together form a U-shaped brace. A tooth receiving groove is defined between the outer periodontal brace (2) and the inner periodontal brace (3). The bottom brace (1), the outer periodontal brace (2) and the inner periodontal brace (3) are made from one of a polymer composite material, biological ceramic, and an interpenetrating polymer network material, dispersed with permanent magnetic neodymium-iron-boron powder, by one-piece molding or three-dimensional printing.