Modular Removable Orthodontic Assembly for Differential Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic treatments face challenges such as limited precision in applying forces to specific teeth, poor oral hygiene maintenance, aesthetic concerns, and difficulties in fabricating removable appliances that provide differential forces.
Innovation Solution
A versatile orthodontic assembly with interchangeable and flexible components, including a frame member, connector members, and labial bows, which are removably positioned near the teeth to allow for customizable force application and improved user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed orthodontic components are bonded to teeth with wires inserted into brackets, then tooth alignment can be achieved through wire adjustment, but the ability to apply differential forces to specific teeth is limited and oral hygiene maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The orthodontic system is divided into separate modular components: a removable frame assembly that can be detached from the teeth, individual wire components that can be independently adjusted, and bracket elements that can be selectively positioned. This segmentation allows precise control of forces on specific teeth while enabling removal for oral hygiene maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed rigid wire-bracket connections to a dynamic removable frame assembly that can be taken off and reattached. The frame includes flexible wire portions that can be adjusted to apply differential forces to specific teeth, and the removable nature allows patients to maintain oral hygiene by cleaning teeth when the frame is removed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If removable spring acrylic retainers are used to apply force to teeth, then tooth movement can be achieved, but the fabrication process is prolonged and the size and thickness cause user discomfort and speech impediments
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is segmented into a thin frame structure with separate wire components instead of a solid acrylic construction. This allows the retainer to be both removable for comfort and capable of applying targeted forces through the wire elements, while reducing overall size and thickness to minimize speech impediments and user discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer uses a thin frame structure with flexible wire portions instead of thick acrylic material. The wire components can be bent and adjusted to apply forces to specific teeth, while the thin profile reduces bulkiness, improves comfort, and minimizes interference with speech.
3Productivity
If clear shell aligners of uniform thickness are used to cover entire tooth surfaces, then teeth can be aligned, but differential force application to specific teeth is difficult and the aligners must be frequently changed
Solution Approach 1:
The aligner system is segmented into a frame structure with individual wire components that can be independently adjusted. This allows differential forces to be applied to specific teeth through the wire elements, eliminating the need for uniform thickness aligners that require frequent replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses adjustable wire components within the frame that can be modified to apply different forces to different teeth. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for frequently changing aligners, as the same frame with adjustable wires can adapt to progressive tooth movement.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple wires of increasing rigidity are inserted into brackets to align teeth, then tooth alignment can be achieved, but single-rooted or shorter-rooted teeth tend to move first and flare forward before rigid wires are inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The wire system is segmented into separate adjustable components within the frame assembly. This allows individual wires to be tailored for specific teeth based on root strength, enabling rigid force application to strong teeth while providing flexible support for weaker teeth, preventing premature flaring before the full treatment sequence begins.
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 assembly enables precise tooth movement and bite correction while enhancing user comfort and oral hygiene, overcoming the limitations of fixed and removable orthodontic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly enables precise tooth movement and bite correction while enhancing user comfort and oral hygiene
Implementation Method 2
A versatile orthodontic assembly with interchangeable and flexible components
Data Source
AI summary
A removable orthodontic assembly to be used in a user's mouth, including: a frame member configured to be removably positioned proximate a lingual portion of the user's teeth; a first connector member, wherein the first connector member comprises a first end extending proximate to a labial portion of the user's teeth and a second end engaging the frame member; and a labial bow configured to be removably positioned proximate to the labial portion of the user's teeth having a first end and a second end, wherein the labial bow is configured to removably engage the first connector member.