Multi-Shell Orthodontic Aligners for Higher Working Elasticity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic aligners require constant wear due to limited elasticity, leading to discomfort and potential failure in maintaining tooth alignment, and traditional braces are noticeable and require frequent clinical adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Orthodontic appliances comprising multiple shells with varying affixation points to maximize working elasticity, allowing for increased flexibility and reduced wear time while maintaining tooth alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If aligners are made from transparent material to be less noticeable, then aesthetics are improved, but the glossy sheen makes them easily noticeable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies surface treatments and coatings to alter the optical properties of the aligner material. Specifically, matte or satin finishes are applied to reduce the glossy sheen that makes transparent aligners noticeable, while maintaining the transparent or near-transparent base material for aesthetics. This resolves the contradiction by changing the surface optical characteristics without compromising the overall transparency.
2Reliability
If aligners are worn nearly constantly to maintain tooth alignment, then orthodontic treatment effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort and compliance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements including removable attachments and adjustable retention mechanisms that allow patients to temporarily remove or adjust the aligner during specific activities (eating, cleaning, speaking) while maintaining overall wear compliance. The mechanical engagement features provide variable retention forces that adapt to different wear conditions, enabling flexible wear schedules that balance treatment effectiveness with patient comfort and convenience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If aligners have high elasticity to accommodate teeth drifting, then adaptability is improved, but the force required to move teeth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the aligner into multiple functional zones with different material properties and structural characteristics. High-elasticity regions are positioned in areas that require accommodation of tooth drift and movement, while stiffer regions are located in areas that require stable retention and force application. This segmentation allows the aligner to simultaneously provide high adaptability in certain zones while maintaining sufficient force in other zones for effective tooth movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality variations through differentiated material composition, thickness, and structural design in different regions of the aligner. Specific areas have optimized elastic moduli and geometric features to provide localized flexibility or stiffness as needed. This resolves the contradiction by allowing high elasticity where drift accommodation is needed while maintaining adequate force application capability where tooth movement is required.
4Force
If aligner thickness is increased to provide enough force for orthodontic treatment, then tooth movement capability is improved, but working elasticity and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aligner thickness across different regions, with varying thickness profiles optimized for local functional requirements. Thinner regions provide high elasticity and comfort in areas requiring flexibility, while strategically positioned thicker regions provide sufficient force application capability in areas requiring strong orthodontic action. This segmented thickness distribution resolves the contradiction between force provision and working elasticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality optimization through region-specific thickness and material property adjustments. Certain areas of the aligner have increased thickness and stiffness to generate adequate orthodontic force, while other areas maintain reduced thickness for high elasticity and patient comfort. This localized differentiation allows the aligner to simultaneously achieve sufficient force application and maintain working elasticity throughout the structure.
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
Enhances patient compliance by allowing extended break times and flexibility in wear schedules, while maintaining effective tooth repositioning without the need for constant wear.
Implementation Method 1
the individual aligners are designed to be worn over the teeth, such that each aligner exerts force on the teeth and elastically repositions the teeth to each of the planned tooth arrangements
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic appliance is constructed from shells shaped to receive teeth. The shells can be constructed from one or more polymer materials and stacked and also varyingly affixed to one another, which can include affixing only about the edge of each shell. The orthodontic appliance can be one of a series of similar appliances for incremental orthodontic modification of teeth.