Non-Sliding Orthodontic Archforms With Double Loops for Tooth Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic archforms face challenges in efficiently moving adjacent teeth closer together or farther apart, particularly when gaps are present, and in preventing teeth from tipping during alignment due to root anchorage, especially when bonded to the occlusal portions of teeth.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-sliding archforms with interproximal double loops and hooks that apply forces closer to the center of resistance of the teeth, combined with shape memory materials, to minimize tipping and efficiently align teeth, including direct bonding without brackets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single loop is used in the archform, then the structure is simple, but it cannot efficiently move adjacent teeth when gaps are present
Solution Approach 1:
The interproximal segment is divided into multiple loops (single loop, double loop, or triple loop) depending on the treatment requirements. This segmentation allows the archform to handle different gap sizes and tooth movement needs by selecting the appropriate number of loops, thereby improving teeth movement efficiency without unnecessarily increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The loops are configured with specific spatial arrangements and orientations in three-dimensional space. The double loop and triple loop configurations create additional dimensional complexity that enables more effective force distribution and tooth movement control, particularly when adjacent teeth need to be moved closer together with larger gaps present.
2Ease of operation
If force is applied at the occlusal portion of the tooth, then the bracket bonding is simplified, but the tooth tips instead of translating
Solution Approach 1:
The archform acts as an intermediary mechanical system that translates the force application point. By designing the archform with specific geometries and support structures, the force applied at the occlusal portion is redistributed through the archform structure to achieve more stable tooth translation while maintaining the simplicity of occlusal bracket bonding.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the archform is made more rigid to prevent tipping, then tooth translation is improved, but the risk of root drag and tipping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The archform exhibits varying rigidity at different locations along its length. The interproximal segments with loops have localized flexibility to accommodate tooth movement, while other portions maintain sufficient rigidity to prevent tipping. This gradient in local quality allows the archform to simultaneously enable controlled tooth translation and prevent harmful tipping motions.
Solution Approach 2:
The archform is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt its rigidity based on the forces applied and the stage of tooth movement. The loop configurations provide controlled flexibility that decreases as teeth move toward their target positions, automatically adjusting the support provided to prevent root drag and tipping while facilitating translation.
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 solution effectively moves teeth with minimal tipping and rotation, efficiently closing gaps and aligning teeth to planned positions, even in cases of missing teeth, using customized non-planar shapes and shape memory materials.
Implementation Method 1
The loops can be configured, by way of custom shape setting, to exert forces on the adjacent connectors to move the adjacent teeth toward the planned alignment
Implementation Method 2
One or more elastics (e.g., springs, bands, nickel titanium springs, etc.) may be coupled to the hook to apply forces to a patient's tooth
Data Source
AI summary
An archform configured to move a patient's teeth using non-sliding mechanics. The archform can include a loop between two bracket connectors that spans a blocked-out tooth between two teeth. One or more of the bracket connectors can include a reinforced shoulder to provides increased structural integrity to the connection between the bracket connector and the loop. The archform can include a second loop between the two connectors that is gingivally or occlusally positioned relative to other loop.