Orthodontic Aligner with Localized Energy for Tooth Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic systems lack the ability to effectively combine specific dosing of energy, such as photobiomodulation, with controlled tooth movement to enhance orthodontic outcomes.
Innovation Solution
The development of orthodontic aligners and appliances that deliver controlled combinations of energy, including light, heat, and electrical energy, in conjunction with mechanical force to precisely target specific regions of the dental arch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional orthodontic appliances (braces or preformed aligners) are used to move teeth, then tooth movement can be achieved, but the treatment duration is extended and the rate of tooth movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical force application (through aligners) with photobiomodulation energy delivery in a single integrated system. The aligner includes both mechanical components for tooth movement and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for photobiomodulation, allowing simultaneous application of both modalities to accelerate orthodontic treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous photobiomodulation treatment by integrating LEDs directly into the aligner that is worn continuously by the patient. This eliminates the need for separate, intermittent photobiomodulation sessions and provides continuous acceleration of tooth movement throughout the wear period.
2Productivity
If photobiomodulation is applied to accelerate tooth movement, then treatment efficiency can be improved, but existing systems lack the ability to deliver controlled dosing of energy to specific regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies photobiomodulation energy locally to specific regions of the dental arch by positioning LEDs at predetermined locations within the aligner. Each LED targets a specific tooth or region, allowing differentiated energy dosing based on individual treatment needs of different areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the dosing of photobiomodulation energy by varying parameters such as LED wavelength (e.g., 630-680nm for photobiomodulation), intensity, and duration of exposure. The system allows precise control of energy delivery parameters to achieve optimal therapeutic effects while minimizing unnecessary exposure.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple aligners are designed and fabricated before treatment begins, then treatment planning can be comprehensive, but the system cannot adapt to provide targeted energy application during treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, preformed aligner system into a dynamic system by integrating controllable LEDs that can be activated at different times and with different intensities during treatment. This allows the system to adapt to changing treatment requirements while maintaining the benefits of prefabricated custom-fit aligners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the aligner multi-functional by combining mechanical tooth movement capability with photobiomodulation therapy in a single device. The same aligner that applies mechanical force also delivers light energy, eliminating the need for separate appliances and enabling integrated treatment delivery.
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 enables more efficient and targeted tooth movement, potentially accelerating orthodontic treatment and improving patient outcomes by enhancing the rate of tooth repositioning and providing therapeutic benefits to oral tissue.
Implementation Method 1
an light source, and the light may be distributed by the aligner body
Implementation Method 2
The light source may be distributed throughout the aligner body, and may include one or more light sources, each having a respective wavelength
Implementation Method 3
a heating element configured to deliver thermal energy to a specific region of the dental arch
Implementation Method 4
an electrical conductor configured to deliver electrical energy to a specific region of the dental arch
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of orthodontic treatment using localized energy. The methods may include determining that one or more of a patient's teeth are off track from a treatment plan based on one or more discrepancies between a current virtual model and a target virtual model. The current virtual model may be based on image(s) taken of the patient's teeth during a stage of orthodontic treatment. The methods may also include modifying the treatment plan by implementing local energy radiation to a region of the patient's dental arch. The local energy radiation may be configured to accelerate repositioning of the one or more of the patient's teeth and to put the one or more of the patient's teeth on track according to the treatment plan.