Orthodontic Aligner With Elastomeric Inner and Rigid Outer Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Clear aligners face limitations such as inability to be worn during eating, reliance on labial attachments for force application, inability to effectively address cosmetic challenges like missing teeth or uneven teeth, and limitations in achieving certain functional objectives like distalization of molars.

Innovation Solution

The development of an orthodontic aligner with a multilayer structure, featuring an elastomeric inner functional layer and a rigid outer functional layer. The rigid outer layer is designed to withstand eating forces and temperatures, allowing the aligner to be worn during meals, and provides sufficient lateral force for orthodontic treatments without the need for labial attachments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If clear aligners are made of elastomeric material, then they can apply force to move teeth, but they cannot withstand the forces of chewing and temperature ranges of foods during eating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce application to teethVSAvoidstrength during eating

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The aligner uses a composite structure combining an elastomeric inner layer for force application and a rigid outer layer for structural strength during eating. This multi-material approach allows the device to simultaneously achieve tooth movement capability and eating durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Force

If clear aligners use labial attachments for force application, then sufficient force can be applied, but the attachments are aesthetically displeasing and cause embarrassment to the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce application capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the conventional attachment placement from the visible labial surface to the hidden lingual surface of the teeth. By positioning attachments on the back of the teeth and using the rigid outer layer to transmit force, the system maintains force application capability while eliminating aesthetic concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If clear aligners are removed during eating, then the aligner can be stored safely, but the treatment continuity is interrupted and convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealigner integrityVSAvoidconvenience during eating

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid outer layer provides the structural integrity needed to withstand eating forces, while the elastomeric inner layer maintains the force application properties. This composite construction allows the aligner to remain in place during eating without damage or loss of functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Shape

If clear aligners use elastomeric material, then they can conform to tooth shapes, but they become misshapen and deform outward when force is not sufficient to move the tooth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconformity to tooth shapeVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric inner layer provides conformability to tooth shapes for precise force application, while the rigid outer layer provides structural stability to prevent misshapening and outward deformation when tooth movement force is insufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 multilayer aligner effectively addresses the limitations of clear aligners by enabling wear during eating, reducing the need for labial attachments, improving cosmetic outcomes for missing or uneven teeth, and enhancing the ability to perform complex orthodontic treatments like sequential distalization of molars.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomeric inner functional layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a rigid outer functional layer which is sufficiently strong and heat resistant to withstand the forces and temperatures of eating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRigidity:

Data Source

PatentUS20250032223A1Orthodontic aligner with elastomeric inner surface and rigid outer surface, and methods of orthodontic treatment with same

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 LEWKOWITZ-SHPUNTOFF ARIANA

AI summary

An orthodontic aligner includes an inner functional layer comprised of an elastomer and a non-elastomeric outer functional layer. The outer layer may be a biocompatible rigid or semi-rigid polymer. The inner layer may include inner cavities each shaped to receive therein a tooth attachment, such as a lingual tooth attachment. The rigid outer functional layer is sufficiently strong and heat-resistant to withstand the forces and temperatures of eating. The rigid outer layer also provides sufficient lateral force to work on teeth even using lingual or palatal attachments, and to perform orthodontic treatments that are unavailable with elastomeric aligners. A system for orthodontic treatment may include the aligner and tooth attachments, metal rings or snap buttons, magnets, a temporary grill, or at least one chain for raising and exposing an impacted tooth. The orthodontic aligners may be used in various orthodontic treatments, including sequential distalization and raising of an impacted tooth.