Orthodontic Aligner Segments for Isolated Tooth Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plastic orthodontic aligners fail to effectively isolate forces between different sets of teeth, such as anterior and posterior teeth, leading to interference and counterforces during orthodontic treatment.
Innovation Solution
The development of orthodontic aligners with segments joined by connectors that minimize or eliminate force transmission between segments, allowing separate and distinct forces to be applied to different groups of teeth, using elastic, rigid, or semi-rigid connectors to form a single appliance shell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional plastic aligner is used to apply forces to multiple teeth, then the aligner can treat multiple teeth simultaneously, but forces applied to one tooth group interfere with and create counterforces on other tooth groups
Solution Approach 1:
The aligner is divided into multiple independent segments (e.g., first aligner segment for anterior teeth, second aligner segment for posterior teeth) that can be separately fabricated and assembled. Each segment applies forces only to its designated tooth group without transmitting forces to other segments, thereby eliminating force interference while maintaining the ability to treat multiple teeth simultaneously.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If separate aligners are used for different tooth groups to isolate forces, then force interference is eliminated, but the number of aligners and treatment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple force-isolating aligner segments are merged into a single integrated aligner appliance through connectors. This combination allows the patient to wear one aligner instead of multiple separate aligners, reducing the number of appliances while maintaining force isolation between different tooth groups through the segmented design.
3Device complexity
If a single integrated aligner is used, then the appliance structure is simple, but it cannot provide isolated force systems for different tooth groups
Solution Approach 1:
The aligner is segmented into functionally independent sections (anterior segment, posterior segment) that can be separately designed and fabricated. Each segment provides isolated force application to its specific tooth group while the overall structure remains a single integrated appliance when segments are connected.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the aligner are designed with locally optimized properties - each segment has specific geometric features, material characteristics, and force application patterns tailored to the requirements of its designated tooth group, allowing for specialized force isolation while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A dental appliance includes a first segment comprising a first plurality of tooth receiving cavities shaped to receive and to impart a first distalization force in a distal direction on a first part of a patient dentition on a first jaw. The dental appliance further includes a second segment comprising a second plurality of tooth receiving cavities shaped to receive and to impart a second distalization force in the distal direction on a second part of the patient dentition. The dental appliance further includes a connector shaped to span a plurality of anterior teeth of the patient dentition and to leave open a labial side of the plurality of anterior teeth. The connector operates to decrease transmission of one or more forces between the first segment and the second segment to limit transmission of at least one of the first distalization force or the second distalization force to the plurality of anterior teeth.