Orthodontic Appliance Geometry for Precise Tooth Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior orthodontic methods lack precise control over force application to teeth, often using homogeneous materials and requiring supplementary devices, which can lead to inefficient tooth movement.
Innovation Solution
The development of orthodontic appliances with variable localized properties, such as heterogeneous thickness, stiffness, and material composition, achieved through direct fabrication techniques, allowing for precise control over force application and integration of features like power arms and counter-force connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If homogeneous materials are used in orthodontic appliances, then manufacturing is simpler, but control over force application to teeth is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating orthodontic appliances with spatially varying material properties, including heterogeneous thickness distributions and regions of different stiffness. This allows different portions of the appliance to exert different forces on different teeth, enabling precise control over force application while maintaining a single integrated structure that is relatively easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by combining regions of different materials or material densities within the orthodontic appliance. This includes using materials with varying elastic moduli, thicknesses, and compositions in different areas to achieve desired force characteristics, while the appliance remains manufacturable as an integrated component.
2Manufacturing precision
If supplementary devices are used to achieve desired tooth movement, then force control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single orthodontic appliance by integrating force application features, tooth engagement structures, and structural elements into one unified device. This eliminates the need for separate supplementary devices while maintaining precise force control through the integrated design with varying material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthodontic appliance is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the primary structural component and the force application mechanism. The single appliance performs multiple functions including tooth engagement, force generation through heterogeneous material properties, and structural support, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate devices.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fabrication methods are used, then manufacturing is easier, but complex geometries and compositions cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying material properties such as thickness, density, and elastic modulus across different regions of the orthodontic appliance. These parameter variations are achieved through modern fabrication techniques that can precisely control material distribution, enabling complex geometries and compositions while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through digital design and additive or precision molding processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for improved orthodontic treatment of a patient's teeth are provided herein. A method may include determining a movement path to move one or more teeth from an initial arrangement to a target arrangement, determining an appliance geometry for an orthodontic appliance comprising a shell and one or more integrally formed components, wherein the shell comprises a plurality of teeth receiving cavities shaped to move the one or more teeth from the initial arrangement to the target arrangement, and generating instructions for direct fabrication of the orthodontic appliance, wherein the instructions are configured to cause direct fabrication of the shell using a first material and direct fabrication of the one or more integrally formed components using a second, different material.