Modular Orthodontic Arm and Anchor for Easier Tooth Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic devices for treating malocclusions are challenging to install, require unnecessary in-office labor, and lack a streamlined design.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic device with an arm that removably couples with an attachment anchor, allowing for independent bonding of components and providing flexibility in installation and repair, reducing the need for complex assembly and minimizing in-office labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid elongated arm with elastic element is used to correct malocclusion, then the corrective force can be applied to adjust teeth alignment, but the device becomes challenging to install and requires unnecessary in-office labor
Solution Approach 1:
The orthodontic device is divided into separate modular components: a first component with a first attachment element, a second component with a second attachment element, and a third component with a third attachment element. These components can be independently positioned and attached to different teeth, allowing for simplified installation while maintaining the ability to apply corrective forces for malocclusion treatment.
2Reliability
If conventional orthodontic devices are used to correct malocclusion, then teeth alignment can be adjusted, but the design lacks streamlining and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses separate attachable components rather than a single complex rigid structure. Each component can be independently attached to specific teeth, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining effectiveness in correcting malocclusion through coordinated positioning of multiple simpler elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment elements are designed to be universally applicable to different teeth and positions in the dental arch. Each attachment element can be positioned on various teeth and connected to form different configurations, allowing the same basic components to address multiple malocclusion scenarios without requiring specialized complex designs for each case.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic device for treating misalignment of teeth, the device including an anchor having an attachment base and a stem extending upwardly from the attachment base, where the attachment base is configured for mounting the anchor to a patient's tooth. The device further includes an arm with an elongate body having an attachment portion disposed along one end thereof and a bonding portion disposed along an opposite end thereof. The attachment portion includes a notch formed along an end face thereof and a seat in communication with the notch. The arm is removably mountable to the stem via the notch and the seat, the arm being rotatable about a rotational axis relative to the stem to a locked position where the arm is bonded in place to another tooth via the bonding portion for treatment.