Orthodontic Bracket With Beveled Tie Wings and Recessed Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing orthodontic bracket systems require time-consuming ligature removal and replacement procedures, and current ligatures can lead to staining, plaque retention, and tooth decay, necessitating frequent replacements, which increases treatment time and reduces orthodontist efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The orthodontic bracket system features a direct vector-line tooth guidance system with beveled tie wings and recessed portions for improved access and rotational control, allowing for efficient ligature removal and replacement, and facilitating direct vector-line tooth guidance with a rotational device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional ligature removal and replacement procedures are used, then ligatures can be secured to the bracket, but the procedures are time-consuming and reduce orthodontist productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into multiple tie wings extending from the stem, with each tie wing capable of independently securing ligatures. This segmentation allows for distributed ligature placement and removal, enabling more efficient manipulation and reducing the time required for ligature management procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie wings extend in the occlusal-gingival direction from the stem, creating a three-dimensional configuration that provides access pathways from multiple directions. This dimensional arrangement allows orthodontists to access ligatures more easily without requiring precise positioning from a single angle, thereby reducing procedure time.
2Reliability
If ligatures are used to retain the archwire, then the archwire can be secured in the slot, but ligatures become stained and retain plaque leading to tooth decay
Solution Approach 1:
The ligature is extracted from the traditional elastic band configuration and replaced with a metal ligature that forms a continuous loop around the archwire and attaches to the tie wings. This extraction of the traditional ligature form reduces plaque retention while maintaining archwire security, as the metal construction is more resistant to staining and bacterial accumulation.
3Ease of operation
If the bracket has a conventional configuration, then it can be attached to the tooth, but it is difficult to manipulate orthodontic tools for ligature removal and tooth rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket stem is segmented with multiple tie wings extending from it, creating distinct access zones for different operations. This segmentation allows orthodontic tools to be manipulated more easily around individual tie wings without interference from other components, simplifying ligature removal and tooth rotation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie wings are pre-configured with specific geometries and orientations that anticipate the needs of upcoming operations. The preliminary arrangement of tie wings and archwire slot facilitates easier tool access and manipulation during ligature removal and rotational alignment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
The orthodontic bracket system includes a bracket having a base for attachment to a tooth surface, a stem above the base, tie wings extending from the stem for securing ligatures, and an archwire slot for receiving an archwire defined by the stem and tie wings. Distal and mesial side surfaces of the bracket base are perpendicular to the archwire slot to allow a rotational device to apply rotational force to a tooth perpendicular to the archwire with direct vector-line guidance. Occlusal and gingival edges of the bracket base between the tie wings are scooped-out or recessed to provide more space to receive a tool under an elastic ligature, and select corners of the tie wings are beveled enlarging space to facilitate entry of instruments for removing wire ligatures, to facilitate instrument access for removal and replacement of ligatures, while streamlining tooth rotation to make arch correction more efficient.