Orthodontic Bracket Bonding Device Standardization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for bonding orthodontic brackets face challenges such as long appointment durations, imprecision, and ergonomic issues in the direct method, and require complex laboratory processes and custom designs in indirect methods, leading to increased clinical time and potential bonding defects.
Innovation Solution
A device with standardized clips and unitary gutters, allowing for predefined orientations and temporary assembly, which facilitates efficient positioning and bonding of orthodontic brackets, reducing the need for custom designs and complex laboratory steps, while enabling simultaneous placement of brackets across the dental arch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the direct method is used to bond orthodontic brackets, then the orthodontist can define the position of each bracket during the clinical phase, but the appointment duration becomes long and the precision of bonding is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the positions of orthodontic brackets on a plaster model before the clinical procedure. The transfer device is prepared in advance with brackets positioned according to a treatment plan, allowing the orthodontist to verify positions beforehand. During the clinical phase, the pre-positioned brackets are simply transferred to the patient's teeth, significantly reducing appointment duration while maintaining high positioning precision.
2Measurement precision
If the indirect method with custom-designed clips is used, then the precision of bracket placement is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a standardized transfer device with identical clips and transfer elements that can be used across multiple patients and cases. The transfer device comprises a standardized transfer tray, multiple identical transfer elements, and standardized clips. This universal design maintains high positioning precision through the indirect method while eliminating the need for custom design and manufacturing for each patient, significantly reducing device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate devices are used to bond brackets to all teeth, then each tooth can be treated individually, but the clinical time for fitting brackets increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple bracket transfer operations into a single integrated transfer device. The transfer device comprises a single transfer tray with multiple transfer elements positioned for different teeth, all held together by standardized clips. This allows the orthodontist to transfer multiple brackets simultaneously in one clinical procedure, maintaining individual tooth treatment precision while dramatically reducing the time required compared to using multiple separate devices.
4Productivity
If a single overall gutter is used to position all brackets, then the placement time is reduced, but the device size becomes large and difficult to position in the patient's mouth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the transfer device into modular components: a transfer tray, multiple independent transfer elements, and standardized clips. Each transfer element can be independently positioned and adjusted on the transfer tray. This segmented design allows the device to be compact and easy to position in the patient's mouth while still enabling simultaneous placement of all brackets, maintaining high productivity without excessive device size.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for adhering orthodontic attachments (2) to a dental arch (3), which includes clips (5) and a general splint (8'). The invention also describes the assembly between the clips and the respective orthodontic attachments, as well as the general splint made up of individual splints (8), the orientation of which are dependent on those of the clips, said individual splints including the negatives of the teeth and being interconnected with one another at the common portions (26) thereof, allowing indirect adherence of the attachments to the entire dental arch in a single operation, as well as standardisation of the attachments and the clips. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a device.