Orthodontic Bracket Frictional Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic devices often require multiple treatment appointments, can be painful, and produce unpredictable outcomes due to the visibility of braces, which may lead to misalignments in teeth and inefficient treatment processes.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic device featuring a bracket with a retention cavity, a clip, and a wedge member that allows for adjustable frictional forces, enabling a sliding mode and a locked mode to securely hold the orthodontic wire, thereby providing controlled movement and alignment of teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ligatures or self-ligating mechanisms are used to secure the wire to the bracket, then the wire can be retained in the bracket, but the wire cannot slide laterally relative to the bracket which limits adjustment flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The orthodontic device transitions from a static wire-bracket connection to a dynamic system where the wire can slide laterally relative to the bracket. The frictional adjustment mechanism allows the wire to be held in place during treatment while permitting lateral sliding movements for adjustments, combining retention reliability with adjustment flexibility in a single configurable system.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple treatment appointments are scheduled for braces adjustment, then teeth can be aligned through iterative adjustments, but treatment time is extended and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frictional adjustment mechanism allows clinicians to modify the frictional force parameter between the wire and bracket, enabling controlled lateral sliding of the wire. This parameter change facilitates more efficient tooth alignment by allowing greater movement freedom during adjustments, potentially reducing the number of treatment appointments needed while maintaining alignment precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If visible braces are used to correct dental malocclusion, then teeth alignment can be achieved, but aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes traditional visible ligatures and bulky self-ligating clips from the orthodontic device. By using a frictional adjustment mechanism that integrates seamlessly into the bracket structure, the device maintains tooth alignment functionality while minimizing visible components, thereby improving aesthetic appearance during treatment.
4Reliability
If frictional force is increased to prevent wire sliding, then wire position is stabilized, but wire adjustability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frictional adjustment mechanism creates a dynamic system where the frictional force between the wire and bracket can be intentionally modified. During normal treatment, sufficient friction stabilizes the wire position, but when adjustment is needed, the frictional force can be reduced to allow lateral sliding, and then increased again to stabilize the new position. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between stability and adjustability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces treatment time, improves patient comfort, and enhances the predictability of orthodontic outcomes by allowing for adjustable frictional forces that prevent unwanted tooth movement, thus improving the efficiency and effectiveness of tooth alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a frictional adjustment mechanism configured to exert an adjustable frictional force against the orthodontic wire, including a range of sliding frictional forces in which the orthodontic wire is slidable relative to the bracket and at least one non-sliding frictional force that prevents sliding of the orthodontic wire in use when the orthodontic wire is subject to typical orthodontic forces
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic device can include a bracket configured to support an orthodontic wire. The orthodontic device can include a locking assembly coupled to the bracket and switchable between a plurality of operational modes. The plurality of operational modes can comprise a first sliding mode in which the orthodontic wire is slidable relative to the bracket and a second locked mode in which the orthodontic wire is slidably locked relative to the bracket.