Orthodontic Bracket Gears for Targeted Archwire Tooth Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic brackets rely on external elastic elements like rubber bands and springs, which suffer from structural weakness, lack of targeted force application, discomfort, and frequent adjustments due to force decay, requiring constant renewal and adding mechanical complexity and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic device with integrated gears and biasing mechanisms that allow for rotational movement along an archwire, eliminating the need for external forces by using built-in springs to impart force directly to teeth, enabling targeted and adjustable tooth movement without external elastic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If external elastic elements (rubber bands, springs) are used to apply force to teeth, then tooth movement can be achieved, but the device requires frequent adjustments due to force decay and suffers from structural weakness
Solution Approach 1:
The orthodontic device incorporates self-contained biasing mechanisms (springs) within each bracket that automatically generate and maintain force without requiring external elastic elements. The biasing mechanism is pre-loaded to provide consistent force throughout the treatment phase, eliminating the need for frequent adjustments by the orthodontist.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs movable gears that can rotate along the archwire to dynamically adjust the position and force application points. The biasing mechanisms are designed to maintain optimal force levels through controlled mechanical action, adapting to tooth movement while preserving force consistency.
2Force
If external elastic elements are used to adjust spacing between teeth, then tooth positioning can be modified, but the system lacks targeting precision and may move anchor teeth unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The orthodontic system divides the force application function into independent modular brackets, each equipped with its own biasing mechanism. This segmentation allows force to be applied to specific target teeth without affecting anchor teeth, as each bracket operates independently with controlled gear engagement along the archwire.
Solution Approach 2:
Each orthodontic bracket is designed with localized biasing mechanisms that apply force only to the specific tooth associated with that bracket. The gear system enables precise control over which teeth receive force by selectively engaging gears at different positions along the archwire, ensuring accurate force targeting.
3Force
If conventional external mechanisms are used for force application, then tooth movement is possible, but the device becomes bulky and causes patient discomfort and hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the force generation function directly into the orthodontic brackets themselves, eliminating the need for separate external elastic elements. The biasing mechanisms and gear systems are integrated within the bracket structure, creating a compact design that reduces patient discomfort and improves oral hygiene by removing bulky external components.
4Force
If external elastic materials are used to impart force, then tooth movement can occur, but the materials suffer from significant force decay requiring constant renewal
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanisms are designed as self-contained spring systems within each bracket that maintain force generation throughout the treatment phase. The mechanical spring design provides predictable force decay characteristics that can be managed through the gear system, eliminating the need for frequent renewal of elastic materials by the orthodontist.
5Device complexity
If conventional orthodontic brackets are designed as passive devices, then the structure remains simple, but the system requires extensive repositioning and external mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The orthodontic brackets incorporate movable gears that can rotate along the archwire, transforming passive brackets into active, adjustable devices. The gear mechanisms allow for dynamic repositioning and force application adjustments without requiring complete removal and reattachment of brackets, significantly improving orthodontist efficiency during treatment adjustments.
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
The device provides efficient, targeted tooth movement with reduced patient discomfort and increased orthodontist efficiency by eliminating the need for frequent adjustments and external elastic elements, improving hygiene and reducing chair-side time.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism, e.g., a spring, that is configured to store a biasing force in an compressed configuration and release the biasing force to rotate the gear
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic device and, in particular, an orthodontic bracket that is slidable along a wire without external forces is provided. The device may include a first and second gear, each of which are independently movable between a locked position in which the gear is prevented from rotation, and a released configuration in which the gear extends into the channel to engage a wire received within the channel and is rotatable to move the device along the wire. The first gear may be rotatable to move the device in a first direction while the second gear may be rotatable to move the device in a second direction opposite the first direction. Thus, the first and second gears have the ability to move along the wire in short or long distances, as desired.