Orthodontic Bracket With Magnetic Drop-In Hook
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic braces with elastic rubber bands cause discomfort, aesthetic issues, and require frequent replacement due to weakening force, leading to food accumulation and halitosis, while also obstructing eating and not effectively addressing inter-jaw tooth alignment.
Innovation Solution
The use of annular magnetic objects, such as neodymium magnets, secured by bendable drop-in hooks on orthodontic brackets to provide attraction or propulsion forces between distant brackets, eliminating the need for elastic rubber bands and enhancing comfort and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If elastic rubber bands are used to apply force between jaws, then intermaxillary attraction or propulsion force is achieved, but the rubber bands cause aesthetic issues, discomfort, food accumulation, and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the elastic rubber band mechanical system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in the brackets generate magnetic attraction or propulsion forces between jaws, eliminating the need for visible rubber bands and their associated harmful effects while maintaining the necessary intermaxillary force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnets as an intermediary mechanism between the brackets and the force application system. The magnets serve as mediators that generate force through magnetic fields rather than direct mechanical contact with rubber bands, thereby resolving the contradiction between effective force application and aesthetic comfort.
2Force
If elastic rubber bands are used to correct tooth alignment, then teeth displacement is achieved, but the rubber bands must be frequently replaced due to weakening force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the degrading elastic rubber band system with a permanent magnetic system. The magnets maintain consistent magnetic field strength over time without the weakening characteristic of elastic materials, thereby providing durable long-term force application for tooth displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of force generation from elastic deformation (temporary, degrading) to magnetic field interaction (stable, persistent). This parameter change enables the force application system to maintain its effectiveness over extended periods without replacement.
3Force
If elastic rubber bands are used for orthodontic treatment, then inter-jaw tooth alignment is addressed, but the bands obstruct eating and cause halitosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulk mechanical rubber band system with compact magnets integrated into the brackets. This substitution eliminates the obstructive nature of rubber bands during eating while maintaining the necessary force application for tooth alignment, thereby improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the magnets within the bracket structure itself, nesting the force-generating element inside the existing orthodontic component. This nesting eliminates the need for external rubber bands that obstruct eating, while the magnetic force continues to function effectively for inter-jaw tooth alignment.
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 magnetic system provides a consistent and powerful force without the need for frequent replacement, reducing food accumulation and improving the comfort and aesthetic appeal of orthodontic treatment, while effectively aligning teeth between jaws without obstructing eating.
Implementation Method 1
an annular magnetic object (30), in which the drop-in hook (34) is threaded into
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an orthodontic bracket, comprising: a vertical bore; a bendable drop-in hook threaded into the vertical bore; and an annular magnetic object, in which the drop-in hook is threaded into. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an orthodontic braces arrangement, comprising: at least two distant brackets, each installed on a different jaw of a user; and each of the distant brackets having at least one annular magnetic object secured thereto by a bendable drop-in hook; wherein a distance between magnetic objects of one bracket and another bracket is less than 2 mm; thereby providing intermaxillary attraction or propulsion force, depending on a polarity orientation of the magnetic objects.