Orthodontic Bracket With Tensioning Device for Continuous Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional orthodontic appliances rely on full engagement of wires within slots, leading to high initial forces causing discomfort and potential root resorption, and result in unwanted movement of adjacent teeth due to wire deflection, with significant tolerance issues affecting precision.

Innovation Solution

An orthodontic system featuring a bracket with a triangular slot and a tensioning device that applies continuous, controlled forces to move teeth independently, eliminating the need for wire deflection and minimizing force transfer to adjacent teeth, using a wire that fits snugly within the slot to ensure precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional orthodontic appliances use full engagement of wires within slots, then strong intermittent forces are applied to move teeth, but this causes discomfort and potential root resorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce magnitudeVSAvoidroot resorption and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static full engagement to dynamic partial engagement, where the wire gradually moves from initial contact at the slot opening to final engagement at the apex. This dynamic process allows force magnitude to decrease over time as the tooth moves, eliminating the harmful high initial forces while maintaining continuous force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wire is pre-positioned to contact the slot at a point other than the apex (typically higher on the slot surface), establishing initial contact before full engagement. This preliminary positioning allows the system to begin force application with reduced magnitude, gradually increasing engagement as the tooth moves into place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Force

If conventional orthodontic appliances use wire deflection to move teeth, then teeth can be moved, but unwanted movement of adjacent teeth occurs due to wire deflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooth movement forceVSAvoidprecision of tooth movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the force application mechanism by introducing independent tensioning devices at each bracket location. Each tensioning device controls wire engagement locally at its respective bracket, preventing the cumulative wire deflection that causes adjacent teeth to move unintentionally. This segmentation isolates force application to specific target teeth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tensioning devices act as intermediaries between the wire and the brackets, controlling the engagement process. These intermediaries regulate how the wire contacts the slot, ensuring precise force application to the intended tooth while preventing force transmission to adjacent teeth through wire deflection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional orthodontic appliances are used, then frequent wire adjustments and orthodontist visits are required, but this increases treatment time and inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooth movement effectivenessVSAvoidtreatment time and visit frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning devices are designed to automatically regulate wire engagement throughout the tooth movement process. Once initially positioned, the system self-adjusts as the tooth moves, with the wire gradually engaging the apex without requiring external intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for frequent orthodontist visits and manual wire adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous force application through the gradual engagement process, with the wire continuously moving from initial contact toward the apex as the tooth shifts position. This continuous action ensures reliable tooth movement without interruption, eliminating treatment gaps caused by frequent adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system provides lighter, continuous forces for more comfortable and precise tooth movement, reducing unwanted movement of adjacent teeth and minimizing root resorption, while ensuring accurate positioning without the need for frequent wire adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

a tensioning device configured to press the wire against a surface of the slot... the bracket and the tooth upon which the bracket is mounted gradually moves toward the wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20220331067A1Orthodontic appliance and method for moving teeth

Publication Date: 2022.10.20 SKARIN ORTHODONTICS

AI summary

Systems and methods for moving a tooth using a light, continuous force are disclosed. In examples, a bracket has a surface which is mounted to a tooth, and a pair of wings defining a slot having oppositely disposed upper and lower surfaces that converge at an apex. A wire runs through the slot at a distance from the apex. And a tensioning device presses the wire against a surface of the slot, the system is configured so that the wire gradually moves toward the apex of the slot.