Orthodontic Bracket Transfer Tray Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic bracket positioning methods face challenges in achieving accurate and efficient transfer of brackets from a positive tooth model to a patient's teeth due to structural profile height and shape irregularities, making it difficult to remove the transfer tray without damaging the brackets.
Innovation Solution
A positive tooth model with mock brackets featuring fully formed distal tie wings and place holders for the proximal parts, allowing for a transfer tray to be created that accommodates only the distal part of the bracket in a form-fitting manner, enabling easier removal and attachment to the patient's teeth using a curable resin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transfer tray is form-fitting the brackets to securely hold them during transfer, then the security of bracket holding is improved, but the difficulty of removing the transfer tray increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into two parts: the distal part (slot and tie-wing) and the proximal part (base and cervical part). The transfer tray is form-fitting only to the distal part, creating a segmented engagement that allows secure holding during transfer while enabling easy removal after bonding, as the proximal part remains engaged with the tooth and not the tray.
2Manufacturing precision
If the brackets are positioned on a positive tooth model outside the patient's mouth, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the structural profile height and shape irregularity make transfer difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cervical part of the bracket is excluded from the transfer tray engagement by positioning the tray only on the distal part of the bracket. This extraction of the problematic cervical region from the tray-bracket interface eliminates the interference caused by the bracket's structural profile height and shape irregularity, allowing easy removal of the tray while maintaining positioning accuracy achieved on the positive tooth model.
3Reliability
If the transfer tray accommodates the entire bracket, then the bracket is securely held during transfer, but the tray cannot be easily removed without damaging the bracket
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into distal and proximal parts with different engagement functions. The distal part (slot and tie-wing) engages with the transfer tray for secure transport, while the proximal part (base) remains engaged with the tooth model and is excluded from tray engagement. This segmentation prevents the tray from catching the cervical part during removal, eliminating the risk of bracket damage while maintaining secure holding during transfer.
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 method enhances the accuracy and efficiency of bracket positioning by allowing for precise placement and secure attachment of orthodontic brackets on the teeth, facilitating easier removal of the transfer tray and reducing the risk of bracket damage, while also enabling the use of standard or individually customized brackets.
Implementation Method 1
using a curable resin
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
AI summary
The invention provides an improved method of indirect positioning of orthodontic brackets wherein a positive tooth model is utilized which comprises at least one mock bracket and/or a transfer tray for accommodating and transferring at least one onto a tooth of a patient, wherein said transfer tray comprises at least one form-fitting cavities for the proximal portion of the bracket, and provided are transfer trays and positive tooth models for use in said method.