Orthodontic system with variably-sized archwire slot
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic treatment with braces requires repeated adjustments and prolonged treatment time due to the need for simultaneous precise alignment of all teeth, which can be inefficient and inconvenient for patients.
Innovation Solution
The use of a system with varying-sized archwire slots along the dental arch, where anterior teeth have square slots for precise positioning and posterior teeth have rectangular slots for increased freedom of movement, allowing for efficient tooth alignment with reduced treatment time and improved control over tooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If uniform-sized archwire slots are used for all teeth, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but treatment time is prolonged and precision of tooth alignment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different archwire slot sizes for different tooth positions. Anterior teeth brackets have smaller slot dimensions (e.g., 0.020" x 0.025") for precise alignment control, while posterior teeth brackets have larger slot dimensions (e.g., 0.022" x 0.030") to accommodate varying wire sizes and allow greater movement freedom. This localized differentiation optimizes treatment precision where needed while maintaining flexibility elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the dental arch into different regions (anterior and posterior) with distinct bracket slot specifications. This segmentation allows each region to be treated with appropriate slot dimensions tailored to its functional requirements, rather than applying a uniform slot size across all teeth.
2Manufacturing precision
If tight control is applied to all teeth simultaneously, then alignment precision improves, but treatment time increases and patient comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements differential control strategies by location: anterior teeth brackets use smaller slot dimensions to provide tight control for precise alignment, while posterior teeth brackets use larger slot dimensions that allow greater freedom of movement. This localized control differentiation enables efficient treatment progression without requiring all teeth to be controlled equally tightly.
Solution Approach 2:
The varying slot sizes create a dynamic treatment system where different regions of the dental arch progress at different rates. Anterior teeth achieve precise alignment through tighter control, while posterior teeth are allowed more movement freedom, enabling the treatment to adapt to the specific needs of each tooth position and reducing overall treatment time.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An orthodontic system having brackets with variably sized slots.