Orthodontic Coil Spring for Impacted Tooth Movement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic devices for moving impacted or malpositioned teeth apply high, intermittent force, leading to patient discomfort, slower tooth movement, and increased risk of damage, as they often rely on substantially planar designs that limit the incorporation of superelastic wire, resulting in higher load-deflection rates and potential permanent deformation.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic device featuring a bondable bracket with a coil spring connected to an anchoring assembly, allowing for a more efficient application of constant force over time, with the coil spring being routed through slots in the bracket and anchoring assembly to distribute force effectively and reduce the risk of permanent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a substantially planar device design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the amount of superelastic wire that can be incorporated is limited, resulting in higher load-deflection rates and potential permanent deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a substantially planar spring design to a coil spring configuration. The coil spring incorporates superelastic wire in a curved, three-dimensional form that allows significantly more wire to be contained within the same spatial footprint. This curvature enables the spring to achieve lower load-deflection rates and provide more consistent orthodontic force without increasing overall device size, directly resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and strength control.
2Force
If high force is applied to move impacted teeth, then tooth movement can be initiated, but patient discomfort increases and the risk of damage to the tooth and surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inherent properties of superelastic wire and coil spring mechanics to change the force delivery parameters. The coil spring configuration, combined with superelastic material properties, enables the device to deliver lower magnitude forces that are applied continuously over extended periods. This parameter change from high/intermittent force to low/continuous force reduces patient discomfort and minimizes the risk of damage to impacted teeth and surrounding oral tissues, while still achieving effective tooth movement.
3Duration of action of moving object
If frequent reactivation is performed to maintain orthodontic force, then tooth movement can continue, but patient visits to the orthodontist increase and treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a coil spring made of superelastic wire that is designed to provide continuous orthodontic force over an extended activation period. The three-dimensional coil configuration allows the spring to maintain effective force delivery throughout its entire range of motion without requiring frequent reactivation. This continuity of useful action extends the duration of effective force application, thereby reducing the number of patient visits and orthodontist interventions needed during treatment.
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 a more efficient, less painful, and safer method for moving impacted teeth by applying a constant, orthodontically friendly force over a longer period, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and minimizing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
the active portion of the device that is applying the orthodontic force consists of a substantially planar device made of some sort of superelastic metal
Implementation Method 2
the amount of superelastic wire that can be incorporated into the appliance is limited
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using an orthodontic device to effect movement of an impacted or malpositioned tooth includes providing an orthodontic device, the orthodontic device including a bracket, a coiled spring, and an anchoring assembly, bonding the bracket to an impacted or malpositioned tooth, connecting a first end of the spring to a first spring attachment portion supported by the bracket, connecting a second end of the spring to a second spring attachment portion supported by the anchoring assembly, and coupling the anchoring assembly to a second orthodontic device that is installed in the patient's mouth.