Orthodontic Appliance Configuration via Patient-Specific Force Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic systems lack the ability to accurately control and determine the optimal force required for effective tooth movement, leading to inadequate treatment outcomes due to mechanical components that do not accurately generate constant forces over time, and the inability to account for individual variations in patient-specific anatomical and physiological properties.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize patient data and periodontal ligament behavior data to determine configuration parameters for orthodontic appliances, including stiffness, size, and material properties, to apply a target orthodontic force, which is optimized through iterative feedback and machine learning algorithms to ensure patient-specific and tooth-specific treatment plans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional mechanical components (springs, wires, elastic bands) are used to generate orthodontic force, then the appliance can be manufactured and applied, but the force cannot be accurately controlled or maintained constant over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the orthodontic appliance adjustable and controllable after placement. The system allows real-time modification of force parameters through software control, enabling the appliance to adapt to changing treatment requirements and maintain optimal force levels throughout the treatment period rather than being fixed at initial placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing modification of key force parameters including magnitude, direction, and distribution points. The system can change these parameters dynamically during treatment based on patient response and treatment progress, enabling precise control over the orthodontic force applied to teeth throughout the treatment process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical orthodontic systems are used, then treatment can be provided, but individual variations in patient-specific anatomical and physiological properties cannot be accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by collecting and analyzing patient-specific data (anatomical structures, tooth positions, bone density, periodontal ligament properties) before treatment begins. This pre-treatment data collection enables the system to calculate optimal force parameters tailored to each patient's unique characteristics, allowing customization without adding operational complexity during treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring treatment progress and patient response, then using this information to adjust force parameters. The system compares actual treatment outcomes with predicted outcomes and modifies subsequent force applications accordingly, enabling adaptive customization that accounts for individual patient variations while maintaining manageable system complexity.
3Productivity
If excessive force is applied to move teeth, then treatment progress may be faster, but tissue damage and root resorption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by monitoring treatment progress and tissue response in real-time, then adjusting force magnitude based on this feedback. The system detects signs of tissue stress or damage and automatically reduces force levels to prevent harm, while maintaining sufficiently high forces to achieve effective tooth movement when conditions are favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making force application dynamic rather than static. The system continuously adapts force levels during treatment, increasing force when tissue response is favorable and decreasing force when signs of stress appear. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to maximize tooth movement rate while preventing tissue damage through real-time force modulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for orthodontic appliance configuration are provided. A method includes obtaining a force value which approximates a target orthodontic force value having been determined based on patient data and PDL behavior data associated with the patient data. The patient data includes patient treatment data and patient characteristic data, the patient treatment data at least including one or both of a tooth type indicator and a tooth position indicator associated with a tooth of a patient to be treated and a treatment movement value which describes the required tooth movement to effect treatment of the tooth. The force value is used to determine configuration parameters for configuring an orthodontic appliance to apply the force value to the tooth of the patient. The configuration parameters are output.