Orthodontic Device with Form-Fitting Caps for Precise Tooth Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic appliances, both removable and fixed, lack the ability to perform targeted and precise physical tooth movements, with fixed appliances requiring permanent wear and restricting oral functions, while removable appliances are limited in correcting larger misalignments.
Innovation Solution
A device with form-fitting caps and connecting elements that allow for non-positive connection of teeth, enabling precise tooth movement by transmitting forces directly to the teeth, which can be adjusted and adapted for different tooth positions, allowing for removable and independent use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed orthodontic appliances are used to achieve physical tooth movement, then tooth movement control and effectiveness are improved, but ease of operation and oral function restriction worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent segments: form-fitting caps that attach to individual teeth, connecting elements that join the caps, and force elements that apply corrective forces. This segmentation allows the appliance to be removable while maintaining effective tooth movement control through precise force application at specific points.
2Ease of operation
If removable orthodontic appliances are used to maintain ease of operation, then ease of operation and oral function are improved, but manufacturing precision and tooth movement control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The form-fitting caps are pre-formed to match the specific geometry of the patient's teeth surfaces, ensuring precise positioning and alignment when inserted. This preliminary customization of the caps allows the removable appliance to achieve manufacturing precision comparable to fixed appliances, while maintaining ease of insertion and removal.
3Ease of operation
If form-fitting caps are used for tooth attachment, then ease of operation and removability are improved, but strength of connection worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The form-fitting caps utilize the natural curvature and geometry of tooth surfaces to create a form-fit connection. The caps are contoured to match the specific shape of each tooth, creating friction-based retention and mechanical interlocking that provides sufficient connection strength for orthodontic force application while allowing easy insertion and removal.
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
Enables predictable and effective physical tooth movement with reduced restriction on oral functions, allowing for efficient treatment with the control options of fixed appliances and the convenience of removable devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force element (18) which is or can be brought into operative connection with the connecting element (4), for the effect of a positioning force (F) on the at least one tooth (14) to be moved
Implementation Method 2
The fastening elements are at least partially designed as form-fitting caps (11), which can be slipped over at least one tooth (14) with a force fit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (1) has a connecting element (4) for force-fit connection of two teeth. The fastening elements (11) are carried out partly as form closure cap. The form closure cap is kept over the tooth. The device is brought detachably with the teeth in operating connection. The connecting element is connected with fastening elements by a mounting element.