Orthodontic Implant Internal Undercut Reduces Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic mini-implants have a high profile due to recesses between the screw head and threaded body, causing discomfort and difficulty in attaching orthodontic appliances, and precise positioning is challenging due to visual obstruction and restricted access, especially in posterior or palatal locations.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic implant device with a head portion featuring internal recesses or undercuts for appliance attachment, reducing the profile and eliminating the need for secondary attachment wires, combined with a positioning apparatus using a dental cast and stent to ensure accurate three-dimensional placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a recess or undercut is provided between the lower surface of the screw head and the threaded body to allow attachment of orthodontic appliance, then the screw can be used for orthodontic traction, but the screw has a high upper profile causing discomfort to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the recess or undercut from an external position (between head and body) to an internal position (within the head portion). This dimensional repositioning allows the attachment function to be achieved without increasing the external profile height, as the recess is now contained within the head's boundary rather than extending beyond it.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a recess or undercut is provided between the threaded body and the screw head to allow attachment of orthodontic appliance, then the screw can be used for orthodontic traction, but it is difficult to insert a band or part of orthodontic appliance over the screw head
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the recess internally within the head portion, the external profile becomes smooth and continuous, eliminating the obstacle that previously blocked insertion of orthodontic bands and components over the screw head.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mini bone screws are placed in posterior or palatal locations, then anchorage can be provided in difficult-to-reach areas, but visual obstruction and restricted instrument access make accurate positioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stent as an intermediary positioning aid. The stent is placed in the patient's mouth before screw insertion and provides visual and physical guidance for the clinician, enabling accurate positioning of the mini bone screw in difficult-to-reach posterior or palatal locations despite visual obstruction and restricted access.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 1e~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
An orthodontic implant device is provided including a head portion (4), engagement means (14, 16) provided on or associated with an upper surface (6) of the head portion or a neck portion to allow an insertion instrument to engage therewith in use and a body portion (10) extending from a lower surface of the head portion. At least one recess or undercut (21) is provided substantially internally of the head portion.