Orthodontic Correction Devices Using Shape Memory Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic correction devices face issues with tension relaxation and fatigue, leading to variable biological reactions in patients and suboptimal treatment success, particularly when teeth do not achieve the desired shape in a single step.
Innovation Solution
The use of a set of orthodontic correction devices with dynamic materials, such as shape memory polymers or alloys, where each device has multiple forms, including a final and temporary shape, allowing for the repetition of steps with correction devices having the same shape to ensure precise tooth movement and increased force application, thereby enhancing treatment accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single correction device is used for each step, then the treatment process is simple and efficient, but tension relaxation and fatigue occur leading to suboptimal treatment success
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment process is segmented into multiple steps, with each step potentially using one or more correction devices. Instead of using a single correction device per step, the method divides the correction process into sequential phases (first correction device, second correction device, etc.), allowing the treatment to be broken down into manageable segments that can be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The method implements periodic action by repeating certain correction steps with different correction devices. A first correction device is used for an initial step, then a second correction device is used to repeat or reinforce the same or similar correction step. This periodic reinforcement ensures that the desired tooth position is achieved and maintained, compensating for tension relaxation and fatigue that occur with continuous use of a single device.
2Manufacturing precision
If correction devices are changed frequently to repeat steps, then treatment accuracy improves, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The method applies preliminary action by using the second correction device to repeat or reinforce correction steps before proceeding to subsequent steps. By revisiting and reinforcing earlier correction steps with a second correction device, the method ensures that the desired tooth position is firmly established before moving forward, preventing the need for more extensive corrections later and reducing overall treatment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The method applies local quality by targeting specific teeth or regions that require additional correction attention. Rather than repeating all correction steps uniformly, the second correction device is designed to address specific areas where the first correction device may not have achieved the desired result, allowing for localized reinforcement without unnecessarily extending the overall treatment timeline.
3Speed
If higher forces are applied to accelerate tooth movement, then treatment speed increases, but stress relaxation reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The method applies dynamics by varying the force application strategy across different correction devices and steps. The first correction device applies forces to initiate tooth movement, while the second correction device applies forces to reinforce and maintain the movement. This dynamic approach allows for acceleration of tooth movement when appropriate while compensating for stress relaxation through periodic reinforcement, maintaining force application consistency over time.
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
This approach improves the accuracy and effectiveness of tooth alignment by allowing for the application of higher forces during temporary shapes, ensuring that teeth achieve their desired position with a higher success rate and reduced stress relaxation, thus enhancing the overall orthodontic treatment quality.
Implementation Method 1
The use of a set of orthodontic correction devices with dynamic materials, such as shape memory polymers or alloys
Implementation Method 2
The use of a set of orthodontic correction devices with dynamic materials, such as shape memory polymers or alloys
Implementation Method 3
The archwire applies tensile and/or compressive forces to the teeth
Implementation Method 4
The archwire applies tensile and/or compressive forces to the teeth
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for carrying out an orthodontic intervention, using a set of orthodontic correction devices, with the aim of transferring by means of the correction devices at least part of the teeth from an actual position into a corrected target position, employing several steps (S1, S2, S3, S3', S4, S5), each correction device being associated with at least one step. In two subsequent steps (S3, S3') two correction devices (1; 2), which have substantially identical shape, are used.