Orthodontic Splint Cavity Design for Auxiliary Tooth Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic appliances, such as braces with archwires and brackets, require frequent adjustments and are unsightly, while orthodontic aligners are slow and ineffective for certain tooth movements, and both can lead to food accumulation and slippage.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing an orthodontic splint with a cavity designed to accommodate an auxiliary appliance, allowing for stronger and more complex tooth movement, including rotation, by creating a cavity with a volume greater than 5 mm³, which can house an auxiliary device like an archwire and bracket system, while maintaining anchorage and protecting the appliance from impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional multi-step manufacturing processes are used for orthodontic splints, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but production time is extended and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple conventional manufacturing steps (molding, trimming, edge rounding, surface treatment) into a single injection molding process. The splint is manufactured with integrated features including pre-formed edges and surfaces, eliminating the need for subsequent processing steps while maintaining clinical fit precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection molding process performs all necessary manufacturing actions (shaping, trimming, surface finishing) in advance during the single molding cycle. The splint is produced in its final form with pre-defined geometry and surface characteristics, eliminating the need for post-processing operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple processing steps are used to manufacture orthodontic splints, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple manufacturing operations into a single injection molding process. The mold design incorporates all necessary features (splint geometry, edges, surfaces) that would otherwise require separate processing steps, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing system while maintaining precision through controlled molding parameters.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional manufacturing processes are used, then manufacturing precision can be achieved, but material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The injection molding process creates the splint in its final form with precise geometry and dimensions directly during the molding cycle. This eliminates material removal operations such as trimming and machining that would generate waste, achieving near-net-shape manufacturing with minimal scrap material.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing at least one orthodontic splint, the method comprising the following steps: • a) generating a digital three-dimensional model of the support arch; • b) on the basis of the digital three-dimensional model of the support arch, generating a digital three-dimensional model of the orthodontic splint designed such that • - the orthodontic splint can be removably attached to the support arch, • - the orthodontic splint defines, in its use position, with the support arch, a cavity (16) designed to accommodate an auxiliary device (20), and • c) manufacturing the orthodontic splint on the basis of the model of the orthodontic splint.