Orthodontic Splint Cavity Design for Hidden Auxiliary Tooth Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthodontic aligners are either visually unattractive and require frequent orthodontist visits due to slow action, or they lack the ability to achieve certain tooth movements, while orthodontic devices with archwires and brackets are cumbersome and aesthetically unappealing with food accumulation issues.

Innovation Solution

A method for manufacturing orthodontic aligners that include a cavity configured to accommodate an auxiliary device, allowing for complex tooth movements like rotation, while maintaining the aligner's rigidity and ease of use, by generating a digital model of the dental arch and designing an aligner that defines a cavity with a volume greater than 5 mm³ to accommodate the auxiliary device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If an orthodontic aligner is made as a removable one-piece device, then it is easier to clean and replace, but the action is slow and treatment may last several months

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cleaning and replacementVSAvoidspeed of tooth movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The aligner is divided into multiple functional zones: a tray portion for general tooth alignment and a cavity portion for accommodating auxiliary devices. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions simultaneously, enabling both ease of use and enhanced treatment efficiency through the integrated auxiliary devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary device is nested within the cavity of the aligner, with the cavity specifically designed to accommodate the auxiliary device while maintaining the overall structure of the aligner. This nesting allows the auxiliary device to be integrated into the aligner without compromising its removability or cleaning ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If an orthodontic aligner is made as a removable one-piece device, then it is more discreet, but certain tooth movements cannot be obtained exclusively

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovediscreetnessVSAvoidability to achieve tooth movements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The aligner is designed with multi-functionality: the tray portion provides general alignment and holds teeth in position, while the cavity portion accommodates auxiliary devices that provide specific tooth movements. This universal design allows the aligner to achieve both discreetness and versatile tooth movement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary device is nested within the cavity, allowing it to be integrated into the discreet aligner structure. The auxiliary device can provide specific tooth movements while remaining hidden within the cavity, maintaining the aligner's discreet appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If an orthodontic device with archwire and brackets is used, then rapid action in moving teeth is achieved, but the device is visually unattractive and requires frequent visits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of tooth movementVSAvoidvisual attractiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary device is extracted as a separate component that can be nested within the aligner cavity, separating the rapid action function from the aesthetic appearance. The auxiliary device provides the rapid tooth movement capability while remaining hidden within the discreet aligner structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary device is nested within the cavity of the aligner, allowing it to provide rapid tooth movement action while being hidden from view. This nesting arrangement maintains the visual attractiveness of the aligner while incorporating the rapid action capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Productivity

If an orthodontic device with archwire and brackets is used, then rapid action in moving teeth is achieved, but recesses are defined within which food is able to accumulate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of tooth movementVSAvoidfood accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary device is extracted as a separate component that can be positioned within the cavity, removing the need for recesses in the aligner structure. This extraction eliminates the food accumulation problem while maintaining the rapid tooth movement capability through the auxiliary device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary device is nested within the cavity, creating a streamlined structure without recesses. This nesting arrangement eliminates the food accumulation issue while preserving the rapid action capability of the auxiliary device for tooth movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20260033915A1Method for manufacturing an orthodontic splint

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 BERGEYRON PATRICE

AI summary

A method for manufacturing at least one orthodontic splint includes generating a digital three-dimensional model of the support arch, and 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). The orthodontic splint is manufactured on the basis of the model of the orthodontic splint.