Orthodontic system with variably-sized archwire slot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic treatment systems require multiple appointments for adjustments, leading to prolonged treatment times due to the need for uniform force application across all teeth, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The orthodontic system employs archwire slots of varying depths and cross-sections from anterior to posterior teeth, allowing for targeted force profiles and precise control, reducing treatment time by enabling earlier and more accurate tooth alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If uniform archwire slots are used across all teeth, then uniform force application is achieved, but treatment time is prolonged due to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the archwire slot dimensions at different positions along the dental arch. Anterior teeth have smaller slot dimensions (e.g., 0.020" x 0.025") while posterior teeth have larger slot dimensions (e.g., 0.028" x 0.035"), allowing each region to receive appropriately tailored force profiles that optimize treatment efficiency and reduce overall treatment time.
2Measurement precision
If smaller archwire slots are used, then control over tooth movement is improved, but freedom of movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dental arch into multiple regions (anterior, posterior, and intermediate zones) with progressively varying slot dimensions. This segmentation allows small slots in anterior regions for precise control of incisor alignment, while larger slots in posterior regions provide freedom of movement for molar positioning, with intermediate transitions that balance both requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different slot sizes are assigned to different tooth regions based on specific alignment needs. Anterior teeth receive smaller slots for high-precision control of rotational and positional alignment, while posterior teeth receive larger slots that allow greater adaptability and freedom of movement during the orthodontic treatment process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to an orthodontic system and treatment method, including an arrangement of orthodontic brackets (100, 102, 104) against the patient's teeth (120, 150) such that the depth of the respective archwire slots (105, 115) of the brackets (100, 102, 104) generally increases from the anterior teeth (120) moving toward the posterior teeth (150). The gradual increase of the archwire slot (105, 115) in the bracket arrangement provides for finer control over the movement of the anterior teeth (120), while providing sufficient control and freedom of movement for the posterior teeth (150).