Orthodontic System with Real-Time Tooth Movement Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic treatments lack effective monitoring and control mechanisms to manage tooth movement and position during treatment, risking undesirable effects like tooth root resorption and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic system comprising an appliance with a force exerting member, a tooth movement sensor, and a programmable control console that measures and controls tooth movement and position data, using inflatable elements and sensors to apply and adjust forces, and allows remote communication for real-time monitoring and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If force is applied to move teeth into alignment, then tooth alignment is improved, but tooth root resorption and pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor tooth position and force application, transmitting data to a control console that adjusts the force exerting member in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures teeth are moved at optimal rates, preventing root resorption and pain by automatically reducing force when movement exceeds safe thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed-force orthodontic appliances to dynamic, adjustable force application. The force exerting member can be programmatically controlled to vary force magnitude and duration based on real-time tooth response, allowing the system to adapt force parameters throughout treatment to maintain safety margins and prevent harmful effects.
2Productivity
If force is increased to accelerate tooth movement, then productivity is improved, but harmful effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system monitors actual tooth movement rate and compares it to target rates. When movement is slower than desired, the system automatically increases force within safe limits to accelerate treatment. When movement exceeds safe rates, the system reduces force to prevent root resorption, thereby optimizing productivity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes force parameters (magnitude, duration, frequency) based on real-time tooth response data. By adjusting these parameters programmatically, the system can accelerate tooth movement when conditions permit while automatically reducing parameters when harmful effects are detected, resolving the contradiction between speed and safety.
3Ease of operation
If removable orthodontic appliance is used, then ease of operation is improved, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The removable appliance incorporates self-monitoring capabilities with integrated sensors that automatically track tooth position and force application without requiring external intervention. The appliance self-regulates by transmitting data to the control console, which automatically adjusts parameters, thereby maintaining precision control despite the appliance being patient-removable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with electronic sensing and programmable control. Optical or electrical sensors substitute for mechanical measurement mechanisms, providing precise digital data on tooth position and force. This electronic substitution enables accurate monitoring and control that is superior to traditional mechanical systems while maintaining appliance removability.
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
Enables precise and controlled tooth alignment, reducing the risk of adverse effects by providing real-time data for optimal force application and remote monitoring, ensuring safer and more effective orthodontic treatment.
Implementation Method 1
the tooth movement sensor may be associated with the mouthpiece in a manner that allows physical engagement with the at least one tooth or optical communication with at least one of the at least one tooth and the set of teeth
Implementation Method 2
the force exerting member may be associated with the mouthpiece in a manner that allows physical engagement between the at least one force exerting member and the at least one tooth
Implementation Method 3
the force exerting member may comprise at least one inflatable element
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic system and method for moving and aligning at least one tooth of a set of teeth of at least one of an upper jaw and a lower jaw of a patient. In the system and method an orthodontic appliance can be provided which may include a force exerting member for applying a force to and moving the at least one tooth, a tooth movement sensor member for obtaining at least one of tooth movement data, tooth position data, and tooth identification data, and a tooth movement monitor for calculating at least one of an amount of tooth movement and tooth position from the at least one of the tooth movement data, the tooth position data, and the tooth identification data obtained with the tooth movement sensor arrangement. An electronic control console may be operatively connected to the force exerting member and in data communication with the tooth movement monitor, for controlling the operation of the force exerting member based on the at least one of the tooth movement data, the tooth position data, and the tooth identification data received from the tooth movement monitor.