Orthodontic Tube With Flat Outer Section for Reduced Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic treatments using braces are uncomfortable, lead to aesthetic issues, and increase the risk of mouth illnesses and dental problems due to the bulky nature and visibility of the brackets, which do not effectively adapt to the teeth's geometry for efficient repositioning.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic tube with a flat outer section resembling the letter 'D' and beveled ends, surrounded by a resin for better adherence and reduced volume, providing enhanced control over archwire movement and minimizing friction, allowing for efficient tooth repositioning without the drawbacks of traditional brackets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional brackets are used for orthodontic treatment, then teeth can be repositioned, but the brackets extend outwardly causing discomfort, aesthetic problems, and increased risk of mouth illnesses
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is designed with a rounded external shape that conforms to the natural curvature of the tooth surface, eliminating the protruding edges of conventional brackets. This curved design reduces discomfort and aesthetic issues while maintaining effective force application for tooth repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The tube features a flat outer section specifically positioned to maximize contact area with the tooth surface for enhanced adherence, while other portions maintain a streamlined rounded shape. This localized flat section improves bonding without creating the protruding edges that cause discomfort
2Ease of operation
If conventional brackets are used for orthodontic treatment, then teeth can be repositioned, but the brackets increase dental plaque and lead to dental cavities or periodontal problems
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is designed as a smooth, continuous shell structure without crevices, edges, or protrusions where plaque could accumulate. The streamlined form allows for easier cleaning and reduces surfaces that harbor bacteria, thereby minimizing dental plaque accumulation while maintaining orthodontic functionality
3Ease of operation
If tubes with traditional cylindrical shape are used, then the archwire can pass through, but the contact area with the tooth is limited reducing adherence
Solution Approach 1:
The tube features an asymmetric design with a flat outer section on one side and a rounded contour on the other. This asymmetric shape maximizes the flat contact area against the tooth surface for improved adherence, while the rounded portion maintains a simple profile that does not significantly increase overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a tube to be used in orthodontics wherein said tube replaces the use of brackets in an orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic tube of the present invention is surrounded by a resin and this resin also serves as a bond agent to affix the tube to a patient's tooth. The orthodontic tube serves as a conduit for an archwire in order to impose upon each tooth only the force required to reset the position of the tooth to a desired configuration relative to the other teeth in the patient's mouth.The orthodontic tube of the present invention has an enhanced external shape that better adapts to the teeth's geometry and therefore, it offers enlarged area of contact between the flat outer section of the orthodontics tube and the tooth; in addition, this flat outer section lessens the volume of the tube that extends outwardly from the patient's teeth and the configuration of the internal space of the tube enhances the control of the archwire within the tube and diminishes the friction, all these characteristics facilitate the reposition the teeth.