Orthopedic Appliance Ledge Guide Mandibular Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic and orthodontic appliances for correcting deficient maxillary development are often painful, slow, unpredictable, and require frequent modifications, leading to discomfort and non-resolution of Impaired Mouth Syndrome symptoms.
Innovation Solution
A maxillary orthopedic appliance with a base plate featuring a u-shaped top surface and indexed ledges to guide the mandibular front teeth into a desired resting position, combined with an expansion screw and dental clasp, to promote jaw redevelopment and alleviate Impaired Mouth Syndrome.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional orthopedic and orthodontic appliances are used to correct deficient maxillary development, then jaw correction can be achieved, but the treatment process becomes painful, slow, and unpredictable requiring frequent modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance incorporates pre-designed expansion screws and adjustable components that allow for planned, progressive jaw expansion without requiring frequent clinical modifications. The ledges are pre-positioned to guide teeth into correct alignment, eliminating the need for repeated appliance adjustments during treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance features adjustable expansion screws and movable components that can be modified in a single clinical visit to accommodate changing treatment requirements. This dynamic adjustability allows the appliance to adapt to patient progress without requiring complete replacement or frequent modifications
2Reliability
If traditional orthopedic appliances are used to correct jaw position, then malocclusion can be addressed, but the patient experiences significant discomfort and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance uses adjustable expansion screws that allow gradual, controlled changes in jaw position rather than sudden forced movement. This progressive parameter adjustment reduces patient discomfort while maintaining effective correction of malocclusion
Solution Approach 2:
The ledges act as intermediary elements between the appliance and the patient's teeth, providing a comfortable resting position that guides teeth into correct alignment without applying excessive or painful forces directly to the teeth
3Productivity
If traditional orthopedic appliances are used for jaw correction, then treatment can be initiated, but the results are slow and require constant changes and updates
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance maintains continuous corrective force through the expansion screw mechanism and ledge system, eliminating periods where no correction occurs. This continuous action accelerates jaw development while reducing the need for treatment interruptions or appliance replacements
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance is designed with pre-positioned ledges and expansion capabilities that anticipate future treatment needs, allowing progressive correction to occur without waiting for multiple clinical visits to assess and adjust the treatment plan
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic appliance including: a base plate, a middle section, a left section, a right section, a dental clasp, a labial bow, an orthodontic spring and an expansion screw. The base plate includes a middle section having a top-front face, a bottom-front face adjacent to the top-front face, a bottom-rear face adjacent to the bottom-front face, and a rear face adjacent to each of the bottom-rear face and the top-front face, wherein the bottom front face includes a ledge which is substantially orthogonal to the primary plane such that the ledge may engage the lower front teeth of a wearer of the appliance.