Parametric Aligner Attachments for Precise Tooth Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic systems using generic or standard tooth attachments often fail to deliver optimal or sufficient forces for desired tooth movement, leading to inadequate or incorrect tooth movements due to the individual morphology of teeth and composite movements.
Innovation Solution
Customized tooth attachments are designed with optimized parameters based on patient-specific characteristics and biomechanical modeling to apply precise repositioning forces, incorporating principles of biomechanics and force modeling to achieve desired tooth movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If generic or standard tooth attachments are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability of tooth movement are worsened due to inability to deliver optimal forces for desired tooth movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying attachment geometry parameters (shape, size, position, orientation) based on tooth morphology and desired movement vectors. Multiple attachment designs are generated with different parameters to optimize force application for each specific tooth and movement requirement, resolving the contradiction between standardization and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by customizing attachment parameters for each individual tooth based on its specific morphology and movement requirements. Each attachment is locally optimized with unique geometry and positioning parameters tailored to the specific tooth's shape, size, and desired movement vector, rather than using uniform standard attachments.
2Device complexity
If generic or standard tooth attachments are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of tooth movement is worsened due to incorrect or insufficient force application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by using biomechanical modeling and force analysis to evaluate and optimize attachment designs. The system iteratively refines attachment parameters based on simulated force application and predicted tooth movement outcomes, ensuring reliable force delivery before clinical implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing comprehensive biomechanical modeling, force system analysis, and attachment optimization in the planning stage before treatment begins. Virtual simulations and force predictions are conducted beforehand to ensure the attachments will reliably produce desired movements, preventing incorrect force application during actual treatment.
3Manufacturing precision
If customized attachments with optimized parameters are designed, then reliability and precision of tooth movement are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages parameter complexity by systematically varying only the necessary attachment parameters (geometry, position, orientation) based on tooth-specific requirements. Rather than redesigning entire attachment systems, the approach optimizes specific parameters within established design families, balancing precision with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality selectively to attachment parameters that directly impact force application accuracy, while maintaining standardization in other aspects. This targeted customization approach achieves necessary precision without unnecessarily increasing overall device complexity across the entire orthodontic system.
4Productivity
If customized attachments with optimized parameters are designed, then treatment effectiveness is improved and treatment time is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and initial treatment planning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual trial-and-error attachment selection with automated biomechanical modeling and computer-aided design systems. Software tools automatically calculate optimal attachment parameters based on digital tooth models and desired movements, reducing initial planning time despite the complexity of customized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent efficiently manages the complexity-productivity trade-off by using parametric design approaches where attachment geometries are defined by adjustable parameters. Once parameters are optimized through biomechanical modeling, the attachments can be rapidly manufactured using standardized processes, enabling customization without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of fabricating a series of removable orthodontic aligners may include generating a series of incremental tooth movement stages to move teeth from an initial arrangement towards a final arrangement and determining a tooth movement for a first tooth based on the series of incremental tooth movement stages. The method may include comparing the tooth movement to a threshold of tooth movement and applying a movement optimized attachment to the first tooth. The movement optimized attachment may be applied based on the tooth movement and designed with one or more parameter values based on a force or torque associated with a force system for eliciting the tooth movement. An Appliance may be configured to interact with the movement optimized attachment to move the first tooth from a first position towards a second position.