Pearl Orthodontic Holding Element with Smooth Apex
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic appliances and splints often suffer from aesthetic issues and discomfort due to visible brackets and attachments, which can cause irritation, and require time-consuming placement procedures.
Innovation Solution
A pearl-shaped holding element with a smooth, complementary surface design for orthodontic treatment, featuring a first surface for tooth contact and a second surface with a smooth apex and openings forming a hollow channel for archwires, made from biocompatible materials like ceramic or metal, optimized for aesthetic appeal and comfort, and manufactured using additive methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional brackets are used for orthodontic treatment, then tooth alignment function is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by designing the bracket as a pearl-shaped element with a smooth, rounded contour that mimics natural tooth morphology. The convex outer surface follows a curved profile that blends with the tooth anatomy, making the bracket less visible and more aesthetically pleasing while maintaining its orthodontic function.
2Reliability
If conventional brackets with ligatures are used, then archwire holding is achieved, but comfort deteriorates due to tongue irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The pearl-shaped bracket with its smooth, rounded contours eliminates sharp edges and protruding ligature components that cause tongue irritation. The convex outer surface and smooth finish provide a comfortable interface with the tongue, while the internal structure maintains secure archwire holding capability.
3Reliability
If attachments are bonded on teeth for splint treatment, then pressure application for alignment is achieved, but placement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attachment and bracket functions into a single integrated pearl-shaped element. This combination eliminates the need for separate attachment bonding steps, as the pearl bracket itself provides both the aesthetic covering and the pressure application interface, thereby reducing overall placement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The pearl-shaped bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an aesthetic cover, provides archwire holding capability, and functions as the pressure application point for tooth alignment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate attachments, reducing placement complexity and time.
4Reliability
If attachments are bonded on teeth, then pressure application for alignment is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attachment and bracket functions into a single integrated pearl-shaped element. This combination eliminates the need for separate attachment bonding steps, as the pearl bracket itself provides both the aesthetic covering and the pressure application interface, thereby reducing overall placement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The pearl-shaped bracket with its smooth, rounded contours eliminates sharp edges and protruding ligature components that cause tongue irritation. The convex outer surface and smooth finish provide a comfortable interface with the tongue, while the internal structure maintains secure archwire holding capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A use of a pearl (10) as a holding element for a splint, the pearl (10) being placed on a tooth (14) for an orthodontic treatment, the pearl (10) having a surface (16), the surface (16) consisting of a first surface and a second surface (22), the first surface being in contact with a tooth (14) and the second surface (22) being opposite to the first surface, wherein the second surface (22) does not comprise any sharp corner.