Periodontal Electrical Stimulation Device for Orthodontic Pain and Tooth Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic treatments face challenges in managing pain associated with tooth movement and encouraging tooth movement, with existing pain relief methods often being ineffective or carrying side effects, and there is a need for more efficient ways to reduce dental pain and promote healing.
Innovation Solution
A device providing electrical stimulation to the periodontal complex and surrounding tissue using electrodes configured for application to the oral mucosa and attached gingiva, with an electrical circuit generating a subsensory or slightly sensory stimulus to reduce pain and encourage tooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If lighter wires are used to deliver less force to teeth, then pain is reduced, but tooth movement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical force delivery system with an electrical stimulation system. Instead of using lighter mechanical wires that fail to move teeth effectively, the invention applies electrical stimuli through electrodes to the periodontal ligament, triggering cellular responses that accelerate tooth movement without requiring increased mechanical force, thus resolving the contradiction between pain reduction and movement efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of tooth movement from mechanical force application to electrical stimulation. By applying controlled electrical parameters (voltage, frequency, pulse duration) to the periodontal ligament, the system activates cellular mechanisms that promote bone resorption and tooth movement, achieving effective tooth movement at lower mechanical forces and reduced pain levels
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pharmacological drugs are used for pain relief, then pain is reduced, but side effects occur and effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes pharmacological chemical interventions with physical electrical stimulation. Instead of using analgesic drugs that produce side effects and variable effectiveness, the invention applies controlled electrical stimuli to modulate pain signals and promote healing through physiological mechanisms, eliminating drug-related harm while providing effective pain management
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical stimulation device enables the body's own physiological systems to manage pain and promote healing. By stimulating the periodontal ligament and surrounding tissues, the system activates endogenous repair mechanisms and pain modulation pathways, allowing the body to self-regulate without external chemical agents, thus avoiding side effects while maintaining effectiveness
3Productivity
If conventional orthodontic appliances are used, then tooth movement is achieved, but treatment duration is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary electrical stimulation to the periodontal ligament before and during mechanical orthodontic force application. This pre-activation of cellular mechanisms (osteoclasts, osteoblasts, periodontal ligament fibroblasts) creates a more responsive biological environment that accelerates tooth movement, allowing conventional appliances to work more efficiently and reduce overall treatment time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements continuous or frequent electrical stimulation sessions throughout the orthodontic treatment period. By maintaining ongoing electrical activation of the periodontal tissues alongside mechanical forces, the system ensures continuous cellular activity and bone remodeling, preventing treatment plateaus and sustaining accelerated tooth movement throughout the entire treatment duration
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
The device effectively reduces orthodontic and dental pain, promotes tooth movement, and enhances healing by applying a controlled electrical stimulus that is safe and minimally perceptible to the patient, potentially reducing treatment duration and analgesic use.
Implementation Method 1
A device provides electrical stimulation to one or more components of the periodontal complex and surrounding tissue of a tooth
Data Source
AI summary
A device for electrical stimulation of one or more components of the periodontal complex and surrounding tissue of a tooth, for uses such as reducing orthodontic pain and encouraging tooth movement, has electrodes of a rigid, electrically conductive material in a fixed spatial relationship configured for application to oral mucosa and attached gingiva adjacent to, and along a periodontal ligament of, a root structure of a single tooth. An electrical circuit is configured for electrical connection to the at least two electrodes. The electrical circuit has an output providing a subsensory electrical stimulus comprising a waveform in accordance with predetermined stimulation parameters. After the electrodes are applied to the oral mucosa and attached gingiva adjacent to, and along the periodontal ligament of, a root structure of the tooth, a switch, when activated, activates the electrical circuit to output the electrical stimulus through the at least two electrodes.