Polymeric Shell Appliance for TMD Jaw Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) often fail to effectively manage orofacial pain and jaw alignment issues, as they do not consider the desired jaw relation, leading to unhealthy muscle activations and potential relapse in orthodontic treatments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the design and use of a polymeric shell appliance with repositioning splints that adjust bite equilibrium by determining a tooth movement path from an initial to a target arrangement, using computer-based treatment planning and manufacturing to create a series of orthodontic appliances that incrementally reposition teeth and jaws to a desired jaw relation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional TMD treatments are used without considering desired jaw relation, then treatment simplicity is maintained, but treatment effectiveness deteriorates leading to relapse and unhealthy muscle activations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary computation of the desired jaw relation and movement paths before treatment begins. The computer calculates the optimal jaw position and generates a sequence of intermediate positions, preparing the treatment plan in advance to ensure effective treatment while managing complexity through automated planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the actual jaw position is monitored and compared with the desired position. The appliance adjusts the movement path based on real-time feedback, ensuring treatment effectiveness is maintained while the computer automatically manages the complexity of continuous adjustment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If orthodontic treatment does not consider desired jaw relation, then treatment simplicity is maintained, but muscle health deteriorates causing unhealthy activations
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical planning with computer-based computational modeling. The computer calculates optimal jaw relations and movement paths using digital models, substituting the mechanical trial-and-error approach with automated computational methods that protect muscle health while managing planning complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The desired jaw relation and movement paths are computed in advance before treatment begins. The system pre-calculates the optimal sequence of jaw positions and muscle activation patterns, preparing a treatment plan that protects muscle health while the computer automatically manages the complexity of the planning process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom-designed transparent shell appliances are used, then treatment personalization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses digital 3D copies of the patient's jaw and teeth to create customized appliances. Instead of manual fabrication, the computer generates precise digital models from scans, and the appliance is manufactured using additive manufacturing or precision molding based on these digital copies, achieving personalization while simplifying manufacturing through digital replication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts multiple parameters of the appliance design based on the patient's specific anatomy and treatment requirements. The computer modifies geometry, material properties, and structural characteristics according to digital models, enabling customization while the automated parameter adjustment simplifies the manufacturing process.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing and generating a treatment plan for temporomandibular joint dysfunction where a polymeric shell appliance is utilized to generate one or more activation forces that facilitate tooth movement. The polymeric shell appliances may comprise one or more tooth receiving cavities, in which each of the plurality of tooth receiving cavities is shaped and arranged to provide a counter moment of each of the plurality of teeth.