Removable Orthodontic Retainer with Magnetic Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current orthodontic retention systems often interfere with bite and are difficult to clean, and they lack flexibility in accommodating replacement teeth or adjusting to realign teeth post-treatment.

Innovation Solution

A removable orthodontic retention system featuring adjustable components with magnetic and mechanical retentive elements that attach to fixed brackets on teeth, allowing for easy insertion and removal, and accommodating temporary teeth or orthodontic wires for realignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed retainer system is used to maintain tooth position, then tooth position stability is improved, but ease of cleaning and patient convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooth position stabilityVSAvoidease of cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer system is divided into a fixed component (attached to teeth) and a removable component (that can be taken out for cleaning). This segmentation allows the system to provide continuous retention while enabling easy removal for hygiene purposes, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed retainer system is used to maintain tooth position, then tooth position stability is improved, but adaptability to replacement teeth or realignment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooth position stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to replacement teeth

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer system incorporates adjustable and adaptable features that allow modifications after initial placement. The system can be adjusted to accommodate replacement teeth or realignment needs while maintaining stability for existing teeth, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a removable retainer system is used to facilitate cleaning, then ease of cleaning is improved, but tooth position stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cleaningVSAvoidtooth position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments retention function into fixed and removable portions, where the fixed component provides continuous stability while the removable component enables cleaning access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the advantages of both fixed and removable retainers into a single hybrid system that provides continuous retention through fixed components while allowing periodic removal for cleaning through removable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If a simple retainer design is used to simplify construction, then ease of manufacture is improved, but flexibility for adjustments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidflexibility for adjustments

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is segmented into standardized fixed components and customizable removable components. The fixed portions can be manufactured simply and consistently, while the removable portions allow for adjustments and customization, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system effectively maintains tooth position and orientation without interfering with bite, facilitates cleaning, and allows for adjustments or replacement of teeth, enhancing patient convenience and orthodontic treatment flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The retention system also can include magnetic retention components to retain the removable component with respect to one or more teeth.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic retention: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The retention system also can include magnetic retention components to retain the removable component with respect to one or more teeth.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical retention: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS10098710B2Orthodontic retention components, kit and system

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 HARALAMBIDIS COSMO

AI summary

An orthodontic retention system includes a fixed component that remains on teeth and a component that attaches to this fixed component. The fixed component and the component have mating or interlocking parts. The component that mates with the fixed component can be removable. The component that mates with the fixed component can be adjustable. The retention system also can include magnetic retention components to retain the removable component with respect to one or more teeth. The retention system also can include an element that replaces as tooth.