Orthodontic Retainer Positioning Device for Precise Wire Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic retainer fitting methods, particularly for fixed retainers, are time-consuming, prone to errors, and result in high failure rates due to manual manipulation and adhesive placement variability, leading to unwanted tooth movement and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic retainer positioning device that fits over a row of teeth to expose the area for retainer wire placement, using detachable locating members to hold the wire in position, allowing for precise adhesive application and reducing chair-side time, while also serving as a removable retainer post-fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual manipulation and adhesive placement are used for fixed retainer fitting, then the process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the fitting is time-consuming and prone to errors leading to high failure rates
Solution Approach 1:
The locator is pre-formed with locating members positioned at precise locations before the fitting procedure. These locating members are arranged to support the retainer wire in the correct predetermined position, eliminating the need for manual positioning during the procedure and ensuring consistent accurate placement every time.
Solution Approach 2:
The locator acts as an intermediary device between the clinician and the retainer wire. It provides a stable platform with pre-positioned locating members that guide and support the wire during adhesive application, transforming the manual freehand technique into a controlled precision process.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed retainers are fitted manually without positioning aids, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision and placement accuracy are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into distinct functional components: the locator body that fits over the teeth, and the detachable locating members that position the wire. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the locator for comfort and fit, and the locating members for precise wire positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The locator is designed as a disposable device that is fitted once and then discarded after the retainer wire is bonded to the teeth. This eliminates the need for expensive durable positioning equipment while ensuring high precision through pre-formed locating members that cannot be compromised by repeated use or sterilization.
3Ease of operation
If removable retainers are used instead of fixed retainers, then patient compliance is easier to maintain, but the retention effectiveness is reduced due to poor long-term compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed retainer wire serves itself by being permanently bonded to the teeth, eliminating the need for patient compliance with wearing instructions. The retainer is always in place, providing continuous retention without requiring patient effort or supervision, thus achieving both ease of operation (no compliance needed) and reliability (constant retention).
4Productivity
If fixed retainers are bonded without precise positioning, then the fitting process is quick, but unwanted tooth movement occurs due to tension in the retainer wire
Solution Approach 1:
The locating members are pre-positioned on the locator at the exact locations where the retainer wire needs to be supported. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the wire is placed on the locating members, it is automatically positioned correctly without requiring adjustment, preventing tension and ensuring tooth position stability while maintaining quick fitting speed.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic retainer positioning device arranged to locate a retainer wire on a row of teeth includes a locator arranged to fit over at least a portion of a row of teeth. The locator includes an open section that is arranged to expose an area of the row of teeth, and one or more locating members connected to the locator. The locating members are arranged to support a retainer wire so that, in use, the locating members hold the retainer wire in position relative to the area of the row of teeth so as to aid the fitting of the retainer wire to the row of teeth.