Segmented Orthodontic Aligner with Sliding Elastomeric Tab

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional orthodontic aligners face challenges in closing spaces between teeth, particularly after tooth extractions, as they often result in tipping of adjacent teeth and inadequate root movement due to poor engagement with the aligner, especially in cases of severe crowding.

Innovation Solution

A removable orthodontic appliance is designed with anterior and posterior segments that engage selected teeth via bonded attachments and elongated elastomeric tabs, allowing for relative movement to close extraction sites without tipping adjacent teeth, utilizing a tractive element to apply forces for space closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional orthodontic aligners are used to close spaces between teeth, then the aligner can cover the teeth surfaces, but the adjacent teeth tip into the space and root movement is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooth positioning precisionVSAvoidtooth engagement quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The aligner is divided into multiple segments: a first segment engaging anterior teeth, a second segment engaging posterior teeth, and a connecting tab structure. This segmentation allows independent control of different tooth groups, enabling precise space closure while maintaining proper tooth orientation and achieving adequate root movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric tab acts as an intermediary element connecting the first and second aligner segments. The tab includes a receptacle that receives a sliding element, creating a controlled mechanical interface that transmits force smoothly between segments while preventing unwanted tipping motions and ensuring precise root movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the aligner is made as a single piece, then the structure is simple, but it cannot prevent tipping of adjacent teeth during space closure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappliance structureVSAvoidtooth alignment control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting tab incorporates a dynamic sliding mechanism where the elastomeric tab's receptacle receives a sliding element. This allows controlled relative movement between segments during space closure, adapting to the changing tooth positions while maintaining precision alignment control throughout the treatment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If extensive manual manipulation of virtual models is performed to create progressive aligners, then the treatment plan can be customized, but the process is time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment customizationVSAvoidappliance fabrication time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The aligner design incorporates pre-planned segment configurations and connecting tab structures that are fabricated in advance based on the treatment plan. The elastomeric tabs and sliding elements are pre-formed to match the desired tooth movement path, eliminating the need for extensive manual manipulation during treatment and reducing fabrication time while maintaining customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 appliance effectively closes spaces with controlled precision, maintaining upright positions of teeth and preventing undesirable tipping, similar to fixed braces, while allowing for incremental adjustments to achieve desired orthodontic outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

Elongated, thin elastomeric tabs extend laterally from selected appliance segments to span the space and slide in corresponding flat receptacles on other appliance segments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A tractive element, such as an elastic band or spring device, can be connected between the appliance segments to slowly close the space as the tabs slide with respect to the receptacles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3267924B1Tooth-positioning appliance for closing spaces

Publication Date: 2021.04.07 MARTZ MARTIN G

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AI summary

A tooth-positioning appliance for closing spaces has at least two appliance segments, each segment having a thin elastomeric shell with recesses for removably engaging a set of teeth, and tooth-clasping elements for removably engaging bonded attachments protruding from the teeth. One of the appliance segments includes a flat receptacle extending horizontally on the thin shell of the appliance segment, and the other appliance segment has a thin elongated tab extending laterally from the second appliance segment spanning the space to be closed, and in sliding engagement with the flat receptacle of the other appliance segment. An activating element is connected between the appliance segments to exert a force to change the size of the space between the sets of teeth as the tab slides with respect to the flat receptacle.