Segmented Orthodontic Appliances for Flexible Tooth Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic devices, such as braces and clear aligners, face challenges in efficiently and comfortably repositioning teeth for aesthetic or therapeutic purposes, particularly in terms of flexibility, comfort, and ease of installation.
Innovation Solution
The development of appliances with rigid segments, arms, loops, and bracket connectors that can be installed on teeth, allowing for flexible extension along adjacent teeth, and featuring resilient arm sections that compress and expand to secure brackets, along with anchoring platforms and connector elements for enhanced stability and ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional braces with rigid archwires are used, then tooth repositioning strength is improved, but patient comfort and flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The archwire is divided into multiple rigid segments (first rigid segment, second rigid segment, etc.) that can be independently configured. Each segment can be adjusted to extend along specific teeth, allowing the wire to provide strong repositioning forces where needed while being flexible and comfortable in other areas, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The archwire incorporates dynamic elements including loops and curved features that can flex and adapt during tooth movement. The wire transitions from a completely rigid structure to a dynamic system where segments can move independently, providing both the strength needed for repositioning and the flexibility required for patient comfort.
2Shape
If clear aligners with transparent polymeric shells are used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but installation complexity and control flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance uses segmented rigid wires that can be independently configured and adjusted during installation. This segmentation allows the installer to customize the wire configuration for each patient's specific needs, reducing installation complexity while maintaining the aesthetic advantages of clear or minimally visible appliances.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the archwire can have different configurations and properties tailored to specific teeth and treatment requirements. This local customization allows the appliance to provide precise control and flexibility in difficult-to-treat areas while maintaining simplicity in other regions, overall reducing installation complexity.
3Shape
If lingual orthodontics with appliances behind teeth are used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but installation difficulty and access requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented archwire design allows portions of the wire to be positioned lingually behind teeth while other portions can be accessed from the occlusal or facial surfaces. This segmentation enables the appliance to achieve the aesthetic benefits of lingual placement while providing installation access points that reduce the difficulty of placement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The archwire extends in multiple dimensions along the teeth, with segments positioned at different locations (lingual, occlusal, facial). This multi-dimensional configuration allows the appliance to provide aesthetic lingual placement while maintaining installation accessibility through various approaches, reducing the overall difficulty of installation.
4Reliability
If rigid archwires extending along all teeth are used, then treatment control is improved, but adaptability to different tooth positions and conditions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The archwire is divided into multiple independent rigid segments that can be individually configured and positioned. This segmentation allows the wire to adapt to different tooth positions, gaps, and treatment requirements for each segment while maintaining overall treatment control through coordinated movement of the segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The archwire incorporates dynamic flexibility where segments can move and adjust independently based on tooth position and treatment needs. This dynamic adaptability allows the wire to accommodate various tooth configurations and treatment scenarios while maintaining reliable treatment control through the coordinated action of the segments.
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 described appliances provide efficient, comfortable, and effective tooth repositioning by allowing for flexible attachment to brackets and anchoring, improving the ease and stability of orthodontic treatments.
Implementation Method 1
resilient arm sections that compress and expand to secure brackets
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic appliance and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the present technology includes a positioning member configured to position an orthodontic appliance during installation in the patient's mouth. The positioning member may comprise a first portion configured to be coupled to the patient's teeth and a second portion extending away from the first portion. The second portion may be configured to be detachably coupled to the orthodontic appliance. While the positioning member is coupled to the orthodontic appliance, the positioning member is configured to be positioned in the patient's mouth and coupled to the patient's teeth, thereby positioning the orthodontic appliance at a desired location adjacent a patient's oral anatomy.