Segmented Orthodontic Retainer With Double Wings for Localized Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic retainers face challenges in stabilization and repair, as they often require complete removal or complex repair if individual adhesive points loosen or become damaged, and existing multi-piece designs may not provide sufficient stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A retainer composed of multiple double wings, each with a center piece and two lateral wings, designed for surface bonding to teeth, allowing for easier repair and maintenance of individual components, and manufactured using 3D printing or milling for precise adaptation to the intraoral contour, enabling localized support and redundancy in stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a one-piece retainer is used to connect several teeth together, then stabilization is achieved, but complete removal or complicated repair is required if adhesion to a single tooth loosens or breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple separate wings (first wing, second wing, third wing, fourth wing) that can be independently bonded to different teeth. Each wing acts as an independent module that can be repaired or replaced without affecting the other wings, thus enabling localized repair while maintaining overall stabilization.
2Ease of operation
If material is removed from all teeth when removing a one-piece retainer, then the retainer can be removed, but tooth damage occurs with every removal
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented wing design allows selective removal of only the affected wing rather than removing the entire retainer from all teeth. This minimizes the amount of material removal required and reduces the risk of tooth damage during removal procedures.
3Ease of repair
If a retainer is damaged in one area, then the retainer can be partially modified, but the defective piece must be cut out and replaced
Solution Approach 1:
Each wing is designed as an independent replaceable module. When a wing is damaged, only that specific wing needs to be removed and replaced, rather than cutting out and replacing a portion of a continuous one-piece retainer. This simplifies the repair process while allowing partial modification.
4Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic retention force is used between modules, then mutual support of teeth is achieved, but the force is not always sufficient for necessary stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The wings are pre-formed with adhesive bonding surfaces that are directly bonded to the teeth before the retainer is placed in the mouth. This preliminary adhesive bonding provides immediate and sufficient stabilization force, eliminating the reliance on magnetic retention force that may be insufficient.
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer for orthodontic treatment comprises one or more double wings, each double wings consisting of a center piece and two wings adjoining the center piece laterally, the wings are formed areally and each have a front side and a rear side, the front side being formed for surface bonding to the lateral surface of a tooth and the center piece firmly connecting the wings adjoining it to one another. The retainer allows for individualized adaptation without detaching the entire retainer for bonding renewal or in case of damage or loss of a double wing. An electronic image of the tooth row contour is utilized for customized producing the retainer by using 3D printing or milling.