Self-adjusting Orthodontic Bracket with Tensioned Linking Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing orthodontic treatment methods require frequent adjustments of archwires and connections to brackets as teeth shift, increasing treatment costs and time, and often involve labor-intensive ligation processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjustable, self-ligating orthodontic bracket system with a linking body and base connected by a tension-applying connector, which repositions itself to maintain optimal force application on teeth, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and minimizing friction between archwires and brackets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional archwire and bracket connection methods are used, then the bracket can be securely ligated to the archwire, but frequent adjustments are required as teeth shift, increasing treatment cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates a movable linking body that can dynamically adjust its position relative to the base. The connector allows the linking body to move between engaged and disengaged states, enabling the bracket to adapt to tooth movements and maintain optimal force application without requiring frequent manual adjustments by the orthodontist.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system performs self-adjustment through the movable linking body that automatically repositions itself in response to tooth movement. The connector mechanism allows the bracket to self-ligate and self-adjust, reducing the need for frequent professional interventions and adjustments.
2Reliability
If traditional ligation methods using bands or wires are used, then the bracket can be secured to the archwire, but the time required for ligation increases treatment cost
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates a self-ligating mechanism where the linking body automatically secures to the archwire without requiring manual ligation using bands or wires. The connector design allows the linking body to engage and disengage automatically, eliminating the time-consuming manual ligation process while maintaining secure attachment.
3Loss of time
If the bracket structure is made complex to enable self-adjustment, then adjustment frequency is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket uses a relatively simple dynamic mechanism where the linking body can move between engaged and disengaged states through the connector. This dynamic design enables self-adjustment functionality while maintaining structural simplicity, avoiding the need for complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is divided into distinct functional components: a base, a movable linking body, and a connector. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while enabling self-adjustment capability through the interaction of these modular parts.
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 allows for continuous and efficient tooth repositioning with reduced friction and pain, decreasing the frequency of orthodontic visits and overall treatment duration while maintaining effective force application.
Implementation Method 1
The connector applies a tension between the base and the linking body motivating the linking body toward a normal position
Implementation Method 2
minimizing friction between archwires and brackets
Data Source
AI summary
A self-adjustable, self-ligating orthodontic bracket includes a base with a tooth face bonded to a surface of a tooth. A linking body includes a body connection. The linking body is in physical communication with an archwire transmitting a force to the linking body. A connector applies a tension between the linking body and the base motivating the linking body and the base toward a normal position.