Self-Ligating Orthodontic Bracket with Sliding Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-ligating orthodontic brackets face challenges in achieving a low-profile design with high strength and precise archwire control while maintaining aesthetics, as existing materials are either brittle, prone to staining, or lack the necessary resiliency for ligation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a door slidably engaged to a channel in the body, with cooperating grooves and rails guiding the door between open and closed positions, and a retention member facilitating discrete door positions for secure archwire ligation, reducing the facial-lingual profile and enhancing strength to withstand labial pull forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ceramic materials are used for the bracket body, then aesthetics and resistance to staining are improved, but brittleness increases and resiliency for ligation mechanisms decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction where a ceramic bracket body is combined with a separate resilient ligation mechanism (door, clip, or spring member) made of metal or polymer materials. This allows the ceramic to provide aesthetics and stain resistance while the composite material component provides the necessary resiliency for ligation functionality.
2Length of stationary object
If a low-profile design is implemented, then aesthetics and comfort are improved, but the facial-lingual dimension may be insufficient to accommodate a functional ligation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the ligation mechanism to utilize the occlusal-gingival dimension (vertical direction) rather than requiring excessive facial-lingual width. The door or clip mechanism extends vertically along the bracket body, allowing effective ligation function within a constrained lateral profile.
3Strength
If metal materials are used for the ligation mechanism, then strength and resiliency are improved, but aesthetics deteriorate due to contrast with natural tooth color
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material qualities to different parts of the bracket: the bracket body is made of aesthetic ceramic material that matches tooth color, while the localized ligation mechanism (door, clip, or spring) is made of functional metal material providing strength and resiliency. This localized differentiation allows each component to optimize its primary function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a door or sliding latch mechanism is added to ceramic brackets, then self-ligating functionality is improved, but the facial-lingual profile becomes excessive and stress concentration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redesigns the door or latch mechanism to operate primarily in the occlusal-gingival dimension rather than requiring excessive facial-lingual movement. The sliding or pivoting action occurs vertically along guided rails or slots, reducing the lateral profile while maintaining self-ligating capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides high strength, self-ligating appliances with orthodontically desirable dimensions. The appliances of the present disclosure incorporate a door slidably engaged to a channel in the body; one that can be opened or closed depending on the equilibrium position of an integral protrusion on the door. Cooperating grooves and rails on the body and the door can guide the door between the open and closed positions, and mitigate against unintentional detachment.