Self-Ligating Orthodontic Brackets with Prescriptive Inserts

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional orthodontic brackets require separate fasteners like ligature wires or elastic bands to secure archwires, which can be cumbersome and may lead to debonding or damage during external forces, and lack flexibility in adjusting corrective forces applied to teeth.

Innovation Solution

Self-ligating orthodontic brackets with a movable gate or closure mechanism that retains archwires without external fasteners, featuring connecting assemblies with shock-absorbing capabilities and prescriptive inserts to alter the archwire passage orientation and force distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate fasteners like ligature wires or elastic bands are used to secure archwires, then the archwire can be retained in the bracket slot, but the device complexity increases and the reliability decreases during external forces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the archwire retention function and the external force absorption function into a single integrated bracket structure. The bracket includes a body with an archwire slot and a connecting assembly with shock-absorbing capabilities that is integrated into the bracket body, eliminating the need for separate ligature wires or elastic bands while providing both retention and protection functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates shock-absorbing capabilities into the connecting assembly before external forces are applied. The connecting assembly includes features such as resilient elements or movable components that can deflect or absorb impact forces, providing predetermined protection against debonding or damage before such forces occur in clinical use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ligating brackets are used, then the structure is simpler, but the adaptability to adjust corrective forces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in adjusting corrective forcesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates movable or adjustable components into the bracket structure, such as a movable gate or closure mechanism that can be adjusted to different positions. This allows the bracket to adapt to different treatment stages and adjust the corrective forces applied to teeth, transitioning from a static to a dynamic system that can respond to changing orthodontic requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the bracket into separable functional components, such as a bracket body, a connecting assembly, and an adjustable closure mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables reconfiguration or adjustment of the system to provide different corrective force profiles while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If self-ligating mechanisms are used to retain archwires without external fasteners, then the device complexity increases, but the reliability improves during external forces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the archwire retention function and the external force absorption function into a single integrated bracket structure. The bracket includes a body with an archwire slot and a connecting assembly with shock-absorbing capabilities that is integrated into the bracket body, eliminating the need for separate ligature wires or elastic bands while providing both retention and protection functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates shock-absorbing capabilities into the connecting assembly before external forces are applied. The connecting assembly includes features such as resilient elements or movable components that can deflect or absorb impact forces, providing predetermined protection against debonding or damage before such forces occur in clinical use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9226803B2Orthodontic appliance systems

Publication Date: 2016.01.05 COSSE CHRISTOPHER C

AI summary

Orthodontic appliance systems including self-ligating orthodontic brackets and/or orthodontic brackets that include a prescription-altering insert that is configured to be removably coupled to the bracket. The prescriptive insert may be optional in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the prescriptive insert may define and/or alter the prescription of the bracket, such as a prescription defined by the bracket when the insert is not utilized. A plurality of prescriptive inserts may be provided, with each insert defining a unique orthodontic prescription when coupled to the bracket. In some embodiments, the bracket is a self-ligating bracket that includes a base and a repositionable closure for selectively obstructing an opening in an archwire passage of the bracket. In some embodiments, the closure defines more than one side, or wall, of the archwire passage and/or is pivotally coupled to the base by a floating hinge or other displaceable positioning mechanism.