Sensorized Orthodontic Appliances for Real-Time Treatment Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Orthodontic treatments relying on manual monitoring of patient-worn appliances are inefficient and require frequent adjustments, lacking automated or semi-automated feedback mechanisms to adapt treatment plans based on real-time sensor data.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of sensors into orthodontic appliances for monitoring tooth position, movement, and force, with processors to analyze sensor data and automatically or semi-automatically modify treatment plans, including forming new appliances or adjusting treatment stages based on sensor feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual monitoring of orthodontic appliances is used, then treatment can be implemented with simple appliances, but treatment efficiency is low and requires frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor tooth position, appliance wear compliance, and treatment progress. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring and automatic treatment plan adjustments, eliminating the need for frequent manual office visits and increasing treatment efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated treatment plan modifications based on sensor data analysis. The processor automatically adjusts treatment parameters and generates updated appliance designs without requiring manual practitioner intervention for each adjustment, allowing the system to self-optimize treatment progress while maintaining simplicity in appliance design
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent manual adjustments are made, then treatment plan can be adapted to patient needs, but treatment time is increased and patient satisfaction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous monitoring and adjustment capability through always-active sensors and automated processors that operate without interruption. This continuous action allows real-time detection of treatment deviations and immediate automated corrections, ensuring treatment plan adaptability is maintained continuously rather than through discrete manual adjustments, thereby reducing total treatment time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-programming multiple treatment plan variations and adjustment protocols in advance. When sensor data indicates a need for modification, the processor selects and implements the appropriate pre-planned adjustment from the library of treatment variations, enabling rapid adaptation without requiring time-consuming manual analysis and decision-making during treatment sessions
3Productivity
If automated treatment plan modification is implemented, then treatment efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating sensor monitoring, data analysis, treatment plan modification, and appliance design generation into a single automated platform. This universal system performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate manual processes, improving treatment efficiency while consolidating complexity into one integrated device rather than multiple separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment processes with automated electronic systems. Sensors electronically detect tooth position and treatment progress, processors algorithmically analyze data and determine necessary modifications, and digital models automatically generate updated appliance designs. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with electronic automation improves efficiency while containing complexity within standardized electronic components
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for monitoring a patient's teeth during orthodontic treatment, which may include an orthodontic appliance having one or more sensors configured to sense at least one parameter related to a change in movement and/or position of one or more teeth of the patient's teeth. One or more processors may be configured to receive sensor data captured by the one or more sensors while the orthodontic appliance is worn on the patient's teeth. The sensor data may be converted to predicted tooth position and/or movement associated with the one or more teeth. The predicted tooth position and/or movement may be compared to an expected tooth position and/or movement of the one or more teeth. Based on the comparison, a determination may be made that the orthodontic treatment should be modified or that the orthodontic appliance should be replaced.