Spring-Bar Dental Aligner for Early Malocclusion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dysgnathic malformations affecting the masticatory complex, including the maxilla, mandible, and dental arches, often require early intervention to correct tooth alignment and improve respiratory, sleep, and speech dynamics, but existing treatments are inadequate for efficient and harmonious correction.
Innovation Solution
A dental aligner apparatus comprising a bar with a rotatable and slidable end member and a spring member, coupled with rotational and slidable couplers, applies active and passive forces to teeth to correct malocclusions, overbites, and underbites, using a combination of orthodontic and orthognathic techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional orthodontic treatments are used to correct tooth alignment, then dental malocclusions can be addressed, but the treatment is inadequate for efficient and harmonious correction of dysgnathic malformations affecting the masticatory complex
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus merges orthodontic and orthognathic techniques into a single integrated system. The bar apparatus combines tooth alignment functions with jaw relationship correction, allowing simultaneous treatment of both dental and skeletal components of dysgnathic malformations, thereby improving both effectiveness and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The bar apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to address various aspects of the masticatory complex. It can correct tooth alignment, adjust jaw relationships, and improve airway dynamics simultaneously, making it a universal solution for comprehensive dysgnathic malformation treatment
2Reliability
If early intervention is implemented to correct tooth alignment before maturity, then functional and aesthetic improvements can be achieved, but the complexity of treating dysgnathic malformations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bar apparatus is segmented into multiple functional components including rotatable end members, slidable end members, and spring members. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of malformation independently while working together as an integrated system, managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates dynamic elements such as rotatable and slidable end members that can adapt to changing treatment requirements. The spring members provide adjustable forces that can be modified as treatment progresses, allowing the device to evolve with the patient's development while maintaining manageable complexity
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 apparatus effectively corrects tooth misalignments, including overcrowding and airway dysfunction, by applying controlled forces to achieve functional and aesthetic improvements in the masticatory system, particularly beneficial for pre-pubertal patients.
Implementation Method 1
The spring member is disposed between the rotatable end member and the slidable end member and coupled to the first and second end members
Data Source
AI summary
A dental aligner apparatus is comprised of a bar, a rotatable end member, a slidable end member, and a spring member. The bar includes a first end member and a second end member. The rotatable end member is disposed at a first end of the bar and coupled to the first end member. The slidable end member is disposed at a second end of the bar and coupled to the second end member. The spring member is disposed between the rotatable end member and the slidable end member and coupled to the first and second end members.