Textured Bite Plate for Orthodontic Hygiene and Remodeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic treatments with braces are uncomfortable, aesthetically unappealing, and lengthy, often resulting in white spot lesions due to poor oral hygiene, which complicates conventional cleaning and leads to patient dissatisfaction and potential legal issues.
Innovation Solution
A massaging and/or brushing bite plate designed for use with existing extraoral vibrational drivers, featuring bristles for cleaning braces and tooth surfaces near braces, and textured surfaces for gum massage, enhancing hygiene and orthodontic remodeling by stimulating blood flow and bone activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional orthodontic treatment with braces is used, then teeth can be realigned, but treatment takes about 24 months and causes discomfort and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic vibration forces through an orthodontic device to accelerate bone remodeling. The vibration mechanism delivers cyclic mechanical stimuli at specific frequencies (e.g., 30-150 Hz) that stimulate osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity, thereby speeding up tooth movement without requiring prolonged static force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a vibration generator that produces mechanical oscillations transmitted to the dentition and surrounding bone. This mechanical vibration enhances bone metabolism and remodeling rates, allowing faster orthodontic tooth movement compared to conventional static bracing alone.
2Productivity
If braces are used for orthodontic treatment, then teeth can be moved, but white spot lesions develop due to poor oral hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines orthodontic treatment functionality with oral hygiene functions in a single integrated device. The bite plate incorporates toothbrushing surfaces and gum massaging surfaces that allow simultaneous cleaning of teeth and stimulation of gum tissue during the orthodontic treatment, thereby preventing white spot lesions while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthodontic device serves multiple functions: applying orthodontic force, vibrating to accelerate remodeling, brushing teeth surfaces, and massaging gums. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate hygiene practices, ensuring continuous cleaning and stimulation throughout the treatment period.
3Productivity
If vibration is applied to accelerate bone growth, then orthodontic remodeling speeds up, but the device must be comfortable for human use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface characteristics to different regions of the bite plate: smooth surfaces in contact with teeth for comfort and force transmission, bristled surfaces for toothbrushing, and textured surfaces for gum massaging. This localized differentiation ensures both therapeutic effectiveness and patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes vibration parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) to achieve effective bone remodeling while maintaining comfort. The vibration intensity and frequency are adjusted within ranges that stimulate bone growth without causing discomfort or damage to dental tissues.
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 bite plate reduces the incidence of white spot lesions by improving hygiene and accelerating orthodontic remodeling, providing both hygiene and periodontal health benefits while speeding up tooth movement by 50% with daily use.
Implementation Method 1
textured inner surface so as to massage the gums while in use
Implementation Method 2
bristled bite plate so as to clean teeth and braces while in use
Implementation Method 3
cyclic forces have been proposed to speed orthodontic remodeling, but Mao was probably the first to show faster bone growth under vibration in a rabbit model
Implementation Method 4
the high pressure side results in bone loss (osteoclastic activity), whereas the low pressure side produces bone growth (osteoblastic)
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic remodeling device, wherein the bite plate is modified to have textured teeth and gum facing surfaces so as to provide cleaning, massaging or acupressure effect when in use.