Tied Orthodontic Archwire for Friction-Free 3D Tooth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic appliances face issues such as reliance on sliding mechanics leading to unpredictable friction, time-consuming custom wire bending, and limited control over three-dimensional tooth movement, necessitating frequent appointments.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic appliance with non-sliding mechanics using male fasteners and orthodontic brackets that are bonded in any orientation, featuring channels and tie wings to secure the fasteners, allowing for torque and translational forces without sliding, thereby stabilizing the archwire within the bracket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sliding mechanics are used in conventional orthodontic appliances, then the archwire can be inserted and removed easily, but unpredictable friction occurs and control over three-dimensional tooth movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sliding mechanism from the orthodontic appliance and replaces it with a non-sliding tie-back mechanism. The archwire is secured to the bracket using ties that wrap around the wire, eliminating the sliding interface that causes unpredictable friction while maintaining ease of operation through simple tie insertion and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ties as an intermediary element between the archwire and the bracket. These ties act as a mediator that secures the wire without requiring sliding mechanics, providing predictable friction control and reliable three-dimensional tooth movement through the tie-back configuration
2Manufacturing precision
If custom wire bending is performed to achieve precise tooth movement control, then three-dimensional control is improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires frequent appointments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the archwire with specific geometries (loops, bends, and configurations) that are designed to deliver precise three-dimensional tooth movement control without requiring custom bending during appointments. The wire is prepared in advance with the necessary form to achieve the desired orthodontic effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the geometry and configuration of the pre-formed archwire (such as loop size, bend angle, and wire shape) to achieve different three-dimensional tooth movement outcomes, eliminating the need for time-consuming custom bending while maintaining manufacturing precision
3Manufacturing precision
If rectangular archwires are used with sliding mechanics, then torque control is achieved, but friction increases and appointment frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sliding mechanics from the system and replaces it with a non-sliding tie-back configuration that maintains torque control through the geometric design of the archwire and bracket interface, eliminating the source of excessive friction and reducing appointment frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved and non-linear archwire geometries (such as loops and bends) that provide effective torque control through their shape rather than through sliding mechanics, maintaining precision while reducing friction and improving treatment productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic appliance can include an archwire, ties, and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire can include multiple male fasteners and interproximal loops. Each male fastener may be inserted into an orthodontic bracket and tied into place. The male fastener may not be able to slide relative to the orthodontic bracket after it is tied to the orthodontic bracket.