Transpalatal Arch Appliance With Regulated Expansion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic appliances for expanding the dental arch, such as those using jackscrews, are uncomfortable, require professional assistance, interfere with speech and chewing, and cause pain due to high forces applied over short periods, with retention phases lasting months after expansion.
Innovation Solution
A removable arch adjustment appliance with a transpalatal element and regulating structures that apply controlled forces incrementally over longer periods, using materials with varying properties to expand the arch without overexpansion, allowing patient self-use and concurrent tooth repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If high forces are applied over short periods using jackscrews to expand the arch, then expansion force is sufficient to split the suture, but patient discomfort and pain increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a series of sequential appliances, each providing expansion force for a limited period (typically 2-4 weeks), followed by a retention phase. This periodic application of force allows the suture to split and heal in controlled cycles, reducing peak force requirements and patient discomfort compared to continuous high-force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by transitioning from high-force short-duration expansion to lower-force retention phases. The appliance design allows for force modulation where the same appliance structure provides different force levels at different treatment stages, adapting to the changing mechanical needs of the expanding suture and surrounding tissues.
2Adaptability or versatility
If jackscrew mechanisms are used for arch expansion, then expansion capability is achieved, but the appliance requires professional assistance and cannot be used by patients independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing removable appliances that patients can insert and remove independently without professional assistance. The appliances use passive elastic elements and geometric constraints rather than active mechanical adjustment mechanisms, allowing patients to achieve the prescribed expansion simply by wearing the appliance for the designated period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex adjustment mechanism from the appliance, removing the need for screws, keys, or professional manipulation. Only the essential expansion function remains, achieved through pre-loaded elastic elements and geometric design, making the appliance user-friendly for independent patient use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional expansion appliances are used, then arch expansion is achieved, but speech and chewing are interfered with during the expansion phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible shell structures that conform to the patient's dentition and oral tissues. These thin-film-like appliances are sufficiently rigid to provide expansion force but flexible enough to allow tongue movement for speech and jaw movement for chewing, minimizing functional interference while maintaining expansion effectiveness.
4Manufacturing precision
If separate expansion and retention phases are used, then controlled expansion is achieved, but treatment time is extended by months for the retention phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the expansion and retention functions into a single continuous appliance design. The same appliance that provides expansion force during the active phase automatically transitions to providing retention force after the expansion is complete, eliminating the need for a separate retention appliance and reducing overall treatment time while maintaining controlled expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by designing the appliance to continuously provide either expansion or retention force throughout the entire wear period, without interruption or removal. This continuous action eliminates idle time between expansion and retention phases, maximizing treatment efficiency.
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 appliance provides comfortable, controlled arch expansion with reduced discomfort, enabling patient autonomy and simultaneous tooth repositioning, potentially shortening treatment time and eliminating the need for separate expansion and retention phases.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing materials with varying properties to expand the arch without overexpansion
Data Source
AI summary
A removable arch adjustment appliance includes a removable shell having a plurality of cavities formed therein, wherein the plurality of cavities are shaped to receive at least one posterior tooth of a patient on each side of a patient's jaw. The shell can include an elastic transpalatal element that spans a palate of the patient and provides force to expand at least one of the spaces between the posterior teeth on each side of a patient's jaw or the palate of the patient. The transpalatal element can include a predetermined force characteristic, a number of force control elements to control the force provided by the transpalatal element, and/or a regulating structure to balance and direct the force provided by the transpalatal element, wherein the transpalatal element has a width specific to a stage of a treatment plan.