Variable Thickness Orthodontic Aligner Geometry Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental appliances, particularly removable orthodontic appliances, often fail to efficiently implement treatment plans due to uniform thickness issues, leading to inadequate force distribution and discomfort, making it difficult to personalize aligners for patients and their specific treatment needs.
Innovation Solution
The development of a methodology to optimize the geometry of orthodontic appliances using automated techniques, such as finite element shell models and parametric thickness maps, allows for the design of variable thickness aligners that effectively implement the forces prescribed by a treatment plan, enabling precise tooth movement and improved patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform thickness is used in removable orthodontic appliances, then manufacturing is simplified, but force distribution becomes inadequate and treatment efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from uniform thickness to variable thickness design, where different regions of the orthodontic appliance have different thickness values optimized for their specific functional requirements. This allows each local area to provide appropriate force characteristics, improving treatment efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through automated design tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the thickness parameter across different regions of the appliance. The automated design system calculates optimal thickness values based on treatment requirements, material properties, and force distribution needs, thereby improving treatment efficiency without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
2Device complexity
If uniform thickness is used in orthodontic appliances, then device complexity is reduced, but force distribution becomes inadequate leading to poor treatment outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different thickness values to different regions of the appliance based on specific treatment requirements. This localized optimization ensures reliable force distribution across all teeth, improving treatment plan implementation reliability while the automated design process manages the increased geometric complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by using automated design tools to calculate and determine the optimal variable thickness geometry before manufacturing. This pre-calculation ensures that the appliance geometry is optimized for reliable force distribution from the outset, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error adjustments and ensuring treatment plan reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If variable thickness design is implemented, then force distribution and treatment precision are improved, but calculation time and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using automated design tools to pre-calculate the optimal variable thickness geometry based on treatment requirements. This upfront calculation, performed before manufacturing, ensures high manufacturing precision for tooth movement while the automation of the process minimizes the time loss associated with complex calculations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for producing orthodontic appliances are provided herein utilizing iterative modeling techniques to increase the efficiency and efficacy of said appliances. Further disclosed herein are the orthodontic appliances fabricated from such methods.