Variable-Thickness Dental Appliances for Gradual Arch Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic appliances for expanding dental arches are aesthetically displeasing, painful, and require professional assistance, causing discomfort and prolonging treatment time due to their reliance on high forces and two-phase treatment protocols.
Innovation Solution
A series of removable dental appliances with varying material properties and incremental arch elements are used to gradually expand dental arches, allowing patients to self-administer treatment with reduced discomfort and concurrent alignment correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional orthodontic appliances with jackscrews and mechanisms are used to deliver large horizontal forces for arch expansion, then the arch expansion effect is achieved, but the patient experiences discomfort and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the force delivery parameter from large intermittent forces (jackscrew activations) to small continuous forces (constant elasticity of the shell material). The shell's elastic modulus and thickness are optimized to deliver sustained gentle forces that expand the arch without causing pain or discomfort to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical jackscrew system with an elastic shell structure that uses material elasticity to deliver expansion forces. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical activation mechanisms and replaces them with passive elastic deformation of the shell material.
2Length of stationary object
If traditional orthodontic appliances with jackscrews are used for arch expansion, then the arch width is increased, but the treatment time is prolonged due to two-phase protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the arch expansion function with the alignment correction function into a single integrated appliance. The shell structure simultaneously applies forces to widen the arch and reposition misaligned teeth, eliminating the need for separate expansion and alignment treatment phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthodontic appliance is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an arch expander and an alignment corrector. The shell's geometry and thickness distribution are optimized to deliver different force vectors to different regions, achieving multiple treatment objectives concurrently.
3Length of stationary object
If traditional orthodontic appliances with visible mechanisms are used, then arch expansion is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin transparent or tooth-colored shell structure that is aesthetically pleasing and virtually invisible when worn. This flexible shell replaces the visible metal jackscrews and mechanisms with a cosmetic-friendly form factor that maintains natural appearance while delivering expansion forces.
4Length of stationary object
If traditional orthodontic appliances requiring professional activation are used, then controlled arch expansion is achieved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the appliance to be self-activating through the patient's natural oral functions. The shell material's elastic recovery from insertion or normal chewing movements automatically delivers the expansion forces, eliminating the need for professional activation or patient manipulation of mechanical components.
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 solution provides a more comfortable and efficient method for arch expansion, reducing treatment duration and discomfort by using removable appliances that apply controlled forces over time, enabling simultaneous arch expansion and alignment correction.
Implementation Method 1
a thin shell of material having resilient properties, referred to as an 'aligner,' that generally conforms to a patient's teeth
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of forming dental appliances for expanding dental arches. Methods may include forming first and second virtual dental appliances, each having: virtual teeth receiving cavities shaped to conform to representations of the teeth at a point during respective first and second stages of orthodontic treatment, and virtual arch elements that extend between respective virtual teeth receiving cavities and having widths that are wider than an anatomical arch width. The methods may include fabricating first and second dental appliances using the first and second virtual dental appliances, respectively. At least one of the dental appliances may be fabricated to vary in thickness along the respective arch element.