Vibrating Dental Plate with Non-Newtonian Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic devices using static forces are inefficient and uncomfortable, requiring lengthy treatment periods and lacking customization for individual tooth alignment, which slows down tooth movement and orthodontic treatment effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating dental device with a unique connector system, adjustable bite plates, and optional risers or flexible wands to apply differential vibratory forces, utilizing non-Newtonian fluids for comfort and effectiveness, and programmable frequency and amplitude for optimized tooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If continuous static force is applied to move teeth, then teeth can be moved to better position, but treatment takes about twenty four months on average
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a motor-driven vibrating element that contacts the dental plate, causing the plate to vibrate at specific frequencies (e.g., 30-300 Hz) to accelerate bone remodeling and tooth movement, directly addressing the slow tooth movement speed issue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic pulsating forces through controlled vibration cycles with specific duty cycles (e.g., 10% on, 90% off) to stimulate bone remodeling more effectively than continuous static force, reducing treatment duration while maintaining effectiveness
2Force
If traditional orthodontic appliances are used, then teeth can be moved, but the force is dissipated as teeth slowly move
Solution Approach 1:
The vibrating dental plate concentrates force through vibration at the tooth-bone interface, preventing force dissipation and enhancing the mechanical stimulus for bone remodeling, thereby improving treatment efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of force application from static to dynamic vibration with controllable frequency and amplitude, optimizing the mechanical stimulus to accelerate bone remodeling and improve treatment efficiency
3Speed
If vibratory devices with external power sources are used, then teeth can be vibrated, but the devices are cumbersome and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The dental plate itself serves as the vibrating element, eliminating the need for separate external vibrators or motors inside the mouth. The plate receives power wirelessly or through a simple connector and generates vibration directly at the treatment site, greatly simplifying operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex motor housing from the intraoral device, placing the power source externally or using miniaturized components, leaving only a simple dental plate in the mouth that is easy to insert and remove
4Illumination intensity
If bulky headgear with motors is used to vibrate teeth, then vibration can be applied, but the devices are cumbersome and reduce patient compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bulky motor housing and power management components from the intraoral device, placing them externally or using miniaturized components, leaving only a simple dental plate in the mouth that is easy to insert and remove
Solution Approach 2:
The dental plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural orthodontic appliance and the vibrating element, eliminating the need for separate headgear and motor assemblies, thereby reducing device complexity
5Manufacturing precision
If differential vibration is applied to individual teeth, then precision orthodontic treatment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dental plate is divided into multiple independent vibrating segments or zones, each capable of being activated independently or in combination, allowing differential vibration to be applied to specific teeth or regions through simple control schemes
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 device accelerates bone remodeling, reduces treatment duration, enhances patient comfort, and allows for customized force application to each tooth, improving the speed and precision of orthodontic treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a vibratory device and a removable dental plate. The dental plate is designed to work with the vibratory device
Implementation Method 2
utilizing non-Newtonian fluids for comfort and effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
Vibrating dental devices and accessories are provided, including a unique snap fit dental plate and vibrator connection; risers for adjusting the thickness of a dental plate; a pointer or wand that can be clamped onto a dental plate to reach even severely misaligned teeth; a cushioned dental plate having a non-Newtonian fluid therein that allows conformation of the cushion to the dentition, but hardens on use to allow the transmission of vibration to the teeth. Accessories such as carrying cases and docking stations are also provided.