Vibrating Orthodontic Remodeling Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic treatments using static forces are lengthy, uncomfortable, and have low patient compliance due to aesthetics and discomfort issues, and existing clear aligner systems are limited in treating complex malocclusions, requiring longer treatment times and inadequate force direction.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic appliance with an extraoral or intraoral vibratory source and bite plate that applies cyclic forces to accelerate bone remodeling, using a processor to control and monitor force, frequency, and usage, enhancing tooth movement and bone remodeling through non-static forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If static mechanical force is used to induce bone remodeling, then teeth can be moved, but treatment takes about twenty four months on average
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibratory element that generates oscillating forces on the teeth and surrounding bone tissue. This vibration accelerates bone remodeling by stimulating osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity, thereby significantly reducing treatment time compared to static force application alone
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs periodic vibratory cycles with specific frequency ranges (typically 30-90 Hz) and duty cycles (e.g., 20 seconds on, 40 seconds off) to optimize bone response. This periodic mechanical stimulation enhances bone turnover and facilitates faster tooth movement while preventing tissue damage
2Reliability
If traditional orthodontic appliances are used, then malocclusion can be treated, but they are uncomfortable and painful for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static force application to dynamic vibratory force application. The vibratory element delivers controlled oscillating forces that are less traumatic to periodontal tissues compared to continuous static pressure, reducing patient pain and discomfort while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical parameters of force application by using high-frequency low-amplitude vibrations instead of low-frequency high-amplitude static forces. This parameter transformation reduces tissue damage and patient discomfort while achieving the same orthodontic remodeling goals
3Reliability
If traditional orthodontic appliances are used, then malocclusion can be treated, but patient compliance is low due to aesthetics and discomfort issues
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes a thin, flexible vibratory element that can be placed inside clear aligners or attached to brackets. This sleek design maintains aesthetic appearance while delivering therapeutic vibrations, thereby improving patient compliance compared to bulky traditional appliances
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces bulky mechanical appliances with a miniaturized vibratory mechanism that can be integrated into existing orthodontic treatments. This substitution reduces aesthetic impact and discomfort, leading to better patient compliance
4Object-affected harmful factors
If clear aligner systems are used, then aesthetics are improved, but they are limited in treating complex malocclusions with inadequate force direction
Solution Approach 1:
The vibratory element can be integrated with various orthodontic systems including clear aligners, fixed braces, and removable appliances. This multi-functionality allows the device to treat diverse malocclusion types while maintaining aesthetic benefits, overcoming the limitations of clear aligner systems alone
Solution Approach 2:
The addition of vibratory force enhances the capability of clear aligners to treat complex malocclusions by stimulating bone remodeling more effectively. The vibration compensates for the inadequate force direction of aligners alone, enabling treatment of more severe cases while preserving aesthetic appearance
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 significantly accelerates orthodontic tooth movement by up to 50%, improves patient compliance, and reduces treatment time, while being aesthetically more acceptable and capable of treating a broader range of malocclusions with precise force application.
Implementation Method 1
an extraoral vibratory source and an intraoral attachment in the form of a bite plate or platform
Implementation Method 2
applies cyclic forces to accelerate bone remodeling
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a faster method of orthodontic remodeling, where a patient wears an orthodontic fixed appliance biting an orthodontic remodeling device, the orthodontic remodeling device comprising: an extraoral housing containing a power source operably coupled to an actuator operably coupled to a processor that controls the actuator and captures and communicates device usage data; the extraoral housing operably connected to an intraoral U-shaped bite plate; the bite plate having upper and lower vertical rims on a facial edge thereof to contact both arches of teeth; and wherein during use the orthodontic remodeling device vibrates at a frequency from 0.1 to 400 Hz. The patient then activates the orthodontic remodeling device for about 20 minutes daily. The method provides accelerated tooth movement as compared to without using the orthodontic remodeling device.