Vibrational Orthodontic Appliance with 3D Axial Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional orthodontic and dentofacial treatments fail to adequately address the underlying causes of orthodontic and craniofacial abnormalities, particularly poor tooth alignment, by not interacting effectively with the patient's genome and using insufficient structural elements to signal genetic remodeling, leading to less than optimal corrections and potential long-term health issues such as obstructive sleep apnea and facial asymmetry.
Innovation Solution
A vibrational orthopedic-orthodontic appliance that applies cyclic, intermittent, low-level forces using ultrasonic or oscillatory components to induce craniofacial homeostasis by triggering the patient's genome, incorporating a removable device with active plates, sensors, and microprocessors to adjust and monitor force application, and a 3-D axial spring design oriented parallel to the long axis of the teeth for effective bone remodeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional continuous forces via brackets and wires are used for orthodontic correction, then tooth alignment can be achieved, but the underlying genetic remodeling is not adequately triggered and treatment duration is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic, cyclic forces delivered in pulsed intervals rather than continuous forces. The osteogenetic appliance applies mechanical stimuli at specific frequencies (e.g., 1-10 Hz) and duty cycles (e.g., 10 seconds on, 50 seconds off) to trigger genetic remodeling responses while allowing tissue recovery periods, thereby accelerating treatment without causing excessive tissue damage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of force application from traditional continuous low-level forces to cyclic, pulsed forces with specific frequency and amplitude characteristics. This parameter transformation enables the mechanical stimulus to resonate with and trigger cellular mechanotransduction pathways, activating gene expression for accelerated bone and tissue remodeling
2Reliability
If traditional biomechanical systems are used for orthopedic correction, then some correction can be achieved, but adequate interaction with the patient's genome is not established
Solution Approach 1:
The osteogenetic appliance incorporates vibrational elements that deliver mechanical oscillations to the craniofacial structures. These vibrations are transmitted through the appliance framework to the bone and soft tissues, stimulating mechanosensitive ion channels and triggering intracellular signaling cascades that activate genetic programs for tissue remodeling and regeneration
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance serves as an intermediary device that translates mechanical forces into biological signals. The framework and contacting elements act as mediators that distribute and modulate mechanical stimuli to specific target tissues, enabling the conversion of external mechanical energy into internal genetic responses without direct genetic manipulation
3Productivity
If continuous forces are applied to correct tooth alignment, then teeth can be moved, but root resorption and other side effects may occur
Solution Approach 1:
By delivering forces in periodic pulses with rest intervals, the appliance allows tissue recovery between loading cycles. This prevents cumulative microdamage to the periodontal ligament and cementum that leads to root resorption, while maintaining sufficient mechanical stimulus to drive controlled tooth movement at an accelerated rate
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance applies partial mechanical action during specific phases of the treatment cycle, providing sufficient stimulus to trigger remodeling during the active phase while allowing complete tissue recovery during the rest phase. This controlled partial loading prevents the excessive continuous forces that cause pathological root resorption
4Reliability
If traditional Phase I and Phase II treatments are used sequentially, then comprehensive correction can be achieved, but treatment time is extended and underlying causes are not fully addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The osteogenetic appliance merges orthopedic and orthodontic correction functions into a single integrated device and treatment protocol. The framework simultaneously applies forces to modify craniofacial bone structure and align teeth, while the cyclic mechanical stimulus triggers genetic remodeling throughout the craniofacial complex, consolidating what would traditionally require separate Phase I and Phase II treatments into a unified accelerated protocol
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 enhances craniofacial balance and equilibrium by stimulating gene-encoded developmental mechanisms, promoting sutural osteogenesis and bone growth, potentially reducing treatment time and minimizing side effects like root resorption, while providing a more stable and aesthetically pleasing correction of orthodontic and craniofacial abnormalities.
Implementation Method 1
A vibrational orthopedic-orthodontic appliance adapted to induce craniofacial homeostasis by triggering the patient's genome... incorporating a removable device with active plates, sensors, and microprocessors to adjust and monitor force application
Data Source
AI summary
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an osteogenetic-orthodontic appliance, device, system, and method optimizes craniofacial homeostasis by means of a 3-D axial spring that influences the patient's genome and thereby addresses problems existing primarily within the mid-facial region, as well as the other contiguous regions. Growth and development of the craniofacial structures can be influenced by foundational (skeleto-dental) correction in concert with functional (myo-spatial) correction, according to the genome of a particular patient by means of the method and systems of the present invention.