Worm Gear Bracket for Molar Distalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional orthodontic methods for molar distalization, such as using metal bands and external headgear, are unsightly, require laboratory fabrication, and depend on patient cooperation, leading to increased waiting times and potential treatment challenges, especially in younger patients.
Innovation Solution
A dental apparatus comprising a bracket with a worm gear mechanism that allows adjustable positioning of a dental arch wire between opposing molar teeth, enabling controlled movement of the molars through a rotatable screw system, reducing the need for external headgear and improving treatment efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional headgear and custom appliances are used for molar distalization, then molar movement can be achieved, but the treatment requires laboratory fabrication, increases waiting time, and depends on patient cooperation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the orthodontic treatment system into separate components: a ready-to-use bracket with integrated worm gear mechanism, a separate archwire, and a simple driving tool. This segmentation allows the bracket to be prepared in advance without requiring custom laboratory fabrication, eliminating waiting time while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is pre-assembled with the worm gear mechanism and channel structure before patient treatment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for laboratory fabrication and custom fitting, allowing immediate use and significantly reducing waiting time before treatment can commence.
2Force
If traditional headgear and plates are used, then molar distalization force can be applied, but the appliances are unsightly and require complex fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the bracket, worm gear mechanism, and archwire positioning system into a single integrated unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate headgear, plates, and external components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to apply effective distalization force through the integrated screw mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for external headgear and custom-made plates by integrating all necessary components into a compact bracket system. The worm gear mechanism is incorporated directly into the bracket, removing cumbersome external appliances and simplifying the overall device structure.
3Ease of operation
If traditional appliances requiring patient cooperation are used, then treatment can proceed, but younger patients may not provide adequate cooperation
Solution Approach 1:
The worm gear mechanism is designed to be operated by the orthodontist using a simple driving tool, eliminating the need for patient activation or cooperation. The system is self-contained and requires no patient involvement to function, ensuring reliable treatment outcomes regardless of patient age or cooperation level.
4Manufacturing precision
If custom made appliances are fabricated in a laboratory, then proper fit can be achieved, but the process increases waiting time and treatment delay
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with universal applicability through standardized dimensions and the adaptable worm gear mechanism that can accommodate various archwire positions. This universal design eliminates the need for custom laboratory fabrication while maintaining proper fit and function, allowing immediate treatment initiation without compromising precision.
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 apparatus facilitates efficient molar distalization with improved patient comfort and reduced waiting times by allowing precise adjustment of the arch wire without external headgear, enhancing treatment outcomes and patient cooperation.
Implementation Method 1
a worm gear for adjustably fixing the position of each end of the arch wire within the bracket
Implementation Method 2
the worm gear comprises a helically threaded screw. The teeth of the arch wire engage with the threading of the worm gear such that the rotation of the worm gear results in the linear movement of the arch wire
Data Source
AI summary
A dental apparatus for achieving molar distalization, comprising a bracket for mounting on opposing molar teeth of a dental arch, and a dental arch wire. One end of the arch wire passes through one of a first bracket and the other end of the arch wire passes through the other of a second bracket. A worm gear adjustably fixes the position of each end of the arch wire within the bracket.