Smart Brackets for 3D-Force-Moment Measurements in Orthodontic Research and Therapy – Developmental Status and Prospects*

Abstract

We were able to construct true-scale, wire-mediated smart brackets. Work on improving the sensor system's buccolingual sensitivity is still in progress. Improved smart brackets with wire-mediated energy transmission could be applied in the near future in orthodontic training as an objective feedback tool, as well as in biomechanical research. Broad clinical application of smart brackets requires integration of telemetric components for data and energy transmission. Such components are now being developed. Future clinical application of smart brackets may contribute in reducing the negative side effects of fixed appliance therapy such as root resorption, while enhancing therapeutic efficiency.

The influence of occlusal forces on force delivery properties of aligners during rotation of an upper central incisor

“…As has already been reported, 4 even during a rotation of an upper central incisor with aligners (deflection of 60.34 mm), without occlusal forces the limits given in the literature 10,11 for ideal moments are exceeded by up to three times. The limits for the intrusive forces 12 are mostly exceeded by up to 13 times when no weight is applied, but when an occlusal force was simulated, as is the case during swallowing, the reference values were exceeded by a factor of up to 3 and a half times for Tz and up to 18 times for Fz, respectively.…”

Development and modification of a device for three-dimensional measurement of orthodontic force system: The V-bend system re-visited

“…However, moment sensing is not possible with the three-axis force sensor. The smart bracket system [15][16][17] , incorporating multiple micro-sensor chips, is an excellent innovation that successfully transforms the stress signal to the moment component utilizing the unique "stress-fingerprint" technique, though it is unlikely that this approach will become widely adopted in orthodontic mechanics research due to its high cost. Sixaxis sensors (or force transducer and load cell) allow for moment measurement.…”

“…Multiple measurement devices have been developed for this purpose and can be roughly divided into two categories: those based on actual measurement, and those based on computer simulation. To obtain actual measurements, Friedrich et al attempted to fabricate an apparatus that allowed intra-oral measurement [12][13][14] ; Lapatki et al designed a smart bracket system with encapsulated microelectronic sensor chips [15][16][17] ; Badawi et al developed an orthodontic simulator (OSIM) that incorporates multi-axis force sensors and an artificial dental arch 18) . The OSIM has been used in several previous studies [19][20][21][22] and has been shown to be highly effective for measuring the forces and moments experienced by the whole arch in vitro.…”

CMOS tactile sensor systems

“…Since the Smart Brackets introduced earlier by our group [4,32] are intended to be directly attached to the teeth of a real patient, the use of cables for energy and data transfer is obsolete. The clinical situation rather calls for the application of near field communication (NFC) techniques [33] which cannot be used in standard processes due to the small dimensions of the orthodontic brackets.…”