Investigation of Shape Memory Polymers in Orthodontics

描述(由申请人提供)： 所有的正畸治疗都是基于施加最佳的力，使牙齿微小地移位，从而引发生物反应，从而改变硬组织和软组织。由于控制的精确度，大多数治疗都是使用能够将力和力矩传递到牙冠的固定器械进行的。更有限的治疗和保留最终结果可以使用可拆卸矫治器-由患者插入和移除的矫治器。 这项提议在正畸领域提出了一个新的概念：使用智能聚合物形状记忆聚合物(SMP)，用于固定和可拆卸的正畸矫治器。与形状记忆合金相比，SMP组件在正畸方面具有许多优势。这些聚合物可以开发成具有广泛的转变温度范围，具体取决于它们的应用。它们可以用专门的设计制造成复杂的配置，比金属线和附件更美观。制造技术使它们能够以低成本生产。最重要的是，SMP正畸组件为正畸治疗提供了一种新的方法和原理，从而实现了更有效和更简单的治疗。 这一第一阶段计划的具体目标是：1)优化正畸器械设计，2)制造和表征正畸器械原型，3)为特定的正畸器械量身定做SMP，4)建立和优化原型的耐沾污性，5)确定吸湿性的水平和影响，6)建立和了解SMP应用于正畸器械原型时的热机械性能。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): All orthodontic treatment is based on the application of optimal forces that minutely displace teeth initiating a biological response that alters both hard and soft tissues. Because of the precision of control, most treatment is carried out with fixed appliances that are capable of delivering forces and moments to the crowns of teeth. More limited treatment and retention of finished results can use removable appliances - appliances that are inserted and removed by the patient. This proposal is unique in advancing a new concept in orthodontics: the use of an intelligent polymer, Shape Memory Polymer (SMP), for use in both fixed and removable orthodontic appliances. SMP components have a number of advantages over shape memory alloys for orthodontics. These polymers can be developed to have a wide range of transition temperatures depending on their application. They can be fabricated into complex configurations with specialized designs and are more aesthetic than metal wires and attachments. Manufacturing techniques allow them to be produced at a low cost. Most important, SMP orthodontic components allow for a new approach and rationale for orthodontic treatment allowing more efficient and simpler therapy. The specific objectives of this Phase I program are: 1) optimize orthodontic appliance designs, 2) manufacture and characterize orthodontic prototypes, 3) tailor SMPs for specific orthodontic appliances, 4) establish and optimize stain resistance of prototypes, 5) determine the level and impact of moisture absorption, and 6) establish and understand SMP thermo mechanical properties as it applies to the orthodontic appliance prototypes.