Novel Aligner-Attachment System
for Predictable Bodily Tooth Movement

Introducing a biomechanically superior clear aligner concept using long horizontal buccal attachments and reinforced aligner channels to achieve true bodily translation—overcoming the limitations of conventional aligner tipping.

View 3D Demo Email Me

The Research Foundation

Problem

Conventional clear aligners produce tipping rather than bodily translation due to flexure (bowing effect). Predictable mesial/distal movement limited to ~3.2mm.

Gap

Clinical demand exists for reliable larger translational movements and extraction-space closures without TADs—current attachments cannot deliver sufficient M/F ratios.

Hypothesis

A long horizontal buccal attachment spanning the mesiodistal width, combined with a three-sided reinforced aligner channel, will generate M/F ratios of 10-12:1 enabling bodily translation.

Core Innovation

Long Horizontal Buccal Attachment

A continuous, rigid composite resin attachment spanning the entire mesiodistal width of the clinical crown. This attachment acts analogously to an orthodontic archwire, providing a stable platform for force application.

Key Features:

  • Spans mesiodistal width for maximum control
  • Optimized surface texture for mechanical interlock
  • Three-sided reinforced aligner channel prevents bowing
  • Lingual counter-attachments for rotational control

Biomechanical Advantage:

The extended attachment length combined with the rigid aligner tube creates a guided sliding mechanism that distributes force evenly across crown and root, achieving moment-to-force ratios suitable for true bodily translation (M/F = 10-12:1).

Long horizontal buccal attachment with three-sided aligner channel
Figure: Long horizontal buccal attachment wrapped by a three-sided reinforced aligner channel, enabling bodily tooth movement.

Interactive Biomechanics Demonstration

Compare conventional aligner tipping vs. our novel system's bodily translation. Use your mouse to rotate and zoom the 3D view.

Buccal Bar

Mesiodistal span attachment

Reinforced Channel

Three-sided aligner tube

Force Vectors

Illustrative bodily movement

Retention Features

Interlock mechanisms

Research Methodology

Phase 1: Design & Fabrication (Months 0-4)

  • • CAD/CAM design of attachment geometries
  • • 3D-printing prototypes and composite attachments
  • • Material selection and local reinforcement evaluation

Phase 2: In-Vitro Testing (Months 4-10)

  • • Typodont models with simulated periodontal ligament
  • • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) comparing stress distribution
  • • Force/moment measurement and M/F ratio quantification

Phase 3: Prototype Iteration (Months 10-12)

  • • Optimization based on in-vitro results
  • • Surface texture refinement for mechanical interlock
  • • IRB approval preparation

Phase 4: Pilot Clinical Study (Months 12-22)

  • • Recruit 12-20 patients requiring mesialization/distalization
  • • Monitor via intraoral scans (4-6 week intervals)
  • • Measure bodily translation vs. tipping, treatment time, patient comfort

Measurement Endpoints

M/F Ratio

Moment-to-force quantification

Translation %

Bodily movement vs. tipping

Treatment Time

Efficiency comparison

Patient Comfort

Subjective evaluation

Expected Clinical Impact

Control Precision

Enhanced control over tooth movement vectors, enabling predictable bodily translation for distances >3.2mm.

Predictability

Reduced reliance on mid-treatment refinements and TADs for extraction-space closures.

Patient Comfort

Maintains aesthetic and removable advantages of clear aligners while delivering fixed-appliance-level biomechanics.

Repeatability

CAD/CAM fabrication enables consistent, reproducible attachment geometry across cases.

Publications & Artifacts

Anticipated research outputs and dissemination plan:

Biomechanical Analysis Paper

In-vitro FEA and force measurement study comparing M/F ratios

Target: Journal of Orthodontics or similar peer-reviewed publication

Clinical Outcomes Study

Pilot clinical trial results on bodily movement predictability

Target: American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Conference Presentations

European Orthodontic Society, AAO Annual Session

Poster and oral presentation submissions

Open-Source CAD Protocols

Design files for attachment geometry for research community

Repository: GitHub/ResearchGate

PhD Thesis

Comprehensive dissertation on novel aligner biomechanics

Expected completion: 2027-2028

About the Researcher

Dr. Rahul Joshi

BDS, MDS (Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics)

Experienced orthodontist with over 5 years of clinical practice in India, specializing in digital dentistry, 3D imaging, and biomechanics. Currently transitioning to research-focused work in the Netherlands with a focus on advancing clear aligner technology through evidence-based biomechanical innovation.

Passionate about bridging the gap between clinical orthodontic practice and engineering principles to develop patient-centered, predictable treatment modalities. Seeking PhD opportunities to formalize research on aligner biomechanics and contribute to the academic orthodontic community.

Interested in collaborating?

I'm happy to share my full CV and discuss research opportunities. Please reach out via email or the contact form below.

Request CV

Get in Touch

Contact Information

Location

Netherlands

Send a Message