3D-Printed Orthodontic Splint Using Crosslinked Polymers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic aligners lack materials with properties adapted to the temperature conditions within the oral cavity, leading to inadequate mechanical performance and treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
Development of orthodontic aligners comprising crosslinked polymers with specific mechanical properties, including a glass transition temperature of ≥25° C. to ≤60° C., an elasticity modulus of ≥500 MPa to ≤4000 MPa, and a loss factor of ≥0.08, which are produced using 3D printing methods, enabling improved biocompatibility, toughness, and resistance to heat distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional thermoplastic materials are used for 3D-printed aligners, then ease of manufacture is improved, but mechanical performance at oral temperature is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by specifying a glass transition temperature range of ≥25°C to ≤60°C and an elasticity modulus range of ≥500 MPa to ≤4000 MPa, which are optimized for oral temperature conditions. This ensures the material maintains appropriate mechanical properties (not too rigid, not too soft) at body temperature while remaining manufacturable through 3D printing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs crosslinked polymer materials that combine multiple properties: biocompatibility, toughness, heat resistance, and specific mechanical properties. The crosslinking structure creates a composite-like material that achieves both ease of manufacture through 3D printing and reliable mechanical performance at oral temperatures
2Strength
If materials with high elasticity modulus are used, then structural integrity is improved, but wear comfort is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies an elasticity modulus range of ≥500 MPa to ≤4000 MPa, which balances structural integrity and wear comfort. This parameter range ensures the aligner is rigid enough to maintain its shape and apply corrective forces to teeth, yet flexible enough to be comfortable for the patient during wear
3Adaptability or versatility
If materials with low glass transition temperature are used, then flexibility is improved, but heat resistance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a glass transition temperature range of ≥25°C to ≤60°C, which optimizes the balance between flexibility and heat resistance. This ensures the material remains flexible and adaptable for tooth movement while maintaining sufficient heat resistance to withstand oral temperature conditions without deforming
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 aligners exhibit enhanced mechanical properties at application temperatures, allowing for more efficient tooth positioning with increased wear comfort and improved treatment outcomes, while maintaining shape and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a glass transition temperature Tg, determined by dynamic mechanical analysis at a frequency of 1/s as peak tan δ, of ≥25° C. and ≤60° C.
Implementation Method 2
an elasticity modulus, determined by dynamic mechanical analysis as storage modulus E′ at a frequency of 1/s at 35° C., of ≥500 MPa and ≤4000 MPa and a loss factor tan δ, determined by dynamic mechanical analysis at a frequency of 1/s at 35° C., of ≥0.08
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an orthodontic splint made of a crosslinked polymer, wherein the crosslinked polymer has a glass transition temperature Tg, determined by means of dynamic-mechanical analysis at a frequency of 1/s DMA as peak tan δ, of ≥25° C. and ≤60° C., a modulus of elasticity, determined by means of dynamic-mechanical analysis as the storage modulus E′ at a frequency of 1/s at 35° C., of ≥500 MPa and ≤4000 MPa, and a loss factor tan δ, determined by means of dynamic-mechanical analysis at a frequency of 1/s at 35° C., of ≥0.08. The invention further relates to a process for producing such splints.