Adjustable Dental Spacer with Screw Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental spacer fabrication processes require off-site lab work, leading to multiple appointments, potential fitting errors, and tooth drifting issues due to the time gap between extraction and appliance installation.
Innovation Solution
A fully adjustable dental spacer comprising a stainless steel band ring with an adjusting screw block and screw for in-situ adjustment, allowing immediate installation and secure fitting around the attachment tooth without the need for off-site fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional off-site fabrication process is used, then the spacer can be precisely fabricated, but multiple appointments are required and tooth drifting occurs during fabrication time
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is pre-assembled with adjustable components (screw mechanism, ring, housing) in a ready-to-install configuration, eliminating the need for off-site fabrication. The preliminary assembly includes pre-positioned adjustment mechanisms that allow immediate customization at the dental office without requiring laboratory processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting screw mechanism enables the dentist to perform real-time adjustments of the spacer circumference and positioning directly in the patient's mouth. The self-adjusting capability allows the device to adapt to individual patient anatomy and prevent tooth drifting without requiring multiple appointments for refinements.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional fabrication process is used, then the spacer can be manufactured, but error may occur in impression taking process causing ill-fitting appliance
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical impression-taking process is replaced with a direct mechanical adjustment system. Instead of relying on complex impression materials and laboratory fabrication, the spacer uses an adjustable screw mechanism that mechanically adapts to the patient's tooth structure, eliminating errors associated with impression taking and ensuring reliable fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer transitions from a static, factory-fitted appliance to a dynamic, adjustable device. The adjusting screw mechanism allows real-time modification of the spacer's circumference and positioning, enabling the dentist to optimize the fit during the procedure and ensure reliable adaptation to the patient's unique anatomy.
3Productivity
If immediate installation is performed, then tooth drifting is prevented, but the spacer must be adjustable to fit different patients
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer incorporates an adjustable screw mechanism that allows the circumference and positioning to be dynamically modified during installation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same standardized device to adapt to various patient anatomies, ensuring proper fit while maintaining immediate installation capability and preventing tooth drifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is designed as a universal device with adjustable components that can accommodate different patient sizes and anatomical variations. The standardized ring, housing, and adjusting screw mechanism provide multi-functionality, allowing the same basic design to serve multiple patients immediately without requiring custom fabrication for each individual.
Data Source
AI summary
A dental spacer that is adjustable and attaches to a tooth. The dental spacer may include a ring with an inner surface and an outer surface. A screw may be secured to the ring to compress and expand the ring size. A spacer may be attached to the outer surface of the ring and may abut against an adjacent tooth. Therefore, the space between two teeth adjacent to a removed tooth may be preserved.