Arch Sizing Template for Oral Appliance Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fitting oral devices, such as those for treating obstructive sleep apnea, are time-consuming, inconvenient, and costly due to the need for individual customization, and there is a need for more accurate and efficient sizing from pre-manufactured inventories.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using arch sizing templates with arcs of varying dimensions and shapes to match the dental arch of a patient, allowing for rapid selection of appropriately sized oral appliances from an inventory by measuring the width between opposed teeth and aligning the template for a best fit, enabling precise selection from a larger range of devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual customization methods (full dental impression, forming molds) are used to fit oral devices, then patient comfort and fitting accuracy are optimized, but the process becomes time-consuming, inconvenient, and significantly increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-manufacturing oral devices in multiple sizes and geometries before patient fitting. The devices are prepared in advance with different arch dimensions (small, medium, large widths; anterior-posterior lengths) so that during the fitting process, the practitioner can quickly select from pre-prepared options rather than custom-manufacturing each device, thereby reducing fitting time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous range of possible device sizes into discrete categories (small, medium, large widths; short, medium, long anterior-posterior lengths). This segmentation allows practitioners to select from standardized size groups rather than performing full custom fabrication, balancing fitting accuracy with reduced time and cost requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If individual customization methods are used, then fitting accuracy is optimized, but cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a standardized inventory of oral devices that can serve multiple patients with similar oral cavity dimensions. Instead of custom-manufacturing a unique device for each patient, the same pre-manufactured device in a particular size category can be used across multiple patients, significantly reducing per-unit manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate fit accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach from custom fabrication to production of devices with varied parameters (size, geometry) in advance. Devices are manufactured with different arch widths, anterior-posterior lengths, and other dimensional parameters to match various patient types, allowing selection rather than custom manufacturing, thereby reducing cost
3Measurement precision
If a large inventory of pre-manufactured devices with different sizes is provided, then selection accuracy and patient fit are improved, but it becomes more difficult to discern size differences between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing detailed dimensional information and geometric characteristics for each device in the inventory. Each pre-manufactured device is characterized by specific parameters (arch width, anterior-posterior length, depth) that are documented and made available to practitioners, allowing accurate discrimination between devices despite the large number of options
4Productivity
If three crude sizes (small, medium, large) are used with a single sizing template, then the process is simple and quick, but fitting accuracy is insufficient for complex devices like sleep apnea treatments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sizing system into multiple hierarchical levels: first by arch width (small, medium, large), then by anterior-posterior length (short, medium, long), and potentially other dimensions. This multi-level segmentation provides finer discrimination than a single three-size category while maintaining a structured, manageable process that remains relatively quick to execute
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to the sizing system by incorporating multiple measurement parameters (width, anterior-posterior length, depth) rather than relying on a single size category. This multi-dimensional approach improves accuracy by considering various oral cavity dimensions simultaneously while organizing devices in a systematic inventory structure
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems for sizing oral appliances comprise both a width measuring template or tool for determining the distance between opposed molars and an arch sizing tool for determining the size and shape of the patient's dental arch. Based on this information, individual appliances can be selected from an inventory of such appliances, where the selected appliance would best fit the patient.