Bi-cuspid Retainer Jaw Positioning for Sleep Apnea
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for treating obstructive sleep apnea are often cumbersome, uncomfortable, and ineffective in addressing both sleep apnea and sleep bruxism, with a need for more obtrusive, durable, and easy-to-use solutions.
Innovation Solution
A retainer system comprising upper and lower retainers with specific designs that abut teeth, featuring elongated surfaces and blocks to cover molars, canine, and first bicuspid teeth, with wires covering incisors and wings that push the lower jaw forward relative to the upper jaw, creating a space to prevent airway obstruction during sleep.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional CPAP masks are used to treat sleep apnea, then the airway can be kept open through positive air pressure, but the device becomes cumbersome, uncomfortable, and may leak or fall off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical CPAP mask system with a dental retainer system that uses the patient's own teeth and jaw structure to maintain airway patency. The retainer positions the lower jaw forward, which mechanically opens the airway without requiring external air pressure or a face mask.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer system utilizes the patient's own oral structures (teeth, gums, jaw) to achieve airway opening, eliminating the need for external equipment. The device is worn in the mouth like traditional dental retainers and automatically maintains jaw position during sleep.
2Reliability
If traditional dental devices with adjustable posts are used to extend the lower jaw, then the jaw can be positioned forward, but the device becomes complex and restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex adjustable post mechanism from traditional dental devices. Instead of using movable components, the retainer uses a fixed, simplified structure that achieves jaw positioning through its geometry and contact points with the teeth, eliminating the need for adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer applies force at specific localized points on the teeth (upper and lower arches) rather than requiring a complex overall structure. The selective contact points with specific teeth provide stable jaw positioning through localized support rather than comprehensive mechanical adjustment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If comprehensive tooth coverage is used in retainers, then stability is improved, but the device becomes less durable and more difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into separate upper and lower arch components that can be removed and cleaned independently. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance and cleaning compared to a single-piece design, while maintaining stability through the coordinated fit of both arches in the mouth.
Data Source
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AI summary
A retainer with a block extending downwards from an otherwise generally flat surface is disclosed. The block corresponds to a region of one or more of the cuspids or pre-molars. A side block or other device on the upper retainer also abuts a wing or other abutment device of a lower retainer, causing the lower jaw to be pushed forward relative to the upper jaw and resting position (regular organic closing position) of the upper and lower jaw together. Thus, the upper teeth are pushed forward and a space is created between the teeth behind the (lower) block preventing an apnea during sleep.