Bite Registration Tool with Occlusal Alignment for Denture Workflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for bite registration in dentistry are time-consuming and require multiple exchanges between dentists and dental technicians, involving complex manual processes and multiple sessions for creating and fitting partial or full dentures, with limited flexibility and precision in determining the jaw relationship and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A bite registration tool set with tooth molds aligned in the occlusal position, allowing for on-site try-in and adjustment, using industrially produced milling blocks, and an encryption element for flexible handling, enabling direct aesthetic and functional checks by the dentist, potentially reducing the need for articulators and simplifying the coordination between dental professionals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional manual bite registration methods are used with multiple exchanges between dentist and dental technician, then the denture can be created with traditional processes, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple sessions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedenture creation efficiencyVSAvoidtime for multiple exchanges and sessions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bite registration tool combines multiple functions into a single device: it serves as both an impression tray and a bite registration tool, and integrates aesthetic verification capabilities. This merging eliminates the need for separate steps and multiple exchanges between dentist and technician, allowing the entire bite registration and aesthetic verification process to be completed in one session at the dentist's office.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bite registration tool allows preliminary aesthetic verification and functional checks to be performed before the denture is finalized. By enabling the dentist to conduct try-ins and make adjustments during the bite registration phase itself, corrections can be made in advance rather than requiring multiple subsequent exchanges with the dental technician.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional separate processes for impressions and bite registration are used, then each step can be performed with specialized tools, but the overall process becomes complex and requires multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of bite registration processVSAvoidnumber of separate tools and steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bite registration tool merges the impression tray and bite registration tool into a single integrated device. This eliminates the need for separate tools for taking impressions and recording bite relationships, simplifying the process while maintaining the specialized functions of each component within the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bite registration tool is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple tasks: serving as an impression tray, recording bite registration, enabling aesthetic verification, and facilitating functional checks. This universality reduces the number of separate tools needed and simplifies the overall manufacturing and clinical workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If digital approaches with virtual models are used, then the need for physical articulators is reduced, but the bite registration still requires correlation with physical models or digital matching processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedigital integration levelVSAvoidcomplexity of digital matching process
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bite registration tool creates a physical copy or representation of the bite relationship that can be directly used with digital workflows. By providing a tangible bite registration record that captures the jaw relationship, it enables straightforward digital scanning and model creation without requiring complex digital matching processes, bridging the gap between physical and digital dentistry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3223743B1Bite registration tool, bite registration tool set, and suitable bite registration method
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 MERZ DENTAL
  • EP3223743B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3223743B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3223743B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described are a bite registration tool consisting of tooth casts (UZF and OZF) that are placed on top of one another in the occlusal position, a bite registration tool set consisting of at least one bite registration tool for the upper and lower jaws (OKB and UKB) and a molding material, and a bite registration method, especially for a full prosthesis.