Aluminum-Free Chitosan Retraction Paste for Dental Impressions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current retraction methods in dentistry using aluminum salts are harmful to health and inefficient, as they can cause neurotoxic effects and are difficult to apply precisely, leading to potential gum damage and prolonged procedures.

Innovation Solution

An aluminum-free retraction paste composed of chitosan or chitosan derivatives, tartaric acid, solvents, and fillers, which provides astringent properties through protein coagulation without the risks associated with aluminum, allowing for gentle gingiva retraction and easy removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If aluminum-containing astringent solutions are used for retraction, then effective gingiva retraction is achieved, but health safety deteriorates due to neurotoxic effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretraction effectivenessVSAvoidneurotoxic effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing aluminum salts with chitosan derivatives and tartaric acid, maintaining astringent functionality while eliminating neurotoxic effects. This substitution transforms the chemical basis of the astringent action from aluminum-based protein precipitation to chitosan-based coagulation enhanced by tartaric acid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a single-use retraction paste that is applied and then removed, avoiding the need for reusable instruments that might retain aluminum residues. The paste is designed for one-time application and disposal, ensuring no persistent aluminum exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Manufacturing precision

If retraction cord is inserted by pressure to expose preparation edge, then retraction is achieved, but precision deteriorates leading to gum damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreparation edge exposureVSAvoidpressure control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pressure-based retraction cord insertion with a chemical retraction paste that is applied gently. The paste utilizes chitosan and tartaric acid to achieve gingiva retraction through astringent action rather than mechanical force, eliminating the precision control problems associated with pressure application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The retraction paste acts as an intermediary substance between the dentist and the gingiva, mediating the retraction process through chemical action rather than direct mechanical pressure. This intermediary approach allows for more controlled and precise gingiva displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If retraction cord is used to expose preparation edge, then retraction is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreparation edge exposureVSAvoidprocedure duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical retraction cord insertion and positioning process with a simpler application of retraction paste. The paste can be applied more quickly and requires less manipulation time, reducing overall procedure duration while maintaining retraction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If aluminum-containing retraction compositions are used, then astringent effect is achieved, but health safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveastringent effectVSAvoidhealth hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the chemical composition by substituting aluminum salts with chitosan derivatives and tartaric acid. This parameter change maintains the astringent effect through alternative mechanisms while eliminating the harmful aluminum component entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The retraction paste is designed as a disposable product that is applied and then removed, preventing any persistent aluminum exposure. The single-use nature of the paste ensures that no aluminum residues remain in the patient's mouth after the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 paste effectively exposes the preparation edge for precise impressions while being safe and easy to use, with chitosan derivatives providing astringent effects and tartaric acid enhancing coagulation properties, ensuring effective retraction without residue or health hazards.

Implementation Method 1

chitosan or chitosan derivatives, which provide astringent properties through protein coagulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProtein coagulation: Coagulation

Implementation Method 2

tartaric acid enhancing coagulation properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoagulation enhancement: Coagulation

Data Source

PatentEP3574887B1Astringent aluminum-free retraction paste for professional dental use
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 VOCO GMBH
  • EP3574887B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3574887B1 patent drawing
  • EP3574887B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an astringent, aluminum-free retraction paste that can be used by dentists prior to taking an impression to expose the preparation margin, comprising chitosan or chitosan derivatives, tartaric acid, solvents, preferably water and/or alcohols, and fillers for professional dental use. The invention further comprises an astringent retraction paste for use in a therapeutic procedure for restoring one or more teeth, and a corresponding kit.