Composite Orthodontic Spacer with Structural Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic spacer installation methods are difficult to control precisely, time-consuming, and uncomfortable for patients, with pre-formed spacers being susceptible to detachment.
Innovation Solution
A composite orthodontic spacer formed from a curable and dimensionally stable resin formulation with a structural frame and handle, allowing for precise application and stabilization on teeth, limiting mouth movement and preventing tooth contact with orthodontic appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If flowable resin is injected onto molars to form spacers, then spacers can be created, but the process is difficult to control precisely resulting in spacers that may be too small or too large
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is pre-formed with precise dimensions before application to the tooth. The composite body is manufactured in advance with the exact thickness and shape required, eliminating the difficulty of controlling spacer size during the application process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual injection and shaping of flowable resin with a pre-formed composite spacer that is positioned and cured in place. This substitution of the formation mechanism with a positioning mechanism improves precision while simplifying the operator's task.
2Productivity
If flowable resin is injected and cured to form spacers, then spacers can be created, but the process is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is pre-formed and ready for immediate application, eliminating the time required for injection, shaping, and incremental curing of flowable resin. The pre-prepared spacer can be applied in a single step and cured quickly.
3Ease of operation
If pre-formed metallic spacers are adhered onto teeth, then spacer application is simplified, but the spacers are susceptible to detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of a composite body integrated with a structural frame. The composite body provides aesthetic matching and bonding compatibility with tooth structure, while the structural frame (made of metal or other strong material) provides mechanical strength and resistance to detachment forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two previously separate components (composite aesthetic portion and metallic structural frame) into a single integrated spacer. This combination allows the spacer to simultaneously achieve ease of application through composite bonding and reliability through metallic structural support.
4Ease of operation
If pre-formed metallic spacers are used, then application process is simplified, but the spacers are uncomfortable for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The composite body portion of the spacer can be formulated to match the color and texture of natural teeth, making the appliance less noticeable and more comfortable for the patient. The composite material can also be designed with surface properties that are gentler on the surrounding oral tissues compared to metallic spacers.
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 solution provides a precise, efficient, and comfortable method for limiting mouth movement, ensuring consistent spacing and preventing tooth contact with orthodontic appliances, while maintaining stability and ease of use for orthodontic professionals.
Implementation Method 1
a curable and dimensionally stable resin formulation
Implementation Method 2
The spacer limits movement of the patient's mouth and inhibits the patient's teeth from contacting an orthodontic appliance
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an orthodontic spacer including a composite body formed from a curable and dimensionally stable resin formulation. The composite body has a first contact surface, a second contact surface, and a predetermined thickness between the first contact surface and the second contact surface. The spacer limits movement of the patient's mouth and inhibits the patient's teeth from biting or otherwise contacting an orthodontic appliance.