Cure-Through Laminate Veneer Applicator With Integrated LED
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental veneer placement and curing methods are ergonomically challenging due to the fragility and size of veneers, leading to issues like slippage, mal-placement, and incomplete curing, particularly in the central portion, as existing devices obstruct light transference and require separate steps for placement and curing.
Innovation Solution
A Cure Through Laminate Veneer Applicator With Cure Light that allows for simultaneous placement and curing of dental veneers using a singular instrument, featuring a compressible applicator with apertures for light transference and an integrated curing light source, enabling precise alignment, uniform compression, and complete resin curing from the center outward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an opaque central attachment apparatus is used to hold the veneer during placement, then the veneer can be securely held and positioned, but light curing is blocked in the central portion of the veneer resulting in incomplete resin curing
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator head is designed with a transparent or translucent central portion that allows light transmission for curing, while maintaining the structural integrity needed for veneer holding. This local quality change enables simultaneous light penetration and mechanical support without complete opacity.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent intermediary material is used in the central attachment apparatus to replace the traditionally opaque material. This intermediary allows light to pass through while still providing the necessary mechanical function of holding and positioning the veneer during placement.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate instruments are used for veneer placement and curing, then each function can be performed with specialized tools, but the process requires multiple hand position changes and instrument exchanges increasing complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The placement instrument and curing light are merged into a single integrated applicator device. The applicator head combines both the mechanical function of holding/placing the veneer and the optical function of delivering curing light, eliminating the need for separate instruments and hand exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a placement tool and a curing light delivery system. This universal design allows a single instrument to perform multiple functions that previously required separate specialized tools.
3Manufacturing precision
If compression is applied to express excess bonding resin from the periphery, then adequate bonding is achieved, but the opaque attachment apparatus prevents light transfer to the central portion requiring secondary curing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator head incorporates a transparent central region that maintains the compression function for resin expression while allowing light to penetrate to the central portion of the veneer. This local quality modification enables simultaneous compression and light transmission without requiring secondary curing steps.
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
Facilitates precise, one-handed placement and curing of dental veneers, reducing the risk of slippage and incomplete curing, while minimizing the need for multiple instruments and hand position changes, ensuring comprehensive resin curing and reducing the risk of veneer fracture.
Implementation Method 1
exposes the veneer to a curing light to bond it to the tooth... The affixed veneer is in alignment with the instrument's self-incorporated instrument curing light... at least one traversing aperture to permit the passage of a photo curing light
Data Source
AI summary
A veneer applicator to compressively place and photo cure a restorative covering to a tooth to include a photo transmissible insert (2) having a compressible applicator (4) with at least one traversing aperture (6) and a photo transmissible insert shaft (14) to dock with an LED device (22). Docking the insert shaft (14) with the LED device (22) permits a photo curing spectrum to traverse the shaft (14) and compressible applicator (4) at least one aperture (6). This allows for direct surface bonding during veneer application.