Cure-Through Veneer Applicator with Light Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental veneer placement systems face challenges due to the fragility and size of veneers, leading to slippage, mal-placement, and inadequate curing of the central portion, as opaque attachment apparatuses prevent light transference, resulting in uncured resin areas.
Innovation Solution
A cure-through laminate veneer applicator with a gripping body and compressible applicator having traversing apertures for photo curing light passage, allowing for precise placement, compression, and simultaneous light curing from the center outward, ensuring complete resin cure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an opaque attachment apparatus is used to place the veneer, then the veneer can be securely held and positioned, but light cannot pass through to cure the resin in the central portion of the veneer
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator head is divided into multiple sections with light-transmitting windows positioned to direct light through the bonding resin to the central portion of the veneer. This segmentation allows the device to simultaneously maintain mechanical stability while enabling light transmission for curing.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator head has different optical properties in different regions - opaque areas for structural support and light-transmitting windows for light delivery. This local differentiation allows the device to perform both mechanical holding and light transmission functions simultaneously.
2Strength
If compression is applied to the veneer to express excess bonding resin, then adhesion is improved, but the opaque applicator prevents light from curing the resin underneath
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator head is segmented into light-transmitting windows that allow light to pass through the compressed bonding resin. This enables simultaneous compression for resin expression and light transmission for curing, resolving the contradiction between improving bond strength and maintaining light transmission.
3Ease of operation
If the clinician uses thumb and index finger to manipulate the veneer, then direct control is achieved, but slippage and mal-placement occur due to fragility and size of the veneer
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator serves as an intermediary tool between the clinician and the veneer. It provides a stable gripping surface and precise positioning mechanism that eliminates the slippage and imprecision associated with direct finger manipulation, while still allowing full control over placement.
4Ease of operation
If a sliding plunger mechanism is used to release the veneer, then the veneer can be detached from the applicator, but the mechanism adds complexity and potential points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is extracted from the applicator body and integrated into the disposable applicator tip itself. This eliminates the need for complex sliding plungers while maintaining the ability to easily release the veneer through a simple button or latch mechanism built into the tip.
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 ergonomic and precise placement of veneers with complete resin curing, reducing complications like slippage and over-expression of bonding agents, while maintaining compressive forces during curing, ensuring a superior bond with maximum light exposure.
Implementation Method 1
photo-cured to effect the veneer's adhesion to the tooth
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument to compressively place and bond a restorative covering to the surface of a tooth including a gripping body (4) with a gently tapered mildly angled neck (6) having an applicator holder (8) with an attached compressible applicator with traversing photo cure apertures (12) to permit the passage of a photo curing light.