Customized Dental Attachment Abutments for Denture Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard stock attachment abutments for dentures often compromise retention force due to angular misalignment, and existing solutions limit the pivot angle range, making it difficult to achieve both a secure fit and esthetic integration with the jaw.

Innovation Solution

A method for digitally designing customized attachment abutments with specific connection and attachment sections, aligned to match implants and dentures, incorporating a transition section and a locking element to prevent rotation, ensuring optimal alignment and minimal exposure above the gum line.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard stock attachment abutments are used with pivot functionality, then adaptability to different angles is improved, but retention force is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepivot angle rangeVSAvoidretention force

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the pivot angle within a specific range (5-15 degrees) rather than allowing free pivoting. This optimized angle range maintains sufficient adaptability for different implant orientations while ensuring the retention force remains above the critical threshold needed for stable denture attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements local quality by providing different pivot angle characteristics for different attachment abutments based on their specific implant locations and orientations. Each abutment is customized with the optimal pivot angle tailored to its local anatomical and functional requirements, rather than using a uniform pivot mechanism for all abutments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Force

If attachment abutments are customized for improved alignment, then retention force and esthetics are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention forceVSAvoidcustomization process

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing digital planning and customization of attachment abutments before the actual implant placement or denture fabrication. The optimal pivot angles and orientations are calculated and determined in advance using digital models, allowing for precise manufacturing without increasing operational complexity during clinical procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses copying by creating digital replicas and virtual models of the patient's jaw anatomy and implant configurations. These digital copies allow for extensive customization and optimization of attachment abutments in the virtual environment, and only the finalized designs are manufactured, avoiding the need for complex physical trial-and-error adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3068334B1Method for designing attachment abutments for attaching dentures to the mandible and/or maxilla

Publication Date: 2019.10.30 3SHAPE AS

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AI summary

Disclosed is a method for digitally designing at least two attachment abutments, each attachment abutment comprising an implant connection section adapted for connection to a respective implant along an implant axis, a transition section separating the implant connection section and an attachment section, wherein the attachment section is adapted for receiving a mating part.