3D Printed Dental Attachment Templates for Complex Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for forming and placing dental attachments, especially those with complex shapes or at difficult-to-access locations, are challenging for dental professionals, particularly those with less expertise, as they limit the complexity of shapes and positions of attachments and require specialized skills.
Innovation Solution
The development of three-dimensionally printed dental attachment templates that can be customized to fit a patient's teeth, allowing for the injection and curing of attachment material in situ, enabling the formation of complex shapes and precise placement, even in hard-to-reach areas, with features like slits for flexibility and vent holes to prevent air bubbles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional techniques are used to form attachments, then the process is simple, but the complexity of shapes and positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a template as an intermediary tool that simplifies the placement process. The template contains pre-formed cavities with complex geometries that guide the attachment material into precise positions and shapes, allowing less experienced practitioners to achieve consistent results without requiring advanced manual shaping skills
Solution Approach 2:
The template is designed with pre-formed cavities that already contain the complex geometry required for the attachment. This preliminary preparation of the shaping information in the template eliminates the need for the practitioner to manually create complex shapes during the placement procedure
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional techniques are used to place attachments, then the procedure is straightforward, but precision at difficult-to-access locations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The template serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between simple operation and precise placement. By providing a physical guide with pre-formed cavities, the template enables practitioners to achieve high precision at difficult-to-access locations without increasing the complexity of the placement procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The template contains a physical copy or replica of the precise geometry needed for the attachment. The cavities in the template are molded versions of the ideal attachment shape and position, allowing the practitioner to transfer this pre-designed precision to the patient's tooth without requiring manual precision
3Reliability
If specialized skills are required for attachment placement, then the quality of treatment is high, but accessibility to less experienced practitioners is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The template acts as an educational and supportive intermediary that helps less experienced practitioners achieve reliable treatment outcomes. The physical guide provides tactile feedback and visual guidance, reducing the learning curve and enabling consistent quality without requiring extensive prior training
Solution Approach 2:
The template is designed as a disposable or single-use item that can be easily discarded after use. This eliminates the need for cleaning, sterilization, or maintenance, making it accessible to practitioners with limited training while ensuring consistent treatment quality through the pre-designed geometry
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
This approach enhances the flexibility and precision of attachment placement, allowing for the use of various materials and shapes, improving orthodontic treatment outcomes by enabling the formation of complex attachments that were previously difficult to achieve with traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
an attachment material in a fluid state may be introduced to the cavity(ies) of the template via one or more holes in the template, followed by curing of the attachment material
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods, devices, systems, and computer-implemented methods for forming and placing attachments for use with dental appliances, and more particularly to the design, manufacture, and use of three-dimensionally printed attachment templates for use with orthodontic devices. Dental attachment templates include a cavity with one or more openings for injecting and bonding attachment material directly on a patient's tooth, which allow accurate placement of the attachments while providing the dental practitioner flexibility during the attachment forming process. Digital dental attachment template model techniques can be used to accurately place the cavity and opening.