Dental Arch Model Base with Segmented Tooth Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manufacturing dental arch models are complex, costly, and require frequent re-manufacturing of entire models due to changes in tooth positions during orthodontic treatment, lacking efficient and cost-effective solutions for producing bases that accurately receive and adapt to physical tooth models.
Innovation Solution
A method involving casting materials in a container, pressing or pouring the underside of physical tooth models to create impressions, and solidifying these impressions to form a base with features that allow for easy assembly and reconfiguration, using materials like polymers, urethane, or plaster, and incorporating registration features for precise alignment and reassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional methods are used to manufacture dental arch models, then the models can be produced, but the process is complex and costly, and entire models must be re-manufactured frequently when tooth positions change
Solution Approach 1:
The dental arch model is divided into a base and interchangeable tooth models. The base is manufactured once with features for receiving multiple tooth models, while only the tooth models need to be replaced when tooth positions change during orthodontic treatment. This segmentation eliminates the need to re-manufacture the entire arch model, reducing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed with generic receiving features that can accommodate different tooth model configurations. By changing the parameters of tooth model placement rather than redesigning the base structure, the system adapts to different stages of orthodontic treatment without requiring base re-manufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional methods are used, then dental arch models can be produced, but frequent re-manufacturing is required when tooth positions change, increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the base (which remains constant) from the tooth models (which are replaced). This allows the base to be reused across multiple treatment stages, minimizing material waste while maintaining adaptability to changing tooth positions through simple component replacement rather than complete re-manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the tooth models are discarded and replaced when tooth positions change, while the base is recovered and reused. This selective replacement approach reduces material consumption and cost compared to re-manufacturing the entire arch model at each treatment stage.
3Productivity
If traditional methods are used, then complete arch models can be manufactured, but the entire model must be re-manufactured when tooth positions change
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the arch model into a permanent base and replaceable tooth models, the system enables rapid replacement of only the tooth models when positions change. This eliminates the time-consuming process of re-manufacturing the entire base structure, significantly improving productivity and reducing lead time for treatment adjustments.
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 allows for the production of a base that can be easily assembled, repaired, and reconfigured, reducing manufacturing costs by allowing only specific components to be re-molded when tooth positions change, and enabling efficient dental applications such as aligner fabrication and teeth whitening.
Implementation Method 1
solidifying the cast materials having the impressions to produce the base
Data Source
AI summary
A method produces a base for physical tooth models. The method includes providing one or more cast materials in a container, pressing the underside of the physical tooth models into the one or more cast materials to produce impressions in the one or more cast materials, and solidifying the one or more cast materials having the impressions to produce the base that is adapted to receive the physical tooth models.