Dental Component Indexing for Fixture Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dentists face challenges in ensuring correct rotational orientation of dental fixtures and superstructures during installation, particularly with sloped coronal end portions, due to their small size and difficulty in visualizing the orientation, which can lead to improper alignment with the jawbone contours.
Innovation Solution
A dental component with equally-dimensioned primary radial projections distributed along its circumference, featuring distinct first and second distances between projections, allows for a single rotational orientation with fixtures requiring precise alignment while allowing multiple orientations with others, using a combination of primary and secondary projections to ensure correct positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a sloped coronal end portion is used to match jawbone contours, then the fixture alignment with jawbone is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the fixture orientation during insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual marking principles by providing distinct visual indicators (such as colored marks or contrasting features) on the fixture or driver that allow the dentist to easily detect and verify the rotational orientation of the sloped fixture during insertion, thereby resolving the difficulty of detecting orientation while maintaining the alignment benefits of the sloped design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a driver as an intermediary tool that engages with the fixture and provides visual feedback or alignment indicators. The driver acts as a mediator between the dentist's hand and the fixture, enabling precise control and visualization of the fixture's rotational position during the insertion process
2Manufacturing precision
If an abutment is designed to match a specific fixture orientation, then the abutment/fixture connection precision is improved, but the adaptability to different fixture types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic engagement mechanism where the driver or abutment can adapt to different fixture configurations. The engagement portion features that allow for precise orientation when needed, while maintaining the capability to engage with fixtures of varying orientations through flexible engagement geometries or adjustable positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The driver design incorporates universal engagement features that allow it to work with multiple fixture types. By providing a standardized interface with visual indicators that can accommodate both sloped and flat-topped fixtures, the driver achieves multi-functionality, enabling precise connection across different fixture configurations without sacrificing adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dental component, which can only be connected in one indexing position in one type of dental fixture, but in any one of a plurality of indexing positions with another type of dental fixture. The dental component is provided with primary projections which are not completely evenly distributed around the circumference of an engagement portion of the dental component. The invention also relates to a dental fixture, a dental implant assembly and a dental implant system.