Dental Mirror Assembly with Molded Teeth Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental visits, especially for young children, are often anxiety-provoking due to the mystery and fear of pain, necessitating a device or method to reduce anxiety and facilitate communication between dentists and patients about dental procedures.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held mirror assembly with a reflective surface, molded teeth on the frame, and a 10× magnification with an LED light source, designed to provide a full arch view of a patient's mouth, allowing patients to compare their teeth with molded teeth, thereby aiding in explaining procedures and reducing anxiety through a friendly, arcade-like appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional dental mirror is used, then the dentist can examine the patient's teeth, but the patient experiences anxiety and fear due to the mysterious and clinical appearance of traditional dental tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by molding actual patient teeth onto the mirror frame. This creates a visual reference that copies the patient's own dental anatomy, allowing them to see and understand their tooth structure, current condition, and treatment needs in a familiar and non-threatening way, thereby reducing anxiety while maintaining examination functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The molded teeth on the mirror frame serve as an intermediary between the dentist's explanation and the patient's understanding. Instead of directly showing clinical instruments or procedures that may frighten the patient, the mirror uses familiar tooth replicas as a mediating visual aid to communicate dental conditions and treatment plans in an accessible manner
2Loss of information
If the mirror provides a full arch view with magnification, then the patient can see detailed tooth arrangements, but the device requires additional features like LED lighting and specific optical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single dental mirror device: it combines the reflective surface for viewing, magnification optics (10x) for detail enhancement, LED lighting for illumination, and molded teeth references for comparison. This integration allows the patient to see detailed tooth arrangements with proper lighting while keeping the device as one unified tool rather than multiple separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates LED lighting that can change color or provide different illumination modes to enhance visibility of tooth details. The LED lights embedded in the mirror frame provide controlled illumination that highlights dental structures, cavities, and treatment areas, making detailed tooth arrangements visible while adding a modern, engaging feature to the device
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the mirror has an arcade toy-like appearance, then it appeals to children and reduces fear, but it may appear less professional or clinical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the frame of the mirror colorful and playful with an arcade toy-like appearance, while the reflective surface and optical components remain functional and professional. This allows the device to appeal to children through its engaging exterior design while maintaining the reliability and effectiveness of the dental examination function through proper optical quality and clinical utility
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
The mirror assembly helps patients feel more in control and relaxed, enabling effective communication of dental procedures by allowing them to visualize their teeth and the procedures through a familiar and engaging interface, thus reducing fear and anxiety.
Implementation Method 1
an LED light source in the frame thereof, causing the frame to glow
Implementation Method 2
a mirror glass providing a reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a mirror assembly for dental applications. There is a need for a device that helps communication between patients and their dentists. The present mirror assembly provides a reference point to enhance communication. The mirror assembly comprises a mirror glass having a reflective surface, a frame surrounding the mirror glass, and one or more molded teeth positioned on the frame. The one or more molded teeth may be reflected by the mirror glass, and the mirror assembly may be viewed by the patient, the dentist, or both.