Dental Prosthesis Locking Cap for Adjustable Jaw Ridge Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental implant systems for securing dentures and bridges lack ease of removal and adjustment, leading to potential irritation and improper fit, especially for long-term use, and do not adapt well to natural variations in jawbone size and shape.
Innovation Solution
The use of adjustable and modular components with a locking cap made of non-adherent materials like silicone or polyacetal Delrin, which can be securely attached to dental implants using a resin, allowing for easy removal and adjustment without damaging the implants, and featuring a spheroidal or ovoidal head for versatile fitting on different gum ridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional dental implant systems are used to securely attach dentures, then the dentures are firmly secured to the jawbone, but the dentures cannot be easily removed or adjusted for cleaning and repair
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the dental implant structure into separate components: a permanent implant body embedded in the jawbone and a removable prosthesis with foundation. This segmentation allows the prosthesis to be securely attached when needed while enabling easy removal for cleaning and maintenance, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of removal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional dental implant systems are used, then the implants provide structural support, but they cannot be adjusted to adapt to natural variations in jawbone size and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces adjustability through the foundation component that can be modified and repositioned on the permanent implant. This dynamic capability allows adaptation to varying jawbone sizes and shapes while maintaining the stable, fixed implant structure embedded in the bone, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural stability.
3Ease of repair
If repeated removal and refitting of dentures is performed, then adjustments can be made for proper fit, but damage occurs to the implant posts
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the implant into a permanent indestructible body and a removable foundation/prosthesis assembly, the system allows repeated removal and adjustment of the prosthesis without affecting the integrity of the implanted portion, resolving the contradiction between adjustment capability and implant strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation and prosthesis are designed as replaceable components that can be removed, adjusted, or replaced as needed, while the expensive permanent implant remains intact. This approach allows multiple fittings and adjustments without damage to the valuable implant posts.
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
Enables secure, comfortable, and adaptable dental prosthesis fitting and maintenance, reducing the risk of implant damage during removal and adjustment, while allowing for multiple fittings and easy cleaning, thus improving patient comfort and prosthesis longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a locking cap made of non-adherent materials like silicone or polyacetal Delrin, which can be securely attached to dental implants using a resin, allowing for easy removal and adjustment without damaging the implants
Data Source
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AI summary
A dental prosthesis foundation capable of being finished or adjusted or repaired and which may be assembled and adjusted to variable jaw ridge sizes, and formed with self-curing hardened resins. The foundation supports prosthetic teeth and is permanently but removably secured to the jaw by implants embedded in hard dental tissue, such as tooth stubs or bones. The dentures can be readily repaired or adjusted for changes in the jaw of the patient, by chairside techniques available to dentists. The foundation can also be adjusted to changes in size and shape of ridges in the jawbones for more comfortable use of the dentures secured on such prostheses, by utilizing spheroidal or ovoidal locking caps preferably initially formed of non-adherent polymers.