Dental Retainer pH Sensor for Acid Source Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pH monitoring devices for acid reflux and dental acid erosion fail to provide real-time, non-intrusive, and comfortable measurements of oral fluid pH, particularly in the mouth, and do not differentiate between gastric and dietary acid exposures.
Innovation Solution
An oral pH sensor system comprising an insertable device with pH sensors, a power source, and a data transceiver, designed to conform to the mouth's shape, allowing continuous monitoring of saliva pH and differentiation between gastric and dietary acid exposures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If esophageal implant or nasal pH probe is used to monitor acid reflux, then pH measurement capability is achieved, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate due to invasive placement requiring anesthesia or sedation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dental retainer as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between non-invasive oral monitoring and the need for accurate pH measurement. The retainer serves as a comfortable, non-invasive platform that holds pH-sensing elements in direct contact with oral fluids, eliminating the need for esophageal implantation or nasal probing while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a functional copy of esophageal pH monitoring by placing pH-sensitive elements in the oral cavity where they can detect pH changes from refluxed gastric fluids. The retainer-based system replicates the measurement function of invasive devices without requiring invasion, using the oral environment as a surrogate monitoring location
2Duration of action of moving object
If invasive pH monitoring devices are used, then continuous pH monitoring is achieved, but device complexity and difficulty of placement increase due to need for surgical implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The dental retainer serves multiple functions: it provides the structural platform for sensor placement, ensures proper positioning of pH-sensitive elements in contact with oral fluids, and acts as a comfortable wearable device that patients can retain for extended periods. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for complex surgical implantation devices while achieving continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer-based system enables self-service application and removal by the patient without requiring surgical intervention or specialized medical procedures. The device can be easily inserted and removed by the patient themselves, dramatically reducing placement complexity compared to surgical implantation
3Measurement precision
If prior art pH devices are used, then gastric acid detection is achieved, but differentiation between gastric and dietary acid sources is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple pH-sensitive elements positioned at different locations on the retainer to detect pH changes at different sites in the oral cavity. By monitoring pH at multiple locations simultaneously, the system can identify patterns that distinguish between gastric acid reflux (which affects specific areas) and dietary acid (which may affect different regions), thereby preserving source identification information
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors pH levels and provides real-time feedback data that can be analyzed to distinguish between different acid sources. By tracking pH changes over time and comparing patterns across multiple sensors, the system can identify whether pH drops are caused by gastric reflux or dietary intake, preventing loss of source attribution information
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 accurate diagnosis and treatment of acid reflux and dental acid erosion by providing real-time pH data, helping to identify and track acid trends, even during sleep, and differentiating between GERD and dietary acid sources.
Implementation Method 1
The pH sensor is exposed to fluids in the patient's mouth and measures the pH of the fluids to determine fluid composition
Data Source
AI summary
An oral insert includes at least one pH sensor in electronic communication with a power source and a data transceiver. The pH sensor is exposed to fluids in the patient's mouth and measures the pH of the fluids to determine fluid composition.