Dental Shade Matching Tool with Neutral Background Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental shade matching techniques are subjective and influenced by lighting and environmental conditions, requiring assistance and potentially introducing unsterile elements into the patient's mouth, as they rely on visual comparison with shade guides.
Innovation Solution
A dental shade matching background tool with an elongate handle and a neutral-colored background tab that attaches to conventional shade guides, allowing practitioners to maintain a neutral background for accurate comparison without needing assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a neutral background is used during shade matching, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the background support function and shade guide holding function into a single integrated tool. The handle with slot accommodates both the shade guide tab and neutral background card, merging two previously separate requirements into one device that provides both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool serves multiple functions: it holds the shade guide tab for color comparison, provides a neutral background card to eliminate environmental color interference, and maintains both elements in proper alignment during the shade matching procedure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate background cards and shade guide holders.
2Measurement precision
If assistance from a dental assistant is used to hold background paper, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed to be self-contained and operable by a single practitioner. The integrated handle and slot system allows the user to independently hold both the shade guide and neutral background without requiring assistance from another person, making the procedure self-service and eliminating the need for a dental assistant.
3Measurement precision
If unsterile paper is brought into the patient's mouth area, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The neutral background card is extracted from the mouth area and positioned behind the shade guide tab externally. The tool design allows the background to be held outside the patient's oral cavity while still providing the necessary neutral reference, eliminating the risk of introducing unsterile materials into the sterile field.
Data Source
AI summary
The dental shade matching background tool has an elongate handle having a handgrip or finger-grip end and a dental shade guide attachment end. The dental shade guide attachment end has an upper surface defining a slot adapted for attaching the handle of a conventional dental shade guide to the tool, which snaps into or forms a friction fit in the slot. An offset neck slopes downward from the dental shade guide attachment end of the handle and has a background tab extending therefrom. The background tab has a face that is coated or covered with a neutral background color, such as gray. The background tab extends parallel to and beneath the tab of a dental shade guide retained in the slot at the dental shade guide attachment end of the handle.