Dental Implant Shell for Worn Retention Element Restoration

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for restoring worn retention elements on dental implants or root pins are time-consuming, inconvenient for patients, and often require replacement of the entire implant or root pin, leading to discomfort and increased material expenditure.

Innovation Solution

A shell with an internal cavity adapted to the dimensions of the existing retention element is used to form a further retention element, which can be connected with material or shape fit, increasing the size of the existing retention element without the need for traditional repair methods, thereby enhancing holding force and reducing patient discomfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional repair methods (radial reduction to cylinder and threading) are used to restore worn retention elements, then the retention element can be restored, but the treatment time increases and patient discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention element functionalityVSAvoidtreatment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shell is placed over the worn retention element (ball head) on the implant, creating a nested structure where the new retention element contains the old one. This allows restoration without removing or significantly modifying the original retention element, dramatically reducing treatment time and patient discomfort while restoring full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention system is divided into two separate components: the original retention element (ball head) that remains on the implant, and the new shell that provides the external retention surface. This segmentation allows the worn component to be preserved while adding a new functional layer, avoiding time-consuming removal and reattachment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional repair methods are used, then the retention element can be restored, but the number of steps and complexity of the procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention element functionalityVSAvoidnumber of repair steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shell is placed over the worn retention element (ball head) on the implant, creating a nested structure where the new retention element contains the old one. This allows restoration without removing or significantly modifying the original retention element, dramatically reducing treatment time and patient discomfort while restoring full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The shell replicates the essential external geometry and retention surface of a new retention element, creating a functional copy that can be placed over the worn component. This copying approach restores the necessary retention geometry without requiring complex machining or multiple procedural steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If the retention element diameter decreases due to wear, then adhesive friction decreases, but the common repair method requires significant material removal and reshaping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive frictionVSAvoidease of repair

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shell is placed over the worn retention element (ball head) on the implant, creating a nested structure where the new retention element contains the old one. This allows restoration without removing or significantly modifying the original retention element, dramatically reducing treatment time and patient discomfort while restoring full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of modifying the worn retention element by removing material and changing its geometry, the solution changes the approach by adding a new component (shell) with the correct external dimensions and retention surface properties. This parameter change from modification to addition simplifies the repair process significantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11510762B2Shell for adapting a retention element and method for the same

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 BREDENT

AI summary

In a shell for adapting a retention element to an anchoring element, and a method of forming a further retention element on an anchoring element including a shell, the shell has an internal cavity, the dimensions of which are matched to the external dimensions of the retention element and which is connectable to the retention element in an integral or form-fitting manner, and has an outer surface which is formed as a further retention element.