Dental Splint Molding Plate With Repositionable Tooth Templates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process for producing dental splints is time-consuming and resource-intensive, requiring multiple 3D printed models and significant material consumption, with an average treatment duration of 14 months and 56 dental splints needed for both upper and lower jaws.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base element, holding plate, and detachable receiving elements that can be positioned and oriented in multiple ways, combined with a thermoforming process, allows for the production of multiple dental splints using a single dental template, reducing the need for repeated 3D printing and material consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate 3D model is printed for each dental splint, then the production of individualized dental splints is achieved, but the production time and material consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the production process by separating the master 3D model from the actual splint production. Instead of printing 56 separate models, one master model is printed and then segmented into multiple receiving elements that can be reused. This reduces printing time from 24 hours to approximately 25 minutes while maintaining individualization through digital positioning of receiving elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The master 3D model is prepared in advance as a reusable template. The receiving elements are pre-configured with positioning features that allow them to be arranged in different configurations for different splints. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for repeated 3D printing while preserving customization capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If a separate 3D model is printed for each dental splint, then accurate dental templates are obtained, but material consumption increases to 667 cm³
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating 56 separate physical 3D models, the invention creates one master model and uses receiving elements as reusable copies or templates. The receiving elements are positioned and oriented to replicate the necessary dental anatomies for different splints, reducing material consumption from 667 cm³ to approximately 11.5 cm³ for the single master model while maintaining manufacturing precision through digital positioning control.
3Productivity
If the 3D printing process is continuous, then productivity is maintained, but the operator must restart the procedure every half hour making it cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces dynamic reconfigurability through receiving elements that can be positioned and oriented in multiple ways on the holding plate. This allows the system to adapt to different production requirements without restarting the printing process. The receiving elements can be adjusted between uses, enabling continuous operation while maintaining ease of operation through a user-friendly positioning mechanism.
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
This approach significantly reduces the time and resources required for dental splint production, allowing for efficient and precise manufacturing of multiple splints using a single template, thereby enhancing productivity and minimizing material waste.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoforming device (19) which is designed to thermoform a plastic blank into a molded part
Data Source
AI summary
A device for producing a molded part of a dental splint includes a base element, a retaining plate, and at least one receiving element. The at least one receiving element is arranged releasably on an upper side of the retaining plate. The at least one receiving element is designed to receive a tooth template. The at least one receiving element is fixable on the retaining plate in a plurality of positions and/or orientations. Also disclosed is an apparatus for producing a dental splint by such a device, and to a method for producing a dental splint, in particular using the apparatus.