Disposable U-Shaped Bruxism Device with Resilient Bite Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for bruxism and temporomandibular dysfunction, such as grinding and clenching of teeth, often require costly and cumbersome devices that need frequent clinical supervision and are not easily adaptable to different mouth sizes, and do not effectively address nocturnal grinding which can lead to significant damage and pain.
Innovation Solution
A horseshoe-shaped intraoral device with soft, resilient bite pads positioned between the upper and lower teeth, designed to absorb grinding forces, featuring a U-shaped arch and adjustable placement to accommodate the frenulum, made from durable yet flexible materials for easy mass production and disposable use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specially-fitted plastic mouth appliance is worn at night to absorb the force of biting, then tooth damage is prevented, but the device requires frequent clinical supervision and is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a disposable mouth guard that can be thrown away after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning, sterilization, and frequent clinical supervision. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliable protection through a simple, inexpensive, single-use device that requires no ongoing maintenance or professional oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
The mouth guard is designed to be self-fitting and self-servicing, requiring no clinical supervision for insertion, removal, or maintenance. The user simply places the device in their mouth before sleep and discards it afterward, eliminating the need for professional intervention and making the protection system entirely self-service oriented.
2Reliability
If a custom-fitted mouth guard is used to protect teeth from grinding forces, then tooth damage is reduced, but the device is cumbersome and not easily adaptable to different mouth sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a universal mouth guard design that can accommodate different mouth sizes and shapes without requiring custom fitting for each individual. The device incorporates flexible materials and adjustable features that allow it to adapt to various anatomical variations, providing effective protection across a broad population without customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The mouth guard utilizes materials with variable physical properties, particularly flexibility and softness, that allow the device to conform to different mouth geometries. By changing the material parameters (softness, elasticity), the single design can effectively adapt to various mouth sizes and shapes while maintaining protection effectiveness.
3Strength
If a durable mouth guard is used to withstand grinding forces, then protection is effective, but the device is difficult to clean and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a disposable mouth guard designed for single-use, which completely eliminates cleaning and maintenance requirements. The device is manufactured to sufficient strength for one night of protection, then discarded, resolving the contradiction by making the device so inexpensive that durability beyond single use is unnecessary, thereby eliminating maintenance burden entirely.
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
The device effectively reduces grinding forces, is comfortable and easy to use, provides a universal fit, and is inexpensive, allowing for direct use without clinical supervision, thus addressing the limitations of existing treatments by minimizing damage and pain associated with bruxism and temporomandibular dysfunction.
Implementation Method 1
soft, resilient bite pads positioned between the upper and lower teeth, designed to absorb grinding forces
Data Source
AI summary
A one-piece molded bruxism treatment device which in upright orientation has top and bottom parts, including: an elongated band having a generally U-shape defining a closed front end part and legs extending rearward and adapted to be positioned around the outer surfaces of a person's upper gums and teeth, and two generally planar resiliently deformable bite pads oriented generally horizontally, each extending from one of the feet of the band medially toward the other.