Fixed-Fin Mandibular Splints for Precise Jaw Advancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mandibular advancement devices face challenges in precision, durability, patient comfort, and ease of use due to manual fabrication methods, leading to inconsistent adjustments and potential health risks from residual monomers, along with size limitations that affect compliance.
Innovation Solution
Digitally designed and milled mandibular advancement devices comprising upper and lower splints with fixed fins that provide precise jaw advancement through interchangeable parts, minimizing the need for adjustment screws or straps, and utilizing materials like PEEK that can withstand oral forces while reducing residual monomers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual artisanal fabrication methods are used to create mandibular advancement devices, then customization for each patient is possible, but manufacturing precision and consistency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital impressions and 3D scanning to create accurate digital copies of the patient's dentition, which are then used to manufacture the device through additive manufacturing. This digital copying process eliminates the imprecision of manual fabrication while maintaining full customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical fabrication processes with automated digital design and additive manufacturing systems. This substitution enables precise control over device geometry and dimensions while maintaining patient-specific customization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment screw mechanisms are used for titration, then mandibular advancement can be adjusted, but device complexity and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic modification of the device's mandibular advancement capability. The device transitions from a static prosthesis to a dynamic system where the degree of advancement can be modified by the patient or clinician through simple mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables patients to perform their own titration adjustments without requiring specialized tools or complex mechanisms. The adjustment system is designed to be user-friendly, allowing patients to modify their own device settings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PMMA and monomer layering methods are used for device fabrication, then customization is achieved, but patient exposure to residual monomers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material state and processing parameters by using additive manufacturing with pre-polymerized resins or digital light processing techniques. This eliminates the need for layering liquid monomers that leave residual monomers, while still enabling full customization of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a digital workflow that can create devices from pre-fabricated or rapidly manufactured components, reducing the need for extensive chemical processing and monomer curing that leaves harmful residues.
4Adaptability or versatility
If devices are designed with multiple components and straps, then adjustability is improved, but durability and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single monolithic structure fabricated by additive manufacturing. The device combines the mandibular advancement function, retention elements, and adjustment mechanisms into one unified component, eliminating the reliability issues associated with multiple separate parts and their interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal device structure that performs multiple functions: mandibular advancement, retention, and adjustment. This multi-functional integration reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining all necessary capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are mandibular advancement devices comprising an upper splint and a lower splint, where the upper splint comprises one or more upper fins, where each upper fin is located at a distance UD from back of the upper splint; the lower splints comprise one or more lower fins, where each lower fin is located at a distance LD from back of the lower splint; where the position of the upper and lower fins is unchangeable. Also disclosed are methods of reducing partial constriction of airway during sleep for a patient, the method comprising identifying a patient in need thereof; and administering to the patient the disclosed mandibular advancement device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a mandibular advancement device, the method comprising obtaining measurements from a patient's dentition; digitally designing a mandibular advancement device; and milling the mandibular advancement device.