Fixed-Fin Mandibular Splints for Precise Jaw Advancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mandibular advancement devices face challenges in consistently and precisely transferring prescriptions due to manual fabrication methods, leading to issues with durability, patient comfort, and compliance, as well as exposure to residual monomers and size limitations.
Innovation Solution
Digitally designed and milled mandibular advancement devices comprising upper and lower splints with fixed fin positions, allowing for accurate increments of mandible advancement without adjustment screws or straps, using CAD processes and materials like PEEK or acrylate polymers for improved durability and comfort.
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 replaces manual artisanal fabrication with digital design and automated manufacturing processes. Digital impressions and CAD software enable precise customization while automated milling ensures consistent manufacturing precision, eliminating the trade-off between customization and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing parameters from manual techniques to digital parameters. By using digital models with precise measurements and automated milling parameters, the system achieves both high customization (through digital patient-specific modeling) and high manufacturing precision (through automated controlled processes).
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment screw mechanisms are used for mandibular advancement, then titration capability is provided, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the adjustment screw mechanism entirely from the device. Instead of having a complex adjustable system, the invention uses a fixed-position advancement device that is customized digitally for each patient, eliminating the need for screws, blocks, and adjustment mechanisms while maintaining titration capability through digital design variations.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than providing adjustment capability through movable components (screws and straps), the invention inverts the approach by providing fixed-position advancement devices in a series of different advancement amounts. The titration is achieved by selecting among multiple fixed-position devices rather than adjusting a single device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components, straps, and screws are used in device design, then adjustability is achieved, but durability and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all the separate components (screws, straps, blocks, fins) into a single integrated custom-milled device. This unified structure eliminates the reliability issues associated with multiple components that can loosen, break, or fail, while the digital customization maintains the necessary adjustability through patient-specific design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the titration function into multiple discrete fixed-position devices rather than using a continuous adjustment mechanism. Each device is a complete, simple, durable unit optimized for a specific advancement amount, eliminating the need for complex adjustable components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual fabrication with monomer layering is used, then device customization is possible, but patient exposure to residual monomers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical monomer layering process with automated digital milling of pre-cured polymer blocks. This substitution eliminates the harmful residual monomers associated with manual fabrication while maintaining full customization capability through digital patient-specific modeling and precision milling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pre-cured polymer blocks as the starting material for fabrication. These blocks are fully cured and stable, eliminating the residual monomer issue entirely. The process transforms these stable blocks into custom devices through mechanical milling rather than chemical curing.
5Strength
If larger device size is used to withstand intraoral forces, then durability is improved, but patient comfort and compliance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using patient-specific digital modeling to optimize device size and shape for each individual's oral anatomy. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all larger device, the custom-milled device is precisely sized and shaped to fit the patient's mouth, providing sufficient strength where needed while maintaining comfort through precise anatomical matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the size parameter from fixed (larger for strength) to variable (optimized for each patient). Digital design allows the device dimensions to be precisely tailored to each patient's oral cavity, providing the minimum necessary size for durability while maximizing comfort through precise anatomical fitting.
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.