Flexible Bubble Mouth Guard for Bruxism and TMJ

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mouth guards do not effectively prevent teeth grinding and clenching, particularly in sports, and do not adequately address Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) issues, as they lack a flexible and customizable design to absorb tension and pressure.

Innovation Solution

A soft, flexible, elastic mouth guard with a protruding flexible bubble or air-filled spherical cavity that positions around the front teeth to prevent posterior teeth from touching, thereby absorbing tension and pressure, made from materials like silicone rubber or ultra-low density polyethylene, which can be easily manufactured and customized to fit individual teeth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid mouth guard is used to protect teeth, then teeth protection is improved, but comfort and flexibility are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveteeth protectionVSAvoidcomfort and flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mouth guard utilizes a flexible elastomeric material that forms a thin film or shell structure, allowing the device to conform to the teeth while maintaining protective strength. The flexibility of the elastomeric material provides comfort during wear while the structural design ensures adequate tooth protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The mouth guard employs composite construction combining hard and soft portions made from different materials with varying degrees of rigidity. The hard portion provides structural strength for tooth protection, while the soft elastomeric portion ensures comfort and flexibility during wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If a soft flexible mouth guard is used for comfort, then comfort is improved, but teeth protection capability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidteeth protection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple mouth guard design is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but effectiveness in preventing bruxism and TMJ is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoideffectiveness in preventing bruxism and TMJ

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mouth guard is divided into distinct functional segments: a hard portion for structural support and tooth protection, and a soft elastomeric portion for comfort and bruxism prevention. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining relative ease of manufacture through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the mouth guard have different material properties and structural characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The hard portion provides rigidity where structural support is needed, while the soft elastomeric portion provides flexibility and comfort where contact with tissues occurs, maximizing effectiveness without overly complicating manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If a customized mouth guard is made to fit individual teeth, then effectiveness in preventing bruxism is improved, but manufacturing complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in preventing bruxismVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mouth guard incorporates a self-adjusting mechanism where the elastomeric material naturally conforms to the individual's teeth through elastic deformation during wear. This self-customization capability reduces the need for complex manual adjustment procedures while maintaining high effectiveness in preventing bruxism through precise tooth contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 mouth guard effectively prevents teeth clenching and grinding, reduces the risk of sports-related injuries, and alleviates TMJ issues by creating a flexible barrier that absorbs shock and pressure, making it easier to use and more effective than prior designs.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible bubble is positioned around and under the upper two to four front teeth or alternatively, around and above the lower front two to four teeth to prevent the posterior teeth from touching and absorbing tension when biting thus preventing clenching and grinding.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A soft flexible, elastic customized mouth guard with an integral bubble encourages use of the device and prevents damage to the teeth.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11564828B2Mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding, jaw clenching and TMJ

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 ROTH KAREN

AI summary

The new and improved mouth guard of the invention comprises a flexible mouth guard having a channel for one's teeth and an integral flexible bubble that protrudes from the upper or lower front teeth. The bubble is positioned around and under the upper two to four front teeth or around and above the lower two to four front teeth. The flexible bubble preferably of flexible polymer or plastic material prevents the upper and lower posterior teeth from engaging thereby preventing the clenching and grinding of bruxism. The multiple bubbles absorb shock and assists in preventing trauma and dental issues.