Self-Retaining Occlusal Splint With Flexible Snap-On Prongs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occlusal splints often require wiring to multiple teeth for retention and cover extensive tooth surfaces, limiting access for cleaning and device affixation, and are difficult to remove.
Innovation Solution
A self-retaining occlusal splint with flexible prong members that snap onto the teeth and can be divided into segments by bridge members for easy removal, utilizing computer-aided design for patient-specific customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional occlusal splints are wired to multiple teeth for retention, then the splint is securely held in place, but the device complexity increases and access to tooth surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wiring structure from the splint system entirely. Instead of using wires to attach the splint to teeth, the invention uses a simplified retention mechanism where the splint is held in place by its interaction with the occlusal surfaces and gingival margins of the teeth, eliminating the need for separate wiring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned and retained on different teeth. Each segment can be separately placed and secured, allowing for simplified retention without requiring continuous wiring across multiple teeth, thus reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If occlusal splints cover the entire tooth surface, then the splint provides comprehensive coverage and stability, but access to tooth surfaces for cleaning and device affixation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The splint is segmented into multiple independent portions that can be selectively positioned on different teeth. This segmentation allows certain areas of the splint to be removed or repositioned to provide access to tooth surfaces for cleaning or affixation of other devices, while maintaining stability in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint design allows for dynamic adjustment and repositioning of segments. The splint can be adapted to provide comprehensive coverage when needed for stability, and segments can be repositioned or removed to provide access to tooth surfaces for cleaning or other procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If occlusal splints are designed as a single continuous structure, then the splint provides uniform support, but removal from teeth is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The splint is divided into multiple segments connected by junctions. This segmentation allows for easier removal as each segment can be independently detached from the teeth by severing the junctions, while the individual segments maintain sufficient structural integrity to provide uniform support when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The junctions connecting the segments are designed with specific local characteristics that facilitate controlled separation. The junctions are positioned and configured to allow for easy severing and removal of segments from the teeth, while the overall structure maintains uniform support properties when intact.
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 splint provides secure retention without wires, minimizes tooth coverage, and allows easy removal by severing bridge members, enhancing patient comfort and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
flexible prong members that snap onto the teeth and can be divided into segments by bridge members for easy removal
Data Source
AI summary
An occlusal splint having an occlusal plate portion, two sets of exterior prong members and two sets of interior prong members disposed on the occlusal plate to define a pair of channels to receive the upper and lower dental arches, the prong members configured to match either the interdental regions or the central crown regions of the teeth. The prong members are composed of a material allowing the prong members to flex when the splint is mounted onto the dental arches and then rebound to provide a biasing force against the teeth to retain the splint on the dental arches. The splint is configured with one or more gaps extending across the occlusal plate portion which define splint segments, with adjacent splint segments joined across each gap by a bridge member.