Fluorescent Dental Composite UV Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental composites like glass ionomer cements and resin modified glass ionomers are difficult to distinguish from natural tooth enamel, leading to complications such as excess material left behind during application, unnoticed loss during treatment, and potential degradation of virgin tooth enamel during removal.
Innovation Solution
Combining dental composites with a light energized and light emitting fluorescing compound, such as strontium aluminate, to create a light emitting dental composite that is identifiable under UV light, allowing for precise application, visualization, and removal of orthodontic attachments and restorative dentistry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If dental composites are formulated to mimic tooth enamel color and texture for cosmetic realism, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the ability to distinguish the composite from natural enamel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color change principles by incorporating fluorescing compounds into the dental composite that cause the material to emit visible light under UV irradiation. This creates a distinctive fluorescent coloration that contrasts with non-fluorescent natural tooth enamel, allowing practitioners to easily distinguish the composite material while maintaining cosmetic realism under normal lighting conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If dental composite material is applied generously to ensure complete coverage, then application completeness is improved, but the risk of leaving excess material that may cause tooth or tissue injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the fluorescent property of the composite material as a visual indicator during application and removal procedures. The practitioner applies UV light to illuminate the treatment area, and the fluorescent emission provides immediate feedback about the presence and boundaries of the composite material, allowing precise control to avoid excess material that could cause injury.
3Manufacturing precision
If dental composite material is removed aggressively to ensure complete removal, then removal completeness is improved, but the risk of degradation of virgin tooth enamel increases
Solution Approach 1:
During removal procedures, the practitioner uses UV light illumination to provide continuous feedback about the presence of fluorescent composite material. This allows precise determination of when all composite material has been removed, eliminating the need for aggressive removal techniques that could damage virgin tooth enamel while ensuring complete removal of the composite.
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 light emitting dental composite enables easy identification during application and removal, preventing tooth enamel degradation and ensuring accurate placement and removal of dental materials, thus improving dental treatment outcomes and practitioner accountability.
Implementation Method 1
combining one or more dental composites with a light energized and light emitting fluorescing compound
Data Source
AI summary
Light emitting dental composites are fluorescing composite resins that are produced by combining one or more dental composites, such as, conventional dental composites, glass ionomer cements, resin modified glass ionomers, and/or bioactive dental composites, in either bulk fill form or flowable form, with a light energized and light emitting strontium aluminate or similar compound to form a light emitting dental composite. The light emitting dental composite makes composite resins easily identifiable when activated by a UV light source, allowing for use preferably with temporary placement, visualization, and/or removal of orthodontic attachments and restorative dentistry.