Artificial Tooth Bonding with Gradient Polymer Transition Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymers used in dentistry often fail to chemically bond with one another, leading to mechanical bonding that is weak under oral strain and stress, prone to delamination and seepage, compromising the integrity and hygiene of dental prosthetics.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using gradient polymers to create a transition zone between chemically incompatible materials, forming a strong chemical bond through 3D printing, enhancing bond strength and sealing the interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical bonding is used to join chemically incompatible polymers, then the prosthetic can be assembled, but the bond strength is insufficient under oral strain and stress
Solution Approach 1:
A gradient transition zone composed of gradient polymer is introduced as an intermediary between the first polymer (dental prosthetic base) and the second polymer (artificial tooth). This gradient polymer gradually transitions from being primarily composed of the first polymer near the base to primarily composed of the second polymer near the tooth, enabling chemical bonding at each interface while joining chemically incompatible materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition of the gradient transition zone is varied spatially, with the ratio of first polymer to second polymer changing continuously from one end to the other. This parameter change allows the material properties to transition gradually, creating compatible bonding interfaces at each step while joining ultimately incompatible materials.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical bonding is used to join polymers, then assembly is possible, but delamination occurs under stress and strain
Solution Approach 1:
The gradient transition zone acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between chemically incompatible polymers. By providing a gradual transition through intermediate compositions, it eliminates the sharp interface that would otherwise be prone to delamination, while still allowing the final assembly to be achieved through sequential printing.
3Ease of manufacture
If mechanical bonding is used, then components can be joined, but the interface is prone to breakage and seepage
Solution Approach 1:
The gradient transition zone serves as a sealed intermediary that eliminates sharp interfaces where seepage could occur. The gradual composition transition creates a more uniform structure that resists penetration by saliva, food particles, and bacteria, while still enabling the joining of separate components through the printing process.
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 gradient polymer transition zone strengthens the joint between incompatible polymers, improving bond strength and preventing seepage, thus enhancing the durability and hygiene of dental prosthetics.
Implementation Method 1
polymers that are incapable of adhering to one another chemically can be bonded by depositing layers of two of more materials as gradients. The mixing or transition regions of these materials as a gradient allow them to form some degree of homogeneity which can be used to bond them together.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for securing artificial teeth to a dental prosthetic base with a gradient polymer are disclosed herein. An example system includes one or more processors and a memory communicatively coupled with a 3D printing device and the one or more processors. The memory stores a set of instructions thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: generate a print file representative of a polymeric dental prosthesis, the print file including (i) a first material, (ii) a second material that does not chemically bond with the first material, and (iii) a gradient transition zone bonding the first material to the second material that is a gradient polymer of the first material and the second material; and print, via the 3D printing device, the polymeric dental prosthesis based on the print file.