Laser-Textured Titanium Prosthesis Base for Stronger Dental Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing dental prosthesis bases on implants, such as sandblasting, are time-consuming, risk soft tissue inflammation, create discontinuities, darken the shade, and limit the use of angled screw channels due to the need for a large bonding area.
Innovation Solution
Laser texturing the receiving surface of the dental prosthesis base with grooves to enhance bonding retention, reducing the surface area required and eliminating the need for abrasive treatments like sandblasting, while allowing for angled screw channels and improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sandblasting is used to treat the receiving surface, then bonding retention is improved, but manufacturing time increases and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sandblasting process with a laser-based texturing process. The laser creates micro-grooves and roughens the surface to enhance bonding retention without requiring the complex masking and cleaning steps of sandblasting, thereby reducing manufacturing time and complexity while maintaining or improving bonding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface treatment parameter from abrasive mechanical action (sandblasting) to controlled thermal energy input (laser). By adjusting laser power, pulse duration, and scanning speed, the surface can be textured to optimal bonding characteristics without the time-consuming steps of traditional sandblasting methodology.
2Strength
If sandblasting is used to treat the receiving surface, then bonding retention is improved, but the risk of soft tissue inflammation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sandblasting with laser texturing, eliminating the risk of blasting media particles remaining on the surface and causing soft tissue inflammation. The laser process inherently avoids introducing foreign particles that could cause inflammatory responses in the patient's soft tissues.
3Strength
If sandblasting is used to treat the receiving surface, then bonding retention is improved, but discontinuities are created that promote tartar and bacteria accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sandblasting with laser texturing, which creates a more controlled surface morphology. The laser can create uniform micro-grooves without causing the irregular discontinuities and edge damage associated with sandblasting, thereby reducing sites where tartar and bacteria could accumulate while maintaining bonding retention.
4Strength
If sandblasting is used to treat the receiving surface, then bonding retention is improved, but the shade of the receiving surface darkens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sandblasting with laser texturing, which does not inherently darken the titanium surface. The laser process can be controlled to create surface roughness for bonding without the significant shade darkening effect caused by sandblasting, thereby maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the dental prosthesis.
5Strength
If sandblasting is used to treat the receiving surface, then bonding retention is improved, but the required surface area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface treatment methodology to laser texturing, which creates more effective bonding per unit area through controlled micro-groove formation. This increased surface efficiency allows for adequate bonding retention with a smaller receiving surface area, enabling more compact prosthesis designs and angled screw channel configurations.
6Strength
If sandblasting is used to treat the receiving surface, then bonding retention is improved, but device complexity increases due to masking and cleaning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sandblasting with laser texturing, which is a contactless, digitally controlled process that inherently eliminates the need for physical masking of adjacent surfaces and extensive cleaning to remove blasting media. The laser can be precisely directed to treat only the receiving surface, simplifying the overall manufacturing 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 laser texturing method significantly increases bonding retention force, reduces production time, prevents soft tissue inflammation, maintains aesthetic appeal, and allows for a more compact design without abrasive media-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
said receiving surface being textured at least partially by laser, by creating grooves in said receiving surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a base (1) made of titanium or titanium alloy for receiving a dental prosthesis on a dental implant, extending in a longitudinal direction (11) between a proximal end (1a) and a distal end (1b), comprising: - a proximal section (4) shaped to be received in or on a dental implant, - a distal section (5) shaped to receive a dental prosthesis, said distal section (5) having a receiving surface (6) for receiving said dental prosthesis by bonding. Said receiving surface (6) is textured at least partially by laser.