Light-Curable Dental Impression Material Using Photopolymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental impression materials have limited working and setting times, require immediate mixing chairside, are sensitive to moisture, and lack tear resistance, making them impractical for use in dental applications.
Innovation Solution
A light-curable dental impression material comprising a polymerizable polysiloxane resin composition with a specific formula, a particulate filler, and a photoinitiator, which allows for a single-component, ready-to-use solution that is highly tolerant to moisture, has adjustable working and setting times, and provides excellent tear resistance and detail reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional addition silicone impression materials are used, then good detail reproduction and excellent dimensional stability are achieved, but the materials are inherently hydrophobic requiring moisture control and have poor tear resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system combining polysiloxane base resin with silane crosslinking agents and photoinitiators. This composite approach allows the material to achieve both hydrophobicity resistance through silane crosslinking and improved tear strength through the reinforced polymer network, while maintaining good detail reproduction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polysiloxane system by incorporating specific crosslinking agents and photoinitiators. This transforms the material from conventional addition silicone with poor tear resistance to a light-curable composite with enhanced mechanical properties including improved tear strength and moisture tolerance
2Manufacturing precision
If multi-component dental impression materials are used, then high precision mixing can be achieved with automatic mixing devices, but the mixed material can only be stored for a short time and requires frequent replacement of mixers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the curing process into two distinct stages: storage stability maintained by preventing premature polymerization, and curing activated later by light exposure. This allows the material to be stored for extended periods without setting while still achieving complete cure after application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary preparation of the polysiloxane composition with all necessary components (base resin, crosslinking agents, photoinitiators) in a single container before use. The material is pre-formulated to remain stable during storage and only initiates curing when exposed to light, eliminating the need for frequent mixer replacement
3Productivity
If conventional dental impression materials with limited working time are used, then the curing reaction can be completed quickly, but the dental practitioner must complete the impression during a very short working time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the curing process dynamic and controllable by using light activation. The material remains in a workable state during application and can be cured at any point by applying light, allowing the practitioner to adjust working time flexibility while maintaining efficient curing when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic or on-demand light exposure to initiate and control the curing process. Instead of continuous rapid curing that limits working time, the material cures only when exposed to light, allowing the practitioner to complete the impression at their own pace and then activate curing
4Ease of operation
If a single-component light-curable material is used, then storage stability and ease of use are improved, but the material must provide adequate working time and setting time control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mixing system with a light-activated chemical system. Instead of requiring mixing to initiate the reaction, the material uses photoinitiators that trigger polymerization upon light exposure. This substitution provides ready-to-use convenience while allowing precise control of working and setting times through light application
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 solution offers a stable, easy-to-use dental impression material with improved tear resistance, dimensional stability, and reduced shrinkage, eliminating the need for immediate mixing and enhancing clinical convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a light-curable dental impression material comprising: (a) a polymerizable polysiloxane resin composition comprising compounds of the following formula (I)... (c) a photoinitiator
Data Source
AI summary
A light-curable dental impression material comprising(a) a polymerizable polysiloxane resin composition comprising compounds of formula (I)E−(L1−Z)n−L2−E (I)(b) a particulate filler; and(c) a photoinitiator.