Mandibular Repositioning Splint With Variable Tooth Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mandibular repositioning devices for treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea often suffer from discomfort, high cost, and limited efficacy in retaining the mandible in a forward position, which can lead to inadequate treatment outcomes and patient intolerance.
Innovation Solution
A mandibular advancement device with variable thickness gutter portions, designed using computer-aided design and manufacturing, featuring a retention profile that matches the teeth for improved grip and comfort, and adjustable connecting rods to maintain the mandible in a forward position, while also addressing bruxism through specific splint configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mandibular repositioning device is used to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, then the mandible is held in a forward position to expand the airway, but the device causes discomfort and patient intolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a retention profile with variable thickness that is customized to match the specific anatomy of each patient's teeth. This local customization allows the device to distribute pressure evenly across the dental arch, preventing discomfort while maintaining effective mandibular repositioning. The retention profile engages only specific teeth rather than applying uniform pressure across all teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes adjustable connecting rods that can be modified in length to achieve the optimal mandibular advancement distance for each patient. This adjustability allows clinicians to fine-tune the repositioning effect, ensuring adequate airway expansion while minimizing discomfort. The ability to change parameters like rod length and retention profile geometry enables customization that balances efficacy and comfort.
2Reliability
If a mandibular repositioning device is used to maintain the mandible in a forward position, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but retention is insufficient leading to inadequate treatment outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The retention profile is designed with specific engagement features that target particular teeth based on the patient's dental anatomy. This localized engagement creates stable retention by anchoring the device to optimal retention points, preventing mandible relapse while maintaining the therapeutic forward position. The profile may include engagement with molars for stability and canines for lateral support.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates pre-formed retention profiles that are created based on preliminary impressions or scans of the patient's teeth. This preliminary customization ensures that the retention features are optimally positioned before the device is inserted, providing immediate and stable retention upon activation. The connecting rods are also pre-adjusted to the required length to ensure proper mandibular positioning from the start.
3Reliability
If a mandibular repositioning device is used to treat sleep apnea, then airway patency is improved, but the device creates high cost and limited manufacturability
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as an assembly of separate components including the upper splint, lower splint, and connecting rods. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standardized processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost. The retention profile can be added as a separate feature or component, enabling modular production that simplifies manufacturing while maintaining customization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes adjustable connecting rods with standardized dimensions that can be selected based on the required mandibular advancement. This standardization of parameters allows for efficient manufacturing using automated processes such as 3D printing or CNC machining, reducing production costs while maintaining the ability to customize the device for each patient's specific needs.
4Reliability
If a mandibular repositioning device is used to advance the mandible, then snoring and sleep apnea are treated, but pressure on teeth increases causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The retention profile is designed to distribute the forces generated by mandibular advancement across multiple specific teeth rather than concentrating pressure on a single tooth or a small area. The profile may engage molars, premolars, and canines at strategically positioned points to create a balanced force distribution that protects dental structures while maintaining effective repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a retention profile with sufficient flexibility to adapt to the patient's dental anatomy while maintaining structural integrity. This flexibility allows the device to conform to slight variations in tooth position and arrangement, distributing pressure more evenly across the engagement surfaces and reducing peak stresses on individual teeth.
Data Source
AI summary
An intra-oral device includes an upper splint, a lower splint and a pair of lateral connecting rods. Each connecting rod has a first rod end that connects to the lower splint and a second rod end that connects to the upper splint. The connecting rods are configured to maintain the mandible in an advanced position relative to the maxilla. The upper splint includes at least one upper gutter portion that retains the upper splint on the maxilla. The lower splint includes at least one lower gutter portion that retains the lower splint on the mandible. The thickness of the at least one upper gutter portion and/or the at least one lower gutter portion may vary across the profile of the teeth.