Mandibular Advancement Splints With Fixed Fins for Precise Titration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mandibular advancement devices face challenges in precision, durability, patient comfort, and ease of use due to manual fabrication methods, leading to inconsistent adjustments and potential health risks from residual monomers.
Innovation Solution
Digitally designed and milled mandibular advancement devices comprising upper and lower splints with fixed fins, allowing for precise titration of the mandible without adjustment screws or straps, using CAD processes and materials like PEEK or acrylate polymers for enhanced durability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual artisanal fabrication methods are used to create mandibular advancement devices, then customization for each patient is achieved, but manufacturing precision and consistency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual artisanal fabrication with digital design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems. Digital impressions and 3D modeling enable precise control of fin positioning and device geometry, eliminating the precision limitations of hand fabrication while maintaining patient-specific customization through digital workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fabrication process parameters from manual techniques to digital manufacturing parameters. By using CAD/CAM systems, the position of fins, thickness of components, and overall device geometry can be precisely controlled through digital models, ensuring consistent reproduction of prescribed parameters across multiple devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment screw mechanisms are used for titration, then mandible advancement can be adjusted, but device complexity and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment mechanism from the device structure by using digitally fabricated components with predetermined fin positions. Instead of incorporating screws, straps, or other mechanical adjustment devices, the titration is achieved by fabricating multiple sets of upper and lower fins with different positions, allowing adjustment through component replacement rather than mechanical modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the device into modular components (upper splint, lower splint, multiple fin sets) that can be independently fabricated and combined. This segmentation allows the clinician to select and combine different fin configurations to achieve the desired mandible advancement without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms within a single integrated device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components, straps, and screws are used in device design, then adjustability is achieved, but durability and reliability are decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components into integrated splint structures. The upper and lower splints are each fabricated as single-piece structures with fins directly attached, eliminating the need for separate screws, straps, or connectors. This integration reduces the number of potential failure points while maintaining adjustability through the use of multiple fin sets.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual layering of monomers is used in fabrication, then device customization is achieved, but patient exposure to residual monomers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical process of manual monomer layering and curing with a mechanical digital fabrication process. By using CAD/CAM design and computer-aided manufacturing (such as milling or 3D printing), the device is created from solid material rather than through polymerization of liquid monomers, completely eliminating the source of residual monomer exposure while maintaining full customization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are mandibular advancement devices comprising an upper splint and a lower splint, where the upper splint comprises one or more upper fins, where each upper fin is located at a distance UD from back of the upper splint; the lower splints comprise one or more lower fins, where each lower fin is located at a distance LD from back of the lower splint; where the position of the upper and lower fins is unchangeable. Also disclosed are methods of reducing partial constriction of airway during sleep for a patient, the method comprising identifying a patient in need thereof; and administering to the patient the disclosed mandibular advancement device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a mandibular advancement device, the method comprising obtaining measurements from a patient's dentition; digitally designing a mandibular advancement device; and milling the mandibular advancement device.