Mini Implant Bridge Using Guide Stent and O-Ring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental prosthetics, such as dentures and cement-retained implant prosthetics, face issues like discomfort, speaking difficulties, and the risk of periimplantitis due to space occupation and cement-related problems, particularly with lower dentures that may 'float' during eating or speaking.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for installing a dental prosthesis using a guide stent with apertures for aligning mini dental implants, followed by the use of retaining fixtures with O-rings for secure attachment of a bridge prosthesis to the implants via frictional engagement, allowing for easy detachment and reattachment for cleaning and inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dentures are used to replace missing teeth, then tooth replacement is achieved, but the dentures take up space in the mouth causing discomfort and speaking difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into separate components: individual implants placed in the jawbone and a bridge prosthesis that connects them. This segmentation allows the prosthesis to be anchored securely without requiring a full denture that occupies mouth space, thereby improving comfort and speaking ability while maintaining tooth replacement effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful element (full denture occupying mouth space) is extracted and replaced with a more efficient solution: minimal implants with a bridge prosthesis. This removes the source of discomfort and speaking difficulties while preserving the tooth replacement function.
2Reliability
If cement retained implant prosthetics are used, then implant prosthetics are provided, but cement can go down the tissue causing periimplantitis
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (cement that can penetrate tissue) is extracted from the retention mechanism. Instead of using cement-retained prosthetics, the invention employs screw-retained or snap-fit retention methods that eliminate cement, thereby removing the source of periimplantitis risk while maintaining implant prosthesis stability.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary retention mechanism (screw threads or snap-fit elements) is introduced between the implant and prosthesis to provide secure retention without requiring cement. This intermediary system achieves stable attachment while avoiding the harmful effects of cement penetration.
3Reliability
If traditional denture installation methods are used, then dentures are provided, but they may float during eating or speaking
Solution Approach 1:
The denture is segmented into individual implant-supported units rather than a single floating structure. Each implant acts as an independent anchor point, distributing the stabilizing force across multiple locations and preventing the floating effect that occurs with traditional dentures.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge prosthesis is nested onto the implants in a hierarchical structure where the prosthesis fits over the implant abutments. This nested configuration ensures stable positioning by physically constraining the prosthesis to the implant structures, eliminating the floating phenomenon.
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
This solution provides a secure, comfortable, and easily maintainable dental restoration that addresses the discomfort and speaking issues of traditional dentures and reduces the risk of periimplantitis associated with cement-retained prosthetics, offering a quick installation for both complete and partial bridges.
Implementation Method 1
The bridge prosthesis (22) is attached to the one or more implants (31) via frictional engagement between the abutment end (28) of the implant (31) and the O-ring (75)
Implementation Method 2
An adhesive is provided inside at least one of the bores (25). Next, the bridge prosthesis (22) is pressed onto the positioned retaining fixture (74) such that the retaining fixture (74) is permanently seated by means of the adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for installing a dental prosthesis. The apparatus includes a guide stent having one or more apertures. One or more implants have a tip and an abutment end connected by a body. A bridge prosthesis has one or more bores defined therein. A retaining fixture is disposed in the bore of the prosthesis. The bridge prosthesis is attached to the one or more implants via engagement between the abutment end of the implant and the retaining fixture.