Omnidirectional Multi-Unit Abutment With Swivel Shell Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-unit abutment systems face challenges in achieving a passive fit, managing complex inventory, and accommodating angular misalignments, leading to mechanical and biological issues such as screw loosening, marginal bone loss, and bacterial infections, with inefficient adjustment processes.
Innovation Solution
An omnidirectional multi-unit abutment system with a swivel shell and abutment base, allowing for orientation adjustment and fixation without axial movement, using a deformable swivel shell to capture the ball portion of the abutment base, and a lock screw for additional retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multi-unit abutment systems are used with fixed angular orientations, then inventory management becomes complex requiring multiple abutment types, but the system cannot accommodate angular misalignments leading to passive fit issues
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment is designed with a universal spherical interface that can accommodate any angular orientation, replacing the need for multiple fixed-angle abutment types. The spherical ball-and-socket mechanism allows the abutment to adapt to any implant angle while maintaining a single standardized design, thus improving adaptability without increasing inventory complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism with a spherical interface and locking system that allows post-installation angular adjustment. This dynamic capability enables the abutment to be positioned at any angle after implantation, eliminating the need for precise pre-determination of implant angles and reducing inventory requirements for different abutment types
2Reliability
If screw-attached systems are used to provide controlled mounting pressure, then retention is improved, but access holes are required and individual coping removal is needed for adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The screw retention mechanism is extracted and relocated to the implant level rather than requiring access through the prosthesis. The abutment incorporates internal threading that engages directly with the implant, eliminating the need for access holes in the prosthesis while maintaining reliable retention through threaded engagement at the implant-abutment interface
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment serves as an intermediary component with integrated retention features. The spherical interface and locking mechanism are built into the abutment itself, allowing it to mediate between the implant and prosthesis while providing its own retention system, thereby eliminating the need for separate screw access holes through the prosthesis
3Ease of operation
If snap-on systems are used for prosthesis attachment, then access holes are not required, but mounting pressure control is less precise and potential damage from stresses occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is segmented and placed at the abutment-implant interface rather than at the prosthesis-abutment interface. The spherical ball-and-socket mechanism with locking features is located at the abutment level, allowing precise control of mounting pressure through the abutment's internal mechanism while eliminating the need for access holes through the prosthesis
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple abutment types with fixed angles are maintained in inventory, then specific angular corrections can be provided, but system complexity and inventory management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal abutment design with a spherical interface replaces multiple fixed-angle abutment types. This universal abutment can be adjusted to any angular orientation through its spherical mechanism, providing the same angular correction capabilities as multiple specialized abutments but with a single standardized design, thereby eliminating inventory complexity
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 system provides improved passive fit, reduces mechanical stress, simplifies inventory management, and facilitates easy adjustment of angular misalignments, enhancing the longevity and stability of dental prostheses.
Implementation Method 1
using a deformable swivel shell to capture the ball portion of the abutment base
Implementation Method 2
a lock screw for additional retention
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-unit abutments aligning dental implants and a prosthesis with copings have a base for implant attachment with a ball and swivel shell at least partially surrounding the ball. The swivel shell is preferentially inelastically deformed to make contact at or above and below the equator of the ball. The forming process restricts motion to swiveling action when a predetermined torque threshold is exceeded. A tool passing through the lock screw may drive the post of the base into the implant with the multi-unit assembly in a linear configuration. The swivel shell is then positioned and fixed at desired tilt and azimuthal angles. In some embodiments, a lock screw remains accessible through an aperture in the prosthesis when positioned on the implant abutment. Copings may be attached with screws or snap-on features. Methods for improving passive alignment of the prosthesis and implants are described.