Orthodontic Abutment with Multi-Element Cap for Versatile Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic abutments mounted on dental implants have limited compatibility with other orthodontic elements due to having only a single retention element, restricting their ability to meet individual patient needs and accommodate various treatment options.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic abutment with multiple retention elements, including a bracket with wings, a hook, a hollow tube, a curved rod hook, and a button with an eyelet, integrated into a cap that can be 3D printed from a cobalt-chromium-tungsten alloy, allowing for broader compatibility with orthodontic elements like wires, elastics, and springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single retention element is used in the orthodontic abutment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability or versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The orthodontic abutment is divided into multiple functional retention elements (bracket with wings, hook, projection with hollow tube, curved rod hook, and button with eyelet) distributed around the cap. Each retention element can independently engage with different orthodontic components, allowing simultaneous attachment of wires, elastics, and springs without increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap structure is designed to accommodate multiple types of retention elements that can serve different functions: the bracket with wings engages orthodontic wires, the hook attaches elastics, the projection with hollow tube provides structural support, the curved rod hook secures springs, and the button with eyelet enables ligature attachment. This multi-functional design allows a single abutment to handle various orthodontic treatment requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple retention elements are integrated into the cap, then the adaptability or versatility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retention elements are merged into a single integrated cap structure. The bracket, hook, projection with hollow tube, curved rod hook, and button with eyelet are all formed as one piece, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. This integration simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the versatility of having multiple retention elements available for different treatment options.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is manufactured using 3D printing technology, which allows for complex geometries and multiple retention elements to be created in a single manufacturing process. The 3D printing method enables precise positioning and integration of multiple retention elements without requiring traditional subtractive manufacturing steps, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity despite the multi-element design.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic abutment that includes a base suitable for fixing the orthodontic abutment to an implant, a cap fixed to the base and a set of retention elements arranged along a side wall of the cap. The set of retention elements is suitable for receiving orthodontic elements and includes: a bracket with wings, a hook arranged under one of the wings of the bracket, a projection arranged on the cap oppositely to the bracket, a hollow tube formed inside the projection, a curved rod hook arranged on the projection below the hollow tube, and a button with an eyelet arranged above the hollow tube.