Orthotic Bite Block with Spring Buffer for Occlusal Force Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic solutions fail to effectively protect teeth from parafunctional occlusal forces such as clenching and grinding, which can lead to dental damage and occlusal issues.
Innovation Solution
An oral orthotic device with a bite block and lingual portion is positioned in the mouth to redefine the occlusal plane, applying counterforces through wires to mitigate these forces, and a retainer appliance with a spacer mechanism adjusts to optimize occlusal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional orthodontic retainers are used, then teeth alignment is maintained, but teeth are not protected from parafunctional occlusal forces such as clenching and grinding
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into functional segments: a passive retainer body for maintaining alignment and an active bite block with spring mechanism for protecting against occlusal forces. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the retainer function (maintaining tooth position) with the bite protection function (absorbing occlusal forces) into a single integrated appliance. The bite block is coupled to the retainer body, creating a unified device that performs both functions simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a bite block is added to protect teeth from occlusal forces, then protection is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bite block serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective buffer against occlusal forces, defines a new occlusal plane, and distributes forces across multiple teeth. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the bite block and the retainer body, providing a controlled connection that allows the bite block to absorb forces while maintaining structural integrity and enabling force transmission to the retainer framework.
3Force
If the bite block extends higher to better redistribute forces, then force distribution improves, but comfort and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the bite block height and force distribution to be optimized during treatment. The spring can be adjusted to achieve the desired balance between force distribution and patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows modification of the bite block dimensions and spring characteristics to optimize the balance between force distribution and comfort. Parameters such as bite block height, spring constant, and wire gauge can be adjusted based on individual patient needs.
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 solution reduces occlusal forces on teeth and mandibular condyles, preventing dental damage and promoting proper occlusal alignment by redistributing bite forces and reducing contact points between teeth, thereby alleviating stress and decompressing articular discs.
Implementation Method 1
a first wire enclosed along the lingual portion and configured to apply counter force when torsional force is applied to the orthotic
Implementation Method 2
The bite block extends upward between two and seven millimeters from an occlusal plane defined by teeth of a patient
Data Source
AI summary
An oral orthotic device includes a body having a left portion including an upper surface and a right portion including an upper surface. The upper surface of the left portion and the upper surface of the right portion define a plane positioned to extend above an irregular surface defined by teeth of a user. A bite block extends from the upper surface of one of the left portion or the right portion a distance above the plane such that the bite block is disposed on the oral orthotic device exclusively on either the left portion or the right portion. One or more springs extend from the body and are configured to buffer the body from the teeth of the user. A lingual portion is coupled to the left portion of the body and to the right portion of the body. The lingual portion encloses a helical wire.