Thermoformable Polycaprolactone Plate for Dental Prosthesis Relining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental prostheses require regular relining to adapt to the changing shape of an edentulous jaw, which is typically done by a professional, and existing self-adaptation methods do not allow for easy correction of errors during the relining process.
Innovation Solution
A method using a thermoformable polycaprolactone plate that can be heated to match the shape of the jaw, tinted to match the gum and palate, and shaped to cover the base of the prosthesis, allowing for easy adjustment and correction by an untrained individual.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a professional performs the relining operation, then the adaptation precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates (requires professional intervention)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform relining operations themselves at home using a self-adapting prosthesis system. The prosthesis automatically adjusts to the jaw's changing shape through reversible thermoplastic material that softens in warm water and hardens at body temperature, eliminating the need for professional intervention while maintaining adaptation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes temperature as a controllable parameter to change the physical state of the thermoplastic material. By heating the material to a specific temperature range, it becomes soft and adaptable; when cooled to body temperature, it hardens and maintains the adapted shape, enabling precise self-adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If a thermoplastic filling material is used for self-adaptation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to correct errors deteriorates (errors cannot be rectified)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thermoplastic material with reversible phase transition properties. The material can be repeatedly softened by heating and hardened by cooling, allowing multiple adjustment attempts. If an error is made during adaptation, the patient can reheat the material and reshape it, providing dynamic correction capability unlike permanently setting materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of thermoplastic material between solid and soft states through temperature control. This phase change enables the material to be reshaped multiple times by cycling between temperatures, allowing error correction while maintaining ease of self-operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If regular relining is performed to adapt to jaw deformation, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time increases (waiting for appointments)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform relining operations themselves at home without scheduling professional appointments. The self-adapting prosthesis system allows immediate adjustment whenever jaw changes occur, eliminating waiting time while maintaining full adaptability to jaw deformation over time.
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
Enables the untrained individual to adapt and reline a dental prosthesis quickly and effectively, ensuring a secure fit without the need for professional intervention, with the ability to repeat the process as needed.
Implementation Method 1
A method using a thermoformable polycaprolactone plate that can be heated to match the shape of the jaw
Implementation Method 2
shaped to cover the base of the prosthesis, allowing for easy adjustment and correction by an untrained individual
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for adapting a dental prosthesis (1) to a first jaw (4) to fill a gap between the dental prosthesis and the first jaw, the first jaw being artificial, this method comprising: - a step of modifying the shape of a thermoformable material so that it conforms to the shape of an area of the dental prosthesis; - a step of positioning the dental prosthesis on the first jaw.