Polymeric Dental Shell with Optical Additives for Color and Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic and orthodontic procedures for changing the appearance of teeth are either damaging to natural tooth structure, difficult to apply uniformly, or have short-lasting effects, and current methods for whitening teeth are not effective in providing a uniform and long-lasting solution.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting polymeric shell composed of a polymer and optical additives is used, which fits over teeth to change their perceived color and position, with the shell being selected based on the natural tooth color to achieve a desired appearance, utilizing a range of polymeric compositions and optical additives such as pigments, dyes, and light scattering particles to enhance light transmission and reflection properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If bleaching agents are applied directly to the teeth to whiten them, then the perceived color of teeth is changed, but the natural tooth structure is damaged and stains on fillings and crowns are not effectively treated
Solution Approach 1:
A polymeric shell acts as an intermediary layer between the external environment and the teeth. The shell contains optical additives that modify light interaction with the teeth, achieving color change without direct application of harmful bleaching agents to the tooth structure. The shell material serves as a protective mediator that prevents direct contact between teeth and damaging substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention directly addresses color change by incorporating optical additives (pigments, dyes, light scattering particles) into the polymeric shell. These additives modify the optical properties of the shell to achieve desired tooth appearance without requiring chemical alteration of the teeth themselves, thus avoiding damage to natural tooth structure.
2Illumination intensity
If compositions are applied to form a coating on top of the teeth to change appearance, then the perceived color is modified, but the coating is difficult to apply uniformly and degrades rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a self-supporting polymeric shell that fits over the teeth, providing a durable and flexible covering. This shell structure is more robust than conventional coatings, resists degradation, and maintains its integrity over time. The shell can be customized to fit individual tooth morphology, ensuring uniform appearance and long-lasting effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric shell is formulated as a composite material containing polymer matrix and dispersed optical additives (pigments, dyes, light scattering particles). This composite structure provides both mechanical durability and optical functionality, combining the strength of the polymer with the color-modifying properties of the additives, resulting in a long-lasting cosmetic solution.
3Shape
If rigid polymeric shells are used for orthodontic procedures to change tooth positions, then the relative positions of teeth are changed, but the shells contain yellow color from manufacturing that requires color compensation additives
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the orthodontic function and cosmetic function into a single integrated polymeric shell. The shell simultaneously provides tooth position correction through its rigid structure and desired color appearance through incorporated optical additives. This eliminates the need for separate orthodontic appliances and cosmetic treatments, while the color additives compensate for any yellowing from manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric shell incorporates optical additives (pigments, dyes, light scattering particles) that modify its color appearance to compensate for yellowing from manufacturing processes like extrusion and injection molding. These additives enable the shell to achieve the desired aesthetic appearance while maintaining its structural integrity for orthodontic tooth position correction.
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 effectively changes the perceived color of teeth, making them appear whiter and more uniform, while also being able to mask stains and darker areas, providing a long-lasting and cosmetically desirable appearance without damaging the natural tooth structure.
Implementation Method 1
optical additives which cause the combination of the shell and the teeth to have a desired appearance... optical additives such as pigments, dyes, and light scattering particles to enhance light transmission and reflection properties
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a range of polymeric compositions and optical additives such as pigments, dyes, and light scattering particles to enhance light transmission and reflection properties
Data Source
AI summary
Polymeric shells which fit over one or more natural teeth to change the perceived color of the teeth, and optionally to provide orthodontic support. The shells can be prepared by thermoforming selected polymeric sheets which contain optical additives over a physical image of the teeth, or by depositing polymeric compositions containing optical additives over a physical image of the teeth, or by additive manufacturing based upon a digital image of the teeth. The optical additives cause the combination of the shell and the teeth to have a desired appearance. At least part of the shell preferably has transparency greater than 75%, particularly greater than 85%.