Polymerizable Liquid Crystalline Compounds for Orthodontic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic devices face challenges in achieving a balance between strength, flexibility, durability, and aesthetics, while also being compatible with high-resolution printing methods.
Innovation Solution
The development of curable compositions comprising polymerizable liquid crystalline compounds or polymerizable polyesters with disrupted crystallinity, which can be used in various 3D-printing methods to fabricate medical devices such as orthodontic appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If strong materials are used to achieve desired treatment outcomes, then strength is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the material by incorporating specific ratios of rigid and flexible monomers (e.g., 20-80 wt% rigid monomer, 20-80 wt% flexible monomer) to achieve the desired strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the material to provide sufficient strength for orthodontic treatment while maintaining lightweight properties for patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining rigid monomers (providing strength) and flexible monomers (providing lightweight and comfort properties). The curable composition comprises multiple monomer types that work together to achieve both high strength and low weight, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
2Strength
If strong materials are used to affect tooth alignment, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device transparency and appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the chemical composition parameters by selecting specific monomers with appropriate molecular structures and ratios. The rigid monomers provide strength while the flexible monomers maintain optical clarity, allowing the material to be both strong and transparent for aesthetic orthodontic applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material system combines monomers with complementary properties: rigid monomers contribute strength and the flexible monomers contribute transparency. This composite approach allows the final material to simultaneously achieve both strength and optical clarity that neither component could provide alone.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If materials with high strength and durability are used, then device longevity is improved, but compatibility with high resolution printing methods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the material parameters by using low-viscosity monomers and controlling the molecular weight and structure of the curable composition. These parameter adjustments enable the material to flow properly during high-resolution printing while still forming strong, durable structures after curing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary formulation of the curable composition with specific monomer ratios and molecular characteristics before the printing process. This preliminary preparation ensures the material has the appropriate rheological properties for high-resolution printing while maintaining the potential for high strength and durability after curing.
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
These materials provide enhanced mechanical properties, improved processability, and optical clarity, making them suitable for creating strong, flexible, and aesthetically pleasing orthodontic devices compatible with advanced dental treatment technologies.
Implementation Method 1
curable compositions comprising one or more of polymerizable liquid crystalline compounds or polymerizable polyesters with disrupted crystallinity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides curable compositions comprising one or more of polymerizable liquid crystalline compounds or polymerizable polyesters with disrupted crystallinity, as well as polymeric materials formed from the curable compositions. Further provided herein are methods of producing the compositions and using the same for the fabrication of medical devices, such as orthodontic appliances.