Resilient Tooth Separation Apparatus with Diamond Enamel Saw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating adjacent teeth in orthodontic procedures often cause pain, bleeding, and damage to soft tissues due to the use of sharp abrasive strips and excessive force, leading to complications like lacerations and enamel fractures.
Innovation Solution
A tooth separation apparatus with resilient stainless steel components, including springs and a lingual shield, that gently separates teeth and protects soft tissues, combined with a novel saw featuring a diamond-coated plate for enamel removal, allowing for precise and safe inter-proximal reduction procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wooden wedges are used to separate teeth, then teeth can be separated to allow abrasive strip application, but pain and gingival papillae bleeding occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a matrix band as an intermediary device that surrounds the teeth and applies gradual separating force through a lead screw mechanism, replacing direct contact methods like wooden wedges. This intermediary structure distributes force evenly and includes protective features to prevent soft tissue damage while achieving effective tooth separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a lead screw mechanism that allows dynamic, controlled adjustment of the separating force applied to the teeth. The screw can be gradually tightened to incrementally increase separation, providing dynamic control over the separation process rather than static or abrupt force application, thereby reducing pain and tissue damage.
2Manufacturing precision
If thin stainless steel diamond coated abrasive strips are used for enamel removal, then precise enamel reduction can be achieved, but sharp edges cause lacerations on lips, gingival papillae, floor of the mouth and tongue
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix band serves as a protective intermediary barrier between the sharp abrasive strip and the patient's soft tissues. The band surrounds the teeth and holds the abrasive strip in position while its structure prevents direct contact between the sharp strip edges and vulnerable areas like lips, tongue, and gingival papillae, thus eliminating laceration risk while maintaining cutting precision.
3Ease of operation
If screw driven separators are used to separate teeth, then teeth can be separated, but excessive forces on teeth crowns and roots result in fractures in enamel and dentine
Solution Approach 1:
The lead screw mechanism enables dynamic control of separating force with fine adjustment capability. The operator can gradually tighten the screw to apply incremental force, monitoring tooth response continuously. This dynamic control prevents sudden excessive force application that could cause enamel or dentine fractures, while still achieving effective separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating force is applied segmentally through the matrix band that surrounds individual teeth, distributing the force evenly across the tooth surfaces rather than concentrating it at a single point. This segmented force distribution reduces stress concentration on tooth crowns and roots, preventing structural fractures.
4Manufacturing precision
If abrasive strips with sharp edges are used, then enamel can be removed, but the strips are prone to fracture causing lacerations
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix band acts as a protective intermediary that confines and supports the abrasive strip throughout the procedure. The band's structure prevents the strip from bending excessively or fracturing, while also preventing any fractured pieces from contacting soft tissues. This intermediary protection maintains strip integrity and eliminates the laceration hazard associated with strip fracture.
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 apparatus effectively separates teeth while minimizing damage to soft tissues and ensuring safe enamel removal, reducing pain and complications, and is durable, easy to use, and easily sterilizable.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus of the present invention utilizes a base member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion interconnecting the first and second end portions. The base member, as well as the remaining portions of the apparatus of the present invention may be formed of a metallic material having a certain degree of resilience. For example, stainless steel may be employed in this regard.
Implementation Method 2
an enamel removing apparatus used in conjunction with the separating apparatus... a novel saw featuring a diamond-coated plate for enamel removal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for separating teeth utilizing a base member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. A first spring extends outwardly from the first end portion while a second spring extends outwardly from the second portion of the base member. A lingual shield spans the distal portions of the first and second springs extending from the base member. A pair of tines overlap one another, one tine extending from the base member, the other extending from the shield. The first and second springs urge the meeting or overlapping of the first and second tines in the vicinity of gap for meeting place between a pair of teeth.