Shape Memory Alloy Dental Abutment for Crown Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental prosthesis retention methods, such as cement and screw attachments, face challenges in aligning crowns properly, leading to misalignment, chipping, and aesthetic issues, while existing removable denture retention devices fail to facilitate easy retention and removal of crowns or bridges.
Innovation Solution
The use of shape memory alloys in abutment assemblies with compression plates that change configuration with energy application, allowing for secure fitting and easy removal of dental prostheses, utilizing nickel-titanium alloys and ferromagnetic shape memory alloys for adjustable retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cement is used to attach the crown to the abutment, then the crown can be aligned more naturally with the dentition, but the crown becomes difficult and expensive to remove once the cement has set
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment assembly incorporates a shape memory alloy component that can dynamically change its configuration between a first configuration (allowing crown placement) and a second configuration (securing the crown). This dynamic transformation enables the system to adapt to different operational stages: initially allowing easy alignment and placement, then providing secure retention, and finally enabling controlled removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy component changes its physical parameters (shape, size, or configuration) in response to applied energy (such as heat or electrical current). This parameter change allows the abutment to transition between a relaxed state that facilitates crown insertion and a contracted state that secures the crown, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of placement and ease of removal.
2Strength
If screw-type retention devices are used to secure the crown to the abutment, then good securement is achieved, but occlusal contact is often misaligned resulting in complications
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy component provides dynamic adjustment capability that allows the crown to be precisely positioned during the placement phase, ensuring proper occlusal alignment. Once positioned, the same component provides strong securement through its configuration change, thereby achieving both precise alignment and strong retention without the misalignment issues associated with rigid screw-type devices.
3Ease of operation
If shape memory materials are used in the abutment assembly, then the crown can be easily retained and removed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy component is integrated directly into the abutment assembly structure, merging the retention mechanism with the existing abutment components. This integration approach allows the shape memory functionality to be incorporated without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the smart material becomes an intrinsic part of the abutment rather than a separate added mechanism.
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 secure attachment and easy adjustment or removal of dental prostheses, ensuring proper alignment and occlusal contact, reducing the risk of misalignment and chipping, while allowing for repositioning and replacement of crowns or bridges.
Implementation Method 1
one or more compression plates or elements 54 may be positioned over the projecting abutment portion 42. The one or more compression plates or elements 54 may be configured to extend along the projecting abutment portion 42
Implementation Method 2
utilizing nickel-titanium alloys and ferromagnetic shape memory alloys for adjustable retention
Data Source
AI summary
Dental retention systems which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured to an anchoring implant bored into the bones within the mouth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy compression plates or elements extending along the projecting abutment portion. Each of the plates has a length with one or more straightened portions and with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion self-flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements.