Shape Memory Dental Spacer for Tooth Loss Space Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spacers for maintaining tooth loss spaces are complex to manufacture, require additional treatment processes that cause patient discomfort, and interfere with tooth eruption or implantation due to their circumferential design and assembly requirements.
Innovation Solution
A spacer formed as a single structure from shape memory material, with grip portions and a bridge that surrounds teeth on both sides of the loss space, manufactured via 3D scanning and laser cutting or 3D printing, eliminating the need for additional space securing treatments and minimizing interference with occlusal forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional spacer with a closed-loop band and separate loop is used, then the spacer can maintain tooth loss space, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the band and loop into a single integrated body portion made of shape memory material. The body portion includes a first grip portion, second grip portion, and bridge connecting them, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of band and loop components. This integration directly resolves the manufacturing complexity while maintaining the space maintaining function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory material provides multi-functionality by enabling the spacer to be manufactured as a single component that can be heat-treated to achieve proper fit. The material's shape memory properties allow the entire structure to be formed in one piece while maintaining adaptability to patient-specific tooth arrangements, reducing manufacturing steps.
2Reliability
If the band surrounds the entire circumference of the tooth, then the spacer can be securely mounted, but additional treatment processes are required causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The grip portions are designed to surround only specific portions of the teeth rather than the entire circumference. The first grip portion surrounds a first tooth and the second grip portion surrounds a second tooth, with the bridge connecting them. This localized gripping provides sufficient mounting stability while avoiding the need for rubber elastic bodies and additional space-securing treatments that cause patient discomfort.
3Reliability
If the loop is formed to surround the tooth loss space, then the space can be maintained, but the treatment period is extended due to complex manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of band and loop into a single body portion manufactured from shape memory material significantly reduces manufacturing time. The single-component structure eliminates multiple manufacturing steps and assembly operations, allowing the spacer to be produced quickly and fitted to patients faster, thereby reducing the overall treatment period while maintaining space loss prevention.
4Reliability
If separate band and loop components are used, then the spacer can be assembled, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Manufacturing the spacer as a single integrated component from shape memory material eliminates the need for separate production of band and loop components, as well as the welding or screw-coupling processes required to join them. This single-step manufacturing approach reduces material waste, production time, and labor costs, making the spacer more cost-effective while maintaining full functionality.
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 spacer is easier and faster to manufacture, reduces patient discomfort, and effectively maintains tooth loss spaces without interfering with tooth eruption or implantation, offering improved durability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a body portion configured as a single structure and formed of a shape memory material, the body portion supporting teeth at both sides of a tooth loss space
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed are a spacer and a method of manufacturing the spacer. The spacer includes a body portion configured as a single structure and formed of a shape memory material, the body portion supporting teeth at both sides of a tooth loss space. Furthermore, the body portion includes a first grip portion surrounding a part around a tooth disposed at a first side with respect to the tooth loss space, a second grip portion surrounding a part around a tooth disposed at a second side with respect to the tooth loss space, and a bridge connecting the first grip portion and the second grip portion to each other. Furthermore, the first grip portion and the second grip portion have curved shapes open toward directions opposite to each other. Furthermore, the method includes a data obtaining process, a data processing process, and a laser cutting process.