Fluoride-Releasing Shell Retainer Coating for Caries Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Shell-shaped dental appliances, such as tooth repositioners and retainers, create an anoxic environment that hinders saliva contact with teeth, leading to bacterial reproduction and dental issues like caries, yellow teeth, and periodontal disease.

Innovation Solution

A shell-shaped dental appliance with an anti-caries film on its inner surface that reacts with saliva to release fluoride ions, using a fluorine-containing silane compound and a polymer film-forming agent to form a continuous film, preventing bacterial growth and promoting remineralization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shell-shaped dental appliance is used to isolate teeth, then dental alignment and retention are improved, but bacterial reproduction and caries risk increase due to anoxic environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedental alignment retentionVSAvoidbacterial reproduction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different properties to different parts of the dental appliance: the shell body maintains its isolating function for alignment, while the inner surface is coated with a fluorine-containing substance that provides anti-caries properties. This local differentiation allows the appliance to simultaneously achieve retention reliability and prevent bacterial harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the shell material (for structural integrity and alignment retention) with a fluorine-containing coating material (for anti-caries protection). This composite structure allows the appliance to perform multiple functions: the base material provides mechanical support and isolation, while the fluorine coating releases fluoride ions to inhibit bacterial growth and promote remineralization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Speed

If fluoride is applied through toothpaste or foam, then anti-caries effect is achieved quickly, but the effect duration is short and requires frequent application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-caries effect speedVSAvoidfluoride effect duration

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fluorine-containing coating on the dental appliance provides continuous fluoride release over an extended period. As the appliance remains in contact with teeth during wear, the coating continuously releases fluoride ions, maintaining protective levels without requiring frequent reapplication like toothpaste or foam.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The fluorine-containing substance is pre-applied to the dental appliance during manufacturing, creating a reservoir of fluoride that will be released gradually during use. This preliminary preparation ensures that fluoride is available immediately when the appliance is worn, providing both quick initial protection and sustained long-term effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If fluoride varnish is applied for strong anti-caries effect, then caries prevention is enhanced, but professional application is required and cannot be used by consumers at home

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecaries prevention effectivenessVSAvoidapplication convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dental appliance with fluorine-containing coating enables consumers to self-administer fluoride protection at home without professional intervention. The coating is integrated into the appliance that the consumer wears regularly, automatically providing fluoride release during normal use, eliminating the need for clinic visits for varnish application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The dental appliance itself serves as the delivery medium for fluoride, replacing the need for direct professional application of varnish. The appliance acts as an intermediary that carries the fluorine-containing substance into contact with teeth during regular wear, making professional-grade protection accessible for home use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 appliance effectively inhibits bacterial growth and enhances dental health by releasing fluoride ions, reducing the risk of caries and maintaining oral hygiene without requiring additional clinical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

the fluorine-containing substance may be a fluorine-containing organic compound that is able to be hydrolyzed to release fluoride ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

an anti-caries film which has a certain thickness, is formed on at least a partial area of an inner surface of the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFilm formation: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260013975A1Shell-shaped dental appliance capable of preventing dental caries and method of fabricating the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 WUXI EA BIOTECHNOLOGY LTD

AI summary

A shell-shaped dental appliance includes: a body which is an integral shell and forms a cavity for receiving teeth; and an anti-caries film which has a certain thickness, and is formed on at least a partial area of an inner surface of the body, and is able to react with saliva to release fluoride ions.