Thermochromic Orthodontic Adhesive for Bracket Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic adhesives face challenges in being both stable and having sufficient adhering strength, while also being difficult to distinguish and remove without damaging the tooth surface, and most photocurable thermochromic adhesives do not adequately change color at human oral temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A photocurable thermochromic adhesive composition comprising acrylic polyurethane, bisphenol A glyceride, triethylene glycol dimethacrylic acid, ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, a photoinitiator, and a thermochromic component, which changes color at lower temperatures and provides strong adhesion and stability, along with a photocurable pretreatment agent for enhanced orthodontic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If photocurable thermochromic adhesive is designed to be close to the color of teeth for aesthetics, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but it becomes difficult to distinguish and remove excess adhesive without damaging tooth surface
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive contains thermochromic particles that cause the material to change color based on temperature. During application, the adhesive appears colored (matching tooth color for aesthetics), but when cooled to below 10°C, it changes to a different color that provides high contrast against the tooth surface, enabling easy identification and removal of excess adhesive without damaging the tooth.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional photocurable thermochromic adhesives are used, then discoloration capability is provided, but they cannot switch between colored and colorless at human oral temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive formulation uses thermochromic particles with a specific transition temperature range (below 10°C) that allows the material to switch between colored states at different temperatures. This enables the adhesive to be colored during storage and application for visibility, then become colorless or differently colored at human oral temperature (37°C) for aesthetics, providing reversible temperature-responsive color switching.
3Strength
If adhesive is designed to provide strong adhesion and stability, then orthodontic bond strength is improved, but it may reduce flexibility and ease of application
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is formulated as a composite material containing acrylic polyurethane prepolymer, thermochromic particles, and specific monomers (triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate) in controlled proportions. This composite structure provides both strong adhesion through chemical bonding and adequate fluidity for easy application, while the thermochromic particles add the color-changing functionality without significantly compromising the adhesive properties.
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 adhesive rapidly changes color at 33°C, ensuring easy removal, achieves high shear strength for secure bracket fixation, and maintains stability for a long period, facilitating efficient and safe orthodontic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The photoinitiator component refers to a chemical substance with photo- initiating effect and/or a composition thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Among a photocurable thermochromic adhesive, an adhesive composition and preparation as well as application thereof, the photocurable thermochromic adhesive includes: 20-60 wt. % of acrylic polyurethane, 10-20 wt. % of Bis-GMA, 10-20 wt. % of triethylene glycol dimethacrylic acid, 10-20 wt. % of ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate, 10-20 wt. % of HEMA, 10-20 wt. % of modified silica, 1-5 wt. % of a photoinitiator component, 1-5 wt. % of BHT, 1-5 wt. % of KH570, and 1-2 wt. % of a thermochromic component. The adhesive of the present invention is colored in vitro and colorless in oral environment, which helps the doctor to easily remove residues on tooth surfaces when adhering and removing brackets.