Thermochromic Dental Post for Light Transmission and Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental posts made of composite materials face challenges in color marking methods, as solid-dyeing causes glare, painting obstructs light transmission, and hand-applied colored sleeves are costly and time-consuming, making it difficult to identify post diameters and locate them during re-treatment.
Innovation Solution
A dental post made of composite material with embedded long fibers and a resin matrix containing thermochromic substances that change color with temperature, allowing identification at ambient temperature and becoming invisible within the tooth's root canal, enabling light transmission for polymerization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If solid-dyeing is used to mark post diameter, then identification is improved, but light transmission is blocked causing glare
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermochromic substances to the post surface that change color based on temperature. At room temperature, the post displays a specific color for diameter identification. When placed in the warm root canal, the color changes to become transparent or match the surrounding tissue, eliminating glare and improving light transmission for polymerization.
2Loss of information
If paint is applied to the post tip, then color marking is achieved, but light transmission is obstructed requiring post cutting
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of permanent paint that blocks light, the patent uses thermochromic substances that change color with temperature. The marked post can be directly inserted without cutting, as the color change occurs naturally when the post reaches body temperature in the root canal, maintaining both identification capability and light transmission.
3Loss of information
If hand-applied colored sleeves are used, then post identification is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates thermochromic substances directly into the post manufacturing process, eliminating the need for manual application of colored sleeves. This integration allows for automated production while maintaining color-coded diameter identification, significantly reducing both labor time and manufacturing cost.
4Illumination intensity
If transparent post material is used, then light transmission is improved, but post location becomes difficult during re-treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermochromic substances that provide color at room temperature for easy identification and location during procedures. When inserted into the warm root canal, the color changes to transparent, allowing optimal light transmission for polymerization of the surrounding material. The post can be located during re-treatment by applying cold to restore the color.
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 thermochromic dental post allows easy identification and location during procedures, maintains mechanical strength, and ensures effective polymerization without additional handling costs or light obstruction, with reversible color change for visibility upon cooling.
Implementation Method 1
it contains at least one thermochromic substance capable of giving it said specific color when at ambient temperature and causing it to lose its color when placed in said canal
Implementation Method 2
said post being able to transmit visible radiation when it is lit by a dental lamp so as to ensure the polymerization of a substance for setting said post in the tooth's root canal
Data Source
AI summary
A dental post includes a composite material such as long fibers embedded in a resin matrix, and is able to transmit visible radiation when it is lit by a dental lamp to ensure polymerization of a product for setting in a tooth's root canal. The post, which has a specific color determined at ambient temperature before insertion into said canal, and which contains at least one thermochromic substance able to provide said specific color, loses its color when in place in the canal. A method for forming the dental post and a kit including a plurality of dental posts and drills are also disclosed.