Threaded Dental Prosthesis Cap for Replaceable Abutment Anchorage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overdenture systems face the challenge of non-replaceable caps, which renders the prosthesis unusable if the caps become damaged or worn during production, despite the cap being a low-cost component.
Innovation Solution
A cap with a threaded outer surface and an internal seat that allows for easy screwing and unscrewing, enabling replacement and designed to fit both spherical and frusto-conical abutments, ensuring stable yet removable attachment to the prosthesis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If caps are fixedly inserted in the prosthesis base using conventional acrylic casting methods, then the prosthesis achieves stable anchorage to implants, but the caps become non-replaceable and the prosthesis unusable if caps are damaged or worn
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is separated from the prosthesis base as an independent replaceable component. The cap features an external threading that engages with an internal threaded seat in the prosthesis base, allowing the cap to be screwed on and off independently. This segmentation enables cap replacement without damaging the prosthesis base or requiring complete prosthesis removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap-prosthesis base connection transitions from a fixed permanent bond to a dynamic threaded connection. The external threading on the cap engages with the internal threaded seat, creating a mechanically reversible connection that can be tightened or loosened as needed. This dynamic connection allows the cap to be securely fastened during use and easily removed for replacement if damaged or worn.
2Ease of manufacture
If caps are permanently bonded to the prosthesis, then manufacturing is simplified, but any cap damage or wear renders the entire prosthesis unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is manufactured as a separate component with external threading, independent of the prosthesis base. This allows the cap to be produced separately and then attached to the prosthesis base via the threaded connection. The segmentation enables both simplified manufacturing (caps can be made separately) and improved reliability (caps can be replaced if damaged).
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed as a consumable component that can be discarded when damaged or worn and replaced with a new cap. The threaded connection system enables easy removal of the old cap and installation of a new cap, allowing the expensive prosthesis base to be preserved while replacing only the low-cost cap component.
3Ease of repair
If caps are designed for easy removal and replacement, then cap maintenance is simplified, but the anchorage stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection provides a dynamic balance between ease of removal and anchorage stability. When the cap is screwed onto the prosthesis base, the threading creates a secure mechanical interlock that ensures stable anchorage during use. When removal is needed, the same threading mechanism allows easy unscrewing and replacement. The dynamic nature of the connection adapts to both secure attachment and easy removal requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cap and prosthesis base. The external threading on the cap engages with the internal threaded seat, creating a mediating connection that provides both stability during use and ease of removal when needed. This intermediary threading mechanism resolves the contradiction between secure anchorage and easy replacement.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1N
Figure 2~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a cap for removable dental prosthesis, a removable prosthesis and a process for the production of a removable prosthesis; the cap for removable dental prosthesis is suitable to be anchored by one or more implants which consist of an artificial root (1) and an abutment (4), said cap (6) being adapted to be received in the prosthesis (8) to be fit on said abutment (4) for defining a stable but removable constraint which allows the detachment of the prosthesis from the abutment; the cap is provided with a threaded outer surface (68).