Vibration Dental Appliance for Craniofacial Bone Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for increasing craniofacial bone density, such as whole body vibrations, are limited to weight-bearing bones and are complex, expensive, and impractical for non-weight bearing bones like those in the craniofacial region, particularly for preventing and treating alveolar bone loss.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush, bite plate, and massage device that apply high frequency, low magnitude mechanical vibrations directly to the teeth, inducing 1 to 50 microstrain, to stimulate bone formation and increase alveolar bone density without the need for invasive procedures or custom designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If whole body vibration devices are used to increase bone density, then bone density in weight-bearing bones is improved, but the device is not effective for non-weight-bearing craniofacial bones and requires standing position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses teeth as an intermediary medium to transmit vibration forces to the craniofacial bones. The vibration device applies forces to the teeth, which then transmit these forces to the surrounding alveolar bone, enabling treatment of non-weight-bearing bones without requiring the patient to stand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the whole-body mechanical vibration system with a localized oral vibration system. Instead of vibrating the entire body through a platform, the system uses a dental appliance that delivers targeted vibrations directly to the teeth and surrounding bone structure.
2Reliability
If high frequency electric fields or ultrasound are used to stimulate bone formation, then bone formation is enhanced, but the appliances become complicated, expensive, and require custom fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive vibration devices that can be mass-produced as standard appliances rather than custom-made devices. The use of off-the-shelf vibration components integrated into dental appliances reduces cost and complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electric field and ultrasound systems with a simple mechanical vibration system. By using straightforward mechanical oscillators rather than sophisticated electromagnetic or acoustic equipment, the device achieves bone stimulation with reduced complexity and cost.
3Productivity
If heavy forces with low frequency are applied to teeth for orthodontic movement, then tooth movement efficiency is improved, but periodontal tissue and bone may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies high-frequency, low-magnitude mechanical vibrations to the teeth rather than heavy low-frequency forces. This vibration approach stimulates bone formation and enhances tooth movement efficiency while keeping forces below the threshold that would damage periodontal tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency and magnitude parameters of the applied forces. Instead of using heavy forces at low frequencies, the system uses light forces at high frequencies (100-1000 Hz), which produces different biological effects that promote bone formation without causing tissue damage.
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
These devices provide a non-invasive, cost-effective means to enhance bone quality and quantity in the craniofacial area, preventing bone loss and aiding in bone healing, making them suitable for daily use and combination with other dental procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The source of mechanical vibration has a design and a position effective to permit the hard surfaced protrusion to impart to the subject's teeth a mechanical vibration having a frequency of 100 to 1000 Hz with an acceleration peak of 0.1 to 1.0 g, which produce 1 to 50 microstrain in the jaw and/or teeth
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for increasing bone growth in teeth and/or other craniofacial regions of a subject. This method includes administering to the jaw and/or teeth of the subject a mechanical vibration having a frequency of 10 to 1000 Hz with an acceleration peak of 0.1 to 2.00 g and that can produce a low magnitude strain of 1 to 50 microstrain in the jaw and/or teeth. The present invention also relates to devices that deliver high frequency, low magnitude force to the teeth.