Patent ID: 8047844
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. A retention system for an oral prosthesis, comprising: a dental implant configured to be inserted within a bone in an oral cavity of a patient; an abutment securable to the dental implant; one or more shape memory elements secured along an upper portion of the abutment, wherein the one or more shape memory elements have an exposed portion when the dental implant is configured to be inserted within the oral cavity of the patient, wherein the exposed portion of the one or more shape memory elements extends radially relative to the abutment when the elements are in a locking configuration; an oral prosthesis defining a receiving channel for positioning upon the abutment; and, an energy source configured to apply heat or electrical energy to the one or more shape memory elements, wherein the one or more shape memory elements are actuatable upon application of the heat or electrical energy to transition between a radially extended locking configuration and a low-profile configuration, wherein the one or more shape memory elements retract to the low-profile configuration upon application of heat or electrical energy in order to position the oral prosthesis upon the abutment, and wherein upon removal of the heat or electrical energy will allow the one or more shape memory elements to be able to reconfigure into the radially extended locking configuration so that the oral prosthesis will be lockingly positioned on the abutment.