A team of scientists have designed a new type of denture with octopus-like suckers for improved grip and comfort.
The researchers at King’s College London (KCL) explored how they could replicate the suckers octopuses have on their eight arms which allow them to attach to surfaces.
They then formulated the idea of using similar suckers to attach to the soft mucosa of the mouth. As a result, the researchers designed small ‘suction cups’ into 3D-printed models using CAD.
Following analysis, they found that the new denture design had twice the amount of retention as standard dentures.
In addition, the researchers explored how chemical changes could help to fix dentures in place. Their research revealed that a thin lining of keratin, the protein found in hair and skin, on plastic dentures improves retention further due to a chemical bond. This is also invisible, meaning the aesthetics of the dentures is not impacted.
The scientists, who belong to the KCL faculty of dentistry, oral and craniofacial sciences, believe the new design could help denture wearers across the UK. They suggest it could aid 11% of the UK population who use a denture and the 350 million of people around the world who have no natural teeth at all.
The octopus-like suction design would remove the need for denture adhesive and improve the retention, according to the researchers.
‘Improved grip and comfort’
Dr Sherif Elsharkawy, lead author of the study at King’s College London, said: ‘Having worked with denture wearers, who I often see in clinic, for several years, I really wanted to improve their experiences.
‘I first had the idea to replicate sticky surfaces in nature while biting into a peach. I noticed how the furry skin stuck to the palate of my mouth and decided to investigate other sticky surfaces in nature. Octopus suckers seemed like the perfect place to start.
‘This research bridges nature and technology to tackle a long-standing challenge for denture wearers. By mimicking the ingenious adhesive strategies found in octopus suction cups, we have developed a prototype that offers improved grip and comfort in even the most demanding oral environments.
‘Our findings pave the way for a new generation of dentures that can transform the quality of life for millions worldwide.’
Dr Eda Dzinovic is a researcher in dental materials at King’s College London. She said: ‘This work showcases the power of “biomimicry” in solving real-world medical challenges.
‘It’s inspiring to see how insights from nature, combined with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, can lead to innovations that improve both functionality and patient satisfaction. Contributing to this project has been an incredible opportunity to push the boundaries of dental material science.’
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