"A well-executed and innovative solution to teeth grinding, presented with clarity and strong future potential."
-------- Review from Future Art & Design Award
Winners Gallery displays only a representative image (thumbnail) of each entry.
Project description
This product is a standalone microcurrent temporomandibular relief device that reduces nighttime teeth grinding through intelligent monitoring and real-time intervention. It uses a MEMS microphone to detect grinding sounds, and once detected, the device automatically activates Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) to release low-frequency microcurrents, relaxing the temporomandibular muscles and reducing unconscious clenching.
Designed with an active intervention mechanism, it aims to minimize the damage caused by nighttime grinding to teeth, muscles, and the temporomandibular joint, ultimately protecting oral health and improving sleep quality.
1. Technical Principles and Components
1-1.MEMS Sound Sensing Module
o Utilizes a high-sensitivity MEMS microphone placed at the preauricular temporomandibular area.
o Detects subtle sounds and vibrations from the temporomandibular muscles during grinding.
o Features: Low power consumption, high accuracy, and anti-interference capability, commonly used in wearable and medical monitoring devices.
1-2. AI Sound Recognition Algorithm
o Differentiates grinding sounds from snoring, turning, and other background sleep noises.
o Learns individual user sound patterns to continuously improve detection accuracy.
o Additional function: Analyzes grinding frequency and intensity for dynamic intervention adjustment.
1-3. TENS Microcurrent Stimulation Module
o Once grinding is detected, it immediately activates low-frequency microcurrent stimulation (1–7 mA, 1–150 Hz).
o Targets the masseter and temporalis muscles to achieve muscle relaxation and reduce grinding frequency and force.
o Studies show it can reduce grinding episodes by 30–50% and muscle tension by 20–40%.
1-4. Power and Control Module
o Uses an ultra-thin lithium polymer battery with magnetic charging support.
o Outputs current only during grinding events; remains in low-power monitoring mode otherwise.
o A single charge lasts 9–10 days.
1-5.Patch and Wearing Structure
o Medical-grade silicone patch with breathability, conductivity, and skin-friendly properties.
o Washable conductive gel layer maintains long-term conductivity.
o Secured by a dedicated sleep mask, keeping it stable over the preauricular area even during side sleeping or turning.
2. Product Functions and Operation Process
2-1. Smart Activation: Automatically enters monitoring mode after power-on, without manual operation or phone connection.
2-2. Real-Time Detection: MEMS microphone continuously monitors for grinding sounds during sleep.
2-3. AI Analysis: Confirms grinding behavior before triggering intervention.
2-4. Muscle Relaxation: TENS microcurrent stimulates the temporomandibular muscles to reduce clenching.
2-5. Data Recording: Automatically logs grinding episodes, interventions, and intensity.
2-6. Report Generation: View sleep and grinding records via the mobile app for medical assessment and self-management.
3. Innovative Features and Differentiation
3-1. Active Intervention: MEMS + AI detect and trigger TENS in real time—providing prevention, not just protection.
3-2. Comfortable Wearing: Ultra-thin patch with sleep mask fixation for all-night comfort without affecting sleep position.
3-3. Zero-Operation Convenience: Fully automated activation with AI-adjusted intensity—no user input required.
3-4. Data-Driven Management: Comprehensive sleep and grinding reports for medical tracking and self-adjustment.
3-5. High Stability: Medical-grade silicone for skin-friendliness and allergy prevention, mask fixation to prevent detachment
3-6. Safe and Drug-Free: Physical intervention with no drug side effects—safe for long-term use.
4. Application Scenarios and Target Users
Target Users:
• Long-term nighttime teeth grinders
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) patients
• People who cannot tolerate traditional mouthguards
• Individuals with tight neck/jaw muscles, sleep disorders, or high stress
Application Scenarios:
• Home use
• Medical and dental clinics
• Sleep medicine centers
• Long-term care and rehabilitation facilities
5. Commercial Potential and Scalability
5-1. Wearable Design: High user acceptance for daily use.
5-2. Consumable Separation: Replaceable patches suitable for subscription-based business models.
5-3. Cloud and Telehealth Integration: Works with a mobile app and cloud database to support remote medical analysis.
5-4. Feature Expansion: Potential for muscle relaxation, rehabilitation, snoring detection, and other applications.
6. Market Size
The global bruxism management market was valued at approximately USD 6.29 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 10.2 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of around 7%.
Although Taiwan’s market size is smaller, night guard and related device sales are growing at over 7% annually, reflecting a strong and increasing demand for innovative, comfortable, and sustainable solutions.
7. Conclusion
This product combines AI sound recognition with TENS physical therapy to create a solution that detects, intervenes, and remains comfortable for long-term overnight use. Compared to traditional mouthguards and fixed TENS devices, it offers three key advantages: active prevention, wearable comfort, and data-driven insights. With strong market potential, it is well-positioned to expand into the global smart health and sleep care sectors.