Dental instrument

Abstract

One aspect of this application provides a dental instrument comprising a first occlusal module in the form of a U-shaped elongated solid, which is recessed on one side near a first dentition to form a first tooth receiving cavity for receiving a second dentition. The first dentition is a maxillary or mandibular dentition, and the first and second dentitions are opposing dentitions. A first protruding feature is provided within the first tooth receiving cavity. When the dental instrument is in place, the first protruding feature engages with the second dentition to enhance the retention of the second dentition within the first tooth receiving cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to a dental instrument, and more particularly to a dental instrument having an occlusal module capable of effectively retaining a patient's dentition. Background Technology

[0002] For silicone dental appliances, the key to achieving their full therapeutic effect lies in their ability to effectively fit and retain the teeth.

[0003] Existing silicone dental appliances achieve fit and retention of teeth through the occlusion of the upper and lower teeth. However, this retention method has limited effectiveness, and the upper and / or lower teeth are prone to partially slipping out of the appliance's cavity, thus affecting its usability and treatment outcome. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new dental instrument with good tooth retention. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of this application provides a dental instrument comprising a first occlusal module in the form of a U-shaped elongated solid, which is recessed on one side near a first dentition to form a first tooth receiving cavity for receiving a second dentition. The first dentition is a maxillary or mandibular dentition, and the first and second dentitions are opposing dentitions. A first protruding feature is provided within the first tooth receiving cavity. When the dental instrument is in place, the first protruding feature engages with the second dentition to enhance the retention of the second dentition within the first tooth receiving cavity.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first protruding feature is disposed at a location corresponding to the undercut between the first pair of adjacent teeth of the second dentition. When the dental instrument is in place, the first protruding feature and the undercut between the first pair of adjacent teeth form a locking mechanism to enhance the retention effect of the second dentition within the first tooth receiving cavity.

[0006] In some embodiments, the dental instrument further includes a second occlusal module in the shape of a U-shape, which is recessed on the side near the second dentition to form a second tooth receiving cavity for receiving the first dentition, and the first and second occlusal modules are fixed to each other.

[0007] In some embodiments, a second protruding feature is provided in the second tooth receiving cavity. When the dental instrument is in place, the second protruding feature cooperates with the first dentition to improve the retention effect of the first dentition in the second tooth receiving cavity.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second protruding feature is disposed at a location corresponding to the undercut between the second pair of adjacent teeth of the first dentition. When the dental instrument is in place, the second protruding feature and the undercut between the second pair of adjacent teeth form a locking mechanism to enhance the retention effect of the first dentition within the second tooth receiving cavity.

[0009] In some embodiments, when the first protruding feature is compressed by the second row of teeth, it can undergo elastic deformation, thereby reducing the protrusion height of the first protruding feature.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first protruding feature is a recess formed within the tooth receiving cavity, the recess having a larger dimension than the first protruding feature in a direction perpendicular to the protrusion direction of the first protruding feature.

[0011] In some embodiments, when the first protruding feature is compressed by the second set of teeth, the first occlusal module is configured to allow elastic deformation at the first protruding feature, thereby reducing the protrusion height of the first protruding feature.

[0012] In some embodiments, a cavitation or sponge-like structure is formed in the sidewall of the first engagement module at the location corresponding to the first protruding feature.

[0013] In some embodiments, with the dental instrument in place, the first protruding feature is close to the papilla between the first pair of adjacent teeth.

[0014] In some embodiments, the lateral dimension of the first protruding feature end is smaller than that of the other end.

[0015] In some embodiments, the coefficient of friction of the first protruding feature surface is greater than that of other parts of the surface of the tooth receiving cavity.

[0016] In some embodiments, a third protruding feature is also formed within the first tooth receiving cavity, the first and third protruding features being located on the labial / buccal and lingual sides of the first pair of adjacent teeth, respectively.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first tooth receiving cavity is provided with at least three protruding features, wherein at least one protruding feature is located in the undercut between two adjacent posterior teeth on the left, at least one protruding feature is located in the undercut between two adjacent posterior teeth on the right, and at least one protruding feature is located in the undercut between two adjacent anterior teeth.

[0018] In some embodiments, it also includes a U-shaped base with U-shaped grooves formed on its upper and lower sides, and the first and second engagement modules are fixedly installed in the grooves on the upper and lower sides of the base.

[0019] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the materials of the first and second occlusive modules is lower than that of the elastic modulus of the material of the base plate.

[0020] In some embodiments, the geometry of the first tooth receiving cavity is determined based on the patient's second dentition, and the geometry of the second tooth receiving cavity is determined based on the patient's first dentition. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and other features of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and their detailed description. It should be understood that these drawings only illustrate several exemplary embodiments according to this application and should not be considered as limiting the scope of protection of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and similar reference numerals denote similar parts.

[0022] Figure 1A A dental instrument according to one embodiment of this application is illustrated schematically;

[0023] Figure 1B schematically shown Figure 1A The assembly relationship between the components of the dental instrument is shown.

[0024] Figure 1C for Figure 1A A magnified view of the dental instrument 100 shown at point A of the annulus;

[0025] Figure 2 The buccal-lingual view schematically illustrates the relative positional relationship between the protruding feature and the two adjacent teeth when dental instruments are in place.

[0026] Figure 3A The diagram illustrates a convex feature in its natural state in one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3B This schematically demonstrates when dental instruments are properly fitted. Figure 3A The convex feature shown;

[0028] Figure 4A The diagram schematically illustrates a convex feature in its natural state in one embodiment; and

[0029] Figure 4B This schematically demonstrates when dental instruments are properly fitted. Figure 4A The convex feature shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following detailed description incorporates the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification. The illustrative embodiments mentioned in the specification and drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand, based on the teachings of this application, that many other embodiments can be employed and various changes can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. It should be understood that the various aspects of this application illustrated herein can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in many different configurations, all of which are within the scope of this application.

[0031] One aspect of the present invention provides a dental instrument comprising an upper occlusal module and a lower occlusal module fixed to each other in a U-shape. The upper occlusal module and the lower occlusal module are respectively recessed towards the opposing jaw to form a cavity for receiving maxillary teeth and a cavity for receiving mandibular teeth. Each cavity of the upper occlusal module and the lower occlusal module has at least one protruding feature, and each protruding feature is an undercut region located between two adjacent teeth. The retention effect between the protruding feature and the undercut region is improved by the interlocking between the dental instrument and the patient's teeth.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 1A-1B ,in, Figure 1A The dental instrument 100 of one embodiment of this application is illustrated schematically. Figure 1B schematically shown Figure 1A The assembly relationship between the components of the dental instrument 100 shown.

[0033] The dental instrument 100 includes a base 101, an upper occlusal module 103, and a lower occlusal module 105. The base 101 is U-shaped in general, with U-shaped grooves 1011 and 1013 formed on its upper and lower sides, respectively. The upper occlusal module 103 and the lower occlusal module 105 are fixedly installed in the grooves 1011 and 1013, respectively.

[0034] The upper occlusal module 103 and the lower occlusal module 105 are generally U-shaped elongated entities. The upper occlusal module 103 is recessed towards the opposing jaw on its top side (the side near the opening of the slot 1011) to form a cavity 1031 for accommodating the patient's maxillary dentition. The lower occlusal module 105 is recessed towards the opposing jaw on its top side (the side near the opening of the slot 1013) to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's mandibular dentition (not shown in the figure). The upper occlusal module 103 and the lower occlusal module 105 each have artificially designed shapes and dimensions, allowing them to be fixedly installed in slots 1011 and 1013, respectively.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 1C ,for Figure 1AThe image shows a partial enlarged view of the dental instrument 100 at point A. The upper occlusal module 103 has protruding features 1033 within the tooth receiving cavity 1031, corresponding to the undercuts between multiple pairs of adjacent teeth. When the patient's maxillary dentition is fully received within the tooth receiving cavity 1031 of the upper occlusal module 103, or when the dental instrument 100 is in place, these protruding features 1033 engage with the corresponding undercuts between adjacent teeth in the patient's maxillary dentition, thereby improving the retention of the patient's maxillary dentition within the tooth receiving cavity 1031 of the upper occlusal module 103.

[0036] In one embodiment, to make the dental instrument 100 easy to wear and improve wearing comfort, the upper occlusal module 103 and the lower occlusal module 105 can be made of a material with a low elastic modulus (softer). To ensure the overall mechanical properties of the dental instrument 100, the base 101 can be made of a material with a high elastic modulus.

[0037] In one embodiment, the upper engagement module 103 and the lower engagement module 105 may be made of silicone or TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane).

[0038] In one embodiment, the base plate 101 may be made of polycarbonate (PC), poly(ethyleneterephthalateco-1,4-cylclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) (PETG), polyamide (PA), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), metal, carbon fiber, or glass fiber.

[0039] In one embodiment, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity 1031 of the upper occlusal module 103 and the tooth receiving cavity 1051 of the lower occlusal module 105 may be determined according to the patient's maxillary and mandibular dentition, respectively. For example, they may correspond to the corresponding portions of the patient's maxillary and mandibular dentition under a specific tooth layout.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 2 The image shows the relative position of the protruding feature 1033 to the two adjacent teeth 1071 and 1073 when the dental instrument 100 is in place, from a buccal-lingual perspective. The protruding feature 1033 is an undercut located at the papilla 1075 between the two adjacent teeth 1071 and 1073, where the undercut is largest and the retention effect is best.

[0041] Based on the teachings of this application, it is understood that the protruding features can be provided within the tooth cavity of the occlusal module at locations corresponding to the undercuts between adjacent pairs of teeth, depending on the patient's specific circumstances. For example, protruding features can be provided at the locations corresponding to the undercuts between the last two pairs of adjacent molars and between the canines on both sides. Alternatively, protruding features can be provided only at locations corresponding to the undercuts between adjacent molars. Yet another example is that protruding features can be provided only at locations corresponding to the undercuts between adjacent anterior teeth. It is understood that the distribution of the protruding features is not limited to the above examples.

[0042] Based on the inspiration of this application, it is understood that, in addition to setting protruding features at locations corresponding to undercuts between adjacent teeth, protruding features can also be set in other areas within the tooth cavity, thereby enhancing the retention effect of the tooth within the tooth cavity through the compression between the tooth and the protruding features.

[0043] In one embodiment, the protruding feature may be provided only on the labial / buccal side of the tooth receiving cavity. In another embodiment, the protruding feature may be provided only on the lingual side of the tooth receiving cavity. In yet another embodiment, the protruding feature may be provided on both the labial / buccal and lingual sides of the tooth receiving cavity.

[0044] In one embodiment, the protruding feature may be provided only within the tooth receiving cavity of the upper occlusal module. In another embodiment, the protruding feature may be provided only within the tooth receiving cavity of the lower occlusal module. In yet another embodiment, the protruding feature may be provided within the tooth receiving cavities of both the upper and lower occlusal modules.

[0045] In one embodiment, after the dental instrument is in place, the protruding feature is squeezed by the corresponding tooth, causing the protruding feature and / or the corresponding part of the occlusal module to undergo elastic deformation, thereby reducing the protrusion height of the protruding feature. This ensures that the corresponding part of the tooth receiving cavity surface of the occlusal module is in full contact with the tooth, thus ensuring the orthodontic effect of the dental instrument.

[0046] Please refer to Figures 3A-3B The image shows the protruding feature 205 in one embodiment, both in its natural state and when the dental instrument is in place.

[0047] The occlusal module 201 forms a cavity 203 for receiving teeth, and a protruding feature 205 is provided inside the cavity corresponding to the undercut between two adjacent teeth. The protruding feature 205 is made of an elastic material. When compressed, it undergoes elastic deformation, causing its protrusion height to decrease and its lateral dimension to increase. Therefore, it can more fully fill the undercut between adjacent teeth to better form a clasp. The protruding feature 205 is located within a recess 207 formed on the surface of the cavity 203. The lateral dimension of the recess 207 is larger than that of the protruding feature 205 in its natural state, so that the recess 207 can accommodate the protruding feature 205 whose lateral dimension increases after compression.

[0048] Figure 3A The diagram schematically illustrates the protruding feature 205 in its natural state, which protrudes to a greater height before being compressed by the teeth 211.

[0049] Figure 3B The illustration shows that after the dental instrument is in place, the protruding feature 205 undergoes elastic deformation under the pressure of the tooth 211, which reduces the height of the protrusion and increases the lateral dimension, so as to ensure full contact / fit between the tooth 211 and the surface of the tooth receiving cavity 203.

[0050] Please refer to Figures 4A-4B The image shows the protruding feature 303 in the natural state and when the dental instrument is in place, respectively, in another embodiment.

[0051] The occlusal module 301 has a protruding feature 303 in the cavity that houses the teeth and corresponding to the undercut between two adjacent teeth. The sidewall of the occlusal module 301 forms an elastically compressible structure 305 at the location corresponding to the protruding feature 303. When the protruding feature 303 is squeezed, the elastically compressible structure 305 undergoes elastic deformation and indents, thereby reducing the protrusion height of the protruding feature 303.

[0052] Figure 4A The diagram schematically illustrates the protruding feature 303 in its natural state, which protrudes to a relatively high height before being compressed by teeth.

[0053] Figure 4B The illustration schematically shows that after the dental instrument is in place, the protruding feature 303 is squeezed by the tooth (not shown in the figure), causing the elastically compressible structure 305 to be recessed, thereby reducing the height of the protruding feature 303 to ensure full contact / fit between the tooth and the surface of the tooth cavity.

[0054] In one embodiment, the elastically compressible structure 305 may be a cavitation bubble. In yet another embodiment, the elastically compressible structure 305 may be a sponge-like structure.

[0055] The lateral dimension of the protruding feature 303 gradually decreases from the bottom to the end, that is, the lateral dimension of its end is smaller than that of the other end. This geometry matches the undercut between adjacent teeth better, making it easier for it to form a snap-fit ​​with the undercut between adjacent teeth.

[0056] Based on the inspiration of this application, it can be understood that the protruding feature can be any suitable shape, as long as it can engage with the undercut between the two adjacent teeth to achieve retention of the occlusal module and the dental arch. For example, it can be hemispherical, semi-ellipsoidal, cylindrical, cuboid, triangular prism, etc.

[0057] In one embodiment, the lateral dimension of the end of the protruding feature (i.e., the end away from the tooth cavity surface) is smaller than that of the end connected to the tooth cavity surface, making it easier to wed into the undercut between the corresponding two adjacent teeth.

[0058] In one embodiment, the height of the protruding feature protruding from the surface of the tooth receiving cavity of the occlusal module can be 0.5 to 2 mm.

[0059] In one embodiment, the material and / or surface roughness of the protruding feature makes its coefficient of friction higher than that of other parts of the tooth cavity surface, in order to further enhance the retention effect on the tooth.

[0060] In one embodiment, the protruding feature and the occlusal module can be manufactured separately, and the protruding feature can be fixed to the corresponding position in the tooth receiving cavity of the occlusal module by means of bonding, welding or other methods.

[0061] In another embodiment, the protruding feature and the engagement module can be manufactured as a single piece, for example, by 3D printing. The protruding feature and the engagement module can be made of the same material or different materials.

[0062] In another embodiment, the dental instrument may not have a base, and the upper and lower occlusal modules may be manufactured as a single piece or manufactured separately and then fixed together.

[0063] Although various aspects and embodiments of this application have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments of this application will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon inspiration from this application. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The scope and spirit of this application are determined solely by the appended claims.

[0064] Similarly, the diagrams may illustrate exemplary architectures or other configurations of the disclosed methods and systems, which aid in understanding the features and functions that may be included in the disclosed methods and systems. The claims are not limited to the exemplary architectures or configurations shown, and the desired features may be implemented with various alternative architectures and configurations. Furthermore, the order of the blocks given herein with respect to flowcharts, functional descriptions, and method claims should not be limited to various embodiments implemented in the same order to perform the said functions, unless explicitly indicated in the context.

[0065] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms and phrases used herein, and their variations thereof, should be interpreted as open-ended rather than restrictive. In some instances, the appearance of extended words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to,” or other similar expressions should not be construed as an intention or necessity to indicate a narrower scope in examples where such extended expressions might not exist.

Claims

1. A dental instrument, characterized in that, It includes a first occlusal module in the shape of a U-shape, which is recessed on the side near the first dentition to form a first tooth receiving cavity for receiving the second dentition. The first dentition is the maxillary or mandibular dentition, and the first and second dentitions are opposing dentitions. A first protruding feature is provided in the first tooth receiving cavity. When the dental instrument is in place, the first protruding feature cooperates with the second dentition to improve the retention effect of the second dentition in the first tooth receiving cavity.

2. The dental instrument as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first protruding feature is disposed at a position corresponding to the undercut between the first pair of adjacent teeth of the second dentition. When the dental instrument is in place, the first protruding feature and the undercut between the first pair of adjacent teeth form a locking mechanism to improve the retention effect of the second dentition within the first tooth receiving cavity.

3. The dental instrument as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The dental instrument also includes a second occlusal module in the shape of a U-shape, which is recessed on the side near the second dentition to form a second tooth receiving cavity for receiving the first dentition, and the first and second occlusal modules are fixed to each other.

4. The dental instrument as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second tooth receiving cavity is provided with a second protruding feature. When the dental instrument is in place, the second protruding feature cooperates with the first dentition to improve the retention effect of the first dentition in the second tooth receiving cavity.

5. The dental instrument as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second protruding feature is disposed at a position corresponding to the undercut between the second pair of adjacent teeth of the first dentition. When the dental instrument is in place, the second protruding feature and the undercut between the second pair of adjacent teeth form a locking mechanism to improve the retention effect of the first dentition in the second tooth receiving cavity.

6. The dental instrument as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the first protruding feature is squeezed by the second row of teeth, it can undergo elastic deformation, thereby reducing the protrusion height of the first protruding feature.

7. The dental instrument as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The first protruding feature is a recess formed within the tooth receiving cavity, and the dimension of the recess in a direction perpendicular to the protrusion direction of the first protruding feature is larger than that of the first protruding feature.

8. The dental instrument as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the first protruding feature is squeezed by the second set of teeth, the first occlusal module is configured to allow elastic deformation at the first protruding feature, thereby reducing the protrusion height of the first protruding feature.

9. The dental instrument as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, A cavitation or sponge-like structure is formed in the side wall of the first occlusal module at the location corresponding to the first protruding feature.

10. The dental instrument as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, With the dental instrument in place, the first protruding feature is close to the papilla between the first pair of adjacent teeth.

11. The dental instrument as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The lateral dimension of the end of the first protruding feature is smaller than that of the other end.

12. The dental instrument as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The coefficient of friction of the first protruding feature surface is greater than that of other parts of the surface of the tooth receiving cavity.

13. The dental instrument as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, A third protruding feature is also formed within the cavity of the first tooth, and the first and third protruding features are located on the labial and buccal sides and the lingual side, respectively, between the first pair of adjacent teeth.

14. The dental instrument as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The first tooth receiving cavity is provided with at least three protruding features, wherein at least one protruding feature is located in the undercut between two adjacent posterior teeth on the left, at least one protruding feature is located in the undercut between two adjacent posterior teeth on the right, and at least one protruding feature is located in the undercut between two adjacent anterior teeth.

15. The dental instrument as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a U-shaped base, with U-shaped grooves formed on its upper and lower sides, and the first and second engagement modules are fixedly installed in the grooves on the upper and lower sides of the base.

16. The dental instrument as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The elastic modulus of the materials of the first and second occlusal modules is lower than that of the material of the base.

17. The dental instrument as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The geometry of the first tooth receiving cavity is determined based on the patient's second dentition, and the geometry of the second tooth receiving cavity is determined based on the patient's first dentition.

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