ADVANCED ORAL MUSCLE PROTECTION SYSTEM

IT202400000730Y1Active Publication Date: 2026-09-07NEGRINI STEFANO +2
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Patent Information

Application Number
IT202024000000730
Authority / Receiving Office
IT · IT
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-02-19
Publication Date
2026-09-07
Estimated Expiration
2034-02-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing intraoral devices for treating upper airway disorders and snoring face challenges in ease of use, comfort during prolonged use, and adapting to different activities such as speaking, eating, and sleeping, with some users experiencing discomfort and the need for improved patient-specific customization.

Method used

An advanced oral muscle protection apparatus featuring elliptical buccal shields made of high-tech flexible polymers, designed with anatomical precision, hollow parts for reduced weight, and thin soft coatings, allowing for automatic pressure adjustment and ease of cleaning, suitable for both pediatric and adult patients.

Benefits of technology

The apparatus enhances comfort and effectiveness by providing personalized fit, reducing muscle pain and nerve compression, adapting to various activities, and promoting neuromuscular rebalancing, while being easy to clean and aesthetically customizable.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.
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Description

1 / 1 PDT89 Description Title ORAL MUSCLE PROTECTION SYSTEM ADVANCED Scope of Application

[01] The present invention relates to a protection apparatus for advanced oral muscles.

[02] In general, the present invention relates to intraoral devices, mouthpiece-type devices or positioners, for example, for the arch lower and upper, nozzles with means to protect the tube from damage caused by the patient's teeth, such as bite block, tools for therapeutic treatment, splat for the neck or head, ad example maxillary, nasal, protectors inserted into the mouth with holes for the breathing.

[03] In particular, the present invention relates to equipment for exercise specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the head or neck for facial muscles to be inserted into the mouth, buccal tubes, devices that act between the upper and lower teeth, anti-bruxism, mouth or teeth protectors, data acquisition or processing for the additive manufacturing. State of the Art

[04] The state of the art is represented by US patent 8,371,309 B2 concerning a removable intraoral appliance designed for relieve upper airway disorders, such as snoring and apnea obstructive sleep apnea.

[05] The device is designed to be "tissue-borne" (i.e., in contact minimum with teeth) and aims to improve airway patency superiors. 2 / 1 PDT89

[06] Using the device alters the position, configuration and freedom of movement of the tongue, of the chewing muscles, as well as of the pharyngeal and facial muscles.

[07] The device works by opening the airways by repositioning the jaw in a more inferior and anterior position, pushing the jaw in forward and opening the mouth compared to the normal position.

[08] The appliance is "tissue-borne", it rests in the mouth without involving or move the teeth, seeking instead stability and retention in the various grooves of the oral cavity.

[09] To make this device, materials are used thermosetting plastics such as dental acrylic or methyl methacrylate, which allow you to create support sections that are relatively rigid but at the same time flexible. These supports, such as lingual shields, the palatal wafer, the labial pads and the buccal shields, are connected to each other and reinforced through the use of dental wires or cables.

[10] The device itself is composed of several functional components, each with a specific role in the overall objective of the device.

[11] The lingual shields, located under the tongue, are usually concave and smoothed to facilitate the movement of the tongue.

[12] The palatal wafer, located on the palate, is tilted to fill any cavity and allow the patient to maintain continuous contact with the palate during various activities.

[13] The lip pads, positioned between the gum and the lower lip, act on the mental muscle and influence the swallowing mechanism.

[14] The buccal shields, located inside the cheeks, push laterally to increase the space inside the mouth.

[15] Molar stop wires are used to prevent the upper teeth from closing. and lower, improving airway patency and creating more space for the language.

[16] Adjustable elements, such as expansion screws, allow you to adapt the device to the patient's specific needs. 3 / 1 PDT89

[17] The customized look of the device is emphasized by the fact that It is tailor-made for the patient, with individual components offered in kit form for local manufacturing.

[18] The main objective of this device is to introduce a new model postural for the muscles of the mouth, head and neck, with the aim to reduce resistance to airflow in the upper airways. Its main features include the buccal shields, which, during the contact with the cheeks, push laterally to increase the space inside the mouth. Usually made of acrylic with wire reinforcements. Stainless Steel Dental, These Components Solve Problems related to muscle posture, reorienting and reprogramming the muscles of the tongue, face and upper airways to achieve a oral systemic balance.

[19] Among the most significant advantages, there is the minimal contact with the teeth, causing a more pronounced change in muscle patterns. Furthermore, patient-specific customization offers a highly customized solution. The device is designed for rest in the mouth without engaging or moving the teeth, providing a lateral support thanks to the collaboration between the buccal shields and the pads labial, which influence the muscles and prevent pressure positive.

[20] The state of the art is also represented by US patent 11737910 B2 relating to a device designed to treat conditions related to facial muscles, tongue posture and problems musculoskeletal in the cranio-mandibular and cranio-cervical region.

[21] The device is designed with the aim of re-educating the muscles of the language and surrounding areas, providing a reference through a false palate to maintain a correct position of the tongue. re-education involves the anterior, middle and posterior parts of the tongue, with the introduction of buccal bulbar tubes and protuberances that aim to correct any imbalances in the upper and middle bands of the buccinator-orbicularis oris complex (MB), [Fig. 7]. These components apply pressure to the mouth, generating a 4 / 1 PDT89 buccal vestibular through an upward movement induced by the tongue and peri-oral muscles.

[22] The device encourages the tongue to remain on the roof of the mouth, promoting a relaxation response and a mechanical response similar to a massage therapy. This helps maintain the tone of the muscles of the tongue and airways both during wakefulness and during sleep sleep. In addition, the device has the potential to synchronize the activity of the 136 muscles of the head, face and neck, contributing to rebalancing neuromuscular and musculoskeletal homeostasis.

[23] Expected benefits include the reduction of muscle pain, spasms pain and nerve compression, thanks to the release of tension myofascial release, which can help reduce muscle inflammation and promote the rate of muscle repair. The device can be used for temporary treatment of headaches, especially for relieve the load on the trigeminal nerve, providing relief from migraines and other types of headaches.

[24] Furthermore, the device supports the re-education of the skull posture and of the bones, stimulating and supporting rhythmic cranial movement. It is suitable for both toothless patients and pediatric and adult patients, thanks to its removable design for cleaning. The appliance can also exhibit variations in the materials used, such as flexible materials, hydrodynamic, gel-filled or semi-rigid.

[25] Optionally, the device can be equipped with a heating and vibration to provide muscle relief through the heat and stimulation. Some components, such as the false palate, they can be removable or modifiable to allow for treatment personalized. Finally, the devices can be worn simultaneously or separately, both during sleep and during the day.

[26] The state of the art is also represented by the patent EP 1286627 B1 concerning a system of removable and elastic orthodontic appliances.

[27] Orthodontic appliances incorporate several components inside of their polymeric structure, including tubes, labial pads, buccal shields, buccinator bows, brackets, hooks, buttons, springs, palatal bars, frames and others 5 / 1 PDT89 elements. These orthodontic components are designed to interact with soft tissue surfaces, such as the palate, cheeks, lips, tongue and gum.

[28] At least one of these devices includes a space filler shaped to align with the spaces between adjacent teeth. This filler can take the form of a structure located between two cavities in the polymeric structure, composed of a face wall and a wall lingual fused together to form an at least partially solid bridge. Additionally, an orthodontic component may present a protrusion rear, increasing the thickness of the structure along one direction posterior in the posterior occlusal region. This protrusion is positioned over the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth to provide an anterior disclusion.

[29] Some of these orthodontic devices may feature windows that expose at least part of the occlusal surfaces of the received teeth. For aesthetic purposes, the devices can be matted or colored. A plurality of appliances can be supplied together with materials colored and an applicator, allowing users to apply the colored material on the devices themselves.

[30] To adapt to the needs of orthodontic treatment, the appliances They can be equipped with removal tabs, which make it easier to removal of a layer of material or parts of the structure. In Ultimately, the system can include at least three orthodontic appliances removable elastics.

[31] The state of the art is also represented by the utility model patent CN 215019356 U relating to a dental appliance which includes a shell-like body with multiple tooth-receiving cavities. The device comprises a shield integrated into the body in the shape of a shell. The shield comprises a contact part and a contact part. block, both formed integrally with the shell-shaped body.

[32] The salient features of this device concern the shield buccinator and buccal shields. The blocking part, which extends from the shell-shaped labial, buccal, or labial-buccal surface of the body towards the distal direction, it provides support to the labial mucosa- 6 / 1 PDT89 buccal. This prevents contact of the labial, buccal, or labial muscles. buccal with the corresponding tooth, reducing the inhibitory effect on the tooth growth and promoting lateral or longitudinal development of the tooth itself.

[33] The contact part, connected to the blocking part, comes into contact with the corresponding gum when the appliance is worn. This contact part is designed to stably adhere to the gum corresponding, with a surface that can be curved, flat or with convex points.

[34] The geometry of the tooth cavities is designed to allow at least some of the teeth received to move from a first position to a second position during orthodontic treatment. The part of block may protrude distally from the labial surfaces and / or buccal cavities of the teeth.

[35] To improve the strength, the block part can be reinforced with a filling material and equipped with stiffening members. Furthermore, It can be integrated or separated from the contact part.

[36] In some embodiments, a locking device is included arch expansion integrated into the shell-shaped body, which stimulates arch growth during expansion.

[37] A shell dental equipment kit is also provided which comprises a first shell-shaped body and a second body shell shape. The first body can be the dental appliance shell described and can be used together with the second body equipped of dental cavities. These overall characteristics allow for a better control of the force exerted on the teeth during treatment orthodontic, simultaneously reducing the inhibitory influence of the muscles labial and buccal on the growth of the teeth.

[38] The state of the art is also represented by the patent application WO 2020038021 A1 concerning a dental device designed for lock the jaw and cheek muscles. It has a shape of a curved C-shaped plate, adapting to the shape of the dental arch, and is placed between the jaw and cheek muscles when is worn. 7 / 1 PDT89

[39] This device includes: buccal shields, located at the ends of the dental device, these shields serve to block the teeth posterior and cheek muscles; lip retainer, positioned in the half of the device, the lip stopper is designed to lock the front teeth and lip muscles. It is important to note that the buccal shield is integrated with the lip retainer.

[40] When worn, the device is essentially at the base of the upper and lower vestibular fissures, positioning itself between the upper and lower teeth and the muscles of the cheek. The contours of the device coincide with those of the upper vestibular fissures and lower, ensuring perfect fit and lock.

[41] The upper and lower surfaces of the device have a concave structure to avoid interference during use. The device includes an opening to avoid collisions with the incisors and canines during the use.

[42] Hollow parts formed on the buccal shields reduce overall weight of the device, improving its comfort. The transverse profile of the buccal shields are wide at the sides and narrow in the center.

[43] The surface of the device may be coated with a thin material and soft to improve comfort during use. During use, a space is created between the device and at least one of the gums upper and lower.

[44] The method of fabricating the device involves obtaining data patient's oral health, including dental arch length and fold morphology, to create a three-dimensional digital model personalized.

[45] The manufacturing process uses a pattern control device three-dimensional digital to produce the dental device. They can different manufacturing methods can be used, such as 3D printing or CNC machining.

[46] This device is designed to selectively block muscles oral and facial and jaw, contributing to the correction of the oral and facial muscle function. 8 / 1 PDT89 Presentation of the invention Technical problem

[47] In the state of the art described above, one of the technical problems not yet completely resolved concerns the ease of use of the device.

[48] ​​Despite the improvements made, some users may still experience discomfort during prolonged use. The design of advanced and innovative materials is an area where there is room for further research to maximize patient comfort and satisfaction.

[49] In the case of devices such as those involving positive pressure Continuous Airway Pressure Monitoring (CPAP), automatically customize your pressure level according to the specific needs of the patient can be an open problem.

[50] The creation of devices that can effectively adapt to several activities, such as speaking, eating and sleeping, require a advanced context sensitivity. A device that adapts dynamically to the patient's needs in different scenarios could represent a challenge. Solution to the problem

[51] The innovative solution to the technical problem consists in an advanced oral muscle protective apparatus, which is distinguished by the following characteristics.

[52] Use of high-tech flexible polymers to ensure durability and comfort during prolonged use.

[53] Adoption of a methodology based on oral patient data, such as length of the dental arch and morphology of the fold, to create a customized three-dimensional digital model.

[54] Design of buccal shields with an elliptical shape aimed at maximize contact with the cheeks, pushing laterally to increase intraoral space. Ergonomics ensures effectiveness and comfort. 9 / 1 PDT89

[55] Integration of hollow parts in the buccal shields to reduce weight overall device, improving comfort. Coating with thin and soft material for a pleasant sensation.

[56] Ongoing commitment to improve usability, including evaluation of a automatic adjustment system based on patient data for a more seamless experience.

[57] Design to allow simultaneous or independent use with other orthodontic treatments or therapies, ensuring flexibility in the approach to the treatment.

[58] Structure designed to be removable and easily cleanable, ensuring regular hygiene and maintenance.

[59] Careful consideration of user feedback to minimize any inconvenience during use.

[60] Possibility of aesthetic customization with colors or decorations to make the device more appealing to the patient.

[61] Designed to fit both pediatric and adult patients, offering a versatile solution.

[62] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above problems of the prior art providing a muscle protection apparatus advanced oral, for the treatment of upper airway disorders, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea and related conditions, whether able to improve the patency of the upper airway during the sleep or other activities, thus reducing the risk of snoring and apnea obstructive sleep apnea.

[63] A further purpose is to provide a protective apparatus for the advanced oral muscles intended to aim at re-educating the muscles of the tongue, face and upper airways to achieve a new postural model, helping to reduce airflow resistance in the airways.

[64] A further purpose is to provide a protective apparatus for the advanced oral muscles expected to allow an approach customized, so that the devices are tailor-made for the patient, considering the specific anatomical characteristics and the individual needs. 10 / 1 PDT89

[65] A further purpose is to provide a protective apparatus for the advanced oral muscles designed to improve comfort during use prolonged, reducing any discomfort associated with the devices intraoral.

[66] A further purpose is to provide a protective apparatus for the advanced oral muscles intended to be used during sleep, but also during daily activities, adapting to different activities of the patient.

[67] A further purpose is to provide a protective apparatus for the advanced oral muscles expected to help rebalance neuromuscular and musculoskeletal homeostasis, reducing pain muscle, painful spasms and nerve compression.

[68] The above and other objects and advantages of the invention, as will result from the following the description, are achieved with an apparatus of advanced oral muscle protection such as that described in Claim 1. Preferred embodiments and non-trivial variants of the present invention form the object of the claims employees. It is understood that all claims attached form part integral to this description. It will be immediately obvious that it will be possible to make changes to what described countless variants and modifications (for example relating to shape, dimensions, arrangements and parts with equivalent functionality) without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as it appears from the attached claims. Advantageous effects of the invention

[69] The buccal devices proposed to automatically personalize the pressure in devices such as those used for positive pressure Continuous airway pressure (CPAP) devices are designed with an elliptical shape. This specific choice is aimed at ensuring excellent performance. The features of these devices are described below:

[70] The buccal devices take on an elliptical shape, characterised by two axes of different lengths. This choice aims to optimize the 11 / 1 PDT89 device performance and ensure more customization effective pressure.

[71] The elliptical shape was selected to maximize adaptability anatomical, allowing the buccal devices to conform more precise to the specific characteristics of the mouth and cheeks of the patient.

[72] Thanks to its shape, the ellipse offers a greater contact surface compared to other shapes, ensuring a more uniform distribution of the pressure. This is crucial to ensure effective contact of the cheeks with buccal devices, optimizing lateral support without cause excessive point pressures.

[73] The elliptical shape is designed to minimize interference with other parts of the oral cavity, while maintaining sufficient contact to provide the desired lateral support. This helps to avoid any discomfort or side effects due to a positioning inadequate.

[74] The elliptical geometry was chosen to improve the ability to automatically customize the pressure level. This form allows for more precise and dynamic adjustment of pressure in response to the specific needs of the patient.

[75] Despite their elliptical shape, buccal devices are made with materials that offer comfort during prolonged use, ensuring the at the same time the necessary rigidity to maintain the effectiveness of the device.

[76] The adoption of the elliptical shape for buccal devices aims to improve the effectiveness and comfort of the CPAP device, allowing a Automatic pressure level customization to suit better suited to the individual needs of the patient. Description of the drawings

[77] The present invention will be better described by some preferred forms. of realization, provided by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[78] [Fig. 1] shows a front view of an embodiment of the apparatus of advanced oral muscle protection, according to the present invention; 12 / 1 PDT89

[79] [Fig. 2] shows a perspective view of the apparatus in the figure previous;

[80] [Fig. 3] shows a front view of an embodiment of the apparatus of oral muscle protection positioned in the oral cavity;

[81] [Fig. 4], [Fig. 5], [Fig. 6] show a first and a second view in orthogonal projection and a perspective view of a relevant detail of a realization of the oral muscle protection apparatus advanced, according to the present invention; and

[82] [Fig. 7] shows an operational diagram of the relevant particular of the previous figures. Description of embodiments

[83] Referring to the figures, it is possible to note that an apparatus of advanced oral muscle protection, suitable for the treatment of upper airway disorders, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea sleep and related conditions, is of the type comprising at least one lingual shield 1, possibly a palatal wafer 2, at least one pad labial 3 and at least one pair of buccal shields 4, connected and reinforced through the use of dental wires or cables 5, 6, 7.

[84] Advantageously, the pair of buccal scutes 4 has an elliptical shape with two axes of different length, based on anatomical analysis of the oral cavity, so that the length of the major axis can be adjusted to the size of the cheeks, while that of the minor axis is shaped to fit the desired width.

[85] Each buccal shield of the pair of buccal shields 4 follows the shape elliptical with a concave surface facing inward into the mouth to maximize contact with the cheeks, the shield profile buccal is shaped to reduce interference with other oral structures, like teeth.

[86] The apparatus is intended to allow the use of materials compliant with the medical standards, such as thermosetting polymers, which become slightly flexible at body temperature for better comfort adaptation. 13 / 1 PDT89

[87] The inner surface of each buccal shield of the pair of shields buccal 4 features reliefs or grooves designed to improve the retention and reduce the risk of slipping during use.

[88] The inner surface of each buccal shield of the pair of shields buccal 4 is covered with a thin and soft material to improve further patient comfort.

[89] The apparatus is intended to allow for customized implementation involving obtaining oral patient data, including length of the dental arch and the morphology of the fold, to create a customized three-dimensional digital model.

[90] The apparatus is designed to allow the use of a device control of three-dimensional digital models to produce the device dental. Industrial applicability

[91] Design of an Elliptical Buccal Shield:

[92] The design of an elliptical buccal shield requires attention to various aspects, including shape, size, material and ergonomics. Below is a design example for a buccal shield elliptical:

[93] Before starting the design, it is essential to conduct an analysis anatomy of the patient's mouth and cheeks. This can involve the collection of detailed data through digital scans or dental impressions to get the exact size and shape of the oral cavity.

[94] Based on anatomical analysis, the optimal dimensions are determined for the ellipse. For example, the length of the major axis can be adapted to the size of the cheeks, while that of the minor axis It could be shaped to fit your desired width.

[95] The curvature of the buccal shield follows the elliptical shape, with a concave surface facing inside the mouth to maximize the contact with the cheeks. The profile of the buccal shield is shaped to minimize interference with other oral structures, such as teeth. 14 / 1 PDT89

[96] The selected materials must comply with medical standards, ensuring safety, durability and comfort. For example, they can thermosetting polymers can be used which become slightly flexible at body temperature for better adaptation.

[97] The internal surface of the buccal shield, in contact with the cheeks, can feature small reliefs or grooves designed to improve the retention and reduce the risk of slipping during use.

[98] If necessary, an adjustable fastening system can be integrated to allow the patient to adapt the buccal shield according to the your own preferences and comfort.

[99] To avoid sensations of closure or tightness, the buccal shield can be designed with small holes or openings to allow for proper ventilation of the oral cavity.

[100] The external surface of the buccal shield may be coated with a thin and soft material to further improve the comfort of the patient.

[101] If provided, the buccal shield can be designed to allow the automatic customization of the pressure level. This can involve integrated sensors that constantly monitor the pressure exerted and dynamically adjust the device.

[102] The device in question provides for the use of a control device which manages three-dimensional digital models. This device three-dimensional control is used in the production process of the dental device. In other words, during the creation or manufacturing of the dental device, a system based on on three-dimensional digital models to guide or control the process of production more precisely and efficiently. This approach can allow for greater precision in the manufacturing of devices custom dental.

[103] Customizing the device according to the characteristics specific anatomical characteristics of the patient, in particular, refers to the collection of oral patient data, including details such as length of the dental arch and the morphology of the fold. 15 / 1 PDT89

[104] "Fold morphology" refers to the shape or structure of the fold anatomical in the patient's mouth, such as the fold gingival or other specific characteristics of the oral cavity. customization of the device takes these characteristics into account individual to create a customized three-dimensional digital model, which in turn it can be used for the production of a device customized dental implant that perfectly fits your features of the patient. A preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, but of course it is susceptible to further changes and variations within the same inventive idea. In particular, it will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art evident numerous variants and modifications, functionally equivalent to the previous ones, which fall within the scope of protection of the invention as highlighted in the attached claims in which, any signs of references placed in brackets cannot be interpreted in the sense of limit the claims themselves. Furthermore, the word "including" does not exclude the presence of elements and / or phases other than those listed in the claims. The article “un”, “uno” or “una” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The simple fact that some characteristics are cited in different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these characteristics cannot be advantageously used.

Claims

1. An advanced oral muscle protection device, suitable for the treatment of upper airway disorders, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea and related conditions, of the type comprising at least one lingual shield (1), possibly a palatal wafer (2), at least one lip pad (3) and at least one pair of buccal shields (4), connected and reinforced through the use of dental wires or cables (5), (6), (7), characterised in that said at least one pair of buccal shields (4) has an elliptical shape with two axes of different lengths, based on anatomical analysis of the oral cavity, so as to be able to adapt the length of the major axis to the size of the cheeks, while that of the minor axis is shaped to fit the desired width.

2. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each buccal shield of the pair of buccal shields (4) follows the elliptical shape with a concave surface facing towards the inside of the mouth to maximize contact with the cheeks, the profile of the buccal shield is shaped to reduce interference with other oral structures, such as the teeth.

3. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by using materials compliant with medical standards, such as thermosetting polymers, which become slightly flexible at body temperature for a better fit.

4. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the internal surface of each buccal shield of the pair of buccal shields (4) has reliefs or grooves designed to improve retention and reduce the risk of slipping during use.

5. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the internal surface of each buccal shield of the pair of buccal shields (4) is coated with a thin and soft material to further improve the patient's comfort.

6. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it provides for a customized realization that involves obtaining the patient's oral data, including the length of the dental arch 19 / 1 PDT89 and the morphology of the fold, to create a customized three-dimensional digital model.

7. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it provides for the use of a three-dimensional digital model control device to produce the dental device.