Occlusal plate for dental treatments

Abstract

An occlusal plate (10a, 10b, 10c), particularly for dental treatments, comprising at least one first element (11a, 11b, 11c) designed to be worn on at least one dental arch (1) of a patient. The at least one first element (11a, 11b, 11c) is shaped like a half-shell shape and has an internal cavity (12a, 12b, 12c) which substantially reproduces, in negative form, the anatomical shape of the at least one dental arch (1). The particularity of the occlusal plate (10a, 10b, 10c) resides in that the at least one first element (11a, 11b, 11c) has a contoured profile (13a, 13b, 13c) designed to make contact, at least partially, with the dental neck (14) of the teeth of the patient, and comprise sealing means (15a, 15b, 15c) adapted to provide, at least partially, a fluid-tight seal with the at least one dental arch (1) and in that it comprises a base (21a, 21b, 21c) which comprises at least one first duct (22a, 22b, 22c) for the passage of a working fluid for dental treatments; the occlusal plate (10a, 10b, 10c) further comprises a plurality of second ducts (23a, 23b, 23c) which communicate with said first duct (22a, 22b, 22c) and lead onto an occlusal surface (19a, 19b, 19c).

Description

[0001] OCCLUSAL PLATE, PARTICULARLY FOR DENTAL TREATMENTS

[0002] The present invention relates to an occlusal plate, particularly for dental treatments.

[0003] Nowadays, various dental techniques are widespread for preventing and combating diseases affecting the teeth, in particular caries, a degenerative disease that originates on the surface of the teeth due to the presence of bacterial plaque in the oral cavity and progresses deeper, eventually affecting the dental pulp.

[0004] Depending on the level and severity of the cariogenic processes involved, the dentist can intervene with more or less invasive treatments, ranging from therapies, for example, with fluoride, to fillings, to tooth extraction.

[0005] Traditional methods for treating caries require the patient to undergo local anesthesia and the procedure to be carried out first with a step of removing the decayed part of the tooth to be treated, using a drill, and then with a step of performing a filling, which uses a suitable filling material.

[0006] However, these known techniques are not free from drawbacks.

[0007] In fact, such procedures are quite invasive and even after the procedure patients often complain of post-operative discomfort.

[0008] Recently, there has been an increasing use of dental treatments that utilize devices employing substances such as sanitizing gels and / or ozone, which are capable not only of preventing the formation of caries and / or periodontal diseases (such as gingivitis or periodontitis) but also of intervening in relatively minor cariogenic processes. These substances in fact allow to disinfect the oral cavity by acting on the microorganisms present within it, which are then removed using suction techniques.

[0009] These devices have numerous advantages over traditional techniques; in fact, they allow the tooth to be treated painlessly without the use of anesthetics, do not require the use of a drill, cause substantially no postoperative discomfort, and allow to obtain a treated surface that is more resistant to attack by cariogenic bacteria.

[0010] The devices commonly used for this type of treatment have a sterile cap at their end, which is placed on the tooth to be treated and from which the treatment substance is released and is then aspirated by the device itself.

[0011] However, even these known devices are not free from drawbacks.

[0012] In fact, the sterile cap does not form a fluid-tight seal with the patient's teeth, and this can cause unwanted leakage of the substance used in the oral cavity; furthermore, the method that provides for using this type of device requires the dentist or healthcare professional to position the device correctly and keep it in the desired position during the treatment of the tooth, and then perform the same operation for all the teeth to be treated.

[0013] The aim of the present invention is to provide an occlusal plate, particularly for dental treatments, which is capable of improving the background art in one or more of the above aspects.

[0014] Within the scope of this aim, an object of the invention is to provide an occlusal plate that allows to provide at least partially a fluid-tight seal with the patient's dental arch to be treated.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide an occlusal plate that allows to perform curative and / or therapeutic interventions quickly and easily.

[0016] A further object of the invention is to provide an occlusal plate that allows to treat simultaneously the patient's entire dental arch.

[0017] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the background art in a manner that is alternative way to any existing solutions.

[0018] Not least object of the invention is to provide an occlusal plate that is highly reliable, relatively easy to provide, and at competitive costs.

[0019] This aim, as well as these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by an occlusal plate according to claim 1.

[0020] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of three preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the occlusal plate according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first part of a first embodiment of the occlusal plate according to the invention;

[0022] Figure 2 is a sectional perspective view of the first part of the first embodiment of the occlusal plate shown in Figure 1, inverted;

[0023] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a second part of the first embodiment of the occlusal plate shown in the preceding figures;

[0024] Figure 4 is a simplified schematic representation of a sectional orthographic view of the first embodiment of the occlusal plate shown in the preceding figures;

[0025] Figure 5 is a sectional perspective view of the first part of the first embodiment of the occlusal plate shown in Figure 1;

[0026] Figure 6 is a partially sectional orthographic view, taken from one side, of the first embodiment of the occlusal plate shown in the preceding figures, in which the occlusal plate is worn on a patient's dental arch;

[0027] Figure 7 is a partially sectional orthographic view, taken from the other side, of the first embodiment of the occlusal plate shown in the preceding figures;

[0028] Figure 8 is a partial sectional perspective view of the first embodiment of the occlusal plate shown in the preceding figures;

[0029] Figure 9 is a simplified schematic representation of a partially sectional perspective view of a second embodiment of the occlusal plate, according to the invention;

[0030] Figure 10 is a simplified schematic representation of the partially sectional perspective view of the second embodiment of the occlusal plate shown in the preceding figure, from which some elements have been removed for greater clarity of presentation;

[0031] Figure 11 is a simplified schematic representation of a partially sectional orthographic view of the second embodiment of the occlusal plate shown in Figures 9 and 10;

[0032] Figure 12 is a simplified schematic representation of a partially sectional perspective view of a third embodiment of the occlusal plate, according to the invention;

[0033] Figure 13 is a simplified schematic representation of a partially sectional orthographic view of the third embodiment of the occlusal plate shown in the preceding figure;

[0034] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the occlusal plate according to the invention;

[0035] Figure 15 is a view of a component for using the occlusal plate of Figure 14 for therapeutic purposes;

[0036] Figure 16 is a sectional view of an application of the occlusal plate of Figure 14 and the component of Figure 15.

[0037] With reference to Figures 1 to 8, the occlusal plate, particularly for dental treatments, is generally designated by the reference numeral 10a in its first embodiment and comprises at least one first element I la designed to be worn on at least one dental arch 1 of a patient; said first element I la is shaped like a half-shell shape and has an internal cavity 12a which substantially reproduces, in negative form, the anatomical shape of the dental arch 1.

[0038] According to the invention, the first element I la has a contoured profile 13a designed to come into contact, at least partially, with the dental neck 14 of the patient's teeth.

[0039] Also according to the invention, the contoured profile 13a comprises sealing means 15a adapted to provide, at least partially, a fluid-tight seal with the dental arch 1.

[0040] The first element I la is substantially arch-shaped in accordance with the specific anatomical shape of the dental arch 1 to be treated and comprises: - a proximal portion 16a, comprising the contoured profile 13 a;

[0041] - a distal portion 17a, which is opposite the proximal portion 16a substantially with respect to the direction of longitudinal extension of the teeth;

[0042] - an intermediate portion 18a, comprising an active element 8a which forms the cavity 12a and has an outer surface 7a and an inner surface 9a.

[0043] The intermediate portion 18a is interposed between the distal portion 17a and the proximal portion 16a.

[0044] The expression “proximal portion” is understood to mean the portion of the occlusal plate 10a that is designed to come into contact with the patient's gingival mucosa 20. In fact, as mentioned above, the occlusal plate 10a is designed to come into contact, at least partially, with the dental neck 14 of the patient's teeth and therefore with the gingival mucosa 20, since it penetrates in the region of the dental neck 14 by a few tenths of a millimeter in order to create a fluid-tight seal with the dental arch 1.

[0045] The expression “active element” is understood to mean an element of the occlusal plate 10a that is designed to face the surface of the dental arch 1 to be treated.

[0046] The expressions “inner surface” and “outer surface” refer respectively to the surface of the active element 8a that is designed to face the dental arch 1 and to the surface facing a covering 41a of the occlusal plate 10a, which will be described better hereinafter.

[0047] The active element 8a comprises an occlusal surface 19a that defines the bottom 119a of the cavity 12a at its inner surface 9a, which is designed to come into contact with the crown of the teeth of the dental arch 1 to be treated.

[0048] The expression “occlusal surface” refers to the surface designed to face the occlusal table, i.e., the set of chewing surfaces of the patient's dental arch 1.

[0049] The occlusal plate 10a also comprises a base 21a formed substantially at the distal portion 17a and having a planar extension which is substantially parallel to the occlusal table in the configuration for use.

[0050] The base 21a furthermore comprises at least a first duct 22a for the passage of a working fluid for dental treatments, also formed with a planar extension which is substantially parallel to the occlusal table in the configuration for use.

[0051] More particularly, the working fluid used is, for example, a sanitizing gel, which contains a percentage of ozone diluted in it and, for this reason, is also called “ozonated gel.”

[0052] Multiple second ducts 23 a extend from the base 21a and substantially at right angles to it, communicate with the first duct 22a and lead onto the occlusal surface 19a; in this way, the working fluid can be channeled into each of the aforementioned ducts and reach the cavity 12a, so as to come into contact with the teeth to be treated.

[0053] Conveniently, the occlusal plate 10a also comprises an insert 24a adapted to be associated with means for administering the working fluid, which are not shown in the figures.

[0054] More specifically, the insert 24a is associated with the first element 1 la by means of an internally hollow stem 34a, which is associated with the first element I la at a front region 25a thereof and by means of a supporting element 4a, which are substantially central with respect to the dental arch 1.

[0055] The expression “front region” is understood to refer to a region, partially comprising the distal portion 17a and the intermediate portion 18a, which is formed substantially at the portion of the active element 8a that is intended to face the central incisors.

[0056] Furthermore, advantageously, the insert 24a comprises an internally threaded coupling 26a adapted to be engaged with a threaded complementary coupling of the administration means, which may consist, for example, of a syringe with a single-dose cartridge.

[0057] Alternatively, the insert 24a comprises, for example, a bayonet coupling.

[0058] With particular reference to Figures 3, 7, and 8, the insert 24a has a substantially cylindrical geometric shape with a longitudinal axis of extension in a radial direction that extends out from the outer surface 7a of the active element 8a, identified by a first axis 101a.

[0059] The insert 24a communicates with both the cavity 12a and the first duct 22a, thanks to two respective access ducts; more particularly, the insert 24a communicates with the first duct 22a by means of a first access duct 28a which is fluidically associated with it, and with the cavity 12a through a second access duct 29a. Both access ducts 28a and 29a allow the working fluid to flow in from the administration means to the cavity 12a, the former by means of the flow of the working fluid through the second ducts 23a, while the latter in a substantially direct manner through a front opening 40a, as will be better described hereinafter.

[0060] Advantageously, the first access duct 28a extends from a first end of the internal cavity of the stem 34a that is opposite with respect to a second end associated with the coupling 26a; in greater detail, the first access duct 28a has a longitudinal axis of extension that coincides with a second axis 102a, which is inclined with respect to the first axis 101a and forms an acute angle with it.

[0061] The second access duct 29a also extends from the first end of the internal cavity of the stem 34a and has a longitudinal axis of extension that coincides with a third axis 103a, which is also inclined with respect to the first axis 101a and forms an acute angle with it; the first and second access ducts 28a and 29a extend substantially symmetrically with respect to the direction identified by the first axis 101a.

[0062] Advantageously, the occlusal surface 19a has a plurality of openings 30a, thanks to which the cavity 12a is fluidically associated with the first duct 22a by means of the plurality of second ducts 23a.

[0063] In greater detail, and as can be seen in Figure 2, the occlusal surface 19a has a total number of openings 30a at least equal to the number of teeth of the dental arch 1 to be treated, which may vary depending on the patient due to the particular anatomy of the arch itself, caused, for example, even just by the presence or absence of wisdom teeth. It follows that the number of second ducts 23 a, too, depends on the shape of the dental arch 1 and is equal to that of the openings 30a.

[0064] The openings 30a are advantageously provided on the occlusal surface 19a in such a way that in the configuration for use they are located substantially centrally with respect to each tooth that they face. The openings 30a are substantially circular and their diameter increases progressively as the teeth they are intended to face are located closer to the end of the dental arch 1.

[0065] Essentially, considering a complete dental arch 1, the openings 30a at the central incisors have the minimum diameter, while the openings 30a at the second / third molars have the maximum diameter.

[0066] The inner surface 9a of the cavity 12a also has the front opening 40a at the second access duct 29a, so that the working fluid can flow from said second access duct 29a to the cavity 12a.

[0067] Advantageously, the sealing means 15a comprise a perimetric protrusion 31a that extends along the contoured profile 13a and faces the dental arch 1. The perimetric protrusion 31a is designed to come into contact, at least partially, with the dental neck 14; as mentioned earlier, in fact, in the configuration for use it penetrates a few tenths of a millimeter between the gingival mucosa 20 and the dental arch 1, so as to provide an effective fluid-tight seal.

[0068] Optionally, the occlusal plate 10a also comprises a plurality of spacers, not shown in the figures, which are formed on the inner surface 9a and on the bottom 119a of the cavity 12a; said spacers are formed, for example, by a plurality of substantially circular protrusions, designed to come into contact with at least some of the teeth of the dental arch 1 undergoing the treatment. The spacers serve to achieve correct alignment of the occlusal plate 10a with respect to the teeth, so that they are all substantially equidistant from the inner surface 9a and from the bottom of the cavity 119a; in this way, the injected working fluid can come into contact in a substantially homogeneous and uniform manner with all the teeth of the dental arch 1.

[0069] The occlusal plate 10a is also provided with an outer covering 41a, adapted to protect and cover the structure of the aforementioned ducts and surfaces and to give the occlusal plate 10a an aesthetically pleasing geometric shape and better handling.

[0070] The first embodiment of the occlusal plate 10a described so far is suitable for use for the treatment of a single dental arch 1.

[0071] Advantageously, furthermore, the occlusal plate 10a is made of biocompatible resin and is obtained by using 3D printing technology.

[0072] With particular reference to Figures 9 to 11, the occlusal plate, particularly for dental treatments, is generally designated by the reference numeral 10b 1 in its second embodiment.

[0073] This second embodiment has parts, elements, and characteristics that are common or similar to the first embodiment described so far. For this reason, in the above cited figures, these common or similar parts, elements, and characteristics, if present and shown, are designated by the same reference numerals used for the first embodiment, replacing the index “a” with the index “b.”

[0074] Unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment of the occlusal plate 10b uses ozone as the working fluid and therefore requires a different structural configuration to avoid the risk of the substance coming into contact with the oral cavity, as it is harmful.

[0075] More specifically, the insert 24b of the occlusal plate 10b comprises an externally threaded coupling 26b which has, in addition to the first access duct 28b for the ozone, two other ducts, respectively a discharge duct 129b and an intake duct 130b.

[0076] In this case, the intake duct 130b is located centrally with respect to the insert and is oriented along the first axis 101b. The access duct 28b and the discharge duct 129b are both oriented along two axes which are parallel to the first axis 101b and are coplanar with it; more particularly, they lie on a plane which is parallel to the first axis 101b and substantially parallel to the direction of longitudinal extension of the teeth. These axes, respectively a second axis 104b and a third axis 105b, are arranged respectively closer to the distal portion 17b and closer to the proximal portion 16b of the first element 1 lb of the occlusal plate 10b.

[0077] The insert 24b is also provided with centering holes 124b, aligned along an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis of the first, second, and third axes 101, 104, and 105.

[0078] In the case of this second embodiment, the base 21b comprises a first duct 22b suitable for the passage of the working fluid and adjacent to a second duct 122b, which is separated from it by an intermediate separation wall 222b. The second duct 122b is suitable for the passage of air, which flows from the inside to the outside of the oral cavity.

[0079] More particularly, the occlusal plate 10b has a plurality of intake holes 2b at the rear outer profile of the base 21b, which are provided substantially with a constant pitch.

[0080] The expression “rear outer profile” refers to the profile of the base 21b that faces the inside of the oral cavity.

[0081] The first duct 22b and the second duct 122b are therefore coplanar and adjacent, and communicate respectively with the discharge duct 129b and the intake duct 130b.

[0082] The access duct 28a is instead fluidically associated with the cavity 12b by means of the front opening 40b.

[0083] In this case, the occlusal surface 19b has only two openings 30b, only one of which is visible in the figures; these are substantially provided at the teeth at the end of the dental arch 1 to be treated. Furthermore, the openings 30b are provided at the first duct 22b, so that the working fluid passing through it does not also flow onto the second duct 122b, which is intended for air flow only.

[0084] The above cited figures also show a plurality of spacers 5b, adapted to ensure the correct positioning of the occlusal plate 10b on the patient's dental arch 1, as previously explained in detail.

[0085] This second embodiment of the occlusal plate 1 Ob is also suitable for use for the treatment of a single dental arch 1.

[0086] With particular reference to Figures 12 and 13, the occlusal plate, particularly for dental treatments, is generally designated by the reference numeral 10c in its third embodiment.

[0087] This third embodiment also has parts, elements, and characteristics that are common or similar to the first and second embodiments described so far. For this reason, in the above-mentioned figures, these common or similar parts, elements, and features, if present and depicted, are designated by the same reference numbers used for the first and second embodiments, replacing the index “a” and / or “b” with the index “c.”

[0088] Unlike the first and second embodiments, the third embodiment of the occlusal plate 10c is suitable for use for the simultaneous treatment of the upper and lower dental arches, designated respectively by the reference numerals 1 and 1', and also uses ozone.

[0089] It has an additional element 11c', which is geometrically shaped in a substantially similar manner to the first element 11c and therefore comprises:

[0090] - a further proximal portion 16c' comprising a further contoured profile 13c';

[0091] - a further intermediate portion 18c' comprising a further active element 8c' which forms a further cavity 12c' and has an additional outer surface 7c' and an additional inner surface 9c'. The insert 24c comprises, as in the case of the second embodiment, a first access duct 28c, a discharge duct 129c, and an intake duct 130c.

[0092] Although the structure of these ducts 28c, 129c, and 130c is similar to the second embodiment, in this case they are used for different functions. Whereas in the second embodiment the intake duct 130b is defined centrally, in this case the suction duct 130c corresponds to the duct closest to the further distal portion 16c', while the central duct corresponds to the access duct 28c. The discharge duct 129c, on the other hand, is the one closest to the proximal portion 16c.

[0093] In this case, moreover, the first access duct 28c leads into a region which is common to the first element 11c and to the further element 11c' via the front opening 40c, which allows the working fluid to be channelled simultaneously into the cavity 12c and into the further cavity 12c' and to simultaneously come into contact with the teeth of the dental arches 1 and T, with the respective dental collars 14 and 14' and with the respective gingival mucosae 20 and 20'.

[0094] In this case, the first element 11c and the further element 11c' are mutually associated in a substantially mirror-symmetrical manner.

[0095] The first duct 22c and the second duct 122c are parietal ducts which are adjacent to and parallel to each other and are arranged substantially at the intermediate portion 18c and at the distal portion 17c, respectively, along the perimeter of the first element 11c and on the outer surface 7c. More particularly, they both lie on a plane which is substantially tangent to the outer surface 7c. Furthermore, the first duct 22c and the second duct 122c are fluidically associated respectively with the discharge duct 129c and the intake duct 130c: in fact, they are assigned respectively to the flow of the working fluid and of air.

[0096] Once injected into the cavity 12c and the further cavity 12c', the working fluid is distributed in contact with the surface of the dental arches 1 and T and exits the occlusal plate 10c by virtue of discharge holes 6c provided on the inner wall 9c of the active element 8c, which convey the working fluid to the discharge duct 129c via the first duct 22c.

[0097] The air, which is drawn in through intake holes 2c, is conveyed through the second duct 122c and then exits the occlusal plate 10c through the suction duct 130c.

[0098] In a constructive variation not shown in the figures, the second embodiment 10b and the third embodiment 10c of the occlusal plate do not comprise the spacers 5b and 5c.

[0099] In the second and third embodiments as well, the occlusal plate is made for example of biocompatible resin and is obtained by means of a 3D printing process.

[0100] The operation of the occlusal plate 10a, particularly for dental treatments, is easily understood from what has been described so far.

[0101] More particularly, the occlusal plate 10a, provided on the basis of the anatomical shape of the specific dental arch 1 to be treated (which is acquired by means of an intraoral scanning device), is worn on it in such a way that the perimetric protrusion 31a penetrates a few tenths of a millimeter at the dental neck region 14, thus providing a fluid-tight seal. Subsequently, administration means, such as a syringe with a single-dose cartridge, are associated with the occlusal plate 10a at the insert 24a, in order to inject a working fluid, such as an ozonated gel, for the treatment of the entire dental apparatus and in particular of the teeth, the gingival mucosae 20, and the bones.

[0102] The working fluid flows through the stem 34a and then through the first access duct 28a and the second access duct 29a. Through the front opening 40a, the working fluid flows from the second access duct 29a to the cavity 12a and comes into direct contact with the surface of the dental arch 1 of the patient undergoing treatment; through the first access duct 28a, on the other hand, the working fluid can flow into the first duct 22a and, progressively as it proceeds towards the end of the dental arch 1, reach the cavity 12a through the second ducts 23a. The increasing diameter of the openings 30a, the positioning and geometric shape of the first and second access ducts 28a and 29a and of the first duct 22a ensure that the distribution of the working fluid is homogeneous and uniform.

[0103] The occlusal plate 10a described so far is used in particular for pressure therapies: the injected working fluid exerts a predetermined pressure on the surface of the dental arch 1 to be treated, and the occlusal plate 10a is able to provide effective fluid-tightness as long as the injection pressure does not exceed a predetermined level for which the occlusal plate 10a has been designed. If the pressure value exceeds this preset level, the working fluid can escape from the perimetric profile 13a and come into contact with the oral cavity; the working fluid is therefore a substance that is not harmful and / or dangerous to the patient. Leakage of the working fluid may also occur after the anatomical shape of the dental arch 1 has changed due to wear and / or movement of the teeth, which cause the geometric shape of the cavity 12c to no longer adapt substantially perfectly to the dental arch 1.

[0104] For this reason, the sealing means provide an at least partial fluid-tight seal with the dental arch.

[0105] The operation of the occlusal plate 10b, particularly for dental treatments, in its second embodiment according to the invention, is partly analogous to that of the first embodiment and differs in the following aspects.

[0106] Ozone is injected by virtue of the administration means through the first access duct 28b, which leads into the cavity through a front opening 40b. The substance propagates until it reaches the end of the dental arch 1, where it passes through the openings 30b provided on the occlusal surface 19b and is then conveyed through the first duct 22b to the discharge duct 129b.

[0107] At the same time, the air enclosed in the oral cavity is expelled first through the second duct 122b and then through the intake duct 130b: in the event of accidental ozone leaks from the occlusal plate 10b, the contaminated air is thus extracted before the patient breathes it in.

[0108] Finally, the operation of the occlusal plate 10c, particularly for dental treatments, in its third embodiment, is similar to the previous ones, with the difference that the device is worn on both dental arches 1 and 1' of the patient for their simultaneous treatment.

[0109] For greater clarity of presentation, Figures 9, 10, 12, and 13 show arrows representing the direction of the flow of the working fluid and of the air flow; in particular, single-pointed arrows represent the flow of the working fluid, while double-pointed arrows represent the flow of air.

[0110] Figure 14 shows a further embodiment of the occlusal plate according to the invention, in which components similar to those of the first embodiment have been designated by the same reference numerals.

[0111] In this embodiment, the insert 24a has a coupling portion 600 for the means for administering the working fluid, which comprise a syringe 601 with a single-dose cartridge, partially shown in Figure 15.

[0112] In particular, the syringe 601 has a spout 602 equipped with two opposite protrusions 603 designed to insert and engage in a complementarily shaped groove 604 of the coupling portion 600, resulting in a bayonet coupling of the syringe 601 on the occlusal plate 10a of Figure 14, as shown in Figure 16.

[0113] Advantageously, the syringe 601 may comprise a thread 605 at the base of the spout 603 designed to screw into a complementary thread in the coupling portion 600.

[0114] In practice it has been found that the invention achieves the intended aim and objectives, providing an occlusal plate that allows to perform quick and easy treatment and / or therapy interventions without the use of drills or invasive instruments that can cause discomfort to the patient.

[0115] One advantage of the invention resides in the possibility to provide an at least partial fluid-tight seal with the dental arch or arches to be treated, so that the working fluid used does not leak from the occlusal plate.

[0116] Another advantage resides in the possibility to treat the patient's entire dental arch at the same time, without having to work on the individual teeth.

[0117] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0118] In practice, the materials used, so long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0119] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An occlusal plate (10a, 10b, 10c), particularly for dental treatments, comprising at least one first element (I la, 11b, 11c) designed to be worn on at least one dental arch (1) of a patient, said at least one first element (I la, 11b, 11c) being shaped like a half-shell shape and having an internal cavity (12a, 12b, 12c) which substantially reproduces, in negative form, the anatomical shape of said at least one dental arch (1), wherein said at least one first element (I la, 11b, 11c) has a contoured profile (13a, 13b, 13c) designed to make contact, at least partially, with the dental neck (14) of the teeth of said patient, said contoured profile (13a, 13b, 13c) comprising sealing means (15a, 15b, 15c) adapted to provide, at least partially, a fluid-tight seal with said at least one dental arch (1); wherein said at least one first element (I la, 11b, 11c) is shaped like an arc according to the specific anatomical shape of said at least one dental arch (1) and comprises:- a proximal portion (16a, 16b, 16c) comprising said contoured profile (13a, 13b, 13c);- a distal portion (17a, 17b, 17c), which is opposite the proximal portion (16a, 16b, 16c) substantially with respect to the direction of longitudinal extension of the teeth;- an intermediate portion (18a, 18b, 18c) comprising an active element (8a, 8b, 8c) which forms said cavity (12a, 12b, 12c) and has an outer surface (7a, 7b, 7c) and an inner surface (9a, 9b, 9c), said intermediate portion (18a, 18b, 18c) being comprised between said proximal portion (16a, 16b, 16c) and said distal portion (17a, 17b, 17c); wherein said active element (8a, 8b, 8c) comprises an occlusal surface (19a, 19b, 19c) forming the bottom (119a, 119b, 119c) of said cavity (12a, 12b, 12c) at said inner surface (9a, 9b, 9c), said inner surface (9a, 9b, 9c) being designed to make contact with the crown of the teeth of said at least one dental arch (1) to be treated;the occlusal plate (10a, 10b, 10c) comprising a base (21a, 21b, 21c) which is substantially formed at said distal portion (17a, 17b, 17c), said base (21a, 21b, 21c) comprising at least one first duct (22a, 22b, 22c) for the passage of a working fluid for dental treatments; the occlusal plate (10a, 10b, 10c) further comprises a plurality of second ducts (23a, 23b, 23 c) which communicate with said first duct (22a, 22b, 22c) and lead onto said occlusal surface (19a, 19b, 19c).

2. The occlusal plate (10a, 10b, 10c) according to claim 1, characterized in that said sealing means (15a, 15b, 15c) comprise a perimetric protrusion (31a, 31b, 31c), said perimetric protrusion (31a, 31b, 31c) being extended along said contoured profile (13a, 13b, 13c), being directed toward said at least one dental arch (1) and being designed to make contact, at least partially, with said dental neck (14).

3. The occlusal plate (10a, 10b, 10c) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an insert (24a, 24b, 24c) adapted to be associated with means for administering said working fluid, said insert (24a, 24b, 24c) being associated with said first element (I la, 11b, 11c) by means of a stem (34a, 34b, 34c) which is internally hollow and in turn is associated with said first element (I la, 11b, 11c) at a front region thereof (25a, 25b, 25c), said insert (24a, 24b, 24c) comprising a threaded coupling (26a, 26b, 26c) adapted to be engaged with a threaded complementary coupling of said administration means.

4. The occlusal plate (10a, 10b, 10c) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said occlusal surface (19a, 19b, 19c) has a plurality of openings (30a, 30b, 30c) provided on said occlusal surface (19a, 19b, 19c) in such a manner that, in the configuration for use, they are located substantially centrally with respect to each tooth that they face.

5. The occlusal plate (10a, 10b, 10c) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of spacers (5b, 5c) formed on said inner surface (9a, 9b, 9c) and on said bottom (119a,119b, 119c) of said cavity (12a, 12b, 12c), said spacers (5b, 5c) being formed by a plurality of substantially circular protrusions designed to make contact with at least some of the teeth of said at least one dental arch (1) undergoing treatment.

6. The occlusal plate (10a, 10b, 10c) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of biocompatible resin.

7. The occlusal plate (10a, 10c) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of said openings (30a, 30c) and of said second ducts (23a, 23c) is at least equal to the number of teeth of said dental arch (1), said number of teeth varying according to the patient due to the particular anatomy of said dental arch (1), said openings (30a, 30c) being substantially circular and their diameter gradually increasing as the teeth that they are intended to face are located progressively closer to the end of said dental arch (1).

8. The occlusal plate (10a) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first access duct (28a) and a second access duct (29a), said first access duct (28a) fluidically associating said insert (24a) with said first duct (22a) and said second access duct (29a) fluidically associating said insert (24a) with said cavity (12a), said access ducts (28a, 29a) permitting the inflow of said working fluid from said means of administration to said cavity (12a) and extending from a first end of the inner cavity of said stem (34a) that is opposite with respect to a second end associated with said coupling (26a) and having an axis of longitudinal extension which coincides respectively with a second axis (102a) and a third axis (103 a), which are inclined with respect to said first axis (101a), are incident thereto and defining with it an acute angle, said first and second access ducts (28a, 29a) extending substantially symmetrically with respect to the direction identified by said first axis (101a).

9. The occlusal plate (10b) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said insert (24b) comprises a first access duct (28b), adischarge duct (129b) and an intake duct (130b), said intake duct (130b) being arranged centrally with respect to said insert (24b) and being oriented along a first axis (101b) which coincides with the longitudinal axis of extension of said stem (34b), said access duct (28b) and said discharge duct (129b) being both oriented along two axes which are parallel to said first axis (101b) and being coplanar therewith, lying in a plane which is parallel to said first axis (101b) and substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the teeth, said two parallel axes, a second axis (104b) and a third axis (105b) respectively, being arranged closer to said distal portion (17b) and closer to said proximal portion (16b) of said first element (11b), respectively.

10. The occlusal plate (10b) according to claim 9, characterized in that said base (21b) comprises a second duct (122b) which is adjacent to said first duct (22b) and is separated therefrom by means of an intermediate separation wall (222b), said first duct (22b) and said second duct (122b) being coplanar and adjacent and communicating with said discharge duct (129b) and said intake duct (130b), respectively.

11. The occlusal plate (10b) according to claim 10, characterized in that said plurality of openings (30b) comprises two openings (30b) provided on said occlusal surface (19b) substantially at the teeth at the end of said dental arch (1) and at said first duct (22b).

12. The occlusal plate (10c) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises an additional element (11c') which is geometrically shaped substantially similarly to said first element (11c) and comprises:- a further proximal portion (16c') comprising a further contoured profile (13c');- a further intermediate portion (18c') comprising a further active element (8c') forming a further cavity (12c') and having a further outer surface (7c') and a further inner surface (9c').

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