Clear aligner

Abstract

A clear aligner, comprising a shell-shaped body and a tongue muscle training member, wherein the shell-shaped body has a cavity for accommodating a plurality of maxillary teeth; and the tongue muscle training member is connected to the lingual gingival margin of the shell-shaped body or adjacent to the gingival margin, and has a sensing cavity and a sensing port exposing the sensing cavity, the sensing port being located on the lingual side of the tongue muscle training member. A user trains tongue muscles by touching the sensing port with their tongue and partially extending their tongue into the sensing cavity, such that a relatively good sense of experience and enjoyment are provided, the enthusiasm of the user for training can be stimulated, and a tongue muscle training effect is improved.

Description

Invisible braces

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202422869206.X, filed on November 22, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an invisible orthodontic device. Background Technology

[0003] Poor oral hygiene habits are one of the main factors leading to malocclusion. From the perspective of preventing or consolidating the treatment effect of malocclusion, improving poor oral hygiene habits is of great significance in blocking the treatment of malocclusion. Invisible aligners are increasingly accepted and used by users due to their advantages of aesthetics, hygiene, ease of removal and insertion, and better orthodontic results.

[0004] Existing invisible orthodontic appliances typically feature raised structures on the tongue muscle training components, encouraging users to actively touch these structures to train their tongue muscles. However, the experience and enjoyment of touching these raised structures is poor, failing to motivate users and resulting in ineffective tongue muscle training. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide an invisible orthodontic device that enhances the effectiveness of tongue muscle training.

[0006] To achieve one of the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of this application provides an invisible orthodontic appliance, comprising:

[0007] A shell-like body having a cavity for accommodating a number of maxillary teeth;

[0008] A tongue muscle training device, wherein the tongue muscle training device is connected to the lingual gingival margin or adjacent to the gingival margin of a shell-shaped body, and has a sensing cavity and a sensing opening that exposes the sensing cavity.

[0009] The sensory opening is located on the tongue side of the tongue muscle training device.

[0010] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, the tongue muscle training device includes a sensing structure forming a sensing cavity and a support portion connecting the sensing structure. The support portion has opposing tongue and palatal surfaces, and at least a portion of the sensing structure protrudes from the tongue or palatal surface.

[0011] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, the tongue muscle training device includes a sensing structure and a support portion, wherein the sensing structure is configured as a hole structure that at least partially penetrates the support portion.

[0012] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, the sensing structure is configured as a hole structure that penetrates the support portion, so as to form a somatosensory closed loop between the tongue and the oral mucosa when the invisible aligner is worn on the upper teeth.

[0013] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, when the invisible aligner is worn on the upper teeth, the distance between the support portion and the palatal mucosa is no greater than 2 mm.

[0014] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, the area of ​​the sensing port or the cross-sectional area of ​​the sensing structure is not less than 0.2 cm2 and not more than 4 cm2.

[0015] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, the inner diameter of the sensing structure is not less than 3 mm.

[0016] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, the shell-shaped body has an anterior tooth region and a posterior tooth region, and the supporting part is connected to the anterior tooth region and / or the posterior tooth region.

[0017] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, the distance between the center of the sensing mouth and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior teeth region is between 3mm and 15mm.

[0018] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, the distance between the center of the sensing mouth and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior teeth region is between 5mm and 8mm.

[0019] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, the supporting part has a fixed end connected to the anterior tooth region and a free end opposite to the fixed end, and the distance between the free end and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior tooth region is not less than 5 mm.

[0020] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, the tongue muscle training device has at least one sensing opening, the center of which is located at the top of the palate.

[0021] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, the tongue muscle training device has at least one sensing port, and the distance between the center of the aforementioned at least one sensing port and the lingual gingival margin of the posterior teeth region is not less than 3 mm.

[0022] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, the minimum distance between the edge of the sensing port and the edge of the bearing portion is not less than 1 mm.

[0023] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, the curvature of the bearing portion is consistent with the curvature of the palate.

[0024] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, the shell-like body has a geometric structure that allows teeth to gradually align from an initial position to the target orthodontic position.

[0025] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this application, the shell-shaped body and the tongue muscle training component are integrally formed or separately formed.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, in the embodiments of this application, the tongue muscle training device is provided with a sensing cavity and a sensing port that exposes the sensing cavity. The sensing port is located on the side of the tongue muscle training device facing the tongue. The user's tongue completes the tongue muscle training by touching the sensing port and partially extending into the sensing cavity. The experience and fun are better, which can stimulate the user's training enthusiasm and improve the effect of tongue muscle training. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an invisible orthodontic device in a preferred embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tongue muscle training device in a preferred embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tongue muscle training device in another preferred embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tongue muscle training device in another preferred embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tongue muscle training device in another preferred embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the invisible orthodontic device in another preferred embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of an invisible orthodontic appliance in another preferred embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present application will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present application, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] It should be understood that terms such as “having,” “comprising,” and “including” as used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements or combinations thereof.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application depending on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In the various figures of this application, for ease of illustration, certain dimensions of structures or parts may be exaggerated relative to other structures or parts; therefore, they are only used to illustrate the basic structure of the subject matter of this application.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1, an invisible aligner includes a shell-shaped body 10 and a tongue muscle training component 20. In this embodiment, the various parts of the invisible aligner (e.g., the shell-shaped body 10 and the tongue muscle training component 20) can be made of transparent or translucent polymer materials. The tongue muscle training component 20 is connected to the shell-shaped body 10 and can provide tongue muscle training (e.g., tongue curling training, N-point vocalization training) to the user in the oral cavity after the shell-shaped body 10 is worn on the teeth.

[0039] In some embodiments, the shell-like body 10 has a cavity for accommodating a plurality of maxillary teeth. In this embodiment, the shell-like body 10 is configured as a shell-like structure capable of enclosing teeth (e.g., maxillary teeth).

[0040] In some embodiments, the tongue muscle training device 20 is connected to the lingual gingival margin or adjacent to the gingival margin of the shell-shaped body 10. In this embodiment, connecting the tongue muscle training device 20 to the lingual gingival margin or adjacent to the gingival margin of the shell-shaped body 10 reduces the feeling of a foreign object in the user's mouth, making it more comfortable to wear. Furthermore, it prevents the tongue from sinking down to find a comfortable position after wearing clear aligners. Preferably, the lingual gingival margin location is at 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the total crown height from the gingival margin.

[0041] In some embodiments, the tongue muscle training device 20 has a sensing cavity 201 and a sensing port 202 that exposes the sensing cavity 201. In this embodiment, the sensing port 202 is open and can expose the sensing cavity 201 to the outside, that is, the external environment can be connected to the sensing cavity 201 through the sensing port 202.

[0042] In some embodiments, the sensing opening 202 is located on the lingual side of the tongue muscle training device 20. In this embodiment, the tongue muscle training device 20 also has a palatal side opposite to the lingual side. The lingual side of the tongue muscle training device 20 refers to the side of the tongue muscle training device 20 facing the tongue after the invisible aligner is worn on the upper teeth. At this time, the palatal side refers to the side of the tongue muscle training device 20 facing the hard palate (e.g., the palatal mucosa). Because the sensing opening 202 is located on the lingual side of the tongue muscle training device 20, the user's tongue can easily touch the sensing opening 202 and extend into the sensing cavity 201 through the sensing opening 202.

[0043] The tongue muscle training device 20 is provided with a sensory cavity 201 and a sensory opening 202 that exposes the sensory cavity 201, with the sensory opening 202 located on the side of the tongue muscle training device 20 facing the tongue. The user's tongue completes the tongue muscle training by touching the sensory opening 202 and partially extending into the sensory cavity 201. The experience is good and interesting, which can stimulate the user's training enthusiasm and improve the effect of tongue muscle training.

[0044] In some embodiments, the shell-like body 10 has a geometric structure that gradually aligns the teeth from their initial position to the target orthodontic position. In this embodiment, when the invisible aligner is used for tongue muscle training (e.g., tongue curling training, N-point vocalization training) with the tongue muscle training component 20, it can simultaneously perform tooth orthodontic treatment, thereby achieving multiple functions with a single aligner without the need for multiple aligners for individual treatment.

[0045] Specifically, when a user wears the invisible aligner, the shell-like body 10 not only encases the teeth but also corrects them, gradually repositioning the teeth from their initial position to the target position. This application not only improves the efficiency of individual treatment phases but also enhances the overall efficiency of the treatment plan.

[0046] In other embodiments, the shell-like body 10 may simply serve to enclose the teeth without providing any orthodontic effect. This configuration enhances user comfort, only training the tongue muscles without any orthodontic effect on the teeth. The orthodontic treatment is more targeted, while reducing discomfort caused by the shell-like body 10 during orthodontic treatment.

[0047] For example, an orthodontic kit consisting of multiple clear aligners can be used for single-jaw orthodontic treatment, such as maxillary orthodontic treatment only. The multiple clear aligners used during treatment have the effect of gradually repositioning the teeth from their initial position to the target position. For instance, when multiple clear aligners are worn on the maxilla, the tongue muscle trainer 20 can provide tongue muscle training for the user. Simultaneously, the shell-like body 10 has a geometric structure that gradually repositions the teeth from their initial position to the target orthodontic position, allowing the user's maxilla to undergo orthodontic treatment while simultaneously receiving tongue muscle training, achieving synchronous tongue and tooth treatment and improving treatment efficiency.

[0048] In some embodiments, the shell-shaped body 10 and the tongue muscle training component 20 are integrally molded. In this embodiment, the shell-shaped body 10 and the tongue muscle training component 20 are integrally molded. This can be achieved by integrally hot-pressing the shell-shaped body 10 and the tongue muscle training component 20, followed by cutting according to actual treatment needs, or by directly 3D printing. Using an integrally molded structure simplifies the manufacturing process, makes it convenient for users to wear, and the tight connection between the shell-shaped body 10 and the tongue muscle training component 20 ensures high wearing safety, preventing unnecessary injury caused by accidental ingestion due to a weak connection between the shell-shaped body 10 and the tongue muscle training component 20.

[0049] In other embodiments, the shell-like body 10 and the tongue muscle training component 20 are separate molding structures. In this embodiment, the shell-like body 10 and the tongue muscle training component 20 are separate molding structures, and can be separately connected and molded using adhesive, magnetic attraction, snap-fit, or other structures. This separate molding structure facilitates installation, allowing users to select shell-like body 10 and tongue muscle training component 20 that best suit their oral condition and produce different corrective effects, thus providing personalized treatment.

[0050] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the tongue muscle training device 20 includes a sensing structure 203 forming a sensing cavity 201 and a support portion 204 connecting the sensing structure 203. The support portion 204 has opposing lingual surfaces 2041 and palatal surfaces 2042. In this embodiment, the sensing cavity 201 is formed by the sensing structure 203. When the invisible aligner is worn on the upper teeth, the side of the support portion 204 facing the tongue is the lingual surface 2041, and the side of the support portion 204 facing the palatal mucosa is the palatal surface 2042.

[0051] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sensing structure 203 protrudes from the tongue side surface 2041. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG2, the sensing structure 203 (e.g., all of the sensing structure 203) protrudes from the tongue side surface 2041. At this time, the sensing opening 202 and the sensing cavity 201 also protrude from the tongue side surface 2041, making it easier for the user's tongue to touch the sensing opening 202 and the sensing cavity 201, thereby facilitating tongue muscle training.

[0052] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sensing structure 203 protrudes from the palatal surface 2042. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG3, when the sensing structure 203 (e.g., all of the sensing structure 203) protrudes from the palatal surface 2042, the sensing opening 202 is flush with the lingual surface 2041, that is, the sensing cavity 201 is formed by the sensing structure 203 being recessed into the lingual surface 2041, i.e., the sensing cavity 201 protrudes from the palatal surface 2042. Thus, the lingual surface 2041 of the supporting portion 204 is a flat surface, which reduces the sensation of a foreign body caused by the user's tongue touching the protruding sensing structure 203 after the user wears the invisible orthodontic appliance.

[0053] The two embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3 are preferably manufactured by integral molding (e.g., hot pressing or 3D printing).

[0054] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the tongue muscle training device includes a sensing structure 203 and a support portion 204. The sensing structure 203 is configured as a hole structure that at least partially penetrates the support portion 204. In this embodiment, the hole structure can be a blind hole or a through hole, that is, a blind hole that partially penetrates the support portion 204 or a through hole that completely penetrates the support portion 204. The sensing cavity 201 is formed within the corresponding hole structure (i.e., a blind hole or a through hole).

[0055] In some embodiments, the sensing structure 203 is configured as a perforated structure penetrating the support portion 204 to form a somatosensory closed loop between the tongue and the oral mucosa when the invisible aligner is worn on the upper teeth. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG4, the perforated structure (i.e., the sensing structure 203) is a through hole that completely penetrates the support portion 204. At this time, after the tongue extends into the sensing cavity 201 through the sensing port 202, it can pass through the sensing cavity 201 and contact the palatal mucosa. Thus, when the user uses the sensing structure 203 for tongue muscle training, the tongue can pass through the sensing cavity 201 and contact the palatal mucosa, forming a somatosensory closed loop (i.e., between the tongue and the oral mucosa), further increasing the experience and enjoyment. Furthermore, the tongue-side surface 2041 of the support portion 204 is a flat surface, which reduces the sensation of the user's tongue touching the protruding sensing structure 203 and causing a foreign body sensation after the user wears the invisible aligner.

[0056] In other embodiments, the sensing structure 203 is configured as a hole structure that partially penetrates the support portion 204. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG5, the hole structure (i.e., the sensing structure 203) is a blind hole that partially penetrates the support portion 204. The lingual side 2041 of the support portion 204 is a flat surface, which reduces the sensation of foreign body caused by the user's tongue touching the protruding sensing structure 203 after the user wears the invisible aligner.

[0057] In the two embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, the hole structure can be formed on the support portion 204 by secondary processing (e.g., opening holes).

[0058] For example, when the invisible aligner is worn on the upper teeth, the distance between the support portion 204 and the palatal mucosa is no more than 2 mm.

[0059] When the sensing structure 203 protrudes from the tongue side 2041 (as shown in Figure 2) or partially penetrates the support portion (as shown in Figure 5), there is a gap between the support portion 204 and the palatal mucosa (for example, the gap is less than 2 mm), which can prevent the support portion 204 from being in sealed contact with the palatal mucosa for a long time, thus preventing the growth of bacteria.

[0060] When the sensing structure 203 protrudes from the palatal side 2042 (as shown in Figure 3), there is a sufficient gap (e.g., a gap of 2 mm) between the bearing portion 204 and the palatal mucosa, which can prevent the sensing structure 203 from directly contacting the palatal mucosa and causing discomfort, thus ensuring wearing comfort.

[0061] When the sensing structure 203 completely penetrates the support portion 204 (as shown in Figure 4), the distance between the support portion 204 and the palatal mucosa is small enough (for example, the distance is less than 2 mm), so that the tongue can smoothly contact the palatal mucosa after passing through the sensing cavity 201, thereby forming a somatosensory closed loop.

[0062] In some embodiments, the curvature of the support portion 204 is consistent with the curvature of the palate. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the curvature of the support portion 204 is consistent with the curvature of the palate. When the support portion 204 is fitted to the palate (e.g., the sensing structure 203 protrudes from the tongue side 204 in Figure 2, the sensing structure 203 completely penetrates the support portion 204 in Figure 4, or the sensing structure 203 partially penetrates the support portion 204 in Figure 5), it can save space in the oral cavity and make wearing more comfortable. When the support portion 204 is spaced apart from the palate (e.g., the sensing structure 203 protrudes from the palatal side 2042 in Figure 3), it also makes the patient more comfortable to wear and saves space in the oral cavity.

[0063] In some embodiments, the area of ​​the sensing port 202 is not less than 0.2 cm². 2 and no larger than 2cm 2 In this embodiment, the area of ​​the sensing port 202 is greater than or equal to 0.2 cm². 2 At that time, the sensing opening 202 is designed to be easily perceived by the user's tongue tissue. The area of ​​the sensing opening 202 is less than or equal to 4 cm². 2 (e.g., 2cm) 2 This avoids the problem of an excessively large area affecting the accuracy of the training position, allowing users to accurately train their tongue muscles and achieve the desired training effect.

[0064] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the sensing structure 203 is not less than 0.2 cm². 2 and no larger than 2cm 2In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the sensing structure 203 is greater than or equal to 0.2 cm². 2 At the same time, ensure that the tongue can be inserted into the sensory cavity 201. The cross-sectional area of ​​the sensory structure 203 is less than or equal to 4 cm². 2 (e.g., 2cm) 2 The design is just right to accommodate the tongue tip tissue (as shown in Figures 3 and 5), which is beneficial for tongue muscle training (such as N-point vocalization training and tongue curling training), and increases the experience and fun.

[0065] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the sensing structure 203 is not less than 3 mm. In this embodiment, when the sensing structure 203 completely penetrates the support portion 204 (as shown in Figure 4), the inner diameter of the sensing structure 203 (i.e., the hole structure) is greater than or equal to 3 mm, so that the tongue can smoothly pass through the sensing cavity 201 to touch the oral mucosa tissue (i.e., palatal mucosa tissue) covered by the support portion 204 while sensing the sensing cavity 201. This allows for specific positional training of the tongue and the formation of a somatosensory closed loop (i.e., between the tongue and the oral mucosa), increasing the experience and enjoyment. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the inner diameter of the sensing structure 203 is greater than or equal to 3 mm, which facilitates the tongue's insertion into the sensing cavity 201.

[0066] In addition, when the cross-section of the sensing structure 203 (e.g., the hole structure) is irregular, the maximum inner diameter needs to be greater than or equal to 3 mm.

[0067] By way of non-limiting example only, the shell-like body 10 has an anterior tooth region 101 and a posterior tooth region 102. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the shell-like body 10 has a cavity for accommodating a plurality of maxillary teeth, dividing the cavity into an anterior tooth region 101 and a posterior tooth region 102. Moreover, the shell-like body 10 has two anterior tooth regions 101 and two posterior tooth regions 102 located on the left and right sides. The anterior tooth region 101 can be used to accommodate the central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines of the maxillary teeth, and the posterior tooth region 102 can be used to accommodate the first premolar, second premolar, first molar, second molar, and third molar of the maxillary teeth.

[0068] In some embodiments, the support portion 204 is connected to the anterior tooth region 101 and / or the posterior tooth region 102. In this embodiment, the support portion 204 is connected to at least one anterior tooth region 101 and / or at least one posterior tooth region 102, that is, it can be connected to at least one of the left and right anterior tooth regions 101 and at least one of the left and right posterior tooth regions 102. The sensing structure 203 is fixed to the shell-shaped body 10 by the support portion 204, and the sensing structure 203 and the support portion 204 are either an integrally formed structure or a separate formed structure as described above. The connection position of the tongue muscle training component 20 can be determined according to the different types of tongue training (e.g., training of N-point vocalization position, tongue curling training), that is, the connection position of the support portion 204 (e.g., anterior tooth region 101 and / or posterior tooth region 102) can be determined.

[0069] For example, the distance D1 between the center of the sensing port 202 and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior tooth region 101 is between 3mm and 15mm. As shown in Figure 1, the support portion 204 is connected to the anterior tooth regions 101 on both the left and right sides to train the N-point vocalization position. Since the N-point vocalization position is different for each person, setting the distance D1 between the center of the sensing port 202 and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior tooth region 101 to between 3mm and 15mm can meet the needs of the N-point vocalization position for all groups of people.

[0070] Preferably, the distance D1 between the center of the sensing opening 202 and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior tooth region 101 is between 5mm and 8mm. In this embodiment, the distance D1 between the center of the sensing opening 202 and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior tooth region 101 is set to be between 5mm and 8mm, which is close to the requirement of the N-point vocalization position of the general population.

[0071] In some embodiments, the minimum distance D4 between the edge of the sensing port 202 and the edge of the supporting portion 204 is not less than 1 mm. In this embodiment, the minimum distance between the edge of the sensing port 202 (e.g., the edge of the sensing port 202 near the free end 2044 in Figure 1) and the edge of the supporting portion 204 (e.g., the free end 2044 in Figure 1) is greater than or equal to 1 mm, ensuring the stability of the sensing port 202 during molding (i.e., not easily broken). Furthermore, compared to the solution where "the minimum distance D4 between the edge of the sensing port 202 and the edge of the supporting portion 204 is less than 1 mm", this allows the tongue to clearly perceive the complete shape of the sensing port 202 when it touches the sensing port 202.

[0072] By way of non-limiting example only, the support portion 204 has a fixed end 2043 connected to the anterior tooth region 101 and a free end 2044 away from the fixed end 2043. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG1, since the support portion 204 is connected to the left and right anterior tooth regions 101, the fixed end 2043 is the end of the support portion 204 extending along the curvature of the palate and close to the labial side (e.g., at the central incisor), and the free end 2044 is the end of the support portion 204 extending along the curvature of the palate and away from the labial side. When the support portion 204 is connected to the left and right anterior tooth regions 101 for N-point vocalization training, the support portion 204 extends from the fixed end 2043 toward the free end 2044, that is, from the lingual gingival margin of the anterior tooth region 101 toward the palate, so that the support portion 204 covers at least part of the palate (e.g., the hard palate).

[0073] For example, the distance D2 between the free end 2044 and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior tooth region 101 is not less than 5 mm. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, when the support portion 204 is connected to the lingual gingival margin, the distance D2 between the free end 2044 and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior tooth region 101 (that is, the distance between the free end 2044 and the fixed end 2043) is not less than 5 mm. This can minimize the length of the support portion 204 (that is, the distance D2 between the free end 2044 and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior tooth region 101) under the premise of processing and training, thus saving oral cavity space. For example, when the distance D2 between the free end 2044 and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior tooth region 101 is 5mm, the radius of the sensing port 202 is 1mm, and the distance between the edge of the sensing port 202 near the free end 2044 and the edge of the bearing portion 204 (i.e., at the free end 2044) is 1mm, then the distance D1 between the center of the sensing port 202 and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior tooth region 101 is 3mm (which is also the minimum distance for N-point vocalization training), thus meeting the processing and training requirements.

[0074] In some embodiments, the tongue muscle training device 20 has at least one sensing opening 202, the center of which is located at the top of the palate.

[0075] When the tongue muscle training piece 20 has a sensing opening 202, the bearing part 204 is connected to the anterior tooth area 101 (e.g., the left and right anterior tooth areas 101). At this time, the center of the sensing opening 202 is located at the top of the hard palate, thereby performing tongue curling training.

[0076] When the tongue muscle training device 20 has two sensing ports 202, the bearing part 204 is connected to the anterior tooth area 101 (e.g., the left and right anterior tooth areas 101) and the posterior tooth area 102 (e.g., one of the left and right posterior tooth areas 102). At this time, the center of the sensing port 202 corresponding to the anterior tooth area 101 is located at the top of the palate, so tongue rolling training can be performed.

[0077] As shown in Figure 6, when the tongue muscle training component 20 has three sensing ports 202, the supporting part 204 is connected to the anterior tooth area 101 (e.g., the left and right anterior tooth areas 101) and the posterior tooth area 102 (e.g., the left and right posterior tooth areas 102). At this time, the center of the sensing port 202 corresponding to the anterior tooth area 101 is located at the top of the hard palate, and tongue curling training can be performed. In addition, this method only requires one supporting part 204 to form multiple sensing ports 202.

[0078] Referring to FIG7, in some embodiments, the tongue muscle training device 20 has at least one sensing port 202, and the distance D3 between the center of the at least one sensing port 202 and the lingual gingival margin of the posterior tooth region 102 is not less than 3 mm.

[0079] When the tongue muscle training piece 20 has a sensing opening 202, the bearing part 204 is connected to the posterior tooth area 102 (e.g., one of the left and right posterior tooth areas 102). At this time, the distance D3 between the center of the sensing opening 202 and the lingual gingival margin of the corresponding posterior tooth area 102 is not less than 3mm, thereby performing tongue rolling training.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7, when the tongue muscle training device 20 has two sensing ports 202, the supporting part 204 is connected to the left and right posterior tooth areas 102 respectively. That is, the tongue muscle training device 20 has a supporting part 204 that corresponds one-to-one with the sensing ports 202 (i.e., the number of supporting parts 204 is two). At this time, the distance D3 between the center of the two sensing ports 202 and the lingual gingival margin of the corresponding posterior tooth area 102 is not less than 3mm, so as to carry out tongue rolling training.

[0081] Alternatively, when the tongue muscle training component 20 has two sensing ports 202, the supporting part 204 is connected to the anterior tooth region 101 (e.g., the left and right anterior tooth regions 101) and the posterior tooth region 102 (e.g., one of the left and right posterior tooth regions 102). The center of the sensing port 202 corresponding to the anterior tooth region 101 is located at the top of the hard palate, and the distance D3 between the center of the sensing port 202 corresponding to the posterior tooth region 102 and the lingual gingival margin of the posterior tooth region 102 is not less than 3 mm, thereby enabling multiple (i.e., two) tongue curling exercises. Of course, the distance D1 between the center of the aforementioned "sensing port 202 corresponding to the anterior tooth region 101" and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior tooth region 101 can also be set to be between 3 mm and 15 mm (or preferably between 5 mm and 8 mm), which can meet the needs of the N-point vocalization position, thereby enabling simultaneous N-point vocalization position training and tongue curling training.

[0082] As shown in Figure 6, when the tongue muscle training component 20 has three sensing ports 202, the supporting part 204 is connected to the anterior tooth region 101 (e.g., the left and right anterior tooth regions 101) and the posterior tooth region 102 (e.g., the left and right posterior tooth regions 102). At this time, the center of one of the sensing ports 202 (i.e., the sensing port 202 corresponding to the anterior tooth region 101) is located at the top of the hard palate, and the distance D3 between the center of the other two sensing ports 202 and the lingual gingival margin of the corresponding posterior tooth region 102 is not less than 3mm, thereby performing multiple (i.e., three) tongue curling exercises. Similarly, the distance D1 between the center of the aforementioned "sensing port 202 corresponding to the anterior tooth region 101" and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior tooth region 101 can also be set to be between 3mm and 15mm (or preferably between 5mm and 8mm), which can meet the needs of the N-point vocalization position, thereby performing N-point vocalization position training and tongue curling training simultaneously.

[0083] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0084] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. All equivalent implementation methods or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the art of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An invisible aligner, characterized in that, include: A shell-like body having a cavity for accommodating a number of maxillary teeth; A tongue muscle training device, wherein the tongue muscle training device is connected to the lingual gingival margin or adjacent to the gingival margin of a shell-shaped body, and has a sensing cavity and a sensing opening that exposes the sensing cavity. The sensory opening is located on the tongue side of the tongue muscle training device.

2. The invisible aligner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tongue muscle training device includes a sensory structure forming a sensory cavity and a support portion connecting the sensory structure. The support portion has opposing tongue and palatal surfaces, and at least a portion of the sensory structure protrudes from either the tongue or palatal surface.

3. The invisible aligner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tongue muscle training device includes a sensing structure and a support portion, wherein the sensing structure is configured as a perforated structure that at least partially penetrates the support portion.

4. The invisible aligner as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The sensing structure is configured as a perforated structure that runs through the support portion, so that when the invisible aligner is worn on the upper teeth, a somatosensory closed loop is formed between the tongue and the oral mucosa.

5. The invisible aligner as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, When the invisible aligner is worn on the upper teeth, the distance between the support portion and the palatal mucosa is no greater than 2 mm.

6. The invisible aligner as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The area of ​​the sensing port or the cross-sectional area of ​​the sensing structure is not less than 0.2 cm². 2 and no larger than 4cm 2 .

7. The invisible aligner as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the sensing structure is not less than 3 mm.

8. The invisible aligner as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The shell-shaped body has an anterior tooth region and a posterior tooth region, and the supporting part is connected to the anterior tooth region and / or the posterior tooth region.

9. The invisible aligner as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The distance between the center of the sensory opening and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior teeth area is between 3mm and 15mm.

10. The invisible aligner as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The distance between the center of the sensory opening and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior teeth is between 5mm and 8mm.

11. The invisible aligner as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The supporting part has a fixed end connected to the anterior tooth region and a free end opposite to the fixed end, and the distance between the free end and the lingual gingival margin of the anterior tooth region is not less than 5 mm.

12. The invisible aligner as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The tongue muscle training device has at least one sensing port, the center of which is located at the top of the palate.

13. The invisible aligner as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The tongue muscle training device has at least one sensing port, and the distance between the center of the aforementioned at least one sensing port and the lingual gingival margin of the posterior tooth region is not less than 3 mm.

14. The invisible aligner as described in any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, The minimum distance between the edge of the sensing port and the edge of the bearing part is not less than 1 mm.

15. The invisible aligner as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The curvature of the bearing portion is consistent with the curvature of the palate.

16. The invisible aligner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shell-like body has a geometric structure that allows teeth to gradually align from their initial position to the target orthodontic position.

17. The invisible aligner as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The shell-shaped body and the tongue muscle training component are either integrally formed or separately formed.

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