Orthodontic device

Abstract

The orthodontic device (1) is adapted to be reversibly bound to at least part of a dental arch (10) near the palate of a user, said dental arch (10) defining back teeth (11) comprising the remaining teeth of said dental arch (10), the device (1) being adapted to be reversibly bound to at least part of said palate and said back teeth (11) and comprising at least a first portion (2) principally extending along a surface parallel to the palate and configured to be positioned at least at part of the palate. At least one second portion (3) is connected to the first portion (2), adapted at least to be positioned at least at part of the back teeth (11) and to cover at least part of the back teeth (11). The first portion (2) defines at least one first edge (20) wherein the first portion (2) and the second portion (3) are connected, and at least one free second edge (21) positionable in internal areas of the palate, the first portion (2) and at least one second portion (3) comprising a flexible material, at least one of the first portion (2) and at least one second portion (3) comprises a plurality of protruding elements (4) principally along a first direction (4a) transverse to the surface parallel to the palate. The protruding elements (4) are located at least at one of at least one first edge (20) and at least one second edge (21) and are adapted to guide the positioning of the tongue and exert a thrust on the back teeth (11), on at least one first edge (20), on at least one second edge (21), and on the palate.

Description

[0001] DESCRI PTION

[0002] ORTHODONTIC DEVICE

[0003] The present invention relates to an orthodontic device of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

[0004] The object of the present invention is a device that finds principal, but not exclusive, application in the orthodontic field.

[0005] Orthodontic devices are currently known, particularly for pediatric use, in cases where an increase in the transverse diameters of the palate is required. These devices are typically composed of removable appliances that utilize plates with central screws or rapid expanders with a screw cemented onto bands that are bonded to the teeth. In other solutions, an expansion screw with skeletal anchorage is used, by means of mini-screws surgically inserted into the bones of the palate.

[0006] Each of the developed solutions has shown drawbacks.

[0007] In particular, solutions that include plates with a central screw are removable, which makes it difficult to predict the results of the treatment. Indeed, this type of device is used only for certain hours of the day, and the final result partly depends on the diligence of the user and the correct positioning of the device, which is not always easy to identify. Additionally, they may cause pressure sores on the mucosa, and the hooks used may create problems for the anchoring teeth. Therefore, these solutions may at most lead to a variation in the dento-alveolar distances of the palatal measurements but without effects at the level of the sagittal palatal suture.

[0008] Solutions that use rapid expansion screws, when cemented to the teeth, present the drawback of requiring the positioning of dental bands, which have the shape of metallic rings onto which the screws are cemented. Furthermore, an analog impression of the user’s mouth must then be taken using special pastes; this procedure is painful and therefore very complex to perform on pediatric patients.

[0009] In solutions that use expansion screws with mini-screws anchorage, a surgical procedure must be performed, which entails risks due to anesthesia and potential injuries to bone structures, roots, nerves, or other sensitive areas. Moreover, this type of procedure is also risky when performed on children.

[0010] These techniques, although they lead to the opening of the sagittal suture — thus achieving a skeletal result rather than just a dento-alveolar one — may still have the drawback of the potential detachment of the cement that bonds the bands to the teeth and the movement of the anchorage mini-screws, which could displace the teeth outward. Another drawback of this type of device is the need to adjust the central screw multiple times a day, and this operation must be performed by a parent or an operator.

[0011] In general, these devices present critical issues due to the presence of metal parts, which may cause allergies, hinder tongue movements, swallowing, and phonation, and also require meticulous cleaning.

[0012] A new type of orthodontic device that addresses some of these problems consists of plastic molds that adapt to the shape of the user's dental arch, adhering to the teeth on which force must be exerted and adapting to the shape of the palate. These are easier to use and position, providing a greater sensation of comfort for the user. The known technique described includes some significant drawbacks.

[0013] In particular, the known plastic material devices do not allow effective repositioning of the teeth.

[0014] Moreover, they have critical issues concerning adaptation to the shape of the palate. In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise an orthodontic device capable of substantially overcoming at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0015] Within the scope of this technical task, an important object of the invention is to achieve an orthodontic device capable of enabling an effective modification of the structure of the palate.

[0016] Another important object of the invention is to achieve an orthodontic device capable of enabling an effective modification of the position of the teeth.

[0017] A further important object of the invention is to provide an orthodontic device capable of more easily adapting to the conformation of the palate.

[0018] The technical task and the specified objects are achieved by an orthodontic device as claimed in the annexed claim 1 .

[0019] Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

[0020] The features and advantages of the invention are clarified below through the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a top view of the orthodontic device according to the invention;

[0022] Fig. 2 illustrates an axonometric view of an orthodontic device according to the invention;

[0023] Fig. 3 is a top view of an alternative configuration of an orthodontic device according to the invention; and

[0024] Fig. 4 shows a detail of an orthodontic device according to the invention.

[0025] In the present document, measurements, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words like "approximately" or similar terms such as "substantially" or "essentially", are to be understood as allowing for measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, above all, to allow for a slight deviation from the value, measure, shape, or geometric reference with which it is associated.

[0026] For example, such terms, when associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation not exceeding 10% of the value itself.

[0027] Additionally, terms like "first", "second", "upper", "lower", "primary", and "secondary", unless otherwise specified, do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relation, or relative position but may simply be used to distinguish different components more clearly one from the other.

[0028] Unless otherwise specified, as evident from the following discussions, terms such as "treatment", "computing", "determination", "computation", or similar refer to the action and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computation device that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical quantities, such as electronic magnitudes of records of a computing system and / or memories, into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, records, or other information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0029] Unless otherwise indicated, the measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered as performed in International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533: 1975).

[0030] With reference to the Figures, the device according to the invention is globally denoted by the number 1. It is an orthodontic device adapted to be reversibly bound to at least part of a dental arch 10. The latter corresponds to the dental arch positioned near the palate of a user. The dental arch 10 defines front teeth 12. These include incisors. The dental arch 10 also comprises back teeth 11. These include the remaining teeth of the dental arch 10. The device 1 is adapted to be reversibly bound at least to part of the palate and the back teeth 11 . In particular, the device 1 performs the function of modifying the structure of the palate. Specifically, it can increase the transverse diameters of the palate. This type of intervention can be performed on pediatric users to prevent situations where the dimensions of the dental arch may cause incorrect positioning of the teeth in adulthood. For pediatric users, the dental arch 10 may therefore include deciduous teeth. Accordingly, the front teeth 12 may preferably include the central and lateral incisors, while the back teeth 11 may include the canines, first molars, and second molars.

[0031] The device 1 comprises at least a first portion 2. It is principally extended along a surface parallel to said palate. Furthermore, the first portion 2 is configured to be positioned at least at part of the palate. In this regard, the device 1 may preferably have an outline at least partially tracing the shape of the palate. Specifically, the first portion 2 may trace the shape of the palate, relative to the portions of the palate on which the first portion 2 can be positioned. The first portion 2 performs a supporting function for the device, facilitating its adhesion to the palate.

[0032] Furthermore, the device 1 comprises at least a second portion 3. It is connected to the first portion 2. The second portion 3 is at least adapted to be positioned at least at part of the back teeth 11. Additionally, it is adapted to cover at least part of the back teeth 11 . In this regard, the device 1 may preferably have an outline at least partially tracing the shape of the back teeth 1 1. Specifically, the second portion 3 may be shaped in such a way as to trace the profile of the back teeth 11 on which it is positioned. The second portion 3 may perform a thrusting function on the back teeth 11 , in such a way as to modify their position relative to the palate.

[0033] The first portion 2 defines at least a first edge 20. At the first edge 20, the first portion 2 and the second portion 3 are connected. Specifically, each first edge 20 is preferably placeable at least partially at the base of the back teeth 11 . In this way, it is advantageously possible to make the attachment of the device 1 to the dental arch 10 and the palate more ergonomic, improving user comfort.

[0034] For example, the first edge 20 may correspond to the portion at the base of the back teeth 11 , facing the palate.

[0035] The first portion 2 and the second portions 3 may be made in a single piece. In this way, the device 1 can be produced by molding in a single molding operation.

[0036] The first portion 2 defines at least a second edge 21. It is a free edge that can be positioned in internal areas of the palate. Specifically, in some embodiments of the device 1 , a second edge 21 may be at least partially oriented toward the portion posterior to the base of the front teeth 12. The device 1 may comprise a second edge 21 placeable on the portion of the hard palate near the soft palate.

[0037] The first portion 2 and the second portion 3 preferably comprise a flexible material. In this way, the device 1 can be easily worn and brought into a position where the second portion 3 adheres to the back teeth 11 and the first portion 2 to the palate.

[0038] In this regard, the device 1 preferably comprises at least one polymeric material. Polymeric materials are advantageous due to their processing through molding, which allows for the production of a device 1 shaped according to the user’s teeth, following the collection of the dental arch 10 and palate impression. For example, the device 1 may be manufactured by 3D printing with polymeric materials, based on the dental arch 10 impression collected from the user.

[0039] The first portion 2 may preferably have greater rigidity than each second portion 3. The greater rigidity of the first portion 2 advantageously facilitates the positioning of the device 1 , its adherence to the palate, and the maintenance of its position on the palate.

[0040] The device 1 may preferably comprise two second portions 3. The device 1 may define a sagittal plane 1a. Said sagittal plane 1 a may separate the second portions 3. For example, each second portion 3 may correspond to the same group of back teeth 11 of the dental arch 10, comprising a canine, a first molar, and a second molar arranged in sequence along the dental arch. The sagittal plane 1a may thus divide the dental arch 10 into two parts or two halves, and the two second portions 3 respectively cover the two groups of back teeth 11 on the two portions of the dental arch 10 located in two opposite regions relative to the sagittal plane 1 a. In these embodiments of the device 1 , the first portion 2 also performs the function of connecting the two second portions 3, which are positioned on corresponding opposite parts of the dental arch 10 relative to the sagittal plane 1 a.

[0041] The device 1 may preferably comprise at least one reinforcement band 22. The reinforcement bands 22 may be advantageously positioned at the first portion 2. They may also be in a single piece with the first portion 2. The reinforcement bands 22 may have a principally elongated extension along curved segments following the profile of the palate transversely to the sagittal plane 1 a. Additionally, the reinforcement bands 22 may extend transversely to the curved segments so as to protrude from the remaining surface of the first portion 2.

[0042] In this way, the reinforcement bands 22 may function as ribs that provide greater mechanical resistance to the first portion 2. In general, the reinforcement bands 22 perform the function of increasing the mechanical strength of the device 1 and reducing the risk of undesired deformations during use. Furthermore, the reinforcement bands 22 ensure that the device 1 is less prone to breakages due to wear and usage. The device 1 preferably comprises two first edges 20 and at least one reinforcement band 22 connecting the first edges 20.

[0043] Following the example described above, two second portions 3, separate and distinct from each other by a sagittal plane 1 a, may respectively define two first edges 20 bordering the same first portion 2. The reinforcement bands 22 extend along said curved segments so that the two ends of the reinforcement bands 22 are positioned at the corresponding first edges 20. In some embodiments, the sagittal plane 1 a may cross the reinforcement bands 22 transversely to the curved segments of maximum extension of the reinforcement bands 22. This configuration of the device 1 allows it to exert uniform pressure on the first edges 20, thereby enabling uniform expansion of the palate, acting on both portions of the dental arch 10.

[0044] In particular, bands 22 advantageously ensure the expansion of the palate. In fact, the thrust given by chewing favours the widening of the palate and the presence of bands 22 ensures that the palate maintains the expansion and does not undergo a return to palatal contraction. Therefore, with prolonged use over time, the result is an expansion of the palate.

[0045] In the device 1 , at least one of the first portion 2 and each second portion 3 advantageously comprises a plurality of protruding elements 4. These correspond to portions of the first portion 2 and second portions 3 extending principally along a first direction 4a. Said first direction 4a is transverse to the surface parallel to the palate.

[0046] Specifically, the protruding elements 4 preferably have an extension of less than 3 mm along the first direction 4a. More preferably, they have an extension of less than 2 mm. These dimensions allow them to interfere with the user's tongue.

[0047] The protruding elements 4 preferably define a second direction 4b. Said second direction 4b lies in the surface parallel to the palate at least in proximity to the protruding elements 4. Along the second direction 4b, the protruding elements 4 preferably have an extension of less than 2 mm. More preferably, the protruding elements 4 have an extension of less than 1 .5 mm along the second direction 4b.

[0048] The protruding elements 4 may have an at least partially ellipsoidal shape. In this way, sharp edges that could cause discomfort or worsen user comfort are avoided. Advantageously, the protruding elements 4 are positioned at least at one of each first edge 20 and each second edge 21. They are adapted to guide the positioning of the tongue. Additionally, the protruding elements 4 are adapted to exert a thrust on the back teeth 11. Furthermore, the positioning of the tongue causes it to exert a thrust. Specifically, the thrust action of the tongue occurs on at least one first edge 20, at least one second edge 21 , and on the palate. In this way, the protruding elements 4 interfere with the tongue, so that it can assume positions enabling it to exert a thrust on points of the first edges 20 and second edges 21 , allowing for an alteration of the structure of the palate and the dental arch 10.

[0049] In this regard, the device 1 preferably comprises at least two protruding elements 4 positioned on each first edge 20 and at least on one second edge 21. In this way, the protruding elements 4 can be positioned along the edge portions of the dental arch 10, in positions ensuring that the interference action between the tongue and the protruding elements 4 is symmetric relative to the sagittal plane 1 a.

[0050] Regarding the previously described example, the device 1 may comprise two protruding elements 4 for each first edge 20. Each pair of protruding elements 4 located on the two respective first edges 20 may be arranged so as to be symmetric and specular to each other, with the sagittal plane 1a as the plane of symmetry.

[0051] The protruding elements 4 are preferably placed at the base of the back teeth 11. In detail, the protruding elements 4 can be placed along the first edge 20 located at the base of the back teeth 11. Furthermore, each of the protruding elements 4 can adhere to one of the back teeth 11 respectively. For example, pairs of protruding elements 4 opposite the sagittal plane 1 a can be placed at the base of back teeth 11 belonging to a respective pair of back teeth 11. This arrangement of the protruding elements 4 has the advantage of favouring the anchoring of the device 1 to the dental arch 10. In this way, device 1 has greater mechanical stability. Therefore, it makes the coupling of device 1 to the dental arch 10 more efficient.

[0052] The protruding elements 4 placed at the base of the back teeth 11 can be made of composite material.

[0053] At least one second edge 21 is preferably placeable near the front teeth 12. Specifically, at least one second edge 21 comprises at least one of the plurality of protruding elements 4.

[0054] With reference to the described example, two protruding elements 4 may be placed on one second edge 21. They may be positioned so that they are respectively located in two regions separated by the sagittal plane 1 a. They may be arranged symmetrically relative to the sagittal plane 1 a, similarly to the protruding elements 4 placed on the first edges 20.

[0055] The sagittal plane 1 a may also symmetrically divide the incisors, and the protruding elements 4 may be positioned symmetrically relative to the sagittal plane 1 a as described. Specifically, the protruding elements 4 may be placed inside the palate, in a region near the incisors.

[0056] In some embodiments of the device 1 , there may be two first edges 20 and six protruding elements 4, symmetrically arranged relative to the sagittal plane 1a, with two protruding elements 4 for each first edge 20 and two on the second edge 21 , positioned near the front teeth 12.

[0057] This arrangement of the protruding elements 4 ensures that the thrust action of the tongue is symmetric, allowing for a variation in the dimensions of the palate to occur symmetrically.

[0058] The first portion 2 should preferably be made of plastic. This material is advantageous because it allows for the expansion of the palate thanks to its rigidity. The second portion 3 preferably includes rubber. In fact, this material allows for a better adherence of device 1 to the teeth. Furthermore, the second portion 3 in rubber makes device 1 more comfortable for the user.

[0059] The operation of the device 1 , previously described in structural terms, is as follows. The device 1 may be manufactured via 3D printing based on an impression collected from the user.

[0060] The device 1 is then positioned inside the user’s mouth, so that each second portion 3 adheres to the corresponding group of back teeth 11 , and the first portion 2 adheres to the palate.

[0061] Once the device 1 is positioned, the protruding elements 4 interfere with the tongue in such a way as to influence its positioning and allow it to exert a thrust action at the areas of the palate and the dental arch 10, ensuring that the palate progressively expands in the desired directions. Furthermore, the arrangement of the protruding elements 4 is designed to allow a thrust action caused by the movement of the tongue during swallowing. Indeed, this movement is guided by the specific placement of the protruding elements 4.

[0062] The protruding elements 4 located at the first edge 20 near the back teeth 11 act as elements to improve the adherence of the device 1 to the dental arch 10.

[0063] When device 1 is positioned on dental arch 10, the more rigid bands 22 allow the palate to maintain the expansion resulting from the application of masticatory force. In fact, mastication causes the palate to expand. The bands 22 therefore prevent the palate from contracting after the application of masticatory force. The device 1 can be removed and reversibly repositioned. The device 1 may also be used for treatments of limited duration throughout the day. For example, the device 1 may be worn only at night. The device 1 can be worn for periods depending on the duration of the treatment. Specifically, the user may replace the device 1 with a new device 1 of different dimensions, so that its action is progressively adjusted as the modification of the structure of the palate takes place.

[0064] The device 1 according to the invention achieves significant advantages.

[0065] Indeed, it enables an effective modification of the structure of the palate. The thrust action of the tongue, caused by the protruding elements 4, is sufficient to achieve a modification of the structure of the palate.

[0066] The action of expanding the palate is carried out through mastication. Therefore, additional pressure on the dental arch 10 is not necessarily required to expand the palate.

[0067] Moreover, the thrust action also enables the modification of the positioning of the teeth relative to the palate.

[0068] Additionally, the device 1 can be easily worn and removed by the user. Therefore, it can be used for orthodontic treatments of limited duration throughout the day. Indeed, it effectively adheres to the back teeth and the palate. Furthermore, it leaves the front teeth free, reducing the impact on the user's aesthetics.

[0069] Since the device 1 can be manufactured based on a mold of the user's dental arch and palate, it provides a more precise thrust action.

[0070] Finally, while ensuring flexibility to adapt to the user’s palate and maintaining a high level of comfort, the device remains sufficiently rigid and resistant to ensure an effective thrust action.

[0071] The invention is susceptible to variations within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0072] Within this scope, all details may be replaced by equivalent elements, and the materials, shapes, and dimensions may be any.

Claims

C LAI M S1. Orthodontic device (1 ) suitable for being reversibly bound to at least part of a dental arch (10) near the palate of a user, said dental arch (10) defining front teeth (12) comprising incisors and back teeth (11 ) comprising the remaining teeth of said dental arch (10), said device (1 ) being suitable for being reversibly bound to at least part of said palate and said back teeth (11 ) and comprising at least:- a first portion (2) principally extending along a surface parallel to said palate and configured to be positioned at least at part of said palate;- at least a second portion (3) connected to said first portion (2), suitable for at least being positioned at least at part of said posterior teeth (11 ) and covering at least part of said posterior teeth (11 );- said first portion (2) defining at least a first edge (20) wherein said first portion (2) and said second portion (3) are connected and at least a free second edge (21 ) positionable in internal areas of said palate;- said first portion (2) and said at least one second portion (3) comprising a flexible material; and characterized by the fact that- at least one of said first portion (2) and said at least one second portion (3) comprising a plurality of protruding elements (4) principally along a first direction (4a) transverse to said surface parallel to said palate;- said protruding elements (4) being located in at least one between said at least one first edge (20) and said at least one second edge (21 ) and being suitable for guiding the positioning of the tongue and exerting a thrust on said posterior teeth (11 ), on said at least one first edge (20), on said at least onesecond edge (21 ) and on said palate.

2. Device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said protruding elements (4) along said first direction (4a) have an extension of less than 3 mm.

3. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 -2, wherein said protruding elements (4) define a second direction (4b), lying in said surface parallel to said palate at least in proximity to said protruding elements (4), and along said second direction (4b) said protruding elements (4) have extension of less than 2 mm.

4. Device (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said first portion (2) has greater rigidity than said at least one second portion (3).

5. Device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, comprising two second portions (3) and defining a sagittal plane (1a) separating said second portions (3).

6. Device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one band (22) of reinforcement.

7. Device (1) according to at least claims 5-6, comprising two said first edges (20) and said at least one band (22) of reinforcement joining said first edges (20).

8. Device (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein each said first edge (20) is placeable at least partially at the base of said posterior teeth (11).

9. Device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one polymeric material.

10. Device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, having an outline at least partially tracing the shape of said posterior teeth (11 ) and said palate.

11. Device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least two said protruding elements (4) placed on each of said at least one first edge (20) and said at least one second edge (21 ).

12. Device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein one of saidat least one second edge (21) is placeable in proximity to said front teeth (12) and wherein said at least one second edge (21) comprises at least one of said plurality of protruding elements (4).