Towable mouthpiece and method of production thereof

Abstract

The present application discloses a traction type mouthpiece and a production method thereof, wherein the traction type mouthpiece comprises a mouthpiece body, an accommodating groove for accommodating a dental crown is formed in the mouthpiece body, the accommodating groove comprises molar fixing grooves on both sides and a correction groove connected with the molar fixing grooves. The molar fixing grooves are matched with the shape of the dental crown of the molar and are used for fixing the mouthpiece body on the dental crown. The correction groove is used for guiding the canine and incisor, the correction groove and the canine and incisor leave a translation and torsion space, the correction groove is a guide rail type arc structure, the side wall of the correction groove is a smooth curved surface, and the smooth curved surface of the correction groove is consistent with the curvature of the dental arch. The present application focuses on the guidance of the teeth of children and meets the correction needs of the teeth of children.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of braces technology, and more particularly to traction braces and their manufacturing methods. Background Technology

[0002] In orthodontic treatment, although many people need to straighten their teeth, braces often have a negative impact on a person's self-perception. Patients have increasingly higher requirements for aesthetics during orthodontic treatment. At present, clinical orthodontic treatment can be mainly divided into two types: traditional straight wire or square wire orthodontic treatment and clear aligner.

[0003] Compared to traditional orthodontic techniques, clear aligners, which integrate oral medicine, computer software, materials science, and 3D printing, are gaining popularity among younger patients. Clear aligners (also known as invisible braces) are transparent, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable. Because they are transparent, they do not obstruct the teeth and fully reveal their natural color and condition.

[0004] In orthodontic treatment using clear aligners, the patient's teeth need to be scanned to obtain dental models. The teeth on these models may vary slightly, but the final model represents the planned orthodontic treatment outcome. The clear aligners are designed to perfectly match the shape of the teeth, applying pressure to the teeth to be moved. These dental models are generated by software and printed using 3D printing equipment. The initial 3D data of the patient's oral cavity is obtained by scanning a model of the patient's mouth, or by directly scanning the patient's mouth. Therefore, this method relies on IT technology and is a product of IT development.

[0005] However, unlike adults whose jaws remain relatively stable in their natural state, children's teeth are still in a period of natural alignment change, and even during the permanent dentition stage, their teeth remain unstable. Therefore, the focus for children's teeth should be on guiding their proper alignment rather than correcting it. Conventional clear aligners create alveoli for each tooth, placing emphasis on each tooth and bone, which can interfere with the growth of children's teeth. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, the purpose of this invention is to provide a traction brace that focuses on guiding children's teeth and meets the orthodontic needs of children.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: a traction brace, comprising a brace body, wherein a receiving groove is formed inside the brace body to accommodate a tooth crown, the receiving groove includes a molar fixing groove located on both sides and an orthodontic groove communicating with the molar fixing groove, the shape of the molar fixing groove matches the shape of the molar crown, and is used to fix the brace body to the crown; the orthodontic groove is used for the correction of canines and incisors, the orthodontic groove leaves translational and torsional space with the canines and incisors, and the orthodontic groove is a guide rail type arc structure, the sidewall of the orthodontic groove is a smooth curved surface, and the smooth curved surface of the orthodontic groove is consistent with the curvature of the dental arch.

[0008] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: the entire brace is fixed to the tooth crown by the molar fixing bracket, preventing displacement and facilitating wearing. Furthermore, the guide-like arc-shaped structure of the bracket guides the canines and incisors, which are prone to misalignment, allowing them to grow within the defined space of the bracket and gradually move towards the dental arch curve, guiding the primary teeth to a proper alignment and preventing deviations, while simultaneously meeting the needs of children's rapid tooth growth.

[0009] Furthermore, the two sidewalls of the orthodontic bracket abut against the ends of the canines or incisors near the lips and near the tongue, respectively. The orthodontic bracket provides an expansion force to the canines or incisors that are tilted toward the tongue and lips, thus guiding the tilted canines or incisors.

[0010] Furthermore, the width of the two contact surfaces between the orthodontic bracket and the inner and outer sides of the tooth crown is the sum of the distance from the canine or incisor near the lip to the dental arch curve and the distance from the canine or incisor near the tongue to the dental arch curve. In other words, the width of the two contact surfaces between the orthodontic bracket and the inner and outer sides of the tooth crown is the minimum distance for canine or incisor misalignment, ensuring that all canines and incisors can be accommodated within the orthodontic bracket and grow within it.

[0011] Furthermore, the braces body is integrally formed, and the braces body has an inner part, an outer part, and an occlusal part connecting the two. The inner part is the side closer to the tongue, the outer part is the side closer to the lips, and the occlusal part is located at the ends of the inner part and the outer part. The inner walls of the inner part, the outer part, and the occlusal part define a receiving groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner wall of the inner, outer, and occlusal portions of the molar fixing slot matches the shape of the molar, and the inner wall of the inner, outer, and occlusal portions of the orthodontic slot is a smooth arc-shaped structure, and the curvature of the arc-shaped structure is consistent with the dental arch curve.

[0013] Furthermore, the brace body is integrally molded from an elastic diaphragm, with the diaphragm's thickness at the orthodontic bracket being greater than its thickness at the molar fixation bracket. This design of diaphragm thicknesses, tailored to the force requirements of different areas, satisfies the needs of orthodontic treatment while also saving materials.

[0014] Furthermore, the outer wall of the brace body is also provided with protrusions, which are located at any molar fixing slot, and each protrusion has a groove that communicates with the molar fixing slot. Because the sidewall of the molar has a positioning feature, when the positioning is engaged with the groove, the stability of the connection between the molar fixing slot and the brace body is improved.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a traction brace, wherein the manufactured traction brace focuses on guiding children's teeth and meets the orthodontic needs of children's teeth.

[0016] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: a method for producing a traction brace, comprising the following steps,

[0017] Step 1: Modeling. Create a dental model based on the patient's teeth and jaw.

[0018] Step 2: Model modification. The dental model is modified to obtain a traction-type three-dimensional model. The molar part of the traction-type three-dimensional model is the same as that of the dental model. The canine and incisor parts of the traction-type three-dimensional model are guide rail-type arc structures. The canine and incisor parts of the traction-type three-dimensional model are smooth curved surfaces, and the smooth curved surfaces are consistent with the curvature of the dental arch.

[0019] Step 3: Print the 3D model. Print the traction-type 3D model from Step 2 using a 3D printer.

[0020] Step 4: Dental brace fabrication. The dental brace body is formed on the outside of the physical model of the traction 3D model using sheet-like membranes.

[0021] Furthermore, step two, the model modification, specifically includes measuring the distance L1 from the outer side of the most prominent incisor or canine in the dental arch model to the dental arch curve, measuring the distance L2 from the inner side of the most concave incisor or canine to the dental arch curve, filling the canine and incisor portions of the dental arch model to obtain an orthodontic section with a width of L1+L2 centered on the dental arch curve. The filled dental arch model is the traction-type three-dimensional model.

[0022] Furthermore, the process includes step five: fabrication of the braces components. Based on the patient's tooth growth, the dental arch curve is gradually expanded, and multiple braces bodies of different sizes are printed. These braces bodies have the same shape, but reference different dental arch curves. During a child's growth, the width of the dental arch increases, causing changes in the dental arch curve, but the arrangement of the teeth does not change significantly. Different sized braces bodies can be used at different stages of a child's growth to correct the dental arch curve without interfering with the development of incisors and canines, thus saving costs and meeting the orthodontic needs of children. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the brace body in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a top view of the brace body in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the dental crown being fitted onto the dental crown in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Sectional view of line AA in the middle;

[0027] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a child's teeth.

[0028] In the picture:

[0029] 1a. Molars; 1b. Canines; 1c. Incisors;

[0030] 1. Receiving groove; 11. Molar fixing groove; 12. Orthodontic groove; 2. Dental arch curve; 31. Medial part; 32. Lateral part; 33. Occlusal part; 4. Protrusion Detailed Implementation

[0031] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the advantages and features of the present invention can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art, thereby providing a clearer and more explicit definition of the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] See appendix Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the traction brace of the present invention includes a brace body, and a receiving groove 1 for accommodating a tooth crown is formed inside the brace body. One end of the receiving groove 1 is open, and the brace body is fitted onto the tooth crown so that the tooth crown is accommodated in the receiving groove 1.

[0033] The receiving slot 1 has an overall U-shaped structure and is set along the dental arch curve 2. The receiving slot 1 includes molar fixing slots 11 located on both sides and an orthodontic slot 12 connecting the molar fixing slots 11. The shape of the molar fixing slot 11 matches the shape of the crown of the molar 1a and fits perfectly on the outside of the molar 1a to fix the brace body on the crown.

[0034] See appendix Figure 3 As shown, the orthodontic bracket 12 is used to guide the canine 1b and incisor 1c. Both canine 1b and incisor 1c are accommodated within the orthodontic bracket 12, and there is space for translation and torsion between the orthodontic bracket 12 and the canine 1b and incisor 1c. The orthodontic bracket 12 has a guide rail-type arc-shaped structure. The sidewalls of the orthodontic bracket 12 are smooth curved surfaces, and the smooth curved surfaces of the orthodontic bracket 12 are consistent with the curvature of the dental arch curve 2. The two sidewalls of the orthodontic bracket 12 abut against the most prominent canine 1b or incisor 1c and the most concave canine 1b or incisor 1c, respectively. That is, the width of the two abutting surfaces of the orthodontic bracket 12 and the inner and outer sides of the tooth crown is the minimum distance for the misalignment of the canine 1b or incisor 1c. The most recessed canine 1b or incisor 1c is the one closest to the tongue, and the most protruding canine 1b or incisor 1c is the one closest to the lip. The two sidewalls of the orthodontic bracket 12 abut against the most protruding or recessed part of the canine 1b or incisor 1c, respectively. The canines 1b and incisors 1c grow in a guided manner within the orthodontic bracket 12, ensuring that the canines 1b and incisors 1c, which are prone to protrusion or recession, grow within the space defined by the orthodontic bracket 12, without causing greater misalignment.

[0035] See appendix Figure 5 As shown, children's teeth typically include molars 1a, canines 1b, and incisors 1c, with the dental arch curve 2 being an appendage. Figure 5 As shown by the dotted lines, normal children's teeth are arranged along the dental arch curve 2 during growth. On the gums, teeth grow upwards or downwards along the dental arch curve. Molars 1a are relatively stable and do not shift, but canines 1b and incisors 1c may become misaligned during growth. The width of the two contact surfaces between the orthodontic bracket 12 and the inner and outer sides of the tooth crown is the sum of the distances from the canine 1b or incisor 1c near the lips to the dental arch curve 2 and the distances from the canine 1b or incisor 1c near the tongue to the dental arch curve 2. (Appendix) Figure 5 In the middle, the two incisors 1c are misaligned. The distance from the outer side of the most prominent incisor 1c to the dental arch curve 2 is L1, and the distance from the inner side of the most concave incisor 1c to the dental arch curve 2 is L2. At this time, the width of the contact surface between the orthodontic bracket 12 and the crown is L1+L2.

[0036] In this embodiment, the traction brace is fixed to the tooth crown by the molar fixing groove 11, preventing displacement and facilitating wearing. Furthermore, the guide rail-like arc structure of the orthodontic groove 12 guides the canines 1b and incisors 1c, which are prone to misalignment, allowing them to grow within the space defined by the orthodontic groove 12 and gradually move towards the dental arch curve 2. This guides the primary teeth to align properly, prevents deviations in primary tooth alignment, and simultaneously meets the needs of rapid tooth growth in children.

[0037] See appendix Figure 2 and 4 As shown, the brace body is integrally molded and has an inner portion 31, an outer portion 32, and an occlusal portion 33 connecting the two. The inner portion 31 is the side closer to the tongue, and the outer portion 32 is the side closer to the lips. The occlusal portion 33 is located at the ends of the inner portion 31 and the outer portion 32 and abuts against the ends of the tooth crown. The inner walls of the inner portion 31, the outer portion 32, and the occlusal portion 33 define a receiving groove 1. The shape of the inner walls of the inner portion 31, the outer portion 32, and the occlusal portion 33 in the molar fixing groove 11 part is completely matched with the molar, that is, the molar fixing groove 11 is an alveolar groove that is completely adapted to the shape of the molar and can be fixed on the molar. The inner walls of the inner portion 31, the outer portion 32, and the occlusal portion 33 in the orthodontic groove 12 part are smooth arc-shaped structures, and the curvature of the arc-shaped structure is consistent with the dental arch curve 2. In this way, the inner wall of the inner portion 31 contacts the inner surface of the concave crown, the inner wall of the outer portion 32 contacts the outer surface of the protruding crown, and the occlusal portion 33 contacts the highest crown surface. The inner portion 31 and the outer portion 32, utilizing their own elasticity, generate an expanding force on the crown, thus achieving a corrective effect. (See attached image) Figure 4 As shown, at this time, the outer part 32 contacts the most prominent crown tip, generating an expansion force F on the crown.

[0038] The braces are made of a single piece of elastic diaphragm, which can be made of polyurethane or polytetrafluoroethylene. The elastic material of the diaphragm gives the braces excellent deformation and recovery capabilities, making them easy to wear. At the same time, the elastic deformation of the braces themselves generates an expansion force on the tooth crowns, thus achieving an orthodontic effect.

[0039] In one embodiment, the thickness of the diaphragm at the orthodontic bracket 12 is greater than the thickness of the diaphragm at the molar fixation bracket 11. Since the molar fixation bracket 11 only serves to fix the brace body, it does not need to generate expansion force for molar correction, as the diaphragm at the molar fixation bracket 11 does not need to be too thick; it only needs to provide fixation. However, the diaphragm at the orthodontic bracket 12 needs to utilize its own elasticity to compress the incisors 1c and canines 1b within the bracket 12, generating expansion force on the crowns to achieve a corrective effect. Therefore, a thicker diaphragm is selected to increase its own elasticity, generate greater expansion force on the crowns, and improve the corrective effect. The design of diaphragms with different thicknesses, based on the force requirements of different areas, can both meet the needs of orthodontic treatment and save materials.

[0040] In one embodiment, the diaphragm is made of a transparent material, which makes the braces body very invisible. The entire braces can be made invisible after being worn, and the aesthetics are good.

[0041] In one embodiment, see Appendix Figure 1 As shown, the outer wall of the brace body is also provided with a protrusion 4. The protrusion 4 is located at any one of the molar fixing slots 11, and the protrusion 4 has a groove that communicates with the molar fixing slot 11. Since the side wall of the molar has a positioning feature, when the positioning is engaged with the groove, it can improve the stability of the connection between the molar fixing slot 11 and the brace body. Since children's teeth usually include four molars, with two molars located on one side and the other two molars located on the other side, two protrusions 4 can be provided. The two protrusions 4 are located at the two molar fixing slots 11 at the ends, so that the two protrusions 4 are symmetrical, which can improve the stability of the connection between the brace body and the crown. Of course, in order to further improve the stability of the connection between the brace body and the crown, a corresponding protrusion 4 can also be provided on the molar fixing slot 11 corresponding to each molar.

[0042] The protrusion 4 is provided on the outer wall of the outer side 32, and the protrusion 4 defines the formed groove as a square structure.

[0043] In another embodiment, the present invention also discloses a method for manufacturing a traction brace, specifically including the following steps:

[0044] Step 1: Modeling. Create a dental model based on the patient's teeth and jaw.

[0045] During modeling, a 3D scanner is used to scan the patient's oral cavity to obtain a 3D model of the dental jaw. The 3D model obtained through a 3D scanner has high accuracy. Of course, in other embodiments, the 3D model of the patient's dental jaw can also be obtained through other methods, such as first taking a negative oral impression, then scanning the impression and performing calculations to obtain the 3D model of the patient's dental jaw. The method of creating the dental jaw model is not limited, as long as the model can accurately represent the patient's teeth.

[0046] Step 2: Modify the model. Modify the dental model to obtain the traction-type 3D model. The molar part of the traction-type 3D model is the same as that of the dental model, while the canine 1b and incisor 1c parts of the traction-type 3D model are guide rail-type arc structures. The canine 1b and incisor 1c parts of the traction-type 3D model are smooth curved surfaces, and the smooth curved surfaces are consistent with the curvature of the dental arch curve 2.

[0047] The modification model specifically includes measuring the distance L1 from the outer side of the most prominent incisor 1c to the dental arch curve 2, and the distance L2 from the inner side of the most concave incisor 1c to the dental arch curve 2. The canine 1b and incisor 1c parts of the dental model are filled to obtain the correction part with a width of L1+L2 along the dental arch curve 2. The filled dental model is the traction three-dimensional model.

[0048] Step 3: Print the 3D model. Print the traction 3D model from Step 2 using a 3D printer. Import the traction 3D model into the 3D printer and print a physical model of the traction 3D model.

[0049] Step 4: Braces fabrication. The braces body is formed on the outside of the physical model of the traction-type 3D model using sheet-like membranes.

[0050] In this embodiment, the sheet-like diaphragm is formed on the outside of the physical model of the traction-type three-dimensional model to form the brace body. The equipment used is a laminating machine.

[0051] The traction brace obtained by the above method is fixed to the tooth crown by the molar fixation bracket 11, preventing displacement and facilitating wearing. Furthermore, the guide-like arc-shaped structure of the orthodontic bracket 12 guides the canines 1b and incisors 1c, which are prone to misalignment, allowing them to grow within the space defined by the bracket 12 and gradually move towards the dental arch curve 2. This guides the proper alignment of primary teeth, prevents deviations in primary tooth alignment, and simultaneously meets the needs of rapid tooth growth in children.

[0052] Step 5: Fabrication of the braces components. Based on the patient's tooth growth, gradually expand the dental arch curve 2, printing multiple braces bodies of different sizes. Multiple braces bodies have the same shape, but each references a different dental arch curve 2.

[0053] During a child's growth, the width of the dental arch increases, causing changes in arch curve 2, but the arrangement of the teeth does not change significantly. Therefore, the average value of the changes in the dental arch width over a certain period is collected to adjust arch curve 2, and then the traction-based 3D model is adjusted to obtain different traction-based 3D models. Steps three and four are repeated to obtain the braces components. Braces of different sizes can be used at different stages of a child's growth to correct arch curve 2 without interfering with the development of incisors 1c and canines 1b, saving costs while meeting the orthodontic needs of children.

[0054] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it. They should not be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A traction type mouthpiece comprising a mouthpiece body, the mouthpiece body having a receiving groove for receiving a tooth crown formed therein, characterized by: The accommodating groove comprises molar fixing grooves on both sides and a correction groove connected with the molar fixing grooves, wherein The molar fixing groove is shaped to match the crown of the molar, and is used to fix the body of the dental brace on the crown; The correction groove is used to guide the canines and incisors, and has a translational torsion space between the correction groove and the canines and incisors, and the correction groove is a guide rail type arc structure, the side wall of the correction groove is a smooth curved surface, the smooth curved surface of the correction groove is consistent with the curvature of the dental arch curve, and the width of the two abutting surfaces of the correction groove on the inner and outer sides of the crown is the sum of the distance from the canine or incisor near the lip to the dental arch curve and the distance from the canine or incisor near the tongue to the dental arch curve.

2. The traction dental aligner of claim 1, wherein: The two side walls of the correction groove abut against the end of the canine or incisor near the lip and the end of the canine or incisor near the tongue, respectively.

3. The traction dental brace of claim 1, wherein: The body of the dental brace is integrally formed, and has an inner side, an outer side and a biting portion connecting the inner side and the outer side, the inner side is the side near the tongue, the outer side is the side near the lip, and the biting portion is located at the end of the inner side and the outer side, and the inner walls of the inner side, the outer side and the biting portion define the accommodating groove.

4. The traction dental aligner of claim 3, wherein: The inner walls of the inner side, the outer side and the biting portion in the molar fixing groove part are shaped to match the molar, and the inner walls of the inner side, the outer side and the biting portion in the correction groove part are smooth arc structures, and the curvature of the arc structures is consistent with the curvature of the dental arch curve.

5. The traction dental aligner of claim 1, wherein: The body of the dental brace is integrally formed by a film with elasticity, and the thickness of the film at the correction groove is greater than the thickness of the film at the molar fixing groove.

6. The traction dental aligner of claim 1, wherein: The outer wall of the body of the dental brace is further provided with a protrusion, the protrusion is arranged at the position of any one of the molar fixing grooves, and the protrusion has a buckle groove in communication with the molar fixing groove.

7. A method of producing a traction dental brace, characterized by: The method comprises the following steps, Step one, modeling, establishing a dental arch model according to the teeth and the palate of the patient; Step two, modifying the model, modifying the dental arch model to obtain a traction type three-dimensional model, the molar part of the traction type three-dimensional model is the same as the dental arch model, the canine and incisor part of the traction type three-dimensional model is a guide rail type arc structure, the canine and incisor part of the traction type three-dimensional model is a smooth curved surface, and the smooth curved surface is consistent with the curvature of the dental arch curve, and specifically comprises: Measuring the distance L1 from the most protruding incisor or canine outside to the dental arch curve in the dental arch model, measuring the distance L2 from the most recessed incisor or canine inside to the dental arch curve, and filling the canine and incisor part of the dental arch model to obtain a correction part with a width of L1+L2 and a center of the dental arch curve, and the filled dental arch model is the traction type three-dimensional model; Step three, printing the three-dimensional model, printing the traction type three-dimensional model in step two by a three-dimensional printer; Step four, dental brace production, forming a dental brace body on the outside of the physical model of the traction type three-dimensional model by using a sheet film.

8. The method of producing a traction dental aligner according to claim 7, wherein: Further comprising Step five, production of the dental brace assembly, gradually expanding the dental arch curve according to the growth of the teeth of the patient, printing a plurality of dental brace bodies with different sizes, and the plurality of dental brace bodies are the same in shape, but the dental arch curves referred to by the dental brace bodies are different.

Images