Spacer for acquiring view of user's mouth comprising elastically deformable wings

Abstract

The invention relates to a spacer (1, 1 ', 1' ', 1 ''') comprising:-a tubular portion (3) having a longitudinal axis (X); -a support assembly (7) attached to the tubular portion, the support assembly comprising two wings (9) having free ends (11), the support assembly being elastically deformable when pressure is applied to the wings in the direction of the longitudinal axis so as to rotate the free ends about a center of rotation (R) between a rest configuration in which the free ends are retracted, and a collapsed configuration in which the free ends are retracted; the distance between the free ends is maximum, the center of rotation of the free ends is positioned, and in the rest configuration, the distance from the edge measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis is 2 cm or less, preferably 1 cm or less, or 0.5 cm or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of capturing representations of a user's mouth. The invention more particularly relates to a spacer for retracting the cheeks of a user in order to facilitate the capture of representations of the teeth, in particular a photograph of the teeth.

[0002] The 2D or 3D representation of the teeth may specifically be an extraoral image or a three-dimensional digital model.

[0003] Prior Art

[0004] PCT / EP2015 / 074897 discloses a capture kit that enables a user to use a mobile phone to capture extraoral photographs of their teeth in different orientations with their mouth closed or open.

[0005] However, the size of a user's mouth can vary greatly based on their morphology, and particularly based on their age. If a user does not use a capture kit that is appropriate for the size of their mouth, the capture will not be comfortable and the picture quality may be poor.

[0006] The spacer implemented in this application is rigid and its edges tend to protrude from the user's mouth, especially if the user attempts to take a side view of the teeth. The retraction of the cheek is also not optimal.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to improve existing cheek retraction solutions, in particular to provide better comfort in use and ease of application, as well as to enable better quality tooth representations to be obtained.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially meet this need. Summary of the invention

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a spacer designed for acquiring a 2D or 3D representation of a user's teeth using an image acquisition device, the spacer comprising:

[0010] - a tubular portion having a longitudinal axis, and

[0011] - a support assembly attached to the tubular portion and comprising at least one edge defining an oral opening and at least two wings including free ends for retracting the cheeks of a user,

[0012] The support assembly is elastically deformable when pressure is applied to the wings in the direction of the longitudinal axis between a rest configuration in which the distance between the free ends of the wings is maximum and a collapsed configuration in which the distance between the free ends of the wings is less than the distance in the rest configuration, preferably less than 1 cm or more, 2 cm or more or 4 cm or more. The spacer according to the invention may include one or more of the following features:

[0013] - The support assembly is one-piece.

[0014] - The wing comprises a section of reduced width between the base of the wing and its free end. The section of reduced width is designed to fit between the teeth and the corner of the mouth in the service position of the spacer and preferably has a minimum width less than 90%, 80% or 60% and / or greater than 40% or 50% of the maximum width of the wing.

[0015] - The wings are rigid.

[0016] - The wings are elastically deformable.

[0017] - The wing comprises a core coated with a layer.

[0018] - The edge is made of a flexible material, preferably an elastomer.

[0019] The support assembly comprises an elastic return member configured to maintain the wing in the rest configuration in the absence of an applied external force. In other words, the elastic return member is configured to exert a restoring force tending to place the wing in the rest configuration.

[0020] - The tubular portion comprises a hollow channel configured to receive an image acquisition device in an acquisition position, wherein the image acquisition device has at least a partial view of the oral opening. Preferably, the hollow channel comprises an opening on an outer surface of the tubular portion.

[0021] - The spacer is configured to preferably releasably receive and hold a mobile phone, optionally via an adapter, which is attached to the spacer so that an image acquisition device of the mobile phone has at least a partial view of the oral opening.

[0022] - The support assembly is made of an elastically deformable material with a Shore A hardness between 50 and 100, preferably between 65 and 80. The elastically deformable material may be a thermoplastic elastomer known as "TPE", in particular a thermoplastic rubber known as "TPR" (such as styrene-butadiene-styrene), or a thermoplastic polyurethane known as "TPU". This advantageously allows the support assembly to be elastically deformed in the vertical direction in the service position, making it easier to position the support assembly between the lips of the user and improving comfort.

[0023] According to the first main aspect :

[0024] The support assembly is capable of elastic deformation when pressure is applied to the wing in the direction of the longitudinal axis, thereby causing the free end of the wing to rotate about the rotation center,

[0025] In the rest configuration, the distance of the center of rotation of the free end measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis from the edge is less than or equal to 2 cm, preferably less than or equal to 1 cm or 0.5 cm.

[0026] Positioning the center of rotation close to the edge, and therefore close to the oral opening, facilitates the rotational movement of the wing and also minimizes the risk of accidental detachment of the wing from the user's mouth, especially when the spacer is moved laterally in the mouth.

[0027] The spacer may include one or more of the following optional features:

[0028] - The center of rotation of the free end is located along the longitudinal axis.

[0029] - The distance between the center of rotation and the edge measured along the longitudinal axis is less than or equal to 2 cm, 1 cm or 0.5 cm.

[0030] - The center of rotation is located in front of the oral opening, outside the spacer, in the space between the wings and the rim.

[0031] - In the service position, the center of rotation is located in the user's mouth or between the user's lips.

[0032] According to the second main aspect :

[0033] The support assembly comprises at least two parts, each part supporting a wing and being attached to the tubular portion by a first pivot connection, thereby allowing relative movement of the wing with respect to the tubular portion.

[0034] Optionally, the support assembly comprises two first parts attached to the tubular portion by a first pivot connection and two second parts, each second part being attached to the first part by a second pivot connection so as to allow relative movement between the first part and the second part, the second part supporting the wing, and the first part and the second part are each preferably integral.

[0035] According to the third main aspect :

[0036] The support assembly comprises two parts, each part supporting a wing, at least one edge connecting the two parts and comprising a flexible section configured to be elastically deformable when pressure is applied to the wing in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0037] Optionally, the support assembly comprises an elastic return member configured to increase the stiffness of the flexible section, the elastic return member preferably being a member made of an elastomer, preferably arranged in an opening in the support assembly adjacent to the flexible section of the edge. The elastic return member is configured to keep the wing in the rest configuration in the absence of an applied external force. In other words, the elastic return member is configured to exert a restoring force tending to place the wing in the rest configuration.

[0038] Preferably, the flexible section has a reduced thickness relative to the thickness of the edge outside the flexible section, in particular less than 50%, 30% or 10% of the maximum thickness of the edge.The thickness is preferably measured along the longitudinal axis or in a radial direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0039] According to the fourth main aspect :

[0040] The support assembly includes a rod configured to be inserted and slid into the housing of the tubular portion.

[0041] The spacer may include one or more of the following optional features:

[0042] The rod is bent in the direction of the longitudinal axis, preferably having an arc shape, in particular an arc defining a sector of a circle with an angle greater than 20°, 30° or 45° and / or less than 90°, 80° or 60°.

[0043] The rod is greater than or equal to 3 cm, preferably 5 cm, and / or less than or equal to 10 cm, preferably 6 cm.

[0044] The rod comprises slotted free ends, each slotted free end defining two branches elastically deformable between a rest configuration in which the branches are spaced apart and a contracted configuration in which the branches are in contact.

[0045] - In their rest configuration, the branches are spaced apart so as to form an abutment against the inner wall of the housing.

[0046] - The housing passes through the wall of the tubular portion.

[0047] The housing has a flared shape, the diameter of the opening of the housing on the outer surface of the wall of the tubular portion being smaller than the diameter of the opening of the housing on the inner surface of the wall of the tubular portion.

[0048] - The rod is elastically deformable and, in the rest configuration of the spacer, is elastically deformable so as to exert a force on at least a portion of the wall of the housing. This advantageously allows the spacer to be pressed against the tubular portion.

[0049] The support assembly is elastically movable relative to the tubular portion along two axes of rotation, preferably along three axes of rotation, by elastic deformation of the rod and / or by displacement of the rod in the housing.

[0050] The spacer comprises an elastic return member configured to keep the support assembly on the tubular portion in a predefined rest position in the absence of external force applied.

[0051] According to the fifth major aspect :

[0052] The rim includes a central portion of reduced thickness or no material configured to be inserted between the lips and front teeth of a user.

[0053] According to this aspect of the invention, in the service position of the spacer, the user's lower and / or upper lips are separated only by the transverse section of the edge inserted between the user's lips and the teeth adjacent to the front teeth. The central portion with reduced thickness or no thickness does not separate the lips.

[0054] According to the sixth major aspect :

[0055] The support assembly includes at least one attachment rod extending toward the tubular portion and including a through hole configured to receive an attachment pin of the tubular portion.

[0056] Thus, the attachment pin is inserted into the attachment rod, which allows the support assembly to be attached to the tubular portion.

[0057] The spacer may include one or more of the following optional features:

[0058] The support assembly comprises two attachment rods, preferably diametrically opposed, preferably in the vertical direction in the service position or along the alignment axis of the wing.

[0059] -The attachment rod is made of an elastically deformable material, and the attachment pin comprises a main section having a diameter less than or equal to the width of the opening in the attachment rod and a free end having a diameter greater than the width of the opening in the attachment rod. The attachment pin is inserted into the attachment rod by deforming the attachment rod to allow the free end to pass therethrough. Once the attachment pin is inserted, the attachment rod recovers its initial shape. Advantageously, the larger diameter of the free end allows the pin to be securely held in the opening of the rod and thus improves the attachment of the support assembly to the tubular portion. Preferably, the diameter of the free end is less than twice the width of the opening in the attachment rod and / or greater than 1.1 times the width of the opening in the attachment rod. Preferably, the attachment pin and its free end are cylindrical. If the cross section of the main section and / or the free end is not circular, the diameter corresponds to the diameter of the smallest circle defining the cross section.

[0060] The elastically deformable material is a material having a Shore A hardness between 50 and 100, preferably between 65 and 80, for example a thermoplastic elastomer known as “TPE”, in particular a thermoplastic rubber known as “TPR” (such as styrene-butadiene-styrene), or a thermoplastic polyurethane known as “TPU”.

[0061] - The opening in the attachment rod is of generally rectangular shape, preferably elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and preferably has a length along the longitudinal axis that is greater than the diameter of the main part of the attachment pin, preferably greater than two, three, four or five times that diameter. This advantageously allows the support assembly to rotate relative to the tubular portion without the attachment pin interfering with this rotational movement, since the pin can be moved in translation along the opening in the rod.

[0062] - The attachment pins are arranged on the outer surface of the tubular portion.

[0063] Of course, the features defining the main aspects above, whether optional or non-optional, are preferably combined with each other.

[0064] The invention also relates to a method for acquiring a 2D or 3D representation by means of a spacer according to the invention, said method comprising the following steps:

[0065] a) inserting, by the user, a portion of the spacer into the user's mouth to a service position in which the image acquisition device has a view of the user's teeth through the oral opening and the wings of the spacer part the user's lips to expose the teeth;

[0066] b) activating an image acquisition device, preferably by a user, in order to acquire said 2D or 3D representation;

[0067] c) modifying the positioning of the oral opening relative to the user by rotating about the user, and / or modifying the positioning of the tubular portion relative to the support assembly, and then returning to step b).

[0068] definition

[0069] "Service position" refers to the position in which the oral opening of the spacer extends into the mouth of the user.

[0070] The "service configuration" is the configuration of the spacer in the service position.

[0071] The "rest configuration" is the configuration of the spacer when the spacer is unstressed except for gravity and the corresponding reaction forces. Unless otherwise indicated, all spacer dimensions are measured in the rest configuration.

[0072] A "collapsed configuration" is the configuration of the spacer when it is subjected to a set of stresses that tend to bring the free ends of the wings closer together without destroying the spacer.

[0073] A "portion" is a portion of a tubular portion delimited by two planes perpendicular to the axis X. A portion is "deformable" or "non-deformable", depending on whether it deforms when a user squeezes the portion between his fingers without causing it to break. A deformation is a change in the shape of the portion which modifies the internal volume of said portion, and in particular reduces the internal volume. A deformation of a deformable portion may, for example, result in a reduction of the internal volume of the portion by more than 1%, more than 2%, more than 5%, preferably more than 10%, preferably more than 20% and / or less than 40%, preferably less than 30%. The deformation is preferably elastic.

[0074] An object is "elastically movable" if its position relative to a reference point (e.g., another object) can be changed by the action of a force, and if, when the force ceases, the object returns to its initial position. The wing rolls up the lips elastically until, when the force on the lips ceases, it returns to its initial position relative to the tubular portion. In other words, the wing is elastically movable relative to the tubular portion.

[0075] An object is "elastically deformable" if its shape can be changed by the action of a force and if the object returns to its original shape when the force ceases. A support assembly can be elastically deformed by moving one portion of the support assembly relative to another portion of the assembly and / or by deforming an integral portion of the assembly.

[0076] A “one-piece element” is understood to mean that the element consists of a single piece.

[0077] The "mouth closed" position is a biting position in which the upper and lower teeth of the user are in contact. The "mouth open" position is a position in which the upper and lower teeth of the user are not in contact, preferably a position in which the mouth is fully open.

[0078] An "image acquisition device" is a device comprising an optical lens capable of acquiring photographs and / or films and / or three-dimensional digital models.

[0079] This may be an optical sensor, a camera or a scanner.The image acquisition device may be used to acquire a 2D or 3D "extra-oral" representation, that is, without inserting an optical lens into the user's mouth or "intra-oral".

[0080] A "mobile phone" is a device that weighs typically less than 500g and is equipped with an image acquisition device. A mobile phone is also capable of exchanging data with another device that is more than 500km away from the mobile phone.

[0081] "2D representation" and "3D representation" are two-dimensional or three-dimensional digital objects, respectively, captured by a mobile phone through the optical lens of the mobile phone. "2D representations" captured by a mobile phone are images, in particular traditional photographs and films. "3D representations" captured by an image capture device are three-dimensional digital models, or "3D models".

[0082] An "image" is a two-dimensional image, such as a photograph. An image is made up of pixels. A "movie" is considered a collection of photographs.

[0083] A 3D model is made up of a set of voxels.

[0084] "User" refers to a person who uses a spacer according to the invention to acquire a 2D or 3D representation of at least a portion of his teeth, whether or not the person is ill, or whether or not the person is undergoing orthodontic treatment. Unless otherwise indicated, qualifiers used to define a position or orientation in space, such as "horizontal", "vertical", "bottom", "top", "upper", "lower", "right side" or "left side", are defined for clarity to refer to the service position as viewed by the user with his head erect and lips around the oral opening of the spacer. For example, a vertical axis is an axis that is vertical in the service position.

[0085] For clarity, an orthogonal coordinate system (OXYZ) is a coordinate system such that, in the service position, the X axis extends horizontally and perpendicular to the general plane of the oral opening, the Z axis extends vertically, and the Y axis extends perpendicular to the X and Z axes. Thus, to the user, the X, Y, and Z axes are the front-to-back, left-to-right, and vertical axes, respectively.

[0086] The axis of an opening is the axis passing through its center, perpendicular to the general plane of the opening.

[0087] When a first plane and a second plane respectively perpendicular to a first straight line and a second straight line are perpendicular to each other, the first straight line and the second straight line are said to be perpendicular to each other.

[0088] To "attach" one part to another part means to establish a physical connection between the two parts so that any movement of one part will ultimately cause the other part to move. A part that is mounted on another part for translation, rotation, or rotation is "attached" to that other part. Attachment can be "permanent" or "releasable," depending on whether the two parts are suitable for removal, preferably by hand by a user. A fastener can be rigid or non-rigid, depending on whether it allows relative movement of the two parts attached to each other. An element that is integral with another element is said to be "attached" to that other element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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[0118] In the various figures, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0119] Figure 1 A spacer 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown. The spacer 1 simultaneously allows the lips of the user to be parted to reveal the teeth and optionally cooperates with an adapter to define the position of the camera relative to the teeth of the user.

[0120] The spacer 1 extends along a longitudinal axis X and comprises a tubular portion 3 defining a chamber 5 and a support member 7 defining an oral opening Oo intended to open into the mouth of a user in the service position.

[0121] The function of the spacer 1 is to define the spacing between the image acquisition device and the oral opening Oo. Advantageously, in the service position, the representation (image or 3D model) acquired by the acquisition device is acquired at a predetermined distance from the user's teeth. Preferably, the spacer 1 is configured so that the spacing is constant.

[0122] In a cross section perpendicular to the X-axis, the cross section of the chamber 5 may be constant or variable along the X-axis. The tubular portion 3 may notably have the general shape of a cylindrical tube, for example with a circular, elliptical or polygonal cross section, such as a rectangular or frustoconical tube. The front end and / or rear end of the tubular portion 3 may be inclined.

[0123] Preferably, in a portion of the chamber extending over 70%, over 80%, over 90%, over 95%, over 99%, preferably up to 100% of the length of the chamber, the spacer has an inner surface that is smooth to the touch, has no protruding edges and / or has no recessed edges, and in particular has no protrusions, a portion of the chamber being a small portion of the chamber defined by two planes perpendicular to the X-axis.

[0124] The length of the tubular portion 3 of the spacer 1 measured along the X-axis is preferably greater than 3 cm, 4 cm or 5 cm, and / or less than 25 cm, 15 cm, 10 cm, 8 cm or 7 cm.

[0125] The width of the tubular portion 3 (ie its largest dimension in a transverse plane, taking into account all transverse planes along the X axis) is preferably greater than 2 cm and / or less than 9 cm.

[0126] Preferably, the thickness of the tubular portion of the spacer is constant, in particular greater than 0.5 mm or 1 mm and / or less than 8 mm or 5 mm.

[0127] Preferably, the tubular portion 3 and more preferably the entire spacer 1 is made of an opaque material.

[0128] The tubular portion 3 (preferably the entire spacer 1 ) is advantageously made of a rigid material, preferably a polymer, such as polyethylene PE, polyethylene terephthalate PET, polystyrene PS or polypropylene PP, preferably polycarbonate PC, which is advantageously opaque and sterilizable.

[0129] The tubular portion 3 (preferably the entire spacer 1 ) is preferably made of a recyclable material, such as a thermoplastic material, cardboard, bamboo fibers, etc. The material may advantageously be biodegradable.

[0130] The tubular portion 3 is advantageously non-deformable, that is to say sufficiently rigid so that it does not deform during normal use, in particular when a user squeezes the spacer in the service position. Advantageously, when a user squeezes the tubular portion by hand, no significant deformation is perceptible to the naked eye.

[0131] The oral opening Oo is designed to open into the user's mouth when the septum is positioned in the service position.

[0132] according to Figures 1 to 4In the first embodiment shown, the spacer 1 comprises a tubular portion 3 and a support assembly 7 attached to the tubular portion 3. The support assembly 7 comprises two first portions 10, 21 and two second portions 12, 23, all of which are preferably rigid. The first portions 10, 21 are attached to the tubular portion 3 by a Z-axis pivot connection 15. The second portions 12 and 23 are attached to the first portions 10 and 21, respectively, by a second pivot connection 17 and comprise an edge 13 defining an oral opening in the service position and a wing 9 protruding beyond the oral opening.

[0133] The wings 9 extend from the oral opening Oo, preferably outside a theoretical tube which, in the rest configuration, extends the tubular portion 3 beyond the oral opening, and terminate in a free end 11 which is preferably rounded for optimal comfort.

[0134] The wings 9 are configured to retract the cheeks of the user.

[0135] The edge 13 is designed to be inserted between the lips and teeth of the user. Advantageously, the lips can thus be separated so as not to obstruct the oral opening Oa. In addition, the edge 13 is conducive to keeping the spacer 1 in the user's mouth.

[0136] The edge 13 may be made of an elastomeric material, or coated with such a material for optimum comfort.

[0137] Preferably, each second portion 12, 23 of the support assembly 7 comprises two edges 13, one edge designed to be inserted between the upper lip and the teeth of the user and the other edge designed to be inserted between the lower lip and the teeth.

[0138] Advantageously, the edge 13 does not form a continuity of material, and in particular, the edge 13 does not include material in a central portion around the longitudinal axis. Thus, the edge 13 is configured not to be inserted between the lips and front teeth of a user.

[0139] This advantageously protects the lip frenulum when the spacer is moved laterally in the user's mouth: in the absence of an edge, no part of the spacer comes into contact with the lip frenulum. Furthermore, the absence of an edge in the central portion of the spacer makes it easier to maintain the spacer in the service position in the mouth, in particular by minimizing the discomfort caused by the presence of foreign matter between the front teeth and the lips.

[0140] The support assembly 7 is therefore attached to the tubular portion 3 via a Z-axis pivot connection 15, thereby allowing the wings 9 to rotate between a rest configuration, in which the distance between the free ends 11 of the wings 9 is maximum, and a retracted configuration, in which the distance between the free ends 11 of the wings 9 is reduced.

[0141] The free end 11 of the wing can thus rotate about the pivot connection 15 which represents the centre of rotation R of the free end.

[0142] Advantageously, the center of rotation R is close to the user's teeth in the service position. For this purpose, it is placed in the vicinity of the oral opening Oo, preferably less than 1 cm away. The distance measured along the longitudinal axis between the center of rotation and the edge 13 is therefore small, preferably less than 1 cm. In this embodiment, in the service position of the spacer, the center of rotation R is located between the user's lips.

[0143] Such a configuration advantageously makes it easier to keep the wing in the user's mouth. If the pivot connection 15, and therefore the center of rotation R of the free end 11, is away from the user's teeth, the wing 9 will have a reduced range of movement and will be more easily moved out of the user's mouth, particularly if the spacer is laterally displaced in the user's mouth.

[0144] Preferably, the spacer 1 comprises an abutment limiting the range of movement of the wings 9 relative to the tubular portion 3. The abutment in the rest configuration is preferably formed by the outer surface of the tubular portion 3 against which the first portions 10, 21 are in contact. The abutment limiting the convergence of the wings 9 is preferably achieved by contact between the front end of the tubular portion 3 and the inner surface of the first portions 10, 21.

[0145] The spacer 1 comprises an elastic return member which exerts a restoring force on the first portion 10, 21 and / or the second portion 12, 23 of the support assembly 7, which restoring force tends to keep the support assembly 7 in its rest configuration. The elastic return member may comprise any known mechanism, such as one or more elastic bands arranged around or attached to the second portion 12, 23 and / or the first portion 10, 21 and / or the tubular portion 3, one or more magnets or a return spring connecting the first portions 10, 21 to each other or to the tubular portion 3 or connecting the second portions 12, 23 to each other or to the tubular portion 3.

[0146] Preferably, the first two parts 10, 21 can rotate about the same pivot connection 15, but each component can also be attached to the tubular part 3 by its own pivot connection.

[0147] In the example shown, the pivot connection 15 comprises two contact points aligned between the first portion and the tubular portion, the two contact points being arranged diametrically opposite each other on the tubular portion, more specifically as Figure 3 shown.

[0148] Alternatively, the first portion 10, 21 is configured to minimize light entering between the tubular portion and the wing. To this end, the first portion 10, 21 can be shaped to cover the free space between the tubular portion and the wing and can be opaque. Advantageously, the first portion 10, 21 is configured to form a support for the user's lips in the service position of the spacer.

[0149] Preferably, a guard 19 is arranged between the edge 13 and the tubular portion 3 so as to at least partially cover the pivot connection 15 and / or the portion of the spacer 1 that may come into contact with the user's mucous membrane. Since the component 7 is elastically movable relative to the tubular portion 3, the guard 19 protects the user's mouth from being pinched between the component 7 and the tubular portion 3.

[0150] The protection element 19 is advantageously made of an elastomeric material.

[0151] Figure 1 The spacer 1 is shown in a rest configuration, with the wings 9 in a maximum separation position. Figure 4 The spacer 1 is shown in a partially retracted configuration, with one wing displaced towards the other. The movement of the wings 9 relative to the tubular portion 3 about the pivot connection 15 makes it easier for the user to insert the spacer into his mouth by bringing the wings closer together and reducing the distance between their free ends 11. The elastic return members tending to return the wings to their rest configuration allow them to exert pressure on the inside of the cheek of the user. This provides a clear view of the teeth.

[0152] Furthermore, the spacer according to the invention can be easily moved laterally in the user's mouth to allow side-view photography, since the flexibility of the position of the wings makes it easier to keep it in the mouth. This improves the use of the spacer 1 relative to a spacer comprising fixed and rigid wings, which therefore have no flexibility of movement relative to the tubular portion. A lateral displacement of such a spacer may cause at least one wing to move out of the user's mouth.

[0153] The wings 9 may be rigid or flexible. If they are flexible, the wings are advantageously configured to be flexible so that in the service position they provide sufficient resistance to the forces applied by the user's cheeks so that the field of view of the image acquisition device is not obscured by the cheeks. Flexible wings provide superior user comfort.

[0154] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the wing 9 is elastically movable relative to the tubular portion 3 only via the pivot connection 15. In other words, the spacer does not comprise a second pivot connection 17. In this case, the support assembly 7 preferably comprises two integral parts, each connected to the tubular portion 3 via a pivot connection 15 and comprising a wing 9 and an edge 13.

[0155] However, each wing 9 is preferably resiliently movable relative to the tubular portion 3 by a second pivot connection 17, the axis of rotation of which is in the plane defined by the axes X and Y. Preferably, in the rest configuration of the spacer, the axis of the second pivot connection 17 coincides with the Y axis.

[0156] Thus, the wing 9 can be moved relative to the tubular portion 3 by rotating the first portion 10 , 21 about the X axis and by rotating the second portion 12 , 23 about the axis of the second pivot connection 17 .

[0157] Advantageously, the movement of the wings 9 relative to the tubular portion 3 about the axis of the pivot connection 17 greatly improves the comfort of use of the spacer, in particular for capturing images from a plurality of different viewing angles. The tubular portion 3 of the spacer 1 in the service position can be easily moved up and down by the user without significant displacement of the wings 9 in the user's mouth. The quality of the images obtained is also improved.

[0158] Preferably, the second pivot connection 17 is arranged close to the oral opening Oo, for example at a distance less than or equal to 3 cm, 2 cm or 1 cm. This provides the image acquisition device with an optimal view of the inside of the user's mouth and facilitates the movement of the tubular portion 3 relative to the wing in the service position of the spacer.

[0159] The spacer 1 may optionally comprise a collection opening Oa arranged on the tubular portion, located on the opposite side of the oral opening and preferably coaxial therewith. In one embodiment, the chamber 5 opens outwardly only via the oral opening Oo and the collection opening Oa.

[0160] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tubular portion 3 comprises a fastener adapted to engage with an adapter to which the image acquisition device or mobile phone is attached in the acquisition position, so as to hold the mobile phone in place. The fastener is preferably configured to retain its shape when used for said fastening, thereby making it more reliable. It is preferably formed by a recess and / or a bead of material, preferably on the outer surface of the tubular portion. The distance between the fastener and the acquisition opening is preferably less than 3 cm, preferably less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1 cm, preferably less than 0.5 cm.

[0161] according to Figures 1 to 4 In the advantageous variant shown, the tubular portion 3 comprises a hollow passage 25 configured to allow the insertion of an image acquisition device. The hollow passage 25 preferably extends in a direction perpendicular to the X axis, preferably along the cross-sectional diameter of the tubular portion 3. It may take the form of a tube comprising at least one opening 27,

[0162] The at least one opening is arranged on the outer surface of the tubular portion 3 for inserting an image acquisition device. The hollow passage 25 comprises a window 29 facing the oral opening so as not to obstruct the view of the image acquisition device towards the user's mouth.

[0163] The hollow channel 25 may alternatively include two or more windows 29 to enable two or more image acquisition devices simultaneously. The hollow channel 25 may also include a single window 29 that is large enough to enable two or more image acquisition devices.

[0164] Figures 5 to 7 A second embodiment of a spacer according to the invention is shown.

[0165] The spacer 1 ′ comprises a tubular portion 3 which may have the features of the tubular portion 3 of the spacer 1 described above.

[0166] The spacer 1 'also comprises a support assembly 7, preferably in one piece. The assembly 7 comprises an edge 16 and two parts 22, 24, each of which comprises a wing 9. The parts 22, 24 are connected together only by the edge 16, which is designed to be placed between the teeth and lips of the user in the service position. The edge 16 is attached to the tubular part 3 by one or more connectors 14.

[0167] Advantageously, the spacer 1 ' forms a one-piece component.The shape continuity of the spacer 1 ' prevents the lips or a part of the user's mouth from being pinched by the moving parts of the spacer.

[0168] The connection 14 is made, for example, of a stud integral with an edge 16 arranged in an opening in the outer surface of the tubular portion 3 .

[0169] Preferably, the connection element 14 is located in the immediate vicinity of the edge 16, in particular less than 1 cm, 0.5 cm or 0.3 cm away.

[0170] The edges 16 are configured to be elastically deformable. The force exerted by the user on the wings 9 deforms the edges 16 and bends them in the direction of the X-axis, bringing the free ends 11 of the wings 9 closer together.

[0171] This therefore allows the free end 11 to perform a rotational movement about the center R of rotation. Fig.16 A superposition of two configurations of the spacer 1 ' is shown, showing the movement of the free ends 11 of the wings and the position of the center of rotation R. The center of rotation R is advantageously located in front of the oral opening Oo, ie outside the spacer 1 ', in the space between the wings 9 and the edge 16. In the service position, the center of rotation R is located in the user's mouth.

[0172] Positioning the center of rotation R near the oral opening facilitates the rotational movement of the wing and also minimizes the risk of the wing being accidentally removed from the user's mouth, particularly when the spacer is moved inside the mouth.

[0173] Preferably, the edge 16 is rigid except for the flexible section 18 which extends along the Y axis on both sides of the connector 14 and whose length along the Y axis is less than 3 cm, 2 cm or 1 cm and / or greater than 0.5 cm, 1 cm or 2 cm.

[0174] Preferably, the edge 16 comprises a flexible section 18 of reduced thickness in order to increase the flexibility of this section in the direction of the edge folding. The thickness is advantageously reduced when measured along the X axis or in a radial direction from the longitudinal X axis. The thickness of the flexible section may be less than 50%, 30% or 10% of the maximum thickness of the edge 16. Preferably, the portion of reduced thickness extends on both sides of the longitudinal axis, in particular close to the connector 14.

[0175] Advantageously, the reduced thickness of the flexible section of the central part of the spacer protects the frenulum of the lips when the spacer is moved transversely in the mouth of the user: since the thickness of the edge is reduced in this section, the lips are separated by the transverse section of the edge 16 and no part of the spacer comes into contact with the frenulum of the lips. Furthermore, this makes it easier to keep the spacer in the service position in the mouth, in particular by minimizing the discomfort caused by the presence of foreign matter between the front teeth and the lips.

[0176] According to an advantageous variant, the support assembly comprises an elastic return member suitable for increasing the restoring force tending to keep the wing in the rest configuration. The elastic return member can in particular be an elastic band arranged around or connecting the two parts 22, 24, a return spring connecting the two parts 22, 24 or even a coating of the flexible section 18 or at least one element arranged between the flexible section 18 and the two parts 22, 24, the coating or at least one element preferably being made of an elastic material, in particular an elastomer.

[0177] According to a variant, the two parts 22, 24 are configured to minimize the light entering between the tubular part and the wing. The two parts can be shaped to cover the free space between the tubular part and the wing and can be opaque. Advantageously, the parts 22, 24 are configured to form a support for the lips of the user in the service position of the spacer.

[0178] As in the first embodiment described above, the wings 9 may be rigid or flexible.

[0179] Figure 6 A wing 9 is shown comprising a core 30 in the form of a wing bar, which is covered by a layer 31 of material defining the shape of the wing.

[0180] from Figure 6 As can be clearly seen in Figure 1 , the edges of the wings may have a shape that is curved towards the inside of the wing. The wing 9 thus comprises a section of reduced width designed to be housed between the teeth and the corners of the mouth of the user in the service position of the spacer. Advantageously, the presence of the section of reduced width facilitates the continuous insertion of the wings into the mouth: the stress exerted on the periphery of the mouth by a first wing placed in the mouth is minimized relative to a wing whose edges are rectilinear, thus facilitating the placement of a second wing in the mouth. Moreover, this geometry of the wings improves the comfort with which the spacer is held in the mouth.

[0181] The support assembly 7, in particular the edge 16, may be made of polypropylene, polycarbonate or another material having a low Young's modulus, in particular less than 5 GPa, 3 GPa or 1 GPa.

[0182] The support assembly 7 is thus configured to allow the wings 9 to move elastically between a rest configuration and a collapsed configuration in which the edges 16 are folded to bring the edges closer together. The edges 16 are elastically deformable and thus allow the wings 9 to apply pressure to the inside of the cheek of the user in the service position of the spacer 1 '.

[0183] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the wings 9 are each attached to the portions 22, 24 by pivot connections whose axes lie in the plane defined by the axes X and Y. Preferably, these pivot connections are identical to the second pivot connection 17 described with reference to the first embodiment.

[0184] Figures 8 to 13 A third embodiment of a spacer according to the invention is shown. As shown, the spacer 1 ″ comprises a tubular portion 3 and a support assembly 7 attached to the tubular portion 3 .

[0185] exist Fig.13 The support assembly 7 shown separately in the drawing comprises an edge 16 and two parts 33, 34, each of which comprises a wing 9. The two parts 33, 34 are connected only by the edge 16, which comprises a flexible section 18 that allows the support assembly 7 to deform elastically, thereby bringing the free ends 11 of the wings 9 closer together.

[0186] According to a variant, the two portions 33, 34 are configured to minimize the light entering between the tubular portion and the wing. The two portions can be shaped to cover the free space between the tubular portion and the wing and can be opaque. Advantageously, the portions 33, 34 are configured to form a support for the lips of the user in the service position of the spacer.

[0187] Fig.17 The superposition of two configurations of the spacer 1" is shown, showing the movement of the free ends of the wings about the center of rotation R. Fig.16In the embodiment of the invention, the center of rotation R is advantageously arranged in front of the oral opening Oo, ie outside the spacer 1 ', in the space between the wings 9 and the edge 16. In the service position, the center of rotation R is located in the user's mouth.

[0188] Positioning the center of rotation R near the oral opening facilitates the rotational movement of the wing and also minimizes the risk of the wing being accidentally removed from the user's mouth, particularly when the spacer is moved inside the mouth.

[0189] Advantageously, an elastic material, preferably an elastomer, may be arranged in the opening 20 of the assembly 7, the opening being formed between the flexible section 18 and the two parts 33, 34. The elastic material acts as an elastic return member and is configured to increase the restoring force tending to keep the wing in the rest configuration. Other elastic return members, such as those described above with reference to the second embodiment, may be used alternatively or in combination.

[0190] Each portion 33 , 34 of the support assembly 7 comprises two protruding curved bars 35 opposite the wings 9 along the X axis, configured to engage with the tubular portion 3 in order to attach the assembly 7 to it.

[0191] Preferably, the rod 35 has the shape of an arc of a circle curved in the direction of the longitudinal axis X and defining a sector of a circle with an angle between 60° and 90°.

[0192] Of course, the rod 35 may be of any arcuate shape.

[0193] In the embodiment shown, the rod 35 extends mainly in a plane defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis, which plane is also the plane in which the wing 9 mainly extends. However, the rod 35 may be arranged to extend mainly in any plane including the X-axis.

[0194] The tubular portion 3 defines a chamber 5 and includes a hollow passage 25 passing through the chamber 5. The hollow passage 25 is configured to allow the image acquisition device 100 to be inserted through a lateral opening 27 arranged on the outer surface of the tubular portion 3. A window 29 is provided in the hollow passage 25 facing the oral opening Oo of the spacer 1″ so as not to block the field of view 102 of the image acquisition device 100.

[0195] The tubular portion 3 also includes housings 37 configured to engage with the rods 35 of the support assembly 7. The housings 37 pass through the wall of the tubular portion 3 and preferably extend into the chamber 5. The rods 35 can be inserted into the housings 37 until they reach the chamber 5 in order to attach the support assembly 7 to the tubular portion 3. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the rest configuration of the spacer 1 ″ shown, the rod 35 is completely inserted into the housing 37 .

[0196] Advantageously, the rod 35 can be slid into the housing 37. Fig.11 As shown, this allows the user to bring the wings 9 closer together by elastically deforming the edge 16 of the assembly 7 .

[0197] When the edges are brought together, the rod 35 partially extends out of the housing 37. Advantageously, this allows the assembly 7 to be rotated about the Z axis relative to the tubular portion 3 and thus allows the user to modify the field of view of the image acquisition device without modifying the position of the support assembly 7 in the user's mouth. This improves user comfort and quality of the capture.

[0198] According to an advantageous variant, in the rest configuration, the rods 35 are not fully inserted into the housing 37. They therefore extend partially outside the housing 37. This allows the assembly 7 to be displaced relative to the tubular portion 3 along a rotational movement about the Z axis without elastic deformation of the wings of the assembly 7. This relative movement is achieved by sliding the rods 35 in the housing 37 and allows the field of view of the image acquisition device to be changed without changing the position of the support assembly 7 in the user's mouth. Fig.14 and Fig.15 As can be seen more specifically in FIG, the housing 37 can have a flared shape, with the diameter of the housing on the outer surface of the tubular portion 3 being smaller than its diameter on the inner surface of the tubular portion 3. Therefore, the wall of the housing 37 is configured to fit the rod 35 at the outer surface of the tubular portion with a small gap (e.g., less than 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm) and leave a larger gap (e.g., greater than 1 mm or 2 mm) at the inner surface of the tubular portion, so that the rod 35 can pivot in the housing 37, thereby allowing the support assembly 7 to rotate relative to the tubular portion 3 along the Y axis. This rotational movement around the Y axis is as shown in FIG. Fig.12 shown.

[0199] Alternatively or in combination, the rods 35 are flexible so that their elastic deformation allows the support assembly 7 to move along a rotational movement about the Y axis relative to the tubular portion 3. This relative movement allows the user to take images from several viewing points without having to move the support assembly 7 too much in his mouth.

[0200] According to an advantageous variant, the rod 35 comprises a slotted end 36 defining two branches. Each slotted end 36 thus comprises two branches or free ends separated by a slot. These branches are elastically deformable and are configured to be spaced apart in their rest configuration. These branches can be elastically deformed to bring them together, preferably to bring them into contact.

[0201] To insert the rod 35 into the housing 37, the free ends of each slotted end 36 are brought together so as to be able to enter the housing 37. When the insertion is complete, the end 36 is arranged in the chamber 5 and the slotted ends are in their rest configuration, in which the branches are spaced apart from each other. The distance between the free ends of the slotted ends is defined so that the diameter of the circle circumscribing the free ends is greater than the smallest diameter of the housing 37: thus, when the rod is removed from the housing 37, the slotted ends act as abutments against the inner wall of the housing 37, thereby preventing the removal of the support assembly 7 without subsequent external forces.

[0202] Advantageously, the slotted end is configured such that the slot (ie, the distance between the branches) is wide enough so as not to obstruct the field of view of the image acquisition device 100 , regardless of the position of the rod 35 in the housing 37 .

[0203] According to an advantageous variant, two or more image acquisition devices may be used. In this case, care is taken to ensure that the slots at the slotted ends of the rods 35 are wide enough so as not to obstruct the field of view of all image acquisition devices.

[0204] Figures 18 to 23 A fourth embodiment of a spacer according to the invention is shown. Figure 24 to Figure 29 A modification of the fourth embodiment is shown.

[0205] As shown, the spacer 1 '' comprises a tubular portion 3 and a support assembly 7 attached to the tubular portion 3. The fastening between these two elements is different from that of the third embodiment. In fact, the support assembly 7 comprises two attachment rods 41 extending towards the tubular portion, each rod comprising a through hole 43, preferably of rectangular shape. The openings 43 of the attachment rods 41 engage with two attachment pins 45 of the tubular portion 3, which are inserted into the openings 43 to attach the support assembly and the tubular portion.

[0206] exist Figures 18 to 23 In the variant of the fourth embodiment shown, the attachment rods are arranged diametrically opposite each other on the circumference of the support assembly and are offset by 90° on the circumference of the support assembly relative to the wings 9. Thus, the wings 9 are aligned on a straight line parallel to the Y axis and the attachment rods 41 are aligned on a straight line parallel to the Z axis.

[0207] exist Figure 24 to Figure 29 In the variant of the fourth embodiment shown, the attachment rods 41 are arranged diametrically opposite on the circumference of the support assembly 7 and extend towards the tubular portion 3 continuous with the wing 9. Thus, the wing 9 and the attachment rods 41 are aligned on a straight line parallel to the Y axis.

[0208] The attachment rod 41 extends towards the tubular portion 3 , preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0209] Advantageously, if Figures 18 to 23As shown, the attachment rod 41 extends from the flexible section 18 of the support assembly 7 towards the tubular portion 3 .

[0210] like Figures 18 to 29 As shown, the attachment pins 45 may be arranged on the outer surface of the tubular portion 3 , which advantageously frees up the field of view of the image acquisition device inside the tubular portion, but the pins may also be arranged on the inner surface of the tubular portion 3 .

[0211] Advantageously, each attachment pin 45 comprises a cylindrical main section inserted into the opening of the attachment rod and a cylindrical free end 47 of a diameter greater than the width of the opening 43 .

[0212] Advantageously, the free end 47 improves the retention of the support assembly on the tubular portion.

[0213] Preferably, in order to allow the attachment pin 45 to be inserted into the opening 43, the attachment rod 41 is made of an elastically deformable material having a Shore A hardness between 50 and 100, preferably between 65 and 80. This makes it easy to insert the free end 47 into the opening 43 while allowing the pin to be effectively retained in the opening. After insertion, the opening 43 returns to its original shape.

[0214] Fig. 20 and Fig.21 as well as Fig.26 and Fig. 27 The tubular portion 3 of the spacer 1 '" and the support assembly 7 are shown respectively according to two alternative positions of the attachment rod.

[0215] Fig. 22 and Fig.23 A first variant of the spacer 1 '' is shown in a rest configuration, in which the main axis of the support assembly is aligned with the main axis of the tubular portion, and in a rotation configuration, in which the support assembly 7 is rotated relative to the tubular portion 3 about the Y axis.

[0216] like Fig.23 As shown, the attachment pin 45 does not prevent the rotation of the support assembly 7 because the openings 43 in the attachment rod 41 are long enough to allow the attachment pin 45 to pass through these openings in the direction in which the attachment rod extends. The opening 43 can have a length greater than 1 cm or 1.5 cm and / or a width less than 3 cm or 2 cm. The diameter of the free end 47 can be 1.1 times to twice the width of the opening 43.

[0217] Fig.28 and Fig.29 The second variant of the spacer 1 '' is shown in a rest configuration, in which the main axis of the support assembly is aligned with the main axis of the tubular portion, and in a rotation configuration, in which the support assembly 7 is rotated relative to the tubular portion 3 around the Y axis.

[0218] operate

[0219] The operation of the spacer follows directly from the previous description.

[0220] Initially, the spacer may or may not be in the disassembled position, that is to say the support assembly may or may not be attached to the tubular portion. If the spacer is disassembled, the user attaches the support assembly 7 to the tubular portion 3, for example by inserting the rod 35 into the housing 37 in the case of the third embodiment, or by clipping the studs of the assembly 7 into the complementary housing of the tubular portion 3 in the case of the second embodiment.

[0221] If the spacer does not comprise its own image acquisition device, an external image acquisition device, in particular a mobile phone comprising such a device, is attached to the spacer. Alternatively, both the spacer and the image acquisition device may be attached to an adapter configured to accommodate both elements.

[0222] Then, the spacer is in a rest configuration. In this configuration, the user cannot put the two wings into his mouth.

[0223] The user then presses the two wings together by elastic deformation of the support assembly. The spacer is then in a retracted configuration. In this configuration, the user can then insert the wing 9 and the edge 16 between his lips and the teeth. After this insertion, the user releases the pressure acting on the wing. The spacer then tends to return elastically to the rest configuration. However, this return is hindered by the forces of the cheeks on the wings and by the forces of the central part of the lips and the corners of the mouth on the edges. These elastic forces effectively separate the cheeks and lips from the teeth, thereby allowing the image acquisition device to have an unobstructed view of the teeth.

[0224] Additionally, the elasticity allows the spacer to adapt to the morphology of the user, so that the spacer can be used by the entire population in just one size.

[0225] The user then positions the oral opening Oo and / or the image acquisition device in front of the teeth for which he wants to acquire one or more 2D or 3D representations, preferably take a photo or acquire a scan.The spacer is then in the service position.

[0226] By pressing a shutter button of the image acquisition device, the user acquires a 2D or 3D representation.

[0227] If desired, the user then moves the support assembly relative to the tubular portion to capture 2D or 3D representations at other orientations of the image capture device relative to the user's teeth. In particular, by rotating the tubular portion around the user, the image capture device can view different areas of the user's mouth, such as taking a picture of the teeth at the dental arch or back of the mouth.

[0228] The user can also move the support assembly in his mouth. In order to facilitate this movement, the user can advantageously squeeze the wings toward each other again to contract the support assembly.

[0229] Preferably, the user acquires the 2D or 3D representation by acquiring at least a front view, a right view and a left view.

[0230] The spacer does not prevent the user's jaws from moving toward or away from each other. Therefore, it allows a photo showing the user's teeth to be taken when the mouth is open or closed while keeping the lips curled.

[0231] Preferably, the user acquires the 2D or 3D representation by acquiring at least one open-mouth view and at least one closed-mouth view, preferably in each case a front view, a right view and a left view.

[0232] The user then removes the spacer from his mouth and may or may not remove the support assembly and the tubular portion and, if applicable, the adapter and / or the image acquisition device.

[0233] Of course, the order of operations can be changed. For example, the user can attach the spacer to the adapter before or after attaching the image acquisition device to the adapter. The spacer can be removed before or after the adapter or image acquisition device.

[0234] As is now clear, the invention limits the risk of acquiring a photograph or a 3D model with a spacer that is not suitable for the user.

[0235] The spacer allows a fast acquisition, typically within five minutes, according to different viewing angles, in good hygiene and comfort conditions, without the need for a specialist such as a dentist or orthodontist. In particular, the acquisition can be carried out by the user himself or by one of his family members using a simple mobile phone anywhere and in particular outside a medical, dental or orthodontic practice. Furthermore, the acquisition is possible without the use of tools placed on the ground to fix the mobile phone, and in particular without a tripod.

[0236] The invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described; in particular, the features of the examples shown may be combined with one another in variants that are not shown.

[0237] For example, the third embodiment may include a pivot connection as described with reference to the first embodiment, instead of the flexible edge 16. It may also include a second pivot connection as described with reference to the second pivot connection 17 of the first embodiment, allowing the wing to rotate along a second axis.

[0238] As described with reference to the third embodiment, any embodiment of the spacer according to the present invention may further comprise a fastening mechanism between the support assembly and the tubular portion.

[0239] Other variations and modifications can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A spacer (1, 1', 1", 1'", used for acquiring a 2D or 3D representation of a user's teeth using an image acquisition device (100), the spacer comprising: - a tubular portion (3) having a longitudinal axis (X), and - a support assembly (7) attached to the tubular portion and comprising at least one edge (13, 16) defining the oral opening (Oo) and at least two wings (9) comprising free ends (11) for separating the cheeks of the user, The support assembly is elastically deformable when pressure is applied to the wings in the direction of the longitudinal axis (X), so that the free ends rotate about the center of rotation (R), and the support assembly is deformable between a rest configuration in which the distance between the free ends of the wings is maximum and a retracted configuration in which the distance between the free ends of the wings is less than the distance in the rest configuration, In the rest configuration, the distance of the center of rotation of the free end from the edge measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis is less than or equal to 2 cm, preferably less than or equal to 1 cm or 0.5 cm.

2. A spacer according to claim 1, wherein the support assembly comprises at least two parts, each part supporting a wing and being attached to the tubular part by a first pivot connection (15) so as to allow relative movement of the wing with respect to the tubular part.

3. According to the spacer according to claim 2, the support assembly includes two first parts (10, 21) attached to the tubular part by the first pivot connection (15) and two second parts (12, 23), each second part is attached to the first part by a second pivot connection (17) to allow relative movement between the first part and the second part, the second part supports the wing, and the first part and the second part are each preferably integral.

4. The spacer according to claim 1, the support assembly comprises two parts (22, 24, 33, 34), each part supporting a wing portion, the at least one edge (16) connecting the two parts and comprising a flexible section (18), the flexible section being configured to be elastically deformable when pressure is applied to the wing portion along the direction of the longitudinal axis, the edge preferably having a reduced thickness in the flexible section.

5. Spacer according to the preceding claim, the supporting assembly comprising an elastic return member configured to increase the stiffness of the flexible section, the elastic return member preferably being a member made of elastomer.

6. Spacer according to one of the preceding claims, the support assembly comprising a rod (35) configured to be inserted and slid into the housing (37) of the tubular portion.

7. Spacer according to the preceding claim, said rod being curved in said direction of said longitudinal axis.

8. Spacer according to one of claims 6 or 7, the rod comprising a slotted free end (36) defining two branches.

9. The spacer according to one of claims 1 or 4 to 8, the support assembly being integral.

10. Spacer according to one of the preceding claims, the wing comprising a core (30) covered with a layer (31).

11. The spacer according to one of the preceding claims, the tubular portion comprising a hollow channel (25) configured to receive an image acquisition device (100) in an acquisition position, in which the image acquisition device has at least a partial view of the oral opening.

12. A spacer according to one of claims 1 to 10, configured to preferably releasably receive and hold a mobile phone, optionally via an adapter, the mobile phone being attached to the spacer so that the image acquisition device of the mobile phone has at least a partial view of the oral opening (Oo).

13. Method for acquiring a 2D or 3D representation by means of a spacer according to one of claims 11 or 12, the method comprising the steps of: a) partially inserting the spacer by the user into the user's mouth to a service position in which the image acquisition device has a field of view of the user's teeth through the oral opening (Oo), the wings (9) of the spacer parting the user's lips to expose the teeth; b) activating said image acquisition device, preferably by said user, in order to acquire said 2D or 3D representation; c) modifying the positioning of the oral opening relative to the user by rotating about the user, and / or modifying the positioning of the tubular portion relative to the support assembly, and then returning to step b).

Images