Gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery, its manufacturing method and usage.

Abstract

This invention discloses a gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery, along with its manufacturing and usage methods. The device is a gingival protection bracket worn on the maxillary dentition, comprising a labial / buccal cover, a palatal cover, a blocking portion, and a connecting bridge. The labial / buccal cover conforms to the highest point of the tooth crown, while the palatal cover conforms to the entire palatal surface of the tooth crown, positioned between the intermaxillary traction rubber band and the gingival soft tissue. The blocking portion forms a protruding structure along the dentition direction on the labial side of the anterior teeth, mechanically limiting the intermaxillary traction rubber band during intermaxillary traction. The connecting bridge connects the labial / buccal cover and the palatal cover together in the posterior molar region on both sides. This device effectively blocks the direct action of the traction rubber band on the gingival soft tissue without affecting postoperative occlusal adjustment, improving posterior traction and occlusal stability and comfort, and aiding in rapid patient recovery. Furthermore, it balances wearing stability with the convenience of patient self-disposal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of postoperative auxiliary devices for orthognathic surgery, specifically to a gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery, its manufacturing method and usage method, and in particular a gingival protection device for protecting the soft tissue of the gums during intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery in patients undergoing invisible orthodontic treatment, which is applied in the fields of orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of orthodontic technology, the application of clear aligners in orthodontic treatment before and after orthognathic surgery is gradually increasing. This technology improves patient comfort and aesthetics while also changing the implementation of intermaxillary traction and occlusal adjustment after orthognathic surgery. After the movement and repositioning of the maxilla and mandible are completed in orthognathic surgery, patients usually still need intermaxillary traction to stabilize bone segment positions and further adjust occlusion for a certain period post-surgery. For patients using clear aligners, after the jaw plate is removed post-surgery, intermaxillary traction is mainly achieved using traction pins implanted in the maxilla and mandible and the traction elastic bands worn between them.

[0003] Because of the curvature between the alveolar bone and the tooth axis in both the upper and lower jaws, during intermaxillary traction, the traction rubber band tends to continuously compress the gingival soft tissue near the gingiva, creating a cutting-like force. This can easily cause gingival bleeding, soft tissue lacerations, or even local necrosis, thus affecting the continued implementation of intermaxillary traction and the stability of postoperative occlusion. Currently, there is a lack of a dedicated gingival protection device that can effectively prevent the traction rubber band from directly affecting the gingival soft tissue without affecting postoperative occlusal adjustment, while also ensuring wearing stability and ease of removal for the patient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the problem that traction rubber bands can easily damage the soft tissue of the gums during intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery. This invention provides a gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery, as well as its manufacturing and usage methods. The aim is to guide and restrict the force path of the traction rubber band without affecting the postoperative adjustment of the occlusal relationship, so as to reduce its direct effect on the soft tissue of the gums.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: In a first aspect, a gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery is provided. The device is a gingival protection occlusal bracket worn on the maxillary dentition, comprising a labial / buccal cover, a palatal cover, a barrier, and a connecting bridge. The labial / buccal cover is fitted to the highest point of the tooth crown, and the palatal cover is fitted to the entire palatal surface of the tooth crown, located between the intermaxillary traction rubber band and the gingival soft tissue. The barrier forms a protruding structure along the dentition direction on the labial side of the anterior teeth, mechanically limiting the intermaxillary traction rubber band during intermaxillary traction. The connecting bridge connects the labial / buccal cover and the palatal cover together in the retromolar region on both sides.

[0006] This gingival protection device, with its aforementioned structure, can be used for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery. It effectively blocks the direct impact of the traction rubber band on the gingival soft tissue without affecting postoperative occlusal adjustment, preventing the traction rubber band from continuously compressing the gingival soft tissue and creating a cutting-like force. This solves problems such as gingival damage, bleeding, and soft tissue necrosis caused by using traction rubber bands, greatly improving posterior traction and occlusal stability and comfort, and aiding in rapid patient recovery. Furthermore, this device also ensures both wearing stability and ease of self-disposal by the patient, making it convenient to use.

[0007] This device uses a single-jaw retention design and achieves stability through a precisely fitted connecting bridge. Compared to complex devices worn on both jaws, it not only reduces the patient's foreign body sensation but also makes it easier for the patient to remove and clean the device themselves, ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of intermaxillary traction treatment and improving clinical compliance.

[0008] Furthermore, the labial and buccal covering portion covers the crown at its highest point along the long axis, while the palatal covering portion covers the entire height of the corresponding crown.

[0009] Furthermore, the gingival protection bracket has a through-hole structure in the corresponding occlusal contact area. The through-hole structure is distributed along the direction of the dentition when viewed from the front, so that the gingival protection bracket does not participate in the occlusal contact of the upper and lower jaws when worn.

[0010] Furthermore, the barrier portion is disposed in the bilateral canine region on the labial side of the oral cavity, and the barrier portions on the left and right sides are symmetrically arranged in the dentition direction.

[0011] Furthermore, in a side view, the thickness of the barrier portion is greater than the thickness of the lip and cheek side covering portion and the palate side covering portion, and the barrier portion and the lip and cheek side covering portion are smoothly connected by an arc transition.

[0012] Furthermore, the thickness of the barrier portion is 2 mm, and the thicknesses of the lip and cheek side covering portion and the palate side covering portion are 1 mm each.

[0013] Furthermore, the connecting bridge is disposed at both ends of the gingival protection occlusal bracket, closely adhering to the retromolar region, and connecting the labial / buccal covering portion and the palatal covering portion into one unit.

[0014] Furthermore, in a side view, the connecting bridge includes a smoothly transitioning arc-shaped connecting segment to ensure overall stability of the gingival protection chin support during normal wear.

[0015] Secondly, a method for manufacturing a gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery is provided, wherein the gingival protection jaw bracket is digitally designed and integrally molded based on the patient's upper and lower jaw dental model data.

[0016] Thirdly, a method for using a gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery is provided. The gingival protection device is worn on the maxillary dentition, with the labial and buccal covering part conforming to the highest point of the crown and the palatal covering part conforming to the entire palatal crown surface. Under normal wear, the gingival protection device is located between the traction rubber band and the gingival soft tissue, forming a physical isolation and providing continuous coverage without affecting the position of the dentition. The barrier is located on the labial side of the anterior teeth region and forms a protruding structure along the direction of the dentition. Under intermaxillary traction, it mechanically limits the traction rubber band and prevents the traction rubber band from sliding towards the gum line. The connecting bridge is positioned in the retromolar region on both sides, connecting the labial / buccal covering part and the palatal covering part into one unit. The gingival protection device has hollow structures in the anterior tooth contact area and the posterior tooth contact area, so that the gingival protection device does not participate in the occlusal contact of the upper and lower jaws when worn.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. The gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery, through the setting of the labial and buccal covering part, the palatal covering part, the blocking part and the connecting bridge, can effectively block the direct action of the traction rubber band on the gingival soft tissue without affecting the postoperative occlusal adjustment. It avoids the continuous pressure of the traction rubber band on the gingival soft tissue in the direction close to the gingiva, which forms a cutting force. This solves the problems of gingival damage, bleeding and soft tissue necrosis caused by the use of traction rubber bands, greatly improves the stability and comfort of posterior traction and occlusion, and helps patients recover quickly; 2. The labial and buccal covering part is attached to the high point of the crown, and the palatal covering part is attached to the entire palatal crown surface, so that the whole device is located between the traction rubber band and the gingival soft tissue, forming a physical isolation and providing all-round protection for the gingival soft tissue; 3. The device is set on the labial side of the anterior teeth area. The barrier can mechanically limit the traction rubber band under intermaxillary traction, preventing it from sliding towards the gum line, thus improving its stability and avoiding cutting-like forces; 4. The connecting bridge is set in the retromolar region on both sides, which not only connects the labial (buccal) overlay and the palatal overlay into one unit, but also improves wearing stability; 5. The single-jaw retention design, compared with the complex device worn in both jaws, not only reduces the patient's foreign body sensation, but also makes it easier for the patient to remove and clean it themselves, ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of intermaxillary traction treatment and improving clinical compliance; 6. During use, this device can guide precise occlusal reconstruction. Because it only covers part of the crown of the maxillary dentition, and with the through-hole structure of the occlusal surface, it ensures that during the critical rehabilitation period after the removal of the jaw plate, it protects the gum line without interfering with the normal contact of the maxillary and mandibular cusps, and does not affect the precise restoration and natural establishment of the occlusal relationship. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery of the present invention when worn in the maxillary dentition; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery of the present invention, which has a hollow structure on the occlusal surfaces of the anterior and posterior teeth. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention, which includes a barrier on the labial (buccal) side of the anterior teeth region; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the gingival protection device of the present invention, which includes a connecting bridge in the retromolar region.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. High point of the shape; 2. Hollow structure; 3. Covering part on the labial and buccal sides; 4. Covering part on the palatal side; 5. Barrier part; 6. Connecting bridge. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "middle," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0022] After orthognathic surgery completes the jawbone resection and repositioning, patients typically require intermaxillary traction to stabilize the bone segment position and further adjust the occlusion. For patients using invisible braces, after the jaw plate is removed post-surgery, traction is mainly achieved through traction screws implanted in the upper and lower jaws and traction elastic bands worn between them. Because there is a certain curvature between the alveolar bone and the tooth axis in the upper and lower jaws, the traction elastic bands tend to continuously compress the gingival soft tissue near the gum line, creating a cutting-like force that can easily lead to gingival damage, thereby affecting post-operative traction and occlusal stability.

[0023] Example 1: A gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery is provided, such as... Figures 1-4 As shown, this is a gingival protection bracket worn on the maxillary dentition, mainly composed of a labial / buccal cover 3, a palatal cover 4, a barrier 5, and a connecting bridge 6. The labial / buccal cover 3 is used to fit the highest point 1 of the tooth crown, and the palatal cover 4 is used to fit the entire palatal surface of the tooth crown, located between the intermaxillary traction rubber band and the gingival soft tissue. The barrier 5 forms a protruding structure along the dentition direction on the labial side of the anterior teeth, providing mechanical restraint for the intermaxillary traction rubber band under intermaxillary traction conditions. The connecting bridge 6 connects the labial / buccal cover 3 and the palatal cover 4 together in the retromolar region on both sides. Under ideal traction conditions, the traction rubber band contacts the barrier and slides along its outer side without directly contacting the gingival soft tissue.

[0024] This post-orthognathic intermaxillary traction gingival protection device, through the configuration of the labial / buccal side covering part 3, the palatal side covering part 4, the blocking part 5, and the connecting bridge body 6, can effectively block the direct action of the traction rubber band on the gingival soft tissue without affecting post-operative occlusal adjustment. It avoids the continuous compression of the gingival soft tissue by the traction rubber band in the direction close to the gingiva, thus preventing the formation of a cutting-like force. This solves the problems of gingival damage, bleeding, and soft tissue necrosis caused by the use of traction rubber bands, greatly improving the stability and comfort of posterior traction and occlusion, and helping patients recover quickly. Moreover, this device also takes into account the stability of wearing and the convenience of patients to put on and take off themselves, making it easy to use.

[0025] The labial (buccal) side covering part is attached to the highest point of the crown shape, and the palatal side covering part 4 is attached to the entire palatal crown surface, so that the whole device is located between the traction rubber band and the gingival soft tissue, forming a physical isolation and providing all-round protection for the gingival soft tissue.

[0026] The barrier 5, located on the labial side of the anterior teeth region, can mechanically limit the traction rubber band under intermaxillary traction conditions, preventing it from sliding towards the gum line, thus improving its stability and avoiding the generation of cutting-like forces.

[0027] The connecting bridge 6 is provided in the postmolar region on both sides, which not only connects the labial (buccal) covering part and the palatal covering part into one, but also improves the stability of wearing.

[0028] The design employs a single-jaw retention approach, utilizing precisely fitted connecting bridges to achieve stability. Compared to the complex devices worn on both jaws, this not only reduces the patient's foreign body sensation but also makes it easier for the patient to remove and clean the device independently, ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of intermaxillary traction treatment and improving clinical compliance.

[0029] Furthermore, the labial and buccal covering portion 3 covers the crown at its highest point along the long axis, while the palatal covering portion 4 covers the entire height of the corresponding crown.

[0030] Furthermore, the gingival protection occlusal bracket has a through-hole structure 2 in the corresponding occlusal contact area. The through-hole structure 2 is distributed along the direction of the dental arch when viewed from the front, so that the gingival protection occlusal bracket does not participate in the occlusal contact of the upper and lower jaws when worn.

[0031] By incorporating the hollowed-out structure on the corresponding occlusal surface, the device does not participate in the occlusal contact of the upper and lower jaws when worn. This design ensures smooth postoperative intermaxillary traction and occlusal relationship adjustment, while also considering wearing stability and ease of clinical operation.

[0032] Compared to existing fully enclosed braces and hook structures (which inevitably produce an occlusal padding effect during intermaxillary traction, interfering with the observation and fine-tuning of postoperative occlusal relationships), this device, by setting a through-hole structure 2 on the occlusal surface, ensures that the upper and lower teeth can achieve true cusp-fossa interlocking contact (physiological alignment) under traction, providing protection without affecting occlusal reconstruction.

[0033] Furthermore, the barrier portion 5 is disposed in the bilateral canine region on the labial side of the oral cavity, and the barrier portions 5 on the left and right sides are symmetrically arranged in the dentition direction.

[0034] Furthermore, in a side view, the thickness of the barrier portion 5 is greater than the thickness of the lip and cheek side covering portion 3 and the palate side covering portion 4, and the barrier portion 5 and the lip and cheek side covering portion 3 are smoothly connected by an arc transition.

[0035] During actual intermaxillary traction, the traction rubber band contacts the outer side of the barrier and is limited by it, preventing it from sliding towards the gum line, thereby reducing direct pressure on the gingival soft tissue.

[0036] By digitally designing a barrier with a specific thickness and curvature, it acts as a mechanical barrier between the traction rubber band and the soft tissue of the gums, eliminating the cutting and squeezing damage to the gums caused by the traction force.

[0037] Preferably, the thickness of the barrier portion 5 is 2 mm, and the thicknesses of the lip and cheek side covering portion 3 and the palatal side covering portion 4 are 1 mm each.

[0038] Furthermore, the connecting bridge 6 is disposed at both ends of the gingival protection occlusal bracket, closely adhering to the retromolar region, and connecting the labial / buccal covering portion and the palatal covering portion into one unit.

[0039] Furthermore, in a side view, the connecting bridge 6 includes a smoothly transitioning arc-shaped connecting segment to ensure overall stability of the gingival protection occlusal brace during normal wear.

[0040] The connecting bridge 6 has a smooth, arc-shaped transition, making the gingival protection occlusal bracket less prone to shifting while worn, and also facilitating patient self-removal. This structure ensures overall stability without compromising the blocking effect of the traction rubber band at the front of the device.

[0041] Example 2: A method for manufacturing a gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery is provided. The gingival protection occlusal bracket is digitally designed and integrally molded based on the patient's upper and lower jaw dental model data.

[0042] By scanning the patient's upper and lower jaw dental mold data, the morphology and data of the patient's oral cavity and upper dentition area can be obtained. The gingival protection occlusal bracket can then be manufactured by means of mold or 3D printing, which connects the labial and buccal covering part 3, the palatal covering part 4, the barrier part 5 and the connecting bridge body 6 into one piece.

[0043] Example 3: A method for using the gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery as described in Example 1 is provided. The gingival protection device is worn on the maxillary dentition. The labial and buccal covering part is fitted to the highest point of the crown, and the palatal covering part is fitted to the entire palatal crown surface. Under normal wear, the gingival protection device is located between the traction rubber band and the gingival soft tissue, forming a physical isolation, and forming a continuous coverage without affecting the position of the dentition. The barrier is located on the labial side of the anterior teeth region and forms a protruding structure along the direction of the dentition. Under intermaxillary traction, it mechanically limits the traction rubber band and prevents the traction rubber band from sliding towards the gum line. The connecting bridge is positioned in the retromolar region on both sides, connecting the labial / buccal covering part and the palatal covering part into one unit. The gingival protection device has hollow structures in the anterior tooth contact area and the posterior tooth contact area, so that the gingival protection device does not participate in the occlusal contact of the upper and lower jaws when worn.

[0044] Compared to existing double-sided retention braces for both upper and lower jaws, this device is worn only on one side of the dentition. Through the thickness difference design between the blocking part and the covering part, this design effectively transfers the intermaxillary traction force from the soft tissue to the rigid protective dentition bracket. Without restricting the physiological micro-movement of the mandible, it ensures the integrity of the gingival tissue and realizes the technological evolution from static retention to dynamic protection.

[0045] This device belongs to the field of orthognathic surgery postoperative repair, targeting the long-term, continuous, and directional static stress generated by intermaxillary traction. The geometry of the barrier section and the adaptation of the connecting bridge are designed based on a model of uniform distribution of shear stress and pressure.

[0046] During use, this device can guide precise occlusal reconstruction. Because it only covers part of the crown of the maxillary dentition and has a through-hole structure on the occlusal surface, it ensures that during the critical rehabilitation period after the removal of the occlusal plate, it protects the gums without interfering with the normal contact of the upper and lower cusps, and does not affect the precise restoration and natural establishment of the occlusal relationship.

[0047] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery, characterized in that, The entire device is a gingival protection bracket worn on the maxillary dentition, comprising a labial / buccal cover, a palatal cover, a barrier, and a connecting bridge. The labial / buccal cover is used to conform to the highest point of the tooth crown, and the palatal cover is used to conform to the entire palatal surface of the tooth crown, located between the intermaxillary traction rubber band and the gingival soft tissue. The barrier forms a protruding structure along the dentition direction on the labial side of the anterior teeth, providing mechanical restraint for the intermaxillary traction rubber band under intermaxillary traction conditions. The connecting bridge connects the labial / buccal cover and the palatal cover together in the retromolar region on both sides.

2. The gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The labial and buccal covering portion covers the crown at its highest point along the long axis, while the palatal covering portion covers the entire height of the corresponding crown.

3. The gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gingival protection bracket has a through-hole structure in the corresponding occlusal contact area. The through-hole structure is distributed along the direction of the dentition when viewed from the front, so that the gingival protection bracket does not participate in the occlusal contact of the upper and lower jaws when worn.

4. The gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The barrier is located in the bilateral canine region on the labial side of the oral cavity, and the barrier on the left and right sides is symmetrically arranged in the direction of the dental arch.

5. The gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that, In a side view, the thickness of the barrier portion is greater than the thickness of the lip and cheek side covering portion and the palate side covering portion, and the barrier portion and the lip and cheek side covering portion are smoothly connected by an arc transition.

6. The gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the barrier portion is 2 mm, and the thicknesses of the lip and cheek side covering portion and the palate side covering portion are 1 mm each.

7. The gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting bridge is located at both ends of the gingival protection occlusal bracket, closely adhering to the retromolar region, and connects the labial / buccal covering portion and the palatal covering portion into one unit.

8. The gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed from the side, the connecting bridge includes a smoothly transitioning arc-shaped connecting section to ensure overall stability of the gingival protection occlusal brace during normal wear.

9. The method for manufacturing the gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The gum protection jawbone is digitally designed and manufactured in one piece based on the patient's upper and lower jaw dental mold data.

10. The method of using the gingival protection device for intermaxillary traction after orthognathic surgery according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The gingival protection device is worn on the maxillary dentition. The labial and buccal cover fits the highest point of the crown, and the palatal cover fits the entire palatal crown surface. Under normal wear, the entire gingival protection device is located between the traction rubber band and the gingival soft tissue, forming a physical isolation, and forming continuous coverage without affecting the position of the dentition. The barrier is located on the labial side of the anterior teeth region and forms a protruding structure along the direction of the dentition. Under intermaxillary traction, it mechanically limits the traction rubber band and prevents the traction rubber band from sliding towards the gum line. The connecting bridge is positioned in the retromolar region on both sides, connecting the labial / buccal covering part and the palatal covering part into one unit. The gingival protection device has hollow structures in the anterior tooth contact area and the posterior tooth contact area, so that the gingival protection device does not participate in the occlusal contact of the upper and lower jaws when worn.

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