A vertical tooth grinding device

Abstract

The application discloses a vertical molar tooth grinding device, and relates to the technical field of oral orthodontic appliances, which comprises a support unit, a connecting unit and a force applying unit. The support unit comprises at least three bands, one band is bonded to the adjacent tooth of a target tooth, and at least two bands are respectively bonded to the corresponding two posterior teeth on the opposite side. The connecting unit is used for rigidly connecting all the bands, and a resin support is arranged at the corresponding position of the hard palate of the upper jaw. The resin support is in contact with the mucosa of the hard palate of the upper jaw. The force applying unit comprises a closed loop structure which is formed by extending the bands on the adjacent teeth of the target tooth in the distal direction, and which is wrapped around the outside of the crown of the target tooth, and is close to the gum mucosa near the target tooth. The side away from the loop structure extends to the distal side of the target tooth and is provided with a plurality of traction hooks. The target tooth accessory is bonded to the surface of the target tooth. The elastic traction member is connected to the traction hooks and the target tooth accessory. The vertical molar tooth grinding device can realize stable and reliable early vertical correction of the target tooth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of orthodontic instruments, and in particular to a vertical molar device. Background Technology

[0002] In orthodontic practice, premature loss of deciduous or permanent molars can cause mesial tilting of adjacent permanent teeth. If not corrected promptly, this can severely impact the establishment of space for subsequent restorations. Current mainstream orthodontic techniques, such as segmental archwire techniques, continuous archwires with elastic traction, or traditional band-and-spring devices, all rely on bonding brackets, buttons, or fabricating full-crown bands to the surface of the tilted target tooth to apply corrective force. However, these tilted posterior teeth are often accompanied by excessive gingival overlay or insufficient eruption, resulting in a significantly shortened clinical crown height. Due to the lack of sufficient exposed tooth surface area, orthodontic attachments are difficult to bond and retain effectively, easily falling off during treatment and causing interruption or failure. This "no-point force application" dilemma caused by anatomical limitations renders traditional fixed orthodontic techniques ineffective in early intervention for short-crown tilted teeth, often forcing a delay in treatment until the tooth is fully erupted, thus missing the optimal treatment window.

[0003] Existing technologies still have significant technical limitations in practical applications to address this situation. The most significant limitations are: for inclined molars with short clinical crowns, excessive gingival coverage or insufficient tooth eruption results in insufficient tooth surface area for bonding orthodontic attachments, making bracket bonding difficult and preventing the application of corrective forces through conventional archwire and bracket methods; secondly, to meet the anchorage requirements for orthodontic treatment, existing technologies often require the implantation of micro-screw implants to provide absolute anchorage. This procedure is invasive, increasing patient suffering and economic costs, and also posing surgical risks such as implant loosening and alveolar bone damage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vertical molar device to solve the problems existing in the prior art and achieve stable and reliable early vertical orthodontic treatment of the target teeth.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: This invention provides a vertical molar device, comprising: an anchorage unit including at least three bands, one band being bonded to an adjacent tooth of the target tooth, and at least two bands being bonded to two corresponding posterior teeth on the opposite side of the target tooth; a connecting unit for rigidly connecting all the bands, and providing a resin holder at the corresponding maxillary hard palate position, the resin holder being in contact with the maxillary hard palate mucosa to provide mucosal support; a force application unit including a closed annular structure extending distally from the bands on the adjacent teeth of the target tooth, the annular structure wrapping around the outer side of the crown of the target tooth and being bent close to the gingival mucosa at the position of the target tooth; the side of the annular structure away from the connected bands extending to the distal side of the target tooth and having multiple traction hooks; a target tooth attachment bonded to the ulnar surface of the target tooth; and an elastic traction member connected to the traction hooks and the target tooth attachment for applying an orthodontic force to make the target tooth vertical.

[0006] Preferably, the target tooth attachment is a lingual clasp.

[0007] Preferably, the force-applying unit is detachably fixed to the band on the adjacent tooth of the target tooth.

[0008] Preferably, the support unit, the connecting unit, and the force-applying unit are 3D printed as a single integrated unit.

[0009] Preferably, the connecting unit includes a central ring and at least three branch rods; the central ring is embedded in the resin holder, one end of each branch rod is fixedly connected to the central ring, and the other end of each branch rod is fixedly connected to the corresponding belt ring.

[0010] Preferably, the elastic traction element is a chain-like rubber band or an orthodontic tension spring.

[0011] Preferably, one end of the annular structure is fixed to the tongue side of the band ring, and the other end is fixed to the cheek side of the band ring; the annular structure itself and the connected part of the band ring together form a closed ring.

[0012] Preferably, the number of bands is three, with one band fixed to the adjacent tooth of the target tooth, and the remaining two bands fixed to the posterior teeth separated by at least one tooth.

[0013] Preferably, the number of the traction hooks is three.

[0014] Preferably, the anchorage unit and the connecting unit are manufactured in a standardized manner, and the annular structure of the force application unit and each of the traction hooks are 3D printed based on the patient's oral cavity data.

[0015] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art: The vertical molar appliance provided by this invention rigidly connects the bands of adjacent teeth on the same side and two posterior teeth on the opposite side using a connecting unit. It provides mucosal support through a resin bracket that adheres extensively to the maxillary hard palate mucosa, forming a stable mixed anchorage without the need for skeletal implants. This significantly reduces patient discomfort and avoids surgical complications. Furthermore, the target tooth attachment is uniquely bonded to the ulnar surface of the target tooth, avoiding the buccal and lingual regions where retention is difficult, ensuring effective application of orthodontic force. Combined with a closed ring structure extending from the bands of adjacent teeth, this structure wraps around the outer side of the crown and extends distally near the gingival mucosa, providing multiple traction hooks. This not only enhances the overall resistance to deformation through the geometric stability of the ring structure but also provides flexible force adjustment space through the multiple hook design. This allows the elastic traction element to precisely apply orthodontic force to verticalize the target tooth without relying on lateral bonding, enabling intervention in the early stages of insufficient tooth eruption or extremely short crowns, avoiding the problem of missing the optimal treatment window by waiting for complete tooth eruption. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the vertical molar device provided by the present invention arranged on a tooth; Figure 2 A side view of the vertical molar device provided by the present invention arranged on a tooth; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the vertical molar device provided by the present invention before orthodontic treatment, showing the mesial tilting application of the right maxillary first molar. Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the orthodontic effect of the vertical molar device provided by the present invention applied to the mesial tilt of the first molar on the right side of the maxilla.

[0018] In the diagram: 1-Band; 2-Resin holder; 3-Ring structure; 4-Traction hook; 5-Lingual buckle; 6-Central ring; 7-Branch bar; 8-Target tooth for treatment. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only 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.

[0020] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vertical molar device to solve the problems existing in the prior art and achieve stable and reliable early vertical orthodontic treatment of the target teeth.

[0021] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] Example 1 This embodiment provides a vertical molar device, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, it includes: An anchorage unit includes at least three bands 1, one band 1 is bonded to the adjacent tooth of the target tooth 8, and at least two bands 1 are bonded to the two corresponding posterior teeth on the opposite side of the target tooth 8, respectively. The connecting unit is used to rigidly connect all the band rings 1, and a resin support 2 is provided at the corresponding position of the maxillary hard palate. The resin support 2 is in contact with the maxillary hard palate mucosa to provide mucosal support. The force application unit includes a closed ring structure 3 extending distally from the band 1 on the adjacent tooth of the target tooth 8. The ring structure 3 wraps around the outer side of the crown of the target tooth 8 and is bent close to the gingival mucosa at the position of the target tooth 8. The side of the ring structure 3 away from the connected band 1 extends to the distal side of the target tooth 8 and is provided with multiple traction hooks 4. The target tooth attachment is bonded and fixed to the ulnar surface of the target tooth 8; The elastic traction element, which is connected to the traction hook 4 and the target tooth attachment, is used to apply an orthodontic force to make the target tooth 8 vertical.

[0023] By using connecting units to rigidly connect the ipsilateral adjacent teeth and the two contralateral posterior teeth with bands 1, and with the help of resin brackets 2 that adhere extensively to the maxillary hard palate mucosa to provide mucosal support, a stable mixed anchorage without the need for skeletal implants is formed, avoiding invasive procedures, significantly reducing patient pain and avoiding surgical complications; and the target tooth attachment is uniquely bonded to the uveal surface of the target tooth 8, avoiding the buccal and lingual areas where retention is difficult, ensuring effective application of orthodontic force; in conjunction with the closed ring structure 3 extending from the adjacent tooth bands 1, this structure wraps around the outer side of the crown and extends to the distal side near the gingival mucosa with multiple traction hooks 4. This not only utilizes the geometric stability of the ring structure 3 to enhance the overall anti-deformation ability of the device, but also provides flexible force adjustment space through the multi-hook design, allowing the elastic traction element to accurately apply orthodontic force to keep the target tooth 8 vertical without relying on lateral bonding, so that treatment can be intervened in the early stage when the tooth is under-erupted or the crown is extremely short, avoiding the problem of missing the best orthodontic window due to waiting for the tooth to fully erupt.

[0024] Specifically, the vertical molar appliance in this embodiment can complete the treatment plan for the target tooth 8 without implanting a screw; it avoids the difficulty of short clinical crowns that cannot be bonded to brackets; the treatment plan design is more flexible; it can be treated earlier, avoiding waiting and missing the best time; the treatment of the target tooth 8 is more stable and reliable; and it improves patient comfort.

[0025] The following are the settings instructions for the anchorage unit: Among the optional solutions in this embodiment, the more preferred one is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, there are three bands 1. One band 1 is fixed to the adjacent tooth of the target tooth 8, and the remaining two bands 1 are fixed to the posterior teeth with at least one tooth between them.

[0026] The following are the settings instructions for the connection unit: Among the optional solutions in this embodiment, the more preferred one is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the connecting unit includes a central ring 6 and at least three branch rods 7; the central ring 6 is embedded in the resin holder 2, one end of the branch rod 7 is fixedly connected to the central ring 6, and the other end of the branch rod 7 is fixedly connected to the corresponding belt ring 1.

[0027] Specifically, this part is the Nance bracket / Nance palatal bracket: a device for enhancing anchorage in the maxilla; it typically consists of a crossbar connecting the two posterior teeth bands 1 and a resin palatal bracket located in front of the hard palate; it utilizes the palatal mucosa for support to prevent the posterior teeth from shifting forward under orthodontic forces, thereby enhancing anchorage; in this embodiment, the Nance bracket is one of the core components constituting "medium-strength anchorage".

[0028] Specifically, the connecting unit can also be made into a larger, integrated structure, instead of using three separate bands 1. Instead, a horseshoe-shaped or U-shaped integrated resin base (which can be considered a reinforced version of the Nance base) is fabricated using 3D printing technology, covering the uveal surfaces of both posterior teeth and part of the palatal / lingual mucosa. This base extends into a ring structure 3 and a traction hook 4 in the adjacent tooth area of ​​the target tooth. This provides a larger anchorage area and stability, especially suitable for cases where the anchorage tooth condition is poor. However, it may reduce patient comfort.

[0029] The following are the settings instructions for the force application unit: Among the optional solutions in this embodiment, the more preferred one is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, one end of the annular structure 3 is fixed to the tongue side of the band ring 1, and the other end is fixed to the cheek side of the band ring 1; the annular structure 3 itself and the connected part of the band ring 1 together form a closed ring.

[0030] Among the optional solutions in this embodiment, the more preferred one is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, there are three towing hooks 4.

[0031] The following are the settings instructions regarding the target tooth attachments: In the optional solutions of this embodiment, the more preferred option is the lingual clasp 5.

[0032] Specifically, the lingual clip 5 is a small, metal clip-shaped orthodontic attachment, typically welded or bonded to the lingual or ulnar surface of the teeth, used to hook rubber bands, elastic cords, or springs to apply orthodontic force. In this embodiment, it is bonded to the ulnar surface of the target tooth as a traction point.

[0033] The following are the relevant settings instructions for the elastic traction component: In the optional solutions of this embodiment, the more preferred elastic traction element is a chain rubber band or an orthodontic tension spring.

[0034] Specifically, between the traction hook 4 extending from the ring structure 3 and the lingual clip 5 of the target tooth, an adjustable-length micro-force coil spring (a type of orthodontic tension spring) or a long-arm coil spring with a graduated adjustment (a type of orthodontic tension spring) is connected. This provides a more continuous and precise force value, and the force decays more slowly than that of a rubber band.

[0035] Regarding other relevant explanations: Specifically, in this embodiment, the support unit, the connection unit, and the force application unit can be configured as an integral unit or as separate units.

[0036] The first option, the integrated type: In the optional schemes of this embodiment, the support unit, the connecting unit, and the force-applying unit are preferably 3D printed as a single unit (as an alternative to traditional processes, the entire support (including the Nance bracket and the ring structure 3) can be cast from metals such as cobalt-chromium alloy using the lost-wax casting method and welded to the pre-formed ring 1 as a whole. This provides extremely high strength, but the degree of personalization and ease of adjustment are not as good as 3D printing).

[0037] The second type, in the case of a split design: In the optional scheme of this embodiment, it is more preferred that the force application unit can be detachably fixed to the band 1 on the adjacent tooth of the target tooth 8.

[0038] In the optional solutions of this embodiment, it is more preferred that the anchorage unit and the connection unit are both produced in a standardized manner, and the annular structure 3 and each traction hook 4 of the force application unit are 3D printed according to the patient's oral data (the device is designed to be modular: the basic part (with ring 1 and Nance bracket) can be produced in a standardized manner, while the key and highly personalized "annular structure 3 and traction hook 4" part is still 3D printed and then connected to the basic part by mechanical means such as pins, screws or buckles; this facilitates mass production and rapid clinical adaptation).

[0039] Specifically, the required framework is printed using 3D printing technology. The basic structure consists of three loops 1, two on the contralateral posterior teeth and one on the adjacent tooth of the target tooth 8 to provide retention. These are connected by Nance brackets. A ring structure 3 extends from the loop 1 of the adjacent tooth of the target tooth to wrap around the target tooth 8 and extends three traction hooks 4 distally. These hooks are attached to the lingual side of the target tooth 8 via rubber bands. Pulling the rubber bands allows for relatively stable movement of the target tooth.

[0040] Specifically, regarding the explanation of some terms: Vertical molars / vertical posterior teeth: refers to the process by which specific orthodontic forces are applied to gradually restore the crowns and roots of molars (posterior teeth) that have become mesial, distal, or buccal-lingual due to various reasons (such as the loss of adjacent teeth) to their normal physiological position, which is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the plane of the dental arch.

[0041] Clinical crown: refers to the portion of a tooth exposed above the gingival margin in the oral cavity. Unlike the anatomical crown (the portion covered by enamel), the height of the clinical crown is affected by the health of the gums. In this text, "short clinical crown" specifically refers to a situation where there is insufficient tooth surface area available for bonding orthodontic attachments (such as brackets) due to excessive gum coverage or insufficient tooth eruption.

[0042] Band 1: A ring-shaped metal (usually stainless steel) orthodontic attachment, fixed to the periphery of the molar crown by adhesive, serving as the main retainer of the device. In this embodiment, band 1 is the key interface connecting the 3D-printed scaffold to the anchorage tooth.

[0043] Medium-strength anchorage: In orthodontics, this refers to an anchorage level between simple tooth anchorage (such as a single tooth) and absolute anchorage (such as a dental implant). In this embodiment, it specifically refers to a stable support system that can effectively resist the reaction force of orthodontic forces, obtained by connecting the bilateral posterior teeth and the adjacent teeth of the target tooth (three-point retention) with a band 1 and linking the anchorage teeth into a whole through the rigid invention of the Nance bracket structure.

[0044] Occlusal surface: The surface of a tooth crown used for chewing that comes into contact with the opposing tooth; that is, the occlusal surface of a posterior tooth.

[0045] Specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this case, the first maxillary molar on the right side is mesial tilted and has a short clinical crown, making it difficult to bond brackets. Therefore, a vertical molar device was designed digitally in this embodiment. A 3D-printed framework was designed using digital technology, and a traction hook was designed distally to tooth 16 (here, 16 is the numerical indication of the corresponding tooth, which is existing technology and will not be described in detail). It is used in conjunction with the Nance palatal bracket for anchorage. A lingual buckle 5 is bonded to the ulnar side of tooth 16, and a chain-like rubber band pulls tooth 16 distally and vertically.

[0046] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. A vertical molar apparatus, characterized in that: include: An anchorage unit includes at least three bands, one of which is bonded to an adjacent tooth of the target tooth and at least two of which are bonded to two corresponding posterior teeth on the opposite side of the target tooth. A connecting unit is used to rigidly connect all the band rings and a resin support is provided at the corresponding position of the maxillary hard palate. The resin support is in contact with the maxillary hard palate mucosa to provide mucosal support. The force application unit includes a closed ring structure extending distally from the band on the adjacent tooth of the target tooth, the ring structure wrapping around the outer side of the crown of the target tooth and bending close to the gingival mucosa at the position of the target tooth; the side of the ring structure away from the connected band extends to the distal side of the target tooth and is provided with multiple traction hooks. Target tooth attachments are bonded and fixed to the ulnar surface of the target tooth for orthodontic treatment; An elastic traction element, connected to the traction hook and the target tooth attachment, is used to apply an orthodontic force to make the target tooth upright.

2. The vertical molar apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The target tooth attachment is a lingual clasp.

3. The vertical molar apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The force-applying unit can be detachably fixed to the band on the adjacent tooth of the target tooth.

4. The vertical molar apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support unit, the connecting unit, and the force-applying unit are 3D printed as a single integrated unit.

5. The vertical molar apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting unit includes a central ring and at least three branch rods; The central ring is embedded in the resin holder, one end of the branch rod is fixedly connected to the central ring, and the other end of the branch rod is fixedly connected to the corresponding belt ring.

6. The vertical molar apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic traction element is a chain-like rubber band or an orthodontic tension spring.

7. The vertical molar apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the annular structure is fixed to the tongue side of the band ring, and the other end is fixed to the cheek side of the band ring; the annular structure itself and the connected part of the band ring together form a closed ring.

8. The vertical molar apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of bands is three, one band is fixed to the adjacent tooth of the target tooth, and the remaining two bands are fixed to the posterior teeth with at least one tooth between them.

9. The vertical molar apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of towing hooks is three.

10. The vertical molar apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that: The anchorage unit and the connection unit are manufactured in a standardized manner, and the annular structure of the force application unit and each of the traction hooks are 3D printed based on the patient's oral cavity data.

Images