Oral and facial muscle function training device

Abstract

The utility model discloses an oral and facial muscle function training device which can be worn between dentition and labial muscle or labial and buccal muscle of a patient, is used for blocking contact between the labial muscle or the labial and buccal muscle and the dentition, and comprises an approximately C-shaped blocking screen and a first expandable part, the first expandable part is at least arranged at the corresponding position, corresponding to the deepest position of the bottom of the vestibular sulcus of the patient, of the outer contour of the blocking screen, and after the oral and facial muscle function training device is worn, the first expandable part expands through saliva infiltration and abuts against the bottom of the vestibular sulcus. Thus, according to the size of the oral cavity space of a patient, the first expandable part expands after being infiltrated by saliva, does not continue to expand after meeting the bottom of the vestibular groove of the patient, and can stably abut against the position, so that the oral and facial muscle function training device can be stably worn between the dentition of the patient and the lip muscle or the lip-buccal muscle; the contact between the labial muscle or the labial cheek muscle and the dentition is blocked.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, more specifically to the field of orthodontic appliances, and particularly to a device for training oral and facial muscle function. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of orthodontic treatment, research has shown that muscles have a crucial impact on the stability of orthodontic treatment, and in some cases, muscle problems are the cause of oral problems. Ignoring muscle problems may lead to ineffective treatment or relapse after treatment. Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is a multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment method for patients with abnormalities in their orofacial muscles and functions, involving assessment, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Its mechanism involves re-education of the neuromuscular system of the orofacial region, promoting normal development of craniofacial structures and coordinated stability of the orofacial system function; it is a treatment method that focuses on the cause of the disease.

[0003] In clinical practice, vestibular shields are commonly used for orofacial muscle function training. They can block contact between the lip and cheek muscles and the teeth and jaws, breaking bad habits such as mouth breathing, lip biting, and thumb sucking. This prevents lip-biting individuals from placing their lower lip on the lingual side of their upper incisors, and prevents thumb-sucking individuals from putting their fingers in their mouths. It can also help mouth-breathing patients get used to breathing with their mouths closed, thus eliminating unfavorable muscle pressure. Vestibular shield products are mostly general-purpose products, often mass-produced, and typically include different sizes such as S, M, and L. Clinicians need to select the appropriate size from among these sizes based on the individual patient's oral cavity morphology. However, in clinical practice, the oral cavity dimensions of different patients vary. For example, even patients who are all suitable for the M-size vestibular shield may have different oral cavity sizes. For some patients, the M-size vestibular shield may be slightly too small, making it difficult to maintain a fixed position in the mouth. However, if a larger L-size vestibular shield is chosen, it may be too large, causing excessive compression of the vestibular sulcus and resulting in severe discomfort. Conversely, if the M-size vestibular shield is slightly too large, switching to a smaller S-size vestibular shield may be too small, failing to effectively block the labial or buccal muscles. Refining the differences in each size and designing more universal sizes would undoubtedly increase production costs such as mold making. For clinics, it is unlikely that they would stockpile a wide variety of vestibular shield sizes in advance. To reduce costs and minimize inventory risk, clinics typically only stock commonly used sizes based on large data sets. As a result, many patients still cannot use differentiated and personalized vestibular shield products, leading to low comfort levels and compromised compliance, thus affecting treatment outcomes. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem solved by this invention is to overcome the defects of the existing technology and provide an oral and facial muscle function training device that can be personalized to adapt to different patients' oral cavity space sizes.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0006] An orofacial muscle function training device, which can be worn between a patient's dentition and lip or buccal muscles to block contact between the lip or buccal muscles and the dentition, includes a generally C-shaped barrier screen and a first expandable part. The first expandable part is at least disposed at a position on the outer contour of the barrier screen corresponding to the deepest part of the patient's vestibular sulcus. When the orofacial muscle function training device is worn, the first expandable part expands in volume due to saliva and abuts against the bottom of the vestibular sulcus.

[0007] Preferably, the outer contour shape of the first expandable part is consistent with the outer contour shape of the connection point of the barrier screen.

[0008] Preferably, the first expandable part is made of a water-absorbing and expandable material, which is at least one of PC, PETG and silicone rubber.

[0009] Preferably, the first expandable portion is an expandable layer with a predetermined width coated on the outer contour of the barrier screen.

[0010] Preferably, the first expandable part includes a mounting surface and an expansion surface disposed opposite to the mounting surface. The first expandable part is directly or indirectly fixed to the outer contour of the connection with the barrier screen through the mounting surface. After the first expandable part is moistened with saliva, the volume of the first expandable part expands so that the expansion surface abuts against the bottom of the vestibular sulcus.

[0011] Preferably, the first expandable part is directly bonded to the outer contour of the connection point with the barrier screen via the mounting surface.

[0012] Preferably, the first expandable part is directly fixed to the outer contour of the connection with the barrier screen via the mounting surface. The outer contour of the barrier screen includes a positioning part. The side of the first expandable part near the barrier screen includes a matching part that cooperates with the positioning part for positioning. The first expandable part is installed on the predetermined position of the barrier screen by adhesive or snap-fit ​​through the cooperation of the positioning part and the matching part. The positioning part is a groove or protrusion formed inward or outward on the outer contour of the barrier screen.

[0013] Preferably, when the first expandable part is indirectly fixed to the outer contour of the connection with the barrier screen through the mounting surface, it further includes a connector. The connector is bonded or snapped to the outer contour of the barrier screen on the side near the barrier screen. The connector has a first connecting part on the side facing the first expandable part, and the first expandable part has a second connecting part that matches the first connecting part. The first expandable part is installed on the barrier screen at a predetermined position by bonding or snapping through the cooperation of the first connecting part and the second connecting part. The first connecting part is a groove or protrusion formed inward or outward on the side of the connector facing the first expandable part.

[0014] Preferably, the connector is further provided with a third connecting part on the side facing the barrier screen, and a fourth connecting part matching the third connecting part is provided at a corresponding position on the outer contour of the barrier screen. The connector is installed on the outer contour of the barrier screen by adhesive or snap-fit ​​through the cooperation of the third connecting part and the fourth connecting part. The third connecting part is a groove or protrusion formed inward or outward on the side of the connector facing the barrier screen.

[0015] Preferably, the groove includes an opening structure and a receiving cavity connected to the opening structure. The protrusion is inserted into and housed in the receiving cavity along the insertion direction through the opening structure, and the protrusion abuts against the bottom wall of the receiving cavity along a side wall opposite to the insertion direction.

[0016] Preferably, the groove further includes a first limiting portion, and the protrusion includes a second limiting portion that cooperates with the first limiting portion. After installation, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion cooperate to restrict the movement of the protrusion in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.

[0017] Preferably, a second expandable portion is provided between the first expandable portions located at the corresponding position corresponding to the deepest part of the patient's vestibular sulcus, along the outer contour of the corresponding barrier screen.

[0018] Preferably, the second expandable portion has a relief groove at the position corresponding to the frenulum of the oral cavity in the middle for avoiding the frenulum.

[0019] Preferably, the width of the first expandable portion expanding in the direction away from the outer contour of the barrier screen ranges from 0.5mm to 2.5mm, and / or the thickness of the first expandable portion expanding in the lip-tongue or cheek-tongue direction ranges from 1.0mm to 2.5mm.

[0020] Preferably, the width of the first expandable portion and the second expandable portion expanding in the direction away from the outer contour of the barrier screen is in the range of 0.5mm-2.5mm, and / or the thickness of the first expandable portion and the second expandable portion expanding in the lip-tongue direction or cheek-tongue direction is in the range of 1.0mm-2.5mm.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention, by adopting the above technical solution, has at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0022] (1) The orofacial muscle function training device provided by this utility model includes a generally C-shaped barrier screen and a first expandable part. By setting the first expandable part at least at the corresponding position of the outer contour of the barrier screen corresponding to the deepest part of the patient's vestibular sulcus, the first expandable part expands in volume after being moistened by saliva according to the size of the patient's oral cavity. After encountering the bottom of the patient's vestibular sulcus, it stops expanding and can stably abut against the patient at that position. This allows the orofacial muscle function training device to be stably worn between the patient's teeth and the lip or buccal muscles, blocking the contact between the lip or buccal muscles and the teeth. Therefore, the expansion boundary of the outer contour of the orofacial muscle function training device can be adjusted by the degree of expansion of the first expandable part to meet and adapt to the fine-tuning of the same specification of orofacial muscle function training device for different patients, increasing the patient's comfort and compliance, thereby improving the treatment effect.

[0023] (2) The present invention provides a positioning part on the outer contour of the barrier screen and a matching part that matches the positioning part on the first expandable part. Through the cooperation of the positioning part and the matching part, the first expandable part and the barrier screen can be quickly guided to cooperate at a predetermined position and the two can be positioned at the predetermined position, saving installation time and ensuring the accuracy of the installation position.

[0024] (3) This utility model also provides clinicians with more options by designing the first expandable part and the barrier screen to be indirectly connected and installed through a connector, that is, they can choose whether to install the first expandable part according to the current needs of the patient. Attached Figure Description

[0025] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same numerical reference numerals are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute a limitation on scale.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of wearing the orofacial muscle function training device in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the orofacial muscle function training device in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of region F in the middle;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the mid-mouth facial muscle function training device along the E-E' direction;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Another partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the mid-mouth facial muscle function training device along the E-E' direction;

[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 2 Another partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the mid-mouth facial muscle function training device along the E-E' direction;

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 2 Another partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the mid-mouth facial muscle function training device along the E-E' direction;

[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 2 Another partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the mid-mouth facial muscle function training device along the E-E' direction;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the groove structure in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the groove and the protrusion cooperating in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the orofacial muscle function training device in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A magnified view of a portion of region G in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the various embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been provided in the various embodiments of this utility model to facilitate a better understanding of the invention. However, the technical solutions claimed by this utility model can be implemented even without these technical details and with various variations and modifications based on the following embodiments. The division of the various embodiments below is for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of this utility model.

[0039] The directional terms "up," "down," "left," and "right" used in this document refer to the directions shown in the accompanying drawings and do not imply any specific limitation. Unless otherwise explicitly stated or limited, the term "connection" in this document should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part of a structure. It can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0040] The term "posterior tooth region" mentioned in the various embodiments of this utility model is defined according to the classification of teeth in the 2nd edition of "Introduction to Stomatology" published by Peking University Medical Press, pages 36-38. It includes premolars and molars, teeth marked as 4-8 using the FDI notation, and teeth marked as 1-3 using the FDI notation for the anterior tooth region. The teeth in the anterior tooth region include the central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines.

[0041] As the background technology indicates, in clinical practice, the oral cavity dimensions of different patients vary. For example, even among patients suitable for the size M orofacial muscle function training device, their oral cavity sizes differ. For some patients, the size M may be slightly too small, making it difficult to maintain a fixed position in the mouth. However, if a larger size L is chosen, it may be too large, causing excessive compression of the vestibular sulcus and resulting in severe discomfort. Conversely, if the size M is slightly too large, switching to a smaller size S may be too small, failing to effectively block the function of the lip or buccal muscles. Therefore, producing more products with smaller size variations would increase production costs for manufacturers, such as mold making. For clinics and doctors, stockpiling numerous sizes of orofacial muscle function training devices would increase costs, and many more sizes might remain unused and unsold. All of these factors contribute to the inability of many patients to wear a suitable orofacial muscle function training device.

[0042] The orofacial muscle function training device of this application can effectively solve the above-mentioned problems. The orofacial muscle function training device provided by this application includes a generally C-shaped barrier screen and a first expandable part. The first expandable part is at least located at the corresponding position of the outer contour of the barrier screen corresponding to the deepest part of the patient's vestibular sulcus. After wearing the orofacial muscle function training device, the first expandable part expands in volume after being moistened by saliva and abuts against the bottom of the vestibular sulcus. Thus, depending on the size of the patient's oral cavity, the first expandable part expands in volume after being moistened by saliva, and stops expanding after encountering the bottom of the patient's vestibular sulcus, and can be stably abutted at that position. This allows the orofacial muscle function training device to be stably worn between the patient's teeth and the labial muscles or buccal muscles, blocking the contact between the labial muscles or buccal muscles and the teeth. That is, the expansion boundary of the outer contour of the orofacial muscle function training device can be adjusted by the degree of expansion of the first expandable part to meet and adapt to the fine-tuning of the same size orofacial muscle function training device for different patients, increasing the patient's comfort and compliance, thereby improving the treatment effect.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. The orofacial muscle function training device 100 is a muscle training device that can be worn between the patient's dentition 300 and the lip muscles 200 or buccal muscles to block contact between the lip muscles 200 or buccal muscles and the dentition 300. When the orofacial muscle function training device extends only to the anterior teeth area in the mesiodistal direction, it only blocks contact between the patient's lip muscles and the dentition. When the orofacial muscle function training device extends only to the posterior teeth area in the mesiodistal direction, it can block contact between the patient's lip muscles and buccal muscles and the dentition. This is because children often have bad oral habits such as mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, abnormal swallowing, and thumb sucking during growth and development. Combined with the combined strength of the cheek and lip muscles, this seriously affects the development of tooth position and jawbone facial shape. In particular, lip muscle relaxation can easily lead to open breathing in adolescents, and the mouth cannot close properly in a natural state. Therefore, it is necessary to train and stimulate the lip and buccal muscles to solve the problem of orofacial muscle relaxation.

[0045] The orofacial muscle function training device 100 of this application includes a generally C-shaped barrier screen 10 and a first expandable part 20. The first expandable part 20 is at least disposed at corresponding positions (A, B, C, D) on the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 corresponding to the deepest part of the patient's vestibular sulcus. After wearing the orofacial muscle function training device 100, the first expandable part 20 expands in volume due to saliva. The side of the expanded first expandable part 20' away from the C-shaped barrier screen 10 abuts against the bottom of the vestibular sulcus. Specifically, when the orofacial muscle function training device 100 is worn in the patient's mouth, the first expandable part 20 expands upon contact with saliva. After being moistened by saliva, the first expandable part 20 expands in volume and stops expanding upon reaching the bottom of the patient's vestibular sulcus, thus providing stable support at that position. This allows the orofacial muscle function training device 100 to be stably worn between the patient's dentition 300 and the lip muscles 200 or buccal muscles, blocking contact between the lip muscles 200 or buccal muscles and the dentition 300, and eliminating abnormal pressure from the lip muscles or buccal muscles on the dentition and jawbone. In this application, the focus is on the fact that the first expandable part 20 can expand to the deepest point of the patient's vestibular sulcus, at least in the direction from the outer edge of the barrier screen 10 to the bottom of the vestibular sulcus (see the expanded first expandable part for details). Figure 2 (as shown in reference numeral 20'); in the lip and tongue direction, the first expandable part 20 can have the same expansion range as the direction to the bottom of the vestibular sulcus, or it can expand slightly or not expand at all, which does not affect the integrity and feasibility of this solution.

[0046] To further explain, the outer contour shape of the first expandable part 20 is consistent with the outer contour shape of the connection point of the barrier screen 10. In this embodiment, the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 is arc-shaped corresponding to the deepest part of the patient's vestibular sulcus. The outer contour shape of the first expandable part 20 is consistent with the outer contour shape of the barrier screen 10 at least on the side adjacent to the barrier screen 10. This design allows for a larger contact area between the first expandable part 20 and the barrier screen 10 during connection, resulting in a more stable connection. The outer contour shape of the side of the first expandable part 20 away from the barrier screen 10 can also be consistent with the outer contour shape of the side of the barrier screen 10; it can also be different, but it is at least rounded. In this way, when the side of the first expandable part 20' closest to the patient's vestibular sulcus abuts against the vestibular sulcus after expansion, the patient's comfort can be guaranteed.

[0047] To further explain, the first expandable part 20 is made of a water-absorbing and expandable material. By limiting the use of this material, the first expandable part 20 expands in volume when wetted with saliva, extending and abutting against the bottom of the vestibular sulcus. This allows the orofacial muscle function training device 100 to be stably worn between the patient's dentition 300 and the lip muscles 200 or buccal muscles, preventing contact between the lip muscles 200 or buccal muscles and the dentition 300, thereby eliminating abnormal pressure from the lip muscles or buccal muscles on the dentition and jawbone. Specifically, the water-absorbing and expandable material can be at least one of PC, silicone rubber, or PETG, or other materials with related properties, which are not limited here.

[0048] For further explanation, please refer to Figure 3 As shown, the first expandable portion 20 can be an expandable layer with a predetermined width D1 directly coated on the outer contour of the barrier screen 10. Specifically, in one embodiment, the expandable layer is formed by directly coating the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 with an inletable silicone rubber material. The expandable layer can expand to the bottom of the vestibular sulcus at least in the width direction of the outer contour of the barrier screen 10, and the width of the first expandable portion 20' after expansion is shown by the criterion D2 in the figure.

[0049] Further, please see Figure 4 As shown, the first expandable part 20 includes a mounting surface 21 and an expansion surface 22 disposed opposite to the mounting surface 21. The mounting surface 21 is the side surface connected to the outer contour of the barrier screen 10. The first expandable part 20 is directly or indirectly fixed to the outer contour of the connection with the barrier screen 10 through the mounting surface 21. After the first expandable part 20 is moistened with saliva, the volume of the first expandable part 20 expands so that the expanded expansion surface 22' abuts against the bottom of the vestibular sulcus.

[0050] Specifically, in one embodiment, please continue to refer to Figure 4As shown, the first expandable part 20 is directly bonded to the outer contour of the connection point with the barrier screen 10 via the mounting surface 21. Specifically, the outer contour shape of the first expandable part 20 matches the outer contour shape of the connection point with the barrier screen 10. In this embodiment, this means that the curvature of the outer contour of the first expandable part 20 near the barrier screen 10 matches the curvature of the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 at the connection point. This maximizes the contact area at the connection point, resulting in a more stable connection. Before being moistened by saliva, the first expandable part 20 has a predetermined thickness value in the labial-lingual or buccal-lingual direction. As mentioned above, whether it expands or not does not affect the implementation of the solution in this application. This application focuses on the thickness H1 of the first expandable part 20' after expansion, which is in the range of 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm. This thickness can be less than or equal to the thickness of the barrier screen 10 in the labial-lingual or buccal-lingual direction to avoid the first expandable part 20' becoming too thick, compressing the patient's teeth and lip or buccal muscles, i.e., applying unexpected force to the teeth and lip or buccal muscles, which is detrimental to the training effect of the lip or buccal muscles. Its width dimension D1 in the width direction extending towards the bottom of the vestibular sulcus, after expansion, the expansion surface 22 expands relative to the mounting surface 21 fixed to the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 in a direction away from the mounting surface 21 to the bottom of the vestibular sulcus. Figure 4 As shown at position 22', the width dimension D2 of the expanded first expandable part 20' is within the range of 0.5mm to 2.5mm, that is, the width dimension of the first expandable part expanding in the direction away from the outer contour of the barrier screen. With such a range of width dimensions designed, it is possible to make adaptive and personalized fine-tuning for different patients in the two different specifications and models of oral and facial muscle function training devices as described in the background art. The inventors have verified that this range can cover the fine-tuning needs of most patients in clinical practice and has wide applicability.

[0051] Further, please see Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, when the first expandable part 20 is directly fixed to the outer contour of the connection point with the barrier screen 10 via the mounting surface 21, the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 includes a positioning part 11, which is integrally formed with the barrier screen 10. Correspondingly, the side of the first expandable part 20 near the barrier screen 10 includes a matching part 23 that cooperates with the positioning part 11 for positioning. The first expandable part 20 can be installed on the barrier screen 10 at a predetermined position by direct bonding or by snap-fitting the two parts through the cooperation of the positioning part 11 and the matching part 23. The positioning part 11 allows for rapid guidance of the first expandable part 20 and the barrier screen 10 to cooperate at the predetermined position and position them there, saving installation time and ensuring the accuracy of the installation position. The positioning part 11 can be a protrusion formed on the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 (e.g., a protrusion on the outer contour of the barrier screen 10). Figure 5 As shown), the matching part 23 is a groove that matches the protrusion, and can be formed by the recess of the mounting surface 21; the positioning part 11 can also be a groove formed by the recess of the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 (e.g., Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the matching part 23 is a protrusion that matches the groove, and can be formed by the outward protrusion of the mounting surface 21.

[0052] In another embodiment, please refer to Figure 7 As shown, when the first expandable part 20 is indirectly fixed to the outer contour of the connection point with the barrier screen 10 via the mounting surface 21, the orofacial muscle function training device 100 of this application further includes a connector 30, which is separately disposed from the barrier screen 10. Further, the connector 30 and the barrier screen 10 can be made of the same material, for example, both made of silicone, thus providing a soft and comfortable fit when worn in the patient's mouth. In another embodiment, the connector 30 can also be made of a different material than the barrier screen 10, for example, intraoral medical resin. The connector 30 can be fixed to the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 by adhesive or snap-fit ​​on the side near the barrier screen 10. The connector 30 has a first connecting portion 31 on the side facing the first expandable portion 20. The first expandable portion 10 has a second connecting portion 24 that matches the first connecting portion 31. The first expandable portion 20 is installed on a predetermined position of the barrier screen 10 by adhesive or snap-fit ​​through the cooperation of the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 24. The first connecting portion 31 is concave or convex, formed in a groove on the side of the connector 30 facing the first expandable portion 10 (e.g.,...). Figure 7 (as shown) or a bump (not shown), the second connecting portion 24 is a bump that matches the first connecting portion 31 (such as... Figure 7The mounting surface 21 may be formed by the protrusion or concavity of the mounting surface 21 (as shown in the diagram) or groove (not shown). Thus, by providing a separate connector 30, clinicians have more options. For example, if a patient is suitable for a general-purpose orofacial muscle function training device, the clinician can directly select the appropriate model from the available models without needing to install the first expandable part 20 of this application separately. When needed, the first expandable part 20 can be installed onto the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 via the connector 30. Furthermore, the first connector 31, in cooperation with the second connector 24, can guide the quick and accurate installation of the first expandable part 20 and the barrier screen 10.

[0053] Further, please see Figure 8 As shown, in addition to the first connecting portion 31 on the side facing the first expandable portion 20, the connector 30 may also have a third connecting portion 32 on the side facing the barrier screen 10. A fourth connecting portion 12 matching the third connecting portion 32 is provided at a corresponding position on the outer contour of the barrier screen 10. The connector 30 is installed on the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 by adhesive or snap-fit ​​through the cooperation of the third connecting portion 32 and the fourth connecting portion 12. The third connecting portion 32 may also be concave or convex, formed in a groove on the side of the connector 30 facing the barrier screen 10 (e.g.,...). Figure 8 The mounting surface 21 may be formed by protrusions or recesses, as shown in the figure or by a protrusion (not shown).

[0054] Specifically, one of the implementations of the groove and the protrusion can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the groove 40 includes an opening structure 41 and a receiving cavity 42 communicating with the opening structure 41. The protrusion 50 is inserted into the receiving cavity 42 along the insertion direction X through the opening structure 41 and is received within the receiving cavity 42. The protrusion 50 abuts against the bottom wall of the receiving cavity 42 along a sidewall opposite to the insertion direction X. It is understood that the inner contour cross-sectional structure of the groove 40 is not limited to... Figure 9 The rectangle shown can also be a semicircle, trapezoid, inverted trapezoid, square, or other polygons, which will not be listed here.

[0055] Furthermore, the groove 40 also includes a first limiting portion 43, and the protrusion 50 includes a second limiting portion 51 that cooperates with the first limiting portion 43. After installation, the first limiting portion 43 and the second limiting portion 51 cooperate to restrict the movement of the protrusion 50 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction X. Specifically, the first limiting portion 43 may be one or more protrusions protruding from the inner wall of the groove 40 toward the protrusion 50, while the second limiting portion 51 may be one or more recesses in the protrusion 50 corresponding to the position of the first limiting portion 43. When the protrusion 50 is inserted into the groove 40, the first limiting portion 43 and the second limiting portion 51 can undergo slight deformation under a certain external force, so that the first limiting portion 43 and the second limiting portion 51 match and hold each other relatively stably, thereby restricting the movement of the protrusion 50 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction X. In another embodiment, the first limiting part can also be an elastic sheet disposed at the opening structure of the groove. When the protrusion is inserted into the groove and accommodated in the receiving cavity, the elastic sheet clamps the protrusion accommodated in the receiving cavity, and can also restrict the movement of the protrusion in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. It is understood that the implementation of the first limiting part and the second limiting part can be varied. Any design that can restrict the movement of the protrusion in the direction opposite to the insertion direction is acceptable, and will not be listed here.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] Please refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown. To address the technical problem this invention aims to solve, this invention also provides an orofacial muscle function training device 100. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that, in addition to setting the first expandable portion 20 at corresponding positions (A, B, C, D) on the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 corresponding to the deepest point of the patient's vestibular sulcus, a second expandable portion 60 is also provided along the outer contour of the corresponding barrier screen 10 between the first expandable portions 20 at the corresponding positions. With this design, after the first expandable portions 20 and the second expandable portions 60 around the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 expand due to saliva, the expanded first expandable portions 20' and the expanded second expandable portions 60' evenly abut against the depth of the patient's vestibular sulcus, which is more conducive to the stability of the orofacial muscle function training device after wearing. In this embodiment, the first expandable part 20 and the second expandable part 60 are arranged adjacent to each other and cover the outer contour of the barrier screen 10. In the figure, the dotted line is used as the dividing line, but it does not mean that the first expandable part 20 and the second expandable part 60 are necessarily separate. They can also be integrally formed and installed on the outer contour of the barrier screen 10.

[0058] Furthermore, to improve patient comfort, this application provides a clearance groove 70 at the center of the second expandable portion 60, corresponding to the position of the frenulum of the mouth, to avoid the frenulum. In this embodiment, the clearance groove 70 is made of the same water-absorbing and expanding material as the second expandable portion 60, and its outline shape is consistent with the outline of the clearance groove on the barrier screen 10. It is understood that in some embodiments, at the current position of the clearance groove 70, the second expandable portion 60 can also be designed to avoid this position, that is, the frenulum can be avoided by not designing or installing an expandable material at the position corresponding to the patient's frenulum.

[0059] Furthermore, the width dimension D3 of the second expandable portion 60 expanding in the direction away from the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 is consistent with the width dimension D2 of the first expandable portion 20 expanding in the direction away from the outer contour of the barrier screen 10, both being 0.5mm to 2.5mm. On the one hand, as described in Embodiment 1, designing the width dimension D3 of the second expandable part 60 expanding along the direction away from the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 to be between 0.5mm and 2.5mm is also to take into account that in two different specifications of oral and facial muscle function training devices, adaptive and personalized fine-tuning can be performed for different patients. The inventors have verified that this range can cover the fine-tuning needs of most patients in clinical practice and has wide applicability. On the other hand, when the width dimension of the second expandable part 60 and the first expandable part 20 expanding along the direction away from the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 is consistent, the overall outer contour of the oral and facial muscle function training device 100 is consistent after expansion. When worn in the patient's mouth, the patient's vestibular sulcus is evenly supported, the patient's comfort is improved, and the patient's wearing compliance is improved, which is ultimately conducive to the realization of the training effect of the lip muscles or buccal muscles.

[0060] Furthermore, the thickness of the second expandable portion 60 when expanded along the labial or buccal direction can also be consistent with the thickness range of the first expandable portion 20 when expanded along the labial or buccal direction, both being 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm. Similarly, this thickness can be less than or equal to the thickness of the barrier screen 10 in the labial or buccal direction. This thickness range design avoids the second expandable portion 60' from becoming too thick after expansion, which could compress the patient's teeth and lip or buccal muscles, i.e., apply unexpected forces to the teeth and lip or buccal muscles, which is detrimental to the achievement of training effects for the lip or buccal muscles.

[0061] Of course, this application does not limit the following: the thickness of the second expandable portion 60 expanding along the lip or cheek direction must be the same as the thickness of the first expandable portion 20 expanding along the lip or cheek direction; or, the width of the second expandable portion 60 expanding away from the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 must also be the same as the width of the first expandable portion 20 expanding away from the outer contour of the barrier screen 10. It is understood that the thickness of the second expandable portion 60 expanding along the lip or cheek direction may also be different from the thickness of the first expandable portion 20 expanding along the lip or cheek direction; the width of the second expandable portion 60 expanding away from the outer contour of the barrier screen 10 may also be different from the width of the first expandable portion 20 expanding away from the outer contour of the barrier screen 10.

[0062] It should be noted that the above embodiments can be freely combined as needed to form different new implementation schemes without causing contradictions. All implementation schemes formed by such combinations are within the protection scope of this application. In order to save space in the application text, they will not be described in detail here.

[0063] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the inventive principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

[0064] Similarly, the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A facial muscle function training device, which can be worn between a patient's teeth and lip muscles or buccal muscles to prevent contact between the lip muscles or buccal muscles and the teeth, characterized in that, It includes a generally C-shaped barrier screen and a first expandable part, the first expandable part being disposed at least at a corresponding position on the outer contour of the barrier screen corresponding to the deepest part of the patient's vestibular sulcus, wherein, after wearing the orofacial muscle function training device, the first expandable part expands in volume due to saliva and abuts against the bottom of the vestibular sulcus.

2. The orofacial muscle function training device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer contour shape of the first expandable part is consistent with the outer contour shape of the connection of the barrier screen.

3. The orofacial muscle function training device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first expandable part is made of a water-absorbing and expandable material, which is one of PC, PETG and silicone rubber.

4. The orofacial muscle function training device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first expandable portion is an expandable layer with a predetermined width coated on the outer contour of the barrier screen.

5. The orofacial muscle function training device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first expandable part includes a mounting surface and an expansion surface disposed opposite to the mounting surface. The first expandable part is directly or indirectly fixed to the outer contour of the connection with the barrier screen through the mounting surface. After the first expandable part is wetted with saliva, the volume of the first expandable part expands so that the expansion surface abuts against the bottom of the vestibular sulcus.

6. The orofacial muscle function training device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first expandable part is directly bonded to the outer contour of the connection point with the barrier screen via the mounting surface.

7. The orofacial muscle function training device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first expandable part is directly fixed to the outer contour of the connection with the barrier screen through the mounting surface. The outer contour of the barrier screen includes a positioning part. The side of the first expandable part near the barrier screen includes a matching part that cooperates with the positioning part for positioning. The first expandable part is installed on the predetermined position of the barrier screen by adhesive or snap-fit ​​through the cooperation of the positioning part and the matching part. The positioning part is a groove or protrusion formed inward or outward on the outer contour of the barrier screen.

8. The orofacial muscle function training device according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the first expandable part is indirectly fixed to the outer contour of the connection with the barrier screen through the mounting surface, it also includes a connector. The connector is glued or snapped to the outer contour of the barrier screen on the side near the barrier screen. The connector has a first connecting part on the side facing the first expandable part. The first expandable part has a second connecting part that matches the first connecting part. The first expandable part is installed on the predetermined position of the barrier screen by glue or snapping through the cooperation of the first connecting part and the second connecting part. The first connecting part is a groove or protrusion formed inward or outward on the side of the connector facing the first expandable part.

9. The orofacial muscle function training device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connector is provided with a third connecting part on the side facing the barrier screen, and a fourth connecting part matching the third connecting part is provided at a corresponding position on the outer contour of the barrier screen. The connector is installed on the outer contour of the barrier screen by adhesive or snap-fit ​​through the cooperation of the third connecting part and the fourth connecting part. The third connecting part is a groove or protrusion formed inward or outward on the side of the connector facing the barrier screen.

10. The orofacial muscle function training device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The groove includes an opening structure and a receiving cavity communicating with the opening structure. The protrusion is inserted into the receiving cavity along the insertion direction through the opening structure and is received in the receiving cavity. The protrusion abuts against the bottom wall of the receiving cavity along a side wall opposite to the insertion direction.

11. The orofacial muscle function training device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The groove further includes a first limiting part, and the protrusion includes a second limiting part that cooperates with the first limiting part. After installation, the first limiting part and the second limiting part cooperate to restrict the movement of the protrusion in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.

12. The orofacial muscle function training device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second expandable part is provided along the outer contour of the corresponding barrier screen between the first expandable part located at the corresponding position at the deepest point of the patient's vestibular sulcus.

13. The orofacial muscle function training device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second expandable part has a relief groove at the position corresponding to the frenulum of the oral cavity in the middle, for avoiding the frenulum.

14. The orofacial muscle function training device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The width of the first expandable portion expanding in a direction away from the outer contour of the barrier screen ranges from 0.5mm to 2.5mm, and / or the thickness of the first expandable portion expanding in a lip-tongue or cheek-tongue direction ranges from 1.0mm to 2.5mm.

15. The orofacial muscle function training device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The width of the first expandable portion and the second expandable portion expanding in the direction away from the outer contour of the barrier screen is in the range of 0.5mm-2.5mm, and / or the thickness of the first expandable portion and the second expandable portion expanding in the lip-tongue direction or cheek-tongue direction is in the range of 1.0mm-2.5mm.

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