Dental instrument

Abstract

This utility model discloses a dental instrument, including a shell-shaped body and a palatal arch. The two ends of the palatal arch are respectively connected to the gingival margins on the lingual side of the posterior tooth region on both sides of the shell-shaped body. The palatal arch extends from one gingival margin to the corresponding gingival margin on the other side, and is arched in the direction of the palate. When worn, the palatal arch applies force to the connected tooth cavity through elastic deformation to apply a horizontal corrective force to the teeth contained in the tooth cavity, thereby adjusting the width of the maxillary arch. The palatal arch also has one or more reinforcing ridges for enhancing the corrective force of the palatal arch. The reinforcing ridges protrude in the direction towards or away from the palate. The extension direction of the reinforcing ridge is consistent with the extension direction of the palatal arch, and the curvature of the reinforcing ridge is consistent with the curvature of the palatal arch. Each reinforcing ridge includes at least two discontinuous sub-reinforcing ridges. When there are multiple reinforcing ridges, the discontinuation positions of at least two adjacent reinforcing ridges are staggered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, more specifically to the field of dental instruments, and particularly to a dental instrument. Background Technology

[0002] Arch expansion and arch reduction are common orthodontic methods for correcting misaligned dental arches. Taking arch expansion as an example, common methods include fixed expanders, four-eye spring expanders, knight's bow expanders, implant-assisted expanders, and surgical expanders. However, all of these methods are used in fixed orthodontic treatments, which not only cause greater damage to the patient's oral cavity but also result in a poorer experience and comfort for the patient.

[0003] With the continuous development of invisible orthodontic technology, invisible aligners with arch expansion functions have been designed. Their structure allows for the creation of an arch structure between the posterior teeth, addressing various issues inherent in fixed orthodontic appliances. Existing invisible aligners with arch expansion functions, such as maxillary arch expanders, typically consist of a shell-like body and a connected palatal arch. The shell-like body has cavities to accommodate the maxillary teeth, while the palatal arch applies corrective forces to the teeth through elastic deformation. While existing invisible aligners with arch expansion functions improve comfort, their expansion effect is limited, particularly lacking effective means for precise adjustment of the maxillary arch width. Furthermore, they are prone to palatal arch breakage or uneven force distribution due to stress concentration, and cannot flexibly adjust the corrective intensity according to the unique characteristics of different patients or different dental regions. Since the principle of arch contraction is similar, they exhibit similar problems to those described in the arch expansion scenario.

[0004] To improve these problems, a more rationally structured dental instrument with more precise orthodontic results is needed. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem solved by this utility model is to overcome the defects of the existing technology and provide a dental instrument including a shell-shaped body and a palatal arch. The palatal arch is provided with one or more reinforcing ridges to enhance the orthodontic force of the palatal arch. Moreover, the reinforcing ridge is composed of multiple sub-reinforcing ridges that are broken apart. The orthodontic intensity can be flexibly adjusted according to the different characteristics of different patients or different tooth regions to meet different needs. This dental instrument is not only simple and reasonable in structure, but also can achieve precise adjustment of the palatal arch.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A dental instrument includes a shell-shaped body and a palatal arch connected to the shell-shaped body. The shell-shaped body has a plurality of tooth cavities for accommodating maxillary teeth. The two ends of the palatal arch are respectively connected to the gingival margins on the lingual side of the posterior tooth region on both sides of the shell-shaped body. The palatal arch extends from one gingival margin to the corresponding gingival margin on the other side, and is arched in the direction of the palate. When worn, the palatal arch applies force to the connected tooth cavities through elastic deformation to apply a horizontal corrective force to the teeth accommodated in the tooth cavities, thereby adjusting the width of the maxillary arch. The palatal arch also has one or more reinforcing ridges for enhancing the corrective force of the palatal arch. The reinforcing ridges protrude in a direction towards or away from the palate. The extension direction of the reinforcing ridges is consistent with the extension direction of the palatal arch, and the curvature of the reinforcing ridges is consistent with the curvature of the palatal arch. Each reinforcing ridge includes at least two discontinuous sub-reinforcing ridges. When there are multiple reinforcing ridges, the discontinuity positions of at least two adjacent reinforcing ridges are staggered. By strengthening the ridge, the corrective force of the palatal arch can be enhanced, making the correction more efficient. In addition, the sub-strengthening ridge with a separation setting can more flexibly adjust the distribution of corrective force, avoid local stress concentration, and improve the correction effect. At the same time, the staggered separation position can further enhance the overall stability of the strengthening ridge and ensure the continuous transmission of corrective force.

[0008] Preferably, the cross-sectional shapes of the sub-reinforcing ridges on both sides are different. Sub-reinforcing ridges with different shapes can better adapt to different orthodontic needs and improve the targeting and uniformity of the orthodontic force.

[0009] Preferably, at least one of the length, height, and width dimensions of the sub-reinforcing ridges on both sides is different. Sub-reinforcing ridges with different dimensions can be customized to meet the orthodontic needs of different patients or different dental regions, improving the precision and comfort of orthodontic forces.

[0010] Preferably, the length of the sub-reinforcing ridge is 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the length of the reinforcing ridge, or the height of the sub-reinforcing ridge is 1mm-3mm, or the width of the sub-reinforcing ridge is 1mm-4mm. This size design allows the sub-reinforcing ridge to provide sufficient corrective force during treatment without causing excessive pressure on the patient, thus improving wearing comfort.

[0011] Preferably, each of the reinforcing ridges includes at least one hollow sub-reinforcing ridge.

[0012] Preferably, at least a portion of the hollow structure of the sub-reinforcing ridge is filled with a filler that enhances the mechanical strength of the sub-reinforcing ridge. This design can further improve the mechanical strength of the sub-reinforcing ridge and ensure the stable transmission of orthodontic force; the filler can enhance the mechanical strength of the hollow sub-reinforcing ridge, making it more stable and reliable during orthodontic treatment. At the same time, the choice of filler can be adjusted according to specific needs to achieve a more personalized orthodontic plan.

[0013] Preferably, the filling materials in the hollow structures on both sides are different. This structural design allows for the selection of different filling materials according to different patients or different areas of the maxillary teeth and orthodontic needs, in order to achieve more precise orthodontic results.

[0014] Preferably, the reinforcing ridge and the palatal arch are integrally formed. This integral forming structure simplifies the manufacturing process and makes the connection between the reinforcing ridge and the palatal arch more robust and reliable, reducing errors and loosening problems during assembly and improving the overall performance and durability of the device.

[0015] Preferably, the distance between two adjacent sub-reinforcing ridges of the same reinforcing ridge along the extension direction of the reinforcing ridge is 1mm-10mm. Such spacing can be customized according to specific orthodontic needs, improving the flexibility and precision of the orthodontic treatment.

[0016] Preferably, the distance between two adjacent reinforcing ridges along the sagittal direction is 1mm-5mm. Attached Figure Description

[0017] 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.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dental instrument according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional shape of a reinforcing ridge in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional shape of another sub-reinforcing ridge in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional shape of another seed reinforcing ridge in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional shape of another seed reinforcing ridge in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the reinforcing ridge partially filled with filler material in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the reinforcing ridge in Embodiment 1 of this utility model, where all the filler material has been filled.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another dental instrument in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another dental instrument in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dental instrument in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another dental instrument in Embodiment 2 of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] As described in the background section, existing invisible aligners have limited arch-expanding effects, especially lacking effective means for precise adjustment of the width of the maxillary dental arch. Furthermore, they are prone to fracture due to stress concentration or uneven distribution of orthodontic force, and cannot flexibly adjust the orthodontic intensity according to the different characteristics of different patients or different dental regions. Therefore, this application provides a dental instrument worn on the maxillary dentition, including a shell-shaped body and a palatal arch connected to the shell-shaped body. The shell-shaped body has several dental cavities for accommodating maxillary teeth. The two ends of the palatal arch are respectively connected to the gingival margins on the lingual side of the posterior teeth on both sides of the shell-shaped body. The palatal arch extends from one gingival margin to the corresponding gingival margin on the other side, and is arched in the direction of the palate. When worn, the palatal arch applies force to the connected dental cavities through elastic deformation to exert force on the teeth accommodated in the dental cavities. A horizontal corrective force is applied to adjust the width of the maxillary arch. The maxillary arch also has one or more reinforcing ridges to enhance the corrective force. These reinforcing ridges protrude towards or away from the palate, their extension direction aligning with the extension direction of the maxillary arch, and their curvature matching that of the arch. Each reinforcing ridge includes at least two discontinuous sub-reinforcing ridges. When there are multiple reinforcing ridges, the discontinuity positions of at least two adjacent ridges are staggered. The reinforcing ridges enhance the corrective force of the maxillary arch, making correction more efficient. The discontinuous sub-reinforcing ridges allow for more flexible adjustment of the corrective force distribution, avoiding localized stress concentration and improving treatment effectiveness. Simultaneously, the staggered discontinuity positions further enhance the overall stability of the reinforcing ridges, ensuring the continuous transmission of corrective force.

[0033] The following will provide a detailed explanation with reference to the illustrations.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] Please refer to Figure 1As shown, the dental instrument 100 of this application, worn on the maxillary dentition, includes a shell-shaped body 10 and a palatal arch 20 connected to the shell-shaped body 10. The shell-shaped body 10 is provided with a plurality of tooth cavities 11 for accommodating maxillary teeth. The two ends of the palatal arch 20 are respectively connected to the gingival margins on the lingual side of the posterior tooth region on both sides of the shell-shaped body 10. Specifically, one end of the palatal arch 20 is connected to the gingival margin on the lingual side of the posterior tooth region on one side of the shell-shaped body 10, and the other end of the palatal arch 20 is connected to the gingival margin on the lingual side of the posterior tooth region on the other side of the shell-shaped body 10. The palatal arch 20 extends from one gingival margin towards the opposite side... The palatal arch 20 is extended along the X-direction at the gingival margin on the other side. In this embodiment, one end of the palatal arch 20 is connected to the lingual gingival margin of the cavity 11 accommodating the 5th and 6th teeth of the left posterior tooth region, and the other end of the palatal arch 20 is connected to the lingual gingival margin of the cavity 11 accommodating the 5th and 6th teeth of the right posterior tooth region. After setting, the palatal arch 20 is arched in the direction of the patient's palate. This arched palatal arch 20 can better adapt to the physiological morphology of the maxillary dental arch, so that the orthodontic force is applied more evenly to the teeth, reducing discomfort during the orthodontic process. In other embodiments, the connection position of the palatal arch 20 can be designed according to the required corrective force. For example, the palatal arch 20 can be connected to the lingual gingival margin of the dental cavity 11 of teeth 4 and 5 in the posterior tooth region on both sides, or the palatal arch 20 can be connected to the lingual gingival margin of the dental cavity 11 of teeth 4-6 in the posterior tooth region on both sides. When worn, the palatal arch 20 applies force to the connected dental cavity 11 through elastic deformation to apply a horizontal corrective force to the teeth contained in the dental cavity 11, thereby adjusting the width of the maxillary dental arch. The palatal arch 20 is further provided with one or more reinforcing ridges 30 to enhance the corrective force of the palatal arch 20. In this embodiment, three reinforcing ridges 30 are provided on the palatal arch 20. The protrusion direction of the reinforcing ridges 30 can be away from the palate. In other embodiments, the reinforcing ridges 30 can also be protruding towards the palate. The reinforcing ridges 30 extend buccally and lingually upward from one side of the palatal arch 20 to the corresponding side, for example, from the left side of the palatal arch 20 to the right side, and their extension direction is consistent with the extension direction X of the palatal arch 20. The curvature of the reinforcing ridges 30 is consistent with the curvature of the palatal arch 20. Each reinforcing ridge 30 includes at least two discontinuous sub-reinforcing ridges 31. When there are multiple reinforcing ridges 30, the discontinuity positions S of at least two adjacent reinforcing ridges 30 are staggered.By strengthening the ridge 30, the corrective force of the palatal arch 20 can be enhanced, making the correction more efficient. In addition, the sub-strengthening ridge 31 with the separation setting can adjust the distribution of corrective force more flexibly through the flexible setting of the separation position S, avoiding local stress concentration and improving the correction effect. At the same time, the staggered separation position S can further enhance the overall stability of the strengthening ridge 30 and ensure the continuous transmission of corrective force.

[0036] Further explanation: The palatal arch 20 and the shell-shaped body 10 can be integrally molded structures. Integral molding is simple to manufacture; for example, the dental instrument 100 of this application can be obtained through thermoforming or 3D printing. Moreover, integral molding improves the overall stability and durability of the structure. In another embodiment, the palatal arch 20 and the shell-shaped body 10 can also be separate structures, meaning the palatal arch 20 and the shell-shaped body 10 can be manufactured separately. This provides more flexible options for the combination of the dental instrument 100, improving its adaptability and practicality. For example, the palatal arch 20 and the shell-shaped body 10 can be processed from the same or different materials. After processing, more flexible connection methods can be selected according to clinical needs, such as bonding, welding, or radiation cross-linking for fixation. Alternatively, the design of the connecting parts can allow the palatal arch 20 and the shell-shaped body 10 to be connected in a detachable manner, such as snap-fit, threaded connection, tenon and mortise connection, etc.; this is flexible and diverse; if the palatal arch 20 is damaged or the shell-shaped body 10 has insufficient corrective force, only the damaged palatal arch 20 or the shell-shaped body 10 with insufficient corrective force needs to be replaced, without the need for overall replacement, which can save costs while providing flexibility.

[0037] For further explanation, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the cross-sectional shapes of the sub-reinforcing ridges 31 on both sides are different. The different shapes of the sub-reinforcing ridges 31 can better adapt to different orthodontic needs, improving the targeting and uniformity of the orthodontic force. Further, the longitudinal direction of the sub-reinforcing ridge 31 is the direction in which the sub-reinforcing ridge 31 is away from the surface of the maxillary arch 20, and the cross-sectional shape of the sub-reinforcing ridge 31 can be as follows... Figure 2 The rectangle shown can have a ridge protruding h in the direction of the palate, or it can have a ridge protruding h in the direction away from the palate. Of course, for the patient's comfort, in clinical practice, the positions where the outer contours of the rectangle meet can also be rounded. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the sub-reinforcing ridge 31 can also be as described above. Figure 3The partially circular shape shown reduces the foreign body sensation of the sub-reinforcing ridge 31, making it more comfortable. Furthermore, when the dental instrument 100 is manufactured using a hot-pressing process, this crown-shaped structure facilitates a smoother demolding process. Moreover, the cross-section of the sub-reinforcing ridge 31 can be partially elliptical, resulting in smoother edges and enhanced comfort. The cross-sectional shape of the sub-reinforcing ridge 31 can also be as follows... Figure 4 The triangle shown can be rounded at the apex (i.e., the vertex of the triangle facing or away from the palate) to prevent the ridge of the reinforcing ridge 31 from scratching the patient's oral tissues (such as the palate or tongue). In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing ridge 30 can also be wavy. The cross-section of the continuous sub-reinforcing ridges 31 has both portions protruding towards the palate and portions protruding away from the palate. The cross-sectional shape protruding towards or away from the palate is not limited to... Figure 5 The spherical crown shape shown can be Figures 2 to 4 Any one or more combinations shown. In clinical practice, the cross-sectional shapes of the reinforcing ridges 31 on both sides of the dental instrument 100 may be the same or different, depending on the requirements.

[0038] In some embodiments of this application, when the dental instrument 100 is worn, one or more of the sub-reinforcing ridges 31 protruding towards the palate do not contact the patient's palate, so as to avoid discomfort caused to the patient after contact.

[0039] To further clarify, at least one of the length, height, and width dimensions of the sub-reinforcing ridges 31 on both sides is different. The sub-reinforcing ridges 31 with different dimensions can be customized according to the orthodontic needs of different patients or different dental regions, improving the accuracy and comfort of the orthodontic force. Furthermore, in clinical practice, there exists a patient group whose left and right palatal shapes are not the same, and the required width adjustment of the left and right palatal arches 20 is not entirely the same, i.e., the required degree of arch expansion or contraction is different. In this application, by setting at least one of the length, height, and width dimensions of the sub-reinforcing ridges 31 on both sides differently, the force exerted by the sub-reinforcing ridges 31 on the left and right palatal arches 20 can be achieved. Furthermore, the length dimension of the sub-reinforcing ridges 31 on both sides can be set to 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the length of the reinforcing ridge 30, please refer to... Figure 8As shown, the length of the sub-reinforcing ridge 31 located on the left side of the posterior tooth region in the reinforcing ridge 30 is smaller than the length of the sub-reinforcing ridge 31 located on the right side of the posterior tooth region in the reinforcing ridge 30. For example, if the length of the reinforcing ridge 30 is 30 mm, and the length of one or more sub-reinforcing ridges 31 located on the left side of the posterior tooth region in the reinforcing ridge 30 is 1 / 3 of the length of the reinforcing ridge 30, then the length of the sub-reinforcing ridge 31 is 10 mm; if the length of one or more sub-reinforcing ridges 31 located on the right side of the posterior tooth region in the reinforcing ridge 30 is 1 / 2 of the length of the reinforcing ridge 30, then the length of the sub-reinforcing ridge 31 is 15 mm. If, under the same conditions, the lengths of the sub-reinforcing ridges 31 on the left and right sides of the reinforcing ridge 30 are set to different dimensions, they will produce different magnitudes of force on the left and right sides of the maxillary arch 20, and the force on the left side will be less than the force on the right side. When adjusting the width of the patient's maxillary arch, the adjustment force on the left side will be less than the adjustment force on the right side. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the height h of the sub-reinforcing ridge 31 ranges from 1mm to 3mm. For example, the height h of one or more sub-reinforcing ridges 31 located on the left side of the posterior tooth region of the reinforcing ridge 30 is 3mm; the height h of one or more sub-reinforcing ridges 31 located on the right side of the posterior tooth region of the reinforcing ridge 30 is 2mm. If, all other factors are equal, the heights of the sub-reinforcing ridges 31 on the left and right sides of the reinforcing ridge 30 are set to different dimensions, they will exert different forces on the left and right sides of the maxillary arch 20, with the force on the left side being greater than that on the right side. When adjusting the width of the patient's maxillary arch, the adjustment force on the left side will be greater than that on the right side. Alternatively, in yet another embodiment, please refer to... Figure 9 As shown, the width dimensions of the sub-reinforcing ridges 31 on the left and right sides are different. For example, the width dimension D of the sub-reinforcing ridge 31 ranges from 1mm to 4mm. The width dimension D of one or more sub-reinforcing ridges 31 located on the left side of the posterior tooth region is 3mm; the width dimension D of one or more sub-reinforcing ridges 31 located on the right side of the posterior tooth region is 4mm. If, under the same conditions, the width of the sub-reinforcing ridges 31 on the left and right sides of the reinforcing ridge 30 is set to different dimensions, different forces will be generated on the left and right sides of the maxillary arch 20, and the force on the left side is less than the force on the right side. When adjusting the width of the patient's maxillary arch, the adjustment force on the left side will be less than the adjustment force on the right side. It is also possible to meet different needs for adjusting the width of the patient's maxillary arch 20 by configuring sub-reinforcing ridges 31 of different sizes.

[0040] To further explain, each of the reinforcing ridges 30 includes at least one hollow sub-reinforcing ridge 31. In production, a dental instrument 100 containing the reinforcing ridges 30 is manufactured using 3D printing. Each reinforcing ridge 30 may include one hollow sub-reinforcing ridge 31, or it may contain multiple hollow sub-reinforcing ridges 31. If the dental instrument 100 containing the reinforcing ridges 30 is manufactured using a hot-pressing process, all the sub-reinforcing ridges 31 in the reinforcing ridge 30 are hollow. This hollow sub-reinforcing ridge design reduces the overall weight of the instrument.

[0041] Further, please see Figures 6 to 7 As shown, at least a portion of the hollow structure of the sub-reinforcing ridge 31 is filled with filler 32 to enhance the mechanical strength of the sub-reinforcing ridge 31. This design can further improve the mechanical strength of the sub-reinforcing ridge 31, ensuring stable transmission of orthodontic force; the filler 32 can enhance the mechanical strength of the hollow sub-reinforcing ridge 31, making it more stable and reliable during orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, the filling of this filler 32 can be selectively done by fully filling both the left and right sides respectively. Figure 7 (As shown) or not filled, or partially filled ( Figure 6 As shown in the figure, it can be adjusted according to specific needs in clinical practice to achieve a more personalized treatment plan.

[0042] Furthermore, the filling materials 32 in the hollow structures on both sides are different. Regarding the selection of the filling material 32, different materials can be chosen for the hollow structures on the left and right sides. For example, medical-grade silicone can be used as the filling material 32 in the hollow structure of the left sub-reinforcing ridge 31, while medical-grade stainless steel can be used as the filling material 32 in the hollow structure of the right sub-reinforcing ridge 31. This allows for the application of different forces to the left and right sides of the maxillary arch 20. This structural design allows for the selection of different filling materials 32 according to the width adjustment needs of different patients' left and right maxillary arches, achieving a more precise orthodontic effect. Of course, with the application of 3D printing technology in the field of orthodontics, it is also possible to directly print a completely solid sub-reinforcing ridge 31 using 3D printing technology.

[0043] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the reinforcing ridge 31 and the palatal arch 20 are integrally formed. This integrally formed structure simplifies the manufacturing process and makes the connection between the reinforcing ridge 31 and the palatal arch 20 more robust and reliable, reducing errors and loosening problems during assembly and improving the overall performance and durability of the device.

[0044] Furthermore, please refer again. Figures 1 to 5As shown, in this application, the distance L1 between two adjacent sub-reinforcing ridges 31 of the same reinforcing ridge 30 along the extension direction of the reinforcing ridge 30 is 1mm-10mm. That is, within the same reinforcing ridge 30, the break distance L1 between two adjacent sub-reinforcing ridges 31 is 1mm-10mm. This design ensures a uniform distribution of orthodontic force while avoiding local stress concentration. In the inventors' experimental verification, when the break distance L1 is greater than 10mm, the reinforcing ridge 30 is at risk of breakage at the break position S. Furthermore, the distance L2 between two adjacent reinforcing ridges 30 along the sagittal direction is 1mm-5mm. The distance L2 between the reinforcing ridges 30 along the sagittal direction may be the same or different. When the distance L2 between the reinforcing ridges 30 along the sagittal direction is the same, the force distribution of the reinforcing ridge 30 on adjusting the width of the patient's maxillary arch 20 is more uniform.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] To achieve the purpose of this utility model, this utility model also provides a dental instrument 100. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment one is that there is only one reinforcing ridge 30 on the palatal arch 20. The technical features of multiple reinforcing ridges 30 in embodiment one are not involved in this embodiment. Other technical features are the same as in embodiment one, and will not be repeated here.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 10 As shown, the one reinforcing ridge 30 includes two sub-reinforcing ridges 31, and the cut-off position S of the two sub-reinforcing ridges 31 is offset from the straight line of the patient's mid-palatal suture Z; see also Figure 11 As shown, the reinforcing ridge 30 includes three sub-reinforcing ridges 31, and the break points S of the sub-reinforcing ridges 31 are all offset from the line containing the mid-palatal suture Z of the patient. This offsetting of the break points S from the mid-palatal suture Z avoids breakage due to stress concentration at this location, thus preventing any impact on the expansion or contraction of the palate or any injury to the patient's oral cavity tissues.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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 invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

[0050] 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 dental instrument comprising a shell-like body and a palatal arch connected to the shell-like body, the shell-like body having a plurality of tooth cavities for accommodating maxillary teeth, characterized in that, The two ends of the palatal arch are respectively connected to the gingival margins on the lingual side of the posterior tooth region on both sides of the shell-shaped body. The palatal arch extends from one gingival margin to the corresponding gingival margin on the other side and is arched in the direction of the palate. When worn, the palatal arch applies force to the connected tooth cavity through elastic deformation to apply a horizontal corrective force to the teeth contained in the tooth cavity, so as to adjust the width of the maxillary arch. The palatal arch is further provided with one or more reinforcing ridges to enhance the corrective force of the palatal arch. The reinforcing ridges are convex in the direction toward or away from the palate. The extension direction of the reinforcing ridges is consistent with the extension direction of the palatal arch, and the curvature of the reinforcing ridges is consistent with the curvature of the palatal arch. Each of the reinforcing ridges includes at least two discontinuous sub-reinforcing ridges. When there are multiple reinforcing ridges, the discontinuation positions of at least two adjacent reinforcing ridges are staggered.

2. The dental instrument of claim 1, wherein, The cross-sectional shapes of the sub-reinforcing ridges on both sides are different.

3. The dental instrument of claim 1, wherein, At least one of the length, height, and width dimensions of the sub-reinforcing ridges on both sides is different.

4. The dental instrument of claim 3, wherein, The length of the sub-reinforcing ridge is 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the length of the reinforcing ridge, or the height of the sub-reinforcing ridge is 1mm-3mm, or the width of the sub-reinforcing ridge is 1mm-4mm.

5. The dental instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the reinforcing ridges includes at least one hollow sub-reinforcing ridge.

6. The dental instrument of claim 5, wherein, At least a portion of the hollow structure of the sub-reinforcing ridge is filled with a filler that enhances the mechanical strength of the sub-reinforcing ridge.

7. The dental instrument of claim 6, wherein, The filling materials in the hollow structures on both sides are different.

8. The dental instrument of claim 5, wherein, The sub-reinforcing ridge and the maxillary arch are integrally formed structures.

9. The dental instrument of claim 1, wherein, The distance between two adjacent sub-reinforcing ridges of the same reinforcing ridge along the extension direction of the reinforcing ridge is 1mm-10mm.

10. The dental instrument of claim 9, wherein The distance between two adjacent reinforcing ridges along the sagittal direction is 1mm-5mm.

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