A buckle connection device based on a bracket-free invisible aligner

Abstract

The utility model discloses a buckle connecting device based on bracketless invisible corrector. The device includes bracketless invisible corrector, connecting groove body and connecting head, and the front part of bracketless invisible corrector is provided with connecting groove body, and bracketless invisible corrector and connecting groove body are integrally made, and connecting head is connected with bracketless invisible corrector by cooperation with connecting groove body, and connecting groove body and connecting head are all provided with arc part that is in accord with the front side of bracketless invisible corrector, and the arc part between connecting groove body and connecting head is connected through ball head structure. The device can conveniently and stably install components to upper dentition or lower dentition, and can extend to outside of oral cavity through connecting head, and does not need glue and tooth abrasion, and is a non-invasive, convenient and painless connecting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of dentistry, specifically to a snap-fit ​​connection device based on a bracketless invisible aligner. Background Technology

[0002] During mandibular motion testing, indicators or mechanical structures are often installed on or connected to the mandible or maxilla. The indicators allow the electronic facebow to detect changes in the movement of our upper and lower jaws. For traditional mechanical facebows, a mechanical structure is also required to be connected to the mandible to drive the facebow's movement and obtain motion data.

[0003] However, the current methods for fixing components to the upper or lower jaw usually involve using dental glue or resin. These methods typically require acid etching of the teeth, which can damage the tooth structure, and are also quite cumbersome to perform. For example, resin also requires ultraviolet curing. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the problems in the prior art, this invention proposes a snap-fit ​​connection device based on a bracketless clear aligner. This invention, based on a bracketless clear aligner, can securely fasten any component that needs to be connected to the upper or lower jaw.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is:

[0006] This utility model includes a bracketless clear aligner, a connecting groove, and a connector. The connecting groove is provided at the front of the bracketless clear aligner. The connector is connected to the bracketless clear aligner by cooperating with the connecting groove. Both the connecting groove and the connector are provided with an arc-shaped part that matches the bracketless clear aligner, and the arc-shaped parts of the connecting groove and the connector are connected by a ball joint structure.

[0007] The connector includes a connector base plate, a spherical protrusion, and an external connector. The connector base plate is configured as an arc-shaped portion that fits into the bracketless invisible aligner. The upper surface of the arc-shaped portion of the connector base plate is provided with at least one spherical protrusion for fitting into the connector groove. The external connector is provided on the front side of the arc-shaped portion of the connector base plate and extends outward in an arc shape towards the outside of the oral cavity.

[0008] The spherical protrusion includes a base and a ball head. The lower end face of the base is fixedly connected to the connector base plate, and the ball head is disposed on the upper end of the base.

[0009] The base is a cone or a cylinder, and the ball head is a sphere or an ellipsoid, with the diameter of the ball head being larger than the diameter at the connection between the ball head and the base.

[0010] The connecting groove includes a connecting groove base plate, a spherical groove, and an external connection port. The main body of the connecting groove base plate is an arc-shaped portion that mates with the connecting head base plate. An opening is formed on the lower surface of the arc-shaped portion of the connecting groove base plate to create an internal cavity. At least one upwardly concave spherical groove is provided on the inner top surface of the cavity. A rectangular opening is provided on the front side of the cavity as an external connection port, which faces outward of the oral cavity and is used to mate with the external connector.

[0011] The upper surface of the arc-shaped portion of the connector substrate is provided with two sets of spherical protrusions symmetrically distributed from left to right. Each set of spherical protrusions includes two spherical protrusions arranged side by side at intervals. The inner top surface of the cavity of the arc-shaped portion of the connector substrate is provided with two sets of upwardly concave spherical grooves. Each set of spherical grooves includes two spherical grooves. The distribution of each spherical groove corresponds to the distribution position of each spherical protrusion.

[0012] The shape of the spherical groove is the same as the shape of the spherical protrusion, and the size of the spherical groove is larger than the size of the spherical protrusion.

[0013] The arc-shaped portion of the connector base plate is fitted into the cavity of the arc-shaped portion of the connector groove base plate, the spherical protrusion of the connector head is fitted into the spherical groove of the connector groove body, and the outer connector of the connector head extends out of the mouth through the outer connector of the connector groove body, thereby fitting the connector head and the connector groove body together, and thus connecting the connector head to the bracketless invisible aligner.

[0014] Both the bracketless invisible brace and the connecting groove are mainly composed of diaphragms softened by a positive pressure lamination machine.

[0015] The bracketless invisible braces are made of transparent TPU material, and the connectors are made of resin, metal, nylon, or plastic.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] 1. This device can replace glue or resin to firmly connect any dental examination-related components, such as face bows, to the upper or lower jaw. It can also be extended outside the oral cavity through the connector. It is easy to operate and causes zero damage to the teeth.

[0018] 2. This device is comfortable to wear, will not cause any damage to the oral cavity, and will not affect the normal movement of the jaw joint when worn. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure on the upper rear side of the connector.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure on the upper front side of the connector.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the connector.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a side view diagram of the connector.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a top view of the connector.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a top-front view of a bracketless invisible brace with connecting slots.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of a bracketless invisible brace with connecting slots.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a top-down view of the device.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the device.

[0028] In the figure: 1. Connector base plate, 2. Spherical protrusion, 3. External connector, 4. Connector groove base plate, 5. Spherical groove, 6. External connector port, 2-1. Base, 2-2. Spherical head. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0030] The structural schematic diagram of this utility model is shown below. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, this utility model includes a bracketless clear aligner, a connecting groove, and a connector. The front of the bracketless clear aligner is provided with the connecting groove. The bracketless clear aligner and the connecting groove are integrally manufactured. The connector is connected to the bracketless clear aligner by fastening it to the connecting groove. Both the connecting groove and the connector are provided with an arc-shaped part that matches the front side of the bracketless clear aligner, and the arc-shaped parts of the connecting groove and the connector are connected by a ball joint structure.

[0031] The connector includes a connector base plate 1, a spherical protrusion 2, and an external connector 3. The connector base plate 1 is configured as an arc-shaped portion that matches the front side of the bracketless invisible aligner. The upper surface of the arc-shaped portion of the connector base plate 1 is provided with at least one spherical protrusion 2 for fitting into the connecting groove. An external connector 3 is provided on the front side of the arc-shaped portion of the connector base plate 1. The external connector 3 extends outward in an arc shape towards the outside of the oral cavity and is used to connect the base plate 1 and any component that needs to be fixed outside the mouth.

[0032] The spherical protrusion 2 includes a base 2-1 and a ball head 2-2. The lower end face of the base 2-1 is fixedly connected to the connector base plate 1, and the ball head 2-2 is disposed on the upper end of the base 2-1.

[0033] The base 2-1 is a cone or cylinder, and the ball head 2-2 is a sphere or ellipsoid. The diameter of the ball head 2-2 is slightly larger than the diameter at the connection between the ball head 2-2 and the base 2-1.

[0034] The connecting groove includes a connecting groove base plate 4, a spherical groove 5, and an external connection port 6. The main body of the connecting groove base plate 4 is an arc-shaped part that can be fastened to the arc-shaped part of the connecting head base plate 1. The arc-shaped part of the connecting groove base plate 4 is used to fix the connecting head base plate 1 inserted into the connecting groove, thereby enhancing the stability of the snap-fit ​​connection. An opening is opened on the lower surface of the arc-shaped part of the connecting groove base plate 4 to form a cavity inside. The inner top surface of the cavity is provided with at least one upwardly concave spherical groove 5. A rectangular opening is opened on the front side of the cavity as an external connection port 6. The external connection port 6 faces the outside of the oral cavity and is used to cooperate with the external connector 3.

[0035] The upper surface of the arc-shaped portion of the connector base plate 1 is provided with two sets of spherical protrusions 2 symmetrically distributed from left to right. Each set of spherical protrusions 2 includes two spherical protrusions 2 of different sizes arranged side by side. The inner top surface of the cavity of the arc-shaped portion of the connector base plate 4 is provided with two sets of upwardly concave spherical grooves 5. Each set of spherical grooves 5 includes two spherical grooves of different sizes. The distribution of each spherical groove 5 corresponds to the distribution position of each spherical protrusion 2, and they can be fitted together to form a spherical buckle.

[0036] The spherical groove 5 has the same shape as the spherical protrusion 2, and the size of the spherical groove 5 is slightly larger than the size of the spherical protrusion 2, so that the spherical protrusion 2 can be inserted into the spherical groove 5.

[0037] In practice, the arc-shaped portion of the connector base plate 1 is fitted into the cavity of the arc-shaped portion of the connector groove base plate 4, the spherical protrusion 2 of the connector is fitted into the spherical groove 5 of the connector body, and the outer connector 3 of the connector extends out of the oral cavity through the outer connector 6 of the connector body, so that the connector and the connector body are fitted into each other, thereby connecting the connector to the bracketless invisible aligner.

[0038] The bracketless clear aligner and its connecting slot are mainly composed of a membrane softened by a positive pressure molding machine. After being heated and softened, the membrane is adsorbed onto the dental model with the connecting slot. After cooling, it is demolded and then cut and polished.

[0039] The bracketless invisible braces are made of transparent TPU material, and the connectors are made of 3D printed resin, metal, nylon or plastic.

[0040] More specifically, the structural schematic diagram of the spherical protrusion 2 is as follows: Figure 3As shown, the two outermost spherical protrusions 2 consist of a conical base and an ellipsoidal head. The major diameter of the ellipsoidal head is stretched to 3.5mm, and the major diameter at the junction of the ellipsoidal head and the conical base is 3.2mm, to appropriately enhance the fastening strength. The two innermost protrusions also consist of a conical base and a spherical head. The diameter of the spherical head is 2.7mm, and the diameter at the junction with the conical base is approximately 2.6mm, slightly reducing the fastening strength for easier installation. All four spherical protrusions 2 provide simultaneous positioning, eliminating accidental errors caused by a single fastener. The size of the spherical protrusions 2 can be adjusted according to actual fastening requirements, the strength of the bracketless invisible brace material, and the manufacturing process of the connector.

[0041] The fabrication process of this device is as follows: First, a dental model needs to be made. Connecting grooves are then fabricated on the dental model. The connecting grooves are positioned below and in front of the four incisors and two canines in the anterior mouth. The connecting groove base plate 4 is curved to conform to the curvature of the anterior teeth. The connecting groove base plate 4 starts from the gingiva and extends outwards for approximately 6-12 mm. The extension length should not be too long, otherwise the device will excessively press against the lips, causing discomfort. The extension should also not be too short, otherwise there will be no space to place the ball-shaped grooves 5. Two ball-shaped grooves 5 are arranged on each side of the connecting groove base plate 4, for a total of four, serving both as a locking and positioning mechanism. The ball-shaped grooves 5 should be placed as far outwards as possible on the connecting groove base plate 4, as the inner side is prone to conflict with the teeth.

[0042] In practice, the spherical groove 5 generally has the same shape parameters as the spherical protrusion 2, or the major axis of the (ellipsoidal) sphere is increased by 0.1-0.2 mm.

[0043] In manufacturing clear aligners with connecting slots, a transparent TPU film is heated using a positive pressure molding machine. This softens the film, causing it to adhere tightly to the dental model and the connecting slot master plate. After the film cools and is demolded, it is cut and polished to obtain the clear aligner with connecting slots. Clear aligners with connecting slots are shown below. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the external connector is approximately 5mm * 14mm, and its size can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0044] The structural diagram of the connector is as follows: Figures 1-5 As shown, the connector can be manufactured using processes such as 3D printing and injection molding as needed. It can be adjusted during production according to different manufacturing processes. For example, the length, width and thickness of the connector substrate 1 can be reduced by 0.1mm to ensure a better match with the connector groove.

[0045] During installation, first, the connector is fastened to the bracketless invisible aligner with the connecting groove. The connector is inserted into the connecting groove from bottom to top, and the spherical protrusion 2 and the spherical groove 5 are fitted together to form a stable fit. Then, the user can wear it. The installation process does not require the use of glue or resin and does not affect normal mandibular movement.

[0046] The snap-fit ​​design of the connector and connecting slot in this device allows for easy disassembly and replacement, avoiding the difficulties of bonding and damage to teeth associated with traditional methods. The connector can be sterilized and reused, and the bracketless clear aligner with connecting slot can be customized to suit different users, allowing for quick replacement or adjustment of relevant components in the oral cavity as needed.

[0047] The above description of the embodiments is intended to detail the technical concept and key features of this utility model, and is aimed at helping those skilled in the art to understand the content of the utility model and implement it accordingly, but is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any equivalent substitutions, changes or modifications made based on the core spirit and technical essence of this utility model should be considered as being covered within the scope of protection of this utility model, so as to ensure the applicability and innovativeness of its technical solution in various situations.

Claims

1. A snap-fit ​​connection device based on a bracketless invisible aligner, characterized in that: The device includes a bracketless clear aligner, a connecting groove, and a connector. The connecting groove is located at the front of the bracketless clear aligner. The connector is connected to the bracketless clear aligner by engaging with the connecting groove. Both the connecting groove and the connector have arc-shaped portions that conform to the bracketless clear aligner, and the arc-shaped portions of the connecting groove and the connector are connected by a ball joint structure.

2. The buckle connection device based on the bracket-free invisible aligner according to claim 1, wherein: The connector includes a connector base plate (1), a spherical protrusion (2), and an external connector (3). The connector base plate (1) is configured as an arc-shaped portion that fits into the bracketless invisible aligner. The upper surface of the arc-shaped portion of the connector base plate (1) is provided with at least one spherical protrusion (2) for fitting into the connector groove. The external connector (3) is provided on the front side of the arc-shaped portion of the connector base plate (1). The external connector (3) extends outward in an arc shape towards the outside of the oral cavity.

3. The buckle connection device based on a bracket-free invisible aligner according to claim 2, characterized in that: The spherical protrusion (2) includes a base (2-1) and a ball head (2-2). The lower end face of the base (2-1) is fixedly connected to the connector base plate (1), and the ball head (2-2) is disposed on the upper end of the base (2-1).

4. The snap-fit ​​connection device based on a bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The base (2-1) is a cone or a cylinder, and the ball head (2-2) is a sphere or an ellipsoid. The diameter of the ball head (2-2) is larger than the diameter at the connection between the ball head (2-2) and the base (2-1).

5. A snap-fit ​​connection device based on a bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting groove includes a connecting groove base plate (4), a spherical groove (5), and an external connection port (6). The main body of the connecting groove base plate (4) is an arc-shaped part that cooperates with the connecting head base plate (1). An opening is opened on the lower surface of the arc-shaped part of the connecting groove base plate (4) to form a cavity inside. At least one upwardly concave spherical groove (5) is provided on the inner top surface of the cavity. A rectangular opening is provided on the front side of the cavity as an external connection port (6). The external connection port (6) faces the outside of the oral cavity and is used to cooperate with the external connector (3).

6. The snap-fit ​​connection device based on a bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper surface of the arc-shaped portion of the connector substrate (1) is provided with two sets of spherical protrusions (2) symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides. Each set of spherical protrusions (2) includes two spherical protrusions (2) arranged side by side at intervals. The inner top surface of the cavity of the arc-shaped portion of the connector substrate (4) is provided with two sets of upwardly concave spherical grooves (5). Each set of spherical grooves (5) includes two spherical grooves (5). The distribution of each spherical groove (5) corresponds to the distribution position of each spherical protrusion (2).

7. A snap-fit ​​connection device based on a bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 6, characterized in that: The shape of the spherical groove (5) is the same as that of the spherical protrusion (2), and the size of the spherical groove (5) is larger than that of the spherical protrusion (2).

8. A snap-fit ​​connection device based on a bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 6, characterized in that: The arc-shaped portion of the connector base plate (1) is fitted into the cavity of the arc-shaped portion of the connector groove base plate (4). The spherical protrusion (2) of the connector is fitted into the spherical groove (5) of the connector body. The outer connector (3) of the connector extends out to the outside of the oral cavity through the outer connector (6) of the connector body, thereby fitting the connector and the connector body together and connecting the connector to the bracketless invisible aligner.

9. A snap-fit ​​connection device based on a bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the bracketless invisible brace and the connecting groove are mainly composed of diaphragms softened by a positive pressure lamination machine.

10. A snap-fit ​​connection device based on a bracketless invisible aligner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracketless invisible braces are made of transparent TPU material, and the connectors are made of resin, metal, nylon, or plastic.

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