A durable test tool for mouthguard

Abstract

The utility model relates to dental instrument test technical field especially, it relates to a kind of anti-bruxism sleeve endurance test tooling. Including: occlusion controller, configuration is to exert set pressure and carry out set number of occlusion cycle, the occlusion cycle includes loading and unloading operation;Test sink, for containing artificial saliva and immerging to be measured anti-bruxism sleeve;Temperature controller, for the artificial saliva is heated and maintained at set temperature;Tooth model, for fixing the anti-bruxism sleeve, and place in the test sink;Wherein, the occlusion controller includes pressure applying device, for the anti-bruxism sleeve fixed on the tooth model is exerted vertical occlusal force, to simulate human occlusion action.By multiple components cooperation realizes accurate simulation oral environment, occlusion action to test the use effect of anti-bruxism sleeve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of dental instrument testing technology, and in particular to a tooling for testing the durability of anti-abrasion dental braces. Background Technology

[0002] Anti-bruxism braces, also known as night bruxism pads, occlusal pads, or dental braces, primarily function to protect teeth and oral structures, preventing damage caused by bruxism or other occlusal problems. The specific functions of anti-bruxism braces are as follows: 1. Protecting tooth structure: Bruxism can lead to excessive wear of the enamel surface. Anti-bruxism braces, acting as a buffer layer, can disperse occlusal forces, reducing friction and lowering the risk of tooth cracks and fractures. 2. Relieving muscle and joint stress: Excessive tension in the jaw muscles during bruxism can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder. Anti-bruxism braces can reduce joint pressure by adjusting the occlusal position. 3. Improving sleep quality: The noise and discomfort produced by bruxism can affect the sleep of patients and their partners. Wearing anti-bruxism braces can reduce friction noise and decrease nighttime awakenings. 4. Preventing gingival recession and reducing damage to restorations: Long-term bruxism can impact periodontal tissues, leading to gingival recession. If there are porcelain crowns, dental implants, etc., anti-bruxism braces can protect these restorations from excessive force damage. 5. Assisting in the treatment of related symptoms: Some anti-bruxism braces can help correct malocclusion or maintain tooth position after orthodontic treatment.

[0003] Studies have shown that bruxism patients grind their teeth approximately 100 times per night, while the normal adult's biting force is 22.4 kg. Based on a 3-month validity period for anti-bruxism braces, they would need to withstand at least 9300 bites. Therefore, to ensure the anti-bruxism braces function properly within their 3-month validity period, their usage frequency and bite resistance need to be evaluated and tested.

[0004] Existing testing methods for anti-abrasion braces cannot accurately simulate the real-world usage environment, leading to significant discrepancies between test results and actual clinical outcomes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a dedicated testing device that can accurately simulate the oral environment, occlusal movements, and long-term use. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a durability testing fixture for anti-abrasion braces, which uses multiple components to work together to accurately simulate the oral environment and biting motion in order to test the effectiveness of the anti-abrasion braces.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] According to one aspect of this utility model, a durability testing fixture for anti-abrasion dental braces is provided, characterized in that it comprises:

[0008] A bite controller configured to apply a set pressure and execute a set number of bite cycles, the bite cycle including loading and unloading operations;

[0009] The test water tank is used to hold artificial saliva and immerse the anti-abrasion brace to be tested;

[0010] A temperature controller is used to heat the artificial saliva and maintain it at a set temperature;

[0011] A dental model is used to fix the anti-abrasion dental sleeve and is placed in the test water tank;

[0012] The bite controller includes a pressure application device for applying a vertical biting force to the anti-abrasion brace fixed on the tooth model to simulate human biting action.

[0013] Optionally, the bite controller further includes a motor drive unit and a counter. The motor drive unit controls the pressure application device to perform reciprocating vertical motion, and the counter records the number of bites and is configured to automatically stop the test after a set number of bites is reached.

[0014] Optionally, the temperature controller includes a heating element and a temperature sensor. The heating element is integrated into the bottom or side wall of the test tank, and the temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the artificial saliva and provides feedback control to maintain the temperature at 37±2℃.

[0015] Optionally, the artificial saliva has a pH value that mimics the human oral cavity environment and contains at least one of sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, and calcium chloride.

[0016] Optionally, the tooth model is a malleable model with a surface shape that matches human teeth, and the molar sleeve is attached and fixed to the tooth model after being shaped by heating.

[0017] Optionally, the pressure application device is an adjustable pressure head with a pressure setting range of 20-25 kg, corresponding to a biting force of 196 N to 245 N.

[0018] Optionally, the test tank is made of a transparent, corrosion-resistant material and is used to monitor the condition of the dental prosthesis in real time.

[0019] Optionally, the loading / unloading frequency of the bite controller is adjustable, with the loading holding time set to 0.1-2 seconds and the unloading time set to 0.5-3 seconds to simulate different bite rhythms.

[0020] Optionally, the testing fixture also includes a temperature-controlled water bath unit for pre-treating the molar sleeve. The temperature-controlled water bath unit is independent of the testing water tank and is set to 80°C to heat the molar sleeve to a malleable state.

[0021] Optionally, the bottom of the tooth model is fixed inside the test water tank, and the pressure application device is vertically aligned with the tooth model, with the applied biting force direction perpendicular to the occlusal surface of the molar brace.

[0022] The advantages of this utility model are:

[0023] 1. By simulating human biting force, artificial saliva, and oral temperature, the testing environment is made closer to real-world use, and the test data is more consistent with real-world practical situations.

[0024] 2. The pressure range covers 196N-245N, which can meet the needs of human bite force testing for different age groups;

[0025] 3. The transparent water tank design enables real-time damage monitoring during testing. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the anti-abrasion dental brace durability testing fixture described in this utility model;

[0028] In the picture: 1. Occlusal controller; 2. Test water tank; 3. Heating element; 4. Tooth model; 5. Anti-abrasion brace. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0030] Example 1:

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, a durability testing fixture for anti-abrasion dental braces is characterized by comprising:

[0032] The bite controller 1 is configured to apply a set pressure and execute a set number of bite cycles, the bite cycle including loading and unloading operations;

[0033] Test water tank 2 is used to hold artificial saliva and immerse the anti-abrasion toothbrush 5 to be tested;

[0034] A temperature controller is used to heat the artificial saliva and maintain it at a set temperature;

[0035] A dental model 4 is used to fix the anti-abrasion dental sleeve 5 and is placed in the test water tank 2;

[0036] The bite controller 1 includes a pressure application device for applying a vertical biting force to the anti-abrasion brace 5 fixed on the tooth model 4 to simulate human biting action.

[0037] Specifically, the bite controller 1 drives the pressure application device to press down vertically; the test water tank 2

[0038] Artificial saliva is used to immerse the dental brace, simulating a moist oral environment; a temperature controller maintains the saliva at a constant temperature of 37±2℃; tooth model 4 fixes the dental brace and transmits the biting force, and a hydraulic cylinder is used as a pressure application device, which converts kinetic energy into a vertical pressure of 219.52N through the piston rod, and evenly distributes it to the biting surface of the dental brace through tooth model 4.

[0039] For the first time, it integrates three factors: mechanical load, saliva corrosion, and constant temperature control to simulate the oral biomechanical environment; the pressure application device ensures that the occlusal force is perpendicular to the occlusal surface; it covers the entire process from fixation and environmental simulation to cyclic testing, making it closer to real use.

[0040] Example 2:

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, a durability testing fixture for anti-abrasion dental braces is characterized by comprising:

[0042] The bite controller 1 is configured to apply a set pressure and execute a set number of bite cycles, the bite cycle including loading and unloading operations;

[0043] Test water tank 2 is used to hold artificial saliva and immerse the anti-abrasion toothbrush 5 to be tested;

[0044] A temperature controller is used to heat the artificial saliva and maintain it at a set temperature;

[0045] A dental model 4 is used to fix the anti-abrasion dental sleeve 5 and is placed in the test water tank 2;

[0046] The bite controller 1 includes a pressure application device for applying a vertical biting force to the anti-abrasion brace 5 fixed on the tooth model 4 to simulate human biting action.

[0047] Specifically, the bite controller 1 drives the pressure application device to press down vertically; the test water tank 2

[0048] Artificial saliva is used to immerse the dental brace, simulating a moist oral environment; a temperature controller maintains the saliva at a constant temperature of 37±2℃; tooth model 4 fixes the dental brace and transmits the biting force, and a hydraulic cylinder is used as a pressure application device, which converts kinetic energy into a vertical pressure of 219.52N through the piston rod, and evenly distributes it to the biting surface of the dental brace through tooth model 4.

[0049] For the first time, it integrates three factors: mechanical load, saliva corrosion, and constant temperature control to simulate the oral biomechanical environment; the pressure application device ensures that the occlusal force is perpendicular to the occlusal surface; it covers the entire process from fixation and environmental simulation to cyclic testing, making it closer to real use.

[0050] In this embodiment, the bite controller 1 further includes a motor drive unit and a counter. The motor drive unit controls the pressure application device to perform reciprocating vertical motion, and the counter records the number of bites and is configured to automatically stop the test after reaching a set number of bites. Automatic stopping after reaching the set number of bites avoids invalid test results due to human counting errors.

[0051] In this embodiment, the temperature controller includes a heating element 3 and a temperature sensor. The heating element 3 is integrated into the bottom or side wall of the test water tank 2. The temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the artificial saliva and provides feedback control to maintain the temperature at 37±2℃. The temperature sensor monitors the real-time temperature of the saliva; the data is transmitted to the controller, which compares the monitored temperature with a set value; if the monitored temperature is greater than the set value, the heating power is reduced; if the monitored temperature is less than the set value, the heating power is increased.

[0052] In this embodiment, the artificial saliva has a pH value that simulates the human oral cavity environment and contains at least one component selected from sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, and calcium chloride. The sodium bicarbonate / sodium chloride ratio simulates the electrolyte environment of saliva, and the pH value is strictly controlled within the human saliva pH range of 6.5-7.5, making the test more accurate compared to testing with pure water.

[0053] In this embodiment, the tooth model 4 is a malleable model with a surface shape matching that of human teeth, and the molar sleeve is attached and fixed to the tooth model 4 after being shaped by heating. This completely replicates the occlusal contact points of human teeth, avoiding pseudo-fractures caused by localized stress concentration.

[0054] In this embodiment, the pressure application device is an adjustable pressure head with a pressure setting range of 20-25 kg, corresponding to a bite force of 196 N to 245 N. This meets the bite force requirements of different age groups, including teenagers, adults, and the elderly.

[0055] In this embodiment, the test water tank 2 is made of a transparent and corrosion-resistant material and is used to monitor the status of the dental prosthesis in real time.

[0056] In this embodiment, the loading and unloading frequency of the occlusion controller 1 is adjustable. The loading holding time is set to 0.1-2 seconds, and the unloading time is set to 0.5-3 seconds to simulate different occlusion rhythms. Different people have different bruxism conditions, and the loading and unloading frequency is used to simulate people with different bruxism conditions. 0.1 seconds loading and 0.5 seconds unloading represent high-intensity bruxism; 2 seconds loading and 3 seconds unloading simulate long-term mild bruxism.

[0057] In this embodiment, a temperature-controlled water bath unit is also included for pre-treating the molar sleeve. The temperature-controlled water bath unit is independent of the test water tank 2 and the temperature is set to 80°C to heat the molar sleeve to a malleable state.

[0058] In this embodiment, the bottom of the tooth model 4 is fixed inside the test water tank 2, and the pressure applying device is vertically aligned with the tooth model 4, with the applied biting force direction perpendicular to the occlusal surface of the molar. The tooth model 4 is fixed inside the test water tank 2 by bolts.

[0059] The specific applications of the aforementioned anti-abrasion dental brace durability testing fixture are as follows:

[0060] Commercially available thermoplastic polyurethane anti-abrasion braces were shaped at 80°C according to the aforementioned procedure; fixed on a standard maxillary tooth model, and a shaping pressure of 22.4 kg was applied; artificial saliva with pH 7.0 was injected into the water bath; the occlusal program was set: 1 second loading, 2 seconds unloading, and repeated 9300 times; results: 0.2 mm microcracks appeared at the edge of the brace, and the wear depth of the occlusal surface was ≤5%.

[0061] Extreme case test: The occlusal parameters were adjusted to 245N, loaded for 0.1 seconds, and unloaded for 0.5 seconds; the pH of the artificial saliva was adjusted to 6.5; the brace broke after 5000 cycles, proving the limit of the anti-abrasion brace.

[0062] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A durability testing fixture for anti-abrasion dental braces, characterized in that, include: A bite controller configured to apply a set pressure and execute a set number of bite cycles, the bite cycle including loading and unloading operations; The test water tank is used to hold artificial saliva and immerse the anti-abrasion brace to be tested; A temperature controller is used to heat the artificial saliva and maintain it at a set temperature; A dental model is used to fix the anti-abrasion dental sleeve and is placed in the test water tank; The bite controller includes a pressure application device for applying a vertical biting force to the anti-abrasion brace fixed on the tooth model to simulate human biting action.

2. The anti-abrasion dental brace durability testing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bite controller also includes a motor drive unit and a counter. The motor drive unit controls the pressure application device to perform reciprocating vertical motion, and the counter records the number of bites and is configured to automatically stop the test after reaching a set number of bites.

3. The anti-abrasion dental brace durability testing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature controller includes a heating element and a temperature sensor. The heating element is integrated into the bottom or side wall of the test tank. The temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the artificial saliva and provides feedback control to maintain the temperature at 37±2℃.

4. The anti-abrasion dental brace durability testing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The artificial saliva has a pH value that simulates the human oral cavity environment and contains at least one of sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, and calcium chloride.

5. The anti-abrasion dental brace durability testing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tooth model is a malleable model with a surface shape that matches human teeth, and the anti-abrasion brace is attached and fixed to the tooth model after being shaped by heating.

6. The anti-abrasion dental brace durability testing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure application device is an adjustable pressure head with a pressure setting range of 20-25 kg, corresponding to a biting force of 196 N to 245 N.

7. The anti-abrasion dental brace durability testing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test tank is made of transparent, corrosion-resistant material and is used to monitor the condition of the dental prosthesis in real time.

8. The anti-abrasion dental brace durability testing fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that: The loading and unloading frequency of the bite controller is adjustable, with the loading holding time set to 0.1-2 seconds and the unloading time set to 0.5-3 seconds to simulate different bite rhythms.

9. The anti-abrasion dental brace durability testing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The testing fixture also includes a temperature-controlled water bath unit for pre-treating the anti-abrasion dental sleeve. The temperature-controlled water bath unit is independent of the testing water tank and is set to 80°C to heat the anti-abrasion dental sleeve to a malleable state.

10. The durability testing fixture for anti-abrasion dental braces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the tooth model is fixed in the test water tank, and the pressure application device is vertically aligned with the tooth model, with the applied biting force direction perpendicular to the occlusal surface of the molar brace.

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