Tongue-block combined functional appliance

Abstract

This utility model discloses a tongue-and-guard combined functional orthodontic appliance, including a vestibular shield and a tongue guard. The vestibular shield has labial grooves on both its upper and lower sides. A pull ring is fixedly connected to the front of the vestibular shield. The tongue guard has a lockable height adjustment mechanism on both sides. The lockable height adjustment mechanism includes a convex shaft, a worm gear, and a worm wheel. The vestibular shield has a cylindrical groove and an annular groove inside. The worm wheel is installed in the annular groove, and a connector is fixedly installed in the cylindrical groove. A connecting rod is installed in the connector, with its bottom end fixedly connected to the worm gear. One end of the convex shaft is fixedly connected to the worm wheel, and an adjustment component is fixedly connected to the upper end of the connecting rod. The worm gear drives the worm wheel to rotate, causing the worm wheel to drive the convex shaft to rotate up and down, thereby adjusting the height of the vestibular shield. This utility model has the function of adjusting the height of the tongue guard according to the height of the user's alveolar ridge, which can effectively improve the user's bad habits such as tongue thrusting and tongue biting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of orthodontic technology, and in particular relates to a tongue-stop combined functional orthodontic appliance. Background Technology

[0002] There are many types of orthodontic appliances used in orthodontic treatment, and they can usually be used alone or in combination. Tongue braces / tongue fences are suitable for cases with bad tongue habits, used to correct bad habits such as tongue thrusting during swallowing, tongue licking teeth, and thumb sucking, and to correct the position of the patient's tongue in the natural or swallowing state, which requires the use of tongue guards.

[0003] However, most existing tongue guards have a fixed height, which cannot adapt to the differences in jawbone development among patients of different ages (alveolar ridge height of 8-10mm in children and 12-15mm in adolescents). This results in inflammation caused by the tongue guard compressing the gums in young patients, while the guard is suspended in adolescent patients, leading to treatment failure. Orthodontics requires phased adjustment of intervention intensity (light contact → resistance training → retention period), and a statically heighted tongue guard cannot achieve progressive treatment. To solve the above problems, a tongue guard combined with a functional appliance is proposed. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tongue-blocking combined functional orthodontic device to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: This utility model is a tongue-and-bar combined functional orthodontic device, including a vestibular shield and a tongue bar. The vestibular shield has lip grooves on both its upper and lower sides. A pull ring is fixedly connected to the front side of the vestibular shield. The tongue bar has a lockable height adjustment mechanism rotatably mounted on both sides. The lockable height adjustment mechanism includes a convex shaft, a worm gear, and a worm wheel. The vestibular shield has a cylindrical groove and an annular groove inside. The worm wheel is installed in the annular groove. A connector is fixedly installed in the cylindrical groove. A connecting rod is provided in the connector. The bottom end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the worm gear. One end of the convex shaft is fixedly connected to the worm wheel. An adjusting component is fixedly connected to the upper end of the connecting rod. The worm gear drives the worm wheel to rotate, causing the worm wheel to drive the convex shaft to rotate up and down, thereby adjusting the height of the vestibular shield.

[0006] Preferably, an angle sensor is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the vestibular shield, an adjuster can be inserted into the adjusting member, a handle is fixedly connected to the upper end of the adjuster, a magnifying glass is fixedly connected to the circumferential side of the handle, and a pointer is fixedly connected to the circumferential side of the adjusting member. The adjusting member is inserted into the angle sensor, and the handle is rotated to make the adjusting member rotate. During the rotation, the pointer rotates, and the doctor can observe the rotation angle of the adjusting member through the magnifying glass to accurately adjust the height of the vestibular shield.

[0007] Preferably, the tongue stop has a counterweight groove and a buckle groove on its bottom side. A magnetic piece is fixedly connected to the top surface of the inner wall of the counterweight groove. A counterweight box is inserted into the counterweight groove. A magnetic strip is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the counterweight box. Several counterweight blocks are provided in the counterweight box. A handle is fixedly connected to one surface of the counterweight box. The counterweight box and counterweight blocks ensure that the tongue stop is always in a vertical state during the height adjustment process.

[0008] Preferably, the convex shaft is rotatably connected to the vestibular shield, and the tongue stop is rotatably connected to the convex shaft.

[0009] Preferably, the worm gear meshes with the worm wheel, and the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the connecting member.

[0010] Preferably, the handle slides into the buckle groove, and the counterweight box slides into the counterweight groove.

[0011] Preferably, the magnetic sheet and the magnetic strip are magnetically attracted to each other.

[0012] This utility model has the following beneficial effects: This invention features a function to adjust the height of the tongue guard according to the user's alveolar ridge height, effectively improving bad habits such as tongue thrusting and biting. Specifically, it is achieved by setting up a tongue guard, a cam shaft, a worm gear, and a worm wheel. When the user performs actions such as tongue thrusting and biting, the tongue guard can prevent the tongue from protruding forward, thereby improving the user's bad habits. When the worm gear rotates, it meshes with the worm wheel, causing the worm wheel to drive the cam shaft to rotate. The cam shaft further drives the tongue guard to tilt, rotate, and rise or fall, thereby adjusting the height of the tongue guard to adapt to different users' alveolar ridge heights, making it highly adaptable. The tongue block of this invention can remain vertical during rotation, avoiding the impact of rotating with the convex shaft on the obstruction of the tongue. Furthermore, the weight of the counterweight can be adjusted to accommodate individual differences in tongue pressure among different patients. Specifically, it is achieved by setting up a counterweight box, counterweights, magnetic strips, and magnetic plates. Different numbers of counterweights can be placed in the counterweight box to adjust the weight of the counterweights. The magnetic strips and magnetic plates fix the counterweight box in place, making the counterweight box easy to disassemble and securely installed, preventing it from falling off. This invention enables precise adjustment of the height of the tongue stop. Specifically, it involves setting up an angle sensor, an adjusting component, and an adjuster. The adjuster and the adjusting component work together. The adjuster is a special tool for adjusting the height of the tongue stop. The adjuster is inserted into the adjusting component so that the position of the magnifying glass matches the position of the pointer. By rotating the handle, the degree indicated by the pointer is observed through the magnifying glass, thereby completing the precise adjustment of the height of the tongue stop.

[0013] Of course, any product implementing this utility model does not necessarily need to achieve all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of 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.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the vestibular shield of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the tongue stop adjustment mechanism of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the tongue guard of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustment tool of this utility model; Figure 7 for Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0016] The components represented by each number in the attached diagram are listed below: 1. Vestibular shield; 2. Tongue stop; 3. Lip groove; 4. Protruding shaft; 5. Handle; 6. Adjuster; 7. Pull ring; 8. Worm gear; 9. Worm; 10. Connector; 11. Connecting rod; 12. Adjuster; 13. Angle gauge; 14. Handle; 15. Locking groove; 16. Counterweight box; 17. Counterweight block; 18. Magnetic strip; 19. Magnetic plate; 20. Magnifying glass; 21. Pointer. Detailed Implementation

[0017] 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 skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0018] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "middle", "outer", "inner", etc., which indicate orientation or positional relationship, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the components or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0019] Please see Figures 1-7 As shown, this utility model is a tongue-and-bar combined functional orthodontic appliance, including a vestibular shield 1 and a tongue bar 2. The vestibular shield 1 has a labial groove 3 on both the upper and lower sides. A pull ring 7 is fixedly connected to the front side of the vestibular shield 1. The tongue bar 2 has a lockable height adjustment mechanism on both sides. The vestibular shield 1 is a shield-shaped orthodontic appliance made of resin. It is both an appliance for correcting bad habits and a basic functional orthodontic appliance. The vestibular shield 1 only contacts the back of the maxillary incisors, so that the pressure originally borne by the labial and buccal sides of the teeth is concentrated on the maxillary anterior teeth, causing them to move towards the lingual side, relieving the pressure on the posterior teeth, and playing a certain role in inhibiting and guiding the development of the maxilla. The pull ring 7 not only makes it convenient to put on and take off the vestibular shield 1, but also trains the habit of lip pursing (when the lip muscles are not strong enough, the anterior teeth are not restrained by force, which will form buck teeth). It can change the oral environment, close the inherent oral cavity from the outside world, and prevent bad habits such as mouth breathing, lip biting, and thumb sucking. The lockable height adjustment mechanism includes a cam shaft 4, a worm 9 and a worm wheel 8. The cam shaft 4 is rotatably connected to the vestibular shield 1, and the tongue stop 2 is rotatably connected to the cam shaft 4. The rotation of the cam shaft 4 changes the tilt angle of the tongue stop 2, and the gravity torque of the counterweight 17 keeps the tongue stop 2 in a vertical state. The vestibular shield 1 has a cylindrical groove and an annular groove inside. The worm gear 8 is installed in the annular groove, and a connector 10 is fixedly installed in the cylindrical groove. The connector 10 has a connecting rod 11 inside, and the connecting rod 11 is rotatably connected to the connector 10. The connector 10 supports the connecting rod 11 so that it can rotate stably. The bottom end of the connecting rod 11 is fixedly connected to the worm 9, and one end of the convex shaft 4 is fixedly connected to the worm gear 8. An adjusting member 12 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the connecting rod 11. The worm gear 8 meshes with the worm 9. The worm 9 drives the worm gear 8 to rotate, which in turn drives the convex shaft 4 to rotate up and down, thereby adjusting the height of the vestibular shield 1. Furthermore, there is a locking function between the worm 9 and the worm gear 8, which can fix the height of the convex shaft 4 after it rotates.

[0020] An angle gauge 13 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the vestibular shield 1. The angle gauge 13 is used to observe the rotation angle of the adjusting member 12 and to precisely adjust the height of the tongue guard 2. An adjuster 6 can be inserted into the adjusting member 12. An irregularly shaped hole is opened on the upper part of the adjusting member 12. The shape and size of the adjuster 6 match the irregularly shaped hole. The adjuster 6 is a dental-specific adjusting tool. When the adjuster 6 is inserted into the adjusting member 12, it can drive the adjusting member 12 to rotate, which in turn drives the worm gear 9 to rotate through the connecting rod 11. A handle 5 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the adjuster 6. A magnifying glass 20 is fixedly connected to the periphery of the handle 5. The position of the magnifying glass 20 corresponds to the position of the pointer 21. When the adjusting component 12 is rotated, the magnifying glass 20 magnifies the angle pointed to by the pointer 21, making the doctor's observation clearer. The pointer 21 is fixedly connected to the peripheral side of the adjusting component 12. The adjusting component 12 is inserted into the angler 13. Rotating the handle 5 causes the adjusting component 12 to rotate. During the rotation, the pointer 21 rotates. Through the magnifying glass 20, the doctor can observe the rotation angle of the adjusting component 12 and accurately adjust the height of the vestibular shield 1 (worm gear lead angle 4°, worm wheel module 0.3, tongue shield height changes by 1mm for every 30° rotation).

[0021] The tongue stop 2 has a counterweight groove and a buckle groove 15 on its bottom side. A magnetic piece 19 is fixedly connected to the top surface of the inner wall of the counterweight groove. A counterweight box 16 is inserted into the counterweight groove. The top of the counterweight box 16 is open. A magnetic strip 18 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the counterweight box 16. The magnetic piece 19 and the magnetic strip 18 magnetically attract each other. The magnetic attraction between the magnetic piece 19 and the magnetic strip 18 makes the counterweight box 16 more stable and prevents it from falling off. The counterweight box 16 has adjustable counterweight blocks 17. The number of counterweight blocks 17 can be adjusted to suit patients of different ages. A handle 14 is fixedly connected to one surface of the counterweight box 16. The handle 14 makes it easy for the user to pull down the counterweight box 16 and disassemble it. The counterweight box 16 and the counterweight blocks 17 ensure that the tongue stop 2 is always in a vertical position during height adjustment.

[0022] Working principle: Before use, the dentist adjusts the height according to the user's alveolar ridge. Holding handle 5, the dentist inserts adjuster 6 into adjuster 12, aligning the position of magnifying glass 20 with the position of pointer 21. Turning handle 5 causes the worm gear 9 to rotate via connecting rod 11. The meshing between worm gear 9 and worm wheel 8 causes worm wheel 8 to rotate, which in turn drives cam shaft 4 to rotate. Cam shaft 4 further drives tongue stop 2 to rotate, thus adjusting the height of tongue stop 2. Under the action of counterweight 17, tongue stop 2 rotates relative to cam shaft 4, ensuring that tongue stop 2 remains vertical, thereby adjusting the user's height. The tongue block 2 is blocked to prevent the user from sticking out or biting their tongue. At the same time, the adjusting component 12 drives the pointer 21 to rotate. The angle of rotation of the pointer 21 is observed through the magnifying glass 20, so as to accurately adjust the height of the tongue block 2. The handle 14 is pulled down, and the handle 14 drives the matching 16 to be pulled out from the counterweight slot. The number of counterweight blocks 17 is adjusted according to the user's age, so as to adjust the weight of the tongue block 2 and adapt to the individual differences in tongue pressure of different patients. After the counterweight adjustment is completed, the counterweight box 16 is inserted into the counterweight slot. The magnetic attraction between the magnetic strip 18 and the magnetic piece can fix the counterweight box 16 and prevent it from falling off.

[0023] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0024] The preferred embodiments of this utility model disclosed above are merely illustrative of the present utility model. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the utility model to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of this utility model, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize it. This utility model is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A lingual guard combined function appliance, comprising a vestibular shield (1) and a lingual guard (2), both upper and lower sides of the vestibular shield (1) are provided with a lip strap groove (3), and the front side of the vestibular shield (1) is fixedly connected with a pull ring (7), characterized in that: The tongue stop (2) is provided with a lockable height adjustment mechanism on both sides; The lockable height adjustment mechanism includes a cam shaft (4), a worm gear (9), and a worm wheel (8). The vestibular shield (1) has a cylindrical groove and an annular groove inside. The worm wheel (8) is installed in the annular groove. A connector (10) is fixedly installed in the cylindrical groove. A connecting rod (11) is provided in the connector (10). The bottom end of the connecting rod (11) is fixedly connected to the worm gear (9). One end of the cam shaft (4) is fixedly connected to the worm wheel (8). An adjusting component (12) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the connecting rod (11). The worm gear (9) drives the worm wheel (8) to rotate, so that the worm wheel (8) drives the cam shaft (4) to rotate up and down, thereby realizing the height adjustment of the vestibular shield (1).

2. The tongue-blocking combined functional orthodontic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, An angler (13) is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the vestibular shield (1). An adjuster (6) can be inserted into the adjusting member (12). A handle (5) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the adjuster (6). A magnifying glass (20) is fixedly connected to the circumferential side of the handle (5). A pointer (21) is fixedly connected to the circumferential side of the adjusting member (12). The adjusting member (12) is inserted into the angler (13). The handle (5) is rotated, causing the adjusting member (12) to rotate. During the rotation, the pointer (21) rotates. The doctor can observe the rotation angle of the adjusting member (12) through the magnifying glass (20) and accurately adjust the height of the vestibular shield (1).

3. The tongue-blocking combined functional orthodontic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tongue stop (2) has a counterweight groove and a buckle groove (15) on its bottom side. A magnetic plate (19) is fixedly connected to the top surface of the inner wall of the counterweight groove. A counterweight box (16) is inserted into the counterweight groove. A magnetic strip (18) is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the counterweight box (16). The counterweight box (16) has several counterweight blocks (17) that can be added or removed. A handle (14) is fixedly connected to one surface of the counterweight box (16). The gravitational torque of the counterweight box (16) and the counterweight blocks (17) counteracts the tongue pressure torque, ensuring that the tongue stop (2) is always in a vertical state during the height adjustment process.

4. The tongue-blocking combined functional orthodontic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The convex shaft (4) is rotatably connected to the vestibular shield (1), and the tongue stop (2) is rotatably connected to the convex shaft (4).

5. The tongue-blocking combined functional orthodontic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The worm (9) meshes with the worm wheel (8), and the connecting rod (11) is rotatably connected to the connecting piece (10).

6. The tongue-blocking combined functional orthodontic appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that, The handle (14) is slidably engaged with the buckle groove (15), and the counterweight box (16) is slidably engaged with the counterweight groove.

7. The tongue-blocking combined functional orthodontic appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that, The magnetic sheet (19) and the magnetic strip (18) are magnetically attracted to each other.

Images