Foil tensioning element

Abstract

Foil tensioning element, especially for performing dental procedures in the oral cavity of a patient, with a vestibular ring (14) and a lip ring (12), between which and if necessarya film (16) extends beyond which is held stretched by the rings, wherein the film (16) and the rings are elastically deformable by applying forces between a top surface of the film tensioning element and its underside, wherein the vestibular ring (14) can be compressed into a substantially oval shape by compression on the top surface and on the underside opposite it, characterized in that the vestibular ring (14) has a recess at at least one circumferential point, in particular on the top surface and / or the underside, the width of which is greater than the width of a frenulum and less than the radius of the vestibular ring (14), that the vestibular ring (14) is exclusively or almost exclusively elastically deformable in the dry state and also plastically deformable in the presence of moisture, and that the vestibular ring (14) is made of a material that swells when exposed to moisture.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a film tensioning element, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] This type of film tensioning device has been used successfully for almost ten years to allow free access to the patient's mouth during dental procedures. It consists of a vestibular ring and a lip ring, between which a film is stretched. In this device, the film is mounted so that it can slide between the two rings and is elastic. To prevent allergic reactions, it is latex-free.

[0003] Publication WO 03051185 A1 concerns a device for covering the lips and corners of the mouth and for retracting the lips, cheeks and corners of the mouth from the teeth in the mouth of a patient, comprising a first tension frame for external application to the mouth opening, a second, elastic tension frame for insertion into the vestibule of the patient's mouth and a covering material connecting the tension frames.

[0004] Publication US 2009 035718 A1 concerns bite block structures that keep the patient's mouth open so that the working area for the dental procedure is exposed.

[0005] The publication DE 29702483 U1 concerns mouth inserts that are used and worn to protect against the consequences of teeth grinding and clenching, or against violence during the practice of martial arts, or to eliminate snoring, or other types of splints in the mouth.

[0006] The flipping of the foil is intended to ensure that it stays in place automatically.

[0007] However, if operated incorrectly, it may slip over the slightly smaller vestibular ring, thus rendering the foil tensioning element ineffective.

[0008] Therefore, the invention is based on the objective of creating an improved and easy-to-handle film tensioning element according to the preamble of claim 1, which is also more compatible with the mouth.

[0009] This problem is solved by an object according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments result from the dependent claims.

[0010] It is particularly advantageous if the film on the vestibular ring does not have a perfectly uniform shape, but rather a setback at certain, narrower points. For example, the area of ​​the frenulum can be left out, and the areas of the vestibular ring surrounding the frenulum can be padded. This padding can then also serve to fix the film in place, preventing it from accidentally stretching over the vestibular ring and collapsing.

[0011] Nevertheless, the tension of the film over the – usually larger – lip ring surprisingly allows for easy three-dimensional adaptability and deformability, and the retention function is reliably ensured. The padding lateral to the frenuli can be designed as a thickening of the film that is pulled over the vestibular ring, offering a more comfortable feel compared to the vestibular ring itself. The patient's mouth is gently pressed open in the vestibule without the patient experiencing a forced gagging sensation.

[0012] The lips, which lie against the top and bottom of the film, are subjected to a controlled tension, and due to the soft padding in the vestibule, this tension is surprisingly perceived as only mildly unpleasant by the patient. In contrast, the tension of the film in the area of ​​the cheeks and corners of the mouth is significantly less, for example by an order of magnitude.

[0013] By combining these measures, the wearing comfort is significantly improved compared to previously known solutions, despite the use of an essentially equally elastic vestibular ring, and in addition, the risk of the film slipping off the vestibular ring is eliminated.

[0014] Due to the additional elasticity in the padding area, the stress on the elastic vestibular ring is also lower in terms of kink protection; the compliance of the padding is therefore greater than the compliance of the actual vestibular ring.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the actual vestibular ring can be radially bent inwards in the region of the frenuli, i.e., at opposing points. In a modified embodiment, however, it is sufficient to form projections laterally to the retraction areas, which can be elastically and / or plastically deformable.

[0016] Various types of padding are possible. For example, heat- or moisture-malleable padding can utilize the physiological conditions in the oral cavity, namely moisture and / or heat, to activate the desired deformability only upon application. It is also possible to equip the padding with a membrane that allows fluid to pass through in one direction but blocks it in the opposite direction. This ensures fluid absorption, which simultaneously provides padding for the vestibular ring, for example, by arranging absorbent elements within the membrane. These then cushion the somewhat harder vestibular ring itself.

[0017] It is also possible to design the padding areas as hollow bodies and / or to extend them only at the pressure-relevant points. For example, such padding bodies can extend outwards at a distance of approximately 1 cm from the central center – which corresponds to the frenulum areas – for example, over a distance of 1 cm to 3 cm, preferably over a distance of approximately 2 cm.

[0018] The lateral areas of the vestibular ring are then free of cushioning bodies and are therefore still somewhat more elastic than the cushioning areas.

[0019] The hollow bodies can then be filled with liquid such as water, air, or an absorbent material such as a sponge, and can either be manually adjusted by the operator to a desired internal pressure or be pre-pressurized to a predetermined pressure. When filled with liquid, a waterbed effect can also be achieved by only partially filling the hollow body. In this case, optimal and cooling adaptation to the contact surface in the vestibule is achieved.

[0020] Furthermore, if the actual vestibular ring is designed with a non-circular shape, the desired restoring forces can be set by precisely defining the stiffness at different radial points of the vestibular ring, and it is also possible to achieve plastic partial deformability in addition to elastic deformability.

[0021] In a modified design, the vestibular ring can also be pre-shaped with an oval flattening.

[0022] Further advantages, details and features will become apparent from the following description of several exemplary embodiments based on the drawings.

[0023] They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a film tensioning element; Fig. 2 another embodiment of a foil tensioning element, also in perspective view; Fig. 3 a third embodiment of a foil tensioning element in perspective view; Fig. 4 a representation of a detail of a foil tensioning element according to a further embodiment; Fig. 5 a perspective view of another embodiment of a film tensioning element; Fig. 6 another embodiment of a film tensioning element, but in schematic side view. Fig. 7 a side view of another embodiment of a film tensioning element; and Fig. 8 a top view of another embodiment of a film tensioning element; Fig. 9 a sectional view of a detail of another embodiment of a film tensioning element; and Fig. 10 a top view of another embodiment of a foil tensioning element.

[0024] The film tensioning element 10 according to Fig. 1 has a lip ring 12 and a vestibular ring 14. Between these is a film 16, which in the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 1 is attached to both the vestibular ring 14 and the lip ring 12.

[0025] In a modified embodiment, the foil 16 is firmly mounted on the vestibular ring 14, but is folded over the lip ring 12 in a manner known per se, so that three-dimensional displacement and deformability exists in this respect.

[0026] Out of Fig. 1. It is evident that the shape of the lip ring 12 and the shape of the vestibular ring 14 deviates significantly from the circular shape and is oval / triangular in comparison. In both cases, it is a closed ring shape.

[0027] In this design, the foil 16 is essentially flexible. Without tensile force between the vestibular ring 14 and the lip ring 12, it would therefore collapse.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, a type of soft support corset can be provided, which is incorporated into the film 16 and keeps the rings 12 and 14 at a distance or holds the film 16 in the desired shape. This support corset is dimensioned to be so soft that when pressure is applied to the film with the lips, it deforms easily and without significant resistance in a lip-friendly manner, thereby moving the vestibular ring 14 and the lip ring 12 slightly towards each other by deforming the film 16, or already holding the film in the desired shape.

[0029] The vestibular ring 14 has a special design. It features two recesses 18 and 20. These are located opposite each other and are intended to be inserted into the vestibule at the points where the frenuli extend. There, the vestibular ring 14 is bent towards an axis 22 of the film tensioning element 10, thus preventing the hard part of the vestibular ring 14 from coming into contact with the frenuli. The recess dimension is therefore at least several millimeters, for example, 5 mm.

[0030] To further enhance the effect of the recoil and improve wearing comfort, projections 26, 28, 30, and 32 are provided laterally to the recoils 18 and 20. These projections 26 to 30 serve as cushions for the vestibular ring 14. They are made of a softer material than the actual vestibular ring 14 and surround it at least radially outward and axially parallel to the axis 22. This is due to Fig. 1 is evident.

[0031] The projections 26 to 32 serve as cushions and also protrude considerably beyond the actual vestibular ring, for example by 3mm.

[0032] They extend a few centimeters laterally to the rebound area 18 and 20, but leave the lateral areas 34 and 36 free so that these can rebound unhindered.

[0033] The spring resistance of the vestibular ring 14 is therefore lowest in the lateral regions 34 and 36 and higher in the region of the pads 26 to 32 as well as in the region of the retrusions 18 and 20 than in the lateral region.

[0034] The elliptical or slightly triangular shape of the vestibular ring 14 in its relaxed state allows for soft and elastic deformation when the vestibular ring 14 is inserted into the vestibule. The pads 26 to 32 significantly increase wearing comfort, and even when the patient manipulates the area with their tongue due to the insertion of a foreign body into their mouth, the foil 16 does not separate from the vestibular ring 14.

[0035] The lip ring 12 is provided with orientation projections 40 and 42. These are intended to correspond to the patient's upper jaw and may, for example, be marked with identification or manufacturer's marks. They extend transversely to the axis 22 from the lip ring 12 outwards and are provided in embodiments in which the foil 16 is not folded over the lip ring 12 and movable relative to it, but is attached to it.

[0036] Another embodiment of the film tensioning element 10 is made of Fig. Figure 2 shows an integrated vestibular ring 14 made of a uniform material, into which the desired profile is incorporated. The material used there is soft and completely surrounds the hard component of the vestibular ring 14. This overall pad 50 prevents contact between the hard materials of the vestibular ring 14 and the patient's vestibule, but still allows for the creation of recesses 18 and 20 and projections 26 to 32. The pad material of the pad 50 can be attached to the vestibular ring 14 or the film 16 in any suitable manner by injection molding.

[0037] In the embodiment according to Fig. Hollow bodies 52 are provided as cushions 26 to 32. In this embodiment, the hollow bodies 52 are inflatable, for example via a small hand pump with a duckbill valve. This further increases the wearing comfort of the vestibular ring 14.

[0038] Out of Fig. Figure 4 shows how a hollow body 52 can also be formed on the vestibular ring 14. The vestibular ring 14 is surrounded on three sides by the cushioning material 50. This in turn encloses a cavity 52.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 52 is filled with absorbent material, for example a sponge. When fluid is introduced, which can also occur automatically in the patient's mouth, the absorbent material 54 swells and thus increases the cushioning effect towards the vestibular ring 14.

[0040] In the embodiment according to Fig. 5 The vestibular ring 14 is covered with absorbent material at the four points 26 to 32, which are spaced laterally from and adjacent to the recesses 18 and 20. Upon contact with fluid, this material automatically increases its volume and also adapts softly and resiliently to its surroundings, i.e., the vestibule.

[0041] In the embodiment according to Fig. 6. It is planned to mold a hold-down device 60 onto the vestibular ring 14. This makes it possible to fix the patient's tongue during the procedure and keep it away from the working area.

[0042] The same reference symbols here, as in the other figures, indicate identical or corresponding parts, so that an additional explanation is unnecessary.

[0043] In the embodiment according to Fig. 7. Play elements 74 and 76 are attached to the vestibular ring 14. These stimulate the tongue to engage with them, thus playfully keeping the tongue away from the treatment area.

[0044] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, it is also possible to implement an asymmetrical design of the vestibular ring 14 in this configuration. For example, if certain areas of the mouth or lips require a smaller opening, patient relaxation can be achieved by having the vestibular ring 14 extend further back in a radial direction in these areas. The patient then perceives prolonged mouth opening as less unpleasant, which further contributes to compliance and patient tolerance of the film tensioning element 10.

[0045] For this purpose, the vestibular ring has indentations 80 and 82, in which it is slightly radially bent inwards in the area of ​​the pads, i.e., spaced apart from the lateral area 36.

[0046] Out of Fig. Figure 9 shows that the vestibular ring 14 can also have a non-circular cross-section, for example, a band-shaped one. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis of extension 86 of the vestibular band extends obliquely outwards, and the cross-section of the vestibular ring 14 is essentially rectangular with rounded corners. It can also be trapezoidal, but it is always important that the cushion 50 surrounds the ring-hard component 14 radially outwards (arrow 90) with a large volume.

[0047] According to a further embodiment, the length of the vestibular ring 14 is adjustable. This makes it possible to accommodate numerous different patient sizes, including children, with the same film tensioning element 10. The adjustability can be implemented in any suitable manner, wherein in Fig. 10. For example, a knurled screw is provided.

[0048] Alternatively, the vestibular ring 16 can have an overlap area in its ring shape, and the ends of the vestibular ring can be slidably but fixedly mounted relative to each other.

[0049] It is also possible to equip the vestibular ring with a grid at one end and a locking tongue at the other, facing each other, to adjust the length in any suitable, yet fixable manner. If necessary, the fixation can be achieved solely by friction instead of a positive locking mechanism.

Claims

[1] Foil tensioning element, in particular for performing dental procedures in the oral cavity of a patient, comprising a vestibular ring (14) and a lip ring (12), between which and optionally beyond which a foil (16) extends, which is held stretched by the rings, wherein the foil (16) and the rings are elastically deformable by applying forces between a top surface of the foil tensioning element and its bottom surface, wherein the vestibular ring (14) can be compressed into a substantially oval shape by compression at the top surface and at the bottom surface opposite it, characterized by, that the vestibular ring (14) has a recess at at least one circumferential point, in particular the upper and / or the lower side, the width of which is greater than the width of a frenulum and less than the radius of the vestibular ring (14), that the vestibular ring (14) is exclusively or almost exclusively elastically deformable in the dry state and also plastically deformable in the moist state, and that the vestibular ring (14) is made of a material that swells when moist. [2] Foil tensioning element according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least one recess is formed, in particular two recesses opposite each other on the circumference (18 and 20), which have a width of 0.5cm to 3cm, in particular about 1cm. [3] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the vestibular ring (14) has a particularly padded projection (26, 28, 30, 32) in its area following the retrusion and that the forces producing the oval shape act essentially between the opposing retrusions (18,20) and projections (26, 28; 30,32) and press them towards each other. [4] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vestibular ring (14) has a material that is particularly also plastically deformable, which is elastic at room temperature and at least also plastically deformable at 37°C. [5] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vestibular ring (14) has a covering with a membrane that is permeable to moisture and that moisture-absorbing bodies are arranged within the membrane in the area of ​​the vestibular ring (14). [6] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vestibular ring (14) has at least one light- and / or heat-polymerizable material. [7] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vestibular ring (14) is reversibly deformable, in particular also partially elastically rebounds in the case of plastic deformation. [8] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vestibular ring (14) has at least one hollow body (52) which can be filled with air, in particular via a valve and a hand pump. [9] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vestibular ring (14) can be filled with liquid such as water and has a flexible hollow body (52) in the manner of a waterbed. [10] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the vestibular ring (14) has a padding which is made of an absorbent material that swells when it absorbs fluid. [11] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vestibular ring (14) has padding with a foam or other compliant material. [12] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vestibular ring (14) has a padding which is covered with a membrane which allows fluid to pass from the outside to the inside and blocks it from the inside to the outside. [13] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a tongue depressor is molded onto the vestibular ring (14), which extends from the vestibular ring (14) away from the foil tensioning element (10). [14] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that play elements for the patient's tongue are attached radially inwards on the foil (16) or on the vestibular ring (14) or the lip ring (12), which are intended for the sensory attraction of the tongue. [15] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the rings, in particular the oval-shaped vestibular ring (14), have asymmetrical features to increase or decrease the radially outward acting tension force, including at least one flattening or arc at at least one predetermined location. [16] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vestibular ring (14) has a non-circular cross-section and in particular has a substantially rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section with rounded corners that is inclined relative to the ring axis and is in particular padded at least radially outwards. [17] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a thickening of the foil (16) is formed as padding of the vestibular ring (14). [18] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the foil (16) is held immovably relative to the vestibular ring (14) and surrounds it in particular at least half, preferably about three quarters or completely. [19] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vestibular ring (14) is band-shaped and that the longitudinal axis of the band extends at an angle of 45° or less to the axis (22) of the vestibular ring (14) and that, in particular, the band is surrounded by padding made of a material softer than the vestibular ring (14) itself. [20] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the vestibular ring (14) and in particular also the lip ring (12) has an adjustment device by which its length, and thus the size of the passage opening it spans, can be changed. [21] Film tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a pretensioning corset or lip support corset for the foil (16) extends at least partially between the vestibular ring (14) and the lip ring (12), that the shape of the foil (16) approximates the target shape in the inserted state.

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