Device for orthodontic treatment and use of an orthodontic appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for orthodontic treatment comprising an upper jaw part (10), a lower jaw part (20) and a rod (30), which has a first end (31) with a first retaining element (33) for detachable coupling with the upper jaw part (10) and a second end (32) with a second retaining element (34) for detachable coupling with the lower jaw part (20), wherein the first and / or second retaining element (33, 34) is formed by a magnet (35), wherein the upper jaw part (10) and / or the lower jaw part (20) has a receptacle (11, 21) for the magnet (35) which positively locks the magnet (35) transversely to a coupling direction.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a device for orthodontic treatment comprising an upper jaw part, a lower jaw part and a rod having a first end with a first holding element for releasably coupling to the upper jaw part and a second end with a second holding element for releasably coupling to the lower jaw part.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a device for orthodontic treatment with an upper jaw part, a lower jaw part and a rod which has a first end with a first holding element for releasably coupling to the upper jaw part and a second end with a second holding element for releasably coupling to the lower jaw part. State of the art

[0003] Such orthodontic appliances are also known in the art as Herbst appliances or Herbst hinges. A Herbst hinge is an orthodontic device used to correct a receding lower jaw (underbite). It is a fixed appliance consisting of metal tubes attached to the lower canines and upper molars. The tubes are telescoped apart when the mouth is opened.

[0004] The document DE 10 2019 1280 48 A1 discloses an orthodontic device for correcting a jaw position of a patient, comprising a telescope, which telescope comprises a telescopic tube with a telescopic insertion length and a telescopic sliding rod with a telescopic sliding length and which telescope can be attached with its free ends to an upper jaw and a lower jaw of the patient via connecting means, or an elastic element, which elastic element can be attached with its ends to an upper jaw and a lower jaw of the patient via a connecting means, wherein the connecting means comprises a tooth-enclosing element, wherein the tooth-enclosing element is elastically deformable and the tooth-enclosing element can be applied to the free tooth surface under an elastic deformation, wherein the tooth-enclosing element detachably encloses the free buccal, palatal and lingual tooth surface of at least one tooth.

[0005] A disadvantage of the current technology is that both attaching and removing a telescopic rod to or from the Herbst appliance is difficult. Such telescopic rods are usually screwed to the upper and lower jaws, making handling somewhat difficult for the user. For example, removing them independently for feeding or cleaning purposes is relatively laborious or even impossible. Description of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to create an orthodontic device belonging to the technical field mentioned at the outset, which largely overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. The invention comprises a device for orthodontic treatment with an upper jaw part, a lower jaw part and a rod which has a first end with a first holding element for releasable coupling to the upper jaw part and a second end with a second holding element for releasable coupling to the lower jaw part, wherein the first and / or second holding element has a magnet, wherein the upper jaw part and / or the lower jaw part has a receptacle for the first and / or second holding element, wherein the first and / or second holding element can be positively fixed transversely to a coupling direction by means of the magnet.

[0008] This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the holding element can be connected to both the upper and lower jaw parts particularly easily. The magnetic force secures the holding element directly to the upper and lower jaw parts. There is no need to use screws or other fastening devices, which greatly simplifies assembly. Another technical advantage is that the holding element can be removed from the upper and lower jaw parts particularly easily. No screws need to be removed. A wearer of the device for orthodontic treatment can remove the holding elements independently and without assistance, which makes cleaning or eating much easier, for example.

[0009] A maxillary component, as defined by this invention, is the part of an orthodontic appliance that is attached to the upper molars. The maxillary component can be made of metal or plastic, for example. In the case of a Herbst appliance, the maxillary component is attached to the molars. However, a maxillary component can also be positioned in the area of ​​the upper canines or the entire upper jaw.

[0010] A lower jaw component, as defined by this invention, is the part of an orthodontic appliance that is attached to the lower molars or the lower canines. The lower jaw component can be made of metal or plastic, for example. In the case of a Herbst appliance, the lower jaw component is attached to the lower canines. However, a lower jaw component can also be positioned in the area of ​​the lower canines or the entire lower jaw.

[0011] A holding element within the meaning of this invention is a means for attaching a rod—for example, a telescopic rod—to the upper or lower jaw. For example, the rod comprises an opening at its first or second end through which the holding element with a magnet can be passed. The magnet fixes the holding element to the lower or upper jaw, with the pin-shaped holding element additionally having a head with a larger diameter than the opening at the first or second end of the rod.

[0012] This ensures that the rod cannot be lost from the upper or lower jaw. The head is located at an end opposite the magnet of the pin-shaped retaining element.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and / or second holding element is cylindrical at least in section and the receptacle is cup-shaped or bowl-shaped. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the position of the holding element is clearly defined. Due to the cup-shaped or bowl-shaped receptacle, the holding element can only be moved in the axial direction of the receptacle. The magnetic force interacts directly with a permanent magnet arranged in the cup-shaped or bowl-shaped receptacle. An additional advantage arises from the fact that the holding element cannot be released by shear forces between the holding element and the receptacle. The magnetic force can only be overcome in the axial direction in order to pull the holding element out of the receptacle. This results in a reliable attachment of the holding element to the upper and lower jaw parts.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and / or second retaining element can be inserted into the receptacle with a loose fit. This provides the technical advantage, for example, that the retaining element can be arranged more easily on the upper jaw. The magnet has some play, which means that insertion into the receptacle requires less precision.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, a magnet is arranged at an end of the first and / or second holding element that can be inserted into the receptacle. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the magnetic force can act directly. Furthermore, the size of the magnet can be reduced. Particularly preferred is the combination with another magnet, which is arranged at the bottom of the receptacle. The magnet on the holding element side and the magnet on the receptacle side can interact directly with each other, thereby further improving the holding force.

[0016] To facilitate the placement of the retaining element, the receptacle is located on an outer side of the upper and / or lower jaw parts. This provides the technical advantage, for example, of further facilitating the placement and removal of the retaining element because accessibility from the outside is improved for both the upper and lower jaw parts.

[0017] According to a special embodiment, the rod is adjustable in length. This offers the technical advantage, for example, that the absolute length of the rod can be adapted to the necessary conditions. For example, the length of the rod can be shorter at the beginning of use of the device in order to extend the length of the rod at a later time. In this case, the rod does not need to be replaced; rather, it can be adjusted using the length-adjustable feature. For example, the rod is adjustable in length using a thread. Alternatively, the rod can consist of two sub-rods that are mounted so that they can be moved relative to one another, whereby the two sub-rods can be held in a specific position by means of removable spacers. The two sub-rods that are mounted so that they can be moved relative to one another can also be referred to as telescopic rods.

[0018] According to a special embodiment, the rod is designed as a telescopic rod. This provides the technical advantage, for example, that the absolute length of the rod can be adjusted to the required conditions. For example, the length of the rod can be shortened at the beginning of the device's use, allowing it to be extended later. Or vice versa. In this case, the rod does not need to be replaced; rather, it can be adjusted using the length-adjustable feature.

[0019] According to an additional embodiment, a return element is arranged on or in the telescopic rod. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the telescopic rod can exert continuous pressure or tension in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the bar runs diagonally between the upper and lower jaws. This provides the technical advantage, for example, that the correction of a receding lower jaw can be carried out as precisely as possible. The flatter the angle of the bar, the more direct the effect in correcting a receding lower jaw.

[0021] To increase comfort and ease of use, the retaining elements are hinged to the bar. This provides the additional advantage of reducing the risk of the bar becoming jammed when attaching and removing it to the upper and lower jaw sections.

[0022] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the receptacle for the magnet is monolithically integrated into the upper jaw part and / or the lower jaw part. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, of further increasing the wearing comfort of the device. For example, the upper jaw part and / or the lower jaw part can be manufactured using an injection molding process or a 3D printing process, which significantly simplifies the assembly of the upper jaw part to the upper jaw and the lower jaw part to the lower jaw. Overall, less metal is used, and manufacturing costs are further reduced.

[0023] To firmly connect the upper jaw part to the upper jaw and the lower jaw part to the lower jaw, the upper jaw part and / or the lower jaw part have fastening elements that can be firmly connected to teeth. This provides the technical advantage, for example, that the appliance for orthodontic treatment can be particularly firmly fixed to the upper and lower jaws of a patient. In particular, the effect of the rod between the upper and lower jaw parts can be directly transferred to the upper and lower jaws.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment, the upper jaw part and / or the lower jaw part comprise a removable dental splint. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the dental splint can be removed relatively easily. For example, it can be removed and repositioned independently by a patient. For example, the dental splint can be made of plastic. For example, an injection molding process or a 3D printing process is suitable for producing the dental splint. Furthermore, during production of the dental splint, the holder for the magnet can be integrated directly into the dental splint, which significantly simplifies the assembly of the upper jaw part to the upper jaw and the lower jaw part to the lower jaw.

[0025] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the dental splint is made of plastic, with a ferromagnetic counter-element embedded in the receptacle for the magnet. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, of improving the holding force of the magnet. The ferromagnetic counter-element allows, for example, the dimensions of the magnet to be reduced in order to achieve the same holding force of the magnet as the dental splint.

[0026] A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of a device according to one of the preceding embodiments. A particular embodiment relates to the use of a device according to one of the preceding embodiments as a Herbst appliance. The resulting advantages are comparable to those of the preceding embodiments. A particularly advantageous circumstance is that the connection of the holding element to both the upper jaw and the lower jaw is particularly simple. The magnetic force fixes the holding element directly to the upper jaw and the lower jaw. It is not necessary to use screws or other fastening means, which greatly simplifies assembly. In addition, the technical advantage is achieved that the removal of the holding element from the upper jaw and the lower jaw is particularly easy. No screws need to be removed.A patient or wearer of the orthodontic appliance can remove the retaining elements independently and without outside help, which makes cleaning or eating much easier, for example.

[0027] A further advantageous embodiment relates to the use of a device according to one of the preceding embodiments as an anti-snoring splint.

[0028] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention emerge from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims. Short description of the drawings

[0029] The various and exemplary features described above can be combined with one another according to the invention, provided this is technically reasonable and suitable. Further features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a device for orthodontic treatment in a side view; Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of a device for orthodontic treatment in a perspective view; Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a device for orthodontic treatment in an exploded view; Fig. 4 an additional embodiment of a device for orthodontic treatment in a perspective view; Fig. 5A is a schematic representation of a recording; Fig. 5B is a schematic representation of a holding element; and Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a holding element inserted into the receptacle.

[0030] In principle, identical parts in the figures are provided with identical reference symbols. Ways to implement the invention

[0031] The Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a device for orthodontic treatment in a side view. The embodiment shows the device for orthodontic treatment in the form of a Herbst appliance. The device for orthodontic treatment comprises an upper jaw part 10, which is arranged on the upper molars of a model of a human dentition. In addition, the device comprises a lower jaw part 20, which is arranged on the lower molars of the model of a human dentition. The upper jaw part 10 is connected to the lower jaw part 20 via a rod 30. The rod 30 has a first end 31, where a first holding element 33 is located. The holding element 33 serves to detachably connect the rod 30 to the upper jaw part 10. Furthermore, the rod 30 has a second end 32 with a second holding element 34, wherein the second holding element 34 is designed to detachably connect the rod 30 to the lower jaw part 20.Both the first holding element 33 and the second holding element 34 are each connected to the upper jaw part 10 and to the lower jaw part 20 by means of a magnet 35. Both the upper jaw part 10 and the lower jaw part 20 have a corresponding receptacle 21 (not shown) for the magnet 35 of the first holding element 33 and the second holding element 34. The magnets 35 can thus be positively fixed transversely to the upper jaw part 10 and the lower jaw part 20. The positive connection by means of the magnets 35 can be arranged particularly easily, wherein the magnetic force securely fixes both the first holding element 33 and the second holding element 34 directly to the upper jaw part 10 and the lower jaw part 20.

[0032] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a device for orthodontic treatment. The device comprises the upper jaw part 10, which is arranged on the upper molars. Furthermore, the device comprises the lower jaw part 20, which is fixed to the lower molars. Two rods 30 are each connected externally via the first holding element 33 and the second holding element 34 to both the upper jaw part 10 and the lower jaw part 20. The first holding element 33 and the second holding element 34 of both rods 30 have magnets 35 to create a detachable connection to the upper jaw part 10 and the lower jaw part 20.

[0033] Both the upper jaw part 10 and the lower jaw part 20 have cup-shaped or beaker-shaped receptacles 11, 21 to easily insert the magnets 35 and to clearly define the position of the magnet 35. Due to the cup-shaped or beaker-shaped receptacle 11, 21, the holding elements 33, 34 can only be moved away from and pulled out of the receptacle 11, 12 in the axial direction. The magnetic force interacts directly with the respective cup-shaped or beaker-shaped receptacle 11. This reliably prevents the holding elements 33, 34 from being released by shear forces between the holding elements 33, 34 and the respective receptacle 11, 21. The cup-shaped or beaker-shaped receptacles 11, 21 each point away from the dentition towards an outer side and are each arranged on an outer side of the upper jaw part 10 and the lower jaw part 20.This allows the magnets 35 to be inserted from the outside into the receptacles 11, 21 of the upper jaw part 10 and the lower jaw part 20. Both the upper jaw part 10 and the lower jaw part 20 include fastening elements 12, 22 for attachment to the upper and lower jaws. The fastening elements 12, 22 are firmly connected to the teeth.

[0034] The Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a device for orthodontic treatment in an exploded view. The device comprises the upper jaw part 10 for positioning on the upper molars and the lower jaw part 20 for positioning on the lower molars. Two rods 30, each with a first holding element 33 and a second holding element 34, are provided for connection to the upper jaw part 10 and to the lower jaw part 20. The first holding element 33 and the second holding element 34 of both rods 30 have magnets 35 to create a detachable connection to the upper jaw part 10 and to the lower jaw part 20. The holding elements 33, 34 are each pin-shaped. A head 37 is located at one end of the holding element 33, 34. The magnet 35 is located at an end of the holding element 33, 34 opposite the head 37.Thus, a magnet 35 is located at each end of the first and / or second holding element 33, 34 that can be inserted into the receptacle 11, 21 of the upper jaw part 10 or the lower jaw part 20. The magnets 35 themselves are each cylindrical, thereby realizing a shape corresponding to the cup-shaped or beaker-shaped receptacles 11, 21 and clearly defining the position of the magnets 35. The holding elements 33, 34 are articulated relative to the rods 30, thereby reducing the risk of the rod 30 becoming jammed when attaching and removing the rod 30 to the upper jaw part 10 and the lower jaw part 20. The holding elements 33, 34 are held with some play relative to the rods 30. In other words, the pin-shaped holding elements 33, 34 comprise a significantly smaller pin diameter than an opening at the ends 31, 32 of the rods 30. This creates an articulated mounting of the holding elements 33, 34 relative to the rods 30.Alternatively, the articulated bearing could also be realized using a ball joint.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 4 shows an additional embodiment of a device for orthodontic treatment in a perspective view. This embodiment shows the device for orthodontic treatment in the form of an anti-snoring device.

[0036] The device comprises the upper jaw part 10, which is arranged on the upper jaw, in the form of a dental splint 13. The dental splint 13 is designed as a loose dental splint 13, whereby it can be removed and inserted independently by a patient. In addition, the device comprises the lower jaw part 20, which is arranged on the lower jaw and is also designed in the form of a dental splint 23. This embodiment also has two rods 30, which are each connected on the outside via the first holding element 33 and the second holding element 34 to both the upper jaw part 10 and the lower jaw part 20. The first holding element 33 and the second holding element 34 of both rods 30 again have the magnets 35 in order to realize a detachable connection to the upper jaw part 10 and the lower jaw part 20.The receptacles 11, 21 for the magnets 35 are monolithically integrated into the upper jaw part 10 and the lower jaw part 20, allowing the production of the upper jaw part 10 and the lower jaw part 20 by injection molding, 3D printing, or another suitable plastic manufacturing process. A ferromagnetic counterelement is embedded in the receptacles 11, 21 for the magnets 35 in the dental splint 13, 23 of this embodiment. This significantly improves the holding force of the magnets 35 on the upper jaw part 10 and the lower jaw part 20. Additionally, the dimensions of the magnets 35 can be reduced to achieve the same holding force of the magnets 35.

[0037] The Fig. 5A shows a schematic representation of a receptacle 11, 21. The receptacle 11, 21 is cylindrical and serves to accommodate a holding element 33, 34.

[0038] Alternatively, the receptacle 11, 21 can also be cup-shaped or beaker-shaped. At the bottom of the receptacle 11, 21, there is a ferromagnetic counter-element to the magnet 35 of a holding element 34, 35 in the form of a cup magnet or beaker magnet 36.

[0039] The Fig. 5B shows a schematic representation of a holding element 33, 34. The holding element 33, 34 is pin-shaped and has a head 37. The head 37 includes an external thread 39, which can be screwed into a corresponding internal thread 38 of the pin neck 42. The magnet 35 is arranged on an end of the pin neck 42 opposite the internal thread 38 and is provided for interaction with the cup magnet 36 on the bottom of the receptacle 11, 21. In addition, the head 37 includes an engagement 41 to enable the head 37 to be firmly screwed to the pin neck 42 using a tool.

[0040] The Fig.Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a holding element 33, 34 inserted into a receptacle 11, 21. The external thread 39 of the head 37 is screwed to the internal thread 38 of the pin neck 42, and the entire holding element 33, 34 is inserted into the receptacle 11, 21. In this state, the magnet 35 of the holding element 33, 34 interacts directly with the cup magnet 36 at the bottom of the receptacle 11, 21, thereby providing an optimal holding force. List of reference symbols 10 Upper jaw part 11 Recording 12 Fastening element 13 Dental splint 20 Lower jaw part 21 recording 22 Fastening element 23 Dental splint 30 bars 31 First End 32 Second End 33 First holding element 34 Second holding element 35 Magnet 36 cup magnet or mug magnet 37 heads 38 internal thread 39 external thread 40 teeth 41 Intervention 42 pin neck QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2019 1280 48 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Device for orthodontic treatment with an upper jaw part (10), a lower jaw part (20) and a rod (30) which has a first end (31) with a first holding element (33) for releasable coupling to the upper jaw part (10) and a second end (32) with a second holding element (34) for releasable coupling to the lower jaw part (20), wherein the first and / or second holding element (33, 34) has a magnet (35), wherein the upper jaw part (10) and / or the lower jaw part (20) has a receptacle (11, 21) for the first and / or second holding element (33, 34), wherein the first and / or second holding element (33, 34) can be positively fixed transversely to a coupling direction by means of the magnet (35). [2] Device according to claim 1 characterized by that the first and / or second holding element (33, 34) is at least partially cylindrical and the receptacle (11, 21) is cup-shaped or beaker-shaped. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2 characterized by that the first and / or second holding element (33,34) can be inserted into the receptacle (11, 21) with a clearance fit. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by that a magnet (35) is arranged at an end of the first and / or second holding element (33, 34) which can be inserted into the receptacle (11, 21). [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by that the receptacle (11, 21) is arranged on an outer side of the upper jaw part (10) and / or lower jaw part (20). [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by that the rod (30) is adjustable in length. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by that the rod (30) is designed as a telescopic rod. [8] Device according to claim 7 characterized by that a return element is arranged on or in the telescopic rod. [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by that the rod (30) runs obliquely between the upper jaw part (10) and the lower jaw part (20). [10] Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by that the holding elements (33, 34) are articulated to the rod (30). [11] Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by that the receptacle (11, 21) for the first and / or second holding element (33, 34) is monolithically integrated into the upper jaw part (10) and / or the lower jaw part (20). [12] Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by that the upper jaw part (10) and / or the lower jaw part (20) has fastening elements (12, 22) which can be firmly connected to teeth (40). [13] Device according to one of claims 1 to 11 characterized by that the upper jaw part (10) and / or the lower jaw part (20) comprise a loose dental splint (13, 23). [14] Device according to claim 13 characterized by that the toothed rail is made of plastic, wherein a ferromagnetic counter element is embedded in the receptacle (11, 21) for the magnet (35). [15] Use of a device according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 9 or 10, as a Herbst apparatus. [16] Use of a device according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 13 or 14, as an anti-snoring splint.

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