Tongue retractor bite wedge system with modular, form-fitting plug connection and flexible sheath

Abstract

Tongue retractor-bite wedge system, characterized in that a tongue retractor can be coupled to a bite wedge (2) with a pin via a modular, positive-locking plug connection, wherein the tongue retractor has a stem (1) with at least two openings which are arranged such that the stem (1) can be displaced horizontally relative to the bite wedge (2) placed on the dental arch to adapt to different dental arch geometries and can be fixed by snapping the pin of the bite wedge into one of the openings.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a dental aid system for simultaneously displacing the tongue from the dental arch and opening the jaw during dental, orthodontic or prophylactic procedures. State of the art

[0002] Occlusal devices are known from the prior art, some of which are combined with tongue guards or exist as one-piece occlusal suction systems. However, these conventional systems are mostly rigid, which makes individual adjustment to different dental arch sizes, floor of mouth depths, and tongue volumes difficult. Simple tongue retractors usually have to be held in position manually by an assistant. Purpose of the invention

[0003] The invention aims to provide a system that enables positionally stable, assistance-free tongue retraction while offering adjustment options for anatomical variations. A modular, positive-locking connection between the bite wedge and the stem of the tongue retractor allows for two levels of adjustment: The bite wedge can be positioned at different points on the dental arch, while the stem can be moved horizontally relative to the wedge by selecting a suitable opening, and the sleeve can be chosen to match the anatomical conditions. A handle at the proximal end of the stem allows for precise manual positioning.

[0004] The system is characterized by its high degree of modular flexibility: both the bite wedge and the sleeve are available in various sizes. The flexible sleeve is pre-shaped in several basic anatomical configurations – for example, groove-shaped, curved, or angled. This pre-shaping serves as the geometric basis, while the material's flexibility ensures that the sleeve adapts elastically to the contours of the soft tissue. The connectors are dimensioned to be securely fixed during use, yet can be manually disconnected for cleaning or component replacement. Character description

[0005] The following drawings are schematic representations and not necessarily to scale: • Fig. 1 (Top view): Shows the system with the handle (1) and the bite wedge (2) with pin inserted into one of the openings. Further openings illustrate the horizontal adjustability. Pins for receiving the mantle (4) are arranged at the edge of the handle. • Fig. 2 (Side view): Shows the assembled system with the attached sheath (4) as a barrier to the tongue. A vertical version of the sheath is shown. • Fig. 3 (Individual part): The bite wedge (2) with pin as a stable anchor point. • Fig. 4 (Single part): The flexible mantle (4). The mantle (4) can vary in vertical height and horizontal length to adapt to the depth of the floor of the mouth and the length of the tongue. Reference symbol list 1 stem 2 bite wedges (with pin) 3 handles 4 Flexible Coat Materials and hygiene

[0006] The stem (1) and the pin of the bite wedge (2) are made of a rigid, medical-grade plastic. The bite wedge (2) can be manufactured either as a single piece from a homogeneous material or as a composite component with a softer wedge body. The sleeve (4) is made of a soft, elastic material with a rounded edge. All connections are optimized for a secure fit and can be released manually. The components are sterilizable or designed as single-use products.

Claims

Tongue retractor bite wedge system, characterized in that a tongue retractor can be coupled to a bite wedge (2) with a pin via a modular, positive-locking plug connection, wherein the tongue retractor has a stem (1) with at least two openings which are arranged such that the stem (1) can be displaced horizontally relative to the bite wedge (2) placed on the dental arch to adapt to different dental arch geometries and can be fixed by snapping the pin of the bite wedge into one of the openings. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the stem (1) has a handle (3) at its proximal end for manual positioning and handling of the system. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a surface is arranged at the distal end of the stem (1) to which a flexible sheath (4) can be attached for displacing the tongue, wherein the sheath (4) is designed in various shapes for anatomical adaptation, in particular vertical, oblique, curved or groove-shaped, enclosing the edge of the tongue. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the sheath (4) is pre-formed in various anatomical variants, wherein the sheath (4) consists of a flexible material which enables elastic adaptation of the pre-formed geometry to the individual tongue contour. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the coat (4) is variable in its dimensions, in particular in the vertical height and the horizontal length, and is provided in various predefined size levels. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mantle (4) can be attached modularly to pins arranged on the stem (1) via a series of holes, wherein the number, shape and arrangement of the pins on the stem and the corresponding holes on the mantle can vary. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bite wedge (2) is provided in different sizes to adapt to different jaw sizes, wherein the size of the pin of the bite wedge (2) remains uniform. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all plug connections between bite wedge (2), stem (1) and sleeve (4) are dimensioned such that they form a connection that is secure against removal during treatment, but which can be manually released after use. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bite wedge (2) including the pin is manufactured as a one-piece component from a single material. System according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the bite wedge (2) is manufactured as a composite component from a core with pins and a comparatively softer, elastic wedge body. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stem (1) and the pin of the bite wedge (2) are made of a rigid plastic to ensure a torsionally rigid connection. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by turning the stem (1) and alternately attaching the mantle (4) it is possible to use it in both quadrants of the mandible.

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