Cheek and lip retractors

Abstract

Cheek and lip retractor with an inner and an outer surface, comprising a first working end (AB), a second working end (AS) and a middle section (M) arranged between the two working ends (AB, AS) and connecting them, characterized in that both the first working end (AB) and the second working end (AS) extend towards the inner surface of the cheek and lip retractor relative to the middle section (M).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cheek and lip retractor, also known as a U-retractor, having an inner and an outer surface, comprising a first working end, a second working end and a middle part arranged between the two working ends and connecting them together.

[0002] The present invention relates to a universal cheek and lip retractor. This is a preferably two-ended auxiliary instrument for retracting the cheeks, lips, and soft tissues of the oral cavity during dental procedures. The cheek and lip retractor according to the present invention will hereinafter also be referred to simply as a cheek retractor.

[0003] Typical applications for a cheek retractor include dental examinations of the oral cavity, dental treatments, maxillofacial surgery, orthodontic treatments, intraoral scanning in the oral cavity, photography and filming in the oral cavity, etc.

[0004] To perform these functions, the cheek retractor must be inserted into the oral vestibule. Therefore, the shape of the cheek retractor is adapted to the patient's oral vestibule. For procedures in the oral cavity, especially those that take longer, such as implantations and other surgical interventions, it is particularly important that the cheek retractor's shape is adapted to prevent any mechanical injuries. The risk of mechanical injuries is especially high in anesthetized areas of the oral cavity, as the patient feels no pain in these areas due to the anesthetic. Consequently, the practitioner receives no feedback through a pain response should any pressure injuries occur to the tissue.

[0005] Numerous designs of cheek and lip retractors for the dental world are known from the prior art, which have a certain similarity to each other, since they were also developed for similar functions.

[0006] The cheek and lip retractors known from the prior art are each usable for individual, limited indications.

[0007] Against this background, the present invention aims to further develop a cheek and lip retractor of the type mentioned above in such a way that it enables a wide range of applications.

[0008] This problem is solved by a cheek and lip retractor having the features of claim 1.

[0009] The cheek and lip retractor of the present invention has the advantage that it can cover a variety of indications and applications, i.e., it is a universal tool for numerous indications, i.e., retraction, widening of the field of vision, protection of adjacent structures, and ergonomic, force-free retraction of soft tissues.

[0010] This means that in many applications, some cheek and lip retractors currently on the market can be replaced.

[0011] According to the invention, both the first working end and the second working end project towards the inside of the cheek and lip retractor relative to the central part and are, for example, bent towards the inside of the cheek and lip retractor.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the inner side is the actual retraction surface. During retraction of the oral mucosa or lips, this side is always in contact with the mucosa of the lips and / or cheeks. The outer side faces the oral cavity and is the side of the cheek and lip retractor opposite the inner side.

[0013] According to the invention, both working ends extend from the central part in the same direction, namely towards the inside of the cheek and lip retractor. The cheek retractor is used individually or in pairs, depending on the indication. The cheek retractor according to the invention has the advantage that, during a variety of treatments in the oral cavity, the practitioner can use the cheek retractor to hold the cheeks and lips back during the procedure, thus customizing the working area. This is particularly advantageous during scanning in the oral cavity, but also during other procedures, as the cheek retractor can be held with one hand while the scanner is operated in the other.

[0014] The middle part connects the working ends, i.e., it forms the connecting part between the working ends.

[0015] It is preferred if the middle section itself has a curved shape. For example, the middle section could describe an arc extending inwards. This arc can be symmetrical relative to an imaginary plane running centrally and transversely through the cheek and lip retractor.

[0016] In one conceivable embodiment, the cheek and lip retractor is thus provided to have a wave-shaped form in a side view, wherein the central part has or consists of an arc-shaped section, the arc-shaped section of the central part extending towards the inside of the cheek and lip retractor.

[0017] The cheek and lip retractor can have two valley-shaped sections that form the transition areas between the middle part and the two working ends.

[0018] Preferably, the arc-shaped section of the central part extends less far inwards than the working ends. This means that, in a side view of the cheek holder, the ends of the working ends represent the highest points of the cheek holder.

[0019] It is particularly advantageous if the cheek and lip retractor is made in one piece and preferably from a single piece of wire. A multi-part design is also conceivable in principle, but less advantageous.

[0020] Preferably, the cheek retractor consists of a circular or substantially circular, or optionally elliptical, metal wire. It is particularly preferred that the cheek retractor has no corners or edges in cross-section, but rather a rounded shape. This minimizes the risk of injury to the patient.

[0021] The smooth, preferably circular or elliptical shape allows for easy and quick cleaning before disinfection and sterilization. The construction of the cheek retractor from a metal wire, compared to bulky plastic or metal designs, allows unrestricted light access to the oral cavity.

[0022] Good illumination of the oral cavity is an indispensable prerequisite for dental photographs, scanning, and especially any treatment in the oral cavity.

[0023] The cheek retractor is preferably made of a non-rusting alloy, or at least has one, so that the cheek retractor can be disinfected and cleaned with all industry-standard disinfectants.

[0024] Thermal disinfection in the thermal disinfector and thermal sterilization are preferably possible without restrictions, so that use in surgical treatments is also possible.

[0025] Furthermore, the cheek retractor can be manufactured cost-effectively, even while fulfilling all requirements.

[0026] Preferably, the cheek and lip retractor is a preferably closed, wavy loop. The wavy loop has two sides, which can be described as the inside and outside, as explained in more detail above and shown in the figures.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first working end and the second working end of the cheek and lip retractor each have a maximum width when viewed from above, with these two widths being identical or with the maximum width of the first working end being greater than that of the second working end. The second variant is preferred because, depending on individual needs, the cheek retractor can be inserted into the oral cavity with either the first or the second working end and serves as a mouth retractor.

[0028] The central section, viewed from above on the cheek and lip retractor, can have a maximum width that is greater, less than, or equal to the maximum widths of the two working ends.

[0029] A particular advantage arises if one or both working ends have at least two areas that extend at different angles to the inside and / or have different curvatures, including the case where they have a "zero curvature", i.e., are designed as straight elements.

[0030] It is conceivable, for example, that one or both of the working ends have at least two straight or essentially straight or curved sections that run at an angle to each other.

[0031] In one embodiment, it is provided that the working parts each have a first section adjoining the central part and that these first sections extend from the central part at an angle β of 20° ± 5°, preferably 20° ± 3°, towards the inside relative to an imaginary horizontal support surface on which the cheek and lip retractor rests with its outer side.

[0032] Furthermore, it can be provided that the working elements each have an end section and that these end sections extend relative to a horizontal support surface on which the cheek and lip retractor rests with its outer side at an angle γ of 30° ± 5°, preferably 30° ± 3° towards the inside, i.e., are "steeper" than the first sections.

[0033] With regard to the middle part, it can be provided that the middle part extends relative to a horizontal support surface on which the cheek and lip retractor rests with its outer side, starting from one transition area between the middle part and the working ends, at an angle α of 20° ± 5°, preferably 20° ± 3° towards the inside and then describes an arc and preferably extends with the same or a different angle towards the transition area between the middle part and the other working end.

[0034] As stated above, it is preferred that the cheek and lip retractor be edgeless. Preferably, the wire forming it has a circular or elliptical cross-section and a diameter or longest cross-sectional area of ​​4 mm ± 0.5 mm.

[0035] Preferably, the cheek retractor has a central plane extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis, with which the cheek or lip retractor is symmetrical. This simplifies the handling of the cheek retractor.

[0036] It should be noted here that the terms "a" and "an" do not necessarily refer to exactly one of the elements, although this is a possible interpretation, but can also denote a plurality of elements. Likewise, the use of the plural also includes the presence of the element in question in the singular, and conversely, the singular also includes several of the elements in question. Furthermore, all features of the invention described herein can be combined with one another or claimed separately from one another as desired.

[0037] Further advantages, features, and effects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the figures, in which identical or similar elements or components are designated by the same reference numerals. These figures show: Fig. 1: A first perspective view of the cheek retractor, Fig. 2: a second perspective view of the cheek retractor, Fig. 3: a top view of the cheek rest and Fig. 4: A side view of the cheek retractor.

[0038] The figures contain identical elements with the same reference symbols.

[0039] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows different perspective views of the cheek rest in a preferred embodiment.

[0040] As can be seen from the figures, the cheek support consists of a wavy loop that can be divided into three sections, which are in Fig. The four sections are separated by two dashed vertical lines Ü. The middle section M extends between the two lines marked Ü. To the right and left of this are the two working ends AB and AS.

[0041] The cheek retractor has an inner surface which is in Fig. 4 is marked "inside", and an outside which is in Fig. 4 is marked with "outside".

[0042] The cheek retractor has two working ends, labeled AS and AB. "A" stands for working end, "S" for narrow, and "B" for wide.

[0043] As can be seen from the top view of the Fig. As can be seen in section 3, the working end AB has a greater width B1 than the working end AS, whose width is specified as B2. The reference symbol B3 indicates the width of the middle section.

[0044] The two working ends AB and AS are seamlessly, preferably in one piece, connected to the central part M, which serves as a connecting element. The central part M is also referred to as the connecting element in the following.

[0045] As can be seen from the figures, the connecting part is towards the inside, i.e. according to Fig. The cheek retractor is bent upwards and, together with the working end that is not in the mouth, forms a handle. The handle is curved in such a way that it ensures a secure grip in the inward curve of the palms. This allows the practitioner to securely hold the cheek retractor during a variety of procedures in the oral cavity and thus individually control changes in the working area.

[0046] In the embodiment shown here, the working ends differ only in the width of the end arc, as can be seen from Fig. 3 emerges.

[0047] The round shape of the working ends is adapted to the shape of the patient's oral vestibule.

[0048] The wire used to form the cheek retractor preferably has a cross-section of 4 mm ± 0.5 mm, which prevents the pressure from cutting into and injuring the tissue. The round or oval cross-sectional shape of the wire requires minimal cleaning and disinfection.

[0049] As can be seen from the figures, each of the workers AB and AS in turn consists of two sections.

[0050] The first sections TB1 and TS1 connect to the central section M. The second, arc-shaped sections TB2 and TS2, which form the end pieces, connect to the first sections TB1 and TS1. These arcs are adapted to the shape of the oral vestibule. This allows for easy and quick insertion of the cheek retractor into the oral vestibule without risk of injuring the mucosa. Both working ends are curved inwards in the same direction, as shown in the figures, when viewed from the horizontal plane.

[0051] Starting from the connection points that are in Fig. 4, indicated by vertical dashed lines Ü, the first sections TB1 and TS1 extend relative to the horizontal, which in Fig. 4 is characterized by a dashed horizontal line extending from the connection points Ü to the central part M at an angle β = 20° ± 5°, preferably 20° ± 3° upwards, i.e. towards the inside. These connection points Ü are at the same height with respect to a horizontal plane.

[0052] How this will develop further Fig. As can be seen from Figure 4, the connecting part M to the inside of the cheek rest is also bent at an angle α = 20° ± 5°, preferably 20° ± 3° upwards, i.e. towards the inside, at its two ends facing the transition areas.

[0053] Both working ends AB and AS are bent inwards in the same direction, as viewed from the horizontal plane H. This allows the hands to be positioned further away from the mouth opening when holding the instrument. The instrument's holding position is not in front of the mouth opening, but parallel to or behind it, i.e., outside the line of sight into the oral cavity. This provides an unobstructed view of the working area. This is a significant advantage, especially for photographing and intraoral scanning within the oral cavity.

[0054] The sections TB2 and TS2, forming the end pieces of the working ends AB and AS, which, for example, constitute the last third of the working ends AB and AS, are bent even further towards the inside of the cheek retractor than the sections TB1 and TS1, preferably at an angle γ of 30° ± 5°, more preferably 30° ± 3°. These ends TB2 and TS2 are therefore steeper than the sections TB1 and TS1. This ensures secure retraction of the patient's lips and cheeks, even when the working ends are not fully inserted into the oral vestibule.

[0055] As explained above, the working ends AB and AS are each divided into two parts that are directly adjacent to each other.

[0056] This ensures that the cheek retractor provides good support for the lips and cheeks, even if the working ends are not inserted as deeply as possible into the oral vestibule. This can be particularly important for children and patients with a gag reflex. Furthermore, it prevents injuries in the form of mucosal lesions.

[0057] As this is particularly evident from Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the working ends AB and AS have different widths B1 and B2. Due to anatomical differences, the mouth openings and vestibules vary in size from patient to patient. Therefore, the arches are preferably designed with different widths at the working ends. This curvature is adapted to the shape of the lunate and allows for easy and quick insertion of the cheek retractor without risk of injuring the mucosa.

Claims

[1] Cheek and lip retractor with an inner and an outer surface, comprising a first working end (AB), a second working end (AS) and a middle part (M) positioned between the two working ends (AB, AS) and connecting them together, characterized by , that both the first working end (AB) and the second working end (AS) extend towards the inside of the cheek and lip retractor relative to the middle part (M). [2] Cheek and lip retractor according to claim 1, characterized by , that the middle part (M) has a curved shape, wherein it is preferably provided that the middle part (M) is symmetrical relative to a plane passing transversely through the cheek and lip retractor. [3] Cheek and lip retractors according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by, that the cheek and lip retractor has a wavy shape in a side view, wherein the middle part (M) has or consists of an arc-shaped section and wherein the arc-shaped section of the middle part (M) extends towards the inside of the cheek and lip retractor. [4] Cheek and lip retractor according to claim 3, characterized by , that the arc-shaped section of the middle part (M) extends less far towards the inside of the cheek and lip retractor than the working ends (AB, AS). [5] Cheek and lip retractors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cheek and lip retractor is formed in one piece and preferably from a single piece of wire. [6] Cheek and lip retractors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cheek and lip retractor is a preferably closed, wavy loop. [7] Cheek and lip retractors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first working end (AB) and the second working end (AS) in the top view of the cheek and lip retractor each have a greatest width (B1, B2), wherein the two greatest widths (B1, B2) are identical or wherein the greatest width (B1) of the first working end (AB) is greater than that of the second working end (AS). [8] Cheek and lip retractors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the middle part (M) in the top view of the cheek and lip retractor has a maximum width (B3) which is greater or smaller than the maximum widths (B1, B2) of the two working ends (AB, AS) and corresponds to one or both of the maximum widths (B1, B2) of the two working ends (AB, AS). [9] Cheek and lip retractors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat one or both working ends (AB, AS) have at least two areas that extend at different angles to the inside and / or have different curvatures. [10] Cheek and lip retractor according to claim 9, characterized by that one or both of the working ends (AB, AS) have at least two straight or substantially straight or curved sections (TB1, TB2; TS1, TS2) that run at an angle to each other. [11] Cheek and lip retractors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the working parts (AB, AS) each have a first section (TB1, TS1) which connects to the middle part (M) and that these first sections (TB1, TS1) extend relative to a horizontal support surface on which the cheek and lip retractor rests with its outer side at an angle β of 20° ± 5°, preferably 20° ± 3° to the inside of the cheek and lip retractor. [12] Cheek and lip retractors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the working parts (AB, AS) each have an end section (TB2, TS2) and that these end sections (TB2, TS2) extend relative to a horizontal support surface on which the cheek and lip retractor rests with its outer side at an angle γ of 30° ± 5°, preferably 30° ± 3° to the inside of the cheek and lip retractor. [13] Cheek and lip retractors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the central part (M) extends relative to a horizontal support surface on which the cheek and lip retractor rests with its outer side, starting from the transition area (Ü) between the central part (M) and the working ends (AB, AS) at an angle α of 20° ± 5°, preferably 20° ± 3° to the inside of the cheek and lip retractor. [14] Cheek and lip retractors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the wire forming the cheek and lip retractor is edgeless in cross-section and in particular circular or elliptical and / or has a diameter or a longest extent in cross-section of 4 mm ± 0.5 mm. [15] Cheek and lip retractors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cheek and lip retractor is made of or has a non-rusting alloy. [16] Cheek and lip retractors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cheek and lip retractor has a central plane extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis, to which the cheek and lip retractor is symmetrical.

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