DENTAL OBJECT FOR ATTACHING TO A TOOTH

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dental object for attachment to a tooth or teeth.

[0002] Today's intraoral fixation options are realized through mechanical clamps or chemical bonding (adhesion). Common clamping methods include clamps that are placed around one or more teeth, dental aligners that cover all or part of a dental arch, or molar bands that are placed around one or more teeth.

[0003] Foreign bodies are adhered using adhesives or cements. Another reversible method of attachment is suction using adhesive cream. However, this only works on the gums, not on the tooth itself. The adhesive cream also only works on larger surfaces. Furthermore, modern adhesive creams offer only weak adhesion, making it impossible to wear a foreign body that could be swallowed overnight.

[0004] The document US2011 / 123959 A1 relates to a dental core and post system for restoring teeth with a core device and a dental post which is designed as a rod-like element.

[0005] The document US 2008 / 026344 A1 relates to an artificial tooth consisting of upper and lower parts that are spatially adjustable relative to each other.

[0006] The document WO 03 / 096922 A1 relates to an orthodontic bracket for anchoring a fixed orthodontic appliance to a tooth, a bracket base to be anchored to a tooth and a bracket attachment for attaching a force-pressure and / or torque application device.

[0007] It is therefore the technical object of the present invention to attach a dental object firmly yet removably to a tooth or teeth.

[0008] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Technically advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the technical problem is solved by a dental object for attachment to a tooth or teeth in an intraoral space, with an adhesive region comprising gutta-percha for attaching the dental object to the tooth or teeth. This achieves the technical advantage that the patient is able to remove and reinsert the dental object at any time. Due to the removability, plaque formation under or around the dental object can be cleaned after removal. The dental object can be attached to the tooth lingually, labially, buccally, or at other locations. The teeth are not damaged by the dental object because no etching, clamps, brackets, or metal are used. The teeth are not displaced, as is the case with a molar band, for example, and no adhesive cream is required.

[0010] According to the invention, the dental object comprises a sensor system, an electronic component, a battery, a housing, and / or a holding plate. The housing can be made of plastic or metal, for example. This provides the technical advantage that additional components can be arranged in the housing.

[0011] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the dental object, a layer of gutta-percha material is attached to the housing. This provides the technical advantage, for example, that the housing can be attached directly to the tooth.

[0012] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the dental object, the layer of gutta-percha material is attached to the housing by means of an adhesive layer and / or the housing comprises a structured surface for attaching the gutta-percha material and / or one or more locking elements for attaching the gutta-percha material and / or one or more connecting elements for establishing a positive connection between an adhesive region and the sensor or sensor housing. The adhesive layer and the other connecting and locking elements create a strong connection between the housing and the gutta-percha material. The housing can also have a structured contact surface or openings into which the gutta-percha material is embedded. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, of preventing the gutta-percha material from detaching from the housing.

[0013] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the dental object, the layer of gutta-percha material has a thickness of 1 µm to 5 mm. This provides the technical advantage of ensuring good adhesion of the dental object and allowing for individual adaptation for each patient.

[0014] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the dental object, the gutta-percha material includes a prefabricated through-hole for conducting fluid from the tooth into the interior of the housing. This provides the technical advantage, for example, that saliva inside the housing can be analyzed by a sensor.

[0015] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the dental device, the gutta-percha material comprises antibacterial particles or substances. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, of preventing bacterial infections while wearing the dental device. The gutta-percha material can also contain substances that regulate the local pH value, thus preventing caries from developing.

[0016] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the dental object, the gutta-percha material comprises a plasticizer. The plasticizer can, for example, comprise medium-chain triglycerides (miglyol), glycerin, or other fats, such as olive oil. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, of allowing the bonding area to adapt better to the tooth.

[0017] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the dental object, the gutta-percha material, the sensor, and / or the housing comprise one or more channels for conducting saliva to a sensor unit. The channels are formed, for example, by depressions. The channels can be provided for the passage of liquid. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, of promoting the flow of liquid in the contact area.

[0018] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the dental object, the channels extend diagonally or vertically through the gutta-percha material, the sensor, and / or the housing. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, of generating a flow of saliva toward a sensor unit.

[0019] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the dental object, the gutta-percha material is anatomically pre-shaped. This provides the technical advantage, for example, of faster adaptation of the bonding area.

[0020] The dental object comprises, for example, electronics and a transmitter, such as an NFC circuit or Bluetooth. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that data can be acquired and processed by the dental object. A method for attaching a dental object to a tooth or teeth comprises the step of pressing an adhesive region of the dental object, which comprises gutta-percha material, onto the tooth. The method achieves the same technical advantages as the dental object according to the first aspect.

[0021] In a technically advantageous embodiment of the method, the gutta-percha material is heated before the bonding area is pressed onto the tooth. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the bonding area adapts better to the tooth and achieves a strong adhesive effect. Gutta-percha is used to attach a dental object to a tooth or teeth. This use achieves the same technical advantages as the dental object according to the first aspect.

[0022] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0023] They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a dental object. Fig. 2 shows another schematic view of a dental object; and Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a plastic bonding area.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a dental object 100 for attachment to a tooth 101. The dental object 100 has an adhesive region 103 comprising gutta-percha material 105 for attaching the dental object 100 to the tooth 101. For attachment, the plastic adhesive region 103 is pressed onto the tooth 101. The gutta-percha material 105 can be heated for this purpose, for example, with a hot air source or in a water bath and inserted into a patient's mouth in the heated state (~ 50°C). The gutta-percha material 105 bonds to the tooth 101 and the gums while cooling to oral temperature, so that the dental object 100 is molded and fixed in the mouth. The gutta-percha material 105 creates an adhesive effect on the tooth 101.

[0025] Gutta-percha material 105 is a plastic, rubbery, caoutchouc-like substance derived from the dried, coagulated latex of sapotaceae (Payena spp. and Palaquium spp.), spindle bushes (Euonymus spp.), and the gutta-percha tree (Palaquium gutta). Gutta-percha material 105 comprises gutta-percha. Gutta-percha has the following molecular structure, with the number n of repeating units typically in the range of 100. The gutta-percha is non-crosslinked. Gutta-percha exhibits high biocompatibility, dimensional stability, and plastic deformability.

[0026] The dental object 100 with the adhesive area 103 made of gutta-percha material 105 achieves the technical advantage that non-prosthetic and non-orthodontic dental objects 100 can be removably attached in the intraoral area.

[0027] The dental object 100 can include the following components: sensors, electronic components, batteries, or housings for various components. The housing 107 can be made of plastic, carbon, or metal. The dental object 100 can be an object that already has an anatomically adapted shape to the tooth 101. Such an object can, for example, be individually produced using a 3D printer and adapted to the specific shape of a patient's tooth 101, such as a custom-shaped dental attachment. In general, the dental object 100 can be any object that is intended to be attached to the tooth 101 in the oral cavity.

[0028] The gutta-percha material 105 can be arranged in a layer 109 as an adhesive region 103 on the dental object 100. The layer 109 has, for example, a thickness of 1 µm to 5 mm. The dental object 100 and / or the adhesive region 103 can be anatomically pre-shaped by including a concave indentation 113 in which the tooth 101 lies. Multiple indentations 113 can also be provided, each of which then contains a tooth 101.

[0029] This allows the dental object 100 to better adhere to the tooth 101. A prefabricated through-opening 111 for conducting fluid from the tooth into the interior of the housing 107 can be provided in the layer 109. This allows the fluid from the tooth 101 to be analyzed by a sensor inside the housing 107.

[0030] The gutta-percha material 105 can comprise antibacterial particles, such as by incorporating silver particles, copper particles, or a mixture with chlorhexidine and chloroxylenol. Furthermore, the plastic material can comprise antibiotics such as penicillin, clindamycin, erythromycin, cefadroxil, metronidazole, and / or tetracycline. Furthermore, pH-regulating fillers such as calcium fluoride, calcium hydroxide, or alkaline glass fillers such as calcium fluorosilicate glass, or ion-releasing materials such as F-, OH-, or Ca2+ can be used.

[0031] For custom dental objects 100 that are spatially and anatomically adapted to the tooth 101, the thickness of layer 109 can be small, in the range of 200 µm. For prefabricated, standard dental objects 100, the thickness of layer 109 is in the range of millimeters, since greater plastic deformation of layer 109 occurs. The dimensions of layer 109 in length and width can be, for example, 10 mm by 10 mm. In general, however, other dimensions can also be chosen if they are appropriate.

[0032] Thanks to its attachment with the Gutta-Percha material 105, the dental object 100 can be removed at any time and reinserted after heating. Even a moist environment (saliva) is not a problem, as the Gutta-Percha material 105 does not dissolve in water. Gutta-Percha is also biocompatible.

[0033] The bonding of the dental object 100 with the gutta-percha material is stronger than with other conventional materials. This allows for reversible bonding of the dental object 100 in the intraoral space. The gutta-percha material 105 is used as a bonding agent. The advantage of the gutta-percha material 105 is that it can also be used on curved surfaces. The bond can be used several times after a brief heating period before reinsertion. The bond is gentle on the teeth, as no etching of the tooth structure is required. To facilitate removal, the gutta-percha material can be reheated.

[0034] Heating or warming the gutta-percha material 105 before pressing the dental object 100 onto it can be done using a hot air blower or a water bath. However, the dental object 100 can also include an electrical or chemical heating device that is activated by a user when inserting the dental object 100. The electrical heating device can be formed, for example, by a heating coil. The chemical heating device can be formed by two substances that react with each other and thereby generate the heat for the gutta-percha material 105. The heating device automatically heats the gutta-percha material 105 to the desired temperature by the dental object 100, without the need for any additional devices. For example, the gutta-percha material 105 is raised to a temperature of 40°-80°C.

[0035] The dental objects 100 prepared with the gutta-percha material 105 can be heated for approximately 1 to 2 minutes using a hot air stream of 110–130°C. The surface temperature of the gutta-percha material 105 should not exceed 45–50°C to avoid gum injuries or tooth irritations later on the patient. The dental object 100 is then manually pressed onto the tooth and can then be cooled with a cool air stream so that it retains its shape. The gutta-percha material 105 is also automatically cooled within a few minutes by the flow of saliva and the blood flow in the teeth.

[0036] The dental object 100 achieves a strong, easily reversible attachment in the intraoral space. The detachability and simplicity of attachment by the patient are particularly advantageous, allowing them to maintain their usual oral hygiene routine and preventing secondary diseases from being triggered by the dental object 100. The gutta-percha material 105 serves as a shaping element and as an adhesion promoter for the flexible attachment. For a better bond to the gutta-percha material 105, the inner side of the housing 107 can be roughened by sandblasting and / or comprise an adhesive layer 115. The adhesive layer 115 can be created, for example, using adhesive bonding processes or spray adhesive. The housing 107 can also comprise one or more locking elements or connecting elements for establishing a positive connection between the adhesive area and the sensor or sensor housing.The connecting element can, for example, be formed by one or more knobs.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows another schematic view of a dental object 100. The dental object 100 has a structured contact surface 119 with recesses or openings in which the gutta-percha material 105 is located. The structured contact surface 119 achieves a larger surface area, thus increasing the adhesive effect of the gutta-percha material 105 to the dental object 100. The dental object 100 can also include locking elements or connecting elements for securing the gutta-percha material 105.

[0038] Fig. 3shows a schematic view of the plastic adhesive area 103 with channels 117 for fluid drainage or air supply. The through-opening 111 is arranged in the adhesive area 103 with the gutta-percha material 105 to enable measurement by a sensor unit. The through-opening 111 forms a measuring area for the sensor unit.

[0039] The channels 117 are formed by recesses in the adhesive area 103 and serve to convey fluid (saliva) to the sensor unit or to enable ventilation of the measuring area. The channels 117 can be arranged horizontally, diagonally, or vertically.

[0040] All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations in the subject matter according to the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects.

[0041] The scope of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the figures. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0042] 100Dental object 101Tooth 103Adhesive area 105Gutta-percha material 107Housing 109Layer 111Through opening 113Convexity 115Adhesive layer 117Canal 119Contact surface

Claims

1. A dental object (100) for attachment to a tooth or teeth (101) in an intraoral space, comprising: - an adhesive region (103) comprising a gutta-percha material (105) for attaching the dental object (100) to the tooth (101), wherein the dental object (100) comprises sensor technology, an electronic component, a battery, a housing (107) and / or a retaining plate.

2. The dental object (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a layer (109) of the gutta-percha material (105) is attached to the housing (107).

3. The dental object (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the layer (109) of the gutta-percha material (105) is attached to the housing (107) by means of an adhesive layer (115) and / or the housing (107) comprises a textured surface for attaching the gutta-percha material (105) and / or one or more latching elements for attaching the gutta-percha material (105) and / or one or more connecting elements for establishing a form fit between an adhesive region and a sensor or sensor housing.

4. The dental object (100) as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the layer (109) of the gutta-percha material (105) has a thickness of 1 µm to 5 mm.

5. The dental object (100) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gutta-percha material (105) comprises a pre-fabricated passage opening (111) for guiding fluid from the tooth into an interior of the housing (107).

6. The dental object (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the gutta-percha material (105) comprises antibacterial particles or substances.

7. The dental object (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the gutta-percha material (105) comprises a plasticizer.

8. The dental object (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the gutta-percha material (105), the sensor and / or the housing (115) comprises one or more channels (125) for guiding saliva to a sensor unit.

9. The dental object (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the channels (117) extend obliquely or vertically through the gutta-percha material (105), the sensor and / or the housing.

10. The dental object (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the gutta-percha material (105) is anatomically preformed.