Dental fixation system and non-therapeutic method for fixing a dental object

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dental fastening system, a dental object and a method for fastening a dental object.

[0002] Today's intraoral fixation options are realized, for example, through mechanical clamps or chemical adhesion. Clamping techniques use clamps that are placed around one or more teeth, dental aligners that cover all or part of a dental arch, or bands that are placed around one or more teeth. However, clamping techniques can damage tooth structure or displace teeth due to the applied pressure.

[0003] Adhesion is achieved using an adhesive or cement. However, bonding with an adhesive is permanent and must be removed by a dentist. This can cause problems for patients, as they cannot remove the bonded dental appliance themselves during oral hygiene. Adhesive cream, on the other hand, provides only a weak bond, making it impossible to wear a dental appliance that could be swallowed overnight.

[0004] The document US 4,209,905 A concerns the anchoring of artificial dentures by using magnetic elements.

[0005] The document US 2003 / 118969 A1 relates to a magnetic dental retainer comprising a holder embedded in a tooth root and a magnetic assembly that is freely attached to or detached from the holder by magnetic attraction.

[0006] The document US 5,337,033 A relates to a permanent magnet arrangement for the stable fixation of a dental prosthesis using a magnetic attraction force of a permanent magnet.

[0007] The document US 4,508,507 A relates to an improved magnetic arrangement for holding complete and partial dentures.

[0008] The document US 6,171,107 B1 relates to a method, connections and devices for bonding objects together so that they can be removed by applying magnetic fields.

[0009] The document US 2007 / 005042 A1 relates to a method and devices for administering medicaments or therapeutic agents.

[0010] It is the technical object of the present invention to enable a detachable and reversible attachment of a dental object in the intraoral space and to carry out measurements on the teeth without damaging the teeth.

[0011] This object is achieved by the subject matter according to the independent claims. Technically advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0012] According to a first aspect, the technical problem is solved by a dental fastening system comprising a first magnetic element for fastening in an oral cavity; and a dental object comprising a second magnetic element for fastening to the first magnetic element. The first magnetic element can be fastened, for example, to one or more teeth, a brace, a bite splint, an abutment, a tooth stump, a prosthesis, or a partial denture.

[0013] Using a detachable magnetic attachment formed by the two magnetic elements, the dental object can be removed from the tooth at any time. However, the magnetic element on the tooth can also remain in the mouth until removed by the dentist or the patient. Since one magnetic element is applied to the previously cleaned tooth enamel, it poses no problem for oral hygiene. The attachment system therefore offers the technical advantage of allowing non-prosthetic or non-orthodontic dental objects to be reversibly attached in the intraoral area.

[0014] In a technically advantageous embodiment of the attachment system, the first magnetic element is formed by a magnetic lacquer, a magnetic adhesive, or a magnetic cement that can be applied to a tooth or teeth. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the first magnetic element can be arranged quickly and easily on any tooth.

[0015] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the fastening system, the magnetic lacquer comprises ferrimagnetic, ferromagnetic, or permanently magnetic particles. The particles can be in the nanometer or micrometer range. This provides the technical advantage, for example, of achieving a strong attractive force between the magnetic elements.

[0016] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the fastening system, the first magnetic element is formed by a permanent magnet or a ferromagnet that can be attached to the tooth or teeth. The attachment can be achieved using a varnish, adhesive, or cement. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, of achieving a predetermined attractive force and good adhesion between the magnetic elements.

[0017] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the fastening system, the first magnetic element is attached to a cap that can be placed on the tooth and / or can be or is attached to one or more teeth, a brace, a bite splint, an abutment, a tooth stump, a prosthesis, or a partial denture. The cap is, for example, a plastic cap that is adapted to the shape of the tooth and is placed on top of the tooth. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the magnetic element can be easily and reversibly attached to the tooth.

[0018] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the fastening system, the second magnetic element comprises a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and / or a ferromagnet. The second magnetic element can also be formed by a magnetic lacquer. In this case, the first magnetic element can be a permanent magnet. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, of achieving a strong attractive force with the first magnetic element.

[0019] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the fastening system, the second magnetic element or the dental object has a surface curvature that is adapted to a tooth. The surface curvature of the magnetic element or the dental object can approximately follow the curvature of the tooth. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, of making it even more difficult for the dental object to shift relative to the tooth.

[0020] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the fastening system, the second magnetic element comprises a layer that can be deformed by the attractive force between the two magnetic elements. The layer can be, for example, a foam layer or a sponge rubber layer that is compressed by the attractive force of the magnetic elements. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, of additionally stabilizing the dental object to the tooth.

[0021] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the fastening system, the first magnetic element comprises a first contact surface with the second magnetic element and / or the second magnetic element comprises a second contact surface with the first magnetic element. The first and second contact surfaces can be formed, for example, by flat surfaces. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the distance between the tooth and the dental object is determined by the contact surfaces and the dental object is stabilized, so that wobbling of the dental object due to the attraction between the two contact surfaces can be prevented.

[0022] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the fastening system, spatial structures are formed in the first and second contact surfaces, which create a predetermined orientation and / or a positive connection between the first and second magnetic elements. These structures achieve the technical advantage, for example, of preventing rotation between the two magnetic elements and / or displacement between the two magnetic elements.

[0023] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the attachment system, the dental object comprises a dental sensor, an electronic component, a battery, and / or a housing. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that physical properties of the tooth can be determined electronically.

[0024] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the fastening system, the first magnetic element, the sensor, and / or the sensor housing comprise one or more channels for guiding saliva to a sensor unit. This also achieves the technical advantage, for example, that properties of the saliva can be analyzed through the dental object.

[0025] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the fastening system, the second magnetic element is arranged inside the dental object or outside the dental object and / or the dental object comprises a housing that comprises a ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic or permanently magnetic material or an electromagnet. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the magnetic element does not protrude outwards and is protected from damage or moisture. Furthermore, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that the magnetic element is formed by the housing and is integrated therein. The housing can also comprise a battery or accumulator, which is used for a power supply and also serves as a magnetic element.

[0026] According to a third aspect, the technical problem is solved by a non-therapeutic method for securing a dental object, comprising the steps of securing a first magnetic element in an oral cavity; and securing a dental object with a second magnetic element to the first magnetic element. The method achieves the same technical advantages as the securing system according to the first aspect.

[0027] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0028] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a dental fastening system; Fig. 2 is another schematic view of a dental fastening system; Fig. 3 is a structure for establishing a positive connection between the two magnetic elements; Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a magnetic element with a deformable layer; Fig. 5 is a schematic view of channels for guiding saliva; and Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the method for fastening a dental object.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a dental attachment system 100 for a dental object 101 in an oral cavity. The dental object 101 can be any spatial object that is to be attached in a patient's oral cavity. The dental object 101 has a geometry that allows attachment inside the oral cavity. The dental object 101 can be attached to one or more teeth, a brace, a bite splint, an abutment, a tooth stump, a prosthesis, or a partial denture.

[0030] The first magnetic element 103-1 is a magnetic varnish that is manually applied to the tooth 105 in the selected intraoral area. This magnetic varnish comprises, for example, non-toxic, ground and / or ferromagnetic or permanently magnetic particles with sizes in the nanometer or micrometer range mixed into it. For example, the magnetic varnish can comprise iron particles, neodymium particles (neodymium-iron-boron - NdFeB), or cobalt particles (aluminum-nickel-cobalt - AlNiCo), which serve to generate the magnetic properties of the magnetic element 103-1.

[0031] The magnetic varnish can be applied to tooth 105. The magnetic varnish can be a pasty and / or light-curing material with magnetic fillers. This offers the advantage that the magnetic varnish can be applied flatly or molded plastically. The molding can be done using a transparent casting template, for example, made of silicone. The casting template can comprise a spatial structure that creates a spatial form-fitting element in the cured magnetic varnish, such as a triangular structure.

[0032] The magnetic lacquer can be produced, for example, from suitable polymers, such as copolymers of t-butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and methacrylic acid; copolymers of ethyl acrylate and methacrylic acid; copolymers of N-tert-butylacrylamide, ethyl acrylate, and acrylic acid; copolymers of vinyl acetate, crotonic acid, and optionally other vinyl esters; and anionic polysiloxanes, e.g., carboxy-functional polysiloxanes, t-butyl acrylate and methacrylic acid. Examples of anionic polymers also include vinyl acetate / crotonic acid copolymers.

[0033] A magnetic cement, which is manually applied to the tooth 105 in the selected intraoral area, can also serve as the first magnetic element 103-1. The magnetic cement can be manufactured, for example, from suitable materials such as mono- or polyfunctional methacrylates, such as methyl, ethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, butyl, benzyl, tetrahydrofurfuryl, or isobornyl (meth)acrylate, p-cumylphenoxyethylene glycol methacrylate (CMP-1E), bisphenol A dimethacrylate, Bis-GMA (an addition product of methacrylic acid and bisphenol a diglycidyl ether), ethoxylated, or propoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate.

[0034] Magnetic adhesives can be: HEMA, Bis-GMA, D3MA, MDP, ethanol, water, methacrylate-modified polyacrylic acid, silicon dioxide, camphorquinone, ethyl p-dimethylaminobenzoate, 2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate.

[0035] The dental object 101 comprises a second magnetic element 103-2, which serves for attachment to the first magnetic element 103-1. The magnetic element 103-2 of the dental object 101 acts as the opposite pole to the magnetic element 103-1 on the tooth 105. This creates an attractive force between the two magnetic elements 103-1 and 103-2, which serves to attach the dental object 101.

[0036] After applying the magnetic varnish to the enamel of tooth 105, a dental object 101 equipped with the opposing magnetic element 103-2 can be attached to the modified tooth surface. The magnetic element 103-2 of the dental object 101 can be formed, for example, by a permanent magnet, a ferromagnet, or an electromagnet. The electromagnet of the dental object 100 can optionally be activated by electronics. The permanent magnet can be designed such that it generates a mechanically switchable magnetic field. For example, individual magnets of the permanent magnet can generate an effective magnetic field for attachment in a first spatial arrangement and cancel the magnetic field for attachment in a second arrangement. This effect arises from the superposition principle of the magnetic fields.

[0037] The magnetic element 103-2 can, for example, be formed by a ferromagnetic or permanently magnetic spatial body. Iron, for example, can be used as a ferromagnetic material. Neodymium, for example, can be used as a permanent magnetic material. This can be coated with various biocompatible materials such as gold. In general, however, any other magnetic materials capable of producing a sufficient attractive force can also be used.

[0038] The magnetic element 103-2 acts as a counterpole to the magnetic element 103-1 on the tooth 105. The ferromagnetic or permanent magnetic magnetic lacquer on the tooth 105 also forms a counterpole to the magnetic element 103-2 inside the dental object 101 or on the dental object 101.

[0039] The dental object 101 to be attached can be, for example, a dental sensor, an electronic component, a battery, and / or a housing for various components. The dental sensor is a dental object 101 that can be arranged in the oral cavity and includes electronics for autonomously recording various measured values. For example, the dental sensor can include electronics for recording a pH value in the oral cavity.

[0040] The housing can be made of a polymer material, metal, or a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (carbon material). Furthermore, the housing can also comprise permanently magnetic or ferromagnetic particles, so that the second magnetic element 103-2 is formed by the housing and integrated therein. It can also be advantageous to arrange the second magnetic element 103-2 inside the housing, as this protects it from corrosion. The dental object 101 is sized to allow it to be placed in a patient's oral cavity. The housing can be produced using a three-dimensional printing process in which a material with magnetic particles is used.

[0041] The magnetic lacquer of the first magnetic element 103-1 can remain in the oral cavity until it is removed by the dentist or the patient themselves. However, since the magnetic lacquer is only applied to the previously cleaned tooth enamel, no problems with oral hygiene arise after the removal of the dental object 101.

[0042] The magnetic fields exerted by the magnetic elements 103-1 and 103-2 allow the dental object 101 to be reversibly secured in the oral cavity. Unlike a clamping method, the magnetic lacquer has no influence on the tooth position, preventing any unwanted displacement of the tooth 105. Thanks to the magnetic retention, the dental object 101 can be removed at any time.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a further schematic view of a dental attachment system 100. In this embodiment, a physical permanent magnet or ferromagnet is attached as the first magnetic element 103-1 to the enamel of the tooth 105 by means of a dental adhesive, varnish or dental cement.

[0044] In general, the first magnetic element 103-1 can also be attached to the tooth 105 in another suitable manner. For example, the magnetic element 103-1 can also be attached to a cap that can be placed on the tooth 105. The cap is, for example, a plastic cap that is adapted to the shape of the tooth 105 and is placed on the tooth 105 from above. The cap allows the magnetic element to be easily and reversibly attached to the tooth 105.

[0045] This first magnetic element 103-1 also acts as a counterpole to the second magnetic element 103-2 on the dental object 101, which is formed by a physical permanent magnet or ferromagnet or an electromagnet.

[0046] In contrast to a clamping method, a cemented magnet as the first magnetic element 103-1 on the tooth 105 also has no influence on the tooth position and enables reversible removal of the dental object 101.

[0047] Fig. 3 shows a structure for establishing orientation and positive engagement between the two magnetic elements 103-1 and 103-2. The first magnetic element 103-1 comprises a first contact surface 109-1 to the second magnetic element 103-2, and the second magnetic element 103-2 comprises a second contact surface 109-2 to the first magnetic element 103-2. Spatial structures are formed in the first and second contact surfaces 109-1 and 109-2, respectively, which create a positive engagement between the first and second magnetic elements 103-1, 103-2. This positive engagement allows the dental object 101 to be held in its intended position. Rotation and displacement of the dental object 101 can thereby be prevented.

[0048] In this case, a recess 111 with a triangular profile is formed on the second contact surface 109-2. A corresponding projection 113 is formed in the opposite contact surface 109-1, protruding from the first contact surface 109-1. The projection 113 is held in the recess 111 by the attractive force between the two magnetic elements 109-1 and 109-2 and prevents mutual movement between the two magnetic elements 103-1 and 103-2.

[0049] In general, however, other spatial, interlocking structures can also be used for orientation and for the positive connection between the two magnetic elements 103-1 and 103-2.

[0050] Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a magnetic element 103-2 with a deformable layer 115. The layer is made of a soft, elastic material, such as a foam, a sponge rubber, or an elastomeric mass, such as silicone. Due to the attractive force between the two magnetic elements 103-1 and 103-2, the layer 115 is deformed in the region 117. This can prevent lateral displacement or mutual slippage of the magnetic elements 103-1 and 103-2.

[0051] For this purpose, the magnetic element 103-2 or the dental object 101 can also have a fixed surface curvature that at least approximately corresponds to the tooth 105 to which the dental object 101 is to be held. The surface curvature can be created, for example, by a bulge in the contact surface 109-2 that corresponds to the shape of the tooth 105.

[0052] Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of channels for guiding saliva. The first magnetic element 103-1, the sensor, and / or the sensor housing can comprise one or more channels 107 for guiding saliva to a sensor unit. In this case, properties of the saliva can be analyzed through the through-opening 119. The channels 107 serve for liquid drainage or air supply. The through-opening 119 serves to enable a measurement by a sensor unit and forms a measuring area for the sensor unit.

[0053] The channels 107 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 107 can be arranged horizontally, diagonally, or vertically and can be U- or V-shaped.

[0054] In addition to enabling measurement, saliva flow can also make the device more comfortable to wear. Furthermore, the channels 107 result in material savings and easier removal. The channels 107 for the saliva can be provided in the first magnetic element 103-1, the sensor, and / or the sensor housing.

[0055] Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of the method for attaching the dental object 101. In a first step S101, the first magnetic element 103-1 is attached to the tooth 105. In the second step S102, the dental object 101 is attached to the first magnetic element 103-1 with the second magnetic element 103-2.

[0056] The method uses magnetic fields to secure the dental object 101 in the oral cavity. These magnetic fields can generally be generated in different ways. Magnetic attachment using the two magnetic elements 103-1 and 103-2 can be significantly stronger in both the shear and tensile directions than attachment using adhesive cream.

[0057] Using a magnetic holder, the dental object 101 can be removed at any time. The magnetic varnish, magnetic adhesive, magnetic cement, or the bonded or cemented permanent magnet can remain in the oral cavity until removed by the dentist or the patient. However, since the magnetic varnish, magnetic adhesive, or magnetic cement is only applied to the previously cleaned enamel of tooth 105, no problems with oral hygiene arise.

[0058] This creates a strong, easily reversible bond between the dental object 101 and the tooth 105 in the intraoral space. This reversibility is particularly advantageous because, after manual removal of the dental object 101, a patient can continue their usual oral hygiene routine, and no secondary diseases are triggered by the dental object 101.

[0059] 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.

[0060] All method steps can be implemented by devices suitable for performing the respective method step. All functions performed by physical features can be a method step of a method.

[0061] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0062] 100Attachment system 101Dental object 103Magnetic element 105Tooth 107Canal 109Contact surface 111Recess 113Protrusion 115Layer 117Area 119Through opening

Claims

1. A dental attachment system (100), comprising: - a first magnetic element (103-1) for attachment in an oral cavity; and - a dental object (101) having a second magnetic element (103-2) for attachment to the first magnetic element (103-1), wherein the dental object comprises a sensor and / or a sensor housing, wherein the first magnetic element (103-1), the sensor and / or the sensor housing comprises one or more channels for guiding saliva to a sensor unit.

2. The attachment system (100) according to claim 1, wherein said first magnetic element (103-1) is formed by a magnetic varnish, a magnetic adhesive, or a magnetic cement that is applicable to a tooth (105) or teeth.

3. The attachment system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic varnish comprises ferrimagnetic, ferromagnetic, or permanent magnetic particles.

4. The attachment system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first magnetic element (103-1) is formed by a permanent magnet or a ferromagnet which is attachable to the tooth (105) or the teeth.

5. The attachment system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first magnetic element (103-1) is attached to a cap that can be placed on the tooth (105) or teeth and / or can be attached to one or more teeth, braces, a bite splint, an abutment, a tooth stump, a prosthesis, or a partial prosthesis.

6. The attachment system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second magnetic element (103-2) comprises a permanent magnet, an electromagnet and / or a ferromagnet.

7. The attachment system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second magnetic element (103-2) or the dental object (101) has a surface curvature adapted to a tooth (105).

8. The attachment system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second magnetic element (103-2) comprises a layer deformable by the attractive force between the two magnetic elements (103-1, 103-2).

9. The attachment system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first magnetic element (103-1) comprises a first contact surface (109-1) to the second magnetic element (103-2) and / or the second magnetic element (103-2) comprises a second contact surface (109-2) to the first magnetic element (103-1).

10. The attachment system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein spatial structures are formed in the first and second contact surfaces (109-1, 109-2) to provide a predetermined orientation and / or positive engagement between the first and second magnetic elements (103-1, 103-2).

11. The attachment system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dental object (101) comprises a dental sensor, an electronic component, a battery, and / or a housing.

12. The attachment system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second magnetic element (103-2) is arranged inside the dental object (101) or outside the dental object (101) and / or the dental object (101) comprises a housing comprising a ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic or permanent magnetic material or an electromagnet.

13. A non-therapeutic method of attaching a dental object (101), comprising the steps of: - attaching (S101) a first magnetic element (103-1) in an oral cavity (105); and - attaching (S102) a dental object (101) with a second magnetic element (103-2) to the first magnetic element (103-1) wherein the first magnetic element (103-1), a sensor and / or a sensor housing comprises one or more channels for guiding saliva to a sensor unit.