Retainer for orthodontic treatment and method for manufacturing such a retainer

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a retainer for orthodontic treatment.

[0002] These retainers are used after orthodontic treatment to stabilize the repositioned teeth. The retainer is bonded to the intraoral surface of the front teeth.

[0003] Retainers typically consist of either a spring-hard, twisted steel wire, a TMA (titanium-molybdenum alloy) wire, or a wire made of a nickel-titanium alloy. Both twisted steel wires and nickel-titanium alloy wires exhibit high resilience. Such a retainer is described, for example, in EP 3 563 793 A1. It connects several teeth together. This has the disadvantage that it may need to be completely removed, or more complicated repairs may be required, if the bond to a single tooth fails or if it breaks or is damaged.

[0004] WO 2013 / 134031 describes an improved design for a wire-retained orthodontic appliance. To relieve stress on the wire and to better distribute forces, connecting bars are provided in addition to the wire between individual teeth. The design is very complex and yet still exhibits the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0005] Another disadvantage of known one-piece retainers is that removing the retainer requires removing the material used on all teeth. In particular, a drill designed for metal can cause significant tooth damage with each material removal and may even irreparably destroy teeth. Such devices, which must be completely replaced in case of a defect, resulting in the aforementioned disadvantage, are also known from US 4,516,938 and US 2012 / 0028221 A1. Both patents describe one-piece devices that cannot be repaired in the patient's mouth.

[0006] If the retainer is damaged or broken in only one place, or if only the area of ​​one or a few teeth needs to be reworked or modified, it is advantageous if the retainer does not have to be completely removed, but can be repaired or partially modified. In this partial repair, the damaged part of the retainer is cut out and replaced.

[0007] JP H07 303 662 A describes a single dental connector for joining a pair of adjacent teeth. It is made of a shape-memory alloy. The fabrication of a retainer is neither shown nor intended.

[0008] From EP 2 263 597 A2, a retainer is known that consists of several individual retainers, each comprising two magnetically connected modules. The modules are bonded to one of the two adjacent teeth. Mutual support of the teeth is mediated by the magnetic holding force between the modules. However, this force is not always sufficient to achieve the necessary stabilization. In other words, in numerous applications, the clinical goal of treatment with such a retainer cannot be achieved.

[0009] From EP 1 449 494 A1, a splint is disclosed which consists of several prongs (2a, 2b, 3a and 3b) connected to each other by an arc (4). These prongs are inserted into resin-filled grooves (10) that have been previously milled into the patient's teeth when the splint (5) is inserted. Unlike the retainer of the present invention, the splint (5) is not designed for a surface-level connection with the tooth; therefore, a tooth connection is only possible with the additional milling of retention grooves in the tooth. The splint (5) also does not form a recess that follows the shape of the gingival margin.

[0010] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a retainer that sufficiently stabilizes the teeth and at the same time enables easier repair if only individual adhesive points should come loose or the retainer or the metal should be broken.

[0011] In another aspect, the invention is based on the further objective of providing a retainer that keeps all teeth in the retainer group even in the event of partial failure.

[0012] To solve the problem, the invention provides, that the retainer consists of at least two double wings, each consisting of a central piece and two wings adjoining it laterally, that the wings are designed to be flat and each has a front and back side, the front side being shaped for flat bonding to the lateral surface of a tooth, that the central piece firmly connects the two wings together, the central piece (7) forming a recess with the two wings (8) which follows the shape of the gingival margin (4);wherein the retainer is configured to arrange two double wings on at least one non-peripheral tooth, such that a first double wing is able to form an adhesive bond from a left-adjacent tooth and a second double wing is able to form an adhesive bond from a right-adjacent tooth to the non-peripheral tooth, and wherein the double wings (6) are configured to provide an adhesive bond from the left-adjacent and the right-adjacent tooth through the body of the respective double wing (6) to the non-peripheral tooth, so that the non-peripheral tooth can be stabilized by means of the retainer of two double wings.

[0013] In one example, the central piece and both wings form a recess that particularly favorably follows the shape of the gingival margin. For instance, a lambda-shaped recess is formed in the area of ​​the central piece, cf. Fig. 2For example, the retainer can form an arc in both the lateral and axial views, with the zenith being formed by the central piece, cf. Fig. 1 .

[0014] Each of the double wings is placed between two adjacent teeth, with the central section lying in the gap between the teeth and the wings pressing their front surfaces against the sides of the teeth, where they are bonded to them. The arc shape in the axial view thus corresponds to the cross-section of two adjacent teeth, with the zenith of the arc corresponding to the gap between the two teeth and the wings following the intraoral contour of the teeth.

[0015] On each non-peripheral tooth that is to be covered by the retainer, two double wings are preferably attached. This means that two double wings are attached to a non-peripheral tooth, for example, on its posterior flank, perhaps by bonding. Thus, the first attached double wing connects this non-peripheral tooth to its left neighbor, and the second attached double wing connects this non-peripheral tooth to its right neighbor. On each marginal tooth that marks a particular end of the area covered by the retainer, typically only one double wing is attached, as it is connected to only one neighboring tooth of the marginal tooth.A double wing to be connected with an edge tooth can differ in that the entire tooth flank on the edge tooth can be used for the attachment of the single double wing, since the contact surface does not have to be shared with a second double wing to be attached there.

[0016] In one example, the retainer can span the area from the first canine, across the incisors, to the second canine of a jaw. In this example, the canines are the marginal teeth, each with only one double wing, and the incisors are the non-marginal teeth, each with two double wings.

[0017] Because of its arched shape, which is viewed from the lateral side, the central piece can be placed approximately halfway up the tooth crown, with the wings following the gingival margin to the lower end of the tooth, reaching its sagittal plane. This provides support for the retainer close to the tooth base, promoting defined stabilization of the teeth. The retainer is thus positioned close to the tooth's center of resistance.

[0018] The double wings are bonded to the tooth flanks across their entire surface, holding the teeth in position by mutual support. This broad bond makes it more difficult for the teeth to tilt relative to each other, significantly improving stability.

[0019] In other words, each double wing is bonded to the tooth flank of two adjacent teeth. A double wing thus provides an adhesive bond from the tooth flank of a first tooth, through the body of the double wing, to the tooth flank of a second tooth located adjacent to the first. Preferably, the adhesive bond is limited to the spatial extent of the two adjacent teeth. This has the further advantage that if one adhesive bond is lost, only one double wing is affected, and the second double wing, which is attached to the same tooth, can still stabilize the affected tooth. In other words, the wing adjacent to the defective wing continues to stabilize the affected tooth. Since each non-marginal tooth therefore typically has more than one adhesive bond, redundancy is created which, in the event of a defect in the retainer, maintains its function.The effect can continue to be maintained. The effect may be less pronounced or limited compared to a fully functional retainer without a defect, but the affected tooth does not completely fall out of the retainer group. This differs from one-piece retainers, where a defect in the adhesive bond simultaneously means the loss of the tooth from the retainer group, and the affected tooth can shift, particularly relative to the other teeth in the retainer group.

[0020] Furthermore, preferably two double wings are attached to each tooth flank of a non-marginal tooth, such that a first double wing creates an adhesive bond from a tooth to its left and a second double wing creates an adhesive bond from a tooth to its right. However, no frictional connection is provided between the first and second double wings, or such a connection is deliberately avoided or interrupted. Such a continuous frictional connection from the first to the second double wing is unnecessary, as the adhesive bond sufficiently secures the two double wings to the tooth, allowing force transmission to be directed through the adhesive bonds and the tooth itself.Therefore, omitting the force-fit continuous connection between the double wings is advantageously not detrimental to the stabilization of the teeth, but on the other hand enables the advantages presented with this description.

[0021] To achieve even better stabilization, the wings can be designed to be wider towards their free ends.

[0022] Typically, the free ends of the wings are separated from each other. This allows for the intended easy repair of individual double wings.

[0023] To simplify production, a chain-like structure would also be conceivable, in which the free ends of the wings of two adjacent double wings are, for example, detachably connected to one another. In this case, when replacing a double wing, it may be necessary to first disconnect it from the adjacent double wings. The detached double wing can then be re-glued without reconnecting it to the adjacent double wings, since each individual double wing is capable of stabilizing the teeth connected to it.

[0024] In addition to bonding the individual double wings, a clamp can be provided that is supported by several double wings. For this purpose, the invention provides that means are present on the back of the double wings for attaching a clamp connecting several double wings.

[0025] Typically, the double wings are made of metal or a metal alloy to achieve the necessary stability. However, as has been convincingly demonstrated, other materials can also be used for the manufacture of the retainer according to the invention. In addition to various plastics and plastic-ceramic composites, experience was also gained with the material polyetheretherketone (PEEK) during the development of the invention, which offers very good properties for the manufacture of the retainer according to the invention. It is particularly advantageous if the material bonds well and provides inert flexibility in order to tolerate even the smallest dynamic changes in tooth position. Here, PEEK proves to be very suitable, in addition to a plastic-ceramic mixture. PEEK is also available in various colors, such as tooth white.The aforementioned materials can be used in additive manufacturing (3D printing) or in a milling process to provide the retainer according to the invention.

[0026] Materials such as plastic-ceramic composites or PEEK offer the further advantage that, in the event of the removal of any remaining material from the retainer—which, in the present case, would only be necessary on, for example, two teeth—a drill bit designed for plastics can be used, as no metal needs to be removed. A drill bit designed for plastics damages the tooth surfaces considerably less than a drill bit for metals or metal alloys, so not only are fewer teeth affected, but the teeth themselves would also be less likely to be damaged if a retainer component or similar were to become detached.

[0027] The retainers are preferably manufactured using a 3D process, such as 3D printing or 3D milling. The invention may provide that an electronic 3D image of the intraoral contour of the teeth to be supported is generated, that a printing or milling template for a 3D printer or 3D milling machine is calculated from the 3D image, and / or that the retainer is produced, in particular by means of a 3D printer or 3D milling machine using the calculated printing or milling template.

[0028] The advantage of this approach is that in each dental practice only an electronic 3D image needs to be created, which can then be forwarded to a central office that has a manufacturing device such as a 3D printer or a 3D milling machine to produce an individually adapted retainer from the electronic 3D image.

[0029] The electronic image can be generated by scanning the teeth themselves. Alternatively, a dental impression could first be taken and the scan performed on a model created from that impression.

[0030] The retainer's double wings can be manufactured individually, which is currently preferred. However, it would also be conceivable to manufacture them as a double-wing assembly within a single retainer manufacturing process, initially, for example, in a single chain-like structure, i.e., as one piece. The retainer's double wings are designed to be separable from one another in order to realize the advantages of the invention. In particular, the separability of the double wings leads to a modified geometry and shape of the retainer and to a modified force flow through the retainer. Following the retainer manufacturing process, the double wings can be separated from one another if necessary; such a detachable connection of the double wings to each other, acting as a predetermined breaking point, can also be maintained in a user's oral cavity when the retainer is in use.This can simplify the insertion of the retainer without affecting the special functionality of the multi-part retainer.

[0031] In other words, each of the double wings is a separate and independent component, distinct from the other double wings. This does not preclude a retainer double wing from being temporarily connected to adjacent double wings, i.e., detachably or separably, so that the connection between two retainers can be easily released, particularly at a predefined or prepared point, without affecting the function and support of the double wings. Similarly, pre-fitting with a detachable, pre-constructed connection point (designed breaking point) allows a double wing to be separated from a group of double wings in the event of replacement or repair without affecting the adjacent double wings and without impacting the overall support function of the retainer.As an example, the unique functionality of a multi-part retainer ensures that all teeth within the retainer assembly remain supported, even if the retainer is damaged or broken in one or more places. A one-piece retainer cannot achieve this, and this function remains intact regardless of whether the retainer is initially fabricated as a detachable assembly of double wings or inserted into the oral cavity. This also distinguishes a multi-part retainer, initially connected like a chain, from a conventional one-piece retainer.

[0032] In a simple example, the transitions between two double wings could be made thinner, creating a kind of predetermined breaking point. This makes it easier to remove a single double wing from an applied retainer if the retainer needs to be replaced or re-bonded.

[0033] In its insertion position, particularly within a patient's mouth, each double wing of the retainer functions as an independent, separate component, regardless of whether a double wing is temporarily or detachably connected to its adjacent wing, or whether the individual double wings are inserted as separate components from the outset. Even if the individual double wings are detachably connected to each other in the insertion position, each double wing acts as a separate component within a group of such separate components. Therefore, the retainer should be considered a multi-part element, and, for example, there is no force-fit connection between one double wing and its adjacent wing via the detachable connection. Rather, the connection between one double wing and its adjacent wing is intentionally designed to be detachable.The retainer is designed to be detachable, so that the entire product in the insertion position is not a one-piece construction which, for example, also transmits force via a material-bonded connection, but rather the construction has the aforementioned design differences compared to a one-piece construction precisely to enable the separation of a double wing from the retainer in the insertion position.

[0034] Replacing a single double-wing retainer can also be advantageous when adjusting the force applied to specific areas of the teeth is desired, without affecting the rest of the jaw. In such cases, it can even be advantageous compared to a full retainer that only a local change in the force flow, limited to just one or two teeth, can be made without altering the remaining teeth. This is not possible with a full, one-piece retainer, as the entire retainer must always be replaced, requiring a complete re-examination and adjustment of the entire jaw whenever the retainer is readjusted. In other words, the invention also allows for local, i.e., small-scale, adjustments to the force applied to or supported by the teeth held by a double wing, without requiring realignment of the entire retainer assembly.

[0035] A further advantage of the retainer presented in this description is that it can be manufactured very thinly, in particular so thin that there is little to no disruption to the movement of the opposing jaw. This can be achieved through various refinements of the retainer presented here, especially through the shaping of the wings, each of which provides a large bonding surface, and the shaping of the central piece, which is integrated into the

[0036] protrudes into the interdental space and can therefore be made thicker than the wings without causing harm, without encroaching on the movement space of the opposite jaw.

[0037] For example, the retainer can have a thickness of 0.75 mm or less, preferably 0.5 mm or less, more preferably 0.3 mm or less, or even only 0.2 mm or less in the wing area. It is preferred, depending on the material, to provide a minimum thickness of 0.1 mm or more, preferably 0.15 mm or more, or even 0.25 mm or more in the wing area to prevent tearing or damage during insertion of the retainer. The center section can then project into the interdental space, for example in a wedge shape, and have a thickness of approximately 1 mm ± 0.3 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the center section can also have a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm ± 0.3 mm.

[0038] In some orthodontic treatment cases, a "deep bite" is present, which can sometimes be associated with a high probability of relapse. To prevent this relapse of the deep bite, possibly even in addition to other types of tooth movement such as tooth rotation, one option is to use an occlusal splint, as described below. Such a splint can be combined with the features shown in this description.

[0039] By providing an occlusal surface, tooth displacement can be prevented. For example, elongation of the front teeth can be prevented by supporting the lower incisors and / or canines on one or more of these occlusal surfaces. Finally, such an occlusal surface or bite elevation can also be used for a therapeutically desired increase in bite height.

[0040] To provide a bite surface, a support surface is provided for the opposing teeth. If, as is typically intended, the retainer is to be placed on the back surfaces of the teeth, the bite surface is positioned on an upper retainer, since the lower teeth typically occlude against the back surfaces of the upper teeth, and the bite surface can be easily provided there.

[0041] A double wing according to the present description can comprise at least one, preferably two, bite surfaces. In particular, two bite surfaces can be provided on each non-marginal tooth, and one bite surface can also be provided on a marginal tooth. The bite surfaces can be designed such that the two bite surfaces arranged together on one tooth flank appear as a single bite surface in functional or visual terms. Any gap that may exist between the single bite surface, i.e., between the two "half-bite surfaces" arranged on one tooth flank, proves to be functionally harmless.

[0042] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures. Similar or identical elements may have the same reference numerals, and the features of the different embodiments can be combined. Brief description of the characters

[0043] They show: Fig. 1 a top view of a jaw section with a retainer in place, Fig. 2 a computer-simulated representation of a retainer according to the invention, Fig. 3 an embodiment of a retainer with bite surfaces, Fig. 3A a side view of an incisor with an attached retainer with bite surface, Fig. 3B further view of a tooth with an attached retainer with bite surface. Detailed description of the invention

[0044] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a lateral view, i.e., the intraoral side of an upper row of incisors to which a retainer according to the invention is attached.

[0045] The illustration shows four incisors 1 and two canines 2 in a lateral view. These protrude from the gingiva 3, with the gingival margin 4 running along the tooth in the form of a cycloid, the apexes of which point upwards.

[0046] The retainer 5 typically consists of several double wings 6, each comprising a central section 7 with two projecting wings 8. Two double wings 6 are assigned to each non-peripheral incisor 1, and one double wing 6 is assigned to each peripheral canine 2.

[0047] As can be seen from the Figure 1 As can be seen from the lateral view of the double wings 6 shown, these each form a lambda-shaped arc in a vertical plane, with the central section 7 forming the zenith of the arc and the wings 8 forming its descending end sections.

[0048] According to an axial view (view from above of the tooth, not shown), the double wings also have a lambda-shaped arc in a horizontal plane. This shape allows the central section 7 to be positioned approximately halfway up the crown of the tooth between two incisors 1, 1 or between an incisor and a canine 1, 2, where it extends as far and as sharply as possible into the space between the respective teeth. The two wings 8 follow the gingival margin 4 and terminate approximately in the sagittal plane 9 (plane of a tooth perpendicular to the dental arch) of a tooth 1, 2.

[0049] The two wings 8 and the central section 7 are bonded to the teeth. For this purpose, the wings 8 are designed with a flat surface, so that their front surfaces facing teeth 1 and 2 form a large bonding area. In other words, each wing 8 is bonded to each tooth 1 and 2, creating an adhesive bond from the first tooth 2, via the wing 8 of the double wing 6, and via the second wing 8 to a second tooth 1. A material bond from the first double wing 6 to the second double wing 6 to create a force-fit or form-fit connection has proven unnecessary and can therefore be advantageously omitted. Instead, the force transmission and support of the jaw as a whole occur via the tooth flanks themselves and not through a continuous retainer.With the present new design of a retainer 5, a redirection of the force flow through the tooth flanks is also realized, which contributes to making it possible to provide a separable retainer 5 in the manner described here, in which individual components can advantageously be replaced if necessary.

[0050] The adjacent ends of the wings 8 either merge seamlessly or can be separated by a small gap 10. Alternatively, the double wings 6 could be connected and the connection designed with a predetermined breaking point.

[0051] The wing ends 11 of the double wings on the outside of the retainer are extended so that they extend beyond the sagittal plane 9 of the tooth and wrap around the tooth, in the embodiment shown here the two canine teeth 2.

[0052] To create a retainer, an electronic image of the intraoral surface of the tooth contour is taken and used to produce a custom-made retainer using a 3D printer or 3D milling machine. The retainer can then be attached to the back of the teeth, either as a whole or in sections of two wings, and bonded in place. If the upper jaw is to receive a retainer, the lower jaw's teeth are also scanned. This helps prevent potential contact between the retainer and the opposing teeth / antagonists.

[0053] Should an adhesive bond fail over time, it can be renewed without having to remove the entire retainer from the teeth. The affected double wing can be fabricated separately if it is damaged or lost and inserted into the retainer assembly.

[0054] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a further illustration of a retainer 5 according to the invention in its inserted position on a jaw, wherein the inner contour of the retainer 5 follows the course of the gingival margin 4. In contrast to the illustration with Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the wings 8 are significantly enlarged, thus forming a considerably larger bonding surface on the tooth flank. This enlarged bonding surface can increase the bond strength to the respective tooth. This may also allow for a thinner retainer 5, making it more comfortable to wear, as the range of motion of the opposing jaw (not shown) is not, or only minimally, restricted. The flatter design also simplifies oral hygiene, as less surface area is required where food debris could accumulate. In this embodiment, the side of the wings 8 opposite the gingival margin 4 is shown as a straight line. To further enlarge the bonding surface of the wings, it is also conceivable to widen the wings 8 further towards the tooth tips. Thus, the Figure 2The double wings 6, depicted in the manner of a "half hourglass", can also form a "full hourglass" by enlarging the wings 8 in a mirrored manner.

[0055] With regard to the Figures 3, 3A and 3B The design of retainer 5 with bite plate 12 is shown. Fig. 3Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an anterior jaw with the four incisors and two canines and an attached retainer 5. The retainer 5 is composed of multiple double wings 6, which are not connected to their adjacent counterparts and therefore do not form a continuous or one-piece retainer 5. Rather, the retainer 5, as shown, comprises multiple individual components in the form of double wings 6. Each double wing 6, as in the previously described embodiment, has a central section 7 and two wings 8, and is arranged such that each double wing 6 connects two teeth 1 and 2. By arranging the multiple double wings 6 in succession, the teeth are successively connected, thus achieving the retention effect that would be achieved with a continuous retainer 5.

[0056] On each non-marginal tooth 1, here the incisors 1, a gap 10 is visible, clearly separating a left double wing from a right double wing. Should one of the multiple double wings 5 ​​become detached or need to be replaced for any other reason, this can be done easily without having to replace the entire retainer.

[0057] The retainer 5 provides a bite height increase by equipping each double wing 6 with two bite surfaces 12. The teeth of the opposing jaw (not shown) can contact the contact surfaces 12a of the bite surfaces 12, so that the bite height can be adjusted by means of the retainer equipped with bite surfaces 12. The bite surfaces 12 are arranged in pairs on the respective tooth flanks, that is, a first bite surface 12 of a left double wing 5 and a second bite surface 12 of a right double wing 5 are arranged on the same tooth flank and, for example, spaced apart by the gap 10.

[0058] According to this embodiment, the retainer 5 can thus provide a dual function: firstly, to offer support to the jaw and / or to therapeutically intervene in the tooth position, and secondly, to allow the user to adjust the bite height. Nevertheless, even with this embodiment of the retainer 5, it is possible to replace individual double wings 6, so that if a double wing 6 fails—or for any other purpose where a double wing 6 would need to be replaced—a single double wing 6 can be removed or replaced without having to replace the entire retainer 5. Even if a section 6 of the retainer 5 is lost, all teeth 1 and 2 remain stabilized by the remaining double wings 6.

[0059] With reference to Fig. 3A Figure 1 shows a side view of an incisor 1 with an attached retainer 5 and bite plate 12. The bite height can be adjusted by shaping the contact surface 12a. With reference to Fig. 3B Another illustration of a side surface of a tooth 1 is shown, in which the bite plate 12 is shown as a continuous element. Such a bite plate 12 of the retainer 5 can, for example, still functionally consist of two individual parts, but be temporarily or detachably connected to prevent food particles from entering the space 10. For example, the shape shown in Fig. 4 can be achieved by placing the two double wings 6 attached to a tooth 1 so close together that the gap 10 becomes negligible. This does not impair the additional inventive effect that a single double wing 6 can still be replaced as an individual part without having to replace the entire retainer 5.

[0060] It is evident to the person skilled in the art that the embodiments described above are to be understood as examples and that the invention is not limited to these, but can be varied in many different ways; the scope of the invention is determined by the claims.

[0061] In all figures, the same reference symbols represent the same objects, so that descriptions of objects that may only be mentioned in one figure, or at least not with respect to all figures, can also be applied to those figures with respect to which the object is not explicitly described. Reference symbol list

[0062] 1 Incisors 2 Canines 3 Gums 4 Gum margin 5 Retainer 6 Double wing 7 Middle piece 8 Wing 9 Sagittal plane 10 Gap 11 Wing end, end wing 12 Bite 12a Bearing surface

Claims

1. Retainer for orthodontic treatment, comprising at least two double wings (6), wherein each double wing (6) consists of a center piece (7) and two wings (8) extending laterally therefrom, wherein the wings (8) are flat in shape and each has a front and a back side, wherein the front side is shaped for flat bonding to the lateral surface of a tooth (1, 2) and the center piece firmly connects the adjacent wings to one another, wherein the center piece (7) together with the two wings (8) forms a recess that follows the shape of the gingival margin (4), wherein the retainer is configured to position two double wings on at least one non-marginal tooth such that a first double wing is capable of establishing an adhesive bond from a tooth adjacent on the left and a second double wing is capable of establishing an adhesive bond from a tooth adjacent on the right to the non-marginal tooth, and wherein the double wings (6) are configured to provide an adhesive bond from the tooth adjacent on the left and the tooth adjacent on the right through the body of the respective double wing (6) to the non-marginal tooth, so that the non-marginal tooth can be stabilized by the retainer by means of two double wings.

2. Retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that the wings (8) are widened toward their free ends.

3. Retainer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the free ends of the wings (8) are separated from one another.

4. Retainer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that means are provided on the rear side of the double wings (6) for attaching a bracket connecting a plurality of double wings (6).

5. Retainer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of a metal, for exxample a metal alloy, a plastic-ceramic composite, or PEEK.

6. Retainer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized that the retainer has a thickness in the region of the wings (8) of 0.75 mm or less, preferably 0.5 mm or less, more preferably 0.3 mm or less, or even only 0.2 mm or less, and / or that the retainer provides a minimum thickness of 0.1 mm or more, preferably 0.15 mm or more, or even 0.25 mm or more in the region of the wings (8).

7. Retainer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lambda-shaped recess (13) is formed in the region of the center piece (7), and / or that the retainer forms an arc in both the lateral view and the axial view, the apex of which is formed by the center piece (7).

8. Retainer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the center piece (7) is shaped such that it protrudes into an interdental space, for instance protrudes wedge-shaped into the interdental space, and / or that the center piece (7) has a thickness of approximately 1 mm ± 0.3 mm, preferably of approximately 0.5 mm ± 0.3 mm.

9. Retainer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one bite splint (12), which can be positioned against a tooth flank.

10. Retainer according to the preceding claim, wherein a double wing (6) comprises at least one, preferably two bite splints (12) each, and / or wherein the retainer is designed such that two bite splints are provided for at least one of the teeth (1, 2) to be supported, which are separated for example by a gap (10).

11. Retainer according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the bite splint (12) or the two bite splints (12) are formed integrally with the double wing (6).

12. Retainer according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the bite splint (12) comprises a contact surface (12a) for contacting a tooth of an opposing jaw.

13. Retainer according to claim 12, wherein the bite height can be adjusted by means of the configuration of the contact surface (12a) of the bite splint (12).

14. Method for manufacturing a retainer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electronic 3D image of the intraoral contour of the teeth (1, 2) to be supported is generated, that a printing or milling template for a 3D printer or a 3D milling machine is calculated from the 3D image and that the retainer (5) is produced by means of a 3D printer or a 3D milling machine using the calculated printing or milling template.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the double wings of the retainer (5) are manufactured as a double-wing composite in a retainer manufacturing process and are designed to be separable from one another.