Spacer made of flexible material for dental acquisition

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible spacer (14, 14') for acquiring, with a mobile telephone (12), 2D or 3D representations of teeth of a user, the spacer (14, 14') comprising a tubular part (22) made of an elastically deformable material, delimiting a chamber (26) and having a longitudinal axis (X), said tubular part (22): - having a length (L22) greater than 3 cm, - opening through an acquisition opening (Oa) and through an oral opening (Oo) having a width (loo) and a height (hoo) measured in an overall oral-opening plane (Poo), and - being configured to be removably attached to the mobile telephone (12) in an acquisition position in which an optical objective (18) of the mobile telephone (12) has an at least partial view of the oral opening (Oo) through the acquisition opening (Oa), the spacer (14, 14') being noteworthy in that: the tubular part (22) is elastically deformable, allowing a centripetal thrust (F, F') exerted on said tubular part (22) in a direction substantially parallel to that of the width (loo) to bring about a more than 5% decrease in the width (loo) of the oral opening, with preferably the decrease in the width (loo) of the oral opening simultaneously causing the height (hoo) of the oral opening to increase.

Description

[0001] Flexible material spacer for dental acquisition

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a kit for acquiring representations of teeth, and in particular dental photos, in particular for implementing a method as described in international application PCT / EP2015 / 074896. The invention also relates to a spacer for such acquisition, in particular adapted to such a kit.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] PCT / EP2015 / 074897 describes an acquisition kit allowing a user to acquire, using a mobile phone, extraoral photos of his teeth, mouth closed or mouth open, in different orientations.

[0006] There is a continuing need for an acquisition kit

[0007] - space-saving,

[0008] - simple and inexpensive to manufacture,

[0009] - preferably reusable,

[0010] - adaptable to the morphology of the user's mouth for easy placement in the service position,

[0011] - then which allows, with the mobile phone, an extraoral and easy acquisition of 2D or 3D representations by the user himself, in occlusal or lateral views, mouth open or mouth closed, in conditions of optimal hygiene and comfort.

[0012] 2D or 3D representations of teeth can be, in particular, extraoral images or three-dimensional digital models.

[0013] The kit must finally allow the acquisition of data for each of the user's teeth, and in particular teeth at the back of the mouth.

[0014] However, the dimensions of the user's mouth can vary considerably depending on their morphology, particularly their age. If the user does not use an acquisition kit adapted to the dimensions of their mouth, the acquisition is not comfortable and the photos may be of poor quality.

[0015] There is therefore a need for an acquisition kit which allows, with the mobile phone, the acquisition of 2D representations, such as photos, or 3D representations, such as three-dimensional models, by the user himself, in occlusal or lateral views, mouth open or mouth closed, and which adapts to the user whatever the morphology or dimensions of his mouth.

[0016] An aim of the present invention is to meet, at least partially, this need.

[0017] Summary of the invention

[0018] The invention provides a flexible spacer intended for the acquisition, with a mobile phone, of 2D or 3D representations of a user's teeth, the spacer comprising a tubular part made of an elastically deformable material, delimiting a chamber and having a longitudinal axis, said tubular part

[0019] - having a length greater than 3 cm,

[0020] - opening through an acquisition opening and through an oral opening having a width and height measured in a general oral opening plane,

[0021] - being shaped to be removably attached to the mobile phone, in an acquisition position in which an optical lens of the mobile phone has at least a partial view of the oral opening through the acquisition opening,

[0022] Preferably, the spacer is remarkable in that: the tubular part is elastically deformable allowing, by a centripetal thrust exerted on said tubular part in a direction substantially parallel to that of the width, a reduction greater than 5% of the width of the oral opening, preferably, the reduction in the width of the oral opening simultaneously causing the increase in the height of the oral opening and / or, the tubular part is elastically deformable allowing, by centripetal thrust oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a reduction greater than 10%, greater than 15%, greater than 20%, greater than 25%, greater than 30%, greater than 35%, greater than 40%, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90%, preferably 100%, of an oral opening area delimited by a general outline of the oral opening included in the general plane oral opening and / or,the tubular part is preferably rigid along the longitudinal axis and / or, the tubular part is at least partially elastically bendable along two axes included in a sagittal plane of the spacer, preferably under the effect of a centripetal thrust exerted on said tubular part in a direction substantially parallel to that of the width and / or, the general contour of the oral opening (and optionally that delimiting the acquisition opening) is elastically deformable so that all the points of said contour can be simultaneously arranged in a sagittal plane of the spacer and / or, said tubular part is at least partially elastically deformable so that a centripetal thrust oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis allows a reduction greater than 5%, greater than 10%, greater than 15%, greater than 20%, greater than 25%, greater than 30%, greater than 35%, greater than 40%, greater than 50%, greater than 60%,greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90%, preferably 100% of the width of the oral opening (optionally of the width of the acquisition opening) and preferably, that said reduction simultaneously results in an increase in the height of the oral opening (respectively of the height of the acquisition opening), and / or, the edge delimiting the oral opening and optionally that delimiting the acquisition opening, is elastically deformable until completely masking the oral opening, respectively the acquisition opening and / or, the tubular part or section of the tubular part included between an edge of the tubular part delimiting the oral opening and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (transverse cutting plane) located at a distance from the general plane of the oral opening, less than 90%, 80%, 70%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10% of the length of the tubular part, preferably the oral opening,has a concave inner surface. Preferably, said concave inner surface is located in a section of the spacer delimited by two planes parallel to a sagittal plane of the spacer and located on either side of it, at a distance less than 30% of the width of the oral opening, preferably less than 20%, 15%, 10%, 5% of the width of the oral opening. As will be seen in more detail in the remainder of the description, the spacer thus not only performs the function of spacing the mobile phone away from the oral opening thanks to the rigidity of the tubular part along its length (along the longitudinal axis), but can also be adapted to the morphology of the user, by deformation of the oral opening.,

[0023] Advantageously, according to the elements which have just been described, the oral opening can thus be modified elastically, depending on the action exerted on the spacer, which allows the spacer to adapt elastically to the dimensions of the user's mouth. The spacer can thus be suitable for users having mouths of different dimensions, for example suitable for an adult and a child. It is therefore no longer necessary for each user to choose a spacer which corresponds to them. The risk of error during acquisition is advantageously reduced.

[0024] The significant flexibility of the oral opening facilitates the insertion of the spacer into the user's mouth, by contracting the oral opening during said insertion, preferably by compressing the spacer with one hand, preferably by pinching between two fingers. By contracting the oral opening, the morphology of the spacer can perfectly adapt to the morphology of a user's mouth, thereby avoiding the user having to open his or her mouth very widely to insert the spacer. When the insertion into the mouth is complete, the user stops compressing the oral opening, which allows the spacer to deploy in the user's mouth.

[0025] The increase in the height of the oral opening caused by the reduction in its width has the advantage, compared to prior art devices, that the spacer does not mask the user's incisors when acquiring occlusal views. The quality of the acquired representations is considerably improved. This is particularly true when the user has the spacer in the mouth, the cheeks apply pressure to the wings which will tend to reduce the width of the oral opening and increase its height. The lips will then be better cleared of the user's incisors.

[0026] The concavity of the inner surface of the tubular part, of a section of the tubular part or of the oral opening has the technical advantage, when the spacer is compressed by the user (i.e. when a force is applied to reduce the width of the oral opening), of inducing a deformation movement of the tubular part manifested by the increase in the height of the oral opening. In addition, the spacer masks the user's incisors less than the devices of the prior art during the acquisition of occlusal views, preferably does not mask the user's incisors. The quality of the acquired representations is considerably improved. This is particularly true when the user has the spacer in the mouth, the cheeks apply pressure on the wings which will tend to reduce the width of the oral opening and increase its height. The lips will then be better cleared of the user's incisors.

[0027] In addition, the flexibility of the tubular part improves user comfort during acquisition and facilitates cleaning of the spacer.

[0028] The spacer is notably different from the spacer of international application PCT / EP2022 / 085370 in that it is made of an elastically deformable material.

[0029] A spacer according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following optional features:

[0030] -the tubular part is configured to receive and hold a mobile phone, preferably in a removable manner, optionally by means of an adapter, the mobile phone being fixed on the spacer in such a way that the objective of the image acquisition device of the mobile phone has at least a partial view of the oral opening and / or,

[0031] - the tubular part is elastically deformable over a section between an edge of the tubular part delimiting the oral opening and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (transverse cutting plane) located at a distance from the general oral opening plane, less than 90%, 80%, preferably 75% of the length of the tubular part, preferably, this section has an elastic deformability greater than the rest of the tubular part and / or,

[0032] - the spacer is monobloc and / or,

[0033] - the tubular part is opaque over a section between the oral opening edge and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis located at a distance from the general oral opening plane, greater than 75%, 80%, 90% of the length of the tubular part, preferably, the tubular part is entirely opaque and / or,

[0034] - the tubular part comprises a stiffening rib, preferably annular so as to surround the tubular part, over a section between the edge of the acquisition opening and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (transverse plane) located at a distance, from a general acquisition opening plane, less than 50%, 40%, 30%, preferably 25% of the length of the tubular part, and / or,

[0035] - the tubular part has at least one guide projection, advantageously two, arranged, preferably symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane, on a surface of the spacer between the general oral opening plane and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis located at a distance from said general plane, preferably less than 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, preferably 7% of the length of the tubular part and / or,

[0036] - the oral opening is partially delimited by at least one cheek-spreading wing, having one or more of the following optional features:

[0037] - the oral opening is delimited by two wings and / or,

[0038] - a plurality of fins are arranged symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane, and / or,

[0039] - each fin has a free end and a junction physically connecting, preferably exclusively, the fin to the tubular part, and / or,

[0040] - each fin is elastically deformable or pliable under the effect of centripetal thrust, and / or,

[0041] - each fin is shaped so as, in a service position, to move a portion of the user's lips and / or a portion of the user's cheeks away from the user's teeth, preferably, each fin is shaped so as to allow, in the service position, a sliding of the user's lips away from the user's teeth, preferably over a distance greater than 3 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 10 mm, and / or less than 100 mm, and / or, - a fin, preferably each fin, has one or more zones of reduced thickness, preferably of zero thickness called a cutout,

[0042] And / or,

[0043] - the oral opening is partially or entirely delimited by a labial support for separating the lips and / or cheeks, presenting one or more of the following optional characteristics:

[0044] - preferably, a lip support is made of material with an edge of the tubular part delimiting the oral opening and / or,

[0045] - a lip support preferably has a free end and / or,

[0046] - a lip support, preferably each lip support, has a central section (around a sagittal plane of the spacer), of reduced thickness or empty of material, the central section being configured to be introduced between the lips and the incisors of the user and / or,

[0047] - a lip support, preferably each lip support, has one or more areas of reduced thickness, preferably of zero thickness called a window.

[0048] According to a first variant

[0049] - the oral opening is delimited by 2 lip supports and / or,

[0050] - a plurality of lip supports are arranged symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane and / or,

[0051] - at least one free end, preferably each free end of a lip support, has the shape of a wave with a hollow or notch (reduced or empty central section) and two ridges and / or,

[0052] According to a second variant,

[0053] - the oral opening is delimited by a labial support comprising two regions and / or,

[0054] - a plurality of regions are arranged symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane and / or, - preferably, the greatest distance between the edge of the oral opening and the free end of a lip support is located in a section of the spacer delimited by two planes parallel to a plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane comprising the longitudinal axis and located on either side of it, at a distance less than 30% of the height of the oral opening, preferably less than 15%, 10%, 5% of the height of the oral opening.

[0055] The flexibility of a section of the tubular part makes it possible to introduce into the mouth fins or lateral supports much larger than those of the prior art, and in particular long enough to separate the cheeks of the teeth, including the molars. The quality of the acquired representations is considerably improved.

[0056] The single-piece nature of the spacer considerably reduces its manufacturing cost, but also simplifies its acquisition by the user.

[0057] A lip support or fin allows, in a service position, the right and / or left corners of the lips and / or part of the user's cheeks to be moved away from the user's teeth.

[0058] The flexibility of the fins or lip supports allows for optimized adaptation to the morphology of the user's dental arch and, in particular, prevents the fins / supports from coming out of the patient's mouth during acquisition, particularly in extreme lateral acquisition positions, while ensuring superior comfort.

[0059] The flexibility of the lip fins / supports is such that, in the operating position, they provide sufficient resistance to the force exerted by the user's cheeks so that the field of vision of the image acquisition device is not obscured by the cheeks.

[0060] Reduced or zero thickness in one or more areas of a fin has the advantage of inducing a desired deformation movement, improving the flexibility of the fin, and also allows optimized adaptation to the morphology of the user's mouth while ensuring superior comfort.

[0061] A fin cutout (zero thickness) has the additional advantage of improving image acquisition of the patient's teeth (and particularly the patient's molars) by limiting the fin surface area that could obscure said teeth. A lip support has the technical advantage of separating the upper and / or lower central parts and / or the corners of the user's lips away from the user's teeth.

[0062] The central section of a lip support of reduced thickness or empty of material, advantageously protects the labial frenum during a lateral movement of the spacer in the user's mouth: in the absence of a lip support, no part of the spacer comes into contact with the labial frenum. In addition, the absence of a lip support in the central part of the spacer facilitates the maintenance of the spacer in the mouth in the service position, in particular by minimizing the discomfort generated by the presence of a foreign body between the incisors and the lips but also allows better visibility of the user's gums.

[0063] Reduced or zero thickness in one or more areas of a lip support has the advantage of inducing a desired deformation movement, improving the flexibility of the lip support, and also allows optimized adaptation to the morphology of the user's mouth while ensuring superior comfort.

[0064] The opacity of a section of the tubular part aims to limit surrounding light pollution which could hinder the quality of image acquisition.

[0065] A guide protrusion is intended to guide the user to one or more areas of the spacer where the application of a compressive force allows the user to move from a resting position to a service position. Guide protrusions also have the purpose of: encouraging the user to position their hands in a region of the spacer that does not interfere with the image acquisition process, and dissuading the user from manipulating the spacer on regions intended to be in contact with their mouth (for hygiene reasons).

[0066] The purpose of the stiffening rib is to stiffen the section on which it is located by limiting the deformation of this section. Located near the acquisition opening, it facilitates the attachment of the telephone (via an adapter or not) to the spacer.

[0067] According to a first main aspect: The spacer comprises a lip stop located on a section of the tubular part between a first cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis located at a distance from the oral opening preferably between 3% and 8%, preferably between 5% and 8%, of the length of the tubular part and a second cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis located at a distance from the oral opening preferably between 12% and 18%, preferably between 12% and 15%, of the length of the tubular part.

[0068] The purpose of this lip stop is to prevent the spacer from penetrating too deeply into the user's mouth during image acquisition, particularly when acquiring lateral views of the inside of the user's mouth. This in particular prevents the fins or lip supports from coming into contact with the mucous membranes at the back of the user's mouth, thereby providing greater comfort of use and better image acquisition quality.

[0069] Preferably, the lip stop has a configuration such that it at least rests on the corners of the user's lips.

[0070] Advantageously, a lip stop, preferably each lip stop, has a central section (around a sagittal plane of the spacer), of reduced thickness or empty of material.

[0071] This has the technical advantage of not creating discomfort for the user's nose when acquiring images.

[0072] According to a second main aspect:

[0073] The spacer includes a phone attachment, optionally via an adapter, by elastic friction.

[0074] Preferably, the tubular part is elastically extensible in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis over a section between an edge of the acquisition opening and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis located at a distance, from a general acquisition opening plane, less than 50%, 40%, preferably 35% of the length of the tubular part.

[0075] Advantageously, the tubular part is elastically deformable, allowing an increase of greater than 10%, greater than 15%, greater than 20%, greater than 25%, greater than 30%, greater than 35%, greater than 40% of an acquisition opening area delimited by a general acquisition opening contour included in the general acquisition opening plane.

[0076] This extendable section allows the attachment of a mobile phone to a spacer optionally via an adapter.

[0077] According to a third main aspect:

[0078] The tubular part comprises around a sagittal plane of the spacer one or more zones of reduced thickness, preferably of zero thickness called a slot.

[0079] Preferably, at least one of said zones is preferably located, in a section of the spacer delimited by two planes parallel to a sagittal plane of the spacer and located on either side of the latter, at a distance less than 30% of the width of the oral opening, preferably less than 20%, 15%, 10%, 5% of the width of the oral opening.

[0080] More preferably, at least one of said zones is located on a surface of the tubular part between the edge of the oral opening and a cutting plane perpendicular to the X axis located at a distance from the general plane of the oral opening, less than 30%, 20%, preferably 10% of the length of the tubular part.

[0081] A reduced or zero thickness on one or more areas of a lip support has the advantage of inducing a desired deformation movement, improving the flexibility of the tubular part (in particular by facilitating the passage of the fins from a rest position to a contracted position), and also allows for greater comfort of use. In general, a spacer according to the invention preferably has the following optional characteristics:

[0082] - the edge of the tubular part delimiting the oral opening has a concave shape, towards the longitudinal axis, at least halfway across the oral opening, that is to say at the point of intersection with the sagittal plane, preferably at any point along the edge;

[0083] - a section of the tubular part extending, from said edge, over a length, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis, greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably over the entire length of the tubular part, has a concave shape, towards the longitudinal axis, at least at mid-width of said chamber, that is to say at any point of its internal surface intersecting the sagittal plane, the internal surface of the tubular part being the surface delimiting said chamber;

[0084] - preferably said section has a concave interior surface at all points;

[0085] - the tubular part has at least one weakening zone, that is to say a zone which has a thickness less than that of the adjacent zones of the tubular part, preferably a thickness more than 1.5, more than 2 times or more than three times less than that of said adjacent zones which surround it;

[0086] - preferably, said thickness is zero, that is to say that the weakening zone is a through hole;

[0087] - said at least one weakening zone comprises:

[0088] - a window provided in a lip support, and / or

[0089] - a cutout made in a fin, and / or

[0090] - a slot connecting the chamber and the external environment with fluid;

[0091] - the distance between a lateral end of the tubular part, preferably the apex of a lip support, and the edge of the oral opening is:

[0092] - greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm and / or less than 30 mm, and / or

[0093] - the greatest width of a rim surrounding the oral opening and extending from the edge of the oral opening.

[0094] Furthermore, the invention relates to a kit for acquiring 2D or 3D representations of a user's teeth, comprising:

[0095] - a mobile phone equipped with an optical lens for acquiring a device for acquiring a said 2D representation and / or a said 3D representation;

[0096] - a spacer as described above, on which the mobile phone is fixed, preferably removably, optionally by means of an adapter, the mobile phone being fixed on the spacer in such a way that the optical objective has at least a partial view of the oral opening through the acquisition opening.

[0097] A kit according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following optional characteristics: - the kit comprises an adapter and the section of the tubular part opening onto the acquisition opening of the spacer has a shape complementary to a housing of the adapter, so as to be able to be inserted therein, said insertion preferably activating a fastener, preferably by clipping;

[0098] - the objective is less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1 cm from the acquisition aperture.

[0099] The invention also relates to a method for acquiring a 2D or 3D representation by means of an acquisition kit, said method comprising the following steps: a) partial introduction, by the user, of the spacer into the user's mouth to a service position in which the optical lens of the mobile phone has a view of the user's teeth through the oral opening, at least one lip support or fin of the spacer spreading the user's lips to free said teeth; b) activation, preferably by the user, of the mobile phone so as to acquire said 2D or 3D representation; c) modification of the positioning of the oral opening relative to the user, by rotation around the user, then repeated at step b).

[0100] A method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following optional features:

[0101] - preferably, at least one said representation facing the user and at least one said representation to the right or left of the user and / or preferably at least one said open mouth representation and at least one said closed mouth representation are acquired;

[0102] - the tubular part of the spacer is configured so as to be entirely on the outer side of the teeth in the service position, so as to allow complete occlusion;

[0103] - in the service position, the teeth do not rest on the spacer, so that the user can, by turning his head relative to the spacer, modify the teeth that are visible through the oral opening and / or modify the spacing between his dental arches; - in the service position, the spacer does not press on the teeth so as to move the two jaws apart from each other;

[0104] - in the service position, the optical lens of the mobile phone has a view of more than 2, more than 3, more than 5, more than 10, more than 15, more than 20, preferably more than 30 teeth of the user.

[0105] Of course, the optional or non-optional features and the main aspects above can be combined with each other.

[0106] Definitions

[0107] The term "tubular part" refers to the part of the spacer delimiting the chamber and having a constant or variable section, preferably substantially rectilinear with axis X, in particular having the general shape of a cylindrical tube, for example of circular, oval or polygonal section, for example rectangular, or of a truncated tube. The tubular part opens through an oral opening and on the opposite side through an acquisition opening. The chamber may have lateral openings, for example slots described below, which put it in fluid communication with the external environment of the chamber. The total area of ​​the lateral openings represents less than 10%, or even less than 5%, or even less than 2% of the lateral surface of the chamber between the oral and acquisition openings. The tubular part may have cut ends, for example: beveled, concave or convex.The cross-section of the tubular part, that is to say in a cutting plane perpendicular to the X axis, preferably has a general shape which is substantially identical throughout the tube, for example rectangular or oval or round.

[0108] A "transverse plane" is a cutting plane of the tubular part, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0109] The term "width of the tubular part" refers to the greatest distance, in a transverse plane, between two points marking the intersection between a closed interior contour of the tubular part delimiting the chamber and a plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the spacer comprising the longitudinal axis, considering all the transverse planes along the longitudinal axis. The term "height of the tubular part" refers to the smallest distance, in a transverse plane, between two points marking the intersection between a closed interior contour of the tubular part delimiting the chamber and a sagittal plane of the spacer considering all the transverse planes along the longitudinal axis.

[0110] The length of the tubular part is the dimension of the tubular part measured along the longitudinal axis. When the tubular part has cut ends, the cut is not included in the length of the tubular part. For example, for an end with a concave cut, the radius of curvature is not included in expressing the length.

[0111] The first transverse sectional plane (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) in which the tubular part is closed on itself is called the "general plane of the oral opening", when considering the succession of transverse planes from the end of the tubular part where the oral opening is located. A transverse sectional plane is a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The tubular part is "closed on itself" in that, in the first transverse sectional plane, it encircles, in an uninterrupted manner, the tubular chamber which it delimits.

[0112] The "general outline of the oral opening" is called the closed interior outline of the tubular part which delimits the chamber in the general plane of the oral opening.

[0113] An "oral opening edge" or "end of the tubular portion delimiting the oral opening" or "edge of the tubular portion delimiting the oral opening" is the end of the tubular portion forming the outline of the oral opening. The term "oral opening width" refers to the distance between two points marking the intersection between the general outline of the oral opening included in the general plane of the oral opening and a plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the spacer including the longitudinal axis.

[0114] The "height of the oral opening" is the distance between two points marking the intersection between the general outline of the oral opening included in the general plane of the oral opening and a sagittal plane of the spacer. The "general plane of the acquisition opening" is the first transverse section plane (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) in which the tubular part is closed on itself, when considering the succession of transverse planes from the end of the tubular part where the acquisition opening is located. A transverse section plane is a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The tubular part is "closed on itself" in that, in the first transverse section plane, it encircles, in an uninterrupted manner, the tubular chamber that it delimits.

[0115] The "general outline of the acquisition opening" is the closed interior outline of the tubular part which delimits the chamber in the general plane of the acquisition opening.

[0116] An "edge of the acquisition opening" or "end of the tubular part delimiting the acquisition opening" or "edge of the tubular part delimiting the acquisition opening" is the end of the tubular part forming the outline of the acquisition opening.

[0117] We will use indifferently "edge of the opening" or "edge of the tubular part delimiting the opening" or "end of the tubular part delimiting the opening".

[0118] A "plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the spacer including the longitudinal axis" is a horizontal longitudinal plane in the service position of the spacer including the longitudinal axis of the spacer, this plane divides the spacer into an upper part and a lower part.

[0119] In the following, we will use interchangeably "plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the spacer including the longitudinal axis" and "horizontal plane".

[0120] The "sagittal plane of the spacer" is a vertical longitudinal plane in the service position comprising the longitudinal axis of the spacer (median longitudinal plane), this plane divides the spacer into a right part and a left part.

[0121] The "service position" is the position in which the oral opening extends into the user's mouth, as illustrated in Figure 5.

[0122] An “assembled position” is a position in which the mobile phone is rigidly attached to the spacer or to an adapter attached to a spacer. An “acquisition position” is an assembled position in which the lens of the mobile phone has at least a partial, preferably complete, view of the oral opening, through the acquisition opening and the oral opening.

[0123] The "service configuration" is the configuration of the spacer in the service position.

[0124] The "resting configuration" is the configuration of the spacer when it is not subject to any stress other than gravity and the corresponding reaction. In the figures, the spacer is shown in the resting configuration. Unless otherwise stated, all dimensions of the spacer are measured in the resting configuration.

[0125] The "contracted configuration" is the configuration of the spacer when it undergoes a set of constraints conferring a minimal area to the oral opening, without rupture of the spacer.

[0126] A "section" is a fraction of the tubular part delimited by two planes perpendicular to the X axis.

[0127] A "protrusion" is a portion of the spacer that is raised from the surface.

[0128] A "rib" is a rather flat bead of material which stiffens the tubular part on which it is located.

[0129] A "cordate or cordate leaf" is heart-shaped, formed of an apex and a base with two lobes.

[0130] A "fin" is a device that rests on a user's cheek to separate it from their teeth. It has a junction by which it is attached to the tubular part and a free end.

[0131] A spacer is "flexible" if it is made at least partially of a deformable material such that it deforms when a user compresses it between their fingers, without breaking it. A spacer may comprise several sections of variable deformability. The deformation of a section is a modification of the shape of a section which modifies the internal volume of said section, and in particular reduces it. The deformation of a section may for example lead to a reduction of greater than 5%, greater than 10%, greater than 15%, greater than 20%, greater than 25%, greater than 30%, greater than 35%, greater than 40%, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90%, preferably 100% of the internal volume of this section.

[0132] The deformation is preferably elastic.

[0133] An object is “rigid” along an axis if along this axis this object cannot undergo deformation.

[0134] An object is "elastically mobile" or "elastically deformable" if its position relative to a reference, for example another object, can be modified under the action of a force and if, when this force ceases, it returns to its initial position.

[0135] The term "centripetal thrust exerted on the tubular part in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the width of the oral opening" means a force oriented towards the longitudinal axis exerted on the tubular part in a direction forming an angle of less than + / - 10 degrees, preferably less than + / - 5 degrees, preferably less than + / - 3 degrees, with the direction of the width of the oral opening.

[0136] By "monobloc" we mean that the spacer is made of a single piece.

[0137] The "closed mouth" position is the occlusion position in which the user's upper and lower dentitions are in contact. An "open mouth" position is a position in which the user's upper and lower dentitions are not in contact, preferably the fully open mouth position.

[0138] A "mobile phone" is a device like an iPhone®. Such a device typically weighs less than 500g. It is equipped with a camera that allows it to take movies or photos, or even a scanner that allows it to acquire three-dimensional digital models through an optical lens. A mobile phone is also capable of exchanging data with another device more than 500km away from the mobile phone.

[0139] The mobile phone allows the acquisition of "extraoral" 2D or 3D representations, that is to say without the mobile phone lens being inserted into the user's mouth.

[0140] The optical lens of the mobile phone "has a view" of an object when triggering the acquisition of a 2D or 3D representation leads to the recording of a 2D or 3D representation that represents this object. A "2D representation" and a "3D representation" are two- or three-dimensional digital objects, respectively, acquired by a mobile phone, extra-orally, through the optical lens of the mobile phone. The "2D representations" or images acquired by the mobile phone are in particular classically photos and films. The "3D representations" acquired by the mobile phone are three-dimensional digital models, or "3D models".

[0141] An "image" is a two-dimensional image, such as a photograph. An image is made up of pixels. A "movie" is considered a set of photos.

[0142] A 3D model is made up of a set of voxels.

[0143] We consider that an element coming from matter with another is “fixed” rigidly on this other element.

[0144] By "user" is meant a person who uses a kit according to the invention to acquire a 2D or 3D representation of at least part of his teeth, whether this person is sick or not, or whether this person is undergoing orthodontic treatment or not.

[0145] Unless otherwise indicated, terms used to define positions or orientations in space, such as "horizontal", "vertical", "down", "up", "upper", "lower", "right" or "left", are defined, for clarity, with reference to a serving position observed by a user with their head upright and their lips positioned around the oral opening of the spacer. For example, a vertical axis is an axis that, in the serving position, is vertical.

[0146] The expressions "sagittal plane" and "vertical plane" will be used interchangeably. In the same way, the expressions "horizontal plane" and "plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane including the longitudinal axis" will be used interchangeably.

[0147] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "exterior" and "interior" refer to closed volumes or contours, to denote an element outside the volume, for example outside a chamber, or outside the closed contour. For example, the exterior surface of the tubular part is the surface which is exposed to the outside of the tubular part.

[0148] For the sake of clarity, the orthonormal reference frame Oxyz) is a reference frame such that, in the service position, the axis Ox) extends horizontally and perpendicular to the general plane of the oral opening, the axis Oz) extends vertically, and the axis OY) extends perpendicular to the axes Ox) and Oz). For the user, the axes Ox), Oy) and Oz) are therefore front-back, right-left, and vertical axes, respectively.

[0149] The axis of an opening is the axis that passes through its center, perpendicular to the general plane of the opening.

[0150] First and second lines are said to be perpendicular to each other when first and second planes perpendicular to said first and second lines, respectively, are perpendicular to each other.

[0151] “Understand,” “comprise,” and “present” shall be interpreted broadly and without limitation unless otherwise indicated.

[0152] "Fixing" one part to another means establishing a physical connection between these two parts, so that any movement of one of these parts eventually causes that of the other part. A part mounted in translation, rotation or ball joint on another part is "fixed" to this other part. A fixation can be "permanent" or "removably", depending on whether or not the two parts are suitable for detachment, preferably by hand, by a user. A fixation can be rigid or not, depending on whether or not it allows relative movement of the two parts fixed to each other. An element made of the same material as another is considered to be fixed "on this other element.

[0153] Brief description of the figures

[0154] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description which follows and upon examining the attached drawing in which:

[0155] [Fig 1] Figure 1 represents a kit according to the invention with a spacer according to a first embodiment (without lip stop), in perspective, in assembled position, from behind to left above (IA), from behind to right below (IB), from below to right in front (IC), and from front below (1D);

[0156] [Fig 2] Figure 2 represents a kit according to the invention with a spacer according to a second embodiment, in perspective, in assembled position, from behind to left above (2A), from behind to right below (2B), from below to right in front (2C), and from front below (2D);

[0157] [Fig 3] Figure 3 shows the adapter of the kit of Figure 1, in perspective; [Fig 4] Figure 4 illustrates tests with a conventional spacer (left photos) and with a spacer according to the invention (right photos);

[0158] [Fig 5] Figure 5 schematically illustrates the service position, the user being seen from the front (Figure 5A) and from the side (Figure 5B);

[0159] [Fig 6] Figure 6 shows the spacer of Figure 1, seen from above, in the rest configuration;

[0160] [Fig 7] Figure 7 represents the spacer of Figure 2, seen from above, in the rest configuration;

[0161] [Fig 8] Figure 8 shows the spacer of Figure 2, seen from the front, in the rest configuration with slots according to the invention;

[0162] [Fig 9] Figure 9 represents the spacer of Figure 1, seen in perspective, in the rest configuration;

[0163] [Fig 10] Figure 10 represents the spacer of Figure 2, seen in perspective, in the rest configuration;

[0164] [Fig 11] Figure 11 represents the spacer of Figure 2, seen in perspective, in the rest configuration with slots according to the invention;

[0165] [Fig 12] Figure 12 represents the spacer of Figure 1, seen from the front, in the rest configuration;

[0166] [Fig 13] Figure 13 represents the spacer of Figure 2, seen from the front, in the rest configuration;

[0167] In the various figures, identical or similar organs have been designated with identical references.

[0168] For the sake of clarity, a generic reference may be used in the description to designate an organ in a generic manner, for example a fin, a lip stop, a lip support etc., only particular references, corresponding to variations of the generic reference (for example to designate the regions of the upper, lower, right or left lip supports), being however represented in the figures.

[0169] Figures are provided for illustrative purposes only. They are not intended to be limiting. Detailed description

[0170] Generally speaking, a spacer according to the invention may in particular comprise one or more of the following optional characteristics:

[0171] - in the resting configuration, the area of ​​the oral opening is preferably greater than 1000 mm 2 , preferably greater than 1200 mm 2 , preferably greater than 1400 mm 2 , preferably greater than 1500 mm 2 , preferably greater than 1600 mm 2 , and / or less than 3000 mm 2 , preferably less than 2500 mm 2 , preferably less than 2200 mm 2 , preferably less than 2000 mm 2 , preferably less than 1800 mm 2 ;

[0172] - in the contracted configuration, the area of ​​the oral opening is preferably greater than 300 mm 2 , preferably greater than 400 mm 2 , preferably greater than 500 mm 2 , preferably greater than 600 mm 2, preferably greater than 650 mm 2 , and / or less than 1700 mm 2 , preferably less than 1400 mm 2 , preferably less than 1200 mm 2 , preferably less than 1000 mm 2 , preferably less than 800 mm 2 , preferably the area of ​​the oral opening is equal to 0 mm 2 ;

[0173] - in the resting configuration, the height of the oral opening is preferably greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 25 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, and / or less than 60 mm, preferably less than 55 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 45 mm, preferably less than 40 mm;

[0174] - in the resting configuration, the width of the oral opening is preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, preferably greater than 40 mm, preferably greater than 50 mm, preferably greater than 55 mm, and / or less than 90 mm, preferably less than 80 mm, preferably less than 70 mm, preferably less than 65 mm, preferably less than 60 mm;

[0175] - in the contracted configuration, the height of the oral opening is preferably greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 25 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, and / or less than 100 mm, preferably less than 90 mm, preferably less than 85 mm, preferably less than 80 mm, preferably less than 75 mm;

[0176] - in the contracted configuration, the width of the oral opening is preferably less than 60 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 40 mm, preferably less than 30 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, preferably equal to 0 mm;

[0177] - the length of the tubular part, measured along the longitudinal axis, between the acquisition opening and the oral opening is greater than 3 cm, preferably greater than 4 cm, preferably greater than 5 cm, and / or less than 20 cm, preferably less than 15 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, preferably less than 8 cm. Preferably, the tubular part has a length of 7.5 cm;

[0178] -the spacer is symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane (or sagittal plane);

[0179] -the spacer is symmetrical with respect to a horizontal plane (or plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane including the longitudinal axis);

[0180] - in one embodiment, the tubular part comprises a wall which delimits a substantially closed chamber, that is to say substantially devoid of openings, except for the oral and acquisition openings;

[0181] - in another embodiment, the chamber may comprise lateral openings, for example slots described below, which put it in fluid communication with the external environment of the chamber. The total area of ​​the lateral openings represents less than 10%, or even less than 5%, or even less than 2% of the lateral surface of the chamber between the oral and acquisition openings;

[0182] - the room is preferably empty, and in particular does not contain any lenses or lighting devices;

[0183] -the cross-section of the chamber, in a section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, may be constant or variable along the longitudinal axis. The tubular part may in particular have the general shape of a cylindrical tube, for example of circular, oval or polygonal section, for example rectangular, or of a truncated tube. The front and / or rear ends of the tubular part may be cut concavely, convexly or bevelled;

[0184] - the interior and / or exterior surface of the wall delimiting said chamber is smooth to the touch and preferably free from any roughness or cavity;

[0185] - the tubular part or section of the tubular part between an edge of the tubular part delimiting the oral opening and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (transverse cutting plane) located at a distance from the general plane of the oral opening, less than 90%, 80%, 70%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10% of the length of the tubular part, preferably the oral opening, has a concave inner surface. Preferably, said concave inner surface is located in a section of the spacer delimited by two planes parallel to a sagittal plane of the spacer and located on either side of it, at a distance less than 30% of the width of the oral opening, preferably less than 20%, 15%, 10%, 5% of the width of the oral opening.

[0186] The concavity of the inner surface of the tubular part, of a section of the tubular part or of the oral opening has the technical advantage, when the spacer is compressed by the user (i.e. when a force is applied to reduce the width of the oral opening), of inducing a deformation movement of the tubular part manifested by the increase in the height of the oral opening. Compared to the devices of the prior art, the spacer masks less, or even does not mask the user's incisors during the acquisition of occlusal views. The quality of the acquired representations is considerably improved. This is particularly true when the user has the spacer in the mouth, the cheeks apply pressure on the wings which will tend to reduce the width of the oral opening and increase its height. The lips will then be better cleared of the user's incisors.

[0187] - the inner and / or outer surface of the wall delimiting said chamber does not reflect light. The fact that the inner surface is non-reflective makes it possible to avoid reflections of light or from the inside of the patient's mouth which could interfere with image acquisition;

[0188] - the spacer is configured so as to leave the view through the oral opening from the acquisition opening completely unobstructed, preferably without tongue support;

[0189] -the width of the tubular part is preferably greater than 2 cm, greater than 3 cm, greater than 4 cm and / or less than 9 cm, less than 8 cm, less than 7 cm. Preferably, the width of the tubular part 3 is 5.5 cm;

[0190] - the spacer, includes a fastener by means of which

[0191] - the mobile phone is fixed on the spacer or

[0192] - an adapter, on which the mobile phone is attached, to the spacer;

[0193] - the spacer comprises a wall having a thickness greater than 0.3 mm, preferably greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 0.8 mm and / or less than 8 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1.5 mm, preferably constant;

[0194] - the spacer comprises a clip adapted for the attachment, preferably removable, of a mobile phone or an adapter on which is attached, preferably removably, a mobile phone, in an acquisition position in which an optical lens of the mobile phone has at least a partial view of the oral opening through the acquisition opening.

[0195] Fin

[0196] These fins are intended to spread the user's cheeks.

[0197] - none of the fins protrude into the chamber defined by the tubular part;

[0198] - a fin, preferably each fin, is physically connected to the tubular part by a junction extending over a width greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, and / or less than 55 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 45 mm, preferably less than 40 mm;

[0199] -Injunction of a fin, preferably each junction, has a reduced width section intended to be housed between the teeth and the corners of the lips in the service position of the spacer and, preferably, its minimum width is less than 90%, 80% or 60% and / or greater than 40% or 50% of the maximum width of the fin. The presence of a reduced width section facilitates the successive insertion of the fins in the mouth: the stresses exerted by the first fin placed in the mouth on the perimeter of the latter are minimized compared to a fin whose edges are rectilinear, facilitating the placement of the second fin in the mouth. In addition, the comfort of retention of the spacer in the mouth is improved by this geometry of the fins;

[0200] - the junction of a fin, preferably of each fin, extends in a plane which forms an angle preferably greater than 25°, greater than 30°, greater than 35° and / or less than 55°, less than 50°, less than 45°;

[0201] - the inner surface of a fin, preferably each fin, extends in the extension of the inner surface of the tubular part, so that the junction of the fin does not create any roughness or cavity; - the number of fins is greater than or equal to 0 and / or less than 10, preferably less than 5, preferably is 2;

[0202] - the tubular part comprises 2 fins, equiangularly distributed around the longitudinal axis, each fin preferably being symmetrical to the fin facing it;

[0203] - the tubular part has two lateral fins defining the right and left ends of the oral opening;

[0204] - the lengths of the different fins, from their junctions to the oral opening are preferably identical, but may be different;

[0205] - preferably, at least the lengths of the different side fins are identical;

[0206] - at least one, preferably each lateral fin carries one or more stiffening ribs, preferably extending in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis;

[0207] - the deformability of a fin, preferably of each fin, is such that the free end of a fin moves by 17 mm, under the effect of a centripetal force, that is to say oriented towards the longitudinal axis, greater than IN, and / or, preferably less than 4 N, preferably less than 3 N, the distance being measured perpendicular to the X axis, as illustrated in figure 10;

[0208] - at least one free end, preferably each free end, has the shape of a tongue; advantageously, the risk of the lip escaping during lateral movement of the spacer is reduced, or even eliminated;

[0209] - at least one free end, preferably each free end, has an area of ​​reduced thickness, preferably of zero thickness, called a cutout.

[0210] Reduced or zero thickness has the advantage of inducing a desired deformation movement, improving the flexibility of the fin, and also allows optimized adaptation to the morphology of the user's mouth while ensuring superior comfort;

[0211] - at least one free end, preferably each free end, has a cutout; a cutout has the advantage of improving the acquisition of images of the patient's teeth (and particularly the patient's molars) by limiting the fin surface likely to mask said teeth;

[0212] - at least one free end, preferably each free end, is preferably concave towards the longitudinal axis; - in the rest configuration, the greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and the free end of the fin, preferably of each free end, (also called length of the fin) is greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 25 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, preferably greater than 35 mm, and / or less than 60 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 55 mm;

[0213] - in the rest configuration, the greatest distance, in the direction of the longitudinal axis (axis Ox)), between the general plane of the oral opening and the free end of a fin, preferably of each fin, is greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 25 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, and / or less than 60 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 55 mm;

[0214] - in the rest configuration, the greatest distance, measured perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis, between the longitudinal axis and the free end of a fin, preferably of each fin, is greater than 35 mm, preferably greater than 40 mm, preferably greater than 50 mm, and / or less than 80 mm, preferably less than 70 mm, preferably less than 65 mm; advantageously, the deformability of the spacer allows it to comprise fins whose free end deviates greatly from the longitudinal axis, the spacer being able to be introduced into the mouth thanks to said deformability;

[0215] - in the contracted configuration, the greatest distance, in the direction of the longitudinal axis (axis Ox)), between the general plane of the oral opening and the free end of a fin, preferably of each fin, is greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 35 mm, and / or less than 70 mm, preferably less than 60 mm, preferably less than 50 mm;

[0216] - in the contracted configuration, the greatest distance, measured perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis, between the longitudinal axis and the free end of a fin, preferably of each fin, is preferably greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 10 mm, and / or less than 20 mm, preferably less than 15 mm;

[0217] - a fin, preferably of each fin, has an outer surface and / or an inner surface (oriented towards the longitudinal axis) which are smooth to the touch;

[0218] - the outer surface of a fin, preferably of each fin, does not have any obstacle projecting from said surface, preferably at least in the sliding zone on which the labial commissure resting on said fin slides when, in the service position, the user rotates the kit around him; in particular, the fin does not form a chute likely to hook said labial commissure, like conventional dental retractors;

[0219] - the outer surface of a fin, preferably of each fin, deviates from the longitudinal axis, from the oral opening, preferably from the junction of the fin with the tubular part, to its free end;

[0220] - in the rest configuration, the gradient of said spacing (dy / dx) along the longitudinal axis increases from the oral opening, preferably from the junction of said fin, preferably of each fin, with the tubular part, to a position, along the longitudinal axis, less than 3 cm from the position, along the longitudinal axis, of said free end of the fin in question;

[0221] - the greatest width of a fin, preferably of each fin, is greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, and / or less than 25 mm, preferably less than 20 mm;

[0222] - the greatest thickness of a fin, preferably of each fin, is greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm and / or less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3 mm;

[0223] Lip support

[0224] According to a first variant,

[0225] - the oral opening is partially or entirely delimited by a lip support, preferably two: an upper lip support separating the upper lip from the user's teeth and a lower lip support separating the lower lip from the user's teeth;

[0226] - a lip support, preferably each lip support, is made of material with an edge of the tubular part delimiting the oral opening;

[0227] - a lip support, preferably each lip support, has a free end;

[0228] - a lip support, preferably each lip support, has a central section (around a sagittal plane of the spacer), of reduced thickness or empty of material, the central section being configured to be introduced between the lips and the incisors of the user; - a lip support, preferably each lip support, extends in a transverse plane, that is to say perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;

[0229] - the number of lip supports is greater than or equal to 0 and / or less than 10, preferably less than 5, preferably 2;

[0230] - the tubular part comprises 2 lip supports, equiangularly distributed around the longitudinal axis, each lip support preferably being symmetrical to the lip support facing it;

[0231] - the tubular part has two lip supports defining the upper and lower ends of the oral opening;

[0232] - the lengths of the different lip supports, from their free ends to the edge of the oral opening are preferably identical, but may be different;

[0233] - the elastic deformability of a lip support, preferably of each lip support, is such that the free end of a support moves by 12 mm, under the effect of a force oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, preferably greater than 3N, greater than 4 N, and / or, preferably less than 8 N, preferably less than 7 N, preferably less than 6 N, the distance being measured parallel to the longitudinal axis; This deformability allows the supports to exert pressure inside the user's cheeks in the service position of the spacer.

[0234] - at least one free end, preferably each free end of a lip support, has the shape of a wave with a hollow or notch (reduced or empty central section) and two ridges; This particular morphology has the advantage of separating the upper and / or lower central parts of the user's lips away from the user's teeth while protecting the labial frenulum during lateral movement of the spacer in the user's mouth. In addition, the fact that the lip support has curved ends ensures comfort of use during lateral movement of the spacer in the user's mouth;

[0235] -the greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the free end of a fin and the edge of the oral opening is equal to "y" times the greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and a ridge, "y" being an integer or decimal number greater than 4 and less than 8, preferably equal to 4.5; This relationship between these two distances has the technical advantage of providing good support for the retractor in the user's mouth while ensuring comfort of use;

[0236] - the greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and a ridge, preferably of each ridge, is greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm, and / or less than 15 mm, preferably less than 12 mm, preferably less than 10 mm;

[0237] - the smallest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and a hollow, preferably each hollow, is greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1.5 mm, and / or less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2.5 mm;

[0238] -a support, preferably each support, has an outer surface that is smooth to the touch;

[0239] - the outer surface of a support, preferably of each support, does not have any obstacle projecting from said surface;

[0240] - the greatest width of a ridge, preferably of each ridge, is greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, and / or less than 30 mm, preferably less than 25 mm;

[0241] - the greatest thickness of a support, preferably of each support, is greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm and / or less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3 mm;

[0242] - the fins and the lip supports are shaped in such a way that moving the supports (upper and lower) towards each other causes the fins (right and left) to move away from each other, and vice versa;

[0243] According to a second variant,

[0244] - the oral opening is partially or entirely delimited by a lip support, preferably in two regions: a right region separating a part of the upper lip, a part of the lower lip and the right corner of the user's teeth, a left region separating a part of the upper lip, a part of the lower lip and the left corner of the user's teeth;

[0245] - preferably, the oral opening does not have fins; - a lip support, preferably each lip support, is made integrally with an edge of the tubular part delimiting the oral opening (called the edge of the oral opening);

[0246] - a lip support, preferably each lip support, has a free end;

[0247] -preferably, the greatest distance between the edge of the oral opening and the free end of a lip support is located in a section of the spacer delimited by two planes parallel to a plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane comprising the longitudinal axis and located on either side of it, at a distance less than 30% of the height of the oral opening, preferably less than 15%, 10%, 5% of the height of the oral opening;

[0248] - the inner surface of a lip support, preferably each support, extends in the extension of the inner surface of the tubular part, so that the junction of the support does not create any roughness or cavity;

[0249] - the number of lip supports is greater than or equal to 0 and / or less than 10, preferably less than 5, preferably is 1;

[0250] - the number of regions is greater than 1 and / or less than 10, preferably less than 5, preferably 2;

[0251] - the tubular part comprises a lip support with 2 regions equiangularly distributed around the longitudinal axis, each region preferably being symmetrical to the region facing it;

[0252] - a lip support, preferably each lip support, has a central section (around a sagittal plane of the spacer), of reduced thickness or empty of material, the central section being configured to be introduced between the lips and the incisors of the user;

[0253] - the elastic deformability of a lip support, preferably of each lip support, is such that the free end of a support moves by 12 mm, under the effect of a force oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, greater than 3N, preferably greater than 4 N, and / or, preferably less than 8 N, preferably less than 7 N, preferably less than 6 N, the distance being measured parallel to the longitudinal axis; This deformability allows the support to exert pressure inside the user's cheeks in the service position of the spacer;

[0254] - a region, preferably each region, has a cordate leaf shape, preferably with two rounded lobes and apex; - a lobe of a lip support, preferably each lobe, has an area of ​​reduced thickness, preferably of zero thickness called a window and / or,

[0255] Reduced or zero thickness has the advantage of inducing a desired deformation movement, improving the flexibility of the lip support, and also allows optimized adaptation to the morphology of the user's mouth while ensuring superior comfort;

[0256] -a lobe of a lip support, preferably each lobe, has at least one window, preferably oblong; these windows make it possible to increase the flexibility of the lobes of the lip support. Thus, insertion in the mouth is easier and user comfort is improved (especially for users with small mouths);

[0257] - an apex of a lip support, preferably each apex, has an area of ​​reduced thickness, preferably of zero thickness called a window and / or,

[0258] Reduced or zero thickness has the advantage of inducing a desired deformation movement, improving the flexibility of the lip support, and also allows optimized adaptation to the morphology of the user's mouth while ensuring superior comfort;

[0259] -an apex of a labial support, preferably each apex, comprises at least one window, preferably oblong; these windows make it possible to improve the acquisition of images of the patient's teeth (and particularly the patient's molars) by limiting the fin surface likely to mask said teeth;

[0260] - the greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and a free end of a lobe of a lip support, preferably for each lobe, is greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm, and / or less than 15 mm, preferably less than 12 mm, preferably less than 10 mm;

[0261] -a support, preferably each support, has an outer surface that is smooth to the touch;

[0262] - the outer surface of a support, preferably of each support, does not have any obstacle projecting from said surface;

[0263] - the greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the apex of a region of a lip support and the edge of the oral opening is equal to "x" times the greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and a free end of a lobe of a lip support, "x" being an integer or decimal number greater than 2 and less than 4, preferably equal to 3; This relationship between these two distances has the technical advantage of providing good support for the retractor in the user's mouth while ensuring comfort of use;

[0264] - the greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the apex of a region of a lip support and the edge of the oral opening, preferably for each apex, is greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, and / or less than 30 mm, preferably less than 25 mm;

[0265] - the greatest thickness of a support, preferably of each support, is greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm and / or less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3 mm;

[0266] - the deformability of an apex of a region of a lip support, preferably for each region, is such that the free end of a support moves by 10 mm, under the effect of a centripetal force, that is to say oriented towards the X axis, exerted on the apex, greater than IN, preferably greater than 2 N, and / or, preferably less than 5 N, preferably less than 4 N, preferably less than 3 N, the distance being measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;

[0267] - at least one apex of a region of a lip support, preferably of each region, has a window; a window has the advantage of improving the acquisition of images of the patient's teeth (and particularly of the patient's molars) by limiting the fin surface likely to mask said teeth;

[0268] - at least one support, preferably each support, is preferably concave towards the longitudinal axis;

[0269] - in the rest configuration, the greatest distance, in the direction of the longitudinal axis (axis Ox)), between the general plane of the oral opening and the apex of a region, preferably of each region, is greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 18 mm, and / or less than 40 mm, preferably less than 30 mm, preferably less than 25 mm;

[0270] - in the rest configuration, the greatest distance, measured perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis, between the apex of a region and the longitudinal axis, preferably of each region, is greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 18 mm, and / or less than 35 mm, preferably less than 25 mm, preferably less than 20 mm; advantageously, the deformability of the spacer allows it to comprise regions whose apices deviate greatly from the longitudinal axis, the spacer being able to be introduced into the mouth thanks to said deformability;

[0271] - in the contracted configuration, the greatest distance in the direction of the longitudinal axis (axis Ox)), between the general plane of the oral opening and the apex of a region, preferably of each region, is greater than 15mm, preferably greater than 20mm, and / or less than 35mm, preferably less than 30mm;

[0272] - in the contracted configuration, the greatest distance, measured perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis, between the longitudinal axis and the apex of said region, preferably of each region, is less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, preferably equal to 0 mm.

[0273] Areas of reduced thickness and slots

[0274] Advantageously, the tubular part comprises one or more zones of reduced thickness, preferably of zero thickness, called slot(s). The slot(s) preferably extend partially or totally in a sagittal plane of the spacer, i.e. is / are cut by the sagittal plane. Generally speaking, a spacer according to the invention may in particular comprise one or more of the following optional characteristics:

[0275] - the spacer has two slots preferably arranged symmetrically;

[0276] - a slot, preferably each slot, is straight, oblong, “L” or “T” shaped;

[0277] - a slit, preferably each slit extends, partially or totally, in a sagittal plane of the spacer, that is to say, in a section of the spacer delimited by two planes parallel to a sagittal plane of the spacer and located on either side of it, at a distance less than 30% of the width of the oral opening, preferably less than 20%, 15%, 10%, 5% of the width of the oral opening.;

[0278] - a slit, preferably each slit widens as it approaches the oral opening; - a slit, preferably each slit, has a maximum length of less than 40 mm, preferably 30 mm and or a minimum length of greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 10 mm;

[0279] - a slit, preferably each slit, has a maximum width (measured perpendicular to the direction of the length of the slit) and / or a minimum width of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and / or greater than 0.1 mm;

[0280] - at least one slot is located on a section of the spacer on a surface of the tubular part between the edge of the oral opening and a cutting plane perpendicular to the X axis located at a distance from the general plane of the oral opening, less than 30%, 20%, preferably 10% of the length of the tubular part.

[0281] These slots serve to increase the flexibility of the spacer and facilitate the transition of the fins from a resting position to a contracted position.

[0282] Leyre stop

[0283] - a lip stop located on a section of the tubular part between the general plane of the oral opening and a section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis located at a distance from the general plane of the oral opening, less than 20% of the length of the tubular part. A lip stop has the function of preventing the spacer from penetrating too deeply into the user's mouth during image acquisition and in particular during the acquisition of lateral views of the inside of the user's mouth. This makes it possible in particular to prevent the fins or the lip supports from coming into contact with the mucous membranes at the back of the user's mouth and thus allows for greater comfort of use and better quality of image acquisition;

[0284] - a lip stop, preferably each lip stop, is integral with the tubular part;

[0285] - a lip stop, preferably each lip stop, has a central section (around a sagittal plane of the spacer), of reduced thickness or empty of material. This has the technical advantage of not creating discomfort for the user's nose during image acquisition; - a lip stop, preferably each lip stop, extends in a transverse plane, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;

[0286] - the number of lip stops is greater than or equal to 0 and / or less than 10, preferably less than 5, preferably 1;

[0287] - a lip stop may comprise several regions, preferably 2, preferably a left region which abuts against the left corner and a right region which abuts against the right corner;

[0288] - the tubular part comprises 1 lip stops, preferably, each region is equiangularly distributed around the longitudinal axis, each lip stop being preferably symmetrical to the lip stop facing it;

[0289] - the lengths of the different lip stops, from their free ends to the oral opening are preferably identical, but may be different;

[0290] - a lip stop preferably has very low elastic deformability in order to prevent the user from pushing the spacer too far into his mouth;

[0291] -a lip stop, preferably each lip stop, has a configuration such that it at least rests on the corners of the user's lips;

[0292] -the 2 regions of the lip stop preferably have a C and inverted C shape open to the oral opening. As illustrated in Figure 11, these regions are arranged symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane. This particular morphology has the advantage of preventing the spacer from penetrating too deeply into the user's mouth during image acquisition while not creating discomfort for the user's nose;

[0293] - the greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and the free end of the lip stop, preferably of each lip stop, is greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm, and / or less than 15 mm, preferably less than 12 mm, preferably less than 10 mm;

[0294] - the greatest distance, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (axis Ox)), between the general plane of the oral opening and a stop, preferably each stop, is greater than 3 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm, greater than 8 mm, and / or less than 25 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, preferably less than 15 mm;

[0295] - a lip stop, preferably each lip stop, has a smooth outer surface to the touch;

[0296] - the outer surface of a stop, preferably of each stop, does not have any obstacle projecting from said surface;

[0297] - the greatest thickness of a stop, preferably of each stop, is greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm and / or less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3 mm;

[0298] Stiffening rib

[0299] - the tubular part comprises a stiffening rib on a section between the edge of the acquisition opening and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis located at a distance from the general plane of the acquisition opening, less than 50%, 40%, 30%, preferably 25% of the length of the tubular part. A stiffening rib has the objective of stiffening the section on which it is located by limiting the deformation of this section. Located near the acquisition opening, it facilitates the fixing of the telephone (by means of an adapter or not) on the spacer;

[0300] - a stiffening rib, preferably each stiffening rib, is integral with the tubular part;

[0301] - a stiffening rib, preferably each stiffening rib, extends in a transverse plane, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;

[0302] - the number of stiffening ribs is greater than or equal to 0 and / or less than 10, preferably less than 5, preferably 1;

[0303] - the distance, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (axis Ox)), between the edge of the acquisition opening and the stiffening rib, is greater than 4 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm, and / or less than 15 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, preferably less than 9 mm;

[0304] Guide projection

[0305] - at least one guide projection is advantageously arranged, on a surface of the spacer between the edge of the oral opening and a section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis located at a distance, from the general plane of the oral opening, preferably less than 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, preferably 7% of the length of the tubular part. A guide projection is intended to guide the user to one or more areas of the spacer where the application of a compressive force makes it possible to move from a rest position to a service position. The guide projections also have the objective of: encouraging the user to position his hands in a region of the spacer which does not hinder the image acquisition process, and dissuading the user from manipulating the spacer on regions intended to be in contact with his mouth (for reasons of hygiene);

[0306] - a guide projection, preferably each guide projection, is integral with the tubular part;

[0307] - the number of guide projections is greater than or equal to 0 and / or less than 10, preferably less than 5, preferably 2;

[0308] - the tubular part comprises 2 guide projections, equiangularly distributed around the longitudinal axis, each guide projection being preferably symmetrical to the guide projection facing it;

[0309] - the guide projections are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane of the spacer;

[0310] - a guide projection, preferably each projection, has a ramp shape; the thickness of a guide projection, preferably each guide projection, decreases along the longitudinal axis from the oral opening towards the acquisition opening;

[0311] - the outer surface of a guide projection, preferably of each guide projection, has a series of ridges; These ridges have an anti-slip effect and are intended to guide the user in the positioning of his fingers on the spreader to move said spreader from a resting configuration to a contracted configuration;

[0312] - the greatest thickness of a guide projection, preferably of each guide projection, is greater than 1 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm and / or less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm;a guide projection, preferably each guide projection, has a substantially rectangular shape; the length of a guide projection, preferably of each guide projection, being parallel to the longitudinal axis;the length of a guide projection, preferably of each guide projection, is greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm and / or less than 40 mm, preferably less than 30 mm; - the width of a guide projection, preferably of each guide projection, is greater than 8 mm, preferably greater than 10 mm and / or less than 25 mm, preferably less than 20 mm;

[0313] We now refer to the figures.

[0314] The kit 10, 10' shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a mobile telephone 12, a spacer 14, 14' and an adapter 16, shown in detail in Figure 3.

[0315] Any conventional mobile phone can be used.

[0316] The mobile phone 12 is a personal device, conventionally of substantially parallelepiped shape, conventionally comprising a camera.

[0317] A cell phone typically has:

[0318] - a front face provided with at least one optical lens 18 and, preferably, a flash,

[0319] - a rear face presenting a screen 20, and

[0320] - an edge, defining the thickness of the phone and joining the front and back faces.

[0321] The screen 20 covers substantially the entire rear face. It serves as an interface for the user. In particular, it allows the user to view what the optical lens 18 “sees,” i.e., the “view” of the optical lens. Preferably, the screen 20 is touch-sensitive and allows functions of the mobile phone to be controlled.

[0322] The optical lens 18 typically has an optical axis perpendicular to the front face, and allows the acquisition of 2D, or even 3D, representations. In particular, it allows the acquisition of color photos, and / or infrared photos. Infrared photos advantageously make it possible to show the teeth with excellent contrast.

[0323] The mobile phone 12 is fixed, preferably removably, on the spacer 14, 14' preferably by means of an adapter 16.

[0324] The spacer, shown in isolation in Figures 6 to 11, simultaneously allows

[0325] - to separate the user's lips and cheeks to expose the teeth, and - to define, optionally with the adapter, the position of the mobile phone in relation to the oral opening Oo, and therefore in relation to the teeth.

[0326] The spacer 14, 14' of longitudinal axis X, comprises a tubular part 22, and a set of lip supports and / or fins intended to bear on respective parts of the lips in the service position.

[0327] The spacer 14,14' is a single piece, all the supports 24 and / or fins 34 being integral with the tubular part. Advantageously, its manufacturing cost is limited and its use is facilitated.

[0328] Preferably, the spacer 14, 14' is shaped to be removable, preferably so as to be manufacturable by injection of a moldable material, preferably a polymer, into a mold.

[0329] Tubular part

[0330] The tubular portion 22 defines a chamber 26. The cross-section of the chamber 26, i.e. in a section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, may be constant or variable along the X axis.

[0331] Preferably, in a section of the chamber 26 extending over more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 99%, preferably 100% of the length L22 of the tubular part 22, the spacer 14, 14' has an inner surface that is smooth to the touch, without a protruding edge and / or without a re-entrant edge, and in particular without guide projections 40, 40' described below, a section of the chamber 26 being a fraction of the chamber 26 delimited by two planes perpendicular to the axis X.

[0332] The tubular part 22, of axis X, opens through an acquisition opening Oa and, on the opposite side, through the oral opening Oo, preferably coaxial with the acquisition opening. In one embodiment, the chamber 26 opens to the outside only through the oral openings Oo and acquisition openings Oa.

[0333] Preferably, in the rest configuration, the height hoo for a rectangular or oval shaped opening is preferably greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 25 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, and / or less than 60 mm, preferably less than 55 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 45 mm, preferably less than 40 mm;

[0334] Preferably, in the rest configuration, the width loo for a rectangular or oval shaped opening is preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, preferably greater than 40 mm, preferably greater than 50 mm, preferably greater than 55 mm, and / or less than 90 mm, preferably less than 80 mm, preferably less than 70 mm, preferably less than 65 mm, preferably less than 60 mm;

[0335] The tubular portion 22 has the function of defining a spacing between the mobile phone 12 and the oral opening Oo as well as, preferably, a predefined orientation of the mobile phone 12 relative to the oral opening Oo. Advantageously, in the service position, the representations (images or 3D models) acquired by the mobile phone 12 through the optical lens 18 are thus acquired at a predetermined distance from the user's teeth and according to a predefined orientation. Preferably, the spacer 14, 14' is configured so that this spacing and this orientation are constant.

[0336] The tubular part 22 may have a constant or variable section, preferably substantially rectilinear with axis X, in particular may have the general shape of a cylindrical tube, for example of circular, oval or polygonal section, for example rectangular, or of a truncated cone tube.

[0337] The cross-section of the tubular part 22, that is to say in a cutting plane perpendicular to the X axis, preferably has a general shape which is substantially identical throughout the tube, for example rectangular or oval or round.

[0338] As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the length L22 of the tubular portion 22 of the spacer 14, 14' measured along the X axis, is preferably greater than 3 cm, preferably greater than 4 cm, preferably greater than 5 cm, and / or less than 25 cm, preferably less than 20 cm, preferably less than 15 cm, preferably less than 13 cm, preferably less than 11 cm.

[0339] The width I22 of the tubular part 22 of the spacer 14, 14' is preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, preferably greater than 40 mm, preferably greater than 50 mm, preferably greater than 55 mm, and / or less than 90 mm, preferably less than 80 mm, preferably less than 70 mm, preferably less than 65 mm, preferably less than 60 mm;

[0340] The height I122 of the tubular part 22 of the spacer 14, 14' is preferably greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 25 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, and / or less than 60 mm, preferably less than 55 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 45 mm, preferably less than 40 mm;

[0341] Preferably, the thickness of the tubular part 22 of the spacer 14, 14' is over a section between the oral opening Oo and preferably 60%, 70%, 80% of the length of the tubular part 22, preferably greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm and / or less than 2 mm. Preferably, over the remaining section the thickness of the tubular part 22 is preferably greater than 1 mm, preferably greater than 2 mm and / or less than 5 mm, preferably less than 4 mm.

[0342] According to a first embodiment, the tubular part 22 comprises a first section opening onto the oral opening Oo made of an elastically deformable material and a second section opening onto the acquisition opening Oa made of a rigid material.

[0343] According to another embodiment, the tubular part 22 has a skeleton made of rigid material coated with a sheath of elastically deformable material. Preferably, the skeleton is configured so that its solid parts are located in areas requiring greater mechanical resistance to deformation (for example at the level of the second section).

[0344] Preferably, the elastically deformable material is a thermoplastic polymer. More preferably, it is chosen from the following materials: a thermoplastic elastomer called "TPE", in particular a thermoplastic rubber called "TPR", such as styrene-butadiene-styrene, or a thermoplastic polyurethane called "TPU". The elastically deformable material has a Shore A hardness of between 50 and 100, between 65 and 85, preferably 80. The deformability of the first section facilitates the placement of the fins and supports between the user's lips and teeth and improves comfort of use. Alternatively, the deformable material is recyclable, preferably biodegradable (for example polylactic acid). Advantageously, the rigid material is a material having a low Young's modulus, in particular less than 5 Gpa, 3 Gpa or 1 Gpa.More advantageously, the skeleton is made of polyethylene PE, polyethylene terephthalate PET, polystyrene PS or polypropylene PP, preferably polycarbonate PC, advantageously transparent.

[0345] According to another embodiment, the tubular part 22 is made, over its entire length, of the same material.

[0346] Advantageously, the material constituting the tubular part 22 is a mixture of polymers.

[0347] Preferably, the material constituting the tubular part 22 is a single thermoplastic polymer. Even more preferably, this material is chosen from the following materials: a thermoplastic elastomer called “TPE”, in particular a thermoplastic rubber called “TPR”, such as styrene-butadiene-styrene, or a thermoplastic polyurethane called “TPU”. The elastically deformable material has a Shore A hardness of between 50 and 100, between 65 and 85, preferably 80. The deformability of the first section facilitates the positioning of the fins 34 and the supports 24 between the user's lips and teeth and improves the comfort of use. Alternatively, the deformable material is recyclable, preferably biodegradable (for example polylactic acid).

[0348] The deformability of the tubular part 22 can be modified in certain areas depending on the needs, in particular by acting on the following parameters: the shape and / or the general configuration of the spacer 14, 14', the thickness of the material, the surface condition (presence of reinforcing ribs for example).

[0349] Preferably, the thickness of the tubular part 22 of the spacer 14, 14' is greater than the rest of the tubular part 22 over a section between the edge of the acquisition opening Boa and preferably 5%, 10%, 20%, 30% of the length of the tubular part L22.

[0350] Preferably, the tubular part 22, preferably the entire spacer 14, 14', is made of a transparent material. Advantageously, the oral opening Oo can thus be illuminated by a flash of the mobile telephone 12 which is not opposite the acquisition opening Oa. The section of the tubular part 22 opening onto the acquisition opening Oa comprises a fastener 28 capable of cooperating, in said acquisition position, with the mobile telephone 12 or, preferably, with an adapter 16 on which the mobile telephone 12 is fixed, in order to hold the mobile telephone 12 in position.

[0351] The fastener is preferably configured to retain its shape when used for said fixation, making it more reliable. It is preferably formed by a recess and / or a bead of material, preferably on the outer surface of said section. The distance between the fastener and the acquisition opening is preferably less than 3 cm, preferably less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1 cm, preferably less than 0.5 cm.

[0352] A section of deformable material is a section of the tubular part 22, that is to say a fraction of the tubular part 22 between two planes perpendicular to the X axis, which the user can deform, by hand and without tools, preferably with one hand, to modify its shape.

[0353] We speak of a tubular part 22 made of deformable material when the user can deform, by hand and without tools, preferably with one hand, the tubular part 22, to modify its shape.

[0354] Lip supports and wings

[0355] According to a first variant illustrated in figure 6:

[0356] The tubular portion 22 carries lip supports 24 and fins 34 intended to be introduced between the lips and teeth of the user. Advantageously, the lips can thus be spread apart so as not to block the oral opening Oo. Furthermore, the supports 24 and / or the fins 34 facilitate the retention of the spacer 14 in the user's mouth.

[0357] The supports 24 and / or the fins 34 are made in one piece with the tubular part 22 of the spacer 14, which limits manufacturing costs and reduces the number of edges. Hygiene is improved. They are preferably made of an elastomer, for optimal comfort.

[0358] Preferably, the material constituting the supports 24 and / or fins 34 is a preferably thermoplastic polymer or a mixture of preferably thermoplastic polymers. More preferably, the polymer(s) are chosen from the following materials: a thermoplastic elastomer called “TPE”, in particular a thermoplastic rubber called “TPR”, such as styrene-butadiene-styrene, or a thermoplastic polyurethane called “TPU”. The polymer or the mixture of polymers has a Shore A hardness of between 50 and 100, between 65 and 85, preferably 80.

[0359] Preferably, the spacer 14 comprises two fins 24g, 24g, namely a right fin 24d and a left fin 24g, intended to bear on the right and left corners of the user's lips, respectively, and two central lip supports, namely an upper support 24s and a lower support 24i intended to bear on the central parts of the user's upper and lower lips.

[0360] A central lip support may include, in the middle of the support, a hollow or notch 24se, so as to leave free the lip frenulum present at the level of the upper and lower arches of the user. The hollow 24se makes it possible to improve the comfort of the user when the dental retractor is in the service position. The hollow also allows the movement of the spacer 14 in the mouth of the user, in particular rotations around the dental arches for the acquisition of photos or 3D models in lateral views. The hollow 24se may for example have a triangular, rounded or rectangular shape.

[0361] Like the lip supports 24, the fins 34 are shaped to be interposed between the lips and the teeth.

[0362] Remarkably, the lip supports 24 and / or the fins 34 are not shaped in the form of chutes. They only provide a limit to the movement of the lips towards the teeth, which allows the latter to be freed, but allow the movement of the lips in the opposite direction. Preferably, they do not offer any obstacle to said movement in said opposite direction, away from the teeth. Comfort is considerably increased when the user has to acquire 2D or 3D representations from different viewpoints and therefore has to move the mobile phone to the right, left, up or down.

[0363] Also remarkably, the fins 34 have primarily a cheek spreading function. Their long length allows for very effective cheek spreading, as illustrated in Figure 4. The free end of the lip supports and fins (referenced 24s', 24i', 34d', 34g' for the upper, lower supports, right and left fins, respectively) is preferably rounded, so as to be atraumatic.

[0364] Preferably, the supports and fins 24, 34 extend outside a theoretical tube extending along the outer surface of the tubular portion 22 and extending beyond the oral opening Oo.

[0365] Preferably, bringing the fins 34d', 34g' closer to each other produces a separation of the two lip supports 24s', 24i' from each other.

[0366] According to a second variant illustrated in figure 7:

[0367] The tubular portion 22 comprises a lip support 24 with two regions and no fins. This lip support 24 is intended to be introduced between the lips and teeth of the user. Advantageously, the lips can thus be spread apart so as not to block the oral opening Oo. In addition, the supports 24 and / or the fins 34 facilitate the retention of the spacer 14' in the user's mouth.

[0368] The support 24 is made of a single piece with the tubular part 22 of the spacer 14', which limits manufacturing costs and reduces the number of edges. This improves hygiene. They are preferably made of an elastomer, for optimal comfort.

[0369] Preferably, the material constituting the support 24 is a preferably thermoplastic polymer or a mixture of preferably thermoplastic polymers. More preferably, the polymer(s) are chosen from the following materials: a thermoplastic elastomer called “TPE”, in particular a thermoplastic rubber called “TPR”, such as styrene-butadiene-styrene, or a thermoplastic polyurethane called “TPU”. The polymer or the mixture of polymers has a Shore A hardness of between 50 and 100, between 65 and 85, preferably 80. Preferably, the spacer 14′ comprises a lip support 24 comprising two regions, namely a right region 24d and a left region 24g, intended to bear on a portion of the upper and lower lips and on the right and left corners of the user's lips.

[0370] A lip support 24 may comprise a central section (around the sagittal plane of the spacer) of reduced section or empty of material or hollow, so as to leave free the lip frenulum present at the level of the upper and lower arches of the user. This makes it possible to improve the comfort of the user when the dental retractor is in the service position and also allows the movement of the spacer 14' in the user's mouth, in particular rotations around the dental arches for the acquisition of photos or 3D models in lateral views. This hollow may for example have a triangular, rounded or rectangular shape.

[0371] These regions have lobes (lobes of the right region: 24dl, 24dl' and lobes of the left region: 24gl, 24gl'), intended to be interposed between the upper and lower lips and the teeth of the user and rounded apices (apex of the right region 24dx, apex of the left 24gx) allowing the cheeks of the user to be spread apart effectively. This particular shape has a smaller footprint, which facilitates the movement of the spacer 14' in the mouth during acquisition. This simpler morphology of the support 24 extends less into space than conventional fins 34, which facilitates the cleaning of the spacer, allows better angulation during acquisition and improves the comfort of use by reducing the risk of contact between the support and the molars of the user in the extreme acquisition positions.

[0372] Remarkably, the lip support 24 is not shaped in the form of chutes. It only offers a limit to the movement of the lips towards the teeth, which allows the latter to be freed, but allows the movement of the lips in the opposite direction. Preferably, they do not offer any obstacle to said movement in said opposite direction, away from the teeth. Comfort is considerably increased when the user has to acquire 2D or 3D representations from different points of view and must therefore move the mobile phone 12 to the right, left, up or down.

[0373] The free end of the lip support (referenced 24d' and 24g' for the right and left supports, respectively) is preferably rounded, so as to be atraumatic.

[0374] Preferably, the support 24 extends outside a theoretical tube extending along the outer surface of the tubular portion and extending beyond the oral opening.

[0375] Leyre stop

[0376] Preferably, each lip stop 39 is integral with the tubular part 22 and has a central section (around a sagittal plane of the spacer), of reduced thickness or empty of material. This has the technical advantage of not creating discomfort for the user's nose during image acquisition;

[0377] As illustrated in Figure 6, the lip stop comprises two regions 39d, 39g which preferably have a C shape (29g) and an inverted C shape (29d) open to the oral opening. As illustrated in Figure 6, these regions are arranged symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane. These regions of the stop rest on the corners of the user's lips. They have a morphology which has the advantage of preventing the spacer from penetrating too deeply into the user's mouth during image acquisition while not creating discomfort for the user's nose.

[0378] Rigid rib

[0379] Preferably, the tubular part 22 comprises a stiffening rib 36 which is integral with the tubular part 22. It extends in a transverse plane, that is to say perpendicular to the X axis.

[0380] Guide projection

[0381] As illustrated in the figures, the tubular part 22 comprises 2 guide projections 40, 40', equiangularly distributed around the longitudinal axis, each guide projection 40 being preferably symmetrical to the guide projection 40' facing it. Each guide projection, 40, 40', is integral with the tubular part 22.

[0382] Preferably, the guide projections 40, 40' are arranged symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane of the spacer 14, 14'. Each guide projection 40, 40' has a ramp shape.

[0383] Advantageously, the outer surface of each guide projection 40, 40' has a series of grooves. These grooves have an anti-slip effect and are intended to guide the user in the positioning of his fingers on the spreader to move said spreader 14, 14' from a rest configuration to a contracted configuration.

[0384] A guide projection 40, 40', has the purpose of guiding the user to one or more areas of the spacer 14, 14' where the application of a compressive force makes it possible to move from a rest position to a service position. The guide projections 40, 40', also have the purpose of: encouraging the user to position his hands in a region of the spacer 14, 14' which does not hinder the image acquisition process, and dissuading the user from manipulating the spacer 14, 14' on regions intended to be in contact with his mouth (for hygiene reasons).

[0385] Adapter

[0386] The adapter 16 has the function of removably fixing the mobile phone 12 to the spacer 14, 14', and of positioning it precisely and easily in an acquisition position allowing the objective 18 of the mobile phone 12 to observe the oral opening Oo through the acquisition opening Oa. Preferably, the adapter 16 is configured so that this position can be modified.

[0387] One or more elastic bands, one or more straps, one or more self-gripping bands, one or more clips, one or more screws, a door, for example rotatably mounted on a base 46 of the adapter and lockable in a position in which it grips the mobile phone 12, jaws, one or more suction cups or one or more magnets can be used to fix the mobile phone 12 on the spacer 14, 14' or on the adapter 16. The mobile phone can also be inserted into a shell, a cover or a box, fixed on a base of the spacer or the adapter. This list of examples is not limiting.

[0388] Preferably, the adapter 16 is formed by a continuity of material of the spacer 14, 14'. More preferably, the adapter 16 is one or more sleeves, and / or one or more elastic bands, and / or one or more clips, one or more clamps, and / or one or more clamps, and / or one or more self-locking ties.

[0389] More preferably, the adapter 16 is configured to allow the attachment of different mobile phones, and in particular mobile phones having different dimensions.

[0390] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile phone 12 is held on the adapter or spacer 16 by clamping. In particular, preferably, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the adapter 16 comprises a base 46, a first jaw 481 and a second jaw 482, opposite the first jaw, configured to grip and clamp the mobile phone 12, preferably by pressing on the edge of the mobile phone. In one embodiment, the adapter 16 is rigidly fixed on the spacer 14, 14' permanently, or even being integral with the spacer. However, the adapter 16 is preferably rigidly fixed on the spacer 14, 14' in a removable manner. Advantageously, the spacer 14, 14' can be cleaned or sterilized independently of the adapter.

[0391] Preferably, the spacer 14,14' has a housed end, preferably fitted into a complementary shaped housing defined by the adapter.

[0392] Functioning

[0393] The operation of the 10.10' kit follows directly from the preceding description.

[0394] Initially, the kit 10,10' is in the disassembled position. The user clips the spacer 14,14' onto the adapter 16, by inserting the end of the spacer 14,14' opposite the oral opening Oo inside the complementary shaped housing defined by the adapter. The clipping preferably results from the hooking of claws of the adapter in recesses provided on the outer surface of the spacer 14,14'.

[0395] After clipping, the spacer and adapter together define the chamber 26.

[0396] The user then clamps the mobile phone 12 between the first and second jaws so that the adapter opening Oa is substantially opposite the lens 18 and preferably the flash. The kit 10,10', in the acquisition position, is then ready for use.

[0397] The spacer 14,14' is then in the rest configuration. In this configuration, the user cannot fit all the supports 24 / fins 34 into his mouth.

[0398] The user then presses the two fins 34 or lateral support regions 24d, 24g towards each other or the lateral areas of the spacer 14, 14'.

[0399] In this configuration, the user can then introduce all of the lateral regions 24d, 24g and / or fins 34d, 34g between his lips and teeth. After performing this insertion, the user releases the pressure of the two fins 34d, 34g or lateral support regions 24d, 24g or the lateral areas of the body. The spacer then tends to elastically return to the rest configuration. This return is however hindered by the action of the cheeks on the fins 34 / lateral regions 24, and by the action of the central parts of the lips and the corners of the lips on the central labial supports 24i, 24s or the lobes of the labial supports 24dl, 24dl', 24gl, 24gl' respectively. These elastic actions effectively spread the cheeks and lips away from the teeth, allowing the 12 cell phone lens to have a clear view of the teeth.

[0400] In addition, the elasticity allows the 14.14' spacer to adapt to the user's morphology, so that the spacer can be available in only one size for the entire population.

[0401] The user then positions the oral opening in front of the teeth for which he wants to acquire one or more 2D or 3D representations, preferably to take photos or acquire a scan. He is then in a service position.

[0402] By pressing the cell phone's shutter button, the user acquires a 2D or 3D representation.

[0403] If necessary, the user then moves the oral opening Oo to acquire 2D or 3D representations according to other orientations of the mobile phone 12 relative to the user's teeth. In particular, by rotating the kit 10, 10' around him, the user allows the mobile phone 12 to observe different regions of his mouth, for example to take photos of the dental arch or the teeth at the back of the mouth.

[0404] To facilitate this movement, the user can advantageously squeeze the side tabs towards each other again, to contract the oral opening Oo.

[0405] Preferably, the user acquires 2D or 3D representations by acquiring at least a front view, a right view and a left view.

[0406] The 14,14' spacer does not prevent the user's jaws from being brought together or separated from each other. It thus allows the acquisition, in particular of photos representing the user's teeth, while the user has their mouth open or closed, while keeping their lips curled.

[0407] Preferably, the user acquires 2D or 3D representations by acquiring at least one open mouth view and at least one closed mouth view, preferably each time for front, right and left views.

[0408] When the user turns the spacer to the right (or left), the right (or left, respectively) labial commissure slides into the sliding zone. This zone is free of obstacles, which facilitates this sliding and makes the spacer particularly comfortable. The length of the sliding zone advantageously allows a large amplitude of rotation of the spacer without the right (or left, respectively) labial commissure escaping and obstructing the view of the optical lens.

[0409] The user then removes the spacer 14, 14' from his mouth, and disassembles the mobile phone.

[0410] Of course, the order of operations can be changed. For example, the user can attach the spacer to the adapter before or after attaching the mobile phone. The spacer can be removed before or after the mobile phone is removed.

[0411] As is now clear, the invention limits the risk of acquiring photos or 3D models with a spacer that is unsuitable for the user.

[0412] The 10.10' kit allows rapid acquisition, in excellent hygienic conditions, typically in less than a minute, without the need for a specialist, in particular a dentist or orthodontist. Acquisition can be carried out in particular by the user himself or by a relative, with a simple mobile phone, anywhere, and in particular outside a medical, dental or orthodontic practice. In addition, acquisition is possible without the use of a tool resting on the ground to immobilize the mobile phone, and in particular without a tripod.

[0413] Finally, the kit allows for quick and reliable attachment of the mobile phone, regardless of its thickness, without risk of damaging it. It can be implemented within the framework of the method described in PCT / EP2015 / 074896.

[0414] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, provided for illustrative purposes only.

[0415] In particular, the shape of the spacer is not limiting. In particular, in one embodiment, the chamber only opens through the oral and acquisition openings. This embodiment is however not limiting, the chamber being able to include other openings.

[0416] Of course, the features, optional or not, which define the main aspects above can be combined with each other. List of references

[0417] 10: kit

[0418] 12: cell phone

[0419] 14: spacer according to a first embodiment

[0420] 14': spacer according to a second embodiment

[0421] 16: adapter

[0422] 18: Optical lens of the mobile phone

[0423] 20: Cell phone screen

[0424] 22: tubular part

[0425] 24: lip support, generically

[0426] 24d: right region of the labial support

[0427] 24d': free end of the right region of the labial support

[0428] 24dx: apex of the right region of the labial support

[0429] 24dl, 24dl': lobes of the right region of the labial support

[0430] 24g: left region of the lip support

[0431] 24g': free end of the left region of the lip support

[0432] 24gx: apex of the left region of the labial support

[0433] 24gl, 24gl': lobes of the left region of the labial support

[0434] 24s: upper lip support

[0435] 24s': free end of the upper lip support

[0436] 24sc, 24sc': ridges of the upper lip support

[0437] 24th: hollow of the upper lip support

[0438] 24i: lower lip support

[0439] 24i': free end of the lower lip support

[0440] 24ic, 24ic': ridges of the lower lip support

[0441] 24ie: hollow of the lower lip support

[0442] 26: chamber of the tubular part

[0443] 28: attachment

[0444] 34: fin, generically

[0445] 34d: right fin

[0446] 34d': free end of the right fin

[0447] 34d' ': junction of the right fin

[0448] 34g: left fin

[0449] 34g': free end of the left fin 34g' ': junction of the left fin

[0450] 36: stiffening rib

[0451] 38: slot

[0452] 39: lip stop, generically

[0453] 39d: right region of the lip stop

[0454] 39d': free end of the right region of the lip stop

[0455] 39g: left lip stop region

[0456] 39g': free end of the left region of the lip stop

[0457] 40, 40': guide projections

[0458] 42: labial support windows, generically

[0459] 46: base

[0460] 481: first bit

[0461] 48z: second bit

[0462] 50d: sliding zone of the right labial commissure

[0463] Oo: oral opening

[0464] Oa: acquisition opening

[0465] X: longitudinal axis of the spacer

[0466] Boo: Edge of the oral opening

[0467] Poo: General plan of the oral opening

[0468] F: example of centripetal thrust force applied to the tubular part

[0469] F': example of centripetal thrust force applied to the fins / supports

[0470] L22: length of the tubular part

[0471] I22: width of the tubular part h22: height of the tubular part loo: width of the oral opening hoo: height of the oral opening

[0472] Poo: General plan of the oral opening

[0473] Pfx: Plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the spacer including the longitudinal axis X

[0474] Ps: Sagittal plane of the spacer

[0475] Da: greatest distance, in the direction of the longitudinal axis X, between the general plane of the oral opening and a free end of a fin (34g) in the rest configuration

[0476] Db: greatest distance between the longitudinal axis X and a free end of a fin, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, in the rest configuration

[0477] De: greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and a free end of a lobe of a labial support (24g) Dd: greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the apex of a region of a labial support (24g) and the edge of the oral opening

[0478] Dd': greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the free end of a fin (24g) and the edge of the oral opening De: greatest distance between the general plane of the oral opening and the apex of a region (24d), along the longitudinal axis X, in the rest configuration

[0479] Df: greatest distance between the longitudinal axis X and the apex of a region (24d), in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, in the rest configuration

[0480] Dg: greatest distance between the general plane of the oral opening and a stop (39), along the longitudinal axis X, in the rest configuration

[0481] Dh: greatest distance between the edge of the oral opening and a free end of a stop (39), in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, in the rest configuration

[0482] Di: greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and a crest Dj: smallest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and a trough

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Flexible spacer (14, 14') intended for the acquisition, with a mobile phone (12), of 2D or 3D representations of a user's teeth, the spacer (14, 14') comprising a tubular part (22) made of an elastically deformable material, delimiting a chamber (26) and having a longitudinal axis (X), said tubular part (22): - having a length (L22) greater than 3 cm, - opening through an acquisition opening (Oa) and through an oral opening (Oo) having a width (loo) and a height (hoo) measured in a general oral opening plane (Poo), - being shaped to be fixed, in a removable manner, to the mobile phone (12), in an acquisition position in which an optical lens (18) of the mobile phone (12) has an at least partial view of the oral opening (Oo) through the acquisition opening (Oa), the spacer (14, 14') being characterized in that: the tubular part (22) is elastically deformable allowing, by a centripetal thrust (F, F') exerted on said tubular part (22) in a direction substantially parallel to that of the width of the oral opening (loo), a reduction of more than 5% in the width of the oral opening (loo), preferably, the reduction in the width of the oral opening (loo) simultaneously causing the increase in the height of the oral opening (hoo).

2. Spacer (14, 14') according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tubular part (22) is elastically deformable over a section between an edge (Boo) of the tubular part (22) delimiting the oral opening (Oo) and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) located at a distance from the general oral opening plane (Poo), less than 90%, 80%, preferably 75% of the length (L22) of the tubular part (22).

3. Spacer (14, 14') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a single piece.

4. Spacer (14, 14') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the edge of the oral opening (Boo) is partially or entirely delimited by at least one lip support (24) intended to separate the lips of the user to release said teeth and / or a fin (34) intended to rest on a cheek of the user to move it away from his teeth.

5. Spacer (14, 14') according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the greatest distance (Dd) between the edge of the oral opening (Boo) and the free end of a lip support (24d', 24g'), is located in a section of the spacer (14, 14') delimited by two planes parallel to a plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane comprising the longitudinal axis (Pf x ) and located on either side of it (Pf x ), at a distance less than 30% of the height (hoo) of the oral opening (Oo), preferably less than 15%, 10%, 5% of the height (hoo) of the oral opening (Oo).

6. Spacer (14, 14') according to any one of claims 4 and 5, said at least one lip support (24) is made in one piece with an edge of the oral opening (Boo).

7. Spacer (14, 14') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular part (22) comprises a stiffening rib (36) preferably annular, on a section between an edge of the acquisition opening (Boa) and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) located at a distance from a general plane of the acquisition opening (Po a ), less than 50%, 40%, 30%, preferably 25% of the length of the tubular part (22).

8. Spacer (14, 14') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a lip stop (39) located on a section of the tubular part (22) between the general plane of the oral opening (Poo) and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) located at a distance from the general plane of the oral opening (Poo) less than 20% of the length (L22) of the tubular part (22).

9. Spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the edge (Boo) of the tubular part (22) delimiting the oral opening (Oo) has a concave shape, towards the longitudinal axis (X), at mid-width of the oral opening, that is to say at the point of intersection with the sagittal plane.

10. Spacer according to the immediately preceding claim, in which a section of the tubular part extending, from said edge, over a length, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), greater than 10 mm, has a shape concave, towards the longitudinal axis (X), at mid-width of said chamber, that is to say at any point of its interior surface intersecting the sagittal plane, the interior surface of the tubular part being the surface delimiting said chamber.

11. Spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the tubular part has at least one weakening zone, that is to say having a thickness less than that of the tubular part which surrounds it, preferably more than 1.5, more than 2 times less than that of the tubular part which surrounds it, preferably a zero thickness.

12. Spacer according to the immediately preceding claim, in which said at least one weakening zone comprises: - a window (42) provided in a lip support (24), claim 4 applying, and / or - a cutout made in a fin (34), claim 4 applying, and / or - a slot (38) connecting the chamber and the external environment with fluid.

13. Spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance (Dd) between a lateral end (24gx, 24dx) of the tubular part, preferably the apex of a lip support, and the edge of the oral opening is: - greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm and / or less than 30 mm„ and / or - the greatest width of a rim surrounding the oral opening and extending from the edge of the oral opening.

14. Kit (10, 10') for acquiring 2D or 3D representations of a user's teeth, comprising: - a mobile telephone (12) equipped with an optical lens (18) for acquiring a device for acquiring a said 2D representation and / or a said 3D representation; - a spacer (14, 14') according to any one of the preceding claims, on which the mobile phone is fixed, preferably removably, optionally by means of an adapter (16), the mobile phone (12) being fixed on the spacer so that the optical objective (18) has at least a partial view of the oral opening (Oo) through the acquisition opening (Oa).

15. Method for acquiring a 2D or 3D representation by means of an acquisition kit (10, 10') according to the immediately preceding claim, said method comprising the following steps: a) partial introduction, by the user, of the spacer (14, 14') into the user's mouth to a service position in which the optical lens (18) of the mobile phone (12) has a view of the user's teeth through the oral opening (Oo), at least one lip support or fin spreading the user's lips to free said teeth; b) activation, preferably by the user, of the mobile phone (12) so as to acquire said 2D or 3D representation; c) modification of the positioning of the oral opening (Oo) relative to the user, by rotation around the user, then repeated at step b).

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