Cover device for covering the lips and corners of the mouth

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cover device (100) for covering the lips and corners of the mouth of a patient during a treatment. The cover device comprises: an elastic tensible element for the lips (101); an elastic tensible element for the vestibule (103); and a piece of film (105) interconnecting the tensible elements and having a polyolefin surface (107).

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] Covering device for covering the lips and corners of the mouth

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a covering device for covering the lips and corners of the mouth of a patient during a treatment and a method for producing a covering device.

[0005] Intraoral scanners are frequently used in dental treatment. Taking a digital impression is quick and more comfortable for the patient than using a tray and impression material. The scan requires good access to the oral cavity to guide the intraoral scanner around the dentition under visual control and to maintain control over moisture and saliva.

[0006] The use of lip and cheek retractors is a suitable aid in this regard. Rigid or hard lip and cheek retractors can achieve a wide mouth opening, but are generally uncomfortable to wear, cause pressure sores, and come into contact with the intraoral scanner.

[0007] Soft lip and cheek retractors, on the other hand, gently open the patient's mouth. The lip and cheek retractor takes on the task of holding the lips and cheek mucosa in a circular position from the front teeth to the back molars with minimal tension, thus

[0008] To significantly expand the dentist's working area. Especially in surgery, an easily accessible and clearly arranged working area is essential. The lip and cheek retractor is elastic in all three dimensions, made of latex-free material, and designed for single use. Its elasticity allows for unrestricted, complete opening and closing of the mouth, as well as lateral jaw movements.

[0009] However, the intraoral scanner glides poorly on the rubber-like material and sometimes gets stuck (stick-slip effect). If it gets stuck on the lip-cheek retractor, the flow of movement is interrupted. This makes recording the intraoral scan difficult. In addition, the

[0010] The user's attention is distracted from the actual acquisition of the intraoral scan. A greater force is applied to restart the intraoral scanner head. This often results in a jerky movement, resulting in uneven data distribution across the tooth surface. Poor gliding can even cause the lip-cheek retractor to be pulled out of the oral cavity and fall out.

[0011] The technical object of the present invention is to provide a dental draping device that facilitates an intraoral scan using an intraoral scanner. Furthermore, the technical object of the present invention is to provide a draping device that has sterile properties and is thus suitable for easily reducing the risk of infection during oral surgical procedures.

[0012] This task is carried out by items according to the independent

[0013] Claims are solved. Technically advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0014] According to a first aspect, the technical problem is solved by a covering device for covering the lips and corners of the mouth of a patient during treatment, comprising an elastic lip tensioning element, an elastic vestibular tensioning element, and a film section connecting the tensioning elements, which comprises a polyolefin surface. The covering device achieves the technical advantage that the intraoral scanner can be guided around the dental arches at a constant speed and force.

[0015] In a technically advantageous embodiment of the covering device, the film section is made of polyolefin. This provides the technical advantage, for example, of simplifying the production of the film section.

[0016] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the covering device, the polyolefin comprises a polyethylene (PE). The polyolefin is preferably formed entirely from polyethylene (PE). The polyolefin is particularly preferably a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). LLDPE provides chemical resistance, good impact resistance at low temperatures, a low density (0.85 g / cm 3 - 0.95 g / cm 3 ), excellent processing properties, and good compression set properties are achieved. Furthermore, the technical advantage is achieved that the film section can be sterilized particularly well using radiation, for example with beta rays, gamma rays, or X-rays, or by using ethylene oxide (EtO).

[0017] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the covering device, the elastic lip-tensioning element and / or the elastic vestibular-tensioning element comprises a polyolefin surface. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, of further improving the sliding properties of the covering device.

[0018] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the covering device, the elastic lip-tensioning element and / or the elastic vestibular-tensioning element is made of polyolefin. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, of simplifying the manufacture of the lip-tensioning element and / or the vestibular-tensioning element.

[0019] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the covering device, the film section has a thickness between 0.05 mm and 0.5 mm. This achieves the technical advantage that the film section has particularly good properties. The thinner the film section, the more comfortable, smoother, and adaptable it is in the patient's mouth. The thicker the film section, the better suited it is for scanning.

[0020] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the covering device, the film section has a Shore hardness between 5A - 70D, preferably between 10A and 65D, a Shore hardness between 10A - 30A or a Shore hardness between 30A - 65D. This achieves the technical advantage that the film section has good flexibility and resistance. In the range between 10A - 30A, the technical advantage is achieved that the covering device is relatively soft and thus increased wearing comfort is achieved. The softer the material, the simpler and easier it is to insert the covering device into the mouth of a patient. In the range between 30A - 65D, the

[0021] Covering device relatively harder, so that scanning of the oral cavity with an intraoral scanner can be carried out more easily.

[0022] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the covering device, the film section is formed without plasticizers or phthalates. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that these substances do not diffuse out of the film section.

[0023] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the covering device, the polyolefin has a density of 0.85 g / cm 3

[0024] - 0.95 g / cm 3 This provides the technical advantage, for example, of using particularly suitable and lubricious polyolefin.

[0025] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the covering device, the film section is transparent. The film section is made, for example, from transparent polyolefin. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the condition of the covered lips can be observed while the covering device is being inserted. According to a second aspect, the technical problem is solved by a method for producing a covering device for covering the lips and corners of the mouth of a patient during treatment, in which method a polyolefin for a film section is injected into an injection mold between a lip tensioning element and a vestibular tensioning element. This achieves the same technical advantages as with the covering device according to the first aspect.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the polyolefin comprises an antimicrobial additive. The antimicrobial additive can be formed from silver ions. This achieves the technical advantage that the film portion of the covering device is injection-molded from a polyolefin with antimicrobial properties.

[0027] According to a third aspect, the technical problem is solved by a method for sterilizing a covering device according to the first aspect, comprising the step of irradiating the covering device with ionizing radiation. This achieves the technical advantage of preventing germs and bacteria from growing on the film section. A film section made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) is particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0028] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0029] 1 shows a view of a covering device for covering the lips and corners of the mouth of a patient during treatment.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a view of a covering device 100 for covering the lips and corners of the mouth of a patient during treatment. This allows hygienic access to the mouth of a patient during treatment. The lips and corners of the mouth are covered with the covering device 100.

[0031] The covering device 100 comprises an elastic lip tensioning element 101, an elastic vestibular tensioning element 103, and a film section 105 connecting the tensioning elements 101 and 103. The lip tensioning element 101 is designed as a tensioning ring and is stretched outside the mouth. The vestibular tensioning element 103 is also designed as a tensioning ring and is stretched inside the mouth. The lip tensioning element 101 and / or the vestibular tensioning element 103 can be circular, oval, or otherwise circumferential.

[0032] The draping device 100 offers unique flexibility and elasticity, making it comfortable to wear. Furthermore, the draping device 100 makes it easier for the patient to keep their mouth open. The draping device 100 enables even retraction of the lips and cheeks, a freely accessible, clear treatment area, and effective and rapid relative drying.

[0033] Parts of the covering device 100, i.e., the lip-tensioning element 101 and the vestibular-tensioning element 103, can be manufactured from a sterilizable plastic, preferably polyolefin, particularly preferably polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), using an injection molding process. However, the lip-tensioning element 101 and the vestibular-tensioning element 103 can also have a polyolefin surface.

[0034] The film section 105 between the lip tensioning element 101 and the vestibular tensioning element 103 forms a covering means and wraps around the edge of the mouth opening. This allows sterile access to the mouth opening. The film section 105 comprises a surface 107 made of polyolefin or is made entirely of polyolefin.

[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lip tensioning element 101 and vestibular tensioning element 103 are made of polypropylene and the film section 105 is made of LLDPE.

[0036] Polyolefins are polymers produced from alkenes such as ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, or isobutene by chain polymerization. The general composition is (CH2CHR) n , where R is an alkyl group or a hydrogen atom. Polyolefins are saturated hydrocarbons characterized by low density, good chemical resistance, low water absorption, and good electrical insulation. Polyolefins are semi-crystalline thermoplastics, are easy to process, and inexpensive to produce. The density of polyolefin, for example, is 0.85 g / cm 3 - 0.95 g / cm 3. Polyolefins can be, for example, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The main reason for the different densities is the degree of branching of the molecular chains. The higher the degree, the lower the density of the polyethylene. HDPE has only weakly branched polymer chains and therefore a high density. LDPE, on the other hand, has a high degree of branching, which is why its density is low.

[0037] The film section 105 or the surface 107 may also have a

[0038] Polymer mixture with other polyolefins. The polymer mixture can, for example, be a mixture of two polyolefins selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The polyolefins can be present in any desired mixing ratio, preferably from 1% by weight to 99% by weight to 99% by weight to 1% by weight.

[0039] The film portion 105 or surface 107 may comprise a thermoplastic polyolefin or a polymer blend with a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). The polymer blend may comprise the thermoplastic polyolefin and additionally polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and / or a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). In general, the

[0040] A polymer blend is a mixture of a polyolefin and one or more elastomer components. Furthermore, the polyolefin or polymer blend may be free of plasticizers.

[0041] Thanks to the polyolefin film section 105 and the reduced friction, an intraoral scanner can be moved around the dental arch at a constant speed. Polyolefins exhibit excellent processing properties.

[0042] Polyolefins are also suitable for overmolding and co-extrusion in an injection mold.

[0043] A thickness of the film section 105 is between

[0044] 0.05 mm - 0.5 mm. The Shore hardness of the film section 105 is between 5A - 70D, preferably 10A to 65D. It can be sterilized and the quality of a sterilization process is equally good across the entire specified range of Shore hardness. Depending on the layer thickness, a rigidity of the film section 105 is achieved which leads to increased retention. The film section 105 made of polyolefin leads to a significant reduction in the stick-slip effect. The more slippery surface 107 of the soft component results in a lower stick-slip effect and tools stick less to the film section 105 during use.

[0045] The film section 105 can be made of pure polyolefin without phthalates or plasticizers, so that no plasticizer diffusion occurs. The film section 105 can be transparent. The film section 105 made of polyolefin has good chemical resistance, high impact strength at low temperatures, and good compression set properties. Sterilization can be carried out by ethylene oxide (EtO), beta rays, or gamma rays. The irradiation leads to the damage of macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and functional proteins. In this way, viruses and microorganisms reliably lose their ability to reproduce and die. The film section 105 can also be made of polyolefin with an antimicrobial additive. For example, the raw LLDPE granulate can be additionally provided with a masterbatch containing antimicrobial and antibacterial

[0046] Plastic additives contain . This can prevent the growth of

[0047] Microbes and bacteria on the film section 105 can be prevented. An antimicrobial additive can be in the form of a

[0048] Resin concentrate is incorporated into the amorphous zones of the molecular structure of the polymer.

[0049] In addition to or as an alternative to the optional antimicrobial additive, the film section 105 according to the invention can also be made of polyolefin with one or more further additives. Such additives are, for example, pigments, dyes, antioxidants, stabilizers or

[0050] Processing aids .

[0051] In a method for manufacturing the covering device 100, for example, a polyolefin is injected into an injection mold using an injection molding process in the first step. In addition, other plastics can also be injected into the injection mold, for example, to form the lip-tensioning element 101 or the vestibular-tensioning element 103. In a second step, the covering device 100 is then removed from the injection mold.

[0052] All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations in the inventive subject matter in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects. All method steps can be implemented by devices suitable for carrying out the respective method step. All functions performed by subject features can be a method step of a method.

[0053] The scope of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the figures.

[0054] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0055] 100 Cover device

[0056] 101 Lip clamping element

[0057] 103 Vestibular tension element

[0058] 105 Slide section

[0059] 107 Surface

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS Covering device (100) for covering the lips and corners of the mouth of a patient during treatment, comprising: an elastic lip tensioning element (101), an elastic vestibular tensioning element (103); and a film section (105) connecting the tensioning elements, which film section comprises a surface (107) made of polyolefin.

2. Cover device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the film portion (105) is made of polyolefin.

3. Cover device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the polyolefin comprises a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

4. Cover device (100) according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein the elastic lip tensioning element (101) and / or the elastic vestibular tensioning element (103) Surface (107) made of polyolefin comprises .

5. Cover device (100) according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein the elastic lip tensioning element (101) and / or the elastic vestibular tensioning element (103) is made of polyolefin.

6. Cover device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the film section (105) has a thickness between 0.05 mm - 0.5 mm.

7. Cover device (100) according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein the film section (105) has a Shore hardness between 5A - 70D, preferably between 10A to 65D, a Shore hardness between 10A - 30A or a Shore hardness between 30A - 65D.

8. Covering device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the film section (105) is formed without plasticizers or phthalates.

9. Cover device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the polyolefin has a density of 0.85 g / cm 3 0.95 g / cm 3 has .

10. Cover device (100) according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein the film portion (105) is transparent.

11. A method for producing a covering device (100) for covering the lips and corners of the mouth of a patient during treatment, in which a polyolefin for a film section (105) between a lip tensioning element (101) and a vestibular tensioning element (103) is injected into an injection mold.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the polyolefin comprises an antimicrobial additive.

13. A method for sterilizing a covering device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the step of irradiating the covering device (100) by means of ionizing radiation.

14. Using a covering device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10 in the mouth of a patient during an intraoral scan.

15. Using a covering device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10 in the mouth of a patient during an oral surgical procedure.

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