Device for movement and position detection on a toothless jaw
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZEBRIS MEDICAL GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-17
Smart Images
Figure EP2023084134_20022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Device for movement and position detection on the edentulous jaw
[0002] Description
[0003] The invention relates to a device for temporarily attaching a position and movement sensor to the toothless human lower and / or upper jaw for detecting jaw positions and movements.
[0004] In connection with various dental services, especially the production of high-quality partial or complete dentures, the representation and motion animation of virtual tooth surfaces and in particular of partially or edentulous jaw ridges in computer units is necessary.
[0005] For this purpose, the applicant describes a motion measurement system and a paraocclusal attachment for attaching a motion sensor to the lower jaw in DE 102 18 435 B4. The attachment consists of a tooth attachment part and a sensor holding section to which motion measurement sensors or markers of the motion analysis system (such as ultrasound or optical markers) can be attached. Alternatively, the sensors of the motion measurement system can be directly and detachably connected to the tooth attachment part. Motion measurement sensors can include, for example, camera or laser sensors, magnetic sensors, or sensors based on acceleration detectors or gyroscopes, or combinations thereof. To compensate for head movements, reference or receiver sensors are attached to the upper jaw or via a head arch. Stationary sensor systems, such as cameras, may also be required.
[0006] To attach components of a motion measurement system specifically to a patient's lower jaw (mandible), brackets are typically used. These brackets consist of a metal part in which certain surface sections are bent to adapt to the outer curvature of the teeth, lined with plastic, and secured and bonded to the lower jaw via the interdental surfaces. This is referred to as a paraocclusal attachment. This has the significant advantage of allowing unobstructed biting and unobstructed tooth-guided movements even with the attachment in place.
[0007] DE 20 2014 102 968 U1, filed by the applicant, describes an occlusion-covering coupling tray. The advantage of such a device is its very simple and quick attachment to the teeth, even in complex dental situations.
[0008] In DE 20 2018 004 255 of the applicant, a paraocclusal attachment is described which is intended to support the hold on the teeth by means of spring-supported lateral projections.
[0009] However, the above-mentioned attachment methods require that the devices for attaching the position or movement sensors can be attached to the teeth of the lower jaw.
[0010] The invention is based on the object of a further developed attachment of a position / movement sensor to the edentulous human jaw as well as a device for determining an optimal jaw relationship.
[0011] The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the inventive concept are the subject of the respective dependent claims.
[0012] The device according to the invention contains at least one prefabricated, printed or milled alveolar ridge fastening part, a sensor holding section, a sensor sliding body and a position / motion sensor.
[0013] An advantage of the device according to the invention is the simple, quick and reproducible attachment and removal and a secure and wobble-free hold of the device on the alveolar ridges in the partially or edentulous lower or upper jaw of patients.
[0014] In embodiments of the device according to the invention, the alveolar ridge attachment part consists of a prefabricated, milled or 3D-printed U-shaped or approximately semicircular part similar to an impression or impression tray as is known from dental practice and which is lined with silicone or plastic material and / or attached to the alveolar ridges of the upper and / or lower jaw using adhesive.
[0015] Using the device according to the invention, the positions and movements of the measuring sensors temporarily attached to the alveolar ridge, and thus of the lower or upper jaw, can be recorded and measured using a position-motion measuring system. In appropriate configurations, this allows, among other things, the correct bite height, bite position, and temporomandibular joint parameters to be determined in order to provide the best possible partial or full prosthetic treatment with artificial teeth.
[0016] Preferably, the alveolar ridge attachment extends only to the beginning of the dorsal arches of the alveolar ridge, as otherwise, mandibular movement may be impaired. In a special design, a removable dorsal extension of the alveolar ridge attachment can be provided on both sides.
[0017] It is assumed that the size of the alveolar ridges is first assessed and / or recorded using an initial impression and a model scanner, or directly with an intraoral scanner. The correct size can then be selected from prefabricated alveolar ridge attachments, or the corresponding molded part can be adapted to the virtual alveolar ridges using a CAD design program, and the entire appliance can be designed.
[0018] To connect the alveolar ridge attachments to a position / motion sensor, a sensor holding section is required. This is attached to the prefabricated alveolar ridge attachments in a defined position in the middle anterior (i.e., ventral) area, or is formed, particularly milled or printed, in a single operation with the respective alveolar ridge attachment. The sensor holding section can be available as a fully constructed part in a 3D data format in the database of a computer unit and is initially incorporated virtually into the templates during CAD design. The sensor holding section can be used to temporarily and detachably connect a sensor slide-on body with a defined position / motion sensor.
[0019] The sensory slide-on body should preferably be flat so that it can be seamlessly connected to the alveolar ridge attachment and worn in or on the mouth. Furthermore, the technical design of the connection must be such that it can be easily manufactured using 3D printing or printing and milling techniques commonly used in dentistry. Complex shapes are difficult to print and may not be millable or can only be achieved with great effort. Furthermore, it is highly advantageous if the sensory slide-on body is made of a material that is suitable for multiple use and can be sterilized.
[0020] The fastening between the sensor holding section and the sensor sliding body can in principle be designed to be removable via a locking device using locking elements and / or male / female connecting parts.
[0021] Particularly advantageous is the attachment as a slide-on body with pincer-like projections and a flat, space-saving closure, which allows the position / motion sensors to be securely connected to the alveolar ridge attachment templates under all circumstances. The projections are preferably made of sheet metal and can be easily bent apart or together by the user to accommodate dimensional tolerances of the protruding body. Alternatively, an oval or round tube can also be used.
[0022] The sensor slide-on body and / or the pincer-like projections are preferably aligned parallel to the occlusal plane. A different sensor slide-on body, possibly curved in a vertical direction, is also possible and is used particularly when the position / motion sensors need to be aligned forward toward an external camera system.
[0023] In preferred embodiments, the extensions are flexible and / or have spring-elastic properties. Advantageously, the entire slide-on body is made of a metal sheet or a metal tube and has a firmly connected disc-like base body.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the position / motion sensor is removably attached to the sensor slide-on body via magnetic elements. The disc-like base body is preferably made of a ferromagnetic material, whereas the position / motion sensor contains corresponding magnets. In a further embodiment, the position / motion sensor is removably connected via locking elements and / or male / female connectors.
[0025] In an alternative design, the position / motion sensor is fixed and non-removable, connected to the sensor slide-on body in a unique position.
[0026] The sensor holding section is preferably flat. The extensions of the sensor slide-on body are pushed form-fittingly onto the sensor holding section of the alveolar ridge attachment piece from the front or from above.
[0027] In one embodiment, the sensor holding section contains a wedge-shaped formation, a groove or rounded sides on an upstanding body or on the upstanding side parts in order to ensure a positive sliding of the pincer-like extensions of the sensor holding section.
[0028] In one version, the sensor holding section is positioned in front of the alveolar ridge attachment and / or guided in an arc over the patient's lower or upper lip. This also results in a better grip on the alveolar ridges, as the lip cannot push the attachment upward.
[0029] Advantageously, a surface structure in the form of depressions / indentations is provided in the alveolar ridge attachment part, which is preferably flat on the upper side, so that a bite elevation can be carried out in the form of a wax layer or by means of plastic / silicone material.
[0030] The surface structure allows for good adhesion to the surface of the alveolar ridge attachment. The raised surface allows for the simulation of optimal tooth height in both aesthetic and functional terms.
[0031] In a further embodiment of the invention, a height-adjustable, preferably screw-in support pin is located—preferably in the center of a maxillary ridge attachment part. Preferably, a corresponding plate on which the support pin can slide is located in the central region of a mandibular ridge attachment part used together with such a maxillary ridge attachment part. This plate, also referred to here as a support plate, can be made of metal or plastic and is inserted into or placed onto the mandibular ridge attachment part via a closure, or can be incorporated directly into the construction of a printed or milled unit. The materials from which the support pin and the support plate are made are preferably matched to one another so that the support pin can slide easily on the support plate, but at the same time leave a trace of movement.
[0032] The support pin-writing plate configuration makes it possible to adjust the occlusion to the correct bite height or vertical position. For this purpose, the support pin is preferably adjusted in height using a screw thread. At the same time, horizontal movements can be performed on the writing plate, for example, in lateral and protrusive directions. This allows an optimal bite position to be determined using the position / motion measurement system—for example, by observing the movement track of the tip of the support pin. By observing the movement tracks, the movement paths of the joints can be measured, and the data can be transferred to virtual or mechanical articulators.
[0033] In a particular embodiment, the sensory slide-on body and the support plate, or the sensory slide-on body and the support pin device, are each formed as a single piece. The connection or locking of the combination part formed in this way to the alveolar ridge attachment part can be removable using locking elements and / or male / female connecting parts. In principle, the device according to the invention can be used on partially or completely edentulous upper and lower jaws. It can also be advantageous to use the device with implants placed in the jaw. If the upper or lower jaw is dentulous and the device according to the invention is only used on one side, corresponding devices such as a para-occlusal attachment, a support pin, or a support plate—according to the described prior art—can be used.
[0034] In embodiments, the alveolar ridge attachment part has at least one opening adapted to a residual tooth configuration of the lower or upper jaw. Optionally, the opening is provided with a cover before being placed in the position of use, or it is created for use by breaking out a corresponding section of the alveolar ridge attachment part along a predetermined breaking line. A special design of the alveolar ridge attachment part has an upper side divided by such predetermined breaking or weakening lines, such that parts of the upper side of the alveolar ridge attachment part can be broken out for adaptation to the patient's remaining teeth.
[0035] However, the realization of the mentioned breakthroughs is also possible from the outset in an individualized manufacturing process, in which data from a patient's remaining teeth are incorporated, or breakthroughs in a closed alveolar ridge attachment part are subsequently created mechanically based on such data.
[0036] Advantages and expediencies of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the figures.
[0037] Of these, show:
[0038] Fig. la and lb schematic side views of devices for detecting jaw positions and movements,
[0039] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a common paraocclusal attachment, Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a
[0040] Alveolar ridge and a ridge attachment part,
[0041] Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a
[0042] Alveolar ridge attachment part with sensory slide-on body,
[0043] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a
[0044] Alveolar ridge attachment part and a position / motion sensor attached to the sensor slide-on body,
[0045] Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a
[0046] Alveolar ridge attachment part with upstream sensor holding section,
[0047] Fig. 7 a schematic two-dimensional representation of sensor
[0048] Slide-on bodies and sensor holding sections viewed from above and from the front,
[0049] Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a
[0050] Alveolar ridge attachment part with dorsal extensions,
[0051] Fig. 9 a schematic perspective view of a dorsal
[0052] extension part,
[0053] Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a
[0054] Alveolar ridge with completed lower jaw prosthesis,
[0055] Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a
[0056] Alveolar ridge attachment with support pin,
[0057] Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a
[0058] Alveolar ridge attachment with writing plate,
[0059] Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a
[0060] Alveolar ridge attachment adapted for a not completely edentulous lower jaw, Fig. 14a and 14b a schematic perspective representation of an alveolar ridge attachment and detailed views thereof, respectively, and
[0061] Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a
[0062] Alveolar ridge attachment part with associated sensory slide-on body.
[0063] Fig. 1a shows an example of an entire measuring device. Position / motion sensors 4 and 4a are attached to the sensor slide-on body 3 and a headpiece 4c, respectively. Movements of the lower jaw are recorded with stationary cameras 4d. The position / motion sensors 4 and 4a are directed forward. The sensor slide-on body 3 is angled.
[0064] Fig. 1b shows another embodiment. A receiver 4b for recording the positions and movements of the subject's lower jaw is attached to a head bracket 4c.
[0065] The motion / position sensors 4 and 4a can contain both active lighting elements and passive elements.
[0066] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional paraocclusal attachment consisting of a sensor-mounted body 3 mounted on a holding section 3a. Two side arms 11 are connected to the latter, which are secured to the teeth of the lower jaw 9 with impression material.
[0067] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a mandibular ridge 5, a mandibular ridge fastening part 1 with a flat surface 1a and an advantageous embodiment of a sensor holding section 2 with bevelled upstanding side parts.
[0068] Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a jaw ridge attachment part 1 with a flat surface 1a and an advantageous embodiment of a sensor slide-on body 3 placed on the sensor holding section 2. The sensor slide-on body 3 consists of a disc-like base body 3b with recesses 3c, into which fitting elements of the position / motion sensor can engage if necessary. The base body 3b is connected to the sensor holding section 2 by means of an extension 3a.
[0069] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a jaw ridge fastening part 1 and a position / motion sensor 4 mounted on the sensor slide-on body 3. For example, the disc-like base body 3b consists of a ferromagnetic material, whereas the position / motion sensor 4 contains corresponding magnets on the underside.
[0070] The upper side of the alveolar ridge attachment part la is provided with exemplary indentations lb, which can, however, be designed in any other form and shape.
[0071] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a jaw ridge attachment part 1 with a sensor holding section 2 positioned in front. The advantage of this is that the cavity on the inside of the attachment part 1 is not compromised. The shape can advantageously be extended and guided over the lip of the upper or lower jaw. The sensor holding section contains, for example, an oval recess 2a into which the tube of a sensor slide-on body 3 can be inserted.
[0072] Fig. 7 shows, by way of example, some sensor slide-on bodies 3a-d in plan view in particularly preferred embodiments.
[0073] The sensor slide-on bodies 3a-3c can be made in one piece from a thin metal disc with a thickness of 1-2 mm. Tong-like extensions 3a extend from the disc-like base body 3b for sliding onto the sensor holding sections 2a-c. As shown in 3d, the sensor slide-on body can also be inserted into a sensor holding section 2d using a round or oval tube.
[0074] Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of another alveolar ridge attachment component 1. In a special design, bilateral dorsal extensions lc are shown. The advantage lies in the improved hold provided by additional attachment in the ascending dorsal region of the alveolar ridges. These are preferably designed to be removable, e.g., via a locking or sliding device, and can be removed for movement measurements, as they may interfere with the movement sequence there.
[0075] Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective detail of a posterior portion of a ridge attachment component 1. The component for dorsal extension is depicted as a slide-on component 1c. Due to the ascending dorsal region of the ridge, this component is designed in an adapted, upwardly directed shape with a continuous surface 1a. In addition to the shown variant with a groove 1e at the end 1d of the attachment component 1, other options, such as snap-on fasteners, are possible for connecting the components.
[0076] Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a jaw ridge 5 and a dental prosthesis 10 as a result of the prosthetic treatment of an edentulous lower jaw.
[0077] Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a jaw ridge attachment part 1 with a support pin 6, preferably for the upper jaw. The jaw ridge attachment part 1 is provided with material 1f in the area of the palate, which further increases adhesion. For the support pin 6, which is provided with a screw thread 6b, a preferably protruding internal thread is provided in the area of the middle of the palate. This allows the height of the support pin 6 to be adjusted. A rounded shape 6a is provided at the end for improved sliding. For the possible temporary attachment of a position sensor 4 to the sensor holding section 2 and for performing a measurement, the position of the support pin 6 can be determined with respect to skull-related reference points.
[0078] Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the alveolar ridge attachment part 1 with a support plate 7, preferably for the lower jaw. The support plate 7 is either removably inserted into the center of the alveolar ridge attachment part 1 or printed or milled in one piece in a single operation. The support plate 7 serves to form a sliding surface for the attached support pin 6. By attaching a position and movement sensor 4 to the sensor holding section 2 when performing measurements, the positions and movements of the support pin end 6a can be determined. For example, arrow angle movements are performed as movements in order to determine an optimal bite relationship between the upper and lower jaws for later prosthetic restoration.
[0079] Fig. 13 shows, above a jaw ridge 5 with two remaining teeth 5a, a jaw ridge attachment component 1 in a design adapted to this jaw ridge configuration. This component has an opening 1b in a position and geometry corresponding to the position of the remaining teeth 5a, through which the remaining teeth 5a can protrude when the jaw ridge attachment component is placed on the jaw ridge. If the jaw ridge attachment component is designed as a printed or milled part, the openings 1b can be planned in the CAD design based on the data of the jaw ridge 5 with the remaining teeth 5a. In a jaw ridge attachment component prefabricated without openings, the opening 1b can also be subsequently incorporated, e.g., by milling.
[0080] Fig. 14a shows a further embodiment of a jaw ridge attachment part, in which the surface la is provided with a regular configuration of weakening or predetermined breaking lines, through which a plurality of "bars" lf are formed. This allows easy removal / breaking out of the relevant areas. Advantageously, the bars lf can each be tapered at the ends so that predetermined breaking points are also created there.
[0081] As described, an impression material is introduced into the alveolar ridge attachment parts 1 to mold it to the alveolar ridge. To ensure this impression material bonds with the alveolar ridge attachment part, parts of the bars are advantageously beveled – as shown in Fig. 14b under 1g. Excess impression material on the surface is removed with a knife if necessary.
[0082] In principle, other structures (e.g. a lattice structure or a continuous surface with predetermined breaking points) can be provided on the surface la instead of the bars lf, which can be partially broken out and / or removed / milled out with dental instruments.
[0083] Furthermore, Fig. 14a shows that the sensor holding section 2—similar to the embodiment according to Fig. 6—protrudes forward from the alveolar ridge fastening part 1. Instead of a recess, however, a dovetail-shaped fixing projection 2a is provided as the actual fixing element for the sensor sliding body (not shown). Like the embodiment according to Fig. 6, the embodiment according to Fig. 14a is suitable for use on a alveolar ridge where the front teeth are preserved and where attaching the sensor from the top would therefore not be considered.
[0084] Fig. 15 shows a modified configuration of the alveolar ridge fastening part 1 and the sensor sliding body 3. The alveolar ridge fastening part here has a vertically aligned dovetail-shaped sensor holding section 2, and the associated sensor sliding body 3 has an angled arm 3b, the angled end of which has a slot shaped correspondingly to the sensor holding section 2.
[0085] The configuration of the interacting parts essentially corresponds to that of the second partial view in Fig. 7, but modified in that the sensor sliding body 3, after it has first been brought towards the alveolar ridge fastening part 1 in the direction of arrow a, is fixed to the alveolar ridge fastening part from above in the direction of arrow b.
[0086] The extension 3a of the sliding body 3 can thus advantageously be guided over the upper or lower lip of the patient - and exclusively during position / movement measurement.
[0087] Fig. 15 shows another possible design for the upper surface of the alveolar ridge attachment part 1. This can be implemented using a number of "covers" lh, which can be connected to the attachment part via a snap-in closure. If residual teeth are present, the covers can be removed at the appropriate locations.
[0088] The implementation of the invention is not limited to these examples, but is also possible in a multitude of modifications that are within the scope of professional practice.
Claims
Claims 1. Device for temporarily attaching a position / movement sensor to the edentulous human lower and / or upper jaw and for detecting jaw positions and movements, comprising a ridge attachment part adapted to the alveolar ridge of the lower or upper jaw, a sensor holding section provided on the ridge attachment part, a sensor sliding body pushed onto or into the sensor holding section, and a position / movement sensor carried by the sensor sliding body.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the alveolar ridge fastening part consists of a template-like part molded to the palate and / or the alveolar ridge, which is manufactured or milled using a 3D printing process.
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the side of the alveolar ridge fastening part facing away from the alveolar ridge has a substantially flat surface, in particular with a surface structure or indentations.
4. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor holding section consists of printable or millable material and is connected as a predefined molded part substantially centrally at the front to the alveolar ridge fastening part.
5. Device according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that the sensor holding section has two upstanding side surfaces leading away from the alveolar ridge or a body, and the sensor sliding body is pushed onto it in a form-fitting manner from above or from the front.
6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the upstanding side surfaces or the upstanding body of the sensor holding section includes a wedge-shaped formation or a groove for the positive sliding on of the sensor sliding body.
7. Device according to one of claims 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that the sensor holding section is connected to the alveolar ridge fastening part by means of a straight or arched formation leading over the lip.
8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor sliding body has elongated rectangular and preferably pincer-like extensions which consist of a flexible or resilient material and are connected in one piece to a disc-like base body.
9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position / movement sensor is firmly connected to the sensor slide-on body.
10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the position / movement sensor is removably connected to the sensor slide-on body via corresponding magnetic elements or locking elements and / or male / female connecting parts.
11. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the alveolar ridge fastening part has two removable extension parts in the dorsal region, which are removably connected to the alveolar ridge fastening part in particular via a slide-on or snap-on closure and are adapted in shape to the curvature of the dorsal arches of the alveolar ridge.
12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alveolar ridge fastening part has an at least partially closed surface in the middle or palate region and that there is an internal thread in the middle region for the introduction of a support pin.
13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jaw ridge fastening part has a flat surface in the central region and this serves as a sliding, writing surface for a support pin, wherein the flat surface located in the central region is inserted as a plate via a locking device or is printed or milled in one piece together with the jaw ridge fastening part.
14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alveolar ridge fastening part has at least one opening which is adapted to a residual tooth configuration of the lower or upper jaw and is optionally provided with a cover before being brought into the position of use or is created for use by breaking out a corresponding section of the alveolar ridge fastening part along a predetermined breaking line.