Orthodontic splint

Abstract

Examples show a device for correcting the positioning of the teeth of the maxilla or mandible of an individual, comprising an orthodontic splint. The splint comprises an open cavity delimited by a rim and formed by a plurality of individual dental sockets whose shape is adapted to that of the teeth of the maxilla or mandible of the individual. The corrective device further comprises a base forming the rim of the cavity of the dental sockets, and the dental sockets have a lower hardness than the base. Abstract figure: [Fig. 1].

Description

Title of the invention: Orthodontic splint Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of dental positioning correction devices and more particularly to the field of orthodontic aligners. Prior art

[0002] In orthodontics, orthodontic aligners are used to correct the positioning of teeth.

[0003] An orthodontic splint is a custom-made orthodontic appliance designed to fit the shape of the teeth in a patient's upper (maxilla) and / or lower (mandible) jaw in order to exert forces on the teeth in that jaw in order to apply a correction to the positioning of the teeth.

[0004] A treatment for correcting the positioning of teeth between an initial position and a final position includes the use of a set of orthodontic aligners that a patient applies to wear for approximately two weeks per aligner.

[0005] The modeling of a set of gutters is carried out by computer from a dental impression of the patient defining the initial position of the patient's teeth and from a final position of the teeth defined by the orthodontist practitioner.

[0006] The computer modeling thus defines a first gutter adapted to correct the positioning of the teeth from the initial position to a first intermediate position, a second gutter adapted to correct the positioning of the teeth from the first intermediate position to a second intermediate position, etc. up to a last gutter which should make it possible to correct the positioning of the teeth from an umpteenth intermediate position to the final position defined by the orthodontist practitioner.

[0007] The computer-modeled files are then used to manufacture the aligners that the patient can wear to correct the positioning of their teeth. Optimal corrective treatment therefore requires that the teeth move exactly as calculated by the computer to determine the set of aligners that allow the patient's teeth to move from the initial position to the final position defined by the orthodontist.

[0008] In practice, the correction of the teeth applied between two successive aligners does not always correspond exactly to that calculated by the computer.

[0009] Furthermore, a corrective treatment using a set of gutters comprises a relatively large number of gutters to the extent that the correction applied by each gutter on the positioning of the teeth is limited. From the number of gutters directly depends on the patient's treatment time so the length of a treatment for a patient can be high.

[0010] The present disclosure improves these situations. Summary

[0011] There is thus proposed a device for correcting the positioning of the teeth of the maxilla or mandible of an individual comprising an orthodontic splint, the splint comprising an open cavity delimited by an edge, and formed by a plurality of individual dental alveoli whose shape is adapted to that of the teeth of the maxilla or mandible of the individual, the correction device further comprising a base forming the edge of the cavity of the dental alveoli and the dental alveoli having a hardness lower than the base.

[0012] According to one option, the correction device further comprises at least one extension element associated with a dental socket and extending from the base of the device in a determined orientation, and the extension element is adapted to apply a determined force on at least one surface of the tooth adapted to be received in the dental socket.

[0013] According to one option, an extension element has a shape chosen from a tongue shape, a hoop shape, a T shape or an L shape.

[0014] According to one option, the extension element has an L, T or tongue shape, and a force angle formed between the extension element and an axis parallel to a height of a vertical wall of the dental socket with which the element is associated is determined as a function of a level of force to be applied to the vertical surface of the tooth when wearing the corrective device.

[0015] According to one option, the extension element is formed from the same material as the base.

[0016] According to one option, an interalveolar zone of the gutter separating two adjacent dental alveoli has a hardness lower than a hardness of the remaining zone forming these two dental alveoli.

[0017] According to one option, the base is formed from a shape memory material.

[0018] According to one option, the dental alveoli are formed from a first material and the base is formed from a second material and the first material forming the cells has a lower hardness than the second material forming the base.

[0019] According to one option, the dental alveoli and the base are formed from the same material, and the dental alveoli have perforations making it possible to reduce their hardness relative to the hardness of the base.

[0020] The present disclosure also presents a method of manufacturing a correction device for correcting the positioning of the teeth of the maxilla or mandible of an individual, the method comprising: obtaining an initial position and a target position of the teeth of the maxilla or mandible of an individual; a determination of a force level and a direction of force to be applied to at least one tooth of the individual to correct the positioning of the teeth from the initial position to the position to be achieved; a computer modeling of a correction device according to any of the examples described herein; and a fabrication of this correction device.

[0021] According to an option in which the modeled device comprises an extension element, the method may further comprise, for a specific tooth of the individual: a determination of a number of extension elements to be applied to the specific tooth; a determination of an orientation of each extension element on the base of the correction device with respect to a vertical surface of the dental socket adapted to receive the specific tooth according to a level of force to be applied and a direction of the force to be applied on the specific tooth.

[0022] According to an option in which the modeled device comprises an extension element which has a shape selected from a tab shape, an arch shape, a T shape or an L shape, the method can further comprise, for a specific tooth of the individual, a determination of a shape of an extension element to be applied to the specific tooth as a function of a movement to be applied to this tooth.

[0023] The examples of correction devices presented by the present document therefore allow a faster and more extensive correction of the positioning of the teeth of an individual insofar as these correction devices have a base whose hardness is greater than that of the alveoli, which makes it possible to act directly at the level of the base of the teeth to facilitate their movement.

[0024] Furthermore, the fact of being able to add extension elements extending from the base of the correction device, in particular having different shapes and different orientations, also makes it possible to apply forces to precise locations of the dentition in order to be able to carry out movements of the dentition which are difficult or impossible to carry out by wearing traditional aligners.

[0025] To this extent, wearing any of the correction devices presented in this disclosure makes it possible to increase the magnitude of correction and the speed of correction of the positioning of the teeth compared to the aligners presented in the prior art. Therefore, a correction kit comprising a set of correction devices according to the present disclosure comprises a number of correction devices reduced compared to prior art kits for the same desired tooth movement. The treatment time to correct the positioning of an individual's teeth from an initial position to a final position is therefore reduced. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig.l

[0027] [Fig.l] represents an example of a device for correcting the positioning of teeth for a jaw worn by an individual. Fig. 2

[0028] [Fig.2] represents an example of a correction device base having extension elements. Fig. 3

[0029] [Fig.3] represents another example of a corrective device worn by an individual. Fig. 4

[0030] [Fig.4] schematically represents an example of a correction device for a maxilla seen from above or an example of a correction device for a mandible seen from below. Fig. 5

[0031] [Fig.5] represents an example of a method of manufacturing a correction device. Fig. 6

[0032] [Fig.6a] represents an example of a dental alveolus of the correction device seen from the side.

[0033] [Fig.6b] represents an example of a dental alveolus of the correction device seen in section. Description of the embodiments

[0034] An example of a device 1 for correcting the positioning of the teeth of the maxilla or mandible of an individual is now described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, comprising an orthodontic splint 11 and a base 10. An example of a device 1 for correcting the positioning of the teeth is notably shown in Figures 1 and 3 when this splint is worn on the maxilla of the individual.

[0035] A tooth comprises in particular a set of substantially vertical surfaces and a substantially horizontal surface. A first vertical surface is located on the tongue side and a second vertical surface faces a lip, the lower lip if it is a tooth of the mandible or the upper lip if it is a tooth of the maxilla. These two vertical surfaces are joined together at their summit located opposite the gum by the substantially horizontal surface. substantially horizontal surface of the tooth therefore means the surface of the teeth with which an individual bites food. When the vertical surface of a tooth is referred to in the present disclosure, it will be any one of the two substantially vertical surfaces presented above. Similarly, when the horizontal surface of a tooth is referred to, it will be the substantially horizontal surface described above. The vertical surfaces of the teeth in contact with the vertical surfaces of the adjacent teeth will not be considered by the present disclosure since these surfaces are not in contact with the splint when this splint is worn by an individual.

[0036] The gutter 11 of the correction device 1 comprises an open cavity formed by a plurality of individual dental alveoli 2. The individual dental alveoli 2 are adapted to each receive a tooth of a patient, as shown in [Fig.l], when wearing the correction device 1. The open cavity therefore designates the opening through which an individual can place the gutter on his teeth. In this case, the dental alveoli match the shape of the teeth of the patient intended to wear the correction device 10.

[0037] Thus, a dental alveolus 2 comprises a first and a second substantially vertical wall Pv and a substantially horizontal wall Ph adapted to come into contact with respectively the vertical surfaces on the tongue and lip side, and the horizontal surface of the tooth that it receives. The vertical walls Pv of a dental alveolus may be slightly curved while the horizontal wall of the dental alveolus may be slightly hollowed out. The first substantially vertical wall of the dental alveolus adapted to come into contact with the vertical surface on the tongue side of the tooth that it receives is referenced by Pvl in Figures 1 and 6a. The second substantially vertical wall of the dental alveolus adapted to come into contact with the vertical surface on the lip side of the tooth that it receives is referenced by Pv2 in Figures 1 and 6a.

[0038] The gutter 11 also comprises interalveolar zones 21. An interalveolar zone 21 corresponds to a junction zone between two adjacent dental alveoli of the gutter. Examples of interalveolar zones are notably shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0039] The base 10 of the correction device forms the edge of the open cavity of the gutter 11 and therefore forms the edge of the dental alveoli of the correction device 1. The base thus constitutes the part of the correction device which carries the dental alveoli of the gutter.

[0040] An example of a base 10 is shown in particular in [Fig.l]. In this figure, the base 10 is secured to the dental alveoli 2 and therefore constitutes the base of each of the dental alveoli. Another example of a base, this time alone, is also shown in [Fig.2].

[0041] The base can therefore be manufactured in one piece with the dental alveoli or independently of the alveoli. In this second case, the dental alveoli can for example be made integral with the base by gluing, in particular by heat-sealing. The base, like the dental alveoli, can for example be thermoformed, in particular by thermoplastic injection or by three-dimensional printing. In particular, the base and the dental alveoli forming the correction device can be thermoformed or printed on the basis of a computer-modeled file.

[0042] [Fig.6a] represents a side view of an example of a dental alveolus 2 when this alveolus is carried by a part of the base 10 forming its edge. The patient's tooth is adapted to be received between the vertical walls Pvl and Pv2 of the dental alveolus. [Fig.6b] represents a section of the dental alveolus along the axis F shown in [Fig.6a].

[0043] The vertical walls of a dental alveolus whose edge is formed by the base each comprise a base b representing a width of the dental alveolus allowing the tooth to be accommodated and a height h representing a depth of the dental alveolus allowing the tooth to be accommodated.

[0044] In the tooth positioning correction device of the present disclosure, the dental alveoli 2 have a lower hardness than the base 10. The dental alveoli 2 therefore have more elasticity than the base 10.

[0045] In examples, the plurality of dental alveoli may have a hardness of less than 45 Shore A. The plurality of dental alveoli, for example, may have a hardness of between 20 and 45 Shore A.

[0046] In examples, the base may have a hardness greater than 45 Shore A, advantageously greater than 60 Shore A. The base may for example have a hardness of between 45 and 80 Shore A.

[0047] A correction device 1 having a base whose hardness is greater than that of the different dental alveoli makes it possible to increase the speed of correction of the positioning of the teeth by acting at the level of their base so that the duration of wearing the correction device to move from a first initial position to a second position determined by the orthodontist practitioner is shorter than the duration of use of wearing the gutters proposed by the prior art.

[0048] In first examples, the base 10 and the dental alveoli 2 are formed from the same material. In these examples, the dental alveoli 2 comprise perforations (not shown), making it possible to reduce their hardness relative to the hardness of the base 10. The base may, as such, be devoid of perforations or may have a density of perforations lower than the density of perforations provided in the dental alveoli. In other words, when the base includes perforations, for the same surface area considered and for perforations of the same nature, the dental alveoli include a greater number of perforations than the base. The perforations referred to in this presentation may, for example, correspond to microperforations.

[0049] In second examples, the base 10 and the dental alveoli 2 are formed from two different materials.

[0050] In these second examples, the plurality of dental alveoli may be formed from a first material. In examples, this first material may have a hardness of less than 45 Shore A. The first material may, for example, have a hardness of between 20 and 45 Shore A.

[0051] The first material may comprise a polymer, for example a polyurethane, a polypropylene or a polyethylene. This first material may for example comprise a polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETg).

[0052] In these second examples, the base may be formed from a second material. The hardness of the second material forming the base is greater than the hardness of the first material forming the dental alveoli. In examples, the second material may have a hardness greater than 45 Shore A, advantageously greater than 60 Shore A. The second material may, for example, have a hardness of between 45 and 80 Shore A.

[0053] The second material forming the base may for example comprise a vulcanized rubber, a polyurethane or a glycolized polyethylene terephthalate. The second material forming the base may for example comprise a mixture between a polyurethane and a glycolized polyethylene terephthalate.

[0054] The second material forming the base may also be a shape memory material. The shape memory material may, for example, have characteristics enabling it to regain its shape when subjected to a certain temperature, for example when subjected to body temperature, or when subjected to a temperature above a predetermined deformation threshold.

[0055] In examples in which the base is formed from a shape memory material, the increase in the speed of correction of the positioning of the teeth to move from a first initial position to a second determined position is further increased. In this case, these examples cleverly combine the use of the friction force characteristic of conventional aligners at the dental alveoli with the use of a shape memory material at the base allowing the aligner to be deformed so as to follow the movement of the teeth caused by the friction. This makes it possible to reduce the speed of decrease in the level of friction force applied by the dental alveoli on the teeth. Indeed, the force of friction exerted by the dental alveoli on the individual's teeth gradually decreases with the wearing of the splint as the teeth move. The teeth therefore move very quickly in the first few days of wearing the splint during which the friction force exerted by the dental alveoli on the teeth is at its maximum. The speed of movement of the teeth then tends to decrease as the teeth move since this movement leads to a reduction in the friction force applied by the contact of the alveoli on the teeth. The use of a shape memory material at the base of the corrective device makes it possible to deform, to a certain extent, the corrective device as the teeth move, so that the level of friction force exerted by the alveoli on the teeth when wearing the corrective device decreases less quickly than with the splints of the prior art.In this sense, for the same desired movement of teeth, wearing a corrective device comprising a splint and a shape memory base significantly reduces the duration of wearing the splint necessary to achieve this movement.

[0056] In examples, the hardness of the dental alveoli may be different between a first zone and a second zone of these dental alveoli 2. In examples, the hardness of an interalveolar zone 21 separating two adjacent dental alveoli is less than the hardness of the remaining zone forming these two alveoli. In this case, in examples in which the dental alveoli 2 comprise perforations, the interalveolar zone 21 may comprise a density of perforations greater than the density of perforations applied in the remaining zone of the dental alveoli. Thus, and as explained previously, for the same surface considered and for perforations of the same nature, the interalveolar zone 21 comprises a greater number of perforations than the remaining zone of the dental alveoli 2.

[0057] In examples, the hardness of an interalveolar zone 21 forming the junction between two adjacent dental alveoli is less than 30 Shore A. It may for example be between 20 and 30 Shore A. In these examples, the hardness of the remaining zone forming these two dental alveoli may be greater than 30 Shore A and is advantageously between 35 and 40 Shore A.

[0058] In this case, the modification of the hardness of the gutter in the interalveolar zones 21 of junction between the dental alveoli 2 makes it possible to act in a targeted manner at the level of the interdental junctions of the dentition, in particular to make it possible to correct a diastema or a partial overlap between two adjacent teeth. This is therefore a privileged zone for which providing more flexibility improves the effectiveness of the correction of the positioning of teeth.

[0059] In examples, the orthodontic splint may also comprise at least one extension element 3 associated with a dental socket and extending from the base of the correction device. An extension element therefore extends from the edge of a dental socket with which it is associated when the gutter and the base of the correction device 1 are assembled insofar as the base forms the edge of the dental sockets. An extension element 3 associated with a dental socket extends from the edge of this dental socket between the first and second vertical walls Pvl and Pv2 of the dental socket. The term "between" is interpreted here as included in a volume extending between these two walls. These examples are notably represented in Figures 1 to 3 in which all of the extension elements extend from the base of the gutter.

[0060] An extension element may furthermore be formed from the same material as the base so as to be able to manufacture the base and this element in a single piece. An extension element may thus be formed in the second material having a lower hardness than the first material forming the dental alveoli. An extension element may have a hardness greater than 45 Shore A, for example greater than 60 Shore A or a hardness between 45 and 80 Shore A. An extension element may thus be formed in a shape memory material. The extension element may for example be formed in a material comprising a vulcanized rubber, a polyurethane or a glycolized polyethylene terephthalate, or a material comprising a mixture between a polyurethane and a glycolized polyethylene terephthalate.

[0061] An extension element 3 associated with a dental socket is thus adapted to apply a determined force on a surface or on several surfaces of the tooth adapted to be received in the socket, in particular on a vertical surface of this tooth.

[0062] An exemplary correction device 1 may comprise a plurality of extension members adapted to exert a respective force on a single tooth as shown in Figures 2 to 4. An exemplary correction device may also comprise a plurality of extension members, each adapted to exert a force on a respective tooth of a patient as shown in Figures 1 to 4. [Fig.4] represents an exemplary splint for a maxilla seen from above or an exemplary splint for a mandible seen from below.

[0063] In examples, the number of extension elements associated with a tooth is determined based on a level of force to be applied to this tooth. In this case, adding extension elements adapted to come into contact with the same vertical surface of the tooth makes it possible to increase the level of force applied to the surface of this tooth and therefore the desired movement of this tooth. The level of force to be applied to a tooth of an individual can for example be determined from the sex of the individual, the bone density of his maxilla or his mandible, the muscles of his jaw, etc.

[0064] In examples, an extension member extends from the base of the correction device in an orientation determined based on the force level and direction of the force to be applied to the tooth.

[0065] An extension element may for example have a shape chosen from a tongue shape, an arch shape, a T shape or an L shape. An extension element 3 having a T shape or having an L shape makes it possible to apply a force to a surface of the tooth causing a rotational movement of this tooth as explained below. A T-shaped or L-shaped extension element 3 may therefore be designated as a rotational extension element.

[0066] Furthermore, the tooth movements to which reference will be made in the remainder of this application include tooth movements known to those skilled in the art, namely tipping, extrusion, bodily rotation, torque, bodily movement, and intrusion.

[0067] In examples, the correction device may comprise one or more extension elements selected from the following group: - tongue-shaped element, - L-shaped rotation extension element, - T-shaped rotation extension element, - arch-shaped extension element. The corrective device may comprise any combination of the extension elements described in this group, the choice of the number and type of extension elements for each tooth being determined according to the needs of the wearer. In addition, for a tooth, the corrective device may comprise at least one extension element on each side of the tooth, i.e. at least one extension element bearing against the vertical face of the tooth located on the lip side and at least one extension element bearing against the vertical face of the tooth located on the tongue side, except for the arch-shaped element which, as described below, extends along these two vertical surfaces and the horizontal surface of the tooth.An example of a correction device comprising extension elements adapted to bear against the vertical face of the tooth located on the lip side and against the vertical face of the tooth located on the tongue side is notably represented in [Fig.4].

[0068] A hoop-shaped extension member 3A extends transversely along a wall of the socket from a first edge of the base adapted to be located on the tongue side to a second edge adapted to be located on the lip side when the device is worn. In other words, the hoop-shaped member is adapted to contact the substantially vertical surfaces on the tongue side and the lip and with the substantially horizontal surface of the associated tooth when the corrective device is worn by an individual. In this case, an arch-shaped extension element 3A makes it possible to apply a greater force to the tooth on which it is applied than a tongue-shaped extension element 31 or a rotational extension element. An arch-shaped element 3A adapted to come into contact with the substantially vertical surfaces and the substantially horizontal surface of the tooth makes it possible to apply a vertical movement to the tooth, that is to say that an arch element makes it possible to apply an ingression or egression movement to the tooth.

[0069] A tongue-shaped extension element 31 is to be understood in the present description as a substantially elongated element, for example of rectangular shape, adapted to come into contact with a substantially vertical surface of the targeted tooth when the individual wears the splint. The tongue-shaped extension element 31 extends from an edge of a dental alveolus so as to come into contact with the vertical surface of the tooth located on the same side as the edge.

[0070] Furthermore, an orientation of the tab 31 with respect to the vertical wall of the dental alveolus located on the side of the edge of the alveolus from which the extension element extends can be determined as a function of the level of force to be applied and the direction of the force to be applied to the tooth.

[0071] In examples, a force angle aF formed between the tongue-shaped extension element 31 and an axis parallel to the height h of the vertical wall Pv of the dental socket with which the element 31 is associated is determined as a function of a force level to be applied to the vertical surface of the tooth when wearing the correction device. This axis is represented by the axis F in [Fig.6a].

[0072] In examples, increasing a force angle aF formed between the tongue-shaped extension element 31 and the axis parallel to the height h of the vertical wall Pv of the dental socket with which the element is associated makes it possible to increase the level of force applied to the vertical surface of the tooth when wearing the corrective device.

[0073] In examples, a direction angle aD formed between the tongue-shaped extension element 31 and an axis perpendicular to the height and base of the vertical wall Pv of the dental alveolus with which the element is associated makes it possible to determine a direction of the force to be applied to the vertical surface of the tooth when wearing the correction device. This axis is represented by the axis D in [Fig.6b].

[0074] A tongue-shaped element allows a version movement, a rotation movement or a translation movement to be applied to the tooth.

[0075] A rotation extension element, i.e. an L-shaped or T-shaped element, comprises a first portion, for example of substantially rectangular shape, tangular, extending from the edge of the dental alveolus and a second portion extending from the end of the first portion opposite the edge of the dental alveolus, the second portion extending substantially perpendicular to the first.

[0076] The first portion of the rotation extension element is twisted along its length to apply a rotational movement to the tooth. In particular, the direction of rotation applied to the twist of the first portion of the rotation extension element corresponds to the direction of rotation to be applied to the tooth.

[0077] For an L-shaped extension element, illustrated by reference 3L in [Fig.4], the second portion comprises a first end which extends perpendicularly from the end of the first portion opposite the edge of the dental alveolus and a second free end.

[0078] The L-shaped rotation extension element may for example be positioned on the edge of the dental alveolus with which it is associated so that all or part of its first portion is in contact with a central part of a vertical surface of the tooth and a free end of its second portion is adapted to be supported on a first side of the vertical surface of the tooth when the correction device is worn. In this configuration, the twist of the first portion of the L-shaped extension element is applied in the direction in which the free end of the second portion extends. The bearing force of the second portion on the tooth is therefore in particular applied by the twist of the first portion. In this way, the second free end of the second portion of the rotation element can apply a thrust force on the first side of the vertical surface of the tooth.Pressing on just one side of the tooth therefore causes it to rotate.

[0079] For a T-shaped extension element, illustrated by the reference 3T in [Fig.4], the second portion extends transversely from the end of the first portion opposite the edge of the dental alveolus and comprises two free ends.

[0080] The T-shaped rotation extension element may also be positioned on the edge of the dental socket with which it is associated so that all or part of its first portion is in contact with a central part of a vertical surface of the tooth and a first free end of its second portion is adapted to rest on a first side of the vertical surface of the tooth while its second free end is adapted to be in contact with a second side of the first vertical surface of the tooth when the correction device is worn. The direction of rotation of the twist of the first portion of the T-shaped rotation element therefore makes it possible to determine which end of the second portion will apply a pushing force to the tooth.

[0081] In an example where the twist is applied so that a first end of the second portion applies the thrust force to a first side of a first vertical surface of the tooth, for example on the tongue side, the second end of the second portion will apply a thrust force to a surface of a vertical wall of the dental alveolus adapted to come into contact with the second side of the first vertical surface of the tooth. If we consider that the first vertical surface of the tooth is on the tongue side, the vertical wall of the dental alveolus adapted to come into contact with the second side of the vertical surface of the tooth on the tongue side corresponds to the first vertical wall Pvl. In this configuration, the thrust force exerted by the second end of the second portion on the surface of the first vertical wall Pvl of the dental alveolus will be partially transmitted to the surface of the second vertical wall Pv2 of the dental alveolus located opposite.Therefore, the second vertical wall of the dental alveolus Pv2 will apply a pushing force on the second vertical surface of the tooth, lip side, and more precisely on the second side of the second vertical surface of the tooth on the lip side since it is on this side that the second end of the second portion of the T-shaped element comes to bear, thus reinforcing the rotational movement of the tooth.

[0082] In other words, a first end of the second portion of the T-shaped element bears directly on a first side of a first vertical surface of the tooth, in order to exert a thrust force on this first side, thus causing a rotation of the tooth. A second end of the second portion of the T-shaped element bears on a first vertical wall of the dental alveolus opposite the second side of the first vertical surface of the tooth, thus exerting a thrust force on the first vertical wall.This thrust force exerted on the first vertical wall of the dental alveolus opposite the second side of the first vertical surface of the tooth, insofar as the vertical walls of a dental alveolus are joined together, is transmitted to the second vertical wall of the dental alveolus and more precisely to the surface of the second vertical wall of the dental alveolus located opposite the second side of the second vertical surface of the tooth. The second end of the second portion therefore indirectly exerts a thrust force on the second side of the second vertical surface of the tooth, reinforcing the rotational movement of the tooth.

[0083] In the same way as for a tongue-shaped element, an orientation of a rotational extension element with respect to the vertical wall of the dental alveolus located on the side of the part of the base from which the extension element extends can be determined according to the level of force to be applied and the direction of the force to be applied to the tooth.

[0084] In examples, a force angle aF formed between the shaped extension element of rotation and an axis parallel to the height h of the vertical wall Pv of the dental alveolus with which the element 31 is associated makes it possible to determine a level of force applied by the first portion on the central part of the vertical surface of the tooth when wearing the correction device. This is the axis F in [Fig.6a].

[0085] In examples, the force angle aF formed between the rotation-shaped extension element and an axis parallel to the height h of the vertical wall Pv of the dental alveolus with which the element 31 is associated makes it possible to determine a level of force applied by the free end of the second portion adapted to bear on the first side of the vertical surface of the tooth when wearing the correction device. This is also the axis F in [Fig.6a].

[0086] In examples, a direction angle aD formed between the rotation-shaped extension element and an axis perpendicular to the height and the base of the vertical wall Pv of the dental alveolus with which the element is associated makes it possible to determine a direction of the force to be applied by the first portion of the rotation element on the vertical surface of the tooth when wearing the correction device. This axis is represented by the axis D in [Fig.6b].

[0087] The use of extension elements thus allows a more targeted application of force on certain parts of the teeth so as to make them perform precise movements, these movements sometimes being impossible to perform when wearing a traditional splint. In particular, the extension elements make it possible to act individually on the teeth of a patient whereas a traditional splint acts indiscriminately on all the teeth of the mandible or maxilla. Consequently, the correction made to a tooth for which the splint comprises an associated extension element is therefore more precise than that provided by wearing a traditional splint and may in particular include a movement not applicable by the traditional splint. In particular, a rotational movement of a tooth is difficult to implement when wearing a traditional splint.

[0088] Furthermore, a set of traditional aligners, insofar as these aligners are modeled by computer from an initial position and a final position of the teeth after wearing the set of aligners, does not always allow the orthodontist practitioner to fully understand what movements are applied by each of the aligners and to what extent the evolution of the positioning of the patient's teeth corresponds to that determined between each of the aligners for their modeling. In this sense, the possibility of adding extension elements allowing individual action on each tooth allows the orthodontist practitioner to have a better understanding of the movements expected on the teeth by wearing the aligners. Monitoring the effectiveness and precision of the correction of the positioning of a patient's teeth using a set of dis correction positives according to the present disclosure is therefore facilitated. This can also allow the orthodontist practitioner to modify a future aligner that the patient must wear based on his observations, in particular when the expected change in the positioning of the teeth between two aligners does not correspond to that expected.

[0089] With reference to [Fig.5], an example of a method 100 for manufacturing a correction device is presented in particular.

[0090] As illustrated by block 110, the method 100 comprises obtaining an initial position and a target position of the teeth of the maxilla or mandible of an individual. The initial position of the teeth of the maxilla or mandible of an individual may for example be obtained from a dental impression of the teeth of the maxilla or mandible of the individual. The target position of the teeth of the maxilla or mandible of an individual may be obtained from a position of the teeth determined by the orthodontist practitioner.

[0091] As illustrated by block 120, method 100 includes determining a force level and a direction of force to be applied to at least one of the individual's teeth to correct the positioning of the teeth from the initial position to the position to be achieved.

[0092] As illustrated by block 130, method 100 comprises computer modeling of a correction device according to any of the examples described by the present application.

[0093] As illustrated by block 140, the method 100 finally comprises a manufacturing of this correction device.

[0094] In examples, manufacturing the block correction device 140 may include: a formation of a first part including the base; forming a second piece comprising the dental alveoli; and bonding the first and second pieces so as to form the corrective device.

[0095] Alternatively, the manufacturing of the correction device comprising the base and the dental alveoli can be carried out simultaneously, for example by additive manufacturing of the assembly.

[0096] In embodiments in which the gutter comprises one or more extension elements 3 extending from the base, these extension elements are also formed with the base and are part of the first part.

[0097] The formation of the first part can be carried out by thermoforming, for example by thermoplastic injection or by three-dimensional printing. The formation of the first part can thus be carried out by three-dimensional printing ional from a digital file modeling the base and possibly the extension elements when these elements are integral with the base.

[0098] Like the first part, the second part can be formed by thermoforming, for example by thermoplastic injection or by three-dimensional printing. The formation of the second part can also be carried out from a digital file modeling the dental alveoli of the gutter.

[0099] The bonding of the first part and the second part to form the correction device may be heat-sealing.

[0100] In examples, the method 100 of manufacturing the correction device may comprise, for at least one specific tooth of the individual, and as represented by block 121: a determination of a number of extension elements to be applied to the specific tooth; and a determination of an orientation of each extension element on the base of the correction device with respect to a vertical surface of the dental socket adapted to receive the specific tooth according to a level of force to be applied and a direction of the force to be applied on the specific tooth.

[0101] In examples, the method 100 of manufacturing the correction device may comprise, for at least one specific tooth of the individual, and as represented by block 122, determining a shape of an extension element to be applied to the specific tooth as a function of a movement to be applied to this tooth.

[0102] In examples, when the movement to be applied to the specific tooth is a torque movement or a version movement, the determined shape may correspond to a tongue shape 31.

[0103] In examples, when the movement to be applied to the specific tooth is an intrusion movement, the determined shape may correspond to a 3A arch shape.

[0104] In examples, when the movement to be applied to the specific tooth is a rotational movement, the determined shape may correspond to an L-shape or a T-shape. Furthermore, when the rotational movement to be applied to the specific tooth is greater than a predetermined rotation angle, the determined shape may correspond to a T-shape.

[0105] Of course, blocks 121 and 122 can be combined together as part of the method of manufacturing the correction device.

[0106] The present application also relates to a correction kit comprising a set of correction devices according to any one of the examples presented above. The set of correction devices of the correction kit is determined to correct the positioning of the teeth of an individual from an initial position to a final position defined by the orthodontist practitioner through a succession of intermediate positions. In particular, each corrective device in the set of corrective devices is determined so that the individual's teeth move from a first position to a second position. The first position may correspond to the initial position or to an intermediate position of the individual's teeth. The second position may correspond to an intermediate position of the individual's teeth or to the final position of the individual's teeth defined by the orthodontist practitioner.

[0107] The examples of correction devices presented by the present document therefore allow a faster and more extensive correction of the positioning of the teeth of an individual insofar as these correction devices have a base whose hardness is greater than that of the alveoli, which makes it possible to act directly at the level of the base of the teeth to facilitate their movement.

[0108] Furthermore, the fact of being able to add extension elements extending from the base of the correction device, in particular having different shapes and different orientations, also makes it possible to apply forces to precise locations of the dentition in order to be able to carry out movements of the dentition which are difficult or impossible to carry out by wearing traditional aligners.

[0109] To this extent, wearing any of the correction devices presented in this disclosure makes it possible to increase the amplitude of correction and the speed of correction of the positioning of the teeth compared to the aligners presented in the prior art. Consequently, a correction kit comprising a set of correction devices according to the present disclosure comprises a reduced number of correction devices compared to the kits of the prior art for the same desired movement of the teeth. The treatment time for correcting the positioning of an individual's teeth from an initial position to a final position is therefore reduced.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for correcting the positioning of the teeth of the maxilla or mandible of an individual comprising an orthodontic splint, the splint comprising an open cavity delimited by an edge, and formed by a plurality of individual dental alveoli (2) whose shape is adapted to that of the teeth of the maxilla or mandible of the individual, the correction device further comprising a base (10) forming the edge of the cavity of the dental alveoli (2), and the dental alveoli (2) having a hardness lower than the base (10).

2. Device according to the preceding claim further comprising at least one extension element (3) associated with a dental socket (2) and extending from the base (10) of the device in a determined orientation, the extension element (3) being adapted to apply a determined force on at least one surface of the tooth adapted to be received in the dental socket (2).

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein an extension member has a shape selected from a tongue shape (31), a hoop shape (3A), a T shape (3T) or an L shape (3L).

4. Device according to the preceding claim, in which the extension element (3) has an L (3L), T (3T) or tongue (31) shape, and in which a force angle (aF) formed between the extension element and an axis parallel to a height (h) of a vertical wall (Pv) of the dental alveolus with which the extension element (3) is associated is determined as a function of a level of force to be applied to the vertical surface of the tooth when wearing the correction device.

5. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 4 in which the extension element (3) is formed from the same material as the base (10).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which an interalveolar zone (21) of the gutter separating two adjacent dental alveoli (2) has a hardness lower than a hardness of the remaining zone forming these two dental alveoli (2).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the base (10) is formed from a shape memory material.

8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the dental sockets (2) are formed from a first material and the base (10) is formed from a second material, the first material forming the dental sockets (2) having a lower hardness than the second material forming the base (10).

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the dental alveoli (2) and the base (10) are formed from the same material, and the dental alveoli (2) have perforations making it possible to reduce their hardness compared to the hardness of the base (10).

10. Device according to the preceding claim, in which the base (10) also comprises perforations, the base (10) having a density of perforations lower than the density of perforations provided in the dental alveoli (2).

11. A method of manufacturing a correction device for correcting the positioning of the teeth of the maxilla or mandible of an individual, the method comprising: obtaining an initial position and a position to be reached of the teeth of the maxilla or mandible of an individual; determining a force level and a direction of the force to be applied to at least one tooth of the individual to correct the positioning of the teeth from the initial position to the position to be reached; computer modeling of a correction device (1) according to any one of the preceding correction device claims; and manufacturing this correction device (1).

12. Method according to the preceding claim, when the modeled correction device is a correction device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the method further comprises, for a specific tooth of the individual: a determination of a number of extension elements (3) to be applied to the specific tooth; a determination of an orientation of each extension element on the base (10) of the correction device (1) with respect to a vertical surface (Pv) of the dental socket (2) adapted to receive the specific tooth as a function of a level of force to be applied and a direction of the force to be applied to the specific tooth.

13. A method according to any one of claims 11 or 12 when the correction device (1) modeled is a correction device (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, further comprising, for at least one specific tooth of the individual, a determination of a shape of an extension element (3) to be applied to the specific tooth as a function of a movement to be applied to this tooth.

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