Flexible material spacer for dental acquisition

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible spacer (14, 14') intended for the acquisition, with a mobile phone (12), of 2D or 3D representations of a user's teeth, the spacer comprising a tubular part - having a length (L22) greater than 3 cm, - opening through an acquisition aperture (Oa) and through an oral aperture (Oo), and - being shaped to be fixed, in a removable manner, to the mobile phone (12), in an acquisition position in which an optical lens (18) of the mobile phone (12) has at least a partial view of the oral aperture (Oo) through the acquisition aperture (Oa), the tubular part (22) being elastically deformable allowing, by a centripetal force (F, F') exerted on said tubular part (22) in a direction substantially parallel to that of the width (lOo), a reduction greater than 5% of the width of the oral aperture (lOo). Abbreviation figure: 6

Description

Title of the invention: Flexible material spacer for dental acquisition. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a kit for acquiring representations of teeth, and in particular dental photos, particularly for implementing a method as described in international application PCT / EP2015 / 074896. The invention also relates to a spacer for such acquisition, particularly adapted to such a kit. State of the art

[0002] PCT / EP2015 / 074897 describes an acquisition kit enabling a user to acquire, by means of a mobile phone, extraoral photos of his teeth, mouth closed or mouth open, in different orientations.

[0003] There is a permanent need for an acquisition kit - compact, - simple and inexpensive to manufacture, - preferably reusable, - Adaptable to the user's mouth shape for easy positioning during use, - and which allows, with the mobile phone, an extraoral and easy acquisition of 2D or 3D representations by the user himself, in occlusal or lateral views, open mouth or closed mouth, under optimal hygiene and comfort conditions.

[0004] 2D or 3D representations relating to teeth may in particular be extraoral images or three-dimensional digital models.

[0005] The kit must finally allow the acquisition of data for each of the user's teeth, and in particular for teeth at the back of his mouth.

[0006] The dimensions of the user's mouth can, however, vary considerably depending on their morphology, particularly their age. If the user does not use an acquisition kit adapted to the dimensions of their mouth, the acquisition will be uncomfortable and the photos may be of poor quality.

[0007] There is therefore a need for an acquisition kit which allows, with the mobile phone, the acquisition of 2D representations, such as photos, or 3D representations, such as three-dimensional models, by the user himself, in occlusal or lateral views, open mouth or closed mouth, and which adapts to the user regardless of the morphology or dimensions of his mouth.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to meet, at least partially, this need. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention proposes a flexible spacer for acquiring, with a mobile phone, 2D or 3D representations of a user's teeth, the spacer comprising a tubular part made of an elastically deformable material, delimiting a chamber and having a longitudinal axis, said tubular part - having a length greater than 3 cm, - opening through an acquisition aperture and through an oral aperture having a width and a height measured in a general plane of the oral aperture, - being shaped to be attached, in a removable manner, to the mobile phone, in an acquisition position in which an optical lens of the mobile phone has at least a partial view of the oral aperture through the acquisition aperture,

[0010] Preferably, the spacer is notable in that: - the tubular part is elastically deformable, allowing, by a centripetal force exerted on said tubular part in a direction substantially parallel to that of the width, a decrease of more than 5% in the width of the oral opening, preferably, the decrease in the width of the oral opening simultaneously resulting in an increase in the height of the oral opening and / or, - the tubular part is elastically deformable, allowing, by centripetal pressure oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a reduction greater than 10%, greater than 15%, greater than 20%, greater than 25%, greater than 30%, greater than 35%, greater than 40%, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90%, of 100% preference, for an oral opening area delimited by a contour general oral opening included in the general oral opening plan and / or, - the tubular part is preferably rigid along the longitudinal axis and / or, - the tubular part is at least partially elastically bendable according to two axes included in a sagittal plane of the spacer, preferably under the effect of a centripetal thrust exerted on said tubular part in a direction substantially parallel to that of the width and / or, - the general contour of the oral opening (and optionally that delimiting the acquisition opening) is elastically deformable so that all points of said contour can be simultaneously arranged in a sagittal plane of the spacer and / or, - said tubular part is at least partially elastically deformable so that a centripetal thrust oriented perpendicular to the axis longitudinal allows a decrease greater than 5%, greater than 10%, greater than 15%, greater than 20%, greater than 25%, greater than 30%, greater than 35%, greater than 40%, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90%, preferably 100% of the width of the oral opening (optionally the width of the acquisition opening) and preferably, that said reduction simultaneously results in an increase in the height of the oral opening (respectively the height of the acquisition opening), and / or, - the edge delimiting the oral opening and optionally that delimiting the acquisition opening, is elastically deformable until it completely covers the oral opening, respectively the acquisition opening.

[0011] As will be seen in more detail later in the description, the spacer thus not only performs the function of keeping the mobile phone away from the oral opening thanks to the rigidity of the tubular part along its length (along the longitudinal axis), but can also be adapted to the user's morphology by deforming the oral opening.

[0012] Advantageously, according to the elements just described, the oral opening can thus be elastically modified, depending on the action exerted on the spacer, which allows the spacer to adapt elastically to the dimensions of the user's mouth. The spacer can therefore be suitable for users with mouths of different sizes, for example, suitable for an adult and a child. It is therefore no longer necessary for each user to choose a spacer that fits them. The risk of error during the purchasing process is thus advantageously reduced.

[0013] The significant flexibility of the oral opening facilitates the insertion of the spacer into the user's mouth by contracting the oral opening during insertion, preferably by compressing the spacer with one hand, preferably by pinching it between two fingers. By contracting the oral opening, the morphology of the spacer can perfectly adapt to the morphology of the user's mouth, thus preventing the user from having to open their mouth very wide to insert the spacer. Once insertion is complete, the user stops compressing the oral opening, allowing the spacer to expand inside the user's mouth.

[0014] The increase in the height of the oral opening resulting from the decrease in its width has the advantage, compared to previous dental devices, that the spacer does not obscure the user's incisors during occlusal imaging. The quality of the acquired images is thus considerably improved. This is particularly noticeable when the user has the spacer in their mouth; the cheeks exert pressure on the wings, which tends to reduce the width of The mouth opening and its height will be increased. The lips will then be better freed from the user's incisors.

[0015] In addition, the flexibility of the tubular part improves user comfort during acquisition and facilitates cleaning of the spacer.

[0016] The spacer differs in particular from the spacer of international application PCT / EP2022 / 085370 in that it is made of an elastically deformable material.

[0017] A spacer according to the invention may include one or more of the following optional features:

[0018] -the tubular part is configured to receive and hold a mobile phone, preferably in a removable manner, optionally via an adapter, the mobile phone being fixed to the spacer so that the lens of the mobile phone's image acquisition device has at least a partial view of the oral opening and / or,

[0019] - the tubular part is elastically deformable over a section between an edge of the tubular portion delimiting the oral opening and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (transverse cutting plane) located at a distance from the general plane of the oral opening of less than 90%, 80%, preferably 75% of the length of the tubular portion; preferably, this section has a greater elastic deformability than the rest of the tubular portion and / or,

[0020] - the spacer is a single piece and / or,

[0021] - the tubular part is opaque over a section between the edge of the oral opening and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis located at a distance from the general plane of the oral opening greater than 75%, 80%, or 90% of the length of the tubular portion; preferably, the tubular portion is entirely opaque and / or

[0022] - the tubular part includes a stiffening rib, preferably annular so as to encircle the tubular part, on a section between the edge of the acquisition aperture and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (transverse plane) located at a distance, from a general acquisition aperture plane, of less than 50%, 40%, 30%, preferably 25% of the length of the tubular part, and / or,

[0023] - the tubular part has at least one guiding projection, advantageously two, arranged, preferably symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane, on a surface of the spacer located between the general plane of the oral opening and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis situated at a distance from said general plane, preferably less than 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, preferably 7% of the length of the tubular part and / or,

[0024] - the oral opening is partially delimited by at least one spreading fin cheeks, exhibiting one or more of the following optional characteristics:

[0025] - the oral opening is delimited by two fins and / or,

[0026] - a plurality of fins are arranged symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane, and / or,

[0027] - each fin has a free end and a junction physically connecting, from preferably exclusively, the fin to the tubular part, and / or,

[0028] - each fin is deformable or elastically bendable under the effect of a thrust centripetal, and / or

[0029] - each fin is shaped to, in a service position, spread apart at a distance the user's teeth, part of the user's lips and / or part of the user's cheeks, preferably, each wing is shaped so as to allow, in the service position, a sliding of the user's lips away from the user's teeth, preferably over a distance greater than 3 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 10 mm, and / or less than 100 mm, and / or,

[0030] - each fin has a cutout,

[0031] And / or,

[0032] - the oral opening is partially or entirely delimited by a support lip and / or cheek separation, exhibiting one or more of the following optional characteristics:

[0033] - preferably, a lip support is made of material with an edge of the part tubular delimiting the oral opening and / or,

[0034] - a lip support preferably having a free end and / or,

[0035] - a lip support, preferably each lip support, has a central section (around a sagittal plane of the spacer), of reduced thickness or devoid of material, the central section being configured to be inserted between the user's lips and incisors and / or,

[0036] According to a first variant

[0037] - the oral opening is delimited by 2 labial supports and / or,

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

[0039] - at least one free end, preferably each free end of a support labial, presents the shape of a wave with a hollow or notch (reduced or empty central section) and two ridges and / or,

[0040] According to a second variant,

[0041] - the oral opening is delimited by a labial support comprising two regions and / or,

[0042] - a plurality of regions are arranged symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane and / or,

[0043] - preferably, the greatest distance between the edge of the oral opening and the free end of a lip support is located in a segment of the spacer delimited by two planes parallel to a plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane comprising the axis longitudinal and located on either side of it, at a distance less than 30% of the height of the oral opening, preferably less than 15%, 10%, 5% of the height of the oral opening.

[0044] The flexibility of a section of the tubular part allows for the insertion into the mouth of wings or lateral supports much larger than those of the prior art, and in particular long enough to separate the cheeks from the teeth, including molars. The quality of the images acquired is thus considerably improved.

[0045] The one-piece nature of the spacer considerably reduces its manufacturing cost, but also simplifies acquisition by the user.

[0046] A lip wing or lip support allows, in a service position, the right and / or left corners of the lips and / or part of the user's cheeks to be moved away from the user's teeth.

[0047] The flexibility of the wings or lip supports allows for optimized adaptation to the morphology of the user's dental arch and, in particular, prevents the wings / supports from protruding from the patient's mouth during acquisition, especially in extreme lateral acquisition positions, while ensuring superior comfort. The flexibility of the wings / lip supports is such that, in the operating position, they offer sufficient resistance to the force exerted by the user's cheeks so that the field of vision of the image acquisition device is not obscured by the cheeks.

[0048] A fin cutout has the advantage of improving the acquisition of images of the patient's teeth (and particularly the patient's molars) by limiting the fin surface area likely to mask said teeth.

[0049] A lip support has the technical advantage of keeping the upper and / or lower central parts and / or the corners of the user's lips away from the user's teeth.

[0050] The central section of a thin or hollow lip support advantageously protects the labial frenum during lateral movement of the spacer in the user's mouth: in the absence of a lip support, no part of the spacer comes into contact with the labial frenum. Furthermore, the absence of a lip support in the central part of the spacer facilitates maintaining the spacer in the mouth in the working position, notably by minimizing the discomfort caused by the presence of a foreign body between the incisors and the lips, and also allows for better visibility of the user's gums.

[0051] The opacity of a section of the tubular part is intended to limit the surrounding light pollution which could hinder the quality of image acquisition.

[0052] A guide protrusion is intended to guide the user towards one or more areas of the spacer where the application of a compressive force allows passage from one resting position to a service position. The guide protrusions also aim to: encourage the user to position their hands in a region of the spacer that does not interfere with the image acquisition process, and discourage the user from manipulating the spacer on regions intended to be in contact with their mouth (for hygiene reasons).

[0053] The stiffening rib is designed to stiffen the section on which it is located by limiting the deformation of that section. Situated near the acquisition opening, it facilitates the attachment of the phone (via an adapter or otherwise) to the spacer. According to a first main aspect:

[0054] The spacer comprises a lip stop located on a section of the tubular part included between a first cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis located at a distance from the oral opening preferably between 3% and 8%, preferably between 5% and 8%, of the length of the tubular part and a second cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis located at a distance from the oral opening preferably between 12% and 18%, preferably between 12% and 15%, of the length of the tubular part.

[0055] This lip stop prevents the spacer from penetrating too deeply into the user's mouth during image acquisition, particularly during the acquisition of lateral views of the inside of the user's mouth. This prevents the wings or lip supports from coming into contact with the mucous membranes at the back of the user's mouth, thus ensuring greater user comfort and improved image quality.

[0056] Preferably, the lip stop has a configuration such that it at least rests on the corners of the user's lips.

[0057] Advantageously, a lip stop, preferably each lip stop, has a central section (around a sagittal plane of the spacer), of reduced thickness or empty of material.

[0058] This has the technical advantage of not creating discomfort for the user's nose during image acquisition. According to a second main aspect:

[0059] The spacer includes a phone fixing, optionally via an adapter, by elastic friction.

[0060] Preferably, the tubular part is elastically extensible in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis over a section between an edge of the acquisition aperture and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis located at a distance, from a general acquisition aperture plane, less than 50%, 40%, preferably 35% of the length of the tubular part.

[0061] Advantageously, the tubular part is elastically deformable allowing an increase of more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40% of an acquisition opening area delimited by a general acquisition opening contour included in the general acquisition opening plane.

[0062] This extendable section allows a mobile phone to be attached to a spacer optionally via an adapter.

[0063] Furthermore, the invention relates to a kit for acquiring 2D or 3D representations of a user's teeth, comprising:

[0064] - a mobile phone equipped with an optical acquisition lens for a device acquisition of said 2D representation and / or said 3D representation;

[0065] - a spacer as described above, on which the mobile phone is fixed, preferably in a removable manner, optionally via an adapter, the mobile phone being fixed on the spacer so that the optical lens has at least a partial view of the oral aperture through the acquisition aperture.

[0066] A kit according to the invention may include one or more of the following optional features: - the kit includes an adapter and the section of the tubular part opening onto the acquisition opening of the spacer has a shape complementary to a housing of the adapter, so as to be able to be inserted into it, said insertion preferably activating an attachment, preferably by clipping; - the objective is less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1 cm from the acquisition aperture.

[0067] The invention also relates to a method for acquiring a 2D or 3D representation using an acquisition kit, said method comprising the following steps:

[0068] a) partial introduction, by the user, of the spacer into the user's mouth to a service position in which the optical lens of the mobile phone has a view of the user's teeth through the oral opening, at least one lip support or wing of the spacer separating the user's lips to expose said teeth;

[0069] b) activation, preferably by the user, of the mobile phone so as to acquire said 2D or 3D representation;

[0070] c) modification of the positioning of the oral opening relative to the user, by rotating around the user, then resumed in step b).

[0071] A method according to the invention may include one or more of the following optional features: - preferably, at least one of said representations is acquired facing the user and at least one of said representations to the right or left of the user and / or preferably at least one of said representations with open mouth and at least one of said representations with closed mouth; - the tubular part of the spacer is configured so that it is entirely on the outside of the teeth in the service position, so as to allow a complete occlusion; - in the service position, the teeth do not rest on the spacer, so that the user can, by turning their head relative to the spacer, change the teeth that are visible through the oral opening and / or change the spacing between their dental arches; - in the service position, the spacer does not press on the teeth in such a way as to separate the two jaws from each other; - in the service position, the optical lens of the mobile phone has a view of more than 2, more than 3, more than 5, more than 10, more than 15, more than 20, preferably more than 30 teeth of the user.

[0072] Of course, the optional or non-optional features and the main aspects above can be combined with each other. Definitions

[0073] The "tubular portion" is the part of the spacer delimiting the chamber and having a constant or variable cross-section, preferably substantially straight along the X-axis, in particular having the general shape of a cylindrical tube, for example, a circular, oval, or polygonal cross-section, for example, a rectangular one, or a frustoconical tube. The tubular portion opens through an oral opening and, at the opposite end, through a data acquisition opening. The chamber may have lateral openings, for example, slits as described below, which provide fluid communication with the external environment of the chamber. The total area of ​​the lateral openings represents less than 10%, or even less than 5%, or even less than 2% of the lateral surface area of ​​the chamber between the oral and data acquisition openings. The tubular portion may have cut ends, for example, beveled, concave, or convex.The cross-section of the tubular part, that is to say in a cutting plane perpendicular to the X axis, preferably has a generally similar shape throughout the tube, for example rectangular or oval or round.

[0074] A "transverse plane" is a cutting plane of the tubular part, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0075] The "width of the tubular part" is called the greatest distance, in a transverse plane, between two points marking the intersection between a closed inner contour of the tubular part delimiting the chamber and a plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the spacer comprising the longitudinal axis, considering all the transverse planes along the longitudinal axis.

[0076] The "height of the tubular part" is defined as the smallest distance, in a transverse plane, between two points marking the intersection between a closed inner contour of the tubular part delimiting the chamber and a sagittal plane of the spacer, considering all the transverse planes along the longitudinal axis.

[0077] The "length of the tubular section" is defined as the dimension of the tubular section measured along the longitudinal axis. When the tubular section has cut ends, the cut is not included in the length of the tubular section. For example, for an end with a concave cut, the radius of curvature is not taken into account when expressing the length.

[0078] The first transverse plane (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) in which the tubular portion is closed upon itself, when considering the succession of transverse planes from the end of the tubular portion where the oral opening is located, is called the "general plane of the oral opening." A transverse plane is a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The tubular portion is "closed upon itself" in that, in the first transverse plane, it continuously encircles the tubular chamber that it delimits.

[0079] The term “general contour of the oral opening” refers to the closed inner contour of the tubular part that delimits the chamber in the general plane of the oral opening.

[0080] An "edge of the oral opening" or "end of the tubular portion delimiting the oral opening" or "edge of the tubular portion delimiting the oral opening" is the end of the tubular portion forming the contour of the oral opening. The "width of the oral opening" is defined as the distance between two points marking the intersection between the general contour of the oral opening contained in the general plane of the oral opening and a plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the spacer comprising the longitudinal axis.

[0081] The "height of the oral opening" is defined as the distance between two points marking the intersection between the general contour of the oral opening included in the general plane of the oral opening and a sagittal plane of the spacer.

[0082] The "general plane of the acquisition aperture" is the first transverse plane (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) in which the tubular portion is closed upon itself, when considering the succession of transverse planes from the end of the tubular portion where the acquisition aperture is located. A transverse plane is a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The tubular portion is "closed on itself" in that, in the first cross-section plane, it continuously encircles the tubular chamber that it delimits.

[0083] The term “general contour of the acquisition aperture” refers to the closed inner contour of the tubular part that delimits the chamber in the general plane of the acquisition aperture.

[0084] An “acquisition aperture edge” or “end of the tubular part delimiting the acquisition aperture” or “edge of the tubular part delimiting the acquisition aperture” is the end of the tubular part forming the contour of the acquisition aperture.

[0085] The terms "edge of the opening", "edge of the tubular part delimiting the opening", or "end of the tubular part delimiting the opening" will be used interchangeably.

[0086] A horizontal longitudinal plane in the service position of the spacer comprising the longitudinal axis is called a "plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the spacer comprising the longitudinal axis", this plane divides the spacer into an upper part and a lower part.

[0087] In the following, "plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the spacer comprising the longitudinal axis" and "horizontal plane" will be used interchangeably.

[0088] A vertical longitudinal plane in the service position comprising the longitudinal axis of the spacer (median longitudinal plane) is called the "sagittal plane of the spacer", this plane divides the spacer into a right part and a left part.

[0089] The "service position" is the position in which the oral opening extends into the user's mouth, as illustrated in [Fig. 5].

[0090] An “assembled position” is a position in which the mobile phone is rigidly fixed to the spacer or to an adapter fixed to a spacer.

[0091] An “acquisition position” is an assembled position in which the mobile phone lens has at least a partial, preferably a complete, view of the oral aperture, through the acquisition aperture and the oral aperture.

[0092] The "service configuration" is the configuration of the spacer in the service position.

[0093] The "rest configuration" is the configuration of the spacer when it is not subjected to any stress other than gravity and the corresponding reaction force. In the figures, the spacer is shown in the rest configuration. Unless otherwise indicated, all dimensions of the spacer are measured in the rest configuration.

[0094] The "contracted configuration" is the configuration of the spacer when it undergoes a set of constraints giving a minimum area to the oral opening, without breaking the spacer.

[0095] A "section" is a fraction of the tubular part delimited by two planes perpendicular to the X axis.

[0096] A "protrusion" is a raised part of the spacer on the surface.

[0097] A “rib” is a rather flat ridge of material which stiffens the tubular part on which it is located.

[0098] A "cordate or cordiform leaf" is heart-shaped, formed of an apex and a base with two lobes.

[0099] A "wing" is a device that rests against a user's cheek in order to keep it away from their teeth. It has a junction by which it is fixed to the tubular part and a free end.

[0100] A spacer is "flexible" if it is made at least partially of a deformable material such that it deforms when a user compresses it between their fingers, without breaking it. A spacer may have several sections with varying deformability. The deformation of a section is a change in the shape of a section that modifies the internal volume of said section, and in particular reduces it. The deformation of a section may, for example, lead to a reduction of more than 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%, preferably 100%, of the internal volume of that section.

[0101] The deformation is preferably elastic.

[0102] An object is “rigid” along an axis if, along that axis, the object cannot undergo deformation.

[0103] An object is "elastically mobile" or "elastically deformable" if its position relative to a reference, for example another object, can be modified under the action of a force and if, when this force ceases, it returns to its initial position.

[0104] The term "centripetal thrust exerted on the tubular part in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the width of the oral opening" refers to a force directed towards the longitudinal axis exerted on the tubular part in a direction forming an angle of less than + / -10 degrees, preferably less than + / -5 degrees, preferably less than + / -3 degrees, with the direction of the width of the oral opening.

[0105] By "monobloc", it is understood that the spacer is made of a single piece.

[0106] The "closed mouth" position is the occlusal position in which the dentition The user's upper and lower teeth are in contact. An "open mouth" position is a position in which the user's upper and lower teeth are not in contact, preferably the position of a fully open mouth.

[0107] A "mobile phone" is a device of the iPhone® type. Such a device typically weighs less than 500 g. It is equipped with a camera enabling it to take videos or photos, and possibly a scanner enabling it to acquire three-dimensional digital models, through an optical lens. A mobile phone is Furthermore, it is capable of exchanging data with another device located more than 500 km away from the mobile phone.

[0108] The mobile phone makes it possible to acquire 2D or 3D representations "extraoral", that is to say without the mobile phone lens being inserted into the user's mouth.

[0109] The optical lens of the mobile phone "has a view" of an object when the triggering of the acquisition of a 2D or 3D representation leads to the recording of a 2D or 3D representation that represents that object.

[0110] A "2D representation" and a "3D representation" are digital objects in two or three dimensions, respectively, acquired by a mobile phone, extra-orally, through the mobile phone's optical lens. "2D representations" or images acquired by the mobile phone are typically photographs and videos. "3D representations" acquired by the mobile phone are three-dimensional digital models, or "3D models."

[0111] By "image" is meant a two-dimensional image, such as a photograph. An image is made up of pixels. A "film" is considered to be a set of photographs.

[0112] A 3D model consists of a set of voxels.

[0113] It is considered that an element that came from one material with another is "fixed" rigidly on that other element.

[0114] By "user" is meant a person who uses a kit according to the invention to acquire a 2D or 3D representation of at least a part of his teeth, whether that person is sick or not, or whether that person is undergoing orthodontic treatment or not.

[0115] Unless otherwise specified, the qualifiers used to define positions or orientations in space, such as "horizontal," "vertical," "down," "up," "superior," "lower," "right," or "left," are defined, for the sake of clarity, with reference to a service position observed by a user with their head upright and their lips positioned around the oral opening of the spacer. For example, a vertical axis is an axis that, in the service position, is vertical.

[0116] The terms "sagittal plane" and "vertical plane" shall be used interchangeably. Similarly, the terms "horizontal plane" and "plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane including the longitudinal axis" shall be used interchangeably.

[0117] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "exterior" and "interior" refer to closed volumes or contours, to designate an element outside the volume, for example outside a chamber, or outside the closed contour. For example, the exterior surface of the tubular part is the surface that is exposed to the outside of the tubular part.

[0118] For the sake of clarity, the orthonormal frame Oxyz) is a frame such that, in the service position, the Ox) axis extends horizontally and perpendicularly to the general plane of the oral opening, the Oz) axis extends vertically, and the OY) axis extends perpendicularly to the Ox) and Oz) axes. For the user, the Ox), Oy) and Oz) axes are therefore front-back, right-left, and vertical axes, respectively.

[0119] The axis of an opening is the axis which passes through its center, perpendicular to the general plane of the opening.

[0120] The first and second lines are said to be perpendicular to each other when the first and second planes perpendicular to said first and second lines, respectively, are perpendicular to each other.

[0121] "Understand", "include" and "present" should be interpreted broadly and not restrictively unless otherwise indicated.

[0122] “Fixing” one part to another means establishing a physical link between these two parts, so that any movement of one of these parts eventually causes the other part to move as well. A part mounted for translation, rotation, or ball joint on another part is "fixed" to that other part. A fixing can be "permanent" or "removable," depending on whether the two parts are designed to be separated, preferably manually, by a user. A fixing can be rigid or flexible, depending on whether it allows relative movement of the two parts fixed to each other. An element formed from another material is considered "fixed" to that other element. Brief description of the figures

[0123] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the reading of the detailed description which will follow and from the examination of the attached drawing in which: [Fig.1] [Fig.1] represents a kit according to the invention with a spacer according to a first embodiment (without lip stop), in perspective, in assembled position, from back to left above (IA), from back to right below (IB), from below to right in front (IC), and from front to bottom (1D);

[0124] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a kit according to the invention with a spacer according to a second embodiment, in perspective, in assembled position, from back to left above (2A), from back to right below (2B), from below to right opposite (2C), and from front below (2D); [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents the adapter of the kit of [Fig.1], in perspective; [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates tests with a conventional spacer (left photos) and with a spacer according to the invention (right photos); [Fig.5] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates the service position, with the user seen from the front (figure 5A) and from the side (figure 5B); [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents the spacer of [Fig.1], seen from above, in resting configuration;

[0125] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents the spacer of [Fig.2], seen from above, in rest configuration;

[0126] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents the spacer of [Fig.1], seen in perspective, in rest configuration;

[0127] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents the spacer of [Fig.2], seen in perspective, in rest configuration;

[0128] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] represents the spacer of [Fig.1], seen from the front, in rest configuration;

[0129] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] represents the spacer of [Fig.2], seen from the front, in rest configuration;

[0130] In the various figures, identical or analogous parts have been designated with identical references.

[0131] For the sake of clarity, a generic reference may be used in the description to designate an organ in a generic way, for example a fin, a lip stop, a labial support etc, only particular references, corresponding to variations of the generic reference (for example to designate the regions of the upper, lower, right or left labial supports), being however represented in the figures.

[0132] The figures are provided for illustrative purposes only. They are not limiting. Detailed description

[0133] In general, a spacer according to the invention may include one or more of the following optional features: - in the resting configuration, the area of ​​the oral opening is preferably greater than 1000 mm2, preferably greater than 1200 mm2, preferably greater than 1400 mm2, preferably greater than 1500 mm2, preferably greater than 1600 mm2, and / or less than 3000 mm2, preferably less than 2500 mm2, preferably less than 2200 mm2, preferably less than 2000 mm2, preferably less than 1800 mm2; - in the contracted configuration, the area of ​​the oral opening is preferably greater than 300 mm2, preferably greater than 400 mm2, preferably greater than 500 mm2, preferably greater than 600 mm2, preferably greater than 650 mm2, and / or less than 1700 mm2, preferably less than 1400 mm2, preferably less than 1200 mm2, preferably less than 1000 mm2, preferably less than 800 mm2, preferably, the area of ​​the oral opening is equal to 0 mm2;

[0134] - in the resting configuration, the height of the oral opening is preferably greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 25 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, and / or less than 60 mm, preferably less than 55 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 45 mm, preferably less than 40 mm;

[0135] - in the resting configuration, the width of the oral opening is preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, preferably greater than 40 mm, preferably greater than 50 mm, preferably greater than 55 mm, and / or less than 90 mm, preferably less than 80 mm, preferably less than 70 mm, preferably less than 65 mm, preferably less than 60 mm;

[0136] - in the contracted configuration, the height of the oral opening is preferably greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 25 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, and / or less than 100 mm, preferably less than 90 mm, preferably less than 85 mm, preferably less than 80 mm, preferably less than 75 mm;

[0137] - in the contracted configuration, the width of the oral opening is preferably less than 60 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 40 mm, preferably less than 30 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, preferably equal to 0 mm;

[0138] - the length of the tubular part, measured along the longitudinal axis, between The acquisition opening and the oral opening are greater than 3 cm, preferably greater than 4 cm, preferably greater than 5 cm, and / or less than 20 cm, preferably less than 15 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, preferably less than 8 cm. Preferably, the tubular part has a length of 7.5 cm; -the spacer is symmetrical with respect to a vertical (or sagittal) plane; -the spacer is symmetrical with respect to a horizontal plane (or plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane including the longitudinal axis); - in one embodiment, the tubular part includes a wall which delimits a substantially closed chamber, that is to say substantially devoid of openings, except for the oral and acquisition openings;

[0139] - in another embodiment, the chamber may include openings lateral openings, for example the slits described below, which connect it via fluid to the external environment of the chamber. The total area of ​​the lateral openings represents less than 10%, or even less than 5%, or even less than 2% of the lateral surface of the chamber between the oral and acquisition openings; - the chamber is preferably empty, and in particular does not contain any lens or lighting device; -The cross-section of the chamber, in a plane of section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, can be constant or variable along the longitudinal axis. The tubular part can, in particular, have the general shape of a cylindrical tube, for example with a circular, oval or polygonal cross-section, for example rectangular, or a frustoconical tube. The front and / or rear ends of the tubular part can be cut in a concave, convex or beveled manner; - the inner and / or outer surface of the wall delimiting said room is smooth to the touch and preferably free from any roughness or cavity;

[0140] - the inner and / or outer surface of the wall delimiting said chamber does not reflect not light. The fact that the inner surface is non-reflective prevents reflections of light or from inside the patient's mouth that could interfere with image acquisition; - the spacer is configured so as to leave the view through the oral opening completely unobstructed from the acquisition opening, preferably without a language support;

[0141] -the width of the tubular part is preferably greater than 2 cm, greater than 3 cm, greater than 4 cm and / or less than 9 cm, less than 8 cm, less than 7 cm. Preferably, the width of the tubular part 3 is 5.5 cm; - the spacer, includes a fastener by means of which - the mobile phone is attached to the spacer or - an adapter, onto which the mobile phone is attached, to the spacer; - the spacer has a wall with a thickness greater than 0.3 mm, preferably greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 0.8 mm and / or less than 8 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1.5 mm, preferably constant;

[0142] - the spacer includes a fastener adapted for attaching, preferably removable, a mobile phone or an adapter on which a mobile phone is attached, preferably in a removable manner, in an acquisition position in which an optical lens of the mobile phone has at least a partial view of the oral aperture through the acquisition aperture. Fin

[0143] These fins are intended to separate the user's cheeks.

[0144] - none of the fins protrude into the chamber defined by the tubular part; - a fin, preferably each fin, is physically connected to the tubular part by a junction extending over a width greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, and / or less than 55 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 45 mm, preferably less than 40 mm;

[0145] -the junction of a fin, preferably each junction, has a cross-section of The reduced width is designed to fit between the teeth and the corners of the lips in the spacer's service position, and preferably its minimum width is less than 90%, 80%, or 60% and / or greater than 40% or 50% of the maximum wing width. The presence of a reduced-width section facilitates the successive insertion of the wings into the mouth: the stresses exerted by the first wing placed in the mouth on its perimeter are minimized compared to a wing with straight edges, thus facilitating the placement of the second wing. Furthermore, the comfort of retaining the spacer in the mouth is improved by this wing geometry.

[0146] - the junction of a fin, preferably of each fin, extends in a plane which forms an angle preferably greater than 25°, greater than 30°, greater than 35° and / or less than 55°, less than 50°, less than 45°; - the inner surface of a fin, preferably each fin, extends in line with the inner surface of the tubular part, so that the fin junction does not create any roughness or cavity; - the number of fins is greater than or equal to 0 and / or less than 10, preferably less than 5, preferably is 2; - the tubular part has 2 fins, equiangularly distributed around the longitudinal axis, each fin being preferably symmetrical to the fin opposite it; - the tubular part has two lateral fins defining the right and left ends of the oral opening; - the lengths of the different wings, from their junctions to the oral opening, are preferably identical, but may be different; - preferably, at least the lengths of the different lateral fins are identical; - at least one, preferably each lateral fin has one or more stiffening ribs, preferably extending in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis; - the deformability of a fin, preferably of each fin, is such that the free end of a fin moves 17 mm, under the effect of a centripetal force, i.e. directed towards the longitudinal axis, greater than IN, and / or, preferably less than 4 N, preferably less than 3 N, the distance being measured perpendicular to the X axis, as illustrated in [Fig. 10];

[0147] - at least one free end, preferably each free end, has the shape of a tongue; advantageously, the risk of the lip slipping out during lateral movement of the spacer is reduced, or even eliminated;

[0148] - at least one free end, preferably each free end, has a cutting; a cutting has the advantage of improving the acquisition of images of the patient's teeth (and particularly the patient's molars) by limiting the wing surface likely to mask said teeth; - at least one free end, preferably each free end, is preferably concave towards the longitudinal axis;

[0149] - in the resting configuration, the greatest distance, along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and the free end of the fin, preferably of each free end, (also called the length of the fin) is greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 25 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, preferably greater than 35 mm, and / or less than 60 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 55 mm; - in the resting configuration, the greatest distance, along the direction of the longitudinal axis (Ox axis)), between the general plane of the oral opening and the free end of a wing, preferably of each wing, is greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 25 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, and / or less than 60 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 55 mm; - in the resting configuration, the greatest distance, measured perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis, between the longitudinal axis and the free end of a fin, preferably of each fin, is greater than 35 mm, preferably greater than 40 mm, preferably greater than 50 mm, and / or less than 80 mm, preferably less than 70 mm, preferably less than 65 mm; advantageously, the deformability of the spacer allows it to include fins whose free end deviates significantly from the longitudinal axis, the spacer being able to be introduced into the mouth thanks to said deformability; - in the contracted configuration, the greatest distance, along the direction of the longitudinal axis (Ox axis)), between the general plane of the oral opening and the free end of a fin, preferably of each fin, is greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 35 mm, and / or less than 70 mm, preferably less than 60 mm, preferably less than 50 mm; - in the contracted configuration, the greatest distance, measured perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis, between the longitudinal axis and the free end of a fin, preferably of each fin, is preferably greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 10 mm, and / or less than 20 mm, preferably less than 15 mm; - a fin, preferably of each fin, has an outer surface and / or an inner surface (oriented towards the longitudinal axis) which are smooth to the touch; - the outer surface of a fin, preferably of each fin, does not have any obstacle protruding from said surface, preferably at least in the sliding area on which the labial commissure resting on said fin slides when, in the service position, the user rotates the kit around him; in particular, the fin does not form a groove capable of hooking said labial commissure, like conventional dental retractors; - the outer surface of a fin, preferably of each fin, deviates from the longitudinal axis, from the oral opening, preferably from the junction of the fin with the tubular part, to its free end; - in the resting configuration, the gradient of said spacing (dy / dx) along the longitudinal axis increases from the oral opening, preferably from the junction of said fin, preferably of each fin, with the tubular part, up to a position, along the longitudinal axis, less than 3 cm from the position, along the longitudinal axis, of said free end of the fin considered; - the greatest width of a fin, preferably of each fin, is greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, and / or less than 25 mm, preferably less than 20 mm; - the greatest thickness of a fin, preferably of each fin, is greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm and / or less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3 mm; Lip support According to one initial version,

[0150] - the oral opening is partially or entirely delimited by a labial support, preferably two: an upper lip support separating the upper lip from the user's teeth and a lower lip support separating the lower lip from the user's teeth;

[0151] - a lip support, preferably each lip support, is made of material with a edge of the tubular part delimiting the oral opening;

[0152] - a lip support, preferably each lip support, has a free end;

[0153] - a labial support, preferably each labial support, has a central section (around a sagittal plane of the spacer), of reduced thickness or empty of material, the central section being configured to be inserted between the user's lips and incisors;

[0154] - a labial support, preferably each labial support, extends in a plane transverse, that is to say perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; - the number of lip supports is greater than or equal to 0 and / or less than 10, preferably less than 5, preferably is 2; - the tubular part has 2 labial supports, equiangularly distributed around the longitudinal axis, each labial support being preferably symmetrical to the labial support opposite it; - the tubular part includes two labial supports defining the upper and lower ends of the oral opening; - the lengths of the different lip supports, from their free ends to the edge of the oral opening are preferably identical, but may be different; - the elastic deformability of a lip support, preferably of each lip support, is such that the free end of a support moves 12 mm, under the effect of a force oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, preferably greater than 3N, greater than 4N, and / or, preferably less than 8N, preferably less than 7N, preferably less than 6N, the distance being measured parallel to the longitudinal axis; This deformability allows the supports to exert pressure inside the user's cheeks in the service position of the spacer.

[0155] - at least one free end, preferably each free end of a support The lip support has a wave-like shape with a hollow or notch (reduced or empty central section) and two ridges. This particular morphology has the advantage of keeping the upper and / or lower central parts of the user's lips away from their teeth while protecting the lip frenum during lateral movement of the spacer in the user's mouth. Furthermore, the fact that the lip support has curved ends ensures comfortable use during lateral movement of the spacer in the user's mouth. - the greatest distance, along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and a ridge, preferably of each ridge, is greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm, and / or less than 15 mm, preferably less than 12 mm, preferably less than 10 mm;

[0156] - the smallest distance, along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and a hollow, preferably of each hollow, is greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1.5 mm, and / or less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2.5 mm;

[0157] -a support, preferably each support, has an outer surface that is smooth to the touch; - the outer surface of a support, preferably of each support, does not present any obstacle protruding from said surface;

[0158] - the greatest width of a ridge, preferably of each ridge, is greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, and / or less than 30 mm, preferably less than 25 mm; - the greatest thickness of a support, preferably of each support, is greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm and / or less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3 mm; - the labial fins and supports are shaped so that bringing the supports (upper and lower) closer together causes the fins (right and left) to move away from each other, and vice versa;

[0159] According to a second variant,

[0160] - the oral opening is partially or entirely delimited by a labial support, preferably in two regions: a right region separating part of the upper lip, part of the lower lip and the right corner of the user's teeth, a left region separating part of the upper lip, part of the lower lip and the left corner of the user's teeth;

[0161] - preferably, the oral opening does not have fins;

[0162] - a lip support, preferably each lip support, is made of material with an edge of the tubular part delimiting the oral opening (called the edge of the oral opening);

[0163] - a labial support, preferably each labial support, has a free end;

[0164] -preferably, the greatest distance between the edge of the oral opening and the free end of a lip support is located in a section of the spacer delimited by two planes parallel to a plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane including the longitudinal axis and located on either side of it, at a distance of less than 30% of the height of the oral opening, preferably less than 15%, 10%, 5% of the height of the oral opening;

[0165] - the inner surface of a lip support, preferably each support, extends in the extension of the inner surface of the tubular part, so that the junction of the support does not create any roughness or cavity; - the number of lip supports is greater than or equal to 0 and / or less than 10, preferably less than 5, preferably is 1;

[0166] - the number of regions is greater than 1 and / or less than 10, preferably less than 5, preferably is 2; - the tubular part includes a labial support with 2 regions equiangularly distributed around the longitudinal axis, each region being preferably symmetrical to the region opposite it;

[0167] - a labial support, preferably each labial support, has a central section (around a sagittal plane of the spacer), of reduced thickness or empty of material, the central section being configured to be inserted between the user's lips and incisors; - the elastic deformability of a lip support, preferably of each lip support, is such that the free end of a support moves 12 mm, under the effect of a force oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, greater than 3N, preferably greater than 4N, and / or, preferably less than 8N, preferably less than 7N, preferably less than 6N, the distance being measured parallel to the longitudinal axis; This deformability allows the support to exert pressure inside the user's cheeks in the service position of the spacer;

[0168] - a region, preferably each region, has a cordate leaf shape, of preference with two rounded lobes and a rounded apex;

[0169] - a lobe of a lip support, preferably each lobe, has at least one window, preferably oblong; these windows increase the flexibility of the lobes of the lip support. Thus, insertion into the mouth is easier and user comfort is improved (especially for users with small mouths);

[0170] -an apex of a labial support, preferably each apex, includes at least one window, preferably oblong; these windows make it possible to improve the acquisition of images of the patient's teeth (and particularly the patient's molars) by limiting the wing surface likely to mask said teeth; - the greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and a free end of a lobe of a labial support, preferably for each lobe, is greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm, and / or less than 15 mm, preferably less than 12 mm, preferably less than 10 mm;

[0171] -a support, preferably each support, has an outer surface that is smooth to the touch; - the outer surface of a support, preferably of each support, does not present any obstacle protruding from said surface;

[0172] - the greatest distance, along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the apex of a region of a labial support and the edge of the oral opening, preferably for each apex, is greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, and / or less than 30 mm, preferably less than 25 mm; - the greatest thickness of a support, preferably of each support, is greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm and / or less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3 mm;

[0173] - the deformability of an apex of a region of a labial support, preferably for each region, is such that the free end of a support moves by 10 mm, under the effect of a centripetal force, i.e. oriented towards the X axis, exerted on the apex, greater than IN, preferably greater than 2 N, and / or, preferably less than 5 N, preferably less than 4 N, preferably less than 3 N, the distance being measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;

[0174] - at least one apex of a region of a labial support, preferably of each region, presents a window; a window has the advantage of improving the acquisition of images of the patient's teeth (and particularly the patient's molars) by limiting the fin area likely to obscure said teeth;

[0175] - at least one support, preferably each support, is preferably concave towards the longitudinal axis;

[0176] - in the resting configuration, the greatest distance, along the direction of the longitudinal axis (Ox axis)), between the general plane of the oral opening and the apex of a region, preferably of each region, is greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 18 mm, and / or less than 40 mm, preferably less than 30 mm, preferably less than 25 mm;

[0177] - in the resting configuration, the greatest distance, measured perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis, between the apex of a region and the longitudinal axis, preferably of each region, is greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 18 mm, and / or less than 35 mm, preferably less than 25 mm, preferably less than 20 mm; advantageously, the deformability of the spacer allows it to include regions whose apices deviate significantly from the longitudinal axis, the spacer being able to be introduced into the mouth thanks to said deformability;

[0178] - in the contracted configuration, the greatest distance along the direction of the longitudinal axis (Ox axis)), between the general plane of the oral opening and the apex of a region, preferably of each region, is greater than 15mm, preferably greater than 20mm, and / or less than 35mm, preferably less than 30mm;

[0179] - in the contracted configuration, the greatest distance, measured perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis, between the longitudinal axis and the apex of said region, preferably of each region, is less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, preferably equal to 0 mm. Slots

[0180] Advantageously, the tubular portion has at least one slot extending partially or totally in a sagittal plane of the spacer. Generally, a spacer according to the invention may, in particular, include one or more of the following optional features:

[0181] - the spacer has two slots arranged preferably symmetrically;

[0182] - a slot, preferably each slot, is straight, or in the shape of an "L" or a "T" »; - a slot, preferably each slot extends, partially or totally, in a sagittal plane of the spacer; - a slit, preferably each slit widens as it approaches the oral opening; - a slot, preferably each slot, has a maximum width (measured perpendicular to the direction of the length of the slot) and / or a minimum width of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and / or greater than 0.1 mm;

[0183] -at least one slot is located on a section of the spacer on a surface of the tubular part included between the edge of the oral opening and a cutting plane perpendicular to the X axis located at a distance from the general plane of the oral opening, less than 30%, 20%, preferably 10% of the length of the tubular part.

[0184] These slots are designed to increase the flexibility of the spacer and to facilitate the passage of the fins from a rest position to a contracted position. Lip stop

[0185] - a lip stop located on a section of the tubular part included between the plane The general plane of the oral opening and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis located at a distance from the general plane of the oral opening less than 20% of the length of the tubular portion. A lip stop prevents the spacer from penetrating too deeply into the user's mouth during image acquisition, particularly during the acquisition of lateral views of the inside of the user's mouth. This prevents the wings or lip supports from coming into contact with the mucous membranes at the back of the user's mouth, thus ensuring greater user comfort and improved image quality.

[0186] - a lip stop, preferably each lip stop, is made of material with the tubular part;

[0187] - a lip stop, preferably each lip stop, has a section central (around a sagittal plane of the spacer), of reduced thickness or empty of material. This has the technical advantage of not creating discomfort for the user's nose during image acquisition;

[0188] - a lip stop, preferably each lip stop, extends in a plane transverse, that is to say perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; - the number of lip stops is greater than or equal to 0 and / or less than 10, preferably less than 5, preferably is 1;

[0189] - a lip stop may comprise several regions, preferably 2, of preferably, a left region that butts against the left commissure and a right region that butts against the right commissure; - the tubular part includes 1 lip stop, preferably, each region is equiangularly distributed around the longitudinal axis, each lip stop being preferably symmetrical to the lip stop opposite it; - the lengths of the different lip stops, from their free ends to the oral opening, are preferably identical, but may be different; - a lip stopper preferably has very low elastic deformability in order to prevent the user from pushing the spacer too far into their mouth;

[0190] -a lip stopper, preferably each lip stopper, has a configuration such that it minimally rests on the corners of the user's lips;

[0191] - the two regions of the lip stop preferably have a C and inverted C shape open to the oral opening. As illustrated in [Fig. 11], these regions are arranged symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane. This particular morphology has the advantage of preventing the spacer from penetrating too deeply into the user's mouth during image acquisition while not causing discomfort to the user's nose;

[0192] - the greatest distance, along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and the free end of the lip stop, preferably of each lip stop, is greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm, and / or less than 15 mm, preferably less than 12 mm, preferably less than 10 mm;

[0193] - the greatest distance, along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (Ox axis)), between the general plane of the oral opening and a stop, preferably each stop, is greater than 3 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm, greater than 8 mm, and / or less than 25 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, preferably less than 15 mm; - a lip stop, preferably each lip stop, has an outer surface that is smooth to the touch; - the outer surface of a stop, preferably of each stop, does not present any obstacle protruding from said surface; - the greatest thickness of a stop, preferably of each stop, is greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm and / or less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3 mm; Stiffening rib

[0194] - the tubular part includes a stiffening rib on a section comprising between the edge of the acquisition aperture and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis located at a distance from the general plane of the acquisition aperture of less than 50%, 40%, 30%, preferably 25% of the length of the tubular section. A stiffening rib is intended to stiffen the section on which it is placed. is found by limiting the deformation of this section. Located near the acquisition opening, it facilitates the attachment of the phone (via an adapter or not) to the spacer;

[0195] - a stiffening rib, preferably each stiffening rib, is made of material with the tubular part;

[0196] - a stiffening rib, preferably each stiffening rib, extends in a transverse plane, that is to say perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; - the number of stiffening ribs is greater than or equal to 0 and / or less than 10, preferably less than 5, preferably is 1;

[0197] - the distance, along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (Ox axis), between the edge of acquisition aperture and stiffening rib, is greater than 4 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm, and / or less than 15 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, preferably less than 9 mm; Guide projection

[0198] - at least one guiding projection is advantageously arranged on a surface of the spacer located between the edge of the oral opening and a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a distance from the general plane of the oral opening that is preferably less than 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, or preferably 7% of the length of the tubular portion. A guide ridge is intended to guide the user to one or more areas of the spacer where the application of a compressive force allows it to move from a resting position to a working position. The guide ridges also aim to: encourage the user to position their hands in a region of the spacer that does not interfere with the image acquisition process, and discourage the user from manipulating the spacer in areas intended to come into contact with their mouth (for hygiene reasons);

[0199] - a guide projection, preferably each guide projection, is made of material with the tubular part; - the number of guide protrusions is greater than or equal to 0 and / or less than 10, preferably less than 5, preferably is 2; - the tubular part has 2 guide projections, equiangularly distributed around the longitudinal axis, each guide projection being preferably symmetrical to the guide projection opposite it;

[0200] - the guide projections are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to to the sagittal plane of the spacer; - a guide projection, preferably each projection, has a ramp shape; the thickness of a guide projection, preferably each guide projection, decreases along the longitudinal axis from the oral opening to the acquisition opening;

[0201] - the outer surface of a guide projection, preferably of each projection of guidance, presents a series of grooves; These grooves have an anti-slip effect and are intended to guide the user in the positioning of their fingers on the spreader to move said spreader from a resting configuration to a contracted configuration; - the greatest thickness of a guide projection, preferably of each guide projection, is greater than 1 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm and / or less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm; a guide projection, preferably each guide projection, has a substantially rectangular shape; the length of a guide projection, preferably of each guide projection, being parallel to the longitudinal axis; the length of a guide projection, preferably of each guide projection, is greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm and / or less than 40 mm, preferably less than 30 mm;

[0202] - the width of a guide projection, preferably of each guide projection, is greater than 8 mm, preferably greater than 10 mm and / or less than 25 mm, preferably less than 20 mm;

[0203] We now refer to the figures.

[0204] The kit 10, 10' shown in [Fig. 1] and 2 comprises a mobile phone 12, a spacer 14, 14' and an adapter 16, shown in detail in [Fig. 3]. Mobile phone

[0205] Any conventional mobile phone can be used.

[0206] The mobile phone 12 is a personal device, conventionally of substantially parallelepiped shape, classically comprising a camera.

[0207] A mobile phone typically features: - a front face equipped with at least one optical lens 18 and, preferably, a flash, - a rear face with a screen 20, and - a bezel, defining the thickness of the phone and joining the front and rear faces.

[0208] The screen 20 covers substantially the entire rear face. It serves as the user interface. In particular, it allows the user to view what the optical lens 18 "sees," that is, the "view" from the optical lens. Preferably, the screen 20 is touch-sensitive and allows the user to control the functions of the mobile phone.

[0209] The optical lens 18 conventionally has an optical axis perpendicular to the front face and allows the acquisition of 2D, or even 3D, images. In particular, it allows the acquisition of color photographs and / or infrared photographs. Infrared photographs advantageously allow teeth to be seen with excellent contrast.

[0210] The mobile phone 12 is fixed, preferably removably, onto the spacer 14, 14' preferably by means of an adapter 16. Spacer

[0211] The spacer, shown in isolation in figures 6 to 11, allows simultaneously - to separate the user's lips and cheeks to expose the teeth, and - to define, optionally with the adapter, the position of the mobile phone in relation to the oral opening Oo, and therefore in relation to the teeth.

[0212] The spacer 14, 14' with longitudinal axis X, comprises a tubular part 22, and a set of lip supports and / or fins intended to bear against respective parts of the lips in the service position.

[0213] The spacer 14,14' is a single piece, all the supports 24 and / or fins 34 being made from the same material as the tubular part. Advantageously, its manufacturing cost is limited and its use facilitated.

[0214] Preferably, the spacer 14,14' is shaped to be demoldable, preferably so as to be manufacturable by injection of a moldable material, preferably a polymer, into a mold. Tubular part

[0215] The tubular part 22 defines a chamber 26. The cross-section of the chamber 26, that is to say in a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, can be constant or variable along the axis X.

[0216] Preferably, in a section of the chamber 26 extending over more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 99%, preferably 100% of the length L22 of the tubular part 22, the spacer 14,14' has a smooth inner surface to the touch, without any protruding edge and / or without any re-entrant edge, and in particular without guide projections 40, 40' described below, a section of the chamber 26 being a fraction of the chamber 26 delimited by two planes perpendicular to the axis X.

[0217] The tubular portion 22, with axis X, opens through an acquisition aperture Oa and, on the opposite side, through the oral aperture Oo, preferably coaxial with the acquisition aperture. In one embodiment, the chamber 26 opens to the outside only through the oral and acquisition apertures Oo and Oa.

[0218] Preferably, in the rest configuration, the height hOo for a rectangular or oval opening is preferably greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 25 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, and / or less than 60 mm, preferably less than 55 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 45 mm, preferably less than 40 mm;

[0219] Preferably, in the resting configuration, the width l0o for a rectangular or oval opening is preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 30mm, preferably greater than 40mm, preferably greater than 50mm, preferably greater than 55mm, and / or less than 90mm, preferably less than 80mm, preferably less than 70mm, preferably less than 65mm, preferably less than 60mm;

[0220] The tubular portion 22 serves to define a spacing between the mobile phone 12 and the oral opening Oo, and preferably a predefined orientation of the mobile phone 12 relative to the oral opening Oo. Advantageously, in the operating position, the representations (images or 3D models) acquired by the mobile phone 12 through the optical lens 18 are thus acquired at a predetermined distance from the user's teeth and in a predefined orientation. Preferably, the spacer 14, 14' is configured so that this spacing and orientation remain constant.

[0221] The tubular part 22 may have a constant or variable cross-section, preferably substantially straight with axis X, in particular have the general shape of a cylindrical tube, for example of circular, oval or polygonal cross-section, for example rectangular, or of a truncated conical tube.

[0222] The cross-section of the tubular part 22, that is to say in a cutting plane perpendicular to the X axis, preferably has a general shape substantially identical throughout the tube, for example rectangular or oval or round.

[0223] As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the length L22 of the tubular part 22 of the spacer 14, 14' measured along the X axis, is preferably greater than 3 cm, preferably greater than 4 cm, preferably greater than 5 cm, and / or less than 25 cm, preferably less than 20 cm, preferably less than 15 cm, preferably less than 13 cm, preferably less than 11 cm.

[0224] The width 122 of the tubular part 22 of the spacer 14,14' is preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, preferably greater than 40 mm, preferably greater than 50 mm, preferably greater than 55 mm, and / or less than 90 mm, preferably less than 80 mm, preferably less than 70 mm, preferably less than 65 mm, preferably less than 60 mm;

[0225] The height h22 of the tubular part 22 of the spacer 14,14' is preferably greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 25 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, and / or less than 60 mm, preferably less than 55 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 45 mm, preferably less than 40 mm;

[0226] Preferably, the thickness of the tubular portion 22 of the spacer 14,14' is over a section between the oral opening Oo and preferably 60%, 70%, or 80% of the length of the tubular portion 22, preferably greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm and / or less than 2 mm. Preferably, over the remaining section the thickness of the tubular part 22 is preferably greater than 1 mm, preferably greater than 2 mm and / or less than 5 mm, preferably less than 4 mm.

[0227] According to a first embodiment, the tubular part 22 comprises a first section opening onto the oral opening Oo in an elastically deformable material and a second section opening onto the acquisition opening Oa in a rigid material.

[0228] According to another embodiment, the tubular part 22 has a rigid material skeleton covered with a sheath of elastically deformable material. Preferably, the skeleton is configured so that its solid parts are located in areas requiring greater mechanical resistance to deformation (for example, at the second section).

[0229] Preferably, the elastically deformable material is a thermoplastic polymer. More preferably, it is selected from the following materials: a thermoplastic elastomer designated "TPE," in particular a thermoplastic rubber designated "TPR," such as styrene-butadiene-styrene, or a thermoplastic polyurethane designated "TPU." The elastically deformable material has a Shore A hardness of between 50 and 100, between 65 and 85, preferably 80. The deformability of the first section facilitates the placement of the wings and supports between the user's lips and teeth and improves user comfort. Alternatively, the deformable material is recyclable, preferably biodegradable (for example, into polylactic acid).

[0230] Advantageously, the rigid material is a material having a low Young's modulus, in particular less than 5 GPa, 3 GPa or 1 GPa. More advantageously, the skeleton is made of polyethylene PE, polyethylene terephthalate PET, polystyrene PS or polypropylene PP, preferably polycarbonate PC, advantageously transparent.

[0231] According to another embodiment, the tubular part 22 is made, along its entire length, of the same material.

[0232] Advantageously, the constituent material of the tubular part 22 is a mixture of polymers.

[0233] Preferably, the material constituting the tubular portion 22 is a single thermoplastic polymer. Even more preferably, this material is selected from the following: a thermoplastic elastomer designated "TPE", in particular a thermoplastic rubber designated "TPR", such as styrene-butadiene-styrene, or a thermoplastic polyurethane designated "TPU". The elastically deformable material has a Shore A hardness of between 50 and 100, between 65 and 85, preferably 80. The deformability of the first section facilitates the positioning of the fins 34 and the supports 24 between the user's lips and its teeth and improves user comfort. Alternatively, the deformable material is recyclable, preferably biodegradable (e.g., into polylactic acid).

[0234] The deformability of the tubular part 22 can be modified in certain areas according to requirements, in particular by acting on the following parameters: the shape and / or general configuration of the spacer 14,14', the material thickness, the surface condition (presence of reinforcing ribs for example).

[0235] Preferably, the thickness of the tubular part 22 of the spacer 14, 14' is greater than on the rest of the tubular part 22 over a section between the edge of the acquisition aperture BOa and preferably 5%, 10%, 20%, 30% of the length of the tubular part L22.

[0236] Preferably, the tubular portion 22, preferably the entire spacer 14, 14', is made of a transparent material. Advantageously, the oral aperture Oo can thus be illuminated by a flash from the mobile phone 12, which is not opposite the acquisition aperture Oa.

[0237] The section of the tubular part 22 opening onto the acquisition opening Oa includes an attachment 28 adapted to cooperate, in said acquisition position, with the mobile phone 12 or, preferably, with an adapter 16 on which the mobile phone 12 is fixed, in order to hold the mobile phone 12 in position.

[0238] The fastener is preferably configured to retain its shape when used for said fastening, which makes it more reliable. It is preferably formed by a recess and / or a bead of material, preferably on the outer surface of said section. The distance between the fastener and the acquisition opening is preferably less than 3 cm, preferably less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1 cm, preferably less than 0.5 cm.

[0239] A section of deformable material is a section of the tubular part 22, that is to say a fraction of the tubular part 22 between two planes perpendicular to the axis X, which the user can deform, by hand and without tools, preferably with one hand, to change its shape.

[0240] We speak of a tubular part 22 made of deformable material when the user can deform, by hand and without tools, preferably with one hand, the tubular part 22, in order to change its shape. Lip supports and wings

[0241] According to a first variant illustrated in [Fig.61:

[0242] The tubular portion 22 carries lip supports 24 and wings 34 intended to be inserted between the user's lips and teeth. Advantageously, the lips can thus be separated so as not to obstruct the oral opening Oo. Furthermore, the supports 24 and / or wings 34 facilitate retention of spacer 14 in the user's mouth.

[0243] The supports 24 and / or the fins 34 are made from the same material as the tubular part 22 of the spacer 14, which limits manufacturing costs and reduces the number of edges. Hygiene is improved. They are preferably made of an elastomer for optimal comfort.

[0244] Preferably, the spacer 14 comprises two wings 24g, 24g, namely a right wing 24d and a left wing 24g, intended to bear on the right and left corners of the user's lips, respectively, and two central lip supports, namely an upper support 24s and a lower support 24i intended to bear on the central parts of the upper and lower lips of the user.

[0245] A central lip support may have, in the middle of the support, a recess or notch 24se, so as to leave the lip frenum present at the level of the user's upper and lower dental arches free. The recess 24se improves user comfort when the dental retractor is in the service position. The recess also allows the spacer 14 to be moved within the user's mouth, in particular rotations around the dental arches for the acquisition of photographs or 3D models in lateral views. The recess 24se may, for example, have a triangular, rounded, or rectangular shape.

[0246] Like the lip supports 24, the wings 34 are shaped to be interposed between the lips and the teeth.

[0247] Remarkably, the lip supports 24 and / or the wings 34 are not shaped like channels. They only limit the movement of the lips towards the teeth, thus allowing the teeth to be unobstructed, but permit movement of the lips in the opposite direction. Preferably, they do not obstruct this movement in the opposite direction, away from the teeth. This significantly increases user comfort when the user needs to acquire 2D or 3D images from different viewpoints and therefore needs to move the mobile phone to the right, left, up, or down.

[0248] Also noteworthy, the fins 34 primarily serve a cheek-spreading function. Their large length allows for very effective cheek-spreading, as illustrated in [Fig. 4].

[0249] The free end of the labial supports and fins (referenced 24s', 24i', 34d', 34g') for the upper, lower supports, right and left fins, respectively) is preferably rounded, so as to be atraumatic.

[0250] Preferably, the supports and fins 24, 34 extend outside a theoretical tube extending along the outer surface of the tubular part 22 and extending beyond the oral opening Oo.

[0251] Preferably, bringing the fins 34d',34g' closer together produces a separation of the two labial supports 24s', 24i' from each other.

[0252] According to a second variant illustrated in [Fig.7] j.

[0253] The tubular portion 22 includes a lip support 24 with two regions and no wings. This lip support 24 is intended to be inserted between the user's lips and teeth. Advantageously, the lips can thus be separated so as not to obstruct the oral opening Oo. In addition, the supports 24 and / or the wings 34 facilitate the retention of the spacer 14' in the user's mouth.

[0254] The support 24 is made of the same material as the tubular part 22 of the spacer 14', which limits manufacturing costs and reduces the number of edges. Hygiene is improved. They are preferably made of an elastomer for optimal comfort.

[0255] Preferably, the spacer 14' comprises a lip support 24 having two regions, namely a right region 24d and a left region 24g, intended to bear on a part of the upper and lower lips and on the right and left corners of the user's lips.

[0256] A lip support 24 may include a central section (around the sagittal plane of the spacer) with a reduced cross-section, or a hollow or cavity, so as to leave the labial frenum present at the level of the user's upper and lower dental arches free. This improves user comfort when the dental retractor is in the service position and also allows the spacer 14' to be moved within the user's mouth, in particular rotations around the dental arches for acquiring photographs or 3D models in lateral views. This hollow may, for example, have a triangular, rounded, or rectangular shape.

[0257] These regions feature lobes (right region lobes: 24dl, 24dl' and left region lobes: 24gl, 24gl') designed to be interposed between the upper and lower lips and the user's teeth, and rounded apices (right region apex 24dx, left region apex 24gx) that effectively separate the user's cheeks. This particular shape has a smaller footprint, which facilitates movement of the spacer 14' in the mouth during acquisition. This simpler morphology of the support 24 extends less in space than conventional wings 34, which facilitates cleaning of the spacer, allows for better angulation during acquisition, and improves user comfort by reducing the risk of contact between the support and the user's molars in extreme acquisition positions.

[0258] Remarkably, the labial support 24 is not shaped in the form of grooves. It only provides a limit to the movement of the lips towards the teeth, which This allows the lips to move freely, but permits movement in the opposite direction. Preferably, it offers no obstacle to this movement in the opposite direction, away from the teeth. This significantly increases comfort when the user needs to acquire 2D or 3D images from different viewpoints and therefore needs to move the mobile phone 12 to the right, left, up, or down.

[0259] The free end of the labial support (referenced 24d' and 24g') for the right and left supports, respectively) is preferably rounded, so as to be atraumatic.

[0260] Preferably, the support 24 extends outside a theoretical tube extending along the outer surface of the tubular part and extending beyond the oral opening. Lip stop

[0261] Preferably each lip stop 39 is formed from the material of the tubular part 22 and has a central section (around a sagittal plane of the spacer) of reduced thickness or devoid of material. This has the technical advantage of not creating discomfort for the user's nose during image acquisition;

[0262] As illustrated in [Fig. 6], the lip stop comprises two regions 39d, 39g, which preferably have a C shape (29g) and an inverted C shape (29d) open onto the oral opening. As illustrated in [Fig. 6], these regions are arranged symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane. These regions of the stop rest on the commissures of the user's lips. They have a morphology that has the advantage of preventing the spacer from penetrating too deeply into the user's mouth during image acquisition while not causing discomfort to the user's nose. Stiffening rib

[0263] Preferably, the tubular part 22 has a stiffening rib 36 which is formed from the material of the tubular part 22. It extends in a transverse plane, that is to say perpendicular to the X axis. Guide projection

[0264] As illustrated in the figures, the tubular portion 22 has two guide projections 40, 40', equiangularly distributed around the longitudinal axis, each guide projection 40 being preferably symmetrical to the guide projection 40' opposite it. Each guide projection, 40, 40', is formed from the material of the tubular portion 22.

[0265] Preferably, the guide projections 40,40', are arranged symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane of the spacer 14, 14'. Each guide projection 40,40', has a ramp shape.

[0266] Advantageously, the outer surface of each guide protrusion 40,40' has a series of grooves. These grooves have an anti-slip effect and are intended to guide the user in positioning their fingers on the spreader to move said spreader 14,14' from a resting configuration to a contracted configuration.

[0267] A guide protrusion 40,40' is intended to guide the user to one or more areas of the spacer 14,14' where the application of a compressive force allows it to move from a resting position to a working position. The guide protrusions 40,40' also aim to: encourage the user to position their hands in a region of the spacer 14,14' that does not interfere with the image acquisition process, and discourage the user from manipulating the spacer 14,14' in areas intended to come into contact with their mouth (for hygiene reasons). Adapter

[0268] The adapter 16 has the function of removably fixing the mobile phone 12 to the spacer 14,14', and of positioning it precisely and easily in an acquisition position allowing the lens 18 of the mobile phone 12 to observe the oral aperture Oo through the acquisition aperture Oa. Preferably, the adapter 16 is configured so that this position is modifiable.

[0269] One or more elastic bands, one or more straps, one or more hook-and-loop fasteners, one or more clips, one or more screws, a door, for example, rotatably mounted on a base 46 of the adapter and lockable in a position that secures the mobile phone 12, jaws, one or more suction cups, or one or more magnets may be used to fix the mobile phone 12 to the spacer 14, 14', or to the adapter 16. The mobile phone may also be inserted into a case, cover, or box, fixed to a base of the spacer or the adapter. This list of examples is not exhaustive.

[0270] Preferably, the adapter 16 is formed by a continuity of material of the spacer 14,14'. More preferably, the adapter 16 is one or more sleeves, and / or one or more elastic bands, and / or one or more clips, one or more clamps, and / or one or more clamps, and / or one or more self-locking links.

[0271] Preferably, the adapter 16 is configured to allow the attachment of different mobile phones, and in particular mobile phones with different dimensions.

[0272] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile phone 12 is held onto the adapter or spacer 16 by clamping. In particular, preferably, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the adapter 16 comprises a base 46, a first jaw 481 and a second jaw 482, opposite the first jaw, configured to grip and tighten the mobile phone 12, preferably by pressing on the edge of the mobile phone.

[0273] In one embodiment, the adapter 16 is rigidly and permanently fixed to the spacer 14, 14', even being formed from the material with the spacer. However, the adapter 16 is preferably rigidly and removably fixed to the spacer 14, 14'. Advantageously, the spacer 14, 14' can be cleaned or sterilized independently of the adapter.

[0274] Preferably, the spacer 14,14' has a housed end, preferably fitted into a housing of complementary shape defined by the adapter. Operation

[0275] The operation of the kit 10,10' follows directly from the preceding description.

[0276] Initially, the kit 10,10' is in the disassembled position. The user clips the spacer 14,14' onto the adapter 16 by inserting the end of the spacer 14,14' opposite the oral opening Oo into the complementaryly shaped recess defined by the adapter. Clipping is preferably achieved by the hooking of the adapter's prongs into recesses formed on the outer surface of the spacer 14,14'.

[0277] After clipping, the spacer and the adapter together define chamber 26.

[0278] The user then clamps the mobile phone 12 between the first and second jaws so that the adapter opening Oa is substantially opposite the lens 18 and preferably the flash. The kit 10,10', in the acquisition position, is then ready for use.

[0279] The spacer 14,14' is then in its resting configuration. In this configuration, the user cannot insert all the supports 24 / fins 34 into their mouth.

[0280] The user then presses the two fins 34 or lateral support regions 24d, 24g towards each other or the lateral areas of the spacer 14,14'.

[0281] In this configuration, the user can then insert all the lateral regions 24d, 24g and / or wings 34d, 34g between their lips and teeth. After this insertion, the user releases the pressure from the two wings 34d, 34g or lateral support regions 24d, 24g or the lateral body areas. The spacer then tends to return elastically to its resting configuration. This return is, however, hindered by the action of the cheeks on the wings 34 / lateral regions 24, and by the action of the central parts of the lips and the corners of the lips on the central lip supports 24i, 24s or the lobes of the lip supports 24dl, 24dl', 24gl, 24gl' respectively. These elastic actions effectively separate the cheeks and lips from the teeth, thus allowing the mobile phone lens to have a clear view of the teeth.

[0282] In addition, the elasticity allows the 14.14' spacer to adapt to the user's morphology, so that the spacer can be available in only one size for the entire population.

[0283] The user then positions the oral opening in front of the teeth for which they want to acquire one or more 2D or 3D representations, preferably taking photos or acquiring a scan. They are then in a service position.

[0284] By pressing the mobile phone's shutter button, the user acquires a 2D or 3D representation.

[0285] If necessary, the user then moves the oral opening Oo to acquire 2D or 3D representations along other orientations of the mobile phone 12 relative to the user's teeth. In particular, by rotating the kit 10,10' around himself, the user allows the mobile phone 12 to observe different regions of his mouth, for example to take pictures of the dental arch or the teeth at the back of the mouth.

[0286] To facilitate this movement, the user can advantageously squeeze the side tabs together again, to contract the oral opening Oo.

[0287] Preferably, the user acquires 2D or 3D representations by acquiring at least a front view, a right view and a left view.

[0288] The 14,14' spacer does not prevent the user's jaws from being brought closer together or further apart. It therefore allows the acquisition of images, in particular of photos representing the user's teeth, whether the user has their mouth open or closed, while keeping their lips curled back.

[0289] Preferably, the user acquires 2D or 3D representations by acquiring at least one open mouth view and at least one closed mouth view, preferably each time for front, right and left views.

[0290] When the user rotates the spacer to the right (or left), the right (or left, respectively) corner of the mouth slides into the sliding zone. This zone is unobstructed, which facilitates this sliding and makes the spacer particularly comfortable. The length of the sliding zone advantageously allows a large range of rotation of the spacer without the right (or left, respectively) corner of the mouth escaping and obstructing the view of the optical lens.

[0291] The user then removes the 14, 14' spacer from his mouth, and disassembles the mobile phone.

[0292] Of course, the order of operations can be changed. For example, the user can attach the spacer to the adapter before or after attaching the mobile phone. The spacer can be removed before or after the mobile phone.

[0293] As is now clearly apparent, the invention limits the risk of acquiring photos or 3D models with a spacer unsuitable for the user.

[0294] The 10.10' kit allows for rapid image acquisition under excellent hygienic conditions, typically in less than one minute, without the need for a specialist, such as a dentist or orthodontist. In particular, the acquisition can be carried out by the user themselves or by a family member, using just a mobile phone, anywhere, and especially outside of a medical, dental, or orthodontic practice. Furthermore, the acquisition is possible without the use of any device that rests on the ground to stabilize the mobile phone, and in particular without a tripod.

[0295] Finally, the kit allows for quick and reliable attachment of the mobile phone, regardless of its thickness, without risk of damage. It can be implemented as part of the process described in PCT / EP2015 / 074896.

[0296] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and represented, which are provided for illustrative purposes only.

[0297] In particular, the shape of the spacer is not limiting. Specifically, in one embodiment, the chamber opens only through the oral and acquisition openings. This embodiment is not, however, limiting, as the chamber may include other openings.

[0298] Of course, the features, optional or not, which define the main aspects above can be combined with each other. List of references

[0299] 10: kit

[0300] 12: mobile phone

[0301] 14: spacer according to a first embodiment

[0302] 14': spacer according to a second embodiment

[0303] 16: adapter

[0304] 18: optical lens of the mobile phone

[0305] 20: Mobile phone screen

[0306] 22: tubular part

[0307] 24: labial support, generically

[0308] 24d: right region of the labial support

[0309] 24d': free end of the right region of the lip support

[0310] 24dx: apex of the right region of the labial support

[0311] 24dl, 24dl': lobes of the right region of the labial support

[0312] 24g: left region of the lip support

[0313] 24g': free end of the left region of the labial support

[0314] 24gx: apex of the left region of the labial support

[0315] 24gl, 24gl': lobes of the left region of the labial support

[0316] 24s: upper lip support

[0317] 24s': free end of the upper lip support

[0318] 24sc, 24sc': ridges of the upper labial support

[0319] 24se: hollow of the upper labial support

[0320] 24i: lower lip support

[0321] 24i': free end of the lower lip support

[0322] 24ic, 24ic': ridges of the lower labial support

[0323] 24th: hollow of the lower labial support

[0324] 26: chamber of the tubular part

[0325] 28: attachment

[0326] 34: fin, generically

[0327] 34d: right fin

[0328] 34d': free end of the right fin

[0329] 34d' ': junction of the right fin

[0330] 34g: left fin

[0331] 34g': free end of the left fin

[0332] 34g”: left fin junction

[0333] 36: stiffening rib

[0334] 38: slot

[0335] 39: lip stop, generically

[0336] 39d: right region of the lip stop

[0337] 39d': free end of the right region of the lip stop

[0338] 39g: left region of the lip stop

[0339] 39g': free end of the left region of the lip stop

[0340] 40, 40': guide projections

[0341] 42: labial support windows, generically

[0342] 46: base

[0343] 48i: first bit

[0344] 482: second bit

[0345] 50d: sliding zone of the right lip commissure

[0346] Oo: oral opening

[0347] Oa: Acquisition opening

[0348] X: longitudinal axis of the spacer

[0349] BOo: Edge of the oral opening

[0350] Poo: General plan for the oral opening

[0351] F: example of centripetal thrust force applied to the tubular part

[0352] F': example of centripetal thrust force applied to the fins / supports

[0353] L22: length of the tubular part

[0354] 122: width of the tubular part

[0355] h22: height of the tubular part

[0356] loo: width of the oral opening

[0357] hOo: height of the oral opening

[0358] POo: General plan for the oral opening

[0359] Pfx: Plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the spacer including the longitudinal axis X

[0360] Ps: Sagittal plane of the spacer

[0361] Da: greatest distance, along the direction of the longitudinal axis X, between the general plane of the oral opening and a free end of a fin (34g) in the resting configuration

[0362] Db: greatest distance between the longitudinal axis X and a free end of a fin, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, in the rest configuration

[0363] From: greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and a free end of a lobe of a labial support (24g)

[0364] Dd: greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the apex of a region of a labial support (24g) and the edge of the oral aperture

[0365] Dd': greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the free end of a fin (24g) and the edge of the oral opening

[0366] From: greatest distance between the general plane of the oral opening and the apex of a region (24d), along the longitudinal axis X, in the resting configuration

[0367] Df: greatest distance between the longitudinal axis X and the apex of a region (24d), along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, in the rest configuration

[0368] Dg: greatest distance between the general plane of the oral opening and a stop (39), along the longitudinal axis X, in the resting configuration

[0369] Dh: greatest distance between the edge of the oral opening and a free end of a stop (39), in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, in the resting configuration

[0370] Di: greatest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral aperture and a ridge

[0371] Dj: smallest distance, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the edge of the oral opening and a hollow

Claims

Demands

1. A flexible spacer (14, 14') for acquiring, with a mobile phone (12), 2D or 3D representations of a user's teeth, the spacer (14, 14') comprising a tubular part (22) made of an elastically deformable material, delimiting a chamber (26) and having a longitudinal axis (X), said tubular part (22): - having a length (L22) greater than 3 cm, - opening through an acquisition aperture (Oa) and through an oral aperture (Oo) having a width (lOo) and a height (hOo) measured in a general plane of the oral aperture (POo), - being shaped to be attached, removably, to the mobile phone (12), in an acquisition position in which an optical lens (18) of the mobile phone (12) has at least a partial view of the oral aperture (Oo) through the acquisition aperture (Oa), the spacer (14, 14') being characterized in that: the tubular part (22) is elastically deformable allowing,by a centripetal force (F, F') exerted on said tubular part (22) in a direction substantially parallel to that of the width of the oral opening (lOo), a decrease of more than 5% in the width of the oral opening (lOo), preferably, the decrease in the width of the oral opening (lOo) simultaneously causing an increase in the height of the oral opening (hOo), the edge delimiting the oral opening being elastically deformable until it completely obscures the oral opening.

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

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

4. Spacer (14, 14') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the edge of the oral opening (BOo) is partially or totally delimited by at least one labial support (24) and / or a fin (34).

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

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

7. Spacer (14, 14') according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said at least one lip support (24) comprises two regions equiangularly distributed around the longitudinal axis, one region, preferably each region, having a cordate leaf shape with two rounded lobes and apex, - one lobe, preferably each lobe, and / or the apex, preferably each apex, comprising at least one window.

8. Spacer (14, 14') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chamber comprises lateral openings,

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

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

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

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

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