Orthodontic device
The orthodontic device with a pin and fin system addresses the limitations of existing devices by providing a compact, comfortable solution for treating dental malocclusion and alignment, effectively correcting jaw positioning and obstructive sleep apnea.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023006299
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-19
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing orthodontic devices are bulky, uncomfortable, and pose risks of injury due to metallic components, and often cannot treat both dental malocclusion and alignment issues simultaneously or with other devices, limiting jaw movement and effectiveness.
An orthodontic device with a first and second oral gutter, connected by a pin and fin system, allowing longitudinal translation, is designed to treat dental malocclusion and alignment without obstructing jaw movement, using biocompatible materials and a compact design.
The device effectively treats class 2 or 3 dental malocclusion and obstructive sleep apnea by allowing mandibular propulsion or retropulsion, while maintaining comfort and reducing the risk of injury, even during jaw movement.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Orthodontic device
[0001] The present invention falls within the field of medical devices, in particular orthodontic appliances intended to treat dental pathology.
[0002] The invention relates particularly to an orthodontic device, of the dental orthosis type.
[0003] Such a device will find particular application in the treatment of dental malocclusion, in particular class 2 or class 3 dental malocclusion, or the correction of dental alignment, but also in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).
[0004] It should be noted that there are many types of dental orthotics with connecting rods, often metallic or spring-loaded, to treat dental malocclusion or OSA.
[0005] However, these devices present, in part or in whole, the following disadvantages:
[0006] - the structural design of these devices does not allow for processing with a single appliance and, in parallel, both dental malocclusion and a dental alignment problem,
[0007] - the association with another device for the correction of dental alignment is often impossible due to excessive obstruction in the mouth or structural incompatibility with operation,
[0008] - the presence of a connecting rod or spring, often metallic, on each side of the arch Dental implants, particularly those placed on the vestibular surface of the teeth, are cumbersome in the user's mouth and pose a risk of injury to the mucous membranes, especially on the cheeks or near the patient's lips.
[0009] - the total volume occupied by the device in the patient's mouth causes him a significant discomfort during jaw opening or closing movements, even limiting and preventing mouth opening.
[0010] - spring systems involving compression / decompression exhibit a risk of breakage due to their rigidity, but are also limited by the compression length of the spring, the (de)compression size of the spring may be unsuitable for the morphology or mouth opening capacity of the user,
[0011] - systems with a sliding telescopic tube connecting rod, on the other hand, present a risk the telescopic movement is blocked and limited by the fixed length of the connecting rod tubes.
[0012] - the rigidity of the materials used for fixing and securing between the the upper jaw and lower jaw do not allow for correction mandibular precision, or a certain flexibility in the lateral movement of the jaw,
[0013] - in certain cases, the correction of dental malocclusion, particularly in the The anteroposterior direction is no longer possible once the mouth is opened, according to a pronounced vertical movement.
[0014] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing an orthodontic device (1) for the treatment of dental malocclusion and / or the correction of dental alignment and / or the treatment of SOAS, characterized in that it comprises:
[0015] - a first upper oral gutter (2), and a second oral gutter mandibular (3), each configured to fit at least partially the dental arch of a user,
[0016] - the first gutter (2), being shaped to cover at least one of the premolars (PS) and / or molars (MS), on each side of the upper jaw (4) of the user,
[0017] - the second gutter (3), being shaped to cover at least one of the premolars (PI) and / or molars (MI) and / or canines (CI), on each side of the maxilla of the lower arch called the "mandible" (5) of the user,
[0018] - the first gutter (2) cooperates with the second gutter (3) via of at least one connecting element (6), deployed on the vestibular surface of the user's teeth or deployed on the palatal and lingual surfaces of the user's teeth,
[0019] - the connecting element (6) comprises the association of a pin (7), integral with the first gutter (2) or second gutter (3), with a fin (8) with a light (81), respectively attached to the second gutter (3) or first gutter (2),
[0020] - the pin (7), projecting along a plane perpendicular to that of the face vestibular, or, of the palatal and lingual faces of the user's teeth, is shaped to pass through the lumen (81) of the fin (8) and to be blocked there transversely,
[0021] - the fin (8), which is substantially triangular in shape, has a light (81), of preference for a roughly oblong shape
[0022] - the fin (8) is deployed vertically between the first gutter (2) and the second gutter (3), along a plane parallel to that of the vestibular surface, or, the palatal and lingual surfaces of the user's teeth,
[0023] - the light (81) extends between the first gutter (2) and the second gutter (3) along a longitudinal axis (L),
[0024] - the first gutter (2) cooperating with the second gutter (3), by integration of the pin (7) in the light (81) of the fin (8), so as to allow movement in longitudinal translation of said pin (7) in the light (81) of the fin (8), in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) extending between the first gutter (2) and the second gutter (3).
[0025] Thus, the device 1 makes it possible to treat both class 2 and 3 dental malocclusions through its specific connecting element 6, and if necessary, dental alignment by an adapted conformation of the splints, this in open or closed mouth position, while being of simple design and structure, not bulky in the labial area and limiting the risk of injury to the patient's mucous membranes.
[0026] Furthermore, according to other features of the invention:
[0027] - said device comprises two connecting elements (6) positioned on either side and others of the dental arch, in a plane parallel to that of the longitudinal axis (L) extending between the first gutter (2) and the second gutter (3), preferably the two connecting elements (6) being positioned at the level of the vestibular face of the user's teeth,
[0028] - the connecting element (6) is deployed, in the direction of the vestibular face or faces palatal and lingual of the user's teeth, on a thickness (E) between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm, preferably 1 mm.
[0029] Thus, even with two connecting elements, the device is compact in the user's mouth, neither on the cheek mucosa when positioned on the buccal surface, nor on the palate or lips when positioned on the palatal and lingual surfaces. Because the device of the invention is compact in the mouth, it does not hinder or impede jaw movement by the user.
[0030] According to one embodiment of the device of the invention, the fin (8), substantially triangular, consists of on the one hand of a side (82) the entire length of which serves as an anchoring base (82) on the first gutter (2) or the second gutter (3), and, on the other hand of another side (83) the end of which is fixed, through the insertion of the pin (7) in the light (81), respectively to the second gutter (3) or the first gutter (2).
[0031] Consequently, the connecting element joins the two gutters together through the anchoring base of the fin and the insertion of the pin into the fin's opening. The connecting element holds the two gutters together.
[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the device of the invention suitable for treating class 2 or 3 dental malocclusion,
[0033] - the fin (8) is substantially in the form of a right triangle, with a hypotenuse (84) connected by two adjacent legs (82, 83) at a substantially right angle (d), one of which serves as an anchoring base (82), and in that, on the one hand, the hypotenuse (84) extends between the first groove (2) and the second groove (3) and, on the other part, the right angle (d) consists of a first anchoring point (PI) on one of the two gutters (2 or 3) while the pin (7), inserted in the light (81), consists of a fixing point (P2) with the fin (8), respectively on the other of the two gutters (3 or 2),
[0034] - the anchor point (PI) or the fixing point (P2) is positioned on one of the two grooves (2, 3), at the level of the disto-vestibular cusp, or, of the mesio-vestibular cusp of the first molar, or of the vestibular face of the second premolar,
[0035] - the catethus (83) of the fin not serving as an anchoring base (82), presents a angular offset between 0 and 20°C, preferably 16°C relative to the anchor point (PI) at right angle (d) of the first gutter (2) or second gutter (3).
[0036] This preferred embodiment allows for mandibular protrusion or retropulsion so as to treat both Class 2 or 3 dental malocclusion and to mechanically address obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), particularly thanks to the presence of the device's connecting element. This embodiment also makes it possible, if necessary, to correct dental alignment by creating a specific mold of the splints covering all or part of the user's teeth.
[0037] It is therefore possible with a single device of simple design and manufacture, which is custom-made to fit any type of jaw, dental arch or dentition, to treat three pathologies simultaneously or separately.
[0038] According to another preferred feature of the device of the invention, the pin (7) forms with the first gutter (2) or the second gutter (3) a single piece, and / or, said fin (8) with light (81) forms, with the first gutter (2) or the second gutter (3) a single piece.
[0039] The use of a single-piece design makes the device simple to manufacture, and easy to assemble and position in the mouth. The device does not require a complex attachment system with a tube fitting or hook fixing, or spring positioning; it is easily placed in or removed from the patient's mouth, and therefore can be cleaned by the users.
[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the spike (7) forms a single piece with the first gutter (2) or the second gutter (3), and / or, said wing (8) with light (81) forms a single piece with the first gutter (2) or the second gutter (3) in order to limit the bulk and volume occupied by the device in the mouth, and to make it more comfortable for users to wear.
[0041] Advantageously, the device is obtained by thermoforming or by stereolithography.
[0042] These two processes are quick to implement, require few steps, can be carried out at a lower cost and in less than 1 hour after taking the dental impressions of the patient. Industrially, the production of the device is easy using these two methods and allows the use of existing techniques well known to those skilled in the art, such as thermoforming of resins, laser or mechanical cutting.
[0043] The device of the invention is therefore structurally simple to manufacture, to position in the mouth, without being bothersome to users and allows to effectively treat class 2 or 3 dental malocclusion in parallel with a dental alignment problem and OSA.
[0044] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0045] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates the alignment of the teeth of the two dental arches in the case of a class 1 dental malocclusion, also known as "normal dental occlusion",
[0046] [Fig.2A] schematically illustrates the misalignment between the teeth of the two dental arches, during a Class II dental malocclusion.
[0047] [Fig.2B] schematically illustrates the misalignment between the teeth of the two dental arches, during a Class 3 dental malocclusion.
[0048] [Fig.3] represents the orthodontic device of the invention according to a first embodiment in which all of the user's teeth are covered by the oral aligners,
[0049] [Fig.4] represents the orthodontic device of the invention, according to an embodiment in which only a part of the user's lower maxillary teeth are covered by the second buccal splint,
[0050] [Fig.5] represents the orthodontic device of the invention of [Fig.4] in position on an impression of the user's dental arch,
[0051] [Fig.6] represents the first upper oral splint, intended to be positioned on the maxilla of the user's upper arch before assembly with the pin, manufactured by a resin thermoforming process, according to a manufacturing method of the orthodontic device of the invention,
[0052] [Fig.7] represents the first upper buccal gutter of [Fig.6], after fixation and assembly with the pin,
[0053] [Fig.8] represents the second mandibular buccal splint, intended to be positioned on the lower maxilla of the user according to the first embodiment of the orthodontic device of [Fig.3],
[0054] [Fig.9] represents the second mandibular buccal splint seen from the front, in position on a dental impression of the user's lower jaw, according to the embodiment variant of [Fig.4],
[0055] [Fig. 10] represents a top view of the second mandibular buccal splint of [Fig. 8] before vertical folding of the wings, in which the wings have an angular offset of 16°C relative to the right-angle anchoring point,
[0056] [Fig. 11] schematically represents a profile view of the possible maxillary anchorage points for positioning the connecting element of the orthodontic device of the invention and for carrying out the treatment of class 2 or 3 dental malocclusion and / or OSA,
[0057] [Fig. 12] schematically represents a profile view of the connecting element of the orthodontic device of the invention with a maxillary anchorage on the disto vestibular cusp of the first molar.
[0058] The present invention relates to an orthodontic device 1, of the type removable orthosis molded entirely or partially to the shape of the teeth, so as to be in contact with the dental arch of the teeth and with the jaw of the user.
[0059] Device 1 is used for the treatment of dental malocclusion, for the correction of dental alignment and / or the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (known as "OSAS").
[0060] Device 1 advantageously allows the treatment of dental malocclusion which consists of an abnormal contact between the maxillary teeth and the mandibular teeth.
[0061] As can be seen in [Fig. 1], a Class 1 malocclusion, or "dental normoclusion," meaning a defect-free occlusion, is defined as an anterior, or "mesiobuccal," cusp of the upper molar MS in occlusion with the groove of the lower molar ML
[0062] Device 1 according to the invention makes it possible to treat class 2 or class 3 dental malocclusion, in which the upper molars incorrectly overlap the lower molars.
[0063] As shown in [Fig. 2A], a Class II malocclusion occurs when the lower teeth of the maxilla (lower arch 5), i.e., the mandible, are positioned too far back from the upper teeth of the maxilla (upper arch 4). In a Class II malocclusion, the upper molar MS is positioned further forward relative to the lower molar MI, as are the other teeth of the upper jaw, as indicated by the arrow.
[0064] As shown in [Fig. 2B], a Class 3 dental malocclusion occurs when the lower teeth are positioned too far forward relative to the upper teeth, as indicated by the arrow. In a Class 3 malocclusion, the lower molar MI is positioned further forward relative to the upper molar MS, as are the other teeth in the mandible, as shown by the arrow.
[0065] Device 1, when positioned in the mouth of the patient to be treated, allows for the treatment of:
[0066] - either class 2 dental malocclusion by generating mandibular propulsion, that is to say, an advancement of the mandible forward towards the patient's lips, along an anteroposterior axis A, visible in [Fig. 3], extending from the lips towards the patient's trachea, or,
[0067] - i.e., class 3 dental malocclusion by generating a retropropulsion mandibular, that is to say a retraction of the mandible towards the back in the direction of the trachea, along an anteroposterior axis A extending from the lips towards the trachea of the patient, in order to return to a "normal dental occlusion".
[0068] Thus, positioned in the mouth of the patient to be treated, the device 1 makes it possible to treat class 2 or 3 dental malocclusion by constraint and mechanical correction via a movement respectively of propulsion or retropulsion of the mandible relative to the maxilla.
[0069] Advantageously, device 1 allows, simultaneously with the treatment of class 2 or 3 dental malocclusion, to act mechanically on the mandibular advancement, thus to mechanically treat the SOAS, while making it possible, if necessary, to correct the dental alignment, in particular by shaping the splints 2 or 3.
[0070] Indeed, as can be seen in figures 3 to 5, the device 1 comprises a first upper oral gutter 2 and a second mandibular oral gutter 3.
[0071] According to the invention, the first tray 2 and the second tray 3 are configured to fit at least partially the dental arch of a user. The first tray 2 and the second tray 3 are curved and generally U-shaped in order to fit the user's dental arch, in particular to fit the dentition of the user's arch.
[0072] According to a first embodiment shown in [Fig. 3], the first tray 2 and the second tray 3 conform to and cover all the teeth of the user's dental arch. This allows for rapid anchorage and better grip of the device 1 on all the teeth, easy application for the patient, and a reduction in the risk of mechanical breakage of the device, for example, during chewing or opening the mouth.
[0073] According to another embodiment, the first gutter 2 and the second gutter 3 are configured to fit and cover only a part of the teeth of the dental arch of a patient.
[0074] For example, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the user's incisors and part of their canines are not entirely covered by the second tray 3. In this case, the incisors and canines are in contact with the tray 3 only by their lingual surface, facing the patient's tongue, and can be mechanically advanced towards the lips on the vestibular surface of the teeth. This configuration therefore allows for correction of dental alignment by moving the user's lower incisors and canines forward. Thus, with device 1, the configuration and shape of the first tray 2 and the second tray 3, covering all or part of the patient's teeth, allows for correction of dental alignment if necessary.
[0075] According to the invention, more specifically, the first upper gutter 2 is shaped to cover at least one of the premolars PS and / or molars MS, right D and left G, of the upper arch maxilla 4, also called "maxilla 4", of the user.
[0076] For the purposes of the invention, "right D and left G" refers to the sides of the dental arch which are positioned on either side of the anteroposterior axis A, as seen for example in figures 3, 8 or 9.
[0077] Similarly, the second mandibular gutter 3 is shaped to cover at least one of the premolars PI and / or molars MI and / or canines CI, right D and left G, of the maxilla of the lower arch 5, also called "mandible 5" of the user.
[0078] According to the invention, the first upper splint 2 and the second mandibular splint 3 are manufactured by thermoforming a mold of the dental impression or by stereolithography, so as to perfectly conform to and cover the shape of the patient's teeth. Consequently, the positioning and placement of the splints 2 and 3 in the mouth is an easy and error-free operation, with a solid mechanical anchorage around or against each tooth.
[0079] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the first upper splint 2 cooperates with the second mandibular splint 3 by means of at least one connecting element 6. The connecting element 6 is deployed at the level of the vestibular face of the patient's teeth, or, at the level of the palatal and lingual faces of the patient's teeth.
[0080] According to the present invention, the "vestibular face" of the patient's teeth: corresponds to the face located on the outside, directed against the cheek.
[0081] Similarly, the "palatal face" corresponds, for upper teeth belonging to the upper jaw, to the face on the inside, at the top and oriented towards the patient's palate.
[0082] According to the invention also, the "lingual face" corresponds, for the lower teeth belonging to the mandibular arch, to the face inside, below, which the tongue usually touches.
[0083] In other words, according to the invention, the connecting element 6 can be in contact with the mucous membrane of the patient's cheeks, or, on the contrary, in contact with the tongue and palate of the patient.
[0084] According to the invention, the connecting element 6 comprises the association of a pin 7, attached to the first gutter 2 or the second gutter 3, with a fin 8 with a light 81 which is respectively attached to the second gutter 3 or the first gutter 2.
[0085] Preferably according to the invention, the connecting element 6 consists of at least one pin 7 associated with and integrated into the light 81 of a fin 8.
[0086] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention visible in figures 3 to 5, the device 1 comprises two connecting elements 6 positioned on either side of the dental arch, in a plane parallel to that of the longitudinal axis L extending between the first gutter 2 and the second gutter 3, preferably at the level of the vestibular face of the patient's teeth.
[0087] These two connecting elements 6, present on the right side D and left side G of the patient's mouth, stabilize the position of the first splint 2 relative to the second splint 3, so as to minimize any displacement of the splints in translation on the teeth, during a shift or movement of the maxilla 4 relative to the mandible 5, along a horizontal axis H visible on the [Fig.4].
[0088] Advantageously, like the connecting element 6, all like the device 1 are made of a material with a certain flexibility, for example of the type of biocompatible polyethylene terephthalate resin known as "PET G", with a low thickness, on the order of 0.75 mm, a lateral movement of the mandible 5 along the horizontal axis H and in the dental occlusal plane remains possible.
[0089] According to the invention, the dental occlusal plane comprises, or is parallel to the H axis and passes through the cusp tips of the maxillary teeth. From the front, the occlusal plane must be parallel to the interpupillary line, and from the side, it is parallel to a line through the inferior rim of the orbit (below the eye) and the superior border of the auditory canal (ear) of the patient being treated.
[0090] Thus, the flexibility of the material used for the device 1, in particular the material used for the connecting element, allows a certain comfort to be maintained for the patient, while keeping the mechanical correction necessary to treat class 2 or 3 dental malocclusion, as well as, if necessary, dental alignment, while mechanically acting on the OSA.
[0091] According to another advantage of the invention visible in [Fig.4] or 9, the connecting element 6 is deployed, in the direction of the vestibular face or the palatal and lingual faces of the user's teeth, over a thickness (E) of between 0.8 and 1.2 mm, preferably 1 mm.
[0092] As shown in [Fig. 4] or 9, in the case where the connecting element 6 is deployed towards the vestibular face of the user's teeth, i.e., is in contact with the mucous membranes of the cheeks, the thickness E corresponds to the distance separating the end of the spike 7, in contact with the mucous membranes of the cheeks, of the face of the gutters 2 and 3 directed towards the vestibular face of the teeth.
[0093] In the invention, the thickness E is defined as the distance separating the end of the spike 7, in contact with the mucous membranes of the cheeks, or, directed towards the tongue or palate of the patient, from the face of the gutters 2 and 3 directed respectively towards the vestibular face or towards the palatal and lingual faces of the teeth.
[0094] Consequently, for example, compared to a connecting rod device, the volume occupied by device 1 in the mouth is minimal, and the risk of cuts or injuries to the cheeks, lips, tongue, or palate is reduced. Device 1 significantly improves oral comfort for patients while ensuring effectiveness in treating Class 2 or 3 dental malocclusions and allowing its combination with mechanical dental alignment treatment using aligners, and therefore treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
[0095] More specifically, according to a specific feature of the device 1, the treatment action of class 2 or 3 dental malocclusion and comfort in the mouth are guaranteed by the connecting element 6 which comprises, or consists of, a pin 7, attached to the first 2 or second splint 3, associated with a wing 8 with a light 81 which is respectively attached to the second 3 or first splint 2, as seen in figures 3 to 5.
[0096] According to the invention, as seen in [Fig.7], said spike 7 protrudes along a plane perpendicular to that of the vestibular face or, the palatal and lingual faces of the patient's teeth.
[0097] According to a preferred embodiment, visible in the figures, the spike 7 protrudes in a plane perpendicular to that of the vestibular face of the teeth, in other words, in this configuration, the connecting element 6 is in contact with the mucosa of the patient's cheeks, towards the outside of the dental arch.
[0098] According to another embodiment, not visible in the figures, said spike 7 protrudes in a plane perpendicular to that of the palatal and lingual faces of the teeth, in other words, in this configuration, the connecting element 6 is in contact with the palate and tongue of the patient, towards the inside of the dental arch.
[0099] More specifically, said pin 7 of device 1 of the invention is shaped to pass through the light 81 of the fin 8 and to be blocked transversely therein.
[0100] In other words, the pin 7 is shaped so that, after passing and integration into the light 81, it can move along a longitudinal movement in the light 81 of the fin 8 while being blocked transversely.
[0101] The longitudinal movement of the pin 7 in the space 81 allows for the treatment of class 2 or 3 dental malocclusion and acts mechanically on OSA, while a transverse blockage ensures a connection between the first 2 and second splint 3 in the patient's mouth, even when he opens his mouth and spreads his jaws.
[0102] According to a preferred embodiment of the device 1, said pin 7 has a general mushroom shape. In the mushroom shape, the pin 7 comprises a base 71 and a head 72. The base 71 is associated with or integrated into one or the other of the grooves 2 or 3, while the head 72 is intended to be integrated into the slot 81 of the fin 8 so as to lock the pin 7 in the slot 81 by means of a transverse movement.
[0103] For example, according to an embodiment shown in [Fig. 6], for a non-monobloc gutter design, the base 71 of the pin 7 is attached to one of the gutters 2 or 3 via a pre-designed receiving housing 73. The attachment of the base 71 of the pin 7 to one of the gutters 2 or 3 is achieved by any technique known to those skilled in the art, such as bonding.
[0104] Nevertheless, all other forms of pin 7 are conceivable by a person skilled in the art provided that it allows its integration into the light 81 and the blocking at least in part of its transverse movement.
[0105] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig. 7] or 3, said pin 7 forms a single piece with the first groove 2 or second groove 3, manufactured, for example, by stereolithography. This increases the rigidity, strength, and mechanical stability of the pin 7 with the groove 2 or 3 and prevents any risk of separation, even in the event of jaw movement, while reducing the manufacturing steps of the device 1.
[0106] According to another embodiment, visible for example in Figures 4 to 6, said pin 7 is fixed and integral with the first 2 or the second gutter 3 after the latter has been manufactured. This allows the positioning of the pin 7 on the gutter 2 or 3 to be precisely adjusted or modified without the need for the user to make a new gutter.
[0107] Any means known to a person skilled in the art for fixing and securing the peg 7 to one or the other of the gutters 2,3 is conceivable for the device 1 of the invention, as long as it remains biocompatible and does not significantly increase the thickness of the device 1.
[0108] According to the invention, said pin 7 is shaped to pass through the light 81 of the fin 8 and move therein along a longitudinal displacement in order to treat dental malocclusion and / or OSA.
[0109] As can be seen in Figures 8 and 9, the connecting element 6, in addition to the pin 7, comprises or is made up of a slotted fin 8 81, substantially triangular in shape, which is deployed vertically between the first 2 and the second gutter 3, along a plane parallel to that of the vestibular face or, the palatal and lingual faces of the patient's teeth.
[0110] Thus, in device 1, the first gutter 2 is fixed to the second gutter 3 by the connecting element 6. More specifically, the first gutter 2 is fixed to the second gutter 3 following the integration of the pin 7 into the slot 81 of the wing 8. The slot 81, which is substantially oblong in shape, extends longitudinally between the first 2 and the second gutter 3. Consequently, the insertion of the pin 7 into the slot 81 allows its movement in the slot 81 according to the longitudinal translational movement which is in a direction parallel to the external or internal face of the user's dental arch, along the vestibular face or the lingual and palatal faces of the teeth.
[0111] Advantageously, the oblong-shaped light 81 extends longitudinally between the first 2 and the second gutter 3 in a direction perpendicular to the occlusal plane, parallel to the axis H, in order to allow the maintenance of the propulsion or retropropulsion movement both during a closing movement and during an opening movement of the mouth.
[0112] Thus, in the device 1 of the invention, the linking element 6, that is to say the association of the pin 7 in the light 81 of the wing 8, mechanically treats the class 2 or class 3 dental malocclusion. The linking element 6, more specifically the displacement of the pin 7 in the light 81, allows a propulsion or "mandibular advance", or on the contrary, a retropropulsion or "mandibular recoil" of correction, even during or after a mouth opening movement.
[0113] According to a preferred embodiment of the device 1, visible in figures 9, 10 and 12, the wing 8, substantially triangular, consists of a side 82 whose entire length serves as an anchoring base 82 on the first tray 2 or the second tray 3. The fixing of the entire length of the catheter 82 of the wing 8 on one or the other of the trays 2 or 3 ensures sufficient cohesion and mechanical fastening to prevent the wing 8 from detaching from the trays 2 or 3, even when the mouth of the patient wearing the device 1 is opened.
[0114] In one embodiment of the device 1, the manufacturing of the fin 8 is separate from the manufacturing of the gutter 2 or 3 to which it is attached. In this case, the attachment of the fin 8 to its gutter 2 or 3 by its anchoring base 82 is carried out after the gutter 2 or 3 has been manufactured individually.
[0115] According to a preferred embodiment of the device 1 shown in Figures 9 and 10, the wing 8 with a light 81 forms a single piece with the first gutter 2 or the second gutter 3. A gutter with a wing 8 in the form of a single piece will be more mechanically resistant to the opening and closing movement of the mouth of the patient and will avoid any risk of the fin 8 becoming detached from the gutter on which it is fixed.
[0116] Preferably, as seen in figures 8, 9, 10 and 12, the fin 8 is substantially in the form of a right triangle, with two legs 82, 83 adjacent at a substantially right angle d, one of which serves as an anchoring base 82, which are connected to each other by a hypotenuse 84. In this configuration, the hypotenuse 84 of the fin 8 extends between the first groove 2 and the second groove 3, the right angle d consists of a first anchoring point PI on one or the other of the grooves 2 or 3, while the pin 7, inserted in the light 81 consists of a fixing point P2 respectively of one or the other of the grooves 3 or 2 with the fin 8.
[0117] More specifically, as seen in [Fig. 12], the light 81 of the fin 8 extends in a plane and direction substantially parallel to that of the side 83, thus allowing a longitudinal translational movement of the pin 7 in the light 81. This longitudinal translational movement of the pin 7 makes it possible to act mechanically on the displacement of the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw and to treat the dental malocclusion.
[0118] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention as seen for example in [Fig. 1 1], said anchor point PI or the fixing point P2 of the pin 7 is positioned on one or the other of the gutters 2 or 3 at the level of the disto-vestibular cusp or the mesio-vestibular cupid's of the first molar (point A), or at the level of the vestibular face of the second premolar (point B).
[0119] Depending on the class of dental malocclusion to be treated, the practitioner will choose the positioning of the PI anchor point or the P2 fixation point of the patient necessary to mechanically treat the mandibular advance in relation to the upper jaw.
[0120] According to a preferred embodiment of the device 1 of the invention, the side 83 of the fin, adjacent to the right angle d not serving as an anchoring base 82 on the first gutter 2 or the second gutter 3, has an angular offset of between 0 and 20°C, preferably 16°C with respect to the anchoring point PI at right angle d on the second gutter 3 or respectively the first gutter 2.
[0121] The choice of the value of the angular offset, combined with the choice of the position of the anchor point PI or the fixation point P2, as well as the extent of the light 81 of the wing, allows for precise adjustment of the correction of the mandibular advancement or its retraction to treat the patient's class 2 or 3 dental malocclusion accurately.
[0122] By way of example, as seen in [Fig. 12], for an angular displacement of 16°C and maxillary anchorage of the pin 7 at the level of the fixation point P2 on the disto-buccal cupid's bow of the first molar, and a space 81 of oblong shape substantially parallel to side 83, it is possible to obtain normocclusion in class 1 molar corresponding to a mandibular correction with an advancement of the mandible relative to the maxilla.
[0123] As seen in [Fig. 11], this mandibular correction can be accentuated by shifting the fixation point P2 towards the mesiobuccal cupside of the first molar (point A) or onto the vestibular face of the second premolar (point B).
[0124] Thus, the device 1 of the invention alone offers a multitude of possibilities to a person skilled in the art to play on the abnormal contact between the maxillary and mandibular teeth of the user to correct class 2 or 3 malocclusion, while also allowing treatment of dental misalignment and acting on OSA.
[0125] According to another feature of the device 1, the first tray 2 and the second tray 3 and the wing 8 have a thickness less than or equal to 0.75 mm. In other words, the thickness of the trays 2 or 3, in contact with the teeth, is small in order to maintain a certain level of comfort in the mouth.
[0126] In order to minimize as much as possible the bulk and volume occupied by the device 1 in the user's mouth, a person skilled in the art shall choose for the splints 2 or 3, the wing 8 and the pin 7, any material having sufficient mechanical resistance, of the smallest possible thickness, biocompatible, without risk of injury to the patient and if possible aesthetic, preferably transparent, which allows the treatment of dental malocclusion in parallel with a dental misalignment.
[0127] According to the invention, the device 1 can be made by machining, deposition of a wire of material, cutting by milling or any other means known to a person skilled in the art.
[0128] Preferably, device 1 is obtained by thermoforming or stereolithography for easy, minimalist production in a few steps and tailored to the patient's needs before placement in their mouth.
[0129] The device 1 of the invention with its connecting element 6, directly integrated into the extension of the gutters 2 and 3, limits discomfort on the labial area, and allows mouth opening without interposition of a device between the upper and lower lips and avoids external sublabial deformation.
[0130] In addition, the device 1 is very compact in the mouth because its connecting element 6 is of similar or even equal thickness to the trays 2 or 3, which guarantees a certain comfort for the patient.
[0131] In addition, device 1 makes possible the mandibular advancement (propulsion) or retraction (retropulsion) of correction and the treatment of class 2 or 3 dental malocclusion even during mouth opening thanks to the light 82 made in the wings 8, all while allowing flexibility in the lateral movement of the jaw.
[0132] More specifically, with device 1, the mandibular protrusion or retroprotrusion movement is achieved by means of the connecting element 6, which consists directly of a appendix in the extension of the splints 2 or 3. The configuration of the linking element 6, its anchoring base 82 in the direct extension of the splint, the pin 7 in motion in the light 82 of the wing 8 allows to confer a correction and to maintain the realization of the mandibular propulsion or retropropulsion movement even when opening the mouth.
[0133] The device 1 of the invention therefore makes it possible, through its linking element 6 of particular structure and configuration, to constrain the mandible to a position of correction of a class 2 or 3 dental malocclusion, while making the treatment compatible with the correction of dental alignment by the splints 2 or 3 and a mechanical treatment of the OSA.
[0134] Thus, the device 1, by virtue of its structural design, makes it possible to treat simultaneously both Class 2 or 3 dental malocclusion, notably via the specific connecting element 6, and a dental alignment problem via the splints 2 or 3, in a closed or open mouth position, and without injuring the mucous membranes, tongue, or palate of the user or obstructing their lip area. The aforementioned drawbacks of connecting rod or spring-loaded devices are overcome by the device 1 of the invention, which is compact, easy to design, and has a low production cost.
Claims
1. Demands Orthodontic device (1), for the treatment of dental malocclusion and the correction of dental alignment and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), characterized in that it comprises: - a first upper oral splint (2), and a second mandibular oral splint (3), each configured to fit at least partially the dental arch of a user, - the first splint (2), being shaped to cover at least one of the premolars (PS) and / or molars (MS), on each side of the maxilla of the upper arch (4) of the user, - the second gutter (3), being shaped to cover at least one of the premolars (PI) and / or molars (MI) and / or canines (CI), on each side of the maxilla of the lower arch called the "mandible" (5) of the user, - the first splint (2) cooperates with the second splint (3) by means of at least one connecting element (6), deployed at the level of the vestibular face of the user's teeth or deployed at the level of the palatal and lingual faces of the user's teeth, - the connecting element (6) comprises the association of a pin (7), integral with the first splint (2) or the second splint (3), with a wing (8) having a slot (81), respectively integral with the second splint (3) or the first splint (2), - the pin (7), projecting in a plane perpendicular to that of the vestibular face, or, of the palatal and lingual faces of the user's teeth, is shaped to pass through the slot (81) of the wing (8) and to be locked there at least partially transversely, - the fin (8) is substantially triangular in shape, and preferably the opening (81) is substantially oblong in shape, - the wing (8) is deployed vertically between the first gutter (2) and the second gutter (3), along a plane parallel to that of the vestibular surface, or, the palatal and lingual surfaces of the user's teeth, - the light (81) extends between the first gutter (2) and the second gutter (3) along a longitudinal axis (L), - the first gutter (2) cooperating with the second gutter (3), by integrating the pin (7) into the light (81) of the fin (8), of so as to permit the longitudinal translational movement of said pin (7) in the light (81) of the fin (8), in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) and so as to permit the blocking at least in part of the transverse movement of said pin (7) in the light (81) of the fin (8), along a horizontal axis H, during a lateral movement of the maxilla (4) relative to the mandible (5).
2. Orthodontic device (1), according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises two connecting elements (6) positioned on either side of the dental arch, in a plane parallel to that of the longitudinal axis (L), preferably the two connecting elements (6) being positioned at the level of the vestibular face of the user's teeth.
3. Orthodontic device (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (6) is deployed, in the direction of the vestibular face or the palatal and lingual faces of the user's teeth, over a thickness (E) of between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm, preferably 1 mm.
4. Orthodontic device (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wing (8), substantially triangular, is made up on the one hand of a side (82) the entire length of which serves as an anchoring base (82) on the first tray (2) or the second tray (3), and, on the other hand of another side (83) the end of which is fixed, through the insertion of the pin (7) in the light (81), respectively to the second tray (3) or the first tray (2).
5. Orthodontic device (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wing (8) is substantially in the form of a right triangle, with a hypotenuse (84) connected by two cathetes (82, 83) adjacent at a substantially right angle (d), one of which serves as an anchorage base (82), and in that, on the one hand, the hypotenuse (84) extends between the first tray (2) and the second tray (3) and, on the other hand, the right angle (d) consists of a first anchorage point (PI) on one of the two trays (2 or 3) while the pin (7), inserted in the light (81), consists of a fixation point (P2) with the wing (8), respectively on the other of the two trays (3 or 2).
6. Orthodontic device (1), according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the anchor point (PI) or the fixation point (P2) is positioned, on one of the two trays (2, 3), at the level of the disto-vestibular cusp, or, of the mesio-vestibular cupid's bow of the first molar, or of the vestibular face of the second premolar.
7. Orthodontic device (1), according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the catheter (83) of the wing not serving as an anchorage base (82), has an angular offset of between 0 and 20°, preferably 16° with respect to the right-angle anchorage point (PI) (d) of the first tray (2) or second tray (3).
8. Orthodontic device (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pin (7) forms with the first tray (2) or the second tray (3) a single piece, and / or, said wing (8) with light (81) forms, with the first tray (2) or the second tray (3) a single piece.
9. Orthodontic device (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first tray (2), the second tray (3) and the wing (8) have a thickness less than or equal to 0.75 mm.
10. Orthodontic device (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is obtained by thermoforming or by stereolithography.