Dental articles, lubricant compositions, and dental materials having an application device.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dental article, The present invention relates to a dental article comprising a dispensing device (20), the dispensing device (20) comprising a compartment (30) having an inner surface (31), and a piston assembly (40) movably disposed within the compartment (30), the piston assembly comprising a piston body (41), a sealing portion A (42) at the front end of the piston body having one or more gaps (43), a sealing portion B (44) spaced apart from the sealing portion A, and a collection reservoir (45) suitable for collecting a lubricant composition during the dispensing of dental material, and a dispensing section (50) located at the distal end of the compartment, comprising a lubricant composition (60) located on the inner surface of the compartment, and dental material (70) located within the compartment in contact with the lubricant composition.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coating device, a lubricant composition, and a dental article including dental materials.

[0002] The dispensing apparatus comprises a piston assembly having a tubular compartment, a dispensing section, and a collection reservoir for collecting the lubricant composition during the dispensing of dental materials. [Background technology]

[0003] Dental materials, especially dental composites, are widely used to restore the structure of missing teeth in a patient's mouth.

[0004] Dental materials often contain polymerizable (meth)acrylate components, fillers, and initiator systems suitable for hardening the dental material by applying radiation.

[0005] In particular, dental composite materials typically have a high filler content required to achieve appropriate mechanical properties after the material has hardened.

[0006] When a large amount of filler is used, a highly viscous material is usually obtained that needs to be properly stored before use to avoid undesirable polymerization.

[0007] Screw-type syringes and so-called composite capsules are often proposed as suitable packaging devices.

[0008] Both packaging devices allow the stored dental composite material to be extruded through a nozzle onto the surface of the tooth to be treated.

[0009] However, due to the high viscosity of dental composite materials, high extrusion forces are typically required.

[0010] High pressing force can be achieved by using a threaded nozzle with a suitable piston, or by using a suitable dispensing device.

[0011] Packaging devices for storing dental materials are described in various patent documents.

[0012] U.S. Patent No. 5603701 (Fischer) describes a syringe device for delivering solid but flexible materials such as dental composites. The syringe device includes a non-threaded barrel means for containing the material. The non-threaded barrel means has an inlet end, an outlet end, and a finger grip enlarged at the inlet end. The syringe device also includes means for slidably engaging with the finger grip of the barrel means, the engaging means having a threaded through-hole. The syringe device further comprises a plunger means for moving through the barrel means.

[0013] U.S. Patent No. 4,863,072 (Perler) describes a device for delivering a light-curing composite dental filling material, comprising a tubular composite reservoir, a plunger, and a slider. The slider moves freely longitudinally along the reservoir, but is mounted to fit into facets on the outer surface of the reservoir to prevent angular motion of the slider relative to the reservoir. The plunger consists of a threaded shaft that fits into the threaded inner diameter of the composite reservoir.

[0014] U.S. Patent No. 11351009(B2) (Clark et al.) describes a capsule for use in a dental composite dispenser, comprising a hollow body having a wall defining an internal space of the body, the body having a proximal end and a distal end having a distribution orifice, a first composite resin positioned in the internal space of the body, and a second composite resin positioned in the internal space of the body, wherein the first composite resin has a first viscosity and the second composite resin has a second viscosity lower than the first viscosity, there is no barrier positioned between the first and second composite resins, the second composite resin is configured to be extruded through the distribution orifice before the first composite resin, and the first and second composite resins are in contact with the second composite resin before the capsule is used in the dental composite dispenser.

[0015] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 023538(A1) (Boehm et al.) describes a syringe for storing and dispensing first and second components of a material. The syringe has a first chamber for containing the first component and a second chamber for containing the second component. The syringe further has an empty blank chamber for separating the first and second chambers from each other.

[0016] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 296962(A1) (Maxa) describes a device for dispensing a composition, the device comprising: a tip (72) including an inner tapered funnel portion (74); a hollow barrel (84) including an outer tapered surface portion (86), an inner surface, an opening front end, and an opening rear end opposite the front end; and a piston (16) wherein the outer tapered surface portion of the barrel is aligned with and releasably engaged with the inner tapered funnel portion of the tip, and the piston is slidably engaged with the barrel.

[0017] Similarly, dispensing devices for dispensing dental composite materials from packaging devices are also described in the patent documents.

[0018] U.S. Patent No. 6790037(B1) (Orecchia) describes a viscous material dispenser for dispensing viscous dental material from a cap, cartridge, or capsule. The dispenser includes a locking mechanism attached to the syringe-type dispenser to securely hold the cap, cartridge, or capsule within the syringe-type dispenser while the viscous material is being dispensed from the syringe-type dispenser.

[0019] U.S. Patent No. 10016257(B2) (Pauser) describes a pen-shaped dispenser for dispensing dental material, comprising a handle and cover mounted to rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the dispenser, a cartridge for holding dental material, and a screw plunger for pushing dental material out of the cartridge by a screwing action.

[0020] To reduce the application force, it has also been proposed to heat the dental composite material to reduce its viscosity.

[0021] Devices and methods for heating dental composite materials are described, for example, in WO 2021 / 053408 (A1) (3M) and WO 2020 / 025485 (A1) (Voco).

[0022] Furthermore, applying a strong force to a highly viscous dental composite material often causes the highly viscous dental composite material to expand the length and diameter of the cartridge during the extrusion process and requires an appropriate time for relaxation after the extrusion force is applied by the thread / screw thread, so it has been observed that so-called "run-on" of the dental composite material can occur even after the dispensing is completed.

[0023] What is common to all devices is that the distribution of dental materials from these devices is often troublesome because dental materials are typically sticky and highly viscous.

[0024] To reduce friction during the dispensing process, it has also been proposed to apply a lubricant to the inner surface of the device.

[0025] However, none of the solutions known to the practitioner so far are entirely satisfactory. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0026] There is still a need for improved dental articles or application devices suitable for storing and dispensing dental materials.

[0027] In particular, there is a need for an application device for storing and dispensing dental materials having a high viscosity.

[0028] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an article or device that enables easier, preferably less laborious, dispensing of highly viscous dental materials in particular.

[0029] Ideally, it should be possible to dispense dental materials from an item or device without the need for auxiliary tools.

[0030] During the dispensing of dental materials from a device containing lubricating material on its inner surface, it was found that the lubricating material often began to accumulate at the distal end of the device.

[0031] Next, the accumulated lubricating material is dispensed from the device along with the dental material. This can have undesirable effects on the overall performance and physical properties of the dental material after curing.

[0032] Therefore, it is desirable that the distribution of dental material from the application device does not adversely affect the overall performance of the dental material in use.

[0033] One or more of these objectives are addressed by the present invention.

[0034] In one embodiment, the present invention features a dental article as described herein and in the claims. The dental article (10) comprises a dispensing device (20), the dispensing device (20) comprising a compartment (30) having an inner surface (31), and a piston assembly (40) movably disposed within the compartment (30), the piston assembly comprising a piston body (41), a sealing portion A (42) at the front end of the piston body having one or more gaps (43), a sealing portion B (44) spaced apart from the sealing portion A, and a collection reservoir (45) suitable for collecting a lubricant composition during the distribution of dental material, and a dispensing section (50) located at the distal end of the compartment, the dental article (10) further comprising a lubricant composition (60) located on the inner surface of the compartment, and a dental material (70) located within the compartment in contact with the lubricant composition.

[0035] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing dental articles as described herein and in the claims.

[0036] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for dispensing dental materials from dental articles as described herein and in the claims.

[0037] The present invention also relates to dental articles and kits of parts comprising, individually or in combination, the following items: dental curing lights, dental etching solutions, dental primers, dental adhesives, and dental cements as described herein and in the claims.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, the following terms in this specification shall have the following given meanings: "Dental articles" means articles used in the field of dentistry or orthodontics, in particular dental articles suitable for supporting the restoration of dental teeth.

[0039] "Dental materials" refers to materials intended for use in dental treatment. More specifically, dental materials include dental composites, dental cements, dental adhesives, dental crowns, and bridge materials. These materials are typically used to restore teeth.

[0040] Dental materials are typically curable compositions that can be cured within a time frame of 30 minutes, 20 minutes, or 10 minutes under ambient conditions including a temperature range of 15°C to 50°C or 20°C to 40°C. Higher temperatures are not recommended as they may cause pain to the patient and could be harmful to the patient's health.

[0041] Dental materials are typically supplied to physicians in small volumes of similar size, i.e., in the range of 0.1 ml to 100 ml, 0.5 ml to 50 ml, or 1 ml to 30 ml.

[0042] "Dental restorative materials" refer to materials used to restore teeth. Examples of dental restorations include crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, veneers, veneeres, copings, crown-bridge frameworks, and their components.

[0043] A "hardenable, curable, or polymerizable component" is any component that can be cured or solidified by radiation-induced polymerization in the presence of a photoinitiator or by using a redox initiator system. A hardenable component may contain one, two, three or more polymerizable groups. Typical examples of polymerizable groups include unsaturated carbon groups such as vinyl groups. An example is the (methyl)acrylate group.

[0044] As used herein, “solidification” or “curing” of a composition are used interchangeably and refer to polymerization and / or crosslinking reactions, for example, involving one or more materials contained in the composition, including photopolymerization and chemical polymerization techniques (e.g., ionic or chemical reactions that form radicals effective for polymerizing ethylenically unsaturated compounds).

[0045] An "initiator or initiator system" is a component or combination of components that can initiate the hardening process of a solidifying component.

[0046] "Proximal" refers to the part of the body or item that is closer to the operator during use. In the case of a syringe assembly, the rear end that receives the plunger is the proximal end of the syringe assembly.

[0047] "Distal" means the opposite of proximal. In the case of a syringe assembly, the front end or dispensing end is the distal end of the syringe assembly.

[0048] As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably. Also, in this specification, an enumeration of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers contained within that range (for example, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

[0049] Adding "(plural)" to a term means that the term should include both singular and plural forms. For example, the term "additive(s)" means one additive and more than one additive (e.g., two, three, four, etc.).

[0050] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing quantities, physical properties, etc. of components, as described below and used in this specification and claims, should be understood in all cases to be modified by the term "approximately."

[0051] The terms “comprise” or “contain” and their variations are not limited in meaning when they appear in this specification and in the claims. “Consisting essentially of” means that certain additional components may be present, i.e., components that do not substantially affect the essential characteristics of the article or composition. “Consisting of” means that no additional components should be present. The term “comprise” also includes the terms “consist essentially of” and “consists of.” [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0052] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the dental articles described herein. [Figure 2] This is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of some of the dental articles described herein. [Figure 3A] Different embodiments of the piston assembly are shown. [Figure 3B] Different embodiments of the piston assembly are shown. [Figure 3C] Different embodiments of the piston assembly are shown. [Figure 3D] Different embodiments of the piston assembly are shown. [Figure 4A]The operating principle of the dental articles described herein is schematically shown. During the distribution of dental materials, it is shown how the lubricant composition flows from the inner surface of the compartment to the collection reservoir of the piston assembly. [Figure 4B] The operating principle of the dental articles described herein is schematically shown. During the distribution of dental materials, it is shown how the lubricant composition flows from the inner surface of the compartment to the collection reservoir of the piston assembly. [Figure 4C] The operating principle of the dental articles described herein is schematically shown. During the distribution of dental materials, it is shown how the lubricant composition flows from the inner surface of the compartment to the collection reservoir of the piston assembly. [Figure 4D] The operating principle of the dental articles described herein is schematically shown. During the distribution of dental materials, it is shown how the lubricant composition flows from the inner surface of the compartment to the collection reservoir of the piston assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0053] The dental articles described herein have several advantageous characteristics.

[0054] Dental articles are not only suitable for storing dental materials, but they also facilitate the dispensing of dental materials stored in them during use.

[0055] The lubricant composition on the inner surface of the compartment is suitable for reducing friction of dental materials on the inner surface of the compartment.

[0056] This makes it possible to dispense dental materials from an object without the need for auxiliary devices such as caulking guns or other application equipment.

[0057] The collection reservoir helps reduce or avoid contamination of dental materials by the lubricant composition during the distribution process, as the lubricant composition is collected in the collection reservoir during the distribution process.

[0058] Since the lubricant composition has a much lower viscosity than dental materials, it can flow more easily through the gaps in the piston assembly.

[0059] The first sealing portion of the piston assembly (sealing portion A) is typically a gap sealing portion that has low resistance for the lubricant composition to pass through it, but high resistance to the dental material. This contributes to the flow of the lubricant composition into the collection reservoir during the distribution of the dental material.

[0060] The dental articles described herein typically function as follows: The pressure required for the dental material to pass through the gap seal (seal A) at the distal end of the piston assembly is much higher than the pressure required for the dental article to pass through the distribution section at the distal end.

[0061] Therefore, dental materials can be easily distributed distally from the dental article without the risk of some of the dental material flowing back proximally through the gap seal.

[0062] In the exit limiting section (i.e., the distribution section) of a dental article, it has been found that the dental material often forms a kind of plug during the dental material distribution process, which reduces the amount of lubricant composition that exits the tubular section distal to the dental article along with the dental material.

[0063] This can lead to the accumulation of the lubricant composition in the area of ​​the distribution section prior to the exit limit of the dental article.

[0064] However, when the sealing portion A of the piston assembly reaches the region of the distribution section during the distribution of dental material, the lubricant composition begins to flow back into the collection reservoir of the piston assembly across one or more gaps in the sealing portion A.

[0065] The design of the piston assembly ensures that the pressure required to push the lubricant composition distally through the limiting portion of the dental article is higher than the pressure required to cause the lubricant composition to flow back into the collection reservoir of the piston assembly.

[0066] The collection reservoir behind the gap seal allows the lubricant composition to be pushed into the collection reservoir of the piston assembly. The volume of the collection reservoir of the piston assembly can typically occupy the entire volume of the lubricant composition.

[0067] The collection reservoir may have a connection to a hollow region inside the piston body.

[0068] Behind the collection reservoir is a sealing section (seal section B) that prevents the lubricant composition from flowing into the gap between the optional piston rod and the inner wall of the compartment. This thus prevents or reduces the risk of the lubricant composition leaking out of the dental article at the proximal end.

[0069] The interior of a piston assembly typically has a vent opening at its proximal end that allows any air present to escape from the piston assembly. The vent opening can have different shapes, such as circular or rectangular, with circular openings being preferred.

[0070] The presence of ventilation openings prevents or reduces the risk of air pressure buildup within the piston assembly or dispensing device compartment, which would otherwise result in leakage or a "spongy" feel of dental material when pressure is applied to the piston assembly through an optional piston rod, or even prevent the lubricant composition from flowing into the collection reservoir of the piston assembly.

[0071] If a vent is present, the vent provides sufficiently high resistance to the lubricant composition to prevent it from exiting the piston assembly proximal to the vent.

[0072] The present invention relates to dental articles comprising a coating device, dental materials, and a lubricant composition.

[0073] The coating apparatus typically comprises compartments, a piston assembly, and a dispensing unit.

[0074] The plot includes the interior space.

[0075] The compartment may be further characterized by having a proximal end, a distal end, an internal diameter, and an axial length.

[0076] The length of the compartment essentially defines the volume of the packaging device available for receiving the dental materials to be stored within it.

[0077] The volume of the compartments is typically in the range of 0.1 ml to 100 ml, 0.5 ml to 50 ml, or 1 ml to 30 ml.

[0078] The inner diameter of the compartment is typically in the range of 2 mm to 25 mm.

[0079] The outer diameter of the compartments typically ranges from 4 mm to 30 mm.

[0080] Therefore, the wall thickness of the compartment is typically in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0081] The ratio of the section length to the inner diameter is typically in the range of 25 / 1 to 3 / 1.

[0082] Such a ratio has been found to be useful because it provides a good balance between the diameter available for transmitting force to the dental material during the extrusion process and the handling of the dental product by the physician.

[0083] The compartments are typically tubular in shape.

[0084] Overall, the dispensing device may have the shape of a syringe with a tubular hollow barrel having a front end and a rear end opposite the front end.

[0085] A piston assembly can be inserted into the compartment, particularly at the rear or proximal end of the compartment, to slide-engage with the inner surface of the compartment. That is, the piston assembly is movable within the compartment.

[0086] The piston assembly also seals the rear end of the compartment and transmits pressure to the dental material during the extrusion or dispensing process.

[0087] The piston assembly comprises a cylindrical piston body.

[0088] The piston body comprises two sealing parts, sealing part A and sealing part B.

[0089] The sealing portion A is located at the front or distal end of the piston body.

[0090] The sealing portion B is spaced apart from the sealing portion A in the proximal direction of the dental article.

[0091] The sealing portion A includes one or more gaps.

[0092] One or more gaps have a width W in the direction of the inner surface of the tubular compartment. SA It has.

[0093] Width W SA The size may be within the range of 0.05 mm to 0.50 mm or 0.08 mm to 0.30 mm.

[0094] The gaps are typically arranged in a circumferential direction.

[0095] One or more gaps may have the shape of a circumferential slit, a gear rim, or an intermittent gap sealing portion.

[0096] The piston assembly and / or sealing portion B typically further comprises a ventilation opening.

[0097] The ventilation openings are designed to allow air to escape from the tubular compartment during the distribution of dental materials.

[0098] Since the ventilation opening is for air only, the diameter D of the ventilation opening VO These are small, for example, in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0099] The ventilation opening is typically connected to a collection reservoir.

[0100] The vent opening is typically located in the sealing section B. However, the vent opening may be located in a different section of the piston assembly.

[0101] The piston assembly may further include a pin at its distal end.

[0102] The pins can help the practitioner visually determine the distribution of dental material within a section. When the pins are visible in the area of ​​the distribution section, essentially all the dental material has been distributed.

[0103] The presence of pins can also help reduce the volume of waste remaining in the distribution section.

[0104] The pins may have a conical or cylindrical shape. The axial length of the cone or cylinder may correspond to, or essentially correspond to, the axial length of the distribution section.

[0105] Typically, the axial length of the pin is in the range of 2mm to 20mm or 5mm to 15mm.

[0106] The piston assembly further includes a collection reservoir.

[0107] The collection reservoir is suitable for collecting lubricant compositions located on the inner surface of the compartment during the dispensing of dental materials.

[0108] The collection reservoir is accessible through one or more gaps in the sealing section A and is therefore connected to a compartment of the coating apparatus.

[0109] The collection reservoir typically contains a volume V of the lubricating composition. LC A volume V larger than CR It has.

[0110] Volume V CR Typically, this ranges from 0.001 ml to 20 ml, or from 0.005 ml to 5 ml.

[0111] The collection reservoir may include one or more parts connected to each other, where “connected to each other” means that the lubricant composition can flow from one part of the collection reservoir to the next during the distribution process.

[0112] A portion of the collection reservoir can be placed in the hollow area of ​​the piston body.

[0113] Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the collection reservoir may be located in the region between sealing section A and sealing section B.

[0114] Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the collection reservoir may be located in a hollow piston rod (or plunger) having a hollow region connected to the collection reservoir, or in a hollow region of the piston body.

[0115] If a piston rod is present, it is connected to or can be attached to the proximal end of the piston body. Once attached to the piston assembly, the piston rod should remain in its mounting position during use of the dental article.

[0116] If desired, the piston assembly and piston rod, if available, are manufactured from a single piece.

[0117] Dental articles typically also include a dispensing section from which dental materials can be dispensed.

[0118] The distribution section is located at the distal end of the compartment.

[0119] The dispensing section may be tapered and / or may include a dispensing nozzle.

[0120] The dispensing nozzle may be releasably engaged or attached to the compartment.

[0121] The dispensing compartment may include a tapered funnel portion at the front end. The tapered funnel portion may include a conical inner surface.

[0122] The dental article further includes a lubricant composition.

[0123] During storage, the lubricant composition is located on the inner surface of the tubular compartment.

[0124] Typically, the thickness of the layer of the lubricant composition ranges from 1 μm to 500 μm.

[0125] If desired, the layer thickness can be determined microscopically by cutting the packaging device and inspecting the interface between the dental material and the inner wall of the compartment.

[0126] The viscosity of the lubricant composition is typically at a temperature of 25 °C and a shear rate of 10 s -1 in the range of 1 Pa * s to 10,000 Pa * s or 10 Pa * s to 1,000 Pa * s or 20 Pa * s to 800 Pa * s. A range of 10 Pa * s to 1,000 Pa * s or 20 Pa * s to 800 Pa * s may be preferred in some cases.

[0127] Such viscosities have been found to be useful as they facilitate coating the inner surface of the compartments of the packaging device during manufacture.

[0128] The viscosity is low enough to allow for a homogeneous coating, and high enough to reduce the risk of the lubricant composition falling or flowing out from the inner surface of the packaging device compartment.

[0129] With respect to its chemical properties and / or composition, the lubricant composition is compatible with dental materials.

[0130] The lubricant composition may contain a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated group and optionally a filler.

[0131] Monomers typically have molecular weights ranging from 130 g / mol to 1,200 g / mol, or 130 g / mol to 1,000 g / mol, or 130 g / mol to 800 g / mol, or 130 g / mol to 600 g / mol.

[0132] The lubricant composition may also contain (meth)acrylate monomers, i.e., components that can copolymerize with other polymerizable components that are typically present in dental materials.

[0133] The lubricant composition may further contain fillers. One or more fillers may be present. The addition of fillers may be beneficial to adjust rheological properties, such as viscosity.

[0134] The lubricant composition may further contain initiators. One or more initiators may be present. Suitable initiators that may be present include photoinitiators and redox initiators.

[0135] Dental articles further include dental materials.

[0136] Dental materials are placed within the section for dental articles.

[0137] The dental material is in contact with the lubricant composition. That is, the lubricant composition functions as an interface between the inner surface of the compartment and the dental material stored within it.

[0138] The lubricating layer surrounds the dental material in areas where the dental material would otherwise be in direct contact with the inner surface of the compartment of the dental article.

[0139] Dental materials differ from lubricant compositions in terms of their chemical composition.

[0140] The dental materials stored in dental articles according to this specification are polymerizable components, particularly materials containing ethylenically unsaturated groups.

[0141] The dental material may further contain a filler. The filler in the dental material may be the same as or different from the filler that may be present in the lubricant composition.

[0142] The dental material may further contain an initiator. The initiator may be the same as or different from an initiator that may be present in the lubricant composition.

[0143] Dental articles can be further characterized by the following features, individually or in combination: (a) The inner diameter of the tubular compartment is greater than the diameter of the piston body. (b) The inner diameter of the tubular compartment is less than or equal to the diameter of the sealing portion B of the piston assembly. (c) The viscosity of the dental material is greater than the viscosity of the lubricant composition. (d) The volume of the collection reservoir is at least the same as the volume of the lubricant composition applied to the inner surface of the tubular compartment. (e) The axial length of the tubular compartment is at least five times greater than the inner diameter of the tubular compartment. (f) The inner diameter of the compartment is at least 50 times larger than the width of the gap in sealing portion A.

[0144] In certain embodiments, dental articles described herein can be characterized by the following dimensions:

[0145] Embodiment 1 The dental articles described herein are characterized by the following dimensions:

[0146] [Table 1]

[0147] Embodiment 2 The dental articles described herein are characterized by the following dimensions:

[0148] [Table 2]

[0149] The dental articles described herein are not intended for the application of materials into human muscles or veins.

[0150] Similarly, dental instruments are not intended for sampling bodily fluids (such as blood) from humans.

[0151] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing dental articles described herein.

[0152] Such methods typically involve the following steps, namely The steps of providing a coating apparatus as described herein, The steps include applying a layer of the lubricant composition described herein to the inner surface of a coating device, The procedure involves placing the dental material described herein in a tubular compartment in contact with a lubricant composition, The procedure includes the step of inserting the piston assembly described herein into the proximal end of a tubular compartment.

[0153] The coating device itself is typically manufactured by injection molding.

[0154] Alternatively, the coating equipment can be manufactured using 3D printing.

[0155] The lubricant composition can be applied by spraying or by coating using a suitable coating device, such as a sponge impregnated with the lubricant composition.

[0156] The coating apparatus and its individual components are typically made from plastic, preferably an injection-molded material.

[0157] The materials used in coating equipment are typically selected from PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), PA (polyamide), PBT (polybutadiene terephthalate), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and COC (cycloolefin copolymer).

[0158] To prevent undesirable hardening of dental materials during storage, the materials of the dispensing device, particularly the compartment materials, are typically opaque to visible light (380 nm to 750 nm).

[0159] If desired, dental articles may be equipped with a removable cap on the dispensing section to further protect dental materials from light during storage.

[0160] The present invention also relates to a method for dispensing dental materials from dental articles described herein.

[0161] The method for distribution is as follows: Optionally, the step of removing the cap from the distribution section, The process includes the step of applying an extruding force to a dental material located at the proximal end of a compartment of a dental article, The pressing force is within the range of 5N to 150N, or within the range of 5N to 60N.

[0162] The force applied is within the range that can be provided by a physician without significant effort and without the need for additional instruments or specific packaging devices such as screw tubes.

[0163] By moving the piston assembly distally, the dental material stored in the tubular compartment is distributed.

[0164] The present invention also relates to dental articles described herein and kits of components, which include the following items, either individually or in combination. Dental adhesives typically have a fairly low viscosity (e.g., 0.01 Pa at 25°C). * s~3Pa * The dental adhesive is an acidic dental composition having s). The dental adhesive interacts directly with the enamel or dentin surface of the tooth. The dental adhesive is typically a one-part composition, is radiation-curable, and comprises an ethylenically unsaturated component having an acidic portion, an ethylenically unsaturated component not having an acidic portion, water, a sensitizer, a reducing agent, and an additive.

[0165] Examples of dental adhesives are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0069532(A1) (Thalacker et al.) and No. 2017 / 0065495(A1) (Eckert et al.). Dental adhesives are also commercially available, such as 3M® Scotchbond® Universal (3M Oral Care).

[0166] Suitable dental primers are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,126,922 (Rozzi et al.) and International Publication No. 00 / 69393(A1) (3M). Dental primers are also commercially available, for example, 3M® Transbond® XT Primer (3M Oral Care).

[0167] Examples of dental cements that can be added to the kit include, in particular, self-adhesive resin cements containing acidic polymerizable components (for example, (meth)acrylate components having a phosphoric acid portion or a carboxylic acid portion), polymerizable components without an acidic portion, an initiator system, and a filler.

[0168] Suitable dental cements are also commercially available, such as RelyX® Unicem 2, RelyX® Universal, or RelyX® Luting Plus (3M Oral Care).

[0169] Suitable dental curing lights are described in U.S. Patent No. 10,758,126(B2) (Geldmacher et al.) or No. 10,231,810(B2) (Gramann et al.). Dental curing lights are also commercially available, such as the 3M® Elipar® S10 or 3M® Elipar® DeepCure S LED curing light (3M Oral Care).

[0170] The instruction manual describes how dental products should be used in daily practice, outlining, for example, the application process and, optionally, the curing conditions.

[0171] The following drawings are provided to illustrate the present invention.

[0172] The reference numbers and possible and preferred ranges or dimensions of dental articles are listed in the table below.

[0173] [Table 3]

[0174] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a dental article (10). A dispensing section (50) is located at the distal end of the dispensing device (20). Also shown is a piston rod (80) for transmitting pressure to a piston assembly located within a compartment (not shown) of the dispensing device.

[0175] Figure 2 shows the compartment (30), the inner surface of the compartment (31), and the inner diameter D of the compartment. c (34) A cross-section of a portion of a dental article (10) having an outer diameter (35) and wall thickness (36) of a compartment is shown.

[0176] A piston assembly (40) is located within compartment (30). The piston assembly has a diameter D PB The piston body (41) has (46). A sealing portion A (42) is located at the front end of the piston body. The sealing portion A (42) has a width W SAThis is a so-called gap sealing portion having a gap (43) between (48). The piston assembly further comprises a collection reservoir (45). In this embodiment, the collection reservoir (45) includes two regions. One region is located within the hollow portion of the piston body (41). The other region is formed by the volume between sealing portion A (42) and sealing portion B (44). Both regions are connected to each other through an opening (47).

[0177] Figures 3A to 3D show different embodiments of the piston assembly (40).

[0178] The piston assembly (40) in Figure 3A has a plate-shaped sealing portion A (42) at its distal end. The gap is a circumferential slit surrounding the sealing portion A (42). A sealing portion B (44), which is a sealed portion, is also shown. Two openings (47) into the hollow portion of the piston body, which is part of the collection reservoir, are also shown.

[0179] The gap (43) in the sealing portion A (42) of the piston assembly shown in Figure 3B is an intermittent gap sealing portion.

[0180] The piston assembly (40) shown in Figure 3C is similar to the piston assembly (40) in Figure 3B. However, the piston assembly (40) further includes a pin (49) distal to it. Furthermore, the sealing portion A (42) has a smaller but wider gap (43), and these gaps are also arranged circumferentially.

[0181] Figure 3D shows a further embodiment of the piston assembly. At the distal end is a sealing section A (42) having a circumferentially arranged gap (43). At the proximal end is a sealing section B (44) which is a sealing section. A small vent opening (48) is also shown at the proximal end of the piston assembly. Between sealing section A (42) and sealing section B (44) is a collection reservoir (45) comprising four sections in this embodiment, two of which are shown.

[0182] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the operating principles of dental devices.

[0183] Figure 4A shows the dental article in its initial state. The inner surface of the compartment has a layer thickness T. LC A lubricating composition (60) having (61) is provided. The lubricating composition (60) is in contact with the dental material (70). The compartment has a proximal end (32) and a distal end (33). The area of ​​the collection reservoir (45) is located within the hollow portion of the piston assembly (40), accessible through two openings (47).

[0184] In Figure 4B, the piston assembly has moved slightly distally, and the dental material (70) has begun to be dispensed from the dispensing section (50) of the dispensing device. A small amount of the lubricating composition (60) has already passed through the gap (43) of the sealing section A and entered the collection reservoir (45).

[0185] In Figure 4C, the piston assembly has been moved further distally, and the majority of the dental material (70) is being distributed from the distribution section (50). Due to the sealing portion B (44) of the piston assembly, the lubricating composition (60) cannot flow into the space between the proximal portion of the piston body and the inner surface (31) of the compartment, but it is allowed to flow into the collection reservoir (45) through two openings (47). The lubricating composition (60) is now mainly located in the collection reservoir (45).

[0186] In Figure 4D, the sealing portion A(42) of the piston assembly reaches the distal end of the compartment, and essentially the entire dental material (70) is dispensed from the dental article. Furthermore, essentially the entire lubricating composition (60) is located here within the collection reservoir (45).

[0187] If desired, the viscosity of lubricating compositions and / or dental materials can be measured using Physica MCR301 (Anton Paar Germany GmbH, Ostfildern-Scharnhausen). Flowable composites and monomers can be measured at 25.0°C with a shear rate of 10 / s using a 15 mm plate / plate system and a 0.2 mm gap.

[0188] If desired, the pressing force can be measured using a universal testing machine from ZwickRoell: Zwick 010, Load cell Xforce K, nominal force 10kN, test speed 0.25mm / s.

[0189] The sample to be tested (a packaging device containing a lubricant composition and dental material) is placed vertically in the sample holder of the universal testing machine, with the front outlet facing downwards. A bolt to which the testing machine's load cell is attached is applied to the top of the syringe plunger to extrude the dental material from the dispensing device under ambient conditions (23°C). The applied force is recorded during this process.

[0190] The complete disclosures of patents, patent documents, and publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, as if each were incorporated individually. Various modifications and changes to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The above specification, examples, and data provide a description of the manufacture and use of the compositions and methods of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that many alternative embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. The system includes a coating device (20), and the coating device (20) is A section (30) having an inner surface (31), A piston assembly (40) is movably disposed within the compartment (30), The piston assembly is A piston body (41), a sealing portion A (42) located at the front end of the piston body, the sealing portion A (42) having one or more gaps (43), a sealing portion B (44) spaced apart from the sealing portion A, The device includes a piston assembly (40) containing a collection reservoir (45) suitable for collecting a lubricant composition during the dispensing of dental materials, and a dispensing section (50) located at the distal end of the compartment, A lubricant composition (60) located on the inner surface of the compartment, A dental material (70) located in contact with the lubricating composition within the aforementioned compartment A dental article (10) comprising the above.

2. The aforementioned dental article is The system includes a coating device (20), and the coating device (20) is A tubular compartment (30), The aforementioned compartments include an inner surface (31), a proximal end (32), a distal end (33), and an inner diameter D Ｃ (34), and axial length L Ｃ (37) has a tubular compartment (30), The piston assembly (40) is movably disposed within the tubular compartment, The piston assembly is Diameter D ＰＢ A cylindrical piston body (41) having (46), Optionally, a piston rod (80) connected to or attachable to the piston body, The sealing portion A (42) is located at the front end of the piston body (41), Width W in the direction of the inner surface (31) of the section ＳＡ A sealing portion A (42) having one or more gaps (43) having (43a), wherein the gaps (43) are preferably arranged in a circular shape, A sealing portion B (44) spaced apart from the sealing portion A (42), A sealing portion B is a sealing portion that contacts the inner surface (31) of the compartment, Preferably, a ventilation opening located in the direction of the distal end (33) of the compartment, with a diameter D ＶＯ A ventilation opening having, A collection reservoir (45) suitable for collecting a lubricant composition during the dispensing of dental materials, which is accessible through one or more gaps (43) of the sealing portion A (42), and has a volume V ＣＲ A collection reservoir (45) having, The tubular compartment (30) has a distribution section (80) located at the distal end (33), A lubricant composition (60), Volume V ＬＣ A lubricant composition (60) having and located on the inner surface (31) of the tubular compartment (30), Dental material (70), A dental material (70) containing polymerizable components and positioned in contact with the lubricant composition (60) within the compartment (30), Equipped with, The dental article satisfies formula D Ｃ > D ＰＢ and in particular the dental article (10) according to claim 1.

3. The dental article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the collection reservoir (45) is located in the hollow region of the piston body (41).

4. A dental article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a piston rod (80) connected to the piston body (41), wherein the piston rod (80) has a hollow region communicating with the collection reservoir (45).

5. The dental article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least a portion of the collection reservoir (45) is located in the region between the sealing portion A (42) and the sealing portion B (44).

6. The dental article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more gaps (43) have a shape selected from a circumferential slit, a gear rim, or an intermittent gap sealing portion.

7. The dental article according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the dispensing section (50) is tapered and / or includes a dispensing nozzle.

8. The dental article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the piston assembly (40) is provided with a pin (49) at the distal end.

9. The dental article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lubricating composition (60) comprises a polymerizable component.

10. The dental article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the dental material (70) includes an initiator system for curing polymerizable components.

11. The dental article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the dental material (70) is a dental restorative material.

12. The following formulas apply individually or in combination: a)L Ｃ / D Ｃ >5 b)D Ｃ / W ＳＡ >50 A dental article according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized by the above.

13. A method for manufacturing a dental article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, To provide a coating apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, Applying a layer of the lubricant composition (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 to the inner surface (31) of the coating device (20), The dental material (70) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is placed in the compartment (30) in contact with the lubricant composition (60), A method comprising inserting a piston assembly (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 into the compartment (30).

14. A method for distributing a dental material (70) from a dental article (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, This includes applying an extruding force to the dental material (70) located at the proximal end of the section (30) of the dental article, A method wherein the extrusion force is in the range of 5 N to 150 N.

15. In addition, a kit of parts comprising the dental article (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the following items, individually or in combination: a dental hardening light, a dental etching solution, a dental primer, a dental adhesive, and a dental cement.

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