Hand tool for separating dental appliances spanning the jaws, deep drawn in thermoforming film

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hand tool (1) for separating deep-drawn, cross-jaw dental appliances, such as thermoformed film aligners or bite splints, characterized in that the hand tool (1) comprises a grip (2) for holding, a separating element (3) for thermally separating the deep-drawn thermoformed film and improving the separated deep-drawn thermoformed film, heating means adapted to regulate the heating of the separating element (3) so as to substantially raise the temperature of the thermoformed film to at least its glass temperature, and power supply means for supplying power to the heating means.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hand tool for separating deep drawn, jaw-spanning dental appliances, such as thermoformed film aligners or bite splints. The present invention also relates to a method of using the hand tool. [Background technology]

[0002] Spanning dental appliances made from polymethylmethacrylate or similar materials, such as aligners or bite splints for the treatment of bruxism, are exposed to considerable chewing loads during their use. Therefore, they are still manufactured using the deep-drawing process of thermoformed films, despite modern production methods such as 3D printing. A relatively complex post-processing after deep-drawing of the thermoformed films is the manual cutting and trimming of the deep-drawn thermoformed films with milling, grinding and / or polishing tools. Manual cutting and trimming of the deep-drawn thermoformed films is done, for example, with rotary instruments operated by a motorized handpiece. The resulting sharp edges must be smoothed in a time-consuming process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the problems of the prior art and to provide a hand tool for separating deep drawn, cross-jaw dental appliances, such as thermoformed film aligners or bite splints.

[0004] This object is achieved through a hand tool according to claim 1. The subject matter of the dependent claims relates to further embodiments and developments.

[0005] The present invention provides a hand tool for separating deep drawn, inter-jaw dental appliances, such as thermoformed film aligners or bite splints, comprising a grip for holding, a separating element for thermally separating and improving the separated deep drawn thermoformed film, heating means adapted to regulate heating of the separating element to substantially raise the temperature of the thermoformed film to at least its glass temperature, and power supply means for supplying power to the heating means.

[0006] The main advantageous effect of the present invention is that by heating the thermoformed film substantially to at least its glass temperature, the separation and refinement can be performed in a single step, whereby the number of work steps can be reduced, a fast and smooth separation process can be achieved, and the overall process can be simplified. Another main advantageous effect of the present invention is that through the adjustment of the temperature of the thermoformed film substantially to its glass temperature, separation of the thermoformed film is possible without its decomposition and unnecessary melting, and therefore the risk of damaging the aligner or bite splint can be prevented or reduced as much as possible.

[0007] According to the invention, the temperature regulation may be performed through a closed or open loop. According to the invention, the heating means regulates the heating of the separating element such that the temperature of the thermoforming film never reaches the decomposition temperature of the thermoforming film and remains well below the decomposition temperature of the thermoforming film, preferably substantially at or slightly above the glass temperature of the thermoforming film. Thus, in one embodiment, a temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the thermoforming film in the vicinity of the separating element. The heating means regulates the heating of the separating element based on the sensed temperature. Alternatively, to remove the need to use a temperature sensor, a thermodynamic model may be applied to the heating means. Thus, the heating means may regulate the heating of the separating element based on a thermodynamic model that takes into account the temperature drop between the separating element and the thermoforming film in its vicinity. The thermodynamic model may be based on empirical data.

[0008] Deep-drawn, jaw-spanning dental appliances, such as aligners or bite splints, are usually made from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Thus, in one embodiment, the heating means is further adapted to regulate the heating of the separation element to substantially increase the temperature of the thermoformed film to at least 105° C., which corresponds to the glass temperature of polymethylmethacrylate. However, alternatively, different types of thermoformed films may be used. Thus, alternatively, the user may be able to selectively set the heating means depending on the type of thermoformed film to be separated.

[0009] According to the invention, the separation element may be provided with different forms that mechanically improve the separation process. In alternative embodiments, the separation element is preferably provided in the form of a knife, chisel, spike or needle, protruding from the front part of the grip.

[0010] According to the invention, the hand tool may be provided with suction means for extracting fumes generated during the separation of the deep-drawn thermoformed film. The suction means may be fully integrated into the portable hand tool. Thus, in one embodiment, the suction means is preferably fully portable and fully integrated into the grip. In this embodiment, the suction means comprises a conduit arranged in the vicinity of the separation element, a filter arranged in said conduit, and a fan adapted to extract fumes generated during the separation of the deep-drawn thermoformed film to the conduit towards the filter. Furthermore, the power supply means is further adapted to supply power to the fan. The filter preferably comprises activated carbon. Alternatively, the suction means may be partially integrated into the hand tool. Thus, in one alternative embodiment, the suction means comprises a conduit arranged in the vicinity of the separation element and a hose connected to the conduit for conveying fumes generated during the separation of the deep-drawn thermoformed film to an external extractor, which is preferably removably connectable to the other end of the hose. Alternatively, the hose may be connected to the external extractor in a fixed manner. The hose is preferably removably connectable to the conduit at the rear of the grip. Alternatively, the hose may be connected to the grip in a fixed manner. The external extractor has a filter and a fan.

[0011] According to the invention, the hand tool may be provided with illumination for the purpose of visual / navigation guidance, improved vision and / or user guidance. Thus, in one embodiment, the hand tool further comprises an illumination means. The power supply means is further adapted to supply power to the illumination means. In one version of this embodiment, the illumination means comprises a laser pointer arranged in the vicinity of the separation element and adapted to provide visual guidance to the user when moving the separation element. In a further version of this embodiment, the illumination means comprises one or more light sources adapted to illuminate at least the tip of the separation element to provide improved vision to the user. In a further version of this embodiment, the illumination means comprises one or more light sources with one or more different colors. Furthermore, the illumination means is adapted to indicate the temperature of the separation element through selecting a corresponding color to provide user guidance. For example, a green color may be used to indicate that during adjustment, the temperature has reached a target level for the separation process. Furthermore, a red color may be used to indicate that during adjustment, the temperature has not yet reached a target level for the separation process, and thus the user needs to wait for the green light to be turned on.

[0012] According to the invention, the power supply means may be battery powered and / or connectable to a power source via a fixed or detachable cable.

[0013] In one embodiment, the power supply means is preferably connectable to a power source via an electric cable. The power supply means preferably has a socket on the grip. Furthermore, the socket can receive a plug of the electric cable that is connectable to a power source. Alternatively, the cable may be connected to the grip in a fixed manner. In one embodiment, the power supply means is preferably operable by one or more batteries, preferably rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, the grip has a battery holder for receiving one or more batteries. In one version of this embodiment, the power supply means preferably has a charging unit that is connectable to a power source for recharging the batteries. The charging unit is preferably provided in the form of a separate portable station that receives the hand tool. Alternatively, the charging unit may be integrated in the grip and connectable to a power source via an electric cable.

[0014] The present invention also provides a method of using a hand tool, comprising at least the steps of deep drawing a thermoformed film using a model to produce a jaw spanning dental appliance such as an aligner or bite splint, and separating and refining the deep drawn thermoformed film by moving a heated separating element along a separating contour while supported or clamped by the model and over the thermoformed film or model.

[0015] In the following description, further aspects and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments and by making reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic partial view of a hand tool according to one embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The reference numbers shown in the drawings indicate the elements listed below and will be referenced in the subsequent description of the exemplary embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0018] 1 Hand Tools 2 Grip 3 Separation elements 4 Suction means 4a conduit 5 Lighting means 5a Laser pointer 6 Hose

[0019] 1 shows one embodiment of a hand tool (1) for separating deep-drawn, inter-jaw dental appliances, such as thermoformed film aligners or bite splints. The hand tool (1) comprises a grip (2) for holding, a separating element (3) for thermally separating and improving the separated deep-drawn thermoformed film, heating means adapted to regulate the heating of the separating element (3) to substantially raise the temperature of the thermoformed film to at least its glass temperature, and power supply means for supplying power to the heating means.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the hand tool (1) comprises a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the thermoformed film in the vicinity of the separation element (3), and the heating means is further adapted to adjust the heating of the separation element (3) based on the sensed temperature.

[0021] In a further alternative embodiment, a thermodynamic model is applied to the heating means to remove the need to use temperature sensors. The thermodynamic model therefore takes into account the temperature drop between the separating element and its nearby thermoformed film. The thermodynamic model is based on empirical data.

[0022] Deep drawn, jaw spanning dental appliances such as aligners or bite splints are usually made from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Thus, in a further embodiment, the heating means is further adapted to regulate the heating of the separating element (3) to substantially increase the temperature of the thermoformed film to at least 105° C., which corresponds to the glass temperature of polymethylmethacrylate.

[0023] In a further alternative embodiment, the heating means is adjustable depending on the type of thermoformed film other than PMMA that is to be separated. In an alternative version of this embodiment, a user may selectively set the heating means depending on the type of thermoformed film that is to be separated.

[0024] In a further alternative embodiment, the separation element (3) is preferably provided in the form of a knife, chisel, spike or needle protruding from the front of the grip (2).

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the hand tool (1) comprises suction means (4) comprising a conduit (4a) arranged in the vicinity of the separating element (3) and a hose (6) connected to the conduit (4a) for conveying fumes generated during separation of the deep drawn thermoformed film to an external extractor, preferably removably connectable to the hose (6).

[0026] In a further alternative embodiment, the hose (6) is connected in a fixed manner to the external extractor.

[0027] In yet another embodiment, the hose (6) is removably connectable to the conduit (4a) at the rear of the grip (2).

[0028] In a further alternative embodiment, the hose (6) is fixed to the grip (2).

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the suction means (4) are fully integrated in the grip (2). In this alternative embodiment, the suction means (4) comprise a conduit (4a) arranged in the vicinity of the separating element (3), a filter arranged in the conduit (4a) and a fan adapted to draw fumes generated during the separation of the deep-drawn thermoformed film towards the filter and into the conduit (4a). Furthermore, the power supply means are further adapted to supply power to the fan. The filter preferably comprises activated carbon.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the hand tool (1) further comprises a lighting means (5). The power supply means is further adapted to supply power to the lighting means (5).

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting means (5) comprises a laser pointer (5a) arranged in the vicinity of the separation element (3) and adapted to provide visual guidance to a user when moving the separation element (3).

[0032] In a further embodiment, the lighting means (5) comprises one or more light sources adapted to illuminate at least the tip of the separation element (3).

[0033] In a further embodiment, the lighting means (5) comprises one or more light sources with one or more different colors. Furthermore, the lighting means (5) is adapted to indicate the temperature of the separation element (3) through selecting a corresponding color. For example, the color green may be used to indicate that during adjustment, the temperature has reached a target level for the separation process. Furthermore, the color red may be used to indicate that during adjustment, the temperature has not yet reached a target level for the separation process, and therefore the user needs to wait for the green light to be switched on.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the power supply means is operable via one or more rechargeable batteries.Furthermore, the grip (2) has a battery holder for receiving a rechargeable battery.

[0035] In a further embodiment the power supply means comprises a charging unit connectable to a power source for recharging the battery.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the power supply means is connectable to a power source via an electrical cable.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the electrical cable is disposed within the hose (6).

[0038] In a further embodiment, the power supply means comprises a socket on the grip (2), which furthermore is capable of receiving a plug of an electric cable which is connectable to a power source.

[0039] The invention also provides a method of using the hand tool (1), comprising at least the steps of deep drawing a thermoformed film using a model to produce a jaw-spanning dental appliance such as an aligner or bite splint, and separating and refining the deep-drawn thermoformed film by moving a heated separating element (3) along a separating contour while supported or clamped by the model and over the thermoformed film or model. The following is a summary of the claims originally filed in this application. [1] A hand tool (1) for separating deep-drawn, cross-jaw dental appliances, such as thermoformed film aligners or bite splints, comprising: a grip (2) for holding; a separating element (3) for thermally separating the deep-drawn thermoformed film and improving the separated deep-drawn thermoformed film; heating means adapted to regulate the heating of the separating element (3) so as to substantially raise the temperature of the thermoformed film to at least its glass temperature; power supply means for supplying power to the heating means; A hand tool (1) comprising: [2] The hand tool (1) of [1], further comprising a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the thermoforming film in the vicinity of the separation element (3), characterized in that the heating means is further adapted to adjust the heating of the separation element (3) based on the sensed temperature. [3] The heating means is further adapted to regulate the heating of the separating element (3) to substantially increase the temperature of the thermoformed film to at least 105°C, which corresponds to the glass temperature of polymethyl methacrylate. The hand tool (1) according to [1] or [2], [4] The separating element (3) is provided in the form of a knife, chisel, spike or needle protruding from the front of the grip (2). A hand tool (1) according to any one of [1] to [3], [5] The hand tool (1) according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising suction means (4) comprising a conduit (4a) arranged in the vicinity of the separation element (3), a filter arranged in the conduit (4a) and a fan adapted to draw fumes generated during the separation of the deep drawn thermoformed film towards the filter and into the conduit (4a), characterized in that the suction means (4) is integrated into the grip (2) and the power supply means is further adapted to supply power to the fan. [6] The hand tool (1) according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising suction means (4) comprising a conduit (4a) arranged in the vicinity of the separating element (3) and a hose (6) connected to the conduit (4a) for conveying fumes generated during the separating of the deep drawn thermoformed film to an external extractor removably connectable to or connected to the hose (6). [7] The hand tool (1) described in [6], wherein the hose (6) is removably connectable to the conduit (4a) at the rear of the grip (2). [8] The hand tool (1) according to any one of [1] to [7], further comprising a lighting means (5), characterized in that the power supply means is further adapted to supply power to the lighting means (5). [9] The hand tool (1) of [8], characterized in that the lighting means (5) comprises a laser pointer (5a) arranged in the vicinity of the separation element (3) and adapted to provide visual guidance to a user when moving the separation element (3).

[10] The hand tool (1) according to [8] or [9], characterized in that the lighting means (5) has one or more light sources adapted to illuminate at least the tip of the separation element (3).

[11] The hand tool (1) according to any one of [8] to

[10] , characterized in that the lighting means (5) has one or more light sources having one or more different colours, the lighting means (5) being adapted to indicate the temperature of the separation element (3) through selecting a corresponding colour.

[12] The power supply means is operable by one or more rechargeable batteries, and the grip (2) has a battery holder for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries. A hand tool (1) according to any one of [1] to

[11] ,

[13] The power supply means comprises a charging unit connectable to a power source for recharging the battery. The hand tool (1) described in

[12] .

[14] The power supply means is connectable to the power source via an electrical cable. A hand tool (1) according to any one of [1] to

[13] ,

[15] The power supply means has a socket on the grip (2), the socket being capable of receiving a plug of an electric cable connectable to the power source. The hand tool (1) described in

[14] .

[16] A method for using the hand tool (1) according to any one of [1] to

[15] , comprising: deep drawing a thermoformable film using the model to produce a jaw-spanning dental device such as an aligner or bite splint; Separating and refining the deep-drawn thermoformed film by moving the heated separation element (3) along a separation contour on the thermoformed film or on the model while supported or clamped by the model. 23. A method comprising:

Claims

1. A hand tool (1) for separating deep-drawn, cross-jaw dental appliances, such as thermoformed film aligners or bite splints, comprising: A grip (2) for holding; a separating element (3) for thermally separating the deep-drawn thermoformed film and improving the separated deep-drawn thermoformed film; heating means adapted to regulate the heating of the separating element (3) so as to substantially raise the temperature of the thermoformed film to at least its glass temperature; power supply means for supplying power to the heating means; A hand tool (1), comprising:

2. 2. The hand tool (1) of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the thermoforming film in the vicinity of the separation element (3), characterized in that the heating means is further adapted to adjust the heating of the separation element (3) based on the sensed temperature.

3. The heating means is further adapted to regulate the heating of the separating element (3) so as to substantially increase the temperature of the thermoformed film to at least 105° C., which corresponds to the glass temperature of polymethyl methacrylate. A hand tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that

4. The separating element (3) is provided in the form of a knife, chisel, spike or needle protruding from the front of the grip (2). A hand tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that

5. 5. The hand tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising suction means (4) comprising a conduit (4a) arranged in the vicinity of the separation element (3), a filter arranged in the conduit (4a) and a fan adapted to draw fumes generated during the separation of the deep-drawn thermoformed film towards the filter and into the conduit (4a), characterized in that the suction means (4) are integrated in the grip (2) and the power supply means are further adapted to supply power to the fan.

6. 5. The hand tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising suction means (4) comprising a conduit (4a) arranged in the vicinity of the separating element (3) and a hose (6) connected to said conduit (4a) for conveying fumes generated during the separating of the deep drawn thermoformed film to an external extractor removably connectable to or connected to the hose (6).

7. 7. The hand tool (1) according to claim 6, wherein the hose (6) is removably connectable to the conduit (4a) at the rear of the grip (2).

8. 8. The hand tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lighting means (5), characterised in that the power supply means is further adapted to supply power to the lighting means (5).

9. 9. The hand tool (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the lighting means (5) comprises a laser pointer (5a) arranged in the vicinity of the separation element (3) and adapted to provide visual guidance to a user when moving the separation element (3).

10. 10. Hand tool (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the lighting means (5) comprises one or more light sources adapted to illuminate at least the tip of the separation element (3).

11. A hand tool (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the lighting means (5) has one or more light sources with one or more different colours, the lighting means (5) being adapted to indicate the temperature of the separation element (3) through selecting a corresponding colour.

12. The power supply means is operable by one or more rechargeable batteries, and the grip (2) has a battery holder for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries. A hand tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it

13. The power supply means comprises a charging unit connectable to a power source for recharging the battery. A hand tool (1) according to claim 12, characterised in that

14. The power supply means is connectable to the power source via an electrical cable. A hand tool (1) according to claim 13, characterised in that

15. The power supply means comprises a socket on the grip (2), said socket being capable of receiving a plug of an electric cable which can be connected to the power source. A hand tool (1) according to claim 14, characterised in that

16. A method of using a hand tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising the steps of: deep drawing a thermoformable film using the model to produce a jaw-spanning dental device such as an aligner or bite splint; Separating and refining the deep-drawn thermoformed film by moving the heated separation element (3) along a separation contour on the thermoformed film or on the model, while supported or clamped by the model.

23. A method comprising:

Images