Orthodontic appliances and floor spacing adjusters

Abstract

To provide a base interval adjusting device capable of further efficiently applying force required for orthodontics with respect to a tooth row, and a base correction device comprising the same.SOLUTION: A base interval adjusting device 50 comprises: a first fixing member 60; a second fixing member 70; and an interval adjusting mechanism 80 for adjusting an interval between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70. The interval adjusting mechanism 80 has: a spring 88 serving as an energization member 82 for energizing the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 in directions where they separate; and a movable region regulation member 86 for regulating a movable region. The interval adjusting mechanism 80 is configured such that the first fixing member 60 has a first energization member insertion part 64, the second fixing member 70 has a second energization member insertion part 74, and the spring 88 can be replaced with one comprising a long natural length according to expansion of an interval between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dental plate correction device used in orthodontic treatment, and a dental plate spacing adjuster used in the dental plate correction device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, orthodontics has used interdental expanders such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. The interdental expander in Patent Document 1 is equipped with two pressure-transmitting nuts, which are threadedly engaged with an actuation screw. This interdental expander also includes a pair of guide rods arranged in parallel via the screws. A collar-shaped stopper is integrally formed at each end of the pair of guide rods. The nuts are also provided with recesses that open to the outer surface, and the stoppers engage with shoulders of the recesses, so that the nuts protrude axially outward from both ends of the guide rods by an amount equal to the depth of the recesses. The inner surfaces of the recesses are lined with plastic.

[0003] In the prior art, for example, a pair of base members made of dental resin or the like, with an interdental expander like the one described above embedded in them, is provided as a device to be worn in the oral cavity in orthodontic treatment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 58-185149 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When the above-mentioned conventional interdental expanders and the like are used in orthodontics, there is a problem in that it is difficult to adjust the force applied to the dentition to an appropriate level for orthodontic treatment. Specifically, although the conventional interdental expanders can adjust the distance between a pair of base members by rotating a screw, this adjustment must be made before the device is placed in the oral cavity. Therefore, the conventional interdental expander can only widen the distance between the pair of base members to the extent that it can be placed in the oral cavity, which makes it difficult to optimize the force applied to the dentition.

[0006] Therefore, as a result of extensive research, the inventors have investigated a spacing adjustment mechanism for adjusting the spacing between a first fixing member fixed to a first base member constituting one of the base members and a second base member constituting the other of the base members, which includes a biasing member that exerts a biasing force in a direction in which the first fixing member and the second fixing member move apart, and a range-of-motion restricting member that restricts the range of motion of the first fixing member and the second fixing member in the direction in which they move apart. As a result, the inventors have found that the problems observed in the above-mentioned interdental widening devices and the like of the prior art can be resolved. However, in order to further improve orthodontic capabilities, further improvements are needed so that force can be applied to the dentition more effectively.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a dental spacing adjustment device that can more effectively apply the force required for orthodontic treatment to the dentition, and a dental spacing adjustment device equipped with the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present inventors have studied a bed spacing adjustment device configured to utilize the biasing force exerted by the biasing member as described above, and have come to the realization that when a spring is used as the biasing member, the biasing force becomes smaller when the distance between the first and second fixing members is widened than when the distance between them is narrow. Therefore, they have come to the realization that it would be desirable to be able to exert a biasing force sufficient for orthodontic treatment even when the distance between the first and second fixing members is widened, just as when the distance between them is narrow.

[0009] (1) The bed spacing adjustment device of the present invention, which is provided based on such findings, is a bed spacing adjustment device that is detachably attached to the oral cavity for orthodontic treatment, and is used to adjust the spacing between a first bed member that is one of a plurality of bed members that are arranged inside the oral cavity with respect to the dentition, and a second bed member that is the other of the plurality of bed members, and has a first fixing member fixed to the first bed member, a second fixing member fixed to the second bed member, and a spacing adjustment mechanism that can adjust the spacing between the first fixing member and the second fixing member, and the spacing adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the spacing between the first fixing member and the second fixing member. The device has a biasing member that exerts a biasing force in the direction in which the members move apart, and a range of motion restricting member that restricts the range of motion of the first fixed member and the second fixed member in the direction in which they move apart, and the spacing adjustment mechanism has a spring that forms the biasing member, the first fixed member has a first biasing member insertion portion through which a first end of the spring is inserted, and the second fixed member has a second biasing member insertion portion through which a second end of the spring is inserted, and the spring can be changed to one with a longer natural length as the spacing between the first fixed member and the second fixed member is expanded.

[0010] The bed spacing adjusting device of the present invention is capable of changing the spring to one with a longer natural length in accordance with the expansion of the distance between the first fixing member and the second fixing member. Therefore, with the bed spacing adjusting device of the present invention, even when the distance between the first fixing member and the second fixing member is expanded, a large biasing force can be applied to the dentition via the first fixing member and the second fixing member, just as when the distance between them is narrow. Therefore, according to the present invention, the force required for orthodontic treatment can be applied to the dentition more effectively, and the effect of orthodontic treatment can be further improved.

[0011] Here, in order for the dental prosthesis device to fully exhibit its orthodontic function, it is desirable to further optimize the shape of the above-mentioned dental prosthesis spacing adjusting device. After extensive research, the inventors have found that, in order to fully exhibit its orthodontic function, it is desirable to have a shape that applies force to the gum side (alveolar bone side) rather than to the tip side (tooth tip side) of the teeth. They have also found that it is preferable to optimize the shape of the dental prosthesis spacing adjusting device so that the dental prosthesis material can be made as thin as possible. Furthermore, considering the position of the tongue in the oral cavity, it has been found that it is preferable to optimize the shape of the dental prosthesis spacing adjusting device so that it can be placed nearer the oral cavity than toward the back.

[0012] (2) Based on this knowledge, it is preferable that the above-mentioned floor spacing adjustment device of the present invention has at least one of the outer surfaces of the first fixing member and the second fixing member, the end of the bottom surface facing the gum side when the floor correction device is attached, the end of the top surface facing the tooth tip side, the boundary between the side surface facing laterally and the bottom surface, and the boundary between the side surface and the top surface, be chamfered.

[0013] According to this configuration, the shape of the dental spacing adjusting device can be optimized so that the dental spacing adjusting device can fully perform its orthodontic function. Specifically, by chamfering the end of the bottom surface of the dental spacing adjusting device that faces the gums when the dental spacing adjusting device is attached, it is possible to position the dental spacing adjusting device as close to the gums (alveolar bone) as possible in the oral cavity and expect force to be applied on the gums (alveolar bone). Furthermore, by chamfering the end of the top surface of the dental spacing adjusting device that faces the tooth tips, it is possible to optimize the shape so that the dental spacing adjusting device can be made as thin as possible. Furthermore, by chamfering the boundary between the side surface and the bottom surface facing to the side and the boundary between the side surface and the top surface of the dental spacing adjusting device, it is possible to reduce the width (length in the left-right direction) required to place the dental spacing adjusting device in the oral cavity and optimize the shape so that the dental spacing adjusting device can be placed nearer to the front of the oral cavity rather than nearer to the back.

[0014] (3) The above-described bed spacing adjustment device of the present invention has a support member that supports the spring, and the support member has a cylindrical body or a shaft into which the spring can be inserted or inserted, and can be inserted into the first biasing member insertion portion and the second biasing member insertion portion together with the spring, and it is preferable that the length of the support member can be extended in stages or continuously in accordance with the expansion of the distance between the first fixing member and the second fixing member.

[0015] With this configuration, the spring can be firmly supported even if the gap between the first fixing member and the second fixing member increases, thereby providing a floor gap adjustment device that can be used stably without problems such as rattle.

[0016] (4) In the bed spacing adjustment device of the present invention described above, the chamfered shape may be shaped to conform to the opening shapes of the first urging member insertion portion and the second urging member insertion portion.

[0017] According to this configuration, the thickness of the first fixing member and the second fixing member can be minimized in the portion where the chamfered shape is formed, thereby making it possible to make the floor spacing adjustment device more compact.

[0018] As described above, the inventors of the present invention have conducted extensive research and have found that, in order for a dental prosthesis device to fully exhibit its orthodontic function, it is desirable to design the dental prosthesis spacing adjustment device so that it applies force to the gum side (alveolar bone side) rather than to the tip side (tooth tip side) of the teeth. Specifically, if the biasing force generated by the dental prosthesis spacing adjustment device acts on the tooth tip side, there is a concern that the inclination of the teeth may change. In contrast, if the biasing force generated by the dental prosthesis spacing adjustment device can be applied to the gum side (alveolar bone side), there is a higher possibility that the dental prosthesis spacing can be widened without changing the inclination of the teeth.

[0019] (5) The bed spacing adjustment device of the present invention, provided based on such findings, is a bed correction device that is detachably attached to the oral cavity for orthodontic treatment, and is used to adjust the spacing between a first bed member, which is one of multiple bed members placed inside the oral cavity relative to the tooth row, and a second bed member, which is the other of the multiple bed members. The bed spacing adjustment device has a first fixing member fixed to the first bed member, a second fixing member fixed to the second bed member, and a spacing adjustment mechanism that makes it possible to adjust the spacing between the first fixing member and the second fixing member. The spacing adjustment mechanism has a biasing member that exerts a biasing force in the direction in which the first fixing member and the second fixing member move apart, and a range of motion restriction member that restricts the range of motion in the direction in which the first fixing member and the second fixing member move apart. The bed spacing adjustment device is characterized in that the bottom edges of the outer surfaces of the first fixing member and the second fixing member that face the gums when the bed correction device is attached are chamfered.

[0020] With a dental spacing adjusting device of this configuration, it is expected that the dental brace can be positioned as close to the gums (alveolar bone side) as possible in the oral cavity, and that force can be applied on the gums (alveolar bone side). If the biasing force generated by the dental spacing adjusting device can be applied to the gums (alveolar bone side), it is more likely that the interdental space can be widened without changing the inclination of the teeth. Therefore, if the dental spacing adjusting device of the present invention is used in a dental brace, an external force can be applied to the dentition so that the interdental space is suitable for orthodontic treatment, while minimizing changes in the inclination of the teeth.

[0021] Here, as described above, the inventors have conducted extensive research and have found that in order to make the base members of a dental plate correction device as thin as possible, it is preferable to optimize the shape of the dental plate spacing adjustment device. Specifically, if the thickness of the dental plate correction device is too thick, it may not feel comfortable to wear and may have a negative effect on the position of the tongue in the oral cavity, which may ultimately reduce the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment by half. In order to dispel such concerns, the inventors have conducted extensive research and have found that it is preferable to reduce the thickness of the dental plate correction device by optimizing the shape of the dental plate spacing adjustment device.

[0022] (6) The bed spacing adjustment device of the present invention, provided based on such findings, is a bed correction device that is detachably attached to the oral cavity for orthodontic treatment, and is used to adjust the spacing between a first bed member, which is one of a plurality of bed members arranged inside the oral cavity relative to the tooth row, and a second bed member, which is the other of the plurality of bed members. The bed spacing adjustment device has a first fixing member fixed to the first bed member, a second fixing member fixed to the second bed member, and a spacing adjustment mechanism that makes it possible to adjust the spacing between the first fixing member and the second fixing member. The spacing adjustment mechanism has a biasing member that exerts a biasing force in the direction in which the first fixing member and the second fixing member move apart, and a range of motion restricting member that restricts the range of motion of the first fixing member and the second fixing member in the direction in which they move apart. The first fixing member and the second fixing member have chamfered edges on the top surfaces of their outer surfaces that face the tooth tips when the bed correction device is attached.

[0023] With a bed spacing adjusting device of this configuration, the thickness of the dental correction device can be minimized. That is, in the bed spacing adjusting device of the present invention, the outer surfaces of the first fixing member and the second fixing member have chamfered edges on the top surfaces that face the tooth tips when the dental correction device is attached. Because of this configuration, for example, when the first fixing member and the second fixing member are fixed to the first fixing member and the second fixing member by embedding them in the first fixing member and the second fixing member, the surface facing the inside of the oral cavity (the surface facing the tooth tips) can be made more compact by the volume reduced by the chamfered shape. This makes it possible to provide an optimal bed spacing adjusting device that minimizes the thickness of the dental correction device, provides a comfortable fit, and can be used without adversely affecting the position of the tongue in the oral cavity, etc.

[0024] As described above, the inventors conducted extensive research and found that, taking into consideration the position of the tongue in the oral cavity when the dental implant is fitted, it is desirable to optimise the shape of the dental implant spacing adjustment device so that it can be placed at the front of the oral cavity rather than the back.

[0025] (7) The bed spacing adjustment device of the present invention, provided based on such findings, is a bed correction device that is detachably attached to the oral cavity for orthodontic treatment, and is used to adjust the spacing between a first bed member, which is one of multiple bed members placed inside the oral cavity relative to the tooth row, and a second bed member, which is the other of the multiple bed members. The bed spacing adjustment device has a first fixing member fixed to the first bed member, a second fixing member fixed to the second bed member, and a spacing adjustment mechanism that makes it possible to adjust the spacing between the first fixing member and the second fixing member. The spacing adjustment mechanism has a biasing member that exerts a biasing force in the direction in which the first fixing member and the second fixing member move apart, and a range of motion restricting member that restricts the range of motion in the direction in which the first fixing member and the second fixing member move apart. The bed spacing adjustment device is characterized in that, of the outer surfaces of the first fixing member and the second fixing member, either or both of the boundary portion between the side surface facing laterally and the bottom surface facing the gums when the bed correction device is attached and the boundary portion between the side surface and the top surface facing the tooth tips are chamfered.

[0026] As in the bed spacing adjusting device of the present invention, by chamfering the boundary between the side surface facing to the side and the bottom surface and the boundary between the side surface and the top surface of the first fixing member and the second fixing member, the width (length in the left-right direction) required to place the bed spacing adjusting device in the oral cavity can be reduced. This makes it possible to provide a bed spacing adjusting device with an optimized shape so that the bed spacing adjusting device can be placed at the front side rather than the back side of the oral cavity.

[0027] (8) In the bed spacing adjustment device of the present invention described above, the range of motion restricting member may have a connector provided across the first fixed member and the second fixed member, and a positioning member, the first fixed member having a first connector insertion portion through which a first end of the connector is inserted slidably in the axial direction, the second fixed member having a second connector insertion portion through which a second end of the connector is inserted slidably in the axial direction, and the positioning member may position the connector inserted through the first connector insertion portion and the second connector insertion portion relative to the first fixed member and the second fixed member in the axial direction in a stepwise or stepless manner.

[0028] In the bed spacing adjusting device of the present invention, the distance between the first and second fixing members can be adjusted in an axial direction in a stepwise or stepless manner by positioning the connecting body relative to the first and second fixing members using the positioning member. Therefore, the bed spacing adjusting device of the present invention can contribute to the provision of a bed spacing adjusting device that can be used with the distance between the first and second fixing members set to an optimum state for orthodontic treatment.

[0029] (9) The dental prosthesis device of the present invention is a device that can be attached and detached freely in the oral cavity for orthodontic treatment, and comprises a plurality of dental prostheses that are positioned inside the oral cavity relative to the tooth row, and a dental prosthesis spacing adjustment device that adjusts the spacing between the first and second dental prostheses that make up the plurality of dental prostheses, wherein the dental prosthesis spacing adjustment device is the one according to the present invention described above.

[0030] With this configuration, it is possible to provide a dental plate correction device that can more effectively apply the force required for orthodontic treatment to the dentition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a dental spacing adjustment device that can more effectively apply the force required for orthodontic treatment to the dentition, and a dental spacing adjustment device equipped with the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] Photographs showing the state in which a dental plaster cast correction device according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to the dental arch, (a) showing the state in which it is attached to the upper jaw, and (b) showing the state in which it is attached to the lower jaw. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view showing a bed spacing adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the disassembled state of the floor correction device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the AA section of the flat head correction device of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the first fixing member and the second fixing member as viewed from the inner surface side. [Figure 6] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the disassembled state of the first fixing member, the second fixing member, the support member and the biasing member in the dental floor correction device of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the disassembled state of the first fixing member, the second fixing member, the connecting body, and the positioning member in the dental floor correction device of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a first state in a usage mode of the bed spacing adjustment device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a second state in the manner of use of the bed spacing adjustment device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a third state in the manner of use of the bed spacing adjustment device. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a fourth state in the manner of use of the bed spacing adjustment device. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a fifth state in the manner of use of the bed spacing adjustment device. [Figure 13]FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a sixth state in the manner of use of the bed spacing adjustment device. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a seventh state in the manner of use of the bed spacing adjustment device. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an eighth state in the manner of use of the bed spacing adjustment device. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a ninth state in the manner of use of the bed spacing adjustment device. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which a bed spacing adjustment device according to a comparative example is installed on the upper jaw. [Figure 18] 1 is a plan view showing a state in which a bed spacing adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on the upper jaw. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a state in which a bed spacing adjustment device according to a comparative example is installed on the upper jaw. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a state in which a bed distance adjusting device according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on the upper jaw. [Figure 21] This is a photograph showing the state when the dental floor correction device according to the comparative example is attached to the lower jaw, as viewed from the top side. [Figure 22] 1 is a photograph showing a state in which a floor correction device according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a lower jaw, as viewed from the top side. [Figure 23] This is a photograph showing the state when the dental floor correction device according to the comparative example is attached to the lower jaw, as viewed from the front. [Figure 24] 1 is a photograph showing a state in which a floor correction device according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a lower jaw, as viewed from the front side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, a floor correction device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention and a floor spacing adjustment device 50 used therein will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the configurations of the floor correction device 10 and the floor spacing adjustment device 50 will be described first, and then their usage will be described.

[0034] <Configuration of the bed correction device 10 and the bed spacing adjustment device 50> The dental prosthesis device 10 is removably attached to the oral cavity for orthodontic treatment. There are two types of dental prosthesis devices 10: one for use on the upper jaw as shown in Fig. 1(a) and one for use on the lower jaw as shown in Fig. 1(b). Whether the dental prosthesis device 10 is used on the upper or lower jaw, it includes a dental prosthesis member 20, clasps 30, a dental prosthesis spacing adjustment device 50, etc.

[0035] The base member 20 is a member that is placed inside the dental arch in the oral cavity. The base member 20 is formed from, for example, a resin such as dental resin, or a metal. The base member 20 is composed of multiple parts. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the base member 20 is composed of two parts: a first base member 22 and a second base member 24.

[0036] The clasps 30 are provided to maintain the dental plate correction device 10 attached to the dental arch. The clasps 30 are fixed by being embedded in the dental plate member 20, and are formed to engage with the molars, canines, central incisors, lateral incisors, etc. that make up the dental arch.

[0037] The bed spacing adjustment device 50 is a device for adjusting the spacing between the first bed member 22 and the second bed member 24 that make up the above-mentioned bed member 20. As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the bed spacing adjustment device 50 is made up of members such as a first fixing member 60, a second fixing member 70, and a spacing adjustment mechanism 80. The bed spacing adjustment device 50 is made so that the spacing between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70, which are a pair of parts with substantially the same configuration, can be adjusted by the spacing adjustment mechanism 80. Almost all of the parts that make up the bed spacing adjustment device 50 are made of metal.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the first fixing member 60 is a member that is embedded and fixed to the first bed member 22. The first fixing member 60 is a flat metal member. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the first fixing member 60 has a top surface 60a, a bottom surface 60b, an outer surface 60c, an inner surface 60d, a front surface 60e, and a back surface 60f. The first fixing member 60 has a thickness corresponding to the distance between the top surface 60a and the bottom surface 60b, a width corresponding to the distance between the outer surface 60c and the inner surface 60d, and a depth corresponding to the distance between the front surface 60e and the back surface 60f. The size of the first fixing member 60 can be set appropriately depending on the size of the bed correction device 10,

[0039] The first fixing member 60 is fixed to the first bed member 22 in a position where the top surface 60a faces the tooth tips and the bottom surface 60b faces the gums when the patient is wearing the dental correction device 10. In addition, the first fixing member 60 is fixed to the first bed member 22 in a position where the outer surface 60c faces outward in the left-right direction (width direction) when the dental correction device 10 is worn and the inner surface 60d faces inward in the left-right direction. In addition, the first fixing member 60 is fixed to the first bed member 22 in a position where the front surface 60e faces the near side in the depth direction and the back surface 60f faces the far side when the dental correction device 10 is worn.

[0040] The first fixing member 60 has a first connector insertion portion 62 and first biasing member insertion portions 64, 64. The first connector insertion portion 62 is a portion through which one end side (first end portion) of a connector 90 constituting a movable range limiting member 86, which will be described in detail later, is inserted so as to be slidable in the axial direction. The first biasing member insertion portion 64 is a portion through which one end side (first end portion) of a spring 88 and a support member 84, which function as biasing members in a distance adjustment mechanism 80, which will be described in detail later, are inserted.

[0041] The first connector insertion portion 62 and the first biasing member insertion portions 64, 64 are holes that open toward the inner surface 60d of the first fixing member 60 and extend from the inner surface 60d toward the outer surface 60c. The first connector insertion portion 62 and the first biasing member insertion portions 64, 64 may each penetrate toward the outer surface 60c, but neither of them penetrates toward the outer surface 60c. The first connector insertion portion 62 has a substantially circular opening centered at approximately the center in the depth direction (approximately the center between the front surface 60e and the back surface 60f) and approximately the center in the thickness direction (approximately the center between the top surface 60a and the bottom surface 60b). The first biasing member insertion portions 64, 64 are located adjacent to one side and the other side in the depth direction (the front side 60e and the back side 60f) of the first connecting body insertion portion 62, respectively, and have an approximately circular opening centered at a position corresponding to approximately the center in the thickness direction.

[0042] The first fixing member 60 has chamfered portions at the ends of the top surface 60a, the bottom surface 60b, and the outer surface 60c. Specifically, the first fixing member 60 has chamfered portions 60g, 60h at the boundary between the top surface 60a and the front surface 60e and at the boundary between the top surface 60a and the back surface 60f. The first fixing member 60 also has chamfered portions 60i, 60j at the boundary between the bottom surface 60b and the front surface 60e and at the boundary between the bottom surface 60b and the back surface 60f. The first fixing member 60 also has chamfered portions 60k, 60l at the boundary between the outer surface 60c and the top surface 60a and at the boundary between the outer surface 60c and the bottom surface 60b. The chamfered portions 60g, 60h, 60i, and 60j are curved to fit the opening shapes of the first connector insertion portion 62 and the first biasing member insertion portions 64. This minimizes the thickness of the first fixing member 60.

[0043] A communication hole 60m is provided on the top surface 60a of the first fixing member 60. The communication hole 60m has an oval opening shape that extends in the width direction along the first connector insertion portion 62. The communication hole 60m is in communication with the first connector insertion portion 62.

[0044] The second fixing member 70 is a member that is embedded and fixed to the second floor member 24. The second fixing member 70 has a shape that is plane-symmetrical to the first fixing member 60 described above, and the configuration of each part is substantially the same as that of the first fixing member 60. Below, the configuration of the second fixing member 70 will be described, while simplifying the explanation of parts that have the same configuration as the first fixing member 60.

[0045] The second fixing member 70 is a flat metal member similar to the first fixing member 60. The second fixing member 70 has a top surface 70a, a bottom surface 70b, an outer surface 70c, an inner surface 70d, a front surface 70e, and a rear surface 70f. The top surface 70a, the bottom surface 70b, the outer surface 70c, the inner surface 70d, the front surface 70e, and the rear surface 70f have the same configurations as the top surface 60a, the bottom surface 60b, the outer surface 60c, the inner surface 60d, the front surface 60e, and the rear surface 60f of the first fixing member 60, respectively. The size (thickness, width, depth) of the second fixing member 70 is approximately the same as that of the first fixing member 60.

[0046] The second fixing member 70, like the first fixing member 60, is oriented such that when the patient wears the dental plate correction device 10, the top surface 70a faces the tooth tip side, the bottom surface 70b faces the gum side, the outer surface 70c faces outward in the left-right direction (width direction), the inner surface 70d faces inward in the left-right direction, the front surface 70e faces the near side in the depth direction, and the back surface 70f faces the far side, and is fixed to the second fixing member 24. The second fixing member 70 is disposed so that the inner surface 70d and the inner surface 60d of the first fixing member 60 are substantially opposite to each other.

[0047] The second fixing member 70 has a second connecting body insertion portion 72 and second biasing member insertion portions 74, 74. The second connecting body insertion portion 72 and the second biasing member insertion portions 74, 74 correspond to the first connecting body insertion portion 62 and the first biasing member insertion portions 64, 64 of the first fixing member 60 described above. The second connecting body insertion portion 72 is a portion through which the other end side (second end portion) of a connecting body 90 constituting a movable range limiting member 86, which will be described in detail later, is inserted so as to be slidable in the axial direction. The second biasing member insertion portion 74 is a portion through which one end side (second end portion) of a spring 88 and a support member 84, which function as biasing members in a distance adjustment mechanism 80, which will be described in detail later, are inserted.

[0048] The second connector insertion portion 72 and the second biasing member insertion portions 74, 74 are positioned and configured in the same manner as the first connector insertion portion 62 and the first biasing member insertion portions 64, 64 of the above-described first fixing member 60. That is, the second connector insertion portion 72 and the second biasing member insertion portions 74, 74 are holes that open toward the inner surface 70d of the second fixing member 70 and are formed to extend from the inner surface 70d toward the outer surface 70c.

[0049] Similar to the first fixing member 60, the second fixing member 70 has chamfered portions at the ends of the top surface 70a, the bottom surface 70b, and the outer surface 70c. Specifically, the second fixing member 70 has chamfered portions 70g, 70h, 70i, 70j, 70k, and 70l at the boundary between the top surface 70a and the front surface 70e, the boundary between the top surface 70a and the back surface 70f, the boundary between the bottom surface 70b and the front surface 70e, the boundary between the bottom surface 70b and the back surface 70f, the boundary between the outer surface 70c and the top surface 70a, and the boundary between the outer surface 70c and the bottom surface 70b. The chamfered portions 70g, 70h, 70i, and 70j are curved to fit the opening shapes of the second connector insertion portion 72 and the second biasing member insertion portions 74. This minimizes the thickness of the second fixing member 70.

[0050] A communication hole 70m is provided on the top surface 70a of the second fixing member 70. The communication hole 70m has an oval opening shape that extends in the width direction along the first connector insertion portion 62. The communication hole 70m also communicates with the second connector insertion portion 72.

[0051] The gap adjustment mechanism 80 is a mechanism that makes it possible to adjust the gap between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70. The gap adjustment mechanism 80 has a biasing member 82, a support member 84, a movable range restriction member 86, and the like.

[0052] The biasing member 82 exerts a biasing force in a direction in which the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 move apart. The biasing member 82 may be any member capable of exerting a biasing force. For example, as in the present embodiment, a spring 88 (coil spring) is preferably used. In the present embodiment, two biasing members 82 are used. That is, one end (first end) of each biasing member 82 is inserted into the first biasing member insertion portions 64, 64 of the first fixing member 60, and the other end (second end) is inserted into the second biasing member insertion portions 74, 74 of the second fixing member 70. Therefore, the biasing member 82 can exert a biasing force in a direction in which the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 move apart. Furthermore, the biasing member 82 is replaceable as needed. Therefore, for example, the biasing member 82 can be replaced with one having a longer natural length in response to an increase in the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70.

[0053] The support member 84 is a member for supporting the biasing member 82 (spring 88) in a state in which it is inserted into the first biasing member insertion portions 64, 64 and the second biasing member insertion portions 74, 74. The support member 84 can be, for example, a cylindrical body or a shaft body into which the spring 88 can be inserted or inserted. In the present embodiment, a cylindrical body into which the spring 88 can be inserted is used as the support member 84. The support member 84 is inserted into the first biasing member insertion portions 64, 64 and the second biasing member insertion portions 74, 74 together with the spring 88 in a state in which the spring 88 is inserted. Like the biasing member 82, the support member 84 is also replaceable as appropriate. Therefore, for example, the support member 84 can be replaced with a longer one that matches the length of the biasing member 82 in response to an increase in the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70, etc.

[0054] The range of motion restriction member 86 is for restricting the range of motion in the direction in which the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 move apart. The range of motion restriction member 86 has a connecting body 90, a positioning member 92, and the like.

[0055] The connector 90 is a long member that spans the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70. The connector 90 may be in any shape, such as a square bar or a plate, but in this embodiment, a round bar is used. One end of the connector 90 is inserted into the first connector insertion portion 62 provided on the first fixing member 60, and the other end is inserted into the second connector insertion portion 72 of the second fixing member 70. Therefore, by sliding the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 along the connector 90, the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 can be adjusted as needed.

[0056] The connecting body 90 is provided with a plurality of positioning member mounting portions 94. The positioning member mounting portions 94 are portions to which the positioning members 92 are attached. In this embodiment, the positioning member mounting portions 94 are configured as holes. A plurality of positioning member mounting portions 94 are provided at predetermined intervals on both the left and right sides of the connecting body 90, with the approximate center in the axial direction as the boundary. In this embodiment, three positioning member mounting portions 94 are provided on each side of the connecting body 90, with the approximate center in the axial direction as the boundary, so that the centers of adjacent holes are spaced approximately 2 mm apart. The connecting body 90 is oriented such that the positioning member mounting portions 94 are visible from oval communicating holes 60m, 70m provided in the top surfaces 60a, 70a of the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70, and are inserted into the first connecting body insertion portion 62 and the second connecting body insertion portion 72.

[0057] The positioning member 92 is used to axially position the connecting body 90, which is inserted through the first connecting body insertion portion 62 and the second connecting body insertion portion 72, relative to the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70. The positioning member 92 can be configured to fix the connecting body 90 to the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 in a stepwise or non-stepwise manner, but in this embodiment, it is configured to fix the connecting body 90 in a stepwise manner. Specifically, the positioning member 92 can be a pin, screw, bolt, or the like that can be engaged with a hole that forms a positioning member attachment portion 94 provided in the connecting body 90. In this embodiment, the positioning member 92 is configured as a screw.

[0058] The range of motion restricting member 86 can restrict the range of motion in the direction in which the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 move apart by inserting a positioning member 92 through the communication holes 60m, 70m of the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 and engaging the positioning member 92 with the positioning member mounting portion 94 of the connecting body 90. The size of the range of motion can be adjusted in multiple stages depending on to which of the multiple positioning member mounting portions 94 provided on the connecting body 90 the positioning member 92 is mounted.

[0059] Here, in the bed spacing adjustment device 50, as described above, the biasing member 82 (spring 88) is biased in a direction that increases the distance between the first fixed member 60 and the second fixed member 70. Therefore, the bed spacing adjustment device 50 can regulate the distance between the first fixed member 60 and the second fixed member 70 by limiting the range of motion with the range of motion restricting member 86.

[0060] <Regarding the usage of the bed correction device 10 and the bed spacing adjustment device 50> Next, we will explain how to use the dental plate correction device 10 and the dental plate spacing adjustment device 50. The dental plate correction device 10 is used by fitting it into the oral cavity so that the first dental plate member 22 and the second dental plate member 24 abut against the dental arch from the inside, while the spacing between the first dental plate member 22 and the second dental plate member 24 is adjusted by the dental plate spacing adjustment device 50.

[0061] As described above, the adjustment of the distance between the first bed member 22 and the second bed member 24 in the bed spacing adjustment device 50 can be performed using the range of motion restricting member 86. Specifically, the bed spacing adjustment device 50 can adjust the distance between the first bed member 22 and the second bed member 24 by engaging the positioning member 92 with a positioning member mounting portion 94 provided at any one of the multiple positioning member mounting portions 94 provided on the connecting body 90. Therefore, when using the bed correction device 10 and the bed spacing adjustment device 50, the position of the positioning member mounting portion 94 with which the positioning member 92 engages is changed according to the progress of orthodontic treatment, and the distance between the first bed member 22 and the second bed member 24 is gradually expanded.

[0062] Furthermore, when the distance between the first and second base members 22 and 24 is changed to a predetermined value or greater, the biasing member 82 (spring 88) and support member 84 constituting the distance adjustment mechanism 80 are replaced with longer ones. In this embodiment, a spring 88 with a short natural length (hereinafter also referred to as a "short spring 88a") and a spring 88 with a natural length longer than that of the short spring 88a (hereinafter also referred to as a "long spring 88b") are used as the biasing member 82. Similarly to the short spring 88a and the long spring 88b, a short support member 84 (hereinafter also referred to as a "short support member 84a") and a long support member 84 (hereinafter also referred to as a "long support member 84b") are also used. By doing so, even when the distance between the first and second base members 22 and 24 is expanded, a large external force can be applied to the dentition, just as when the distance between the first and second base members 22 and 24 is small.

[0063] Hereinafter, the usage modes of the bed correction device 10 and the bed spacing adjustment device 50 will be described for each stage of the spacing expansion between the first bed member 22 and the second bed member 24. In the following description, among the six positioning member mounting parts 94 formed on the connecting body 90, they may be distinguished and described as positioning member mounting parts 94a, 94b, 94c, 94d, 94e, and 94f, in order from the one closest to the first fixing member 60. In addition, in Figures 8 to 16 used in the following description, only the bed spacing adjustment device 50 is shown, and other members (bed members 20, clasps 30, etc.) constituting the bed correction device 10 are not shown.

[0064] First, as shown in Fig. 8, in the production stage of the bed correction device 10, a short support member 84a and a short spring 88a are incorporated as components of the bed spacing adjustment device 50 as the support member 84 and the spring 88. Also, at this stage, a positioning member 92 is inserted through a communication hole 60m provided in the top surface 60a of the first fixing member 60, and attached to the positioning member attachment portion 94c of the connecting body 90. Also, a positioning member 92 is inserted through a communication hole 70m provided in the top surface 70a of the second fixing member 70, and attached to the positioning member attachment portions 94d, 94e of the connecting body 90. As a result, the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 (the distance between the first bed member 22 and the second bed member 24) is set to a minimum value (for example, approximately 1 mm).

[0065] When orthodontic treatment using the dental plate correction device 10 is started, the positioning member 92 attached to the positioning member attachment portion 94d is removed from the state shown in FIG. 8, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 9. As a result, the range of expansion (movement range) of the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 is expanded by the biasing force of the short spring 88a from the minimum position where the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 is increased by the distance between the centers of the positioning member attachment portions 94d and 94e. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 can be expanded to approximately 3 mm. Therefore, when the dental plate correction device 10 is attached to the oral cavity for orthodontic treatment in this state, an external force can be applied to the dentition abutting the first dental plate member 22 and the second dental plate member 24 in a direction to widen the gap between the teeth due to the biasing force exerted by the short spring 88a.

[0066] If the dental plate correction device 10 is continuously worn in the state shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 will eventually expand to approximately 3 mm, as shown in FIG. 10, even when the dental plate correction device 10 is worn in the oral cavity. In this state, the external force acting on the dentition abutting the first and second fixing members 22 and 24 will weaken, resulting in a decline in orthodontic function. Therefore, when this state occurs, the positioning member 92 attached to the positioning member attachment portion 94c is replaced with the positioning member attachment portion 94b. This results in the state shown in FIG. 11. By achieving the state shown in FIG. 11, the range of expansion (movement range) of the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 is expanded by the biasing force of the short spring 88a by the distance between the centers of the positioning member attachment portions 94b and 94c, compared to the state shown in FIG. 10. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 can be expanded to approximately 5 mm. Therefore, by attaching the dental plate correction device 10 to the oral cavity for orthodontic treatment in this state, an external force can be applied to the teeth abutting the first and second dental plate members 22 and 24 in a direction that further widens the gap between the teeth.

[0067] If the dental plate correction device 10 is continuously worn in the state shown in FIG. 11, the gap between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 will eventually expand to approximately 5 mm, as shown in FIG. 12, even when the dental plate correction device 10 is worn in the oral cavity. In this state, the external force acting on the dentition abutting the first and second fixing members 22 and 24 will weaken, resulting in a decline in orthodontic function. Furthermore, in the state shown in FIG. 12, the short spring 88a is extended to nearly its natural length. Therefore, even if the positioning member 92 attached to the positioning member attachment portion 94e is replaced with the positioning member attachment portion 94f, the biasing force of the short spring 88a will be too small to apply a sufficiently large external force to the dentition. Furthermore, the short spring 88a will protrude axially outward beyond the short support member 84a, which may cause rattling or other problems.

[0068] Therefore, when the dental plate spacing adjustment device 50 is in the state shown in FIG. 12, the short spring 88a and the short support member 84a are replaced with long springs 88b and long support members 84b, as shown in FIG. 13. Also, the positioning member 92 attached to the positioning member attachment portion 94e is replaced with the positioning member attachment portion 94f. As a result, compared to the state shown in FIG. 12, the range of expansion (movement range) of the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 is increased by the biasing force of the long spring 88b by the distance between the centers of the positioning member attachment portions 94e and 94f. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 can be expanded to approximately 7 mm. Therefore, by attaching the dental plate correction device 10 to the oral cavity for orthodontic treatment in this state, an external force can be applied to the dentition abutting the first fixing member 22 and the second fixing member 24 in a direction further widening the interdental space.

[0069] If the dental plate correction device 10 is continuously worn in the state shown in FIG. 13, the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 will eventually expand to approximately 7 mm, as shown in FIG. 14, even when the dental plate correction device 10 is worn in the oral cavity. In this state, the external force acting on the dentition abutting the first and second fixing members 22 and 24 will weaken, resulting in a decline in orthodontic function. Therefore, when this state occurs, the positioning member 92 attached to the positioning member attachment portion 94b is replaced with the positioning member attachment portion 94a. This results in the state shown in FIG. 15. By achieving the state shown in FIG. 15, the range of expansion (movement range) of the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 is expanded by the biasing force of the long spring 88b by the distance between the centers of the positioning member attachment portions 94a and 94b, compared to the state shown in FIG. 14. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 can be expanded to approximately 9 mm. Therefore, by attaching the dental plate correction device 10 to the oral cavity for orthodontic treatment in this state, an external force can be applied to the teeth abutting the first and second dental plate members 22 and 24 in a direction that further widens the gap between the teeth.

[0070] If the dental plate correction device 10 is continuously worn in the state shown in Figure 15, the gap between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 will eventually expand to approximately 9 mm even when the dental plate correction device 10 is worn in the oral cavity, as shown in Figure 16. When this state is reached, the alignment of the teeth will be corrected, and orthodontic treatment will be complete.

[0071] As described above, the bed spacing adjusting device 50 of this embodiment is capable of changing the spring 88 to one with a longer natural length in accordance with the expansion of the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70. Therefore, with the bed spacing adjusting device 50 of this embodiment, even when the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 is expanded, a large biasing force can be applied to the dentition via the first bed member 22 and the second bed member 24, just as when the distance between them is narrow. Therefore, with the bed spacing adjusting device 50 of this embodiment and the bed correction device 10 using it, the force required for orthodontic treatment can be applied to the dentition more effectively, further improving the effect of orthodontic treatment.

[0072] As described above, in the dental plate spacing adjusting device 50 of this embodiment, of the outer surfaces of the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70, the ends of the bottom surfaces 60b, 70b facing the gums when the dental plate correction device 10 is attached, the ends of the top surfaces 60a, 70a facing the tooth tips, the boundary between the outer surface 60c, 70c facing laterally and the bottom surfaces 60b, 70b, and the boundary between the outer surface 60c, 70c and the top surfaces 60a, 70a are all chamfered. Due to this configuration, the dental plate correction device 10 can fully demonstrate its orthodontic function.

[0073] Specifically, in the bed spacing adjusting device 50, by chamfering the ends of the bottom surfaces 60b, 70b of the bed correction device 10, the bed correction device 10 can be positioned as close to the gums (alveolar bone) as possible in the oral cavity. This makes it possible to apply force on the gums (alveolar bone) side, and high orthodontic performance can be expected. Furthermore, since the ends of the top surfaces 60a, 70a of the bed spacing adjusting device 50 are chamfered, the bed member 20 can be made as thin as possible. Furthermore, the bed spacing adjusting device 50 has chamfered boundaries between the outer surfaces 60c, 70c and the bottom surfaces 60b, 70b, and between the outer surfaces 60c, 70c and the top surfaces 60a, 70a. This reduces the width (length in the left-right direction) required to position the bed spacing adjusting device 50 in the oral cavity, and the bed spacing adjusting device 50 can be positioned closer to the front of the oral cavity than to the back.

[0074] In this embodiment, the edges of the bottom surfaces 60b, 70b, the edges of the top surfaces 60a, 70a, the boundary between the outer side surfaces 60c, 70c and the bottom surfaces 60b, 70b, and the boundary between the outer side surfaces 60c, 70c and the top surfaces 60a, 70a are all chamfered, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the floor spacing adjustment device 50 may not have a chamfered shape in part or in whole, as in this embodiment. Furthermore, the chamfered shape shown in this embodiment is a so-called R-chamfered shape, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may have a so-called C-chamfered shape or similar.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chamfered portions are curved to fit the opening shapes of the first biasing member insertion portion 64 and the second biasing member insertion portion 74. By configuring in this manner, the thickness of the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 can be minimized in the portions where the chamfered shapes are formed, thereby making it possible to make the bed spacing adjustment device 50 more compact. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the shape of the chamfered portions may be completely different from the opening shapes of the first biasing member insertion portion 64 and the second biasing member insertion portion 74.

[0076] Moreover, the bed spacing adjustment device 50 of the present embodiment described above includes a support member 84 that supports the spring 88, and the support member 84 is configured as a cylinder into which the spring 88 can be inserted. The support member 84 can be inserted into the first biasing member insertion portion 64 and the second biasing member insertion portion 74 together with the spring 88. Furthermore, the length of the support member 84 can be changed by changing from the short support member 84a to the long support member 84b in accordance with the expansion of the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70. In this way, by making the length of the support member 84 changeable, it is possible to provide a bed spacing adjustment device 50 and a bed correction device 10 in which the spring 88 and the like do not rattle even when the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 is expanded.

[0077] Although the present embodiment illustrates an example in which the support member 84 is formed of a cylindrical body into which the spring 88 can be inserted, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the support member 84 may be, for example, a cylindrical body or a shaft into which the spring 88 can be inserted. Furthermore, the present embodiment illustrates an example in which two support members 84 of different lengths, the short support member 84a and the long support member 84b, are prepared and are interchangeable as needed, thereby enabling the length of the support member 84 to be changed in stages, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of support members 84 of different lengths may be provided, allowing the length of the support member 84 to be changed in multiple stages, or the length of the support member 84 may be changed continuously.

[0078] Furthermore, the bed spacing adjustment device 50 of the present embodiment described above is equipped with a range of motion restriction member 86, which allows the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 to be adjusted in stages. Therefore, the bed spacing adjustment device 50 of the present embodiment can contribute to providing a dental plate correction device 10 that can be used with the distance between the first fixing member 22 and the second fixing member 24 set to an optimum state for orthodontics. Note that, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the distance between the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 can be adjusted in stages by the range of motion restriction member 86, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 may be adjustable in a stepless manner. [Example]

[0079] Below, an example of the above-mentioned bed spacing adjustment device 50 and a bed spacing adjustment device 100 according to a comparative example will be described. The bed spacing adjustment device 100 according to the comparative example has most of the same configuration as the above-mentioned bed spacing adjustment device 50, but differs in that it does not have the chamfered portions 60g, 60h, 60i, 60j, 60k, 60l, 60m of the first fixing member 60 or the chamfered portions 70g, 70h, 70i, 70j, 70k, 70l, 70m of the second fixing member 70, and has an angular shape. In the following description, in the bed spacing correction device 100, the part corresponding to the first fixing member 60 of the bed spacing correction device 50 will be referred to as the first fixing member 160, and the part corresponding to the second fixing member 70 will be referred to as the second fixing member 170.

[0080] Figures 17 and 19 are photographs showing the state in which the floor correction device 100 according to the comparative example is attached to the upper jaw as viewed from the top and back sides, respectively, and Figures 21 and 23 are photographs showing the state in which the floor correction device 100 according to the comparative example is attached to the lower jaw as viewed from the top and front sides, respectively. Meanwhile, Figures 18 and 20 are photographs showing the state in which the floor correction device 50 according to the above embodiment is attached to the upper jaw as viewed from the top and back sides, respectively, and Figures 22 and 24 are photographs showing the state in which the floor correction device 50 according to the above embodiment is attached to the lower jaw as viewed from the top and front sides, respectively.

[0081] First, we will consider the case where the dental floor correction device 50, 100 is placed on the upper jaw as shown in Figures 17 and 19. As can be seen by comparing Figures 19 and 20, the dental floor correction device 100 according to the comparative example has a first fixing member 160 and a second fixing member 170 with an angular shape, and therefore, when it is placed in the oral cavity, it cannot be placed in a position close to the oral cavity wall. In other words, when the dental floor correction device 100 is placed horizontally as shown in Figure 19, a large gap is formed between the surface of the oral cavity wall (mucosa) and the dental floor correction device 100. Therefore, when the dental floor correction device 100 is used, the thickness of the dental floor correction device 100 is inevitably increased.

[0082] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 20, when the dental floor correction device 50 according to the above embodiment is used, each part of the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70 is chamfered. Therefore, the dental floor correction device 50 can be placed in a position close to the intraoral wall. In other words, even if the dental floor correction device 100 is placed horizontally as shown in Fig. 20, the gap formed between the surface of the intraoral wall (mucosa) and the dental floor correction device 50 can be minimized. Therefore, when the dental floor correction device 50 is used, the dental floor correction device can be made thinner than when the dental floor correction device 100 is used.

[0083] Next, we will consider the case where the dental prosthesis 50, 100 is placed on the mandible, as shown in Figures 21 and 22. The differences between the dental prosthesis 50, 100 described above were the same when placed on the mandible as when placed on the maxilla. Specifically, as shown in Figure 23, when the dental prosthesis 100 according to the comparative example is used on the mandible, the first fixing member 160 and the second fixing member 170 cannot be placed close to the oral cavity wall due to their angular shape. This results in a large gap being formed between the surface of the oral cavity wall (mucosa) and the dental prosthesis 100, which inevitably increases the thickness of the dental prosthesis.

[0084] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 24, the dental floor correction device 50 has chamfered portions on the first fixing member 60 and the second fixing member 70, so that it can be placed in close proximity to the oral cavity wall, minimizing the gap formed between the surface of the oral cavity wall (mucosa) and the dental floor correction device 50. Therefore, when the dental floor correction device 50 is used, the dental floor correction device can be made thinner than when the dental floor correction device 100 is used, even when used on the lower jaw. [Industrial Applicability]

[0085] The dental plate correction device and dental plate spacing adjustment device of the present invention can be suitably used in all devices used in orthodontics. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10: Floor straightening device 20: Floor material 22:First floor member 24: Second floor member 50: Floor spacing adjustment device 60: First fixing member 60a: Top 60b: Bottom 60c: Outer surface 62: First connector insertion portion 64: First biasing member insertion portion 70: Second fixing member 70a: Top 70b: Bottom 70c: Outer surface 72: Second connector insertion part 74: Second biasing member insertion portion 80: Spacing adjustment mechanism 82: biasing member 84: Support member 86: Range of motion restriction member 88: Spring 90: Concatenation 92:Positioning member

Claims

1. In a dental orthodontic appliance that is detachably attached to the oral cavity for orthodontic treatment, a dental space adjustment device is provided for adjusting the space between a first dental space member that is one of a plurality of dental space members arranged inside the oral cavity with respect to the dental arch, and a second dental space member that is the other of the plurality of dental space members, a first fixing member fixed to the first floor member; a second fixing member fixed to the second floor member; a gap adjustment mechanism that adjusts the gap between the first fixing member and the second fixing member, The gap adjustment mechanism is a biasing member that exerts a biasing force in a direction in which the first fixing member and the second fixing member move away from each other; a range of motion restriction member that restricts a range of motion in a direction in which the first fixing member and the second fixing member move away from each other, A bed spacing adjustment device characterized in that the spacing adjustment mechanism has a spring that constitutes the urging member, the first fixing member has a first urging member insertion portion through which a first end of the spring is inserted, and the second fixing member has a second urging member insertion portion through which a second end of the spring is inserted, and of the outer surfaces of the first fixing member and the second fixing member, either or both of the boundary portion between the side surface facing laterally and the bottom surface facing the gum side when the bed correction device is attached and the boundary portion between the side surface and the top surface facing the tooth tip side are chamfered in a shape that follows the opening shape of the first urging member insertion portion and the second urging member insertion portion, and this chamfered shape makes it possible to place the bed spacing adjustment device on the front side of the oral cavity by limiting the width required for placing the bed correction device in the oral cavity.

2. The movable range restricting member is a connector provided across the first fixing member and the second fixing member; a positioning member; The first fixing member is a first connector insertion portion through which a first end of the connector is inserted slidably in the axial direction; The second fixing member is a second connector insertion portion through which the second end of the connector is inserted slidably in the axial direction; The floor spacing adjustment device described in claim 1, characterized in that the positioning member positions the connector inserted into the first connector insertion portion and the second connector insertion portion in the axial direction relative to the first fixing member and the second fixing member in a stepwise or stepless manner.

3. A dental orthodontic appliance that can be detachably attached to the oral cavity for orthodontic treatment, a plurality of base members to be placed inside the oral cavity with respect to the row of teeth; a floor spacing adjustment device that adjusts the spacing between the first floor member and the second floor member that constitute the plurality of floor members, 3. A dental floor correction device, wherein the dental floor spacing adjustment device is one according to claim 1 or 2.

Images