Jaw position correction device with facial improvement function

Abstract

A jaw position correction device including a lateral tooth row arrangement unit, a first pressing force generating unit, a second pressing force generating unit, and a resultant force transmitting unit; (1) When worn, the lateral dental row placement section is positioned along the palate side of the maxillary dental row in the region corresponding in length to the canine tooth through the second premolar in the right and left maxillary dental row of the wearer (patient), (2) The first pressing force generating unit includes a pressing force transmitting unit and a pressing force source in the vicinity of the hard palate, and is connected to the right and left lateral tooth row arrangement units, (3) The second pressing force generating portion exists at the connection portion between the right and left lateral tooth row arrangement portion and the right and left first pressing force transmitting portion, and generates a force that tends to widen the angle formed by the connection portion toward the rear as the second pressing force, (4) The resultant force transmission part includes a bending redundant part connected to the distal end of the lateral tooth row arrangement part, and an attachment fixing part connected to the bending redundant part and having the function of fixing to the maxillary molar, (5) A jaw position correction device capable of transmitting the resultant force of the first and second pressing forces to the maxillary molars via the attachment and fixing part; It has been found that by using this method, early contact with cusp interference is generated in the maxillary molars, and as a result, the patient's jaw position is reset to a relaxed state, the facial appearance is improved, and maxillary protrusion can be alleviated.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a jaw position correction device used in orthodontic treatment. [Background technology]

[0002] The three major dental diseases are dental caries (tooth decay), periodontal disease, and malocclusion. Orthodontic treatment aims to treat malocclusion. Malocclusion is when the teeth are misaligned or the bite is poor. Orthodontic treatment aims to correct the alignment of the teeth and bite by slowly moving the teeth using orthodontic appliances and applying force to the cervical or coronal areas of the teeth.

[0003] <General orthodontic treatment> Current common orthodontic treatments that do not require surgery are as follows: 1. Initial examination and counseling: We will evaluate your teeth alignment and bite, and discuss the need for and method of treatment. 2. Detailed Examination: Dental impressions and x-rays are taken to examine the specific condition of your teeth and jaws in detail, which will provide information for the development of a treatment plan. 3. Developing a treatment plan: Based on the results of the examination in step 2, a plan for how to proceed with orthodontics is created. The goals and duration of treatment, the devices to be used, and whether or not tooth extraction is necessary are determined. 4. Consideration and fitting of appliances: After selecting and designing the appliances (brackets, wires, transparent mouthpieces, etc.), they are fitted to the patient, which gradually moves the teeth (start of dynamic treatment). 5. Regular adjustments: The appliances are adjusted at regular intervals to move the teeth by replacing wires and adjusting brackets. 6. Daily care: We will provide instructions on brushing and flossing during orthodontic treatment to keep the oral cavity and appliances clean. 7. Completion of dynamic treatment and retention: When the goal is reached and the teeth are aligned, dynamic treatment is completed. After that, a retainer is used to stabilize the position of the teeth, and occlusion is monitored and managed along with regular oral hygiene care.

[0004] Currently, the Japanese Orthodontic Society, a public interest incorporated association, has published online its "Guidelines for Standard Treatment in Orthodontic Treatment" (Non-Patent Document 1), and has also published online guidelines regarding "maxillary protrusion," which is particularly relevant to the present invention (Non-Patent Document 2).

[0005] Orthodontic treatment is performed in accordance with steps 4-7 above. In the maxillary dentition, during the dynamic treatment period described in steps 4-6 above, the following procedures are generally performed: (1) leveling, (2) distalization of canines, (3) retraction of incisors, and (4) final finishing. This is followed by the long-term retention treatment described in step 7 above.

[0006] <Approach to temporomandibular joint disorders> As mentioned in point 1 above, when undergoing orthodontic treatment, a consultation is conducted, during which a check is made for temporomandibular joint disorder. In many cases, temporomandibular joint disorder is the responsibility of oral surgeons, and if temporomandibular joint treatment is necessary, the patient will undergo the prescribed treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder at the oral surgeon, i.e., splint treatment, manual treatment, surgical treatment (operation), etc. Orthodontic treatment is usually performed after these treatments are completed.

[0007] <Prior art> The orthodontic device of Patent Document 1 is an orthodontic device that includes a first extension wire and a second extension wire that contact the proximal and distal portions, and a palatal arch wire that contacts the palate. It is an orthodontic device that corrects the external shape of the palate of the patient (recipient) by applying orthodontic forces to the buccal, labial, and lateral directions to the dentoalveolar complex (DAC) of the patient (recipient), i.e., a force that expands the entire dental arch from the inside to the outside, and is an orthodontic device used in the leveling stage of the above treatment procedure (1).

[0008] The orthodontic device of Patent Document 2 is an orthodontic device characterized in that a first member, which is placed along the inner side of the teeth or dentition and is used solely to apply an orthodontic force to the teeth or dentition, and a second member, which is used to hold, attach or reinforce the first member, are integrally constructed from the same material. The orthodontic device of Patent Document 2 is preferably made of a superelastic shape memory alloy such as a Ni-Ti alloy, and is mostly plate-shaped (cross section may be a rounded rectangle, semi-cylindrical, etc.), but it is disclosed that the thickness may vary in some parts, or that some parts (such as the second member) may be shaped to cover the top of the teeth.

[0009] The orthodontic device of Patent Document 3 is an orthodontic device that includes an arch wire that is attached to the outside of the dental arch, and an expander that is attached to the arch wire to apply orthodontic force to the teeth. The expander is characterized by having a biasing body that has a larger radius of curvature than the dental arch and that applies a biasing force outward toward the dental arch when engaged with the arch wire at each rear end of the lateral dentition, an arm section that extends in a tangential direction on the mesial side from the end of the biasing body and applies a second biasing force when its tip end is engaged with the arch wire at the front end side of the lateral dentition, a first attachment section that engages at the rear end position, and a second attachment section that engages at the front end position of the arm section. This orthodontic device is for laterally expanding the lateral dentition.

[0010] The dental retainer in Patent Document 4 is disclosed as a dental retainer that can relieve pressure on the perioral muscles that can lead to relapse after orthodontic treatment, can save on material costs, is more comfortable to wear due to the reduced amount of synthetic resin, and is aesthetically pleasing due to the minimal exposure of the metal support portion. Patent Document 4 discloses an embodiment that includes a reinforcing wire that includes an omega-shaped loop for adjustment by expanding and contracting laterally.

[0011] The orthodontic devices and dental retainers disclosed in these prior art documents are all dental appliances used as part of orthodontic treatment, and there is no disclosure or suggestion of their use for the purpose of correcting jaw position. In other words, the problems faced by these prior art and the present invention are fundamentally different, and the means for improving jaw position (described below) of the present invention are neither disclosed nor suggested in these documents. Patent Documents 1 and 2 will be discussed separately below. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-526340 (WO2013 / 040144) [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-299367 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-42963 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-38520 [Non-patent literature]

[0013] [Non-Patent Document 1] Japanese Society of Orthodontics Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, "Guidelines for Standard Treatment in Orthodontic Treatment," [online], September 12, 2022, Japanese Society of Orthodontics, [Retrieved August 31, 2023], Internet<URL : https: / / www.jos.gr.jp / asset / public2022_0912.pdf> [Non-patent document 2] Japanese Society of Orthodontics Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, "Orthodontic Clinical Practice Guidelines: Maxillary Prognathism Edition," [online], April 2014, Japanese Society of Orthodontics, [Retrieved August 31, 2023], Internet<URL : https: / / www.jos.gr.jp / asset / guideline_maxillary_protrusion.pdf> DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] In the first section of Non-Patent Document 1, "1. Orthodontic Treatment and the Orthodontists Who Provide It," (A) indicates that, with regard to "comprehensive orthodontic treatment," it is recognized that orthodontics not only affects the arrangement of teeth, but also has a significant impact on the occlusion, jaw relationship, and even facial appearance. At the same time, Non-Patent Document 2 begins by pointing out that there are no truly established standards in clinical orthodontics, and that technical and theoretical developments are still underway.

[0015] Under these circumstances, the present inventor, who is a dentist, has recognized the following as important issues in orthodontic treatment.

[0016] First, although jaw position correction is an essential element as a prerequisite for orthodontic treatment, it has not been actively incorporated into the orthodontic process. In other words, orthodontic treatment, which is primarily performed in orthodontics, and treatment, which is primarily performed in oral surgery, are not integrated.

[0017] If temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is identified during the consultation, orthodontic treatment is typically initiated after the treatment is completed. TMJ disorder treatment is limited to patients with specific symptoms characteristic of TMJ disorder, such as jaw clicking, trismus (inability to open the mouth or jaw misalignment when opening), and TMJ pain. In oral surgery, the primary goal is to alleviate the painful symptoms of TMJ disorder, and subsequent orthodontic treatment is given low priority. Furthermore, treatments other than surgical treatment are symptomatic, and even with splint therapy using mouthpieces, TMJ disorder often recurs. Furthermore, even if orthodontic treatment is initiated after such TMJ disorder treatment (excluding surgery), if the jaw position is not fundamentally improved, relapse of the orthodontic teeth is likely to occur during the long orthodontic treatment period, including the retention period. Furthermore, as mentioned above, jaw position treatment is essentially limited to patients with TMJ disorder symptoms, and orthodontic treatment is initiated without addressing underlying jaw position problems, which is also thought to be one of the causes of orthodontic relapse. This situation is thought to arise because oral surgery treatment is not integrated with subsequent orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, insufficient correction of jaw position leads to various problems in orthodontic treatment. Attempting orthodontic treatment without sufficient correction of jaw position leads to a situation in which a treatment strategy similar to impatience is chosen, simply to achieve the desired dental alignment and satisfy the patient. This simple, linear orthodontic treatment not only frequently results in direct failure in orthodontic alignment, but also increases the probability of relapse of the corrected teeth. The inventor has spent many years researching whether orthodontic treatment can reliably treat temporomandibular joint disorders, especially mild cases.

[0018] Second, the lack of consideration for cosmetic improvement of facial appearance is also a cause of low patient satisfaction with orthodontic treatment.

[0019] In orthodontics, it is important not only to improve the position of the teeth and the bite, but also to consider the harmony of the entire face. However, current orthodontic treatment lacks consideration for the cosmetic aspect, and when orthodontic treatment is carried out without an integrated perspective with cosmetic surgery, it can lead to a discrepancy with the patient's expectations. In reality, there are quite a few patients who place primary importance on facial beauty, and if such patients are not given appropriate explanations and treatment is not carried out based on that explanation, the goals of treatment will not match the patient's wishes, which can lead to dissatisfaction.

[0020] Therefore, orthodontic treatment should be an integrated approach that takes into account the cosmetic aspects of the face.

[0021] If, during counseling, we can create a treatment plan that takes into account not only the alignment of the teeth but also the jaw position and the overall aesthetics of the face, and then provide integrated treatment based on that plan, we should be able to greatly improve patients' satisfaction with their orthodontic treatment.

[0022] The object of the present invention is to establish a more essential and effective orthodontic treatment technique based on the relationship between correction of the patient's jaw position and facial beauty, and to provide an orthodontic device to be used in this orthodontic treatment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] The present inventor discovered that significant treatment results can be obtained by introducing a new step (also referred to as the jaw position / facial appearance improvement step) of "improving jaw position and facial appearance" using a jaw position correction device (in this specification, in principle, referred to as the "orthodontic device of the present invention") that plays a central role in the above-mentioned "improving jaw position and facial appearance" as a prerequisite for orthodontic treatment, i.e., before starting the dynamic treatments (1)-(4) above, as part of orthodontic treatment, and thus completed the present invention.

[0024] In this specification, "jaw position correction device" and "the correction device of the present invention" include both a jaw position correction device that has an attachment and fixing part that fixes the jaw position correction device to the teeth, and a jaw position correction device that does not have the above-mentioned attachment and fixing part. A jaw position correction device that does not have the above-mentioned attachment and fixing part may be individually expressed as a "part of the jaw position correction device," a "part of the correction device of the present invention," or "jaw position correction device main body."

[0025] 1. Improving jaw position The first goal of orthodontic treatment using the orthodontic appliance of the present invention is "improvement of jaw position." In other words, "improvement of jaw position" means aligning the "centric position (CR)" and the "centric occlusion position (CO)." After achieving this first goal, the second goal is to achieve reliable occlusal function and beautiful dental alignment by applying orthodontic measures appropriate to the dentition state of each individual patient. This is the main principle of orthodontic treatment performed by the present inventor. Improvement of facial appearance is an additional effect observed in achieving the first goal.

[0026] The first goal mentioned above, "improvement of jaw position," is the essence of the treatment steps using the orthodontic device of the present invention, so we will explain this below.

[0027] Even if it is simply described as "improving jaw position," the content is not simple.

[0028] First, let's examine the jaw position of modern people. Based on the inventor's clinical experience, many of the people who come to him for orthodontic treatment counseling, as well as those who actually undergo orthodontic treatment (patients), have maxillary prognathism. Because the movement of the mandible during chewing involves rotation around the temporomandibular joint, a mechanical vector in the direction of prognathism is always acting on the teeth. In addition, modern people often lean forward. It is generally said that for every 2.5 centimeters (cm) that the head protrudes forward from its correct position, the load on the muscles from the head to the neck and shoulders increases by 4 kilograms (kg). It is said that many desk workers and programmers have their heads protruded an average of 5-6 centimeters, and 6-9 centimeters (cm) from their correct position. This is also true for children. In addition to the inherent "mechanism of chewing," modern society, where people frequently lean forward, often leads to "maxillary prognathism" without even realizing it.

[0029] Next, "maxillary prognathism" does not necessarily mean that the overjet will be large. Human biting force (occlusion force) is very strong; even during everyday eating, it can reach 60 kg for adult men and 40 kg for adult women. As the upper jaw gradually protrudes forward, the lower jaw follows as the bite closes. The lower jaw weighs approximately 1 kg, but it is suspended by the muscles in the temporal region. If the lower jaw is misaligned, it will place asymmetrical stress on the temporomandibular joint and the first cervical vertebra. Naturally, this can cause temporomandibular joint disorder and lead to general ailments. In this way, the lower jaw functions as a balancer for the human center of gravity.

[0030] Considering the strong tendency for "maxillary protrusion" in modern society and the inherent physical role of the mandible, the first step in "improving jaw position" in orthodontic treatment is to "reset the mandible to its natural position." Finding the correct occlusion for the reset mandible leads to "alignment of CR and CO," or "radical improvement of jaw position." This "resetting the mandible to its natural position" is achieved by actively creating premature contact with cuspal interference between the maxillary and mandibular molars, which control occlusion, and creating a state in which the patient's original maxillary and mandibular occlusion is temporarily dislocated. The orthodontic device of the present invention is a jaw position correction device that efficiently and effectively achieves this from a bird's-eye view of orthodontic treatment as a whole.

[0031] The idea of ​​using an orthodontic device to "perform radical correction of jaw position by resetting the mandible to its original position, improve facial appearance at the skeletal level, and at the same time adjust the dental alignment by improving the arrangement of the maxillary dentition through changes in the position and form of the maxillary alveolar region and maxilla, thereby performing a jaw position and facial appearance improvement step" as a preliminary step to the dynamic treatment step in orthodontic treatment, and in direct association with the dynamic treatment, is novel as far as the inventor knows, and neither Patent Documents 1-4 nor Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 contain any such idea or active suggestion. The orthodontic device of the present invention, which was created to achieve this, is also novel.

[0032] 2. Human upper jaw and dentition The orthodontic appliance of the present invention is an orthodontic appliance to be attached to the upper jaw. Although it is within the scope of common general technical knowledge, first, a human upper jaw or upper jaw dentition will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic of the oral cavity proper of an adult human (the area visible when the mouth is opened, which is the space where the tongue, teeth, periodontal tissue, etc. are present). In FIG. 1, 1 is the nose, 2 is the upper lip, 3 is the lower lip, and 4 is the mandible. The oral cavity proper 10 is broadly divided into an upper jaw portion 11 and a lower jaw portion 12. The upper jaw portion 11 includes an oral vestibule 111, a maxillary alveolar process 112, an upper dental arch 113, a hard palate 114, and a soft palate 115. The lower jaw portion 12 includes a mandibular alveolar portion 121, a tongue 122, and a lower dental arch 123. The orthodontic device of the present invention is attached to the hard palate 114 side of the upper dental arch 113 (see FIG. 11).

[0034] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the palate surface including the hard palate 114 and soft palate 115 of the upper jaw 11 as viewed from the front. The upper dental arch 113 is basically made up of eight teeth on each side in adults unless there are missing teeth due to extraction or the like. "Right and left" refers to the right and left sides of the wearer (patient) (see FIG. 3). That is, the upper dental arch 113 is made up of the central incisors (right 1131, left 1131'), lateral incisors (right 1132, left 1132'), canines (right 1133, left 1133'), first premolars (right 1134, left 1134'), second premolars (right 1135, left 1135'), first molars (right 1136, left 1136'), second molars (right 1137, left 1137'), and third molars (right 1138, left 1138'). However, the third molars (right 1138, left 1138') are so-called "wisdom teeth," and will eventually be extracted or will remain embedded in the gums for the rest of their lives. Therefore, in principle, the present invention will be described with reference to the central incisors through the second molars, excluding the third molars. The incisive papilla 117 is located directly below the palate of the central incisors (right 1131, left 1131'). The transverse palatine folds 116 are located on the palate of the lateral incisors (right 1132, left 1132'), canines (right 1133, left 1133'), first premolars (right 1134, left 1134'), and second premolars (right 1135, left 1135'), with a nearly symmetrical arrangement. A midline (palatine raphe) 118 extends from the incisive papilla 117 toward the posterior palatine pit 119. The term "midline" (palatine raphe) is used unless otherwise specified. The boundary between the crowns of the teeth is called the "proximal surface," and the area around the most elevated part of the crown is called the "crown bulge."

[0035] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating directional terms for the maxillary side. The mouth side is "anterior," the throat side is "posterior," the direction toward the midline of the upper dental arch is "mesial," and the direction away from it is "distal." The inside of the upper dental arch is the "palatal side," the outside of the central incisors and canines is the "labial side," and the outside of the first and second premolars is the "buccal side." As described in the explanation of Figure 2 and illustrated here, "right and left" are based on the right and left of the wearer (patient) themselves. Furthermore, the vertical relationship between the palate and tongue is based on the wearer's (patient's) own vertical orientation, with the palate side being "upper" and the tongue side being "lower." These directional terms apply throughout this specification.

[0036] 3. The orthodontic device of the present invention <Summary> The orthodontic device of the present invention is a jaw position correction device that is attached to the upper jaw individually or as a set and is equipped with a lateral tooth row placement section, a first pressing force generating section, a second pressing force generating section, and a resultant force transmission section.

[0037] (1) When worn, the lateral dental arch placement section is positioned along the palatal side of the maxillary dental arch of the right and left maxillary dental arch of the wearer (patient), in the region corresponding in length from the mesial proximal surface of the canine to the distal proximal surface of the second premolar at the longest and from the distal proximal surface of the first premolar to the distal crown bulge of the second premolar at the shortest.

[0038] (2) The first compressive force generating portion has one end continuous with or connected to the right and left lateral tooth row arrangement portion, and includes (a) a first compressive force transmitting portion that intersects with a nearby area of ​​a line projected onto the midline of the hard palate that is located higher in the oral cavity than the cervical portion of the area from the canine to the second premolar, or (b) a first compressive force source that intersects with the first compressive force transmitting portion and the nearby area that is continuous with or connected to it.

[0039] (3) The first compressive force generating unit is capable of generating, via the first compressive force transmitting unit and the lateral tooth row positioning unit, a first compressive force in the orthodontic device that laterally expands the maxillary tooth row or maxillary teeth in a region that corresponds, at its longest, from the mesial proximal surface of the canine to the distal proximal surface of the second premolar, and at its shortest, from the distal proximal surface of the first premolar to the distal crown bulge of the second premolar.

[0040] (4) The second pressing force generating portion exists in the continuous or connecting portion between the right and left lateral tooth row arrangement portion and the one end of the right and left first pressing force transmitting portion, and the force that tends to widen the backward angle formed by the continuous or connecting portion can be generated as a second pressing force in the orthodontic device.

[0041] (5) The resultant force transmission part includes a bending redundant part of the elastic wire on either the right or left side, one end of which is continuous with or connected to the distal end of the right or left lateral tooth row arrangement part, and which is arranged along the region from the palatal cervical part to the root part of the wearer (patient); it includes an attachment and fixing part which is connected or continuous with the distal side of the bending redundant part, and is attached and fixed to either one of the upper molars or second premolars on each of the right and left sides via the attachment and fixing part.

[0042] The orthodontic device of the present invention is a jaw position correction device that acts by applying the pressure generated from both or either of the first and second pressure force generating units to both or either of the maxillary molars or second premolars via the resultant force transmission unit, thereby moving the orientation of the crowns of both or either of the maxillary molars toward the buccal side and generating early contact with cusp interference between the maxillary molars and mandibular molars.

[0043] <Summary of Actions and Effects> The orthodontic device of the present invention has the functions of "radical correction of jaw position by resetting the mandible to its original position, improving facial appearance at the skeletal level, and adjusting the dentition by lateral expansion of the maxillary dentition as needed." In other words, the orthodontic device of the present invention has the primary function of radically correcting jaw position, as well as the cosmetic function of improving facial appearance at the skeletal level and the dentition adjustment function of supporting orthodontic treatment by lateral expansion of the maxillary dentition as needed. The above-mentioned improvement of the arrangement of the maxillary dentition is an improvement that lays the foundation for dynamic treatment and is different from subsequent orthodontic treatment such as tooth axis adjustment (mainly performed during the leveling process) and posterior movement of the maxillary incisors. The term "jaw position correction device" is used for simplicity, focusing on the primary function of the orthodontic device of the present invention, "jaw position correction."

[0044] The wearer of the orthodontic device of the present invention is the "person who is fitted" by the dentist who is the wearer (the person who fits the device), or in other words, the "patient for whom orthodontic treatment is being performed." Where necessary, the wearer (dentist) and the wearer (patient) are indicated, but even when such indication is not made, the wearer and wearee of the orthodontic device of the present invention are used in the above sense.

[0045] In short, the jaw position correction device of the present invention is a dental device whose main purpose is to correct jaw position by transmitting a first pressing force generated from a first pressing force generating unit and a second pressing force generated from a second pressing force generating unit to maxillary molars etc. (mainly first molars, rarely second molars, and very rarely third molars or second premolars) via a resultant force transmitting unit, thereby moving the direction of the crowns of the maxillary molars etc. toward the cheek and generating early contact with cusp interference between the maxillary molars and mandibular molars, thereby resetting the position of the mandible to its original position.

[0046] First, we will explain why generating premature contact accompanied by cusp interference leads to the correction of jaw position and improvement of facial appearance. The "etc." in "maxillary molars, etc." is taken into consideration that, in very rare cases, the second premolar may also be the target of premature contact generation accompanied by cusp interference. In the "Means for Solving the Problems" section below, for simplicity, the "etc." may be omitted and referred to as "maxillary molars," but this is not intended to omit the maxillary second premolar. Unless otherwise specified, the maxillary second premolar is included, just like the others.

[0047] "Moving the orientation of the crown of a maxillary molar toward the buccal side" means tilting or rotating the axis of the maxillary molar, or moving the maxillary molar itself, thereby moving all or part of the crown of the maxillary molar toward the buccal side more than its previous state.

[0048] Then, the cusp interference contact that occurs when the crowns of the maxillary molars are moved toward the buccal side creates a state as if the maxilla and mandible are out of occlusion. That is, in the present invention, while the upper and lower molars are in contact with each other, the occlusion becomes point contact with a smaller contact area than the above-mentioned state of normal surface contact, and premature contact with cusp interference occurs between the right and left maxillary and mandibular molars, which is referred to as a "state of occlusion out of occlusion."

[0049] By moving the crowns of the maxillary molars toward the buccal side using the jaw position correction device of the present invention, point-contact cusp interference is generated, with the cusp of the maxillary molar, which is the functional cusp, at the cusp interference contact point. This point-contact cusp interference creates the "misaligned occlusion" described above. This point-contact cusp interference can more efficiently concentrate the occlusal force of the masseter and temporalis muscles than cusp interference with surface contact. By positioning the cusp interference contact point as a functional cusp (distal cusp or mesial cusp), sliding of the crowns of the upper and lower molars against each other during occlusion due to contact between the cusp slopes is suppressed, preventing stress dispersion. This allows the stress of the upper and lower molars to be efficiently transmitted to the point of application. This point of application plays an important structural role in generating appropriate pressure at the posterior edge of the maxilla and efficiently moving the maxilla.

[0050] The functional cusp of the maxillary molar, which serves as the cusp interference contact point, is preferably selected so that the point of application of stress is located posterior to and close to the base of the zygomatic process. The combination of a maxillary molar and a functional cusp that serves as the cusp interference contact point that satisfies this preferable condition is the distal cusp of the maxillary first molar or the mesial cusp of the maxillary second molar. However, the object of the present invention can also be achieved by selecting the mesial cusp of the maxillary first molar or the distal cusp of the maxillary second molar as the cusp interference contact point. Furthermore, in the case of the maxillary second premolar, the distal cusp is more preferable than the mesial cusp, and in the case of the maxillary third molar, the mesial cusp is more preferable than the distal cusp.

[0051] It is extremely important from the standpoint of stress concentration and transmission efficiency that the direction in which the crowns of the maxillary molars are moved is toward the buccal side, thereby realizing a mechanism in which occlusal force acts stably on the maxilla via the functional cusp.

[0052] As a result, the position of the mandible, when cuspal interference contact occurs, moves closer to its original centric position, and the bite force transmitted from this position of the mandible moves the maxilla, improving facial asymmetry, shortening the philtrum, elevating the nasal root, and lowering the nasal tip. This then allows the dentist to correctly determine the centric position of the mandible, making it easier to transition to dynamic orthodontic treatment. At the same time, the patient's facial appearance can be improved at a skeletal level.

[0053] FIG. 4 is an explanatory drawing that abstractly illustrates the "misaligned occlusion" created by the orthodontic device of the present invention as the occlusion (also referred to simply as "occlusion" in the explanation of FIG. 4) of the upper and lower right first molars (the same applies to second molars, etc.). The left side of the upper and lower right first molars shown in FIG. 4 is the palatal side (upper jaw) and the lingual side (lower jaw), while the right side is the buccal side. While the upper and lower left first molars are not shown, they are symmetrical to the upper and lower right first molars described below. By using the orthodontic device of the present invention, the right and left first molars are synchronized and parallel to each other. The following explanation of FIG. 4 applies to both the right and left, with the right representing the left.

[0054] Figure 4(a) shows the normal bite state before using the orthodontic device of the present invention, and (b) shows the "off-bite state" created by using the orthodontic device of the present invention. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the maxilla (left side) 40 from the outside.

[0055] In Figure 4(a), maxillary right first molar 20 (corresponding to 1136 above), roughly composed of root 21 and crown 22, is in an occlusal relationship with mandibular right first molar 30, similarly composed of root 31 and crown 32. Arrow 23 indicates the direction of occlusal pressure on the maxilla, and arrow 33 indicates the direction of occlusal pressure on the mandibular. The maxillary first molar 20 and mandibular first molar 30 have their respective functional cusps 221 and 321 in contact on their cusp slopes. Furthermore, the functional cusp 221 of maxillary first molar 20 is in contact with a non-functioning cusp 322 of the mandibular first molar on its cusp slope, and the functional cusp 321 of mandibular first molar 30 is in contact with the maxillary non-functioning cusp 222 on its cusp slope. In this way, the maxillary first molar and mandibular first molar usually occlude in such a way that their concave and convex surfaces engage with each other. Chewing is a rolling movement based on this occlusion. This is the normal state of occlusion.

[0056] The "misaligned occlusion" is created by the orthodontic appliance of the present invention itself, as well as by the bite force transmitted by the wearer (patient), "moving the orientation of the crowns of the maxillary molars, one on each side, toward the buccal side." Figure 4(b) shows the state in which the force component in the direction of arrow A causes the crown of maxillary first molar 20 to move toward the buccal side (its position shifts diagonally upward), becoming maxillary first molar 20'. In this state, the only contact surface between maxillary first molar 20' and mandibular first molar 30 is between functional cusp 221 of maxillary first molar 20' and functional cusp 321 of mandibular first molar 30. This reduces the contact area between the upper and lower first molars compared to the normal state shown in Figure 4(a), and functional cusp 221 is closer to mandibular molar 30 than the rest of the crown of the maxillary first molar. This generates premature contact accompanied by cusp interference between the right and left maxillary and mandibular molars, thereby achieving a "misaligned occlusion state." Furthermore, as mentioned above, when the maxillary molars to which the attachment-fixing part is attached are the maxillary first molars or maxillary second premolars, generating premature contact accompanied by cusp interference at the distal cusp can more efficiently induce the above-mentioned rotational movement of the maxilla than generating premature contact at the mesial cusp; and when the maxillary second molars or maxillary third molars are attached, conversely, generating premature contact accompanied by cusp interference at the mesial cusp can more efficiently induce the above-mentioned rotational movement of the maxilla than generating premature contact at the distal cusp can.

[0057] When this cusp interference occurs, the upper and lower first molars make point contact, causing the patient to feel a "click! Click!" sensation. The maxillary first molar 20 needs to move only 1.5-2.0 mm to achieve this state, with slight irregularities, and if it moves too far, the point contact state is quickly lost. Therefore, to reliably achieve the early contact with cusp interference, it is preferable to be able to freely move the crown of the maxillary first molar 20. In the orthodontic device of the present invention, the movement of the crown is achieved through a combination of the function of the orthodontic device itself and the patient's daily occlusal activity. As the direction of the crown shifts, the occlusion of the upper and lower first molars of the patient also shifts from the initial surface contact to the desired point contact, and by achieving the above-mentioned "click! click!" occlusion, the desired improvement in jaw position and facial appearance can be steadily achieved.

[0058] As already mentioned, the first effect of generating premature contact accompanied by the above-mentioned cusp interference is to temporarily release the constraint of the mandible on the maxilla, allowing the mandible to naturally move (retroposition) to its proper position. By performing dental arch formation with the mandible returned to its proper position, a state is created in which undue stress is not placed on the temporomandibular joint. In other words, the position of the mandible is reset, and the mandibular body and condyle return to their proper positions, thereby achieving the initial goal of a relaxed state of the temporomandibular joint and leading to the improvement of temporomandibular joint disorders.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4(b), as the maxillary first molar 20' moves buccally, it reduces the contact area with the mandibular first molar 30, and early contact with cuspal interference occurs between the right and left maxillary and mandibular molars. This causes the stress (arrows 23 and 33) of the wearer's (patient's) daily occlusal force to concentrate at the reduced contact points. This stress is transmitted to the maxillary body 41 via the maxillary alveolar process 201 while the maxillary first molar 20 moves to 20' and after the transition. The occlusal force, which has increased due to the stress concentration, is further transmitted as a rotational moment to the frontal process 43 around the zygomatic process 42, and the force further increases due to the principle of leverage, becoming a force (protrusion force: arrow) 44 that propels the frontal process 43 forward. The posterior edge of the maxilla forms a pterygopalatine fossa several millimeters wide between it and the lateral plate of the sphenoid bone, and the forward thrust force 44 causes rotational movement of the maxilla.

[0060] In this way, the rotational movement of the maxilla described above can achieve the second effect of the present invention, which is improvement of the facial features of the wearer (patient) at the skeletal level. However, the specific improvement of the facial features of the wearer depends on the state of the wearer's jaw position before treatment, the wearer's natural facial structure, etc. The following is merely an example based on the inventor's experience in actual clinical practice. This example is additive, and in some cases, wearers have been observed to have one or more improvements in facial features selected from the following (a) and (b):

[0061] (a) By using the orthodontic device of the present invention, the nasal bridge between the wearer's (patient's) eyebrows rises by a few millimeters, the tip of the nose drops, and, combined with the effect on the alveolar bone caused by the pressure of the dental arch and periodontal tissues from the orthodontic device of the present invention, beautiful alar columellar relationships (ACR) are formed. ACR is an index used to determine the positional relationship between the nasal ala and nasal bridge, comparing the height of the ala and the base of the nasal bridge to determine which is higher or lower, and what constitutes beauty. It is generally considered beautiful when the center of the nasal bridge forms a triangle with a slightly downward convex shape. If the nasal bridge is higher or at the same height as the ala, improving the ACR will result in a "refined facial appearance."

[0062] (b) One or more of the following changes have been observed in patients using the orthodontic device of the present invention:

[0063] The philtrum (the groove between the nose and mouth) shortens; the upper lip thickens, forming a C-curl (a C-shaped curve from the bridge of the nose to the bottom of the nose when viewed from the side); the gummy smile (a smiling face with the neck of the teeth exposed) is suppressed; facial width is reduced; the elevation of the lower eyelid is suppressed; the corners of the mouth are raised when the zygomatic major muscle contracts; the midface is reduced; the appearance of long face is improved; the difference between the left and right facial lines is reduced; jaw deviation is improved; deviation of the bridge of the nose is improved; a rounded forehead is formed due to the forward movement of the frontal process; the jaw angle is reduced; the balance between the upper and lower lips is improved by eversion of the upper lip; the profile of the profile is improved (the so-called E-line is improved); increased elasticity of the skin of the lower face and improvement of wrinkles are observed.

[0064] Such cosmetically pleasing results are achieved through the use of the correction device of the present invention.

[0065] In addition, by pressing the lateral tooth row arrangement portion against the lateral tooth row, the lateral tooth row can be expanded laterally, contributing to the improvement of maxillary protrusion. This improvement of maxillary protrusion by lateral expansion is a treatment that is performed as needed and as a preliminary step with the orthodontic device of the present invention, and full-scale improvement of maxillary protrusion should be achieved by subsequent orthodontic measures.

[0066] <Description of the Abstract> (1) Lateral tooth arrangement area The lateral dental row placement portion corresponds to the "side surface guide portion" in the embodiments. When attached, the lateral dental row placement portion is placed along the palatal side of the maxillary dental row of the right and left maxillary dental row of the wearer (patient) in a region corresponding to the longest length from the mesial proximal surface of the canine to the distal proximal surface of the second premolar and the shortest length from the distal proximal surface of the first premolar to the palatal crown bulge of the second premolar.

[0067] The reason for providing a range of lengths and placement positions for the lateral dental row placement sections is that they can be selected based on the state of the patient's maxillary dentition and their desired final orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, the "corresponding area" defines the presence of a lateral dental row placement section that fits the patient's actual dentition, based on the state in which all teeth are present. This invention typically takes into consideration tooth extractions performed during orthodontic treatment. For example, there are patients who have already undergone orthodontic treatment in the past, and other teeth adjacent to the missing space caused by the tooth extraction have shifted. Conversely, there are also patients who remain without teeth. The "corresponding area" definition described above is used to consistently define the lateral dental row placement section for such cases.

[0068] The areas of the maxillary dentition on the right and left sides where the lateral tooth row placement sections are to be placed can be selected within the specified upper and lower limits according to the condition of the wearer's (patient's) dentition and their aesthetic preferences for the orthodontic results.

[0069] Typical examples include the region corresponding to the canine crown bulge to the second premolar crown bulge, or the region corresponding to the first premolar crown bulge to the second premolar crown bulge. The former region, corresponding to the canine crown bulge to the second premolar crown bulge, is shown in the Examples (described below). This is the most typical example for a patient with a complete set of teeth, from canines to first molars. The latter region, corresponding to the first premolar crown bulge to the second premolar crown bulge, is essentially the former region with the canine region removed. This removal of the canine region is intended to prevent further buccal movement of the canine due to lateral expansion. For example, in cases of Class I crowding, the canine protruding from the upper buccal area must be lowered and moved lingually to join the dentition.

[0070] Furthermore, the distal end of the lateral dental row placement portion is continuous with or connected to the mesial end of the resultant force generating portion further distally, and the distal end from there is typically a bent redundant portion. Furthermore, if the maxillary molar to which the attachment / fixation portion is attached is the maxillary second molar or third molar, which is spaced apart from the distal end of the lateral dental row placement portion, it is preferable that the bent redundant portion be provided on the mesial side close to the attachment / fixation portion. Therefore, it is preferable that a non-bent portion (typically a straight portion) be present between the distal end of the lateral dental row placement portion and the mesial end of the bent redundant portion.

[0071] The above-mentioned continuation point or junction point approximately coincides with the bending point in the alveolar-gingival direction. When it is necessary to use the bending point as a point to press the tooth that the bending point contacts toward the buccal side in the orthodontic device of the present invention, this can be achieved by designing the bending point to be positioned on the crown bulge of the tooth. When the pressing function of the bending point is unnecessary, the bending point can be designed to be positioned on the proximal surface, so that the bending point does not affect a specific tooth and does not have the function of the bending point. This distinction regarding the bending point typically applies (except in cases of tooth extraction, etc.) to whether the distal end of the lateral dental row placement portion is aligned with the position of the crown bulge of the second premolar or the position of the distal proximal surface of the second premolar. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the distinction between the crown bulge and the proximal surface will be omitted for convenience.

[0072] Furthermore, if the wearer (patient) has had teeth extracted, for example, if the first premolar has been extracted and the missing space has been filled with a second premolar, and a first molar exists adjacent to the second premolar, then, for example, the "area corresponding to the canine to the first premolar" can be selected as the area in which the lateral tooth row placement portion is to be placed.

[0073] The lateral dental arrangement unit can also be placed on the palate of only one tooth. In this case, the tooth selected is one of the teeth (usually the tooth adjacent to the first molar) mesial to the tooth to which the resultant force generating unit is attached (typically the first molar, occasionally the second molar, and rarely the third molar or second premolar, depending on the patient's dentition). This reduces the redundancy of the orthodontic device as a whole, resulting in a greater adjustment range for the resultant force generating unit using the bent redundant unit, making fine adjustments more difficult than when the device is placed on two or more teeth. Therefore, this selection of only one tooth is a case where only one tooth remains to be selected as the target for applying the lateral expansion force due to tooth extraction, dental disease, artificial root, etc. Orthodontic treatment such as lateral expansion is contraindicated for artificial roots.

[0074] The lateral dental row placement portion, which is placed along the palatal side of the maxillary lateral dental row or tooth in the above-mentioned manner, is able to apply a lateral expansion force to the lateral dental row or tooth by transmitting the first and second pressing forces (described below), and by transmitting these pressing forces to the resultant force transmission portion, the main purpose of the orthodontic device of the present invention, which is to "generate early contact accompanied by cuspal interference in the target maxillary molar," can be realized in the wearer (patient).

[0075] A more specific embodiment of the lateral tooth row arrangement portion will be described later in the section "(3) Second pressing force generating portion."

[0076] (2) First pressing force generating unit The first pressing force generating portion has one end continuous with or connected to the right and left lateral tooth row arrangement portions, and includes a first pressing force transmitting portion that intersects with "a region near the line projected onto the midline of the hard palate, which is located higher in the oral cavity than the cervical part of the region from the canine to the second premolar" (hereinafter also referred to as "a region near the midline"). The region near the midline will be described later using Figure 19.

[0077] The force source of the first pressing force generated by the first pressing force generating unit (hereinafter also referred to as the "(first) pressing force source") is necessarily included in the first pressing force generating unit. While it is preferable that the first pressing force source be overt, an embodiment in which the first pressing force source is latent in the first pressing force transmitting unit is also within the scope of the present invention. A typical example of a latent first pressing force source is an embodiment in which the entire first pressing force generating unit has a curved structure that follows the transverse curve of the palate when worn, with both ends continuous with or connected to the right and left lateral tooth row placement units, respectively. For example, there is an embodiment with a curved structure like "first member 20, which is a stress generating member, depicted in Figure 8 of Patent Document 2" (only the curved structure 20 is extracted). This embodiment generates stress in response to elastic deformation in the first pressing force transmitting unit, and the first pressing force generating unit is latent in the first pressing force transmitting unit, taking on the outer shape of the first pressing force transmitting unit itself. Such a potential aspect will be expressed as "the first pressing force generating unit includes a first pressing force transmitting unit," i.e., without adding the first pressing force source as a constituent element. However, if this is inappropriate, we will also use expressions such as "the first pressing force generating unit includes a first pressing force transmitting unit and pressing force source," or "the first pressing force generating unit includes a first pressing force transmitting unit and a first pressing force source," if this is preferable for clarifying the scope of the present invention.

[0078] Here, a description will be given of a mode in which the first pressing force source included in the first pressing force generating unit is obvious, that is, a mode in which the first pressing force source exists separately from the first pressing force transmitting unit.

[0079] A preferred example in which the first pressing force source is apparent is the disclosure of an embodiment including a "central guide portion as the first pressing force transmission portion" and a "central loop as the pressing force source." In this embodiment in which the first pressing force source is apparent, one end of the first pressing force transmission portion is continuous with or connected to the right and left lateral tooth row arrangement portions, and the other ends of both the right and left are continuous with or connected to the first pressing force source present in an area near a line projected onto the midline of the hard palate, which is located higher in the oral cavity than the cervical portion of the area from the canine to the second premolar. The first compressive force source can generate, via the first compressive force transmission unit and the lateral tooth row positioning unit, a first compressive force that applies a lateral expansion force to the maxillary tooth row or maxillary teeth in the area corresponding to the longest portion from the mesial proximal surface of the canine to the distal proximal surface of the second premolar and the shortest portion from the distal proximal surface of the first premolar to the distal crown bulge of the second premolar in the orthodontic device.

[0080] The first pressing force generated in the first pressing force source is preferably a stress against elastic deformation in a member continuous with or connected to the other end of the first pressing force transmission part (hereinafter also referred to as "elastic deformation stress"). Other examples include a force generated by the advancement of a screw (hereinafter also referred to as "screw advancement force").

[0081] (a) Elastic deformation stress (first pressure source) The elastic deformation stress is a force that occurs in a member that has been deformed to the extent that the elastic deformation stress can be maintained, in the process of returning to its original state, and examples of such stress include bending stress and contraction stress.

[0082] A typical embodiment of the first pressing force source that supplies elastic deformation stress as the first pressing force is a structure that generates bending stress of an elastic wire.

[0083] "Danshin" is a dental term used to mean "wire that can move teeth (orthodontic wire)." However, orthodontic wires are standardized products, and the term "danshin" is used to keep the generality of the term.

[0084] A resilient wire can be functionally described as "a linear element that generates stress against bending by bending within a limit that maintains stress against elastic deformation, and that acts as a force source for moving a specific tooth or dental arch." The material of the resilient wire is not particularly limited, as long as it can fulfill the above-described role of a resilient wire, such as metal or plastic. In practice, however, metal wires, white wires, gold wires, stainless steel wires, Elgiloy wires, and other wires commonly used as orthodontic wires are suitable. The thickness of the orthodontic wire can be selected depending on the material, the strength of the stress against elastic deformation, the gender and age of the wearer (patient), and other factors. Currently, the thickness of orthodontic wires used as resilient wires is 0.6-1.0 mm (wires of 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, and 1.0 mm are commercially available in Japan). While wires of these thicknesses can be freely selected as needed, 0.8-0.9 mm is preferred.

[0085] Not only a pure wire shape, but also an elastic member whose length direction is extremely longer than its width direction can constitute the first pressing force source in the same manner as the elastic wire. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is possible to use a member made of a superelastic shape memory alloy such as a Ni-Ti system, which is mostly plate-shaped (with a cross section that is a rounded rectangle, semi-cylindrical, etc.), and whose thickness varies in parts, as a structure in which its bending stress is used as a pressing force.

[0086] A preferred embodiment using elastic deformation stress due to a spring line is, for example, a case in which a release portion is present on either the front side or the rear side, which is approximately symmetrical with respect to the median line, The release portionExamples of such a pressure source include a linear member having a surrounding shape on the other side, which generates elastic deformation stress by narrowing the gap in the open portion on one side. In particular, a pressure source in which the one side is the front side and the other side is the rear side, as in the central loop in the embodiment, is preferred. The specific shape of the surrounding portion is not particularly limited, but cornerless shapes such as loops and arcs are preferred because they are safer for the human body. Furthermore, loops and arcs are also preferred because they are symmetrical (when a loop or arc is folded, it overlaps with the other) and can easily apply bending stress uniformly in opposite directions across the axis of symmetry (specifically, toward the right and left cheeks). Among these, loops are particularly preferred because they can be easily processed, such as by providing bending portions within the loop that correspond to the surface shape of the hard palate. When the base of the loop or arc is fastened and the device is worn by a wearer (patient), the bending stress that tends to spread in response to this fastening becomes the first pressing force.

[0087] (b) Other pressing principles (first pressing force source) The first pressing force source is preferably a force source that uses elastic deformation stress due to an elastic wire, as described above.

[0088] Other pressing principles used in the field of orthodontics can also be used and are within the scope of the present invention, although they tend to be more time-consuming and costly than those using elastic deformation stress due to elastic wires.

[0089] For example, a pressing force source may be provided that uses the force (screw advancing force) generated by the advancement of a screw, whose advancing end directly or indirectly contacts the other end (the end on the midline side) of the first pressing force transmission unit, as a pressing principle, so as to advance the other end toward the one end (the end on the lateral tooth row arrangement unit side). For example, a hinge equipped with a pivot arm that pivots in response to the movement of the advancing end of the screw may be rotated by the advancement of the screw, and this pivoting force may be used as the pressing force source. Furthermore, by replacing the expansion screw with a compression spring or compression rubber, it is possible to apply a contraction stress in the same direction as the screw advancing force.

[0090] (c) Position on the palate The palate forms the upper wall of the oral cavity and is a strongly convex part that curves upward (towards the top of the head). The hard palate occupies roughly the anterior two-thirds of the palate, is hard to the touch, and is an immobile part of hard tissue with a bone base. In contrast, the soft palate occupies roughly the posterior one-third of the palate, is soft to the touch, and is a mobile part of soft tissue with a muscle base. The palatine pits are the boundary between the hard and soft palates.

[0091] The first pressing force generating unit exists including a first pressing force source, either overt or latent, together with the first pressing force transmitting unit, and the first pressing force transmitting unit or pressing force source is provided so as to intersect with the region near the midline when the orthodontic device is worn. Then, via the first pressing force transmitting unit and the lateral dentition arrangement unit, it is possible to generate a first pressing force in the orthodontic device, which applies a lateral expansion force to the maxillary dentition or maxillary teeth in the region corresponding to the longest from the mesial proximal surface of the canine to the distal proximal surface of the second premolar, and the shortest from the distal proximal surface of the first premolar to the distal crown bulge of the second premolar.

[0092] Figure 19 shows a schematic representation of a region 200 (cross section) near the midline. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of a longitudinal section of a human mouth taken along a line connecting the distal proximal surfaces of the right and left first molars. The right maxillary first molar 1136 and the right mandibular first molar 30, and the left maxillary first molar 1136' and the left mandibular first molar 30' are shown in a biting position. The tongue 122 is located between the right and left mandibular molars 30 and 30', and the hard palate 114 is located between the right and left maxillary first molars 1136 and 1136'. The cross mark 118 indicates the presence of the midline (palatine raphe) as described above. Because this is a longitudinal section, the midline is displayed as a dot in Figure 19.

[0093] 19, the region 200 (cross section) near the midline is a region that includes a height range that is higher than the "cervical height" (dotted line II-II), which is approximately the lowest position where the lateral tooth row placement portion should be placed, and is lower than the height of the hard palate (the height of dotted line II-II connecting palatal cervical portions 1136Δ and 1136Δ' plus h), as well as a region that includes a symmetrical width on both sides as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the midline, which serves as a guide for where the first pressing force source of the orthodontic device of the present invention should be located. The symmetrical width w should be determined depending on the configuration of the first pressing force generating portion and the width diameter of the palate, and is not particularly limited, but includes any possible configuration of the first pressing force generating portion as long as it is approximately within 1.5 cm on each side (within 3 cm in total).

[0094] For example, in an "arch-shaped" form in which the first pressure source is latent in the first pressure transmission unit, the first pressure source passes through and intersects with the region near the midline. In addition, in an overt form in which the first pressure source is apparent, the first pressure source exists intersecting with the region near the midline.

[0095] The highest wearing position of the first pressing force generating unit is preferably located in the vicinity of the midline 118 of the hard palate of the wearer (patient) (hereinafter also referred to as the "region immediately below the midline"). For example, in a configuration in which the first pressing force generating unit is entirely arch-shaped and the above-mentioned first pressing force source is latent, the "highest wearing position" corresponds to the head portion (convex portion) of the arch. In addition, in a configuration in which the first pressing force source is obvious, the location where the first pressing force source is present corresponds in principle.

[0096] When wearing the orthodontic device of the present invention, it is preferable that the tongue chamber (the area where the tongue can move freely) in the oral cavity of the wearer (patient) is sufficiently secured. In other words, it is preferable that the highest portion of the first pressing force generating unit is located as close to the hard palate 114 as possible so that the movement of the wearer's tongue is not hindered by the structure of the orthodontic device as much as possible. Furthermore, if the maxillary dentition moves in conjunction with the lateral expansion movement caused by the orthodontic device of the present invention, it should be considered that the "highest portion of the mounting position" may move away from the hard palate 114, thereby hindering the securing of the tongue chamber. At the same time, it is also important to prevent the "highest portion of the mounting position" from coming into contact with the hard palate 114, causing contact stress to the wearer.

[0097] Another important point is that in order to generate a pressing force "diagonally upward toward the outer (cheek) side" in the second pressing force generating section (described later), it is preferable that the upward slope toward the outer (cheek) side be as steep as possible from the other end (end on the midline side) of the first pressing force transmitting section toward one end.

[0098] For these reasons, the above-mentioned "highest wearing position" should not abut against the hard palate 114 of the wearer (patient), but it is preferable that it be configured so that it is as close as possible to the hard palate 114 and sometimes even comes into contact with it.

[0099] How close the "highest attachment position" should be to the hard palate of the wearer (patient) depends on the wearer's (dentist's) practical sense and also on the shape and condition of the wearer's hard palate, and is difficult to determine uniformly. If we were to specify it, it would be preferable for the "highest attachment position" to be within a range of 1 mm to 3 mm from the surface of the wearer's hard palate 114.

[0100] The "highest wearing position" corresponds to, for example, the head portion (convex portion) of the arch in an embodiment in which the arch-shaped first pressure force source is latent. Furthermore, in an embodiment in which the first pressure force source is apparent, the "highest wearing position" corresponds in principle to the first pressure force source. Furthermore, the position of the "highest wearing position" as viewed from above from the tongue 122 side of hard palate 114 is not limited to the anteriormost portion of the hard palate, the posteriormost portion, or even approximately anterior to the soft palate. However, a suitable example is "the area immediately below the hard palate, anterior to the palatal pits, on both the right and left cheeks across the midline of the hard palate of the wearer (patient)," where the "central loop" shown in the embodiment is located.

[0101] (d) The first pressing force transmission unit is also continuous with or connected to the second pressing force generation unit. Therefore, specific aspects of the first pressing force transmission unit will be explained in the section "(3) Second pressing force generation unit" below.

[0102] (3) Second pressing force generating unit The second pressing force generating portions are present at the continuation or connection portions between the right and left lateral tooth row arrangement portions and the one ends of the right and left first pressing force transmitting portions, and can generate a force (hereinafter also referred to as a "rearward expanding force") that tends to widen the rearward angle (hereinafter also referred to as a "rearward angle") formed by the continuation or connection portions as a second pressing force in the orthodontic device. The rearward angles in the embodiments are, for example, 531θ1, 532θ1, 722ρ1, 732ρ1', etc.

[0103] A preferred embodiment of the second pressing force generating portion is one in which the second pressing force generating portion is located at the proximal end of the lateral tooth row arrangement portion, i.e., one end of the first pressing force transmitting portion is continuous with or connected to the proximal end, but it can be located at any position along the length of the member constituting the lateral tooth row arrangement portion (the direction in which it is arranged along the lateral tooth row).

[0104] In other words, the second pressing force generating portion is located at the intersection of the lateral tooth row arrangement portion and the first pressing force transmitting portion. Therefore, we will now provide an illustrative explanation of specific aspects of the members that make up the lateral tooth row arrangement portion and the first pressing force transmitting portion, which have not been explained up to this point.

[0105] (a) Members constituting the lateral tooth row arrangement portion and the first pressing force transmission portion It is preferable that the members constituting the lateral tooth row arrangement portion and the first pressing force transmission portion are both elastic wires.

[0106] The meaning of "elastic wire" is as explained in (2)(a) above. Not only purely wire-shaped elastic members, but also elastic members whose length is extremely longer than their width can constitute the lateral tooth row arrangement portion or the first pressing force transmission portion in a manner similar to the elastic wire (linear member). For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a member made of a superelastic shape memory alloy such as a Ni-Ti alloy, which is mostly plate-shaped (with a cross section that is a rounded rectangle, semi-cylindrical, etc.), but whose thickness varies in parts, and which can be used as a structure in which the bending stress of the member is used as a pressing force source.

[0107] The above-mentioned components, including the elastic wire, can be freely selected to incorporate straight or curved lines into the structure as needed. For example, the contact point of the lateral dentition arrangement part with the palate side of the lateral dentition can be shaped to incorporate a curve corresponding to the alignment of the lateral dentition of the wearer (patient), or the first pressure force transmission part can be shaped to incorporate the curve of the palate surface of the wearer.

[0108] (b) Elastic deformation stress (second pressing force generating part) As described above, the elastic deformation stress is a force that occurs in a member that has been deformed to the extent that the elastic deformation stress can be maintained, in the process of returning to its original state, and a typical example is bending stress.

[0109] The intersection of the bending stress-generating configuration is typically a configuration in which the elastic line is continuous between the lateral tooth row arrangement portion and the first pressing force transmission portion. A typical example of this continuous configuration is when the lateral tooth row arrangement portion and the first pressing force transmission portion are configured with the same elastic line, and a rear angle is formed by bending the intersection between the two. Connections include connections by welding (metal) and fusion (plastic, etc.). The connection may be a point connection connecting the ends of the two components, or a linear connection connecting the longitudinal directions. As long as the connection portion has sufficient strength against the bending stress (second pressing force) that tends to expand the rear angle, any connection method can be used, such as welding, fusion, brazing, adhesive bonding, fitting, or hinges. Considering bending strength, the continuous configuration is preferred.

[0110] When the orthodontic device of the present invention is worn, the posterior angle narrows due to the bending force, and the bending stress that tries to expand from there becomes the second compressive force (posterior expanding force). The second compressive force includes both a posterior expanding force (a force that expands to the end) and an upward force. Note that the posterior angle is not limited to the range of 0-180 degrees as long as the above-mentioned elastic deformation stress is maintained.

[0111] Other forces include the screw advancing force similar to the first pressing force source described above, but it is particularly preferable to use bending stress at the rear corner as the second pressing force source.

[0112] (4) Resultant force transmission section The resultant force transmission part includes, preferably on both the right and left sides, a linear member whose one end is continuous with or connected to the distal end of the right and left lateral tooth row arrangement part and which is arranged along the region from the palatal cervical part to the tooth root part of the wearer (patient).The resultant force transmission part includes an attachment and fixing part on the distal side of the above-mentioned bend redundant part, and is attached and fixed to, preferably, one maxillary molar or one second premolar of each of the right and left sides, or one of the maxillary molars or second premolars, via the above-mentioned attachment and fixing part.

[0113] In short, the resultant force transmission section transmits the resultant force of the first and second pressing forces to the target maxillary molar (rarely the second premolar) that is attempting to cause premature contact accompanied by cuspal interference, and by adjusting the positioning of the orthodontic device of the present invention within the maxilla of the wearer (patient) using the bending redundant section, it has the function of adjusting the balance of the strength, presence, and direction of each of the above pressing forces, as well as the load that the orthodontic device of the present invention imparts to the wearer.

[0114] (a) Components that constitute the resultant force transmission section The members that make up the resultant force transmission section are roughly divided into an attachment and fixing section, a bending redundant section, and others.

[0115] The bent redundant portion is made of a resilient wire. The components other than the mounting and fixing portion and the bent redundant portion (other than these) are not limited, but are preferably made of a resilient wire. It is preferable that the bent redundant portion and the other components are made of a resilient wire and are continuously formed.

[0116] The attachment and fixation portion is a portion for attaching and fixing the orthodontic device of the present invention to both the right and left maxillary molars, or to one of the maxillary molars where premature contact with cusp interference is to be generated (rarely, the maxillary second premolar may also be the target). The attachment and fixation portion can be a fixture for orthodontic devices commonly used in the field of orthodontics. Specific examples include bands and lingual sheaths. A band is a "strip-shaped component that is primarily fitted onto molars to attach and fix an orthodontic device." Some bands have a section for fitting and fixing a linear member such as a resilient wire, while others do not. Those without a section for fitting and fixing are assumed to use a lingual sheath (described later) adhered to the band, or to fix a linear member such as a resilient wire to the band by soldering or the like. Both types of bands can be used in the present invention. A lingual sheath is an adapter into which a linear member such as an elastic wire is fitted and fixed. There are two types: one in which the lingual sheath itself is adhered to the crown, and one in which it is adhered to a band, as described above. Both types of lingual sheaths can be used in the present invention, but the type adhered to a band is preferred because it makes it easier to apply the resultant force of the first and second compressive forces evenly to the target maxillary molar (or rarely the second premolar). Any fixture other than a band or lingual sheath can be used as the attachment and fixation part, as long as it can fix the orthodontic device of the present invention to the target maxillary molar (or rarely the second premolar) and transmit the resultant force.

[0117] (b) Molars with attached retainers The molars to which the attachment fixture is applied, i.e., the molars to which premature contact with cusp interference is intended, are either one or both of the maxillary molars, one on each side. In rare cases, the second premolar may also be included. This is a requirement that takes into account the individual circumstances of the patient's teeth.

[0118] In other words, if a patient has all of their maxillary molars (meaning the first and second molars on both the right and left sides; the third molar (wisdom tooth) is an exception and is generally excluded), it is possible to select the second molar, but it is preferable to select the first molar. If either or both of the right and left first molars are missing due to extraction or have artificial roots, the second molar can be selected. The effects of the present invention are not affected even if the selected molars are different between the right and left. Furthermore, for a patient whose third molar is not embedded in the gums, if both the first and second molars are missing due to extraction or have artificial roots, the selected molar can be the third molar. In this case, it is also acceptable for the right and left molars to be different. This is what is meant by "one maxillary molar on each side" above.

[0119] Furthermore, in the case of right and left maxillary molars, one of the right and left molars may be missing either a first or second molar or may have an artificial tooth root (assuming no third molar is present). Even if a molar is present, certain factors may make it unsuitable for strong orthodontic stress. In such cases, the present invention is permitted to be applied only to the other side where the maxillary molar remains. This is the meaning of "one side." In this case, if premature contact accompanied by cusp interference on the molars needs to be avoided, the configuration of the orthodontic device on the avoidance side can be different from the configuration that achieves the effects of the present invention. For example, by applying a lateral expansion force between the canine and second premolar using the lateral tooth arrangement portion while attaching and fixing the orthodontic device with a band or the like to the first or second premolar, it is possible to apply only the lateral expansion force while avoiding premature contact accompanied by cusp interference (Figure 14).

[0120] (c) Bend redundancy The redundant bending portions are preferably present at one each on the right and left sides from the distal end of the lateral tooth row arrangement portion to the attachment and fixing portion for the maxillary molars. In the embodiment, the redundant bending portions are right and left loops 512, 513, etc. The number of redundant bending portions is counted as a unit of a complete shape. For example, in the embodiment, there is one right loop 512 and one left loop 513, one on the right and one on the left.

[0121] The purpose of the bent redundant portion is to adjust the fit of the orthodontic device of the present invention to the patient. In clinical practice, the orthodontic device of the present invention is fitted to the patient based on the patient's plaster cast so that the resultant force of the first and second compressive forces on the right and left maxilla is applied in a balanced manner to the target maxillary molars, resulting in premature contact with cusp interference in line with the patient's daily occlusion, without causing excessive physical pain. After fitting, the maxillary molars targeted for the buccal crown movement are checked over time to see how far they have moved toward the desired premature contact with cusp interference and whether the patient is experiencing excessive physical pain. In reality, the positioning of maxillary molars is assumed to differ between the right and left, and the degree of this movement is also taken into account the patient's daily occlusal habits. Therefore, it is natural that the displacement of the target maxillary molars due to the orthodontic device of the present invention will differ between the right and left. Furthermore, when a pressure force is applied to the palatal cervical region of the wearer, this may cause pain to the wearer.

[0122] In such cases, the person wearing the orthodontic device of the present invention (dentist) needs to adjust the position of the orthodontic device and the amount of force applied to the palatal cervical region of the patient. The part that performs this adjustment function is the bending redundant section.

[0123] That is, after fitting the orthodontic device of the present invention, a dentist or other professional can further bend the elastic wire of the bent redundant shape to freely adjust the three-dimensional configuration of the orthodontic device. This allows the strength or absence of contact between the device and the palatal cervical region or mucosa to be adjusted, thereby controlling the physical burden on the patient. Furthermore, by controlling the balance between the strength or absence of the first and second compressive forces, the process of premature contact accompanied by cusp interference on the target molar can be optimized. Adjustments using the bent redundant shape can be performed while the orthodontic device of the present invention is still attached to the patient. However, particularly for large-scale adjustments, it is preferable to remove the device beforehand. For this reason, it is preferable that the orthodontic device of the present invention can be attached and removed from the patient's maxillary dentition multiple times by a dentist or other professional. However, it is a prerequisite for treatment management that the device be difficult to attach and remove by the patient. Bands or lingual sheaths, which are realistically selected as attachment and fixing parts, can be easily removed from the wearer and reattached as part of daily treatment procedures for dentists and others, but removal is difficult for the wearer, and therefore meets the above-mentioned requirements regarding attachment and detachment.

[0124] The shape and size of the bent redundant portion can be freely selected by dentists and others as long as it can be handled as described above and does not excessively interfere with the oral movement of the wearer (patient). Specifically, the shape is preferably a surrounding shape consisting of a continuous elastic line. Furthermore, from the perspective of safety for the human body, it is particularly preferable that the surrounding shape be a shape without corners, such as a loop or arc. The size is preferably limited to an extent that the bent redundant portion rests on the gums on the maxillary palate side when in contact with the maxillary palate side.

[0125] (d) Role of the attachment part The members constituting the attachment and fixing part and the maxillary molar to which the attachment is to be performed are as described above.

[0126] The role of the attachment and fixing part is to fix the orthodontic device of the present invention to the inside of the maxilla and to transmit both or either of the first and second compressive forces to the target maxillary molar (rarely including the maxillary second premolar), thereby moving the orientation of the crown of the maxillary molar buccally and generating early contact with cusp interference between the maxillary molar and the mandibular molar.

[0127] (5) Composition alone or in a group The orthodontic device of the present invention may be configured as a single device or as a set. That is, the orthodontic device of the present invention may be configured as a single unit (single mode), or as a "set" in which each part is appropriately combined. In the summary of the present invention, examples of a set configuration are expressed as "connection" between components, and a "set" in which these connecting members are separated is exemplified. Specifically, examples include: (a) a connection set between a first pressing force source and a first pressing force transmission unit; (b) a connection set between a first pressing force transmission unit and a lateral teeth arrangement unit (second pressing force source); (c) a connection set between a lateral teeth arrangement unit and a resultant force transmission unit (effectively a bending redundant unit); and (d) a connection set between a bending redundant unit within the resultant force transmission unit and an attachment / fixation unit. Two or more of these connection sets can also be combined. Furthermore, these are merely examples, and do not exclude other connection sets. These connection sets may be distributed as a set that can be connected and assembled when used, or may be distributed independently of each other.

[0128] Among the above examples, the connected set (d) is particularly important. A "band" or "lingual sheath," a typical embodiment of the attachment and fixation part, is a commercially available product widely used in orthodontics, and the attachment and fixation part represented by a band or lingual sheath is usually separate from other parts of the orthodontic device of the present invention. Therefore, a typical example of a "set" is a set of a "band or lingual sheath" and "other components constituting the orthodontic device of the present invention." In relation to this, "parts of the jaw position correction device and their precursors" of the present invention that do not have an attachment and fixation part have also been added to the gist of the invention. This will be discussed later.

[0129] Furthermore, in the case of the combination of the first pressing force source and the first pressing force transmission unit in (a), when the first pressing force source is highly independent as a component, it is particularly practical to combine it with other components as a set. In addition, (b) and (c) are also practical as sets according to the selection of specific components.

[0130] Connections include those made by welding (metal) and fusion (plastic, etc.). The connection may be a point connection that connects the ends of both parts, or a line connection that connects them along their length. Any connection method can be used, such as welding, fusion, brazing, adhesive bonding, fitting, or hinges, as long as the required strength of the connection (for example, strength against bending stress (second pressing force) that tries to widen the rear corner) is ensured at the connection.

[0131] <Details of action and effect> In relation to the gist of the invention, the functions and effects of the orthodontic device of the present invention will be further described.

[0132] The orthodontic device of the present invention is a dental device optimized to realize the extremely innovative idea of ​​"correcting jaw position and improving facial appearance by actively inducing early contact with cusp interference between the maxillary and mandibular molars."

[0133] (1) Direction of pressure The first pressing force is a force suitable for expanding the lateral dentition (including a single tooth) where the lateral dentition arrangement portion in the horizontal direction of the buccal side is in contact with the maxillary dentition. This horizontal buccal force is applied to the attachment and fixing portion as the first pressing force.

[0134] The second pressing force is a force that diverges toward the front, and the pressing force source is positioned along the slope of the palate, so that the force is directed diagonally upward toward the right and left cheeks relative to the maxillary dentition. This diverging, diagonally upward force is applied to the mounting and fixing part as the second pressing force.

[0135] These two forces are "generally a resultant force" and are applied to the right and left attachment and fixation parts. An exception to this resultant force is when the load of either the first or second pressing force is rested by controlling the contact of the device components with the palatal cervical region using the above-mentioned bending redundant part. It is also possible to rest both of these pressing forces. It is also possible to shorten the loop and apply a force in the opposite direction.

[0136] The attachment and fixation parts are generally attached to the right and left maxillary molars (preferably the first molars). This corresponds to the approximate distal end of the device, and the second compressive force in particular acts to spread the teeth toward the buccal side more than toward the anterior (mesial side). Therefore, the resultant force applied to the attachment and fixation parts includes a buccal-side distal-mesorotational rotation moment for the target maxillary molars.

[0137] From these facts, the force acting on the attachment fixing part can be summarized as a moment in the lateral cheek direction and / or obliquely upward cheek direction, which includes the above-mentioned rotational moment.

[0138] In addition, a force component in the direction of arrow A (FIG. 4(b)) is generated by combining this with a force component generated by the wearer's (patient's) own daily occlusion function. As a result, the orientation of the crown of the maxillary first molar (or the second molar, etc.) 20 moves toward the cheek (its position moves diagonally upward), resulting in the state of maxillary first molar 20', that is, a state of misalignment due to cuspal interference contact. The direction in which the orientation of the maxillary molar crown is moved is preferably a direction in which the contact area of ​​the premature contact between the maxillary molar and the mandibular molar is minimized.

[0139] Arrow A' in Figure 4(b) indicates the direction of movement of the maxillary first molar 20 due to the application of a conventional lateral expansion force. When a conventional orthodontic device for lateral expansion is used alone on the maxillary first molar 20, only the molar's position shifts because the buccal distal-mesorotatory rotation moment, including the force acting obliquely upward to the right and left buccal sides, is not involved. Therefore, it is difficult to efficiently achieve the above-described movement of the maxillary first molar 20. Furthermore, when a conventional orthodontic device for lateral expansion is used directly on the molar (e.g., when attempting to laterally expand the molar using the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8 of Patent Document 2), only the linear application of the lateral expansion force increases the risk of the maxillary molar 20 moving outward too far without passing through the stage of premature contact due to cuspal interference. Mid-stage adjustments are difficult in this configuration, and once the maxillary first molar 20 has shifted too far, it requires a great deal of effort to recover. In other words, with the above-mentioned direct lateral expansion of the molars, it is practically difficult to achieve the desired goal of early contact through cuspal interference. Furthermore, with direct lateral expansion of the molars, there is no room for the patient's own daily occlusal force to contribute to the realization of early contact through cuspal interference, making it difficult to achieve the effect of improving facial appearance.

[0140] (2) Redundancy-based adjustment function As described above, the orthodontic device of the present invention moves the maxillary molars (and occasionally the maxillary second premolars) only 1.5-2.0 mm, with subtle variations in movement, until premature contact due to cusp interference is achieved. If the movement is excessive, point contact is quickly lost. It is preferable for dentists using the orthodontic device of the present invention to complete the movement of the maxillary molars approximately simultaneously on both sides, making necessary adjustments along the way. Furthermore, such movement of the maxillary molars is performed in conjunction with the patient's daily occlusion. The positions and conditions of the target molars on the right and left sides of a patient are different, and it is natural that the patient's daily occlusion will have its own unique habits. Therefore, the orthodontic device of the present invention must be adjustable during use.

[0141] As mentioned above, the elastic wire of the bent redundant section can be used for this adjustment. Another factor is the "redundancy of the entire device." Specifically, there must be sufficient length of the components between the mounting and fixing section and the first pressing force source, and between the mounting and fixing section and the second pressing force source.

[0142] In other words, dentists and others can adjust elements such as the balance between the strength of the first and second pressing forces, the presence or absence of these pressing forces, and the balance between right and left by bending and straightening the elastic wire at the bending redundant section.However, if the redundancy of the entire device is not ensured, even a slight bending and straightening of the bending redundant section will cause a large change in the above elements, making the adjustment operation difficult.

[0143] From this perspective, it is preferable that the first pressing force source be close to the hard palate in order to ensure the length of the first pressing force transmission portion, i.e., the length to the attachment and fixation portion. Furthermore, it is preferable that the length of the lateral teeth arrangement portion is ensured in order to ensure the lengths to the attachment and fixation portions of both the first pressing force source and the second pressing force source. Specifically, it is preferable that the length of the lateral teeth arrangement portion is equal to or greater than the length that spans two consecutive teeth (from the proximal surface of one tooth on the opposite side of the other tooth to the crown bulge of the other tooth). In cases where the lateral teeth arrangement portion spans only one tooth (at least the length between the proximal surface and the crown bulge), adjustment becomes difficult due to the redundant bending portion, and therefore requires the expertise of a dentist or the like.

[0144] It is also possible to provide a bent redundant section by increasing the length of the resilient wire, which will contribute to the redundancy of the entire device components, but the resilient wire should be limited in size and shape to avoid causing pain to the wearer (patient), taking into account the bending and stretching of the resilient wire.

[0145] In the gist of the present invention, (a) Regarding the first pressing force generating unit, it is stated that "...it is possible to generate a first pressing force that expands laterally in the orthodontic device," (b) Regarding the second pressing force generating unit, it states that "...it is possible to generate a force that tends to widen the angle as a second pressing force in the orthodontic device."

[0146] The "possible" in the above (a) and (b) is an expression that takes into consideration the possibility that the first pressing force or the second pressing force may not be generated due to adjustment by the bent redundant portion.

[0147] In other words, at least at the start of orthodontic treatment using the orthodontic device of the present invention, it is standard practice to attach the device so that both the first and second compressive forces are generated within the orthodontic device, but it is considered that there may be cases where the load of both or either of these compressive forces is rested during the process leading up to early contact due to cuspal interference.

[0148] (3) Positioning as an orthodontic device Existing orthodontic appliances are broadly divided into mechanical orthodontic appliances and functional orthodontic appliances.

[0149] Mechanical orthodontic devices are devices that use mechanical force, that is, force other than muscle force, as the orthodontic force. Examples include labial orthodontic devices, lingual orthodontic devices, lingual arch wire devices, anchor screw devices, and aligner orthodontic devices.

[0150] A functional corrective device is a device that uses muscle strength as a corrective force, and examples include trainers, activators, bionators, and Frenkel devices.

[0151] In contrast, the orthodontic appliance of the present invention is a dental appliance that achieves early contact with cuspal interference by using mechanical force as the source of the first and second compressive forces, while also combining the transmission of the wearer's (patient's) occlusal force to the appliance. This combination of mechanical and functional forces not only enables radical improvements in jaw position that were previously impossible without surgery or extraoral devices such as maxillary protraction devices, but also enables rotational movement of the maxilla, thereby improving the wearer's facial appearance at the skeletal level. Furthermore, by applying compressive force to the lateral dentition placement area, it is possible to expand the wearer's lateral dentition and alleviate maxillary protrusion.

[0152] As such, the orthodontic appliance of the present invention is a comprehensive orthodontic appliance whose primary purpose is to correct the jaw position of the wearer (patient), and is different from existing orthodontic appliances. The jaw position correction performance of the orthodontic appliance of the present invention surpasses that of mouthpieces used in splint treatment, and it also has the function of improving facial appearance at the skeletal level. Furthermore, it has been shown to have the function of alleviating maxillary protrusion.

[0153] In other words, the orthodontic device of the present invention is an innovative orthodontic device that combines a mechanical orthodontic device and a functional orthodontic device and cannot be classified as any of the existing orthodontic devices.

[0154] 4. Orthodontic treatment using the orthodontic device of the present invention <Contents of orthodontic treatment using the orthodontic device of the present invention> Traditional orthodontic treatment involves a diagnosis of whether or not to extract teeth. If extraction is required, the teeth are extracted, and if not, orthodontic appliances are fitted immediately. In other words, treatment plans are created based on the initial position of the maxillary molars, and orthodontic treatment is then carried out based on this plan. For example, in aligner orthodontic treatment, the end state of orthodontic treatment is determined based on an initial diagnosis that assumes the initial position of the maxillary molars. Dozens of orthodontic appliances are then created and fitted to the patient sequentially from start to finish. Aligner orthodontic treatment is a method of linearly moving the patient's teeth to the final destination, so to speak, until the end state is determined. However, while this approach may seem rational at first glance, numerous failures have been reported. Ideally, the orthodontic treatment process should be flexible and adaptable to nonlinear changes in the oral cavity, such as changes in the arrangement of teeth, as treatment progresses. Subsequent treatment plans should be carefully determined based on the patient's progress as they progress.

[0155] In the first stage of treatment using the orthodontic device of the present invention, the unnatural movement of the mandible, caused by deviation of the maxillary molars from the position that would be expected under normal jaw movement, is reset using the device, which can be seen from the patient's initial abnormal jaw movement. Furthermore, a step (jaw position / facial appearance improvement step) is performed to improve the facial appearance at a skeletal level. Next, in the second stage, based on the favorable jaw position obtained in the first jaw position / facial appearance improvement step, the maxillary position is reset and occlusion is restored, and orthodontic treatment is performed as needed. As described above, the treatment in this first jaw position / facial appearance improvement step is innovative. Furthermore, the framework of this first jaw position / facial appearance improvement step and the second orthodontic treatment based on it, themselves, are in line with the ideal of detailed and flexible orthodontic treatment tailored to the patient's pre-treatment jaw position and facial appearance. Furthermore, subsequent orthodontic treatment based on the state achieved through the first stage of treatment for improving jaw position and facial appearance is also considered to be meticulous and flexible orthodontic treatment. In the second stage of orthodontic treatment, treatment should also be progressed while making fine adjustments according to the techniques and devices used.

[0156] The orthodontic device of the present invention is also useful in the second stage of dynamic treatment. That is, the orthodontic device of the present invention is used by connecting it to the right and left maxillary molars, and thereby the positional relationship between the right and left maxillary molars can be continuously adjusted even in the second stage of dynamic treatment. Alternatively, the pressing force on the lateral teeth obtained by the orthodontic device of the present invention contacting the inner edge of the maxillary dentition can be continuously utilized in the second stage of dynamic treatment.

[0157] Another extremely advantageous feature of the orthodontic device of the present invention is that the effects of improving jaw position, dental alignment, and facial appearance provided by the use of the orthodontic device of the present invention are "sustained or stable."

[0158] As described above, the "correct lower jaw position" achieved by the wearer (patient) using the orthodontic device of the present invention is, in other words, a return to the "correct lower jaw position" that the wearer was born with. Therefore, the "state in which distorted jaw movement is normalized and the face is beautiful" that the wearer has achieved after completing treatment in the first jaw position / facial appearance improvement step using the orthodontic device of the present invention serves as the "foundation for orthodontic treatment" and allows the second orthodontic treatment to begin. This means that by undergoing the first jaw position / facial appearance improvement step, the wearer will achieve a sustained, stable, and beautiful alignment of teeth without "relapse or irregular tooth alignment" (hereinafter referred to as "relapse, etc."), while maintaining the above-mentioned "state in which distorted jaw movement is normalized and the face is beautiful."

[0159] "Relapse" literally refers to the phenomenon in which the teeth return to their pre-orthodontic state after orthodontic treatment, and "disarray of the teeth" can also occur after orthodontic treatment. To prevent this, the standard orthodontic treatment involves a retention period using a retainer after the completion of a series of orthodontic treatments.

[0160] The cause of relapse is not only the non-use of retainers, but also the fact that dynamic treatment is completed without correcting the deviation in jaw position, which causes uneven stress to be constantly applied to each tooth.

[0161] In other words, relapse and other problems can occur even with a retention period. Relapse and other problems are generally considered to be caused by the alveolar bone, which supports the teeth, not having solidified immediately after a series of orthodontic treatments and the removal of the orthodontic appliance. However, in conventional orthodontic treatments, the typical orthodontic process (dynamic treatment) is performed without the "pre-resetting of the mandible to the correct position," i.e., "improvement of jaw movement by correcting jaw position," as achieved by the orthodontic appliance of the present invention. In this case, even after the completion of dynamic treatment and the start of the retention period, the pre-operating jaw movement remains unchanged. Therefore, if the pre-operating jaw movement is distorted, the biased bite force caused by the distorted jaw movement will cause distortion of the teeth. This is the main cause of relapse and other problems. One of the reasons why relapse and other problems occur even when a retention appliance is used is that the jaw position, which is the foundation of orthodontic treatment, is not corrected.

[0162] In contrast, by using the orthodontic device of the present invention in the first stage of orthodontic treatment, the jaw position and facial appearance improvement step, the jaw position of the patient is corrected, which serves as the foundation for subsequent orthodontic treatment, thereby preventing the above-mentioned relapse.

[0163] <Orthodontic treatment after jaw position and facial appearance improvement steps> As described above, the second stage of dynamic treatment in orthodontic treatment using the orthodontic appliance of the present invention consists of (a) restoring the "occlusion" obtained by establishing the correct position of the upper jaw from the "misaligned occlusion" caused in the first stage of jaw position and facial appearance improvement, and (b) providing orthodontic measures according to the state of the dentition of each individual patient as necessary and as a preliminary measure. (a) is essential, and (b) is optional.

[0164] (a) Regarding the restoration of occlusion, the basic principle is to remove the orthodontic appliance of this invention and allow the upper jaw to naturally align with the lower jaw while maintaining the correct position through daily occlusal movements corrected by treatment in the first stage of jaw position and facial appearance improvement. To assist this, intermaxillary elastics, external wire orthodontic appliances, etc. can be used as needed to restore occlusion while adjusting the arch form according to standard methods. This occlusion restoration process, performed as part of the leveling described below, is also suitable when moving on to dynamic treatment in (b).

[0165] The dynamic treatment in (b) can basically be performed after (a) as needed. Specific examples include correcting the direction of individual teeth growth and further treatment of overjet (protruding teeth), and specific methods can be performed according to standard orthodontic techniques.

[0166] As mentioned above, the standard orthodontic procedure (dynamic treatment) consists of (1) leveling, (2) distalization of canines, (3) retraction of incisors, and (4) final finishing. This is followed by long-term retention treatment. Each step will be briefly explained here, including (5) retention. Standard orthodontic appliances and retention devices will be selected and used for each of these steps.

[0167] (1) Leveling The first step of orthodontic treatment is the initial orthodontic treatment step to roughly correctly arrange teeth that are displaced or tilted vertically, labio-lingually, and mesio-distally, or that are rotated, and align them as closely as possible to the occlusal plane. Mainly during this stage, the orthodontic device of the present invention is worn and maintained, which can support the leveling process.

[0168] (2) Distalization of canines (only in cases of tooth extraction) The second step in orthodontic treatment is aimed at moving the canines backward (distal) by the amount of space required for the alignment and retraction of the incisors, assuming that there is a space left by a missing tooth due to extraction or other reasons.

[0169] (3) Posterior movement of incisors The third step in orthodontic treatment is aimed at moving the incisors collectively backward a predetermined distance while maintaining their proper arcuate alignment.

[0170] (4) Final Finishing The fourth step in orthodontic treatment is to create the optimal dental alignment and occlusion for each individual case. The goal is to achieve the ideal arch form by carefully checking the direction of the tooth roots and the occlusion of the opposing upper and lower teeth, and by making minute adjustments.

[0171] In this fourth step, the dynamic orthodontic treatment ends, and the next step is the retention stage (5) described below.

[0172] (5) Retention The new dentition created through the dynamic treatments (1)-(4) above must be replaced with a new environment, including the tongue, cheeks, and lips. It takes a considerable amount of time for the periodontal tissues, tooth placement, dentition, and occlusion to become accustomed to this new environment, and if nothing is done after dynamic treatment is completed, the dentition will revert to its original state. To prevent this, post-operative retainer appliances (retention devices) must be worn for many years to maintain the current state.

[0173] Even when orthodontic treatment is performed using the orthodontic appliance of the present invention, a subsequent retention process using various retention devices is necessary. This is because, even if the biased occlusal force, which is the main cause of relapse, is improved by using the orthodontic appliance of the present invention, it is still necessary to prevent the original positional relationship between adjacent teeth from being disrupted (broken contact) due to irregular pressure on the teeth caused by the patient's daily diet and habits, as well as the elastic force of the periodontal ligament. However, the biased occlusal force itself, which is the main cause of relapse, is improved by correcting the jaw position in the jaw position and facial appearance improvement step, and tooth mobility, which interferes with alveolar bone calcification, is minimized. Therefore, as mentioned above, the retention period can be shorter than before, and relapse is less likely to occur.

[0174] 5. Part of the orthodontic device of the present invention (main body of the jaw position corrective device) or its precursor As described above, the orthodontic device of the present invention is equipped with an attachment and fixing part, but the "part of the jaw position correction device or its precursor" from which the attachment and fixing part has been removed can also be sold or distributed independently, and is a subject of the present invention.

[0175] The above-mentioned part of the orthodontic device of the present invention (jaw position correction device main body) is later connected or connected to a separate attachment and fixing part in the form of a band or lingual sheath at a predetermined position when it is attached to the wearer (patient), for example, and is attached to the upper jaw of the wearer as the orthodontic device of the present invention, thereby exerting the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0176] A suitable example of a precursor for the above part is a precursor for a suitable part of the above orthodontic device that has not yet been three-dimensionalized to be fitted as a jaw position correction device to the shape of the wearer's (patient's) upper jaw.

[0177] The state in which the three-dimensional structure is not yet complete can be exemplified by two types: a form in which the above-mentioned components (1)-(5) of the orthodontic device of the present invention (however, the mounting and fixing part is excluded from (5)) are present on approximately the same plane (planar precursor), and a form in which preliminary three-dimensional structure has been performed for the convenience of final three-dimensional structure (three-dimensional precursor). Specific examples will be described later.

[0178] <Cases where the use of the orthodontic device of the present invention is restricted> Although the orthodontic device of the present invention is highly versatile, there are some situations in which its use should be restricted. (1) In situations such as a functional crossbite, where lingual movement of the maxillary dentition is undesirable, the use of the orthodontic device of the present invention is contraindicated and may make treatment difficult. (2) If abnormal bone resorption is observed in the periodontal tissue of the maxillary molar with which the orthodontic device of the present invention comes into contact as a result of radiographic diagnosis, the use of the orthodontic device of the present invention is contraindicated. (3) If there is pain such as percussion pain in the teeth that come into contact with the orthodontic device of the present invention, its use is contraindicated. (4) The orthodontic device of the present invention is contraindicated when the tooth that comes into contact with has an artificial tooth root. (5) If the tongue chamber is extremely narrow or the tongue is extremely large, care must be taken when using the orthodontic device of the present invention. (6) If wearing the orthodontic device of the present invention makes it difficult to perform general dental treatment required before orthodontic treatment, its use should be avoided. (7) If you cannot tolerate any impact on your speech due to professional reasons or other reasons, the orthodontic device of the present invention is not suitable for use. (8) If you have an allergic reaction to the material (especially the metal) of the orthodontic device of the present invention, you should avoid using it. (9) When jaw movement is normal and the molar relationship is Class I (so-called Class I crowding), the use of the orthodontic device of the present invention is not necessary except for the purpose of improving facial appearance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0179] The present invention provides a maxillary position correction device that is attached to the maxilla and has the function of generating premature contact with cusp interference between the maxillary and mandibular molars, as well as a portion thereof excluding the attachment and fixing part, or a precursor thereof. The generation of premature contact with cusp interference by this maxillary position correction device creates a pseudo-dislocation of the maxillary and mandibular molars. This resets the mandibular position to the original position of the wearer (patient). At the same time, the maxillary protrusion is alleviated by the lateral expansion force applied by the above-mentioned maxillary position correction device. Then, by performing orthodontic treatment as needed based on this reset state of the mandibular joint, the wearer can improve temporomandibular joint disorder and achieve beautiful dental alignment. Furthermore, due to premature contact accompanied by cuspal interference, the maxilla rotates around the zygomatic process as an axis, causing the bridge of the nose between the wearer's eyebrows to rise by several millimeters, the tip of the nose to drop, forming a beautiful ACR, and shortening the philtrum (the groove between the nose and mouth), creating a cosmetically desirable state at the skeletal level. Another feature of the present invention is that the state of the teeth, etc. corrected using the orthodontic device of the present invention is sustainable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0180] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic of the oral cavity proper of a human adult. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the palatal surface of the maxilla as viewed from the front. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the palatal surface from a frontal view regarding directional terms on the maxillary side. [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the crown of the maxillary molar in the direction of the orthodontic device of the present invention, as seen in the occlusion of the first molars of the maxilla and mandible. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the maxilla (left side) from the outside. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a state in which the mounting and fixing part of one embodiment of the orthodontic device of the present invention has been removed (main body of the jaw position orthodontic device). [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a jaw position correction device main body. [Figure 8]FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of a jaw position correction device main body. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a left side view of one embodiment of the jaw position correction device main body. [Figure 10] 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the correction device of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram showing the direction and orientation of an embodiment of the orthodontic device of the present invention when attached to a wearer (patient). [Figure 12] 1 is a front view of the palate of an embodiment of the orthodontic device of the present invention, showing the device attached to the maxillary side of a wearer (patient). [Figure 13] 1 is a front view of the palate showing the movement of the maxillary dentition when one embodiment of a jaw position correcting device is continuously worn by a wearer (patient). FIG. [Figure 14] This is a drawing showing the front view of the palate of one embodiment of a jaw position correction device when worn, which has two distal ends that act on only one of the maxillary molars (one on each side) via an attachment and fixing part. [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a product form of a jaw position correction device main body. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view of a planar precursor of a jaw position correction device in another embodiment of the correction device of the present invention, with the mounting and fixing part removed. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a planar precursor of the jaw position correction device main body in a state where the mounting and fixing part is removed in another embodiment of the correction device of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10 is a front view of the palate of another embodiment of the orthodontic device of the present invention, showing the device attached to the maxillary side of a wearer (patient). FIG. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing the region near the midline (cross section) in a schematic diagram of a vertical section of a human mouth taken along a line connecting the distal proximal surfaces of the right and left first molars. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0181] 1. Disclosure of Exemplary Embodiments (1) Here, an embodiment of the orthodontic device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the orthodontic device directly disclosed in the drawings uses a band as the attachment and fixing part, and the rest of the device is composed of a continuous elastic wire. The disclosure of this embodiment is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0182] 6-13 show an embodiment of the orthodontic device of the present invention, showing its basic structure and the state of attachment to the maxilla of a wearer (patient). Right and left refer to right and left from the wearer's perspective. Up and down also refer to up and down from the wearer's perspective. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a jaw position correction device 50, an orthodontic device of the present invention, in a state 57 (hereinafter referred to as the jaw position correction device main body 57) from which the attachment and fixing part has been removed. FIG. 7 is a front view of the jaw position correction device main body 57 as seen in the direction of arrow B, FIG. 8 is a plan view as seen in the direction of arrow C (top), and FIG. 9 is a left side view as seen in the direction of arrow D. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the jaw position correction device 50 with bands, which are the attachment and fixing part, attached to both distal ends. FIG. 11 shows the direction and orientation of the jaw position correction device 50 when attached to a wearer. FIG. 12 shows the jaw position correction device 50 attached to the maxilla of a wearer. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the tendency of movement of the maxillary dentition when the jaw position correcting device 50 is continuously worn by a wearer.

[0183] While the jaw position correction device main body 57 shown in Figures 6-9 is composed of a single continuous elastic wire, the orthodontic device of the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Furthermore, by connecting portions of the elastic wire via detachable parts such as adapters, it is possible to realize an embodiment in which components can be combined and assembled, or components can be replaced. Typically, orthodontic wires commonly used in orthodontic treatment are used as the elastic wire, with a thickness (diameter) of 0.6-1.0 mm, with 0.8-0.9 mm being preferred. In particular, a wire with a thickness (diameter) of 0.9 mm is most suitable for use in this jaw position correction device. The cross-sectional shape of the wire is not limited, but a circular or near-circular shape is preferred.

[0184] 6 to 9, the jaw position correcting device main body 57 has a shape that is approximately line-symmetrical with respect to an axis II along the midline of the hard palate, and has loop shapes at the center and three locations on the right and left sides (a central loop 511, a right loop 512, and a left loop 513). The central loop 511, which is the first pressing force source, is approximately line-symmetrical with respect to the axis II along the midline of the hard palate, and includes a central continuation point 503 between the right side 501 and the left side 502. The right loop 512, which is a bent redundant part, is provided on the distal side close to the right distal end 5011, and the left loop 513, which is also a bent redundant part, is provided on the distal side close to the left distal end 5012. From the mesial end 5121 of the right loop 512 and the mesial end 5131 of the left loop 513, guide portions (right side guide portion 521 and left side guide portion 522) that preferably have gently curved portions are provided as lateral tooth row arrangement portions toward the right large bending portion 531 and the left large bending portion 532, which are second pressing force generating portions (second pressing force sources), respectively. Guide portions (right central guide portion 541 and left central guide portion 542) that are first pressing force transmitting portions are provided from one end of the right large bending portion 531 and one end of the left large bending portion 532 to both ends of the central loop 511 (right end portion 5111 of the central loop and left end portion 5112 of the central loop), and the central loop 511 is formed including both ends. The loop shape (511, 512, 513) is one of the preferred embodiments of an enclosed shape using a resilient wire configuration. Of these, it is preferable that the central loop 511 be as close as possible to the hard palate so that the jaw position correcting device 50 can be attached to the wearer (patient), as described above.

[0185] It is preferable that the overall shape of the jaw position corrective device main body 57 follows the shape of the maxillary dental arch to the palate side of the wearer when the jaw position corrective device 50 is attached to the wearer (patient). In addition, the jaw position corrective device 50 is attached to the wearer in a state in which it is bent approximately horizontally and approximately symmetrically with respect to axis II along the midline of the hard palate. The bending stress generated by this bending becomes a first pressing force toward the cheek side (lateral side) of the right and left maxillary dental arches.

[0186] The bending angle Θ (531Θ, 532Θ respectively) of the right and left major bending portions 531 and 532, which are posterior angles, is bent in an R-shape including a horizontal angle component θ1 formed between the right and left side guide portions 521 and 522, which form a line (preferably a gentle curve) that approximates the direction of the dental row including the maxillary second premolar and the canine (distal to mesial direction) in the mouth, so that when worn, the right and left central guide portions 541 and 542 form a central loop 511 from the neck of the maxillary canine toward the mesial side of the hard palate, and an up-down angle component θ2 (the above-mentioned upper component) that forms a curve that approximates the curve of the hard palate from the neck of the maxillary canine toward the posterior mesial side in the mouth, thereby forming the right and left central guide portions 541 and 542 up to the both end portions 5111 and 5112 of the central loop 511, and the central loop 511 including these both end portions is formed. The above 531Θ refers to the bending angle Θ at the right major bending portion 531, and 532Θ refers to the bending angle Θ at the left major bending portion 532. In the drawing symbols, 531, 532 and Θ are separate. 531Θ and 532Θ should be delicately adjusted according to the condition of the wearer (patient), and cannot be said to be strictly equal, but for the purpose of explanation, they will be treated as approximately equal. The bending stress that causes the bending angle Θ to expand outward is the second pressing force.

[0187] The same is true for the horizontal angle component θ1 (531θ1, 532θ1) and the vertical angle component θ2 (531θ2, 532θ2). The right loop 512 and the left loop 513 located on the right and left distal sides of the jaw position corrective device main body 57 form R-shaped loops with bending angles Φ (5121Φ, 5131Φ) (horizontal direction 5121φ1, 5131φ1; vertical direction 5121φ2 (not shown), 5131φ2) along the curve from the cervical to the palate side of the second premolar and first molar. The above 5121Φ means the bending angle Φ at the mesial end 5121 of the right loop 513, and 513Φ means the bending angle Φ at the mesial end 5131 of the left loop 513. In the drawing symbols, 5121, 5131 and Φ are separate from each other. As with the above Θ, 5121Φ and 5131Φ should be delicately adjusted according to the condition of the wearer (patient), and cannot be said to be strictly equal, but for the purpose of explanation, they will be treated as approximately equal. The same applies to the horizontal angle component φ1 (5121φ1, 5131φ1) and the vertical angle component φ2 (5121φ2 (not shown), 5131φ2).

[0188] Furthermore, the central loop 511 is formed to have an angle component θ3 (522θ3) that is gentler when viewed from the horizontal direction than the vertical angle component θ2 formed by the right and left side guide portions 521 and 522. θ3 is only shown in FIG. 9, which is a left side view. This θ3 is provided to match the inclination of the hard palate surface and ensure as much tongue room as possible for the wearer (patient). Although not shown, on the right symmetrical side of central loop 511 to the right of 522θ3, there is an angle component 521θ3 in the vertical direction formed by right side guide portion 521. 522θ3 and 521θ3, not shown, should also be delicately adjusted depending on the shape of the wearer's hard palate, etc., and although they cannot be said to be strictly equal, for the purposes of explanation, they will be treated as approximately equal.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 10 , the jaw position correction device 50 has bands (right band 55, left band 56) that serve as attachment and fixing parts attached to the outer edge of the jaw position correction device main body 57 at the right and left distal ends (right distal end 5011, left distal end 5012) of the jaw position correction device main body 57 so that they can fit onto the maxillary right and left first molars of the wearer (patient) when worn (right band attachment part 551, left band attachment part 561). The attachment means is not limited, and in addition to welding such as waxing as shown in the figure, for example, attachment using a fine adapter can be selected. As mentioned above, currently, a fine adapter called a lingual sheath is available that can be attached to the side of a band to fit and fix a linear member such as an elastic wire in place, and an embodiment using this is also preferable.

[0190] FIG. 11 shows the direction (arrow E) and orientation of the jaw position corrective device 50 when it is attached to the oral cavity 10 of the wearer (patient). The wearer is a dentist. The jaw position corrective device 50 is attached to the upper dental arch of the wearer from the hard palate side. Each element of the jaw position corrective device 50 is attached to a predetermined position on the maxillary dentition, with the right band 55 being fitted and fixed to the maxillary right first molar and the left band 56 being fitted and fixed to the maxillary left first molar.

[0191] 12 shows the shape of the jaw position correcting device 50 attached to the maxillary palate side in the direction shown in Fig. 11, as viewed from the front of the palate. The teeth constituting the maxillary dentition in Fig. 12 are shown in accordance with the illustrations in Fig. 2.

[0192] The right side guide portion 521 and the left side guide portion 522 are in contact with or close to the palatal sides of the second premolars (1135·1135'), the first premolars (1134·1134'), and the canines (1133·1133'), respectively, and correspond to the above-mentioned "area whose longest length is from the mesial adjacent surface of the canine to the distal adjacent surface of the second premolar," i.e., the lateral dental row arrangement portion. As will be described later in connection with Figure 13, when the right side surface guide portion 521 and the left side surface guide portion 522 are attached to the palate side of the jaw position correction device 50, the second pressure force component that is applied to expand the bending angle (shown as horizontal angle component θ1: 531θ1, 532θ1) of the right and left major bending portions 531 and 532, and the first pressure force can achieve lateral expansion of the dental rows of the maxillary canines (right 1133, left 1133'), first premolars (right 1134, left 1134'), and second premolars (right 1135, left 1135').

[0193] The right and left most mesial portions of this "region, the longest of which corresponds to the distance from the mesial proximal surface of the canine to the distal proximal surface of the second premolar," "right greater bend 531" and "left greater bend 532," are connected via "right central guide 541" and "left central guide 542," respectively, to both ends (central loop right end 5111 and central loop left end 5112) of a central loop 511, which is "located in the vicinity of just below the midline of the hard palate of the wearer (patient) and includes as its main region the region just below the hard palate anterior to the palatal pits on both the right and left cheek sides of the midline, and has substantially the same shape on either side of the midline." It is preferable that the central loop 511 be close to but not in contact with the hard palate of the wearer, and its tip, a central continuation point 503, reaches just below the posterior edge of the hard palate. This "right large bending portion 531 and left large bending portion 532" - "right central guide portion 541 and left central guide portion 542" - central loop 511" corresponds to the first pressing force generating portion. The central loop 511 is the portion that applies a pressing force (first pressing force) to the side (cheek side) due to the stress of the elastic wire of the surrounding shape that is bent to the limit of maintaining the bending stress against elastic deformation.

[0194] The right and left loop mesial ends (5121, 5131) and right and left distal ends (5011, 5012) and the right and left bands (right band 55, left band 56) that serve as attachment and fixing parts constitute a resultant force transmission part. Among these, the right loop distal end 5122 and right distal end 5011, the left loop distal end 5132 and left distal end 5012, which are "abutment structures against the palatal cervical parts of the molars," and the right and left bands (right band 55, left band 56) that serve as attachment and fixing parts that are connected to these, have the function of "applying force to move the orientation of the crowns of the maxillary molars (or rarely the maxillary second premolars) that are restrained by the bands" in conjunction with the daily occlusal force of the wearer (patient), as will be described later in the explanation of Figure 13, and serve as attachment and fixing parts. The right and left loops (right loop 512, left loop 513), which are the bent redundant portions, can be further bent to freely adjust the three-dimensional configuration of the orthodontic device and to adjust the strength or absence of contact between the components and the palatal cervical region or mucosa, thereby controlling the physical burden on the wearer (patient). Specifically, of the anterior straight portion, central bent portion, and posterior straight portion that make up the loop, by bending the vicinity of the center of the anterior straight portion further forward, the anterior elastic portion can be moved toward the crown of the tooth. This is also true if the vicinity of the center of the posterior straight portion is bent further posteriorly. Conversely, by bending the vicinity of the center of the anterior straight portion backward, the anterior elastic portion can be moved toward the crown of the tooth. This is also true if the vicinity of the center of the posterior straight portion is bent forward.

[0195] FIG. 13 shows that when the jaw position corrective device 50 shown in FIG. 12 is attached to the palate side, first, a bending stress (first pushing force) of the elastic line by the central loop 511 and a bending angle Θ of the right and left major bending parts 531 and 532 (shown as the horizontal angle component θ1 in FIG. 12: 531θ1, 532θ1) are applied, and the bending angle Θ includes an upward component and tends to expand outward (second pushing force). This causes a lateral expansion force F·F′ including a component in the upward buccal direction to act on the dentition of the maxillary canines (right 1133, left 1133′), first premolars (right 1134, left 1134′), and second premolars (right 1135, left 1135′), and the horizontal angle component changes from θ1 to θ1′ (531θ1 → 531θ1′; As the palatal surface expands from 532θ1 to 532θ1', the tooth row also expands laterally and distally, widening outward as shown in the front view of the palate.

[0196] The first and second compressive forces are then transmitted to the right and left maxillary first molars via the right and left bands (right 55 and left 56), accompanied by buccal rotational moments M and M'. Furthermore, the daily occlusal force of the wearer (patient) causes the orientation of the tooth crowns to move, resulting in premature contact with cusp interference, as shown in Figure 4(b).

[0197] The application of lateral expansion forces to the canine-second premolar arch in the maxillary dentition and the generation of premature contact with cusp interference at the molars alleviate the maxillary protrusion of the wearer (patient). At the same time, the pseudo-occlusion between the maxillary and mandibular molars resets the mandible to its original position. This also improves temporomandibular joint disorders and adjusts the wearer's dental alignment. Even more surprisingly, the wearer's (patient's) daily occlusal force shifts from surface contact to point contact, and the occlusal stress generated by the generation of premature contact with cusp interference rotates the maxilla around the zygomatic process, thereby improving the wearer's facial appearance at a skeletal level. In this example, the generation of premature contact at the distal cusp is preferred.

[0198] 14 shows a front view of the palate of a special jaw position corrective device 60 attached to the maxillary palate, in which the action of the orthodontic device of the present invention, "applying a lateral expansion force to the canine-second premolar tooth row and generating early contact with cusp interference at the first molar," is applied only to the right side of the maxillary dentition, while "only applying a lateral expansion force to the canine-second premolar tooth row" is applied to the left side. The right half of the jaw position corrective device 60 is similar to the jaw position corrective device 50 described above, but the configuration of the left half is different from that of the jaw position corrective device 50.

[0199] The left half of the jaw position correction device 60 differs from the left half of the jaw position correction device 50 in that the left band 56 of the jaw position correction device 50 is fitted to the maxillary left first molar 1136', whereas the left band 66 of the jaw position correction device 60 is fitted to the maxillary left first premolar 1134'. By fitting the band 66 of the jaw position correction device to the maxillary left first premolar 1134', the first pressing force from the central loop 611 and the second pressing force from the left major bending portion 632 are concentrated in the vicinity of the maxillary left canine-second premolar, with the maxillary left first premolar 1134' as the center, and are weak against the maxillary left first molar 1136', which only makes gentle contact due to contact with the redundant elastic line, including the left loop 613. Therefore, the left half of the jaw position correction device 60 only has a lateral expansion effect on the maxillary left canine-second premolar of the wearer (patient), and does not substantially affect the orientation of the crown of the maxillary left first molar. On the other hand, the right half of the jaw position correction device 60, like the jaw position correction device 50, generates premature contact with cusp interference by exerting a first and second pushing force that moves the crown of the maxillary right first molar in addition to the lateral expansion effect on the maxillary right canine-second premolar. An unbalanced configuration such as the jaw position correction device 60 can be applied when, for example, due to the wearer's health, it is not possible to generate premature contact with cusp interference on the molars in the maxillary left dentition. Even when using a jaw position correction device 60 with such an unbalanced configuration, the effects of the present invention are still observed.

[0200] The jaw position correcting device 60 is one embodiment of "a jaw position correcting device having both distal ends fixed to one of the upper molars, one on each side, via an attachment and fixing portion."

[0201] 2. Implementation Example (1) <Jaw position correction device in practice> When a wearer (dentist) intends to have a wearer (patient) wear the jaw position corrective device 50 shown in Figures 6-13, he or she first counsels the wearer to determine the orthodontic treatment policy, then creates a plaster cast of the wearer's maxillary dentition and temporarily fits the jaw position corrective device 50 to it. The front view of the temporarily fitted state is similar to Figure 12. In the temporarily fitted state, adjustments are made to the right and left balance and the contact strength with the maxillary dentition and the elastic line of the dental neck in consideration of the contents of the counseling to achieve the most appropriate state for the wearer's maxillary dentition of the wearer, such as adjustment of the bending stress (first pressing force) of the central loop (511) taking into account the contact strength with the elastic line of the maxillary dentition and the maxillary cervical line, adjustment of the bending stress (second pressing force) that causes the bending angle Θ (531Θ, 532Θ) to spread outward (including an upward force component), and adjustment of the fit of the right and left bands (55·56) to the maxillary molars. After the adjustment, the jaw position corrective device 50 is removed from the plaster cast and reattached to the wearer's maxillary dentition as shown in Figure 12, completing the attachment of the jaw position corrective device 50 to the wearer. Depending on the wearer's health condition related to the maxillary dentition, the dentist may select an unbalanced configuration like the jaw position corrective device 60 or a method of fitting bands to molars other than the first molar. Furthermore, the subtle curvature of the elastic wire constituting the jaw position corrective device 50 is finely adjusted according to the specific condition of the wearer's maxillary dentition. Furthermore, as described above, the condition of the wearer's maxillary dentition is observed over time from the initial attachment. When appropriate, the jaw position corrective device 50 is temporarily removed from the maxillary dentition and readjusted each time, particularly using the right and left loops (512, 513). It is preferable to reattach it to the wearer. This reattachment is usually performed multiple times depending on the chronological movement of the wearer's dentition, and the progress of the dentition movement is appropriately monitored each time. Because of the need for continuous management of dental alignment, it is desirable that the jaw position correction devices 50 and 60 be easily attached and detached by dentists, but also difficult for the wearer to attach and detach. This embodiment, which uses a band and elastic wire, meets this requirement.

[0202] <The actual jaw position correction device> As described above, the jaw position corrective device 50 is usually first temporarily attached to a plaster cast of the maxillary dentition of the wearer (patient). Prior to this temporary attachment, a dentist or dental technician attaches bands to both ends of the jaw position corrective device main body 57 (the jaw position corrective device part) to complete the jaw position corrective device 50 for use.

[0203] The jaw position correcting device main body 57 can be produced (made) by bending a resilient wire, and can be made by a dentist or dental technician himself or herself.

[0204] At the same time, it is also possible to mass-produce the standardized jaw position corrective device main body 57 or its precursor and distribute it as a product. The precursor provided as a standardized product is shaped into the shape of the jaw position corrective device main body 57 by a dentist or dental technician when used, and is used as the jaw position corrective device 57 for the wearer (patient) through the process described above.

[0205] An embodiment example of the jaw position correcting device main body 57 and its precursor is shown in FIG.

[0206] 15 shows, in (1), a perspective view of a planar precursor 571 of the jaw position correction device main body 57, in (2), a perspective view of a three-dimensional precursor 572 of the same, and in (3), a perspective view of the jaw position correction device main body 57 (from a different angle from the perspective view in FIG. 6). In each figure, a central loop 511, a right loop 512, a left loop 513, and right and left major bends 531 and 532 are shown.

[0207] The planar precursor 571 has a shape in which the vertical angle components θ2 and θ3 (see FIG. 9) of the right and left major bending portions 531 and 532 of the jaw position correction device main body 57 are approximately 0. The three-dimensional precursor 572 has a shape in which the corresponding angle of the vertical angle component θ2 is larger than 0 but smaller than that of the jaw position correction device main body 57, and the corresponding θ3 angle is the same as or smaller than θ3 (but is 0 or more). The bending angles Φ (531Φ, 532Φ) of the right and left major bending portions 531 and 532 are approximately equal to the horizontal angle component φ1 (531φ1, 532φ).

[0208] The planar precursor 571, the three-dimensional precursor 572, and the jaw position correction device main body 57 not only show examples of the stages of the manufacturing process as described above, but also each can be the subject of manufacture, sale, and distribution as a standardized product. The planar precursor 571, which has a planar shape, but is less three-dimensional than the jaw position correction device main body 57, which is a finished product, such as the three-dimensional precursor 572, is more suitable as a product to be distributed. 3. Disclosure of Exemplary Embodiments (2) 16, 17, and 18 are drawings relating to a jaw position correction device 70, which is another embodiment of the jaw position correction device 50. The jaw position correction device 70 is more suitable for mass production.

[0209] Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of a planar precursor 771 of the jaw position correcting device main body 77, and Fig. 17 shows a perspective view of the jaw position correcting device main body 77. Fig. 18 is a drawing showing the jaw position correcting device 70 as seen from the front on the palate, in a state where it is attached to the maxillary side of a wearer (patient).

[0210] The planar precursor 771 becomes a jaw position correction device main body 77 that can be worn by a wearer (dentist) or the like by folding or the like, and the jaw position correction device 70 with bands 725, 735 attached thereto is worn on the upper jaw side of the wearer. The planar precursor 771 is a combination of three elastic wires 71, 72, 73, and the elastic wires 72, 73 are connected to both ends of the elastic wire 71 so that the side surfaces of the elastic wires 72, 73 are symmetrical to each other (connecting portions 722, 732). The elastic wires can be connected to each other at these connecting portions by any connecting method such as welding, fusion, brazing, adhesive, fitting, hinges, etc., as long as the connecting portions are strong enough to withstand the bending stress (second pressing force) that expands the rear angles 722ρ1, 732ρ1' formed at the connecting portions 722, 732.

[0211] The planar precursor 771 having such an overall shape has loops 711, 721, and 731 at three locations: the center and the right and left. The area between the connecting portions 722 and 732 is a first pressing force generating portion, and the center loop 711 provided at the center is a first pressing force source like the center loop 511 of the jaw position correcting device 50, and the remaining portion is a first pressing force transmitting portion. The approximately horizontal bending stress in the center loop 711 in the lateral direction is the first pressing force. The right loop 721 and the left loop 731 are bending redundant portions like the right loop 512 and left loop 513 of the jaw position correcting device 50, respectively. The distance between the right and left elastic lines 72 and 73 is wider on the distal side (right 723, left 733) and narrower on the mesial side (724, 734) to match the shape of the maxillary dentition to which it is attached. The area between the mesial end of the right elastic wire 72 and the mesial end of the right loop 721, and the area between the mesial end of the left elastic wire 731 and the mesial end of the left loop 512, respectively, are the right lateral dental row arrangement section and the left lateral dental row arrangement section. To adjust the jaw position corrective device main body 77 to a shape that can be worn by a wearer, the elastic wire 71 must be dome-shaped by forming folds (G, G') on the surface formed between the elastic wires 72 and 73 to match the shape of the maxillary palate to which it will be worn. The right and left loops 721 and 731 must each have inward folds (H, J) that are inclined to match the cervical portions of the maxillary first molars. The mesial sides 724 and 734 of the elastic wires 72 and 73 preferably have curved folds (K, L) that match the shape of the palate side of the maxillary mesial dental row. Bands 725, 735 are separately attached to the outer side of the distal sides 723, 733 of the elastic wires 72, 73 to fix the jaw position correction device main body 77 to the maxillary first molars, completing the jaw position correction device 70. The bands can be attached by waxing, attachments (commercially available as lingual sheaths, etc.), or the like. Figure 18 shows the jaw position correction device 70 fixed to the right and left maxillary first molars of a wearer using the bands 725, 735, the right and left distal sides 723, 733 of the elastic wires abutting near the cervical regions of the right and left first molars, and the central loop 711 positioned directly below the hard palate. The connecting parts 722, 732 are second pressing force generating parts (second pressing force sources), and the bending stress that causes the posterior angles 722ρ1·732ρ1' to expand outward is the second pressing force.

[0212] In the jaw position correction device 70, it is also possible to shorten the length of the right and left resilient lines 72 and 73 to the mesial ends up to the length up to the connecting parts 722 and 732. Also, it is possible to change the connecting parts 722 and 723 with the resilient line 71 from "connected" in this example to "continuous". Furthermore, the connection between the parts of the right and left resilient lines 72 and 73 mesial to the connecting parts 722 and 732 and the two connecting parts can be changed from "continuous" in this example to "connected". Furthermore, the connection parts between the resilient lines in three directions at the connecting parts 722 and 732 (the connecting parts 722 and 732 of the right and left resilient lines 72 and 73, the resilient lines closer to the mesial side, the resilient lines closer to the distal side, and the resilient line 71) can all be "continuous".

[0213] In this way, the first and second pressing forces generated by the jaw position correction device 70 and its modified embodiments are applied to the right and left maxillary first molars via the bands (725, 735), and the resultant force accompanied by the buccal proximal-proximal rotational moment, combined with the daily bite force applied by the wearer (patient), generates early contact with cusp interference in the right and left molars, thereby realizing jaw position correction and facial improvement in the wearer (patient), along with adjustment of the teeth by lateral expansion as necessary.

[0214] 4. Sophistication of the concept of this invention Figures 6-18 show examples of the orthodontic device of the present invention, including the main body (excluding the band) and precursor. These examples are preferred examples of the orthodontic device of the present invention. However, the essence of the present invention is the realization of a novel approach to orthodontic treatment. By using a jaw position correction device that generates premature contact with cuspal interference in the maxillary molars, a step of resetting the position of the mandible relative to the maxilla is newly incorporated into the overall orthodontic treatment process, thereby not only improving temporomandibular joint disorders, but also providing patients with cosmetic benefits such as improved facial appearance at the skeletal level. This approach is completely unheard of in conventional orthodontic thinking. The orthodontic device of the present invention is a dental device that optimizes and realizes this approach.

[0215] In other words, the creation of premature contacts with cusp interference in the maxillary molars must be reliably achieved. To this end, the force applied to the maxillary molars to which the orthodontic device's mounting and fixing portion is fixed is, in principle, the resultant force of a first compressive force with a force source near the hard palate and a second compressive force with a force source at or near the mesial end of the lateral teeth arrangement portion. This force is shaped to diverge toward the rear so that it is accompanied by a buccal rotational moment. Furthermore, redundancy is ensured by providing a lateral teeth arrangement portion that can alleviate maxillary protrusion by applying a lateral expansion force to the maxillary canine and second premolars, allowing the device to be adjusted as needed after installation.

[0216] It is expected that those skilled in the art, upon reading the disclosure of the present invention, will attempt to achieve the effects of the present invention by using various products not disclosed herein that are commonly supplied and used in the field of dental devices, or modified versions thereof, but such attempts are within the scope of the ingenuity that orthodontists routinely undertake.

[0217] If such an act, which is merely an everyday innovation, were to fall outside the scope of the present invention, it would be extremely harsh on the inventor, a pioneer who achieved this invention with what could be called a revolutionary idea.

[0218] Therefore, the orthodontic device of the present invention should be patented in a form that incorporates the above-mentioned everyday innovations. The gist of the present invention for which patents are being sought has already been explained in detail.

[0219] 5. Prior art documents The disclosed patent documents 1-4 were all presented in the international search report of the PCT application that is the basis of this application. Of these, patent documents 3 and 4 are supplementary. Here, we briefly confirm that patent documents 1 and 2 do not involve novelty or inventive step with respect to the present invention.

[0220] (1) Patent Document 1 The orthodontic device of Patent Document 1 is an orthodontic device that includes a first extension wire and a second extension wire that contact the proximal and distal portions, and a palatal arch wire that contacts the palate.The orthodontic device is used to correct the external shape of the patient's (recipient's) palate by applying orthodontic forces to the buccal, labial, and lateral directions to the patient's (recipient's) dentoalveolar complex (DAC), i.e., a force that expands the entire dental arch from the inside out, and is mainly used in the leveling stage (described below) of dynamic treatment.

[0221] In contrast, the orthodontic device of the present invention has as its basic goal "improving jaw position," and by actively inducing premature contact with cuspal interference and releasing the occlusal relationship, it temporarily releases the position of the mandible that is restricted by the arch of the maxilla, and at the same time, by utilizing daily occlusal force as a means of moving the crowns of the maxillary molars toward the buccal side, it non-invasively moves the maxilla to an appropriate position, thereby improving the facial appearance at a skeletal level. Moreover, the orthodontic device of the present invention is primarily intended for use in the jaw position and facial appearance improvement step, which is a new treatment step before starting active orthodontic treatment.

[0222] In terms of differences in the constituent elements, the orthodontic device of the present invention does not have a means for expanding the area of ​​the right and left maxillary central incisors and ipsilateral incisors of the wearer (patient) forward, which is one of the essential requirements of the orthodontic device of Patent Document 1.

[0223] Therefore, the present invention is not described in Patent Document 1, and it can be confirmed that the present invention has novelty compared to Patent Document 1.

[0224] Furthermore, the orthodontic device of the present invention aims to generate premature contact with cusp interference in the maxillary molars by using a dental device in order to correct jaw position, and the constituent elements of the present invention are provided as a means for achieving this goal. In contrast, the orthodontic device of Patent Document 1 is an orthodontic device for correcting the external shape of the patient's (wearee's) palate by applying a force that expands the entire dental arch from the inside out, and its problem and means of solution are completely different from those of the present invention, and there is no suggestion of the present invention in Patent Document 1.

[0225] Therefore, it can be confirmed that the present invention has an inventive step over Patent Document 1.

[0226] (2) Patent Document 2 Patent Document 2 discloses an orthodontic appliance that is integrally constructed from the same material, preferably a Ni-Ti alloy. It is pointed out that Example 4 (paragraphs

[0021] -

[0024] of Patent Document 2: hereinafter referred to as "Example 4 of Document 2"), disclosed in Figures 7 and 8, is relevant to the present invention. Example 4 of Document 2 is an example in which maxillary teeth 5 and 6 (maxillary molars) that are leaning inward are moved outward by the bending stress of member 20. Member 40, which follows the dentition, is continuous with member 20 via teeth 5 and 6, with the purpose of assisting in the attachment of the appliance and mitigating orthodontic forces.

[0227] The differences between Example 4 of Patent Document 2 and the orthodontic device of the present invention are: (a) there is no means for generating the second pressing force; (b) there is no redundancy between member 20 and teeth 5, 6; and (c) there is no means for adjusting the three-dimensionality of the device, which corresponds to the bending redundant portion.

[0228] In the above (a) and (b), the structure of Example 4 of Patent Document 2 fails to apply a buccal rotational moment and a force with an upward component to teeth 5 and 6, but merely applies a force that moves teeth 5 and 6 horizontally and to the sides. This is understandable, since the aim is to correct a dental alignment in which teeth 5 and 6 are positioned too far inward. Applying the rotational moment would, of course, hinder the desired correction. For this purpose, member 40 supports member 20 to prevent the direction of the orthodontic force from deviating from the horizontal and to the sides. Furthermore, the orthodontic force due to the stress of member 20 is directly applied to teeth 5 and 6. Although member 40 somewhat alleviates this force, it is difficult to apply the force "finely" as with the orthodontic device of the present invention. Furthermore, since there is no means for adjusting the three-dimensionality of the device, after the device is fitted, the orthodontic force only moves straight to the sides (outward), and the force and direction cannot be precisely controlled. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to generate premature contact with cuspal interference using the orthodontic device of Example 4 of Patent Document 2, in accordance with the basic concept of the present invention, it will be impossible to achieve a level that exceeds the accidental level.

[0229] As described above, Example 4 of Patent Document 2 has a different configuration from the orthodontic device of the present invention, and this is a difference in the fundamental technical concept of the orthodontic device of the present invention.

[0230] Therefore, the orthodontic device of the present invention is neither described nor suggested in Patent Document 2, and it can be confirmed that the present invention is novel compared to Patent Document 2.

[0231] The orthodontic device of the present invention aims to create premature contact with cusp interference in the maxillary molars by using a dental device in order to correct jaw position, and the constituent elements of the present invention are provided as a means for achieving this goal.In contrast, the orthodontic device in Example 4 of Patent Document 2 is an orthodontic device that applies a straight force to move inwardly biased teeth 5 and 6 outward to correct the position, and its goal and means of solution are completely different from those of the present invention.

[0232] Therefore, it can be confirmed that the present invention has an inventive step over Patent Document 2.

[0233] 6. Implementation of the invention in orthodontic practice The inventor is an orthodontist, and has used the orthodontic device of the present invention in actual clinical settings, achieving the expected results. The use of the orthodontic device of the present invention not only contributes to jaw position correction, such as curing patients of temporomandibular joint disorders, but also contributes to orthodontic treatment, such as alleviating maxillary protrusion, and has a significant cosmetic effect on the patient's facial appearance. This is because the use of the orthodontic device of the present invention not only corrects the patient's jaw position, but also causes the skull to rotate forward around the jawbone as an axis.

[0234] The inventors can disclose, if necessary, the clinical results of the correction device of the present invention, particularly the actual visual improvement of facial appearance.

[0235] 7. Methods for using the orthodontic device of the present invention The following methods are provided using the orthodontic device of the present invention.

[0236] First, it is a method for correcting jaw position, which includes the following steps (1)-(4).

[0237] (1) The orthodontic device of the present invention is attached to the maxillary dentition of a patient. (2) The crowns of the upper right and left molars are moved toward the cheek, causing a malocclusion between the upper and lower molars, resulting in a misalignment of the upper and lower jaws. (3) By resetting the lower jaw to the correct position and aligning the upper jaw to this, the centric position and centric occlusion position are aligned. (4) Correct the wearer's jaw position. Methods for correcting jaw position.

[0238] Second, it is a method for improving facial appearance, which includes the following steps (1)-(4).

[0239] (1) The orthodontic device of the present invention is attached to the maxillary dentition of a patient. (2) The crowns of the maxillary right and left molars are moved toward the cheek, causing malocclusion between the maxillary and mandibular molars. In the process of creating a state of misalignment between the maxilla and mandibular molars, the maxilla is simultaneously moved in a forward rotational direction. (3) By resetting the mandible to the correct position and aligning the maxilla with it, the centric position and the centric occlusion position are aligned, and by the forward rotation of the maxilla, (4) improving the wearer's facial appearance; How to improve your facial appearance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0240] 1: Nose 2: Upper lip 3:Lower lip 4: Lower jaw 10: Proprietary oral cavity 11: Upper jaw 111: Oral vestibule 112: Maxillary alveolar process 113: Upper dental arch 1131: Right central incisor 1131': Left central incisor 1132: Right incisor 1132': Left incisor 1133: Right canine 1133': Left canine 1134: Right first premolar 1134': Left first premolar 1135: Right second premolar 1135': Left second premolar 1136,20,20': Right first molar 1136Δ: Palatal gum of the right first molar 1136': Left first molar 1136Δ': Palatal gum of left first molar 1137: Right second molar 1137': Left second molar 1138: Right third molar (wisdom tooth) 1138': Left third molar (wisdom tooth) 114:Hard palate 115: Soft palate 116: Lateral palatine fold 117: Incisor papilla 118: Midline (palatine raphe) 119: Palatal pit 12: Lower jaw 121: Mandibular alveolar region 122: Tongue 123:Lower dental arch 200: Midline area (cross section) 201: Maxillary alveolar process 21: Root (upper right molar) 22: Crown (upper right molar) 221: Functional cusp (upper right molar) 222: Non-functional cusp (upper right molar) 30: Lower right first molar 31: Root (right lower molar) 32: Crown (right lower molar) 321: Functional cusp (mandibular right molar) 322: Non-functional cusp (mandibular right molar) 40: Maxilla (left side) 41: Maxillary body 42: Zygomatic process 43:frontal process 50,60,70:Jaw position correction device 501: Right side of jaw position correction device 5011: Right distal end 502: Left side of jaw position correction device 5012: Left distal end 503: Central continuum 511,611: Central Loop 5111: Right end of center loop 5112: Left end of central loop 512: Right Loop 5121: Proximal end of right loop 5121Φ: Bending angle at the proximal end of the right loop 5121φ1: Horizontal component of the bending angle at the proximal end of the right loop 5122: Distal end of right loop 513,613: Left Loop 5131: Proximal end of left loop 5131Φ: Bending angle at the proximal end of the left loop 5131φ1: Horizontal component of bending angle at the proximal end of the left loop 5131φ2: Vertical component of bending angle at the proximal end of the left loop 5132: Distal end of left loop 521: Right side guide section 522:Left side guide section 522θ3: Vertical angle component formed by the left side guide 531: Right major bend 531Θ: Bending angle at the right major bend 531θ1, 531θ1': Horizontal component of bending angle at the right major bend 531θ2: Vertical component of the bending angle at the right major flexion 532,632: Left major flexion 532Θ: Bending angle at the left major bend 532θ1: Horizontal component of bending angle at the left major bend 532θ2: Vertical component of bending angle at left major bending point 541: Right center guide section 542:Left center guide section 55: Right band 551: Right band attachment 56,66: Left band 561: Left band attachment 57,77: Jaw position correction device body 571,771: Planar precursor of jaw position correction device body 572: Three-dimensional precursor of the jaw position correction device 71,72,73: Bullet line 711: Central Loop 721: Right Loop 722: Right connection part 722ρ1: Right rear angle 723: Distal side of right bullet line 724: Mesial side of right bullet line 725: Right band 731: Left Loop 732:Left connection part 732ρ1': Left rear corner 733: Distal side of left bullet line 734: Mesial side of left bullet line 735: Left band 23, 33, 44, A, A', B, C, D, E, F, F', M, M': arrows G, G', H, J, K, L: Fold-in h: Height from the hard palate to dotted line II-II w: The width of the first pressure source as seen from the center of the longitudinal direction of the midline II: Axis along the midline of the hard palate II-II: Dotted line connecting the palatal cervical areas of the distal proximal surfaces of the right and left maxillary first molars

Claims

1. A jaw position correction device having a lateral teeth row arrangement part, a first pressing force generating part, a second pressing force generating part, and a resultant force transmitting part, which are attached to the upper jaw and configured individually or as a set; (1) When worn, the lateral dental row placement portion is arranged along the palate side of the maxillary dental row in a region corresponding to the maximum length from the mesial proximal surface of the canine to the distal proximal surface of the second premolar and the minimum length from the distal proximal surface of the first premolar to the distal crown bulge of the second premolar in the right and left maxillary dental rows of the wearer; (2) The first pressing force generating portion is a first pressing force transmitting portion, one end of which is continuous with or connected to the right and left lateral tooth row arrangement portion, and (a) which intersects with a region near a line projected onto the midline of the hard palate, which is located higher in the oral cavity than the cervical part of the region from the canine to the second premolar, or (b) a first pressure source that includes a first pressure transmission portion and is continuous with or connected to the first pressure transmission portion and intersects with the adjacent region; (3) The first pressing force generating unit can generate, via the first pressing force transmitting unit and the lateral tooth row arranging unit, a first pressing force that laterally expands the maxillary tooth row or maxillary teeth in a region corresponding to the maximum length from the mesial proximal surface of the canine to the distal proximal surface of the second premolar and the minimum length from the distal proximal surface of the first premolar to the distal crown bulge of the second premolar in the orthodontic device; (4) The second pressing force generating portion is present in a continuous or connecting portion between the right or left lateral tooth row arrangement portion and the one end of the right or left first pressing force transmitting portion, and a force that tends to widen the backward angle formed by the continuous or connecting portion can be generated as a second pressing force in the orthodontic device; (5) The resultant force transmission part has one end continuing from or connected to the distal end of the right and left lateral tooth row arrangement part, and includes a bending redundant part of the elastic line arranged along the region from the palatal side of the tooth neck to the tooth root of the wearer on both the right and left sides, and further includes an attachment and fixing part connected to or continuing from the distal side of the bending redundant part, and is attached and fixed to both or one of the upper molars or second premolars, one on each of the right and left sides, via the attachment and fixing part; A jaw position correction device that acts by applying a pressing force generated from both or either one of the first pressing force generating unit and the second pressing force generating unit to both or either one of the maxillary molars or second premolars via the resultant force transmitting unit, thereby moving the orientation of the crowns of both or either of the maxillary molars toward the buccal side and generating early contact accompanied by cusp interference between the maxillary molars and the mandibular molars.

2. 2. The jaw position correction device according to claim 1, wherein the regions in the maxillary dental arches on the right and left sides in which the lateral dental row arrangement portions are arranged are regions corresponding to the area from the crown bulge of the canine to the crown bulge of the second premolar, or regions corresponding to the area from the crown bulge of the first premolar to the crown bulge of the second premolar.

3. The jaw position correcting device according to claim 1 , wherein the highest portion of the first pressing force generating portion is in contact with or in close proximity to a position immediately below the midline of the hard palate of the wearer.

4. 2. The jaw position correction device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing force generated in the first pressing force source is a stress against elastic deformation in a member continuous with or connected to the other end of the first pressing force transmission part.

5. A jaw position correction device as described in claim 4, wherein the stress due to the elastic deformation is a stress caused by narrowing of the gap of the open portion on one side of the open portion, which has an open portion on one side, either the front or rear side, approximately symmetrical with respect to the midline, and the other side of the open portion being a linear member with a surrounding shape.

6. The jaw position correcting device according to claim 5, wherein the one side is the front side and the other side is the rear side.

7. 2. The jaw position correcting device according to claim 1, wherein the force that tends to widen the angle backward, which is generated in the second pressing force generating portion, is a stress against elastic deformation.

8. The jaw position correction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein both or either one of the lateral tooth row arrangement portion and the first pressing force transmission portion is made of elastic wire.

9. A part of the jaw position correcting device according to claim 1 , which does not include the mounting and fixing part.

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