Orthodontic appliances

Abstract

To provide a novel mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance and orthodontic system for reducing a burden of a patient during orthodontic treatment, and to provide a mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance and orthodontic system capable of simultaneously performing bodily movement of a plurality of molar teeth, which has been difficult previously.SOLUTION: A mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance comprises a mouthpiece body to be fitted to a tooth row, and an orthodontic force applying member 4 for applying orthodontic force to a correction object tooth. The mouthpiece body includes a fenestration part 22 in which at least a part corresponding to the correction object tooth is fenestrated. The orthodontic force applying member includes a hooking part 41 to be hooked on the correction object tooth, and a stationary part 43 fixed to the mouthpiece body. The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance is configured to apply the orthodontic force originated from tension between the hooking part and the stationary part in the orthodontic force applying member, to the correction object tooth.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dental orthodontic device, particularly a mouthpiece-type dental orthodontic device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when performing dental orthodontics, it was common to use an orthodontic device composed of metal brackets and wires. However, since metal brackets and wires are conspicuous and food debris is likely to get stuck between the teeth and the brackets, making it unhygienic, in recent years, transparent resin mouthpiece-type orthodontic devices have also been used.

[0003] In a mouthpiece-type orthodontic device, in order to make it easier to move teeth, devices have been devised that further include a member for applying an orthodontic force to the teeth to be corrected. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a dental orthodontic appliance made of a transparent material, further having a main body in which an accommodation space capable of accommodating at least a part of the dentition of a user is formed, and a main protrusion protruding from the main body in a direction away from the accommodation space, an attachment unit adhered to a predetermined tooth to be corrected in the dentition, and an auxiliary adjustment means having a binding unit attached between the attachment unit and the main protrusion so as to apply an orthodontic force to the tooth to be corrected.

[0004] Also, from the perspective of applying an orthodontic force, in addition to conventional brackets and wires, dental orthodontics (implant orthodontics) using dental orthodontic anchor screws have also been performed. In this method, a wire or the like is passed between an anchor screw embedded in the bone portion of the patient's gum and the bracket to apply an orthodontic force to the teeth. Therefore, compared with orthodontics using only brackets and wires, a strong orthodontic force can be applied to the teeth, enabling orthodontics to be performed in a short period, and it is also possible to flexibly change the position in accordance with the desired direction of tooth movement.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-345 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The system described in Patent Document 1 and conventional orthodontic methods using brackets and wires have the problem of being difficult to move multiple teeth (especially molars).

[0007] Furthermore, in the case of implant orthodontics, anchor screws are directly embedded in the patient's gums, which can easily cause fear in patients and place a significant burden on them.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a novel mouthpiece-type orthodontic device and orthodontic system that reduces the burden on patients during orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, a further objective is to provide a mouthpiece-type orthodontic device and orthodontic system that can simultaneously move multiple molars, which was previously difficult. Furthermore, a further challenge is to provide a method for manufacturing a novel mouthpiece-type orthodontic device that reduces the burden on patients during orthodontic treatment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is a mouthpiece-type orthodontic device comprising a mouthpiece body for fitting into a dental arch and an orthodontic force-applying member for applying orthodontic force to the teeth to be corrected, wherein the mouthpiece body has a structure such that at least the teeth to be corrected are not covered and are exposed when fitted into a dental arch, and the orthodontic force-applying member comprises an attachment portion for attaching to the teeth to be corrected and a fixing portion fixed to the mouthpiece body, and applies orthodontic force to the teeth to be corrected, with the tension between the attachment portion and the fixing portion of the orthodontic force-applying member as the source. According to the present invention, it is possible to easily move the bodies of multiple teeth (especially multiple molars) while reducing the burden on the patient during orthodontic treatment.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention, which solves the above problems, is a mouthpiece-type orthodontic device comprising a mouthpiece body for fitting into a dental arch and an orthodontic force-applying member for applying orthodontic force to the teeth to be corrected, wherein the mouthpiece body has an opening portion in which at least the portion corresponding to the teeth to be corrected is open, and the orthodontic force-applying member comprises an attachment portion for attaching to the teeth to be corrected and a fixing portion fixed to the mouthpiece body, and the orthodontic force applied to the teeth to be corrected is based on the tension between the attachment portion and the fixing portion of the orthodontic force-applying member. The present invention includes a window portion as the "structure in which at least the teeth to be orthodontized are exposed without being fitted." According to the present invention, it is possible to easily move the bodies of multiple teeth (especially multiple molars) while reducing the burden on the patient during orthodontic treatment.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the opening is of a closed type, with its entire circumference defined by a frame.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the opening is of an open type in which a portion of the perimeter is defined by a frame, and the portion where the frame is missing is spatially open.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end of the frame of the opening portion rises up to form a hook portion, and the fixing portion is attached to the hook portion, thereby fixing the orthodontic force applying member to the mouthpiece body.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the attachment portion is a member for attaching to the side surface of the tooth to be orthodontized in the direction of the dental arch. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixing portion is provided on the innermost side of the mouthpiece body in the direction of the teeth. According to the present invention, it is possible to easily move multiple teeth (especially multiple molars).

[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the attachment portion is a member for attaching to the incisal edge or occlusal surface of a tooth to be orthodontized. According to the present invention, orthodontic treatment, particularly aimed at reducing tooth intrusion, can be performed with less burden on the patient.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mouthpiece body includes a fitting portion for fitting onto teeth that are not to be orthodontized.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mouthpiece body is provided with a stopper portion for temporarily attaching the attachment portion before fitting it to the dental arch, the stopper portion being connected to the fitting portion for fitting the tooth to be straightened and the adjacent tooth not to be straightened, and the stopper portion having a notch at a position corresponding to the space between the tooth to be straightened and the tooth not to be straightened for temporarily attaching the attachment portion. By temporarily attaching the attachment part to the stopper part, fitting the mouthpiece body onto the teeth, and then removing the attachment part from the stopper part, the attachment part can be easily attached to the teeth to be corrected.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mouthpiece body is provided with a stopper portion for temporarily attaching the attachment portion before fitting it to the dental arch, wherein the stopper portion is a projection provided on both sides in the direction of the dental arch of the fitting portion for fitting the tooth to be orthodontized and the non-orthodontized tooth adjacent to it. By temporarily attaching the attachment part to the stopper part, fitting the mouthpiece body onto the teeth, and then removing the attachment part from the stopper part, the attachment part can be easily attached to the teeth to be corrected.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a slit is provided in the fitting portion for attaching and fixing the fixing portion at a position corresponding to the interdental space of the adjacent non-orthodontic target tooth that is fitted by the fitting portion.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least the connecting portion that connects the hanging portion and the fixing portion in the correction force applying member is made of a material having a restoring force. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the correction force applying member is a member having a restoring force that extends from one or two of the fixing portions and is folded back at the hanging portion to form an annular or semi-annular shape. According to the present invention, it is possible to easily perform tooth movement of a plurality of teeth (particularly, a plurality of molars) while reducing the burden on a patient during orthodontic treatment.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the frame portion in the opening portion in the mouthpiece body is formed thicker than the thickness of other portions. According to the present invention, the strength of the opening portion can be increased.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mouthpiece body includes a contact portion that contacts the hard palate or the alveolar ridge. When a correction force is applied to the teeth to be corrected, due to the reaction, a force in the opposite direction to the correction force is applied to the teeth other than the teeth to be corrected. When the correction force applied to the teeth to be corrected is not so large, the force in the opposite direction applied to the teeth other than the teeth to be corrected is not so large either, so the movement of the teeth other than the teeth to be corrected does not occur. However, when the correction force applied to the teeth to be corrected is large, the force in the opposite direction applied to the teeth other than the teeth to be corrected also becomes large, so there is a possibility that the teeth other than the teeth to be corrected that receive the force in the opposite direction may move forward undesirably. According to the present invention, by providing the contact portion, the mouthpiece body is brought into contact with the hard palate or the alveolar ridge, and thereby, even when the correction force applied to the teeth to be corrected is large, the force in the opposite direction applied to the teeth other than the teeth to be corrected can be reduced, and the undesired forward movement of the teeth other than the teeth to be corrected can be suppressed.

[0023] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is an orthodontic system comprising the above-described mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance and an orthodontic auxiliary member attached to the tooth to be straightened to prevent the orthodontic force-applying member from detaching from the tooth to be straightened or from digging into the cervical portion of the tooth to be straightened. If the tooth to be straightened is tilted, or if the length of the tooth crown is insufficient to attach the orthodontic force-applying member, the orthodontic force-applying member may detach from the tooth, preventing sufficient orthodontic force from being applied. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the orthodontic force-applying member from detaching from the tooth to be straightened, thereby applying sufficient orthodontic force to the tooth and enabling orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, by providing an orthodontic auxiliary member to prevent it from digging into the cervical area of ​​the tooth to be straightened, it is also possible to prevent the orthodontic force-applying member from digging into the cervical area or gums and damaging the gums.

[0024] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is a method for manufacturing a mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance, comprising: a correction step of creating a corrected tooth model in which the side surface of the portion corresponding to the tooth to be straightened in the patient's tooth model is modified to ensure sufficient space for the movement of the tooth to be straightened; a molding step of forming a mouthpiece based on the corrected tooth model; and a window-making step of creating a window in the portion corresponding to the tooth to be straightened. According to the present invention, it is possible to manufacture a novel mouthpiece-type orthodontic device that reduces the burden on patients during orthodontic treatment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance and orthodontic system of the present invention can reduce the burden on patients during orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, in a preferred form, it can facilitate orthodontic treatment aimed at moving multiple molars, which was previously difficult. Furthermore, according to the manufacturing method of the mouthpiece-type orthodontic device of the present invention, it is possible to manufacture a novel mouthpiece-type orthodontic device that reduces the burden on patients during orthodontic treatment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1] This figure shows a first embodiment of the orthodontic appliance 1 according to the present invention and a patient's dentition S (maxilla). In the figure, the white arrows indicate the attachment of the orthodontic appliance 1 to the dentition S. [Figure 2] Figure 2(a) shows the installation of an orthodontic force-applying member 4 between the anchorage 3 of the orthodontic appliance 1 attached to the dental arch S and the teeth T1 or T3 to be straightened. The curved arrow in Figure 2(a) indicates the installation of the orthodontic force-applying member 4 between the anchorage 3 and the teeth T1 and T3 to be straightened. Figure 2(b) shows the installation of the orthodontic force-applying member 4 between the anchorage 3 and the teeth T1 and T3 to be straightened. [Figure 3] Figure 3(a) is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 2(a). The white arrows in Figure 3(a) indicate the attachment of the orthodontic appliance 1 to the dental arch S. Figure 3(b) is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 2(b). The white arrows in Figure 3(b) indicate the direction of the orthodontic force applied to teeth T3 and T4, as well as the direction of movement of teeth T3 and T4. H1 and H2 represent the height of the mouthpiece body 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a view of Figure 2(b) from the alveolar ridge side. The white arrows in Figure 4 indicate the direction of the orthodontic force applied to teeth T3 and T4 and the direction of movement of teeth T3 and T4. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the orthodontic appliance 1 according to the present invention. In Figure 5, the white arrows indicate the direction of the orthodontic force applied to the teeth to be straightened and the direction of movement of the teeth to be straightened. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a dental arch S fitted with a mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance. In Figure 6, the leftward-pointing arrow indicates the direction of the reaction force exerted on teeth other than the teeth being straightened by the application of orthodontic force to the teeth being straightened. W represents the thickness of the mouthpiece body 2. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the mouthpiece body 2 in the third embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the corrective force applying member 4 in the third embodiment. [Figure 9]This figure shows the state in which the orthodontic appliance 1 in the third embodiment is worn. The white arrows in the figure indicate the direction of the orthodontic force applied to the tooth T1 to be corrected and the direction of movement of the tooth T1 to be corrected. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the state of the orthodontic appliance 1 of the fourth embodiment before it is fitted onto the teeth. The attachment portion 41 of the orthodontic force applying member 4 is temporarily attached to the stopper portion 6. [Figure 11] This figure shows the state of the orthodontic appliance 1 of the fifth embodiment before it is attached to the teeth. The attachment portion 41 of the orthodontic force applying member 4 is temporarily attached so as to span two stopper portions 6 horizontally, and is located between the teeth to be straightened and the teeth not to be straightened. (a) is a side view, and (b) is a top view. [Figure 12] This is a plan view showing the orthodontic appliance 1 of the sixth embodiment in a state where it is attached to the teeth. The white arrows in the figure indicate the direction of the orthodontic force applied to teeth T1 and T2 and the direction of movement of teeth T1 and T2. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a part of the orthodontic system according to the present invention. [Figure 14] These are side views of dental models prepared before use (left in Figure 14) and after use (right in Figure 14) of the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a top view of dental models prepared before use (left in Figure 15) and after use (right in Figure 15) of the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] 1. Mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance <First Embodiment> First, a first embodiment of the orthodontic appliance 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Although the orthodontic appliance 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is fitted to the upper jaw dentition S, the configuration is the same even when the orthodontic appliance 1 according to the present invention is fitted to the lower jaw dentition. In this specification, the area of ​​the oral cavity closer to the pharynx is referred to as the "back side," and the area closer to the central incisors is referred to as the "front side."

[0028] Figures 1 to 4 show the orthodontic appliance 1 according to the first embodiment. The orthodontic appliance 1 according to the first embodiment consists of a mouthpiece body 2, a fixed source 3, and an orthodontic force applying member 4. The orthodontic appliance 1 according to the first embodiment is a device for orthodontic treatment that aims to move the teeth to be corrected T1 and T2 (the left first and second molars) and the teeth to be corrected T3 and T4 (the right first and second molars) further back (horizontally). According to the present invention, the movement of multiple molars, which was previously difficult, can be achieved more easily and with less burden on the patient. Furthermore, unlike implant orthodontics, there is no need to directly provide a fixed source for the orthodontic force-applying member 4 in the oral cavity, thus reducing the burden on the patient. Moreover, compared to conventional orthodontics using wires and brackets, the orthodontic appliance is less noticeable, resulting in less aesthetic burden on the patient.

[0029] In this embodiment, the mouthpiece body 2 has two open portions 22, each having an opening corresponding to at least teeth T1 and T2 and teeth T3 and T4, respectively, a fitting portion 21 for fitting onto teeth that are not to be straightened (non-straightened teeth), and a contact portion 23 that contacts the hard palate (Figures 1-4). The opening portion 22 has a form in which its entire circumference is defined by a frame. In this specification, an opening portion 22 that has a closed form in which its entire circumference is defined by a frame is referred to as a closed type.

[0030] In this embodiment, the opening portion 22 is open in the areas corresponding to teeth T1 and T2 and T3 and T4 that are to be straightened, but it may also be open in the areas in front of teeth T1 and T3 that are not to be straightened, which are also to be straightened. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fitted portion 21 is fitted to all non-orthodontic target teeth other than the orthodontic target teeth T1 to T4. However, the shape of the fitted portion 21 is not limited to this, and the fitted portion 21 may be fitted to only a portion of the non-orthodontic target teeth. Furthermore, the mouthpiece body 2 does not necessarily have to have a fitting portion 21. An example of a configuration without a fitting portion is one in which the mouthpiece body 2 is formed by a frame that covers the gums. Alternatively, the frame and teeth may be fixed with springs or the like to fix the positional relationship between the mouthpiece body 2 and the dental arch.

[0031] The material of the mouthpiece body 2 is not particularly limited, and materials commonly used when manufacturing mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliances (e.g., polyurethane, thermoplastic resin sheets, acrylic resin for denture bases, etc.) can be used as appropriate. From the viewpoint of making the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 inconspicuous when worn, it is preferable that the material of the mouthpiece body 2 be transparent.

[0032] The mouthpiece body 2 is manufactured based on the dentition and bite of the patient using the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1. For example, the mouthpiece body 2 can be manufactured by the following method. First, the patient's oral cavity and bite are captured using impression material (capture step), and a plaster model is created based on this to reproduce the patient's dentition, hard palate, or alveolar ridge (dental model manufacturing step). Next, the shape of the part of the manufactured plaster model corresponding to the teeth to be orthodontized is corrected with a corrective agent such as resin (correction step). Next, a sheet-like orthodontic appliance material, which has been heated or otherwise made workable as needed, is pressed onto the corrected plaster model to form the mouthpiece (mouthpiece molding step). Finally, the mouthpiece body 2 can be manufactured by opening the part corresponding to the opening 22 in the mouthpiece, which has been cooled as needed (opening part manufacturing step). The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 according to this embodiment also undergoes a removal step to remove the excess part of the mouthpiece, leaving the contact part 23, which will be described later.

[0033] As described later, the opening portion 22 is provided with sufficient space between it and the teeth to be corrected to allow for orthodontic movement. Therefore, the correction in the above correction step can be performed by applying the correction agent described later to the side surface of the portion of the dental model corresponding to the teeth to be corrected, and drying, hardening, polymerization, etc., as necessary, in the mouthpiece body 2 that has gone through the opening portion manufacturing step, so as to ensure sufficient space between the opening portion 22 and the teeth to be corrected to allow for the movement of the teeth to be corrected. This allows for sufficient space to be created for the movement of the teeth to be orthodontized, prevents the orthodontic force-applying member 4 from contacting or digging into the root of the patient's teeth, and allows the fixing part 43 (or fixing source 3), described later, to be positioned appropriately.

[0034] The corrective agent is not limited to the resin described above. Any known material, such as gypsum, can be used as appropriate, as long as it can be attached to the side surface of the portion corresponding to the tooth to be orthodontized in the patient's dental model, and then dried (regardless of the drying method), hardened (regardless of the hardening method), polymerized (regardless of the polymerization method), etc., as needed, to form the shape of the opening portion 22 described later.

[0035] Furthermore, the manufacturing of the mouthpiece body 2 can be partially or entirely done on a computer. Specifically, the initial impression taking process can be performed using optical impressions. In this case, the dental model fabrication process can be carried out by outputting the data obtained from the optical impression using a 3D printer. Even in this case, the subsequent correction processes can be carried out in the same way as described above. Furthermore, these subsequent processes can also be performed on a computer.

[0036] Next, the correction process can also be performed on a computer. In this case, the data that reproduces the patient's dentition, hard palate, or alveolar ridge obtained by optical impression (hereinafter referred to as dental model data) is edited to correct the shape of the lateral data of the part of the dental model data corresponding to the teeth to be corrected, so as to ensure sufficient space for the movement of the teeth to be corrected, thereby obtaining corrected dental model data. The shape correction on the data can be performed on a computer using known tools such as CAD. At this stage, the mouthpiece molding process can be carried out by creating mouthpiece data based on the corrected tooth impression data and then outputting the created mouthpiece data using a 3D printer. Subsequent processes can also be performed on a computer.

[0037] Furthermore, it is also possible to create mouthpiece data based on corrective tooth impression data, edit the created mouthpiece data to include an opening, thereby creating data for a mouthpiece with an opening (open mouthpiece data creation process), and then output the created mouthpiece data using a 3D printer (output process) to produce the mouthpiece body 2. In this case, since the correction process and the open mouthpiece data creation process can all be performed by computer, the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 can be easily manufactured.

[0038] When the anchoring source 3, described later, is integrally molded with the mouthpiece body 2, for example, in the correction process described above, a part corresponding to the anchoring source 3 can be bonded, and the mouthpiece can be molded based on this. Also, when the mouthpiece body 2 is manufactured by computer, the tooth impression data can be edited to include a part corresponding to the anchoring source 3, and this can be used in subsequent processes to integrally mold the mouthpiece and the anchoring source 3. Furthermore, none of the processes are limited to the forms described above, and any known methods may be adopted as appropriate.

[0039] The opening portion 22 is provided with sufficient space for the movement of teeth T1 and T2, and T3 and T4, which are to be orthodontized (particularly in Figures 3(b) and 4). In this embodiment, the width of the opening portion 22 (length perpendicular to the dental arch) is constant, but it is preferable to provide it so that the width increases toward the fixed source.

[0040] The position of the opening portion 22 is not limited to the positions shown in Figures 1 to 4, but can be set at an appropriate position on the mouthpiece body 2 depending on the position of the teeth to be orthodontized. For example, if the tooth to be corrected is a canine tooth, a window 22 can be provided on the mouthpiece body 2 in the area corresponding to the canine tooth, leaving sufficient space for the canine tooth to move. The same applies to teeth in other positions.

[0041] The size of the opening 22 can be appropriately set, taking into account the number of teeth to be straightened and the strength of the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1, so as to secure the necessary space for straightening the teeth to be straightened. Furthermore, the size of the space necessary for the movement of the teeth to be straightened can be appropriately set according to the desired size of the teeth to be straightened, the desired distance of movement, the direction of movement, and the purpose of orthodontic treatment. Preferably, the opening 22 is provided so that at least the crown of the tooth, excluding the cervical portion, is exposed. More preferably, the opening 22 is provided so that the gums of the tooth to be orthodontized are not exposed. By providing the opening portion 22 in the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the orthodontic force-applying member 4 from digging into the patient's gums.

[0042] In this embodiment, the opening portion 22 is provided symmetrically on both sides, but the opening portion 22 can also be provided asymmetrically on both sides depending on the position of the teeth to be orthodontized. For example, if only teeth T3 and T4 to be orthodontized in Figures 1-4 need to be moved, and teeth T1 and T2 do not need to be moved, then only the opening portion 22 that exposes teeth T3 and T4 can be provided.

[0043] In this embodiment, the opening portion 22 is provided so as to expose the occlusal surfaces of the teeth T1 to T4 to be orthodontized. However, the direction of the opening can be changed as appropriate depending on the purpose of orthodontics. For example, the opening portion 22 can be provided so as to expose the side surface of the teeth to be orthodontized (either the outer or inner side of the oral cavity).

[0044] The mouthpiece body 2 may have the same thickness overall, but it is preferable to make the frame portion of the opening 22 thicker than the other parts. According to the present invention, the strength of the opening portion 22 of the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 can be increased. In this invention, "thickness" refers to the length of the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 perpendicular to the gums (W in Figure 6), and "height" refers to the length of the portion parallel to the teeth and gums (H1 and H2 in Figure 3(b)).

[0045] The thickness of the mouthpiece body 2 can be appropriately set depending on the material that makes up the mouthpiece body 2. For example, when the mouthpiece body 2 is made using a relatively flexible material such as a thermoplastic resin sheet, setting the thickness of the mouthpiece body 2 to approximately 0.4 to 8.0 mm can prevent the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 from bending or becoming distorted when the orthodontic force-applying member 4 is attached. Furthermore, when fabricating the mouthpiece body 2 using materials with relatively low flexibility, such as dental metals, carbon resin, or zirconia, the thickness can be set to approximately 0.4 to 8.0 mm, similar to the case with materials with relatively high flexibility, or it can be made into an extremely thin mouthpiece body 2 with a thickness of 0.5 mm or less. Furthermore, the heights H1 and H2 of the mouthpiece body 2 can be appropriately set depending on the purpose of orthodontic treatment and the position of the teeth to be treated.

[0046] The thickness of the frame portion of the opening 22 is preferably 1.1 times thicker than the thickness of the other portions, and more preferably 3 times thicker. According to the present invention, the strength of the opening portion 22 of the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 can be increased. The upper limit of the thickness of the frame portion of the opening 22 can be appropriately determined by balancing the strength of the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance with the patient's comfort, but it can be, for example, about three times the strength. The thickness of the frame portion of the opening 22 can be adjusted, for example, by overlapping and bonding a sheet of the same material as the mouthpiece body 2 to the frame portion of the opening 22, but the method of adjusting the thickness is not limited to this.

[0047] In this embodiment, the corrective force-applying member 4 is a corrective elastic (annular rubber) (Figures 2 to 4). In other words, in this embodiment, the corrective force-applying member 4 is a member that extends from a single fixing part 43, folds back at the attachment part 41 to form an annular shape, and has restoring force. According to the present invention, orthodontic force can be applied to the teeth to be orthodontized in a simple and efficient manner.

[0048] However, the specific member is not limited to an orthodontic elastic, as long as the orthodontic force-applying member 4 has an attachment portion 41 for attaching to the teeth to be straightened and a fixing portion 43 fixed to the mouthpiece body 2, and can apply orthodontic force to the teeth T1 to T4 using the tension between the attachment portion 41 and the fixing portion 43 as the source (white arrows in Figure 3(b) and Figure 4). Furthermore, the corrective force-applying member 4 does not necessarily have to include a connecting portion 42 as long as it can generate tension between the hooking portion 31 and the fixing portion 43 (i.e., the hooking portion 41 and the fixing portion 43 may be directly connected), but it is preferable to include a connecting portion 42 made of a material that has restoring force.

[0049] In this embodiment, the fixing portion 43 is configured to be attached to a button-shaped fixing source 3 provided on the innermost side of the mouthpiece body 2 in the direction of the dental arch (further back than the innermost tooth). In other words, in this embodiment, the fixing portion 43 is provided on a straight line in front of the direction of movement of the tooth to be orthodontized (towards the back of the oral cavity). According to the present invention, the movement of multiple molars, which was previously difficult, can be achieved more easily and with less burden on the patient. Furthermore, unlike implant orthodontics, there is no need to directly provide a fixed source for the orthodontic force-applying member 4 in the oral cavity, thus reducing the burden on the patient. Moreover, compared to conventional orthodontics using wires and brackets, the orthodontic appliance is less noticeable, resulting in less aesthetic burden on the patient.

[0050] However, the method of fixing the fixing part 43 to the mouthpiece body 2 is not limited to this, and it is sufficient as long as the orthodontic force applying member 4 can be fixed to the mouthpiece body 2. For example, it can be attached to a hook-shaped fixing source 3 (which may be a separate component bonded to the mouthpiece body 2, or it may be integrally molded with the mouthpiece body 2), or the fixing part 43 and the mouthpiece body 2 can be directly bonded together. However, as described later, if the orthodontic force-applying member 4 (or at least the connecting part 42) is to be replaced periodically in order to maintain the orthodontic force-applying ability of the orthodontic force-applying member 4, it is preferable to fix the orthodontic force-applying member 4 to the mouthpiece body 2 by attaching the fixing part 43 to the fixing source 3.

[0051] In this invention, "fixing the orthodontic force-applying member 4 to the mouthpiece body 2" means that the orthodontic force-applying member 4 does not detach from the mouthpiece body 2 (or anchoring source 3) while the patient is using the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 according to the present invention. In other words, when the patient is not using the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 according to the present invention, the orthodontic force-applying member 4 may be fixed to the mouthpiece body 2 (or anchoring source 3) or detached from the anchoring source 3. Therefore, when the orthodontic force-applying member 4 is replaced as needed during maintenance of the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1, the orthodontic force-applying member 4 may detach from the mouthpiece body 2 or anchoring source 3.

[0052] The position of the fixing part 43 on the mouthpiece body 2 is not limited to the positions shown in Figures 1 to 4, but can be any position in front of the desired direction of movement of the teeth to be orthodontized (including both straight lines forward and diagonally forward). For example, in orthodontic treatment aimed at moving only the canine teeth posteriorly (horizontal movement), the desired movement can be achieved by fixing the orthodontic force-applying member 4 directly to the mouthpiece body 2, or via the fixing part 43, at a position corresponding to the teeth posterior to the canine teeth. The same applies to teeth at other positions and for other orthodontic purposes.

[0053] To maintain its ability to apply corrective force, it is preferable to periodically replace at least the connecting portion 42 of the corrective force-applying member 4. For example, when using corrective elastic as the corrective force-applying member 4, it is preferable to replace the corrective elastic once a day. The frequency of replacement can be appropriately set depending on the material of the connecting portion 42.

[0054] In this embodiment, as described above, the corrective force-applying member 4 is an annular corrective elastic (i.e., a member that extends from a single fixing portion 43, folds back at the attachment portion 41 to form an annular shape, and has restoring force), but the form of the corrective force-applying member 4 is not limited to this. In order to achieve the effects of the present invention, it is sufficient to generate tension between the attachment portion 31 and the fixing portion 43, as described above. If the orthodontic force-applying member 4 has a connecting portion 42, at least the connecting portion 42 should be made of a material that has restorative force, and the attachment portion 41 and the fixing portion 43 may be made of different materials (including materials that do not have restorative force). For example, the attachment portion 41 is not particularly limited in material or shape as long as it is made of a material that can be used in the oral cavity and can be attached to the teeth to be orthodontized, such as a hook or a plate with a curved surface. The fixing portion 43 is not particularly limited in material, shape, or size as long as it can fix the orthodontic force-applying member 4 to the mouthpiece body 2 and is made of a material that can be used in the oral cavity.

[0055] In this embodiment, the fixing portion 43 is fixed by a fixing source 3 provided on the innermost side in the dental arch direction of the mouthpiece body 2 (Figures 1 to 4). According to the present invention, the movement of multiple molar bodies, which was previously difficult, can be achieved more easily and with less burden on the patient than before.

[0056] However, as mentioned above, providing the anchoring source 3 is not mandatory, and the fixing portion 43 of the orthodontic force applying member 4 can be directly bonded to the mouthpiece body 2, and the same effect can be achieved in this case as well. Furthermore, when providing the anchoring source 3, its position is not limited to the positions shown in Figures 1 to 4, but can be appropriately set to be located in front of the direction of movement of the teeth to be corrected, depending on the position of the teeth to be corrected in the dental arch and the purpose of orthodontics. Furthermore, if a fixed source 3 is provided, its material and shape are not particularly limited as long as the orthodontic force applying member 4 can be fixed to the fixed source 3. For example, a separate member with a different shape may be bonded to the mouthpiece body 2, or it may be integrally molded with the mouthpiece body 2.

[0057] In this embodiment, the mouthpiece body 2 is provided with a contact portion 23 in the part that contacts the hard palate (Figures 1 and 2). However, when the orthodontic appliance 1 according to the present invention is attached to the mandibular dentition, the contact portion 23 contacts the alveolar ridge. Preferably, at least during use, the contact portion 23 is provided with a contact layer (not shown) for stabilizing the contact state between the mouthpiece body 2 and the hard palate or alveolar ridge. In orthodontic treatment using a mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1, a force acting toward the front of the teeth other than the teeth being treated acts as a reaction to the orthodontic force applied to the teeth being treated (Figure 6, leftward arrow). If the orthodontic force applied to the teeth being treated is not very large, the opposing force acting on the teeth other than the teeth being treated is also not very large, so the teeth other than the teeth being treated will not move, or will only move very slightly, and therefore will not be a problem from an orthodontic standpoint. However, when a large orthodontic force is applied to the teeth being treated, the opposing force on teeth other than the teeth being treated also increases, which may cause unwanted forward movement of those teeth. However, according to the present invention, by providing a contact portion, the mouthpiece body is brought into contact with the hard palate or alveolar ridge, thereby reducing the opposing force on teeth other than the teeth being treated, even when a large orthodontic force is applied to the teeth being treated, and suppressing unwanted forward movement of those teeth. Furthermore, by providing a contact layer at least during use, the contact state between the mouthpiece body 2 and the hard palate or alveolar ridge can be further stabilized, thereby further reducing the opposing force on teeth other than the teeth being treated. The size and other characteristics of the contact area can be adjusted as appropriate when manufacturing the mouthpiece body 2.

[0058] The material of the contact layer is not particularly limited, as long as it can stabilize the contact between the mouthpiece body 2 and the hard palate or alveolar ridge. For example, a known denture adhesive can be applied to the contact portion 23 of the mouthpiece body 2 and adhered to the hard palate or alveolar ridge. In this case, the adhesive layer formed between the contact portion 23 and the hard palate or alveolar ridge, consisting of both denture adhesives, corresponds to the contact layer as defined herein. In other words, the contact layer as defined herein can be molded as needed. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the on-demand molding configuration described above, and may also include a configuration that includes a contact layer even when not in use.

[0059] The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 according to the present invention can be used in the same way as known mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliances. While the recommended daily wearing time is 20 hours or more, it is preferable to wear the device continuously throughout the day, excluding mealtimes and brushing times. The duration of treatment (from the start to the end of orthodontic treatment) can be set appropriately depending on the condition of the patient's teeth and dental arch before treatment, as well as the purpose of orthodontic treatment.

[0060] <Second Embodiment> Referring to Figure 5, a second embodiment of the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 according to the present invention will be described. Parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted from the description.

[0061] The second embodiment is an orthodontic appliance used for orthodontic treatment aimed at intruding teeth to be corrected. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece body 2 of the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 is provided with two fixing parts 43 in the frame portion of the opening 22, positioned on opposite sides of the teeth to be straightened. That is, the two fixing parts 43 are positioned in front of the teeth to be straightened in the direction of movement (intrusion). The two fixing parts 43 are constructed by attaching the fixing parts 43 to two fixing sources 3, which are provided in the frame portion of the opening 22 of the mouthpiece body 2, positioned on opposite sides of the teeth to be straightened. In this embodiment, the orthodontic force-applying member 4 is an orthodontic elastic, and is fixed to the mouthpiece body 2 at two fixing parts 43, thus taking on a roughly U-shape. In other words, in this embodiment, the orthodontic force-applying member extends from the two fixing parts 43, folds back at the attachment part 41 to take on a semi-annular shape, and is a member with restoring force.

[0062] However, the positional relationship and other aspects of the fixed portion 43 (fixed source 3) are not limited to the form shown in Figure 5. Also, depending on the tooth to be orthodontized, the hooking portion 41 may be hooked onto the occlusal surface. Furthermore, the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 according to the second embodiment can be manufactured in the same manner as the first embodiment.

[0063] <Third Embodiment> Referring to Figures 7-9, a third embodiment of the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 according to the present invention will be described. Parts common to the first and second embodiments will be omitted from the description.

[0064] Figure 7 shows the mouthpiece body 2 of the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 of the third embodiment. The mouthpiece body 2 has an opening portion 22 in which a part of the circumference is defined by a frame provided on the side surface of the tooth T1 to be orthodontized. The opening portion 22 is spatially open because the frame of the opening portion 22 is missing in the posterior part of the tooth T1 to be orthodontized. In this specification, an opening portion 22 in which a part of the circumference is defined by a frame and the part where the frame is missing is spatially open, as shown in Figure 7, is referred to as an open-type opening portion.

[0065] In the third embodiment, which includes an open-type window 21, it is not necessary to position the frame further back than the molars as in the first embodiment, thus reducing the feeling of pressure in the oral cavity when worn. Furthermore, it is possible to apply strong orthodontic force even in cases where it is not possible to position the frame further back due to space limitations.

[0066] In the third embodiment, the ends of both frames of the opening portion 22 are raised, and two hook portions 31 (corresponding to the fixing source 3) are formed. The two hook portions 31 are arranged to face each other on the buccal side and the palatal side, sandwiching the tooth T1 to be orthodontized (Figure 7).

[0067] The orthodontic force-applying member 4 of the third embodiment has an eight-shaped structure in which two annular structures are connected (Figure 8). The orthodontic force-applying member 4 is fixed to the mouthpiece body 2 by hooking the annular structures at both ends onto the hook portion 31 (Figure 9). Then, by hooking the portion connecting the annular structures onto the tooth T1 to be corrected, orthodontic force is applied to the tooth T1 to be corrected (Figure 9). In other words, the ends of the annular structures in the orthodontic force-applying member 4 function as the fixing portion 43, the portion connecting the two annular structures functions as the hook portion 41, and the space between the fixing portion 43 and the hook portion 41 functions as the connecting portion 42.

[0068] In addition, although the orthodontic force-applying member 4 of the third embodiment has an eight-shaped structure, its shape can be modified as long as it can be fixed to the hook portion 31 and attached to the tooth T1 to be corrected.

[0069] <Fourth Embodiment> The fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. Parts common to the first to third embodiments will be omitted from this description.

[0070] The structure of the mouthpiece body 2 in the fourth embodiment is generally the same as that of the third embodiment, but differs in that it has a stopper portion 6 (Figure 10). The stopper portion 6 is a part for temporarily attaching the attachment portion 41 of the orthodontic force applying member 4 before fitting the mouthpiece body 2 to the dental arch.

[0071] The stopper portion 6 is connected to the fitting portion 21 for fitting the tooth to be straightened T1 and the adjacent non-straightened tooth. Specifically, it protrudes from the fitting portion 21 toward the opening portion 22. When the mouthpiece body 2 is fitted into the dental arch, the stopper portion 6 is formed in a shape that fits a part of the upper surface of the tooth to be straightened T1 so as not to interfere with the tooth to be straightened T1 that is exposed through the opening portion 22 (Figure 10). The stopper portion 6 is provided with a notch 61 for temporarily attaching the hook portion 41 at a position corresponding to the space between the tooth to be straightened T1 and the tooth not to be straightened (Figure 10).

[0072] Before fitting the mouthpiece body 2 onto the teeth, the fixing part 43 of the orthodontic force applying member 4 is attached to the hook part 31, and the attachment part 41 is temporarily attached to the notch 61 of the stopper part 6 (Figure 10). By fitting the orthodontic appliance 1, which is set up as shown in Figure 10, onto the dental arch and removing the attachment portion 41 of the orthodontic force-applying member 4 that was temporarily attached to the stopper portion 6, the attachment portion 41 can be easily attached to the tooth T1 to be corrected.

[0073] <Fifth Embodiment> The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11. Parts common to the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted from the description.

[0074] The structure of the mouthpiece body 2 in the fifth embodiment is generally the same as that of the third embodiment, but differs in that it has a stopper portion 6 for temporarily attaching the attachment portion 41 before fitting the mouthpiece body 2 to the teeth (Figure 11).

[0075] The stopper portion 6 is provided on the fitting portion 21 for fitting the tooth T1 to be orthodontized and the adjacent tooth not to be orthodontized. Specifically, the stopper portion 6 is a projection that protrudes from both sides of the fitting portion 21 in the direction of the dental arch (the buccal side and the palatal side) (Figure 11).

[0076] Before fitting the mouthpiece body 2 onto the teeth, the fixing portion 43 of the orthodontic force applying member 4 is attached to the hook portion 31, and the attachment portion 41 is temporarily attached to the two stopper portions 6 as shown in Figure 11. In this temporarily attached state, the attachment portion 41 of the orthodontic force applying member 4 is stretched over the two stopper portions 6 and positioned in the area corresponding to the space between the tooth to be corrected T1 and the tooth not to be corrected. By fitting the orthodontic appliance 1, which is set up as shown in Figure 11, into the dental arch and removing the attachment portion 41 of the orthodontic force-applying member 4 that was temporarily attached to the stopper portion 6, the attachment portion 41 can be easily attached to the tooth T1 to be corrected.

[0077] <Sixth Embodiment> The sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. Parts common to the first to fifth embodiments will be omitted from this description.

[0078] The mouthpiece body 2 of the sixth embodiment has a structure in which, when fitted into the dental arch, the teeth T1 and T2 to be orthodontized are not covered and are exposed. Furthermore, unlike the first to sixth embodiments, it does not have a member corresponding to the "frame" of the opening portion (Figure 12).

[0079] A distinctive feature of the sixth embodiment is that a slit 32 (corresponding to the anchoring source 3) is provided in the fitted portion 21. The slit 32 is provided at a position corresponding to the space between adjacent non-orthodontic target teeth that are fitted by the fitted portion 21 (Figure 12).

[0080] When the orthodontic appliance 1 is fitted to the dentition, the fixing portion 43 of the orthodontic force-applying member 4 is fixed to the mouthpiece body 2 by hooking onto the slit 32. Thus, the fixing portion 43 is positioned between the teeth that are not to be straightened. On the other hand, the hooking portion 41 of the orthodontic force-applying member 4, which is fixed to the slit 32, is hooked onto the tooth T2 that is to be straightened (Figure 12).

[0081] As shown in Figure 12, by attaching the orthodontic appliance 1 of the sixth embodiment, an orthodontic force originating from the tension between the fixing part 43 fixed to the slit 32 and the attachment part 41 is applied to the teeth T1 and T2 to be corrected.

[0082] In the sixth embodiment, the tension of the orthodontic force-applying member 4 is not applied to the teeth not being straightened, but is entirely applied to the slit 32. This prevents unintended movement of the teeth not being straightened.

[0083] 2. Orthodontic System Figure 13 shows a part of the orthodontic system according to the present invention. The orthodontic system according to the present invention comprises the mouthpiece-type orthodontic device 1 described above, and an orthodontic auxiliary member 5 that is attached to the teeth to be straightened and prevents the attached orthodontic force-applying member 4 from detaching from the teeth to be straightened. If the tooth to be straightened is tilted, or if the length of the tooth crown is insufficient to attach the attachment portion 41 of the orthodontic force-applying member 4, the attachment portion 41 of the orthodontic force-applying member 4 may detach from the tooth to be straightened, making it impossible to apply sufficient orthodontic force. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the orthodontic force-applying member 4 from detaching from the tooth to be straightened. As a result, even when the tooth to be straightened is tilted or the length of the tooth crown is not long enough to attach the orthodontic force-applying member 4, orthodontic force can be applied to the tooth to be straightened, and orthodontic treatment can be performed in accordance with the purpose.

[0084] In this embodiment, the orthodontic assist member 5 is provided to prevent the orthodontic force-applying member 4 from detaching from the tooth to be straightened, but it may also be provided to prevent the orthodontic force-applying member 4 from biting into the cervical portion of the tooth to be straightened. In this case, the orthodontic assist member 5 is provided on the cervical side of the tooth compared to the orthodontic force applying member 4.

[0085] The orthodontic support member 5 can be made from any material used in dentistry, but for example, it can be made by attaching a clay-like light-curing resin to the side of the tooth to be orthodontized (either the palatal or lingual side, or the buccal or labial side) and polymerizing the resin by exposing it to light.

[0086] 3. Manufacturing method of mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliances The method for manufacturing a mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to the present invention comprises a correction step of creating a corrected tooth model in which the side surface of the portion corresponding to the tooth to be straightened in the patient's tooth model is modified to ensure sufficient space for the movement of the tooth to be straightened; a molding step of forming a mouthpiece based on the corrected tooth model; and a window-making step of creating a window in the portion corresponding to the tooth to be straightened. According to the present invention, it is possible to manufacture a mouthpiece-type orthodontic device that can reduce the burden on patients during orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, it is possible to manufacture a mouthpiece-type orthodontic device that can facilitate orthodontic treatment aimed at moving multiple molars, which was previously difficult.

[0087] However, the method for manufacturing a mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to the present invention may include other necessary steps as appropriate. For example, it may include a sampling step of taking an impression of the patient's oral cavity and bite using an impression material, a dental model making step of creating a plaster model that reproduces the patient's dentition, hard palate, or alveolar ridge based on the impression of the patient's oral cavity and bite taken in the sampling step, a mouthpiece molding step of molding a mouthpiece based on the corrected plaster model, and / or a removal step of removing excess parts of the mouthpiece. In the removal step, the excess parts of the mouthpiece can also be removed so as to leave the contact portion 23.

[0088] Furthermore, all processes can be digitized using optical impressions, design software, and 3D printers. Specifically, 3D dental model data of the patient is obtained using optical impressions, and based on this data, 3D data of a mouthpiece that fits the patient's dental model is created on a computer. The 3D data of the mouthpiece is edited on a computer to ensure a shape that provides sufficient space for the movement of the teeth to be corrected, and that has an open window in the part corresponding to the teeth to be corrected. The 3D data of the mouthpiece obtained in this way can be output with a 3D printer to manufacture the orthodontic device according to the present invention.

[0089] 4. Scope of Application The orthodontic appliances of the first, third to fifth embodiments described above are primarily intended for tooth movement. The orthodontic appliance of the second embodiment is intended for intrusion. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to tooth movement or intrusion as specifically illustrated and described.

[0090] The present invention can also be applied to inclined and extruded teeth by appropriately adjusting the position of the fixing source that fixes the fixing part of the orthodontic force-applying member, and the positional relationship of the teeth to which the attachment part is attached. Specifically, the orthodontic device of the present invention can also be used for the correction of impacted teeth, ectopically erupted teeth, inclined teeth, rotated teeth, and C3 treated teeth. [Examples]

[0091] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0092] <Examples> A mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1, shown in Figure 2, was manufactured. The teeth to be treated were the left and right first and second molars, a total of four teeth. The mouthpiece body 2 in this embodiment was manufactured by the following method. <How to make the mouthpiece body 2> (1) The inventor's oral cavity was sampled using a general method with impression material (sampling step), and a plaster model was prepared (dental model preparation step). (2) In the mouthpiece body, in order to ensure sufficient space for the movement of the teeth to be straightened and to prevent the orthodontic force-applying member from digging into the roots of the teeth to be straightened, resin was applied as a corrective agent to the side of the part corresponding to the teeth to be straightened and polymerized to correct the shape of the plaster model made in (1) above (correction step). The mouthpiece was molded using the corrected plaster model and a commonly used thermoplastic resin (mouthpiece molding step). (3) In the mouthpiece prepared in (2) above, an opening 22 was created so that the crown (occlusal surface and maximum crown convexity) of the tooth to be orthodontized, excluding the cervical portion, was exposed (opening creation process). In addition, the excess portion of the mouthpiece was trimmed, leaving the contact portion 23. (4) Button-shaped anchoring devices 3 were bonded to the innermost side in the direction of the teeth, one on each side.

[0093] In this embodiment, the orthodontic force-applying member 4 is an orthodontic elastic, and is fixed to the mouthpiece body 2 by attaching the fixing part 43 to the fixing source 3 at the innermost side in the direction of the teeth of the mouthpiece body. The mouthpiece-type orthodontic device 1 according to this embodiment is a device that aims to orthodontize teeth by attaching the orthodontic force-applying members to the left and right first molars and applying orthodontic force, thereby moving the left and right first molars and second molars further inward.

[0094] The inventor wore the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1, which was manufactured as described above, for 20 hours a day for 35 days. The orthodontic elastic, which is the orthodontic force-applying component 4, was replaced once a day on both the left and right sides. After the 35-day period, the inventor's dental model after orthodontic treatment was fabricated using the same method as in (1) of <Method for Fabricating Mouthpiece Body 2> above. Figures 14 and 15 show the dental model fabricated before orthodontic treatment and the dental model fabricated after orthodontic treatment.

[0095] Figure 14 shows the dental model before orthodontic treatment on the left, and the dental model after orthodontic treatment on the right. Similarly, Figure 15 shows the dental model before orthodontic treatment on the left, and the dental model after orthodontic treatment on the right. As is clear from Figures 14 and 15, by using the mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 1 according to the present invention for 20 hours a day for 35 days, while replacing the orthodontic force-applying member 4 once a day, it is possible to move multiple molars simultaneously. [Industrial applicability]

[0096] According to the present invention, the burden on patients during orthodontic treatment can be reduced. Furthermore, it is possible to simultaneously move multiple molars, which was difficult with conventional methods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1. Mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance 2. Mouthpiece body 21 Fitted part 22 Fenestration 23 Contact area 3 Fixed source 31 Hook part 4. Corrective force applying member 41 Hanging part 42 Connecting part 43 Fixed part 5. Orthodontic support members 6 Stopper 61 cuts T1 Teeth to be treated with orthodontics T2 teeth to be orthodontized T3 Teeth to be treated with orthodontic treatment T4 Teeth to be treated with orthodontics H1 Height of mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance H2 Height of mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance W Thickness of mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance

Claims

1. It comprises a mouthpiece body for fitting onto either the upper or lower jaw dentition, and an orthodontic force-applying member for applying orthodontic force to the teeth to be corrected. The aforementioned dental arch includes the teeth to be orthodontized, The mouthpiece body is fitted into the dental arch, including the teeth to be orthodontized. The mouthpiece body has a structure such that, when fitted to the dental arch, at least the teeth to be orthodontized are exposed and not covered. The orthodontic force-applying member comprises an attachment portion for attaching to the tooth to be orthodontized and a fixing portion fixed to the mouthpiece body. A mouthpiece-type orthodontic device that applies an orthodontic force to the teeth to be corrected, the force originating from the tension between the attachment portion and the fixing portion of the orthodontic force-applying member.

2. It comprises a mouthpiece body for fitting onto either the upper or lower jaw dentition, and an orthodontic force-applying member for applying orthodontic force to the teeth to be corrected. The aforementioned dental arch includes the teeth to be orthodontized, The mouthpiece body is fitted into the dental arch, including the teeth to be orthodontized. The mouthpiece body has an opening portion in which at least the portion corresponding to the teeth to be orthodontized is open, The orthodontic force-applying member comprises an attachment portion for attaching to the tooth to be orthodontized and a fixing portion fixed to the mouthpiece body. A mouthpiece-type orthodontic device that applies an orthodontic force to the teeth to be corrected, the force originating from the tension between the attachment portion and the fixing portion of the orthodontic force-applying member.

3. The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to claim 2, wherein the opening portion is of a closed type, with its entire circumference defined by a frame.

4. The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to claim 2, wherein the opening portion is of an open type, with a portion of its circumference defined by a frame and the portion where the frame is missing being spatially open.

5. The mouthpiece-type orthodontic device according to claim 4, wherein the end of the frame of the opening portion rises up to form a hook portion, and the fixing portion is attached to the hook portion, thereby fixing the orthodontic force applying member to the mouthpiece body.

6. The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment portion is a member for attaching to the side surface of the tooth to be orthodontized in the direction of the dental arch.

7. The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to claim 3, wherein the fixing portion is provided on the innermost side of the mouthpiece body in the direction of the teeth.

8. The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment portion is a member for attaching to the incisal edge or occlusal surface of the tooth to be orthodontized.

9. The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mouthpiece body comprises a fitting portion for fitting onto teeth that are not to be orthodontized.

10. The mouthpiece body is provided with a stopper portion for temporarily attaching the attachment portion before fitting it to the teeth. The stopper portion is connected to the fitting portion for fitting the tooth to be corrected and the adjacent tooth not to be corrected, The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to claim 9, wherein the stopper portion is provided with a notch at a position corresponding to the space between the tooth to be straightened and the tooth not to be straightened, for temporarily attaching the attachment portion.

11. The mouthpiece body is provided with a stopper portion for temporarily attaching the attachment portion before fitting it to the teeth. The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to claim 9, wherein the stopper portion is a projection provided on both sides in the direction of the dental arch of the fitting portion for fitting the tooth to be corrected and the tooth not to be corrected adjacent to it.

12. The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to claim 9, wherein a slit for attaching and fixing the fixing part is provided in the fitting part at a position corresponding to the interdental space of the adjacent non-orthodontic target tooth that is fitted by the fitting part.

13. The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least the connecting portion of the orthodontic force-applying member that connects the attachment portion and the fixing portion is made of a material having restorative force.

14. The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the orthodontic force-applying member extends from one or two of the fixing portions, folds back at the attachment portion to form an annular or semi-annular shape, and is a member having a restoring force.

15. The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of the frame portion in the opening portion of the mouthpiece body is formed to be thicker than the thickness of other parts.

16. The mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mouthpiece body is provided with a contact portion in the part that contacts the hard palate or alveolar ridge.

17. An orthodontic system comprising a mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance according to claim 1 or 2, and an orthodontic auxiliary member attached to the tooth to be straightened to prevent the attached orthodontic force-applying member from detaching from the tooth to be straightened, or to prevent it from digging into the cervical portion of the tooth to be straightened.

Images