Dental mouth mirror

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dental mouth mirror, which includes a handle, a nozzle, and a mirror. The handle is slightly hollow and tubular in shape, with the end of the handle forming a connection part for connecting to a dental three way. The connection part has a through-hole that passes through both ends. The interior of the handle forms a transport channel for delivering the auxiliary material, which is connected to the through-hole, thus establishing a communication path between them. The nozzle is positioned at the front end of the handle or near the front end, and is interconnected with the transport channel. The mirror is rotatably and detachably mounted at the front end of the handle and is positioned at a specific distance from the nozzle. Therefore, the dental mirror of the present invention provides clear observation conditions and flexible operational support, meeting the stringent requirements of dental procedures while improving the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dental mouth mirror, and more specifically to a dental mouth mirror that utilizes airflow to reduce fogging. Prior Technology

[0002] A dental mouth mirror is an essential tool in dental practice, used to help dentists observe the inside of a patient's mouth. Traditional mouth mirrors are primarily made of stainless steel and glass, but modern mouth mirrors increasingly utilize more durable and lightweight materials, such as high-strength polymers and anti-fog glass. Furthermore, some high-end mouth mirrors employ optical coating technology to provide clearer reflected images and reduce glare; and a growing number of mouth mirrors incorporate built-in LED light sources, providing more uniform illumination, particularly suitable for examining poorly lit areas of the mouth, thus improving the dentist's operational precision.

[0003] Secondly, with increasing emphasis on infection control, a large number of disposable mouth mirrors have appeared on the market. These are usually made of plastic, which is lightweight and economical, but their optical performance and durability may not be as good as traditional metal mouth mirrors. In recent years, some mouth mirrors have integrated digital technology, equipped with cameras, sensors, or Wi-Fi functionality, which can transmit images of the patient's oral cavity to a screen in real time, facilitating medical records and patient education.

[0004] As mentioned earlier, all types of oral mirrors may fog up during use due to the high humidity in the oral cavity, affecting the observation effect. To improve diagnostic efficiency, modern oral mirrors usually adopt anti-fog design to effectively reduce the blurring caused by moisture. Common anti-fog technologies mainly include surface coating technology and built-in heating function; surface coating technology: a special anti-fog material is coated on the mirror surface to inhibit water vapor condensation and maintain a clear reflection effect; built-in heating function: by embedding a micro heating element inside the oral mirror, the mirror surface temperature is prevented from falling below the water vapor condensation point, thereby avoiding fogging.

[0005] Dental mouth mirrors undergo frequent high-temperature, high-pressure sterilization processes in clinical applications. However, this process accelerates the wear and peeling of the anti-fog coating, causing its effectiveness to gradually weaken with prolonged use or repeated sterilization. Furthermore, mouth mirrors with nano-coating technology and built-in heating functions involve high-precision technology and high-performance materials, resulting in relatively high manufacturing costs and consequently increasing the price of products with highly effective anti-fog technology. Another challenge is that the anti-fog coating may alter the optical properties of the mirror, such as reducing reflectivity or clarity, leading to blurred or distorted images and affecting diagnostic and treatment outcomes. Therefore, the application of anti-fog technology in dental mouth mirrors requires a balance across multiple aspects, such as ensuring the coating remains effective after multiple sterilization cycles, reducing manufacturing costs, enhancing market competitiveness, maintaining high-quality image clarity and reflectivity, and meeting the needs of different clinical environments.

[0006] In summary, in order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, the inventors of this case have devoted a great deal of research and development energy and spirit to continuous breakthroughs and innovations in this field, hoping to solve the deficiencies of conventional methods with novel technical means, so as to meet the actual needs of dental clinical practice, bring better products to society, and promote industrial development. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Based on the aforementioned problems, this invention discloses a dental mouth mirror for connecting to various brands of three-way dental spray guns. Currently, commercially available spray mouth mirrors require additional installation of a machine or connector, while the mouth mirror of this invention can be connected to existing equipment. Therefore, dentists are not limited by equipment when working in different locations and can use this mouth mirror anywhere. The specific length design of the handle of this dental mouth mirror allows it to form different fulcrums inside or outside the patient's mouth according to usage needs, providing stable support, reducing dentist hand fatigue, and improving operational stability, making it particularly suitable for precision operations. Secondly, the mirror surface has a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating, which effectively prevents water droplets, steam, or other impurities from adhering, maintaining a clear field of vision and facilitating the dentist's observation of the operating area; and the mirror surface is made of borosilicate glass, which is durable and has excellent optical performance, further enhancing the observation effect during the treatment process. Furthermore, the nozzle forms an angle θ of 40 to 50 degrees with the mirror surface and maintains a distance of 2 mm to 10 mm to ensure that the compressed airflow can directly blow onto the mirror surface, effectively removing water vapor or impurities, achieving anti-fogging and cleaning effects, and reducing interruptions in the diagnosis and treatment process.

[0008] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, this invention discloses a dental mouth mirror for connecting to various brands of three-way dental spray guns. The mirror comprises a handle, a nozzle, and a mirror surface. The handle is slightly hollow and cylindrical, with a connecting portion at its end for connecting to the three-way dental spray gun, which generates, delivers, or provides an auxiliary material. The connecting portion has a through-groove extending through both ends. Inside the handle, a delivery channel for delivering the auxiliary material is formed, connected to and communicating with the through-groove. The nozzle is located at or near the front end of the handle and communicates with the delivery channel. The nozzle is used to spray the auxiliary material in a smoke-like or microbubble manner. Furthermore, the mirror surface is rotatably and detachably mounted at the front end of the handle and is located at a specific distance from the nozzle. The auxiliary material is at least one selected from gases, liquids, and combinations thereof. In addition, when a dentist uses this dental mouth mirror, the handle can be used to form an intraoral fulcrum, an extraoral fulcrum, or a cross fulcrum around the patient's mouth, thereby stably contacting the patient's teeth or gums, the patient's lips or cheeks, or the patient's upper or lower jaw or left or right sides; the specific distance is 2mm to 10mm.

[0009] In the dental mouth mirror of the present invention, the through groove is formed of a metal material or a malleable material, the mirror surface is formed of borosilicate glass, and the mirror surface further has a hydrophobic coating or a superhydrophobic coating.

[0010] In the dental mouth mirror of the present invention, the end of the handle has a connecting part, and the connecting part has a through groove inside. The through groove is made of a metal material or a malleable material and can be connected to a three-in-one nozzle. The multi-functional nozzle has at least three functions: water spraying, air spraying and medicine spraying.

[0011] In the dental mouth mirror of the present invention, the metal material is composed of at least one metal or a metal-containing material selected from stainless steel, titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy, nickel-chromium alloy and combinations thereof; and the malleable material is composed of at least one malleable material selected from polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer and combinations thereof.

[0012] In the dental mouth mirror of the present invention, the handle is a telescopic component with an adjustable length range of 4.5 cm to 6.0 cm.

[0013] In the dental mouth mirror of the present invention, the delivery channel inside the handle is provided with an airflow regulating valve, which can adjust the gas flow rate steplessly from 0 to 100%.

[0014] In the dental mouth mirror of the present invention, the surface of the handle is formed with a plurality of equally spaced micro-pits by laser etching, and the surface of the handle is covered with a silicone coating or rubber layer with anti-slip effect.

[0015] The dental mouth mirror of the present invention further includes a guide plate, which is adjacent to the gas nozzle and extends into the delivery channel of the handle. The nozzle forms an angle θ of 40 to 50 degrees with the mirror surface to generate a jet with a velocity greater than 5 to 10 m / s.

[0016] In the dental mouth mirror of the present invention, the nozzle is provided with a plurality of micropores, which are evenly distributed around the edge of the mirror to form a uniform airflow distribution.

[0017] In the dental mouth mirror of the present invention, the mirror surface is provided with a heating element, which is composed of a phase change material (PCM), a thermally conductive material or a combination thereof, and the heating element can maintain the mirror surface temperature between 25°C and 50°C.

[0018] In the dental mouth mirror of the present invention, the hydrophobic coating or the superhydrophobic coating of the mirror surface is composed of at least one material selected from fluoropolymers, nanostructured silicates or diamond-like coatings, and is treated by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0019] Figure 1a is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the dental mouth mirror of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1b is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the dental mouth mirror of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 is a partial enlarged view of the dental mouth mirror of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the connection part of the dental mouth mirror of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the through groove of the dental mouth mirror of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 5 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the dental mouth mirror of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 6 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the dental mouth mirror of Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Implementation

[0020] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the invention are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and technical content of the present invention are illustrated below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings; however, the accompanying drawings are provided for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0021] Please refer to Figures 1a and 2. Figure 1a is a perspective view of the dental mouth mirror of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 1b is a cross-sectional view of the dental mouth mirror of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 is a partial enlarged view of the dental mouth mirror of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the connecting part of the dental mouth mirror of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the through groove of the dental mouth mirror of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1a to 4, the present invention relates to a dental mouth mirror 1 comprising: a handle 10, a mirror 30, and a spray outlet 20; wherein the overall structure of the dental mouth mirror 1 is made of at least one material selected from stainless steel, titanium alloy, or high-strength plastic and combinations thereof.

[0023] First, the handle 10 is slightly hollow cylindrical, and at the end of the handle 10, a connecting portion 11 is formed for connecting the dental three-way spray gun, which is used to generate, deliver, or provide an auxiliary material. The connecting portion 11 has a through groove 111 extending through both ends, and the through groove 111 is formed of a metal material or a malleable material. The metal material can be changed arbitrarily according to the user's needs. The metal material can be made of at least one metal or a metal-containing material selected from stainless steel, titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy, nickel-chromium alloy, and combinations thereof; and the malleable material is made of at least one malleable material selected from polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, and combinations thereof, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0024] Furthermore, a conveying channel 112 for conveying the auxiliary material is formed inside the handle 10. The conveying channel 112 is connected to the through groove 111 and is interconnected with it. The auxiliary material is at least one selected from gas, liquid, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the handle 10 is a telescopic member with an adjustable length range of 4.5 cm to 6.0 cm.

[0025] Furthermore, the delivery channel 112 inside the handle 10 is equipped with an airflow regulating valve 113, which can steplessly adjust the gas flow rate from 0 to 100%. In addition, the surface of the handle 10 is laser-etched to form a plurality of equally spaced micro-pits, and the surface of the handle 10 is covered with a silicone coating or rubber layer with anti-slip effect.

[0026] Secondly, the nozzle 20 is located at or near the front end of the handle 10 and is in communication with the conveying channel. The nozzle 20 is used to spray the auxiliary material in the form of smoke or microbubbles.

[0027] Furthermore, the mirror 30 is mounted on the front end of the handle 10 at a specific distance from the spray nozzle, ranging from 2mm to 10mm, via a buffer structure 31, allowing for free rotation and easy removal. The free rotation is achieved through a threaded structure, enabling dentists to easily replace the mirror as needed. The easy removal method includes a snap-fit ​​mechanism with positioning slots and locking devices, ensuring stable fixation and quick disassembly. This removable mirror 30 facilitates cleaning, disinfection, and replacement with mirrors of different sizes or shapes to meet various dental procedure needs, further enhancing flexibility and convenience.

[0028] Furthermore, the mirror 30 is formed of borosilicate glass, and the mirror 30 further has a hydrophobic coating or a superhydrophobic coating to prevent water droplets or other liquids from remaining on the mirror surface, ensuring a clear field of view during operation. The hydrophobic coating or the superhydrophobic coating of the mirror is composed of at least one material selected from fluoropolymers, nanostructured silicates, or diamond-like carbon coatings, and is processed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD).

[0029] Furthermore, when a dentist uses the dental mouth mirror 1, the handle 10 can be used to form an intraoral fulcrum, an extraoral fulcrum, or a cross fulcrum around the patient's mouth, thereby stably contacting the patient's teeth or gums, the patient's lips or cheeks, or the patient's upper or lower jaw or left or right sides.

[0030] The intraoral fulcrum is a support point used by a dentist when using the dental mouth mirror 1, so that the handle 10 can stably contact one of the patient's oral cavity structures, such as teeth or gums. In other words, when using the dental mouth mirror 1, the dentist places the handle 10 stably on the patient's oral cavity structure, such as teeth or gums, as an internal support point.

[0031] Furthermore, this external fulcrum serves as a support point for the dentist when using the dental mouth mirror 1, ensuring the handle 10 stably contacts one of the patient's external oral structures, such as the lips or cheek. In other words, the dentist stably places the handle 10 on a structure outside the patient's mouth, such as the lips or cheek, as an external support point. This external support point reduces the dentist's hand strain and provides stable external support, thereby improving the precision and comfort of the procedure.

[0032] Furthermore, this cross-support point serves as a point of cross-support for the handle 10 on the patient's upper and lower jaws or left and right sides when the dentist uses the dental mouth mirror 1. In other words, during operation, the dentist places the handle 10 between the patient's upper and lower jaws, or on the left and right sides, such as between the upper and lower teeth or both cheeks, as this cross-support point. This cross-support point allows the dentist to flexibly adjust the angle of the mirror according to the needs of the operation, achieving a better field of vision for areas that are difficult to examine.

[0033] In summary, the internal support point, the external fulcrum, and the cross fulcrum provide operational stability, making it easier for the dentist to control the angle and position of the mirror during examinations or treatments in the patient's mouth. The internal support point, the external fulcrum, and the cross fulcrum typically serve as the basis for the dentist's manual force application, stabilizing the handle 10. When the dentist's fulcrum for stabilizing the handle 10 contacts the gum line, the point of force application may be at the end or middle of the handle 10, allowing for manual adjustment of the mirror's direction and position. When using the mirror 30, the point of force application (the location where the dentist applies force) and the internal fulcrum together influence the movement and stability of the mirror 30. The internal support point, the external fulcrum, and the cross fulcrum reduce the force required by the dentist during operation, as they provide additional stability and reduce hand fatigue. The internal support point, external fulcrum, and cross fulcrum can be compared to the support points of a lever, the force application point is where the dentist applies force, and the mirror 30 corresponds to the other end of the lever (resistance point). The positions of the internal support point, external fulcrum, and cross fulcrum affect the flexibility and efficiency of the operation: if the internal support point, external fulcrum, and cross fulcrum are close to the force application point, the dentist needs to exert more force to adjust the angle of the mirror 30. If the internal support point, external fulcrum, and cross fulcrum are set properly (e.g., in a stable position), more precise control can be achieved.

[0034] Furthermore, the dental mouth mirror 1 further includes a guide plate 21, which is adjacent to the nozzle 20 and extends into the delivery channel 112 of the handle 10. The nozzle 20 forms an angle θ of 40 to 50 degrees with the mirror surface 30 to generate a jet with a velocity greater than 5 to 10 m / s.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the dental mouth mirror of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the nozzle 20 has a plurality of micro-holes 22, which are evenly distributed around the edge of the mirror 30 to form a uniform airflow distribution. This uniform airflow effectively blows across the mirror 30, preventing condensation of moisture or heat from the patient's mouth, maintaining the mirror's clarity, and ensuring the dentist has an unobstructed view during examinations or procedures, thus improving efficiency and accuracy. Secondly, the uniform airflow carries away heat from the mirror 30, preventing overheating due to prolonged use or ambient temperature. Furthermore, the gentle and uniform airflow does not cause localized discomfort for the patient, further enhancing user comfort. Moreover, the uniform airflow gently blows across the edges and surface of the mirror 30, helping to remove any fine dust, oral debris, or water droplets that may adhere during the procedure.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 6, which is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the dental mouth mirror of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, the mirror 30 is equipped with a heating element 31, which is composed of a phase change material (PCM), a thermally conductive material, or a combination thereof. The heating element 31 can maintain the mirror temperature between 25°C and 50°C to further prevent fogging. The PCM can store heat energy through preheating methods, such as a heating chamber or warm water, and gradually release heat. It can be encapsulated on the back of the mirror without affecting its clarity. The thermally conductive material, through highly thermally conductive materials such as copper or graphene films, transfers heat from the hand-held area to the mirror 30. The temperature of the mirror 30 is controlled by the heating element 31 between 25°C and 50°C, slightly higher than the oral cavity temperature, effectively preventing condensation caused by temperature differences, thus maintaining the clarity of the mirror 30 and ensuring a clear field of vision for the dentist during treatment. This eliminates the need for frequent wiping of the mirror 30 to clear fog, reducing interruptions, shortening treatment time, and improving the smoothness and efficiency of the dentist's work. In high-humidity or low-temperature treatment room environments, the heating element 31 keeps the mirror 30 dry and fog-free, providing a stable and clear view even under adverse conditions. Furthermore, it reduces surface damage or hydrophobic coating wear caused by frequent wiping, extending the mirror 30's lifespan and lowering maintenance and replacement costs.

[0039] As described above, the dental mouth mirror 1 of the present invention allows the dentist to flexibly select support points through the various choices of the intraoral fulcrum, the extraoral fulcrum, and the cross fulcrum, stabilizing the handle according to the specific condition of the patient's oral cavity and the operational needs. The design of the intraoral fulcrum, the extraoral fulcrum, and the cross fulcrum ensures stable contact of the handle with the patient's internal and external oral structures, reducing hand tremors and improving operational accuracy. Secondly, the mirror surface 30 is made of borosilicate glass, possessing excellent durability and high light transmittance, providing a clear imaging effect. The hydrophobic coating or the superhydrophobic coating effectively prevents the adhesion of water droplets and fog on the mirror surface, maintaining a clear field of vision, even in the humid environment of the patient's oral cavity.

[0040] Furthermore, the nozzle 20, located above the mirror 30, connects to the delivery channel, enabling the delivery of compressed gas to form a stable airflow. The distance between the nozzle 20 and the mirror 30 is designed to be 2mm to 10mm, allowing for precise blowing of the mirror surface, preventing fogging and oral debris from adhering, and keeping the mirror clean. Additionally, the mirror 30 is connected via a rotating or snap-fit ​​method, allowing the dentist to quickly disassemble the mirror for cleaning or replacement, facilitating maintenance. This design increases the product's reusability and reduces the cost of medical device consumables. Moreover, the versatility of these fulcrum positions and the built-in design of the delivery channel help reduce dentist hand fatigue and improve operational comfort. The structural design of the mirror 30 and the nozzle 20 ensures uniform airflow, preventing the patient from experiencing excessively strong or cold airflow stimulation.

[0041] 1: Dental mouth mirror 10: Handle 11: Connecting part 111: Through-slot 112: Conveying Channel 113: Airflow regulating valve 20: Spray outlet 21: Guide plate 22: Micropores 30: Mirror 31: Heating element

Claims

1. A dental mouth mirror, which is used to connect to various brands of dental three-way spray guns, comprising: A handle, which is slightly hollow and cylindrical, has a connecting portion at its end for connecting to a dental spray gun for generating, conveying, or providing an auxiliary material. The connecting portion has a through groove extending through both ends. Inside the handle, a conveying channel for conveying the auxiliary material is formed, which is connected to and communicates with the through groove. A nozzle is located at or near the front end of the handle and communicates with the conveying channel. The nozzle is used to spray the auxiliary material in the form of smoke or microbubbles. A mirror is located at the front end of the handle and is rotatable and detachable, at a specific distance from the nozzle. The auxiliary material is at least one selected from gases, liquids, and combinations thereof; when the dentist uses the dental mouth mirror, the handle can be used to form an intraoral fulcrum, an extraoral fulcrum, or a cross fulcrum around the patient's oral cavity, thereby stably contacting the patient's teeth or gums, the patient's lips or cheeks, or the patient's upper or lower jaw or left or right sides; the specific distance is 2 mm to 10 mm.

2. The dental mouth mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein the through-groove is formed of a metal or a malleable material, the mirror surface is formed of borosilicate glass, and the mirror surface further has a hydrophobic coating or a superhydrophobic coating.

3. The dental mouth mirror as claimed in claim 2, wherein the metal material is made of at least one metal or a metal-containing material selected from stainless steel, titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy, nickel-chromium alloy and combinations thereof; and the malleable material is made of at least one malleable material selected from polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer and combinations thereof.

4. The dental mouth mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle further has a telescopic member whose length is adjustable from 4.5 cm to 6.0 cm.

5. The dental mouth mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein the delivery channel inside the handle is provided with an airflow regulating valve that can steplessly adjust the gas flow rate from 0 to 100%.

6. The dental mouth mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface of the handle is formed with a plurality of equally spaced micro-pits by laser etching, and the surface of the handle is covered with a silicone coating or rubber layer with anti-slip properties.

7. The dental mouth mirror as claimed in claim 1 further includes a guide plate adjacent to the gas nozzle and extending into the delivery channel of the handle, wherein the nozzle forms an angle θ of 40 to 50 degrees with the mirror surface to generate a jet with a velocity greater than 5 to 10 m / s.

8. The dental mouth mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzle is provided with a plurality of micropores and is evenly distributed around the edge of the mirror surface to form a uniform airflow distribution.

9. The dental mouth mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mirror surface is provided with a heating element, the heating element being made of a phase change material (PCM), a thermally conductive material, or a combination thereof, the heating element being capable of maintaining the mirror surface temperature between 25°C and 50°C.

10. The dental mouth mirror as claimed in claim 2, wherein the hydrophobic coating or the superhydrophobic coating of the mirror surface is composed of at least one material selected from fluoropolymers, nanostructured silicates or diamond-like coatings, and is processed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD).

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