Dental instrument

Abstract

Provided in one aspect of the present application is a dental instrument, comprising: a U-shaped base support, in the upper and lower sides of which a U-shaped first groove and a U-shaped second groove are respectively formed; an upper occlusion module, which is a U-shaped elongated body fixed to the first groove, and one side of which away from the bottom of the first groove is recessed inwards to form a cavity that receives a patient's maxillary dentition and has a geometric shape customized based on the patient's maxillary dentition; and a lower occlusion module, which is a U-shaped elongated body fixed to the second groove, and one side of which away from the bottom of the second groove is recessed inwards to form a cavity that receives the patient's mandibular dentition and has a geometric shape customized based on the patient's mandibular dentition.

Description

dental instruments Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to a dental instrument. Background Art

[0002] For various dental problems in children, early intervention treatment (for example, intervention treatment during the children's tooth replacement period) is needed to achieve better results.

[0003] Currently, the most common dental devices used for early interventional treatment include bite induction devices and orofacial muscle training devices. The basic structure of these dental devices is a U-shaped silicone base with upper and lower sides forming grooves to accommodate the upper and lower dentitions, respectively.

[0004] However, the existing dental instruments are not ideal in terms of treatment effects and the like. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new dental instrument.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of the present application provides a dental instrument, which includes: a base, which is U-shaped, and a first U-shaped groove and a second U-shaped groove are formed on its upper and lower sides respectively; an upper occlusal module, which is a U-shaped long strip entity, fixed to the first groove, and its side away from the bottom of the first groove is recessed inward to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's maxillary dentition, and the geometry of the tooth-accommodating cavity is customized according to the patient's maxillary dentition; and a lower occlusal module, which is a U-shaped long strip entity, fixed to the second groove, and its side away from the bottom of the second groove is recessed inward to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's mandibular dentition, and the geometry of the tooth-accommodating cavity is customized according to the patient's mandibular dentition.

[0007] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module is lower than the elastic modulus of the material of the base.

[0008] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth-receiving cavity of the upper bite module is customized based on the patient's maxillary dentition in a first tooth layout, and the geometry of the tooth-receiving cavity of the lower bite module is customized based on the patient's mandibular dentition in a second tooth layout.

[0009] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the upper bite module matches the patient's maxillary dentition under the first tooth layout, and the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the lower bite module matches the patient's mandibular dentition under the second tooth layout.

[0010] In some embodiments, the relative positions of the tooth receiving cavities of the upper bite module and the tooth receiving cavities of the lower bite module are customized based on the target relative positions of the patient's upper and lower jaws.

[0011] In some embodiments, the base, the upper bite module, and the lower bite module are separately manufactured components.

[0012] In some embodiments, the upper bite module and the lower bite module are fixedly installed in the first slot and the second slot respectively through a concave-convex matching structure.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first slot and the second slot of the base are universal for a preselected first category of patients.

[0014] In some embodiments, the geometry and size of the first groove are determined based on big data of the maxillary dentition of a large number of patients of the first category, and the geometry and size of the second groove are determined based on big data of the mandibular dentition of a large number of patients of the first category.

[0015] In some embodiments, the outer geometry and dimensions of the upper and lower bite modules are universal for the first category of patients.

[0016] In some embodiments, the outer geometry and dimensions of the upper engagement module match those of the first slot, and the outer geometry and dimensions of the lower engagement module match those of the second slot.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first category of patients are patients in a predetermined age group, or patients whose dental arch sizes are within a predetermined range.

[0018] In some embodiments, the material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module is one of the following or a combination thereof: silicone, rubber, and TPU.

[0019] In some embodiments, the base is made of one of the following materials or a combination thereof: PC, PETG, PA, PEEK, metal, carbon fiber and glass fiber, PP, ABS, and POM.

[0020] Another aspect of the present application provides a method for manufacturing the dental instrument, which includes: obtaining a first three-dimensional digital model representing the patient's maxillary dentition under a first tooth layout; obtaining a second three-dimensional digital model representing the outer contour of the upper occlusal module; generating a third three-dimensional digital model representing the upper occlusal module based on the first and second three-dimensional digital models; obtaining a fourth three-dimensional digital model representing the patient's mandibular dentition under a second tooth layout; obtaining a fifth three-dimensional digital model representing the outer contour of the lower occlusal module; generating a sixth three-dimensional digital model representing the lower occlusal module based on the fourth and fifth three-dimensional digital models; using the third and sixth three-dimensional digital models to control the device to manufacture the upper and lower occlusal modules respectively; and fixing the upper occlusal module and the lower occlusal module to the first groove and the second groove of the base, respectively.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method for manufacturing a dental device further comprises: obtaining the position of the tooth receiving cavity of the upper occlusal module, and generating the third three-dimensional digital model based on the third three-dimensional digital model and the first and second three-dimensional digital models; and obtaining the position of the tooth receiving cavity of the lower occlusal module, and generating the sixth three-dimensional digital model based on the third three-dimensional digital model and the fourth and fifth three-dimensional digital models.

[0022] In some embodiments, the device is a 3D printing device.

[0023] Another aspect of the present application provides a dental instrument system for repositioning a patient's teeth from a current tooth layout to a target tooth layout, comprising a group of N successive dental instruments to be worn in stages, each of the dental instruments comprising: an upper bite module, which is a U-shaped long strip entity, which is recessed inward on the side away from the occlusal surface to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's maxillary teeth, and a lower bite module, which is a U-shaped long strip entity, which is recessed inward on the side away from the occlusal surface to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's mandibular teeth, the upper and lower bite modules are fixed to each other, wherein the geometric shape of the tooth-accommodating cavity of the upper bite module and / or the lower bite module of the N successive dental instruments gradually changes, so that the patient's teeth can be gradually repositioned from the current tooth layout to the target tooth layout by wearing the N successive dental instruments in stages, wherein N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0024] In some embodiments, each of the dental instruments further includes a base, which is U-shaped, with a first U-shaped groove and a second U-shaped groove formed on the upper and lower sides respectively, the upper bite module is fixedly installed in the first groove, and the lower bite module is fixedly installed in the second groove.

[0025] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module is lower than the elastic modulus of the material of the base.

[0026] In some embodiments, the bases of the N successive dental appliances are identical.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first and second slots are common to a preselected first category of patients.

[0028] In some embodiments, the patient's current tooth configuration and the tooth configurations achievable by the N successive dental appliances are successive tooth configurations.

[0029] In some embodiments, the geometry of the surface of the force-applying side of the tooth-receiving cavity of the occlusal module of the N successive dental instruments matches the teeth of the patient under the corresponding tooth layout.

[0030] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavities of the bite modules of the N successive dental appliances matches the teeth of the patient under the corresponding tooth layout.

[0031] In some embodiments, the relative positions of the tooth receiving cavities of the upper bite modules and the tooth receiving cavities of the lower bite modules of the N successive dental appliances are customized based on the relative positions of the upper and lower jaws of the patient.

[0032] In some embodiments, the base, the upper bite module, and the lower bite module of each of the dental appliances are separately manufactured components.

[0033] In some embodiments, each of the upper bite module and the lower bite module of the dental instrument is fixedly mounted to the first groove and the second groove of the base of the dental instrument respectively through a concave-convex matching structure.

[0034] In some embodiments, the geometry and size of the first groove are determined based on big data of the maxillary dentition of a large number of the pre-selected first-category patients, and the geometry and size of the second groove are determined based on big data of the mandibular dentition of a large number of the pre-selected first-category patients.

[0035] In some embodiments, the upper bite modules of the N successive dental instruments have the same external geometry and size, and the lower bite modules of the N successive dental instruments have the same external geometry and size, and the external geometry and size of the upper bite module and the lower bite module are common to the pre-selected first category of patients.

[0036] In some embodiments, the outer geometry and dimensions of the upper engagement module match those of the first slot, and the outer geometry and dimensions of the lower engagement module match those of the second slot.

[0037] In some embodiments, the preselected first category of patients are patients in a preselected age range, or patients whose dental arch sizes are within a preselected range.

[0038] In some embodiments, the N successive dental appliances share a same base.

[0039] In some embodiments, the material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module is one of the following: silicone, rubber, TPU and any combination thereof.

[0040] In some embodiments, the base material is one of the following: PC, PETG, PA, PEEK, metal, carbon fiber, glass fiber, PP, ABS, POM and any combination thereof.

[0041] Another aspect of the present application provides a dental instrument system for adjusting a patient's mandible from a current position to a target position, comprising a group of N successive dental instruments to be worn in stages, each of the dental instruments comprising: an upper occlusal module, which is a U-shaped long strip entity, which is recessed inward on the side away from the occlusal surface to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's maxillary dentition, and the geometry of the tooth-accommodating cavity is customized according to the patient's maxillary dentition; a lower occlusal module, which is a U-shaped long strip entity, which is recessed inward on the side away from the occlusal surface to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's mandibular dentition, and the geometry of the tooth-accommodating cavity is customized according to the patient's mandibular dentition, and the upper and lower occlusal modules are fixed to each other, wherein the relative positions of the tooth-accommodating cavities of the upper and lower occlusal modules of the N successive dental instruments enable the patient's mandible to be gradually corrected from its current position to the target position by wearing the N successive dental instruments in stages, and N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0042] In some embodiments, each of the dental instruments further comprises a base, which is U-shaped, with a first U-shaped groove and a second U-shaped groove formed on its upper and lower sides respectively. The upper bite module is fixedly installed in the first groove, and the lower bite module is fixedly installed in the second groove.

[0043] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module is lower than the elastic modulus of the material of the base.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first and second slots of the base are universal for a preselected first category of patients.

[0045] In some embodiments, the preselected first category of patients are patients in a preselected age range, or patients whose dental arch sizes are within a preselected range.

[0046] In some embodiments, the geometry and size of the first groove are determined based on big data of the maxillary dentition of a large number of the pre-selected first-category patients, and the geometry and size of the second groove are determined based on big data of the mandibular dentition of a large number of the pre-selected first-category patients.

[0047] In some embodiments, the upper bite modules of the N successive dental instruments have the same external geometry and size, and the lower bite modules of the N successive dental instruments have the same external geometry and size, and the external geometry and size of the upper bite module and the lower bite module are common to the pre-selected first category of patients.

[0048] In some embodiments, the outer geometry and dimensions of the upper engagement module match those of the first slot, and the outer geometry and dimensions of the lower engagement module match those of the second slot.

[0049] In some embodiments, the base, the upper bite module, and the lower bite module of each of the dental appliances are separately manufactured components.

[0050] In some embodiments, each of the upper bite module and the lower bite module of the dental instrument is fixedly mounted to the first groove and the second groove of the base of the dental instrument respectively through a concave-convex matching structure.

[0051] In some embodiments, the patient's current jaw position and the jaw positions achievable by the N successive dental appliances are successive jaw positions.

[0052] In some embodiments, the N successive dental instruments are configured to gradually adjust the mandible from its current position to the target position by changing the relative positions of the first and second slots and / or the position of the cavity of at least one of the upper and lower bite modules on the corresponding bite module.

[0053] In some embodiments, the N successive dental instruments include: a first dental instrument, the relative position of its first slot and second slot enables it to adjust the patient's mandible from a first position to a second position; and a second dental instrument, the relative position of its first slot and second slot is the same as that of the first dental instrument, and the position of the cavity of at least one of its upper bite module and lower bite module on the corresponding bite module is different from that of the first dental instrument, so that it can adjust the patient's mandible from the second position to a third position.

[0054] In some embodiments, the difference between the first and second positions is greater than the difference between the second and third positions.

[0055] In some embodiments, the geometry of the surface of the force-applying side of the tooth-receiving cavity of the occlusal module of the N successive dental instruments matches the teeth of the patient under the corresponding tooth layout.

[0056] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavities of the bite modules of the N successive dental appliances matches the teeth of the patient under the corresponding tooth layout.

[0057] In some embodiments, the material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module is one of the following: silicone, rubber, TPU and any combination thereof.

[0058] In some embodiments, the base material is one of the following: PC, PETG, PA, PEEK, metal, carbon fiber, glass fiber, PP, ABS, POM and any combination thereof.

[0059] Another aspect of the present application provides a dental instrument system, which includes a group of N successive dental instruments that are worn in stages and are used to gradually achieve the goal of dental orthodontic treatment, each of the dental instruments including: an upper occlusal module, which is a U-shaped long strip entity, and its side away from the occlusal surface is concave inward to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's maxillary dentition, and the geometry of the tooth-accommodating cavity is customized according to the patient's maxillary dentition; a lower occlusal module, which is a U-shaped long strip entity, and its side away from the occlusal surface is concave inward to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's mandibular dentition, and the geometry of the tooth-accommodating cavity is customized according to the patient's mandibular dentition, the upper and lower occlusal modules are fixed to each other, and the relative positions of the tooth-accommodating cavities of the upper and lower occlusal modules are customized according to the relative positions of the patient's upper and lower jaws, wherein the elastic modulus or wall thickness of the upper and / or lower occlusal modules of the N successive dental instruments is different, and N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0060] In some embodiments, each of the dental instruments further includes a base, which is U-shaped, with a first U-shaped groove and a second U-shaped groove formed on its upper and lower sides respectively. The upper bite module is fixed to the first groove, and the lower bite module is fixed to the second groove.

[0061] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the material of the upper and lower engaging modules is lower than the elastic modulus of the material of the base.

[0062] In some embodiments, the bases of the N successive dental appliances are identical.

[0063] In some embodiments, the N successive dental appliances share a same base.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first slot and the second slot of the base are universal for a preselected first category of patients.

[0065] In some embodiments, the preselected first category of patients are patients in a preselected age range, or patients whose dental arch sizes are within a preselected range.

[0066] In some embodiments, the geometry and size of the first groove are determined based on big data of the maxillary dentition of a large number of the pre-selected first-category patients, and the geometry and size of the second groove are determined based on big data of the mandibular dentition of a large number of the pre-selected first-category patients.

[0067] In some embodiments, the upper bite modules of the N successive dental instruments have the same external geometry and size, and the lower bite modules of the N successive dental instruments have the same external geometry and size, and the external geometry and size of the upper bite module and the lower bite module are common to the pre-selected first category of patients.

[0068] In some embodiments, the outer geometry and dimensions of the upper engagement module match those of the first slot, and the outer geometry and dimensions of the lower engagement module match those of the second slot.

[0069] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth-receiving cavities of the bite modules of the N successive dental appliances is capable of incrementally repositioning the patient's teeth from a current tooth configuration to a target tooth configuration.

[0070] In some embodiments, the N successive dental appliances include successive first and second dental appliances, at least one of whose upper and lower bite modules has the same tooth receiving cavity geometry and an increased or decreased elastic modulus of material.

[0071] In some embodiments, the relative positions of the tooth receiving cavities of the upper and lower bite modules of the N successive dental appliances can gradually realign the patient's mandible from a current position to a target position.

[0072] In some embodiments, the N successive dental instruments include a first and a second successive dental instrument, the elastic modulus of the material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module of the second dental instrument is higher than the elastic modulus of the material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module of the first dental instrument, and the relative positions of the tooth receiving cavities of the upper bite module and the lower bite module of the first and second dental instruments are the same.

[0073] In some embodiments, the geometry of the surface of the force-applying side of the tooth-receiving cavity of the occlusal module of the N successive dental instruments matches the teeth of the patient under the corresponding tooth layout.

[0074] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavities of the bite modules of the N successive dental appliances matches the teeth of the patient under the corresponding tooth layout.

[0075] In some embodiments, the base, the upper bite module, and the lower bite module of each of the dental appliances are separately manufactured components.

[0076] In some embodiments, each of the upper bite module and the lower bite module of the dental instrument is fixedly mounted to the first groove and the second groove of the base of the dental instrument respectively through a concave-convex matching structure.

[0077] In some embodiments, the material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module is one of the following: silicone, rubber, TPU and any combination thereof.

[0078] In some embodiments, the base material is one of the following: PC, PETG, PA, PEEK, metal, carbon fiber, glass fiber, PP, ABS, POM and any combination thereof.

[0079] Another aspect of the present application provides a dental instrument, which includes: an upper occlusal module, which is a U-shaped long strip entity, and its side away from the occlusal surface is recessed inward to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's maxillary dentition, and the geometry of the tooth-accommodating cavity is customized according to the patient's maxillary dentition; a lower occlusal module, which is a U-shaped long strip entity, and its side away from the occlusal surface is recessed inward to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's mandibular dentition, and the geometry of the tooth-accommodating cavity is customized according to the patient's mandibular dentition, wherein the upper and lower occlusal modules are fixed to each other, and the tooth-accommodating cavity of at least one of the upper and lower occlusal modules is recessed at a predetermined position to form an accessory-accommodating cavity for accommodating accessories fixed at corresponding positions on the corresponding teeth of the patient, so that the dental instrument can apply force to the teeth to which the accessories are fixed through the interaction between the accessory-accommodating cavity and the accessories.

[0080] In some embodiments, the height of the appendage is greater than 1.5 mm.

[0081] In some embodiments, the tooth receiving cavity of at least one of the upper and lower occlusal modules is formed with the accessory receiving groove in the posterior tooth area.

[0082] In some embodiments, the tooth receiving cavity of at least one of the upper and lower occlusal modules is formed with the accessory receiving groove only in the posterior tooth area.

[0083] In some embodiments, the accessory receiving slots are arranged in pairs on the left and right or on the top and bottom.

[0084] In some embodiments, the dental instrument further comprises a base, which is U-shaped, with a first U-shaped groove and a second U-shaped groove formed on its upper and lower sides respectively, the upper bite module being fixed to the first groove, and the lower bite module being fixed to the second groove.

[0085] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module is lower than the elastic modulus of the material of the base.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first slot and the second slot of the base are universal for a preselected first category of patients.

[0087] In some embodiments, the geometry and size of the first groove are determined based on big data of the maxillary dentition of a large number of patients of the first category, and the geometry and size of the second groove are determined based on big data of the mandibular dentition of a large number of patients of the first category.

[0088] In some embodiments, the outer geometry and dimensions of the upper and lower bite modules are universal for the first category of patients.

[0089] In some embodiments, the outer geometry and dimensions of the upper engagement module match those of the first slot, and the outer geometry and dimensions of the lower engagement module match those of the second slot.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first category of patients are patients in a predetermined age group, or patients whose dental arch sizes are within a predetermined range.

[0091] In some embodiments, the base, the upper bite module, and the lower bite module are separately manufactured components.

[0092] In some embodiments, the upper bite module and the lower bite module are fixedly installed in the first slot and the second slot respectively through a concave-convex matching structure.

[0093] In some embodiments, the accessory receiving cavity has a geometry that conforms to the accessory.

[0094] In some embodiments, a meshing layer is formed on the surface of the accessory receiving cavity, and the elastic modulus of the material of the meshing layer is higher than the elastic modulus of the material of the remaining portion of the engaging module where the accessory receiving cavity is located.

[0095] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth-receiving cavity of the upper bite module is customized based on the patient's maxillary dentition under a first tooth layout, and the geometry of the tooth-receiving cavity of the lower bite module is customized based on the patient's mandibular dentition under a second tooth layout.

[0096] In some embodiments, the geometry of the force-applying side surface of the tooth-receiving cavity of the upper occlusal module matches the maxillary dentition of the patient under the first tooth layout, and the geometry of the force-applying side surface of the tooth-receiving cavity of the lower occlusal module matches the mandibular dentition of the patient under the second tooth layout.

[0097] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the upper bite module matches the patient's maxillary dentition under the first tooth layout, and the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the lower bite module matches the patient's mandibular dentition under the second tooth layout.

[0098] In some embodiments, the relative positions of the tooth receiving cavities of the upper bite module and the tooth receiving cavities of the lower bite module are customized according to the relative positions of the upper and lower jaws of the patient.

[0099] In some embodiments, the material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module is one of the following: silicone, rubber, TPU and any combination thereof.

[0100] In some embodiments, the base material is one of the following: PC, PETG, PA, PEEK, metal, carbon fiber, glass fiber, PP, ABS, POM and any combination thereof.

[0101] Another aspect of the present application provides a dental device, which includes: a first occlusal module, which is a U-shaped long strip entity, and its side away from the occlusal surface is concave inward to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's first tooth row. The geometry of the tooth-accommodating cavity is customized according to the patient's first tooth row. The first occlusal module forms a cavity or a groove between its labial and buccal surface or lingual surface and its tooth-accommodating cavity.

[0102] In some embodiments, the dental instrument further comprises a second occlusal module, which is a U-shaped elongated entity, the side of which away from the occlusal surface is recessed inward to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's second dentition. The geometry of the tooth-accommodating cavity is customized according to the patient's second dentition. The second dentition is the opposite dentition of the first dentition, and the first and second occlusal modules are fixed to each other.

[0103] In some embodiments, the dental instrument also includes a base, which is U-shaped, with a first U-shaped groove and a second U-shaped groove formed on its upper and lower sides respectively. Among the first and second bite modules, the upper bite module corresponds to the patient's maxillary dentition, and the lower bite module corresponds to the patient's mandibular dentition. The upper bite module is fixed to the first groove, and the lower bite module is fixed to the second groove.

[0104] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module is lower than the elastic modulus of the material of the base.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first and second slots of the base are universal for a preselected first category of patients.

[0106] In some embodiments, the cavities or slots are located on the force-applying side.

[0107] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth-receiving cavity of the first occlusal module is customized based on the first dentition of the patient in a first tooth layout, and the geometry of the tooth-receiving cavity of the second occlusal module is customized based on the second dentition of the patient in a second tooth layout.

[0108] In some embodiments, the geometry of the force-applying side surface of the tooth-receiving cavity of the first occlusal module matches the first dentition of the patient under the first tooth layout, and the geometry of the force-applying side surface of the tooth-receiving cavity of the second occlusal module matches the second dentition of the patient under the second tooth layout.

[0109] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the first occlusal module matches the first dentition of the patient under the first tooth layout, and the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the second occlusal module matches the second dentition of the patient under the second tooth layout.

[0110] In some embodiments, the relative positions of the tooth receiving cavity of the first bite module and the tooth receiving cavity of the second bite module are customized according to the relative positions of the upper and lower jaws of the patient.

[0111] In some embodiments, the base, the upper bite module, and the lower bite module are separately manufactured components.

[0112] In some embodiments, the upper bite module and the lower bite module are fixedly installed in the first slot and the second slot respectively through a concave-convex matching structure.

[0113] In some embodiments, the geometry and size of the first groove are determined based on big data of the maxillary dentition of a large number of patients of the first category, and the geometry and size of the second groove are determined based on big data of the mandibular dentition of a large number of patients of the first category.

[0114] In some embodiments, the outer geometry and dimensions of the upper and lower bite modules are universal for the first category of patients.

[0115] In some embodiments, the outer geometry and dimensions of the upper engagement module match those of the first slot, and the outer geometry and dimensions of the lower engagement module match those of the second slot.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first category of patients are patients in a predetermined age group, or patients whose dental arch sizes are within a predetermined range.

[0117] In some embodiments, the material of the first and second biting modules is one of the following: silicone, rubber, TPU and any combination thereof.

[0118] In some embodiments, the base material is one of the following: PC, PETG, PA, PEEK, metal, carbon fiber, glass fiber, PP, ABS, POM and any combination thereof.

[0119] In some embodiments, the transverse size of the cavities or slots changes gradually along the curve of the dental arch.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first occlusal module forms cavities or slots at two locations along the dental arch curve, and the lateral sizes of the cavities or slots at the two locations are different.

[0121] In some embodiments, the second occlusal module forms a cavity or a groove between its labial and buccal surface or lingual surface and its tooth receiving cavity.

[0122] Another aspect of the present application provides a dental instrument, which includes: a first occlusal module, which is a U-shaped long strip entity, and its side away from the occlusal surface is concave inward to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's first tooth row. The first occlusal module uses a first material in the first part and a second material in the second part, and the elastic moduli of the first and second materials are different.

[0123] In some embodiments, the dental instrument further comprises a second occlusal module, which is a U-shaped elongated entity, the side of which away from the occlusal surface is recessed inward to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's second dental arch, the second dental arch being the opposite dental arch of the first dental arch, and the first and second occlusal modules are fixed to each other.

[0124] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth-receiving cavity of the first occlusal module is customized based on the first dentition of the patient, and the geometry of the tooth-receiving cavity of the second occlusal module is customized based on the second dentition of the patient.

[0125] In some embodiments, the dental instrument also includes a base, which is U-shaped, with a first U-shaped groove and a second U-shaped groove formed on its upper and lower sides respectively. The first and second bite modules are corresponding to the maxillary dentition, and the one is an upper bite module, which is fixed to the first groove. The first and second bite modules are corresponding to the mandibular dentition, and the one is a lower bite module, which is fixed to the second groove.

[0126] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the material of the first and second engaging modules is lower than the elastic modulus of the material of the base.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first slot and the second slot of the base are universal for a preselected first category of patients.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first section of the first occlusal module along the dental arch curve is made of the first material, and the second section is made of the second material.

[0129] In some embodiments, the force-applying side of the first occlusal module is made of the first material, and the non-force-applying side is made of the second material, wherein the force-applying side and the non-force-applying side are opposite sides in the labiolingual direction or buccal-lingual direction.

[0130] In some embodiments, the geometry of the force-applying side surface of the tooth-receiving cavity of the first occlusal module matches the first dentition of the patient under the first tooth layout, and the geometry of the force-applying side surface of the tooth-receiving cavity of the second occlusal module matches the second dentition of the patient under the second tooth layout.

[0131] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the first occlusal module matches the first dentition of the patient under the first tooth layout, and the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the second occlusal module matches the second dentition of the patient under the second tooth layout.

[0132] In some embodiments, the relative positions of the tooth receiving cavity of the first bite module and the tooth receiving cavity of the second bite module are customized according to the relative positions of the upper and lower jaws of the patient.

[0133] In some embodiments, the base, the first engaging module, and the second engaging module are separately manufactured components.

[0134] In some embodiments, the upper bite module and the lower bite module are fixedly installed in the first slot and the second slot respectively through a concave-convex matching structure.

[0135] In some embodiments, the geometry and size of the first groove are determined based on big data of the maxillary dentition of a large number of patients of the first category, and the geometry and size of the second groove are determined based on big data of the mandibular dentition of a large number of patients of the first category.

[0136] In some embodiments, the outer geometry and dimensions of the upper and lower bite modules are universal for the first category of patients.

[0137] In some embodiments, the outer geometry and dimensions of the upper engagement module match those of the first slot, and the outer geometry and dimensions of the lower engagement module match those of the second slot.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first category of patients are patients in a predetermined age group, or patients whose dental arch sizes are within a predetermined range.

[0139] In some embodiments, the material of the first and second biting modules is one of the following: silicone, rubber, TPU and any combination thereof.

[0140] In some embodiments, the base material is one of the following: PC, PETG, PA, PEEK, metal, carbon fiber, glass fiber, PP, ABS, POM and any combination thereof.

[0141] Another aspect of the present application provides a dental instrument, which includes: a base, which is U-shaped, and a first U-shaped groove and a second U-shaped groove are formed on its upper and lower sides respectively; an upper occlusal module, which is a U-shaped long strip entity, fixed to the first groove, and its side away from the bottom of the first groove is recessed inward to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's maxillary dentition, and the geometry of the tooth-accommodating cavity is customized according to the patient's maxillary dentition; and a lower occlusal module, which is a U-shaped long strip entity, fixedly installed in the second groove, and its side away from the bottom of the second groove is recessed inward to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's mandibular dentition, and the geometry of the tooth-accommodating cavity is customized according to the patient's mandibular dentition, wherein the first groove is customized according to the arch shape of the patient's maxillary dentition, and the second groove is customized according to the arch shape of the patient's mandibular dentition.

[0142] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module is lower than the elastic modulus of the material of the base.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first slot is customized according to the arch shape of the patient's maxillary dentition in a first tooth configuration, and the second slot is customized according to the arch shape of the patient's mandibular dentition in a second tooth configuration.

[0144] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth-receiving cavity of the upper bite module is customized based on the maxillary dentition of the patient under the first tooth layout, and the geometry of the tooth-receiving cavity of the lower bite module is customized based on the mandibular dentition of the patient under the second tooth layout.

[0145] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the upper bite module matches the patient's maxillary dentition under the first tooth layout, and the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the lower bite module matches the patient's mandibular dentition under the second tooth layout.

[0146] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the first groove and the outer surface of the upper bite module are artificially designed surfaces, and the inner surface of the second groove and the outer surface of the lower bite module are artificially designed surfaces.

[0147] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the first groove and the outer surface of the upper bite module are obtained by fitting the patient's maxillary dentition under the first tooth layout, and the inner surface of the second groove and the outer surface of the lower bite module are obtained by fitting the patient's mandibular dentition under the second tooth layout.

[0148] In some embodiments, the base, the upper bite module, and the lower bite module are separately manufactured components.

[0149] In some embodiments, the upper bite module and the lower bite module are fixedly installed in the first slot and the second slot respectively through a concave-convex matching structure.

[0150] In some embodiments, the outer geometry and dimensions of the upper engagement module match those of the first slot, and the outer geometry and dimensions of the lower engagement module match those of the second slot.

[0151] In some embodiments, the relative positions of the tooth receiving cavities of the upper bite module and the tooth receiving cavities of the lower bite module are customized based on the target relative positions of the patient's upper and lower jaws.

[0152] In some embodiments, the base, the upper bite module and the lower bite module are formed as one body.

[0153] In some embodiments, the material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module is one of the following: silicone, rubber, TPU and any combination thereof.

[0154] In some embodiments, the base material is one of the following: PC, PETG, PA, PEEK, metal, carbon fiber, glass fiber, PP, ABS, POM and any combination thereof.

[0155] Another aspect of the present application provides a dental instrument system for dental arch shaping and correction, which includes a group of N successive dental instruments to be worn in stages, wherein the dental arch shapes corresponding to the first slots and / or second slots of the N successive dental instruments are successive dental arch shapes, so as to gradually correct the patient's maxillary and / or mandibular dentition from the current arch shape to the target arch shape.

[0156] Another aspect of the present application provides a dental device, which includes: a first occlusal module, which is a U-shaped long strip entity, and its side away from the occlusal surface is concave inward to form a first cavity for accommodating a first shell-shaped dental appliance, wherein the first shell-shaped dental appliance is an integrated shell, forming a cavity for accommodating the patient's first tooth row, and the first tooth row is one of the patient's maxillary tooth row and mandibular tooth row.

[0157] In some embodiments, the size of the cross-section of the first cavity varies along the first shell-shaped dental appliance.

[0158] In some embodiments, the geometry of the first cavity matches that of the first shell-shaped dental appliance.

[0159] In some embodiments, the wall thickness variation range of the first occlusal module is greater than the wall thickness variation range of the first shell-shaped dental appliance.

[0160] In some embodiments, the surface of the first cavity is fitted based on the outer surface of the first shell-shaped dental appliance.

[0161] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the material of the first occlusal module is lower than the elastic modulus of the material of the first shell-shaped dental appliance.

[0162] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the first shell-shaped dental appliance matches the first dentition of the patient in the first tooth configuration.

[0163] In some embodiments, the geometry of the outer surface of the first shell-shaped dental appliance varies with the geometry of the inner surface thereof.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first shell-shaped dental appliance forms a first fixing structure protruding outward, the first cavity forms a corresponding second fixing structure concave inward, and the first shell-shaped dental appliance is fixed to the first cavity through the cooperation between the first and second fixing structures.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first shell-shaped dental appliance extends outward at the opening to form a fixing edge, and the first occlusal module forms a slot at the opening, and the fixing edge is inserted into the slot to fix the first shell-shaped dental appliance in the first cavity.

[0166] In some embodiments, the dental apparatus further includes the first shell-shaped dental appliance received in the first cavity.

[0167] In some embodiments, the dental device further comprises a second occlusal module, which is a U-shaped elongated entity, the side of which away from the occlusal surface is recessed inward to form a second cavity for accommodating a second shell-shaped dental appliance, wherein the second shell-shaped dental appliance is an integral shell, forming a cavity for accommodating the patient's second dental row, the second dental row is the opposite dental row of the first dental row, and the first and second occlusal modules are fixed to each other.

[0168] In some embodiments, the size of the cross-section of the second cavity varies with the second shell-shaped dental appliance.

[0169] In some embodiments, the geometry of the second cavity matches that of the second shell-shaped dental appliance.

[0170] In some embodiments, the wall thickness variation range of the second occlusal module is greater than the wall thickness variation range of the second shell-shaped dental appliance.

[0171] In some embodiments, the surface of the second cavity is fitted based on the outer surface of the second shell-shaped dental appliance.

[0172] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the material of the second occlusal module is lower than the elastic modulus of the material of the second shell-shaped dental appliance.

[0173] In some embodiments, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the second shell-shaped dental appliance matches the second dentition of the patient in the second tooth configuration.

[0174] In some embodiments, the geometry of the outer surface of the second shell-shaped dental appliance varies with the geometry of the inner surface thereof.

[0175] In some embodiments, the second shell-shaped dental appliance forms a first fixing structure protruding outward, the second cavity forms a corresponding second fixing structure concave inward, and the second shell-shaped dental appliance is fixed to the second cavity through the cooperation between the first and second fixing structures.

[0176] In some embodiments, the second shell-shaped dental appliance extends outward at the opening to form a fixing edge, and the second occlusal module forms a slot at the opening, and the fixing edge is inserted into the slot to fix the second shell-shaped dental appliance in the second cavity.

[0177] In some embodiments, the dental apparatus further includes a second shell-shaped dental appliance received in the second cavity.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first and second engagement modules are integrally formed.

[0179] In some embodiments, the relative position of the first cavity of the first articulating module and the second cavity of the second articulating module is customized based on the target relative position of the patient's maxillary and mandibular dentition.

[0180] In some embodiments, the material of the first and second bite molds is one of the following: silicone, rubber, TPU and any combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0181] The above and other features of the present application will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description thereof. It should be understood that these drawings only illustrate several exemplary embodiments of the present application and should not be considered to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Unless otherwise specified, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and similar reference numerals represent similar components.

[0182] FIG1 shows a dental apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0183] FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of the dental apparatus 100 shown in FIG1 along line AA;

[0184] FIG3 schematically illustrates the assembly relationship of the dental apparatus shown in FIG1 ;

[0185] FIG4 schematically shows an occlusal module and a corresponding patient's dentition in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0186] FIG5 schematically shows an engagement module in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0187] FIG6 schematically shows an engagement module in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0188] 7A-7C are cross-sectional views of a set of three successive dental appliances for mandibular retraction at the maxillary left incisor in accordance with one embodiment of the present application;

[0189] 8A-8B schematically illustrate two successive dental appliances 500D and 500E according to yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0190] FIG9 shows a base in another embodiment of the present application;

[0191] FIG10A schematically illustrates a dental instrument according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0192] FIG10B schematically illustrates the assembly relationship of the dental apparatus shown in FIG10A ;

[0193] FIG10C is a view of the dental apparatus shown in FIG10A from the maxillary to the mandibular direction;

[0194] FIG10D is a cross-sectional view of the dental apparatus shown in FIG10C at position BB;

[0195] FIG10E is a view of the dental apparatus shown in FIG10A from the lingual side to the labial side;

[0196] FIG10F is a cross-sectional view of the dental apparatus shown in FIG10E taken at CC;

[0197] FIG11 schematically shows a dental instrument in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0198] FIG12A schematically illustrates the assembly relationship of a dental instrument in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0199] FIG12B schematically illustrates the assembly relationship of the dental apparatus shown in FIG12A from another angle;

[0200] FIG13A schematically illustrates the assembly relationship of a dental instrument in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0201] FIG13B schematically illustrates a cross section along the tooth midline of the dental appliance shown in FIG13A after assembly; and

[0202] FIG14 schematically illustrates the assembly relationship of a dental instrument in yet another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0203] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this specification. The exemplary embodiments mentioned in the specification and drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. In light of this application, those skilled in the art will understand that many other embodiments can be adopted and various changes can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the subject matter and scope of protection of this application. It should be understood that the various aspects of the present application described and illustrated herein can be arranged, replaced, combined, separated and designed according to many different configurations, all of which are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0204] One aspect of the present application provides a dental instrument, which includes a U-shaped base and two customized U-shaped bite modules, wherein the two bite modules are respectively fixed to the upper and lower sides of the base, and they respectively form cavities for accommodating the upper and lower teeth, and the geometry of the cavities is customized according to the specific conditions of the patient.

[0205] The dental device of the present application and its variants can be used for dental arch shaping and correction (for example, arch expansion or arch retraction), adjustment of mandibular position (for example, guiding the mandible forward or backward, etc.), malocclusion (for example, anterior tooth twisting, anterior tooth gap, anterior tooth crowding, deep overbite, deep overjet, anterior crossbite, posterior crossbite, open bite and abnormal dental arch development, etc.), correction of bad oral habits (for example, bad tongue habits, bad lip habits and finger sucking habits, etc.), correction of oral function abnormalities (for example, breathing, swallowing, chewing and language abnormalities, etc.) and management of abnormal spaces during the replacement period of deciduous and permanent teeth in children and other dental correction projects.

[0206] Please refer to Figures 1-3, wherein Figure 1 shows a dental device 100 in one embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dental device 100 shown in Figure 1 along AA, and Figure 3 schematically shows the assembly relationship of the dental device 100.

[0207] The dental apparatus 100 includes a base 101 , an upper bite module 103 , and a lower bite module 105 .

[0208] The base 101 is U-shaped as a whole, and U-shaped grooves 1011 and 1013 for accommodating the upper and lower bite modules 103 and 105 are formed on the upper and lower sides respectively.

[0209] In one embodiment, the base 101 can be universal, that is, the slots 1011 and 1013 each have a uniform geometry and size, allowing different patients to use the same base 101. In the case where the base 101, upper bite module 103, and lower bite module 105 are manufactured separately, using a universal base 101 can simplify the design and manufacture of the dental appliance 100.

[0210] In light of this application, it is understood that the dental arch sizes of patients of different age groups vary greatly. Therefore, in one embodiment, the dental arch size range can be divided into several intervals, and a universal base can be designed for each interval. In another embodiment, several age groups can also be set, and a universal base can be designed for each age group.

[0211] To ensure that the slots 1011 and 1013 can respectively cover the maxillary and mandibular dentitions of different patients, the geometry and dimensions of the slots 1011 and 1013 can be determined based on large amounts of data representing the projections of the dentitions of a large number of patients on corresponding planes (e.g., the occlusal plane). For example, envelope statistics can be performed on these projections, and the geometry and dimensions of the slots 1011 and 1013 can be determined based on the results of the envelope statistics.

[0212] The general structure of the upper occlusal module 103 and the lower occlusal module 105 is a U-shaped entity, and the top surface (the side opening toward the grooves 1011 and 1013) is recessed to form cavities 1031 and 1051 for accommodating the patient's maxillary dentition and mandibular dentition, respectively. The upper occlusal module 103 and the lower occlusal module 105 each have a uniform shape and size designed by hand, so that they can be fixedly installed in the grooves 1011 and 1013, respectively. In other words, similar to the base 101, the shape and size of the upper occlusal module 103 and the lower occlusal module 105 are suitable for different patients. The uniform shape and size can simplify the design and manufacture of the upper occlusal module 103 and the lower occlusal module 105.

[0213] In light of this application, it can be understood that due to the different shapes and sizes of the patient's upper and lower dental arches, the shapes and sizes of the upper bite module 103 and the lower bite module 105 may be different.

[0214] In one embodiment, the labial portion, lingual portion, and bottom portion of the outer surfaces of the upper and lower bite modules 103 and 105 are respectively in contact with the labial portion, lingual portion, and bottom portion of the inner surfaces of the grooves 1011 and 1013. In another embodiment, they may not be completely in contact, as long as the upper and lower bite modules 103 and 105 can be fixedly installed in the grooves 1011 and 1013, respectively, and supported by the base 101. For example, the outer surfaces of the upper and lower bite modules 103 and 105 can be formed into an uneven structure, while the inner surfaces of the grooves 1011 and 1013 are smooth, and the labial portion, lingual portion, and bottom portion of the outer surfaces of the upper and lower bite modules 103 and 105 are respectively in contact with the labial portion, lingual portion, and bottom portion of the inner surfaces of the grooves 1011 and 1013.

[0215] In one embodiment, the grooves 1011 and 1013 have an artificially designed geometry, that is, their geometry is not related to the geometry of the patient's teeth. The upper bite block 103 and the lower bite block 105 have an artificially designed geometry, that is, their geometry is not related to the geometry of the patient's teeth.

[0216] In one embodiment, the base 101, the upper bite module 103 and the lower bite module 105 may also be formed integrally.

[0217] The cavities 1031 and 1051 of the upper and lower occlusal modules 103 and 105 are customized. The positions and geometric shapes of the cavities 1031 and 1051 are determined according to the geometric shapes of the patient's teeth and the treatment goals to be achieved.

[0218] In one embodiment, the geometries of the cavities 1031 and 1051 of the upper occlusal module 103 and the lower occlusal module 105 respectively match the maxillary dentition and the mandibular dentition of the patient under the first tooth layout.

[0219] It can be understood that when the upper and lower dentitions are viewed as a whole, one tooth layout can be used to represent the status of the upper and lower dentitions. When the upper and lower dentitions are viewed separately, two tooth layouts can be used to represent the status of the upper and lower dentitions respectively.

[0220] For example, when the dental treatment using the dental appliance 100 does not involve tooth movement, the geometries of the cavities 1031 and 1051 can respectively conform to the maxillary dentition and the mandibular dentition of the patient under the current dental configuration.

[0221] For another example, when dental treatment using dental appliance 100 involves moving one or more teeth of a patient, in one embodiment, the geometric shapes of cavities 1031 and 1051 can respectively match the patient's maxillary and mandibular dentitions under the target tooth configuration (the tooth configuration desired to be achieved by the dental treatment). In another embodiment, the geometric shapes of the portions of cavities 1031 and 1051 corresponding to the moved teeth can slightly exceed the target tooth positions of the moved teeth (i.e., the positions corresponding to the designed movement amount) to ensure that the moved teeth are ultimately corrected to the target positions.

[0222] In light of the present application, it can be understood that when performing dental treatment on children, there may be a situation where one or more teeth are in the growth process (for example, erupted teeth and unerupted teeth). In this case, the growth of these teeth can be estimated, and the patient's tooth layout on which the tooth receiving cavity of the occlusal module is based can be determined based on the results of the estimation.

[0223] In light of the present application, it can be understood that in some cases, the geometric shape of cavities 1031 and 1051 only partially matches the patient's tooth layout to achieve the dental treatment goal, for example, a portion of the labial surface of cavity 1031 or 1051 matches the patient's tooth layout, or a portion of the lingual surface matches the patient's tooth layout, or a section of cavity 1031 or 1051 matches the patient's tooth layout, etc.

[0224] When dental treatment using dental instrument 100 involves adjusting the mandibular position, the positions of cavities 1031 and 1051 on the upper occlusal module 103 and the lower occlusal module 105 can be determined based on the relative position relationship of the target upper and lower jaws, so that after treatment, the mandibular position is adjusted to the target position.

[0225] Due to the irregular shape of teeth, the teeth are inevitably forced to deform when fully biting into cavities 1031 and 1051, especially when dental treatment using dental apparatus 100 involves the movement of one or more teeth. Because the sidewalls of upper and lower bite modules 103 and 105 are relatively thick, if the elastic modulus of the material of upper and lower bite modules 103 and 105 is too large, it will become difficult for the patient's teeth to bite into cavities 1031 and 1051, resulting in difficulty and poor wearing comfort of dental apparatus 100.

[0226] Therefore, in one embodiment, the upper and lower bite modules 103 and 105 can be made of a material with a lower elastic modulus (softer) to improve the wearing ease and comfort of the dental device 100. At the same time, to ensure the overall mechanical properties of the dental device 100, the base 101 can be made of a material with a higher elastic modulus than the upper and lower bite modules 103 and 105.

[0227] In one embodiment, the upper engaging module 103 and the lower engaging module 105 can be made of silicone, rubber or TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane).

[0228] In one embodiment, the base 101 can be made of Polycarbonate (PC for short), Poly (ethylene terephthalateco-1,4-cylclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) (PETG for short), Polyamide (PA for short), Polyetheretherketone (PEEK for short), Polypropylene (PP for short), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS for short), Polyoxymethylene (POM for short), metal, carbon fiber or glass fiber.

[0229] In another embodiment, the outer shapes of the slots 1011 and 1013 and the upper and lower bite modules 103 and 105 can be customized based on the patient's dental arch morphology. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional dimensions of the upper and lower bite modules 103 and 105 can vary with the maxillary and mandibular dentition, respectively, and the cross-sectional dimensions of the slots 1011 and 1013 can vary accordingly with the maxillary and mandibular dentition, respectively. In another embodiment, the outer surfaces of the upper and lower bite modules 103 and 105 can be obtained by fitting the outer surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular dentition, respectively, or the inner surfaces of the slots 1011 and 1013 can be obtained by fitting the outer surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular dentition, respectively.

[0230] In light of this application, it is understood that, in order to achieve specific treatment goals, the upper occlusal module 103 and / or the lower occlusal module 105 may be partially made of different materials, for example, a portion may be made of a material with a lower elastic modulus and a portion may be made of a material with a higher elastic modulus. It should be noted that the elastic modulus of the material of the base 101 being higher than that of the upper occlusal module 103 and the lower occlusal module 105 may refer to an average elastic modulus. The upper occlusal module 103 and the lower occlusal module 105 may be partially made of a material with an elastic modulus equal to or greater than that of the base 101, but their average elastic modulus may be lower than that of the base 101.

[0231] In one embodiment, the base 101, the upper bite module 103 and the lower bite module 105 are independently manufactured components, and the upper bite module 103 and the lower bite module 105 can be fixedly installed on the base 101 by the following methods: concave-convex matching structure, bonding, welding, fusion and pressure fitting, etc.

[0232] Referring again to Figure 3, the bottom of the upper engaging module 103 protrudes outward to form a plurality of ridges 1035, and the groove 1011 of the base 101 is recessed to form a plurality of grooves 1015. These ridges 1035 cooperate with corresponding grooves 1015 to secure the upper engaging module 103 within the groove 1011. It is understood that the lower engaging module 105 and the groove 1013 may also have the same or similar structure.

[0233] In one embodiment, the fixing structure between the upper bite module 103 and the slot 1011 may be different from the fixing structure between the lower bite module 105 and the slot 1013 to avoid the upper bite module 103 and the lower bite module 105 being installed in the wrong slot.

[0234] In one embodiment, a spacer 1017 may be formed between the grooves 1011 and 1013 , which can separate the grooves 1011 and 1013 and improve the overall rigidity of the base 101 in the occlusal direction.

[0235] In another embodiment, the elastic modulus of the material of the occlusal module may be the same as the elastic modulus of the material of the base. In another embodiment, the elastic modulus of the material of the occlusal module may be greater than the elastic modulus of the material of the base.

[0236] In one embodiment, preferably, the elastic modulus of the material of the bite module is within the following range: 1 MPa to 200 MPa, more preferably, within the following range: 5 MPa to 100 MPa.

[0237] In one embodiment, preferably, the elastic modulus of the material of the base is within the following range: 50 MPa to 3000 MPa, more preferably, within the following range: 100 MPa to 2500 MPa.

[0238] In one embodiment, preferably, the hardness of the material of the occlusal module is within the following range: 5A to 90A (Shore hardness), more preferably, within the following range: 10A to 70A.

[0239] In one embodiment, preferably, the hardness of the material of the base is within the following range: 30A to 90D, more preferably, within the following range: 70A to 85D.

[0240] In another embodiment, the base can be formed of two or more layers of different materials. For example, the outer layer uses a softer material to increase wearing comfort, and the inner layer uses a harder material to increase the rigidity of the base. For another example, the outer layer on the lip and cheek sides uses a softer material, and the rest of the layer uses a harder material.

[0241] In one embodiment, the labial apron (i.e., the labial sidewall of the U-shaped groove) and the lingual apron (i.e., the lingual sidewall of the U-shaped groove) of the base can cover the crowns of the maxillary and mandibular teeth, or the crowns and gums, or the crowns or part of the gums.

[0242] In yet another embodiment, the labial and lingual barriers of the base may cover only one of the maxillary crown and the mandibular crown.

[0243] In another embodiment, the proportions of the labial and lingual baffles of the base covering the maxillary crown and the mandibular crown may be different.

[0244] In another embodiment, the labial baffle and the lingual baffle of the base may have different coverage heights at different tooth positions.

[0245] In one embodiment, in order to improve the force effect of the dental instrument of the present application on the teeth along the tooth surface direction, accessories can be set on the teeth, and accessory receiving cavities can be formed at corresponding positions of the tooth receiving cavity of the occlusal module. Through the cooperation between the accessory receiving cavity and the accessories, the force effect of the dental instrument on the teeth along the tooth surface direction is improved.

[0246] Please refer to Figure 4, which schematically shows the occlusal module 203 and the corresponding patient dentition 213 in another embodiment of the present application.

[0247] The articulating module 203 is a U-shaped solid body with a recessed top surface forming a first cavity 2031 for receiving the patient's dentition 213. Multiple attachments 2133 are affixed to the patient's dentition 213, and the inner surface of the first cavity 2031 is recessed at corresponding locations to form a second cavity 2033 for receiving these attachments 2133. In one embodiment, the geometry of the first cavity 2031 matches the patient's dentition 213 in the first configuration, while the geometry of the second cavity 2033 matches the attachments 2133.

[0248] In light of this application, it can be understood that the geometry of the second cavity 2033 may not completely match that of the attachment 2133, as long as the geometry of the second cavity 2033 enables the cooperation between the second cavity 2033 and the attachment 2133 to achieve the expected force.

[0249] In the embodiment shown in FIG4 , the attachment 2133 is hemispherical. However, it is understood that, in addition to the hemispherical shape, the attachment 2133 may also be any other suitable geometric shape, as long as the predetermined mechanical purpose is achieved through the interaction between the engagement module 203 and the attachment 2133. For example, the attachment 2133 may also be a hemi-ellipsoid, a cuboid, a triangular prism, etc.

[0250] In one embodiment, the height of the attachment (the dimension from the side close to the tooth surface to the side away from the tooth surface) is greater than 1 mm, more preferably, greater than 1.5 mm.

[0251] The combination of attachment 2133 and second cavity 2033 can effectively enhance the dental device's ability to apply force to the teeth in the mesiodistal direction. For example, when the dental device is used to adjust the mandibular position in the anterior-posterior direction, the combination of attachment 2133, which is bonded to the posterior teeth, and second cavity 2033 allows the anterior and posterior teeth to function as a joint support.

[0252] In one embodiment, the attachments may be provided in pairs. For example, attachments may be provided on the surfaces of the posterior teeth on the left side of the dentition and the corresponding posterior teeth on the right side of the dentition. For another example, attachments may be provided on the surfaces of the posterior teeth on the maxillary dentition and the corresponding posterior teeth on the mandibular dentition.

[0253] In one embodiment, a layer of material with a harderness higher than that of the occlusal module 213 body can be provided on the surface of the second cavity 2033 to reduce the deformation when the second cavity 2033 interacts with the accessory 2133, thereby ensuring the force effect of the dental instrument on the corresponding teeth through the accessory 2133.

[0254] It should be noted that, for the sake of ease of illustration, the geometric shapes of the tooth row 213 and the first cavity 2031 shown in FIG. 4 have been simplified.

[0255] In one embodiment, a cavity or a slot can be provided between the labial and buccal surface or the lingual surface of the occlusal module and the tooth receiving cavity to adjust the thrust of the dental instrument on the corresponding teeth in a direction perpendicular to the mesiodistal direction. By adjusting the size, shape and position of the cavity or slot, personalized force can be applied to these teeth to better achieve the correction goal.

[0256] Please refer to Figure 5, which schematically illustrates an occlusal module 303 in another embodiment of the present application. It is a roughly U-shaped solid with a recessed top surface forming a cavity 3031 for accommodating the patient's dentition. The occlusal module 303 forms a continuous cavity 3033 between the cavity 3031 of the anterior teeth and the labial and buccal surfaces (the surfaces on the lip and cheek sides). The cavity 3033 spans multiple teeth along the length of the dental arch. The provision of the cavity 3033 reduces the material thickness or volume of the corresponding portion of the occlusal module 303, thereby reducing the force exerted by this portion on the teeth.

[0257] For example, when using the dental device of the present application to correct an open jaw, a certain amount of retraction force needs to be applied to the upper front teeth while leaving space for the front teeth to extend. When applying the retraction force to the upper front teeth, since the retraction force required for each tooth is different, the retraction force required for each tooth can be personalized by forming cavities of different sizes, shapes, and positions around different teeth in the occlusal module, thereby achieving open jaw correction more effectively and safely.

[0258] Referring to Figure 6, a schematic diagram of an articulation module 403 in another embodiment of the present application is shown. The articulation module 403 is generally U-shaped, with a recessed top surface forming a cavity 4031 for accommodating the patient's dentition. Articulation module 403 forms multiple independent cavities 4033 between cavity 4031 and the labial and buccal surfaces (the surfaces on the lip and cheek sides) corresponding to different teeth.

[0259] Although the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6 both set cavities between the labial and buccal sides of the occlusal module and the tooth receiving cavity, it can be understood from the inspiration of this application that cavities can also be set between the lingual side of the occlusal module and the tooth receiving cavity.

[0260] In one embodiment, the mechanical properties of the dental instrument can be changed by using different materials in different parts of the occlusal module to meet the personalized requirements of different cases for the dental instrument.

[0261] For example, the labial and buccal parts of the occlusal module are made of materials with a lower elastic modulus, while the lingual part is made of materials with a higher elastic modulus.

[0262] For another example, the elastic modulus of the material of the occlusal module may gradually increase or decrease from one position to another along the dental arch curve.

[0263] For another example, the elastic modulus of the material on the force-applying side of the occlusal module is higher than that on the non-force-applying side.

[0264] In one example, when the dental apparatus of the present application is used to correct a case of crossbite in the deciduous period, it is necessary to achieve labial inclination of the maxillary anterior teeth. In this example, the labial side of the maxillary anterior teeth is the force-applying side, and the lingual side of the maxillary anterior teeth is the non-force-applying side. At this time, the labial part of the upper occlusal module can be made of a material with a higher elastic modulus, and the lingual part of the upper occlusal module can be made of a material with a lower elastic modulus. At the same time, since the mandibular teeth also provide support for the labial inclination of the maxillary anterior teeth, the labial part of the lower occlusal module can be made of a material with a higher elastic modulus, and the lingual part of the lower occlusal module can be made of a material with a lower elastic modulus. This personalized setting can more effectively achieve the correction goal.

[0265] In one embodiment, the amount of force applied to the teeth can be changed by changing the wall thickness of the occlusal module.

[0266] In some cases, for some cases with large correction ranges, using only a single dental appliance may not be able to achieve the correction goal, or the force applied may be too high, resulting in reduced wearing comfort. In such cases, at least two successive dental appliances can be worn in stages to gradually achieve the correction goal.

[0267] In one embodiment, these successive dental devices can achieve the ability to gradually achieve the correction goal by changing the relative position of the upper and lower grooves of the base, and / or changing the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the occlusal module, and / or changing the position of the tooth receiving cavity of the occlusal module, and / or changing the material of the occlusal module, and / or changing the wall thickness of the occlusal module.

[0268] For dental treatment using a set of multiple successive dental appliances, the process of wearing each dental appliance for treatment may be referred to as a treatment step. Therefore, the entire dental treatment includes multiple successive treatment steps.

[0269] In one embodiment, when dental treatment using a set of multiple sequential dental appliances of the present application involves tooth movement, the geometry of the tooth-receiving cavities of the upper and lower bite modules of these sequential dental appliances is capable of progressively moving the patient's teeth from a current tooth configuration to a target tooth configuration (i.e., the tooth configuration desired to be achieved by the dental treatment). The patient's current tooth configuration and the tooth configuration desired to be achieved by these sequential treatment steps constitute the sequential tooth configuration.

[0270] In one embodiment, the geometry of the tooth-receiving cavities of the bite modules of the plurality of successive dental instruments each matches the patient's teeth in a corresponding tooth configuration. In one embodiment, these corresponding tooth configurations may be the tooth configurations desired to be achieved in the corresponding treatment step. In another embodiment, to account for the elasticity of the bite modules, these corresponding tooth configurations may slightly exceed the tooth configurations desired to be achieved in the corresponding treatment step (i.e., the tooth configurations corresponding to the designed tooth movement amount) to ensure the actual treatment effect.

[0271] In another embodiment, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the occlusal module of the group of multiple successive dental instruments may not completely match the teeth of the patient under the corresponding tooth layout, but only the geometry of the surface on the force-applying side may match the teeth of the patient under the corresponding tooth layout, and a gap may be left between the surface on the non-force-applying side and the teeth. Taking the retracted maxillary anterior teeth as an example, the labial and buccal sides of the tooth receiving cavity of the upper occlusal module are the force-applying sides, and since the mandibular dentition serves as support, the lingual side of the tooth receiving cavity of the lower occlusal module is the force-applying side. Therefore, the geometry of the labial and buccal surfaces of the tooth receiving cavity of the upper occlusal module can be made to match the maxillary dentition of the patient under the corresponding tooth layout, and the geometry of the lingual surface of the tooth receiving cavity of the lower occlusal module can be made to match the mandibular dentition of the patient under the corresponding tooth layout.

[0272] It can be understood that if the dental treatment only involves the movement of maxillary teeth, then the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the upper bite module of the set of multiple successive dental instruments gradually changes, and the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the lower bite module can remain unchanged, and so on.

[0273] In one embodiment, in order to reduce costs and for environmental protection purposes, the group of multiple successive dental instruments can share a base, that is, after the current correction step is completed, the upper and lower bite modules can be removed and replaced with the upper and lower bite modules of the next correction step to proceed to the next correction step.

[0274] In yet another embodiment, the bases of the plurality of successive dental appliances may be different, for example, having different structures and / or different materials and / or different relative positions of the upper and lower grooves.

[0275] In another embodiment, when dental treatment using multiple successive dental instruments of the present application involves tooth movement or mandibular position adjustment, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavities of the occlusal modules of these successive dental instruments and / or the relative positions of the upper and lower occlusal modules can be consistent. For example, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity is consistent with the corresponding tooth layout or the geometry of the surface of the force-applying side of the tooth receiving cavity is consistent with the corresponding tooth layout, or the position of the tooth receiving cavity makes the mandible be located in the target position, but the elastic modulus of the material of the occlusal modules of these successive dental instruments gradually increases. In this way, while ensuring that the treatment goal is achieved, it is also possible to avoid excessive force on the teeth in any one correction step.

[0276] For example, a set of multiple sequential dental appliances for gradually repositioning a patient's teeth from a current configuration to a target configuration may include a first and a second sequential dental appliance having tooth-receiving cavities of bite blocks having identical geometrical configurations, wherein the bite blocks of the first dental appliance are made of a material having a lower elastic modulus than the material of the second dental appliance. The first dental appliance having a softer bite block is first worn to reposition the patient's teeth to a configuration close to a designed configuration, and then the second dental appliance having a harder bite block is worn to reposition the patient's teeth to the designed configuration.

[0277] For another example, a set of multiple sequential dental appliances used to gradually reposition a patient's mandible from a current position to a target position may include a first and a second sequential dental appliance, the tooth-receiving cavities of their bite modules being aligned relative to each other, wherein the elastic modulus of the material of the bite module of the first dental appliance is lower than the elastic modulus of the material of the second dental appliance. The first dental appliance with a softer bite module is first worn to reposition the patient's mandible to a position close to the designed position, and then the second dental appliance with a harder bite module is worn to reposition the patient's teeth to the designed position.

[0278] In yet another embodiment, a single treatment process can be divided into at least two phases, with each phase utilizing two or more identical dental appliances, each with an occlusal module having a material having a gradually increasing elastic modulus. During each phase, the dental appliances are worn in the order of first wearing the dental appliance with a lower elastic modulus and then wearing the dental appliance with a higher elastic modulus.

[0279] In another embodiment, when dental treatment using multiple successive dental instruments in which the elastic modulus of the material of the bite module of the present application is gradually increased involves tooth movement and / or mandibular position adjustment, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the bite module of these successive dental instruments and / or the relative positions of the upper and lower bite modules can also be gradually changed.

[0280] In yet another embodiment, when dental treatment utilizing multiple successive dental appliances of the present application involves mandibular position adjustment, the relative positions of the tooth receiving cavities of the upper and lower bite modules of these successive dental appliances can be gradually brought closer to the target relative positions by changing the positions of the maxillary and / or mandibular tooth receiving cavities on the corresponding bite modules, thereby adjusting the mandible to the target position by successively wearing these dental appliances. In one embodiment, the geometry of the surface of the force-applying side of the tooth receiving cavity of the bite module can match the corresponding tooth layout. In yet another embodiment, the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the bite module can match the corresponding tooth layout.

[0281] 7A-7C , which are cross-sectional views of a set of three sequential dental appliances 500A- 500C for pushing back the mandible at the maxillary left incisor according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0282] Dental device 500A comprises a base 501A, an upper occlusal module 503A, and a lower occlusal module 505A. Base 501A is U-shaped, with grooves 5011A and 5013A formed on its upper and lower sides, respectively. Upper occlusal module 503A is a long, U-shaped solid body, forming a cavity 5031A for accommodating the maxillary dentition. Upper occlusal module 503A is fixedly mounted within groove 5011A. Lower occlusal module 505A is a long, U-shaped solid body, forming a cavity 5051A for accommodating the maxillary dentition. Upper occlusal module 505A is fixedly mounted within groove 5013A.

[0283] Dental device 500B includes a base 501B, an upper occlusal module 503B, and a lower occlusal module 505B. Base 501B is U-shaped, with grooves 5011B and 5013B formed on its upper and lower sides, respectively. Upper occlusal module 503B is a long, U-shaped solid body, forming a cavity 5031B for accommodating the maxillary dentition. Upper occlusal module 503B is fixedly mounted within groove 5011B. Lower occlusal module 505B is a long, U-shaped solid body, forming a cavity 5051B for accommodating the maxillary dentition. Upper occlusal module 505B is fixedly mounted within groove 5013B.

[0284] Dental device 500C includes a base 501C, an upper occlusal module 503C, and a lower occlusal module 505C. Base 501C is U-shaped, with grooves 5011C and 5013C formed on its upper and lower sides, respectively. Upper occlusal module 503C is a long, U-shaped solid body, forming a cavity 5031C for accommodating the maxillary dentition. Upper occlusal module 503C is fixedly mounted within groove 5011C. Lower occlusal module 505C is a long, U-shaped solid body, forming a cavity 5051C for accommodating the maxillary dentition. Upper occlusal module 505C is fixedly mounted within groove 5013C.

[0285] In this embodiment, the bases 501A-501C of the dental instruments 500A-500C are identical, the upper bite modules 503A-503C are also identical, and the tooth receiving cavities 5051A-5051C of the lower bite modules 505A-505C are gradually moved backward to achieve a gradual backward push of the mandible.

[0286] In addition to changing the position of the tooth receiving cavity in the upper and lower bite modules, in another embodiment, the relative position of the tooth receiving cavity of the upper and lower bite modules can also be changed by changing the relative position of the grooves that receive the upper and lower bite modules.

[0287] Please refer to Figures 8A-8B, which schematically illustrate two successive dental instruments 500D and 500E in another embodiment of the present application. Compared with the dental instrument 500D, the dental instrument 500E changes the relative positions of the tooth receiving cavities of the upper and lower bite modules by changing the relative positions of the grooves that receive the upper and lower bite modules.

[0288] Dental devices 500D and 500E are used to gradually advance the mandible. First, by wearing dental device 500D, the mandible is advanced from its current position to a first position. Then, by wearing dental device 500E, the mandible is advanced from the first position to a second position. Both devices have identical upper bite modules 503D and 503E, and identical lower bite modules 505D and 505E. In the anterior-posterior direction, the distance between slots 5013E and 5011E is smaller than the distance between slots 5013D and 5011D.

[0289] In one embodiment, a set of universal bases with different relative positions of the upper and lower occlusal module receiving slots can be pre-designed for dental professionals to choose and use according to the specific conditions of the patient.

[0290] In light of this application, it can be understood that the relative positions of the tooth receiving cavities of the upper and lower bite modules can be changed by combining the two means of changing the position of the tooth receiving cavity on the bite module and changing the relative positions of the grooves that receive the upper and lower bite modules. Combining these two means can obtain a larger adjustment range.

[0291] For example, the position of the lower jaw can be adjusted to a larger distance by first changing the relative positions of the receiving grooves of the upper and lower bite modules, and then the position of the lower jaw can be adjusted to a smaller distance by changing the position of the cavity of at least one of the upper and lower bite modules in the corresponding bite module.

[0292] In yet another embodiment, mandibular position adjustment can be achieved solely using upper and lower articulating modules secured to one another, without the need for a base. For example, the upper and lower articulating modules can be manufactured integrally, or separately manufactured and mechanically secured to one another. For cases requiring significant mandibular position adjustment, the entire correction process can be divided into multiple steps, using multiple, sequential dental instruments to gradually bring the tooth-receiving cavities of the upper and lower articulating modules closer to the target position.

[0293] In yet another embodiment, tooth position adjustment can be achieved using only upper and lower bite blocks secured to each other, without the need for a base. For example, the upper and lower bite blocks can be manufactured as a single piece, or they can be mechanically secured to each other and manufactured separately. For cases involving significant tooth movement, the entire correction process can be divided into multiple steps, using multiple, sequential dental devices whose tooth-receiving cavities in the upper and / or lower bite blocks are configured to gradually reposition the teeth from their current configuration to the target configuration.

[0294] In the above embodiments, the geometric form of the tooth-receiving cavity of the occlusal module, the elastic modulus of the material of the occlusal module, and the position of the tooth-receiving cavity of the occlusal module are each independently adopted to obtain a plurality of successive dental appliances. In light of this application, it will be understood that, if necessary, these means can be combined to obtain a set of a plurality of successive dental appliances, for example, by simultaneously changing the geometric form of the tooth-receiving cavity and the elastic modulus of the material of the occlusal module, or, for another example, by simultaneously changing the position of the tooth-receiving cavity and the elastic modulus of the material of the occlusal module.

[0295] In some embodiments, various functional training structures may be provided on the base to help patients develop good oral habits.

[0296] Referring to FIG9 , another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG9 . The labial and buccal walls of the upper groove extend upward to form lip baffles 6011 and cheek baffles 6013, and the lingual wall of the upper groove extends upward and lingually to form a tongue baffle 6015. These functions are to secure dental instruments in the correct position within the mouth, isolate perioral muscles, and position the tongue in a normal position, preventing abnormal tongue movement from affecting the dentition. A palatal bead 6017 is provided below the tongue baffle 6015, and a tongue lifter 6019 extends lingually from the lingual wall of the base 601. These are used to train the tongue to be correctly positioned and improve tongue hypostasis.

[0297] In a preferred embodiment, the base, the upper occlusal module and the lower occlusal module are independently manufactured components, and a complete dental apparatus is obtained by respectively installing and fixing the upper occlusal module and the lower occlusal module in the upper and lower grooves of the base.

[0298] In one embodiment, if the base is made of polymer material, it can be made by injection molding. If the base is made of metal, carbon fiber or glass fiber, it can be made using corresponding processes.

[0299] In one embodiment, the upper and lower bite modules can be manufactured by 3D printing, and the following describes the manufacturing of a single bite module in detail.

[0300] In a preferred embodiment, a first three-dimensional digital model can be obtained, which represents the patient's dentition (maxillary or mandibular) in a first tooth configuration. If the dental treatment using the dental apparatus of the present application does not involve tooth movement, then the first tooth configuration can be the patient's current tooth configuration. If the dental treatment using the dental apparatus of the present application involves tooth movement, then the first tooth configuration can be the target tooth configuration to be achieved using the current dental apparatus, or a tooth configuration that slightly exceeds the target tooth configuration.

[0301] A second three-dimensional digital model is obtained, whose outer contour is consistent with the occlusal module and is a U-shaped long strip entity.

[0302] Next, the first and second three-dimensional digital models are positioned according to a predetermined relative position relationship (i.e., the position of the tooth receiving cavity in the occlusal module), and then the part overlapping with the first three-dimensional digital model is removed from the second three-dimensional digital model using Boolean subtraction to obtain a third three-dimensional digital model, i.e., the three-dimensional digital model of the occlusal module.

[0303] Then, the third three-dimensional digital model is used to control a 3D printing device to produce the occlusal module.

[0304] Finally, the upper and lower occlusal modules are fixedly installed in the grooves on the upper and lower sides of the base respectively to obtain a complete dental instrument.

[0305] The use of 3D printing technology to produce the bite module has at least the following advantages: first, special structures such as cavitation can be freely set inside the bite module; second, different materials can be freely controlled in different parts of the bite module.

[0306] In another embodiment, the occlusal module may be manufactured by a molding method.

[0307] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second three-dimensional digital models and the positions of the tooth-receiving cavities within the articulating module are acquired. Based on this data, a fourth three-dimensional digital model is generated. This model represents the mold for the articulating module and is generally a U-shaped, elongated box with a protruding bottom that matches the first three-dimensional digital model.

[0308] Next, the fourth three-dimensional digital model is used to control a 3D printing device to produce a mold of the occlusal module.

[0309] Then, the molten occlusal module material is poured into the mold of the occlusal module, and after it is cooled and solidified, the mold is removed to obtain the occlusal module.

[0310] Finally, the upper and lower occlusal modules are fixedly installed in the grooves on the upper and lower sides of the base respectively to obtain a complete dental instrument.

[0311] Please refer to Figures 1A-1F, which schematically illustrate a dental appliance 700 in another embodiment of the present application, wherein Figure 10A is a perspective view of the dental appliance 700, Figure 10B schematically illustrates the assembly relationship of the dental appliance 700 shown in Figure 10A, Figure 10C is a view of the dental appliance 700 shown in Figure 10A from the maxillary to the mandibular, Figure 10D is a cross-sectional view of the dental appliance 700 shown in Figure 10C at BB, Figure 10E is a view of the dental appliance 700 shown in Figure 10A from the lingual side to the labial side, and Figure 10F is a cross-sectional view of the dental appliance 700 shown in Figure 10E at CC.

[0312] The dental apparatus 700 includes an upper occlusal module 701 , a lower occlusal module 703 , a shell-shaped maxillary appliance 705 , and a shell-shaped mandibular appliance 707 , which are fixed to each other.

[0313] In one embodiment, the upper engaging module 701 and the lower engaging module 703 may be integrally formed. In another embodiment, they may be independent components fixed to each other by mechanical means.

[0314] In one embodiment, the upper occlusal module 701 forms a cavity 7011 for accommodating a shell-shaped maxillary appliance 705, and its geometry matches that of the maxillary appliance 705. The lower occlusal module 703 forms a cavity 7031 for accommodating a shell-shaped mandibular appliance 707, and its geometry matches that of the mandibular appliance 707. In this case, for orthodontic treatment of a single dentition (e.g., maxillary or mandibular dentition), not only the immobile teeth of that dentition can provide support for the mobile teeth, but the opposing dentition can also provide support, thereby improving the correction effect.

[0315] In another embodiment, the geometry of the cavity 7011 does not conform to the maxillary appliance 705, but its cross-sectional dimensions vary with the maxillary appliance 705, such that it can accommodate the maxillary appliance 705 while also forming at least point contact with the maxillary appliance 705 at multiple locations, thereby providing support for the maxillary appliance 705. The relationship between the cavity 7031 and the mandibular appliance 707 is similar.

[0316] In another embodiment, the geometry of the cavity 7011 varies with the maxillary appliance 705. For example, at the front teeth, the cross-sectional geometry of the cavity 7011 is approximately V-shaped, while at the back teeth, the cross-sectional geometry of the cavity 7011 is approximately rectangular. This allows the cavity 7011 to accommodate the maxillary appliance 705 and to form at least point contact with the maxillary appliance 705 at multiple locations, thereby providing support for the maxillary appliance 705. The relationship between the cavity 7031 and the mandibular appliance 707 is similar.

[0317] The shell-shaped maxillary appliance 705 is a one-piece shell that forms a cavity for accommodating the maxillary teeth. The geometry of the cavity matches a first tooth layout of the maxillary teeth. The first tooth layout may be the current tooth layout or may be different from the current tooth layout, so that the maxillary teeth can be repositioned from the current layout to the first tooth layout. Similarly, the shell-shaped mandibular appliance 707 is a one-piece shell that forms a cavity for accommodating the mandibular teeth. The geometry of the cavity matches a second tooth layout of the mandibular teeth. The second tooth layout may be the current tooth layout or may be different from the current tooth layout, so that the mandibular teeth can be repositioned from the current layout to the second tooth layout.

[0318] If the dental treatment using the dental apparatus of the present application does not involve tooth movement, then the first and second tooth arrangements may be the current tooth arrangements of the patient's upper and lower dentition. If the dental treatment using the dental apparatus of the present application involves tooth movement, then the first and second tooth arrangements may be the target tooth arrangement to be achieved using the current dental apparatus or a tooth arrangement slightly exceeding the target tooth arrangement.

[0319] In one embodiment, in order to better maintain the shell-like maxillary appliance 705 and the shell-like mandibular appliance 707 in the cavities 7011 and 7031 respectively, a number of protruding structures 7051 and 7071 can be formed on the shell-like maxillary appliance 705 and the shell-like mandibular appliance 707 respectively, which cooperate with the recessed structures 7013 and 7033 formed in the cavities 7011 and 7031 respectively.

[0320] In one embodiment, the elastic modulus of the material of the shell-shaped maxillary appliance 705 and the shell-shaped mandibular appliance 707 is higher than that of the upper bite module 701 and the lower bite module 703. In this configuration, not only can the excellent mechanical properties of the shell-shaped appliance be utilized to move teeth, but the upper and lower bite modules can also be used to correct the dental arch shape and adjust the mandibular position.

[0321] Please refer to FIG2 , which schematically illustrates a dental apparatus 800 in another embodiment of the present application.

[0322] The dental apparatus 800 includes an upper occlusal module 801 , a lower occlusal module 803 , a shell-shaped maxillary appliance 805 , and a shell-shaped mandibular appliance 807 , which are fixed to each other.

[0323] The edges of the maxillary appliance 805 and the mandibular appliance 807 are respectively expanded outward (i.e., the lingual side wall expands outward toward the lingual side, and the labial and buccal side wall expands outward toward the labial and buccal side) to extend to form fixing edges 8051 and 8071. The cross-sections of the maxillary appliance 805 and the mandibular appliance 807 are trumpet-shaped at the fixing edges 8051 and 8071.

[0324] The upper occlusal module 801 forms a cavity 8011 for accommodating the shell-shaped maxillary appliance 805 , and a slot 8013 is formed at the opening of the cavity 8011 , and the fixing edge 8051 of the maxillary appliance 805 is snapped into the slot 8013 to keep the maxillary appliance 805 in the cavity 8011 .

[0325] The lower occlusal module 803 forms a cavity 8031 ​​for accommodating the shell-shaped mandibular appliance 807 , and a slot 8033 is formed at the opening of the cavity 8031 ​​, and the fixing edge 8071 of the mandibular appliance 807 is snapped into the slot 8033 to keep the mandibular appliance 807 in the cavity 8031 ​​.

[0326] In light of the present application, it can be understood that the dental apparatus of the present application may also include only a single occlusal module and a corresponding shell-shaped dental appliance.

[0327] In one embodiment, the upper and lower engaging modules may each adopt their own universal external dimensions.

[0328] In light of this application, it is understood that the dental arch sizes of patients of different age groups vary significantly. Therefore, in one embodiment, the dental arch size range can be divided into several intervals, and a universal upper bite module and a universal lower bite module are designed for each interval. In another embodiment, several age groups can also be set, and a universal upper bite module and a universal lower bite module are designed for each age group.

[0329] In another embodiment, the outer dimensions of the upper and lower bite modules can also be customized. For example, their cross-sectional dimensions can be changed with the upper and lower shell-shaped dental appliances, respectively.

[0330] Typically, the shell-shaped maxillary appliance 705 and the shell-shaped mandibular appliance 707 are manufactured using a hot pressing film forming process, and the difference in wall thickness at various locations depends on the manufacturing process and is generally small.

[0331] Since the wall thickness of the upper and lower occlusal modules is much greater than that of the upper and lower shell-shaped dental appliances, when the cavities of the upper and lower occlusal modules respectively coincide with the upper and lower shell-shaped dental appliances, the wall thickness variation range of the upper and lower occlusal modules is greater than the wall thickness variation range of the upper and lower shell-shaped dental appliances.

[0332] In one embodiment, the upper and lower bite modules can be manufactured by 3D printing, and the following describes the manufacturing of a single bite module in detail.

[0333] In one embodiment, a first three-dimensional digital model may be obtained, the outer contour of which is consistent with the outer contour of the first shell-shaped appliance (maxillary or mandibular shell-shaped appliance).

[0334] A second three-dimensional digital model is obtained, whose outer contour is consistent with that of the occlusal module and is a U-shaped long strip entity.

[0335] Next, the first and second three-dimensional digital models are positioned according to a predetermined relative position relationship (i.e., the position of the tooth receiving cavity in the occlusal module), and then the part overlapping with the first three-dimensional digital model is removed from the second three-dimensional digital model using Boolean subtraction to obtain a third three-dimensional digital model, i.e., the three-dimensional digital model of the occlusal module.

[0336] Then, the third three-dimensional digital model is used to control a 3D printing device to produce the occlusal module.

[0337] The use of 3D printing technology to produce the bite module has at least the following advantages: first, special structures such as cavitation can be freely set inside the bite module; second, different materials can be freely controlled in different parts of the bite module.

[0338] In another embodiment, the occlusal module may be manufactured by a molding method.

[0339] In one embodiment, the first and second three-dimensional digital models and the positions of the tooth-receiving cavities in the articulating module are acquired. Based on this data, a fourth three-dimensional digital model is generated. This model represents the mold of the articulating module and is generally a U-shaped, elongated box with a protrusion at the bottom that matches the first three-dimensional digital model.

[0340] Next, the fourth three-dimensional digital model is used to control a 3D printing device to produce a mold of the occlusal module.

[0341] Then, the molten occlusal module material is injected into the mold of the occlusal module, and after it is cooled and solidified, the mold is removed to obtain the occlusal module.

[0342] In one embodiment, the upper and lower bite modules can use a material with a lower elastic modulus (softer) (lower elastic modulus than the upper and lower shell-shaped dental appliances) to improve the wearing comfort of the dental instrument and make the upper and lower shell-shaped dental appliances easier to install on the upper and lower bite modules.

[0343] In one embodiment, the upper engaging module and the lower engaging module may be made of silicone, rubber or TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane).

[0344] In light of the present application, it can be understood that in order to achieve specific treatment goals, the upper occlusal module and / or the lower occlusal module can be locally made of different materials, for example, a material with a higher elastic modulus.

[0345] Since the occlusal module provides additional support for the shell-shaped dental appliance, the performance of the dental device of the present application in terms of arch adjustment (arch expansion or arch contraction) is improved.

[0346] Since the upper occlusal module and the lower occlusal module are fixed to each other, the dental apparatus of the present application has good performance in adjusting the position of the mandible.

[0347] In some cases, for some cases with large correction ranges, using only a single dental appliance may not be able to achieve the correction goal, or the force applied may be too high, resulting in reduced wearing comfort. In such cases, at least two successive dental appliances can be worn in stages to gradually achieve the correction goal.

[0348] In one embodiment, these successive dental instruments gradually adjust the mandible to the target position by gradually changing the relative positions of the cavities of the bite module.

[0349] In one embodiment, these successive dental appliances gradually adjust the arch shape of the corresponding dentition to the target arch shape by gradually changing the arch shape of the bite module.

[0350] In one embodiment, the elastic modulus of the material of the bite module of these successive dental appliances may be gradually increased.

[0351] In one embodiment, the surface of the cavity of the occlusal module is fitted based on the outer surface of the corresponding shell-shaped dental appliance. More specifically, the lingual surface of the cavity of the occlusal module is fitted based on the lingual outer surface of the corresponding shell-shaped dental appliance, and the labial and buccal surfaces of the cavity of the occlusal module are fitted based on the labial and buccal outer surfaces of the corresponding shell-shaped dental appliance.

[0352] In one embodiment, multiple points can be sampled on the lingual outer surface of the shell-shaped dental appliance, and the lingual surface of the cavity of the occlusal module can be fitted based on these sampled points. Similarly, multiple points can be sampled on the labial and buccal outer surface of the shell-shaped dental appliance, and the labial and buccal surfaces of the cavity of the occlusal module can be fitted based on these sampled points. The geometric shape of the cavity of the occlusal module obtained by fitting accurately matches the target arch shape.

[0353] As is known to those skilled in the art, orthodontic treatment using shell-shaped dental appliances generally requires a set of multiple successive shell-shaped dental appliances. If the outer surface of one of the multiple successive shell-shaped dental appliances fits the surface of the cavity of the bite module, then the bite module is suitable for at least that shell-shaped dental appliance and several shell-shaped dental appliances before and after it. After wearing the dental device with the current shell-shaped dental appliance installed, the current shell-shaped dental appliance can be removed from the bite module and the next shell-shaped dental appliance can be installed on the bite module and continued to be worn, which can effectively reduce costs.

[0354] 12A-12B , which schematically illustrate a dental apparatus 900 according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0355] The dental apparatus 900 includes a base 901 , an upper bite module 903 , and a lower bite module 905 .

[0356] The base 901 is U-shaped as a whole, and U-shaped grooves 9011 and 9013 for accommodating the upper and lower bite modules 903 and 905 are formed on the upper and lower sides respectively.

[0357] The upper occlusal module 903 and the lower occlusal module 905 are U-shaped strips, and are concave on the top surface to form cavities 9031 and 9051 for accommodating the patient's maxillary dentition and mandibular dentition, respectively.

[0358] The upper occlusal module 903 and the lower occlusal module 905 form a concave-convex matching structure with the base 901 on the lingual side, labial and buccal side and bottom surface to fix the upper occlusal module 903 and the lower occlusal module 905 in the grooves 9011 and 9013 respectively.

[0359] For example, the ridge 9015a formed on the lingual sidewall of the groove 9011 cooperates with the groove 9035 formed on the lingual sidewall of the upper bite module 903, the ridge 9017a formed on the labial sidewall of the groove 9011 cooperates with the groove 9037 formed on the labial sidewall of the upper bite module 903, and the hole 9019a formed on the bottom surface of the groove 9011 cooperates with the protrusion 9039 formed on the bottom surface of the upper bite module 903. The ridge 9015b formed on the lingual sidewall of the groove 9013 cooperates with the groove 9055 formed on the lingual sidewall of the lower bite module 905, the ridge 9017b formed on the labial sidewall of the groove 9013 cooperates with the groove 9057 formed on the labial sidewall of the lower bite module 905, and the hole 9019b formed on the bottom surface of the groove 9013 cooperates with the protrusion 9059 formed on the bottom surface of the lower bite module 905.

[0360] In light of this application, it can be understood that, in addition to the above specific examples, the concave-convex fitting configuration between the upper bite module 903 and the lower bite module 905 and the base 901 can have many variations, which will not be repeated here.

[0361] In another embodiment, the upper occlusal module and the lower occlusal module can form a concave-convex matching fixing structure with the base on the lingual side and the labial and buccal side, and be fixed to the base by bonding on the bottom surface.

[0362] Please refer to Figures 13A-13B, wherein Figure 13A schematically shows the assembly relationship of a dental device 900' in another embodiment of the present application, and Figure 13B shows a cross-section along the tooth midline of the dental device 900' shown in Figure 13A after assembly.

[0363] The dental appliance 900 ′ includes a base 901 ′ and an articulating module 903 ′.

[0364] The base 901' is U-shaped, with U-shaped grooves 9011' and 9013' formed on its upper and lower sides, respectively. An opening 9015' is formed between the grooves 9011' and 9013', and a flange 9017' is formed between the opening 9015' and the buccal and / or lingual walls of the base 901'.

[0365] The bite module 903' is an integrally formed, U-shaped strip, consisting of an upper and lower jaw portion, each recessed toward the opposite jaw to form a cavity for accommodating the upper and lower teeth. A groove 9031' is formed between the upper and lower jaw portions of the bite module 903', which mates with the flange 9017'. By squeezing one side of the bite module 903' through the opening 9015' until the flange 9017' mates with the groove 9031', the bite module 903' is secured to the base 901'.

[0366] Please refer to FIG14 , which schematically illustrates the assembly relationship of a dental apparatus 900 ″ in yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0367] The dental apparatus 900" includes a base 901", a first bite module 903", a second bite module 905" and a third bite module 907".

[0368] The base 901" is U-shaped as a whole, with U-shaped grooves formed on its upper and lower sides. Three openings are formed between the upper and lower grooves, and flanges are formed between these openings and the labial and buccal side walls and / or lingual side walls of the base 901".

[0369] The first bite module 903" corresponds to the front teeth part, which includes the maxillary part and the mandibular part, which are respectively recessed toward the opposite jaw to form cavities for accommodating the maxillary teeth and the mandibular teeth, and a groove matching the corresponding flange is formed between them. The second bite module 905" corresponds to the right posterior teeth part, which includes the maxillary part and the mandibular part, and a groove matching the corresponding flange is formed between the two. The third bite module 907" corresponds to the left posterior teeth part, which includes the maxillary part and the mandibular part, and a groove matching the corresponding flange is formed between the two. The second bite module 905" and the third bite module 907" are made of lattice material, which will be compressed to generate a rebound force under the occlusion of the upper and lower teeth, which can play a role in depressing the corresponding teeth.

[0370] The lattice structure is a periodic porous structure, which can be considered to be composed of a large number of identical lattice units periodically combined in some form.

[0371] The installation and fixing method of the dental device 900" is similar to that of the dental device 900' shown in Figures 13A-13B, and the occlusal module is fixed to the base 901" by squeezing it partially through the corresponding opening until the groove on it matches the corresponding flange.

[0372] In another embodiment, a film may be used to wrap the assembled dental instrument in whole or in part to fix the occlusal module to the base.

[0373] Although various aspects and embodiments of the present application are disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments of the present application will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. The scope and subject matter of this application are determined solely by the appended claims.

[0374] Similarly, various diagrams may illustrate exemplary architectures or other configurations of the disclosed methods and systems that aid in understanding the features and functionality that may be included in the disclosed methods and systems. The claimed content is not limited to the exemplary architectures or configurations shown, and the desired features may be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Furthermore, for flow charts, functional descriptions, and method claims, the order of blocks presented herein should not limit various embodiments to being implemented in the same order to perform the described functionality, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0375] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms and phrases used herein and their variations should be interpreted as open ended rather than restrictive. In some instances, the appearance of broad words and phrases such as "one or more," "at least," "but not limited to," or other similar terms should not be understood as intending or requiring a narrowing of the context in which such broad terms may not be used.

Claims

1. A dental apparatus comprising: The base is U-shaped, and the upper and lower sides thereof are respectively formed with a first groove and a second groove of the U-shape; The upper occlusal module is a U-shaped long strip entity, fixed to the first groove, and the side away from the bottom of the first groove is inwardly concave to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's maxillary dentition. The geometry of the tooth accommodating cavity is customized according to the patient's maxillary dentition; as well as The lower occlusal module is a U-shaped long strip entity fixed to the second groove. The side away from the bottom of the second groove is recessed inward to form a cavity for accommodating the patient's mandibular dentition. The geometry of the tooth accommodating cavity is customized according to the patient's mandibular dentition.

2. The dental apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic modulus of the material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module is lower than the elastic modulus of the material of the base.

3. The dental apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the upper bite module is customized based on the maxillary dentition of the patient under the first tooth layout, and the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the lower bite module is customized based on the mandibular dentition of the patient under the second tooth layout.

4. The dental apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the upper bite module matches the maxillary dentition of the patient under the first tooth layout, and the geometry of the tooth receiving cavity of the lower bite module matches the mandibular dentition of the patient under the second tooth layout.

5. The dental apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The relative positions of the tooth receiving cavity of the upper bite module and the tooth receiving cavity of the lower bite module are customized according to the relative positions of the upper and lower jaw targets of the patient.

6. The dental apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The base, the upper bite module and the lower bite module are separately manufactured parts.

7. The dental apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The upper bite module and the lower bite module are respectively fixedly installed in the first slot and the second slot through a concave-convex matching structure.

8. The dental apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The first slot and the second slot of the base are universal for a preselected first category of patients.

9. The dental apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: The geometry and size of the first groove are determined based on big data of the maxillary dentition of a large number of patients of the first category, and the geometry and size of the second groove are determined based on big data of the mandibular dentition of a large number of patients of the first category.

10. The dental apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: The external geometry and dimensions of the upper and lower bite modules are universal for the first category of patients.

11. The dental apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: The external geometry and size of the upper engagement module match the first slot, and the external geometry and size of the lower engagement module match the second slot.

12. The dental apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: The first category of patients are patients in a predetermined age group, or patients whose dental arch sizes are within a predetermined range.

13. The dental apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The material of the upper bite module and the lower bite module is one of the following: silicone, rubber, TPU and any combination thereof.

14. The dental apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The material of the base is one of the following: PC, PETG, PA, PEEK, metal, carbon fiber and glass fiber, PP, ABS, POM and any combination thereof.

15. A method for making a dental device as claimed in claim 1, comprising: Acquire a first three-dimensional digital model representing the patient's maxillary dentition in a first tooth arrangement; Acquire a second three-dimensional digital model representing the outer contour of the upper occlusal module; generating a third three-dimensional digital model representing the upper occlusal module based on the first and second three-dimensional digital models; acquiring a fourth three-dimensional digital model representing the mandibular dentition of the patient in a second tooth arrangement; Acquire a fifth three-dimensional digital model representing the outer contour of the lower bite module; A sixth three-dimensional digital model representing the lower bite module is generated based on the fourth and fifth three-dimensional digital models. Digital models; Using the third and sixth three-dimensional digital model control devices to manufacture the upper and lower bite modules respectively; and The upper bite module and the lower bite module are fixedly installed in the first groove and the second groove of the base respectively.

16. The method for manufacturing a dental instrument according to claim 15, wherein: It also includes: Acquire the position of the tooth receiving cavity of the upper occlusal module, and generate the third three-dimensional digital model based on the third three-dimensional digital cavity and the first and second three-dimensional digital models; and The position of the tooth receiving cavity of the lower occlusal module is obtained, and the sixth three-dimensional digital model is generated based on it and the fourth and fifth three-dimensional digital models.

17. The method for manufacturing a dental instrument according to claim 15, wherein: The device is a 3D printing device.

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