Denture magnetic retention systems and methods of use

Abstract

A paired magnetic retention system for retaining a denture in the mouth for providing synthetic teeth to a dental patient temporarily during a period of healing following bone graft surgery or for a longer period of time for retaining a removable denture in the mouth of a dental patient for providing synthetic teeth to a dental patient for an indefinite length of time. The magnetic retention system comprising a pair of magnetic bodies, one implanted in a bone in the mound that does not regularly support real teeth, and is not generally affected by the usual dental problems causing the loss of a patient's real teeth, and the second magnetic is secured to a part of the denture which comes into contact with the bone in which the first magnetic body is implanted.

Description

[0001] DENTURE MAGNETIC RETENTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE Patients who have lost a significant number of teeth, especially a continuous row of neighboring teeth, are usually treated through the installation of synthetic teeth, commonly known as ‘false teeth’. Synthetic teeth can take the form of removable dentures, which are supported in the mouth through connections with the remaining teeth or tissue, or depending upon a patient’s needs or preferences,, with permanent implants screwed into a jawbone. In instances where the teeth loss is caused by illness or aging bone, the jawbone often becomes too thin to support a removable denture or to serve as a foundation for the dental implant. In such cases, dental professionals commonly recommend ridge bone augmentation of the jawbone with or without gingival graft. It is well recognized that bone graft augmentation procedures have lengthy recovery periods, usually spanning months before the graft heals and new bone is formed. Depending on the individual, the healing process can take anywhere between three to twelve months, during which it was considered undesirable for the patient to use temporary removable dentures as they could potentially interfere with the healing process. Specifically, removable dentures have flanges extending to the buccal, or outside, of the alveolar ridges and are designed to help hold the dentures in place. These flanges can apply undesirable forces to the graft sites, usually the top and outside portions of the jawbone. The compressive forces applied by the denture on these grafted sites can lead to failure of the graft to heal properly. Additionally, cutting off buccal flanges from the dentures leads to instability and loss of retention of the denture in the mouth. To avoid these problems, the removable denture magnetic retention system of this invention permits improved healing of alveolar grafts, by surprisingly reducing adverse effects associated with excess applied forces from denture positioning when removing, replacing or wearing removable dentures. This in turn improves the health outcomes for the graft, and ultimately for the patient. The removable denture magnetic retention systems of the present invention further provide a temporary solution for stabilizing removable dentures in the mouths of patients who are unable to undergo surgical procedures due to medical or financial reasons or who choose not to. Furthermore, the removable denture retention system can be used to facilitate conventional denture retention for patients with limited bone availability (i.e., when grafts are not feasible). Moreover, many other and different benefits will be found for the systems and methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a removable denture magnetic retention system of this invention, hereinafter sometimes referred to as a magnetic retention system, can support a removable denture on a soft tissue surface of a central bone in a patient’s mouth, such as the maxillary palate or the lower side of the tooth supporting bone ridge i.e., the lingual side surface of the mandible bone. The magnetic retention systems of the present invention can facilitate the placement of a removable denture during healing of a graft, permitting the patient to have a removable denture during the healing process. The healing process can, therefore, be significantly less affected by everyday tasks necessary for the enjoyment of the patient’s life (e.g., chewing) without significant stress transfer to the healing graft. The magnetic retention systems of the present invention are provided to hold removable dentures in place, to replace missing teeth in a person’s upper jaw or a person’s lower jaw. For replacing missing teeth in the upper jaw, one of the paired magnetic bodies, can be secured, or implanted onto, for example, a patient’s upper palate bone and a complementary second magnetic body secured into an opposed portion of a removable denture. The magnetic attraction between the two plates of the magnetic retention system of this invention serve to retain the removable denture in place, during chewing or during speaking, while avoiding the application of undesirable stress to the bone graft site by the sides, or flanges, of a conventional removable denture. The pair of magnetic plates serve to reduce the risk of movement of the removable denture, both vertically and laterally, thus reducing the risk of dislodgement and destabilizing of the overall denture assembly. Accordingly, the two plates must be placed so that faces having opposite magnetic polarities are in contact to enhance magnetic attraction. It should be appreciated that although the retention systems of the present invention are generally described, above, as being useful for removable dentures without buccal flanges during the healing period of bone grafts, magnetically paired retention systems compatible with conventional removable dentures with buccal flanges are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention, as being improved by the present magnetic retention plates invention. The present invention does not require that one of the magnetic plates must be implanted into the tooth ridge, where the bony structure may have been compromised, causing the loss of teeth, for example. The removable denture to be retained by the magnetic plates of the present invention, whether used only temporarily while a bone graft is healing, or over a longer term by a patient who has not had a bone graft nor an adequate implant, is held in place by a magnetic plate implanted in bone in another part of the mouth that is rarely compromised when teeth are lost due to illness, infection or advanced age. Furthermore, a successful retention can result if only one of the “magnetic plates” has been magnetized, as long as both “magnetic plates” are formed of suitable ferromagnetic materials. Thus, when a “magnetic plate” is referred to below, such a plate can include a non-magnetized ferromagnetic material. Of course, in the preferred embodiments, both plates have been magnetized, to ensure a stronger retention. The magnetic plates of the retention system may include one or more projections and corresponding cavities to further secure the plates together in addition to the effect of the magnetic attraction. Such complementary surfaces enhance the mechanical retention of the system, especially to reduce the risk of lateral movements and dislodgement. In some embodiments, the projection(s) and depression(s), or cavity or cavities, can be formed to correspond with an insertion path of the denture relative to the patient’s jaw, as will be described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the plates of the retention system may not include any projections, relying solely on magnetic attraction to retain the removable denture in place within the patient’s mouth. In some embodiments, the plates of the retention system may include alignment features (e.g., sidewalls) to help position the plates relative to one another, but may be reliant substantially on magnetic attraction to retain the removable denture in place. In some embodiments, the first plate may be secured to the patient’s mouth with one or more orthodontic or bone screws which may be removed upon the completion of the graft healing. In instances where the retention system is used without an existing graft, the plate can remain in the patient’s mouth long-term. For such long term use, the orthodontic screws and the magnetic plates preferably can be composed of a material that is bio-compatible with soft tissue and bone retention over a prolonged period, with limited adverse side effects. It should be appreciated that any suitable orthodontic screw can be employed to help secure the first magnetic plate of the retention system to the patient’s mouth, as the present disclosure is not limited by the type, composition, or size of the screws, unless specifically limited in the following descriptions. In some embodiments, the second plate canbe secured to the removable denture through an adhesive coupling. In one example, the second plate is secured to a cavity in the removable denture with acrylic. In some embodiments, the removable denture is modified to include a cavity corresponding to the body of the second plate. The cavity can then be coated with a suitable biocompatible adhesive (e.g., acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)) and then fitted to the second plate. In some embodiments, the second plate can have a textured surface corresponding to the portion of the second plate intended to be positioned against the removable denture cavity. The textured surface, e.g., beaded surface, sand-blasted surface, scored surface, can enhance the adhesive force between the removable denture and the second magnetic plate. In some embodiments, the attachment between the second plate and the removable denture can be substantially permanent. It should be appreciated that alternative methods of securing the second plate to the removable denture are also contemplated, including, but not limited to, mechanical coupling (e.g., screws) between the denture and the second plate, either in combination with an adhesive coupling, or alone. It should also be appreciated that embodiments wherein the removable denture is formed including, e.g., molded with, the second magnetic plate in place, are also contemplated, as the present invention is not so limited. In some embodiments, a removable denture can be attached to the upper jaw of the patient’s mouth through one or more magnetic plates secured into the maxillary palate, paired with one or more plate pairings on the removable denture. In instances where more than one plate pairing must be used for a full denture or for a bridge replacing teeth on both sides of the upper jaw, a magnetic plate can be positioned on each corresponding side of the upper jaw palette portion. For example, the removable denture can be attached to the patient’s palate through two retention systems, one positioned on the right side, e.g., quadrant one or upper right quadrant, and the other positioned on the left side e.g., quadrant two or upper left quadrant, of the palate. In another example, a removable denture can be attached to the patient’s mandibular, lower jaw, ridge bone through two magnetic retention systems, one positioned on the right side, e.g., quadrant one or lower right quadrant, and the other positioned on the left side, e.g., quadrant four or lower left quadrant, of the mandibular lower ridge. These magnetic plates are preferably secured to the mandible bone below the so-called ‘alveolar process’. It should be appreciated that any number of retention systems, in any suitable arrangement on the patient’s mouth can be employed, as the present disclosure is not limited by the number or arrangement of paired magnetic retention systems. When installing retention systems on the patient’s maxillary palate, the orthodontic screws can be placed in an implantable area that extends laterally, anteriorly, and posteriorly of the safe zone of the patient’s palate. It should be appreciated that the screws cannot be safely implanted past the posterior transverse Palatine suture, or the junction between the soft and hard palate. The implantable area can be evaluated clinically and by 3D imaging, e.g., CBCT. Imaging can reveal critical locations, hard to find landmarks with respect to the thickness of the palatal bone, and the safest implant placement sites to reduce the risk of contact with the greater palatine artery. In some embodiments, the present Invention should preferably be installed placing implant screws more than 10mm anterior to the posterior border of the palate, away from the greater palatine artery. When installing retention systems on the patient’s mandibular ridge bone, the screws can be placed into the lingual side of the lower alveolar bone. The Inventor has recognized the benefits of not positioning the screws past the retromolar pad, or the posterior end of the lower jaw bone. The Inventor has also recognized the benefits of not positioning the screws in a location that extends to the mental spine anteriorly or pass the mylohyoid ridge inferiorly. As described relative to maxillary retention systems, the safe area for the lower jaw must also be evaluated clinically and through 3D imaging (e.g., CBCT). During installation on either the maxillary palate or mandibular ridge, the sites are typically anesthetized before implanting the screws. The screw site can then be prepared using conventional orthodontic screw drills. The screws can then be passed through the screw holes of the first plate and positioned into the soft tissue of the prepared site in the patient’s mouth using a conventional driver or similarly functioning tool. In some embodiments, it is preferred that a flap is not formed from the soft tissue over the jawbone, before driving the retaining screws for the magnetic plate into the bone.. The first magnetic plate of the respective retention plate pairs can accordingly be secured on the maxillary palate or on the lingual side of the mandible, respectively. In some embodiments, the portion of the denture can be positioned against the palate bone or the lingual side of the mandible ridge bone to permit the marking of the optimal location of the magnetic retention plates on the inside of the denture, intraorally. The marked site on the removable denture can then be trimmed, removing material from inside of the denture to permit the second plate to be precisely positioned into the bone- facing surface of the denture. This results in a secure and less stressful retention of the magnetic plates. Accordingly, one preferred method for completing the installation of the retention system, a barrier material (e.g., rubber dam) can be positioned against the first magnetic plate (installed in the patient’s mouth), followed by placing the second magnetic plate thereon, which can be magnetically attracted to the first magnetic plate. The cavity of the denture can then be filled with an adhesive (e.g., dental acrylic), followed by installation of the denture into the patient’s mouth. In this way, a more precise installation of the second part relative to the first part can be achieved while reducing the risk of acrylic leakage to the patient’s mouth due to the presence of the barrier material. Shortly after installation of the denture into the patient’s mouth, the adhesive will set, such that as the denture is removed, the second magnetic plate is removed as well. It should be appreciated that the adhesive force of the adhesive between the second part and the denture can be greater than the magnetic attraction of the two parts, allowing the second part to be separated from the first part. The barrier material can then be removed. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the second part can be positioned on the mucosal side of the denture, while in other embodiments, the second part can be positioned on the oral (or oral cavity) side of the denture. The denture can be sufficiently thin to maintain sufficient magnetic attraction between the two magnetic plates of the magnetic retention system of the present invention. In some embodiments, the second magnetic plate can be in place when the denture is formed, as explained above. Following installation of the second plate on the removable denture (e.g., through adhesives and / or permanent attachment), the removable denture can be brought into contact with the patient’s mouth to induce magnetic attraction between the plates. The denture can therefore be held therein by the magnets against the palate or the mandible alveolar bone, reducing the risk of excessive stresses on the healing graft of the upper or the lower jaw. It should be appreciated that the retention system can be formed in a manner that facilitates a particular path of insertion. For example, the maxillary denture can be installed in a substantially vertical direction relative to the patient’s maxillary palate. In another example, the mandibular denture can be installed in a substantially skewed or angled sliding fashion relative to the patient’s mandibular ridge. Any suitable and comfortable insertion path is contemplated, e.g., by providing a flat path for sliding along the magnetic plates, such as is shown in Fig.9A, below. The paired magnetic plates of the retention systems described herein can be substantially magnetic and biocompatible, the first plate and the second plate of the retention system have opposite magnetic polarities to permit the attraction of the first plate to the second plate. It should be appreciated that the first and / or second plate can be formed of, coated, or attached to a magnetic material. In one exemplary embodiment, the paired magnetic plates of the retention system can be formed of a bio-compatible magnetic material, such as, e.g., a titanium-coated, rare earth metal-containing, magnet; the titanium coating rendering it biocompatible and significantly free from the risk of corrosion of the plate or injury to the patient, as long as the titanium coating remains unbroken. Such a material has, for example, been previously used for making implantable magnets for implanting facial parts for grievously wounded individuals, including among others holding e.g., synthetic teeth in place. Other materials for coating the magnetic plates to render them bio-compatible include, but are not limited to, zirconia, zirconia-alumina mixtures, and gold alloys. Again, many other coating materials are likely ot be found for the plates, and their nature, other than bio-compatibility, are not relevant with respect to the present invention. Such rare ear metal and steel alloys are well-known, and commonly include, for example, Neodymium. Screws useful for holding a paired magnetic plate in place in the mouth can be formed, for example, of titanium or zirconia. Other materials which may be developed in the future and will not interfere with the magnetic properties of the place could also be used. In some embodiments, one or more of the first and second plates can be formed of a flexible material to facilitate the denture insertion and coupling process while reducing overall stress transfer to the patient’s healing mouth. It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed below, can be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Further, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non- limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures can be represented by a like numeral. It is noted that not every component need be labeled in every drawing where space is insufficient, without loss of clarity. In the drawings: FIGs.1A-1B depict a first plate of one embodiment of a paired magnetic retention plate system according to the present invention; FIGs.2A-2B depict a second plate of such embodiment of a paired magnetic retention system according to the present invention; FIGs.3A-3B depict a first plate of another embodiment of a paired magnetic retention system according to the present invention; FIGs.4A-4B depict a second plate of such other embodiment of Figs.3A-3B of a paired magnetic retention system according to the present invention; FIGs.5A-5B depict a first plate of another embodiment of a paired magnetic retention system according to the present invention; FIGs.6A-6B depict a second plate of such other embodiment of Figs.5A-5B of a paired magnetic retention system according to the present invention; FIGs.7A-7C depict plates of each of two paired retention systems installed in a patient’s mouth, on the upper and lower jaw, respectively, according to embodiments of the present invention; and FIGs.8A -8B depict in isometric views, two magnetic retention plate systems for upper and lower jaws, respectively; and FIGs.9A-9B depict two elevation views of one embodiment of a magnetic plate retention system for the lower jaw of a patient, according to the present invention. Turning to the drawings, specific non-limiting embodiments are described in further detail. It should be understood that the various systems, components, features, and methods described relative to these embodiments can be used either individually and / or in any desired combination as the disclosure is not limited to only the specific combinations and locations of the embodiments described herein. Although the only outline shapes for the plates shown in the drawings are of polygons, it is clear that any shaped plates, polyhedral, circular, oval, or plates having any ocmbinations of curved and straight outlines are to be included for the shapes of the magnetic plates included within the scope of the present invention. FIGs 1A-1B shows a first plate 110 of a paired magnetic retention system, corresponding to a second plate 120 of the paired retention system, as shown in FIGs.2A-2B, according to some embodiments. FIG.1A depicts the first plate in a top-view orientation, taken along lines 1B-1B of FIG.1A. The first plate 110 can be formed of a sybstantially solid magnetic body 112 including one or more screw holes 115, which pass fully through the plate body 112, so that a portion of the screw thread extends beyond the body so it can be screwed into the surface of a bone in the mouth of a patient. The screw holes 115 permit the passage of a bone screw through the holes to secure the plate 110 to the patient’s mouth. The screw holes 115 are provided with a countersunk portion 116 to allow for a flush orientation between the head of the screw and the surface of the solid magnetic body 112. In a preferred embodiment, especially with respect to a paired magnetic retention plate secured to the upper jaw palate bone, the screws are short, extending into d the surface of the palate bone 110 sufficiently to just screw into the outer surface lining, the bone cortex, of the palate bone. This is also preferred with respect to retention to the lower jaw bone, the mandibular bone. In some embodiments, the first plate 110 can include one or more cavities, or depressions, 114 arranged in a suitable format, configured to accommodate one or more projections on the second magnetic plate. For example, as shown in FIGs.1A-1B, six cavities 114 can be formed in a linear pattern of two rows of three (3) cavities. It should be understood that the number, pattern, shape and size of the cavities depicted in these two figures are exemplary only, and thus non-limiting. Any number of cavities, and corresponding projections on the second magnetic plate, including zero, are contemplated within the scope of this invention. The cavities 114 can preferably be formed partially through the first plate body 112, as is shown in FIG.1B. This is useful in not contributing to any abrasion of the patient’s body. As shown in FIGs1A-1B, the first magnetic retention plate body 112 can have an overall width, W1, and overall length L1, and an overall thickness T1. In some more common preferred embodiments, the body width, W1, can be between about 20 mm to about 50 mm, depending u pon the size of the denture and in some cases of the patient’s mouth. The body length L 1 canbe from about 30 mm to about 70 mm, again depending upon the size, e.g., the mass or dimensions, and / or the geometric footprint of the denture. The body thickness, T1, can be from about 2mm to about 7mm. Preferably the magnetic bplate’s thickness is preferably at least about 4mm. It should be appreciated that these dimension ranges are provided merely as exemplary of what would be commonly useful for a majority of the dental patients, at least in the United States of America. The projections and cavities found to be sufficient on the magnetic retention plates according to the present invention can cover only a minority of the space on the surface of the magnetic retention plate body. However, as shown by the drawings accompanying this text, in some cases more than a minority of the plate’s surface could be included in the total area of projections and respective projections. The width or the length of a cavity or projection can preferably be in the range of from 2 mm to about 8mm; it should be understood that the dentist, or other person skilled in that art would use their clinical knowledge and measured data for each individual patient to determine the suitable dimensions of the magnetic plates or any parts thereof, for use with the present invention. Similarly, the shapes of the possible projectionjs or depressions on the magnetic retention plates of the present invention must be left to the skilled dentist, or the like, to determine based upon the individual patient, and are not part of, and should not limit the scope of the present invention. As discussed in greater detail above, and as shown in the drawings, the cavities, as exemplified in the various drawing figures, preferably extend only partially into the thickness of the magnetic retention plates, and the projections preferably do not have a height on one of the magnetic plates, greater than the depth of the paired plate’s thickness. Preferably, the depth T2 of the cavities 114 extend from about 30% to about 75% of the thickness T1 of the body 112. It should be appreciated that any suitable cavity length L1, width W1, or depth T2 can be employed, as the present disclosure is not limited by the size of the cavities. FIGs.2A-2B depicts a second plate 120 of a retention system, corresponding to a first plate 110 of a magnetic retention system, shown in FIGs.1A-1B. FIG.2A shows the second plate in a top-view orientation and FIG.2B shows the second plate in a cross- sectional side-view orientation, taken along line 2B-2B of FIG.2A. In some embodiments, a second plate 120 of a retention system can include a body 122 including a sidewall 123 extending along an outer perimeter of the body 122. The body may also include a series of projections 124 extending from the body 122, configured to couple into the cavities of the first plate. In some embodiments, a depression 127 can be formed in between a sidewall 123, if present, and the projections 124, to permit space for the body of the first plate. It should be appreciated that the number, size, and orientation of the projections of the second plate can be formed substantially similar to the number, size, and orientation of the cavities of the first plate to enable the first and second plates to couple to one another through fitting of the cavities and projections. As shown in FIGs.2A-2B, the second magnetic plate body 122 can have an overall width W3, an overall length L3, and an overall thickness T3. It should be appreciated that the second plate body can be formed to accept the first plate (see FIGs.1A-1B), and preferably , but not necessarily, can be sized accordingly. Thus, in some embodiments, the overall width W3 of the second plate 120 (FIG.2A) can be greater than the overall width W1 of the first plate 110 (FIG.1A) and the overall length L3 of the second plate (FIG.2A) can be greater than the overall length L1 of the first plate (FIG.1A). The second plate body 122 can have any suitable thickness T3, including, but not limited to, a preferred thickness of from about 7 mm to about 15 mm. It should be appreciated that any suitable second body length L3, width W3, or thickness T3 can be employed, as the present disclosure is not limited by the size or the shape of either of the magnetic retention plates of the present invention. FIG.2B shows a depression 127 in the second magnetic plate 120 body. The depression depths T4 is preferably between 30% and 75% of the overall thickness T3 of the second plate body 122. It should be appreciated that although the projections 124 are shown to be formed normal to the body 122, projections that are orientated at an angle relative to the body 122 are also contemplated. In some embodiments, angled projections can facilitate various denture insertion angles. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited by the angle of the projections, and of the paired depressions, relative to the body. It should also be appreciated that embodiments of magnetic plates without projections or cavities are also contemplated, in situations where lateral forces on the paired retention plates are low. In some embodiments, a back surface 129 of the second plate 120 can include a texture configured to enhance its adhesion to a denture. In some instances, the back surface can have a beaded, roughened, and / or sand-blasted texture to enhance adhesion. FIGs 3A-3B shows a first plate 130 of a retention system, corresponding to a second plate 140 of a retention system, as shown in FIGs.4A-4B, according to some embodiments. FIG.3A shows the first plate in a top-view orientation and FIG.3B shows the first plate in a cross-sectional side-view orientation, taken along line 3B-3B of FIG.3A. The first plate can be formed of a substantially solid body 132 including one or more screw holes 135, which can pass from a first surface of the body 132 to an opposing surface of the body. The screw holes 135 can permit the passage of a bone screw through the holes to secure the plate 130 to the patient’s mouth. The screw holes 135 can optionally include features such as countersinks to facilitate a flush orientation between the respective screw and a surface of the solid body 132. In some embodiments, the first plate 130 can include one or more cavities in the form of channels 134, as shown in FIG.3A, configured to accommodate a projection of the second plate. In some instances, the channel 134 can form a central body 131, as shown in FIGs.3A-3B. It should be appreciated that the rectangular channel shape depicted in FIGs.3A-3B is exemplary and non-limiting. Accordingly, retention systems having any suitable number and shape of channel are contemplated. The channel 134 can be formed partially through the first plate body 132. As shown in FIG.3B, the channel 134 can extend from a first surface of the body 132 only partially through the thickness of the body 132. The absence of through holes for the channel 134 can reduce the risk of excessive contact or interaction of projection(s) of the second body into the patient’s bone. As shown in FIGs.3A-3B, the first plate body 132 can have an overall width W4, an overall length L4, and an overall thickness T5. In some embodiments, the preferred body width W4 can be between approximately 20 mm and 50 mm. The preferred body length L4 can be between approximately 30 mm and 70 mm. The preferred body thickness T5 can be between approximately 2 mm and 7 mm. In some embodiments, the body thickness T5 can be not less than about 4 mm. It should be appreciated that any suitable first body length L4, width W4, or thickness T5 can be employed, as the present disclosure is not limited by the size of the first plate body. It should also be appreciated that the geometry of the first plate body may be any suitable size to achieve suitable magnetic strength. As stated, the size and shape of the paired magnetic retention plates of the present invention should be left to the dental practitioner’s determination of what is needed by each patient. The channel 134 can have a width W5 and length L6, as shown in FIG.3A. The channel width W5 is preferably in the range of from approximately 8 mm to about 20 mm. The channel length L6 is preferably in the range of approximately 10 mm to about 35 mm. It should be appreciated that any suitable channel length L6 or channel width W5 can be employed, as the present disclosure is not limited by the size of the channel, as explained above. Although the channel 134 is shown to be in a rounded rectangular shape in FIGs. 3A-3B, other shapes of channel are also contemplated. As discussed in greater detail above and as shown in FIG.3B, the channel 134 preferably extends partially through the thickness of the first body 132. The channel 134 can extend a depth T6 into the body 132. In some embodiments, the preferred depth T6 of the channel 134 can in the range of from approximately 30% to about 75% of the thickness T5 of the body 132. It should be appreciated that any suitable channel length L4, width W4, or thickness T6 can be employed, as the present disclosure is not limited by the size of the channel. FIGs 4A-4B shows a second plate 140 of a retention system, corresponding to a first plate 130 of a retention system, shown in FIGs.3A-3B. FIG.4A shows the second plate in a top-view orientation and FIG.4B shows the second plate in a cross-sectional side-view orientation, taken along line 4B-4B of FIG.4A. In some embodiments, the second plate 140 of a retention system can include a body 142 including a sidewall 143 extending along an outer perimeter of the body 142. The body can preferably also include a projection 144 extending from the body 142, configured to couple into the channel of the first plate. In some embodiments, a depression 141 can be formed in the middle of the projection 144, to permit space for the central body of the first plate. It should be appreciated that the number, size, and orientation of the projection of the second plate can be formed substantially similar to, but preferably slightly smaller than, the number, size, and orientation of the channel of the first plate to readily enable the first and second plates to couple to one another through the fitting of the projection into the channel. As shown in FIGs.4A-4B, the second magnetic plate body 142 can have an overall width W6, an overall length L6, and an overall thickness T7. It should be appreciated that this second magnetic plate body can be formed to accept the first plate (see FIGs.3A-3B) and can preferably be sized accordingly. Thus, in some preferred embodiments, the overall width W6 of the second plate 140 (FIG.4A) can be greater than the overall width W4 of the first plate 130 (FIG.3A) and the overall length L6 of the second plate (FIG.4A) can be greater than the overall length L4 of the first plate (FIG.3A). The second magnetic plate body 142 can have, in some embodiments, any suitable thickness T7, preferably including a thickness in the range of from approximately 7 mm to about 15 mm. It should be appreciated that any suitable second body length L6, width W6, or thickness T7 can be employed, as explained above. FIG.4B shows a depression 141 thickness T8 in the second plate 140 body. The depression thickness T8 can be any suitable thickness, including, preferably, in the range of from approximately 30% to about 75% of the overall thickness T7 of the second plate body 142. It should be appreciated that although the projection 144 is shown to be formed normal to the body 142, a projection that is orientated at an angle relative to the body 142 is also contemplated. In some embodiments, angled projections can facilitate various denture insertion angles. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited by the angle of the projections relative to the body. It should also be appreciated that embodiments without a projection or channel are also contemplated. In some embodiments, a back surface 149 of the second magnetic plate 140 attached to a denture, can include a texture configured to enhance its adhesion to the denture. In some instances, the back surface can preferably have a beaded, roughened, and / or sand-blasted texture to enhance adhesion. FIGs 5A-5B shows a first magnetic plate 150 of a retention system, corresponding to a second plate 160 of a retention system, as shown in FIGs.6A-6B, according to some embodiments. FIG.5A shows the first plate in a top-view orientation and FIG.5B shows the first plate in a cross-sectional side-view orientation, taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 5A. The first magnetic plate can be formed of a substantially solid body 152 including one or more screw holes 155, which can pass from a first surface of the body 152 to an opposing surface of the body, as shown in FIG.5B. The screw holes 155 can permit the passage of a bone screw through the holes to secure the plate 150 to the patient’s mouth. In some embodiments, the first plate 150 can include one or more cavities in the form of channels 154, as shown in FIG.5A, configured to accommodate a projection of the second plate. The channel 154 can be formed at least partially through a width-wise direction of the body 152. In this way, the first plate can be coupled to the second plate through a sliding coupling method. In some embodiments, a mandibular removable denture can be installed on a mandibular ridge bone through the sliding coupling method. It should be appreciated that the rectangular channel shape depicted in FIGs.5A-5B is exemplary and non-limiting. Accordingly, retention systems having any suitable number and shape of channel are contemplated. For example, retention systems with first magnetic plates having more than one channel are contemplated. The channel 154 can be formed partially through the first plate body 152. As shown in FIG.5B, the channel 154 can extend from a first surface of the body 152 only partially through the thickness of the body 152. The absence of through holes for the channel 154 can reduce the risk of excessive contact or interaction of projection(s) of the second body into the patient’s bone. As shown in FIGs.5A-5B, the first plate body 152 can have an overall width W8, an overall length L7, and an overall thickness T9. In some preferred embodiments, the body width W8 can be in the range of from about 5 mm to about 20 mm. The body length L7 can be in the range of from about 15 mm to about 50 mm. The body thickness T9 can be in the range of from about 2 mm to about 7 mm. It should be appreciated that any suitable first body length L7, width W8, or thickness T9 can be employed, as the present disclosure is not limited by the size or shape of the first plate body. The channel 154 can have a width W9 and length L8, as shown in FIG.5A. The channel width W9 can be in the range of from about 5 mmto about 15 mm. The channel length L8 can be in the range of from about 2 mm to about 10 mm. It should be appreciated that any suitable channel length L8 or channel width W9 can be employed, as the present disclosure is not limited by the size of the channel. Although the channel 154 is shown to be in a rounded rectangular shape in FIGs.5A-5B, other shapes of channel are also contemplated. As discussed in greater detail above and as shown in FIG.5B, the channel 154 can extend partially through the thickness of the first body 152. The channel 154 can extend a depth T10 into the body 152. In some embodiments, the thickness T10 of the channel 154 can be in the range of from about 30%to about 75% of the thickness T9 of the body 152. It should be appreciated that any suitable channel length L7, width W8, or thickness T10 may be employed, as the present disclosure is not limited by the size of the channel. FIGs 6A-6B shows a second plate 160 of a paired retention system, corresponding to the first plate 150 of the paired retention system, shown in FIGs.5A-5B. FIG.6A shows the second plate in a top-view orientation and FIG.6B shows the second plate in a cross- sectional side-view orientation, taken along line 6B-6B of FIG.6A. In some embodiments of the present invention, the second plate 160 of the present paired retention system can include a body 162, including a sidewall 163 extending outwardly from the body 162 surface along at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the body 162. The body 162 can also include a projection 164, extending outwardly from the body 162, configured to couple into a channel in the body of a first paired plate . In some embodiments, a depression 167 is formed around the projection 164, to permit space for the body of the first plate (as shown for example in Figs.5A, 5B. In some embodiments, the sidewall 163 may not extend along a lower edge 168 of the outer perimeter, as shown in FIG.6A. The lack of sidewall on the lower edge 168 permits the body 152 of the first plate 150 to slide laterally into the depression 167 of the second plate 160. Embodiments with a full sidewall (e.g., a sidewall that extends along the lower edge of the second body) are also contemplated, for example, where there is sufficient space in the mouth of the patient. It should be appreciated that the number, size, and orientation of the projection of the second plate can preferably be formed substantially similar to the number, size, and orientation of the channel, or other depression, in the first plate to enable the first and second plates to couple to one another through the fitting of the channel and projection, as well as magnetically. As shown in FIGs.6A-6B, the second plate body 162 can have an overall width W10, an overall length L9, and an overall thickness T11. It should be appreciated that the second plate body can be formed to accept the first plate, see FIGs.5A-5B, and can be sized accordingly. Thus, in some embodiments, the overall width W10 of the second plate 160 (FIG.6A) can be greater than the overall width W8 of the first plate 150 (FIG.5A) and the overall length L9 of the second plate (FIG.6A) can be greater than the overall length L7 of the first plate (FIG.5A). The second plate body 162 can have any suitable thickness T11, but preferably has a thickness in the range of from about 7 mmto about 15 mm. It should be appreciated that any suitable second body length L9, width W10, or thickness T11 can be employed, as the present disclosure is not limited by the size of the second plate body. FIG.6B shows a depression 141 thickness T12 in the second plate 160 body. The depression thickness T12 may be any suitable thickness, including, but not limited to, in the range of from about 30% to about 75% of the overall thickness T11 of the second plate body 162. It should be appreciated that although the projection 164 is shown to be formed normal to the body 162, a projection that is orientated at an angle relative to the body 162 is also contemplated. In some embodiments, angled projections may facilitate various denture insertion angles. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited by the angle of the projections relative to the body. It should also be appreciated that embodiments without a projection or channel are also contemplated. In some embodiments, a back surface 169 of the second plate 160 caninclude a texture configured to enhance its adhesion to a denture. In some instances, the back surface may have a beaded, roughened, and / or sand-blasted texture to enhance adhesion. In some embodiments, the retention systems of FIGs.1A-4B can be employed to secure a maxillary denture to the patient’s maxillary palate while the retention systems of FIGs. 5A-6B can be employed to secure a mandibular denture to a patient’s mandibular lower ridge bone. In other embodiments, the retention systems of FIGs.1A-4B can be employed to secure a maxillary denture to the patient’s maxillary palate and to secure a mandibular denture to a patient’s mandibular lower ridge bone. In other embodiments still, the retention systems of FIGs.5A-6B can be employed to secure a maxillary denture to the patient’s maxillary palate and to secure a mandibular denture to a patient’s mandibular lower ridge bone. Any combination of the foregoing is contemplated. FIGs.7A-7C show paired plate retention systems to be installed on a patient’s upper jaw palate arch 226 and lower jaw mandible bone arch 243. FIG.7A shows two first plates 110 of a retention system installed on a patient’s maxillary palate 226. The first plates 110 can be attached to the patient’s maxillary palate 226 through bone screws positioned through the body of the first plates 110. Preferably, the screws only extend into the cortex of the maxillary palate bone. FIG.7B is an isometric view of an edentulous mandible 240, or lower jaw bone, having a mandibular notch 241 and mandibular foramen 242. In some embodiments, a second first magnetic plate 150 can be installed on the mandibular lingual aspect 243 in between the mandibular ridge 244 and mylohyoid ridge 245. The second magnetic plate 150 can also be positioned between the reformer pad 246 of the mandible and the midline 247, depending on the needs of the patient. As discussed in further detail above, any magnetic plates 150 can be be attached to either or both of the lingual aspects of the mandible bone, through the use of orthodontic screws passing throw the body of the first plate. It should be appreciated that a another similar magnetic plate can be installed on the opposing side of the mandible 240, which is not visible in the isometric view of Fig.7B, due to the configuration of the mandible in the drawing. FIG.7C shows a partial cut-away elevation view of one of the side portions of the mandible bone depicted in FIG.7B, taken along a cross-sectional line approximately at the midline (see midline 247 of FIG.7B). FIG.7C shows a first plate 150 installed on the lingual aspect 243 of the edentulous mandible, between the mandibular ridge 244 and the mylohyoid ridge 245. It should be appreciated that the angle and orientation of the retention systems can be uniquely selected to fit the needs of the patient. FIGs.8A-8B show paired plate retention systems installed on the respective dentures, including a maxillary denture 320 and a mandibular denture 340. FIG.8A shows a pair of second magnetic plates 120 of a paired retention system installed on a maxillary denture 320, on the central upper surface 326 of the maxillary denture, at least partially surrounded by the denture flange 325, both plate bodies positioned to contact the opposite paired magnetic plate when placed against the maxillary palate of a patient’s jaw. These second plates 120,160, can be attached to the denture system through adhesive contacts. In some embodiments, the dentures can be formed in situ, around the second magnetic bodies. FIG.8B shows two second plates 160 of a retention system installed on a mandibular denture between the buccal flange 344 and the lingual flange 342. FIGs.9A-9B depict partial cut-away side views (for visual clarity) of a mandibular denture 340 installed on a mandible bone ridge 240 using a magnetic retention system in accordance with this invention. The mandibular denture 340 includes synthetic teeth 341 situated between the buccal ridge 344 of the denture 340 and the lingual ridge 342 of the denture 340. As shown in FIGs.9A-9B, the buccal flange 344 of the denture 340 is not seated against the buccal aspect 249 of the mandible bone 240 and the lingual flange 342 is not seated against the lingual aspect 243 of the mandible. As explained above, the intention of using the magnetic retention system of the present invention is to avoid unnecessary pressure against a jawbone by a denture providing synthetic teeth in place of missing teeth zone that is is going through the healing period following bone graft surgery. Alternately, the denture could have no buccal flange The magnetic retention system of the present invention can facilitate the installation of the denture 340 over the mandible 240 as follows. In some embodiments, a first plate 150 of the retention system is secured into the mandibular bone cortex 240 with orthodontic screws 50; and a second plate 160 of the magnetic retention system of the present invention is secured onto the mandibular denture 340, e.g., with adhesives. The denture 340 is then arranged on to the mandible 240, positioning the first plate 150 and the second plate 160 to induce magnetic attraction between them. Once the plates are in magnetic contact, the denture is kept in place relative to the mandible, reducing the risk of dislodgement. It should be noted, that a denture for use on a patient going through the healing process for a bone graft preferably, in most cases, will not include the buccal flange, relying on the and the magnetic plates of this invention, supported on the jawbone and the lingual flange to hold the denture firmly in place even during chewing activity by the patient. Preferably, the lingual flange itself is held away from the healing bone by the thickness of the two magnetic plates. It should be appreciated that FIG.9A shows a partial cut-away view of the magnetic retention system plate 150, taken across its screw holes (e.g., through holes 155 of FIGs. 5A-B), while FIG.9B shows the same view but not cut-away, of the retention system magnetic plates 150, 160. It should also be appreciated that FIGs.9A-9B are intended \to visually convey the position of the installed denture on the mandible when using the magnetic retention systems of the present invention. Accordingly, FIGs.9A-9B are not necessarily to scale or anatomically complete. Upon installation of the first plates 110 on to the patient’s mouth and second plates 120 into the removable denture, the denture can be gently positioned into the patient’s mouth to couple the magnetic plates to one another, securing the dentures to the mouth. In some embodiments, the maxillary denture can be positioned in a direction substantially normal to the maxillary palate, while the mandibular denture can be positioned by sliding the denture in a vertical, or slanted direction to facilitate coupling in a comfortable fashion for the patient. While several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present disclosure is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the disclosure described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the disclosure can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present disclosure is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure. Any terms as used herein related to shape, orientation, alignment, and / or geometric relationship of or between, for example, one or more articles, structures, forces, fields, flows, directions / trajectories, and / or subcomponents thereof and / or combinations thereof and / or any other tangible or intangible elements not listed above amenable to characterization by such terms, unless otherwise defined or indicated, shall be understood to not require absolute conformance to a mathematical definition of such term, but, rather, shall be understood to indicate conformance to the mathematical definition of such term to the extent possible for the subject matter so characterized as would be understood by one skilled in the art most closely related to such subject matter.

[0002]

Claims

What is Claimed is as follows:

1. A paired magnetic retention system comprising a first magnetic body and a second magnetic body, each magnetic body being formed of a biocompatible, ferromagnetic material for magnetically securing a denture in the mouth of a patient; the paired system comprising: a first magnetic body designed and formed to be secured to a bony surface in the mouth of a patient, and a second magnetic body being designed and formed to be secured to a denture, wherein at least one of the first and second ferromagnetic bodies is magnetized, to be capable of securing the two bodies together magnetically so that the denture is secured in the jaw by the paired magnetic bodies; each of the first and second magnetic bodies being designed and formed so that one magnetic body surface on each magnetic body is compatible for joining closely with at least one magnetic surface on the other magnetic body, and having a second surface of the first magnetic body suitable for being in close and secure contact with a bony surface in the mouth of a patient.

2. The paired magnetic retention system in accordance with Claim 1, wherein each magnetic body has the following dimensions: a thickness of between 2 and 7 mm, a length of at least 3 mm, and a width of at least 2mm, the maximum length and width being limited by the size of the mouth of the patient, and the location of the denture in the patient’s mouth.

3. The paired magnetic retention system in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the first magnetic body has one plate surface designed to be secured onto the cortex of a bony surface in the patient’s mouth and the second magnetic body being secured to a denture by at least one of the following systems, a mechanical connector, an adhesive or by being incorporated in situ in the denture.

4. The paired magnetic retention system in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the first magnetic body is designed to be threadedly secured to the cortex of the palatine bone of the upper jaw and the second magnetic body is designed and formed to be secured in a paired position on an upwardly facing surface of a denture so as to contact the first magnetic body to hold the denture in the upper jaw, without placing any stress on a healing bone graft on an upper jaw tooth-holding ridge.

5. The paired magnetic retention system in accordance with Claim 4 , wherein the first magnetic body is designed to be threadedly secured to the cortex of the palatine bone of the upper jaw by orthodontic screws.

6. The paired magnetic retention system in accordance with Claim 1, wherein each magnetic body is formed of a rare earth metal ferromagnetic alloy coated with at least one bio-compatible material selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconia, zirconia-alumina mixtures, polymeric films and gold alloys.

7. The paired magnetic retention system in accordance with claim 5, wherein both magnetic bodies have been magnetized.

8. The pair of magnetic plates of Claim 1 formed of a titanium-coated rare earth metal ferromagnetic material.

9. A magnetic retention system comprising: a first plate configured to be secured to at least one of a patient’s maxillary palate bone or a patient’s mandibular ridge; and a second plate configured to be secured to at least one of a removable maxillary denture or a removable mandibular denture; wherein the first and second plates are magnetically secured together when matching surfaces of the two plates are in contact.

10. The magnetic retention system of claim 9, wherein the first plate comprises at least one cavity.

11. The magnetic retention system of claim 10, wherein the at least one cavity is a channel.

12. The magnetic retention system of claim 10, wherein the second plate comprises at least one projection configured to be secured within the at least one cavity of the first plate.

13. The magnetic retention system of claim 9, wherein the first plate and the second plate are each formed of a titanium coated rare earth metal magnetic material.

14. The magnetic retention system of claim 9, wherein the first plate is configured to be mechanically secured to the at least one of a patient’s maxillary palate bone or a patient’s mandibular ridge bone.

15. The magnetic retention system of claim 9, wherein the second plate is configured to be adhesively secured to the at least one of a removable maxillary denture or a removable mandibular denture.

16. The magnetic retention system of claim 12, wherein the at least one projection comprises a series of projections, wherein the at least one cavity comprises a series of complementary cavities, and wherein the series of projections is configured to be mechanically secured within the series of complementary cavities when the two plates are magnetically secured together.

Images