Spring-effect replacement pacifier
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/058706
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-28
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
Smart Images
Figure EP2026058706_01102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] "Spring-effect replacement pacifier"
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present invention relates to a spring-effect replacement pacifier.
[0004] The invention will find particular application with young children. The invention also applies to the field of orthodontic appliances, especially for facilitating the transition from infantile to adult swallowing by retraining the lips. The invention also applies to tongue retraining.
[0005] STATE OF THE ART
[0006] Babies need to suck to calm themselves, feel reassured, and for the pleasure of sucking. Sucking devices such as pacifiers or soothers are therefore used for babies and young children. However, these sucking devices are harmful for several reasons detailed below. In particular, they cause a low tongue position that hinders jaw growth, leading to swallowing difficulties and sometimes speech problems. When teeth erupt, these sucking devices can cause an open bite, even protrusion of the incisors, and finally, impaired cheek contraction.
[0007] Indeed, the sucking action is centered in the palate, which is obstructed by the pacifier. The tongue, unable to find its natural position, disrupts the sucking action and leads to swallowing difficulties. Furthermore, the movement of the tip of the tongue is altered; it loses contact with the retro-incisive papillae of the palate and positions itself downwards and forwards. This results in atypical swallowing with contraction of the lower lip sling.
[0008] All these devices are potentially harmful, leading to growth disorders of the upper jaw such as endognathia. Because the tongue cannot find its place in the palate, underdevelopment of the nasal cavities, resulting in a narrow mouth, may be observed. Furthermore, growth disorders of the lower jaw such as retrognathia, or orthodontic malformations such as an open bite, mouth breathing, and its consequences like fatigue, snoring, sleep apnea, ear infections, allergies, and rhinopharyngitis, can also occur.
[0009] Once the baby is older, parents often look for ways to wean the young child from these sucking devices.
[0010] Several devices, described as physiological, are available on the market to replace pacifiers. However, existing products do not allow the child to experience the pleasure of sucking while simultaneously counteracting the negative effects mentioned above.
[0011] For example, document WO 2019 / 051545 A1 describes an oral training device for a person's tongue and lips comprising two lateral bite planes, intended to serve as an interface between the upper and lower molars, symmetrical on either side of a sagittal plane; a lip screen intended to be placed between the upper and lower lips and the teeth, to which the two bite planes are attached; the screen having an inner face intended to be in contact with the teeth and an outer face, opposite the inner face and intended to be in contact with the lips; and a training tongue extending along a longitudinal axis X through the lip screen in a direction parallel to the sagittal plane of the two lateral bite planes. This device is intended for training lip contraction and not for lip protrusion in a sucking motion; moreover, since the palate is not free, tongue retraining is hindered.This rehabilitation device does not allow breastfeeding of the child.
[0012] An objective of the present invention with respect to the solution proposed by the document referenced WO 2019 / 051545 A1 is to propose a solution enabling the stimulation of lip contraction and the restoration of physiological sucking in a child.
[0013] SUMMARY
[0014] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a suction replacement device is provided, comprising:
[0015] - two lateral bite planes intended to be an interface between the maxillary and mandibular arches, symmetrical on either side of a sagittal plane,
[0016] - a lip screen intended to be placed between the upper and lower lips and the teeth, and of which the two bite planes are joined, the screen comprising an inner face intended to be in view of the teeth and an outer face, opposite to the inner face and intended to be in view of the lips.
[0017] The device is characterized in that it comprises a mouthpiece extending along a longitudinal axis from the outer face of the labial screen in a direction parallel to the sagittal plane of the two lateral biting planes, the mouthpiece comprising a base integral with the outer face of the labial screen and a free end opposite the base, the mouthpiece comprising an external surface comprising at least two, preferably four, folds extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece and each comprising an apex oriented towards the free end of the mouthpiece, and configured to allow a spring effect of the mouthpiece, advantageously inciting an alternating forward and backward movement of the lips like suckling, and that each biting plane extends from the molars to the canines on either side of the sagittal plane.
[0018] The presence of folds on the mouthpiece effectively stimulates forward lip contraction. Both the folds and the mouthpiece are designed to stimulate this forward lip contraction. Their configuration creates a spring-like effect in response to lip contraction, allowing for a dynamic interplay between the contraction of the lips compressing the folds, which are released as soon as the lips relax, prompting a new cycle of contraction. This arrangement helps maintain lip contraction.
[0019] The proposed solution thus departs from conventional "classic" or "physiological" pacifiers. More specifically, the alternative device described above allows for physiological feeding up to the age of four, if the child needs it, to replace the beneficial effect of breastfeeding on the child's facial growth.
[0020] Because this sucking motion is soothing, the transition to a pacifier is comfortable.
[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0022] The aims, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof, which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:
[0023] Figure 1 shows a side view of a substitution device according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0024] Figure 2 shows a front view of the device as shown in Figure 1.
[0025] Figure 3 shows a top view of the device as shown in Figure 1.
[0026] Figure 4 represents a perspective view of the device according to Figure 1.
[0027] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the device as shown in Figure 1.
[0028] Figure 6 shows a top view of a device according to a variant of Figure 1.
[0029] The drawings are given as examples and are not limiting to the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to scale with practical applications.
[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Before proceeding with a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively are listed below:
[0032] According to one example, at least one, preferably each, fold (120) forms, with the longitudinal axis X of the mouth (12), an angle 0 substantially between 20 and 70°, preferably between 30 and 60°, and even more preferably substantially equal to 45°.
[0033] According to one example, the vertices (121) of the folds (120) define a frustoconical envelope (125). According to another example, each bite plane (10a, 10b) comprises a free end (102) and a junction end (103) integral with the labial screen (11).
[0034] Advantageously, the lip screen (11) includes an inner face free of bite plane (10a, 10b). According to an example, each bite plane (10A, 10B) includes an inner side (104) intended to face the palate and an outer side (105) intended to face a cheek and has a greater thickness on the inner side (104) than on the outer side (105).
[0035] According to one example, the mouth (12) includes an internal surface having the shape of a hollow cone.
[0036] According to one example, the replacement device (1) includes an extra thickness (1122) arranged at the base (1112) of the mouthpiece (12) to ensure the connection with the lip screen (11) thus avoiding the risk of breakage of the mouthpiece (12).
[0037] According to one example, the free end (122) of the mouthpiece opposite the base (1112) of the mouthpiece (12) is free of fold.
[0038] According to one example, the mouth (12) and / or its folds (120) exhibit rotational symmetry, and preferably revolutional symmetry.
[0039] According to an example, at least one, preferably each, ply (120) has a thickness e between 0.4 and 1.2 mm, preferably between 0.6 and 1 mm, and even more preferably substantially equal to 0.8 mm.
[0040] According to one example, the mouthpiece (12) has a length L between 10 and 30 mm, preferably between 15 and 25 mm, and even more preferably substantially equal to 20 mm.
[0041] According to an example, at least one, preferably each, fold (120) has a length I between 2 and 8 mm, preferably between 4 and 6 mm, and even more preferably substantially equal to 5 mm.
[0042] According to one example, the length I of the folds (120) is increasing towards the base (1112) of the mouth (12).
[0043] According to an example, a distance d separating two vertices (121) of folds (120) first neighbors to each other is approximately between 1 and 5 mm and preferably approximately equal to 2.3 mm.
[0044] Advantageously, the inner face of the labial screen (11) is a convex plane.
[0045] Advantageously, the lip screen (11) extends in a vertical plane in the lower part by two lower edges (111 A, 111 B) configured to be placed on either side of the lower lip frenulum.
[0046] Advantageously, the labial screen (11) extends in a vertical plane at the top by two upper edges (11a, 11b) and is configured to be positioned on either side of the upper labial frenulum
[0047] A parameter that is "substantially equal to / greater than / less than" a given value means that the parameter is equal to / greater than / less than the given value, within 20% or 10% of that value. A parameter that is "substantially between" two given values means that the parameter is at least equal to the smaller of the two given values, within 20% or 10% of that value, and at most equal to the larger of the two given values, within 20% or 10% of that value. For the purposes of this disclosure, "A and / or B" means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of this disclosure, "A, B, and / or C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).
[0048] In the detailed description that follows, terms such as "longitudinal," "transverse," "superior," "inferior," "internal," and "external" may be used. These terms should be interpreted relatively in relation to the normal position of use of the replacement device. For example, "internal" refers to surfaces or elements facing inward toward the oral cavity. "External" refers to surfaces or elements facing outward toward the oral cavity.
[0049] The terms "first", "second" and "third", etc. are used simply as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
[0050] A transverse section is defined as a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction is understood as the principal direction of extension of the mouth. A transverse section is a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
[0051] In the following description, and unless otherwise indicated, "symmetrical" means that the device of the invention advantageously exhibits symmetry, either for certain parts along a median axis, which will be explained later, or along a sagittal plane. The term "symmetrical" does not imply that slight dimensional or geometric variations are impossible around a strict symmetry. In particular, depending on the adjustments required to accommodate the user's anatomy, the device may exhibit slight variations between the left and right lateral parts of the invention designed to cooperate with the dental arches.
[0052] The term "sagittal plane" is understood in its usual anatomical definition as a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane viewed from the front. Typically, this plane is parallel to an anteroposterior axis of the head and passes through a point located midway between the two eyes. In the context of this invention, the median direction is included in the sagittal plane, the sagittal plane being further defined as the plane containing said median direction and substantially perpendicular to the maxillary supporting surface, which will be described in more detail later. The adjective "frontal" is used here to designate a direction of intersection between a frontal plane and the sagittal plane, that is to say, generally a vertical direction.
[0053] Terms such as under, below, and below refer to a position relative to a vertical direction, generally following the thickness of the bite plane.
[0054] The term "dental arch sector" refers to an anatomical portion of the user that may include a bony part and / or a dental part to which the device can be applied.
[0055] The adjective "maxillary" is used in reference to the upper jaw and the adjective "mandibular" in reference to the lower jaw.
[0056] The terms back and posterior, as well as front and anterior, are used similarly and are understood in a direction within the sagittal plane. The front is located at the level of the incisors, while the back is located at the rear of the oral cavity. The bite plane is the contact plane between the maxillary and mandibular arches. The invention is a spring-effect pacifier. The pacifier is hereinafter referred to as the pacifier.
[0057] A preferred embodiment of the suction substitution device 1 is described below with reference to the attached figures.
[0058] The replacement device 1 is initially such that it comprises:
[0059] o two lateral bite planes 10a, 10b,
[0060] or a lip screen 11, and
[0061] o a mouth 12.
[0062] The two lateral bite planes 10a, 10b are intended to be an interface between the maxillary and mandibular arches.
[0063] The two lateral bite planes 10a, 10b are advantageously symmetrical on either side of a sagittal plane.
[0064] The two lateral bite planes 10a and 10b extend over a sector of the dental arch, respectively. Each lateral bite plane 10a and 10b advantageously extends from the molars to the canines on either side of a sagittal plane. The two lateral bite planes 10a and 10b are distinct. The two lateral bite planes 10a and 10b are not continuous with each other. Device 1 does not include a bite plane over the sector of the dental arch between the right and left incisors; that is, the incisors are excluded, and therefore the bite plane begins at the tips of the upper right and left canines, respectively, and extends towards the molars.
[0065] The lateral bite planes 10a and 10b help relieve teething pain and stimulate early, symmetrical chewing, which takes over from sucking. The functions of swallowing, breathing, and chewing work together to rehabilitate orofacial motor skills disrupted by pacifier use.
[0066] Each bite plane 10a, 10b includes a maxillary support surface 100. Advantageously, but not exclusively, the maxillary support surface 100 is substantially flat. The maxillary support surface 100 allows for the application of the user's upper dental teeth or gums.
[0067] In contrast to the maxillary support face 100, each bite plane 10a, 10b preferentially includes a mandibular support face 101 which can be of a configuration substantially identical to the maxillary support face 100, i.e. preferentially flat.
[0068] Each bite plane 10a, 10b includes an internal side 103 intended to face the inside of the oral cavity more precisely the palate and an external side 104 intended to face the outside of the oral cavity more precisely a cheek.
[0069] According to one embodiment, each bite plane 10a, 10b has a greater thickness on the internal side 103 than on the external side 104. Advantageously, the maxillary support face 100 of each bite plane 10a, 10b is inclined towards the external side 104, the mandibular support face 101 being flat and substantially horizontal.The aim here is to orient the eruption of the upper deciduous molars slightly outwards during chewing on the substitution device 1 (when the child does not have the substitution device 1 according to the present invention, the teeth will erupt more vertically and this alternation of external version of vertical movement will produce a translation from inside out), which would allow for a greater transverse dimension of the upper dental arch and the maxillary bone (therefore of the nasal cavities); chewing stimulates bone growth which begins at birth, so it is important to initiate it as early as possible, even before the complete eruption of the deciduous molars.
[0070] As an example, each bite plane 10a, 10b has a thickness of approximately 2 to 4 millimeters.
[0071] Each bite plane 10a, 10b has a free end 102 intended to be in view of the molars and a junction end 103 opposite the free end 102 and ensuring the junction with the labial screen 11 substantially at the level of the canines.
[0072] Advantageously, the bite planes 10a, 10b extend substantially in an axial plane, also called the transverse plane, which is substantially horizontal. The axial plane is understood to be the plane perpendicular to the frontal plane.
[0073] According to an embodiment as illustrated in the figures, the bite planes can extend in a plane inclined relative to the axial plane. As can be seen in Figure 1, the free end 102 of the bite planes 10a, 10b can be placed in a plane above the junction end 103 of the bite planes 10a, 10b which joins the lip screen 11.
[0074] It is easy to understand that the shape and dimensions of the bite surfaces 10a, 10b are adapted to the user's morphology and can therefore vary. Consequently, the invention can be made available in several sizes.
[0075] Device 1 is advantageously flexible and therefore elastically deformable as previously indicated and can be made from various biocompatible materials, particularly silicone.
[0076] The lip shield 11 is designed to be placed between the upper and lower lips and the teeth or gums in the absence of teeth in babies.
[0077] The lip guard 11 prevents the tongue from passing between the teeth, or the gums in babies without teeth, thus guiding the eruption of the incisors and widening the premaxilla. The lip guard 11 also keeps the lips away from the teeth, preventing them from exerting harmful pressure on the teeth.
[0078] Advantageously, the lip screen 11 extends substantially in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the bite planes 10A, 10B. The lip screen 11 is located in the anterior zone, front zone, of the device 1 of the invention and constitutes the front part of the device.
[0079] Preferably, the lip screen 11 extends over a defined sector of the dental arch between the left and right incisors. Its shape is advantageously convex. Advantageously, the convexity is executed not only along planes parallel to the sagittal plane, but also along planes perpendicular to it. Advantageously, the lip screen 11 exhibits convexity in both the sagittal and frontal planes. This convexity of the lip screen 11, or more precisely, these two convexities, allows for an advancement of the gingivolabial sulcus along a sagittal plane. The lip screen 11 causes a slight mandibular advancement so that the upper and lower central incisors are in the same sagittal plane.
[0080] Preferably, the labial screen 11 includes an upper panel extending above the plane of the bite planes 10a, 10b.
[0081] According to this embodiment, the upper panel of the lip shield 11 comprises two upper extensions 11a, 11b extending to the upper gingivolabial sulcus opposite the nostrils. The V-shape, resulting in a progressive widening of the extensions towards their distal ends, this curvature 110 is designed to accommodate the upper labial frenulum. When the user clenches their teeth, these two extensions 11a, 11b improve nasal breathing. The two extensions 11a, 11b simultaneously exert a forward thrust in a sagittal plane, an upward vertical thrust, and a lateral thrust, substantially oblique in widening, in a frontal plane. This combination of thrusts results in a modification of the nose, improving nasal breathing. The passage of air through the nose is increased. More precisely, these thrusts modify the shape of the nostrils.Similarly, these thrusts modify the nasal passages, particularly the valve of each passage, improving nasal breathing. This is generally referred to as dilation of the nostrils. Advantageously, the diameter of the nostril openings is increased transversely, allowing for better nasal ventilation. The two extensions 11a and 11b are separated by a curve 110, the shape of which is preferentially configured to provide space for the labial frenulum and to be atraumatic. The curve 110 forms a low point in the sagittal plane. The height of the upper face at the level of the curve 110 is less than the height of the face at the distal ends of the two extensions 11a and 11b.
[0082] Preferably, the two extensions 11a, 11b do not extend beyond the front portion of the device. The front portion is understood to be the part of the device intended to be positioned opposite the user's nose. Advantageously, the two extensions 11a, 11b extend on either side of the upper lip frenulum over a total length corresponding to the width of the user's nose.
[0083] Preferably, the labial screen 11 includes a lower panel extending below the plane of the bite planes 10a, 10b.
[0084] The lower and upper panels of the lip screen 11 are continuous with each other.
[0085] Preferably, the lower face of the labial screen 11 comprises two lower extensions 111a, 111b extending to the mandibular gingivolabial sulcus. Advantageously, the two lower extensions 111a, 111b form a V shape, that is, producing a progressive separation of the extensions towards their distal ends; this curvature 1110 is intended to accommodate the lower labial frenulum.
[0086] The lip shield 11 comprises an inner face 112 intended to be in contact with the teeth or the gums in the absence of teeth in babies, and an outer face 113, opposite the inner face 112 and intended to be in contact with the lips. Preferably, the upper edge is intended to be in contact with the upper lip while the lower edge is intended to be in contact with the lower lip.
[0087] The inner surface of the lip shield 11 is preferably convex. The convex shape of the lip shield 11 is also designed to be atraumatic for the user who must wear this device for extended periods, particularly overnight. The lip shield 11 is configured to fit perfectly to the external shape of the upper dental arch. The lip shield protects the teeth and jaws from excessive lip contraction that can lead to dento-maxillary malformations. This is observed with the use of standard pacifiers and, more generally, with the persistence of infantile swallowing patterns.
[0088] The two bite planes 10a and 10b are integral with the labial screen 11. Advantageously, the bite planes 10a and 10b are integral with the labial screen 11 at their front extremities, that is, their anterior ends. The bite planes 10a and 10ab are integral with the labial screen 11 at their lateral sides. More specifically, there is no relief on the inner surface 112 of the labial screen 11 that would allow for free and unimpeded placement of the teeth and tongue. The bite planes 10a and 10b are not present on the inner surface 112 of the labial screen 11.
[0089] The mouthpiece 12 extends, along a longitudinal axis X, from the outer surface of the labial screen 11 in a direction parallel to the sagittal plane of the two lateral bite planes 10a, 10b. The mouthpiece 12 is a part extending between the front surface of the teeth and the lips. The mouthpiece 12 can also be called the mouthpiece.
[0090] The mouthpiece 12 is advantageously of longitudinal shape of the type of a rod having geometric shapes that can be varied, such as tubular or conical.
[0091] The mouthpiece 12 extends from the labial screen 11 and beyond the lips. In addition, or as an alternative, the mouthpiece 12 comprises a base 1112 attached to the outer face of the labial screen 11 and a free end 122 opposite the base 1112. The free end 122 is an extraoral portion forming a part outside the oral cavity.
[0092] As an alternative or in addition, the device may include an extra thickness 1122, arranged at the base 1112 of the mouthpiece 12, to ensure the connection with the lip screen 11 thus avoiding the risk of breakage of the mouthpiece 12.
[0093] The mouthpiece 12 includes an external surface.
[0094] According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece 12 is solid.
[0095] In another embodiment, the mouthpiece 12 is at least partially hollow. The mouthpiece 12 may then include an internal surface. The mouthpiece 12 is thus pierced by an internal channel 124 with a cylindrical or advantageously conical cross-section. In one possibility, the mouthpiece 12 includes an opening at the free end 122 and at the base 1112. In this possibility, the internal channel 124 is open at both ends. Alternatively, the internal channel may be open only at the free end 122 of the mouthpiece. In yet another possibility, the internal channel 124 may be closed at its ends, at the base 1112 and the free end 122.
[0096] The replacement device 1 is preferably such that the mouthpiece 12 comprises an external surface including at least two, preferably four, folds 120. Preferably, the folds 120 extend transversely to the longitudinal axis X of the mouthpiece 12. At least, preferably each, fold 120 includes a vertex 121 oriented towards the free end 122 of the mouthpiece 12. Advantageously, the folds 120 thus facilitate the forward movement of the lips and hinder their retraction. By pulling the mouthpiece 12 forward, the child can increase the movement of the lips. The folds 120 may also be called convex notches.
[0097] During muscle contraction, the upper lip rises progressively forward from the inside out. This action reduces the transverse narrowing of the nasal base, which eventually leads to difficulty breathing through the nose, causing the lips to relax backward. Since mouth breathing is blocked by the lip barrier, the lips contract backward. The presence of the folds 120, by their shape and structure, maintains instability of the upper lip, which, in reaction, remains constantly toned, moving alternately forward and backward. Consequently, by reflex, the tongue returns to its position in the palate, upward and forward. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the mouthpiece 12 has a length L approximately equal to 20 mm.
[0098] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the opening 12 has rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis X. Advantageously, the folds 120 have rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis X.
[0099] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one, preferably each fold 120 forms, with the longitudinal axis X of the mouthpiece 12, an angle 0 substantially equal to 45°. The fold(s) 120 are thus oriented towards the free end 122, which stimulates the lips to reach further for the next fold 12 and limits the return to the starting position.
[0100] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one, preferably each, ply 120 has a thickness e. The thickness e of the ply 120 is advantageously identical for all the ply 120. As a preferred example, the thickness e is substantially equal to 0.8 mm.
[0101] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one, preferably each, fold 120 has a length I. The length I is understood as the depth of the fold 120, that is to say the distance separating the top 121 from the hollow of the fold.
[0102] According to one possibility, all 120 folds have the same length. As a preferred example, the length I of the folds is approximately equal to 5 mm.
[0103] According to another possibility, the length I of the folds 120 can be increasing towards the base 1112 of the mouth 12.
[0104] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the vertices 121 of the folds 120 define, for example, a frustoconical envelope 125. To define a frustoconical envelope 125, the folds 120 may have a length I increasing along the longitudinal axis X, and / or the mouthpiece 12 may have a frustoconical external surface, and more preferably, the mouthpiece 12 may have a frustoconical internal surface. This arrangement of a frustoconical envelope 125, with the base 1112 of the mouthpiece 12 as its base and the longitudinal axis X as its axis, allows for an accordion-shaped mouthpiece in which the folds 120 fit together. The reduction in the diameter of the mouthpiece, and more precisely of the folds 120, facilitates the advancement of the lips.
[0105] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, a distance d separating two vertices 121 of folds 120 closest to each other is for example substantially equal to 2.3 mm.
[0106] According to one embodiment, the free end 122 of the mouthpiece 12 opposite the base 1112 of the mouthpiece 12 is free of folds; it is smooth. Two opposing transverse openings 123 may be provided on the free end 122 of the mouthpiece for threading a cord or ring, or lateral extensions 126 as illustrated in Figure 6, advantageously designed to receive a ring to facilitate grasping by the child. The lateral extensions 126 are configured to cooperate with the ring by stabilizing it. The lateral extensions 126 extend along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece 12.
[0107] The invention presented encourages the lips to move forward and backward in a suckling motion. The contraction of the lips and then the stretching are maintained by the spring effect of the folds 120 and advantageously by the forward traction on the ring or lateral extensions 126 discontinuously by the child.
[0108] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and extends to all embodiments covered by the invention. List of references
[0109] I. Substitute device
[0110] 10a. Bite Plan
[0111] 10b. Bite Plan
[0112] 100. Maxillary support surface
[0113] 101. Mandibular support surface 102. Free end
[0114] 103. Junction end
[0115] 104. Internal side
[0116] 105. External side
[0117] II. Lip screen
[0118] lla. Upper edge of the lip screen llb. Upper edge of the lip screen llla. Lower edge of the lip screen lllb. Lower edge of the lip screen 110. Upper curvature
[0119] 1110. Lower curvature
[0120] 112. Inner surface
[0121] 113. Outer surface
[0122] 12. Mouthpiece
[0123] 120. Fold
[0124] 121. Summit
[0125] 122. Free end
[0126] 123. Orifice
[0127] 124 Internal Channel
[0128] 125. Truncated conical envelope
[0129] 126. Lateral extensions 1112. Base
[0130] 1122. Overthickness
[0131] d. Distance separating two vertices I. Length of folds
[0132] e. Pleat thickness
[0133] L. Mouthpiece length
[0134] 0. Angle of inclination of the folds
[0135] X. Longitudinal axis
Claims
Demands 1. Suction substitute device (1) comprising: • two lateral bite planes (10a, 10b), intended to serve as an interface between the maxillary and mandibular arches, symmetrical on either side of a sagittal plane; • a lip screen (11) intended to be placed between the upper and lower lips and the teeth, and to which the two bite planes (10a, 10b) are attached, the screen comprising an inner face (112) intended to be in contact with the teeth and an outer face (113), opposite the inner face and intended to be in contact with the lips, characterized in that the device comprises a mouthpiece (12) extending along a longitudinal axis X from the outer face (113) of the lip screen (11) in a direction parallel to the sagittal plane of the two lateral bite planes (10a, 10b), the mouthpiece comprising a base (1112) attached to the outer face (113) of the screen labial (11) and a free end (122) opposite the base (1112), the mouthpiece (12) comprises an external surface including at least two, preferably four, folds (120) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis X of the mouthpiece and each comprising a vertex (121) oriented towards the free end (122) of the mouthpiece, and configured to allow a spring effect of the mouthpiece (12) and that Each bite plane extends from the molars to the canines on either side of the sagittal plane.
2. Substitute device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which at least one, preferably each, fold (120) forms, with the longitudinal axis X of the mouth (12), an angle 0 substantially between 20 and 70°, preferably between 30 and 60°, and even more preferably substantially equal to 45°.
3. Substitute device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apexes (121) of the folds (120) define a truncated conical envelope (125).
4. Substitute device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which each bite plane (10a, 10b) comprises a free end (102) and a connecting end (103) integral with the labial screen (11) advantageously at the level of the canines.
5. Substitute device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the lip screen (11) comprises an inner face free of bite plane (10a, 10b), advantageously between the right and left canines.
6. A substitute device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each bite plane (10A, 10B) comprises an inner side (104) intended to face the palate and an outer side (105) intended to face a cheek and has a greater thickness on the inner side (104) than on the outer side (105).
7. A substitute device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece (12) comprises an inner surface having the shape of a hollow cone.
8. Substitute device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an extra thickness (1122) arranged at the base (1112) of the mouthpiece (12) to ensure the connection with the lip screen (11) thus avoiding the risk of breakage of the mouthpiece (12).
9. Substitute device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the free end (122) of the mouthpiece opposite the base (1112) of the mouthpiece (12) is free of crease.
10. Substitute device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouth (12) and / or its folds (120) have rotational symmetry, and preferably revolutional symmetry.
11. Substitute device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably each, fold (120) has a thickness e of between 0.4 and 1.2 mm, preferably between 0.6 and 1 mm, and even more preferably substantially equal to 0.8 mm.
12. Substitute device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece (12) has a length L between 10 and 30 mm, preferably between 15 and 25 mm, and even more preferably substantially equal to 20 mm.
13. Substitute device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably each, fold (120) has a length I of between 2 and 8 mm, preferably between 4 and 6 mm, and even more preferably substantially equal to 5 mm.
14. Substitute device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length I of the folds (120) is increasing towards the base (1112) of the mouth (12).
15. Substitute device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance d separating two vertices (121) of first neighboring folds (120) is substantially between 1 and 5 mm and preferably substantially equal to 2.3 mm.