Patent Application
20240091625
The present invention generally relates to oral appliances, including protective oral appliances.
Generally, oral devices such as mouthguards or sports guards are used in a variety of environments. The mouthguards are flexible dental splint appliances specifically used to prevent sports injury. Mouthguard usage is particularly common in contact sports and other activities where head and face blows are anticipated. Many sports associations require the use of sports guards, and the ADA recommends their use in 29 sports.
Further, protective oral devices that cover the teeth and absorb shock are often used by people engaged in active and contact sports. Athletes such as hockey players, boxers, and football players universally use these mouthpieces during games, matches, or scrimmages. When the user collides with another player, or with an object, their teeth may clench, or may be significantly jarred during impact. It is essential that the teeth are protected by a shock absorbent material, to reduce the risk of irreparable damage. Most of the oral devices like mouthguards are bulky to protect the entire surface area of the teeth. Such mouthguards are physically unattractive and prevent the user from speaking clearly and distinctly when in worn. Consequently, the protective device must be continuously inserted into and removed from the mouth during periods of non-contact when the user needs to speak. For example, most football players will hold their mouthpiece in their mouth only during the actual time the play is progressing and may not wear their mouthpieces during the huddle or between plays. For non-impact sports, the user needs a lightweight, flexible oral appliance that allows them to speak normally during use. In addition, the user may find it difficult to breath properly when the mouthpieces are in place.
Typical mouthguards are designed custom-fit to protect the teeth and gums of the users or patients. The custom sports guards, specific to the patient's anatomy, are made through a thermoforming machine or a 3D printer 100 (as shown in
Accordingly, there is a need for a protective mouthpiece system that enables a user to breathe more freely when the mouthpiece system is worn.
The present invention generally discloses dental devices. Also, the present invention discloses an oral dental device used to prevent or reduce injuries to the inside of the mouth, teeth, and the jaw by absorbing some or all of the impact of blows to the face and head.
In some embodiments, the device is configured to protect the teeth and jaws of the user during physical activities or sports settings. In some embodiments, the device includes an oral splint appliance designed for the upper jaws. In some embodiments, the device includes a sports guard. In some embodiments, the device may be used in treating medical conditions such as bruxism, and sleep apnea. In some embodiments, the device consists of a thick splint designed in dental CAD software, and additively manufactured in flexible 3D printer resin. In some embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of irrigation holes to facilitate breathing through the mouthpiece.
In some embodiments, the device comprises a pair of mouthpieces configured to form a U-shaped channel having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a floor. The plurality mouthpieces include an upper mouthpiece and a lower mouthpiece. The upper and lower mouthpiece is used in conjunction or independently. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece includes one or more irrigation holes or air channels configured to facilitate the flow of air through the mouthpiece for increased oxygen uptake by the user. In some embodiments, the oral device further includes a bite tab configured to engage some or all of the top and bottom teeth of the user or wearer.
In some embodiments, the device is made of a material selected from a group consisting of polyethylene-polyvinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), silicone, carbon fiber, nanofiber, or other suitable materials and the combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the device changes color upon undergoing heat damage, age, and deterioration. The device further includes an antimicrobial surface to prevent the growth and accumulation of pathogens on the surface of the oral device.
In some embodiments, the device further includes a double guard design. The double guard is a bonded pair of sports guards for an upper and lower arch of the mouth. In some embodiments, the double guard is configured to reduce the chance of concussions or other damage during jaw motion. In some embodiments, the double guard design comprises an upper double guard and a lower double guard. In some embodiments, the upper double guard and lower double guard is merged together before cutting a plurality of irrigation channels in the form of holes. In some embodiments, the plurality of irrigation channels may be in the shape of circle, rectangle, hexagonal, or any other suitable pattern. In some embodiments, the irrigation channels could be added manually or automatically with predefined patterns using an application software, for example, CAD software. The double guard comprises the plurality of irrigation channels at its anterior region to facilitate breathing of users, for example, athletes, while wearing the double guard.
In some embodiments, the double guard is a pair of splints merged together by a designer during additive manufacturing for increased control of occlusion while biting. To develop the upper double guard and lower double guard, the upper and lower arches are aligned in an appropriate position. Based on specific patient needs and expert analysis by a clinician or AI/software, a “best” position for the relationship of upper and lower arches may be defined. This position may be the rest position, or any other position. Once the position is decided, either at rest or at a custom position, the pair of splints can be merged together accordingly. In some embodiments, the lower splint of the double guard is designed at the rest position. In some embodiments, the device prevents specific regions of the cutting jig from intersecting the boundary of the splint.
In some embodiments, the double guard comprises an open airway between the upper double guard and lower double guard at their front end configured to facilitate breathing. In another embodiment, the double guard comprises one or more support columns at the open airway. In some embodiments, the support columns are provided to prevent sharp impacts to the anterior region. In some embodiments, the support columns are designed specific to the user's/patient's jaw motion data. The patient's jaw motion data may be obtained using analog or digital methods.
In another embodiment, the double guard comprises at least one support column at the open airway. In yet another embodiment, the double guard comprises multiple support columns at the open airway. In some embodiments, the frequency and size of these columns may be designed specific to the patient's use case. Typically, higher impact sports require more support columns. In still another embodiment, the double guard comprises a bite tab.
In some embodiments, the oral device is used for protecting a user from injuries. The oral device comprises a U-shaped base composed of resin callout having a U-shaped cross-section. The U-shaped cross-section comprises a lower, a horizontal floor with upwardly extending inner lingual and outer labial walls, and a posterior section proximate to the user's molar. The oral device includes a plurality of irrigation channels in the form of holes for increased uptake of oxygen while wearing the oral device.
In some embodiments, the oral device further comprises a continuous ridge composed of the resin callout having the U-shaped base and integral with the base. In some embodiments, the ridge comprises an outer horizontal portion disposed on the exterior surface of the outer labial wall of the anterior section and terminating in opposite inner horizontal portions disposed on the interior surface of the horizontal floor of the posterior section.
In some embodiments, the present invention utilizes a method for designing an oral device for protecting a user from injuries. The method comprises the following steps. At one step, an impression or scans of the user or patient's jaw is acquired along with bite position as an input during the time of seating. The impression or scans is acquired from mandibular, maxillary, and gum-like areas. In some embodiments, the impressions or scans is acquired from mandibular, maxillary, and gum-like areas. The acquired data is inputted to a dental CAD software. At another step, a sports guard is designed by a designer based on the acquired impression or input scan. At another step, an upper double guard mouthpiece is designed based on the acquired impression or input scan. At another step, a lower double guard mouthpiece is designed based on the acquired impression or input scan. At another step, the designed upper double guard and lower mouthpieces comprise arches are merged together. The double guard is a pair of splints. At another step, the splint is added or cut with irrigation holes using a custom pattern in the CAD software to obtain a file. This pattern is adapted for function, such as dynamic scaling or dimensions. It is also adapted for cosmetics, such as logos or shapes. In some embodiments, further the irrigation holes are not placed on the molars to ensure a stable bite during impact.
At another step, the obtained file is transferred to a 3D printer's slicing software or cloud interface to print the mouthpiece. The file is oriented, supported and responsively added to a layout and queued with similar models using the cloud software. In some embodiments, the user sets up the file on desktop software. After printing, the print is washed and cured. At another step, the print is post-processed with automated wash solutions, ultrasonic cleaning, or warm soapy water after curing. In some embodiments, the splint is soaked in hot water before seating. Optionally, the print is polished with a lathe, a wheel, and a series of pumice, steam and polishing compounds.
According to one aspect, one or more embodiments are provided below for a protective oral appliance comprising a first U-shaped channel adapted to engage a user's upper teeth when worn and having a first inner facing wall, a first outer facing wall, and a first bottom connecting the first inner facing wall and the first outer facing wall, and a second U-shaped channel adapted to simultaneously engage the user's lower teeth when worn and having a second inner facing wall, a second outer facing wall, and a second bottom connecting the second inner facing wall and the second outer facing wall, and at least one hole passing through the first inner facing wall, the first outer facing wall, the first bottom, the second inner facing wall, the second outer facing wall, and/or the second bottom, wherein the at least one hole is adapted to allow air to pass through the at least one hole and into the user's mouth.
In another embodiment, the first U-shaped channel is coupled to the second U-shaped channel.
In another embodiment, the protective oral appliance includes an open airway between the first U-shaped channel and the second U-shaped channel.
In another embodiment, the open airway includes at least one support column extending from an upper side of the open airway to a lower side of the open airway.
In another embodiment, the at least one hole is about 1 mm-2 mm wide.
In another embodiment, the protective oral appliance includes a bite tab configured to engage at least one tooth of the user's upper teeth and at least one tooth of the user's lower teeth when worn.
In another embodiment, the first U-shaped channel and the second U-shaped channel are formed using at least one of polyethylene-polyvinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), silicone, carbon fiber, and nanofiber.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.
The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.
It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the device 600 is made of a material including but not limited to polyethylene-polyvinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), silicone, carbon fiber, nanofiber, other suitable materials, and/or any combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the device 600 changes color upon undergoing heat damage, age, and/or deterioration. For example, the resin chosen to form the device 600, once cured, may change color under at least one of the following conditions: (i) when exposed to a high temperature above a predetermined threshold, (ii) when a specific amount of time has passed, and (iii) when the cured material has deteriorated to a particular level.
In some embodiments, the device 600 includes an antimicrobial surface to prevent the growth and accumulation of pathogens on the surface of the oral device 600. The antimicrobial surface may include a coating that is applied to the device 600 after the device 600 has been formed (e.g., by spraying, dipping, etc.), and/or may be a result of using an antimicrobial material to form the outer layer of the device 600 during the fabrication process.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the upper guard 700-1 and the lower guard 700-2 may be formed and/or merged together prior to cutting a plurality of irrigation channels 710-1, 710-2 through the upper and/or lower guards 700-1, 700-2, respectively. In some embodiments, the irrigation channels 710 are through holes (as shown in
In some embodiments, the double guard 700 includes a pair of splints merged together by a designer during an additive manufacturing process for increased control of occlusion while biting. To develop the upper double guard 700-1 and/or the lower double guard 700-2 of the double guard 700, the upper and/or lower arches of the user may preferably be aligned in an appropriate position such that a scan or impression may be taken. Based on specific patient needs and expert analysis by a clinician or AI/software, a preferred relative position of the user's upper and lower arches may be determined. This position may be the rest position of the user, or an alternative position. Once the position is determined, the pair of splints can be arranged accordingly with one another (aligned per the determined position of the user's upper and lower arches) and merged together accordingly.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In another embodiment, an oral device for protecting a user from injuries, comprising a U-shaped base composed of resin callout having a U-shaped cross-section comprising a lower, horizontal floor with upwardly extending inner lingual and outer labial walls, and a posterior section proximate to the user's molar; wherein the oral device includes a plurality of irrigation channels in the form of holes for increased uptake of oxygen while wearing the oral device; and a continuous ridge composed of the resin callout having the U-shaped base and integral with the base, wherein the ridge comprises an outer horizontal portion disposed on the exterior surface of the outer labial wall of the anterior section and terminating in opposite inner horizontal portions disposed on the interior surface of the horizontal floor of the posterior section.
In another embodiment, the double guard 800 comprises one or more support columns and/or other types of support structures at (e.g., within) the open airway 806. In some embodiments, the support columns are provided to dampen sharp impacts to the anterior region of the user's jaw. In some embodiments, the support columns are designed specific to the user's/patient's jaw motion data. The patient's jaw motion data may be obtained using analog or digital methods, e.g., impressions, scans, etc.
In some embodiments, the double guard 800 includes at least one support column 808 within the open airway 806. For example, as shown in
In other embodiments, the double guard 800 may include multiple support columns. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in
It is appreciated that other types of reinforcement structures also may be used to reinforce the double guard 800, e.g., in the area of the open airway 806. For example, the open airway 806 may include a reinforced perimeter (e.g., of thickened material). In addition, other shaped reinforcement structures also may be used, such as, without limitation “X” shaped reinforcement structures within the open airway 806.
In some embodiments, as shown in
At step 914, the obtained file is transferred to a 3D printer's slicing software or cloud interface to print the device 600. The file is oriented, supported and responsively added to a layout and queued with similar models using the cloud software. In some embodiments, the user sets up the file on desktop software. After printing, the print is washed and cured. At step 916, the print is post-processed with automated wash solutions, ultrasonic cleaning, or warm soapy water after curing.
In some embodiments, the print is optionally polished with a lathe, wheel, and a series of pumice, steam and polishing compound. This process obfuscates the layer lines from 3D printing and makes the appliance nearly indistinguishable from a thermoformed equivalent. Polishing also helps the patient with aftercare, as it will be easier to clean. In some embodiments, optional “heat seat” delivery method involves placing the appliance in warm (95-115° F.) water for 10-20 seconds and then adapting the malleable appliance to the patient's teeth by hand while still pliable from the heated bath. In some embodiments, the patient may handle optional adjustments by soaking the splint in hot water before seating. Further, the dentist may handle optional adjustments by using a handpiece or other tool to grind and/or polish the splint or redesign, potentially based on new scans.
Advantageously, the device of the present invention provides safety to a user from injuries caused during physical activities and sports settings. The device of the present invention provides a unitary, customizable oral device protecting the teeth and jaws and having a continuous integral ridge with an outer portion for further protection of the anterior teeth and an inner portion for further protection of the posterior teeth. The device is a durable, impact-resistant barrier while maintaining form-fitting comfort. The device of the present invention is designed with increased thickness and material which helps lessen sports or other impacts. For example, the variable thickness specific to the patient's anatomy creates an even bite plane and further reduces damage when impacted. The method of designing also is adapted to be used for the manufacture of various other dental appliances.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.
The foregoing description comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings in the foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63408047 | Sep 2022 | US |
