BE1018624A3 - REVERSIBLE DENTAL PROSTHESIS SEALING SYSTEM. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for reversible sealing of a dental prosthesis (1) on a support integral with the jaw of a patient, comprising: - a compressor (2) connected to a connector (4) by a pipe ( 5) and suitable for either sucking or blowing air through the connector (4); - a reversible mechanism (3) integral with the prosthesis (1), in the form of a micro-valve (31) which can be connected to the connector (4) and integrated, preferably glued in a sealed manner, in a chamber diffusion terminated by a jacket (32) communicating with a cap (8) located in the vicinity of the support, these elements being configured to create a vacuum or create a vacuum reversibly in an interstitial space between the prosthesis (1) and the support , at the place where the sealing is to be made, when the compressor (2) is connected to the reversible mechanism (3) in suction mode; - an insulation (11) of the support configured to maintain the vacuum or the depression in said interstitial space.

Description

REVERSIBLE DENTAL PROSTHESIS SEALING SYSTEM Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a system for sealing or reversible fixation of fixed or removable prosthetic elements in the dental medical sector.

Technological background and state of the art

In the dental field, it is known that the sealing of a fixed dental prosthesis is usually by means of a cement. This consists of either two powders or a powder and a liquid, one being the base and the other the catalyst.

In the closure of the teeth by a composite, one can also advantageously use a radiation, for example UV, as a catalyst. Some sealants also use this method.

A dental bridge or "bridge" can replace one or more missing teeth, relying on the neighboring teeth or on the restored stubs thereof (abutment teeth), one (e) on each side of the recess. The bridge is formed of crowns juxtaposed to each other. Since the bridge is fixedly cemented to the pillars, it can not usually be removed. In the remainder of the presentation, the terms pillar and stump will be used indifferently.

The use of bridges, the realization is relatively simple, therefore poses a problem in the service after sealing II .is usually impossible to take off the prosthesis, once placed in the mouth, without fear of breaking the stubs, the bridge being cemented with cement in an irreversible manner.

The use of a hammer, called crown cutters, or other mechanical means (eg WAMkey instrument, key loosening crowns and bridges) always causes trauma to the patient and a risk of breaking the stubs .

It is better to cut each element, which requires a good technique so as not to break the stump. This intervention, however, still condemns the fixed prosthesis element.

Goals of the invention

The present invention aims to provide a solution that allows to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

The invention particularly aims to provide a system and a quick and easy process that can seal and unseal fixed or movable dental prostheses reversibly, without damaging them.

Main features of 1 invention

A first object of the present invention relates to a reversible sealing system of a dental prosthesis on one. support integral with the jaw of a patient, comprising: - a compressor connected to a connection by a pipe and able to be sucked, or to blow air through the connection; a reversible mechanism secured to the prosthesis, in the form of a micro-valve which can be connected to the connector and integrated, preferably sealed, into a diffusion chamber terminated by a jacket communicating with a cap located at proximity of the support, these elements being configured to evacuate or to create a reversible depression in an interstitial space between the prosthesis and the support, where the seal is to be made, when the compressor is connected to the reversible mechanism. suction mode; an isolation or sealing means of the support configured to maintain the vacuum or the vacuum in said interstitial space

According to particular embodiments of the invention, the sealing system further comprises one or more of the following characteristics: the support integral with the jaw comprises at least two natural teeth or two restored stumps of natural teeth or still two dental implants, or is constituted by the gingiva; the dental prosthesis is of the fixed type, preferably in the form of a bridge or dental bridge comprising a first metal part sealed on the support and covered with a second ceramic or porcelain part making up the artificial tooth or teeth; the dental prosthesis is of the removable or mobile type comprising artificial teeth; the reversible mechanism is made of metal or plastic and the diffusion chamber terminated by the jacket comprises an axial inlet and at least two transverse or lateral ducts in communication with the aforementioned interstitial space, the diffusion chamber preferably being in the form of "T"; - In the case of a bridge, the micro-valve, its diffusion chamber and the liner are positioned in the edentulous space, the lateral ducts opening at the level of the bridge abutments, in the cap; in the case of a fixed prosthesis, the jacket with the lateral ducts are provided in the metallic mass of the prosthesis or the bridge; - the shirt with the lateral ducts are provided in the artificial teeth of the mobile prosthesis; - the fitting is provided with a specific color mark to distinguish it from other fittings of the same type.

A second object of the invention relates to a stub specially adapted for use in the sealing system of a dental prosthesis as above, comprising a metal part adapted to telescopically cooperate with the prosthesis and to to be secured, preferably screwed, into an implant placed in the maxillary bone of the patient and at least provided in its proximal portion of the implant with a seal making it possible to ensure the hermeticity of the volume in which the vacuum or the depression must be realized, when the metal part. cooperates with the cap.

Advantageously, the metal portion of the stump is of frustoconical shape and provided with means, preferably concentric grooves, for clipping the stub in the cap.

A third object of the invention relates to a handle of a prosthesis having a reversible mechanism as indicated above, characterized in that it is provided with: - a connection device to said compressor; at least two suction cups capable of grasping said prosthesis when they are activated by depression by using the compressor in suction mode and to release said prosthesis when they are deactivated by using the compressor in blowing mode.

A fourth object of the invention relates to a method for reversibly sealing a dental prosthesis on a support integral with the jaw of a patient, by implementing the aforementioned sealing system, characterized by the following steps the patient is placed in position on the jaw of the prosthesis which comprises the reversible mechanism in the form of a micro-valve integrated in a diffusion chamber terminated by the jacket communicating with the cap situated in the vicinity of the support; - the compressor is connected to the micro-valve via the coupling; the compressor is started in suction mode to create the vacuum or a depression in the interstitial space situated between the cap of the prosthesis and said support comprising an insulation.

A fifth object of the invention relates to a method for reversibly unsealing a dental prosthesis of a support integral with the jaw of a patient, by implementing the aforementioned sealing system, characterized by the steps following: - the compressor is connected to the micro-valve via the coupling; - The compressor is started in blowing mode to restore the atmospheric pressure in the interstitial space between the cap of the prosthesis and said support having an insulation; - the prosthesis is removed from the patient's mouth; if necessary, the prosthesis support is cleaned by blowing air with the compressor.

Advantageously, according to these two methods, the manipulation clamp, as described above, is used to set up and / or remove the prosthesis in the patient's mouth.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 shows schematically the various components of the reversible micro-valve dental sealing system according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows the establishment of the sealing system according to Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 3 shows a detailed embodiment of the colored tip, according to the present invention.

Figure 4 shows different views of the micro-valve and its diffusion chamber according to the invention.

Figure 5 shows a particular embodiment of the stump and the sleeve according to the present invention.

Figure 6 shows the gripper handling a prosthesis provided with a reversible sealing system according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention applies to fixed or mobile prostheses in the dental field.

The invention thus relates in particular to a system intended to be integrated into the fixed dental prostheses which are affixed to natural teeth or implants. The dental implant is a small cylinder, usually titanium, fixed by the surgeon in the maxillary bone (jaw). Its purpose is to replace the root of a damaged or torn tooth and to support a prosthesis. All teeth of the jaw can be replaced.

The invention applies in particular to bridges (three elements and more). In the case of implants, there is the advantage that the metal element of the implant can be machined on site and withstand all pressures without any risk of pain. This invention can also be integrated with mobile prostheses.

The principle of the invention consists of a system for hermetically sealing the fixed or mobile prostheses, reversibly, creating the vacuum or a "negative pressure", that is to say a depression, relative to at ambient atmospheric pressure, between the elements of the prosthesis and its support.

The system according to the invention comprises, as shown schematically in Figure 1 for a bridge type fixed prosthesis 1: a) a compressor 2 provided with a pipe 5 terminated by a specific or interchangeable tip or connector 4; b) a reversible mechanism 3 in the form of a valve and a jacket (or diffuser), connectable to the compressor 2 by means of the nozzle 4; c) an insulation of the support (not shown).

By support is meant natural teeth, pivots, implants, gums, mobile prostheses or any other prosthetic means.

In Figure 2, the upper left view shows the dentition with a missing tooth, for example the first molar 6. The upper right view shows the position shown schematically by the micro-valve system 3 according to the invention. At the bottom of FIG. 2, view A shows the two dental stubs 7 serving as abutments. The view B shows the bridge including the micro-valve and its diffuser, outside the mouth. Finally, the view C shows the bridge comprising the micro-valve and its diffuser, in its final position bridging the two dental stubs 7 serving as pillars.

The invention also includes additional innovations such as a new stump adapted specifically for the implementation of the invention, a prosthesis handling clamp equipped with the sealing system according to the invention and a method for removing the mechanism. reversible off the shirt (see below).

Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

THE COMPRESSOR

The compressor 2 allows to create the vacuum or a negative pressure. It is used to suck the air into the interstitial space between the dental prosthesis and its support, this aspiration generating a seal, that is to say by definition a hermetic closure, of the two elements. The action of the compressor is advantageously reversible, according to the present invention.

In operation, the compressor is of course positioned out of the mouth (see Figure 1). The compressor has the second function of blowing air that will loosen the elements of their supports (reversible phenomenon). The compressor also cleans the system by blowing air under pressure when removing the prosthesis from the mouth.

The pipe 5 which connects the compressor and the mechanism located in the prosthesis ends with a tip or connection 4 which allows the connection. The use of the micro-valve 3 + nozzle 4 + compressor 2 system is for example similar to the inflation system of a bicycle inner tube. But any other suitable connection system falls within the scope of the invention. As shown in Figure 3, the tip 4 is specific and is the outer part or male part of the system of the invention. It is interchangeable, thanks to a specific color mark 4A, to distinguish the tips belonging to several patients of the same family for example or to distinguish the cleaning tip.

The compressor is used by the dentist and / or the patient who can thus activate and clean the prosthesis and its support.

THE MICRO VALVE AND THE DIFFUSER

As shown in Figure 4, the system according to the invention comprises a mechanism in the form of a reversible micro-valve mechanism 3 for hermetically sealing the prosthesis on its support by performing vacuum or negative pressure (depression ) between these two elements. The mechanism is reversible because it is possible to open it to allow air to enter the prosthesis, resulting in the loosening of the latter. This reversible mechanism also makes it possible to blow air with the compressor to allow this loosening and to facilitate the cleaning of the system.

Advantageously, the micro-valve mechanism 3 is metallic and has a valve 31 properly inserted into a diffusion chamber in the form of a "T" liner 32 with an inlet 34 provided for quick connection with the tip 4 of the compressor 2 and two side pipes 33 of sufficient length, to allow a lateral distribution to the two pillars of the fixed prosthesis bridge, where the crown of the bridge is telescopically fixed (see below) and to limit the depth of the volume occupied by the valve according to the anatomic constraints. For this purpose, it will be advantageous to use edentulous spaces to position the valve, the inlet 34 thereof being positioned in the lingual portion of the bridge. The two tubes 33 are also advantageously adapted to the anatomical shape of the patient's mouth. For example, the valve will have the approximate size of a premolar. The metal of the valve must be compatible with the metal of the prosthesis (bridge). Since the valve has polymer elements (for example a seal), it can not be placed in the oven and will be advantageously screwed or glued to the porcelain of the prosthesis after cooking thereof.

The reversible mechanism according to the invention thus occupies, once placed in the mouth of the patient, a free space devoid of teeth. It is located in the middle part of a bridge, in the case of a fixed prosthesis and in the artificial teeth of a mobile prosthesis. The system can be advantageously positioned in the space of the molars with the diffuser opening into the removable prosthesis. The invention is also compatible with a mobile implant prosthesis with telescopic fixation.

These features of the invention thus retain or restore the anatomy of natural teeth and ensure comfort in the patient's mouth.

As shown in Figure 5, the invention also comprises a pillar cap or stump 8 located in the bridge 9. From the cap 8 leave the conduits 33 which allow the connection of the reversible mechanism 3 with the support of the prosthesis . This system also applies in the case of individual crowns adjacent a bridge provided with the reversible mechanism according to the invention, by a connection at the point of contact of the teeth.

The jacket 32 and the conduits 33 are provided in the mass of the bridge metal for fixed prostheses and in the resin teeth for mobile prostheses. One method of molding that can be used is that of lost wax, which is a well-known method of the dental mechanic. The reversible mechanism is positioned in the jacket 32 (Figure 4) after making the bridge and porcelain, as indicated above. The reversible mechanism is replaceable without having to remake a new prosthesis.

With regard to the micro-valve itself, any suitable system falls within the scope of the invention.

SUPPORT INSULATION

Case of a natural tooth

The tooth cut in stump, or its restored stump, is covered with a substance or sheath (not shown) to create the vacuum and seal the prosthesis. This sheath around the stump of the tooth is comparable to a "transfer" and is made by the dental laboratory. The telescopic fastening method ensures maximum volume to create a vacuum.

Case of the implant: the stump

In this case, the portion 12 which is screwed on the implant 13 placed in the maxillary bone is also the subject of the present invention. This portion 12 shown in Figure 5, called "stump", is machined and ends with a seal 11 to ensure the hermeticity of the system. The stub 12 is screwed onto the implant 13 by a screw 14 located in the center of the stub 12 which is hollow. The internal volume thus released in the stub 12 between the top of the stump 12 and the screw 14 increases the sealing capacity of the system.

The stump 12 can be made in several diameters to fit on all existing implants. It can also be declined in several heights, shapes, volumes, etc., to adapt to all the necessary cases in the mouth.

The stump 12 receives the cap 8 located in the bridge. This cap is molded or machined in a suitable material to fit exactly the stump. So it increases the accuracy and efficiency of the system.

Case of mobile prostheses

A seal on the rim of the prosthesis and / or application of paste-gel ensures (s) hermeticity with the support, which here is the gum ..

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, it is possible to use, to promote the sealing of the mobile prosthesis to the support, a base paste in the form of a gel which is positioned in the prosthesis and which is composed, for example a colloidal suspension of spherical microcapsules, the volume of which changes with the pressure of the air. When the void or a. depression is created, the volume of these microcapsules increases, as well as their thrust on the support, while the volume of the interstices decreases, which increases the intensity of sealing. For questions of toxicity, the composition of this gel will be chosen so that it can not cross a semipermeable membrane. This gel is used to seal or seal, to create vacuum or depression. This process is reversible by inversion at the compressor (suction / blowing). The gel is applied inside the prosthesis before positioning on the support.

INNOVATIONS APPENDICES The stump

See above.

The manipulation clamp

[0050] Represented in Figure 6, a handling clamp 20 is designed to be secured to the reversible mechanism of the system according to the invention, with suction pads 21 activatable to enter and deactivated to release the system. It is connected to the compressor 2 by an appropriate connection device 22, to perform these operations. It removes the temporary teeth without damaging them, while providing more comfort to the patient. The dentist can thus avoid, according to the reversible mechanism of the invention, the use of a tear-off which is quite traumatic for the patient.

This clamp allows to manipulate the final porcelain crowns. Thanks to the suction cups 21, the crown does not slip from the hands and this makes it possible to avoid an unfortunate fall on the ground. Such a clamp allows for example to test color, occlusion or access to deep or delicate places in difficult access mouths for the fingers of the dentist. The clamp can be used when sealing permanent and temporary crowns.

The system to remove the reversible mechanism from the shirt.

If for any reason, it is necessary to replace the reversible mechanism, this can be done without having to repeat the prosthesis. The principle is based on melting points between the reversible mechanism and the jacket (glue).

Advantages of the invention

The invention can be applied in fixed dental prosthesis, either on the stump of natural teeth, or on the stump of the implants.

The invention can also be used in removable dental prosthesis by creating the gap between the prosthesis and the gum.

In dental prosthesis fixed, it then becomes easy, thanks to the invention to subsequently treat the support (tooth or implant) for devitalization, revision, cleaning hygiene and especially to have the opportunity to repair the porcelain of the prosthesis. Indeed, according to the state of the art, a chip in the porcelain of a dental bridge of several elements generally condemns automatically to redo all the work because it is impossible to remove or repair the bridge to the mouth, without the remove and deteriorate.

The invention also has a number of other advantages: - thanks to the use of vacuum, modifying the medium to prevent the proliferation of microbes (aerobic and anaerobic environment); - no danger of contamination by the product; - no surpassing of the sealing cement in inaccessible spaces; - homogeneous sealing, without human manipulation; - Unlimited dismantling / reassembly possibility, the very principle of the invention; - ease and speed; - all controls and treatments that can be done without any problem; - aesthetic adjustment in case of retraction of the gum after extraction. After extraction, there is always a retraction of the gum. If this retraction occurs abnormally, an unsightly black border appears. With the method of the invention, it is easy for the technician to grind the prosthesis in order to readjust it to the new configuration of the gingiva; - adaptation of the ceramic during a specific retraction at the collar; - Hygiene greatly increased because the daily cleaning is possible at the level of the user himself, which makes it possible to increase the lifetime of the implant.

Claims (15)

1. Reversible sealing system of a dental prosthesis (1) on a support integral with the jaw of a patient, comprising: - a compressor (2) connected to a connection (4) by a pipe (5) and adapted to either suck or blow air through the fitting (4); - A reversible mechanism (3) integral with the prosthesis (1), in the form of a micro-valve (31) connectable to the connector (4) and integrated, preferably sealed, in a chamber diffusion system terminated by a jacket (32) communicating with a cap (8) located in the vicinity of the support, these elements being configured to evacuate or create a reversible depression in an interstitial space between the prosthesis (1) and the support at the location where the seal is to be made, when the compressor (2) is connected to the reversible mechanism (3) in suction mode; an isolation or sealing means (11) of the support configured to maintain the vacuum or the vacuum in said interstitial space. 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the support integral with the jaw comprises at least two natural teeth or two stubs restored natural teeth or two dental implants, or is constituted by the gingiva. 3. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the dental prosthesis (1) is of the fixed type, preferably in the form of a bridge or dental bridge having a first metal part sealed on the support and covered with a second part ceramic or porcelain component artificial teeth. 4. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the dental prosthesis (1) is of the removable or mobile type comprising artificial teeth, 5. System according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the reversible mechanism (3) is metal or plastic and the diffusion chamber terminated by the jacket (32) has an axial inlet (34) and at least two ducts. transverse or lateral (33) in communication with the aforementioned interstitial space, the diffusion chamber preferably being in the form of "T". 6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that, in the case of a bridge (1), the microvalve (31), its diffusion chamber and the first sleeve (32) are positioned in the edentulous space (6). ), the lateral ducts (33) opening at the pillars (7) of the bridge (1), in the cap (8). 7. System according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the jacket (32) with the lateral ducts (33) are provided in the metal mass of the prosthesis or bridge. 8. System according to claim 5, characterized in that the jacket (32) with the lateral ducts (33) are provided in the artificial teeth of the movable prosthesis. 9. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector (4) is provided with a specific color mark (4A) to distinguish it from other connections of the same type. 10. Impeller specially adapted for use in the sealing system of a dental prosthesis (1) according to claim 1, comprising a metal part (12) adapted to cooperate telescopically with the prosthesis (1) and to be secured, preferably screwed into an implant (13) placed in the maxillary bone of the patient and at least provided in its proximal portion of the implant (13) with a seal (11) making it possible to ensure the hermeticity of the volume in which vacuum or depression must be achieved, when the metal part (12) cooperates with the cap (8). 11. Stump according to claim 10, characterized in that the metal portion (12) is frustoconical and provided with means, preferably concentric grooves, for clipping the stump (12) in the cap (8). 12. Gripper for manipulating (20) a prosthesis (1) comprising a reversible mechanism (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with: - a connection device (22) to said compressor (2 ); at least two suckers (21) able to grip said prosthesis (1) when they are activated by depression by using the compressor (2) in suction mode and to release said prosthesis (1) when they are deactivated using the compressor (2) in blowing mode. 13. Process for reversibly sealing a dental prosthesis (1) on a support integral with the jaw of a patient, by implementing the sealing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the following steps the prosthesis (1), which comprises the reversible mechanism (3) in the form of a micro-valve (31) integrated in a diffusion chamber terminated by the jacket (32) communicating with the patient, is placed in position on the patient's jaw. with the cap (8) located in the vicinity of the support; the compressor (2) is connected to the micro-valve (31) via the connection (4); - The compressor (2) is started in suction mode to create the vacuum or depression in the interstitial space between the cap (8) of the prosthesis (1) and said support having an insulation (11). 14. Process for reversibly unsealing a dental prosthesis (1) of a support integral with the jaw of a patient, by implementing the sealing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the steps following: - the compressor (2) is connected to the micro-valve (31) via the connection (4); - The compressor (2) is started in blowing mode to restore the atmospheric pressure in the interstitial space between the cap (8) of the prosthesis (1) and said support having an insulation (11); - the prosthesis (1) is removed from the patient's mouth; - If necessary, we clean the prosthesis support by blowing air with the compressor (2). 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the manipulator clamp (20) according to claim 12 is used to place and / or remove the prosthesis (1) in the mouth of the patient.