DE102010051749A1 - Method for manufacturing mouthguard used as protection device by e.g. hockey athlete, involves performing digital modulation of data regarding replica and digital optical casting processes performed at athlete's jaw or tooth - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves performing replica process and digital optical casting process at a jaw or a tooth (4) of athlete. The data regarding the replica process and digital optical casting process performed at the jaw or tooth, is prepared. The digital modulation of the data regarding the replica and digital optical casting processes performed at the jaw or tooth, is performed, to manufacture the mouthguard (7). The mouthguard is made of photopolymer comprising photopolymer resin. The tooth is covered by projective layers (1,2).

Description

The invention relates to a sports and / or surgical mask obtained by a method comprising the following steps:
analog and / or digital impression of at least one jaw or a tooth, data processing of the molded jaw and / or teeth, modulation of the protection and manufacture of the protection is made.

A protection of the teeth or the mouth is particularly relevant for sports in which by a body contact, there is a high risk of injury. A mouthguard is a safe means of preventing injury and fracture of the teeth, some of which result in their loss. The gum shield further prevents cuts in the lip that may result from pinching the lip and the resulting contact with the teeth as a result of a shock.

A well-known mouthguard is made of a flexible plastic, which is individually adapted to the teeth of the wearer to ensure optimum protection. It has the form of a one-piece rail, which covers the entire row of teeth in use. In the case of a blow in the jaw area, the mouthguard dampens the blow and distributes its energy over the entire row of teeth.

Often teethguard rails are used for this purpose, which serve as a mouthguard in sports such as boxing, hockey, ice hockey u. Like. serve. For such sports, especially boxing and ice hockey a dental protection is required, which conventionally consists of a plasticine, in which the athlete bites into it, so that its crowns are covered by the plasticine. As a result, however, only a makeshift is created and in particular is prevented by such a dental protection free forced breathing during the occurring in such sports strong physical demands, although the articulated speaking or calling is hindered.

In order not to impair the wearing comfort, however, the tooth protection disclosed in the prior art has only a small wall thickness, so that the resulting damping properties are limited.

Various techniques have been described in the prior art for producing a dental guard. For this purpose, for example, a dentist takes an impression of the oral cavity of a patient to produce a plaster cast, which is subsequently used as a model. In the gypsum cast, for example, an acyl resin material is filled and brought to polymerization, whereby an editable impression of the oral cavity is formed. The polymerized material can be processed by a technician to ensure an optimal fit of protection. The protection must end with the teeth, which can only be achieved by repeated testing of the mouthguard by the patient. It is a tedious and time-consuming procedure that is not comfortable for the patient and often does not provide optimal dental protection for the upper and lower teeth. In addition, the manufacturing costs are inevitably large.

In the prior art mouth inserts are still described, which are adapted directly in the mouth either by the dentist or the user himself. Such mouth inserts are usually made of thermoplastically deformable plastic, which after softening in a water bath (Boil and bite) or with the help of another heat source such. B. a hot air blower or infrared radiator, by means of fingers, tongue and perioral muscles is adjusted directly in the mouth. These mouthpieces are roughly shaped and made ready for sale and used many times.

It is disclosed in the prior art that dental splints or mouth inserts can be produced by means of a thermoforming technique in which thermoplastic films are heated in thermoforming equipment and shaped by means of a jaw model, for example, from plaster. Thermoforming films are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes as well as in different colors. The shape of the film depends on the thermoforming device recommended for processing, the thickness of the film according to the intended design and the use of the mouthguard. The films may for example consist of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. From the films, the desired processing form can be punched out, which is applied in the laboratory by heating and by pressure in the desired shape or on the respective model. Various thermoforming devices are used, the differences being among others in the heating and thermoforming technology. A distinction is made between vacuum and compression molding technology. In order to guarantee a necessary stability and strength of protection, several layers of film are mounted one above the other, which is not only very costly, but also laborious and time consuming.

Based on this prior art, it is the object of the present invention to provide a protection that is customizable for a patient and does not have the disadvantages or deficiencies of the prior art.

The problem is solved by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims.

• a. analoge und/oder digitale Abformung mindestens eines Kiefers oder eines Zahnes,
• b. Datenaufbereitung der unter a. bereitgestellten Abformung, d. h. der abgeformten Kiefer und/oder Zähne,
• c. digitale Modulation des Schutzes und
• d. Fertigung des Schutzes.

The invention therefore relates to a method for producing a sports and / or surgical mask, comprising the following steps:

• a. analog and / or digital impression of at least one jaw or tooth,
• b. Data preparation of the under a. provided impression, ie the molded jaw and / or teeth,
• c. digital modulation of protection and
• d. Manufacture of the protection.

It has been quite surprising that a known method of making a sports and / or surgical mask can be used, wherein the protector is molded in accordance with a dental arch and suitably covers the surfaces and sides of the teeth. To protect the root area of the teeth, the sports and / or surgical mask preferably covers a large area of the vestibule.

The invention further relates to the use of a method for producing a sports and / or surgical mask to protect the teeth. This achieves a high wearing comfort, guarantees an optimal protection and surprisingly does not affect the breathing. It has also been shown that the protection is easy to clean and bactericidal, so that a permanent use is ensured. In addition, the protection can be inexpensively manufactured by mass production method. The protection can be used in numerous sports such as boxing, hockey, ice hockey or martial arts. A further advantage of the method according to the invention is that although the protection consists of individual separate layers, it is present as an inseparable unit. As a result, a high stability of the protection can be guaranteed. This is a significant advantage over the film-forming process, in which the layers are thermoplastically bonded together, but still exist as layers applied separately. The film deep drawing process is a complex process which requires numerous work steps. By the method according to the invention, a sports and / or mouth protection can be produced in a few steps, wherein the modeling takes place digitally with a CAD system and the production by means of a CAM system, whereby working time and manpower can be saved. In particular, through the digital modeling of the sports and / or surgical masks can be optimally adapted to a pine and constructed of different materials, which are preferably inextricably linked. Advantageously, areas of the sports and / or surgical mask can be designed differently, for example by different materials being used in different layers.

By the preferred use of the method, a sports and / or surgical mask can be provided, which has an optimal fit and is quick and inexpensive to produce. For this an impression is made of an oral cavity. The impression or the impression can be made by means of analog and / or digital methods, wherein at least one jaw and / or at least one tooth is detected. The analogous impression preferably comprises impression methods which, in the context of the invention, are referred to in particular as conventional impression methods. It is made in the conventional impression method an impression by means of a deformable and hardenable material, which is poured with example gypsum. The material used may preferably be alginate (salts of alginic acid), silicone, hydrocolloids or polyethers. The model created in this way can be edited in subsequent process steps.

As an impression material alginate is physiologically harmless and allows impressions of acceptable accuracy and detail. In case of improper further processing, the alginate impression dries out and can therefore become unusable. The impression material can advantageously be introduced into the mouth in suitable carriers made of metal or plastic (so-called impression trays).

Polyether is in particular an overarching name for polymers whose organic repeating units contain ether functionalities (C-O-C) in the main chain. A variety of structurally very different polymers can be referred to as polyethers, comprising. the polyalkylene glycols (polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols and polyepichlorohydrins) as polymers of 1,2-epoxides, polytetrahydrofurans (polytetramethylene glycols), oxetane polymers, polyaryl ethers or polyetheretherketones. Polyether is initially hydrophilic, but can be fitted very precisely and even in severe conditions in the oral cavity very accurately. It is advantageously odorless and tasteless and easy to remove from the patient's mouth.

Furthermore, silicone can be used as an impression material. For the purposes of the invention, silicones comprise synthetic polymeric compounds in which silicon atoms are linked in a chain-like and / or netlike manner via oxygen atoms, the remaining valencies of the silicon being represented by hydrocarbon radicals (eg methyl groups, ethyl groups, Propyl groups, phenyl groups, etc.) are saturated. Silicone prints are hydrophobic and due the mechanical properties insensitive and dimensionally stable.

It may also be preferred to use hydrocolloids as the impression material. Hydrocolloids refer in particular to (partially) water-soluble natural or synthetic polymers which form gels or viscous solutions in aqueous systems. Preferred hydrocolloids include carrageenan, pectins, tragacanth cellulose ethers, and dextran. Hydrocolloid imprints are very sensitive to pressure and dehydration, whereby highly accurate impressions can be made.

The thus provided impressions of the teeth and / or jaw are preferably poured with a gypsum compound, so that a stable, durable and editable form of the impression is created.

The impression can also be made by means of a digital impression method. The digital impression is preferably carried out optically, in particular by means of Lava Chairside CO / S, Hint-Els Direct Scan or Cerec Connect Bleucam or the like. This can be slid over the teeth with a handpiece contactless and so a precise picture of the oral situation can be achieved. The data obtained are then sent to a specialist, for. B. forwarded a dental technician.

In a preferred embodiment, the handpiece inserted into the oral cavity of the patient may include a total of 22 camera lenses, 192 blue LEDs, and three CCD sensors. In this way, a high data density can be recorded in a very short time. The data is preferably processed in real time so that the image of the oral cavity is simultaneously displayed on a screen during scanning. All surfaces can be evenly scanned despite extreme speed. Thanks to digital imaging, it is possible to achieve high depth of focus, increased image fidelity on the preparation margin and automatic image triggering for shake-free shots.

In the case of analogue impression taking, after completion of the model, data processing is performed by scanning, digitizing, storing and / or transforming the model (the molded jaws and / or teeth). In the case of analogue printing methods, a plaster impression is preferably present, which is advantageously scanned and digitized. For this purpose, data processing programs known to the person skilled in the art can be used, comprising Lava Scan ST / 3M Espe, D250-D640-D700 / 3Shape, Ceramill Map 100-300 / Amann Girbach, Scan 200 / Bien air Cercon Eye / Degudent GmbH, Opernscan 100 / Laserdenta, Sntech 3D / Smart Optics, Etkon es1 / Straumann GmbH AnyScan / Reitel GmbH, NobelProcera / Nobelbiocare GmbH, Free Form Software / SensAble or DentalDesigner / 3Shape.

In a preferred embodiment, a non-contact 3D optical scanner scans the model, e.g. For example, the plaster cast can be based on stripe projection in conjunction with triangulation methods, for example. Here, a striped pattern is projected onto the surface of the model and recorded by a video camera from a certain angle. To display the entire surface, additional views are added. Thus, a high data density and high accuracy can be achieved. It is preferred that the scanner is a component of a CAD / CAM system, which may consist in particular of a scanner, a milling unit, a sintering furnace and the corresponding materials zirconium oxide and veneering ceramic.

The impression is advantageously scanned and digitized. The already digitally present impressions and / or the digitized impressions are preferably converted into a file format which can be read and processed by a data processing program, in particular a modulation program. A preferred data format is STL, IGES, STEP, SLC, OBJ, DF or Parasolid. The digital modulation and / or production of the protection can advantageously take place by means of a data processing program, preferably a CAD / CAM system. Preferably, a 3D modeling system is part of the CAD / CAM system. The data can advantageously be exported to existing CAD / CAM systems for further processing. The system enables the finest surface structures to be generated, which can preferably be converted using high-resolution rapid prototyping, HSC milling technologies and laser engraving machines. A CAD / CAM system (CAD = "Computer Aided Design" and CAM = "Computer Aided Manufacturing") provides an optimal link between a modeling program and a production program. For the purposes of the invention, CAD designates in particular the use of a computer as an aid in technical drawing. The drawing is preferably made as a three-dimensional object (3D) using the computer. In this case, the protection on a virtual model can preferably be represented and constructed in several layers, in particular polymer layers. Advantageously, the sports and / or surgical mask does not consist of several mutually separate layers, but the layers form a homogeneous layer. The layers are inextricably linked, whereby the layers can also run into each other. This is a significant advantage over the foil-forming process, since in this case the layers are applied separately. In the method according to the invention, the layers merge homogeneously with each other, whereby a high stability can be guaranteed. In addition, the film deep drawing process is very laborious and time consuming because the layers must be sequentially applied to a model. The use of the method according to the invention, however, can be carried out quickly and easily. In addition, the production can be carried out in a mass production process.

In a preferred embodiment, the polymer applied to the row of teeth or the sports and / or surgical mask has a preferred thickness of 1 to 10 mm, preferably 2 to 8 mm, particularly preferably 3 to 6 mm. It has been found that the preferred thickness of the tooth and / or mask provides optimal protection and surprisingly does not hinder breathing. It is further preferred that the layers are present in different thickness (or thickness) and have a different degree of hardness. Layers that are oriented toward the oral cavity preferably have a higher degree of hardness than layers that are oriented toward the tooth. Advantageously, the degree of hardness can continuously increase and does not have to be subdivided into separate layers, wherein the layers are introduced running into the sports and / or mouthguard. That is, the degree of hardness can advantageously, preferably in a layer, vary, so that an optimal fit and at the same time optimal protection are granted. The layers preferably have no rigid boundary, but may preferably extend into one another, so that an optimal connection of the layers is ensured.

It was completely surprising that the degree of hardness need not be limited to local areas, but can be optimally distributed in the sports and / or surgical masks. Accordingly, although the sports and / or surgical mask in a preferred embodiment of separate layers having different degrees of hardness, but the layers are inextricably linked. It is preferable that the Shore hardness of a layer is in the range of 27 to 95. The Shore hardness is in the context of the invention, a material characteristic, which characterizes in particular the degree of hardness of plastics and elastomers. Preferred materials include, for example, VeroWhite, TangoBlack, TangoGray, TangoPlus, TangoBlackPlus or DurusWhite. Advantageously, in a preferred embodiment, a sports and / or surgical mask can be provided in which there are fluid transitions between different degrees of hardness. It may also be preferred that a layer has different degrees of hardness.

In a CAM system, raw data for production is collected, sorted into work steps and managed with dependency considerations. These include interfaces that z. For example, you can import dimensions and materials as well as parts lists from CAD systems and make them available for processing. In addition to the features already contained in computers, additional information is entered. This can z. For example, the comparison of drawings from CAD and bills from production planning and control, but also purely for the production required data such as tool requirements, clamping plans and sequence for editing. In the system, the codes or material requirements to be processed directly by the machines are then provided in a targeted manner and are retrieved by the operator. Also in this area interfaces z. B. needed for machine control or a storage system. After processing or completion of the production steps, the verified results may need to be further processed and transmitted via other interfaces to other processes in computer-integrated production.

The CAM system preferably includes a 3D printer. That is, it is preferable that the sports protection is specially manufactured with a 3D printer, especially a multi-layer printer. Preferred printers include Objet3D printers or Connex family printers. With these can easily and quickly an object, such as a sports and / or surgical mask are made of a material. It was completely surprising that the printers can also be used for the production of a sports and / or surgical mask.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sports and / or surgical mask is made of a plastic material. The particularly easy processability of a plastic material facilitates the production of a sports and / or surgical mask. In addition, in the selection of an at least partially elastic plastic already caused by the material properties damping effect can be achieved. In particular, plastics refer to materials whose essential constituents consist of such macromolecular organic compounds which are produced synthetically or by modification of natural products. In many cases they are meltable and formable under certain conditions (heat and pressure). The plastics also include the rubbers and the chemical fibers. For the advantageous embodiment, plastics from the group modified natural materials, synthetic plastics (polycondensates, polymers, polyadducts), thermosets, and / or unsaturated polyester resins comprising cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate, cellulose mixed esters, cellulose ethers, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyphenylene oxide, polysulfone, polyvinyl acetal , Polyethylene, polypropylene, poly-1-butene, poly-4 methyl-1-pentene, ionomers, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylonitrile, polystyrene, polyacetal, fluorine plastics, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, poly-p-xylylene, linear polyurethanes, chlorinated polyethers, casein plastics, phenolic resin, Urea resin, thiourea resin, melamine resin, epoxy resin, crosslinked polyurethanes, alkyd resin, allyl resin, silicone, polyimide, and / or polybenzimidazole. Through the use of plastic in the design of the sports and / or mouth protection, a protection with increased reliability and flexibility can be provided. Also, the user's risk of injury is drastically reduced since the rubber-elastic embodiments will not injure surfaces. Furthermore, the use of plastics for the design can reduce costs.

It is preferred that the sports and / or surgical mask consists of a polymer, preferably a photopolymer, more preferably a photopolymer resin. In the context of the invention, polymers designate, in particular, a substance which is composed of a group of chemically uniformly structured but generally differing macromolecules with respect to the degree of polymerization, molecular weight and chain length (polymer molecules). In the case of such so-called polymer-unitary substances, therefore, all macromolecules have the same structure and differ only in their chain length (degree of polymerization). Such polymers can be referred to as polymer homologs. Polymers may be selected from the group consisting of inorganic polymers, organometallic polymers of wholly or partially aromatic polymers, homopolymers, copolymers, biopolymers, chemically modified polymers and / or synthetic polymers, and include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, polymethylmethacrylate, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate , Polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene glycol, dendrimers, silicones, carbohydrates or polyhydroxyalkanoates. The sports and / or surgical mask made of these materials represents a technical advance, since the risk of injury is reduced by the preferred embodiment. The material has spring-elastic properties and thus prevents damage to the surfaces with which the protection comes into contact. For the purposes of the invention, photopolymers refer in particular to polymers whose properties change under the influence of light. In a preferred embodiment, photopolymer resin is used. The polymers may preferably have identical and / or non-identical degrees of hardness.

In particular, FullCure materials are used, which have a high flexural strength and heat resistance and are suitable for a wide range of applications with requirements for appearance, elasticity, strength and resilience. The materials are preferably opaque and strong and can be used for extremely durable and dimensionally stable models with excellent detail reproduction. Models can be created that meet the extensive requirements for accuracy of fit, form, function and haptic properties. The preferred material is suitable for models with an unlimited range of complex geometries, including overhangs and undercuts.

The invention will now be described by way of example by way of example, but without being limited thereto; it shows:

1 Sketch of a protection consisting of two layers

2 Sketch of a protection consisting of three layers

The 1 and the 2 show a sketch of a preferred sports and / or surgical mask consisting of two or three layers. For a protection 7 is preferably a digital or analog impression of a jaw or at least one tooth 4 made and an impression desselbigen generated. The impression can, for example, be digitized (if an analogue impression is present) and processed by means of a CAD system ("Computer Aided Design"). Through the system it is possible to protect 7 to shape a computer and layers 1 . 2 . 3 to use with a different degree of hardness. For example, it may be advantageous for two, three or more layers 1 . 2 . 3 applied to the model, with the layers 1 . 2 . 3 can also consist of different materials. Advantageously, the degrees of hardness of the layers 1 . 2 . 3 run into each other, so that at defined points in the protection 7 a certain hardness can be achieved. For example, it may be preferred that on a tooth 4 a first layer 1 present, which has a low degree of hardness to covering teeth 4 optimally protected from pressure.

To protect the root area 5 , covers the sports and / or surgical mask, ie the first layer 1 , as much as possible of the vestibule 6 , A third layer 3 may be the last layer of protection oriented towards the oral cavity 7 represent. This third layer 3 preferably has a high degree of hardness, so that a sufficient protection against injury is guaranteed. However, it may be preferable to use a second layer 2 between the first 1 and third layer 3 to arrange, thereby the stability of the sports and / or mouthguard 7 to increase yet. This may be preferred, for example, in sports in which there is a high risk of injury. Advantageously, the layer can 1 . 2 . 3 have different degrees of hardness and preferably consist of different materials, wherein the degrees of hardness run into each other. This is not possible with the film deep-drawing process described in the prior art, in which the films are thermoplastically bonded together. It can be such a sports and / or surgical mask 7 be provided, which has an optimal fit and stability. The manufacture of the protection 7 advantageously takes place by means of a CAM system ("Computer Aided Modulation"). Preference is given to a 3D printer, which ensures fast and accurate production of the protection 7 guaranteed. By the preferred method can quickly and easily sports and / or surgical masks 7 be prepared in a few steps and is created and completed by means of a CAD / CAM system.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

first shift

2

second layer

3

third layer

4

tooth

5

root area

6

vestibule

7

Sports and / or surgical mask

Claims (12)

Method for producing a sports and / or surgical mask, comprising the following steps: a. analog and / or digital impression of at least one jaw or tooth, b. Data preparation of the under a. provided impression, c. digital modulation of protection and d. Manufacture of the protection. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the analog impression comprises impression method. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the digital impression takes place optically. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data processing comprises scanning, digitizing, storing and / or converting. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modulation is carried out with a data processing program. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sports protection is manufactured with a 3D printer, in particular a multilayer printer. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection consists of a polymer, preferably a photopolymer, more preferably a photopolymer resin. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection consists of several homogeneously interconnected polymer layers. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polymer layers have identical and / or non-identical degrees of hardness. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection has a, a row of teeth overlapping thickness of 1 to 10 mm, preferably 2 to 8 mm, particularly preferably 3 to 6 mm. A sports and / or surgical mask made by the method of claims 1 to 10, wherein the protector is formed in correspondence with a dental arch and fits the surfaces and sides of the teeth. Use of the method according to claims 1 to 10 for the production of a sports and / or surgical mask to protect the teeth.

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