DE102021125638A1 - Training aids and methods for conditioning nutritional habits - Google Patents

Abstract

A training device for reducing food intake is presented, having at least one cover splint for covering the occlusal surfaces of teeth of a jaw in the oral cavity, each of the teeth covered by the cover splint having a tooth width transverse to a direction in which the jaw extends, the cover splint facing the tooth when inserted has an underside oriented towards it, and at least one adhesive arranged on the underside of the cover splint, wherein the adhesive has a foam-like or nub-like structure, wherein the adhesive provides a multiplicity of microcavities between cover splint and tooth, and wherein the cover splint is constructed and prepared in such a way, to worsen or prevent the salivation of a fed food.

Description

field of invention

The present description relates to a training means to enable or bring about a change in eating habits, in particular for overweight and/or sluggish people, as well as a method for conditioning the eating habits.

Background and general description of the invention

Obesity and malnutrition is one of the most serious civilization diseases of mankind. A growing number of people are consuming a vastly excessive amount of calories in the course of a day and are faced with storing the excess calories in body fat stores. There are also a variety of reasons why someone is prone to obesity, which may be due to medical reasons or just bad habits.

Many people are still trying their luck in trying to lose weight by following appropriate diets. An entire industry has established itself for this purpose, which offers dietary supplements and guidance and assistance. Unfortunately, losing weight rarely leads to success, since this relies to a large extent on the test person's will to persevere and eating habits are typically difficult to change.

It is known that the feeling of being full or full only sets in after a period of time after a meal has been started or eaten. According to the current state of research, different signals are processed by the brain, all of which cause the state of being full, including, for example, the filling or stretching of the stomach. On the other hand, the stretching and volume of the stomach can be "trained" so that the subject can eat more without feeling full. On the other hand, if the subject eats slowly enough, they can still feel full while eating, and stop eating naturally. However, if the subject eats too quickly, for example if he or she gulps, too much food can be consumed in a short time, so that the feeling of satiety cannot set in in time.

The present invention has set itself the task with which European patent EP 2 735 288 B1 to further develop the applicant's preparatory work, which has been placed under protection. The entire disclosure of EP 2 735 288 B1 is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application in its entirety. The desired result of the present invention as well is to change the eating habits of the subject or user in such a way that the subject or user eats less and/or more slowly overall. The present invention thereby presents improvements and further developments which can be used individually or together and which have various objects in mind.

The invention has therefore set itself the task of further improving the wearing comfort on the one hand, so that the "mouth feel" can become even more natural.

In one aspect of the invention, the further object is to make the training means more cost-effective to produce. In yet another aspect of the invention, the task is also to further improve the effect of the training aid, so that the subject or user can lose weight better.

The object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Developments of the invention are set out in the dependent patent claims.

A training device for reducing food intake according to the invention has at least one cover splint for covering the occlusal surfaces of teeth of a jaw in the oral cavity. The cover splint is prepared in such a way that at least the occlusal surfaces of the teeth are covered. The occlusal surfaces are those surfaces of the (pre)molars or molars that face the teeth of the opposite jaw.

Each of the teeth covered by the covering splint has a tooth width transverse to a direction in which the jaw extends. The tooth width is preferably measured at the widest or "thickest" point of the tooth. In any case, the tooth width of the tooth is measured outside the area of the respective tooth covered by the gums. The tooth width is thus measured in a direction which is (roughly) perpendicular to the direction in which the jaw extends and which is (roughly) perpendicular to a direction going from one jaw to the opposite jaw. For example, the tooth width is measured from the lingual side to the buccal side or from the palatal side to the buccal side (or vice versa).

In order to provide or increase the adhesive or holding force of the covering splint on the teeth covered by the covering splint, the covering splint has an adhesive on the underside. For example, a negative pressure can be built up or intensified by means of the adhesive or formed or built up in the adhesive, in particular by pressing the cover splint against the teeth or the jaw, as is produced, for example, by biting down.

The adhesive has a foam or nub-like structure, so it can be referred to as nub foam, for example.

The adhesive is also prepared in such a way that it provides a large number of microcavities between the covering splint and the tooth. If the film is a flexible film, biting can compress the film and deflate the microvoids. When the jaws are released or opened, the adhesive remains attached to the teeth in such a way that air cannot re-enter the microcavities, or only very slowly, which means that adhesion to the teeth can be maintained. The adhesive thus provides a suction effect for sucking the covering splint onto the teeth. The adhesive effect can thus be restored with every bite, should the adhesion decrease slightly in the meantime. Advantageously, the microcavities may be configured to communicate with one another so that a fluid, such as air or an adhesive liquid, may be directed through the microcavities when bitten open. In other words, the microcavities are open-pored. The microcavities are therefore preferably designed to be evacuatable, so that they can be emptied or evacuated, for example, by means of compression, such as in particular by clenching the jaws on one another.

If necessary, the microcavities can be at least partially filled with fluid, such as in particular saliva, to improve the adhesive properties. For example, an adhesive liquid can be let into the adhesive prior to application of the cover splint. This can be achieved by immersing the training aid in a liquid bath before use and only then inserting it into the oral cavity. On the other hand, the adhesive can be designed in such a way that, during use, saliva penetrates into and partially fills the microcavities, thereby further improving adhesion to the tooth.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the adhesive is designed to be elastic, ie in particular compressible, so that the adhesive or holding effect for the cover rail is provided at the same time, and the adhesive is also the damping element.

The adhesive can also advantageously be arranged only in certain areas on the underside, so that the underside of the cover rail remains free of adhesive in some areas and yet sufficient overall adhesive force is provided so that the cover rail is held securely on the teeth or jaw. The adhesive can be arranged in such a way that it is limited to the area of the cusp outlets and/or to the area of the cusps, ie the occlusal surfaces are at least partially or for the most part uncovered by the adhesive. In other words, the adhesive is limited to partial areas of the tooth parts covered by the covering splint, such as in particular the cusp outlets or the areas of the cusps, or both together. As a result, an even smaller amount of adhesive is required for use on the cover splint and less contact between the splint and teeth is required, which means that overall dental health is even less compromised.

For example, the adhesive can provide a holding force of at least 20 kPa/cm ² for the cover rail, preferably 30 kPa/cm ² or more, more preferably 50 kPa/cm ² or more, more preferably 80 kPa/cm ² or more. For example, the adhesive can provide a holding force of at least 50 kPa/cm ² in the fluid-free state and/or a holding force of at least 180 kPa/cm ² in a fluid-loaded state.

The adhesive can also be foil-like or in the form of a foil. Preferably, the adhesive has a thickness of 5 mm or less, more preferably 2 mm or less, even more preferably 1 mm or less.

The cover rail has a rail width, the rail width preferably being narrower than the tooth width of the tooth covered in each case, so that the cover rail does not protrude beyond the tooth width of the respective tooth. In other words, it is preferable if the covering splint does not protrude beyond the widest point of the tooth in the direction of the gums, but is arranged above the widest point, so that the covering splint can be narrower overall than the width of the tooth at the maximum digit. For example, teeth have cusps on the occlusal sides. On their sides, the teeth have cusp outlets, starting from the tips of the cusps, which extend to the widest point of the tooth - i.e. the tooth width. The cusp outlets could also be referred to as tooth shoulders. The cover splint then typically covers at least the occlusal surfaces completely and, depending on the adhesion required on the tooth, part of the cusp outlets, possibly the cusp outlets even completely, but not up to the tooth width of the respective tooth.

This is also a surprising improvement, as it was previously necessary to mechanically attach a splint to the tooth in this area. For example, mechanical attachment has been achieved by a metal clip gripping around the side of the tooth extending beyond the tooth width towards the gums, or (especially in the case of plastic splints) the splint reaching across the tooth width to close to the gum so that below the tooth width towards gums, the width of the splint can be narrower than in the area of the tooth width. By covering the width of the tooth towards the gums, the splint could be snapped onto the tooth by the splint snapping across the width of the tooth, whereby the splint is deformed outwards when it is pushed over the width of the tooth and after it has been pushed over the width of the tooth, the splint snaps back into the original shape snaps back inwards. A mechanical snap connection of the splint to the jaw was thus provided, which admittedly causes a good hold on the teeth, but which also entails numerous disadvantages. The tooth flanks or tooth sides are completely covered by the splint, which means that food residue can get under the splint over a significantly larger area and attack the tooth substance there. With these conventional splints, the gums are also subjected to significantly greater stress if food residues remain at the end area of the splint and provide food for bacteria that burden the gums. Finally, the splint itself can also press on the gums, for example if the tooth width is close to the gums. In short, it is much more difficult to maintain healthy oral hygiene and gums can suffer from wearing the splint. A further disadvantage of conventional splints, in which at least part of the tooth width covers the gums, is that the splint can even be pushed off the teeth by the chyme that presses on the splint from the outside and requires the splint to be realigned can. This is less convenient to use. Finally, sliding the splint onto the jaw can rub against the teeth and cause additional wear on the enamel.

All of these problems can be further improved on the basis of the present description in that the overall width of the cover rail is narrower than the maximum tooth width of the tooth covered in each case. The cover splint is thus limited to the area above the maximum tooth width, so it does not reach as far as the gums but leaves a significant part of the tooth side or tooth shoulder uncovered. This simplifies oral hygiene in particular and the impact on the gums is significantly reduced, if not eliminated.

Typically, the training means includes both a maxillary splint for covering the occlusal surfaces of maxillary teeth and a mandibular splint for covering the occlusal surfaces of mandibular teeth. In other words, the cover splint can be a mandibular splint for covering the occlusal surfaces of lower jaw teeth, or the cover splint can be a maxillary splint for covering the occlusal surfaces of upper jaw teeth. The training means comprises at least one cover splint, typically two, i.e. one for each jaw.

The cover rail is constructed and prepared in such a way that it impairs or prevents the salivation of food that is fed in. Salivation of food is promoted by the fact that the food is mixed by the fissured teeth and the amount of saliva provided in the oral cavity. It is only when the saliva is added to the food that the chyme can be produced in the oral cavity and thus the food can be swallowed from the oral cavity. If mixing fails, or is significantly degraded, then the time required for the food to mix with saliva before the food can be swallowed is increased. This can be achieved by covering the topography of the teeth (with their humps and fissures), which is particularly advantageous for instilling in the food, so that the food is only mixed with saliva to a much lesser extent.

For this purpose, the covering splint can comprise a chewing surface on an upper side. The chewing process, ie the crushing of the food, can take place on the upper side, with the chewing surface preferably being prepared in such a way that less saliva can be mixed with the food during crushing.

The occlusal surface covers the fissures of the teeth covered by the cover splint, so that food does not or only to a small extent penetrate into the occlusal area of the teeth, but can only get onto the occlusal surface of the cover splint.

The occlusal surface is, in particular, essentially flat. For example, the occlusal surface forms a continuously flat, in particular smooth, flat structure. If the occlusal surface is essentially flat or smooth, the jaws can move sideways be carried out nander without the cover rails n catching on each other.

The occlusal surface also preferably spans the or part of the occlusal surface of the covered teeth. In other words, the or a substantial part of the top of the teeth is covered by the cover rail.

The cover splint can be prepared in such a way that the occlusal surface is continuously arranged at a distance d above the cusps of the teeth covered by the cover splint when the cover splint is in place. In other words, there is a distance between the humps and the occlusal surface that corresponds at least to the thickness of the cover rail. It has proven advantageous if the distance between the cusps and the occlusal surface is greater than the thickness of the covering splint. For example, it can be advantageous if a gap remains between an underside of the covering splint and the cusps or the top of the tooth, ie the covering splint is kept "at a distance" from the tooth. A damping element can thus be arranged underneath the cover rail.

For example, the maxillary splint has a first chewing surface and the mandibular splint of the training aid has a second chewing surface, with the first chewing surface and second chewing surface being arranged relative to one another such that a chewing process can be carried out with both chewing surfaces, with the chewing surfaces coming to rest against one another. In other words, the chewing surfaces are preferably designed in such a way that a chewing process can be achieved with them in interaction with one another and is not prevented, and that overall the mouthfeel during chewing is influenced as little as possible.

In one example, the chewing surface of the cover splint can only partially cover the occlusal surfaces of the covered teeth in terms of its width, in particular only 80% or less, preferably only 50%, more preferably 30% or less. The occlusal surface can also be arranged elevated on the cover rail. For example, the occlusal surface of the cover splint, specifically the maxillary splint in particular, forms a kind of pedestal or web, with this pedestal or web being narrower than the cover splint. A further reduced area is thus provided for the chewing process, as a result of which chewing is even less efficient and the chewing process thus takes longer until the food has been insalivated to such an extent that it has a swallowable consistency.

The cover splint, in particular the mandibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, can cover the occlusal surfaces of the teeth covered by the cover splint, and its width can be limited to the occlusal surfaces. The cover splint can also partially cover the buccal and/or lingual or palatal cusp outlets. The width of the cover rail - which remains narrower than the tooth width - can be made dependent on how large the required adhesive force or holding force of the cover rail is on the tooth so that the cover rail is held sufficiently securely on the teeth.

When deployed in the oral cavity, lingual surfaces of the mandibular teeth and/or palatal surfaces of the maxillary teeth may remain uncovered or substantially uncovered, and/or the vestibular surfaces of the teeth of the oral cavity may remain uncovered or substantially uncovered.

When inserted, the cover rail has an underside that is aligned toward the tooth. The cover splint can be designed in such a way that a negative pressure or vacuum builds up on the underside when inserted and the cover splint is sucked onto the tooth by means of the negative pressure or vacuum. The cover splint can be held securely on the teeth or jaw by means of the negative pressure or vacuum. For example, the cover splint can be pressed against the jaw by biting down and when the jaws are released or opened, a negative pressure can be maintained on the underside, which keeps the cover splint securely on the teeth.

The holding force already provided by the adhesive for the front molar or premolar teeth can more preferably be set large enough to hold the cover splint on the jaw, so that the rear molar teeth can remain free of the cover splint. As a result, even fewer teeth are affected by the covering splint, and at the same time the chewing performance that can be achieved with the covering splint used is further reduced, so that the chewing process lasts even longer, as desired.

The cover splint, in particular the mandibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, can therefore be prepared in such a way that it only partially covers the respective jaw, so that part of the teeth in the oral cavity remains uncovered. Alternatively or cumulatively, the covering splint, in particular the mandibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, can be prepared in such a way that it only extends from a first premolar tooth on a first side of the jaw to a first premolar tooth on a second side of the jaw opposite the first. Furthermore, the cover rail, in particular the Man Dibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, alternatively or cumulatively, only extend from an innermost or second innermost molar or premolar tooth on a first side of the jaw to an innermost or second innermost molar or premolar tooth on a second side of the jaw opposite the first. In other words, the cover rail is shorter than the user's jaw. The outer molar tooth or teeth can therefore remain uncovered by the training means.

Oral and dental hygiene is significantly simplified because the covering splint has a shorter extent than the length of the respective jaw and the outer molar teeth thus remain uncovered. Also because teeth remain uncovered overall, the uncovered teeth remain insalivated while the cover splint is being worn and are therefore better protected against the effects of caries.

Because the cover rail is shorter than the length of the jaw, there is a further advantage in that the chewing surface provided for chewing is smaller or shorter than if the cover rail were to extend over the entire length of the jaw. When the cover splint is in place, no chewing process can be performed with the rear, remaining free molar teeth, since the teeth do not meet but are held apart by the cover splint. Overall, the length of the occlusal surface is therefore shorter, as a result of which the duration of the required chewing process and thus the useful effect of the covering splint can be increased even further. The shorter cover splint thus represents an improvement over known splints, in which it was previously not possible to shorten the splint length, otherwise the splint would not hold on the jaw or earlier forms would be pushed off the jaw. Only the improvements explained with the present description enable a covering splint that is shorter than the length of the jaw.

The covering rail can comprise or consist of a flexible material, in particular plastic. The cover rail can also be adapted or molded to the respective jaw shape.

The training aid can essentially be designed in the shape of a horseshoe in a plan view and leave a free area between the legs, with the palate in particular being arranged in the free area when the training aid is in use. In other words, the cover splint only covers the teeth themselves and does not require any plate-like or other spreading or support in order to adhere securely and permanently to the teeth.

The training device can have a receiving area for receiving a functional component such as a glucose sensor or a radio transmitter or a data memory, in particular a radio-readable data memory, on the training device. For example, the component can be cast into the cover rail during production of the same, or the training means has a recess into which the component can be inserted. In this way, conclusions about the composition of the food can be obtained directly in the mouth when the cover splint is worn. For example, if a meal containing a lot of sugar or fat is detected, a warning could be issued via radio or built-in mini loudspeaker to remind the user of the training goal, namely eating less food and, in particular, fewer calories. This information may also be recorded for analysis purposes only, for example in data storage. The data store can also store usage time and usage intervals if desired.

In a particularly advantageous manner, a removal aid arranged on an outside of the cover rail can be provided for easy removal of the cover rail from the inserted state, for example for cleaning the cover rail or after its use. The removal aid is designed in such a way that it can be grasped with the fingers or the tongue, for example, and then the covering splint can be lifted off the teeth on or by means of the removal aid. When the cover splint is lifted off, the adhesive is released, for example by air flowing into the adhesive or between the cover splint and the teeth, thereby breaking the adhesive effect. For example, the detachment can be supported by making the cover rail flexible, so that the cover rail can be taken by the removal aid and slightly deformed, so that the entire adhesive force of the adhesive does not have to be overcome, but only the adhesive force in the area of the removal aid. Then the adhesive is detached from the teeth in the area of the removal aid and the adhesive force gradually breaks down, for example when air flows into the adhesive and the evacuation ends.

The removal aid can be designed as a handle or gripping element. Alternatively or cumulatively, the removal aid can include knobs, hemispheres and/or grooves. The removal aid is preferably arranged in the area of the premolar teeth, ie in particular the canine tooth.

The scope of the invention also includes a method for producing a training aid, in particular as described above. The method comprises the steps of scanning a tooth structure or bite shape of a user using a scanning scanner, determining a shape of the covering splint that matches the tooth structure using a computer unit and producing or finishing the covering splint using the form provided by the computer unit.

The invention can particularly preferably be carried out by a dedicated machine which is able to carry out all the steps of the method automatically one after the other. This is particularly advantageous since even a less qualified user can thereby operate the machine and highly qualified personnel can possibly be saved.

The step of calculating the shape of the covering splint can include determining or evaluating the surfaces suitable for adhesion using the computer unit and specifying intended areas for an adhesive to bond the covering splint to the teeth. If necessary, this can be determined on the basis of the specific tooth shape, available smooth surfaces being particularly advantageous and being provided for the attachment of the adhesive. This allows the contact surface of the covering splint with the teeth to be minimized during manufacture.

The cover rail can be produced using a deep-drawing technique, using milling from a plank, using a printing process, using a casting process, or using additive manufacturing technology or a combination of the aforementioned processes. The production can be automated in a particularly advantageous manner in response to the tooth structure or dentition shape scanned with the machine.

Within the scope of the present invention, a production machine for the automated direct production of a cover rail is also described, which is able in particular to produce a cover rail as described above. The manufacturing machine includes a scanning scanner for scanning a tooth structure or dentition form of a user, a computer unit for determining a shape of the covering splint that matches the scanned tooth structure, and an output unit for producing or finishing the covering splint, for example an additive manufacturing printer.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures, in which identical and similar elements are partially provided with the same reference symbols and the features of different exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another.

character list

• 1 Seitenansicht eines Zahns im Kiefer,
• 2 Seitenansicht gegenüberliegender Zähne im Kiefer mit Schnittansicht einer Abdeckschiene, geöffneter Zustand des Kiefers,
• 3 Seitenansicht gegenüberliegender Zähne im Kiefer mit Schnittansicht einer Abdeckschiene, geschlossener Zustand des Kiefers,
• 4 Seitenschnittansicht einer Abdeckschiene mit Haftmittel,
• 5 Seitenschnittansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Abdeckschiene,
• 6 Seitenschnittansicht noch einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Abdeckschiene,
• 7 Seitenansicht gegenüberliegender Zähne im Kiefer mit Schnittansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Abdeckschiene mit Steg,
• 8 weitere Seitenschnittansicht ähnlich der 6 mit Ausgliederungshilfe(n),
• 9 perspektivische Ansicht eines Kieferteilbereichs mit Teilstück einer Abdeckschiene zum Aufsetzen auf die Zähne,
• 10 Aufsicht auf eine Abdeckschiene mit Darstellung freibleibender molarer Zähne,
• 11 schematische Darstellung einer automatisierten Herstellungsanlage,
• 12 schematisches Ablaufdiagramm des Herstellungsverfahrens.

Show it:

• 1 side view of a tooth in the jaw,
• 2 Side view of opposing teeth in the jaw with a sectional view of a covering splint, open state of the jaw,
• 3 Side view of opposing teeth in the jaw with a sectional view of a covering splint, the jaw closed,
• 4 Side sectional view of a cover rail with adhesive,
• 5 Side sectional view of another embodiment of a cover rail,
• 6 Side sectional view of yet another embodiment of a cover rail,
• 7 Side view of opposing teeth in the jaw with a sectional view of another embodiment of a cover splint with a bar,
• 8th another side sectional view similar to that 6 with spin-off help(s),
• 9 Perspective view of a partial jaw area with a section of a cover splint to be placed on the teeth,
• 10 Top view of a cover splint showing exposed molar teeth,
• 11 schematic representation of an automated manufacturing plant,
• 12 schematic flow chart of the manufacturing process.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring to 1 a tooth 10 is shown in side view. The tooth has cusps 12, 14, 16 and cusp outlets 18, 20 on its sides, which extend to the tooth width 22, 24, at which the tooth reaches its maximum width 32. The occlusal surface 15 extends from the buccal cusp 14 to the lingual or palatal cusp 12 (named depending on whether the tooth belongs to the upper jaw 4 or lower jaw 2). In the occlusal surface 15 a fissure 17 is arranged.

2 shows a first embodiment of a training device 1 comprising a maxillary splint 40 and a mandibular splint 42. Both splints 40, 42 each have a chewing surface 44, 46 which, in cooperation with one another, enable a chewing process. With the chewing process When the training device 1 is used, the food in the oral cavity cannot be mixed as effectively with saliva, since the contact surface 44, 46 is designed flat and even, so that there is hardly any mixing effect or "kneading" to form a chyme. The splints 40, 42 cover the occlusal surfaces 15 of the teeth 10. The splints 40, 42 also cover the cusp shoulders 18, 20 of the respective tooth 10 to a small extent. Overall, however, the width 35 of the splint 40, 42 is smaller than the tooth width 32. In particular, the splint does not snap over the tooth width 22, 24 in order to enter into a snap connection with the tooth 10, but is placed on the tooth 10 from the occlusal side or held there. A mechanical connection is not necessary in this case. The training device 1 holds solely because of the suction effect that is built up underneath the rails 40, 42 between the rail 40, 42 and the tooth 10. The suction effect can be provided by the training means 1 being pressed against the tooth 1 or the jaw 2, 4, for example achievable by biting the teeth 10 onto one another. As a result, fluid such as air or saliva escapes on the underside 45 of the splint 40, 42. If the pressure is released, for example the mouth is opened or the jaws 2, 4 separate, then additional fluid such as air cannot quickly escape enough to get back to the underside 45 of the rail 40, 42 or between the rail 40, 42 and tooth 10. In other words, additional fluid is prevented from getting under the rail 40,42. The underside 45 of the rail 40, 42 remains evacuated. A negative pressure or a suction effect builds up, which holds the splint 40, 42 on the teeth 10. The negative pressure or the suction effect can be maintained by regularly biting down.

3 1 shows an embodiment in which the bite is taken and the upper sides or chewing surfaces 44, 46 are in physical contact with one another. It can also be seen that the cover rails 40, 42 enable a normal chewing sensation as far as possible and freedom of movement during the chewing process, in particular a forward or backward movement of the lower jaw 2 relative to the upper jaw 4 or a sideways movement of the lower jaw 2 relative to OK 4 still possible.

Referring to 4 a further embodiment of the training aid 1 is shown (due to the higher magnification shown only in the lower jaw 2), with a cover rail 40 being arranged above a tooth 10. An adhesive 50 is arranged on a damping element 52 on the underside 45 of the covering rail 40, by means of which a strong and permanent adhesive connection can be produced between the covering rail 40 and the tooth 10. The adhesive 50 is only arranged on the outside of the tooth 10 in the region of the cusp 12, 14 and the cusp outlets 18, 20. The occlusal surface 15 between the humps 12, 14, on the other hand, is largely free of the adhesive. Thus, the adhesive 50 is arranged, for example, on the areas of the tooth 10 that are designed to be as smooth as possible and thus enable good bonding. When the covering splint 40 is pressed against the tooth 10, for example by biting down, the adhesive 50 is compressed and an adhesive force is built up. For example, the adhesive 50 is emptied when biting, ie a fluid is pressed out of the adhesive 50 . The fluid can be air, or saliva, or an adhesion promoter, such as an adhesive oil. The adhesive oil can be introduced into the adhesive 50 before use by dipping the cover rail 40, 42 in a bath of the adhesive oil. The adhesive is preferably provided with micro-cavities 54 so that the fluid is squeezed out of the micro-cavities 54 to generate the adhesive force.

5 shows an embodiment of the training means 1 (only shown in the lower jaw 2), wherein the cover rail 40 is limited to the occlusal area 30 of the teeth 10. In other words, the cover rail 40 extends laterally to the cusp tips 12, 14, 16, the cusp outlets 18, 20 remain free. The cover splint 40 is thus significantly narrower than the greatest tooth width 32. The buccal tooth side 17, which extends from the buccal cusp tip 12 to the gum line 6, and the lingual side of the tooth 19, which extends from the lingual cusp tip 14 to the gum line 8, remain in completely free of the cover rail 40 in this embodiment. To increase the adhesive force of the cover rail 40 on the occlusal surface 15, the cover rail 40 has a full-surface adhesive element 50 on the underside 45, which adheres to the occlusal surface 15 of the tooth 10 or the teeth. The adhesive force provided by the adhesive 50 is sufficient to hold the covering splint 40 without it unintentionally detaching from the jaw 2, 4. For this purpose, the adhesive 50 has a large number of micro-cavities 54, which can be evacuated when the covering splint 40 is pressed against the teeth 10 and is therefore able to build up a sucking negative pressure. The negative pressure is strong enough and its adhesive force is even further increased by any inflowing saliva, so that sufficient adhesion is ensured when the cover rail 40 is used. For example, the adhesive 50 is designed as a knobbed film with microstructuring to provide the microcavities 54.

For example, as in 5 shown, the adhesive 50 is formed with microstructuring 54 on both sides, that is to say on the splint side and on the tooth side. In In this case, adhesion of the adhesive 50 to both the teeth 10 and the cover rail 40 can be ensured by means of evacuation or building up the negative pressure. In this case, the adhesive 50 or the knobbed film is designed to be removable. For example, however, the adhesive 50 can be firmly connected to the cover rail 40, for example welded or glued. The adhesive 50 follows the surface contour of the occlusal surface 15 and provides an adhesive connection of the covering splint 40 to the teeth 10 over a large area or, if possible, even over the entire area.

With 6 Another embodiment of the training means 1 is shown (only in the UK 2), wherein the cover rail 40 is similar to that with 4 shown embodiment extends into the hump outlets 18, 20. In this variant, too, the adhesive 50 is arranged over a large area or even over the entire surface on the underside 45 of the cover rail 40 , so that the adhesive 50 is adhesively connected to the cusp outlets 18 , 20 and also to the occlusal surface 15 .

With 4 until 6 The variants of the cover splint 40, 42 shown can also be combined with one another in such a way that, for example, the splint 40, 42 is designed narrower on molar teeth 10 that are located far back, i.e., for example, the cusp outlets 18, 20 remain completely free, and with premolar teeth that are located further inwards the rail 40, 42 also partially covers the hump outlets 18, 20. The width or application surface of the adhesive 50 can also be adjusted depending on the shape of the tooth, the shape of the jaw and the circumstances of the respective oral cavity so that as little adhesive 50 as possible is used, but at the same time effective adhesion of the training aid 1 to the teeth 10 takes place.

Referring to 7 a further embodiment of the training means 1 is shown, with the same reference symbols--as in all parts of the present description--also describing the same components. In this embodiment of the training device 1, the occlusal surface 46 is arranged higher and moreover narrower than the occlusal surface 15 of the tooth 10. In particular, the occlusal surface 46 can have only 70% of the total width 35 of the cover rail 40, 42 or less, preferably only 50% or less. more preferably only 40% or less of the overall width 35 of the cover rail 40, 42. This achieves a further marginalization of the chewing process, whereby chewing food takes even longer and the user is occupied longer with the intake of a quantity of food. In relation to the amount of food consumed, the feeling of satiety occurs earlier, or a natural occurrence of the feeling of satiety can be restored. Advantageously, the narrowing of the chewing surface 46 is provided only on the maxillary splint 40, but not on the mandibular splint 42, as a result of which a natural chewing sensation can be ensured. Because if the mandibular splint 42 were raised, it could get caught in the maxillary splint 40 due to the horizontal movements of the lower jaw 2 and cause the splints 40, 42 to hit each other in an uncomfortable manner. This is avoided by only providing the occlusal surface 46 on the maxillary splint 40 .

8th shows an embodiment of the training means 1 similar to that with 6 shown form, with two different forms of removal aids 56, 56a being arranged on each side of the cover rail 40, 42. The removal aid 56, 56a is designed, for example, in such a way that it improves the ability to grip it with a finger. For example, a structured surface such as elevations or increased roughness can be provided. On the other hand, a gripping element 56a can also be provided, which can be gripped between the fingertips, so that the cover rail 40, 42 can be pulled off the teeth 9, 10 more easily. The two forms of spin-off aid 56, 56a can each be used on their own or in combination with one another. The removal aid 56, 56a can be inserted on the buccal or lingual side.

With 9 a perspective view of a training device 1 when it is being used on teeth 10 of the lower jaw 2 is shown. It can be seen here that the width 35 of the cover rail 40, 42 follows the respective tooth width 32 of the respective covered tooth 10. In other words, the cover rail 40, 42 is prepared in such a way that the width 35 of the cover rail 40, 42 measured at the point of the specifically covered tooth 10 is less than the maximum tooth width 32 of the specifically covered tooth 10. For example, a front side rail width 35a, to cover the incisors 9, narrower than the incisors 9 covered in each case, and at the same time also narrower than the splint width 35 at the level of a premolar or molar tooth 10. A removal aid 56 is provided at the level of the premolar teeth on the lingual side.

Based on 10 1 shows a top view of a training device 1 comprising a cover rail 40, the cover rail 40 covering only part of the teeth 10 of the corresponding jaw—for example the upper jaw 4. Accordingly, teeth 11 that remain free and are not covered by the covering rail 40 remain. As a result, the available chewing surface 46 is shortened, ie ver smaller, and the remaining teeth 11 do not take part in the chewing process. In addition, the teeth 11 that remain free are naturally salivated in the oral cavity and the dental health of these teeth is not affected at all by the covering splint 40 . The shortening of a splint 40 and the release of teeth 11 was not possible with conventional splints, since the larger coverage of the teeth, especially beyond the tooth width 30 in the direction of the gum base, the edge of the conventional splint on the inside of the cheek could be felt so clearly that with prolonged use resulted in an injury to the inside of the cheek. Since the splint 40, 42, in an inventive way, no longer protrudes beyond the tooth width 30 in the direction of the gum line and is narrower than the tooth width 30, the edge of a shortened splint 40, 42 does not scrape the inside of the cheek, but this can be worn permanently without injury or bad feeling to be worn. It is therefore possible to wear the shortened splint 40, 42 without injury, in particular when the splint 40, 42 is narrower than the tooth width 30.

In the embodiment of 10 a removal aid 56 is provided on the lingual side in each half of the jaw to simplify the removal of the cover splint 40, 42 from the oral cavity. Since the novel cover splint 40, 42 presented here is able to provide a high adhesive force, the removal aid 56 can be very useful in order not to injure the sensitive gums when removing it, which can easily happen if fingernails are used to detach the cover splint 40, 42 . The underside 45 of the cover splint 40, 42 can be lifted off the teeth 9, 10 with slight pressure on the removal aid 56, so that air can flow in between the underside 45 and the occlusal surfaces 15 and the negative pressure built up there breaks down. The adhesive force thus disappears and removal is easily possible.

Furthermore, in the embodiment of 10 a receiving area 58 is also arranged in the area of the side surface of the cover rail 40, 42, it being possible for a functional module to be inserted into the receiving area 58. For example, a radio-readable memory can be used there, which includes information on the training device 1, on the person using the training device 1, or on the times of use. On the other hand, a sensor can be used there, such as a glucose sensor in particular. The receiving area 58 can be formed in one piece with the training aid 1, for example cast.

Referring to 11 a production system 99 is shown for the automated production 100 of a training aid 1 or the cover rail(s) 40, 42 of the training aid 1. A future user can sit there, for example on a patient bed 68, and the jaw 2, 4 can then be examined using the scanning scanner 70 scanned in the scanning step 110 and transferred to a computer unit 75 . A model of a rail shape for the cover rail 40, 42 can be determined in a step 120 in the computer unit 75.

For example, the model calculation for the rail shape in step 120 can also be influenced using a user terminal 77 in that user data can be entered using the terminal 77 and taken into account for the model calculation 120 . The status or the result of the model calculation 120 can be displayed on a display device 78 so that, if necessary, changes or configurations can still be made and checked before the final production 130 . However, the manual configuration can be dispensable, so that the system 99 can work fully automatically. This is particularly interesting in order to be able to save on personnel costs, especially for highly qualified personnel.

In the model calculation 120, the tooth shape and manufacturing material can also be taken into account when selecting the adhesive 50, in particular with regard to the distribution of the adhesive 50 on the underside 45 of the cover rail 40, 42 and/or in the determination 125 of the required adhesive surfaces for the cover rail 40, 42 .

The model calculation 120 finally leads to the output of a 3D model or a model to a manufacturing device 85, in particular a 3D printer 85. The manufacturing device 85 then begins with the completion 130 of the cover rail 40, 42, in 11 shown as partially finished rail 90.

With 12 Finally, an overview of a manufacturing method 100 for the (automated) manufacture of a training aid 1 or the cover splint 40, 42 is given, with the required splint shape first being scanned using the model or the tooth and jaw shape of the future user in step 110. The scan data are transmitted to the computer unit 75, whereupon the shape of the rail is determined in step 120 by means of the computer unit 75. If necessary, the adhesive surfaces for the adhesive 50 are also determined in step 125, ie, for example, the dimensioning of the adhesive 50, the adhesive being selected to have as small an area as possible so that the largest possible surface area of the teeth 9, 10 remains free. The determined rail shape is then sent to the manufacturing system connected to the computer unit 75 transferred device 85, which the production 130 of the cover rail 40, 42 completes.

It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the embodiments described above are to be understood as examples and that the invention is not limited to these, but can be varied in many ways without departing from the scope of protection of the claims. Furthermore, it is evident that the features, regardless of whether they are disclosed in the description, the claims, the figures or otherwise, also individually define essential components of the invention, even if they are described together with other features. In all figures, the same reference symbols designate the same features, so that descriptions of features that may only be mentioned in one or at least not with regard to all figures can also be transferred to these figures with regard to which the feature is not described in the description.

Reference List

1

training aids

2

Mandible, UK

4

upper jaw, OK

5

jawbone

6

Gingival margin, buccal side

8th

Gingival margin, lingual side

9

incisor

10

Covered tooth or tooth to be covered

11

exposed tooth

12

lingual cusp

14

buccal cusp

15

occlusal surface

16

hump

17

lingual tooth flank

18

lingual cusp outlet

19

buccal tooth flank

20

buccal cusp departure

22

Point of greatest extent of tooth width, lingual point

24

Point of greatest extent of the tooth width, buccal point

30

Width of the occlusal surface of the tooth

32

tooth width (maximum tooth width)

35

Width of rail 40, 42

35a

Width of the splint 40, 42 in the frontal area

40

maxillary splint

42

mandibular splint

44

chewing surface of the mandibular splint

45

Underside of rail 40, 42

46

chewing surface of the maxillary splint

50

adhesive

52

damping element

54

micro cavity

56

outsourcing assistance

58

receiving compartment or area

68

patient couch

70

scanning scanner

75

computing unit

77

input device, user terminal

78

display device

80

workplace or workroom

85

Manufacturing device, 3d printer

90

partially fabricated cover rail

99

(automated) manufacturing facility

100

manufacturing process

110

scanning

120

Determine the rail shape

125

Determining the adhesion surfaces

130

Production of the cover rail

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• EP 2735288 B1 [0005]

Claims (24)

Training means (1) for reducing food intake, comprising at least one cover splint (40, 42) for covering the occlusal surfaces (15) of teeth (9, 10) of a jaw (2, 4) in the oral cavity, each of the teeth covered by the covering splint having a tooth width (32) transverse to a direction in which the jaw extends, wherein the covering splint has an underside (45) which is aligned towards the tooth in the inserted state, and at least one adhesive (50) arranged on the underside of the cover rail, wherein the adhesive has a foam or nub-like structure, wherein the adhesive provides a plurality of microvoids (54) between the cover splint and the tooth, wherein the cover rail is constructed and prepared in such a way as to impair or prevent the salivation of a supplied food. The training means (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cover splint (40, 42) is a maxillary splint for covering the occlusal surfaces of upper jaw teeth (9, 10), and/or wherein the covering splint (40, 42) is a mandibular splint for covering the occlusal surfaces of lower jaw teeth (9, 10), and/or wherein the training means comprises both the maxillary splint (40) and the mandibular splint (42) as cover splints. The training device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering rail (40, 42) comprises a chewing surface (44, 46) on an upper side, and wherein the occlusal surface covers the fissures of the teeth (9, 10) covered by the covering splint, so that food does not or only to a small extent penetrate into the occlusal area (15) of the teeth, and/or wherein the occlusal surface is essentially planar, and/or wherein the chewing surface forms a continuously flat, in particular smooth, flat structure, and/or wherein the chewing surface spans the or a part of the occlusal surface (15) of the covered teeth (9, 10), and/or the covering splint being prepared in such a way that the occlusal surface, when the covering splint is in place, is continuously arranged at a distance d above the cusps (12, 14, 16) of the teeth (9, 10) covered by the covering splint. The training device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the maxillary splint (40) comprises a first chewing surface (46) and the mandibular splint (42) comprises a second chewing surface (44), and wherein the first chewing surface and the second chewing surface are arranged in relation to one another that a chewing process can be carried out together with both chewing surfaces, with the chewing surfaces coming to rest against one another. The training device (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the width (35) of the chewing surface (46) of the maxillary splint (40) only partially covers the occlusal surfaces (15) of the covered teeth (9, 10), in particular only 80 % or less, preferably only 50%, more preferably 30% or less, and the occlusal surface is arranged elevated on the maxillary splint. The training aid (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover rail (40, 42) has a rail width (35, 35a), the rail width being narrower than the tooth width (32) of the covered tooth (9, 10), so that the cover rail on the respective tooth does not protrude beyond the width of the tooth. The training means (1) according to the preceding claim, the cover splint (40, 42), in particular the mandibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, overlaps the occlusal surfaces (15) of the teeth (9, 10) covered by the cover splint, and in particular with regard to their width (35, 35a) on the occlusal surfaces is restricted, and/or the cover rail (40, 42) partially covering the buccal side and/or the lingual or palatal side cusp outlets (18, 20). The training device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the training device is designed in such a way that when it is inserted in the oral cavity, the lingual surfaces (17) of the lower jaw teeth and/or the palatal surfaces of the upper jaw teeth remain uncovered or essentially uncovered, and/or the vestibular Surfaces (19) of the teeth (9, 10) of the oral cavity remain uncovered or substantially uncovered. The training aid (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover rail (40, 42) is designed in such a way that a negative pressure or vacuum builds up on the underside (45) when inserted and the cover rail is attached to the underside by means of the negative pressure or vacuum (9, 10) sucks tooth, and / or wherein the cover rail (40, 42) on the underside (45) has an elastic damping element (52). The training means (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive (50) is formed as a film or as a film, and/or wherein the microcavities (54) are formed communicating with one another, and/or wherein the adhesive (50) is elastic and at the same time provides the adhesive or holding effect for the cover rail (40, 42), so that the adhesive is also the damping element (52). The training device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the microcavities (54) are set up to be evacuated, so that they are evacuated, for example by means of compression, in particular by clenching the jaws (2, 4) and/or with fluid, in particular saliva , to be filled. The training aid (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the adhesive (50) is only arranged in certain areas on the underside (45), so that the underside of the cover rail (40, 42) remains free of the adhesive in certain areas and provides sufficient overall adhesive force , and/or wherein the adhesive (50) is arranged in such a way that it is limited to the area of the cusp outlets (18, 20) and/or to the area of the cusps (12, 14, 16), i.e. the occlusal surfaces (15) are at least partially or for the most part uncovered by the adhesive, and/or wherein the adhesive (50) provides a holding force of at least 20 kPa/cm ² for the cover rail (40, 42), preferably 30 kPa/cm ² or more preferably 50 kPa/cm ² or more, more preferably 80 kPa/cm ² or more, and/or wherein the holding force already provided by the adhesive (50) in the front molar or premolar teeth (9, 10) is large enough to hold the cover rail (40, 42) on the jaw (2, 4) so that rear molar teeth (11) can remain free of the cover rail. The training means (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover rail (40, 42) comprises or consists of a flexible material, in particular plastic, and/or wherein the cover rail (40, 42) is adapted or molded to the respective jaw shape. The training device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover splint (40, 42), in particular the mandibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, only partially covers the respective jaw (2, 4), so that part of the teeth (11) remains uncovered in the oral cavity. The training means (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the covering splint (40, 42), in particular the mandibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, extends only from a first premolar tooth (10) on a first side of the jaw to a first premolar tooth on a second side of the jaw opposite the first, and/or wherein the cover splint (40, 42), in particular the mandibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, extends only from an innermost or second innermost molar or premolar tooth (10) of a first jaw side to an innermost or second innermost molar or premolar tooth on one of the first opposite second jaw side is enough. The training aid (1) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the outer molar tooth or teeth (11) remains uncovered by the training aid. The training device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the training device is essentially horseshoe-shaped in a plan view and a free area remains between the legs, with the palate in particular being arranged in the free area when the training device is in use. The training device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further having a receiving area (58) for receiving a functional module, for example a glucose sensor or a radio transmitter or a data memory on the training device. The training aid (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a removal aid (56) arranged on an outer side of the cover rail (40, 42) for easy removal of the cover rail from the installed condition, for example for cleaning the cover rail or after its use. The training means (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the removal aid (56) is designed as a handle or gripping element, and/or wherein the removal aid (56) comprises knobs, hemispheres or grooves, and/or wherein the removal aid (56) is arranged in the area of the premolar teeth (10), ie in particular the canine tooth. Method (100) for producing a training aid (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: Scanning (110) a tooth structure of a user using a scanning scanner (70), determining (120) a shape of the covering splint (40, 42) that matches the tooth structure using a computer unit (75), producing or finishing (130) the covering splint using the from form provided by the computer unit. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the step of determining (120) the shape of the cover rail (40, 42) comprises determining or evaluating (125) the surfaces suitable for adhesion using the computer unit (75) and defining intended areas for an adhesive (50) for adhering the cover rail (40, 42) to teeth (9, 10). Method (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the covering rail (40, 42) is produced by means of a deep-drawing technique, by means of milling from a plank, by means of a printing process, by means of a casting process, or by means of additive manufacturing technology or a combination of the aforementioned processes. Production machine (99) for the automated direct production of a cover rail (40, 42), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a scanning scanner (70) for scanning (110) a tooth structure of a user, a computer unit (75) for determining (120) a shape of the cover rail (40, 42) that matches the scanned tooth structure, an output unit (85) for producing or finishing (130) the cover rail, for example an additive manufacturing printer.

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