EP2111899A1 - Mouth guard - Google Patents

Abstract

So as to accommodate front teeth (1,2), a corner/canine tooth (3), small back teeth/molars (4,5) and large back teeth/molars (6-8), a gum-shield consists of four laminate layers, the first (1.Laminat) and third (3.Laminat) of which consist of pure polyurethane and completely enclose a second laminate layer (2.Laminat), which consists of a polyurethane (PU) plate either completely made from carbon-fiber stuff or produced from a PU plate with carbon-fiber filaments. The whole gum-shield is enclosed on the outer side with a fourth laminate layer (4.Laminat). An independent claim is also included for a production method for adapting a gum-shield.

Description

The present invention relates to a mouthguard which can be divided in and out and which consists of at least two layers and protects the jaw and teeth and possibly, depending on the design, the teeth, the jaw, the temporomandibular joint and / or the opposing jaw teeth.

Older versions are known as so-called "Boil & Bites" mouthguard, which is plasticized as a thermally deformable plastic block under heat (water) softened (softened) and so entered into the oral cavity. The plastic block is then positioned by means of an abscess - tongue and cheek pressure and adapts to the jaw and arch geometry. After cooling, the mask is relatively inaccurate, loosely fitting with a variety of expression (in thickness and shape) little to no protective.

Improved, newer embodiments have two to three polyurethane plates (polyvinyl acetate - polyethylene or the like), which result in a sandwich system to a composite system, which have the goal of higher strength and uniform layer thickness. The production of these newer mouthguards is done by using a dental model (plaster model) in which the polyuretan plates are plasticized by means of a source of light or heat and then raised to the individual tooth and jaw condition via compressed air or vacuum. After curing, cleaning and shortening of the first PU plate, a second PU plate is pulled over it and thus provides a firm composite material between two plates by dissolving the upper layers.
The two so interconnected but separate layers already have a much higher strength than the previously known mouth guards.

In principle, a higher stability and rigidity could be achieved by adding further layers or plates one above the other. However, such a mouthguard would not be used in the mouth because of its thickness (expansion). Sometimes it was also thought to bring different hard, but also splinterable plastics between the plates. However, these have the disadvantage that they could splinter on sudden, mittelbis small-scale (hockey stick) loads and thus penetrate the layers. Known plastics are co-polyesters (PETG and PE). However, these more stable materials have the disadvantage that they do not form a sufficient connection with the PU plates, which basically reduces the stability of the mouthguard.

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to further develop a generic mouthguard so that it has increased stability at the same time lower material thickness and also is easy to customize the jaw and arch geometry individually.

This object is already achieved by the mouthguard according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are laid down in the subclaims.

According to the invention, a first solution proposes to insert one or more layers of fiber-reinforced plastic between the outer PU plates, consisting of eg EVA, PVA etc. or similar materials. Preferably, the fiber reinforced plastic is carbon fiber reinforced plastic. However, it can also be a kevlar, glass, carbon, aramid or hybrid weave o. Ä. Be. Fiber-reinforced plastics, in particular carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics, have the advantage of high stability and at the same time lower material thickness, are easily deformable and, in addition, cost-effective because of mass production.

Although it is known to use large-area carbon fiber fabric in various technical fields, for example in aircraft for the manufacture of the wings, because carbon fiber has a low weight, but at the same time is tougher than steel. These large carbon fiber mats, also referred to as "fabrics," are connected to each other and to the environment via a resin. However, such tissue are initially unsuitable for use in a surgical mask because they are intended for large-scale use and therefore can not be precisely adapted to the geometry of the teeth in a narrow space for accurate imaging of the geometry of the denture during deep-drawing. The formation of tight radii and structures is not feasible with such fabrics without warping and for achieving accurate abutment against the underlying teeth. Overall, such fabrics are not deep-drawable.

The first solution therefore proposes to cut the fabric into small pieces and to build up the resin-soaked pieces in the manner of a papier-mache onto a previously deep-drawn polyurethane sheet resting on the model to enclose the teeth and / or the jaw. To achieve the desired stability, one or more layers of carbon fiber-reinforced fabric structures or individual fibers or fiber bundles with a resin mixture o. Ä. Mixture applied to the chemical bond between the carbon fiber and plates and pulled over the jaw and tooth geometry. This can build up a carbon fiber layer of 0.5 mm. However, this solution is relatively complex and time-consuming. In addition, the resin surrounding the carbon fiber pieces hardens only at about 180 ° and the previously deep-drawn PU for the protection of the Kiefers and the teeth softens and deforms at 60 ° C. Consequently, this procedure requires relatively long curing times at low temperatures below 60 ° C.

In order for the carbon fiber layer to conform to the geometry of the teeth and / or the bit to form the protective view during deep drawing, this preferably has folds or warps. To fulfill the same purpose, the carbon fiber layer can also be supplied prefabricated with folds supplied as semi-finished / auxiliary.

Another solution for adapting the protective layer to the tooth and / or jaw geometry is provided by a polyurethane / polyethylene / polyvinyl acetate plate interspersed with carbon fibers. The carbon fibers are thus already embedded in the plate and integrated, e.g. in the form of helical carbon fibers or in the form of interspersed filaments. The amount of carbon fibers introduced depends on the application / indication and the load occurring, but should as far as possible be designed so that a thickness between 6 to 12, preferably 10 carbon fiber layers is achieved. This plate worked through with carbon fibers represents a semi-finished product, which is now easily adaptable by deep drawing to the individual jaw geometry. This carbon fiber-provided layer will hereinafter be referred to as a "protective layer".

In order to improve the fixation, the carbon fibers in the protective layer may additionally be enclosed or wetted with a resin matrix, which then hardens after deep-drawing. By adding moderators in the form of accelerators or inhibitors, the curing process can be influenced as needed. The matrix provides a resinous bond between the carbon fiber filaments and the surrounding PU for greater strength. As the resin, the resins commonly used for bonding carbon fiber fabrics are used. This the carbon fibers enclosing resin mixture is preferably biocompatible and is used in addition to the solidification of the PU plate by the thus achieved increase in the resistance to the inclusion of any protruding fibers z. B. may have been caused by the clipping. These protruding fibers can also be covered by an outer protective plate made of pure PU.

For example, such a semifinished product may have a sub-layer of pure PU with a thickness of approx. 1 mm facing the teeth, a protective layer of approx. 0.6 mm interspersed with carbon fiber filaments and arranged in the middle, and an upper layer for covering the protective layer with a Thickness of approx. 0.5 mm.

However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide only one interspersed with carbon fiber filaments PU protective layer, which can be applied to the pine and deep drawn to adapt to the surrounding geometry. This embodiment is particularly delicate.

In all solutions, a separation-free connection is achieved between the carbon fiber material or the carbon fibers and the surrounding PU plate. The second solution also provides a prefabricated semi-finished product in the form of a carbon fiber filaments pervaded PU plate, which only needs to be deep-drawn to adapt to the individual tooth geometry. To protect the palate, this semi-finished product on the underside facing the palate in the installation position may comprise a sub-layer of pure PU which is not interspersed with carbon fibers.

To further improve the wearing comfort, the semifinished product on the upper side facing away from the palate in the installation position may also have a PU upper layer which is not interspersed with carbon fibers. However, this upper layer can also be subsequently coated after adaptation of the carbon fiber layer to the jaw geometry become.

For all solutions it has to be considered that the semi-finished product loses approx. 30% of its material thickness during the deep-drawing process. However, this average value depends on the respective deep-drawing process the pressure or vacuum supplied, the heating time and the PU plate produced and their composition.

The curing time for curing the protective layer can be influenced thermally or chemically or else by lighting technology by means of a heating furnace, mixture or else by appropriate lamps.

When using several carbon fiber layers, the first solution can achieve higher stability values due to the multilayer nature of the laminates, which could never be achieved in a single-layered process or in the second solution by increasing the volume fraction of carbon fiber filaments.

With carbon fiber lamination between two PU plates in the anterior region as described, the load capacity across the entire jaw area can be reduced and the damping behavior increased.

A preferred further development provides that the middle layer of fiber-reinforced plastic extends over a larger portion or over the entire jaw area.

A further embodiment provides that the middle layer extends around the teeth into the palate or oral region in order to achieve greater stability. Thus, the force of an impact over the entire surface of the teeth around in the palate or oral area is transmitted and absorbed and thus the fiber reinforcement has the function of a protective cage ( Fig. 6 ) for the distribution of impinging forces. It acts like a resistance block and thus leads to a Increased protection of the mouth, tooth and jaw area while optimizing space in the lip, tongue and cheek area.

The inventive mask also makes it possible for the first time to modify and expand on this basis; namely at z. B. the well-known in boxing problem of "glassy chin" as far as possible by the fiber reinforcement and the mouthguard has a geometry that reduces the displacement (the retrusion) of the lower jaw (movable) at a fixed force in relation to the upper jaw at a force occurring (blocked) or completely avoids (see Fig. 2 = Retrusion Blocker> RB <). This can be done, for example, by preventing the retrusion (reverse movement) of the entire lower jaw by means of a retral construction (type of bite) and thus providing additional protection against jaw fractures (traumata / broken bones).

A further embodiment comprises an enlargement or extension of the anterior protective shield ( Fig. 3 , = S1). This causes an additional protection against the opposing jaw teeth with maximum possibility of intercuspation (bite through a predetermined bite structure through the opposing jaw).

The advantages of the inventive mask are in particular the improved comfort and the simplified production.

Since the inventive mouthguard is at the same time considerably thinner than existing mouthguards with considerably higher stability, it is more compatible and thus enables better articulation, so that the speech is reproducible without disruption and the athlete can thus concentrate more on his activity. Great tension on the lips and mimic muscles are effectively avoided by the filigree design. First comparisons show that a 2 - 2.5 mm thick PU plate with inlaid carbon fiber to a 4-5 mm thick, conventional mouthguard is equal. As a result, the resistance force of a mouthguard no longer has to be achieved by increasing (increasing) the thickness, but is achieved by the addition of a sufficient amount of carbon fiber with a simultaneous decrease in the thickness of the mouthguard.

The invention thus provides a cheap mouthguard with increased comfort, which also offers significantly more space in the mouth. The mouthguard offers a significant improvement in the protection of jaws and teeth and is easy and quick to make.

• Aufbringen oder Einbringen eines Falten oder Verwerfungen aufweisenden Kohlenfaserstoffgewebes in einer - oder zwischen zwei - oder mehreren PU-Platten als vorgefertigtes Hilfsteil/Halbzeug mit einer vorzugsweise biokompatiblen harzigen Matrix zum Zwecke der Härtung bzw. der Stabilisierung (Fixierung) der an eine Gebissgeometrie angepassten Gewebestruktur;
• Tiefziehen des Halbzeugs bei gleichzeitig gewährleistetem (Teil)-Entfalten der integrierten Kohlenfaserstoffgewebe;
• Aushärten der harzigen Matrix (Verbindung zwischen Kohlenfaserstoff und PU) zeitlich individuell, je nach gefordertem Härteanspruch nach dem Tiefziehvorgang zur weiteren Bearbeitung.

In order to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned at the outset, a production method for a mouthguard is furthermore proposed, comprising the following method steps:

• Applying or introducing a folding or warp carbon fiber fabric in one - or between two - or more PU plates as a prefabricated auxiliary part / semi-finished with a preferably biocompatible resinous matrix for the purpose of curing or stabilization (fixation) adapted to a denture tissue structure;
• Deep-drawing of the semifinished product with simultaneous guaranteed (partial) unfolding of the integrated carbon fiber fabric;
• Hardening of the resinous matrix (connection between carbon fiber material and PU) individually in time, depending on the required hardness after the deep-drawing process for further processing.

The inventive method also includes the introduction of one or more such introduced with wrinkles or distortions between or in PU plates carbon fiber fabric layers for producing a prefabricated auxiliary part or semi-finished with a biocompatible resinous matrix for the purpose of curing or stabilization (fixation) of the tissue structure.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one can use EVA or other materials instead of PU.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Mundschutzes im Kiefer;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Mundschutzes im Kiefer mit einem Retrusionsblocker;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Mundschutzes im Kiefer mit einem Retrusionsblocker und einem vorderen Schutzschild;

Fig. 4.

eine anatomische Darstellung der Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 1 mit Impressionen durch Gegenkiefer;

Fig. 4a

eine anatomische Darstellung der Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 1 ohne Impressionen durch den Gegenkiefer;

Fig. 5

eine anatomische Darstellung der Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 3;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Rückansicht eines vorgeschlagenen Mundschutzes zur Verdeutlichung der Statik;

Fig. 7

eine anatomische Darstellung eines mit dem Mundschutz umschlossenen Frontzahnes von approximal (seitlich) gesehen;

Fig. 8

eine anatomische Darstellung eines mit dem Mundschutz umschlossenen Backenzahnes von approximal (seitlich) gesehen;

Fig. 9

eine anatomische Darstellung eines mit dem Mundschutz umschlossenen Frontzahnes von approximal gesehen mit Schutzschild; und

Fig. 10

eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Halbzeugs;

Fig. 11

eine schematische Darstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Halbzeugs;

Fig. 12

eine schematische Darstellung einer dritten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Halbzeugs; und

Fig. 13

eine vierte Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Halbzeugs.

Further details, advantages and features of the invention can be taken from the following description of the figures, in which preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention are explained in more detail. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic side view of a first embodiment of the inventive mouthguard in the jaw;

Fig. 2

a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the inventive mask in the jaw with a Retrusionsblocker;

Fig. 3

a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the inventive mouthguard in the jaw with a Retrusionsblocker and a front shield;

Fig. 4.

an anatomical view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 with impressions through the opposing jaw;

Fig. 4a

an anatomical view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 without impressions through the opposing jaw;

Fig. 5

an anatomical view of the embodiment according to Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 6

a perspective rear view of a proposed mouthguard to illustrate the statics;

Fig. 7

an anatomical view of an anterior tooth enclosed by the mouth guard seen from approximal (laterally);

Fig. 8

an anatomical view of a mouth-guard-enclosed molar seen from approximal (laterally);

Fig. 9

an anatomical view of an anterior tooth enclosed by the mouthguard seen from approximal with protective shield; and

Fig. 10

a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a semifinished product according to the invention;

Fig. 11

a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a semifinished product according to the invention;

Fig. 12

a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a semifinished product according to the invention; and

Fig. 13

A fourth embodiment of an inventively designed semi-finished product.

Identical or equivalent components are provided with the same reference numerals.

Accordingly, the in FIG. 1 illustrated mask from a total of four laminate layers, of which the first and the third laminate layer of pure polyurethane (PU) and enclose a second layer of laminate fully. This second laminate layer is either constructed entirely of carbon fiber fabric or of a carbon fiber filament-impregnated PU sheet. The entire mouthguard is surrounded on the outside with a fourth layer of laminate. Although this from the FIG. 1 not shown, the mouthguard is adapted by one or more deep drawing operations with a thermoforming device to the jaw geometry.

In the FIG. 2 In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment, in addition to a back-up blocker at the rear end of the mouthguard in the form of a vertically projecting in the installed position projection, which is enclosed with laminate and against which as shown in FIG FIG. 5 the posterior molar of the lower jaw rests. This anti-blocking agent is integrally formed on the second laminate layer, which consists of carbon fiber fabric or interspersed with carbon fiber filaments.

In the FIG. 3 illustrated third embodiment also has a protective cover in the installed position covering the front teeth, which like the rear anti-blocking agent is integrally formed on the second carbon fiber laminate layer and vertical to the direction of longitudinal extension in installation position to protect the front teeth up and / or down to this against to cover a frontal impact.

In all embodiments, the second laminate layer is an integral part of the mouthguard and may have single or multi-ply layers of carbon fiber or Kevlar, glass, carbon, aramid or hybrid fabrics. The third layer is also an integral part of the mouthguard and captively connected to the other layers and each of the Kiefergeometrie facing side.

The fourth layer is each an outer covering layer and directly facing the opposing jaw geometry. It serves as a protective laminate against the possible escape of tissue components from the second laminate layer.

How out Fig. 5 can be seen, the rear, serving as a stop for the lower jaw formed on the upper side of the second layer interspersed with carbon fiber layer formed by blocking inhibitors in a blow a relative displacement of the lower jaw in relation to the upper jaw.

In the FIG. 6 illustrated perspective view of the mouthguard clarifies on the one hand the statics and on the other hand the way in which the mouthguard encloses the teeth in the installation position "cage-like".

In the FIG. 10 illustrated first embodiment of a semifinished product according to the invention comprises a lower PU underlayer 2, which is directed in the installed position tooth or pine, has a thickness of about 0.7 - 1 mm and consists of pure PU. After deep-drawing of this underlayer, a protective layer 4 through which carbon fibers are applied is applied with a thickness of approximately 0.7-1.4 mm in a second deep-drawing process. On top of this protective layer 4 is also made of pure PU upper layer 6 is drawn up orally in a third deep-drawing process, which also has a thickness of 0.7 - 1 mm. At the in FIG. 10 illustrated embodiment, therefore, three deep draws to adapt to the jaw geometry are required.

In the FIG. 11 illustrated second embodiment also includes a mouth, tooth or pine directed PU sublayer 8, a arranged on top of this and durchwirkkte with carbon fibers PU protective layer 10 with a thickness of about 1 mm and a top side arranged and orally directed upper layer 12 from pure PU with one Thickness of approx. 0.8 mm. That in the FIG. 11 shown semifinished product is compared to the in FIG. 10 shown manufactured as a plate, so that only a deep drawing process is necessary for the adaptation to the tooth jaw geometry.

Also in the FIG. 12 illustrated third of a semifinished product comprises a plate 14 which is penetrated in the upper half with a thickness of about 1.5 mm carbon fibers to form the protective layer and in the lower half towards the teeth or the jaw consists only of pure PU , This plate 14 is pulled once to adapt to the tooth jaw geometry deep. On top of this plate 14, a PU top layer 16 is raised, which is directed in the installed position orally and has a thickness of about 0.8 mm.

In the FIG. 13 illustrated third embodiment of a semifinished product consists of a plate 16, which consists of pure PU in the lower and upper third and centered by a carbon fiber durchwirkte PU protective layer of about 2.0 - has 2.3 mm. This embodiment only has to be pulled once deep to adapt to the jaw geometry.

The diameter of the plates is dependent on the respective thermoforming device in all embodiments.

The object of the present invention results not only from the subject matter of the individual claims, but also from the combination of the individual claims with each other.

All information and features disclosed in the documents - including the abstract - in particular the spatial design shown in the drawings are claimed to be essential to the invention, as far as they are new individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

Claims (18)

Can be used between an upper and a lower jaw of a person for the protection of teeth arranged on the jaws, having at least one adaptable to the geometry of the teeth plastic layer, characterized in that it comprises a fiber-reinforced protective layer. Mouthguard according to claim 1, characterized in that the plastic layer comprises carbon fiber filaments to form a fiber-reinforced protective layer. Mouthguard according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective layer comprises one or more layers of fiber-reinforced plastic. Mouthguard according to claim 3, characterized in that the protective layer has wrinkles or distortions. Mouthguard according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the protective layer is enclosed by at least one non-fiber-reinforced lower and / or upper layer. Mouthguard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fibers have carbon fibers, Kevlar, glass, carbon, aramid, Hygienweekstoff or combinations thereof. Mouthguard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer has one or more layers. Mouthguard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fiber reinforcement extends only over the anterior teeth. Mouthguard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fiber reinforcement extends partially over the entire tooth and jaw area. Mouthguard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fiber reinforcement extends over the entire tooth and jaw area. Mouthguard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layers are optionally offset from one another. Mouthguard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer is designed to prevent an offset of the lower jaw (retrusion) in relation to the upper jaw (fixed). Mouthguard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front shield also detects the opposing jaw teeth . Mouthguard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opposing jaw always bites into the outer surface of the mouthguard during manufacture. Mouthguard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opposing jaw always has the bite structures (impressions) on the surface of the mouthguard. Manufacturing method for adapting a mouthguard comprising at least one protective layer of fiber-reinforced, in particular carbon fiber-reinforced plastic to a tooth and / or denture geometry, comprising the method steps: - Applying the fold or warp protective layer on a denture impression; Deep drawing of the protective layer for adaptation to the tooth and / or denture geometry in a thermoforming device. Manufacturing method according to claim 16, characterized in that a cover layer without fiber-reinforced plastic is applied to the protective layer. Manufacturing method according to claim 17, characterized in that a cover is mounted on both sides of the protective layer.

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