EP3838247A1 - Mouth insert for dispensing a substance into the oral cavity - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an oral insert (10) for delivering a substance into the oral cavity, comprising an attachment area (20) which is intended to be removably attached to an upper jaw or a lower jaw, and an attachment area that is connected to the attachment area and is connected by a wall ( 60) limited chamber (70) for receiving the substance, the chamber (70) comprising a delivery area (80) via which the substance is delivered into the oral cavity.

Description

The invention relates to an oral insert for delivering a substance into the oral cavity according to claim 1 and a combination of the same with a substance to be delivered into the oral cavity according to claim 15.

In the case of a disease of the upper respiratory tract, the nasal mucous membranes are swollen, so that breathing through the nose is no longer possible or difficult.

The function of the nasal mucous membranes is to moisten the air we breathe in order to avoid irritation of the throat and bronchi.

With a cold, breathing occurs through the mouth and the oral mucosa then dries out very quickly. This triggers a dry cough in the throat area, which can significantly disturb the night's rest.

A distinction is made between dry coughs, triggered at the beginning of acute bronchitis, and when inhaling irritant gases, dust and other foreign bodies. The productive cough (cough with sputum) can occur in the context of pneumonia and in the later stage of acute bronchitis.

Many patients who have operated on the nose and paranasal sinuses also have a problem with breathing through the mouth. You then basically breathe through your mouth, so that the dry air irritates the throat area and leads to coughing fits, the vibrations of which are detrimental to convalescence.

According to research with ENT doctors, there is a significantly high number of patients who suffer from chronic laryngitis. Here the therapeutic range for the night is considerably limited

Various products in liquid form such as various cough balms or in solid form such as candies or lozenges are available to tame the urge to cough. However, these only work for a short time and the patient wakes up several times during the night in order to get relief again.

However, when taking these products, especially in solid form, aspiration of the product can occur when falling asleep, which can have serious consequences.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device for dispensing a substance into the oral cavity which enables the substance to be continuously and safely dispensed.

This object is achieved according to the invention by an oral insert according to claim 1 and a combination of the same with a substance according to claim 15 to be dispensed into the oral cavity. Preferred embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

The invention relates to an oral insert for delivering a substance into the oral cavity, comprising an attachment area which is intended to be removably attached to an upper jaw or a lower jaw, and a chamber, which is connected to the attachment area and delimited by a wall, for receiving the Substance. The chamber includes a delivery area through which the substance is delivered into the oral cavity.

The oral insert according to the invention thus enables the substance to be released into the oral cavity, the removable attachment of the oral insert to the upper jaw or the lower jaw allowing safe use. As a result, the substance is safely released into the oral cavity. For example, the risk of aspiration of a solid substance carrier carrying the substance can be prevented. Since the mouth insert can be safely worn over a long period of time, for example while sleeping, continuous delivery through the delivery area can be ensured. Depending on the design and properties of the delivery area, the delivery of the substance can be easily controlled.

When the mouth insert is inserted, the substance to be dispensed in the chamber is dispensed through the dispensing area. Saliva can penetrate into the chamber, for example through the delivery area, and mix with substance, whereupon saliva and substance can flow off through the delivery area into the oral cavity. However, the substance can also flow through the delivery area of its own accord and only mix with saliva outside the chamber. The further production of saliva ensures that the mixture of saliva and substance continues so that it can be distributed into the oral cavity. For example, if the oral mucosa has dried out and a dry cough, the mixture will flow over the soft soft palate around the irritated throat and the throat wall will be constantly moistened.

Should an attachment to the upper jaw be necessary for practical reasons or for reasons due to treatment by a user of the oral insert, an embodiment can be selected which is intended to be removably attached to the upper jaw. In the case of an attachment to the lower jaw, a further embodiment can also be selected which is intended to be removably attached to the lower jaw. These embodiments thus allow sufficient flexibility in the choice of a solution for the treatment or depending on the wishes of the wearer of the oral insert.

The method of attachment can be chosen depending on the duration of the delivery of the substance or the type of treatment. The removable attachment of the oral insert means that it is reversible and can normally be removed by the wearer of the oral insert without difficulty or special interventions.

The fastening can be based on a clamping force exerted by the fastening region on the lower or upper jaw, as is disclosed below.

It is also possible to shape the fastening area in such a way that a suction cup effect takes place between the fastening area and the upper jaw and / or possibly the palate. This suction cup effect can also be generated between the fastening area and the lower jaw. The suction cup effect occurs through direct contact between the fastening area and oral tissue, in particular the gums, for example with the moistening of saliva when the oral insert is put on.

Furthermore, the attachment can take place via a pressure-sensitive adhesive which is applied over the attachment area and ensures adhesion between the attachment area and the upper jaw and, if appropriate, the palate or the lower jaw when the oral insert is put on.

However, it is also possible that the fastening area extends over an already existing dental implant and, if necessary, replacement teeth or an toothless area of the upper jaw or the lower jaw.

A combination of the different fastening methods is of course also possible. For example, part of the fastening area can exert a clamping force on the upper jaw and another part of the fastening area can produce a suction cup effect together with the palate.

The term "oral cavity" means the space delimited by the wall of the oral cavity, which is delimited to the front by the lips, to the top by the hard and soft palate, to the side by the cheeks and to the bottom by the floor of the mouth. The floor of the mouth thus forms the lower end of the oral cavity.

The teeth divide the oral cavity into an oral cavity located within the lower and upper dental arches, ie lingually, and into an oral vestibule located outside the lower and upper dental arches, ie buccal and labial. The oral cavity is thus lingual to the lower or upper jaw. The oral vestibule refers to the space between the lips or cheeks and the rows of teeth or, in the case of the edentulous, the extensions of the jawbone protruding into the oral cavity.

The oral insert comprises a support side facing away from the oral cavity, which in the position of use of the oral insert is essentially in contact with the oral cavity wall, i.e. with the tissue of the oral cavity and possibly with teeth, and rests on the tissue and possibly the teeth. The contact side is thus facing the upper jaw or the lower jaw.

Furthermore, the mouth insert has an outer side facing away from the support side, which in the position of use of the mouth insert thus faces away from the upper jaw or the lower jaw. The outside faces the oral cavity and thus comes into contact mainly with saliva and the tongue.

In a preferred embodiment, the chamber is arranged on the outside of the mouth insert. This allows easy access to the chamber without having to remove the mouth insert, for example to check the filling level of the chamber. This also helps to leave a comfortable feeling when wearing the mouth insert, because the chamber does not form any interference from edges or interfaces on the support side.

The chamber is preferably arranged lingual to the upper jaw or the lower jaw. Thus, the chamber can be easily reached through the tongue and saliva.

In certain patients, nausea can arise if the chamber is lingual to the upper jaw or the lower jaw. An arrangement labial and / or buccal to the upper jaw or to the lower jaw is also possible in order to adapt to such patients or if patients prefer this solution. The chamber is preferably arranged buccally so that the patient can speak when speaking is disturbed only minimally, if at all, and the chamber does not cause any unaesthetic elevation in the area of the lips. Furthermore, a buccal arrangement of the chamber enables the formation of a larger chamber, which can thus accommodate a larger amount of substance.

However, it is also possible to provide a lingual chamber and a further chamber labial or buccal to the upper jaw or the lower jaw.

In a preferred embodiment, the wall is formed in one piece and integrally with the fastening area. This training enables an inexpensive production of the oral insert. Furthermore, this results in a seamless production of the oral insert, which advantageously reduces the number of gaps and interfaces between components. This allows the oral insert to be cleaned easily and reduces the risk of injury from edges located at the intermediate spaces.

In a preferred embodiment, the delivery area is formed in the wall of the chamber on the outside, i.e. the wall comprises the delivery area. This allows saliva to reach the chamber unhindered and mix with the substance being released. In addition, the chamber can be comfortably and easily reached with the tongue, for example in order to distribute the released substance.

However, it is also possible to arrange the chamber on the contact side. However, this presupposes that the released substance can come into contact with saliva or that the released substance flow between the mouth insert and the tissue into the oral cavity in which the released substance can come into contact with saliva.

In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing area has a perforation, preferably a microperforation, or the dispensing area is formed thereby. The delivery of the substance can be determined by the specific design of the delivery area. The perforation of the wall forms a dispensing area that is easy to produce, and the dispensing rate can be influenced by the number of perforations and their size. The perforations preferably have a diameter of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, particularly preferably 1.5 mm to 2 mm. This size is particularly suitable for solid substance carriers such as lozenges to alleviate sore throats, capsules or tablets.

In the present case, a lozenge refers to a globule to be sucked to which flavors or medicinal products have been added. A tablet refers to a drug in the shape of a small round or elliptical, at least approximately flat disc. A capsule describes a drug whose solid or liquid components are enclosed in a mass of substance that is soluble in saliva.

A microperforation can be used for substances in solid or liquid form in order to keep the delivery rate low and to enable continuous delivery over a longer period of time. The microperforations preferably have a diameter of 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, particularly preferably 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. This size is particularly suitable for liquid or gel-like substance carriers such as, for example, essential oils for relief suitable for sore throats, sea salt or local anesthetics.

In a preferred embodiment, the delivery area has a membrane, or the delivery area is formed by it. The arrangement of the membrane allows further options for controlling the release of the substance, in particular through the selection of a selective permeability of the membrane. Thus, for example, it can be avoided that saliva penetrates the chamber while the substance can cross through the membrane.

In the present case, the term “substance” denotes one or more active ingredients, possibly a combination of several active ingredients, the specific effect of which is sought in the oral cavity or via the release into the oral cavity in the body. For practical or medical reasons, the substance can generally be used and manipulated via a substance carrier which contains the substance. In the present context, “release of the substance” means the release of the substance itself or, if applicable, the release of the substance together with the substance carrier.

The substance can be a solid, pasty, gel-like or liquid component of the substance carrier, which can also be solid, pasty, gel-like or liquid. The expression pasty substance carrier is understood to mean a solid-liquid mixture which contains a high content of solids and is no longer flowable, but rather spreadable. The expression gel-like substance is understood to mean a dispersion of a liquid and a solid phase. The solid phase forms a network-like network in which the liquid phase resides. It is preferably the liquid phase around water or around a water / ethanol mixture.

It is also possible to use a substance or a substance carrier, the shape of which changes at body temperature, so that, for example, there is a solid consistency below body temperature and a pasty, gel-like or liquid consistency at body temperature.

In a preferred embodiment, the wall has an insertion opening for introducing the substance into the chamber. The chamber can thus be refilled with the substance to be dispensed, and the mouth insert can continue to be used or used again. Furthermore, the insertion opening allows the chamber to be cleaned between two uses in order to remove any residues of the substance or saliva in the chamber.

The insertion opening is preferably arranged in the wall of the chamber on the outside. This arrangement allows easy access to the chamber, for example in order to refill the chamber with substance to be dispensed.

The insertion opening and the delivery area are preferably arranged in the wall of the chamber on the outside.

In a preferred embodiment, the insertion opening is elastically deformable in order to introduce a solid substance carrier carrying the substance, in particular in the form of a capsule, a matrix or a tablet, into the chamber and to hold it therein. In the elastically deformed position of the insertion opening, a solid substance carrier can be inserted into the chamber. In the rest position of the insertion opening, namely when the The insertion opening is no longer deformed and has resumed its original state, the solid substance carrier can be held in the chamber.

In a preferred embodiment, the insertion opening can specifically be formed by a recess in the wall. The insertion opening preferably has an elastically deformable projection protruding from a first edge region of the recess, which protrusion runs transversely across the recess in the direction of a second edge region of the recess opposite the first edge region. As a result, the clear opening of the recess is narrower and the projection can hold the solid substance carrier in the chamber. Refilling the chamber is particularly easy in this embodiment.

In a preferred embodiment, the projection can be designed as an elastically deformable web which connects the second edge area of the recess with the first edge area of the recess. As a result, the clear opening of the recess is also narrower. The solid substance carrier can be introduced into the chamber via the lateral deformation of the web and held by the web, which has its original, non-deformed state. The insertion opening preferably has a multiplicity of elastically deformable webs, in particular 3 to 4 webs. This embodiment can hold a solid substance carrier particularly securely if its size becomes smaller when the substance is released, for example due to its dissolution in saliva, because the webs in their non-deformed state block the passage of the solid substance carrier through the insertion opening.

In a preferred embodiment, the insertion opening can be formed through a slot in the wall. A lip of the insertion opening is preferably designed to be elastically deformable in some areas in order to enable the solid substance carrier to be introduced into the chamber in the deformed state of the lip and to hold the solid substance carrier in the non-deformed state of the lip. Because of its simplicity, this embodiment can be produced particularly inexpensively.

The insertion opening can form the delivery area in whole or in part. For example, the insertion opening in the form of a recess or a slot in the wall can act at the same time as a discharge area in whole or in part. Since the slot closes again after the introduction of the solid substance carrier in the chamber or the recess remains open, the insertion opening is therefore not tight. As a result, saliva can enter the chamber and substance dissolved in the saliva can flow out of the chamber. Whether a delivery area is additionally necessary in such an embodiment can be defined depending on the amount of the substance to be delivered. Such embodiments can be produced particularly inexpensively because of their simplicity.

In a preferred embodiment, the introduction opening is formed as a valve which enables a liquid substance carrier carrying the substance, in particular in the form of an essential oil or a syrup, to be introduced into the chamber. The valve allows introduction into the chamber and discharge from the chamber the liquid substance can be controlled. Thus, further, in particular liquid forms of the substance carrier can be used with the oral insert. The insertion opening is preferably formed by a one-way valve. This ensures that the liquid substance can be introduced into the chamber when required but cannot flow out of the chamber through the introduction opening.

In the case of pasty substance carriers, depending on the viscosity, the elastically deformable or the one-way valve embodiment of the insertion opening can be selected.

In a preferred embodiment, the valve forming the insertion opening can simultaneously form the delivery area. The substance is introduced into the chamber in liquid form or via a liquid substance carrier through the valve and is held by the latter in the chamber. However, the valve can be designed in such a way that it only allows the delivery when the pressure in the chamber has exceeded a predetermined delivery pressure. The introduction opening is preferably formed by a valve, preferably a bidirectional valve, which enables the introduction of a liquid substance carrier carrying the substance, in particular in the form of an essential oil or a syrup, into the chamber in an introduction direction, and which enables the substance to be dispensed Allows carrying liquid substance carrier in a delivery direction opposite to the insertion direction when the pressure in the chamber exceeded a predetermined delivery pressure. Thus, the release of the substance can be activated actively and if desired, for example when pain or a cough occurs, by controlling the pressure in the chamber.

For this purpose, at least one area of the wall on the outside can be designed to be elastically deformable in such a way that the area can be actuated, for example by pressing with the tongue or a finger, in order to increase the pressure in the chamber until the dispensing pressure is reached. This solution provides a convenient means of controlling the pressure in the chamber and triggering the release of the substance.

In a preferred embodiment, the fastening area has a clamping means in order to detachably fasten the fastening area to teeth of the upper jaw or the lower jaw. The use of the clamping means allows a fastening which can be designed flexibly and without intervention in the upper jaw or the lower jaw.

In a preferred embodiment, the clamping means has a first clamping lip facing the oral cavity and a second clamping lip facing the oral vestibule. The first clamping lip and the second clamping lip extend laterally so that in the position of use of the oral insert they cover the relevant teeth of the upper or lower jaw and are at least partially elastically deformable in such a way that they are clamped to the relevant teeth under spring action.

The first and the second clamping lips can be formed, for example, via an impression of the upper or lower jaw, the clamping force exerted by them being able to be determined via the properties of the material used. Because the first and second clamping lips are elastically deformable, deformation of the same remains reversible and takes place their original shape again when no more force is applied. A mechanical fine adjustment is no longer necessary after production, so that the mouth insert can be easily produced and inserted.

Because the first clamping lip and the second clamping lip are designed to be elastically deformable, they optimally assume the shape of the upper jaw or the lower jaw and the distribution of the clamping force exerted by the clamping means is optimized. This helps to leave a comfortable feeling when wearing the mouth insert.

However, it is also possible to design only the first clamping lip or only the second clamping lip to be elastically deformable.

In a preferred embodiment, the first clamping lip and the second clamping lip extend onto a gum area of the upper jaw or the lower jaw, so that in the position of use of the mouth insert they hold clamped on the gum area under the action of a spring. This embodiment can also be used in the case of partial or total absence of teeth on the jaw in question, since the clamping effect on the gum area does not require the presence of teeth.

The second clamping lip is preferably arranged opposite the first clamping lip in order to ensure a homogeneous distribution of the clamping force exerted by the clamping means and to avoid pressure points.

In a preferred embodiment, the fastening area is essentially designed as one that is adapted to the shape of the upper jaw or the lower jaw, formed a horseshoe-shaped channel, which has a saddle-shaped cross-section. The channel comprises a floor which is intended to rest on teeth of the lower or upper jaw, as well as an inner wall facing the oral cavity and an outer wall facing the oral vestibule. The inner wall and the outer wall, viewed in the cross section of the channel, extend in such a way that they cover the dentition, ie the existing teeth, and at least partially cover a part of the gum adjacent to the dentition. To fasten the mouth insert, the first clamping lip can be formed at least partially by the inner wall and the second clamping lip at least partially by the outer wall. The saddle-shaped design of the channel enables the mouth insert to be manufactured easily. At the same time, secure fastening can be ensured over the extent of the first and second clamping lips along the upper jaw and the lower jaw, respectively.

This arrangement also represents a flexible solution because the inside of the channel can be lined with a pasty filler, the filler filling the gap between the saddle-shaped channel and the lower or upper jaw when the mouth insert is in use. Thus, a limited number of mouth insert sizes beyond the size of the prefabricated troughs may be suitable for a majority of users.

In a preferred embodiment, the fastening area can be designed as an impression of the upper jaw or the lower jaw. An impression base of the impression is intended to rest on the teeth of the lower or upper jaw. Furthermore form a dem The inner impression wall facing the oral cavity, adjoining the impression base, and an outer impression wall facing the oral vestibule, adjoining the impression base, the first clamping lip or the second clamping lip. The inner impression wall and the outer impression wall, seen in the cross section of the impression, extend in such a way that they cover the dentition and at least partially the part of the gum adjacent to the dentition. Due to the precise adaptation of the fastening area to the lower or upper jaw, the mouth insert is particularly comfortable to wear and can consequently be worn over a longer period of time. At the same time, a secure attachment is guaranteed without the use of additional aids.

In a preferred embodiment, the clamping means has a clamp which at least partially surrounds one or more of the teeth in question and is elastically deformable in such a way that in the position of use of the oral insert it holds the teeth in question clamped under the action of a spring. By using a clamp, the fastening area can be made compact so that the mouth insert takes up little space in the mouth.

In a preferred embodiment for the removable attachment of the oral insert to the upper jaw, the chamber is formed in an oral insert area which runs across the palate and is shaped opposite the palate. When the mouth insert is inserted, the mouth insert area at least partially covers the palate. Preferably, the mouth insert area essentially completely covers the hard palate, so that the mouth insert area advantageously offers space for the formation of a larger chamber. Correspondingly, larger Amount of substance in the chamber can be absorbed either via larger solid substance carriers or larger amounts of liquid substance carriers.

However, nausea can arise in sensitive patients if the chamber is too far in the direction of the soft palate. Therefore, the chamber can be formed in a mouth insert area which runs across the palatal folds.

Furthermore, the mouth insert area can at least partially form the fastening area. A suction cup effect can namely be brought about by the direct contact between the side of the mouth insert area facing the palate, which is shaped opposite the palate, and the palate with moistening by saliva when the mouth insert is put on.

In a preferred embodiment for the removable attachment of the oral insert to the lower jaw, the chamber is formed in an oral insert area which runs parallel to the floor of the mouth below the tongue. This embodiment is particularly suitable when the substance has to be dispensed in the tongue area.

In a preferred embodiment, the fastening area is designed to match the shape of the gums of the upper jaw or the lower jaw, preferably by means of a corresponding imprint, in order to achieve a suction cup effect between the fastening area and the relevant gums in the position of use of the mouth insert and to fasten the mouth insert in a removable manner. This embodiment can be used in the case of partial or total absence of teeth on the jaw in question, since the suction cup effect provides a fastening of the mouth insert and does not require the presence of teeth.

The invention further relates to a combination of an oral insert according to one of the preceding embodiments with a substance to be released into the oral cavity, which substance is intended to be introduced into the chamber of the oral insert. The advantages of this combination emerge from the description above.

Plastic material is suitable for the production of the mouth insert, which can be used simply and inexpensively during production, in particular in mass production.

For the production of the oral insert, plastics selected from the group comprising modified natural substances, synthetic plastics (polycondensates, polymers, polyadducts), thermosets, and / or unsaturated polyester resins, including 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, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylonitrile, polystyrene, polyacetal, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, poly-p-xylylene, polyurethanes, chlorinated polyethers , Polyetherketone (PEEK), Polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyoxymethylene, casein plastics, phenol resin, urea resin, thiourea resin, melamine resin, epoxy resin, crosslinked polyurethanes, alkyd resin, allyl resin, silicone, polyimide, polybenzimidazole can be used. Particularly preferred are polymers that can be printed with a 3D printer Can be processed well and especially polymethyl methacrylate, polyurethane, polyamide or silicone. The mouth insert can optionally have antibacterial properties in that its surface is at least partially provided with an antibacterial coating or the plastic contains an antibacterial substance.

In a preferred embodiment, the material applied to the row of teeth has a thickness of 0.5 to 6 mm, preferably 0.5 to 3 mm, particularly preferably 1 to 2 mm. It has been found that the preferred thickness of the mouth insert does not impede breathing.

It should also be mentioned here that the use of the mouth insert is meant here with people. However, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art to apply the teaching to animals, in particular to make the adjustments to the shape of the mouth insert required for the animals.

Further advantages and properties of the invention emerge from the following description of selected exemplary embodiments, which is explained with reference to the accompanying figures.

These show purely schematically:

Fig. 1

in sketched form a plan view of an oral insert according to the invention for removable attachment to the upper jaw;

Fig. 2

a cross section along the line II of the mouth insert according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of a further embodiment of the inventive mouth insert;

Fig. 4

in sketched form a plan view of an oral insert according to the invention for removable attachment to the lower jaw; and

Fig. 5

in sketched form a side view of an oral insert according to the invention for removable attachment to the upper jaw.

The in Fig. 1 and Fig.2 The illustrated mouth insert 10 for delivering a substance into the oral cavity is intended to be removably attached to an upper jaw.

In the present case, a support side 12 of the oral insert 10 is formed by an impression of the upper jaw and the hard palate. In the position of use of the oral insert 10, the support side 12 is in contact with the wall of the oral cavity and thus rests on the oral tissue and the teeth.

Furthermore, the mouth insert 10 has an outer side 14 facing away from the support side 12, which in the position of use of the mouth insert faces the tongue and the cheeks. The outside 14 faces away from the upper jaw and thus comes into contact mainly with saliva and the tongue.

The oral insert 10 comprises an attachment area 20 for removable attachment to the upper jaw, which is formed by the impression of the upper jaw. Furthermore, the mouth insert 10 comprises a further fastening area 20b for removable fastening the hard palate, which is formed by the palatal impression of the hard palate.

The impression forming the fastening area 20 comprises an impression base 22, which is intended to rest on the teeth of the upper jaw, and an inner impression wall 30 facing the oral cavity, adjoining the impression base 22, and an outer impression wall facing the oral vestibule and adjoining the impression base 22 40.

The fastening area 20 comprises a clamping means in the form of a first clamping lip 30 facing the oral cavity, which is formed by the inner impression wall 30, and a second clamping lip 40 facing the oral vestibule, which is formed by the outer impression wall 40. The first clamping lip 30 and the second clamping lip 40 are designed to be elastically deformable in such a way that they exert a clamping force on the upper jaw when the oral insert 10 is in use.

In the position of use of the oral insert 10, the further fastening area 20b runs across the entire hard palate up to a boundary line between the hard and soft palate and forms a surface continuously adjoining the inner impression wall 30. The removable fastening results from the fact that a suction cup effect can be brought about by the direct contact between the further fastening area 20b, which is shaped opposite the hard palate, and the hard palate with moistening by saliva when the mouth insert is put on.

The mouth insert 10 further comprises a lens-shaped chamber 70, which is delimited by a wall 60, for receiving the substance. The chamber 70 is on the outside in one The mouth insert area facing away from the soft palate is formed, which essentially covers the front half of the second fastening area 20b.

The wall 60 of the chamber 70 comprises a delivery area 80 via which the substance is delivered into the oral cavity. Specifically, the delivery area 80 is formed by a large number of holes in the wall 60, which open into the oral cavity on the outside 14 of the oral insert.

The wall 60 also has an insertion opening 90 for introducing the substance into the chamber. Specifically, the insertion opening 90 is formed by an at least approximately elliptical, lateral recess in the wall. The insertion opening 90 comprises an elastically deformable lip 92 in order to enable the introduction of a solid substance carrier carrying the substance, in particular in the form of a capsule, a matrix or a tablet, into the chamber and to hold it therein. The substance carrier is not shown here. In the elastically deformed position of the lip 92, the solid substance carrier can be introduced into the chamber. In the rest position of the lip, namely when the lip 92 is no longer deformed and has resumed its original state, the solid substance carrier can be held in the chamber.

In the embodiment shown, the mouth insert 10 is formed in one piece.

Another embodiment of an oral insert 10 for removable attachment to an upper jaw is shown in FIG Fig. 3 shown. In the present case, the edition page 12 of the Oral insert 10 formed by an impression of the hard palate.

For removable attachment to the upper jaw, the oral insert 10 comprises the attachment area 20, which comprises a clamping means in the form of a clamp 100.

The bracket 100 is formed by an arch-shaped metallic wire element, one end area of which is attached to an edge area of the impression adjacent to the right canine tooth and the other end area of which is attached to an edge area of the impression adjacent to the left canine tooth, each seen in the position of use of the oral insert. The bracket 100 comprises an arched section 102 which runs parallel to the dentition from one canine tooth to the other canine tooth and, in the position of use of the oral insert 10, comes into contact with the incisors labial to the incisors. To create a spring effect, a spring section 104 is formed between the respective ends of the arched section 102 and the end regions of the wire element. The spring section 104 is bent in a U-shape and extends transversely to the arched section 102 and essentially parallel to the surface of the respective canine teeth. The arch section 102 and the spring sections 104 are dimensioned such that, in the position of use of the oral insert 10, the bracket exerts a spring force against the incisors and thus holds the oral insert clamped and removably attached to the upper jaw. The fastening method is similar to the conventional fastening method for braces in dental technology.

For the removable attachment of the mouth insert in the rear area of the upper jaw is in the position of use of the As seen in the mouth insert, a further clamp 106 is provided in an edge region adjacent to the right molar and in an edge region of the impression adjacent to the left molar, which clamps are similar to the clamp 100 described above but enclose two molars. Thus, a spring force can also be exerted via these further clamps 106 in order to keep the oral insert clamped on the upper jaw.

The chamber 70 is arranged on the outside 14 of the mouth insert and is thus in Fig. 3 shown in dashed lines. In this embodiment, the chamber 70 is designed the same as the chamber in FIG Fig. 1 and Fig.2 described embodiment, so that the corresponding description can be used.

In Fig. 4 a further embodiment of an oral insert 10 is shown which is intended to be removably attached to a lower jaw. In the present case, the support side 12 of the oral insert 10 is formed by an impression of the lower jaw. Furthermore, the mouth insert 10 is formed in one piece

For the removable attachment to the lower jaw, the oral insert 10 comprises an attachment area 20 which is formed by the impression of the lower jaw.

Similar to the in FIGS. 1 and 2 Oral insert 10 shown, the impression forming the fastening area 20 comprises the impression base 22, which is intended to rest on the teeth of the lower jaw, and the inner impression wall 30 facing the oral cavity, adjoining the impression base 22, and the inner impression wall 30 facing the oral vestibule, adjoining the impression base 22 , outer impression wall 40.

The fastening area 20 comprises a clamping means in the form of the first clamping lip 30 facing the oral cavity, which is formed by the inner impression wall 30, and the second clamping lip 40 facing the oral vestibule, which is formed by the outer impression wall 40. The first clamping lip 30 and the second clamping lip 40 are designed to be elastically deformable in such a way that they exert a clamping force on the lower jaw when the oral insert 10 is in use and hold the oral insert 10 clamped on the lower jaw.

The oral insert 10 further comprises a chamber 70 connected to the fastening area 20 and delimited by the wall 60 for receiving the substance. The chamber 70 is formed on the outside 14 in an area of the mouth insert facing the tongue, which runs transversely over the gums adjacent to the lower incisors.

The delivery area 80 and the insertion opening 90 are basically designed in the same way as in FIG Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described embodiment, so that the corresponding description can be used.

The in Fig. 5 The mouth insert 10 shown is intended to be removably attached to an upper jaw and, with the exception of the chamber, is designed similarly to the mouth insert of FIG Fig. 1 .

In the present case, a support side 12 of the oral insert 10 is formed by an impression of the upper jaw and the hard palate. In the position of use of the oral insert 10, the support side 12 is in contact with the wall of the oral cavity.

The oral insert 10 comprises an attachment area 20 for removable attachment to the upper jaw, which is formed by the impression of the upper jaw. Furthermore, the mouth insert 10 comprises a further fastening area 20b for removable fastening to the hard palate, which is formed by the palatal impression of the hard palate.

The fastening area 20 comprises a clamping means in the form of a first clamping lip facing the oral cavity, which cannot be seen in this view, and a second clamping lip 40 facing the oral vestibule, which is formed by the outer impression wall 40.

In the present case, the mouth insert 10 also comprises two lens-shaped chambers 70, delimited by a wall 60, for receiving the substance. In this embodiment it is possible to introduce a different substance into each chamber 70 if this is necessary for the intended use of the oral insert. However, only one or more than two chambers can be formed. It is also possible to distribute the chambers, seen in the position of use of the mouth insert, on the left and right sides of the mouth insert.

Each chamber 70 is formed on the outside in an oral insert area arranged buccally to the upper jaw on the second clamping lip 40. Such a design of the chamber or chambers is of course possible in a similar manner for an oral insert which is intended to be removably attached to a lower jaw.

The wall 60 of the respective chambers 70 comprises a release region 80, via which the substance is released into the oral cavity. Specifically, the delivery area is 80 formed by a plurality of holes in the wall 60.

The wall 60 also has an introduction opening 90 for introducing the substance into the respective chambers. Specifically, the insertion opening 90 is formed by an at least approximately elliptical, lateral recess in the wall.

List of reference signs

• Mouth insert 10
• Edition page 12
• Outside 14
• Attachment area 20
• further fastening area 20b
• Impression base 22
• First and second clamping lips 30 and 40, respectively
• Free edge facing the soft palate 50
• Wall 60
• Chamber 70
• Delivery area 80
• Insertion opening 90
• Lip 92
• Bracket 100
• Arch section 102
• Spring section 104
• further bracket 106

Claims (15)

Oral insert (10) for delivering a substance into the oral cavity, comprising an attachment area (20) which is intended to be removably attached to an upper jaw or a lower jaw, and a chamber (60) connected to the attachment area and bounded by a wall (60). 70) for receiving the substance, the chamber (70) comprising a dispensing area (80) via which the substance is dispensed into the oral cavity. Mouth insert (10) according to Claim 1, characterized by the arrangement of the chamber (70) on an outer side (14) of the mouth insert (10) facing away from the upper jaw or the lower jaw, preferably lingual to the upper jaw or the lower jaw, the delivery area (80 ) is formed in the wall (60) on the outside (14). Oral insert (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dispensing area (80) has a perforation, preferably a micro-perforation, or a membrane. Oral insert (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the wall (60) has an insertion opening (90) for introducing the substance into the chamber (70). Oral insert (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the insertion opening (90) is elastically deformable in order to accommodate a solid substance carrier carrying the substance, in particular in the In the form of a capsule, matrix or tablet, to be inserted into the chamber (70) and held therein. Oral insert (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the insertion opening (90) is formed by a valve, preferably a one-way valve, which enables the introduction of a substance-carrying liquid substance carrier, in particular in the form of an essential oil or a syrup, into the Chamber allows. Oral insert (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the insertion opening (90) is formed by a valve, preferably a bidirectional valve, which enables the introduction of a substance-carrying liquid substance carrier, in particular in the form of an essential oil or a syrup, into enables the chamber in an insertion direction, and which enables the liquid substance carrier carrying the substance to be dispensed in a dispensing direction when the pressure in the chamber has exceeded a predetermined dispensing pressure. Mouth insert (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one area of the wall on the outside is designed to be elastically deformable in such a way that the area can be pressed on in order to increase the pressure in the chamber until the predetermined delivery pressure is reached. Mouth insert (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the fastening area (20) has a clamping means (28) around the Fastening area (20) to be removably fastened to teeth of the upper jaw or of the lower jaw. Mouth insert (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the clamping means (28) has a first clamping lip (30) facing the oral cavity and a second clamping lip (40) facing the oral vestibule, preferably opposite the first clamping lip, which is at least partially so elastic What can be deformed is that, in the position of use of the mouth insert, the first clamping lip (30) and the second clamping lip (40) are clamped to the relevant teeth of the upper or lower jaw under the action of a spring. Mouth insert (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the clamping means (28) has a bracket (100) which at least partially encloses one or more of the teeth in question and is elastically deformable in such a way that in the position of use of the mouth insert (10) it holds clamped on the teeth in question under the action of a spring. Mouth insert (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the mouth insert (10) is intended to be removably attached to the upper jaw or to the lower jaw, and that the chamber (70) is formed in an area of the mouth insert, which is arranged labial and / or buccal to the upper jaw or to the lower jaw. Mouth insert (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the mouth insert (10) is intended to be removably attached to the upper jaw, and that the chamber (70) is in one Mouth insert area is formed, which runs transversely across the palate and is shaped opposite to the palate, wherein when the mouth insert (10) is inserted, the mouth insert area at least partially, preferably essentially completely, covers the palate. Mouth insert (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the mouth insert (10) is intended to be removably attached to the lower jaw, and the chamber (70) is formed in an oral insert area which is adjacent to the floor of the mouth runs below the tongue. Combination of an oral insert (10) according to one of the preceding claims with a substance to be delivered into the oral cavity, which substance is intended to be introduced into the chamber (70) of the oral insert.

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