GB2257365A

GB2257365A - Dental inlay holder and inserter

Info

Publication number: GB2257365A
Application number: GB9210411A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tze Chuen Ng
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-05-20
Filing date: 1992-05-15
Publication date: 1993-01-13
Anticipated expiration: 2012-05-15
Also published as: HK193096A; GB9210411D0; GB2257365B; GB9110894D0

Abstract

A dental tweezer for holding and inserting CEREC (RTM) dental inlays has contra-angled shanks 2 with (a) spring 3, threaded axle 4 and a rotatable wheel knob 5, (b) detachable finger slots 7 in different ring sizes fitted into a socket (12, Fig 4) permitting 360 DEG rotation and tilting up to 50 DEG , and (c) a thick X-shaped elastic stainless steel band (15, Fig 8) with hole 16 for the screw 17 of an inlay plugger 23, four band holders 21 and four sharp pointed lateral claws 22 inclining at the angle of a tooth cusp. For anterior veneers, the claws/plugger section and the contra-angled shanks are replaced by converging angled shanks of different lengths (32, Fig 21) finished with hemispherical grips (31, Fig 21), and a dead space stopper with a rubber cushion pressure absorber (34, Fig 21) is provided. <IMAGE>

Description

CEREC INLAY HOLDER AND INSERTER DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to a CerecAinlay holder and inserter for holding and inserting a Cerec inlay manufactured by a dental Cerec machine.

A Cerec machine is a single dental unit which provides computer-aided optical impression, direct design on the monitor and' inlay manufacturing from single premanufactured and dental ceramic blocks. With the Cerec inlays, teeth are restored exhibiting natural tooth colour with natural tooth translucency combined with optional material quality. A brief description of the Cerec machine illustrated by photographs is set out in the copy brochure issued by Siemens and annexed herewith (the original brochure is filed on 20th May 1991 under Patent Application No. 9110894.4 and the title of Dr. Ng's Cerec Holinser).

There are difficulties in handling a Cerec inlay with a conventional tweezer, namely, 1. The relatively small Cerec inlay of a size of a few cubic mm is easily dropped; 2. It is clumsy to manoeuver during the long and complicated procedures from the milling chamber of the Cerec machine to the oral cavity for cementation; and 3. The chemically treated Cerec inlay is often contaminated by saliva especially when in the posterior region of the mouth.

The Cerec inlay holder and inserter provides better holding and inserting of the Cerec inlay with precision. It is easy to handle and inexpensive. It makes operation very smooth and eliminates the risk of accidental dropping of the Cerec inlay, thus avoiding embarrassment in front of the patient.

According to the present invention there is provided a Cerec inlay holder and inserter comprising a conventional tweezer with contra-angled shanks and the following additional parts, namely, (1) spring, threaded axle extending from the inner part of one shank to the inner part of the other shank and protruding but of the outer part of the other shank and ending with a semi spherical screw cover together with a wheel knob which is capable of forward and backward movement along the threaded axle; (2) a finger slot which is (a) able to rotate 3600 and tilt 500 to suit different fingers for different cavity positions; (b) detachable and comes in different ring sizes and (c) having an attachment/ detachment device comprising the following features, namely, (i) a ball being cross-cut for fitting into a socket to form a male and a female lock; (ii) ball and socket device permitting 3600 rotation to facilitate easy manoeuvering; and (iii) ball and socket device permitting tilting up to 500 to facilitate easy manoeuvering; (3) a thick cross-shaped elastic stainless steel band attaching to the branch shanks of the contra-angled shanks and with a hole at the mid junction allowing the screw portion of an inlay plugger to pass through and join the plugger portion, four flat occlusal stoppers at the four ends of the cross-shaped band, four band holders formed by two layers of flat occlusal stoppers and four sharp pointed lateral claws extending downwards from the four ends of the branch shanks and inclining at an angle as that of the cusp of a tooth.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which : Figure 1 shows in perspective the Cerec inlay holder and inserter comprising a conventional tweezer with contra-angled shanks and the following additional parts, namely, (1) spring, threaded axle extending from the inner part of one shank to the inner part of the other shank and protruding out of the outer part of the other shank and ending with a semi spherical screw cover together with a wheel knob which is capable of forward and backward movement along the threaded 0 axle; (2) a finger slot which is (a) able to rotate 360 and tilt 500 to suit different fingers for different cavity positions (b) detachable and comes in different ring sizes and (c) having an attachment/detachment device comprising the following features, namely, (i) a ball being cross-cut for fitting into a socket to form a male and a female lock; (ii) ball and socket device permitting 360 rotation to facilitate easy manoeuvering and (iii) ball and socket device permitting tilting up to 50 to facilitate easy manoeuvering;; (3) a thick cross-shaped elastic stainless steel band attaching to the branch shanks of the contra-angled shanks and with a hole at the mid junction allowing the screw portion of an inlay plugger to pass through and join the plugger portion, four flat occlusal stoppers at the four ends of the cross-shaped band, four band holders formed by two layers of flat occlusal stoppers and four sharp pointed lateral claws extending downwards from the four ends of the branch shanks and inclining at an angle as that of the cusp of a tooth; Figure 2 shows the semi-spherical screw cover; Figure 3 shows the detachable finger slot; Figure 4 shows the attachment/detachment device comprising cross-cut ball and socket forming a male and female lock; 0 Figure 5 shows the ball and socket device permitting 360 rotation;; Figure 6 shows the ball and socket device permitting tilting o up to 50; Figure 7 shows the holding mode of the claws/plugger section of the Cerec inlay holder and inserter from a profile view; Figure 8 shows the holding mode of the claws/plugger section of the Cerec inlay holder and inserter from an occlusal view; Figure 9 shows the inserting mode of the claws/plugger section of the Cerec inlay holder and inserter from a profile view; Figure 10 shows the inserting mode of the claws/plugger section of the Cerec inlay holder and inserter from an occlusal view; Figure 11 shows the recovering mode of a Cerec inlay holder and inserter from a profile view; Figure 12 illustrates the contact points of a claw and a stopper with a Cerec inlay and the angle of the claw in relation to that of the cusp of a tooth;; Figure 13 shows the eight points of contact of the Cerec inlay holder and inserter with a Cerec inlay; Figure 14 shows the plugger comprising a screw portion and a plugger portion and the cross-shaped band having a hole at the mid junction to enable the plugger to be connected to the cross-shaped band by means of a screw; Figure 15 shows from an occlusal view the Cerec inlay holder and inserter holding an inlay having lateral extensions; Figure 16 illustrates the locating function of a Cerec inlay holder and inserter; Figure 17 illustrates the stud trimming function of a Cerec inlay holder and inserter; Figure 18 illustrates the high spot fitting surface) grinding function of a Cerec inlay holder and inserter; Figure 19 illustrates the chemical dipping function of a Cerec inlay holder and inserter; ; Figure 20 illustrates high spot Cocclusal surface) detecting function of a Cerec inlay holder and inserter; Figure 21 shows modification of a Cerec inlay holder and inserter for holding and inserting an anterior veneer; Figure 22 illustrates the holding mode of the modified section of a Cerec inlay holder and inserter; and Figure 23 illustrates the inserting mode of the modified section of a Cerec inlay holder and inserter.

Referring to the drawings, the Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 comprises a conventional tweezer with contra-angled shanks 2 and additional parts as hereinafter described locating in three main sections, namely, (1) spring 3/threaded axle 4/wheel knob 5 section; (2) finger slot 7 section; and (3) claws 22/plugger 23 section.

The spring 3 and threaded axle 4 extend from the inner part of the right shank 8 to the inner part of the left shank 9 and protruding out of the outer part of the left shank 9 and ending with a semi-spherical screw cover 6 which prevents accidental trauma of tissue by the protruding threaded axle 4 (illustrated by Figure 2 of the Drawings).

The wheel knob 5 is capable of forward and backward rotation along the threaded axle 4 for the purpose of opening and closing the claws 22 in order to create hard or soft grip and to release.

The finger slot 7 is able to rotate 360 and tilt 50 to suit different fingers for different cavity positions, for the purpose of creating anchorage by securing one shank 8 to one finger 10 so as to free the other fingers to adjust the grip by controlling the wheel knob 5 on the other shank 9. It is detachable and comes in different ring sizes (illustrated by Figure 3 of the Drawings) for the following reasons, namely, (i) different dentist has different finger 10 size; (ii) certain procedures of operation are operated by the dentist while some procedures are operated by the nurse.The Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 gripping an inlay 20 can be detached from the dentist's finger slot 7 and passed to the nurse; (iii) during Cerec operation on more than one tooth, the dentist does not have to hold the Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 all the time for it can be detached from the finger slot 7 when not in use; and (iv) when one dentist is conducting Cerec operation on more than one tooth or simultaneous Cerec operation on more than one patient, one Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 can be designated for one tooth and attached to or detached from the dentist's finger slot 7 as and when appropriate.

The attachment/detachment device of the finger slot 7 has the following features, namely, (i) the ball 11 is cross-cut for fitting into the socket 12 to form a male lock 13 which is soldered to the finger slot 7 and a female lock 14 which is soldered to the right shank 8 (illustrated by Figure 4 of the Drawings); (ii) ball 11 and socket 12 device permits 360 rotation to facilitate easy manoeuvering (illustrated by Figure 5 of the Drawings); and (iii) ball 11 and socket 12 device permits tilting up to o 50 to facilitate easy manoeuvering (illustrated by Figure 6 of the Drawings).

For a left-handed dentist, the threaded axle 4, wheel knob 5 and semi-spherical screw cover 6 and the finger slot 7 are placed in inverse position.

The thick cross-shaped elastic stainless steel band 15 has a hole 16 at the mid junction allowing a screw 17 to pass through thus securing the inlay plugger 23 having a screw 17 portion and plugger portion 35 (as illustrated by Figure 14) in its mid junction. The four ends of the cross-shaped band 15 are attached to the four ends of the branch shanks 18.

The four flat occlusal stoppers 19 at the four ends of the cross-shaped band 15 and the branch shanks 18 act as stablizers against upward movement of a Cerec inlay 20. Two layers of occlusal stoppers 19 form four band holders 21 for accomodating the cross-shaped band 15.

The four claws 22 extend laterally downwards from the four ends of the branch shanks 18 and incline at an angle as that of the cusp 36 of the tooth as there is little space between the cusp 36 and lateral wall of the Cerec inlay 20 as shown by Figure 12. The claws 22 are sharp and pointed for the purpose of creating a firm grip with minimal contact with the Cerec inlay 20, thus maximizing exposure of Cerec inlay surface for chemical 28 dipping and rinsing.

To hold a Cerec inlay 20, the Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 is secured to finger 10 by the finger slot 7 and the other fingers adjust the claws 22 by controlling the wheel knob 5 until the claws 22 and the stoppers 19 are in contact with the Cerec inlay 20. The stoppers 19 act as stablizers against upward movement of the Cerec inlay 20. The four claws 22 and the four stoppers 19 provide eight points of contact as illustrated by Figure 13 and hold the Cerec inlay 20 firmly. The thick cross-shaped band 15 is under tension while the Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 is in the holding mode as illustrated by Figure 7.

To insert a Cerec inlay 20, control the wheel knob 5 with one finger, until the Cerec inlay 20 is freed from the claws 22 and the tension of the cross-shaped band 15 is released so that the cross-shaped band 15 acts as a belt and moves the inlay plugger 23 downward in order to push the Cerec inlay 20 into the cavity 26 as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

In order to recover a Cerec inlay 20, the pointed sharp lateral claws 22 acting as an initial grip aids in recovering the deep seated Cerec inlay 20 as illustrated by Figure 11.

Throughout the process, the Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 is easily operated by one hand only so that the other hand is free to isolate the operating field.

In order to avoid the extensions 39 of a lateral extension Cerec inlay 20, each contra-angled shank 2 branches out into branch shank 18 as illustrated by Figure 15.

Figures 7-10 and 16-20 illustrate the main functions of a Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1.

Figure 16 illustrates an inlay 20 standing freely on its own is difficult to locate due to its small size. When it is fastened to a Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1, it is like being attached to a big identification tag and thus a Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 facilitates locating.

Figure 17 illustrates the sharp and pointed claws 22 of the Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 grip the Cerec inlay 20 for trimming stud 25 so as to allow maximum exposure of the Cerec inlay 20 for contact with the bur 24. The firm grip of the Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 can withstand the vibration caused by trimming, so the Cerec inlay 20 will not drop during the trimming process.

Figure 18 illustrates the Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 holds the inlay 20 firmly so that it can be repeatedly inserted into and withdrawn from the cavity 26 lined by a thin articulating paper 27. The high spots of the fitting surface of the Cerec inlay 20 can be detected from this process for further grinding.

Figure 19 illustrates how a Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 facilities chemical 28 dipping as the Cerec inlay 20 is securely fastened onto the Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1, it will not be accidentally dropped and contaminated in the process of alternating drying and dipping into different chemicals 28.

Figure 20 illustrates after cementation the Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 is used to hold and place the thin articulating paper 27 between the occlusal surface of the Cerec inlay 20 and the cusp 36 of the opposing tooth 29 for detecting high spots.

Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 facilities direction positioning. Once the correct path of insertion is found, the Cerec inlay 20 can be locked onto the Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 in exactly the required position for cementation into the cavity 26. No further trial fitting will be required even after chemical dipping, inserting and cementing.

Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 facilitates inserting and cementing. The firm grip of the Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 ensures precise insertion free from saliva contamination inside the oral cavity; especially the posterior region. The holding mode is illustrated by Figures 7 and 8 of the Drawings.

To hold an anterior veneer 30, a Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 is modified as follows and as shown in Figure 21 1. Replace the claws 22/plugger 23 section by semi-spherical grips 31 so as to prevent scratching of the anterior veneer 30 surface; 2. Replace the parallel contra-angled shanks 2 by shanks 32 curving upwards at differing angles and lengths to form the shanks 32 which end with a pair of semi-spherical grips 31, resulting the shanks 32 being placed at such an angle so that plenty of space is provided to accommodate the curve edge of the anterior veneer 30; and 3. Add dead space stopper 33 having a rubber cushion pressure absorber 34 so as to ensure that no over exertion of force will result from closure of the seim-spherical grips 31, which may fracture the anterior veneer 30.

To hold an anterior veneer 30, the Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1 is secured to finger 10 by the finger slot 7 and the other fingers adjust the semi-spherical grips 31 by controlling the wheel knob 5 until the semi-spherical grips 31 are in contact with the anterior veneer 30. The dead space stopper 33 having a rubber cushion pressure absorbs 34 prevents over exertion of force. Figure 22 illustrates the holding mode of the modified section of a Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1.

To insert an anterior veneer 30, control the wheel knob 5 with one finger until the anterior veneer 30 is freed from the seim-spherical grips 31 and placed on the tooth surface 38 having cementing media 37 thereon. The shank 32 aids in inserting the anterior veneer 30 firmly on the tooth surface 38. Figure 23 illustrates the inserting mode of the modified section of a Cerec inlay holder and inserter 1.

Claims

CEREC INLAY HOLDER AND INSERTER

CLAIM(S) 1. A Cerec inlay holder inserter comprising a conventional tweezer with contra-angled shanks and the following additional parts, namely, (1) Spring, threaded axle and a wheel knob which is capable of forward and backward movement along the threaded axle for adjusting the grip; (2) A detachable finger slot which comes in different ring sizes for creating anchorage; and (3) Sharp pointed claws at the end of the contra-angled shanks for holding Cerec inaly and a means for pushing down the Cerec inlay.
2. The Cerec inlay holder and inserter as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a semi-spherical cover is situated at the end of the threaded axle for preventing accidental trauma of tissue by the protruding threaded axle.
3. A Cerec inlay holder and inserter as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein there is provided an attachment/ detachment device comprising a cross-cut ball at the end of the finger slot for fitting into the socket at one shank to form a male and a female lock so that the finger slot is detachable and able to rotate 360 and tilt up to Soy for facilitating easy manoeuvering.
4. A Cerec inlay holder and inserter as claimed in Claim 2 -or Claim 3, wherein a thick cross-shaped band is attached to the branch shanks of the contra-angled shanks and such band having a hole at the mid junction allowing the screw portion of an inlay plugger to pass through and join the plugger section and band holders located at the four ends of the cross-shaped band for accommodating the band for inserting the Cerec inlay.
5. A Cerec inlay holder and inserter as claimed in Claim 4, wherein two layers of flat occlusal stoppers are provided as band holders.
6. A Cerec inlay holder and inserter as claimed in any preceding Claims, wherein sharp pointed claws are extended downwards from the ends of the branch shanks and incline at an angle as that of the cusp of the tooth.
7. A Cerec inlay holder and inserter substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-20 of the accompanying drawing.
8. A Cerec inlay holder and inserter as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the claws and means for inserting the Cerec inlay are replaced by semi-spherical grips for holding an anterior veneer.
9. A Cerec inlay holder and inserter as claimed in Claim 8, wherein dead space stopper and rubber cushion pressure absorber are provided.
10. A Cerec inlay holder and inserter as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein the parallel contra-angled shanks are replaced by shanks curving upwards at differing angles and lengths and ending with a pair of semi-spherical grips, resulting in such shanks being placed at such an angle so that plenty of space is provided to accommodate the curve edge of the anterior veneer.
11. A Cerec inlay holder and inserter modified for holding anterior veneer substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 21-23 of the accompanying drawing.