GB2580095A

GB2580095A - Tooth attachment

Info

Publication number: GB2580095A
Application number: GB1820973.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michaelides Miranda
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2018-12-21
Publication date: 2020-07-15
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-21
Also published as: GB201820973D0; GB2580095B

Abstract

A device for altering lip 40 and/or mouth shape comprises one or more protrusion elements configured 10 to be fitted inside a wearer's mouth behind the lip 40 such as to push the lip 40 outwards. The protrusion elements 10 may be diamond or dome shaped and provided with various diameters and depths. The device may also comprise means for attaching the one or more protrusion 10 elements to the teeth 20 or gum 30 of the upper jaw, the means preferably comprising an adhesive (110, 120, 130, Fig 2) or clips configured to slot between the wearer’s teeth 20. The protrusion elements 10 may be formed integral with, or otherwise releasable from, the mounting means. The device is preferably formed from a composite resin or porcelain material.

Description

TOOTH ATTACHMENT

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to the field of beauty products and appearance enhancement, in particular means for altering lip and/or mouth shape to provide fuller looking lips and/or mouth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays, people like to experiment with their appearance, and the fear of not looking natural is no longer a concern for many. From oversized breasts and buttock implants to tattoos; from piercings, hair/eyelash/nail extensions, injectable fillers to Botox the variety of aesthetic enhancements and their results is endless. It is also known to enhance the appearance of teeth, for example by bleaching.

It is becoming increasingly common to undertake aesthetic changes to parts of the body to enhance one's appearance according to fashion or for other reasons such as self-esteem.

It is currently considered attractive and fashionable to have fuller lips. Further, with age, lips thin out naturally; the filtrum gets longer and lines appear around the mouth.

There are numerous treatments that can be performed in order to change the shape of the mouth and/or give the appearance of fuller, plumper lips. One such way is to use an injectable dermal filler that is made of a gel and injected into the lips or around the mouth. Such fillers are semi-permanent, lasting around 6 to 12 months and can be varied to give as much or as little volume and shaping as desired. Such treatments can be expensive, must be performed by a trained clinician, can require multiple injections, the results can end up being lumpy and there may be several undesirable side effects such as bruising, swelling which leads to the end result is unknown until swelling and bruising have subsided.

Surgical procedures may be utilised to provide a more permanent alteration of lip and mouth shape. These can range from lip plumping with hidden incisions, lip lifts, fat injections or lip augmentation using lip implants. These procedures are permanent and are difficult to undo if the patient is not satisfied with the result of the procedure. Further, these procedures may also be expensive, painful and require a recovery period with the added risk of any surgical procedure such as anaesthetic, infection and unknown results until swelling and bruising have subsided.

Alternatively, in order to attain fuller looking lips without clinical treatments, "lip plumpers" can help to stimulate collagen production in the lip, and makeup can be applied in such a way to give the appearance of fuller lips. However, these treatments can be expensive, time consuming, ineffective and only short-lasting.

There is therefore a need for an easily fitted, replaceable, and removable alternative to altering the shape of the lips and mouth, without the need for invasive and drastic clinical treatments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a means for altering lip and/or mouth shape is provided comprising one or more protrusion elements configured to be fitted inside a wearer's mouth behind the lip such as to push the lip outwards.

The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape may further comprise one or more means for attachment of the one or more protrusion elements to a part of the mouth. The one or more means for attachment may be provided integral with the one or more protrusion elements. The one or more protrusion elements may be configured to be removably attached to the one or more means for attachment.

The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape may be configured to be provided on the upper and/or lower teeth.

The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape may be configured to be provided on the upper gum.

The one or more protrusion elements may comprise a composite resin. The one or more protrusion elements may comprise a porcelain material.

The one or more means for attachment may comprise clips configured to slot between the wearer's teeth The one or more means for attachment may comprise a composite resin. The one or more means for attachment may be an adhesive configured to adhere to the surface of the wearer's teeth and/or gum.

In another aspect according to the present invention, a kit is provided comprising one or more protrusion means configured to be fitted inside a wearer's mouth behind the lip such as to push the lip outwards and one or more means for attachment of the one or more protrusion elements to a part of the mouth.

In another aspect according to the present invention, a method is provided comprising the steps of providing a means for altering lip and/or mouth shape as claimed in any preceding claim in the mouth behind the lip such that the lip is pushed forwards and/or outwards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an example of means for altering lip and/or mouth shape as disclosed herein attached to the surface of a patient's teeth.

Figure 2 shows several example shapes of a means for altering lip and/or mouth shape as described herein.

Figure 3 shows an example of the fuller lips provided by the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape described herein.

Figure 4 shows an example front view of the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape when attached to the patient's teeth.

Figure 5 shows an example of a means for altering lip and/or mouth shape as described herein.

Figure 6 shows an example of the fuller lips provided by the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape shown in Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As can be seen in Figure 1, means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 may be provided on the surface of teeth 20 such that when the mouth is closed, and lip 40 is brought down over the teeth 20, the lip 40 rests on and is pushed out by the surface of the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10, thereby protruding slightly from the surface of teeth 20, thereby giving the appearance of a changed mouth shape with fuller lips.

The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 may be provided on teeth 20, and/or on the upper gum 30. Additionally or alternatively, the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape may also be provided on the bottom teeth and/or on the bottom lip to provide a similar effect to the bottom lip.

The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 comprises a protrusion element that should be formed such that when, in use, it pushes the lip outwards and/or upwards. It may come in various different shapes and sizes, as shown in Figure 2. For example, this is in the form of a tooth attachment 10 and the protrusion portion may be a diamond shape 11. Alternatively, the protrusion element may be dome shaped with a hemispherical portion extending from a cylindrical portion with various diameters and depths 12, 13 and 14, depending on the extent of protrusion of the lips desired. The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 may be provided with a means for attachment 110, 120, 130 configured to be attached to the surface of teeth 10. Alternatively, the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 may be provided with a means for attachment that is integral to the protrusion element 14, and thereby the protrusion element 14 may be configured to be attached directly to the surface of the teeth 10. Other shapes of means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 and their respective protrusion elements are also envisaged. Different depths and diameters of protrusion elements will be used depending on desired result The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 may comprise a number of materials. For example, and not exclusively, means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 may be made out of porcelain or plastic. Additionally or alternatively, the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 may comprise a composite resin.

Additionally, the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 may be provided in several different styles and colours. For example, the colour of the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 may be matched to teeth so as to be camouflaged. Alternatively, the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape could be clear; coloured, branded, patterned, jewels, gold or silver mirrored. In this regard, means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 may double as dental adornments. Other colours are also envisaged.

All attachments will be made of materials currently approved for use by dentists.

Figure 3 shows an enhanced lip and/or mouth shape that may be provided by the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10. The position of the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 beneath the lip 40 when the mouth is closed is shown by the broken lines. Whilst the illustrative position of the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 is shown corresponding to the position of the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape located on the surface of the upper teeth 20, it is envisaged that the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 may be additionally or alternatively provided on one or more of the upper gum, lower teeth or lower gum.

Figure 4 shows a front view of the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 on the teeth 20. The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape can comprise a single component configured to extend behind all or part of the lip. Alternatively, a set of components can be provided to be attached to the individual teeth or other locations. As previously mentioned, the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape may not be attached exclusively to the surface of the upper teeth 20. It is also envisaged that the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 may be different sizes depending on where it is attached to, and where in the mouth it is located. In this regard, the size of each attachment 10 may vary throughout the mouth so as to give a fully customisable lip and/or mouth shape. For example, where the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 are attached to the upper teeth 20, the size of the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 may vary depending on whether the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape are provided on the incisors, canines, premolars or molars. For example, the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 provided at the front of the mouth may be larger and thereby provide for more protrusion of the lip 40 at the front of the lip, as desired by the patient.

As outlined above, the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 may be provided as a protrusion element provided with a means for attachment. Said means for attachment may comprise an adhesive, for example a resin adhesive or a composite on the protrusion element. This is preferably selected to allow removal without damaging the teeth and/or mouth whilst ensuring adequate adhesion during wear, e.g. during eating and drinking.

The means for attachment may be provided as an integral part of the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape, or alternatively may be provided separately. For example, when the means for attachment is an adhesive, the protrusion element 11, 12, 13, 14 seen in Figure 2 may be provided with an adhesive means for attachment so as to be easily affixed to the surface of the teeth 20, or elsewhere. The adhesive can be provided separately, or could be, for example, an adhesive pad with a removable cover.

The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 may be attached by technicians or dentists. Alternatively, the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape may be provided as part of a kit including the adhesive such that the patient may affix the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape themselves, thereby providing a temporary enhancement to the shape of the lips and/or mouth.

Additionally, or alternatively, the means for attachment may comprise a fitting for removably mounting in the mouth and to which one or more protrusion elements are integrally formed or attached, thereby providing a means for altering lip and/or mouth shape. Such a fitting may be suitable for attaching the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 to the upper gum 30, and/or teeth 20.

An example means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 210 is provided with a removable fitting is shown in Figures 5 and 6.

The removable fitting of the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 210 may be provided with clips configured to slot between teeth 20. The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 210 may comprise a removable fitting as outlined above, integrally formed with one or more protrusion elements such that when the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 210 is fitted to the teeth 20 and/or gum 30, the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape sits beneath the lip 40. Alternatively, protrusion elements such as those previously described may be attached to the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 210. The shape of the protrusion elements may be customised depending on the desired lip and/or mouth shape of the patient.

Figure 6 shows an enhanced lip and/or mouth shape that may be provided by the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 210. The position of means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 210 beneath the lip 40 when the mouth is closed is shown by the broken lines. Whilst the illustrative position of the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10 is shown corresponding to the position of the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape located on the surface of the upper gum 30, it is envisaged that the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 210 may additionally or alternatively be provided on one or more of the upper teeth 20, lower teeth or lower gum.

The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 210 may additionally or alternatively comprise all of the materials, colours, adhesives, protrusion elements and the like described above with regards to means for altering lip and/or mouth shape 10.

Although this disclosure has been described in terms of preferred examples, it should be understood that these examples are illustrative only and that the claims are not limited to those examples. Those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and alternatives in view of the disclosure which are contemplated as falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A means for altering lip and/or mouth shape comprising: one or more protrusion elements configured to be fitted inside a wearer's mouth behind the lip such as to push the lip outwards.
2 The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape of claim 1 further comprising: one or more means for attachment of the one or more protrusion elements to a part of the mouth.
3. The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape of claim 2, wherein the one or more means for attachment is provided integral with the one or more protrusion elements.
4. The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape of claim 2, wherein the one or more protrusion elements are configured to be removably attached to the one or more means for attachment.
The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape of any preceding claim, wherein the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape is configured to be provided on the upper teeth.
6. The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape of any preceding claim, wherein the means for altering lip and/or mouth shape is configured to be provided on the upper gum.
7. The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more protrusion elements comprise a composite resin.
8. The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more protrusion elements comprise a porcelain material.
9. The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape of any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the one or more means for attachment comprises clips configured to slot between the wearer's teeth.
10. The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape of any of claims 2 to 9 wherein the one or more means for attachment comprise a composite resin.
11. The means for altering lip and/or mouth shape of any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the one or more means for attachment is an adhesive configured to adhere to the surface of the wearer's teeth and/or gum.
12.A kit comprising: one or more protrusion means configured to be fitted inside a wearer's mouth behind the lip such as to push the lip outwards; and one or more means for attachment of the one or more protrusion elements to a part of the mouth.
13.A method comprising: providing a means for altering lip and/or mouth shape as claimed in claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 in the mouth behind the lip such that the lip is pushed forwards and/or outwards.