JP2008131979A - Orthodontic mouthpiece - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress the disconnection of a power supply route in the orthodontic mouthpiece for in which the vibration generated by exciting actuator is applied to the row of teeth of a user with the mouthpiece mounted to accelerate the correction of a row of teeth. <P>SOLUTION: In the orthodontic mouthpiece 7 having an exciting actuator 8 composed of an eccentric weight and a motor for rotationally driving the same and capable of accelerating the correction of a row of teeth by applying the vibration generated by the exciting actuator 8 to a mounted row 3 of teeth, a lead wire drawing-out type motor is not used as the motor of the exciting actuator 8 but a surface mounting type motor is used. This motor is mounted on a flexible substrate 2 adaptable to the curved surface of the row 3 of teeth to supply power through the flexible substrate 2. Accordingly, the land of the flexible substrate 2 is formed large and the disconnection of the power supply route can be largely reduced as compared with the case where the lead wire is directly drawn out by strongly soldering the motor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an orthodontic mouthpiece.

  As a conventional orthodontic method, a wire is used, and by applying a constant force (static load) to the dentition by the return force of the wire, the arrangement of teeth and biting are cured. . That is, when a constant force is applied to the dentition, the alveolar bone that supports the teeth in the gums is gradually deformed, thereby correcting the dentition.

  However, such an approach takes a very long period, as early as six months, usually several years, and is particularly painful and often does not last for children who are of the right age for orthodontics. Therefore, Non-Patent Document 1 compares a sample in which a constant force is applied to the dentition and a sample in which a vibration force is applied to the dentition, and the sample to which the vibration force is applied is more effective in shortening the correction period. There is research that there is. Similarly, Non-Patent Document 2 compares a sample in which a constant force is applied to the dentition and a sample in which a constant force + vibration force is applied to the dentition. Research has also been done on how to reduce the correction period.

  According to these studies, the period of orthodontics is to be greatly shortened to about 1/2 to 1/3. In addition to that, non-patent document 1 gives only 1.5 hours per day, and non-patent document 2 only applies 2 minutes once every two weeks. That is, in Non-Patent Document 1, treatment may be continued for 1.5 hours per day, and in Non-Patent Document 2, treatment may be continued for 2 minutes once every two weeks. From these studies, it can be understood that applying a vibration force is more effective in significantly shortening the orthodontic period than simply applying a constant force to the dentition with a wire or the like.

  Therefore, as an attempt to put these studies into practical use, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus that applies ultrasonic vibration to the surrounding tissue around the mouthpiece attachment site that promotes movement of the correction target tooth. An apparatus for applying ultrasonic vibration to a target tooth has been proposed.

  However, in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the ultrasonic supply head is pressed against the skin surface of the cheek, for example, to apply ultrasonic vibration from the outside, and the ultrasonic vibration is accurately applied only to the correction target tooth. There was a problem that it was difficult to give. Further, since an ultrasonic generator is required, there is a problem that treatment cannot be continued unless the patient visits a dental clinic equipped with this device.

  For this reason, the present applicant has previously proposed an orthodontic apparatus that can accurately apply vibration only to the correction target tooth and can simply and safely continue treatment without going to the dental clinic. Such an orthodontic apparatus includes a mouthpiece to be mounted on the dentition, and the mouthpiece has a structure in which an inner piece and an outer piece are overlapped, and an eccentric weight is placed on the portion of the correction target tooth in the overlapped portion. Like the motor which has, it becomes a vibration means and stores the vibration actuator which produces | generates a mechanical vibration.

According to this orthodontic apparatus, mechanical vibration (mechanical stimulation) can be accurately applied from the mouthpiece to the portion of the correction target tooth, and a high effect can be obtained. In addition, since the vibratory actuator is stored in the mouthpiece, treatment can be continued easily and safely at any time, for example, at home without going to the dental clinic. Furthermore, since the mechanical vibration of the vibration actuator is transmitted to the tooth part to be corrected through the overlapping part of the double mouthpiece, the tooth due to the mechanical vibration being directly transmitted to the tooth to be corrected. Can relieve pain.
Shimizu: Japanese Journal of Dentistry 45: 56-72, 1986 Ohmae et al .: Journal of Japanese Orthodontic Society, 60 (4): 201, 2001 JP 2002-102255 A JP 2004-201895 A

  In the above-described prior art, the lead wire that supplies power to the motor that is the vibration actuator is directly pulled into the mouthpiece from the outside. For this reason, there is a possibility that the lead wire is broken due to vibration, particularly at a portion drawn from the motor, and becomes unusable.

  The objective of this invention is providing the orthodontic mouthpiece which can suppress the disconnection of the electric power feeding path | route to an oscillation means.

  The orthodontic mouthpiece of the present invention has an oscillating means, and the orthodontic that allows the orthodontic to be promoted by the vibration generated by the oscillating means being applied to the dentition of the wearing user. The mouthpiece is characterized in that the vibration generating means is mounted on a flexible substrate, and power is supplied through the flexible substrate.

  According to the above configuration, the mouthpiece to be mounted on the user's dentition has the vibration generating means including the eccentric weight and the motor that rotationally drives the mouthpiece, and the vibration generated by the vibration generating means is mounted. An orthodontic mouthpiece that allows the orthodontic to be promoted by joining the dentition, and using the surface mounting type instead of the type that pulls out the lead wire for the vibration means, The vibration generating means is mounted on a flexible substrate that can follow the curved surface of the dentition, and power is supplied to the vibration generating means through the flexible substrate.

  Therefore, by forming a large land on the flexible substrate and firmly soldering the vibration generating means, disconnection of the power supply path can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where the lead wire is drawn out. Moreover, the mouthpiece is not broken or the oral cavity is not damaged by using the flexible substrate. A control circuit, a power source, etc. may be mounted on the flexible substrate in addition to the vibration generating means.

  In the orthodontic mouthpiece of the present invention, the flexible substrate also has a connector for external connection.

  According to the above configuration, by using a connector for external connection of the flexible board, the connector part on the side of the flexible board that has been sealed is peeled off, and the connector attached to the lead wire side for drawing out is fitted again. Wiring work to the outside can be performed only by sealing the exposed portion.

  Therefore, by stripping the pattern of the flexible substrate once sealed, soldering the lead wire for drawing, and then sealing the exposed portion again, the wiring work is greatly simplified by using the connector. Can be

  Furthermore, in the orthodontic mouthpiece of the present invention, the lead wire drawn out from the connector fitted to the connector on the flexible substrate side is covered with a tube made of the same material as the mouthpiece. .

  According to said structure, the said connector part by the side of the flexible substrate once sealed is peeled off, the connector attached to the lead wire side for drawer | drawing-in is fitted, and the end part of a tube is melted, etc., and the said connector is connected. Therefore, by integrating with the exposed part, the lead-out part of the lead wire to the outside can be hermetically sealed.

  Further, in the orthodontic mouthpiece of the present invention, the flexible substrate is formed in a strip shape extending in the dentition direction, extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, forming a wiring pattern, and at a plurality of locations of the wiring pattern, A land for soldering the vibration generating means is formed.

  According to said structure, the said flexible substrate is formed in the strip | belt shape extended in the said dentition direction, is extended in the longitudinal direction, a wiring pattern is formed, and the said vibration means is soldered to the several places of the said wiring pattern. The oscillating means is soldered to a land at a position corresponding to the tooth to be corrected.

  Therefore, even if the tooth to be corrected differs depending on the user, the same flexible substrate standardized by moving the position of the motor on the same substrate can be used, and the cost can be reduced. Also, a plurality of vibration generating means can be mounted on one flexible substrate and driven simultaneously. Normally, it is assumed that the position of the connector comes to the front tooth part in consideration of taking it out of the oral cavity. However, when the correction target tooth is the front tooth, the position of the connector can be shifted by shifting the board installation position or the like. Unnecessary portions of the flexible substrate may be bent and embedded in the mouthpiece or cut.

  Furthermore, in the orthodontic mouthpiece of the present invention, the excitation means includes a motor and an eccentric weight attached to the output shaft thereof, and a cover member for securing a rotation space of the eccentric weight. The cover member has mounting projections at the bottom, and locking holes into which the mounting projections are fitted are formed at a plurality of positions in the longitudinal direction of the flexible substrate at both ends of the flexible substrate. It is characterized by.

  According to said structure, when using the thing of the unpackaged structure provided with a motor and the eccentric weight attached to the output shaft as said vibration means, at least the part of said eccentric weight is covered in a mouthpiece. In order to secure the rotation space, for example, a top semi-cylindrical cover member is required. Therefore, the cover member is provided with attachment projections at the bottom, and correspondingly, a plurality of locking holes are formed in both ends of the flexible substrate in the longitudinal direction of the flexible substrate, Depending on which land the motor is soldered to, the cover member can be temporarily fixed by simply fitting the mounting protrusion of the cover member into the appropriate locking hole. Then, the cover member is fixed to the flexible substrate by sealing the entire flexible substrate including the cover member portion from the motor portion.

  Therefore, a widely used unpackaged structure can be used as the vibration generating means.

  As described above, the orthodontic mouthpiece of the present invention has a vibrating means comprising an eccentric weight and a motor for rotationally driving it in the mouthpiece to be mounted on the user's dental row. An orthodontic mouthpiece that allows the orthodontic correction to be promoted by applying vibration generated by the means to the mounted dentition, and is not of a type that pulls out a lead wire to the oscillating means. A mounting type is used, and the vibration generating means is mounted on a flexible substrate that can follow the curved surface of the dentition, and power is supplied to the vibration generating means through the flexible substrate.

  Therefore, by forming a large land on the flexible substrate and firmly soldering the vibration generating means, disconnection of the power supply path can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where the lead wire is drawn out. Moreover, the mouthpiece is not broken or the oral cavity is not damaged by using the flexible substrate.

  Further, the orthodontic mouthpiece of the present invention uses a connector for external connection of the flexible substrate.

  Therefore, it is possible to perform the wiring work to the outside simply by stripping the connector portion on the flexible substrate side once sealed, fitting the connector attached to the lead wire side for drawing out, and sealing the stripped portion again. The wiring work can be greatly simplified.

  Furthermore, as described above, the orthodontic mouthpiece of the present invention covers the lead wire drawn out from the connector fitted to the connector on the flexible substrate side with a tube made of the same material as the mouthpiece.

  Therefore, the connector portion on the side of the flexible substrate that was once sealed is exposed, the connector attached to the lead wire side for drawing out is fitted, and the end portion of the tube is melted to expose the connector portion. By integrating with the portion, the lead-out portion of the lead wire to the outside can be hermetically sealed.

  Further, in the orthodontic mouthpiece of the present invention, as described above, the flexible substrate is formed in a band shape extending in the dentition direction, and a wiring pattern is formed extending in the longitudinal direction thereof. It is formed in a predetermined standardized shape in which a land for soldering the vibration generating means is formed at a location, and the vibration generating means is soldered to a land at a position corresponding to the tooth to be corrected To.

  Therefore, even if the teeth to be corrected differ depending on the user, the same flexible substrate standardized by moving the position of the motor on the same substrate can be used, and the cost can be reduced. Also, a plurality of vibration generating means can be mounted on one flexible substrate and driven simultaneously.

  Furthermore, in the orthodontic mouthpiece of the present invention, as described above, when using an unpackaged structure including a motor and an eccentric weight attached to the output shaft as the vibrating means, the mouse Covering at least the part of the eccentric weight in the piece and providing a mounting projection on the bottom of the cover member for securing the rotation space, and correspondingly fitting the mounting projection to the both end edges of the flexible substrate A plurality of locking holes are formed in the longitudinal direction of the flexible substrate.

  Therefore, according to which land the motor is soldered to, the cover member can be temporarily fixed only by fitting the mounting protrusion of the cover member into an appropriate locking hole. Thus, a widely used unpackaged structure can be used as the vibration generating means.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a mouthpiece 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a user's lower jaw, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a user's lower jaw tooth mold 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line III-III in FIG. In the example of FIG. 2, brackets (wire locking metal fittings) 4 are fixed to the outer surface portions of the teeth 3b to 3m excluding the back teeth 3a and 3n among the teeth 3a to 3n of the tooth row 3, The wire 5 is locked in series across the bracket 4. Then, by applying a constant force (static load) to the dentition 3 with the return force of the wire 5, the teeth alignment and biting are corrected with these correction tools. In addition, the bracket 4 which latches the tooth | gear which fixes the bracket 4, and the wire 5 is not restricted to what was illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the mouthpiece 7 of the present embodiment is attached to the dentition 3 to which the wire 5 is attached. As shown in FIG. 3, the mouthpiece 7 includes an inner piece 7A that is in direct contact with the dentition 3, an outer piece 7B that is placed on the outer side of the inner piece 7A, and an airtight (watertight that does not allow moisture to enter) therebetween. And is provided with a vibration actuator 8 serving as a vibration generating means provided in a portion of the correction target tooth (3g, 3h in the example of FIG. 1).

  As the material of the inner piece 7A and the outer piece 7B, a material that is widely used as a mouthpiece (or mouthguard) and in which hygienic safety is ensured is used. For example, EVA (ethylene) which is a polymer material is used. It is preferable to form the (vinyl acetate resin) sheet as will be described later, since the effects of allergies to teeth and gums can be suppressed. The material of the inner piece 7A and the outer piece 7B is not limited to the EVA sheet, but the EVA sheet is more preferable because it has electrical insulation and functions as a heat insulating material. In particular, when an EVA sheet is used for the inner piece 7A, the inner piece 7A can be made soft, and thereby, a high-speed component of mechanical vibration transmitted from the vibration actuator 8 described later to the correction target teeth 3g and 3h. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the correction target teeth 3g and 3h.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a bulge portion 7a corresponding to the vibration actuator 8 is formed in the correction target teeth 3g and 3h of the outer piece 7B, and a small and lightweight vibration actuator is formed in the bulge portion 7a. 8 is stored sideways (so that the vibration direction is substantially perpendicular to the tooth row 3). It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the vibration actuator 8 is mounted on the flexible substrate 2.

  FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing structures of the vibration actuator 8 and the flexible substrate 2, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 7 for explaining the structures. The vibration actuator 8 generates mechanical vibrations with an eccentric weight 8c attached to a rotating shaft 8b of a motor 8a, and is widely used as a vibrator of a mobile phone. The vibration actuator 8 has an unpackaged structure in which the eccentric weight 8c is exposed to the outside, and as it is, it contacts the inner surface of the bulging portion 7a and the rotation is prevented. Therefore, in order to secure the rotation space of the eccentric weight 8c in the bulging portion 7a, a top semi-cylindrical cover member 8d made of metal or the like is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the flexible substrate 2 is formed in a strip shape extending in the direction of the tooth row 3, and extending in the longitudinal direction thereof to form a pair of wiring patterns 2a and 2b. Lands 2c for soldering the motor 8a are formed at a plurality of locations. The motor 8a is soldered to the land at a position corresponding to the correction target tooth (for example, 3g and 3h in FIG. 1) with respect to the flexible substrate 2 formed in a standardized shape in this way. Therefore, the same standardized flexible substrate 2 can be used even if the correction target tooth differs depending on the user, and the cost can be reduced. It is also possible to mount a plurality of vibration actuators 8 on a single flexible substrate and drive them simultaneously.

  Then, the land 2c of the flexible substrate 2 is formed large, and the terminal 8e of the motor 8a is firmly soldered, so that the disconnection of the power supply path is greatly reduced as compared with the case where the lead wire is directly drawn out from the motor 8a. Can be reduced. Further, by using the flexible substrate 2, the mouthpiece 7 is not broken and the oral cavity is not damaged.

  When the motor 8a is a direct current (DC) motor, the intensity and period of vibration can be adjusted by supplying power from a battery (battery) via a switch and a variable resistor. The rotation speed of the motor 8a, that is, the vibration frequency (frequency) is preferably about several Hz to several hundred Hz. The motor 8a can be an alternating current (AC) motor.

  Further, a plurality of locking holes 2d are formed in both ends of the flexible substrate 2 in the longitudinal direction of the flexible substrate, and a motor soldered to an arbitrary position in the locking holes 2d. Corresponding to 8a, an attachment projection 8f formed on the bottom of the cover member 8d is fitted. Thus, according to which land the motor 8a is soldered to, the cover member 8d can be temporarily fixed only by fitting the mounting protrusion 8f of the cover member 8d into an appropriate locking hole. Thereafter, the entire flexible substrate 2 including the portion from the motor 8a portion to the cover member 8d is sealed by the inner piece 7A and the outer piece 7B as will be described later, whereby the cover member 8d is fixed to the flexible substrate 2. As a result, a widely used unpackaged structure can be used as the vibration actuator 8. When the mounting position of the motor 8a is fixed, the land 2c and the locking hole 2d may be provided only in one place.

  Furthermore, an external connection connector 6 a is provided at one end of the flexible substrate 2. As this connector 6a, for example, a 2-pin connector manufactured by JST can be used, and its terminals are soldered to lands 2e formed at one ends of the wiring patterns 2a and 2b. The flexible circuit board 2 may be mounted with a control circuit, a power supply, etc. in addition to the vibration actuator 8, and when the control circuit is connected, the connector 6a has a higher number of pins for transmitting a control signal. When the power source is mounted, the connector 6a may be used for ON / OFF or strength control.

  A connector 6b attached to the lead wire 9 side for drawing out is fitted into the connector 6a. In this way, by using the connector 6 for external connection of the flexible substrate 2, as will be understood from FIG. 5 and described in detail later, the portion of the connector 6 a on the side of the flexible substrate 2 that has been sealed is exposed and pulled out. By simply fitting the connector 6b attached to the lead wire 9 side and sealing the exposed portion 7b again, wiring work to the outside can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to use the connector 6 as compared with the case where the wiring pattern 2a, 2b of the flexible substrate 2 once sealed is exposed, the lead wire 9 for drawing is soldered, and then the exposed portion is sealed again. Wiring work can be greatly simplified.

  The lead-out direction of the lead wire 9 by the connector 6 is perpendicular to the flexible substrate 2. That is, the direction perpendicular to the tooth surface is preferable in terms of mounting feeling and connection work of the connectors 6a and 6b. In general, the position of the connector 6 is assumed to come to the front teeth 3g and 3h in consideration of taking it out of the oral cavity. Thus, the position of the connector can be shifted (position 3i in FIG. 1). Further, unnecessary portions of the flexible substrate 2 may be bent and incorporated in the mouthpiece 7 or cut.

  Further, the lead wire 9 is covered with an EVA tube 10 made of the same material as the mouthpiece 7. Therefore, as described above, the portion of the connector 6a on the flexible substrate 2 side once sealed is exposed, the connector 6b attached on the lead wire 9 side for drawing out is fitted, and the end portion 10a of the EVA tube 10 is melted. Thus, by integrating with the exposed portion 7b for connecting the connectors 6a and 6b, the lead-out portion of the lead wire 9 to the outside can be hermetically sealed.

  Here, the strength control from the outside is not necessary, and the power supply and the control circuit are mounted on the flexible substrate 2 as described above, and ON / OFF is performed by operating from the thin part of the outer piece 7B by a push-push switch. When control or the like becomes possible, there is no need to connect the flexible substrate 2 to the outside, and the connector 6a can be omitted. If comprised in that way, the external appearance of an apparatus will be only a mouthpiece, a feed wire will not touch the inside of an oral cavity, while ensuring electrical safety and also expecting an improvement in wearing feeling. In addition, the entire apparatus can be made compact, portable and convenient, and practical value is increased.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the manufacturing apparatus 11 for the mouthpiece 7 configured as described above. The manufacturing apparatus 11 includes a stage 12 on which the tooth mold 1 is mounted, and a main body 14 including a pump that performs suction from a plurality of suction holes 13 formed in the stage 12, and a stand on the main body 14. It can be moved up and down by a support column 18 provided, and includes a pair of upper and lower sheet fixtures 16 and 17 sandwiching the EVA sheet 15 and an electric heater 19 mounted on the support column 18.

  FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a manufacturing method of the mouthpiece 7 using the manufacturing apparatus 11 described above. First, in step S1, an impression material is attached to the user's dentition 3 at the dental clinic to mold, and in step S2, gypsum is poured into the impression material holding the dentition shape in the dental laboratory. The plaster mold 1 is completed by taking out the plaster after solidification. Here, when a corrector such as a bracket 4 or a wire 5 is attached to the user's dentition 3, when the mouthpiece 7 is attached to or detached from the dentition 3, the inner piece 7A is pulled to the edge of the corrector. The inner piece 7A may be damaged or the bracket 4 may come off the tooth surface. In order to prevent such inconvenience, the gap between the bracket 4 and the wire 5 of the tooth mold 1 may be filled with a wax agent or the like to eliminate the edge. According to this method, when an impression is taken from the user, the burden on the user is reduced as compared with a method in which a non-toxic wax agent or the like that can be washed with water is filled in the gap between the bracket 4 and the wire 5 in advance. .

  The tooth mold 1 is mounted on the stage 12 of the manufacturing apparatus 11 in step S3. On the other hand, the EVA sheet 15 sandwiched between the sheet fixtures 16 and 17 is heated in the vicinity of the electric heater 19 when the sheet fixtures 16 and 17 rise on the support column 18 and soften. Descends and the EVA sheet 15 is gradually covered on the tooth mold 1. At this time, suction is performed from the suction hole 13, so that the EVA sheet 15 comes into close contact with the tooth mold 1 by the air flow. Therefore, the tooth mold 1 is provided with a notch 1a for suction so that the mold can be accurately taken.

  At this time, the electric heater 19 may also be lowered and continuously heated, or may be molded by pressurizing the entire EVA sheet 15 with air pressure or the like. In this way, the inner piece 7A is completed by performing pressure and suction molding. Up to this step S3, the conventional mouthpiece manufacturing method is the same.

  When the inner piece 7A is thus completed, in step S4, while the inner piece 7A is hot, the flexible substrate 2 on which the vibration actuator 8 and the connector 6a are mounted is affixed thereon. Here, the material of the mouthpiece 7, especially the EVA, exhibits a high viscosity at the time of melting as it is used as a main raw material for so-called hot bonds. Therefore, as described above, the inner piece 7A immediately after being molded in the semi-molten state in step S3 has heat and exhibits high viscosity until it cools. Therefore, by using the adhesive force exerted by the material of the inner piece 7A due to the residual heat of the inner piece 7A, it is simply installed by pressing the vibration actuator 8 without using any fixing means such as an adhesive. The flexible substrate 2 can be temporarily fixed. If the adhesive force is insufficient, a protrusion may be provided on the flexible substrate 2 side and inserted into the inner piece 7A, or heated EVA may be injected as an adhesive.

  Subsequently, in step S5, the heated EVA sheet 15 is placed on the inner piece 7A on which the flexible substrate 2 is mounted as described above, similarly to step S3, and the outer piece 7B is created by suction. Thus, the inner piece 7A and the outer piece 7B hermetically seal the vibration actuator 8 and the connector 6a from the flexible substrate 2 inside.

  The mouthpiece 7 thus prepared is stripped of the EVA from the connector 6a portion of the outer piece 7B in step S6, and after the connector 6b is fitted to the connector 6a, in step S7, the feeder 9 The end portion 10a of the EVA tube 10 covered with is locally heated by a dryer or the like, and the connection portion with the outer piece 7B is hermetically sealed, whereby the mouthpiece 7 is completed. The EVA tube 10 is covered with a cylinder that can block heat before the feeder 9 is inserted, and is heated locally with the dryer or the like in a state where only the end portion 10a is drawn, Further, the cone is inserted from the hole of the end portion 10a, so that the end portion 10a portion is expanded in diameter corresponding to the connector 6 as shown in FIG. Then, with the cylinder covered, the feeder 9 with the connector 6b attached is inserted and used for attachment in step S6. In this way, it is possible to completely waterproof the lead-out portion of the power supply line 9.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a flexible substrate 2 ′ in a mouthpiece according to another embodiment of the present invention. This flexible substrate 2 ′ is similar to the above-described flexible substrate 2, and corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. It should be noted that the flexible substrate 2 ′ is formed toward both sides of the dentition 3 around the portion to which the connector 6 a is attached. Accordingly, the connector 6a is attached at the position of the front tooth, which is suitable for correcting both molars. However, there is a perforation 2f on one side of the connector 6a. By separating the perforation 2f, the feeder 9 is pulled out from the connector 6a in the same manner as the flexible substrate 2 described above. ) Side, it can be used to correct the front teeth. Further, both ends of the flexible substrate 2 ′ can be used by being appropriately cut according to the size of the user's mouth. As a result, the flexible substrate 2 ′ can be shared regardless of the correction target teeth and the size of the mouth of the user.

  In the above example, the land 2c for the motor 8a is provided at the fixed position in the flexible boards 2 and 2 ′. However, the vibration actuator 8 is slid on the flexible boards 2 and 2 ′ and the land is formed at an arbitrary position. The installation location of the vibration actuator 8 may be moved.

It is a perspective view which shows the state which mounted | wore the user's lower jaw with the mouthpiece which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of a user's lower jaw tooth type. It is sectional drawing seen from the cut surface line III-III of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of a vibration actuator and a flexible substrate. It is sectional drawing of the mouthpiece for demonstrating the structure of the said vibration actuator and a flexible substrate. It is a perspective view of the manufacturing apparatus of a mouthpiece. It is a figure for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the mouthpiece which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention using the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a top view of the flexible substrate in the mouthpiece concerning other embodiments of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tooth type 2, 2 'Flexible board 3 Tooth row 5 Wire 6; 6a, 6b Connector 7 Mouthpiece 7A Inner piece 7B Outer piece 7a Swelling part 8 Excitation actuator 8a Motor 8c Eccentric weight 8d Cover member 9 Feed line 10 EVA tube DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Manufacturing apparatus 12 Stage 13 Suction hole 14 Main body 15 EVA sheet 16, 17 Sheet fixing tool 19 Electric heater

Claims (5)

An orthodontic mouthpiece that has an oscillating means and allows vibrations generated by the oscillating means to be applied to the user's dentition, thereby promoting orthodontics,
The orthodontic mouthpiece is characterized in that the vibrating means is mounted on a flexible substrate, and power is supplied through the flexible substrate.   The orthodontic mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the flexible board also has a connector for external connection.   The orthodontic mouthpiece according to claim 2, wherein a lead wire drawn out from a connector fitted to the connector on the flexible substrate side is covered with a tube made of the same material as the mouthpiece.   The flexible substrate is formed in a strip shape extending in the dentition direction, extending in the longitudinal direction thereof to form a wiring pattern, and lands for soldering the vibration generating means are formed in a plurality of locations of the wiring pattern. The orthodontic mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the orthodontic mouthpiece is formed. The vibration generating means includes a motor and an eccentric weight attached to the output shaft thereof.
In order to secure the rotation space of the eccentric weight, a cover member is further provided. The cover member has mounting protrusions at the bottom, and locking holes into which the mounting protrusions are fitted at both ends of the flexible substrate. The orthodontic mouthpiece according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of holes are formed in the longitudinal direction of the flexible substrate.

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