WO2023057011A1

WO2023057011A1 - Training means and method for conditioning eating habits

Info

Publication number: WO2023057011A1
Application number: PCT/DE2022/100732
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthias Schicker
Original assignee: Matthias Schicker
Priority date: 2021-10-04
Filing date: 2022-09-30
Publication date: 2023-04-13
Also published as: EP4412560A1; DE112022004767A5

Abstract

The invention relates to a training means for reducing food intake, comprising at least one cover plate for covering the occlusal surfaces of teeth of a jaw in the oral cavity, wherein each of the teeth covered by the cover plate has a tooth width transverse to a jaw extension direction, wherein the cover plate has a plate width, wherein the plate width is designed to be narrower than the tooth width of the respective covered tooth, such that the cover plate on the respective tooth does not protrude beyond the tooth width thereof, and/or wherein the cover plate only extends from an innermost or second innermost molar or premolar tooth on a first jaw side to an innermost or second innermost molar or premolar tooth on a second jaw side opposite the first and only partially covers the respective jaw, such that the outer molar tooth/teeth (11) remain/s uncovered by the training means, and/or it has an underside orientated towards the tooth in the applied state, and at least one adhesive means arranged on the underside of the cover plate, wherein the adhesive means has a foam- or nub-like structure, wherein the adhesive means provides a plurality of micro-cavities between the cover plate and the tooth, and wherein the cover plate is designed and constructed in such a way as to impair or prevent insalivation of food.

Description

Training aids and methods for conditioning nutritional habits

Description Field of the Invention

The present description relates to a training tool to enable or bring about a change in eating habits, in particular for overweight and/or sluggish people, as well as a method for conditioning eating habits and a removable plastic prosthesis as a full set of teeth or also as part of a set of teeth in order to replace lost teeth for the duration of use to replace the plastic prosthesis.

Background and general description of the invention

Obesity and malnutrition is one of the most serious civilization diseases of mankind. A growing number of people are consuming a vastly excessive amount of calories in the course of a day and are faced with storing the excess calories in body fat stores. There are also a variety of reasons why someone is prone to obesity, which may be due to medical reasons or just bad habits.

Many people are still trying their luck in trying to lose weight by following appropriate diets. An entire industry has established itself for this purpose, which offers dietary supplements and guidance and assistance. Unfortunately, losing weight rarely leads to success, since this relies to a large extent on the test person's will to persevere and eating habits are typically difficult to change.

It is known that the feeling of being full or full only sets in after a period of time after a meal has been started or eaten. According to the current state of research, different signals are processed by the brain, all of which cause the state of being full, including, for example, the filling or stretching of the stomach. On the other hand, the stretching and volume of the stomach can be "trained" so that the subject can eat more without feeling full. On the other hand, if the subject eats slowly enough, they can still feel full while eating, and stop eating naturally. However, if the subject eats too quickly, for example if he or she gulps, too much food can be consumed in a short time, so that the feeling of satiety cannot set in in time.

On the other hand, in another aspect of this description, it is not unusual for older people, for example, to cover teeth that have fallen out or been removed with a removable plastic prosthesis or, in the case of total loss of teeth, to use a full prosthesis that is used, for example, at certain times of the day. If there are only a few or no teeth left in the jaw, attaching a plastic prosthesis can be complicated or even impossible. Without a prosthesis or with conventional prostheses, the jawbone typically gradually deteriorates and almost nothing can be attached to it. Typically, a prosthesis can no longer be properly stabilized 10 years after the last teeth have been lost. The plastic prosthesis can then move in the mouth, not remain in the correct position over the long term and may even fall out. It is known that adhesive creams can be used to improve the adhesion of the plastic prosthesis. However, this is not always desirable since the adhesive cream is only able to provide an unsatisfactory adhesive force overall and the adhesive cream is at least partially tasted or swallowed by the user. Also in this aspect, the present invention can make contributions.

The object of the present invention is to further develop the preliminary work of the applicant protected by European patent EP 2 735 288 B1. The entire disclosure content of EP 2 735288 B1 is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference into the present application. The desired result of the present invention as well is to change the eating habits of the subject or user in such a way that the subject or user eats less and/or more slowly overall. The present invention provides improvements and further developments that can be used individually or together and that have different tasks in mind.

The invention has therefore set itself the task of further improving the wearing comfort on the one hand, so that the "mouth feel" can become even more natural. In one aspect of the invention, particular attention is paid to improving the adhesion of the plastic prosthesis in the oral cavity.

In one aspect of the invention, the further object is to make the training means more cost-effective to produce. In yet another aspect of the invention, the task is also to further improve the effect of the training aid, so that the subject or user can lose weight better.

In a further aspect of the invention, the task may also be set of stabilizing any decay of the jawbone and strengthening the oral mucosa by wearing the training aid or the plastic prosthesis. In yet another aspect of the invention, the further object is to make the plastic prosthesis inexpensive to produce because, despite all the improvements, there is strong competition and therefore cost pressure, so that cost savings can also lead to a competitive advantage.

The object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Developments of the invention are set out in the dependent patent claims.

A training device for reducing food intake according to the invention has at least one cover splint for covering the occlusal surfaces of teeth of a jaw in the oral cavity. The cover splint is prepared in such a way that at least the occlusal surfaces of the teeth are covered. The occlusal surfaces are those surfaces of the (pre)molars or molars that face the teeth of the opposite jaw.

Each of the teeth covered by the covering splint has a tooth width transverse to a direction in which the jaw extends. The tooth width is preferably measured at the widest or "thickest" point of the tooth. In any case, it is preferred if the tooth width of the tooth is measured outside the area of the respective tooth covered by the gums. The tooth width is thus measured in a direction that is (roughly) perpendicular to the main extension direction of the jaw (jaw extension direction) and that is (roughly) perpendicular to a direction going from one jaw to the opposite jaw. For example, the tooth width is measured from the lingual side to the buccal side or from the palatal side to the buccal side (or vice versa).

The cover rail has a rail width, wherein the rail width can preferably be made narrower than the tooth width of the tooth covered in each case, so that the cover rail does not protrude beyond the tooth width of the respective tooth. In other words, it is preferable if the covering splint does not protrude beyond the widest point of the tooth in the direction of the gums, but is arranged above the widest point, so that the covering splint can be narrower overall than the width of the tooth at the maximum digit. For example, teeth have cusps on the occlusal sides. On their sides, the teeth have cusp outlets, starting from the tips of the cusps, which extend to the widest point of the tooth - i.e. the tooth width. The cusp outlets could also be referred to as tooth shoulders. The cover splint then typically covers at least the occlusal surfaces completely and, depending on the adhesion required on the tooth, a part of the cusp outlets, possibly the cusp outlets even completely, but not up to the tooth width of the respective tooth.

This is a surprising improvement, as previously in this area it was necessary to mechanically attach a splint to the tooth or to the palate or base of the tongue. For example, mechanical attachment has been achieved by a metal clip gripping around the side of the tooth extending beyond the tooth width towards the gums, or (especially in the case of plastic splints) the splint reaching across the tooth width to close to the gum so that below the tooth width towards gums, the width of the splint can be narrower than in the area of the tooth width. By covering the width of the tooth towards the gums, the splint could be snapped onto the tooth by the splint snapping across the width of the tooth, whereby the splint is deformed outwards when it is pushed over the width of the tooth and after it has been pushed over the width of the tooth, the splint snaps back into the original shape snaps back inwards. This was a mechanical snap connection of the splint to the teeth and thus to the jaw provided, which causes a good grip on the teeth, but also brings with it numerous disadvantages. The tooth flanks or tooth sides are completely covered by the splint, which means that food residue can get under the splint over a significantly larger area and attack the tooth substance there. With these conventional splints, the gums are also subjected to significantly greater stress if food residues remain at the end area of the splint and provide food for bacteria that burden the gums. Finally, the splint itself can also press on the gums, for example when the tooth width is close to the gums. In short, it is much more difficult to maintain healthy oral hygiene and gums can suffer from wearing the splint. A further disadvantage of conventional splints, in which at least part of the tooth width covers the gums, is that the splint can even be pushed off the teeth by the chyme that presses on the splint from the outside and requires the splint to be realigned can. This is less convenient to use. Finally, sliding the splint onto the jaw can rub against the teeth and cause additional wear on the enamel. Finally, if it is attached to the palate or the base of the tongue, a considerable area of the oral mucosa is covered, so that food residue can also collect there and in any case it represents an impairment of well-being if such a large object has to be placed in the oral cavity.

The aforementioned problems can be further improved or solved on the basis of the present description in that the overall width of the cover rail is narrower than the maximum tooth width of the tooth covered in each case. The covering splint can thus be limited to the area above the maximum tooth width, ie it does not reach as far as the gums but leaves a substantial part of the tooth side or tooth shoulder uncovered. This simplifies oral hygiene in particular and the influence on the gums is significantly lower, if not disappearing. This can also mean that the training device as such is constructed in such a way that its overall width is narrower than the maximum tooth width. In other words, the training means and/or the cover rail consists of an arrangement that does not exceed the tooth width on the respective tooth, but rather is limited to the area above the point at which the maximum tooth width is to be measured and/or is narrower than that maximum tooth width. In a particularly advantageous manner, no further components or arrangements are used that extend beyond the tooth width. If the training device and/or the cover rail is designed to be sufficiently self-adhesive, it can be designed in such a way that the maximum tooth width is not exceeded by any component of the cover rail and/or the training device. For example, no attachment to the tooth side close to the gums is required or available. Furthermore, no attachment or adhesion to the palate or base of the tongue is required or available. Rather, the cover splint or the training aid can be limited to an area that is arranged in the area of the tooth tops or cusps and is at the same time narrower overall than the maximum tooth width of the respective covered tooth. The training aid or the cover splint or prosthesis is therefore not or only partially compatible or comparable with other dental splints that have a base plate and adhere or are glued to the inside of the mouth, especially on the palate, gums or base of the tongue, or exceed the maximum tooth width overall and have a mechanical attachment to the tooth, the palate or the base of the tongue, as fundamentally different considerations have to be carried out with such dental splints.

Furthermore, there is no provision for permanently attaching the training aid or the covering splint or prosthesis to the jaw or at least one of the teeth. A permanent attachment can be done by gluing or stapling, for example, or by making a mechanical connection, such as by bonding with a pin prosthesis or the like. Rather, the training aid or the covering splint or prosthesis is one (or two) detachably removable insert part(s) which is/are merely placed on the selected teeth of the respective jaw. This means in particular that the training aid or cover splint or prosthesis can be inserted before each meal and then removed again, or it is possible to use it from morning to evening and take out the training aid or cover splint or prosthesis again in the evening. The training aid or the cover splint or prosthesis is thus characterized in that it can be removed from the oral cavity at any time without the use of an aid other than the user's fingers, in particular without a solvent or tool is removable. The training aid or the covering splint or prosthesis can therefore be quickly detached or removed. This can also be important because a permanent or non-quickly detachable connection can lead to the user being inhibited from using the training aid on the one hand, or hygienic or health problems to be introduced into the oral cavity, which must be avoided . The present invention is therefore not compatible or comparable with permanently installed dental splints, which are exposed to completely different physical or chemical influences and are therefore designed fundamentally differently.

Overall, a special feature of the present invention is the particularly simple application, the rapid ingestion or removal thereof in or from the oral cavity and the significant improvement in terms of hygienic implications.

Typically, the training means includes both a maxillary splint for covering the occlusal surfaces of maxillary teeth and a mandibular splint for covering the occlusal surfaces of mandibular teeth. In other words, the cover splint can be a mandibular splint for covering the occlusal surfaces of lower jaw teeth, or the cover splint can be a maxillary splint for covering the occlusal surfaces of upper jaw teeth. The training means comprises at least one cover splint, typically two, i.e. one for each jaw.

The cover rail is constructed and prepared in such a way that it impairs or prevents the salivation of food that is fed in. Salivation of food is promoted by the fact that the food is mixed by the fissured teeth and the amount of saliva provided in the oral cavity. It is only when the saliva is added to the food that the chyme can be produced in the oral cavity and thus the food can be swallowed from the oral cavity. If mixing fails, or is significantly degraded, then the time required for the food to mix with saliva before the food can be swallowed is increased. This can be achieved by covering the topography of the teeth (with their humps and fissures), which is particularly advantageous for instilling in the food, so that the food is only mixed with saliva to a much lesser extent.

For this purpose, the covering splint can comprise a chewing surface on an upper side. The chewing process, ie the crushing of the food, can take place on the upper side, with the chewing surface preferably being prepared in such a way that less saliva can be mixed with the food during crushing.

The occlusal surface covers the fissures of the teeth covered by the cover splint, so that food does not or only to a small extent penetrate into the occlusal area of the teeth, but can only get onto the occlusal surface of the cover splint.

The occlusal surface is, in particular, essentially flat. For example, the occlusal surface forms a continuously flat, in particular smooth, flat structure. If the occlusal surface is essentially level or smooth, the jaws can be moved sideways on top of each other without the cover splints snagging on one another.

The occlusal surface also preferably spans the or part of the occlusal surface of the covered teeth. In other words, the or a substantial part of the top of the teeth is covered by the cover rail.

The cover splint can be prepared in such a way that the occlusal surface is continuously arranged at a distance d above the cusps of the teeth covered by the cover splint when the cover splint is in place. In other words, there is a distance between the humps and the occlusal surface that corresponds at least to the thickness of the cover rail. It has proven advantageous if the distance between the cusps and the occlusal surface is greater than the thickness of the covering splint. For example, it can be advantageous if a gap remains between an underside of the covering splint and the cusps or the top of the tooth, ie the covering splint is kept "at a distance" from the tooth. A damping element can thus be arranged underneath the cover rail.

For example, the maxillary splint has a first chewing surface and the mandibular splint of the training aid has a second chewing surface, with the first chewing surface and second chewing surface being arranged relative to one another such that a chewing process can be carried out with both chewing surfaces, with the chewing surfaces coming to rest against one another. In other words, they are Chewing surfaces are preferably designed in such a way that a chewing process can be achieved with these in interaction with one another and is not prevented, and that overall the mouthfeel during chewing is influenced as little as possible.

In one example, the chewing surface of the cover splint can only partially cover the occlusal surfaces of the covered teeth in terms of its width, in particular only 80% or less, preferably only 50%, more preferably 30% or less. The occlusal surface can also be arranged elevated on the cover rail. For example, the occlusal surface of the cover splint, specifically the maxillary splint in particular, forms a kind of pedestal or web, with this pedestal or web being narrower than the cover splint. A further reduced area is thus provided for the chewing process, as a result of which chewing is even less efficient and the chewing process thus takes longer until the food has been insalivated to such an extent that it has a swallowable consistency.

The cover splint, in particular the mandibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, can cover the occlusal surfaces of the teeth covered by the cover splint, and its width can be limited to the occlusal surfaces. The cover splint can also partially cover the buccal and/or lingual or palatal cusp outlets. The width of the cover rail - which remains narrower than the tooth width - can be made dependent on how large the required adhesive force or holding force of the cover rail is on the tooth so that the cover rail is held sufficiently securely on the teeth.

When deployed in the oral cavity, lingual surfaces of the mandibular teeth and/or palatal surfaces of the maxillary teeth may remain uncovered or substantially uncovered, and/or the vestibular surfaces of the teeth of the oral cavity may remain uncovered or substantially uncovered.

When inserted, the cover rail has an underside that is aligned toward the tooth. The cover splint can be designed in such a way that a negative pressure or vacuum builds up on the underside when inserted and the cover splint is sucked onto the tooth by means of the negative pressure or vacuum. The cover splint can be held securely on the teeth or jaw by means of the negative pressure or vacuum. For example, the cover splint can be pressed against the jaw by biting down and when the jaws are released or opened, a negative pressure can be maintained on the underside, which keeps the cover splint securely on the teeth.

In order to provide or increase the adhesive or holding force of the covering splint on the teeth covered by the covering splint, the covering splint can have an adhesive on the underside. For example, the negative pressure can be increased by means of the adhesive or built up in the adhesive, in particular by pressing the cover splint against the teeth or the jaw, as is produced, for example, by biting open. The adhesive can initially also be a liquid or a cushion or damping element. The cover rail can therefore have an elastic damping element on the underside.

The adhesive can have a foam or nub-like structure, for example a nub foam. The adhesive can also be foil-like or in the form of a foil. Preferably, the adhesive has a thickness of 5 mm or less, more preferably 2 mm or less, even more preferably 1 mm or less.

The adhesive can be formulated to provide a multitude of microvoids between the cover splint and the tooth. If the film is a flexible film, biting can compress the film and deflate the microvoids. When the jaws are released or opened, the adhesive remains attached to the teeth in such a way that air cannot re-enter the microcavities, or only very slowly, which means that adhesion to the teeth can be maintained. The adhesive thus provides a suction effect for sucking the covering splint onto the teeth. The adhesion can thus be restored with every bite. Advantageously, the microcavities may be configured to communicate with one another so that a fluid, such as air or an adhesive liquid, may be directed through the microcavities when bitten open. In other words, the microcavities are open-pored. The microcavities are therefore preferably designed to be evacuatable, so that they can be emptied or evacuated, for example by means of compression, in particular by clenching the jaws on one another. If necessary, the microcavities can be at least partially filled with fluid, such as in particular saliva, to improve the adhesive properties. For example, an adhesive liquid can be let into the adhesive prior to application of the cover splint. This can be achieved by immersing the training aid in a liquid bath before use and only then inserting it into the oral cavity. On the other hand, the adhesive can be designed in such a way that, during use, saliva penetrates into and partially fills the microcavities, thereby further improving adhesion to the tooth.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the adhesive is designed to be elastic, ie in particular compressible, so that the adhesive or holding effect for the cover rail is provided at the same time, and the adhesive is also the damping element.

The adhesive can also advantageously be arranged only in certain areas on the underside, so that the underside of the cover rail remains free of adhesive in some areas and yet sufficient overall adhesive force is provided so that the cover rail is held securely on the teeth or jaw. The adhesive can be arranged in such a way that it is limited to the area of the cusp outlets and/or to the area of the cusps, ie the occlusal surfaces are at least partially or for the most part uncovered by the adhesive. In other words, the adhesive is limited to partial areas of the tooth parts covered by the covering splint, such as in particular the cusp outlets or the areas of the cusps, or both together. As a result, an even smaller amount of adhesive is required for use on the cover splint and less contact between the splint and teeth is required, which means that overall dental health is even less compromised.

For example, the adhesive can provide a holding force of at least 20 kPa/cm ² for the cover rail, preferably 30 kPa/cm ² or more, more preferably 50 kPa/cm ² or more, more preferably 80 kPa/cm ² or more. For example, the adhesive can provide a holding force of at least 50 kPa/cm ² in the fluid-free state and/or a holding force of at least 180 kPa/cm ² in a fluid-loaded state. The adhesive can thus provide such a high holding force that it is even easier to attach the training aid or the cover splint or prosthesis only to an upper area of the teeth, for example limited to above that point at which the greatest tooth width is to be measured . In a particularly advantageous manner, this tooth surface is sufficient to hold the training device or the covering splint or prosthesis on the tooth while the user is using it, without the training device or the covering splint or prosthesis slipping in the oral cavity or even threatening to fall out. On the other hand, this does not represent a permanent attachment to the tooth, since the adhesive can be set up in such a way that when the jaw is open (or not bitten open), the holding force gradually decreases due to the inflow of air. For example, the training aid or the cover splint or prosthesis can be set up in such a way that after a short time, for example 5 seconds or more, preferably 10 seconds or more, more preferably 20 seconds or more or even 40 seconds or more, the training aid or the cover splint or prosthesis can be detached from the teeth and removed accordingly. At the same time, the short adhesion time of the training aid or the cover splint or prosthesis on the teeth is long enough so that it does not come loose by itself or unintentionally. Rather, the adhesive force can be renewed in good time by biting down again on the training aid or the cover splint or prosthesis.

The holding force already provided by the adhesive for the front molar or premolar teeth can more preferably be set large enough to hold the cover splint on the jaw, so that the rear molar teeth can remain free of the cover splint. As a result, even fewer teeth are affected by the covering splint, and at the same time the chewing performance that can be achieved with the covering splint used is further reduced, so that the chewing process lasts even longer, as desired.

The cover splint, in particular the mandibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, can therefore be prepared in such a way that it only partially covers the respective jaw, so that part of the teeth in the oral cavity remains uncovered. Alternatively or cumulatively, the covering splint, in particular the mandibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, can be prepared in such a way that it only extends from a first premolar tooth on a first side of the jaw to a first premolar tooth on a second side of the jaw opposite the first. Furthermore, the cover splint, in particular the mandibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, alternatively or cumulatively, only extend from an innermost or second innermost molar or premolar tooth on a first side of the jaw to an innermost or second innermost molar or premolar tooth on a second side of the jaw opposite the first. In other words, the cover rail is shorter than the user's jaw or the respective jaw is only partially covered. The outer molar tooth or teeth can therefore remain uncovered by the training means.

Oral and dental hygiene is significantly simplified because the covering splint has a shorter extent than the length of the respective jaw and the outer molar teeth thus remain uncovered. Also because teeth remain uncovered overall, the uncovered teeth remain insalivated while the cover splint is being worn and are therefore better protected against the effects of caries.

Because the cover rail is shorter than the length of the jaw, there is a further advantage in that the chewing surface provided for chewing is smaller or shorter than if the cover rail were to extend over the entire length of the jaw. When the cover splint is in place, no chewing process can be performed with the rear, remaining free molar teeth, since the teeth do not meet but are held apart by the cover splint. Overall, the length of the occlusal surface is therefore shorter, as a result of which the duration of the required chewing process and thus the useful effect of the covering splint can be increased even further. The shorter cover splint thus represents an improvement over known splints, in which it was previously not possible to shorten the splint length, otherwise the splint would not hold on the jaw or earlier forms would be pushed off the jaw. Only the improvements explained with the present description enable a covering splint that is shorter than the length of the jaw.

The covering rail can comprise or consist of a flexible material, in particular plastic. The cover rail can also be adapted or molded to the respective jaw shape.

The training aid can essentially be designed in the shape of a horseshoe in a plan view and leave a free area between the legs, with the palate in particular being arranged in the free area when the training aid is in use. In other words, the cover splint only covers the teeth themselves and does not require any plate-like or other spreading or support in order to adhere securely and permanently to the teeth.

The training device can have a receiving area for receiving a functional component such as a glucose sensor or a radio transmitter or a data memory, in particular a radio-readable data memory, on the training device. For example, the component can be cast into the cover rail during production of the same, or the training means has a recess into which the component can be inserted. In this way, conclusions about the composition of the food can be obtained directly in the mouth when the cover splint is worn. For example, if a meal containing a lot of sugar or fat is detected, a warning could be issued via radio or built-in mini loudspeaker to remind the user of the training goal, namely eating less food and, in particular, fewer calories. This information may also be recorded for analysis purposes only, for example in data storage. The data store can also store usage time and usage intervals if desired.

In a particularly advantageous manner, a removal aid arranged on an outside of the cover rail can be provided for easy removal of the cover rail from the inserted state, for example for cleaning the cover rail or after its use. The removal aid is designed in such a way that it can be grasped with the fingers or the tongue, for example, and then the covering splint can be lifted off the teeth on or by means of the removal aid. When the cover splint is lifted off, the adhesive is released, for example by air flowing into the adhesive or between the cover splint and the teeth, thereby breaking the adhesive effect. For example, the detachment can be supported by making the cover rail flexible, so that the cover rail can be taken by the removal aid and slightly deformed, so that the entire adhesive force of the adhesive does not have to be overcome, but only the adhesive force in the area of the removal aid. Then namely in the field of Removal aid, the adhesive is detached from the teeth and the adhesive force gradually breaks down, for example if air flows into the adhesive and the evacuation is ended.

The removal aid can be designed as a handle or gripping element. Alternatively or cumulatively, the removal aid can include knobs, hemispheres and/or grooves. The removal aid is preferably arranged in the area of the premolar teeth, ie in particular the canine tooth.

The scope of the invention also includes a method for producing a training aid, in particular as described above. The method comprises the steps of scanning a tooth structure or bite shape of a user using a scanning scanner, determining a shape of the covering splint that matches the tooth structure using a computer unit and producing or finishing the covering splint using the form provided by the computer unit.

The invention can particularly preferably be carried out by a dedicated machine which is able to carry out all the steps of the method automatically one after the other. This is particularly advantageous since even a less qualified user can thereby operate the machine and highly qualified personnel can possibly be saved.

The step of calculating the shape of the covering splint can include determining or evaluating the surfaces suitable for adhesion using the computer unit and specifying intended areas for an adhesive to bond the covering splint to the teeth. If necessary, this can be determined on the basis of the specific tooth shape, available smooth surfaces being particularly advantageous and being provided for the attachment of the adhesive. This allows the contact surface of the covering splint with the teeth to be minimized during manufacture.

The cover rail can be produced using a deep-drawing technique, using milling from a plank, using a printing process, using a casting process, or using additive manufacturing technology or a combination of the aforementioned processes. The production can be automated in a particularly advantageous manner in response to the tooth structure or dentition shape scanned with the machine.

Within the scope of the present invention, a production machine for the automated direct production of a cover rail is also described, which is able in particular to produce a cover rail as described above. The manufacturing machine includes a scanning scanner for scanning a tooth structure or dentition form of a user, a computer unit for determining a shape of the covering splint that matches the scanned tooth structure, and an output unit for producing or finishing the covering splint, for example an additive manufacturing printer.

A plastic prosthesis according to the present description is prepared to cover the occlusal surfaces and the cutting edges of teeth of a jaw in the oral cavity, or to cover the jaw ridge or jaw ridges in the oral cavity, or if the jaw ridge or ridges are already severely atrophied, the surface areas of the oral cavity, where the jaw ridge is usually located. The occlusal surfaces are those surfaces of the (pre)molars or molars that face the teeth of the opposite jaw. The same applies to the incisal edges, which describe the upper part of the incisors.

The plastic prosthesis is shaped as a splint and not as a plate, because the plastic prosthesis only covers the teeth or areas of the jaw ridge or the former jaw ridge in the case of severely advanced atrophy, but not the spaces between the jaws such as the palate or the floor of the mouth. This is already a significant advantage compared to known plastic prostheses, because covering the palate or the floor of the mouth significantly worsens the feeling in the mouth and can even ensure that a sense of taste is hardly possible. With conventional prostheses, on the other hand, it is necessary to cover the floor of the mouth and/or the palate in order either to sufficiently stabilize the plate or to generate sufficient adhesion, that is to say overall to immobilize or fix the plate in the oral cavity.

Like the covering splint, the plastic prosthesis has a splint width, with the splint width being able to be narrower than the tooth width of the tooth covered in each case, so that the plastic prosthesis on the respective tooth does not protrude beyond the tooth width thereof. In other words, the plastic prosthesis in the direction of the gums does not protrude beyond the widest point of the tooth, but is limited to the area above the widest point of the tooth, so that the plastic prosthesis can be narrower in overall width than the width of the tooth (measured at the maximum point). If the plastic prosthesis is designed as a full prosthesis and/or where the plastic prosthesis rests on the jaw, the plastic prosthesis preferably has a splint width that roughly corresponds to the width of the jaw ridge, more preferably the plastic prosthesis has a width that is twice as narrow the ridge width. For example, the plastic prosthesis has a width of 25 mm or less, preferably 18 mm or less, more preferably 12 mm or less. In the case of a very severely atrophied jaw ridge, a prosthesis width of 35 mm or less for the plastic prosthesis may be preferred if this is conducive to achieving the desired adhesion. The design of a maxillary splint - that is, a substantially horseshoe-shaped splint in contrast to a continuous plate - as a full prosthesis was not previously feasible, so that the palate was typically covered by a plate. The palate can now remain completely or at least essentially free. This is a surprising improvement, because in this area it was previously necessary to fix a plastic prosthesis either over a large area in the oral cavity, ie typically including the palate and/or floor of the mouth, or to attach it mechanically to the remaining teeth.

In the case of large-area prostheses which are designed as plates, the whereabouts of the prosthesis can be ensured in that the prosthesis follows the shape of the oral cavity and lateral movement is thus largely prevented. Adherence to the palate or floor of the mouth could possibly be improved through the use of adhesive creams, with adhesive creams also having the disadvantage that the cream is at least partially tasted or swallowed. In addition, the adhesion improvement provided by adhesive creams is not particularly strong, so that even with the use of adhesive creams, the prosthesis occasionally detaches.

The invention presented here already solves all of these problems in that the overall width of the plastic prosthesis is narrower than the maximum tooth width of the remaining teeth, or in that the plastic prosthesis is narrower than twice the width of the (residual) jaw ridge. This also simplifies oral hygiene in particular and the influence on the gums is significantly lower, if not disappearing.

Typically, the plastic prosthesis includes both a maxillary splint to cover the upper jaw and a mandibular splint to cover the lower jaw. The plastic prosthesis thus comprises at least two splints, i.e. one for each jaw, with each splint being constructed in particular in one piece.

The plastic prosthesis has a chewing surface on its upper side, which is essentially modeled on the shape of a natural tooth in order to imitate a familiar chewing sensation. It has proven advantageous if the distance between the cusps and the occlusal surface is slightly larger than the thickness of the plastic prosthesis. For example, it can be advantageous if a gap remains between the underside of the plastic prosthesis and the cusps or the top of the tooth, ie the plastic prosthesis is kept “at a distance” from the tooth or jaw. A damping element can thus be arranged underneath the plastic prosthesis.

For example, the maxillary splint has a first chewing surface and the mandibular splint of the plastic prosthesis has a second chewing surface, with the first chewing surface and second chewing surface being arranged relative to one another such that a chewing process can be carried out with both chewing surfaces, with the chewing surfaces coming to rest against one another. In other words, the chewing surfaces are preferably designed in such a way that a chewing process can be achieved with them in interaction with one another and is not prevented, and that overall the mouthfeel during chewing is influenced as little as possible.

The plastic prosthesis, in particular the mandibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, can in any case partially cover existing buccal and/or lingual or palatal cusp branches. The width of the plastic prosthesis can be made dependent, for example, on the required adhesive force or holding force of the plastic prosthesis on the remaining teeth so that the plastic prosthesis is held sufficiently securely on the teeth or the jaw.

If the plastic prosthesis is used in an oral cavity in which no more teeth remain, the plastic prosthesis can be placed in the area of the jawbone and adhere there. Particularly preferably, the width of the plastic prosthesis can be limited to the area of the remaining jaw ridge, possibly also covering the lateral shoulders of the jaw ridge. In the event that the jaw ridge is already severely atrophied, it can be beneficial when the plastic prosthesis is wider than the rest of the jaw ridge, but essentially remains limited to the area of the jaw. For example, the plastic prosthesis can be narrower than twice the width of the alveolar ridge, preferably narrower than 1.5 times the width of the alveolar ridge, and wherever possible the plastic prosthesis can only be as wide as the alveolar ridge or narrower. Typically, the jaw ridge has a wedge-shaped shape, so that a jaw ridge is narrower on its upper side than in the area of the transition to the floor of the mouth or palate. In the case of a severely atrophied jaw ridge, the jaw ridge width is therefore greater on its upper side than in the case of a jaw ridge that is still well developed. The splint provided in the width of the jaw ridge is therefore narrower in the case of a severely atrophied jaw ridge than in the case of a well-built jaw ridge. However, since the required adhesive force is greater for a severely atrophied jaw ridge than for a well-developed jaw ridge, the ratio of jaw ridge width (measured near its top) to splint width can be set approximately the same for different jaw ridge heights.

In other words, with the new type of plastic prosthesis it is not only possible to provide a narrower prosthesis, which leaves the palate and floor of the mouth free, but the use of the new type of plastic prosthesis is still possible even with an already severely atrophied jaw ridge - quite in contrast to the prior art, where it typically had to be assumed that at the latest 20 years after the loss of the last tooth, the use of a removable plastic prosthesis would no longer be possible, since it could no longer be held or anchored sufficiently in the jaw.

Astonishing new advantages are achieved by the new design of the prosthesis in the form of a splint (essentially horseshoe-shaped). By maintaining a compressive force on the alveolar ridge while chewing, the jawbone continues to be stimulated and degeneration of the alveolar ridge can be reduced or stopped altogether. The use of the plastic prosthesis can also promote blood circulation in the gums in the area of the jaw ridge, and thus improve oral health overall.

The effect of stimulating blood circulation is particularly enhanced if the adhesive is arranged on the underside of the splint-shaped prosthesis, which is also described in detail for the covering splint and can be used in full with the prosthesis. The negative pressure built up by or in the adhesive sucks the adhesive firmly to the alveolar ridge, and the constantly occurring slight movement of the splint on the alveolar ridge or on the adhesive ensures a stimulating massage of the alveolar ridge, whereby its blood circulation can be promoted. As a result, wearing the plastic prosthesis presented with this description can also prevent further atrophy of the jaw ridge and maintain a good attitude to life over a longer period of time. The micro cavities described, which are arranged between the splint and the jaw ridge, promote blood circulation in a particularly intensive manner and can provide a particularly synergistic high adhesive force for fixing the splint to the jaw ridge and at the same time promote oral health by promoting blood circulation and stimulating tissue and Bone structure of the jaw ridge can be achieved.

Even if there are no longer enough teeth in the oral cavity to only hold the plastic prosthesis on the teeth, or if the plastic prosthesis is also to be held or only on the jaw itself, the adhesive can be designed in such a way that the underside of the plastic prosthesis is only partially attached covered by adhesive. However, considering all the circumstances, it seems more advantageous in this constellation to reduce the overall dimensions of the plastic prosthesis as far as possible, ie to make it narrower, for example, and to provide the entire underside of the plastic prosthesis with adhesive. Ultimately, this can also depend on which adhesive is available, or that the adhesive can be designed in such a way that the holding force is strong enough so that the entire underside of the plastic prosthesis does not have to be lined with adhesive and yet sufficient holding force can be generated can.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures, in which identical and similar elements are partially provided with the same reference symbols and the features of different exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another. Brief description of the figures

Show it:

Fig. 1 side view of a tooth in the jaw,

Fig. 2 Side view of opposing teeth in the jaw with a sectional view of one

cover splint, open state of the jaw,

Fig. 3 Side view of opposing teeth in the jaw with a sectional view of one

cover splint, closed state of the jaw,

4 side sectional view of a cover rail with adhesive,

5 side sectional view of a further embodiment of a cover rail,

6 side sectional view of yet another embodiment of a cover rail,

7 side view of opposing teeth in the jaw with a sectional view of a further embodiment of a cover splint with a bar,

8 further side sectional view similar to FIG. 6 with removal aid(s),

Fig. 9 Perspective view of a partial jaw area with part of a

cover splint for placing on the teeth,

Fig. 10 Top view of a cover splint showing exposed molar teeth,

11 first embodiment of a plastic prosthesis according to the invention,

Fig. 12 side view of opposing teeth in the oral cavity with a sectional view of a plastic prosthesis,

Fig. 13 schematic top view of the upper jaw with the ridge line of the jaw ridge shown in dashed lines,

Fig. 14 new form of maxillary splint,

15 schematic representation of an automated production plant,

16 schematic flow chart of the manufacturing process.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring to Figure 1, a tooth 10 is shown in side view. The tooth has cusps 12, 14, 16 and cusp outlets 18, 20 on its sides, which extend to the tooth width 22, 24, at which the tooth reaches its maximum width 32. The occlusal surface 15 extends from the buccal cusp 14 to the lingual or palatal cusp 12 (named depending on whether the tooth belongs to the upper jaw 4 or lower jaw 2). In the occlusal surface 15 a fissure 17 is arranged.

2 illustrates a first embodiment of a training device 1 comprising a maxillary splint 40 and a mandibular splint 42. Both splints 40, 42 each have a chewing surface 44, 46 which, in cooperation with one another, enable a chewing process. During the chewing process with the training device 1 used, food in the oral cavity cannot be mixed as effectively with saliva, since the contact surface 44, 46 is flat and level, so that there is hardly any mixing effect or "kneading" to form a chyme. The splints 40, 42 cover the occlusal surfaces 15 of the teeth 10. The splints 40, 42 also cover the cusp shoulders 18, 20 of the respective tooth 10 to a small extent. Overall, however, the width 35 of the splint 40, 42 is smaller than the tooth width 32. In particular, the splint does not snap over the tooth width 22, 24 in order to enter into a snap connection with the tooth 10, but is placed on the tooth 10 from the occlusal side or held there. A mechanical connection is not necessary in this case. The training device 1 holds solely because of the suction effect that is built up underneath the rails 40, 42 between the rail 40, 42 and the tooth 10. The suction effect can be provided by the training means 1 being pressed against the tooth 1 or the jaw 2, 4, for example achievable by biting the teeth 10 onto one another. This allows fluid, such as air or saliva, to escape on the underside 45 of the splint 40, 42. When the pressure is released, e.g If the mouth is opened or the jaws 2, 4 separate, then additional fluid such as air cannot get back to the underside 45 of the rail 40, 42 or between the rail 40, 42 and the tooth 10 quickly enough. In other words, additional fluid is prevented from getting under the rail 40,42. The underside 45 of the rail 40, 42 remains evacuated. A negative pressure or a suction effect builds up, which holds the splint 40, 42 on the teeth 10. The negative pressure or the suction effect can be maintained by regularly biting down.

3 shows an embodiment in which the bite is taken and the upper sides or chewing surfaces 44, 46 are in physical contact with one another. It can also be seen that the cover rails 40, 42 enable a normal chewing sensation as far as possible and freedom of movement during the chewing process, in particular a forward or backward movement of the lower jaw 2 relative to the upper jaw 4 or a sideways movement of the lower jaw 2 relative to OK 4 still possible.

Referring to FIG. 4, a further embodiment of the training aid 1 is shown (due to the higher magnification shown only in the lower jaw 2), with a cover rail 40 being arranged above a tooth 10. An adhesive 50 is arranged on a damping element 52 on the underside 45 of the covering rail 40, by means of which a strong and permanent adhesive connection can be produced between the covering rail 40 and the tooth 10. The adhesive 50 is only arranged on the outside of the tooth 10 in the region of the cusp 12, 14 and the cusp outlets 18, 20. The occlusal surface 15 between the humps 12, 14, on the other hand, is largely free of the adhesive. Thus, the adhesive 50 is arranged, for example, on the areas of the tooth 10 that are designed to be as smooth as possible and thus enable good bonding. When the covering splint 40 is pressed against the tooth 10, for example by biting down, the adhesive 50 is compressed and an adhesive force is built up. For example, the adhesive 50 is emptied when biting, ie a fluid is pressed out of the adhesive 50 . The fluid can be air, or saliva, or an adhesion promoter, such as an adhesive oil. The adhesive oil can be introduced into the adhesive 50 before use by dipping the cover rail 40, 42 in a bath of the adhesive oil. The adhesive is preferably provided with micro-cavities 54 so that the fluid is squeezed out of the micro-cavities 54 to generate the adhesive force.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the training aid 1 (only shown in the lower jaw 2), with the cover rail 40 being limited to the occlusal area 30 of the teeth 10. FIG. In other words, the cover rail 40 extends laterally to the cusp tips 12, 14, 16, the cusp outlets 18, 20 remain free. The cover splint 40 is thus significantly narrower than the greatest tooth width 32. The buccal tooth side 17, which extends from the buccal cusp tip 12 to the gum line 6, and the lingual side of the tooth 19, which extends from the lingual cusp tip 14 to the gum line 8, remain in completely free of the cover rail 40 in this embodiment. To increase the adhesive force of the cover rail 40 on the occlusal surface 15, the cover rail 40 has a full-surface adhesive element 50 on the underside 45, which adheres to the occlusal surface 15 of the tooth 10 or the teeth. The adhesive force provided by the adhesive 50 is sufficient to hold the covering splint 40 without it unintentionally detaching from the jaw 2, 4. For this purpose, the adhesive 50 has a large number of micro-cavities 54, which can be evacuated when the covering splint 40 is pressed against the teeth 10 and is therefore able to build up a sucking negative pressure. The negative pressure is strong enough and its adhesive force is even further increased by any inflowing saliva, so that sufficient adhesion is ensured when the covering rail 40 is used. For example, the adhesive 50 is designed as a knobbed film with microstructuring to provide the microcavities 54. The pore-like or knob-like structure of the adhesive 50, which occurs when the microcavities 54 are provided, can also provide that the rails 40, 42 at their edges seal particularly well and thus prevent the inflow of air or fluid to the underside 45 of the rail 40, 42.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the adhesive 50 is formed with microstructuring 54 on both sides, that is to say on the splint side and on the tooth side. In this case, adhesion of the adhesive 50 to both the teeth 10 and the cover rail 40 can be ensured by means of evacuation or building up the negative pressure. In this case, the adhesive 50 or the knobbed film is designed to be removable. For example, however, the adhesive 50 can be firmly connected to the cover rail 40, for example welded or glued. The adhesive 50 follows that Surface contour of the occlusal surface 15 and provides a large-area or, if possible, even full-area adhesion connection of the covering splint 40 to the teeth 10 .

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the training device 1 (only in the UK 2), with the cover rail 40 extending into the hump outlets 18, 20, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. In this variant, too, the adhesive 50 is arranged over a large area or even over the entire surface on the underside 45 of the cover rail 40 , so that the adhesive 50 is adhesively connected to the cusp outlets 18 , 20 and also to the occlusal surface 15 .

The variants of the cover splint 40, 42 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 can also be combined with one another in such a way that, for example, the splint 40, 42 is designed narrower on molar teeth 10 that are located far back, i.e., for example, the cusp outlets 18, 20 remain completely free, and in the case of premolar teeth located further inwards, the splint 40, 42 also partially covers the cusp outlets 18, 20. The width or application surface of the adhesive 50 can also be adjusted depending on the shape of the tooth, the shape of the jaw and the circumstances of the respective oral cavity so that as little adhesive 50 as possible is used, but at the same time effective adhesion of the training aid 1 to the teeth 10 takes place.

Referring to FIG. 7, a further embodiment of the training means 1 is shown, with the same reference symbols—as in all parts of the present description—also describing the same components. In this embodiment of the training device 1, the occlusal surface 46 is arranged higher and moreover narrower than the occlusal surface 15 of the tooth 10. In particular, the occlusal surface 46 can have only 70% of the total width 35 of the cover rail 40, 42 or less, preferably only 50% or less. more preferably only 40% or less of the overall width 35 of the cover rail 40, 42. This achieves a further marginalization of the chewing process, whereby chewing food takes even longer and the user is occupied longer with the intake of a quantity of food. In relation to the amount of food consumed, the feeling of satiety occurs earlier, or a natural occurrence of the feeling of satiety can be restored. Advantageously, the narrowing of the chewing surface 46 is provided only on the maxillary splint 40, but not on the mandibular splint 42, as a result of which a natural chewing sensation can be ensured. Because if the mandibular splint 42 were raised, it could get caught with the maxillary splint 40 due to the horizontal movements of the lower jaw 2 and cause the splints 40, 42 to hit each other in an uncomfortable manner. This is avoided by only providing the occlusal surface 46 on the maxillary splint 40 .

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the training device 1 similar to the form shown in FIG. 6, with two different forms of removal aids 56, 56a each being arranged on one side of the cover rail 40, 42. The removal aid 56, 56a is designed, for example, in such a way that it improves the ability to grip it with a finger. For example, a structured surface such as elevations or increased roughness can be provided. On the other hand, a gripping element 56a can also be provided, which can be gripped between the fingertips, so that the cover rail 40, 42 can be pulled off the teeth 9, 10 more easily. The two forms of spin-off aid 56, 56a can each be used on their own or in combination with one another. The removal aid 56, 56a can be inserted on the buccal or lingual side.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a training aid 1 being used on teeth 10 of the lower jaw 2 . It can be seen here that the width 35 of the cover rail 40, 42 follows the respective tooth width 32 of the respective covered tooth 10. In other words, the cover rail 40, 42 is prepared in such a way that the width 35 of the cover rail 40, 42 measured at the point of the specifically covered tooth 10 is less than the maximum tooth width 32 of the specifically covered tooth 10. For example, a front side rail width 35a, to cover the incisors 9, narrower than the incisors 9 covered in each case, and at the same time also narrower than the splint width 35 at the level of a premolar or molar tooth 10. A removal aid 56 is provided at the level of the premolar teeth on the lingual side.

10 shows a top view of a training device 1 comprising a covering splint 40, with the covering splint 40 only covering part of the teeth 10 of the corresponding jaw—for example the upper jaw 4. Accordingly, teeth 11 that remain free are not covered by the cover rail 40 . This will make the available Standing chewing surface 46 is shortened, ie reduced, and the remaining teeth 11 do not take part in the chewing process. In addition, the teeth 11 that remain free are naturally salivated in the oral cavity and the dental health of these teeth is not affected at all by the covering splint 40 . The shortening of a splint 40 and the release of teeth 11 was not possible with conventional splints, since the larger coverage of the teeth, especially beyond the tooth width 30 in the direction of the gum base, the edge of the conventional splint on the inside of the cheek could be felt so clearly that with prolonged use resulted in an injury to the inside of the cheek. Since the splint 40, 42, in an inventive way, no longer protrudes beyond the tooth width 30 in the direction of the gum line and is narrower than the tooth width 30, the edge of a shortened splint 40, 42 does not scrape the inside of the cheek, but this can be worn permanently without injury or bad feeling to be worn. It is therefore possible to wear the shortened splint 40, 42 without injury, in particular when the splint 40, 42 is narrower than the tooth width 30.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10, a removal aid 56 is provided on the lingual side in each half of the jaw to simplify the removal of the cover splint 40, 42 from the oral cavity. Since the novel cover splint 40, 42 presented here is able to provide a high adhesive force, the removal aid 56 can be very useful in order not to injure the sensitive gums when removing it, which can easily happen if fingernails are used to detach the cover splint 40, 42 . The underside 45 of the covering splint 40, 42 can be lifted off the teeth 9, 10 with slight pressure on the removal aid 56, so that air can flow in between the underside 45 and the occlusal surfaces 15 and the negative pressure built up there breaks down. The adhesive force thus disappears and removal is easily possible.

Furthermore, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, a receiving area 58 is also arranged in the area of the side surface of the cover rail 40, 42, it being possible for a functional module to be inserted into the receiving area 58. For example, a radio-readable memory can be used there, which includes information on the training device 1, on the person using the training device 1, or on the times of use. On the other hand, a sensor can be used there, such as a glucose sensor in particular. The receiving area 58 can be formed in one piece with the training aid 1, for example cast.

Referring to FIG. 11, an embodiment of a plastic prosthesis 1 according to the invention is shown in an oral cavity 3, which comprises a maxillary prosthesis 40 and a mandibular prosthesis 42. The maxillary prosthesis 40 is in contact with the upper jaw 4, the mandibular prosthesis 42 is in contact with the lower jaw 2, and there are no longer any teeth 10 in the oral cavity 3. Both jaw ridges 3, 5 are still clearly present, i.e. atrophy has not yet progressed far. In the state of the jaw ridges 3, 5 shown here, the plastic prosthesis 1 to be inserted extends from the lingual-side ridge outlet 3a or 5a via the remaining jaw ridge 3 to the buccal-side ridge outlet 3b or 5b, so that a sufficiently large area of the underside 45 of the plastic prosthesis 1 with mucous membrane 7 in the oral cavity 65 is in contact. For example, the plastic prosthesis 1 has twice the width of the remaining jaw ridge 3, 5.

No mechanical connection is required to attach the plastic prosthesis 1 . Rather, the plastic prosthesis 1 presented here automatically sucks on the mucous membrane 7 in the area of the jaw ridges 3, 5. The suction can be promoted by pressing, such as biting the jaws 2, 4 onto one another, as is carried out, for example, during a chewing process. In other words, the plastic prosthesis 1 holds solely because of the suction effect that is built up on the underside 45 of the plastic prosthesis 1 between the plastic prosthesis 1 and the jaw 2, 4 or the jaw ridge 3, 5. The suction effect can be provided by the plastic prosthesis 1 being pressed against the jaws 2, 4, for example achievable by biting the jaws 2, 4 onto one another. As a result, fluid such as air or saliva escapes on the underside 45 of the plastic prosthesis 1. If the pressure is released, for example the oral cavity 65 is opened or the jaws 2, 4 separate, then additional fluid such as air cannot flow quickly enough get back to the underside 45 of the plastic prosthesis or between the plastic prosthesis 1 and the jaw 2, 4. In other words, additional fluid is prevented from getting under the plastic prosthesis 1. The underside 45 of the plastic prosthesis 1 remains evacuated. A negative pressure or a suction effect builds up, which holds the plastic prosthesis on the respective jaw 2, 4. The negative pressure or the suction effect can be maintained by regularly biting down. The prosthetic body can be adapted to the existing geometry in the oral cavity 65 by impression or scanning methods, so that the underside 45 follows the ridge shape of the jaw ridges 3, 5 that is present in the oral cavity 65.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, an adhesive 50 is arranged on the undersides 45, by means of which a strong and permanent adhesive connection can be produced between the splint 40 and the jaw ridge 5 or between the splint 42 and the jaw ridge 3. The adhesive 50 lines the entire surface of the undersides 45, so that the adhesive 50 covers the ridge ends 3a, 3b, 5a, 5b. Further attachment or pressing to other areas in the oral cavity 65 outside of the jaw ridges 3, 5 is not necessary. In other words, the extension of the splints 40, 42 or the plastic prosthesis 1 is limited to the region of the jaw ridges 3, 5, with the splint 40 resting on the jaw ridge 5 and the splint 42 on the jaw ridge 3. When the splints 40, 42 are pressed against the jaw ridge 3, 5, for example by biting, the adhesive 50 is compressed and an adhesive force is built up. For example, the adhesive 50 is emptied when biting, ie a fluid is pressed out of the adhesive 50 . The fluid can be air, or saliva, or an adhesion promoter, such as an adhesive oil. The adhesive oil can be introduced into the adhesive 50 before use by dipping the plastic prosthesis 1 in a bath of adhesive oil. In the course of the use of the plastic prosthesis 1, a mixture of air and saliva is preferably found on the underside 45 of the splints 40, 42, which is squeezed out by biting and thus providing a negative pressure of The adhesive 50 is preferably with microcavities 54 equipped or provided so that the fluid is pressed out of the microcavities 54 to generate the adhesive force. The pore-like or nub-like structure of the adhesive 50, which occurs when the microcavities 54 are provided, also ensures that the rails 40, 42 seal particularly well at their edges and thus prevent air or fluid from flowing to the underside 45 of the Rail 40, 42 prevent.

Furthermore, the nub structure with its micro cavities 54 on the mucous membrane 7 on the jaw ridges 3, 5 is particularly comfortable to wear. It dampens biting and distributes the force over the surface of the jaw ridge 3, 5 in the jaw 2, 4. Due to the constantly changing nub-like, i.e. sectional distribution of pressure and suction forces on the mucous membrane, the mucous membrane is also activated and stimulated, which can promote blood circulation and thus revitalize the tissue area. A further advantage resulting from the use of the plastic prosthesis 1 according to the invention arises from the fact that the plastic prosthesis 1 is restricted to the areas of the jaw ridges 3, 5. Here the introduction of force is introduced into the jaw substance in a natural way, as in a healthy jaw with a full seat, in such a way that further degradation of the jaw ridges 3, 5 can be slowed down or even reversed. The bone, which is resorbed in a known manner through non-use, can also be built up again if necessary through renewed use, which makes the use of the present invention appear even more interesting. As a result, other quite expensive procedures, which can also include the transplantation of bone structure into the remaining jaw, can be replaced in a completely natural way by stimulation. This is further beneficial to the wearing feeling. The adhesive 50 arranged on the underside 45 contributes to this to a particular degree, above all in the form providing microcavities 54 .

In another context, the plastic prosthesis 1 can be used as a partial prosthesis if there are still teeth in the oral cavity (a tooth 10 is shown in a side view in FIG. 1). FIG. 12 shows such an environment for the use of a plastic prosthesis 1 as a partial prosthesis, which is used between other teeth 10 in a jaw 2, 4. The plastic prosthesis 1 can also cover the remaining teeth 10 in order to produce further improved adhesion in the oral cavity 65 to the remaining teeth 10 by means of the adhesive 50 arranged on the underside 45 .

13 shows a schematic top view of the upper jaw 4 with the ridge line 5c of the jaw ridge 5 shown in broken lines and the palate 62 arranged in between. The jaw ridge 5 has the lingual-side ridge outlet 5a and the buccal-side ridge outlet 5b (see also FIG. 1 for a perspective view). Typically, a conventional splint has the entire area shown in Figure 13 covered as a panel. 14 shows a sketch of the novel shape of the maxillary splint 40 that the present description is able to provide. The maxillary splint 40 leaves the palate 62 completely free and is limited to the areas of the jaw ridge 5. A removal aid 56 can be provided on the lingual side in each of the left and right halves of the jaw to simplify the removal of the prosthesis 40 from the oral cavity 65. Since the novel prosthesis 40, 42 presented here is able to provide a high level of adhesion, the removal aid 56 can certainly be useful so as not to injure the sensitive gums 6 or the mucous membrane 7 when removing it, which could easily happen if fingernails are used to detach the splint-like prosthesis 40, 42. The underside 45 of the prosthesis 40, 42 can be lifted off the base 3, 5, 9, 10 with slight pressure on the removal aid 56, so that air can flow in between the underside 45 and the base 3, 5, 9, 10 and thus the air there built-up depression collapses. The adhesive force thus disappears and removal is easily possible.

Furthermore, a receiving area 58 can also be arranged in the area of the side surface of the prosthesis 40 , it being possible for a functional module to be inserted into the receiving area 58 . For example, a radio-readable memory can be used there, which includes information about the prosthesis 1, about the person using the prosthesis 1, or about usage times, etc. On the other hand, a sensor can be used there, such as a glucose sensor in particular. The receiving area 58 can be formed in one piece with the prosthesis 1, for example cast.

15 shows a production plant 99 for the automated production 100 of a training aid 1 or the cover rail(s) 40, 42 of the training aid 1 and/or a plastic prosthesis. A future user can sit there, e.g. A model of a rail shape for the cover rail 40, 42 can be determined in a step 120 in the computer unit 75.

For example, the model calculation for the rail shape in step 120 can also be influenced using a user terminal 77 in that user data can be entered using the terminal 77 and taken into account for the model calculation 120 . The status or the result of the model calculation 120 can be displayed on a display device 78 so that, if necessary, changes or configurations can still be made and checked before the final production 130 . However, the manual configuration can be dispensable, so that the system 99 can work fully automatically. This is particularly interesting in order to be able to save personnel costs, especially for highly qualified personnel.

In the model calculation 120, the tooth shape and manufacturing material can also be taken into account when selecting the adhesive 50, in particular with regard to the distribution of the adhesive 50 on the underside 45 of the cover rail 40, 42 and/or in the determination 125 of the required adhesive surfaces for the cover rail 40, 42 .

The model calculation 120 finally leads to the output of a 3D model or a model to a manufacturing device 85, in particular a 3D printer 85. The manufacturing device 85 then begins with the completion 130 of the cover splint 40, 42 and/or the plastic prosthesis, in Fig. 15 shown as partially finished rail 90.

Finally, Fig. 16 gives an overview of a manufacturing method 100 for the (automated) manufacture of a training aid 1 or the cover splint 40, 42 and/or a plastic prosthesis, with the splint shape required first being determined on the basis of the model or the tooth and jaw shape of the future user is scanned with step 110. The scan data are transmitted to the computer unit 75, whereupon the shape of the rail is determined in step 120 by means of the computer unit 75. If necessary, the adhesive surfaces for the adhesive 50 are also determined in step 125, e.g. the dimensioning of the adhesive 50, with the adhesive being selected with as small an area as possible so that the largest possible surface area of the teeth 9, 10 remains free. The determined splint shape is then transmitted to the manufacturing device 85 connected to the computer unit 75, which carries out the manufacture 130 of the covering splint 40, 42 and/or the plastic prosthesis.

It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the embodiments described above are to be understood as examples and that the invention is not limited to these, but can be varied in many ways without departing from the scope of protection of the claims. Furthermore, it is evident that the features, regardless of whether they are disclosed in the description, the claims, the figures or otherwise, also individually define essential components of the invention, even if they are described together with other features. In all figures, the same reference numbers designate same features, so that descriptions of features that may only be mentioned in one or at least not with regard to all figures can also be transferred to these figures with regard to which the feature is not described in the description.

reference list

1 training aid or plastic prosthesis

2 mandible, mandible

3 Jaw ridge, lower jaw 3a ridge exit, lingual side 3b ridge exit, buccal side

4 upper jaw, OK

5 jaw bone or ridge, maxilla 5a ridge origin, lingual side, upper jaw 5b ridge origin, buccal side, upper jaw 5c ridge line, upper jaw

6 Gingival margin, buccal side

7 mucosa

8 Gingival margin, lingual side

9 incisors

10 Tooth covered or to be covered

11 remaining tooth

12 lingual cusp

14 buccal cusp

15 occlusal surface

16 humps

17 lingual tooth flank

18 lingual side cusp departure

19 buccal tooth flank

20 buccal side cusp departure

22 Point of greatest extent of tooth width, lingual point

24 Point of greatest extent of tooth width, buccal point

30 Width of the occlusal surface of the tooth

32 tooth width (maximum tooth width)

34 comb width

35 width of the splint 40, 42 35a width of the splint 40, 42 in the frontal area 40 maxillary splint 41 body of the prosthesis

42 mandibular splint

43 prosthetic body

44 Chewing surface of the mandibular splint

45 underside of rail 40, 42

46 occlusal surface of the maxillary splint adhesive

damping element

micro cavity

outsourcing assistance

receiving compartment or area

palate

oral cavity

patient couch

scanning scanner

computing unit

input device, user terminal

display device

workplace or workroom

Manufacturing device, 3d printer partially fabricated cover splint or plastic prosthesis

(automated) manufacturing facility

manufacturing process

scanning

Determine the rail shape

Determining the adhesion surfaces

Production of the cover splint or plastic prosthesis

Claims

Patent Claims:

1. Training equipment (1) for reducing food intake, having at least one cover splint (40, 42) for covering the occlusal surfaces (15) of teeth (9, 10) of a jaw (2, 4) in the oral cavity, each of the cover splint Covered teeth has a tooth width (32) transverse to a jaw extension direction, the cover rail

- has a rail width (35), the rail width being narrower than the tooth width (32) of the tooth covered in each case, so that the cover rail on the respective tooth does not protrude beyond its tooth width, and/or

- extends only from an innermost or second innermost molar or premolar tooth of a first side of the jaw to an innermost or second innermost molar or premolar tooth on a second side of the jaw opposite the first and only partially covers the respective jaw, so that the outer molar tooth or teeth (11th ) remains uncovered by the training medium, and/or

- has an underside (45) which is aligned towards the tooth when inserted, and at least one adhesive (50) arranged on the underside of the covering splint, the adhesive having a foam-like or nub-like structure, and the adhesive having a large number of micro-cavities (54 ) between cover splint and tooth, and

- is constructed and prepared in such a way that the salivation of food that is fed in is worsened or prevented.

2. The training device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cover rail (40, 42) is a maxillary rail for covering the occlusal surfaces (15) of upper jaw teeth (9, 10), and / or wherein the cover rail (40, 42) is a Mandibular splint is for covering the occlusal surfaces (15) of lower jaw teeth (9, 10), and/or wherein the training means comprises both the maxillary splint (40) and the mandibular splint (42) as covering splints.

3. The training device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering splint (40, 42) comprises a chewing surface (44, 46) on an upper side, and wherein the chewing surface covers the fissures of the teeth (9, 10) covered by the covering splint. covered, so that food does not or only to a small extent penetrate into the occlusal area (15) of the teeth, and/or wherein the chewing surface (44, 46) is essentially flat, and/or wherein the chewing surface (44, 46) has a continuously flat, in particular smooth, flat structure, and/or wherein the occlusal surface (44, 46) spans that or a part of the occlusal surface (15) of the covered teeth (9, 10), and/or wherein the covering splint (40, 42 ) is prepared in such a way that the chewing surface (44, 46) is arranged continuously at a distance d above the cusps (12, 14, 16) of the teeth (9, 10) covered by the cover splint when the cover splint is in place. .

4. The training means (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the maxillary splint (40) comprises a first chewing surface (46) and the mandibular splint (42) comprises a second chewing surface (44), and wherein the first chewing surface and second occlusal surface are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a chewing process can be carried out together with both occlusal surfaces, with the occlusal surfaces coming to rest against one another.

5. The training device (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the width (35) of the chewing surface (46) of the maxillary splint (40) only partially covers the occlusal surfaces (15) of the covered teeth (9, 10), in particular only 80% or less, preferably only 50%, more preferably 30% or less, and the occlusal surface is arranged elevated on the maxillary splint.

6. The training device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering splint (40, 42), in particular the mandibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, overlaps the occlusal surfaces (15) of the teeth (9, 10) covered by the covering splint, and in particular with regard to its width (35, 35a) is limited to the occlusal surfaces, and/or wherein the cover rail (40, 42) partially covers the buccal and/or lingual or palatal cusp outlets (18, 20).

7. The training device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the training device is designed in such a way that when it is inserted in the oral cavity, the lingual surfaces (17) of the lower jaw teeth and/or the palatal surfaces of the upper jaw teeth remain uncovered or essentially uncovered, and/or wherein the vestibular surfaces (19) of the teeth (9, 10) of the oral cavity remain uncovered or substantially uncovered.

8. The training device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover rail (40, 42) has the underside (45), and wherein the cover rail is designed such that on the underside (45) in the inserted state there is a vacuum or vacuum builds up and the covering splint attaches itself to the tooth (9, 10) by means of the negative pressure or vacuum, and/or wherein the covering splint (40, 42) has an elastic damping element (52) on the underside (45).

9. The training device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive (50) is film-like or designed as a film, and/or the microcavities (54) are designed to communicate with one another, and/or the adhesive (50) is elastic and at the same time provides the adhesive or holding effect for the cover rail (40, 42), so that the adhesive is also the damping element (52).

10. The training device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the microcavities (54) are set up to be evacuated, so that they are vacuumed on one another, for example by means of compression, in particular by biting the jaws (2, 4) and/or with fluid, such as especially saliva.

11. The training aid (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the adhesive (50) is only arranged in certain areas on the underside (45), so that the underside of the covering rail (40, 42) remains free of the adhesive in certain areas and a sufficient Total adhesive force provides, and/or wherein the adhesive (50) is arranged in such a way that it is limited to the area of the cusp outlets (18, 20) and/or to the area of the cusps (12, 14, 16), i.e. the occlusal surfaces ( 15) are at least partially or for the most part uncovered by the adhesive, and/or wherein the adhesive (50) provides a holding force of at least 20 kPa/cm ² for the cover rail (40, 42), preferably 30 kPa/cm ² or more, more preferably 50 kPa/cm ² or more, more preferably 80 kPa/cm ² or more, and/or wherein the holding force already provided by the adhesive (50) on the front molar or premolar teeth (9, 10) is large enough to hold the cover splint (40, 42) on the jaw (2, 4) so that the rear molar teeth (11) can remain free of the covering splint.

12. The training device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover rail (40, 42) comprises or consists of a flexible material, in particular plastic, and/or wherein the cover rail (40, 42) is adapted or adapted to the respective jaw shape. is formed.

13. The training device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering splint (40, 42), in particular the mandibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, extends only from a first premolar tooth (10) of a first side of the jaw to a first premolar tooth ( 10) on a second side of the jaw opposite the first, and/or wherein the cover splint (40, 42), in particular the mandibular splint and/or the maxillary splint, extends only from an innermost or second innermost molar or premolar tooth (10) of a first side of the jaw up to an innermost or second innermost molar or premolar tooth (10) on a second side of the jaw opposite the first.

14. The training device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the training device is essentially horseshoe-shaped in a plan view and a free area remains between the legs, with the palate in particular being arranged in the used state of the training device in the free area.

15. The training device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further having a receiving area (58) for receiving a functional module, for example a glucose sensor, a radio transmitter or a data memory on the training device.

16. The training device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a removal aid (56) arranged on an outer side of the cover rail (40, 42) for easy removal of the cover rail from the inserted state, for example for cleaning the cover rail or after it Application.

17. The training aid (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the removal aid (56) is designed as a handle or gripping element, and/or the removal aid (56) comprises knobs, hemispheres or grooves, and/or the removal aid (56) is arranged in the region of the premolar teeth (10), ie in particular the canine tooth.

18. Method (100) for producing a training aid (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps:

Scanning (110) a tooth structure of a user using a scanning scanner (70),

Determination (120) of a shape of the cover rail (40, 42) that matches the tooth structure by means of a computer unit

(75), 22

Production or completion (130) of the cover rail using the form provided by the computer unit.

19. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the step of determining (120) the shape of the cover rail (40, 42) comprises determining or evaluating (125) the surfaces suitable for adhesion using the computer unit (75) and specifying areas provided for an adhesive (50) for adhering the cover rail (40, 42) to teeth (9, 10).

20. The method (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the covering rail (40, 42) is produced by means of a deep-drawing technique, by milling from a plank, by means of a printing process, by means of a casting process, or by means of additive manufacturing technology or a combination of the aforementioned processes.

21. Manufacturing machine (99) for the automated direct manufacture of a cover splint (40, 42), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a scanning scanner (70) for scanning (110) a tooth structure of a user, a computer unit (75) for determining (120 ) a form of cover splint (40, 42) that matches the scanned tooth structure, an output unit (85) for producing or finishing (130) the cover splint, for example an additive manufacturing printer.