Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
  • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/12—Driving means
  • A61H2201/1253—Driving means driven by a human being, e.g. hand driven
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
  • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
  • A61H2201/1645—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support contoured to fit the user
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body
  • A61H2205/02—Head
  • A61H2205/026—Mandible

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a jaw-unlocking device that imitates the jaw opening movement performed by the physician as manual manipulation of the jaw in the clinic in cases with acute or chronic unreduced disc displacement in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc.
• TMJ temporomandibular joint
• the jaw-unlocking device can also be used to exercise the jaw in cases of mouthopening restrictions caused by different reasons since it works in harmony with the anatomical and functional movements of the joint. It prevents the joint from being damaged and allows the joint to function effectively as the forces are applied in the correct direction and in the appropriate amount.
• This apparatus is a tool that has been developed so as to prevent the patient from closing his/her mouth during dental procedures and is used in patients who can open their mouths in full range. It comprises a simple latch system. The two ends are positioned between the teeth that move away from each other with the tightening of the screw. Since the opening direction is uniaxial in this type of opener, forcing to open the jaw beyond the joints' 20 mm of pure rotation movement damages the joint, the disc, and the surrounding soft tissues. Moreover, when the temporomandibular joint disk is stuck in an anterior position, forcing to open the jaw can harm the joint.
• the mentioned apparatus differs from our present invention in that it does not have the function of positioning the jaw forward, and a screw is used to apply the opening force in the vertical direction. Forward jaw positioning during the application of the vertical opening force and the relaxation of the retrodiscal tissues is not mentioned.
• An apparatus designed to be used to increase the opening of the jaws with a spring system is disclosed in the document numbered CA2387979, which is related to the subject in the state of the art. Said device does not have the function of positioning the jaw forward and is insufficient for the relaxation of the retrodiscal tissues. It uses a continuous and prolonged passive force with the hand so as to open the mouth and is different from our present invention.
• a device with the document numbered CA2869241 has been developed, as an alternative to bulky and difficult-to-carry devices, which is related to the subject in the state of the art, but it has multiple parts and they must be combined to be used. There is no forward jaw positioning function. Therefore, it is completely different from our present invention.
• a device that transmits the single-axis force to the jaw with a screw mechanism is disclosed in the document numbered US2016/0101315, which is related to the subject in the state of the art. It differs from our present invention in that it does not have the feature of positioning the jaw forward and is not suitable for use in edentulous patients.
• the apparatus in the document numbered CN204618756, which is related to the subject in the state of the art, is in the form of a simple hinge and differs from our present invention in that it does not have the feature of positioning the jaw forward.
• CN204863201 discloses a ruler used to measure the jaw opening. It differs from our present invention in that it does not have forward jaw positioning and exercise features.
• the apparatus applies an opening force to the jaw with the tightening of the screw comprised in the apparatus in the document numbered EPO396525, which is related to the subject in the state of the art.
• the movement pattern of the patient's jaw joint may be strained and the joint may be damaged with uncontrolled tightening of the screw.
• the jaw is not positioned in accordance with the structures of the joint, the screw and elastic mechanisms are not used and the use of finger pressure is not used to open the jaw. It is different from our present invention in that it is not suitable for use by edentulous patients and does not have the feature of positioning the jaw forwardly.
• KR102161608 An apparatus that applies a vertical opening force to the jaws with a gear mechanism sliding on each other is disclosed in the document numbered KR102161608, which is related to the subject in the state of the art. It differs from our present invention in that it does not have the feature of positioning the jaw forward and is not suitable for use in edentulous patients.
• the apparatus works with a latch-like mechanism in the document numbered TWM584181, which is related to the subject in the state of the art. It differs from our present invention in that it does not allow the jaw to be positioned forward.
• the apparatus is used to direct the jaw to the centric relation position in the document numbered US6231339, which is related to the subject in the state of the art. It does not have a function to increase the jaw opening and contributes to the positioning of the jaw further back. This apparatus is used to determine the relationship of the jaws during prosthesis making and is completely different from our invention.
• the invention exerts an opening force on the jaw with a spring mechanism when placed between the teeth, however, it ignores the damage that may occur in the joint anatomy during the vertical force applied to the jaw if force is applied without bringing the jaw forward .
• this protocol it is considered that placing it between the teeth will increase the jaw opening by applying force to the jaw. It differs from our present invention in that it does not allow the jaw to be positioned forward.
• the tool works according to the principle of removing the plates from each other with the screw mechanism in the document numbered WO2018/154425, which is related to the subject in the state of the art.
• the applied force is adjusted with the screw. It differs from our invention in that it does not have the feature of positioning the jaw forward.
• Thera-bite which is used in clinics related to the subject in the state of the art, applies continuous passive force with the hand to open the mouth. There should be some mouth-opening distance for the device to be placed. Unlike this device, our present invention has the feature of positioning the lower jaw as needed.
• Orastrech which is used in clinics related to the subject in the state of the art, applies continuous passive force with the hand to open the mouth. It differs from our invention in that it does not have the feature of positioning the jaw forward.
• the device called EZ Flex Exerciser which is used in clinics related to the subject in the state of the art, has a balloon mechanism to make the jaw move and is completely different from our present invention.
• EZ Flex Exerciser When the devices are used to open the jaw, they apply unidirectional vertical opening force regardless of the anatomical structure of the joint.-They generally have systems that will move the lower and upper jaws away from each other in the vertical direction from their current horizontal relation position. The two ends positioned between the teeth move away from each other with the tightening of the screw.
• the opening direction is uniaxial in such opening tools, after the opening movement with pure rotation, causing a vertical distance of 20 mm to be formed between the teeth, is accomplished, continuing to force the plates with a screw or other source of force may strain the joint, and the disc and damage the surrounding soft tissues. Moreover, forcing the jaw to open with the disc stuck in the anterior position can harm the jaw joint.
• the opening force in the vertical direction is applied by screw or pneumatic designs.
• One of the disadvantages of the existing solutions is that they are not appropriate for all dental plans in the mouth of people who need them.
• Figure-1 is the front view of the inventive jaw-unlocking device.
• Figure-2 is the top view of the inventive jaw-unlocking device.
• Figure-3 is the bottom view of the inventive jaw-unlocking device.
• Figure-4 is the side view of the inventive jaw-unlocking device.
• Figure-5 is a side view of the screw-tightened state of the inventive jawunlocking device to position the lower jaw forwardly.
• Figure-6 is a side view of the inventive jaw-unlocking device, with the state wherein the screw is tightened to position the lower jaw forwardly and there is a space between the upper plate and the lower plate by pressing the lower platform and the upper platform to open the jaw in full range.
• Figure-7 is the oblique view from the lower left of the screw and slide mechanism that performs the functions of bringing the lower jaw forward and opening to full range of the inventive jaw-unlocking device.
• the inventive jaw-unlocking device (1) comprises of the following;
• Upper plate (2) which is compatible with the dental arch curve of the upper teeth/jaw and used by fitting to the upper jaw
• Lower plate (3) which is compatible with the dental arch curve of the lower teeth/jaw and used by fitting to the lower jaw
• L-shaped opening ramp (4) extending from the front face in the midline of the lower plate (3) to the-direction of the upper teeth
• Upper platform (5) which is located at the upper limit of the opening ramp (4), allows the finger to be placed and exert downward force so as to perform the opening and closing operation necessary for the exercise
• Movement space (6) which extends from top to bottom in the frontal plane on the upwardly extending part of the opening ramp (4), is an opening in the sagittal direction, allows the screw (11) to move up and down by means of the slide (7) through which the screw passes,
• Slide (7) which has a grooved cavity in the middle of which the screw (11) can be tightened and loosened, allows the screw (11) to move up and down in the movement space (6) during use,
• Screw (11) which enables the mutual positioning of the upper and lower jaws in the anteroposterior direction according to the amount of screwing compression by passing through the movement gap (6), allows the lower jaw to be positioned forward in the sagittal direction relative to the upper jaw,
• buttons (12) which are located symmetrically on both sides of the middle part of the extensions (8), allows to keep the jaw in the front position while the jaw is opened, the elastic band (13) are stretched between the buttons (12) by passing from the behind of the opening ramp (4),
• Elastic band (13) whose hardness, dimensions can be selected according to the need, in different thickness, length, flexibility to apply different forces, and used by stretching between the buttons (12).
• inventive jaw-unlocking device (1) works in harmony with the anatomical and functional movements of the joint, it can also be used to exercise the jaw in cases of mouth-opening restrictions caused by different reasons. It prevents the joint from being damaged and allows the joint to function effectively as the forces are applied in the right direction and in the appropriate amount.
• the inventive jaw-unlocking device (1) is a tool to be used in the application of the treatment method. All physicians can apply the jaw-opening process to their patients with TMJ manual manipulation, which requires special knowledge and skills, in a safer and simpler way with the help of the jaw-unlocking device (1). Both physicians and patients have easy access to the device. They have the chance to apply the manipulation that needs to be performed to the jaw in the right direction.
• the temporomandibular joints which provide the opening, closing, chewing, and speaking movements of the jaw, are located at the base of the skull slightly in front of the ears, at the two ends of the lower jawbone-mandible.
• the bony relationship of the lower jaw with the skull base takes place in three areas through the two jaw joints and the teeth.
• the form of the cartilaginous disc between the temporomandibular joint surfaces and the placement and position of the disc on the condyle head is important in providing the mouth opening, closing, and chewing function.
• Non-reducing disc displacement occurs in the clinic when the position of the disc between the articular surfaces has deteriorated and it is displaced -mostly towards the anteromedial of the condyle- from the position it should be.
• Non-reducing disc displacement is seen in 5.8- 12.8% of patients with problems in the jaw joint.
• the inventive jaw-unlocking device (1) is designed to eliminate all these problems and provides easy use to the users.
• the mouth opening can be measured as 25-30 mm at the most, and sometimes although a limited opening movement is possible, during the opening of the mouth, the jaw is directed towards the side where the problem is. While the patient can move his/her jaw towards the side of the problem, he/she cannot move in the opposite direction. In such cases, the jaw is opened by pulling the jaw to the desired side without being forced to open it directly in the vertical direction with the help of the elastic bands (13) attached to the buttons (12) of the jaw-unlocking device (1). In this way, it allows a sound treatment.
• the inventive jaw-unlocking device (1) provides movement in harmony with the anatomical movement form and path of the jaw. It facilitates the patient's mobility and is compatible with anatomical guide structures.
• the inventive jaw-unlocking device (1) is based on simple mechanical principles, and since it is relatively easy and economical to manufacture, it allows patients to apply maintenance therapy cost-effectively and accurately.
• the patients are given maintenance exercises to do at home after the first intervention of the physician. Although the exercises that the patients should do are taught manually to the patients in the clinic, not all patients can perform the exercises with the same effectiveness. However, the jaw opening range of the patients who can perform their exercises effectively increases rapidly and sufficiently. Maintenance exercises can be performed more effectively and accurately by the patients themselves with the simple structure and ease of use of the jaw-unlocking device (1). Thus, both the success rate increases and the patients can fully open their mouths in a shorter time.
• the inventive jaw-unlocking device (1) allows passive exercises in which the jaw is directed correctly. In addition, it can also be used for active exercise as another field of use since it allows the application of force against resistance. It is suitable for use in dentate, edentulous, and partially edentulous patients due to the gel pad (10).
• the gel pads (10) in the upper plate (2) and the lower plate (3) ensure balanced force distribution. The fact that it can be used especially by patients without teeth provides a safer and healthier use for edentulous patients.
• the inventive jaw-unlocking device (1) positions the lower jaw forward and it is more compatible with the anatomical movement mechanism of the jaw joint.
• the jaw joint functions first by rotation and then by translation movement during the opening movement.
• the inventive device has a more effective application mechanism since the design considers this aspect. Thus, the locked jaw more successfully gets to the full range of motion.
• the area of usage of the inventive jaw-unlocking device (1) is not limited to a single disease.
• This device can be used in many different diagnoses where it is appropriate to include exercises in the treatment process.
• When simple training is given to the patient it is also possible for the patient to apply the jawunlocking device (1) by himself/herself. This opportunity provides rapid results in treatment.
• the plates (2, 3) are separated from each other by the finger pressure applied to the upper platform (5) and the lower platform (9) after placing the upper plate (2) and the lower plate (3) in the jaws and tightening the screw (11) that positions the lower jaw forward. If the patient cannot keep his/her jaw in this forward position, the elastic bands (13) to be used, if needed, are stretched by the buttons (12) so as to maintain the jaw position throughout the movement. The patient can perform stretching exercises by opening and closing his/her jaw with finger pressure while his/her lower jaw is in the forward position. Elastic bands (13) allow the selection of the force to be applied to orient the lower jaw forward. Elastic support can be supplied by using elastic bands of different hardness and flexibility for the patient who cannot move his/her jaw forward. The use of elastic bands (13) can be optional or can depend on need. The elastic bands (13) can be chosen in different hardness, thickness, length, and flexibility, depending on the need to apply different forces.
• the screw (11) that passes through the movement space (6) is tightened to position the lower jaw forward in the sagittal direction relative to the upper jaw.
• the lower jaw is positioned forward in the sagittal plane to the extent determined by the physician. In general, it is sufficient to position the lower jaw 4-5 mm forward so as to provide sufficient jaw mobility.
• a joint space is created in the jaw joint where the articular disc can function in the area where it is compressed. This initial movement is important for unlocking the jaw.
• the jaw positioning can easily be performed as oriented to the right or left, depending on the situation so as to solve the problem in the right or left joint of the patient.
• the joint space of the joint with limited mobility has the chance to be increased with this maneuver.
• extensions (8) which are curved downwards from the front face in accordance with the opening curve of the jaw at the level of the canine teeth of the upper plate (2) (at the point of rotation of the arc).
• buttons (12) on the extensions (8) to which the elastic bands (13) are attached so as to orient the jaw according to the patient's needs.
• Elastic bands (13) are connected from one button (12) to the other button (12) by passing behind the opening ramp (4). Thus, they can continue to position the lower jaw forward with the pulling force of the elastic band during the jaw opening movement.
• plates (2, 3) are placed between the jaws.
• the jaw is positioned to the front by tightening the screw (11).
• the elastic band (13) is passed behind the opening ramp (4) of the lower plate (3) and attached to the buttons (12) attached to the extensions (8) so as to allow the ring-shaped elastic band (13) to continue to position the lower jaw forward.
• the jaw When the jaw is being opened, it continues to keep the jaw in the forward position with the help of the elastic band (13) stretched between the buttons by being passed behind the opening ramp (4).
• the physician or patient places their index finger and thumb on the upper platform (5) and lower platforms (9) and brings them to get closer to each other. While the fingers proximate each other, the jaw opening increases. The patient performs the stretching movement, by keeping his/her muscles in a passive position during the movement.

Landscapes

• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Dental Tools And Instruments Or Auxiliary Dental Instruments (AREA)
• Massaging Devices (AREA)
• Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=85127789

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Citations (4)

• 2022
  • 2022-04-04 TR TR2022/005270A patent/TR2022005270A2/tr unknown
• 2023
  • 2023-04-03 WO PCT/TR2023/050312 patent/WO2023195959A1/en unknown

Patent Citations (4)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events