Abstract
An implant positioning device is fitted on to an orthodontic brace of a patient and used in between an X-ray projecting machine and an X-ray film. The implant positioning device includes a measuring standard member, that forms a detection region by means of a radiopaque material and has a positioning unit on one side of the detection region. The detection region is provided with at least one set of measuring scales. An encircled member is integrated with one side of the measuring standard member and forms an encircling main body that is connected to the orthodontic brace. A sleeved space is collectively formed by the encircling main body and the measuring standard member.
Claims
1. An implant positioning device for orthodontic brace, fitted on to the orthodontic brace of a patient and used in between an X-ray projecting machine and an X-ray film, the implant positioning device comprising: a measuring standard member, forming a detection region by means of a radiopaque material and having a positioning unit on one side of the detection region, wherein the detection region is provided with at least one set of measuring scale; and a encircled member, integrated with one side of the measuring standard member and forming an encircling main body that is connected to the orthodontic brace, wherein a sleeved space is collectively formed by the encircling main body and the measuring standard member.
2. The implant positioning device for orthodontic brace in accordance to claim 1, wherein at least one orthodontic unit of the orthodontic brace is fixed in the sleeved space of the encircling main body.
3. The implant positioning device for orthodontic brace in accordance to claim 1, wherein the encircling main body is fixed in a central groove of at least one orthodontic unit of the orthodontic brace.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The present invention can be understood in more detail by reading the subsequent detailed description in conjunction with the examples and preferred exemplary embodiments made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the implant positioning device of the present invention in accordance with a first preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing that the implant positioning device of FIG. 1 has been fitted on the orthodontic brace of a patient in accordance with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the implant positioning device of FIG. 1 that is in use, and is being used together with the X-ray imaging device to for taking photograph of a dental root in accordance with the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an image that has been projected directly on an X-ray film by means of the implant positioning device in accordance with the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 is another schematic diagram of the implant positioning device of the present invention that is in use, and is being used together with the X-ray imaging device to take photograph of a dental root in accordance with the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the implant positioning device of the present invention in accordance with a second preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the implant positioning device of FIG. 6 that has been fitted on an orthodontic brace of a patient in accordance with the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the implant positioning device of FIG. 6 is in use, and is being used together with an X-ray imaging device to take photograph of a dental root in accordance with the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing that the implant positioning device of FIG. 6 is in use, and is being used together with an X-ray imaging device to take photograph of another dental root in accordance with the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a structural diagram showing the implant positioning device in accordance with a third preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the implant positioning device of FIG. 10 that has been fitted on to an orthodontic brace of a patient in accordance with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 12 is another schematic diagram showing the implant positioning device of FIG. 10 that has been fitted on to an orthodontic brace of a patient in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in accordance with a first preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the implant positioning device 4 of the present invention includes a measuring standard member 41 and a encircled member 42. The measuring standard member 41 may form a detection region 411 by means of a radiopaque material. The detection region 411 may be provided with at least one set of measuring scale 411a. The at least one set of measuring scale 411a may be formed by means of the plurality of horizontal lines and the plurality of vertical lines that are interlaced. The at least one set of measuring scale 441a may have identification symbols, such as A, B, C, I, II and III, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. One side of the detection region 411 may have a positioning unit 412 that is extended from the detection region 411. The positioning unit 412 may be a positioning plate 412a that is a rectangular shape. In addition, the surface of the positioning plate 412a may include a plurality of positioning through holes 412b.
[0034] Also, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the encircled member 42 of the present invention may form an encircling main body 421 by means of an elastically resilient material. The encircling main body 421 may be formed as a rectangular body that may be elastic. Moreover, the central region of the encircling main body 421 may include a sleeved space 422, and the size of the sleeved space 422 may be changed. The sleeved space 422 may be formed as a geometrical through hole. The sleeved space 422 of which the size may be elastically changed may be used to rapidly encircle two orthodontic units 31. In other words, the sleeved space 422 may be suitable for the oral conditions of different patients. The encircling main body 421 may encircle the outer peripheries of two orthodontic units 31 of the orthodontic brace 3. The encircling main body 421 may further include a connecting unit 423 on one side of the encircling main body 421. The connecting unit 423 may include at least one stop block 423a. The at least one stop block 423a may be fixed on to the corresponding geometrical shape of the positioning through hole 412b.
[0035] However, a fixing means between the positioning unit 412 of the measuring standard member 41 and the connecting unit 423 of the encircled member 42 is only an exemplary embodiment, but should not be limited to the exemplary embodiment set forth herein. In other words, the fixing means that is in between the positioning unit 412 and the connecting unit 423 that are engaged with each other may be one of an adhesive element, a retaining element, a fastening element and a holding element.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, when the implant positioning device 4 of the present invention is used, the sleeved space 422 of the encircled member 42 may encircle two orthodontic units 31 of the orthodontic brace 3. In other words, the encircling main body 421 of the encircled member 42 may encircle a concave groove 33 that is formed by the outer peripheries of the orthodontic units 31. Subsequent to this, the positioning through hole 412b of the positioning unit 412 of the measuring standard member 41 and the at least one stop blocks 423a of the connecting unit 423 of the encircled member 42 may be engaged with each other. Accordingly, the implant positioning device 4 of the present invention is completely configured.
[0037] Please continue to refer to FIG. 3, when the present invention is used in practice, an imaging device 5 may also be used in the present invention. The imaging device 5 may include an X-ray projecting machine 51, an X-ray film 52, a base 53, an engaging section 54 and a tooth mold material 55. In accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment, the X-ray film 52 that is engaged with the engaging section 54 of the base 53 may be used together with the implant positioning device 4 of the present invention. The tooth mold material 55 may be provided for a dental bite impression to be made on the base 53. After the dental bite impression is formed on the tooth mold material 55, the measurement scale 411a of the measuring standard member 41, the X-ray projecting machine 51 and the X-ray film 52 are all adjusted in parallel. When the image of the teeth of a patient is projected on the X-ray film 52 by the X-ray projecting machine 51, the X-ray film 52 may show the positioning relationship between the teeth of a patient, and the measurement scale 411a of the measuring standard member 41 may be shown on the X-ray film 52, as shown in FIG. 4. As such, a dental surgeon may determine where the implant position of a tooth in the implant region is marked on the basis of the image shown in the X-ray film 52, so as to position a tooth implant in the implant position.
[0038] In accordance with another preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the X-ray film 52 may not be fixed by means of the engaging section 54 of the base 53, but the X-ray film 52 may be directly fixed within a region of the oral cavity of the patient that is photographed, by means of the fingers of a patient. On the other hand, the X-ray film 52 may be directly fixed within the oral cavity of a patient by means of the teeth engagement of a patient. In addition, the X-ray film 52 may be installed on the implant positioning device 4 such that the X-ray film 52 may provide an image of teeth of a patient and the measuring scale 441a of the measuring standard member 41 may be provided.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, when the lower row of teeth of a patient is required to be irradiated, the plurality of encircled members 42 that are turned upside down may encircle the orthodontic brace 3 on the lower row of teeth in accordance with the first preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the imaging device 5 may also be turned upside down. In accordance with the aforesaid method, the positioning unit 412 of the measuring standard member 41 may be sequentially engaged with the connecting unit 423 of the plurality of encircled members 42. The X-ray film 52 may be placed upside down on the engaging section 54 of the base 53. After an image of the teeth of a patient is projected on the X-ray film 52 by the X-ray projecting machine 51, the status of the teeth may be rapidly and accurately determined by a dental surgeon.
[0040] In addition, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, in accordance with the second preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the implant positioning device 4 of the present invention may include a measuring standard member 41, a fixing member 43 and a plurality of encircled members 44. It should be noted that the structure of the measuring standard member 41 of the second preferred exemplary embodiment is the same as the structure of the measuring standard member 41 of the first preferred exemplary embodiment, such that the measuring standard member 41 of the second preferred exemplary is not repeated herein.
[0041] Also, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the fixing member 43 may include a connecting unit 43a. The connecting unit 43a may include at least one stop block 43b that corresponds to the positioning through hole 412b of the measuring standard member 41. A fixing means that can be reassembled or unattached may be collectively formed by the at least one stop block 43b and the positioning through hole 412b. At least one slot portion 43c may be formed on a side surface of the fixing member 43. The structure of the at least one slot portion 43c may enable the orthodontic metal wire 32 of the orthodontic brace 3 to be fitted for the at least one slot portion 43c.
[0042] Similarly, the fixing means between the connecting unit 43a and the positioning through hole 412b may be an example, for the convenience of illustration only. In accordance with other preferred exemplary embodiments, the fixing means between the positioning unit 412 and the connecting unit 43a that are engaged with each other may be one of an adhesive element, a retaining element, a fastening element and a holding element.
[0043] Please continue to refer to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the plurality of encircled members 44 may be arranged in parallel and may also be arranged symmetrically with respect to the two opposite sides of the fixing member 43. The plurality of encircled members 44 may form an encircling main body 44a. The encircling main body 44a may be elastically extended by means of an elastically resilient material. The size of a sleeved space 44b may be formed and changed by encircling the center of the encircling main body 44a. The encircling main body 44a of the two encircled members of the plurality of encircled members 44 may be used to encircle the outer peripheries of two adjacent orthodontic units of the orthodontic brace 3. As such, the orthodontic brace 3 may be fitted on to and housed in the sleeved space 44b of the encircling main body 44a.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 8, in accordance with the second preferred exemplary embodiment, when the implant positioning device 4 is being used, the fixing member 43 may be aligned with the teeth regional position in which the implant is inserted, and the orthodontic metal wire 32 of the orthodontic brace 3 may be detached from the teeth of the patient. As such, the plurality of encircled members 44 on the two sides of the fixing member may encircle the orthodontic units 31 of the orthodontic brace 3, respectively. In other words, the size of the sleeved space 44b may be changed due to the elastic deformation of the plurality of encircled members 44, such that the outer peripheries of the orthodontic units 31 of the orthodontic brace 3 may be encircled inside the sleeved space 44b. When the present invention is being used, the sleeved space 44b of the plurality of encircled members 44 may encircle a orthodontic unit 31 of the orthodontic brace 3, and following this, the sleeved space 44b on the other side of the plurality of encircled members 44 may encircle the other side of the orthodontic unit 31 in accordance with the same method. Possibly, the plurality of encircled members 44 may encircle the plurality of orthodontic units 31 at the same time. After that, the positioning unit 412 of the measuring standard member 41 and the at least one slot portion 43c of the fixing member 43 may be engaged with each other. Finally, the orthodontic metal wire 32 that can be removed and the at least one slot portion 43c of the fixing member 43 may be assembled and engaged with each other on the orthodontic brace 3. Accordingly, the implant positioning device 4 of the present invention is completely configured. The other steps of the second preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is the same as the steps of the first preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] In accordance with another preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9, when the lower row of teeth of a patient is required to be irradiated by means of the implant positioning device 4 of the present invention, the fixing member 43 that is turned upside down may enable the encircled member 44 to encircle the orthodontic brace 3 on the lower row of teeth of a patient. Subsequent to this, the measuring standard member 41 may be placed upside down so as to enable the positioning through hole 412b and the connecting unit 43a of the fixing member 43 to be assembled and to be engaged with each other. The other steps of the preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention are the same as the steps of the first preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and are therefore not repeated herein.
[0046] In accordance with the third preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10, the present invention further provides an implant positioning device 4 for use as an orthodontic brace 3. The implant positioning device 4 may include a measuring standard member 41. The measuring standard member 41 may form a detection region 411 by means of a radiopaque material, and the detecting region 411 may include at least one set of measuring scale 411a. Moreover, the implant positioning device 4 may also include a encircled member 42. The encircled member 42 may be integrated with one side of the measuring standard member 41 so as to form an encircling main body 421 of the orthodontic brace 3. Moreover, a sleeved space 422 may be collectively formed by the encircling main body 421 and the measuring standard member 41.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 11, in accordance with the third preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the implant positioning device 4 of the orthodontic brace 3 of the present invention is used, the outer periphery of at least one orthodontic unit 31 of the orthodontic brace 3 may be encircled by the concave groove 33 of the encircling main body 421, such that the at least one orthodontic unit 31 of the orthodontic brace 3 may be fixed inside the sleeved space 422 of the encircling main body 421. As such, the measuring standard member 41 is placed on the gum of the patient, so as to enable the X-ray projection to be performed. Therefore, the position of a tooth implant inside the oral cavity of a patient may be accurately determined. The other steps of the third preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention are the same as the steps of the second preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and are thus not repeated herein.
[0048] Also referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 also shows that the implant positioning device 4 of the present invention is used to determine the usage of the teeth on the upper jaw of the patient. However, when the teeth on the lower jaw of the patient is required to be determined, the measuring standard member 41 and the fixing member 42 may only be placed upside down, so as to enable the measuring standard member 41 to be placed on the teeth of the lower jaw and gum of the patient. As such, the X-ray projection may be performed such that the position of a teeth implant may be accurately obtained.
[0049] A shown in FIG. 12, in accordance with another method of the third preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the orthodontic metal wire (not shown) of the orthodontic brace 3 is removed, the concave grooves 33 of the plurality of orthodontic units 31 of the orthodontic brace 3 may be exposed. Subsequent to this, the encircling main body 421 may be fixed in the concave groove 33 of at least one orthodontic unit 31 of the orthodontic brace 3, such that some areas of the at least one orthodontic unit 31 of the orthodontic brace 3 may be inside the sleeved space 422 of the encircling main body 421. When the orthodontic metal wire (not shown) is re-installed on the orthodontic brace 3 and the measuring standard member 41 and the encircled member 42 are fixed, the X-ray projection may be performed. Since the other steps of the third preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention are the same as the steps of the first and the second preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the other steps of the third preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention are thus not repeated herein. In summary, the benefit of the present invention is to enable the patients having different teeth statuses to not need to remove their orthodontic brace 3, and that an X-ray projection may be performed by means of different sizes of the sleeved space of the encircled member encircling at least one orthodontic unit of the orthodontic brace 3. In other words, the technical means of the encircled member including a measuring standard member with measuring scale may enable a dental surgeon to obtain the required information about the orthodontic correction and the teeth implant on the basis of the measuring scale. In addition, the implant positioning device of the present invention may be re-installed and may still be positioned accurately. Therefore, in accordance with the implant positioning device of the present invention, the correction situation and the position of the implant surgery may be accurately determined by a dental surgeon. Accordingly, accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis and treatment by the dental surgeon may be significantly improved based on the implant positioning device of the present invention.
[0050] Although the preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the preferred exemplary embodiments thereof, it may be apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art that a variety of modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention which is intended to be defined by the appended claims.
