Dental Object With An Adhesive Region

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dental object (100), comprising an adhering region (103) for attaching the dental object (100) to a tooth, teeth (105) or the gums, comprising an array (101) of suction cups (107-1, . . . , 107-n).

Claims

1. A dental object (100), comprising: an adhering region (103) for attaching the dental object (100) to a tooth, teeth (105) or a gum, comprising an array (101) of suction cups (107-1, . . . , 107-n).

2. The dental object (100) according to claim 1, wherein the suction cups (107-1, . . . , 107-n) have an outer diameter of 10 nm to 5 mm.

3. The dental object (100) according to claim 1, wherein the suction cups (107-1, . . . , 107-n) are made of polyurethane acrylate-based polymer or polyethylene acrylate-based polymer.

4. The dental object (100) according to claim 1, wherein the suction cups (107-1, . . . , 107-n) are bell-shaped, spherical, or cylindrical.

5. The dental object (100) according to claim 1, wherein the suction cups (107-1, . . . , 107-n) comprise a central protrusion (109).

6. The dental object (100) according to claim 5, wherein the central protrusion (109) is spherical or conical.

7. The dental object (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dental object (100) has a contact surface (111) with a concave recess for insertion of a tooth (105), at which the adhering region (103) is arranged.

8. The dental object (100) according to claim 1, wherein the array (101) comprises first suction cups (107-1, . . . , 107-n) having a first diameter and second suction cups having a second diameter.

9. The dental object (100) according to claim 1, wherein the suction cups (107-1, . . . , 107-n) are formed by cylindrical recesses in the adhering region (103).

10. The dental object (100) according to claim 1, wherein the adhering region (103) has a thickness of 10 μm to 5 mm.

11. The dental object (100) according to claim 1, wherein the suction cups (107-1, . . . , 107-n) are arranged in a hexagonal arrangement (101).

12. The dental object (100) according to claim 1, wherein the adhering region (103) is attached to a contact surface (111) by an adhesive layer (113) and/or the adhering region (103) comprises a connecting element for producing a form-fit geometry with a sensor and/or a sensor housing and/or the adhering region (103) comprises a latching element for latching onto a sensor and/or sensor housing.

13. The dental object (100) according to claim 1, wherein the adhering region (103), the dental object (100) and/or the housing (115) comprises one or more channels (125) for conducting saliva to a sensor unit.

14. The dental object (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dental object (100) comprises an electronic sensor unit and/or a sensor housing.

15. A method of adhering a dental object (100), comprising pressing an adhering region (103) of the dental object (100) comprising an array (101) of suction cups (107-1, . . . , 107-n) onto a tooth (105), teeth or gums.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Examples of embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0025] It shows:

[0026] FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a dental object and an array of suction cups;

[0027] FIG. 2 a representation of two suction cups;

[0028] FIG. 3 a schematic representation of the adhering region with channels for a liquid flow;

[0029] FIG. 4 a schematic representation of an adhering region with suction cups of different diameters; and

[0030] FIG. 5A-5D cross sections through different designs of suction cups.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a dental object 100 with an adhering region 103 for attaching the dental object 100 to a tooth 105. The adhering region 103 of the dental object 100 comprises a matrix-shaped array 101 of suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n. The suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n serve to fix the dental object 100 in the oral cavity. The adhering region 103 is attached to a contact surface 111 of the dental object 100.

[0032] The number of suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n-per cm.sup.2 is, for example, between 30,000 and 40,000, but number per square centimeter is not limited to this amount and can range from less than or equal to 1000 to greater than or equal to 50,000 per cm.sup.2. The diameter D of the suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n is, for example, 50 μm, but is not limited to this size and can be a size and amount in order to create enough suction to maintain the dental object at the desired location in the oral cavity. However, different suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n with different diameters may also be arranged in different areas of the adhering region 103. For example, the array 101 may have first suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n with a first diameter and second suction cups with a second diameter. In this way, the adhesion of the adhering region 103 can be adapted to the different regions of the tooth 105. The array 101 of the suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n is for example in hexagonal or matrix form. However, the array 101 of the suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n can also be irregular.

[0033] The adhering region 103 may be made of polyurethane acrylate-based polymer or polyethylene acrylate-based polymer and may comprise antibacterial particles, such as by an incorporation of silver particles, copper particles, or a mixture with chlorhexidine and chloroxylenol. In addition, the plastic material may comprise antibiotics, such as penicillin, clindamycin, erythromycin, cefadroxil, metronidazole, and/or tetracyclines. In addition, pH-regulating filler materials may be used, such as calcium fluoride, calcium hydroxide, or alkaline glass fillers, such as calcium fluorosilicate glass or ion-releasing materials, such as those of F—, OH—, or Ca2+. The dental object 100 may include, but is not limited to: sensors, electronic components, antennas, batteries, or housings for various components. The housing 115 may be made of a plastic, carbon, or metal. The dental object 100 may be an object that already has a shape anatomically adapted to the tooth 105.

[0034] US 20080026344, 20210353180, 20210346690, 20210315460, and 20210282650 are directed to sensors for use in the oral cavity and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0035] For example, such an object may be individually created using a 3D printer and adapted to the specific shape of a patient's tooth 105, such as an individually shaped dental attachment. In general, the dental object 100 may be any object that is to be attached to the tooth 105 in the oral cavity. The suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n may be produced using, for example, a 3D printing process, a hot stamping process, or an injection molding process.

[0036] The dental object 100 and/or the adhesion region 103 may be anatomically pre-shaped in that they comprise a concave recess 117 in which the teeth 105 lie. This allows the dental object 100 to fit more snugly against the teeth 105. A preformed passageway opening may also be provided in the adhesion region 103 for conducting fluid (saliva) from the tooth 105 to the interior of the housing 115. The fluid is directed to the sensor via the passageway opening so that a defined amount of flow arrives at the sensor. This allows the fluid from the tooth 105 inside the housing 115 to be analyzed by a sensor. In addition, it is possible to create a specific microclimate that is adapted to the measured value.

[0037] For customized dental objects 100 that are spatially and anatomically adapted to the tooth 105, the thickness of the bonding area 103 may be small and in the range of 200 μm. For prefabricated, standard dental objects 100, the thickness of the bonding area 103 is in the range of millimeters due to greater plastic deformation of the bonding area 103. For example but not limited to the following, the dimensions of the adhering region 103 in length and width may be 10 mm by 10 mm. In general, however, other dimensions may be selected if convenient.

[0038] Non-prosthetic, non-orthodontic dental objects 100 (appliance) can be reversibly fixed in the intraoral region by means of the adhering region 103. Due to the attachment with the suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n, the dental object 100 can be removed and also reinserted at any time.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows an illustration of two suction cups 107. The suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n can be bell-shaped so that the edge of the suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n flares outwards. The suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n are pot-shaped and have a central, spherical, or conical protrusion 109 in the center, which is located inside the suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n. The protrusion 109 provides an increased adhesive force in humid conditions, as this protrusion provides for the maintenance of a liquid film inside the suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n. The protrusion 109 thus generates an increased cohesive force due to the liquid molecules.

[0040] The suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n can be produced in the adhering region 103 in various ways. For example, the suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n are placed in a thin foil (˜50 μm) 119, which is attached to the housing 115 by an adhesive layer 113 on one side and has the suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n on the other side. This foil can then be individually bonded to the dental object 100 so that the dental object 100 can be attached to the tooth 105 with the suction cup foil.

[0041] One or more positively or negatively configured connecting elements may be provided on the adhesion region 103 to create a form-fit geometry with a dental object 100. In this way, a dental object 100 or housing 115 can be attached to the adhering region 103. In this case, the dental object 100 or the housing 115 have positively or negatively configured connecting elements which, together with the connecting element of the adhering region 103, produce the form fit. One or more latching elements can be provided, to which the sensor or the housing 115 is attached to the adhering region 103.

[0042] Additionally, the adhering region 103 between the foil 119 and the housing 115 may include a plastic layer 121 that deforms when the dental object 100 is pressed against the tooth 105. The plastic layer 121 is formed, for example, from an elastically deformable foam or rubber or a plastically deformable material, such as plasticine. This is bonded to the housing 115 of the dental object 100 by means of the adhesive layer 113.

[0043] When attaching suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n, a moist environment (saliva) is advantageous, as the seal is increased by the moisture. The pull-off force measurements show that the array 101 of suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n adheres better to the tooth 105 than adhesive cream.

[0044] The method of attaching the dental object 100 comprises the step of pressing the adhering region 103 of the dental object 100 onto a tooth 105 comprising a matrix-shaped array 101 of elastic suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n. By pressing on, the suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n adhere to the tooth 105 and hold the dental object 100 in position.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the adhering region 103 with channels 125 for a fluid flow. In the adhering region 103, the dental object 100 and/or the housing 115, the through opening 123 for enabling a measurement by sensor unit is arranged. The through opening 123 forms a measuring area for the sensor unit.

[0046] The channels 125 are formed in the adhering region 103, the dental object 100 and/or the housing 115 by recesses and serve to supply liquid (saliva) to the sensor unit and to enable ventilation of the measuring area. The channels 125 may be arranged in a horizontal, diagonal, or vertical direction.

[0047] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of an adhering region 103 with suction cups 107 of different diameters. The adhering region 103 includes suction cups 107-1 and 107-2, each having a different outer diameter. The diameter of the suction cups 107-1 is larger than the diameter of the suction cups 107-2, thereby improving the adhesive effect on the tooth that the adhering region 103 can be adapted for different surfaces. If the suction cups 107-1 also do not hold a surface sufficiently, the adhesive effect can be achieved via the smaller suction cups 107-2 and vice versa.

[0048] In general, however, the suction cups 107 may have other diameters or even be randomly distributed within the diameter. In this case, the suction cups 107 have random diameters within a certain range.

[0049] FIGS. 5A-5D show cross-sections through different designs of suction cups 107. In FIG. 5A, the suction cup 107 is cylindrical in shape. In the center, this has a spherical protrusion 109, which is located inside the cylindrical recess of the suction cup 107. In FIG. 5B, the suction cup 107 is spherical in shape. The suction cup 107 has a spherical recess. In FIG. 5C, the suction cup 107 is also cylindrical in shape without having a protrusion 109. In FIG. 5D, the suction cup 107 is also cylindrical. In the center, this has an inverted conical protrusion 109, which is located inside the cylindrical recess of the suction cup 107 and whose larger base surface 127 faces outward.

[0050] The array 101 of suction cups 107-1, . . . , 107-n is used intra-orally for removable attachment of the dental object 100. The use of numerous micro suction cups enables flexible attachment.

[0051] All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention may be provided in different combinations in the subject matter of the invention to simultaneously realize their beneficial effects.

[0052] All method steps can be implemented by devices which are suitable for executing the respective method step. All functions that are executed by the features in question can be a method step of a method.

[0053] The scope of protection of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the figures.

REFERENCE LIST

[0054] 100 Dental object

[0055] 101 Array

[0056] 103 Adhesive region

[0057] 105 Tooth

[0058] 107 Suction cups

[0059] 109 Protrusion

[0060] 111 Contact surface

[0061] 113 Adhesive layer

[0062] 115 Housing

[0063] 117 Recess

[0064] 119 Foil

[0065] 121 Plastic layer

[0066] 123 Through opening

[0067] 125 Channel

[0068] 127 Base surface