Prefabricated Dental Impression Tray in a Modular System

Abstract

A dental impression tray which in a modular system can be assembled from a plurality of portions which can be connected together and is thus individually adaptable to the patient jaw situation. There may be a universal base tray with insertable additional parts both for lower jaw and also for upper jaw impressions, wherein further adaptation can be implemented by extension portions and by shortening of the portions on the basis of predetermined markings or desired breaking locations. The impression tray may be a thermoplastic material which can be heated and still more precisely formed to the respective jaw geometry within the patient's mouth.

Claims

1. A dental impression tray characterised in that the impression tray can be assembled in a modular system from a plurality of parts or components which can be connected together and is thus adaptable individually to the patient jaw situation.

2. A dental impression tray as set forth in claim 1 has further comprising a base tray which can be used equally for lower and upper jaws and which can be respectively supplemented and/or adapted by connectable additional parts.

3. A dental impression tray as set forth in claim 1 wherein all or individual components are substantially produced from thermoplastic material which in a heated state permits forming of the impression tray in the mouth of a patient.

4. A dental impression tray as set forth in claim 3 wherein a material thickness of the thermoplastic material is minimized in such a way that adaptations to given patient jaw situations are achieved not by mere forming of the thermoplastic material but only by use of additional parts.

5. A dental impression tray as set forth in claim 3 wherein at least in partial regions in which fine impression is to be implemented the impression tray has a spacer layer of a predetermined thickness, wherein the spacer layer is completely or partially removable after the forming operation.

6. A dental impression tray as set forth in claim 1 wherein it substantially comprises a non-thermoplastic material.

7. A dental impression tray as set forth in claim 1 wherein the individual components have at least one connecting means for selective connection to at least one other component.

8. A dental impression tray as set forth in claim 7 wherein the at least one connecting means is in the form of a tongue and groove connection or another releasable positively locking and/or force-locking connection.

9. A dental impression tray as set forth in claim 1 wherein the modular system has at least the following components: at least one tray base element in one or more sizes, that is suitable both for upper jaw and also lower jaw impressions; at least one upper jaw palate element connectable to the tray base element, respectively adapted to the size or the plurality of sizes of the tray base element and/or in a variant or in a plurality of variants in respect of the geometry of the curvature of the palate vault; and at least one lower jaw lingual element connectable to the tray base element, respectively adapted to the size or the plurality of sizes of the tray base element.

10. A dental impression tray as set forth in claim 9 wherein the modular system further has one or more of the following components: at least one vestibular/buccal extension element, respectively adapted to the size or the plurality of sizes of the tray base element; and/or at least one lingual extension element, respectively adapted to the size or the plurality of sizes of the lower jaw lingual element.

11. A dental impression tray as set forth in claim 10 wherein the extension elements are so adapted to be used in multiple successive relationship to achieve greater extensions.

12. A dental impression tray as set forth in claim 1 wherein the individual elements of the modular system at corresponding locations have markings and/or depressions and/or desired breaking positions which permit and/or simplify shortening of the impression tray for adaptation to the respective jaw aspects or to create a partial tray.

13. A dental impression tray as set forth in claim 1 wherein extension elements are provided for adaptations to a patient jaw, that are to be effected substantially in the direction of a vertical plane with respect to the patient jaw, and shortenings of the impression tray towards dorsal are provided for adaptations to a patient jaw, that are to be effected substantially in the direction of a saggital plane with respect to the patient jaw.

14. A dental impression tray as set forth in claim 1 substantially comprising a non-thermoplastic hard plastic, silicone, a metallic material, or ceramic.

15. A dental impression tray, comprising: a modular system comprising a plurality of connectable parts or components capable of being assembled to form the dental impression tray and individually adaptable to a patient jaw situation.

Description

[0079] The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter by means of the embodiments by way of example illustrated in the drawings in which:

[0080] FIGS. 1a and b show diagrammatic views of an embodiment for a tray base element without inserted further parts,

[0081] FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a lower jaw lingual element,

[0082] FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic view of a tray base element as shown in FIGS. 1a and b with inserted lower jaw lingual element as shown in FIG. 2,

[0083] FIGS. 4a and b show diagrammatic views of embodiments for an upper jaw palatal element in two variants for different palate geometries,

[0084] FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic view of a tray base element as shown in FIGS. 1a and b with inserted upper jaw palatal element as shown in FIG. 4b,

[0085] FIG. 6a shows an embodiment for an extension element for a lower jaw lingual element,

[0086] FIG. 6b shows a diagrammatic view of a lower jaw lingual element as shown in FIG. 2 with attached extension element as shown in FIG. 6a,

[0087] FIGS. 7a and b show diagrammatic views of embodiments for a tray base element with inserted upper jaw palatal element and end depression grooves/desired breaking lines to simplify shortening for jaw-individual length adaptation,

[0088] FIGS. 8a and b show diagrammatic views similar to FIGS. 7a and b in which moreover additional depression grooves/desired breaking lines are shown, by means of which partial trays can be separated off, and

[0089] FIGS. 9a-d show examples for forming partial trays.

[0090] FIGS. 1a and 1b show diagrammatic views of an embodiment for a tray base element 12 according to the invention, which can be used universally both for upper jaw and also lower jaw impressions.

[0091] As can be seen the internal space is kept free and of the originally known trays only the buccal and occlusal wall 36 is incorporated as well as a tray handle 22. The base tray element 12 dispenses with the fixed provision of a lingual or palatinal component.

[0092] Instead there is a fixing element 18 (in particular a tongue of a tongue and groove connection) for the selective use of various add-ons, more specifically either a lower jaw lingual element 14 or an upper jaw palatal element 16, 16.

[0093] A further fixing element, also a tongue 20 of a tongue and groove connection, is provided at the lower end edge of the buccal and occlusal wall 36, which serves to fit optional extension elements, as is described hereinafter.

[0094] The corresponding insert elements, that is to say the lower jaw lingual element 14 and the upper jaw palatal element 16, 16 which are shown in themselves in FIG. 2 and in FIGS. 4a and 4b respectively have corresponding counterpart fixing elements (grooves 26 and 28 respectively) and can thus be inserted with an accurate fit into the free inner arch of the base element 12 and fixed thereto.

[0095] In that way, as shown in FIG. 3 (illustrating the combination of tray base element 12 and lower jaw lingual element 14) and FIG. 5 (combination of tray base element 12 and upper jaw palatal element 16) an impression tray as denoted overall by reference 10 is pre-configured in patient-individual fashion.

[0096] By virtue of differing sizes for the tray base element 12 the tray 10 can thus be matched as closely as possible to the jaw geometry of the patient, which is both more pleasant to the patient and can also provide for better impression.

[0097] In spite of different size variants (not shown) of the base element 12 it can be provided that the inner arch is always of the same shape with the fixing tongue 18 so that it is possible to use respectively identical lower jaw or upper jaw elements 14, 16, and that reduces the number of parts to be stocked.

[0098] In regard to the lower jaw or upper jaw elements it is found to be desirable for the upper jaw palatal element to be provided in at least two geometrical variants 16, 16 so that adaptation to different palatal configurations (shallow/deep palates) is possible.

[0099] Various extension elements can be provided as a further element with which the tray 10 can be modified and thus the number of tray models to be stocked can be reduced.

[0100] FIG. 6a shows diagrammatically and not true to scale an extension element 30 for the lower jaw lingual element 14, with the tongue 24 of which it can be connected by way of a groove 38 so that the lower jaw lingual element extends further on to the tongue base. If that extension is not sufficient then a further similar extension element 30 can be fitted by way of a further fixing tongue 40 on the extension element 30, and so forth.

[0101] The extension element shown in FIG. 6a can also be used in a somewhat different geometrical configurationnot explicitly shown herefor extending the buccal and occlusal wall 36 of the tray base element 12. For that purpose a corresponding element (as mentioned, not explicitly shown but similar to FIG. 6a) is fitted into the tongue 20 of the tray base element 12. As already mentioned, that extension permits use of the tray base element 12 both for untoothed and toothed jaws, by the tooth height-governed difference being compensated by suitable extension elements.

[0102] The principle described up to this point is basically possible for all current materials. It is already possible thereby to provide that many tray variants become redundant and a high saving potential is achieved, whereby at the same time it is also possible to achieve more individual provision for the patient than with a prefabricated tray.

[0103] In that way it is possible to avoid the practitioner or the chair assistant missing the correct tray, or possibly even a tray having to be forcibly bent so that it fits to some extent. More accurate fitment of the tray also provides for a better result in making the impression. Furthermore the additional elements take up less space and the practitioner does not require the number of tray bases that he needs when using the original trays as the tray bases according to the invention are multifunctional.

[0104] In connection with a thermoplastic configuration of the tray, as is described hereinbefore or in the above-mentioned PCT application, there are still further available options for more effectively implementing that concept.

[0105] In addition when involving a thermoplastic configuration some special additional aspects are also to be noted, in particular the use of a film and the use of notches/separating grooves/separating lines/separating markings.

[0106] A further reduction in the variants to be stocked can be achieved with a thermoplastic material. With for example conventionally four different tray sizes it is now possible to omit three tray sizes, more specifically by virtue of the material properties in the heated state.

[0107] If conventionally tray size 1 is the smallest and tray size 4 represents the largest a base tray comprising a thermoplastic material can be for example tray size 3. The tray sizes 1 and 2 are then redundant because the tray size 3 can be shaped in such a way that it satisfies the tray sizes 1 and 2.

[0108] Correspondingly tray size 4 can be omitted as tray size 3 in the heated state can be enlarged to give tray size 4.

[0109] In other words, if previously (in the above-described configuration using conventional materials) at least four tray sizes per jaw were still required it is now only still one plus additional components for both jaws.

[0110] In addition this form of the tray preferably represents a one-off part, the costs of which the practitioner could put on the patients. In addition this means that no single tray then has to be cleaned and sterilized or re-ordered (hygiene advantage).

[0111] Furthermore there is the option of easily recycling the product so that it is possible to save on resources. Alternatively it is also possible to use a thermoplastic which is biologically degradable.

[0112] With this variant also it is advisable to fit a film as a spacer to the tray base element 12 (this is not shown in the drawings) as described hereinbefore or in the above-indicated unpublished PCT application. Accordingly the additional elements 14, 16 and possibly 30 should then also include the corresponding film insofar as the film of the base element 12 is not of such a large protrusion that it also involves the additional parts.

[0113] The practitioner therefore has the option, as already described in the above-identified application, of directly manufacturing an individual tray/functional tray, which otherwise is only possible in the laboratory, and accordingly to provide ideal conditions for making an impression and markedly reducing the number of patient sessions required.

[0114] It is thus conceivable that the described impression system permits more effective work and thus sets new standards in terms of quality and economy by virtue of the increase in the chairside components of the processes, reduction in the number of treatment sessions required, reduction in courier journeys and overall the reduction in process steps and the elimination that this entails of possible sources of error.

[0115] The above-described tray can also be used for the production of individual trays and functional trays in the laboratory, that is to say the technician pre-individualizes the tray (possibly by cutting off or fitting material components), heats it and shapes it to a gypsum model of a patient jaw, that he has previously produced. Those trays can then in turn be used by the practitioner for obtaining fine impressions.

[0116] Preferably the tray base element 12 should be relatively long towards the rear/distal part (extended) so that it is possible to deal with almost every patient situation by performing shortening operations, as described in greater detail hereinafter:

[0117] As processing of the material is not generally simple it is possible to make it easier for the practitioner to shorten the tray to the correct length by an additional element/or some additional markings.

[0118] For that purpose, as shown in FIGS. 7a, b and 8a, b, for example depressions/grooves 32 are preferably provided in the rear part at regular spacings, which are disposed both buccally and occlusally on the tray base 32, and also extend lingually and palatinarly respectively to the additional elements. In the drawings, FIG. 7a and FIG. 8a respectively show the combination of a tray base element 12 and an upper jaw palate element 16 while FIGS. 7b and 8a only show the tray base element 12.

[0119] By virtue of those depressions (recesses)/grooves 32 the practitioner can more easily and more precisely cut off excess parts as the material is thinner at those locations. Separation can be effected with a cutting disc, a special shears tool, a special pincer tool, by nipping off or in a similar fashion. In other words in the rear region he can then shorten the tray to the correct length without any problem. The use of recesses does not have any adverse consequences in the further proceedings as when the material is pressed against the jaw those locations are pressed with the other wall thickness.

[0120] The grooves 32 can be of a depth of about 50%-90%, preferably about 30% of the overall material thickness. In FIG. 7b reference 42 also indicates by means of dotted lines that, instead of grooves, it is also possible to provide complete openings/gaps (shown in exaggerated width in FIG. 7b), and they can then however preferably extend only over a partial region of the cross-section. That allows the corresponding parts possibly to be broken off by hand or possibly with the aid of suitably adapted tools which engage into the openings. Alternatively perforation-like desired breaking locations are also conceivable.

[0121] In addition such recesses (and to a certain extent guide lines) can also be used in other ways in order to provide the practitioner with accurate markings for producing a partial tray. The corresponding desired breaking locations are marked or predetermined by the grooves/depressions 34 shown in FIGS. 8a, b. Thus the practitioner can very quickly produce a partial tray from an entire tray, as can be seen from FIGS. 9a-d.

[0122] In that respect FIGS. 9a and 9b illustrate the production of a partial tray 10 (with correspondingly shortened elements 12, 14) for taking an impression in the front tooth area.

[0123] FIGS. 9c and 9d illustrate production of a partial tray for taking an impression in the lateral tooth area for quadrants 1 and 3 (tray 10 comprising the components 12, 14). If the other side were cut off that would give a partial tray for the quadrants 2 and 4.

[0124] Alternatively it would also be possible to integrate complete free areas (notches) into the tray 10, that is to say corresponding gaps are integrated into the tray, in which case the mechanical integrity of the tray is only ensured by connected regions laterally of the gaps. In that case it would be possible to simply break away the regions to be removed. The gaps would then disappear in the heated state upon pressing of the main body.

[0125] In an alternative embodiment it would also be possible to be limited to colored markings in order to make exclusively a separation aid available to the practitioner.

[0126] Possible Example of Implementation for a Modular System for a Thermoplastic Impression Tray:

[0127] In an example a total of six elements are sufficient for each patient and each impression variant (mucodynamic or mucostatic): [0128] the developed tray base of size 3 (=1 part) [0129] vestibular/buccal extension element (=1 part) [0130] upper jaw palate element in two variants (=2 parts) [0131] lower jaw lingual element (=1 part) [0132] extension element lingual (=1 part).

[0133] All elements are ideally provided with a film as a spacer in accordance with PCT/DE2018/100517.

[0134] Proceedings in the Chair (Non-Thermoplastic Materials): [0135] the practitioner picks out the right size of base tray; [0136] he now fixes the necessary additional element for distinguishing the upper jaw and the lower jaw; [0137] checking of the edge lengthoptionally effecting tray extension with additional elements; [0138] fresh checking of the produced tray in the mouth of the patient; [0139] if all is in orderIMPRESSION.

[0140] Proceedings in the Chair (Thermoplastic Materials) [0141] the practitioner picks out the right size of base tray; [0142] he now fixes the necessary additional element for distinguishing the upper jaw and the lower jaw; [0143] checking of the edge lengthoptionally effecting tray extension with additional elements; [0144] if the tray is distally too long the practitioner can quickly shorten the tray produced by means of the depressions/notches/gaps/markings or, if desired, reconfigure the tray as a partial tray;

[0145] Now the tray is heated and the progression is as described in PCT/DE2018/100517, that is to say: [0146] adaptive forming of the heated tray in the mouth of the patient, wherein the spacer film defines the space for the later fine impression and keeps it clear and stops (these are formed either in the adaptive forming operation or are already pre-shaped) ensure the defined position of the impression tray in the jaw even after later removal of the spacer film, in that case in general the individual components of the modular system are also intimately connected together so that they can no longer be readily detached and unnecessary grooves/gaps are more or less equalized; [0147] taking out the tray and removing the spacer layer; [0148] optionally introducing a bonding agent; [0149] introducing a runny impression material for the fine impression, and [0150] effecting fine impression in the mouth of the patient.