WO2019083437A1

WO2019083437A1 - Mouthpiece for reduced snoring, teeth pressing and grinding

Info

Publication number: WO2019083437A1
Application number: PCT/SE2018/051090
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leif SÖDERBERG
Original assignee: ADACTIVE MARKETING AB
Current assignee: ADACTIVE MARKETING AB
Priority date: 2017-10-26
Filing date: 2018-10-25
Publication date: 2019-05-02
Anticipated expiration: 2020-04-26
Also published as: GB2581927A; GB2581927B; SE543188C2; GB202007685D0; SE1751321A1

Abstract

A curve shaped mouthpiece for reduced snoring and bruxism comprising: a first maxillary splint, having a curved shaped front portion and two, from said curved shaped front portion (28), extending rear portions, and at least an outer wall, which outer wall is adapted to cover an outside of the teeth, and a lower portion, which is adapted to cover the masticating surface of the teeth, and wherein the outer wall of said front portion (28) is substantially smooth; and a first mandibular splint, having a curved shaped front portion, and two from said curved front portion, extending rear portions, and at least an outer wall which is adapted to cover the outside of the teeth, and an upper portion, which is adapted to cover the masticating surface of the teeth; wherein said first mandibular splint further comprises a frontal module holder (1 ) arranged at the curved shaped front portion, which is module holder is adapted to receive and retain at least one replaceable module (18, 21, 24).

Description

MOUTHPIECE FOR REDUCED SNORING. TEETH PRESSING AND

GRINDING

Technical field

The present document relates to an inventive oral device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a mouthpiece for reduced snoring and bruxism.

Background

Today there are several different solutions available for people with jaw related issues, such as snoring and teeth pressing and/or teeth grinding, so called bruxism. Such solutions often include some sort of mouthpiece or occlusal splint, usually made of acrylic material, and made to fit at a dentist or other type of dental professional. There is also a variety of occlusal splints available which may be fitted by the user at home.

Dental apparatuses with occlusal splints that provides a mandibular advancement are in the prior art typically used to reduce snoring and alleviate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It may however be a time-consuming and costly process to provide the user with an apparatus that gives them an individual optimal effect, as the most effective solution may not always be related to maximum mandibular advancement but instead a combination of a certain distance between the jaws and a certain mandibular advancement. The user's need may also change, wherein it is also time-consuming and costly to change the dental splints. Furthermore, the dental splints may be cumbersome to use and may also lack a locking function, which may cause the mouth to open, thus not preventing the snoring.

Mandibular advancement has not only been shown effective in terms of reduced snoring, but also in terms of relieved pressure on the

temporomandibular joints, caused by teeth pressing. Dental apparatuses relating to bruxism does typically disclose a single dental splint for maxillary use, which is made of either a hard or soft material. The dental splint will reduce the wearing of the teeth, caused by the bruxism. However, the use of a hard material can cause wearing of the teeth, while the use of a soft material is worn out quickly and tend to fit loosely to the teeth. So called NTI-splints are also known in the prior art to reduce teeth pressing. These splints are attached to the front teeth and comprise a smaller unit which, as it is unfamiliar for the human body, unconsciously contributes to avoidance of teeth pressing. Although effective, these NTI-splints have been considered unsuitable to use because of the risk to swallow it.

In US 8,205,617 B2 an oral appliance is disclosed having an upper tray adaptable to conform to a user's maxillary dentition and plurality of lower trays, each adaptable to conform to the user's mandibular dentition. This oral appliance must be assembled outside of the users mouth and then inserted as a coupled and locked mouthpiece.

At http://www.dentalartslab.com/products-services/snoringsleep- apnea-appliances/tap3/ a mouthpiece is disclosed to provide mandibular advancement, however this is a conventional type of custom-made

mouthpiece and requires that a dental imprint is made to order.

There is a need for a new type of occlusal splint or mouthpiece that is easy to use, flexible and also less costly than conventional mouthpieces.

Summary

It is an object of the present disclosure, to provide an improved mouthpiece for reduced snoring and bruxism, which eliminates or alleviates at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

The invention is defined by the appended independent claims.

Embodiments are set forth in the appended dependent claims and in the following description and drawings.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a curve shaped

mouthpiece for reduced snoring and bruxism comprising, a first maxillary splint, having a curved shaped front portion and two, from said curved shaped front portion, extending rear portions, and at least an outer wall, which outer wall is adapted to cover an outside of the teeth, and a lower portion, which is adapted to cover the masticating surface of the teeth, and wherein the outer wall of said front portion is substantially smooth; and a first mandibular splint, having a curved shaped front portion, and two from said curved front portion, extending rear portions, and at least an outer wall which is adapted to cover the outside of the teeth, and an upper portion, which is adapted to cover the masticating surface of the teeth; wherein said first mandibular splint further comprises a frontal module holder arranged at the curved shaped front portion, wherein said module holder is adapted to receive and retain at least one replaceable module.

By front portion is meant the portion of the splint which when the splint is arranged in the mouth is directed outwardly.

By the module holder being arranged to receive and retain at least one module is meant that the module is interchangeable for another module.

The frontal module holder and the interchangeabihty of different types of modules enables making individual adjustments that will increase the possibility to attain optimal effect. By only having to change between different modules to change function and/or effect, the intervention contributes to both saving of time and cost savings for the user. Furthermore, the module holder and interchangeabihty of modules also enables making changes if the need of the user would change.

By having both a maxillary and a mandibular splint, the wearing of the splints, caused by bruxism, will decrease compared to only using a single splint.

The curved shaped, or substantially U-shaped first splints may be prefabricated in a fixed size, which can be adapted. The splints further have no inner sideboard or wall, only a vertical outer wall or sideboard, reducing the amount of plastics needed and making them slimmer and more convenient to use.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the solution, said module holder is provided at the front curved shaped portion of the

mandibular splint and as a curve shaped elevated portion, having at least two rectangular recesses or openings arranged on each side of a wider, centrally placed horizontal recess or opening as seen when said mandibular splint is in use.

According to another embodiment of the first aspect of the solution, the said modules have a at least one first portion protruding from the module, which is adapted to be inserted into corresponding openings or recesses in said module holder, and a second portion adapted to abut or engage the outer wall of the front portion of the maxillary splint.

According to another embodiment of the first aspect of the solution, the said second portion of the module has a varying thickness, and wherein the second portion is substantially wedge-shaped, wherein the thickness of the second portion is reduced as seen in a direction from the frontal mandibular teeth to the maxillary teeth when the module is in use and inserted into said module holder. This may also be defined as that the lower portion of the module, i.e. when in use in the mouth is thicker than the upper portion, and that the thickness is gradually and smoothly decreased. This means that when a user has inserted the mouthpiece into the mouth, and closes his or her teeth, the maxillary splint will be able to slide downwards against the module arranged in the mandibular splint, such that the desired mandibular advancement is attained. The wedge shape thus causes the mandibular to advance when the jaws are pressed together. This relaxes the tension in the jaw-joint.

This makes it possible to attain mandibular advancement in relation to teeth pressing, which helps relieving pressure on the temporomandibular joints, decreasing tensions that can cause headache. This solution is also advantageous for people with epilepsy where using mouthpieces that lock the jaws together might be dangerous.

According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the solution, the said second portion of said module is provided with an elevated profile as seen in a direction from the mandibular teeth to the maxillary teeth when the module is in use and inserted into said module holder. When in use, this elevated profile will prevent the user from teeth pressing as the human body will react to the profile as unfamiliar and thereby avoid pressing the teeth together. In this design the frontal module is slightly rounded, which is important for the advancement of the mandible and for the splints to glide against each other without getting stuck.

According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the solution, the outer wall of the front portion of said first maxillary splint is provided with a hook, wherein said hook protrudes from the front portion of the first maxillary splint and extends upwardly.

According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the solution, an upper portion of said module, as seen when said module is in use and inserted into said module holder, is provided with a downwardly facing groove adapted for receiving and/or retaining said hook. This provides a way of locking the first maxillary splint and first mandibular splint together, eliminating the risk of the mouth opening during sleep.

In all of the embodiments above the further advantage that the mouthpiece still allows for a lateral movement of the jaws, which as opposed to a so called mono block solution, where the upper and lower jaw is locked in position, provides a lubricating effect on the jaw-joint. The minimal format of the mouthpiece is further advantageous in that it allows for the mouth to be closed during sleep, i.e. a correct breathing through the nose is possible. By having exchangeable modules it is possible to adapt the advancement of the mandible quickly, and depending on the need. For instance if you are pregnant, the need might change over the course of the pregnancy, and then it is possible to simply replace a module with another to achieve the desired effect.

According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the solution, the module has a substantially fixed thickness, wherein said thickness provides an advancement of the mandible jaw in the range of 1 to 8 mm . This means that the modules are provided as different modules having different thicknesses, thereby providing the user with option for optimizing the mandibular advancement.

According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the solution, the first maxillary splint and/or the first mandibular splint substantially are made of rigid plastic material.

According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the solution, the mouthpiece further comprises a second maxillary splint and a second mandibular splint, and wherein the second splints are made of a moldable material, wherein said second splints form a lining in said mouthpiece.

This means that the mouthpiece essentially consists of five different parts, i.e. the first splints or sideboards, the second splints or linings and the modules.

The maxillary and mandibular splints are thus not joined together at the rear portions, thus allowing for the user to move the jaws.

The user may heat or soften the lining splints, place them in the rigid outer splints and then press his or her teeth into the lining such that they are shaped and adapted to fit the user's teeth.

According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the solution, said first maxillary splint and/or said first mandibular splint have at least one weakened part in the material, which is arranged at the curved shaped front portions of said splints. The weakened parts can be cut open. This provides a way of enlarging or decreasing the first maxillary splint and/or first mandibular splint. This further provides an advantage as it provides a possibility to adapt the size of the mouthpiece to better suit each user.

According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the solution,

The rear portions of the first maxillary splint and/or the first mandibular splint have at least one weakened part in the material. The weakened parts can be cut or broken off. This provides a way of shortening the first maxillary splint and/or first mandibular splint. This also provides the possibility to adapt the size of the mouthpiece to better suit each user.

According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the solution, said module holder is provided with through holes corresponding to through holes in the module for receiving a safety screw or pin.

According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the solution, said module holder is provided with at least one reinforcement in connection with said through hole. This means that the material of the module holder, where the safety screw or pin is received, is strengthen.

According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the solution, said module holder is provided with a downwardly facing groove for receiving and/or retaining said hook. This provides a way of locking the first maxillary splint and first mandibular splint together, eliminating the risk of the mouth opening.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present solution will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

Figs 1 a-1 e are different views of a first mandibular splint.

Figs. 2a-2d are different views of a first maxillary splint with a hook.

Figs. 3a-3c are different views of a second mandibular/maxillary splint.

Figs. 4a-4e are different views of a module for mandibular advancement. Figs. 5a-5f are different views of a module with an elevated profile.

Figs. 6a-6f are different views of a module with a wedge-shaped profile.

Figs. 7a-7c are different views of a first maxillary splint with a substantially smooth front portion.

Fig. 8 is a view of varying thickness of a first maxillary splint with a hook.

Description of Embodiments

Fig. 1 (Figs. 1 a-1 e) illustrates different views of a first mandibular splint. The first mandibular splint has a curved shaped front portion and two rear portions extending from the curved shaped front portion. The first mandibular splint further has at least one outer wall, which when in use is adapted to cover an outside of the teeth. The first mandibular splint further has an upper portion, which when in use is adapted to cover the masticating surface of the teeth. The first mandibular splint further comprises a module holder 1 that is arranged at the front portion of the mandibular splint. The module holder 1 is adapted to receive and retain at least one replaceable module 18, 21 , 24.

The module holder 1 may further be provided at the front curved shaped portion of the mandibular splint and as a curve shaped elevated portion, having at least two rectangular recesses or openings. The recesses or openings are arranged on each side of a wider, centrally placed horizontal recess or opening 3, as seen when the mandibular splint is in use. The recesses are adapted to receive and retain the module 18, 21 , 24.

The modules have at least one first portion 20 protruding from the module, as illustrated in Fig. 4 (Figs. 4a-4e), Fig. 5 (Figs. 5a-5f) and Fig. 6 (Figs. 6a-6f). The first portion 20 is adapted to be inserted into corresponding openings 2. The module holder 1 may further be provided with through holes 4, which correspond to through holes 4' of the modules, as illustrated in Fig. 4 (Figs. 4a-4e), Fig. 5 (Figs. 5a-5f) and Fig. 6 (Figs. 6a-6f). The through holes 4, 4' is adapted to receive a safety screw or pin (not shown).

The module holder 1 may further be provided with at least one reinforcement 5 in connection with the through hole 4. The reinforcement 5 is adapted to strengthen the material of the module holder where the safety screw or pin is received.

The first mandibular splint may further have at least one V-shaped weakened part 7 arranged at bottom plate of the arched or curved portion of the splint. The weakened part 7 of the material can be cut open to allow for the splint to be compressed or expanded, i.e. reduced or enlarged in size.

The first mandibular splint may further have at least one weakened part 8 of a rear portion of the first maxillary splint. The weakened part 8 of the material can be cut or broken off to reduce the size or the length of the rear portion of the splint.

The first mandibular splint may further be provided with at least one hole or depression 9 that corresponds to at least one attachment point 14 of a second mandibular splint, as illustrated in Fig. 3 (Figs. 3a-3c).

The outer wall of the first mandibular splint may end 10 in a line with the weakened part 8.

Fig. 7 (Figs. 7a-7c) illustrates different views of a first maxillary splint

27. It also illustrates the maxillary splint in concurrence with the mandibular splint. The first maxillary splint has a curved shaped front portion 28 and two rear portions extending from the curved shaped front portion. The first maxillary splint further has at least one outer wall, which when in use is adapted to cover the outside of the teeth. The first maxillary splint further has a lower portion, which when in use is adapted to cover the masticating surface of the teeth.

The outer wall of the front portion 28 is substantially smooth.

The first maxillary splint 27 with the front portion 28 that is substantially smooth can also be used as a first mandibular splint. This is especially beneficial in relation to teeth grinding. When in use, such a first mandibular splint can, in combination with a similar first maxillary splint, enable

mandibular movement in any direction and prevent the mandible to get stuck in a certain position. Further, it has been proven that for people that grind their teeth, having only one splint wears on the teeth, and therefore it is beneficial to have two splints for the upper and lower jaw engaging each other.

The outer wall of the front portion 28 of the first maxillary splint may, alternatively, be provided with a hook 1 1 , as illustrated in Fig. 2 (Figs. 2a-2d) and Fig. 8. The hook 1 1 protrudes from the front portion 28 and extends upwardly. The hook 1 1 is adapted to be inserted into the module holder 1 together with the module. The configuration of the hook 1 1 may thus be sized and adapted to fit with the module. It may for instance be elongated or rounded or have any conceivable shape.

The module holder 1 may further comprise a downwardly facing groove 6, as illustrated in Fig.1 (Figs.1 a-1 e). The groove 6 is adapted to receive and/or retain the hook 1 1 . The modules may also be provided with a downwardly facing groove 6' as seen when the module is in use and inserted into the module holder 1 . The groove 6' is illustrated in Fig. 4 (Figs. 4a-4e). The groove 6' is adapted to receive and/or retain the hook 1 1. The hook 1 1 can be attached to the module holder 1 through groove 6 and the groove 6', thereby locking the first maxillary splint and the first mandibular splint to each other. This provides the mouthpiece with a locking function.

The module and hook solution also provides for an easy release of the hook, from the module. The hook will automatically lock into position when the mandible is relaxed. This means that the mandibular will never fall back and down, but be locked by the module-hook-system when the user sleeps, provided that the user has connected the hook to the module in the module holder before falling into sleep. The first maxillary splint may further have at least one V-shaped weakened part 7 arranged at plate of the splint that engages the masticating surface of the teeth, and at the sides of the arched or curved portion of the splint. The weakened part 7 of the material can be cut open to reduce or enlarge the size of the splint.

The first maxillary splint may further have at least one weakened part 8 of a rear portion of the first maxillary splint. The weakened part 8 of the material can be cut or broken off.

The first maxillary splint may further be provided with at least one hole or depression 9 that corresponds to at least one attachment point 14 of a second maxillary splint, as illustrated in Fig. 3 (Figs. 3a-3c).

The first maxillary splint may further be provided with an attachment point 12, as illustrated in Fig. 2 (Figs. 2a-2d) that corresponds to a through hole 15, as illustrated in Fig 3. (Figs. 3a-3c).

Fig. 3 (Figs. 3a-3c) illustrates different views of a second

mandibular/maxillary splint 13. The second mandibular splint and/or the second maxillary splint are made of a moldable material. The properties of the moldable material make it possible to form the material after once teeth, when exposed to heat. The second mandibular/maxillary splints form a lining in the mouthpiece.

The second mandibular splint may be provided with at least one elevation 17, adapted to engage the at least one weakened part 8 of the first mandibular splint.

The second maxillary splint may be provided with at least one elevation 17, adapted to engage the at least one weakened part 8 of the first maxillary splint.

The second mandibular splint may further be provided with a groove

16, as illustrated in Fig. 3 (Figs. 3a-3c), adapted to surround the upper portion of the first mandibular splint.

The second maxillary splint may further be provided with a groove 16, as illustrated in Fig. 3 (Figs. 3a-3c), adapted to surround the lower portion of the first maxillary splint.

Fig. 4 (Figs. 4a-4e), Fig. 5 (Figs. 5a-5f) and Fig. 6 (Figs. 6a-6f) illustrate different views of a module 18, 21 , 24, adapted to be inserted into the module holder 1 . The modules 18, 21 , 24 have at least one first portion

20, which is adapted to be inserted into corresponding openings 2 in the module holder 1 . The modules further have a second portion adapted to abut or engage the outer wall of the front portion of the maxillary splint.

Fig. 4 (Figs. 4a-4e) illustrates different views of a module 18 for mandibular advancement. The second portion of the module 18 has a fixed, i.e. even throughout the height of the module, thickness as seen in a direction from the mandibular teeth to the maxillary teeth when in use. The thickness of the module may provide for an advancement of the mandible in the range of 1 to 8 mm. This means that the modules may generally be provided as a kit of modules, wherein each module has a different thicknesses. The different thickness of the modules thus provides the user with option for different length of mandibular advancement.

The second portion of module 18 may further have a shape 19 which is slightly rounded as compared to the shape of the front outer wall of maxillary splint. When in use, the slightly rounded shape makes it possible for the user to move the jaws in a lateral direction, i.e. the difference in roundness ensures that the maxillary splint does not get caught in the module, i.e. a lateral movement is allowed.

Fig. 5 (Figs. 5a-5f) illustrates different views of a module 21 for bruxism. The second portion of the module 21 is provided with an elevated profile 22, as seen in a direction from the mandibular teeth to the maxillary teeth when the module is in use and inserted into the module holder 1 . The elevated profile 22 helps the user avoid teeth pressing when in use. The module 21 further comprises a third portion 23 that are adapted to be inserted into a corresponding opening 3 of the module holder 1 .

Fig. 6 (Figs. 6a-6f) illustrates different views of a module 24 for bruxism. The second portion of the module 24 have varying thickness. The second portion may be substantially wedge-shaped 25, wherein the thickness of the second portion is reduced as seen in a direction from the mandibular teeth to the maxillary teeth when the module is in use and inserted into the module holder 1 . This means that when a user has inserted the mouthpiece into the mouth, and closes his or her teeth, the maxillary splint will be able to slide downwards against the module arranged in the mandibular splint, such that the desired mandibular advancement is attained.

The second portion of module 24 may further have a slightly rounded shape 26. When in use, the slightly rounded shape makes it possible for the user to move the jaws in a lateral direction. The module 24 further comprises a third portion 23 that are adapted to be inserted into a corresponding opening 3 of the module holder 1 .

Fig. 8 illustrates the first maxillary splint, provided with the hook 1 1 , wherein the lower portion of the first maxillary splint has a thickness as seen in a direction from the mandibular teeth to the maxillary teeth when in use. The thickness may be in the range of 1 to 4 mm (29, 30, 31 ). This means that the first maxillary splints are provided as different first maxillary splints having lower portions with different thicknesses, thereby providing the user with option for adjusting the distance between the mandible and the maxilla.

Claims

A curve shaped mouthpiece for reduced snoring and bruxism comprising: a first maxillary splint, having a curved shaped front portion and two, from said curved shaped front portion (28), extending rear portions, and at least an outer wall, which outer wall is adapted to cover an outside of the teeth, and a lower portion, which is adapted to cover the masticating surface of the teeth, and wherein the outer wall of said front portion (28) is

substantially smooth;

and a first mandibular splint, having a curved shaped front portion, and two from said curved front portion, extending rear portions, and at least an outer wall which is adapted to cover the outside of the teeth, and an upper portion, which is adapted to cover the masticating surface of the teeth; characterized in

that said first mandibular splint further comprises a frontal module holder (1 ) arranged at the curved shaped front portion, wherein said module holder is adapted to receive and retain at least one replaceable module (18, 21 , 24).

The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said module holder (1 ) is provided at the front curved shaped portion of the mandibular splint and as a curve shaped elevated portion, having at least two rectangular recesses arranged on each side of a wider, centrally placed horizontal recess as seen when said mandibular splint is in use.

The mouthpiece according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said modules have a at least one first portion (20) protruding from the module, which is adapted to be inserted into corresponding openings (2) in said module holder (1 ), and a second portion adapted to abut or engage the outer wall of the front portion of the maxillary splint.

The mouthpiece according to claim 1 to 3, wherein said second portion of the module has a varying thickness, and wherein the second portion is substantially wedge-shaped (25), such that the thickness of the second portion is reduced as seen in a direction from the mandibular teeth to the maxillary teeth when the module is in use and inserted into said module holder.

5. The mouthpiece according to claim 1 to 3, wherein said second portion of said module is provided with an elevated profile (22) as seen in a direction from the mandibular front teeth to the pharynx when the module is in use and inserted into said module holder.

6. The mouthpiece according to claim 1 , wherein the outer wall of the front portion (28) of said first maxillary splint is provided with a hook (1 1 ), wherein said hook protrudes from the front portion (28) of the first maxillary splint and extends upwardly.

7. The mouthpiece according to claim 2 and 6, wherein said an upper portion of said module, as seen when said module is in use and inserted into said module holder, is provided with a downwardly facing groove (6') adapted for receiving and/or retaining said hook (1 1 ).

8. The mouthpiece according to claim 7, wherein the second portion of said module has a substantially fixed thickness, wherein said thickness provides an advancement of the mandible in the range of 1 to 8 mm.

9. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first maxillary splint and/or the first mandibular splint are made of rigid plastic material.

10. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece further comprises a second maxillary splint and a second mandibular splint, and wherein the second splints (13) are made of a moldable material, wherein said second splints form a lining in said mouthpiece.

1 1 . The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first maxillary splint and/or said first mandibular splint have at least one wedge-shaped weakened part (7) in the material, which is arranged at the curved shaped front portions of said splints.

12. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rear portions of the first maxillary splint and/or the first mandibular splint have at least one weakened part (8) in the material.

13. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said module holder (1 ) is provided with through holes (4) corresponding to through holes (4') in the module for receiving a safety screw or pin.

14. The mouthpiece according to claim 12, wherein said module holder (1 ) is provided with at least one reinforcement (5) in connection with said through hole.

15. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said module holder (1 ) is provided with a downwardly facing groove (6) for receiving and/or retaining said hook (1 1 ).