JP2024004511A

JP2024004511A - mouthpiece

Info

Publication number: JP2024004511A
Application number: JP2020200402A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 秀之七海; Hideyuki Nanami; 絢美三浦; Ayami MIURA
Original assignee: Neutral; Neutral Co Ltd
Current assignee: Neutral; Neutral Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-02
Filing date: 2020-12-02
Publication date: 2024-01-17
Also published as: WO2022118486A1; CN113058254A; CN113058254B

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mouthpiece capable of improving accuracy of meshing, and improving feeling of wearing, in comparison with a conventional mouthpiece.

SOLUTION: A mouthpiece 10 includes a molar covering part 12 for covering a molar existing on one of an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The molar covering part 12 includes a first layer 22 in which irregularities 26 corresponding to a molar existing on the other of the upper jaw and the lower jaw are formed on one surface, and a second layer 24 provided on the other surface of the first layer 22, having a contact with the molar existing on one of the upper jaw and the lower jaw, and harder than the first layer 22.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

本発明はマウスピースに関する。 The present invention relates to a mouthpiece.

近年、運動を行うに際して運動を行う者の運動性能を向上させるために歯の噛み合わせを改善する様々な研究がなされている。一般的に、運動者の歯の噛み合わせが改善すると、運動者の姿勢が良くなったり、呼吸機能をより非運動時の正常状態に近い状態で維持できたり、筋力をより発揮し易くなる等の作用があることが知られている。このような作用には様々なプロスポーツ選手やトレーナーが注目しており、実際に運動時にマウスピースを装着する者が増えている。装着者の運動性能を向上させるために用いられるマウスピースとしては、例えば特許文献１に記載されたものが知られている。 In recent years, various studies have been conducted to improve the alignment of teeth in order to improve the athletic performance of those who exercise. In general, if the alignment of the teeth of an exerciser improves, the exerciser's posture will improve, their respiratory function will be able to be maintained closer to the normal state when not exercising, and they will be able to exert their muscle strength more easily. It is known to have the effect of Various professional athletes and trainers are paying attention to this effect, and the number of people who actually wear mouthpieces during exercise is increasing. As a mouthpiece used to improve the exercise performance of a wearer, the one described in Patent Document 1, for example, is known.

特開２０００－１５７６５７号公報Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-157657

本発明は従来のマウスピースと比較して、噛み合わせの精度をより高め、かつ装着感を高められるマウスピースを提供することを目的とする。 An object of the present invention is to provide a mouthpiece that can improve the accuracy of bite and enhance the feeling of wearing compared to conventional mouthpieces.

本発明の一態様は、上顎又は下顎のうちの一方にある臼歯を覆う臼歯被覆部を備え、臼歯被覆部は、上顎又は下顎のうちの他方にある臼歯に対応する凹凸が一方の面に形成された第１層と、第１層の他方の面上に設けられ、上顎又は下顎のうちの一方にある臼歯に接触し、前記第１層よりも硬質な第２層とを備える。 One aspect of the present invention includes a molar tooth covering part that covers molar teeth in one of the upper jaw or the lower jaw, and the molar tooth covering part has unevenness formed on one surface corresponding to the molar teeth in the other of the upper jaw or the lower jaw. The second layer is provided on the other surface of the first layer, contacts the molar teeth in one of the upper jaw or the lower jaw, and is harder than the first layer.

実施形態によるマウスピースを装着した状態を示す概略斜視図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a mouthpiece according to an embodiment is worn. 同マウスピースの上面図である。It is a top view of the same mouthpiece. 同マウスピースの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the same mouthpiece. 同マウスピースの底面図である。It is a bottom view of the same mouthpiece. 同マウスピースの正面図である。It is a front view of the same mouthpiece. 同マウスピースの側面図である。It is a side view of the same mouthpiece. 図２のＡ－Ａ断面における断面図である。3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. 図２のＢ－Ｂ断面における断面図である。3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 2. FIG. 図５のＣ－Ｃ断面における断面図である。6 is a sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 5. FIG. 変形例によるマウスピースの底面図である。FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a mouthpiece according to a modified example.

以下、本発明の実施形態について説明する。実施形態では、上顎側に装着するマウスピースを例に挙げて詳細な説明を行うが、本発明は下顎に装着するマウスピースにも適用可能である。また実施形態では、左側第２大臼歯から右側第２大臼歯までの１４本の歯を有する者を例に挙げてマウスピースの構成について詳細な説明を行う。装着者が第３大臼歯を有していたり、一部の歯を有していないような場合も想定される。このような場合、特定の歯とマウスピースの関係に関する説明は、その特定の歯に隣接する歯とマウスピースに関する説明として読み替えてもよい。一例として、装着者が第３大臼歯を有している場合、第２大臼歯とマウスピースの関係に関する説明は、第３大臼歯とマウスピースの関係に関する説明として読み替えてもよい。また、以下の説明では必要に応じて番号を特定せずに「大臼歯」の用語を用いることがあるが、大臼歯とは、文脈に応じて第１大臼歯及び第２大臼歯の両方、又は片方のみを意味するものとする。また、以下の説明では「臼歯」の用語を用いる場合があるが、臼歯とは、大臼歯及び小臼歯を含む。また、以下の説明では方向を示す用語として「頬側」、「唇側」、「舌側」及び「口蓋側」を用いることがある。頬側とは、小臼歯及び大臼歯の外表側を示し、唇側とは、犬歯、側切歯、及び中切歯の外表側を示す。舌側とは、小臼歯及び大臼歯の内表側を示し、口蓋側とは、小臼歯及び大臼歯の外表側を示す。 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the embodiment, a detailed explanation will be given by taking as an example a mouthpiece to be attached to the upper jaw, but the present invention is also applicable to a mouthpiece to be attached to the lower jaw. Further, in the embodiment, the configuration of the mouthpiece will be explained in detail using an example of a person who has 14 teeth from the second molar on the left side to the second molar on the right side. It is also assumed that the wearer has third molars or does not have some teeth. In such a case, the explanation regarding the relationship between a specific tooth and the mouthpiece may be read as an explanation regarding the mouthpiece and the tooth adjacent to the specific tooth. As an example, if the wearer has third molars, the description regarding the relationship between the second molars and the mouthpiece may be read as the description regarding the relationship between the third molars and the mouthpiece. In addition, in the following explanation, the term "molar" may be used without specifying the number as necessary, but molar refers to both the first molar and the second molar, depending on the context. or only one of them. Furthermore, although the term "molar teeth" may be used in the following description, molars include molars and premolars. Further, in the following description, "buccal side", "labial side", "lingual side", and "palatal side" may be used as terms indicating directions. The buccal side refers to the outer surfaces of premolars and molars, and the labial side refers to the outer surfaces of canines, lateral incisors, and central incisors. The lingual side refers to the inner surfaces of premolars and molars, and the palatal side refers to the outer surfaces of premolars and molars.

図１は、マウスピースの斜視図である。図１において装着者の歯茎や歯は破線にて示す。マウスピース１０は、上顎Ｕ側の歯及び歯茎を覆う形状を有する。マウスピース１０が歯又は歯茎を覆うとは、少なくともマウスピース１０が部分的に歯又は歯茎の表面に接触し、マウスピース１０が歯又は歯茎の表面を部分的に覆っていることを意味する。したがって、覆うとは、必ずしもマウスピース１０により歯全体が視認できなくなるような態様のみを意味するものではない。装着時にはマウスピース１０は上顎Ｕ側の歯と下顎Ｌ側の歯との間に介在し、両者が直接接触しないようにする。マウスピース１０は例えばエチレンビニルアセテート、ピリオレフィンのような比較的軟質な熱可塑性樹脂を一体成形して形成される。マウスピース１０は、印象材、３Ｄスキャナのような公知の手段により装着者の歯形を取得し、プログラミングされた切削装置等の機械的手段又は歯科技工士等の技術者の手作業により製造できる。 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece. In FIG. 1, the wearer's gums and teeth are indicated by broken lines. The mouthpiece 10 has a shape that covers the teeth and gums on the upper jaw U side. Mouthpiece 10 covering teeth or gums means that mouthpiece 10 at least partially contacts the surface of teeth or gums, and mouthpiece 10 partially covers surfaces of teeth or gums. Therefore, covering does not necessarily mean only a manner in which the mouthpiece 10 makes the entire tooth invisible. When worn, the mouthpiece 10 is interposed between the teeth on the upper jaw U side and the teeth on the lower jaw L side to prevent them from coming into direct contact. The mouthpiece 10 is formed by integrally molding a relatively soft thermoplastic resin such as ethylene vinyl acetate or pyroolefin. The mouthpiece 10 can be manufactured by obtaining the wearer's tooth profile using a known means such as an impression material or a 3D scanner, and by mechanical means such as a programmed cutting device or by hand by an engineer such as a dental technician.

図２は上面図であり、図３は同マウスピースの斜視図であり、図４は同マウスピースの底面図であり、図５は同マウスピースの正面図であり、図６は同マウスピースの側面図である。図７は、図２のＡ－Ａ断面における断面図である。図２乃至図７に示すように、マウスピース１０は平面視において全体としてＵ字形状を有しており、マウスピース１０の両端は、着用者の歯列の両端部にある第２大臼歯を覆う。マウスピースは主として、２つの臼歯被覆部１２と、中央被覆部１４とを備える。 2 is a top view, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece, FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the mouthpiece, FIG. 5 is a front view of the mouthpiece, and FIG. 6 is a front view of the mouthpiece. FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, the mouthpiece 10 has a U-shape as a whole in plan view, and both ends of the mouthpiece 10 have second molars at both ends of the wearer's dentition. cover. The mouthpiece mainly comprises two molar coverings 12 and a central covering 14 .

臼歯被覆部１２は、上面視において略直線状に延び、第２大臼歯、第１大臼歯、第２小臼歯、及び第１小臼歯を覆う。臼歯被覆部１２の内側には、第２大臼歯、第１大臼歯、第２小臼歯、及び第１小臼歯の外形に対応する凹凸１６が形成されている。２つの臼歯被覆部１２が幅方向両側に配置されており、それぞれの臼歯被覆部１２が対応する歯を覆う。具体的には臼歯被覆部１２は、上向きに開口したＵ字断面形状を有し、第２大臼歯、第１大臼歯、第２小臼歯、及び第１小臼歯のそれぞれの舌側面、頬側面、及び底面に接触する。臼歯被覆部１２の内側面１８及び内側底面２０には、第２大臼歯、第１大臼歯、第２小臼歯及び第１小臼歯の形状に対応する凹凸１６が形成されている。臼歯被覆部１２の水平に延びる底部は、硬度の異なる材料を積層した二層構造を有している。二層構造は、比較的軟質な第１層２２と、比較的硬質な第２層２４とを備える。第１層２２の硬度は、例えばショアＡ硬度３０～９５を有しているのがよい。第２層２４の硬度は、第１層２２よりも高く、例えばショアＡ硬度７０～１００を有しているのがよい。第１層２２としては、例えばＥＶＡ（Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate）等の軟質熱可塑性樹脂を用いることができる。第２層２４としては、例えばＳＢＳ（Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene）樹脂等のスチレン系熱可塑性エラストマーを用いることができる。 The molar covering portion 12 extends substantially linearly in a top view, and covers the second molar, the first molar, the second premolar, and the first premolar. On the inside of the molar tooth covering part 12, unevenness 16 corresponding to the external shapes of the second molar tooth, the first molar tooth, the second premolar tooth, and the first premolar tooth is formed. Two molar tooth covering parts 12 are arranged on both sides in the width direction, and each molar tooth covering part 12 covers a corresponding tooth. Specifically, the molar tooth covering part 12 has a U-shaped cross section that opens upward, and covers the lingual and buccal surfaces of the second molar, first molar, second premolar, and first premolar, respectively. , and touch the bottom surface. The inner surface 18 and the inner bottom surface 20 of the molar tooth covering part 12 are formed with unevenness 16 corresponding to the shapes of the second molar, the first molar, the second premolar, and the first premolar. The horizontally extending bottom portion of the molar tooth covering portion 12 has a two-layer structure in which materials having different hardnesses are laminated. The two-layer structure includes a relatively soft first layer 22 and a relatively hard second layer 24. The hardness of the first layer 22 preferably has a Shore A hardness of 30 to 95, for example. The hardness of the second layer 24 is higher than that of the first layer 22, and preferably has a Shore A hardness of 70 to 100, for example. As the first layer 22, a soft thermoplastic resin such as EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) can be used, for example. As the second layer 24, a styrene thermoplastic elastomer such as SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) resin can be used, for example.

第１層２２が下側（対向する歯に近い側）に形成され、第２層２４が上側（覆っている歯に近い側）に形成されている。第１層２２の下面には、下顎側の第１大臼歯等の噛合面に対応する凹凸形状２６が形成されている。なお、噛合面とは、歯同士が接触する面であり、咬合面を含む。凹凸形状２６は、装着者が下顎の歯を臼歯被覆部１２に接触させた際に、下顎の歯を上顎に対して予め決定された適切な位置に誘導する誘導部として機能する。誘導部としての凹凸形状２６を設けることで、マウスピース１０を装着した者が口を閉じた際に下顎を上顎に対して適切な位置に位置決めできる。また誘導部の凹凸形状２６を下顎の圧痕とすることで、下顎の歯を一様にマウスピース１０に接触させ、装着感を向上させられる。 A first layer 22 is formed on the lower side (closer to the opposing tooth), and a second layer 24 is formed on the upper side (closer to the covering tooth). The lower surface of the first layer 22 is formed with an uneven shape 26 corresponding to the occlusal surface of the first molar teeth on the lower jaw side. Note that the occlusal surface is a surface where teeth come into contact with each other, and includes the occlusal surface. The concavo-convex shape 26 functions as a guide portion that guides the teeth of the lower jaw to a predetermined appropriate position with respect to the upper jaw when the wearer brings the teeth of the lower jaw into contact with the molar tooth covering portion 12. By providing the uneven shape 26 as a guiding portion, when the person wearing the mouthpiece 10 closes his or her mouth, the lower jaw can be positioned at an appropriate position relative to the upper jaw. Further, by making the concavo-convex shape 26 of the guide part an indentation on the lower jaw, the teeth of the lower jaw can be brought into uniform contact with the mouthpiece 10, and the wearing feeling can be improved.

印象材により歯形を採取する場合、凹凸形状２６は下顎側の臼歯のうち適切な噛み合わせのときに第１層２２の下面に接触すべき臼歯を押し当てて第１層２２の下面に圧痕を残すことで形成される。マウスピース１０を切削加工する場合、接触すべき臼歯の形状及び適切な位置を計算して凹凸が形成される。第２層２４は、第１層２２の上面に配置されている。第２層２４は、上顎の第２大臼歯、第１大臼歯、第２小臼歯、及び第１小臼歯の噛合面に対応する形状を有している。第２層２４の上面には、上顎の第２大臼歯、第１大臼歯、第２小臼歯及び第１小臼歯の噛合面が接触する。 When a tooth profile is taken using an impression material, the uneven shape 26 is created by pressing the molar teeth on the lower jaw side that should come into contact with the lower surface of the first layer 22 during proper occlusion to create an indentation on the lower surface of the first layer 22. It is formed by leaving behind. When cutting the mouthpiece 10, the irregularities are formed by calculating the shape and appropriate position of the molar teeth to be contacted. The second layer 24 is disposed on the top surface of the first layer 22. The second layer 24 has a shape corresponding to the occlusal surfaces of the second molar, first molar, second premolar, and first premolar of the upper jaw. The upper surface of the second layer 24 is in contact with the occlusal surfaces of the second molars, first molars, second premolars, and first premolars of the upper jaw.

第１層２２の幅方向厚さは、高さ位置によって異なっている。図７から分かるように、第１層２２の頬側の厚さは、上部２２Ｕにおいて薄く、下部２２Ｌにおいて厚い。第１層２２の頬側の上部２２Ｕは歯茎に接触し第１層２２の高さの約１／３を占め、下部２２Ｌは歯の頬側に接触し第１層２２の高さの約２／３を占める。第１層２２の上部２２Ｕを薄くすることで、触覚のある歯茎部分に対する圧迫を低減できる。第１層２２の下部２２Ｌを厚くすることで、下部２２Ｌが幅方向に開きにくくなり、歯とマウスピース１０の相対的な位置関係をしっかり維持できる。 The widthwise thickness of the first layer 22 differs depending on the height position. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the thickness of the first layer 22 on the buccal side is thinner at the upper portion 22U and thicker at the lower portion 22L. The upper part 22U on the buccal side of the first layer 22 contacts the gums and occupies about 1/3 of the height of the first layer 22, and the lower part 22L contacts the buccal side of the teeth and occupies about 1/3 of the height of the first layer 22. occupies /3. By making the upper part 22U of the first layer 22 thinner, pressure on the tactile part of the gums can be reduced. By making the lower part 22L of the first layer 22 thicker, the lower part 22L becomes difficult to open in the width direction, and the relative positional relationship between the teeth and the mouthpiece 10 can be firmly maintained.

臼歯被覆部１２の後端部２８は、臼歯被覆部１２の後端部以外の部分よりも幅が狭い幅狭形状を有する。後端部２８は、歯列の端部にある第２大臼歯を覆う。臼歯被覆部１２の後端部２８以外の部分は、第１大臼歯、第２小臼歯、及び第１小臼歯を覆う。後端部２８は、水平面と平行に延びる板状形状を有する。後端部２８は、第２大臼歯の噛合面のみに接触し、第２大臼歯の舌側面及び頬側面には接触しない。つまりマウスピース１０の舌側面及び頬側面は、第１大臼歯と第２大臼歯の間で終端する。後端部２８は、上面視において後端に向かって幅が狭まる形状、後端に向かって幅が広がる形状、又は全長にわたって均一の幅を有する形状を有していてもよい。後端部２８は、第２大臼歯の後端面まで伸びても良いし、第２大臼歯の噛合面で終端してもよい。後端部２８を第２大臼歯の後端面まで伸ばすと、マウスピース１０をよりしっかりと上顎に固定できる。 The rear end portion 28 of the molar tooth covering portion 12 has a narrow shape that is narrower than the portion of the molar tooth covering portion 12 other than the rear end portion. The posterior end 28 covers the second molar at the end of the dentition. The portion of the molar covering portion 12 other than the rear end portion 28 covers the first molar, the second premolar, and the first premolar. The rear end portion 28 has a plate-like shape extending parallel to the horizontal plane. The rear end portion 28 contacts only the occlusal surface of the second molar and does not contact the lingual and buccal surfaces of the second molar. That is, the lingual and buccal sides of the mouthpiece 10 terminate between the first and second molars. The rear end portion 28 may have a shape in which the width narrows toward the rear end, a shape in which the width increases toward the rear end, or a shape that has a uniform width over the entire length in a top view. The posterior end portion 28 may extend to the posterior surface of the second molar or may terminate at the occlusal surface of the second molar. By extending the rear end portion 28 to the rear end surface of the second molar, the mouthpiece 10 can be more securely fixed to the upper jaw.

後端部２８が第２大臼歯の噛合面のみに接触するようにすることで、マウスピース１０は第２大臼歯の頬側面及び舌側面とは接触しない。後端部２８の舌側面を無くすことにより、マウスピース１０を装着した際の装着者の異常絞扼反射を防止できる。後端部２８の頬側面を無くすことにより、マウスピース１０が咬筋に接触しにくくなり、装着者が口を動かした際に違和感を与えないようにできる。また、後端部２８を幅狭形状とし、後端部２８にも下顎側の歯の噛合面に対応する凹凸形状２６を設けることにより、後端部２８においても下顎と上顎の相対位置を保持できる。これにより、例えば装着者が顎先に何らかの衝撃を受けたときに脳に伝わる振動を減らせる。また、幅狭形状を設けることにより、マウスピース１０の審美性、及びオーダメイド感を向上させられる。後端部２８は、奥側（遠心側）に向かうにしたがって薄くなる形状を有することが好ましい。この構成により、装着感を増加させられる。 By making the rear end portion 28 contact only the occlusal surface of the second molar, the mouthpiece 10 does not come into contact with the buccal and lingual surfaces of the second molar. By eliminating the tongue side surface of the rear end portion 28, abnormal gag reflex of the wearer when wearing the mouthpiece 10 can be prevented. By eliminating the buccal side surface of the rear end portion 28, the mouthpiece 10 is less likely to come into contact with the masseter muscle, so that the wearer does not feel uncomfortable when moving his or her mouth. In addition, by making the rear end 28 into a narrow shape and providing the rear end 28 with an uneven shape 26 that corresponds to the occlusal surface of teeth on the lower jaw side, the relative positions of the lower jaw and the upper jaw are maintained at the rear end 28 as well. can. This reduces the vibrations that are transmitted to the brain when the wearer receives some type of shock to the chin, for example. Moreover, by providing the narrow shape, the aesthetics and custom-made feel of the mouthpiece 10 can be improved. The rear end portion 28 preferably has a shape that becomes thinner toward the back (distal side). This configuration increases the feeling of wearing.

中央被覆部１４は、上面視においてＵ字状に延び、２つの臼歯被覆部１２の間にある歯を覆う。具体的には中央被覆部１４は、左右の第１小臼歯の間にある犬歯、側切歯、及び中切歯を覆う。中央被覆部１４の内側には、犬歯、側切歯、及び中中切歯の外形に対応する凹凸が形成されている。中央被覆部１４は、犬歯、側切歯、及び中切歯の唇側及び口蓋側に接触するＶ字形状を有している。 The central covering part 14 extends in a U-shape when viewed from above, and covers the teeth between the two molar covering parts 12. Specifically, the central covering portion 14 covers the canines, lateral incisors, and central incisors located between the left and right first premolars. The inner side of the central covering part 14 is formed with unevenness corresponding to the external shapes of canine teeth, lateral incisors, and central central incisors. The central covering portion 14 has a V-shape that contacts the labial and palatal sides of the canines, lateral incisors, and central incisors.

図８は図２のＢ－Ｂ断面における断面図であり、図９は図５のＣ－Ｃ断面における断面図である。なお、図９では、明確化のためにマウスピースの外径のみを示しており、マウスピースの内側にある歯に対応する凹凸形状を省略して示している。 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 2, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. In addition, in FIG. 9, only the outer diameter of the mouthpiece is shown for clarity, and the uneven shape corresponding to the teeth on the inside of the mouthpiece is omitted.

図８に示すように、中央被覆部１４の唇側面３０は、略鉛直に切り立った面として形成され、口蓋側面３２は上側、且つ舌の中央に向かって傾斜した面として形成される。中央被覆部１４の口蓋側面３２は、全体として傾斜した形状を有している。口蓋側面３２の上端は、少なくとも歯冠と歯根の境界となる歯頚部まで至る。また口蓋側面３２の上端は、歯頚部に沿った形状とすることが好ましい。これにより舌が口蓋側面３２の上端に接触したときの舌触りの違和感を減らせる。中央被覆部１４の口蓋側面３２は、半分にされた裁頭円錐形状を有しているとも言える。中央被覆部１４の口蓋側面３２を傾斜した形状とすることで、中央被覆部１４の後側に舌を収容する舌収容空間を形成できる。舌収容空間については後述する。 As shown in FIG. 8, the labial side surface 30 of the central covering part 14 is formed as a substantially vertically steep surface, and the palatal side surface 32 is formed as a surface inclined toward the upper side and toward the center of the tongue. The palatal side surface 32 of the central covering part 14 has an inclined shape as a whole. The upper end of the palatal side surface 32 extends at least to the tooth neck, which is the boundary between the tooth crown and the tooth root. Further, it is preferable that the upper end of the palatal side surface 32 has a shape that follows the tooth neck. This reduces the discomfort of the tongue when it comes into contact with the upper end of the palate side surface 32. The palatal side 32 of the central covering 14 can also be said to have the shape of a halved truncated cone. By forming the palatal side surface 32 of the central covering part 14 into an inclined shape, a tongue accommodating space for accommodating the tongue can be formed on the rear side of the central covering part 14. The tongue accommodation space will be described later.

中央被覆部１４は、唇側において厚く、口蓋側において薄く形成される。中央被覆部１４の唇側を厚くすることにより中央被覆部１４の剛性を確保できる。中央被覆部１４の口蓋側はあまり剛性に寄与しないため、口蓋側を薄くすることで装着時に舌の違和感を少なくでき、且つマウスピース全体の軽量化を図れる。 The central covering portion 14 is thick on the labial side and thin on the palate side. By making the lip side of the central covering part 14 thicker, the rigidity of the central covering part 14 can be ensured. Since the palate side of the central covering part 14 does not contribute much to rigidity, by making the palate side thinner, it is possible to reduce the discomfort felt on the tongue when worn, and also to reduce the weight of the entire mouthpiece.

図９に示すよう、マウスピース１０の高さ方向中間位置で水平方向に切った断面において舌収容空間３４は半円形状を有している。舌収容空間３４の左右の後端３６Ｌ，３６Ｒは、臼歯被覆部１２の前端により定められる。舌収容空間３４の左右の後端３６Ｌ，３６Ｒは、舌収容空間３４の他の部分と比較して幅狭になっている。装着者が舌Ｔの先端を中央被覆部１４の口蓋側面３２の頂点に接触させると、幅狭部分を形成する後端３６Ｌ，３６Ｒが舌Ｔを左右から圧迫し、支持する。つまり舌収容空間３４の後端３６Ｌ，３６Ｒは、舌収容空間３４にある舌を舌収容空間３４内の適切な位置で支持する舌支持部として機能する。舌Ｔの先端を中切歯の口蓋側に接触させると、舌Ｔが全体として前側に出るため気道が広がる。また、舌の先端を中切歯の口蓋側に接触させると舌骨の位置が上昇し、猫背が改善される。マウスピース１０によれば、舌収容空間３４内で舌Ｔの位置を支持できるため装着者が意識せずに舌Ｔを適切な位置に保持できる。また、舌Ｔが舌収容空間３４外にあると舌Ｔが舌収容空間３４の後端３６Ｌ，３６Ｒの幅狭部分と接触して違和感が生じる。したがって舌収容空間３４の後端３６Ｌ，３６Ｒの幅狭部分により舌を舌収容空間３４内に誘導できる。また舌収容空間３４を形成する口蓋側面３２を傾斜させることで、装着者の舌を口蓋側面３２に沿って湾曲させるよう促せる。これにより舌が硬口蓋に対して面で接触し、気道をさらに広げられる。つまりマウスピース１０を装着することで、姿勢が改善し、軽度の酸欠による心拍数の上昇を抑え、且つ酸素の取り込み量を増やせる。 As shown in FIG. 9, the tongue accommodation space 34 has a semicircular shape in a cross section taken horizontally at an intermediate position in the height direction of the mouthpiece 10. The left and right rear ends 36L and 36R of the tongue accommodation space 34 are defined by the front end of the molar covering portion 12. The left and right rear ends 36L and 36R of the tongue accommodating space 34 are narrower than other parts of the tongue accommodating space 34. When the wearer brings the tip of the tongue T into contact with the apex of the palate side surface 32 of the central covering portion 14, the rear ends 36L and 36R forming the narrow portion press and support the tongue T from the left and right sides. That is, the rear ends 36L and 36R of the tongue accommodating space 34 function as a tongue support part that supports the tongue in the tongue accommodating space 34 at an appropriate position within the tongue accommodating space 34. When the tip of the tongue T comes into contact with the palate side of the central incisors, the entire tongue T protrudes forward, expanding the airway. Also, when the tip of the tongue touches the palate side of the central incisors, the position of the hyoid bone rises, improving hunched back posture. According to the mouthpiece 10, the position of the tongue T can be supported within the tongue accommodation space 34, so that the wearer can unconsciously hold the tongue T at an appropriate position. Furthermore, if the tongue T is outside the tongue accommodation space 34, the tongue T will come into contact with the narrow portions of the rear ends 36L, 36R of the tongue accommodation space 34, causing a sense of discomfort. Therefore, the tongue can be guided into the tongue accommodation space 34 by the narrow portions of the rear ends 36L, 36R of the tongue accommodation space 34. Furthermore, by inclining the palatal side surface 32 that forms the tongue accommodation space 34, it is possible to encourage the wearer's tongue to curve along the palatal side surface 32. This allows the tongue to make surface contact with the hard palate, further widening the airway. In other words, by wearing the mouthpiece 10, posture can be improved, an increase in heart rate due to mild oxygen deficiency can be suppressed, and the amount of oxygen taken in can be increased.

図２乃至図６に戻り、マウスピース１０の上端は、全体として波状形状３８を有している。波状形状３８は装着者の歯の位置に対応して設けられる。波状形状３８の凹部４０（上方に対して凹をなす部分）は、装着者の歯根の位置に対応し、波状形状３８の凸部４２（上方に対して凸をなす部分）は歯根の間の位置に対応する。つまりマウスピース１０の上端は、***の動きを阻害しないように設計される。つまり、歯根に対応する位置に凹部４０を設けることにより、マウスピース１０の上端が歯根により前方側に押し出されて唇に当たらないようにできる。人の歯の幅及び間隔は不規則であるため、波状形状もこれに対応して波長及び振幅が不規則であるのがよい。 Returning to FIGS. 2-6, the upper end of the mouthpiece 10 has a generally wavy shape 38. The wavy shape 38 is provided corresponding to the position of the wearer's teeth. The concave portion 40 of the wavy shape 38 (the part that is concave toward the top) corresponds to the position of the wearer's tooth roots, and the convex portion 42 (the part that is convex toward the top) of the wavy shape 38 corresponds to the position of the tooth root of the wearer. corresponds to the position. In other words, the upper end of the mouthpiece 10 is designed so as not to inhibit the movement of the lips. That is, by providing the recess 40 at a position corresponding to the tooth root, the upper end of the mouthpiece 10 can be prevented from being pushed forward by the tooth root and hitting the lips. Since the width and spacing of human teeth are irregular, the wavy shape should be correspondingly irregular in wavelength and amplitude.

また、波状形状３８のうち幅方向中央の凹部４０は他の凹部よりも振幅が大きい。中央の凹部４０は、装着者の上唇小帯に対応する位置に設けられており、装着者の上唇小帯を収容する小帯収容部４４として機能する。小帯収容部４４を設けることにより、マウスピース１０と上顎との相対的な位置関係をより保持し易くできる。 Furthermore, the recess 40 at the center in the width direction of the wavy shape 38 has a larger amplitude than the other recesses. The central recess 40 is provided at a position corresponding to the wearer's upper lip frenum, and functions as a frenulum accommodating portion 44 that accommodates the wearer's upper lip frenum. By providing the frenulum accommodating portion 44, the relative positional relationship between the mouthpiece 10 and the upper jaw can be more easily maintained.

図１０は、実施形態の変形例によるマウスピースの底面図である。図１０に示すようにマウスピース５０は、物理的に切り離された２つの臼歯被覆部５２のみを有し、中央被覆部を有していなくてもよい。このような変形例によっても、上顎と下顎の相対的な位置関係を適切に維持できる。 FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a mouthpiece according to a modification of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the mouthpiece 50 may have only two physically separated molar covering portions 52 and may not have a central covering portion. Even with such a modification, the relative positional relationship between the upper jaw and the lower jaw can be maintained appropriately.

上述の実施形態及び変形例は例示であり、実施形態において説明した複数の特徴は単独でマウスピースに適用できる。したがって、実施形態を一般化すると以下の態様も導き出せる。 The embodiments and modifications described above are merely examples, and multiple features described in the embodiments can be applied independently to the mouthpiece. Therefore, by generalizing the embodiment, the following aspects can also be derived.

〔態様１〕
上顎の臼歯を覆う臼歯被覆部を備え、
前記臼歯被覆部は、下顎の臼歯に対応する凹凸が一方の面に形成された第１層と、
前記第１層の他方の面上に設けられ、上顎の臼歯に接触し、前記第１層よりも硬質な第２層とを備えるマウスピース。 [Aspect 1]
Equipped with a molar covering part that covers the molars of the upper jaw,
The molar tooth covering portion includes a first layer in which unevenness corresponding to the molar teeth of the lower jaw is formed on one surface;
A mouthpiece comprising: a second layer that is provided on the other surface of the first layer, contacts the molar teeth of the upper jaw, and is harder than the first layer.

〔態様２〕
下顎の臼歯を覆う臼歯被覆部を備え、
前記臼歯被覆部は、上顎の臼歯に対応する凹凸が一方の面に形成された第１層と、
前記第１層の他方の面上に設けられ、下顎の臼歯に接触し、前記第１層よりも硬質な第２層とを備えるマウスピース。 [Aspect 2]
It has a molar covering part that covers the molars of the lower jaw,
The molar tooth covering portion includes a first layer in which unevenness corresponding to the molar teeth of the upper jaw is formed on one surface;
A mouthpiece comprising: a second layer that is provided on the other surface of the first layer, contacts the molar teeth of the mandible, and is harder than the first layer.

〔態様３〕
互いに物理的に分離された２つの前記臼歯被覆部を備える、態様１又は態様２に記載のマウスピース。 [Aspect 3]
The mouthpiece according to aspect 1 or aspect 2, comprising two of the molar tooth covering parts that are physically separated from each other.

〔態様４〕
臼歯被覆部の後端部が、後端部以外の部分よりも幅が狭い幅狭形状を有する、態様１乃至３のいずれか１項に記載のマウスピース。 [Aspect 4]
The mouthpiece according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the rear end portion of the molar tooth covering portion has a narrow shape that is narrower than the portion other than the rear end portion.

〔態様５〕
左右のそれぞれの臼歯を覆う２つの臼歯被覆部と、
前記２つの臼歯被覆部とを繋ぎ、２つの臼歯被覆部の間にある歯を覆う中央被覆部とを備え、
前記中央被覆部は、舌の先端が前記中央被覆部の口蓋に接触する位置で舌を支持する舌支持部を備える、マウスピース。 [Aspect 5]
Two molar covering parts that cover the left and right molars,
a central covering part that connects the two molar tooth covering parts and covers the teeth between the two molar tooth covering parts;
The central covering part is a mouthpiece including a tongue support part that supports the tongue at a position where the tip of the tongue contacts the palate of the central covering part.

〔態様６〕
頬側及び唇側の上端が装着者の歯茎形状に対応する波状形状を有する、態様６に記載のマウスピース。 [Aspect 6]
The mouthpiece according to aspect 6, wherein the upper ends on the buccal side and the labial side have a wavy shape corresponding to the shape of the wearer's gums.

１０マウスピース、１２臼歯被覆部、１４中央被覆部、２２第１層、２４第２層、２８後端部、３６Ｌ後端、３８波状形状、５０マウスピース、５２臼歯被覆部。 10 mouthpiece, 12 molar covering part, 14 central covering part, 22 first layer, 24 second layer, 28 rear end, 36L rear end, 38 wavy shape, 50 mouthpiece, 52 molar covering part.

Claims

上顎又は下顎のうちの一方にある臼歯を覆う臼歯被覆部を備え、
前記臼歯被覆部は、上顎又は下顎のうちの他方にある臼歯に対応する凹凸が一方の面に形成された第１層と、
前記第１層の他方の面上に設けられ、上顎又は下顎のうちの一方にある臼歯に接触し、前記第１層よりも硬質な第２層とを備えるマウスピース。 A molar covering part that covers molar teeth in one of the upper jaw or the lower jaw,
The molar tooth covering part includes a first layer in which unevenness corresponding to molar teeth in the other of the upper jaw or the lower jaw is formed on one surface;
A mouthpiece comprising: a second layer that is provided on the other surface of the first layer, contacts molar teeth in one of the upper jaw or the lower jaw, and is harder than the first layer.

前記第２層には、上顎又は下顎のうちの一方にある臼歯の圧痕に対応する凹凸が形成されている、請求項１に記載のマウスピース。 The mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the second layer is formed with unevenness corresponding to impressions of molar teeth on one of the upper jaw and the lower jaw.

前記第１層は、３０～９５のショアＡ硬度を有する、請求項１又は２に記載のマウスピース。 The mouthpiece according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first layer has a Shore A hardness of 30 to 95.

前記第２層は、７０～１００のショアＡ硬度を有する、請求項１又は２に記載のマウスピース。 The mouthpiece according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second layer has a Shore A hardness of 70 to 100.

前記臼歯被覆部の後端部は、後端部以外の部分よりも幅が狭い幅狭形状を有する、請求項１乃至４のいずれか１項に記載のマウスピース。 The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a rear end portion of the molar tooth covering portion has a narrow shape that is narrower than a portion other than the rear end portion.

前記臼歯被覆部の後端部は、第１大臼歯の後端よりも後側に向けて延び、第２大臼歯の舌側及び頬側は覆わず噛合面のみを覆う、請求項５に記載のマウスピース。 The rear end part of the molar tooth covering part extends toward the rear side from the rear end of the first molar tooth, and covers only the occlusal surface without covering the lingual side and buccal side of the second molar tooth. mouthpiece.

前記臼歯被覆部の後端は、歯列の最後側の歯の噛合面の後端よりもさらに後方に対応する位置まで延びる、請求項６に記載のマウスピース。 The mouthpiece according to claim 6, wherein the rear end of the molar tooth covering portion extends to a position further rearward than the rear end of the occlusal surface of the rearmost tooth in the tooth row.

前記臼歯被覆部の厚みは、下側よりも上側が薄い、請求項１乃至７のいずれか１項に記載のマウスピース。 The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the thickness of the molar tooth covering portion is thinner on the upper side than on the lower side.

２つの前記臼歯被覆部と、
前記２つの臼歯被覆部とを繋ぎ、２つの臼歯被覆部の間にある歯を覆う中央被覆部とを備える、請求項１に記載のマウスピース。 the two molar tooth covering parts;
The mouthpiece according to claim 1, further comprising a central covering part that connects the two molar covering parts and covers the teeth between the two molar covering parts.

前記中央被覆部は、舌の先端が前記中央被覆部の口蓋側に接触する位置で舌を支持する舌支持部を備える、請求項９項に記載のマウスピース。 The mouthpiece according to claim 9, wherein the central covering part includes a tongue support part that supports the tongue at a position where the tip of the tongue contacts the palate side of the central covering part.

前記中央被覆部の厚みは、唇側よりも口蓋側が薄い、請求項９又は１０に記載のマウスピース。 The mouthpiece according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the thickness of the central covering portion is thinner on the palate side than on the labial side.

頬側及び唇側の上端が装着者の歯茎形状に対応する波状形状を有する、請求項１に記載のマウスピース。 The mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the upper ends on the buccal and labial sides have a wavy shape corresponding to the shape of the wearer's gums.

前記波状形状は、波長及び振幅が不規則である、請求項１２に記載のマウスピース。 13. The mouthpiece of claim 12, wherein the wavy shape is irregular in wavelength and amplitude.

装着者の上唇小帯を収容する小帯収容部を備える、請求項１２又は１３に記載のマウスピース。 The mouthpiece according to claim 12 or 13, comprising a frenulum accommodating portion that accommodates the wearer's upper lip frenulum.