JP2024070540A - Mouthpiece - Google Patents

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JP2024070540A
JP2024070540A JP2022181099A JP2022181099A JP2024070540A JP 2024070540 A JP2024070540 A JP 2024070540A JP 2022181099 A JP2022181099 A JP 2022181099A JP 2022181099 A JP2022181099 A JP 2022181099A JP 2024070540 A JP2024070540 A JP 2024070540A
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wall portion
mouthpiece
dentition
wall
covering
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友和 上田
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Abstract

【課題】形状や大きさの異なる歯列にも装着可能なマウスピースを提供する。【解決手段】マウスピース１は、使用者の歯列に装着されるものであって、外壁部２と、内壁部３と、外壁部２と内壁部３とを連結する連結壁部４と、備え、外壁部２,内壁部３,連結壁部４により、歯列を収容するための平面視Ｕ字状の溝Ｇが規定されている。内壁部３の側縁３１には、その長手方向Ｄ１中央部に第１の切欠３２ａが設けられ、第１の切欠３２ａは、連結壁部４に向かうに従い幅寸法が漸減するテーパ状であって、中切歯に対応する箇所において、内壁部３の中切歯覆部位は咬合平面に対して３０°以上の傾斜方向に沿って延びる。【選択図】図１[Problem] To provide a mouthpiece that can be worn on rows of teeth of different shapes and sizes. [Solution] A mouthpiece 1 is to be worn on the row of teeth of a user, and comprises an outer wall 2, an inner wall 3, and a connecting wall 4 that connects the outer wall 2 and the inner wall 3, and a groove G that is U-shaped in plan view for accommodating the row of teeth is defined by the outer wall 2, the inner wall 3, and the connecting wall 4. A first notch 32a is provided in the center of the side edge 31 of the inner wall 3 in the longitudinal direction D1, and the first notch 32a is tapered so that the width dimension gradually decreases toward the connecting wall 4, and at the location corresponding to the central incisor, the central incisor-covering portion of the inner wall 3 extends along a direction inclined at an angle of 30° or more with respect to the occlusal plane. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

本発明は、マウスピースに関し、特に形状や大きさの異なる歯列にも装着可能なマウスピースに関する。 The present invention relates to a mouthpiece, and in particular to a mouthpiece that can be attached to teeth of different shapes and sizes.

従来より、使用者の歯列や歯肉を被覆するためのマウスピースが広く用いられてきた。マウスピースを用いる目的としては、歯のホワイトニング、歯周病の予防や治療、いびき防止、スポーツ時における歯列の保護等が挙げられる（例えば、特許文献１,２参照）。また、マウスピース型の歯ブラシとしての利用も提案されている（例えば、特許文献３参照）。 Mouthpieces have been widely used to cover the user's dentition and gums. Purposes for using mouthpieces include teeth whitening, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, prevention of snoring, and protection of the dentition during sports (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Use as a mouthpiece-type toothbrush has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

このようなマウスピースは、口腔内印象により使用者の正確な歯型と歯肉の石膏模型を調整して製造されるのが一般的であった。 Such mouthpieces were typically manufactured by taking intraoral impressions to create precise plaster models of the user's teeth and gums.

特開２０１８－１９２２１７号公報JP 2018-192217 A 特開２０１８－１９９７７７号公報JP 2018-199777 A 特開２０２２－０６３１０１号公報JP 2022-063101 A

口腔内印象により製造されるマウスピースは、使用者の歯列に合わせて製造されることから使用者の歯列にぴったり装着でき、使い勝手が良い一方で、製造に手間がかかる上に製造コストが高いという問題があった。また、使用者が成長期の場合には、使用者の成長に合わせてマウスピースを作り直す必要があった。 Mouthpieces made from intraoral impressions are manufactured to fit the user's dentition, so they fit perfectly to the user's dentition and are easy to use, but they have the problem that they are time-consuming to manufacture and expensive to produce. Also, if the user is still growing, the mouthpiece needs to be remade to match the user's growth.

このことから、汎用品としてのマウスピースに対する需要が高まっている。しかしながら、汎用品のマウスピースは廉価に入手できる一方で、使用者の歯列にフィットせず、使い勝手が悪いうえに、マウスピースの効果が半減してしまうという問題があった。 This has led to an increasing demand for generic mouthpieces. However, while generic mouthpieces are inexpensive, they have the problem that they do not fit the user's dentition, are difficult to use, and reduce the effectiveness of the mouthpiece by half.

本発明は、形状や大きさの異なる歯列にも装着可能なマウスピースの提供を目的とする。 The present invention aims to provide a mouthpiece that can be worn on teeth of different shapes and sizes.

本発明に係るマウスピースは、使用者の歯列に装着されて前記歯列と歯肉を覆うマウスピースであって、外壁部と、内壁部と、所定方向における一方側に位置し、前記外壁部と前記内壁部とを連結する連結壁部と、備え、前記外壁部,前記内壁部,及び前記連結壁部により、前記歯列を収容するための平面視Ｕ字状の溝が規定され、前記内壁部の側縁には、前記側縁の長手方向中央部に第１の切欠が設けられ、前記第１の切欠は、前記連結壁部に向かうに従い幅寸法が漸減するテーパ状であって、中切歯に対応する箇所において、前記内壁部は、前記中切歯を覆うための中切歯覆部位と、歯肉を覆うための歯肉覆部位と、を有し、前記中切歯覆部位は咬合平面に対して３０°以上の傾斜方向に沿って延びる。 The mouthpiece according to the present invention is a mouthpiece that is fitted to the dentition of a user to cover the dentition and gums, and is provided with an outer wall portion, an inner wall portion, and a connecting wall portion located on one side in a predetermined direction and connecting the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion, the outer wall portion, the inner wall portion, and the connecting wall portion define a groove that is U-shaped in plan view to accommodate the dentition, the side edge of the inner wall portion is provided with a first notch at the longitudinal center of the side edge, the first notch is tapered so that the width dimension gradually decreases toward the connecting wall portion, and at a location corresponding to the central incisor, the inner wall portion has a central incisor covering portion for covering the central incisor and a gingiva covering portion for covering the gums, and the central incisor covering portion extends along a direction inclined at an angle of 30° or more with respect to the occlusal plane.

本発明に係るマウスピースは、使用者の歯列に装着されて前記歯列と歯肉を覆うマウスピースであって、外壁部と、内壁部と、所定方向における一方側に位置し、前記外壁部と前記内壁部とを連結する連結壁部と、備え、前記外壁部,前記内壁部,及び前記連結壁部により、前記歯列を収容するための平面視Ｕ字状の溝が規定され、前記内壁部の側縁には、前記側縁の長手方向中央部に第１の切欠が設けられ、前記第１の切欠は、前記連結壁部に向かうに従い幅寸法が漸減するテーパ状であって、中切歯に対応する箇所において、前記内壁部は、前記中切歯を覆うための中切歯覆部位と、前記歯肉を覆うための歯肉覆部位と、を有し、前記中切歯覆部位は咬合平面に対して５０°以上の傾斜方向に沿って延びる。 The mouthpiece according to the present invention is a mouthpiece that is attached to the dentition of a user to cover the dentition and gums, and is provided with an outer wall portion, an inner wall portion, and a connecting wall portion located on one side in a predetermined direction and connecting the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion, the outer wall portion, the inner wall portion, and the connecting wall portion define a groove that is U-shaped in plan view to accommodate the dentition, the side edge of the inner wall portion is provided with a first notch at the longitudinal center of the side edge, the first notch is tapered so that the width dimension gradually decreases toward the connecting wall portion, and at a location corresponding to the central incisor, the inner wall portion has a central incisor covering portion for covering the central incisor and a gum covering portion for covering the gums, and the central incisor covering portion extends along a direction inclined at an angle of 50° or more with respect to the occlusal plane.

本発明に係るマウスピースによれば、内壁部の側縁には切欠が設けられ、当該切欠は連結壁部に向かうに従い幅寸法が漸減するテーパ状に形成されているので、マウスピースが使用者の歯列に装着された際に幅方向が狭まる方向に変形した場合であってもマウスピースが歯列から浮き上がるのを防止して、マウスピースを使用者の歯列に良好に装着できる。また、マウスピースが幅方向に押し広げられるように変形した場合であっても、歯列に過度な負荷がかかるのを防止できる。 According to the mouthpiece of the present invention, a notch is provided on the side edge of the inner wall portion, and the notch is formed in a tapered shape in which the width dimension gradually decreases toward the connecting wall portion. Therefore, even if the mouthpiece is deformed in a direction narrowing the width when attached to the user's dentition, the mouthpiece is prevented from floating up from the dentition, and the mouthpiece can be attached well to the user's dentition. In addition, even if the mouthpiece is deformed so as to be pushed wider in the width direction, excessive load on the dentition can be prevented.

更に、中切歯に対応する箇所において、前記内壁部の中切歯覆部位は咬合平面に対して３０°又は５０°以上の傾斜方向に沿って延びるので、マウスピースが使用者の歯列に装着された際に幅方向が狭まる方向に変形した場合であっても、マウスピースの内壁部は歯列側（唇側）に押されるようになり、マウスピースと歯列との間に隙間が生じるのを防止できる。 Furthermore, in the area corresponding to the central incisors, the central incisor-covering portion of the inner wall extends in a direction inclined at 30° or 50° or more with respect to the occlusal plane, so that even if the mouthpiece is deformed in a direction narrowing the width when attached to the user's dentition, the inner wall of the mouthpiece is pressed toward the dentition (lip side), preventing the occurrence of a gap between the mouthpiece and the dentition.

本発明の第１実施形態に係るマウスピースを示す図であって、（ａ）は平面図、（ｂ）は底面図。1A and 1B are diagrams showing a mouthpiece according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 図１に示すマウスピースの長手方向展開図。FIG. 2 is a longitudinal development of the mouthpiece shown in FIG. 1 . 図１に示すマウスピースが変形して切欠が閉じていく様子を示す説明図。4 is an explanatory diagram showing how the mouthpiece shown in FIG. 1 is deformed and the notch closes. FIG. 標準的な人の上顎の中切歯を示す図。Diagram showing the upper central incisors of a typical individual. 図１のＶ-Ｖ線断面図。Cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Figure 1 . 図１のＶＩ-ＶＩ線断面図。Cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Figure 1. 図１のＶＩＩ-ＶＩＩ線断面図。Cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 本発明の第２実施形態に係るマウスピースを示す平面図。FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a mouthpiece according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 図８に示すマウスピースの製作に使用される歯形模型の正面図。FIG. 9 is a front view of a dental cast used to make the mouthpiece shown in FIG. 8 . 図８に示すマウスピースの長手方向展開図。FIG. 9 is a longitudinal development of the mouthpiece shown in FIG. 8 . 図８のＸＩ-ＸＩ線断面図。Cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 8 . 図８のＸＩＩ-ＸＩＩ線断面図。Cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 8 . 図８のＸＩＩＩ-ＸＩＩＩ線断面図。Cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in Figure 8.

［第１実施形態］
以下、添付図面を参照して、本発明の第１実施形態に係るマウスピースについて説明する。図１を参照して、本実施形態に係るマウスピース１は上顎用であって、使用者の上顎の歯列及び歯肉を覆うように口腔内の所定位置に着脱自在に装着されて使用されるものである。 [First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a mouthpiece according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring to Fig. 1, a mouthpiece 1 according to this embodiment is for the upper jaw and is used by being detachably attached to a predetermined position in the oral cavity so as to cover the upper dentition and gums of a user.

マウスピース１は平面視略Ｕ字状を有し、使用者の歯列及び歯肉（以下、歯列等という）を収容するための溝Ｇが設けられている。溝Ｇはマウスピース１のＵ字の長手方向Ｄ１に沿って延び、平面視略Ｕ字状を有する。マウスピース１は全体的に可撓性を有し、使用者の歯列等の大きさや形状に応じて変形可能に形成されている。 The mouthpiece 1 has a roughly U-shape in plan view, and is provided with a groove G for accommodating the user's dentition and gums (hereinafter referred to as dentition, etc.). The groove G extends along the longitudinal direction D1 of the U-shape of the mouthpiece 1, and has a roughly U-shape in plan view. The mouthpiece 1 is flexible overall, and is formed so that it can be deformed according to the size and shape of the user's dentition, etc.

図７に示す様に、マウスピース１は、熱可塑性樹脂製の外層１Ａと、外層１Ａの内側に配設された内層１Ｂからなり、外層１Ａとしては、例えばエチレンビニルアセテート（ＥＶＡ）製又はシリコン製であるのが好ましく、ビッカース硬度は２５～１００であるのがより好ましい。内層１Ｂは例えばスポンジ状の多孔層或いは植毛層であって、弾力性を有する。内層１Ｂを多孔層とすれば、内層１Ｂに薬剤を含ませてマウスピース１を装着することで、当該薬剤を歯列や歯肉に効率良く付すことができ、薬剤としては、歯のホワイトニング剤や歯周病治療薬、フッ素、洗口剤、再生治療薬等があげられる。また、口腔内絆創膏としての利用も可能である。更に、歯科治療後の内層１Ｂを植毛層とすれば、マウスピース１を歯ブラシとして用いることができる。 As shown in FIG. 7, the mouthpiece 1 is composed of an outer layer 1A made of a thermoplastic resin and an inner layer 1B disposed inside the outer layer 1A. The outer layer 1A is preferably made of, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or silicon, and more preferably has a Vickers hardness of 25 to 100. The inner layer 1B is, for example, a sponge-like porous layer or a flocked layer, and has elasticity. If the inner layer 1B is a porous layer, the inner layer 1B is impregnated with a medicine and the mouthpiece 1 is worn, so that the medicine can be efficiently applied to the dentition and gums. Examples of the medicine include tooth whitening agents, periodontal disease treatment agents, fluoride, mouthwash, and regenerative treatment agents. It can also be used as an intraoral bandage. Furthermore, if the inner layer 1B after dental treatment is a flocked layer, the mouthpiece 1 can be used as a toothbrush.

マウスピース１の外層１Ａは、歯列等の外面（唇側や頬側）を覆う外壁部２と、歯列等の内面（口蓋側）を覆う内壁部３と、外壁部２と内壁部３とを連結して歯列（歯牙）の頭頂部を覆うための連結壁部４と、を有し、これら外壁部２,内壁部３,及び連結壁部４により上述の溝Ｇが規定され、図１（ｂ）に示す様に長手方向Ｄ１における溝Ｇの両端は開口している。また、内層１Ｂは外層１Ａ（外壁部２,内壁部３,及び連結壁部４）の内面全域にわたって設けられている。 The outer layer 1A of the mouthpiece 1 has an outer wall 2 that covers the outer surface (lip side and cheek side) of the dentition, etc., an inner wall 3 that covers the inner surface (palatal side) of the dentition, etc., and a connecting wall 4 that connects the outer wall 2 and the inner wall 3 to cover the top of the dentition (teeth). The outer wall 2, inner wall 3, and connecting wall 4 define the above-mentioned groove G, and both ends of the groove G in the longitudinal direction D1 are open as shown in Figure 1 (b). The inner layer 1B is provided over the entire inner surface of the outer layer 1A (outer wall 2, inner wall 3, and connecting wall 4).

以下、マウスピース１のうち、溝Ｇの長手方向Ｄ１に沿って延びる開口側（高さ方向Ｄ３において連結壁部４と反対側（図７参照））をマウスピース１の底部側（他方側）と称し、高さ方向Ｄ３において当該底部側と反対側（連結壁部４側）を頂部側（一方側）と称するものとする。 Hereinafter, the opening side of the mouthpiece 1 that extends along the longitudinal direction D1 of the groove G (the side opposite the connecting wall 4 in the height direction D3 (see FIG. 7)) will be referred to as the bottom side (other side) of the mouthpiece 1, and the side opposite the bottom side in the height direction D3 (the connecting wall 4 side) will be referred to as the top side (one side).

本実施形態に係るマウスピース１は、図示しない歯型模型を用いた加熱成形により形成することができる。この場合、マウスピース１の外層１Ａの内面形状は、歯形模型の外面形状とほぼ相似形を有する。また、外層１Ａはほぼ均一の厚みを有することから、マウスピース１の外面形状（即ち、外層１Ａの外面形状）は、外層１Ａの内面形状とほぼ相似形を有する。 The mouthpiece 1 according to this embodiment can be formed by hot molding using a dental model (not shown). In this case, the inner surface shape of the outer layer 1A of the mouthpiece 1 is approximately similar to the outer surface shape of the dental model. In addition, since the outer layer 1A has an approximately uniform thickness, the outer surface shape of the mouthpiece 1 (i.e., the outer surface shape of the outer layer 1A) is approximately similar to the inner surface shape of the outer layer 1A.

図１を参照して、内壁部３の側縁３１（長手方向Ｌ１に沿って延びる側縁）には切欠３２が設けられており、図１に示す例では、切欠３２として第１～第３切欠３２ａ～３２ｃが設けられている。 Referring to FIG. 1, a notch 32 is provided in the side edge 31 (the side edge extending along the longitudinal direction L1) of the inner wall portion 3, and in the example shown in FIG. 1, first to third notches 32a to 32c are provided as the notches 32.

図１及び図２を参照して、第１切欠３２ａは、内壁部３の側縁３１の長手方向Ｄ１中央部（左側の中切歯Ｌ１と右側の中切歯Ｒ１の間に対応する箇所）に設けられ、第２及び第３切欠３２ｂ,３２ｃは第１切欠３２ａの左右両側（図に示す例では、左側の犬歯Ｌ３と左側の第１小臼歯Ｌ４の間に対応する箇所、及び右側の犬歯Ｒ３と右側の第１小臼歯Ｒ４の間に対応する箇所）に設けられている。 Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the first notch 32a is provided in the center of the side edge 31 of the inner wall portion 3 in the longitudinal direction D1 (at a location corresponding to the area between the left central incisor L1 and the right central incisor R1), and the second and third notches 32b, 32c are provided on both the left and right sides of the first notch 32a (in the example shown in the figure, at a location corresponding to the area between the left canine L3 and the left first premolar L4, and at a location corresponding to the area between the right canine R3 and the right first premolar R4).

また、各切欠３２は、内壁部３の側縁３１から連結壁部４に向けて幅寸法が漸減するテーパ状に形成され、第１切欠３２ａは第２及び第３切欠３２ｂ,３２ｃよりも幾分大きく形成されている。 In addition, each notch 32 is tapered so that its width gradually decreases from the side edge 31 of the inner wall portion 3 toward the connecting wall portion 4, and the first notch 32a is slightly larger than the second and third notches 32b and 32c.

使用者の歯列弓は、幅の狭いＶ字型のものから幅の広いＵ字型のものまで様々であるが、このようにマウスピース１に切欠３２を設けることで、マウスピース１は使用者の歯列弓の形状に応じて良好に変形して適合することができる。 The dental arches of different users vary from narrow V-shaped to wide U-shaped, but by providing the notch 32 in the mouthpiece 1 in this way, the mouthpiece 1 can be deformed and adapted well to the shape of the user's dental arch.

即ち、比較的幅の狭い歯列弓の歯列等にマウスピース１を装着すると、マウスピース１は幅方向Ｄ２が狭まる方向に変形するが、仮に切欠３２が設けられていないとマウスピース１が歯列等（特に前歯）から浮き上がり、マウスピース１と歯列等との間に隙間が生じてしまう。切欠３２を直線状のスリットとした場合も同様である。 In other words, when the mouthpiece 1 is attached to a relatively narrow tooth row of a dental arch, the mouthpiece 1 deforms in a direction narrowing the width direction D2. If the notch 32 were not provided, the mouthpiece 1 would lift up from the tooth row (especially the front teeth), creating a gap between the mouthpiece 1 and the tooth row. The same applies if the notch 32 is a linear slit.

しかしながら、本実施形態のように切欠３２を設けることで、マウスピース１が幅方向Ｄ２に狭まる方向に変形すると、切欠３２は図３（ａ）に示す状態から図３（ｂ）に示す状態へ、切欠３２が閉じる様にして変形し、マウスピース１（特に内壁部３）が歯列等から浮き上がるのを防止して、マウスピース１を使用者の歯列等に良好に装着できる。 However, by providing the notch 32 as in this embodiment, when the mouthpiece 1 is deformed in a direction narrowing in the width direction D2, the notch 32 deforms from the state shown in FIG. 3(a) to the state shown in FIG. 3(b) in such a way that the notch 32 closes, preventing the mouthpiece 1 (particularly the inner wall portion 3) from floating up from the dentition, etc., and allowing the mouthpiece 1 to be fitted well to the user's dentition, etc.

また、比較的幅の広い歯列弓の歯列等にマウスピース１を装着すると、マウスピース１は幅方向Ｄ２に押し広げられるように変形するが、このように変形した際も同様に、切欠３２が無いと内マウスピース１が歯列等（特に前歯）から浮き上がるのに加え、マウスピース１が無理に広げられるために歯列等に過度な負荷がかかってしまう。この点、切欠３２を設けることで、マウスピース１が幅方向Ｄ２に押し広げられても使用者の歯列等から浮き上がるのを防止すると共に、歯列等に過度な負荷がかかるのを防止できる。 Furthermore, when the mouthpiece 1 is attached to the dentition of a relatively wide dental arch, the mouthpiece 1 is deformed so as to be pushed apart in the width direction D2; when this deformation occurs, without the notch 32, the inner mouthpiece 1 would lift up from the dentition (particularly the front teeth), and excessive stress would be placed on the dentition as the mouthpiece 1 is forcibly spread apart. In this regard, by providing the notch 32, it is possible to prevent the mouthpiece 1 from lifting up from the user's dentition even when it is pushed apart in the width direction D2, and to prevent excessive stress from being placed on the dentition.

なお、切欠３２は任意の箇所に設けることができるが、特に側縁３１の長手方向Ｄ１中央部に第１切欠３２ａを設けることで、上述のような効果が良好に発揮され、これに加えて左犬歯Ｌ３と左第１小臼歯Ｌ４の間及び右犬歯Ｒ３と右第１小臼歯Ｒ４の間に対応する箇所に第２,第３切欠３２ｂ,３２ｃをそれぞれ設けることで、犬歯から第１小臼歯における浮き上がりを防止できる。 The notch 32 can be provided at any location, but the above-mentioned effect is particularly well achieved by providing the first notch 32a at the center of the side edge 31 in the longitudinal direction D1. In addition, by providing the second and third notches 32b and 32c at locations corresponding to the area between the left canine L3 and the left first premolar L4, and the area between the right canine R3 and the right first premolar R4, respectively, lifting from the canine to the first premolar can be prevented.

更に、上述の様にマウスピース１は使用者の歯列弓の形状に応じて良好に適合できることから、発育途中の使用者に用いても歯牙等の発育を邪魔しない。 Furthermore, as described above, the mouthpiece 1 can be well adapted to the shape of the user's dental arch, so it does not interfere with the development of teeth, etc., even when used by a user who is still developing.

また、図２,図５,図７に示す様に、外壁部２の内面には、使用者の歯頸部歯肉ラインに沿って延びるライン状の突部２２が設けられている。図２に示す例では、ライン状の突部２２として第１～第３突部２２ａ～２２ｃが設けられている。 As shown in Figures 2, 5 and 7, the inner surface of the outer wall 2 is provided with linear protrusions 22 that extend along the gum line of the user's tooth neck. In the example shown in Figure 2, first to third protrusions 22a to 22c are provided as the linear protrusions 22.

第１突部２２ａは、左側の側切歯Ｌ２から右側の側切歯Ｒ２に対応して（即ち、左側の側切歯Ｌ２と左側の犬歯Ｌ３の間から右側の側切歯Ｒ２と右側の犬歯Ｒ３の間まで）設けられ、第２突部２２ｃは、左側の第２小臼歯Ｌ５と左側の第１大臼歯Ｌ６に対応して設けられ、第３突部２２ｃは、右側の第２小臼歯Ｒ２と側の右第１大臼歯Ｒ３に対応して設けられている。 The first protrusion 22a is provided corresponding to the left lateral incisor L2 to the right lateral incisor R2 (i.e., from between the left lateral incisor L2 and the left canine L3 to between the right lateral incisor R2 and the right canine R3), the second protrusion 22c is provided corresponding to the left second premolar L5 and the left first molar L6, and the third protrusion 22c is provided corresponding to the right second premolar R2 and the right first molar R3.

このように、ライン状の突部２２を設けることにより、突部２２が使用者の歯列に緩やかに係止され、歯列等に装着されたマウスピース１を外れにくくすることができ、また、歯列等に装着されたマウスピース１がブカブカと浮き上がるのを防止できる。更に、突部２２を設けることにより内層２Ｂを使用者の歯頸部歯肉ラインに良好に当接させることができ、内層２Ｂに含ませた薬剤等を歯頸部歯肉ラインに良好に付すことができる。 In this way, by providing the linear protrusions 22, the protrusions 22 can be gently engaged with the user's dentition, making it difficult for the mouthpiece 1 attached to the dentition, etc. to come off, and also preventing the mouthpiece 1 attached to the dentition, etc. from floating up. Furthermore, by providing the protrusions 22, the inner layer 2B can be brought into good contact with the user's cervical gum line, and the medicine contained in the inner layer 2B can be applied well to the cervical gum line.

なお、突部２２は、例えば歯形模型（図示せず）の対応箇所に溝を設けることで形成できる。マウスピース１を歯形模型を用いた加熱成形により形成する場合には、マウスピース１の外面にはライン状の突部２２に対応してライン状の凹部が形成されることになる。 The protrusions 22 can be formed, for example, by providing grooves at corresponding locations on a dental cast (not shown). When the mouthpiece 1 is formed by heat molding using a dental cast, linear recesses corresponding to the linear protrusions 22 are formed on the outer surface of the mouthpiece 1.

更に、図１に示すように、連結壁部４の外面のうち、左右の第１小臼歯～第２大臼歯（Ｌ４～Ｌ７,Ｒ４～Ｒ７）に対応する箇所には、歯の溝を模した溝４１が設けられている。このように連結壁部４の外面に溝４１を設けることにより、使用者がマウスピース１を装着した際の噛み合わせが良好になり、マウスピース１が歯列等から浮き上がりにくくできる。また、仮にマウスピース１が歯列等からズレた場合であっても、咬合によってズレを直すことができる。 Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, grooves 41 that mimic tooth grooves are provided on the outer surface of the connecting wall 4 in locations that correspond to the left and right first premolars through second molars (L4-L7, R4-R7). By providing grooves 41 on the outer surface of the connecting wall 4 in this way, the mouthpiece 1 can be better fitted when worn by a user, making it less likely for the mouthpiece 1 to lift off the dentition, etc. Furthermore, even if the mouthpiece 1 does shift out of place from the dentition, etc., the shift can be corrected by biting.

図４を参照して、平均的な人の上顎の中切歯（Ｌ１,Ｒ１）では、その切端Ｐ１から５ｍｍ程度離れた箇所における中切歯（Ｌ１,Ｒ１）の厚みＴ１は９ｍｍ程度である。 Referring to Figure 4, the thickness T1 of the upper central incisors (L1, R1) of an average person at a point about 5 mm away from the incisal edge P1 is about 9 mm.

これに対し、本実施形態では、図５に示す様に、左右の中切歯Ｌ１,Ｒ１に相当する箇所において、マウスピース１の溝Ｇの幅は平均的な中切歯（Ｌ１,Ｒ１）の厚みよりも小さいのが好ましく、本実施形態では切端Ｐ１から５ｍｍ程度離れた箇所におけるマウスピース１の厚みＴ２を３．５ｍｍ～４．５ｍｍとしている。 In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the width of the groove G of the mouthpiece 1 at the locations corresponding to the left and right central incisors L1, R1 is preferably smaller than the average thickness of the central incisors (L1, R1), and in this embodiment, the thickness T2 of the mouthpiece 1 at a location approximately 5 mm away from the incisal edge P1 is set to 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm.

このように、左右の中切歯Ｌ１,Ｒ１に相当する箇所において、マウスピース１の厚みを、平均的な中切歯の厚みよりも小さくすることで、マウスピース１が使用者の左右の中切歯Ｌ１,Ｒ１を唇側と口蓋側から挟み込むようになり、マウスピース１を使用者の歯列等から外れ難くすることができる。 In this way, by making the thickness of the mouthpiece 1 smaller than the average thickness of central incisors at the locations corresponding to the left and right central incisors L1, R1, the mouthpiece 1 pinches the user's left and right central incisors L1, R1 from the lip side and the palate side, making it difficult for the mouthpiece 1 to come off the user's dentition, etc.

なお、このようにしてマウスピース１の厚み（及び溝Ｇの幅寸法）を、平均的な中切歯の厚みよりも小さくしても、外層１Ａと内層１Ｂが変形するのに加え、内層１Ｂがクッションの役割を果たすため、無理なくマウスピース１を歯列に密着させて装着することができる。 Even if the thickness of the mouthpiece 1 (and the width of the groove G) is made smaller than the average thickness of a central incisor in this way, the outer layer 1A and the inner layer 1B will deform, and the inner layer 1B will act as a cushion, so the mouthpiece 1 can be comfortably attached to the dentition.

更に、左右の中切歯Ｌ１,Ｒ１に相当する箇所においてマウスピース１の厚みを平均的な中切歯の厚みよりも小さくすることで、マウスピース１を萌出中等の低位歯に装着した場合であっても、マウスピース１と歯牙（低位歯）の間に隙間が生じるのが防止され、内層１Ｂを歯牙（低位歯）に密着させることができる。 Furthermore, by making the thickness of the mouthpiece 1 smaller than the average thickness of central incisors at the locations corresponding to the left and right central incisors L1, R1, even when the mouthpiece 1 is attached to a low-level tooth, such as an erupting tooth, a gap is prevented from occurring between the mouthpiece 1 and the tooth (low-level tooth), and the inner layer 1B can be made to adhere closely to the tooth (low-level tooth).

また、左右の中切歯Ｌ１,Ｒ１に相当する箇所において、外壁部２の咬合平面Ｘ（上顎咬合平面）に対する傾斜角度α１は、図４に示す平均的な人の中切歯における唇側側面Ｓ１の咬合平面Ｘに対する角度よりも小さいのが好ましく、具体的には、外壁部２は咬合平面Ｘに対して６０°～７０°の傾斜方向に沿って延びるのが好ましく（α１＝６０°～７０°）、６５°の傾斜方向に沿って延びるのがより好ましい（α１＝６５°）。 In addition, at the locations corresponding to the left and right central incisors L1, R1, the inclination angle α1 of the outer wall portion 2 relative to the occlusal plane X (maxillary occlusal plane) is preferably smaller than the angle of the labial side surface S1 of the central incisors of an average person relative to the occlusal plane X shown in Figure 4. Specifically, the outer wall portion 2 preferably extends along a direction inclined at 60° to 70° relative to the occlusal plane X (α1 = 60° to 70°), and more preferably extends along a direction inclined at 65° (α1 = 65°).

一方、左右の中切歯Ｌ１,Ｒ１に相当する箇所において、内壁部３のうち、中切歯Ｌ１,Ｒ１を覆うための中切歯覆部位３ａの咬合平面Ｘに対する傾斜角度α２は、図４に示す平均的な人の中切歯における口蓋側側面Ｓ２の咬合平面Ｘに対する角度よりも大きく、少なくとも３０°以上であるのが好ましい（α２≧３０°）。より具体的に、内壁部３の中切歯覆部位３ａは咬合平面Ｘに対して３０°～６０°の傾斜方向に沿って延びるのが好ましく（α２＝３０°～６０°）、５５°の傾斜方向に沿って延びるのがより好ましい（α２＝５５°）。 On the other hand, in the area corresponding to the left and right central incisors L1, R1, the inclination angle α2 of the central incisor covering portion 3a of the inner wall 3 for covering the central incisors L1, R1 with respect to the occlusal plane X is preferably at least 30° or more (α2≧30°) and is greater than the angle of the palatal side surface S2 of the central incisor of an average person with respect to the occlusal plane X shown in Figure 4. More specifically, the central incisor covering portion 3a of the inner wall 3 preferably extends along a direction inclined at 30° to 60° with respect to the occlusal plane X (α2=30° to 60°), and more preferably extends along a direction inclined at 55° (α2=55°).

更に、左右の中切歯Ｌ１,Ｒ１に相当する箇所において、内壁部３のうち、歯肉を覆うための歯肉覆部位３ｂは、図５に示す縦断面視において凹状に湾曲している。 Furthermore, at the locations corresponding to the left and right central incisors L1 and R1, the gingival covering portion 3b of the inner wall portion 3 for covering the gingiva is concavely curved in the longitudinal cross section shown in Figure 5.

このように、本実施形態においては、マウスピース１の左右の中切歯Ｌ１,Ｒ１に相当する箇所において、外壁部２は咬合平面Ｘに対して上記唇側側面Ｓ１よりも小さい角度で傾斜することから、マウスピース１が使用者の歯列等に装着された状態において、外壁部２が歯列等を内側（口蓋側）へ向けて押圧するように力が働き、これによりマウスピース１を歯列等から外れ難くすることができる。 In this manner, in this embodiment, at the locations of the mouthpiece 1 corresponding to the left and right central incisors L1, R1, the outer wall portion 2 is inclined at a smaller angle relative to the occlusal plane X than the above-mentioned labial side surface S1. Therefore, when the mouthpiece 1 is attached to the user's dentition, etc., a force is exerted by the outer wall portion 2 to press the dentition, etc. inward (toward the palate), thereby making it difficult for the mouthpiece 1 to come off the dentition, etc.

また、内壁部３の中切歯覆部位３ａが咬合平面Ｘに対して３０°以上の傾斜方向に沿って延びるので、（α２≧３０°）、マウスピース１が比較的幅の狭い歯列弓の歯列等に装着されて幅方向Ｄ２に狭まる方向に大きく変形した場合であっても、内壁部３の中央部が中切歯から浮き上がるのを防止できる。 In addition, since the central incisor covering portion 3a of the inner wall portion 3 extends in a direction inclined at an angle of 30° or more with respect to the occlusal plane X (α2 ≧ 30°), even if the mouthpiece 1 is attached to a row of teeth in a relatively narrow dental arch and is significantly deformed in the direction narrowing in the width direction D2, the center of the inner wall portion 3 can be prevented from floating up from the central incisor.

即ち、上述した様にマウスピース１が方向Ｄ２に狭まる方向に変形すると、図３（ｂ）に示す様に切欠３２が閉じるように変形するが、マウスピース１が更に大きく変形すると、図３（ｃ）に示す様に、切欠３２の両側が重なるようになる。このとき、内壁部３の咬合平面Ｘに対する傾斜が小さすぎると、内壁部３の中央部には口蓋側に変形する方向に力が働き、内壁部３の中央部が中切歯から浮き上がり、マウスピース１と中切歯の内側（口蓋側）との間に隙間が生じてしまう。 That is, as described above, when the mouthpiece 1 is deformed in the narrowing direction in direction D2, the notch 32 is deformed to close as shown in FIG. 3(b), but when the mouthpiece 1 is deformed further, both sides of the notch 32 overlap as shown in FIG. 3(c). At this time, if the inclination of the inner wall 3 with respect to the occlusal plane X is too small, a force acts on the center of the inner wall 3 in a direction that deforms it toward the palate, causing the center of the inner wall 3 to lift off the central incisor, and creating a gap between the mouthpiece 1 and the inside of the central incisor (palate side).

これに対し、上記唇側側面Ｓ１の傾斜方向と比較して、内壁部３が咬合平面Ｘに対して大きく傾斜する方向に延びることで、マウスピース１が幅方向Ｄ２に狭まる方向に大きく変形して切欠３２（より具体的に、切欠３２ａ）の両側が図３（ｃ）に示す様に重なっても、内壁部３の中央部には歯列側（唇側）に変形する方向に力が働くことから、マウスピース１と前歯の内側（口蓋側）との間に隙間が生じるのを防止できる。 In contrast, compared to the inclination direction of the lip side surface S1, the inner wall portion 3 extends in a direction that is significantly inclined relative to the occlusal plane X. Even if the mouthpiece 1 is significantly deformed in the direction narrowing in the width direction D2 and both sides of the notch 32 (more specifically, the notch 32a) overlap as shown in FIG. 3(c), a force acts on the center of the inner wall portion 3 in a direction that deforms it toward the tooth row (lip side), preventing the occurrence of a gap between the mouthpiece 1 and the inside of the front teeth (palatal side).

更に、図４に示すように、人の歯肉は縦断面視凸状に湾曲しているところ、図５に示すように、歯肉を覆うための内壁部３の歯肉覆部位３ｂは縦断面視において凹状に湾曲していることから、これによってもマウスピース１と歯肉とを良好に密着させることができる。 Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the human gums are curved in a convex shape when viewed in vertical section, while as shown in Figure 5, the gum-covering portion 3b of the inner wall portion 3 for covering the gums is curved in a concave shape when viewed in vertical section, which also allows for good adhesion between the mouthpiece 1 and the gums.

図６を参照して、マウスピース１の左右の犬歯Ｌ３,Ｒ３に相当する箇所において、その外壁部２は、犬歯Ｌ３,Ｒ３の唇側最大豊隆部Ｚａから底部側に向かって直線状に延び、当該直線部分の咬合平面Ｘに対する傾斜角度α３は６５°～７５°であるのが好ましく、７０°であるのがより好ましい。また、その内壁部３は、咬合平面Ｘに対して６５°～７５°の傾斜方向に沿って延びるのが好ましく（α４＝６５°～７５°）、７０°の傾斜方向に沿って延びるのがより好ましい（α４＝７０°）。更に、内壁部３は、外壁部２の上記直線部分と平行に延びるのが好ましい。 Referring to FIG. 6, in the locations of the mouthpiece 1 corresponding to the left and right canines L3, R3, the outer wall 2 extends in a straight line from the labial maximum prominence Za of the canines L3, R3 toward the bottom, and the inclination angle α3 of the straight line portion with respect to the occlusal plane X is preferably 65° to 75°, and more preferably 70°. The inner wall 3 preferably extends along a direction inclined at 65° to 75° with respect to the occlusal plane X (α4 = 65° to 75°), and more preferably extends along a direction inclined at 70° (α4 = 70°). Furthermore, it is preferable that the inner wall 3 extends parallel to the straight line portion of the outer wall 2.

図７を参照して、マウスピース１の左右の第１小臼歯～第２大臼歯Ｌ４～Ｌ７，Ｒ４～Ｒ７に相当する箇所においては、頬側最大豊隆部Ｚｃよりも底部側部位において、溝Ｇの幅寸法は底部側に向かうに従い漸減している。また、その外壁部２は、第１小臼歯～第２大臼歯Ｌ４～Ｌ７，Ｒ４～Ｒ７の各々の頬側最大豊隆部Ｚｃから底部側に向かって直線状に延び（突部２２に対応する上記凹部は除く）、当該直線部分の咬合平面Ｘに対する傾斜角度α５は７０°～８０°であるのが好ましく（α５＝７０°～８０°）、７５°であるのがより好ましい（α５＝７５°）。一方、その内壁部３は、第１小臼歯～第２大臼歯Ｌ４～Ｌ７，Ｒ４～Ｒ７の各々の口蓋側最大豊隆部Ｚｄから底部側に向かって直線状に延び、当該直線部分の咬合平面Ｘに対する傾斜角度α６は９５°～１０５°であるのが好ましく（α６＝９５°～１０５°）、１００°であるのがより好ましい（α６＝１００°）。 7, in the locations corresponding to the first premolar to second molar L4-L7 and R4-R7 on the left and right sides of the mouthpiece 1, the width dimension of the groove G gradually decreases toward the bottom side in the area closer to the bottom side than the cheek-side maximum protuberance Zc. Also, the outer wall portion 2 extends linearly from the cheek-side maximum protuberance Zc of each of the first premolar to second molar L4-L7 and R4-R7 toward the bottom side (excluding the recess corresponding to the protrusion 22), and the inclination angle α5 of the linear portion with respect to the occlusal plane X is preferably 70° to 80° (α5 = 70° to 80°), more preferably 75° (α5 = 75°). On the other hand, the inner wall portion 3 extends linearly from the palate-side maximum prominence Zd of each of the first premolar to second molar teeth L4-L7, R4-R7 toward the bottom side, and the inclination angle α6 of the linear portion relative to the occlusal plane X is preferably 95°-105° (α6=95°-105°), and more preferably 100° (α6=100°).

歯肉の厚さは歯肉が支える歯の最大径（厚さ方向における最大厚み）よりも大きいところ、上述のように左右の第１小臼歯～第２大臼歯Ｌ４～Ｌ７，Ｒ４～Ｒ７に相当する箇所において溝Ｇの幅寸法が底部側に向かって漸減するように構成したので、マウスピース１が使用者の歯列等に装着された際に、使用者の歯肉がマウスピース１により頬側と口蓋側から挟持されるようになり、これによってもマウスピース１を形状や寸法の異なる歯列等に良好に装着させることができる。 The thickness of the gums is greater than the maximum diameter (maximum thickness in the thickness direction) of the teeth they support, and as described above, the width dimension of the groove G is configured to gradually decrease toward the bottom at the locations corresponding to the left and right first premolars to second molars L4-L7 and R4-R7. Therefore, when the mouthpiece 1 is attached to the user's dentition, the mouthpiece 1 holds the user's gums from the cheek side and the palate side, which also allows the mouthpiece 1 to be attached well to dentition of different shapes and sizes.

このように、本実施形態に係るマウスピース１は、異なる形状や寸法の歯列等にも良好に装着できるので、口腔内印象により使用者の正確な歯型と歯肉の石膏模型を調整する必要がなく、マウスピース１を安価に提供できる。また、マウスピース１は異なる形状や寸法の歯列等に装着されても歯列や歯肉に密着するため、内層１Ｂに含ませた薬剤を歯列や歯肉に効率良く付すことができる。 In this way, the mouthpiece 1 according to this embodiment can be attached well to dentition of different shapes and sizes, and there is no need to adjust a plaster model of the user's exact teeth and gums by intraoral impression, and the mouthpiece 1 can be provided at low cost. Furthermore, because the mouthpiece 1 adheres closely to the dentition and gums even when it is attached to dentition of different shapes and sizes, the medicine contained in the inner layer 1B can be efficiently applied to the dentition and gums.

ここで、マウスピース１は、歯列等に装着された際に、幅方向Ｄ２に狭まる方向へは比較的容易に変形する一方で、幅方向Ｄ２に広がる方向へは比較的変形し難いことから、マウスピース１の全体の寸法としては、標準的な人の歯列の大きさよりも若干大きめとするのが好ましい。このような寸法とすることで、マウスピース１が異なる寸法の歯列に装着されて変形しても、その変形方向は幅寸法Ｄ２が狭まる方向となり、歯列への装着をより容易にできる。 When the mouthpiece 1 is attached to the dentition, it is relatively easy to deform in the direction narrowing in the width direction D2, but is relatively difficult to deform in the direction widening in the width direction D2. Therefore, it is preferable that the overall dimensions of the mouthpiece 1 are slightly larger than the size of a standard person's dentition. With these dimensions, even if the mouthpiece 1 is attached to dentition of different dimensions and deforms, the direction of deformation is the direction in which the width dimension D2 narrows, making it easier to attach the mouthpiece to the dentition.

［第２実施形態］
次に、本発明の第２実施形態に係るマウスピース１０１について説明する。図８を参照して、本実施形態に係るマウスピース１０１は上述したマウスピース１と略同一であるが、マウスピース１０１は下顎用であって、使用者の下顎の歯列及び歯肉を覆うように口腔内の所定位置に着脱自在に装着されて使用されるものであり、以下の点においてマウスピース１と相違する。 [Second embodiment]
Next, a mouthpiece 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. With reference to Fig. 8, the mouthpiece 101 according to this embodiment is substantially the same as the mouthpiece 1 described above, but the mouthpiece 101 is for the lower jaw and is removably attached to a predetermined position in the oral cavity so as to cover the lower jaw dentition and gums of the user, and differs from the mouthpiece 1 in the following points.

まず、マウスピース１０１は、例えば図９に示す歯形模型Ｍを用いたプレス成形により形成することができ、図９に示す歯形模型Ｍにおいて、その長手方向Ｄ１中央部（左側切歯Ｌ２から右側切歯Ｒ２）は、正面視において凹状に湾曲している。 First, the mouthpiece 101 can be formed, for example, by press molding using a dental model M as shown in FIG. 9. In the dental model M shown in FIG. 9, the central portion in the longitudinal direction D1 (from the left incisor L2 to the right incisor R2) is concavely curved when viewed from the front.

このことから、図１０に示すように、マウスピース１０１の連結壁部４の中央領域Ｑ１（左側切歯Ｌ２から右側切歯Ｒ２に対応する部位）は、正面視において凹状に湾曲している。人の下顎における歯列においては、左右の側切歯Ｌ２、Ｒ２と左右の中切歯Ｌ１,Ｒ１は実質同一高さを有するのが一般的であるが、このように中央領域Ｑ１を凹状に湾曲させることによって、歯列等に装着されたマウスピース１０１が幅方向Ｄ２に狭まる方向に変形した際にマウスピース１０１の中央部分が前歯（左側の側切歯Ｌ２～右側の側切歯Ｒ２）の頭頂部から浮き上がるのを効果的に防止できる。 As a result, as shown in Figure 10, the central region Q1 (the area corresponding to the left incisor L2 to the right incisor R2) of the connecting wall portion 4 of the mouthpiece 101 is curved concavely in front view. In the dentition of the human lower jaw, the left and right lateral incisors L2, R2 and the left and right central incisors L1, R1 generally have substantially the same height, but by curving the central region Q1 concavely in this way, it is possible to effectively prevent the central portion of the mouthpiece 101 from lifting up from the tops of the front teeth (left lateral incisor L2 to right lateral incisor R2) when the mouthpiece 101 attached to the dentition etc. is deformed in a direction narrowing in the width direction D2.

図１１を参照して、マウスピース１０１の下顎の左右の中切歯Ｌ１,Ｒ１に相当する箇所において、外壁部２の咬合平面Ｘ’（下顎咬合平面）に対する傾斜角度α７は、平均的な人の下顎の中切歯（図示せず）の唇側側面の咬合平面Ｘ’に対する角度よりも小さいのが好ましく、具体的には、外壁部２は咬合平面Ｘ’に対して７５°～８５°の傾斜方向に沿って延びるのが好ましく（α７＝７５°～８５°）、８０°の傾斜方向に沿って延びるのがより好ましい（α７＝８０°）。 Referring to FIG. 11, at the locations of the mouthpiece 101 corresponding to the left and right mandibular central incisors L1, R1, the inclination angle α7 of the outer wall 2 relative to the occlusal plane X' (mandibular occlusal plane) is preferably smaller than the angle of the labial side of the mandibular central incisors (not shown) of an average person relative to the occlusal plane X'. Specifically, the outer wall 2 preferably extends along a 75° to 85° inclination direction relative to the occlusal plane X' (α7 = 75° to 85°), and more preferably extends along a 80° inclination direction (α7 = 80°).

一方、左右の中切歯Ｌ１,Ｒ１に相当する箇所において、内壁部３のうち、中切歯Ｌ１,Ｒ１を覆うための中切歯覆部位３ａの咬合平面Ｘ’に対する傾斜角度α８は、平均的な人の下顎中切歯（図示せず）における下側側面の咬合平面Ｘ’に対する角度よりも大きいのが好ましく、少なくとも５０°以上であるのが好ましい（α８≧５０°）。より具体的には、内壁部３は咬合平面Ｘ’に対して５０°～７５°の傾斜方向に沿って延びるのが好ましく（α８＝５０°～７５°）、６５°の傾斜方向に沿って延びるのがより好ましい（α８＝６５°）。更に、左右の中切歯Ｌ１,Ｒ１に相当する箇所において、内壁部３のうち、歯肉を覆うための歯肉覆部位３ｂは、図１１に示す縦断面視において凹状に湾曲している。 On the other hand, in the area corresponding to the left and right central incisors L1 and R1, the inclination angle α8 of the central incisor covering portion 3a of the inner wall 3 for covering the central incisors L1 and R1 with respect to the occlusal plane X' is preferably larger than the angle of the lower side surface of the average person's mandibular central incisors (not shown) with respect to the occlusal plane X', and is preferably at least 50° or more (α8≧50°). More specifically, the inner wall 3 preferably extends along a direction of inclination of 50° to 75° with respect to the occlusal plane X' (α8=50° to 75°), and more preferably extends along a direction of inclination of 65° (α8=65°). Furthermore, in the area corresponding to the left and right central incisors L1 and R1, the gingival covering portion 3b of the inner wall 3 for covering the gingiva is concavely curved in the vertical cross section shown in FIG. 11.

このように、内壁部３の中切歯覆部位３ａが咬合平面Ｘ’に対して５０°以上の傾斜方向に沿って延びるので（α８≧５０°）、上述した第１実施形態と同様に、マウスピース１０１が比較的幅の狭い歯列弓の歯列等に装着されて幅方向Ｄ２に狭まる方向に大きく変形し、切欠３２（切欠３２ａ）の両側が重なり合っても、内壁部３の中央部には唇側に押される方向に力が働き、マウスピース１０１が前歯（中切歯）から浮き上がるのを防止できる。 In this way, the central incisor covering portion 3a of the inner wall portion 3 extends in a direction inclined at an angle of 50° or more with respect to the occlusal plane X' (α8 ≧ 50°), so that, as in the first embodiment described above, even if the mouthpiece 101 is attached to a relatively narrow dental arch and is significantly deformed in a narrowing direction in the width direction D2, and both sides of the notch 32 (notch 32a) overlap, a force acts on the center of the inner wall portion 3 in a direction pressing it toward the lips, preventing the mouthpiece 101 from lifting up from the front teeth (central incisors).

また、図１２に示す様に、マウスピース１０１の左右の犬歯Ｌ３,Ｒ３に相当する箇所において、その外壁部２は、犬歯Ｌ３,Ｒ３の唇側最大豊隆部Ｚａから底部側に向かって直線状に延び、当該直線部分の咬合平面Ｘ’に対する傾斜角度α９は７５°～８５°であるのが好ましく、８０°であるのがより好ましい。また、その内壁部３は、咬合平面Ｘ’に対して７５°～８５°の傾斜方向に沿って延びるのが好ましく（α１０＝７５°～８５°）、８０°の傾斜方向に沿って延びるのがより好ましい（α１０＝８０°）。更に、内壁部３は、外壁部２の上記直線部分と平行に延びるのが好ましい。 As shown in FIG. 12, in the areas of the mouthpiece 101 corresponding to the left and right canines L3, R3, the outer wall 2 extends in a straight line from the labial maximum prominence Za of the canines L3, R3 toward the bottom, and the inclination angle α9 of the straight line portion with respect to the occlusal plane X' is preferably 75° to 85°, and more preferably 80°. The inner wall 3 preferably extends along a direction inclined at 75° to 85° with respect to the occlusal plane X' (α10 = 75° to 85°), and more preferably extends along a direction inclined at 80° (α10 = 80°). Furthermore, it is preferable that the inner wall 3 extends parallel to the straight line portion of the outer wall 2.

図１３を参照して、マウスピース１０１の左右の第１小臼歯～第２大臼歯Ｌ４～Ｌ７,Ｒ４～Ｒ７に相当する箇所において、頬側最大豊隆部Ｚｃよりも底部側部位において、溝Ｇの幅寸法は底部側に向かうに従い漸減している。また、その外壁部２は、第１小臼歯～第２大臼歯Ｌ４～Ｌ７，Ｒ４～Ｒ７の頬側最大豊隆部Ｚｃから底部側に向かって直線状に延び（突部２２に対応する上記凹部は除く）、当該直線部分の咬合平面Ｘ’に対する傾斜角度α１１は７５°～９０°であるのが好ましく（α１１＝７５°～９０°）、８０°であるのがより好ましい（α１１＝８０°）。また、その内壁部３は、第１小臼歯～第２大臼歯Ｌ４～Ｌ７，Ｒ４～Ｒ７の各々の舌側最大豊隆部Ｚｅから底部側に向かって直線状に延び、当該直線部分の咬合平面Ｘ’に対する傾斜角度α１２は９５°～１１０°であるのが好ましく（α１２＝９５°～１１０°）、１００°であるのがより好ましい（α１２＝１００°）。 13, in the locations corresponding to the first premolar to second molar L4-L7, R4-R7 on the left and right sides of the mouthpiece 101, the width dimension of the groove G gradually decreases toward the bottom side in the area closer to the bottom side than the cheek-side maximum protuberance Zc. Also, the outer wall portion 2 extends in a straight line from the cheek-side maximum protuberance Zc of the first premolar to second molar L4-L7, R4-R7 toward the bottom side (excluding the recess corresponding to the protrusion 22), and the inclination angle α11 of the straight line portion with respect to the occlusal plane X' is preferably 75° to 90° (α11 = 75° to 90°), and more preferably 80° (α11 = 80°). Furthermore, the inner wall portion 3 extends linearly from the lingual maximum protuberance Ze of each of the first premolar to second molar teeth L4-L7, R4-R7 toward the bottom side, and the inclination angle α12 of the linear portion relative to the occlusal plane X' is preferably 95°-110° (α12=95°-110°), and more preferably 100° (α12=100°).

更に、図１０及び図１３に示すように、マウスピース１０１の左右の第１小臼歯～第２大臼歯Ｌ４～Ｌ７,Ｒ４～Ｒ７に相当する箇所において、その内壁部３は外壁部２よりも底部側に延出し、高さ方向Ｄ３において、左右の第１小臼歯～第２大臼歯Ｌ４～Ｌ７,Ｒ４～Ｒ７に相当する箇所における内壁部３の長さ寸法は、左右の中切歯～犬歯Ｌ１～Ｌ３，Ｒ１～Ｒ３に相当する箇所における内壁部３の長さ寸法よりも大きく設定されている。これにより、第１小臼歯～第２大臼歯Ｌ４～Ｌ７,Ｒ４～Ｒ７に相当する箇所において、マウスピース１０１と歯肉との密着面積が大きくなり、マウスピース１０１の浮き上がりをより良好に防止できる。また、このように内壁部３の長さ寸法を比較的長くすることにより、内壁部３の側縁３１は装着者の舌よりも下方に位置することになるから、舌が内壁部３の側縁３１に引っ掛かってマウスピース１０１が舌により押し上げられて浮き上がるのを防止できる。 10 and 13, in the locations of the mouthpiece 101 corresponding to the left and right first premolars to second molars L4-L7, R4-R7, the inner wall 3 extends further toward the bottom than the outer wall 2, and in the height direction D3, the length dimension of the inner wall 3 in the locations corresponding to the left and right first premolars to second molars L4-L7, R4-R7 is set to be greater than the length dimension of the inner wall 3 in the locations corresponding to the left and right central incisors to canines L1-L3, R1-R3. This increases the contact area between the mouthpiece 101 and the gums in the locations corresponding to the first premolars to second molars L4-L7, R4-R7, and better prevents the mouthpiece 101 from floating up. In addition, by making the length dimension of the inner wall 3 relatively long in this way, the side edge 31 of the inner wall 3 is positioned below the tongue of the wearer, which prevents the tongue from getting caught on the side edge 31 of the inner wall 3 and pushing the mouthpiece 101 up.

以上、本発明の実施形態に係るマウスピースについて添付の図面を参照して説明したが、本発明はかかる実施形態に限定されず、本発明の範囲を逸脱することなく種々の変形、修正が可能である。 The mouthpiece according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

例えば、上記実施形態では切欠３２を３カ所に設けたが、切欠３２の数や形成箇所は上述のものに限定されず、任意の箇所に任意の数だけ設けることができ、例えば中央部の第１切欠３２ａのみを設けてもよく、或いは第２,第３切欠３２ｂ,３２ｃよりも更に奥側（咽頭側）に第４,第５の切欠を設けても良い。 For example, in the above embodiment, the notches 32 are provided in three locations, but the number and locations of the notches 32 are not limited to those described above, and any number of notches can be provided in any locations. For example, only the first notch 32a in the center may be provided, or the fourth and fifth notches may be provided further back (toward the pharynx) than the second and third notches 32b and 32c.

また、上記実施形態では、ライン状の突部２２を３本設けたが、突部２２の数や形成箇所は上述のものに限定されない。例えば、左第２大臼歯Ｌ１から右第２大臼歯Ｒ１までの全域にわたって延びる１本の突部２２を設けてもよい。 In addition, in the above embodiment, three linear protrusions 22 are provided, but the number and locations of the protrusions 22 are not limited to those described above. For example, one protrusion 22 may be provided that extends over the entire area from the left second molar L1 to the right second molar R1.

また、本発明に係るマウスピースは、歯形模型を利用せずに、例えば３Ｄプリンタを用いて形成されてもよい。 The mouthpiece of the present invention may also be formed without using a dental model, for example, using a 3D printer.

上記実施形態のマウスピース１，１０１は、左側第２大臼歯～右側第２大臼歯に対応して構成され、左側第２大臼歯～右側第２大臼歯の歯列等に装着されて用いられるが、本発明に係るマウスピースはこれに限定されず、左側第２大臼歯～右側第２大臼歯のうちの一部のみに対応するように構成することもできる。例えば、左側第１大臼歯～右側第１大臼歯に対応させて構成することで、小児用に用いることが想定される。また、用途に応じて左側犬歯～右側犬歯に対応させたものや、左側第１小臼歯～右側第１小臼歯に対応させたもの、片側の中切歯～第２大臼歯に対応させたもの等も可能である。 The mouthpiece 1, 101 in the above embodiment is configured to correspond to the second left molar to the second right molar, and is used by being attached to the dentition of the second left molar to the second right molar, but the mouthpiece according to the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be configured to correspond to only a part of the second left molar to the second right molar. For example, it is assumed that the mouthpiece will be used for children by configuring it to correspond to the first left molar to the first right molar. In addition, depending on the application, it is also possible to configure it to correspond to the left canine to the right canine, the left first premolar to the right first premolar, or the central incisor to the second molar on one side.

１, １０１ マウスピース
１Ａ 外層
１Ｂ 内層
２ 外壁部
３ 内壁部
３ａ 中切歯覆部位
３ｂ 歯肉覆部位
４ 連結壁部
２２ 突部
３２ 切欠
Ｄ３ 高さ方向（所定方向）
Ｇ 溝
Ｘ,Ｘ’ 咬合平面


 1, 101 Mouthpiece 1A Outer layer 1B Inner layer 2 Outer wall portion 3 Inner wall portion 3a Central incisor covering portion 3b Gingiva covering portion 4 Connecting wall portion 22 Projection portion 32 Notch D3 Height direction (predetermined direction)
G groove X,X' occlusal plane

Claims (9)

使用者の歯列に装着されて前記歯列と歯肉を覆うマウスピースであって、
外壁部と、
内壁部と、
所定方向における一方側に位置し、前記外壁部と前記内壁部とを連結する連結壁部と、備え、
前記外壁部,前記内壁部,及び前記連結壁部により、前記歯列を収容するための平面視Ｕ字状の溝が規定され、
前記内壁部の側縁には、前記側縁の長手方向中央部に第１の切欠が設けられ、
前記第１の切欠は、前記連結壁部に向かうに従い幅寸法が漸減するテーパ状であって、
中切歯に対応する箇所において、前記内壁部は、前記中切歯を覆うための中切歯覆部位と、歯肉を覆うための歯肉覆部位と、を有し、前記中切歯覆部位は咬合平面に対して３０°以上の傾斜方向に沿って延びるマウスピース。 A mouthpiece that is attached to a user's dentition and covers the dentition and gums,
An exterior wall portion;
An inner wall portion;
A connecting wall portion is provided, the connecting wall portion being located on one side in a predetermined direction and connecting the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion,
The outer wall portion, the inner wall portion, and the connecting wall portion define a groove having a U-shape in a plan view for accommodating the row of teeth,
A first notch is provided in a side edge of the inner wall portion at a central portion in a longitudinal direction of the side edge,
The first cutout has a tapered shape in which a width dimension gradually decreases toward the connecting wall portion,
In the area corresponding to the central incisors, the inner wall portion has a central incisor covering portion for covering the central incisors and a gingiva covering portion for covering the gums, and the central incisor covering portion extends in a direction inclined at an angle of 30° or more with respect to the occlusal plane. 前記中切歯に相当する箇所において、切端から５ｍｍ離れた箇所における厚みが３．５ｍｍ～４．５ｍｍであり、使用者の上顎に装着されて使用される請求項１に記載のマウスピース。 The mouthpiece according to claim 1, which has a thickness of 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm at a point 5 mm away from the incisal edge at the location corresponding to the central incisor, and is worn on the upper jaw of the user. 使用者の歯列に装着されて前記歯列と歯肉を覆うマウスピースであって、
外壁部と、
内壁部と、
所定方向における一方側に位置し、前記外壁部と前記内壁部とを連結する連結壁部と、備え、
前記外壁部,前記内壁部,及び前記連結壁部により、前記歯列を収容するための平面視Ｕ字状の溝が規定され、
前記内壁部の側縁には、前記側縁の長手方向中央部に第１の切欠が設けられ、
前記第１の切欠は、前記連結壁部に向かうに従い幅寸法が漸減するテーパ状であって、
中切歯に対応する箇所において、前記内壁部は、前記中切歯を覆うための中切歯覆部位と、歯肉を覆うための歯肉覆部位と、を有し、前記中切歯覆部位は咬合平面に対して５０°以上の傾斜方向に沿って延びるマウスピース。 A mouthpiece that is attached to a user's dentition and covers the dentition and gums,
An exterior wall portion;
An inner wall portion;
A connecting wall portion is provided, the connecting wall portion being located on one side in a predetermined direction and connecting the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion,
The outer wall portion, the inner wall portion, and the connecting wall portion define a groove having a U-shape in a plan view for accommodating the row of teeth,
A first notch is provided in a side edge of the inner wall portion at a central portion in a longitudinal direction of the side edge,
The first cutout has a tapered shape in which a width dimension gradually decreases toward the connecting wall portion,
In the area corresponding to the central incisors, the inner wall portion has a central incisor covering portion for covering the central incisors and a gingiva covering portion for covering the gums, and the central incisor covering portion extends in a direction inclined at an angle of 50° or more with respect to the occlusal plane. 前記所定方向において、左右の第１小臼歯～第２大臼歯に相当する箇所における前記内壁部の長さ寸法は、左右の中切歯～犬歯に相当する箇所における長さ寸法よりも大きく、
使用者の下顎に装着されて用いられる請求項３に記載のマウスピース。 In the predetermined direction, the length dimension of the inner wall portion at the portion corresponding to the left and right first premolar to second molar is larger than the length dimension at the portion corresponding to the left and right central incisor to canine,
The mouthpiece according to claim 3, which is worn on a user's lower jaw when in use. 左右における第１小臼歯～第２大臼歯に対応する箇所において、前記溝の幅寸法は頬側最大豊隆部から前記所定方向における他方側に向かうに従い漸減する請求項１～４の何れかに記載のマウスピース。 A mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the width dimension of the groove gradually decreases from the cheek-side maximum prominence toward the other side in the specified direction in the areas corresponding to the first premolar to the second molar on the left and right. 前記歯肉覆部位は、縦断面凹状に湾曲している請求項１～４の何れか記載のマウスピース The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gingival area is curved in a concave shape in longitudinal section. 前記外壁部の内面には、前記歯列に装着された際に前記使用者の歯頸部歯肉ラインに沿って延びるライン状の突部が設けられている請求項１～４の何れかに記載のマウスピース。 A mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inner surface of the outer wall is provided with a linear protrusion that extends along the gum line of the user's cervical region when the mouthpiece is attached to the dentition. 前記外壁部,前記内壁部,及び前記連結壁部からなる外層と、
前記外層の内側に設けられた内層と、を有し、
前記内層は多孔層又は植毛層である請求項１～４の何れかに記載のマウスピース。 an outer layer consisting of the outer wall portion, the inner wall portion, and the connecting wall portion;
An inner layer provided inside the outer layer,
The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inner layer is a porous layer or a flocked layer. 前記内壁部の前記側縁には、第２の切欠と第３の切欠が更に設けられ、
前記第２の切欠は、左側の犬歯と左側の第１小臼歯の間に対応する箇所に設けられ、
前記第３の切欠は、右側の犬歯と右側の第１小臼歯の間に対応する箇所に設けられている請求項１～４の何れかに記載のマウスピース。 The side edge of the inner wall portion is further provided with a second notch and a third notch,
the second notch is provided at a location corresponding to between the left canine and the left first premolar;
5. The mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the third notch is provided at a location corresponding to a space between a right canine tooth and a right first premolar.
JP2022181099A 2022-11-11 2022-11-11 Mouthpiece Pending JP2024070540A (en)

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Publications (1)

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JP2024070540A true JP2024070540A (en) 2024-05-23

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