Intraoral dental suction and isolation system

(56) References cited:

US-A- 4 822 278 US-A1- 2006 084 031

US-A1-2009 274 991 US-A1-2011 311 942

US-A1- 2012 015 320 US-A1- 2013 252 193 US-B2- 6 974 321

ΕΡ 2 903 557 Β8

Note: Within nine months ofthe publication ofthe mention ofthe grant ofthe European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall nőt be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) (12) (45) (21) (22) (19)

<img file="HUE034180T2_D0001.tif" />

Eurepaisehes Patent ami

Eurepsan Patent Office

Office européen des brevets (11)

<img file="HUE034180T2_D0002.tif" />

EP 2 903 557 B1

EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

Date of publication and mention of the grant of the patent:

15.02.2017 Bulletin 2017/07

Application number: 14721736.8

Date of fiiing: 03.04.2014 (51) IntCI.:

A61C 17100 &lt;²⁰⁰⁶·⁰¹) A61C 17106 &lt;²⁰⁰⁶·⁰¹) (86) International application number:

PCT/US2014/032892 (87) International publication number:

WO 2015/088577 (18.06.2015 Gazette 2015/24) (54) INTRAORAL DENTAL SUCTION AND ISOLATION SYSTEM INTRAORALES DENTALES ABSAUG- UND ISOLIERSYSTEM SYSTÉME D’ASPIRATION ET D’ISOLATION DENTAIRE INTRA-BUCCAL (84) Designated Contracting States:

AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT Ll LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE Sl SK SM TR (30) Priority: 09.12.2013 US 201314100323 (43) Date of publication of application:

12.08.2015 Bulletin 2015/33 (60) Divisional application:

17150671.0 (73) Proprietor: Incept, Inc.

Irvine, California 92606 (US) (72) Inventors:

• NGUYEN, Thien Irvine, CA 92606 (US) • PHAM, Tam, Thanh Irvine, CA 92606 (US) (74) Representative: Káck, Stefan et al Kahler Káck Mollekopf Vorderer Anger 239 86899 Landsberg am Lech (DE) (56) References cited:

US-A- 4 822 278 US-A1-2009 274 991 US-A1-2012 015 320 US-B2- 6 974 321

US-A1- 2006 084 031 US-A1-2011 311 942 US-A1-2013 252 193

ΕΡ 2 903 557 Β1

Note: Within nine months ofthe publication ofthe mention ofthe grant ofthe European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall nőt be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)

ΕΡ 2 903 557 Β1

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention generally relates to the field ofdental mouthpieces. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to intraoral dental suction and isolation mouthpieces.

2. Description of Related Art [0002] Various mouthpieces are currently used by dental health professionals, dental hygienists, and dental assistants in the field of dentistry. In the pást, a dental patient has been treated by a traditional two-person team that comprises a dental professional and a dental assistant. Further, dental treatment may be provided by the team using manydifferenttypes ofdental equipmentand materials. Such dental equipment and materials may include such items as an intraoral mirror, a bité block, a slow speed suction ejector, a high speed suction ejector, gauzes, cotton rolls, and dry angles. Each item ofdental equipment may be used fór different purposes, though somé may be used in combination fór somé types ofdental Services. As such, a dental professional seeking to provide such dental Services may need to use multiple items of such dental equipment. An important role of the dental assistant is therefore to assist the dental professional in coordinating the use of these multiple items of different equipment and materials.

[0003] There is, therefore, a need in the art fór improved systems and methods of providing dental Services in a more efficient, comfortable, and safe manner to the dental patient.

[0004] Different intraoral devices are known. Fór example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0015320 A1 discloses a bité block, an illumination device having a sálivá suction function, and a TIPS (twist isolated plates of suction) fór protecting the tongue of a patient. The described solution guides the tongue of the patient such that when dental treatment is performed, the tongue of the patient can be safely and comfortably protected. Furthermore, sálivá collected around the throat of the patient can be rapidly removed so that the patient feels little foreign-body like sensations. In addition, the TIPS can isolate the tongue from one sídé of the mouth cavity to be treated so as to ensure space fór treatment. Moreover, the entirety of the mouth cavity of the patient can be illuminated to enable a doctorto conveniently conduct the dental treatment.

[0005] Further, U.S. Patent No. 6,974,321 relates to dental appliances fór illuminating and/or vacuum suction of the mouth of a dental patient fór examination and/or operatíve purposes.

[0006] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2009/0274991 A1 teaches devices and methods fór providing intra-oral operatíve isolation, fluid and debris aspiration, and tongue and check retraction.

SUMMARY OF THE CLAIMED INVENTION [0007] The invention is defined in claims 1 and 14, respectively. Particular embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0008] In particular, a dental mouthpiece is described herein. The mouthpiece may be attached to a high-suction dental adapterforthe purpose of assisting the dental staffduring dental proceduresthrough chair-side, handsfree suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece comprises a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In somé embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a matéria! that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a matéria! may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable matériái, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

[0009] The main body portion comprises an enclosed pocket made up of an anteriorwall, a posterior wall, and a sídé wall in between the anterior and posterior walls. The sídé wall may be perforated with a plurality of perforations. Such perforations may constitute a mesh. Additional perforations may be located on the anterior and posterior walls. The main body portion may further include a süt along a longitudinai, Central axis on the anteriorwall. Such openings (e.g., perforations and süt) allow fór suction of air, fluids, and small debris from the patient’s mouth, through the openings intő the interior portion, and intő the suction connector portion towards a suction source. Because the mouthpiece is made of a flexible and resilient matéria! (e.g., silicone), the mouthpiece is bendable when placed in a patient’s mouth to conform to the shape ofthe mouth. When properly positioned, the suction connector portion may protrude from one sídé of the patient’s mouth, while the main body lies against the back of the patient’s mouth, and the cheek retractor presses against the patient’s cheek on the opposite sídé ofthe patient’s mouth.

[0010] The main body may further include an protruding bridgestructureon the interiorsurface ofthe posterior wall. Such a bridge structure may protrude from the interior surface in a wave shape with crests and troughs. The crests provide a plurality of contact points with the anteriorwall to keep the anteriorwall separated from the posteriorwall during suction. Meanwhile, the troughs provide gaps that allow fór suction of air, fluids, and small debris through the bridge structure.

EP 2 903 557 Β1

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0011]

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary mouthpiece with a detachable mouth prop.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the exemplary mouthpiece and detachable mouth prop of FIG. 1 A.

FIG. 1C is a bottom view ofthe exemplary mouthpiece and detachable mouth prop of FIG. 1 A.

FIG. 1D is a sídé view ofthe exemplary mouthpiece and detachable mouth prop of FIG. 1 A.

FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view ofthe exemplary mouthpiece and detachable mouth prop of FIG. 1 A. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the exemplary mouthpiece of FIG. 1A where the detachable mouth prop has been detached.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the exemplary mouthpiece of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the exemplary mouthpiece of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a sídé view ofthe exemplary mouthpiece of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view ofthe exemplary mouthpiece of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a front view of an exemplary mouth prop. FIG. 3B is a back view ofthe exemplary mouth prop of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the exemplary mouth prop of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is a perspective view ofthe exemplary mouth prop of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E is a sídé view of the exemplary mouth prop of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3F is a top view ofthe exemplary mouth prop of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of exemplary mesh sides in an exemplary mouthpiece.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of an internál bridge in an exemplary mouthpiece.

FIG. 6A is a close-up view of an exemplary reinforcing bar in an exemplary mouthpiece.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view ofthe exemplary reinforcing bar of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a close-up view of an exemplary cheek retractor portion in an exemplary mouthpiece.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view ofthe exemplary cheek retractor portion of FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0012] Embodiments ofthe present invention provide fora mouthpiece comprising a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In somé embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and subportionsthereof) may be molded asone-piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a matériái that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heatresistant, and autoclavable. Such a matériái may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable matériái, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

[0013] FIGs. 1A-E are different views ofan exemplary mouthpiece with an attachable mouth prop 160, while FIGs. 2A-E are different views ofthe exemplary mouthpiece of FIG. 1A where the attachable mouth prop 160 has been detached. Such a mouthpiece includes a main body portion 110, a suction connector portion 120, and a cheek retractor portion 130.

[0014] The main body portion 110 may include mesh or perforations 140, a stability bar 150, an open süt 170, and an internál bridge 180. The main body pofion 110 connects to a suction connector portion 120 on one end and a cheek retractor portion 130 at the other end. Such a cheek retractor portion 130 may be configured to press against and retract a patient’s cheek away from the patient’s teeth. When placed in a patient’s mouth, the suction connector portion 120 may protrude from one sídé ofthe patient’s mouth, while the main body portion 110 lies againstthe backofthe patient’s mouth, and the cheek retractor portion 130 retracts the patient’s cheek on the opposite sídé ofthe patient’s mouth. The flexibility ofthe matéria! used to form the mouthpiece allows fór somé bending when placed in the patient’s mouth. The matéria! is, however, resilient enough that the cheek retractor portion presses againstthe inside ofthe patient’s cheekwith such pressure being sufficient to move the cheek away from the patient’s teeth.

An exemplary main body portion 110, when placed in a mouth, may include an anterior wall facing the front of the mouth (e.g., the sídé with süt 170) and a posterior wall facing the back of the mouth. The two walls may connect at a superiorwall and an inferior wall forming a body that is at least partially enclosed.

[0015] Superior may be used herein to referto the sídé that rests against a roofof a patient’s mouth when placed therein, and inferior may be used to referto the sídé that rests against the floor ofthe patient’s mouth. The superior and inferior sides may be formed identically, which may allow fór the mouthpiece to change orientation such that the superior sídé may appearas the inferior sídé and vice versa, in the neworientation. When in use, the respective sides of the main body portion 110 may serve to protect and separate the top ofthe mouth and the bottom ofthe mouth/tongue. In addition, the main body portion 110 may alsó serve to protect the back of the mouth (e.g., throat and airway) from falling debris.

[0016] Much ofthe main body portion 110 ofthe mouthpiece may be shaped as a straight-line arrowhead or shield whose base generally conforms to the intraoral shape of a patient’s mouth. Differently-sized mouthpieces may be provided fór differently-sized mouths of adults and children. Part ofthe base sídé ofthe arrowhead may be formed with thicker walls than the rest of the main

EP 2 903 557 Β1 body. Such thickening may provide additional stability. [0017] In addition, the main body portion 110 ofthe mouthpiece may include a plurality of holes 140 distributed along the superior and inferior sides of the anterior and posteriorwalls to assist in suctioning of water, sálivá and debris from the órai cavity. In somé embodiments, a set of holes may alsó form a mesh along the walls of the superior and inferior edges. FIG. 4 is a close-up view of an exemplary mesh wall in an exemplary mouthpiece. [0018] At the narrow end of the arrowhead that connects to the cheek retractor portion 130, the main body portion 110 may include a rectangular portion. Narrower than the base ofthe arrowhead, the rectangular portion may additionally include a reinforcing bar (or stability bar) 150 (described in further detail below) and may be at least partially crossed by a síit 170 (described in further detail below) intő the interior of the pocket of the main body portion 110.

[0019] Stability bar 150 may be a protrusion or otherwise a thickened area that reinforces the stability ofthe rectangular portion and assist in shaping this region to the intraoral posterior shape of a patient’s mouth. FIG. 6A is a close-up view of an exemplary stability bar 150 of an exemplary mouthpiece. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view ofthe exemplary reinforcing bar in the cheek retractor connector portion of FIG. 6A.

[0020] In somé embodiments, the internál, rectangular-shaped reinforcing or stability bar 150 may be located distaIly to the internál wavelike bridge structure 180 and attached to both the interior sídé ofthe posterior surface of the main body and the rectangular portion. Such a stability bar 150 may be located in the area where a positioned mouthpiece begins to wrap from the lingual sídé ofthe most posterior mandibulartooth, around the distal sídé of the most posterior tooth, and to anterior sídé of the most posterior mandibulartooth, thereby assisting in shaping the mouthpiece to the generál intraoral shape of a patient’s mouth.

[0021] Various embodiments ofthe mouthpiece may further include a longitudinal, open síit 170 extending over approximately two-thirds of the main body on the anterior surface. Running along the center ofthe main body across the rectangle and most of the arrowhead, such a síit 170 may assist in capture and suction of water, sálivá and debris, as well as assisting in cleaning and maintenance.

[0022] Additionally, the main body of the mouthpiece may include a bridge structure 180 on an interior surface to ensure that the anterior and posterior surfaces remain separated during suction. FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view ofthe mouthpiece in which the bridge structure 180 is illustrated. FIG. 5 is a close-up view ofthe bridge structure 180 without the surrounding walls of the main body portion. Such a bridge structure 180 may be formed as an wave-like protrusion that generally corresponds to the distance between the anterior and posteriorwalls extending substantially (e.g., within 1 mm) the full distance at its erest and substantially flush to the surface at its trough.

In somé embodiments, the bridge structure 180 may be centrally-located in the main body portion 110 of the mouthpiece. The gaps (or troughs) between the waves of the bridge structure 180 assist in the suction-driven transfer of water and sálivá to the suction connector portion 120 and ultimately, intő a Central suction vacuum. In somé embodiments, the bridge structure 180 may follow the shape of a logo (e.g., an arrowhead or shield). [0023] The suction connector portion 120 may be ovalshaped and alsó attached to the main body portion 110. The suction connector portion 120 may be formed with thicker walls than the main body portion 110 and configured to attach to a high-suction vacuum adapter and to assist in transferring water, sálivá, and debris from the órai cavity to the external adapter fór removal. The suction connector portion 120 may alsó include an internál stop to assist in sliding the mouthpiece onto the adapter to a desired depth. The suction connector portion 120 may additionally have an external, concave, notched region 210 that corresponds to a removable strap such that when the strap is in piacé, the external walls of the strap and the rest ofthe connector portion may be flush.

The cheek retractor portion 130 is illustrated as a hammerhead distal region, which may be attached to the main body portion 110. FIG. 7A is a close-up view of an exemplary cheek retractor portion 130 in an exemplary mouthpiece. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view ofthe exemplary cheek retractor portion 130 of FIG. 7A.

[0024] The mouthpiece may be used with a mouth prop 160, as illustrated in FIGs. 1 (with a mouth prop 160) and FIGs. 2 (illustrated without the mouth prop 160). FIGs. 3A-E provide different close-up views of an exemplary mouth prop 160. The removable strap 310 may be attached to mouth prop 160, which may be used to prop open a patient’s mouth and teeth. In this regard, the suction connector portion 120 may additionally have an external plug 220 (FIG. 2C) protruding from the posterior sídé ofthe suction connector portion 120. Such a plug 220 may correspond to and serve to connect with an opening in the mouth prop 160. The mouth prop 160 may be reinforced by the presence ofthe plug 220 in the opening, thereby resulting in a more crush-resistant, nearly incompressible, and stable mouth prop 160. In somé embodiments, thesuction connector portion 120 mayfurther have a cutout 230 (e.g., which may be shaped as a logo) providing extra interlocking with a corresponding protrusion (e.g., which may alsó be shaped as a logo) on an external high-suction vacuum adapter.

[0025] The mouth prop 160 may be made of thickened silicone matéria! injection molded in a single piece with an elastic strap corresponding to the circumference of the suction connector portion. The mouth prop 160 has an internál, rectangular-shaped female siót designed to fit snugly with the external, rectangular-shaped male plug 220 of the suction connector portion 120 of the mouthpiece. Mouth props may be made in different sizes fór differently sízed mouths. Because the mouth prop and mouthpiece are detachablefrom eachother, different siz4

ΕΡ 2 903 557 Β1 es of each may be mixed and matched as needed fór a particular patient’s mouth.

[0026] The mouthpiece as described herein may be used with a one-piece, autoclavable, high-suction vacuum adapter. Such a high-suction vacuum body adapter may be made of a single homogenous matéria!. Having a single lever design, such a vacuum adapter may function in the same manner as all the current high-suction vacuum evacuators and sálivá ejectors in controlling the removal of water, sálivá, and debris from the órai cavity to the outside vacuum source. The single lever may be designed to control the removal of water, sálivá, and debris from the at least partially enclosed so main body through a single, large evacuation conduit within the suction connector portion.

[0027] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and nőt limitation. The descriptions are nőt intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should nőt be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the above description is illustrative and nőt restrictive. To the contrary, the present descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined nőt with reference to the above description, bút instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims.