JPH03182273A - Using method of molar protector for sport - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a protector most suitable to the tooth form of a wearing person by clenching the under jaw and the upper jaw to mold the upper and lower surfaces of left and right molar protecting part laid in softened state into a form conformable to the tooth form of the upper and lower molars, and then cooling to temperature less than softening temperature to harden. CONSTITUTION:When a wearing person clenches the lower jaw and the upper jaw after each part of a molar protector 1 brought into softened state is pressed and closely adhered to the gum parts of the occlusion surface 5a of the lower molar 5 and the tongue side surface 6a of a foretooth 6, the molar protector 1 is plastically deformed, the center parts of the upper and lower surfaces 2a, 2b of the left and right molar protecting parts 2, 2 are formed into uneven surfaces 12a and 12b laid along the occlusion surfaces 4a, 5a, and their peripheral parts cover the outer circumferential parts of the occlusion surfaces 4a, 5a, whereby the protector is molded into a form closely fitted to the tooth form of the wearing person. The thickness between the upper and lower surfaces 2a, 2b is reduced from 5-12mm to 3-9mm by this molding. The thus-molded molar protector 1 is then cooled to a softening temperature or less for 20 seconds to 1 minute and hardened.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (Field of Industrial Application) This invention is an athletic molar tooth protector worn by professional athletes, general sports enthusiasts, or people who carry heavy objects to protect their molar teeth when exercising, etc. Regarding how to use the tools,
More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of using a molar protector for exercise that allows the wearer to shape the bottom shape to perfectly match the shape of his or her own teeth.

(Conventional technology) In general exercise such as golf, baseball, softball, etc., the point and state at which power is exerted, such as concentration and explosive power, differ depending on the type of exercise. A common feature of all types of interlocking movements is that a person exercising or lifting a heavy object instantly clenches the upper and lower molars strongly.

In this way, there is a close relationship between the athlete's concentration and instantaneous force and the clenching force of the molars, and if this instantaneous clenching of the molars is carried out continuously or over a long period of time, , the upper and lower molars may wear down on each other, or the teeth may become chipped. As a result, there are problems such as the inability to exert the concentration and instantaneous power mentioned above, or the need for tooth extraction due to looseness of the molars.Furthermore, as a result of irregular occlusal conditions, back pain, stiff shoulders, and other problems may occur. It has been medically proven that serious conditions such as inducing neurological diseases occur. This situation is more likely to occur in professional athletes than in general sports enthusiasts, and among professional athletes, it is more likely to occur in so-called elite athletes who are at an advanced level than in average-level athletes.

In recent years, professional athletes in particular have been wearing molar protectors to protect their molars during exercise in order to prevent such situations.

The structure and manufacturing method of this molar tooth protector for exercise are an improvement on a template for general dentistry, that is, a template (occlusal tooth profile plate) used to embody the occlusal state of the patient. It was manufactured by special ordering from a dental clinic using the following steps.

■First, the dentist takes impressions of the upper and lower teeth and uses bite wax (wax material for bite sampling) to set the occlusal positions of the wearer's upper and lower molars. Next, it is attached to an articulator and a wax tooth mold (template mold) is taken. ■Next, this template mold is embedded in plaster and the plaster is allowed to harden. (2) Then, this plaster is divided into upper and lower parts and heated, and the wax tooth mold is melted and removed (dewaxed) to produce upper and lower mold molds made of plaster. ■Furthermore, acrylic resin is filled into the upper and lower molds and heated to polymerize and harden. (2) After this, a molded acrylic resin template (an exercise molar tooth protector) is inserted between the upper and lower molds and polished. ■
Finally, this template is adjusted on the model, and furthermore, it is placed in the wearer's oral cavity, and the dentist makes appropriate adjustments while checking the fit of the template to create a finished product.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, such a structure and manufacturing method have various problems as described below, and further improvements have been desired to completely solve the above-mentioned problems.

(1) There are many manufacturing steps, it takes a long time to manufacture, and the wearer has to visit the dental clinic many times to get the finished product, making the manufacturing very troublesome. For this reason, the reality is that conventional molar protectors are not used much except by some professional athletes who must wear them.

(2) Because the manufacturing process itself requires special technology and skill, it is undeniable that the accuracy of the finished product varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Furthermore, because the manufacturing process is complicated and involves multiple steps, it is difficult to obtain an optimal molar protector that perfectly fits the shape of the wearer's teeth.

(3) Due to the large number of manufacturing steps and the high level of skill required, manufacturing costs and product costs inevitably increase.

(4) Conventional acrylic resin templates have a fairly high product hardness, so even if you can get a template that fits the upper and lower molars well, it has poor elasticity.
If used for a long period of time, there is an inherent risk of damaging the molars, such as chipping the teeth.

(5) Due to the reasons (1) to 4) above, the degree of use is extremely low, especially for some sports enthusiasts who aim to enjoy sports for fun.

The present invention has been made in view of these conventional problems, and can be easily obtained by not only professional athletes but also general sports enthusiasts, and does not require any time or skill to manufacture. To provide a method for using a molar tooth protector for exercise, which allows the wearer to obtain the best fit for his/her own tooth shape and which does not pose any danger in use due to the flexibility of the material.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, the method of using the molar tooth protector for exercise of the present invention has a softening temperature (60 to 90 ℃〉 and is made of a thermoplastic resin with appropriate flexibility, and connects a pair of left and right molar protectors having upper and lower surfaces corresponding to the occlusal surfaces of upper and lower molars, and the front parts of both molar protectors. A method of using a molar tooth protector for exercise comprising a connecting part, wherein the molar tooth protector is heated to the softening temperature to soften it, and the molar protector in the softened state is placed in the wearer's oral cavity. By inserting the left and right molar tooth protection parts into close contact with the left and right molar teeth of the mandible, and bringing the connecting part into close contact with the back side of the mandibular front teeth, and clenching the mandible and upper jaw, the The upper and lower surfaces of the left and right molar protection parts are molded into a shape that matches the tooth profile of the upper and lower molars, and are then cooled to a softening temperature or lower to harden.

(Function) The method of using the present invention is to first immerse a molar tooth protector, which has been integrally molded in advance to have a basic structure, in hot water heated to a softening temperature of about 80°C for a predetermined time. After that, the softened molar protector is inserted into the wearer's mouth.At this time, the left and right molar protectors are brought into contact with the left and right molars of the mandible, respectively, and the connecting part is placed between the front teeth of the mandible. While in contact with the back surface (tongue surface), press these with your fingers to make them adhere to each tooth (preforming).Then, in this state, the wearer bites down on the lower and upper jaws. , the upper and lower surfaces of the left and right molar protectors, which are in a softened state, are deformed and molded into a shape that matches the tooth shape of the upper and lower molars.The term "use molding" refers to the molding operation during use of the molars. It is used to distinguish it from molding work during the manufacture of protective equipment, and the same shall apply hereinafter.

In use, the molded molar protector is removed in or out of the oral cavity and cooled to below its softening temperature to harden.

(Example> Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

A molar tooth protector for exercise according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the molar tooth protector 1 is an integrally molded product made of thermoplastic resin, and includes a pair of left and right molar tooth protectors 2.2 and an articulated molar tooth protector 1. Part 3
It consists of.

The thermoplastic resin constituting the molar protector 1 is one whose softening temperature is relatively low, that is, one whose softening temperature is higher than human body temperature and lower than the temperature of boiling water (for example, 60 to 90°C).
) and has appropriate flexibility. For example, polyurethane resin, silicone resin, vinyl acetate resin, etc. are preferably used. The illustrated molar tooth protector 1 is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, has a softening temperature of about 80° C., and maintains appropriate flexibility even after molding.

The left and right pair of molar tooth protection parts 2, 2 are symmetrical and have the same shape. Each molar tooth protection part 2 has a substantially rectangular cross section, and its upper and lower surfaces 2a, 2b are the occlusal surfaces 4a of the upper and lower molars 4.5, based on a human of standard physique,
5a... (see FIG. 3). That is, the upper and lower surfaces 2a, 2b are each formed into a plane having a slightly larger outline than the occlusal surfaces 4a, 5a, . . . . In addition, the upper and lower surfaces 2a,
The height dimension between 2b is set in consideration of the thickness dimension between these two surfaces when the bottom shape is used, and is preferably set to 5 to 12 m+s.

Note that the standard physique referred to here differs depending on the target race and type of exercise.

The connecting portion 3 includes the front portion 2c of the left and right molar tooth protection portions 2.2,
2c are connected to each other, and its shape and dimensions are based on the back side 6 of the front teeth 6 of the lower jaw, based on a human with a standard physique.
It has a thin curved shape along a... (see Fig. 3).

Next, a method of using the molar tooth protector 1 constructed as described above will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, and this method of use can be performed in a general household.

(1) Heat a container such as a pot filled with water with a fire such as a gas stove to make hot water of about 80℃.

(2) The molar tooth protector 1 is immersed in this hot water. Then, the molar tooth protector 1 is heated to a softening temperature in about 30 seconds to 1 minute, and becomes flexible and softened.

(3) The wearer himself takes out the softened molar tooth protector 1 from the container, inserts it into his own oral cavity, and positions it, as shown in FIG.

This positioning involves bringing the lower surface 2b of each molar tooth protection part 2 into contact with the occlusal surface 5a of the lower molar tooth 5, respectively, and bringing the front surface of the connecting part 3 into contact with the lower front tooth 6 of the lower jaw.・・・
This is done by bringing the tongue side surface 6a into contact with the gums.

(4) Next, with your fingers, touch each part of the molar tooth protector 1 to the gingiva of the occlusal surface 5a of the lower molar teeth 5 and the lingual surface 6a of the front teeth 6. Press it against the area to make it stick tightly.

(5) With the molar tooth protector l in the preformed state, when the wearer bites down on the lower and upper jaws as shown in FIG. 4, the molar protector l is molded into a shape that matches the shape of the wearer's own teeth.

That is, due to the clenching force, the molar tooth protector l which is in a softened state is plastically deformed, and the left and right molar tooth protectors 2.
The upper and lower surfaces 2a and 2b of 2 have upper and lower molar teeth 4,
The uneven surfaces 12a, 12b are formed along the occlusal surfaces 4a, 5a of No. 5, and the surrounding portions are shaped like the occlusal surfaces 4a, 5a.
The outer periphery of 5a is covered, thereby forming a shape that closely matches the tooth profile of the wearer (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Note that due to this molding, the thickness between the upper and lower surfaces 2a and 2b (12a, 12b) is 5.
It decreases from ~12Wm to 3-9N.

(6) The molar tooth protector 1 thus molded for use is cooled to below the softening temperature and hardened in about 1&20 seconds to 1 minute, completing the molding for use.

Note that this cooling may be performed in the molded state for use in the oral cavity, or may be performed by removing it from the oral cavity after use. But that's fine.

As shown in Fig. 4, the molar tooth protector l that has been used and molded as described above is placed in the wearer's oral cavity again and is held in a clenched state between the upper and lower molars 4.5... Due to the moderate flexibility of the molar protector itself,
The molars are effectively protected.

In addition, since the molars can be clenched tightly, concentration and explosive power can be effectively exerted during exercise.

In this case, the upper and lower surfaces 2a and 2b of the left and right molar protectors 2゜2 of the molar protector 1 completely match the occlusal surfaces 4a and 5a of the upper and lower molar teeth 4 and 5, respectively, as shown in FIG. ,
The wearer can be worn with very good staining in the oral cavity and almost no foreign body sensation.

Note that the shape of the molar tooth protector 1 used in the present invention is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1, and can be modified in various ways. for example,
As shown in FIG. 7, the lower surface 2b of the molar tooth protection part 2 is formed into a concave surface that covers the surrounding area of the occlusal surface 5a of the lower molar tooth 5, and as shown in FIG. It is also possible to use one in which the 'lb is formed into a concave surface that covers the periphery of the occlusal surfaces 4a and 5a of the upper and lower molars 4 and 5, respectively. In this way, if the molar tooth protectors 2, 2 are shaped in advance to fit into the molar teeth 4.5, there is an advantage that the positioning of the molar tooth protector 1 during use, the preliminary wI bottom shape, and the molding for use are facilitated. be.

(Effects of the Invention) As detailed above, according to the present invention, the following excellent effects can be obtained, and not only professional athletes, but also general sports enthusiasts and people who carry heavy objects can easily use the invention. It is possible to provide a method of using a molar tooth protector for exercise that is available and allows each wearer to obtain the one that is most suitable for his or her own tooth shape.

+1) Using a molar protector made of thermoplastic resin, heat the molar protector to about its softening temperature to soften it, insert it into the wearer's oral cavity, position it, and leave it in this state. By clenching the lower and upper jaws, the wearer's upper and lower molars are molded to fit the shape of the wearer's teeth, making it much easier and faster to use than in the past.

(2) It does not require any special techniques or skills, and the softening temperature mentioned above is relatively low and can be easily obtained with ordinary household boiling water. It can be molded for use without the traditional hassle of having to specially order it from a dental clinic.

Therefore, it can be easily used not only by professional athletes but also by general sports enthusiasts, and is extremely versatile.

(3) The molding used does not require special techniques or skill, and it is possible to reliably obtain the optimal shape for each individual.Moreover, even if it no longer matches the tooth shape over time, it can be softened in boiling water. If so, it can be reused and molded.

(4) By using a molar protector that has the basic structure necessary for the tooth preparation shape, and because its use and shaping can be done at the individual level, mass production of the above molar protector as a mass-produced product will improve the quality of the product. The cost can be significantly reduced, thereby making it possible to obtain a low-priced product that is easily available to general sports enthusiasts.

(5) Each wearer can choose the one that is most suitable for their own tooth shape, so it fits extremely well in the oral cavity, there is almost no foreign body sensation, the molars are effectively protected during exercise, and the molars are Since you can bite down hard, you can effectively exert your concentration and explosive power during exercise. By the way, taking back muscle strength as an example, it has been found through experiments that wearing the molar tooth protector of the present invention can improve back muscle strength by about 10 to 15% compared to when not wearing it.

(6) If the upper or lower surface or both upper and lower surfaces of the molar tooth protector are formed into concave surfaces that cover the surrounding area of the occlusal surface of the molar tooth, the positioning and preforming of the molar tooth protector with respect to the occlusal surface of the molar tooth must be performed during use. And it becomes very easy to use and mold.

(7) Since we use a thermoplastic resin that maintains appropriate flexibility even after molding, even when you bite down on your molars,
It has elasticity on the occlusal surface and more effectively achieves the function of protecting molars.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the molar protector for exercise used in the present invention, Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same, and Fig. 3 shows the use of the molar protector inserted into the wearer's oral cavity. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the condition before molding, partially in cross section. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the shape of the same molar tooth protector during molding and use, and FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a modified example of the molar protector for exercise. FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway perspective view of another modified example of the protective equipment for sports. 1...Molar tooth protector, 2...Molar tooth protector, 2a...
Upper surface of molar tooth protector, 2b...lower surface of molar tooth protector, 3.
... articulating part, 4... upper molar, 4a... occlusal surface of upper molar, 5... lower molar, 5a... occlusal surface of lower molar, 6... lower anterior tooth, 6a ... Back side of mandibular anterior teeth, 12a, 12b ... uneven surface that matches the tooth shape

Claims (8)

[Claims] (1) A pair of left and right lenses made of thermoplastic resin that has a softening temperature higher than human body temperature and lower than the boiling temperature of water, and has appropriate flexibility, and has upper and lower surfaces that correspond to the occlusal surfaces of upper and lower molars. A method for using a molar tooth protector comprising a molar tooth protector and a connecting portion connecting the front parts of both molar protectors, the molar protector being heated to the softening temperature to soften it. , Insert the molar tooth protector in a softened state into the wearer's oral cavity, bring the left and right molar tooth protectors into close contact with the left and right molar teeth of the mandible, respectively, and bring the connecting part into close contact with the back side of the front teeth of the mandible. By clenching the lower and upper jaws, the upper and lower surfaces of the left and right molar protection parts, which are in a softened state, are molded into a shape that matches the tooth shape of the upper and lower molars, and then cooled to below the softening temperature and hardened. How to use a molar protector featuring: (2) The method of using the molar tooth protector for exercise according to claim 1, wherein the molar tooth protector is softened by being immersed in hot water heated to the softening temperature for a predetermined period of time. (3) The method for using the molar tooth protector for exercise according to claim 1, wherein the molar tooth protector is cooled down to a softening temperature or lower and hardened in the molded state for use in the oral cavity. (4) The method for using the molar tooth protector for exercise according to claim 1, wherein the molar tooth protector is taken out from the oral cavity after the use molding, and is cooled to a softening temperature or lower to harden. (5) The method of using the molar tooth protector for exercise according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic resin has a softening temperature of 60 to 90°C. (6) The molar tooth protector for exercise according to claim 1, wherein the molar tooth protector for exercise is used, wherein the upper and lower surfaces of the molar tooth protector are formed into planes corresponding to the contour shapes of the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower molars, respectively. How to use. (7) The upper surface of the molar tooth protection part is formed into a flat surface corresponding to the contour shape of the occlusal surface of the upper molar tooth, and the lower surface of the molar tooth protection part is formed into a concave surface that covers the peripheral part of the occlusal surface of the lower molar tooth. The method of using the molar tooth protector for exercise according to claim 1, wherein the molar tooth protector for exercise is used. (8) The molar tooth protector for exercise according to claim 1, wherein the molar tooth protector for exercise is used, wherein the upper and lower surfaces of the molar tooth protector are each formed into a concave surface that covers the peripheral portion of the occlusal surface of the upper and lower molar teeth. How to use.