Surgery – Truss – Pad
Patent
1995-02-09
1996-09-10
Rimell, Sam
Surgery
Truss
Pad
128774, 607 2, A61B 5103
Patent
active
055536263
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention concerns an anti-bruxism device. Bruxism is a conscious or subconscious parafunction that takes place during the day and/or at night, and consists of a static and/or dynamic contact between the chewing levels of the mandibular and upper jaw.
Herewith appears an avowed neuro-muscular activity. These contacts are not physiological. Bruxism, also known as teeth-grinding or teeth-jamming, has two consequences concerning ones health. First it damages the teeth and molars, and secondly it influences the neuro-muscular system negatively. (muscle spasms, arthrosis, etc.)
The purpose of the invention is to develop a device that stops bruxism and raises the hurtful accesories. The device consists of an already used splint (synthetic resin) as carrier for a special biofeedback system. A splint is a synthetic resin modelled plate most frequently worn on the teeth of the upper jaw.
The biofeedback system detects bruxism, transponds a signal which diminishes, and finally stops bruxism. This device can also be used for preventive means; that is to say with patients grinding their teeth who don't yet suffer the consequences.
A prototype example of the anti-bruxism device features a biofeedback system with at least one pressure sensor, connected to a transponding element (e.g. a chip), which is connected to a pulse generator.
This generator transmits a, preferably, electrical impulse to a conducting splint anchor.
In this example the splint is worn on the palate of the mouth, in which the pressure sensors (in the synthetic resin) are extended over the upper jaw teeth.
When bruxism occurs, the pressure sensor measures the pressure force between teeth and/or molars and signals the transponding unit, in case the pressure force reaches a previous adjusted value or time, and another signal is given to the pulse generator in a way an (e.g.) electrical impulse irritates the molar region via the anchor.
By this, the patient receives a stimulation through which the bruxism stops (reflex activity).
If worn, during the sleep, this sleep may not be interrupted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The single FIGURE shows a simple example of an Anti-bruxism device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The main elements of the device of the present invention are: biofeedback system. The splint is a copy of the palatum and upper jaw teeth. In this example the splint is attached to two conducting anchors. splint, and to conduct the electrical impulses. signals, as written above, the pulse generator. anchors. The developped irritation stops bruxism without disturbing normal biological functions as for example sleep and intra oral pH.
The pulses, received by the anchors are preferably electric. As an alternative, thermical or vibrating pulses could be used.
The way in which the mechanical pressure will be conducted in an electrical impulse can be various, dependent on the technical possibilities, for example: piezeoelectric material, electrodes in plastic, chip, etc.
The anchors,-3-,-3'-, are made from currently used orthodontical conducting metal.
The connections between the separate elements of the biofeedback system should be prepared into the synthetic resin, so the splint is an insulator.
A battery 11 provides the necessary voltage for pressure measuring, and to conduct the impulses.
A Wheatstone bridge and condensator could be integrated in the system.
All material used should be biocomatible.
The anti-bruxism device will preferably be worn during nighttime. The user will be reacting unconsciously, (the sleep should not be disturbed) and stops bruxating (reflex activity).
It's obvious that the device can be manufactured in several ways depending on the details, without deviating from the essence of the invention.
1. An anti-bruxism device, comprising: including; bruxism by said detector, said stimulation device including at least one splint anchor mounted on said splint for conducting said stimulation to the user; bruxating.
2. The anti-bruxism device of claim 1, wherein: said detector includes: sensor; a
REFERENCES:
patent: 4669477 (1987-06-01), Ober
patent: 4842519 (1989-06-01), Dworkin
patent: 4934378 (1990-06-01), Perry, Jr.
patent: 4976618 (1990-12-01), Anderson
patent: 4979516 (1990-12-01), Abraham, II
patent: 4989616 (1991-02-01), Lee, Jr.
patent: 4995404 (1991-02-01), Nemir
patent: 5078153 (1992-01-01), Nordlander
patent: 5190051 (1993-03-01), Wilson
patent: 5212476 (1993-05-01), Maloney
Burger Michael A.
Martens Rigobertus W.
LandOfFree
Device for preventing bruxism does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device for preventing bruxism, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device for preventing bruxism will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1313140