Patent Description:
In dental education institutions (dental college, hygienist school, technician school), dental clinics, dental seminars, etc., a dental model is used when performing various practical exercises and examinations. Conventionally, some of such dental models have a model teeth table provided with a plurality of insertion holes to which the respective model teeth are detachably attached. The model teeth are inserted into the respective insertion holes, and the model teeth and the model teeth table are fixed by screws from the back side of the model teeth table (refer to Patent Document <NUM>).

<CIT> teaches a dental model comprising an insertion hole and a holder for mounting a model tooth into an insertion hole. The holder has an opening which surrounds a model tooth around its complete circumference. The model tooth in its holder are then inserted from in front into the insertion hole.

<CIT> discloses a dental model of a jaw in which a tooth can be removably positioned in a recess in the base of the model and locked in position using a locking block which like the tooth is insertable into the base of the model from the upper side of the model.

However, for example, with regard to a molar tooth, the root portion of the natural molar tooth extends wider than the crown portion. In the conventional dental model, even in the molar tooth, the root portion is formed smaller than the insertion hole in order to allow the model tooth to be inserted into the insertion hole, and it differs in shape from the natural teeth.

There is also an assignment of extracting a nerve of a tooth in the examination to become a dentist. In such a case, a dental model for practice or examination is preferable in which the shape of the root portion where the nerve is located has a similar shape to the actual root portion and the dental model is attachable to and detachable from the gum portion.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dental model and an articulator in which a model tooth having a root portion similar to an actual tooth is attachable to and detachable from a gum portion.

A dental model <NUM> of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. <FIG> is a perspective view of an articulator <NUM> provided with the dental model <NUM>. The articulator <NUM> includes a dental model <NUM> and a model support portion <NUM>. The dental model <NUM> includes an upper dental model 1A and a lower dental model 1B.

As illustrated below, assuming that the dental model <NUM> represents the interior of an actual mouth, a tongue side where the tongue is present is defined as an oral side, and the opposite cheek and lip side are defined as an extra-oral side. In addition, the molar teeth side and the front teeth side are defined as illustrated in the drawings. Also, assuming that the dental model <NUM> represents the interior of an actual mouth, the side of the upper teeth is defined as an upper side, and the side of the lower teeth is defined as a lower side.

The model support portion <NUM> includes an upper model support portion 101A that supports the upper dental model 1A and a lower model support portion 101B that supports the lower dental model 1B.

The upper model support portion 101A includes an upper model fixing portion 111A, an upper holding portion 112A holding the rear portion of the upper model fixing portion 111A, and a pair of upper rearward extending portions 113A extending obliquely rearward and downward from the upper holding portion 112A.

<FIG> is a diagram showing the upper model fixing portion 111A and the upper dental model 1A being detached from the upper model fixing portion 111A.

The upper model fixing portion 111A is composed of a magnetic material, and a storage portion 114A having a shape corresponding to the shape of the upper surface of the upper dental model 1A is provided on the lower surface. On the other hand, a magnet is embedded in the upper dental model 1A. The upper dental model 1A is fitted into the storage portion 114A of the upper model fixing portion 111A, and is detachably held by magnetic force.

With reference to <FIG> again, the upper holding portion 112A detachably holds the rear portion of the upper model fixing portion 111A. The pair of upper rearward extending portions 113A extends obliquely rearward and downward from one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the rear surface of the upper holding portion 112A.

The lower model support portion 101B includes a lower model fixing portion 111B, a lower holding portion 112B for detachably holding the rear portion of the lower model fixing portion 111B, and a pair of lower rearward extending portions 113B extending obliquely rearward and upward from the lower holding portion 112B.

Similar to the upper model fixing portion 111A, the lower model fixing portion 111B is composed of a magnetic material, and a storage portion 114B having a shape corresponding to the shape of the lower surface of the lower dental model 1B is provided on the upper surface. On the other hand, similarly to the upper dental model 1A, a magnet is embedded in the lower dental model 1B. The lower dental model 1B is fit into the storage portion 114B of the lower model fixing portion 111B, and detachably held by a magnetic force.

The lower holding portion 112B detachably holds the rear portion of the lower model fixing portion 111B. A pair of lower rearward extending portions <NUM> extends obliquely rearward and upward from one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the rear surface of the lower holding portion 112B.

The lower end of the upper rearward extending portion 113A and the upper end of the lower rearward extending portion 113B are rotatably coupled to each other.

Next, the dental model <NUM> of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

The upper dental model 1A is composed of a hard synthetic resin material. The dental model <NUM> includes a model teeth table <NUM> and a plurality of model teeth <NUM>.

The model teeth table <NUM> includes a pedestal portion <NUM> having a flat surface <NUM> in contact with the bottom surface of the storage portion <NUM> of the model support portion <NUM>, and a gum portion <NUM> which is integral with the pedestal portion <NUM> and protrudes from the pedestal portion <NUM>.

The model teeth <NUM> are inserted into the respective insertion holes <NUM>, which are respectively provided at the top of the protruding portion of gum portion <NUM>.

It should be noted that the above configuration is similar to that of the lower dental model 1B, and thus, the description thereof will be omitted.

The upper dental model 1A can be divided into a plurality of pieces. <FIG> shows a state in which the upper dental model 1A is divided. In the embodiment, the upper dental model 1A can be divided into three split dental models, which include a right molar teeth portion 1r (first portion), a front teeth portion 1f coupled to the right molar teeth portion 1r (second part), and a left molar teeth portion 1b coupled to the front teeth portion 1f.

A recessed groove 15a extending vertically is formed on the side surface of the right molar teeth portion 1r close to the front teeth portion 1f. A protrusion 16a which extends vertically and can be slid in the recessed groove 15a is formed on the front teeth portion 1f close to the right molar teeth portion 1r. The protrusion 16a of the front teeth portion 1f slides along the recessed groove 15a of the right molar teeth portion 1r, whereby the right molar teeth portion 1r is attached to and detached from the front teeth portion 1f. In addition, magnets are embedded respectively in the right molar teeth portion 1r and the front teeth portion 1f at positions facing each other when the right molar teeth portion 1r and the front teeth portion 1f are combined with each other. Therefore, the state of the right molar teeth portion 1r being combined with the front teeth portion 1f is held by the magnetic force.

A protrusion 16b extending vertically is formed on the front teeth portion 1f close to the left molar teeth portion 1b. A recessed groove 15b extending vertically is formed on the left molar teeth portion 1b close to the front teeth portion 1f. The protrusion 16b of the front teeth portion 1f slides along the recessed groove 15b of the left molar teeth portion 1b, whereby the left molar teeth portion 1b is attached to and detached from the front teeth portion 1f. In addition, magnets are embedded respectively in the front teeth portion 1f and the left molar teeth portion 1b at positions facing each other when the front teeth portion 1f and the left molar teeth portion 1b are combined with each other. Therefore, the state of the front teeth portion 1f being combined with the left molar teeth portion 1b is held by the magnetic force.

The plurality of insertion holes <NUM> are respectively provided at the top of the protruding portion of gum portion <NUM>. The model teeth <NUM> are respectively inserted into the gum portions <NUM> through the insertion holes <NUM>, respectively.

Among the insertion holes <NUM>, a recess portion 18b continuing from a molar insertion hole 20b is formed on the oral side of the molar insertion hole 20b to which a detachable molar model tooth 50b is attached, and a molar teeth lid portion 13b is attached to the recess portion 18b.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the left molar teeth portion 1b, and shows a state in which the molar teeth lid portion 13b is open. <FIG> is a perspective view of the left molar teeth portion 1b, and shows a state in which the molar teeth lid portion 13b is opened, and the molar model tooth 50b is detached. <FIG> is perspective view of the left molar teeth portion 1b, and shows a state in which the molar teeth lid portion 13b is opened, and the molar model tooth 50b and the molar teeth lid portion 13b are detached.

The molar teeth lid portion 13b is composed of the same material as the gum portion <NUM>. The molar teeth lid portion 13b constitutes a part of the gum portion <NUM> in a closed state, and includes a surface 131b integral with the surface of the gum portion <NUM>, and an inner surface 132b on the opposite side thereof. Among root insertion holes <NUM> into which a root portion 52b (described later) is to be inserted, a portion of the inner circumferential surface which forms a root insertion hole <NUM> is formed on the inner surface 132b.

The surface 131b of the molar teeth lid portion 13b in the closed state shown in <FIG> constitutes a part of the gum portion <NUM>, the shape of the gum portion in an actual mouth is simulated, and the upper rim portion of the molar teeth lid portion 13b constitutes a part of the rim of the opening of the molar insertion hole 20b.

As shown in <FIG>, on both sides of the base end portion of the molar teeth lid portion 13b, shaft portions <NUM> extending in the dentition direction are formed to protrude, respectively. On the other hand, in the inner surface of the recess portion 18b of gum portion <NUM>, there is a groove portion <NUM> into which the shaft portion <NUM> is to be inserted.

The groove portion <NUM> extends vertically from a tooth tip side of the model teeth <NUM> toward the flat surface <NUM>, but does not penetrate the flat surface <NUM>, and a bottom portion <NUM> is provided. Furthermore, a projection <NUM> is provided below the bottom portion <NUM> of the inner surface of the groove portion <NUM> (on the tooth tip side which is an upper side in <FIG>).

The shaft portion <NUM> is inserted into the groove portion <NUM> from the tooth tip side and slid to the flat surface <NUM> side. When the shaft portion <NUM> passes over the projection <NUM>, the shaft portion <NUM> is held in the space between the projection <NUM> and the bottom portion <NUM> in the groove portion <NUM>. Once the shaft portion <NUM> is held in its space, the shaft portion <NUM> is rotatably held in the space unless a force is applied to pass over the projection <NUM>. The rotation of the shaft portion <NUM> in its space makes it possible for the molar teeth lid portion 13b to be swingable between the closed state of <FIG> and the open state of <FIG> around the shaft portion <NUM>.

Furthermore, a screw insertion hole 25b of the transverse orientation which penetrates from the surface 131b side to the inner surface 132b side is provided in the molar teeth lid portion 13b. On the other hand, a threaded hole 26b is provided in a transverse orientation in the inner face facing the oral side at the recess portion 18b of gum portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the molar model tooth 50b includes a crown portion 51b and the root portion 52b.

The crown portion 51b is a portion exposed from the molar insertion hole 20b in the gum portion <NUM> with the molar model tooth 50b fixed to the gum portion <NUM>.

The root portion 52b is a portion which is inserted into the interior of the molar insertion hole 20b and is covered by the gum portion <NUM> including the lid portion <NUM> with the molar model tooth 50b being fixed to the gum portion <NUM>.

The root portion 52b of the molar model tooth 50b comprises three root portions including a root portion <NUM> on the oral side, and a root portion <NUM> and a root portion <NUM> on the extra-oral side, and the root portion <NUM> on the oral side extends more laterally than the crown portion 51b. Extending laterally refers to a state in which the root portion <NUM> protrudes outward from the crown portion <NUM> when the model teeth <NUM> are viewed from the crown portion <NUM> side.

In the interior of the molar insertion hole 20b, which is provided in the gum portion <NUM>, a root insertion hole <NUM> and a root insertion hole <NUM> are provided, into which the root portion <NUM> and the root portion <NUM> on the extra-oral side are to be inserted.

Furthermore, a part of the inner circumferential surface is provided which forms the root insertion hole <NUM> to which the root portion <NUM> on the oral side is to be inserted. When the molar teeth lid portion 13b is closed, the part of the inner circumferential surface which forms the root insertion hole <NUM> provided in the molar teeth lid portion 13b and the part of the inner circumferential surface which forms the root insertion hole <NUM> provided in the recess portion 18b together constitute the root insertion hole <NUM>.

Furthermore, an upper edge portion of the molar insertion hole 20b and an upper edge portion of the molar teeth lid portion 13b together define an edge portion of an opening of the molar insertion hole 20b.

Here, the opening of the molar insertion hole 20b of the embodiments is similar to that in an actual mouth, and is approximately the same shape as the outer circumference of the border between the crown portion 51b and the root portion 52b, which is the root of the crown portion 51b. Therefore, when the molar teeth lid portion 13b is being closed, the molar model tooth 50b having the root portion <NUM>, which protrudes more outward than the crown portion 51b, cannot be attached to and detached from the gum portion <NUM> through the molar insertion hole 20b.

However, in the embodiment, the molar teeth lid portion 13b is opened as shown in <FIG> to open the recess portion 18b which is continuous from the molar insertion hole 20b.

Thereafter, the root portion <NUM> and the root portion <NUM> of the molar model tooth 50b are inserted into the root insertion hole <NUM> and the root insertion hole <NUM>, respectively, which are provided in the interior of the molar insertion hole 20b. One of the outer circumferential surface of the root portion <NUM> abuts the inner circumferential surface constituting a part of the root insertion hole <NUM> provided in the recess portion 18b. This leads to the state shown in <FIG>.

When the molar model tooth 50b is closed from the state shown in <FIG>, the other side of the outer circumferential surface of the root portion 52b of the molar model tooth 50b abuts the inner surface constituting the other portion of the root insertion hole <NUM> which is provided on the inner surface 132b of the molar teeth lid portion 13b.

With the molar teeth lid portion 13b closed, a screw 27b is inserted in the transverse orientation into the screw insertion hole 25b, and screwed into the threaded hole 26b of the gum portion <NUM>. This allows the root portion <NUM> of the molar model tooth 50b to be held by the molar teeth lid portion 13b, a result of which the molar model tooth 50b is fixed to the gum portion <NUM>.

When detaching the molar model tooth 50b from the gum portion <NUM>, the screw 27b is rotated reversely contrary to when attaching the molar model tooth 50b as described above, and the molar model tooth 50b is detached from the threaded hole 26b and the screw insertion hole 25b. Furthermore, when the molar teeth lid portion 13b is opened, it is possible to detach from the gum portion <NUM> the molar model tooth 50b having the root portion <NUM>, which protrudes more outward than the crown portion 51b.

In the embodiment, a recess portion 18f is also formed on the oral side of a front insertion hole 20f to which a detachable front model tooth 50f among the insertion holes <NUM> in the gum portion <NUM> is attached, and a front teeth lid portion 13f is attached to the recess portion 18f.

<FIG> is a top view of the front teeth portion 1f, and shows a state in which the front teeth lid portion 13f is open. <FIG> is a top view of the front teeth portion 1f, and shows a state in which the front teeth lid portion 13f is opened and the front model tooth 50f is moved inside. <FIG> is a top view of the front teeth portion 1f, and shows a state in which the front teeth lid portion 13f opened and the front model tooth 50f is detached. <FIG> is a lateral view of the front model tooth 50f.

The front teeth lid portion 13f is composed of the same material as the gum portion <NUM>. The front teeth lid portion 13f constitutes a part of the gum portion <NUM> in a closed state, and includes a surface 131f integrated with the surface of the gum portion <NUM>, and an inner surface 132f on the opposite side thereof. A portion of the inner circumferential surface which forms a root insertion hole <NUM> into which a root portion 52f (described later) is to be inserted is formed on the inner surface 132f.

The surface 131f of the front teeth lid portion 13f in the closed state shown in <FIG> constitutes a part of the gum portion <NUM>, the shape of the gum portion in an actual mouth is simulated, and the upper end portion of the front teeth lid portion 13f constitutes a part of the rim of the opening of the front insertion hole 20f.

Since the attachment structure of the front teeth lid portion 13f to the gum portion <NUM> is similar to that of the molar teeth lid portion 13b to the gum portion <NUM>, an explanation thereof will be omitted.

A screw insertion hole 25f which penetrates in the vertical direction is provided in the front teeth lid portion 13f. On the other hand, a threaded hole 26f which extends in the vertical direction is provided on the inner surface of the recess portion 18f of the gum portion <NUM>.

In addition, a depression 28in is provided in the inner surface of the front teeth lid portion 13f facing the oral side with the front teeth lid portion 13f closed.

As shown in <FIG>, the front model tooth 50f includes a crown portion 51f and a root portion 52f. Unlike the molar model tooth 50b, the root portion 52f of the front model tooth 50f does not protrude more outward than the crown portion 51f. Furthermore, a projecting portion 53in and a projecting portion 53ou are respectively provided on the oral side and the extra-oral side on the outer circumferential surface of the root portion <NUM>.

A root insertion hole 24f into which a root portion 52f is inserted is provided in the interior of the recess portion 18f provided in the gum portion <NUM>. A depression 28ou is provided at a portion facing the oral side of the inner circumferential surface of the root insertion hole 24f.

Furthermore, the oral side of the root insertion hole 24f does not cover a part of the root portion 52f on the crown portion 51f side. Therefore, when the front teeth lid portion 13f is opened with the root portion 52f inserted into the root insertion hole 24f, a portion of the root portion 52f on the crown portion 51f side is exposed. When the front teeth lid portion 13f is closed, the inner surface of the front teeth lid portion 13f covers a portion thereof.

Thereafter, the edge portion of the root insertion hole 24f and the edge portion of the front teeth lid portion 13f define the opening of the front insertion hole 20f.

The front model tooth 50f is inserted into the opened root insertion hole 24f with the front teeth lid portion 13f opened, as shown in <FIG>.

At this time, as shown in <FIG>, the front model tooth 50f is inserted with the tooth tip tilted inward to the oral side, and after the front model tooth 50f is inserted deeply, the front model tooth 50f is pressed toward the extra-oral side.

Thereafter, a projecting portion 53ou provided on the extra-oral side of the outer circumferential surface of the root portion 52f is fit into the depression 28ou provided in the portion facing the oral side of the inner circumferential surface of the root insertion hole 24f of the gum portion <NUM>. This leads to the state shown in <FIG>.

The front model tooth 50f is closed from the state shown in <FIG>. Thereafter, the projecting portion 53in provided on the oral side of the outer circumferential surface of the root portion 52f is fit into the depression 28in provided in the inner surface facing the extra-oral side of the front teeth lid portion 13f.

Then, the screw 27f is screwed into the threaded hole 26f in the gum portion <NUM> by inserting the screw 27f vertically into the screw insertion hole 25f with the front teeth lid portion 13f closed. With such a configuration, the front teeth lid portion 13f is fixed to the gum portion <NUM>.

Here, the opening of the front insertion hole 20f of the embodiment is similar to that in an actual mouth, and is approximately the same shape as the outer circumference of the border between the crown portion 51f and the root portion 52f, which is the root of the crown portion 51f.

Therefore, in the absence of any countermeasures, the front model tooth 50f having the root portion 52f which is narrower than the crown portion 51f can be detached from the insertion hole <NUM> even when the front teeth lid portion 13f is closed.

However, in the embodiment, the fitting of the protruding portion 53ou provided at the root portion 52f and the depression 28ou provided in the inner circumferential surface of the root insertion hole 24f, and the fitting of the protruding portion 53in provided at the root portion 52f and the depression 28in provided at the front teeth lid portion 13f make it possible to prevent the front model tooth 50f from detaching from the insertion hole <NUM>.

When detaching the front model tooth 50f, the screw 27f is rotated in reverse to when attaching the front model tooth 50f as described above, and the front model tooth 50f is detached from the threaded hole <NUM> and the screw insertion hole <NUM>. Then, the front teeth lid portion 13f is opened. With such a configuration, the depression 28in provided in the inner surface facing the extra-oral side of the front teeth lid portion 13f is detached from the protruding portion 53in provided on the oral side of the outer circumferential surface of the root portion 52f.

Then, the front model tooth 50f is pressed toward the oral side. With such a configuration, the protruding portion 53ou provided on the extra-oral side of the outer circumferential surface of the root portion <NUM> is detached from the depression 28ou provided at the portion facing the oral side of the inner circumferential surface of the root insertion hole <NUM> of the gum portion <NUM>.

This makes it possible to detach the front model tooth 50f from the root insertion hole <NUM>.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

According to the dental model <NUM> of the embodiment, even in a case of the model tooth <NUM> having the root portion <NUM> which protrudes more outward than the crown portion <NUM>, which is similar to an actual tooth, it is possible to attach and detach the model tooth <NUM> to and from the gum portion <NUM> by opening the lid portion 13b, 13f provided in the gum portion <NUM> and exposing at least a part of the root portion <NUM>.

At this time, the opening of the insertion hole <NUM> is substantially in the same shape as the outer circumference of the boundary between the crown portion 51b and the root portion <NUM> while the lid portion 13b, 13f is closed. Therefore, there is no gap around the boundary.

Furthermore, since at least a part of the root portion <NUM> is exposed by opening the lid portion 13b, 13f, it is possible to observe the root portion <NUM> while the root portion <NUM> is attached to the gum portion <NUM>.

Since the model tooth <NUM> has a shape similar to that of the natural tooth, for example, it is possible perform practice of extracting a nerve using the model tooth <NUM>.

Since the lid portion 13b, 13f constitutes a part of the gum portion <NUM> in a closed state, the actual gum shape is not impaired.

Since the dental model can be divided, it is possible to submit only the necessary part in the examination of dental education, and the scoring side can easily perform the observation, and less space can be provided for the storage.

In the above embodiment, the molar teeth lid portion 13b is provided on the oral side of one molar model tooth 50b among the model teeth <NUM> included in the left molar teeth portion 1b, and the molar model tooth 50b is attachable to and detachable from the gum portion <NUM>. Then, the front teeth lid portion 13f is provided on the oral side of the one front model tooth 50f among the model teeth <NUM> included in the front teeth portion 1f, and the front model tooth 50f is attachable to and detachable from the gum portion <NUM>.

However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and other teeth can be the attachable/detachable model teeth <NUM> in which the lid portion is provided. Furthermore, the number of the attachable/detachable model teeth <NUM> is not limited to two, and may be more than two or less than two. Moreover, all of the model teeth are attachable or detachable.

In the embodiments, an example in which the lid portion <NUM> is provided in the upper dental model 1A is provided. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a lid portion may be provided in the lower dental model 1B.

The lid portion <NUM> is configured to swing by the shaft portion <NUM> relative to the gum portion <NUM>. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the lid portion <NUM> may not be engaged by the shaft portion <NUM>, and may be, for example, separated upon detachment.

In the embodiment, the lid portion <NUM> is provided on the oral side of the insertion hole <NUM>. According to this, the lid portion <NUM> is not visible when viewed from the extra-oral side. Therefore, it is superior in appearance. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the lid portion <NUM> may be provided on the extra-oral side of the insertion hole <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A dental model (<NUM>) comprising:
a gum portion (<NUM>) in which an insertion hole (20b, <NUM>) with an opening into which a model tooth (<NUM>) is to be inserted is provided; and
a lid portion (13b, 13f) provided on an oral side or an extra-oral side of the insertion hole (<NUM>) in the gum portion (<NUM>), wherein the lid portion (13b, 13f) constitutes a part of the gum portion (<NUM>) in a closed state, and exposes at least a part of a root portion of the model tooth (<NUM>) in an opened state, and wherein the lid portion (13b, 13f) is configured to be opened and closed relative to the gum portion (<NUM>),
characterized in that when the lid portion (13b, 13f) is closed, the rim of the opening of the insertion hole (<NUM>) is formed by rims present on the gum portion (<NUM>) and the lid portion (13b, 13f), and both ends of the gum portion (<NUM>) and the lid portion (13b, 13f) rims meet to form a recess into which the model tooth (<NUM>) is placed, and
the lid portion (13b, 13f) is held with respect to the gum portion (<NUM>) in a swingable manner between in the closed state and in the opened state.