Patent Description:
A mouthpiece-type intraoral device such as an orthodontic aligner and an oral appliance (OA) for the treatment of sleep apnea syndrome is formed by pressing a resin sheet into a dental model. Also, an intraoral device such as a denture base is usually formed by mixing a polymer powder such as PMMA with a monomer solution such as MMA and then heat-curing the mixture. Intraoral devices provided with a base or bed portion are known to improve the strength and fracture resistance of the intraoral devices (see Patent Literatures <NUM> and <NUM>).

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a denture including a denture base and artificial teeth arranged on the denture base. Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a mandibular advancement device for the treatment of snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea. The mandibular advancement device includes a base with a shape covering a gingiva or gum. Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a masticatory orthodontic device that includes a shape memory mesh disposed between a teeth-receiving surface and the dental arch.

However, the denture base disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> as well as the mandibular advancement device for the treatment of snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea disclosed in.

Patent Literature <NUM> are molded into a solid shape and as a result, the base portion becomes relatively thick to ensure sufficient strength and fracture resistance.

Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a dental intraoral device that can reduce the thickness of a base portion while having sufficient strength and fracture resistance.

To achieve the above object, an orthodontic aligner according to claim <NUM> of the present invention is a dental intraoral device that is wearable in an oral cavity including a resin base portion that follows a shape of the oral cavity. At least a part of the base portion is formed into a mesh shape.

The dental intraoral device of the present disclosure having such a configuration can reduce the thickness of the base portion while having sufficient strength and fracture resistance.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a dental intraoral device according to the present disclosure are described with reference to first to third embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

A dental intraoral device in the first embodiment is applied to an orthodontic aligner to be worn within an oral cavity to cover upper teeth.

(Configuration of Orthodontic Aligner) <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an orthodontic aligner according to the first embodiment and an upper jaw. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the orthodontic aligner according to the first embodiment is worn within an oral cavity. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating unit regions of a base portion. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating unit regions according to a modified example of the first embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating unit regions according to another modified example of the first embodiment. The configuration of the orthodontic aligner according to the first embodiment is described below.

An orthodontic aligner <NUM> is formed by a three-dimensional modeling device based on the three-dimensional data. The orthodontic aligner <NUM> is worn over teeth <NUM> before straightening, and the teeth <NUM> to be straightened are straightened to a desired straightening position.

As illustrated in the upper drawing in <FIG>, the teeth <NUM> are supported by gum or gingiva <NUM> embracing the roots of the teeth <NUM>. A part that protrudes from the gingiva <NUM> is a tooth crown <NUM>.

As illustrated in the lower drawing in <FIG> and <FIG>, the orthodontic aligner <NUM> includes crown portions <NUM> that are formed in a recessed groove shape to cover tooth crowns <NUM>, and a bed or base portion <NUM> that connects palatal-side edges of the crown portions <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> is formed to follow the shape of the upper jaw <NUM> and has a predetermined thickness H. The thickness H may be in a ranger from <NUM> [mm] or more to <NUM> [mm] or less. Preferably, the thickness H may be <NUM> [mm] or less.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the base portion <NUM> is formed into a mesh shape by approximately regularly arranging the unit regions <NUM> including holes 31b. The mesh shape means a regular or at least partially random three-dimensional mesh structure. Note that <FIG> partially illustrates the unit regions <NUM> in an enlarged view. The base portion <NUM> is entirely formed into the mesh shape in the first embodiment. However, a part of the base portion <NUM> may be formed into the mesh shape. <FIG> illustrate examples of the unit regions <NUM>.

(Regular Hexagon Unit Region) As illustrated in <FIG>, the cross-sectional shape of each of the unit regions <NUM> is formed by a regular hexagon in the present embodiment. The regular hexagon is a regular polygon that can tessellate (realize a tessellation) with one type of the polygon (polygonal shape). Each of the unit regions <NUM> is formed in a tubular or cylindrical shape by side walls 31a, which define the regular hexagon in a plan view, and includes the hole 31b that extends in a vertical direction. The hole 31b allows saliva, heat, and the like to be transmitted to the upper jaw <NUM>.

A length L of each side of the unit region <NUM> is preferably, for example, <NUM> [mm] or more in terms of the passability of saliva, and is preferably, for example, <NUM> [mm] or less in terms of the securing of its strength. A thickness T of the side wall 31a may be set to a predetermined value (e.g., <NUM> [mm]). A ratio L/T of the thickness T to the length L is, according to the present invention, <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and yet more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. The saliva easily passes when the ratio L/T of the thickness T to the length L is <NUM> or more. The side walls 31a that define the sides become difficult to buckle when the ratio L/T of the thickness T to the length L is <NUM> or less.

(Regular Triangle Unit Region) As illustrated in <FIG>, the cross-sectional shape of each of the unit regions <NUM> in another example may be formed by a regular triangle. The regular triangle is a regular polygon that can tessellate (realize the tessellation) with one type of the polygon (polygonal shape). Each of the unit regions <NUM> is formed in the tubular or cylindrical shape by the side walls 31a, which define the regular triangle in a plan view, and includes the hole 31b that extends in the vertical direction. The hole 31b allows saliva, heat, and the like to be transmitted to the upper jaw <NUM>.

The length L of each side of the unit region <NUM> is preferably, for example, <NUM> [mm] or more in terms of the passability of saliva, and preferably <NUM> [mm] or less in terms of the securing of its strength. The thickness T of the side wall 31a may be set to a predetermined value (e.g., <NUM> [mm]). The ratio L/T of the thickness T to the length L is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and yet more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. The saliva easily passes when the ratio L/T of the thickness T to the length L is <NUM> or more. The side walls 31a that define the sides becomes difficult to buckle when the ratio L/T of the thickness T to the length L is <NUM> or less.

(Regular Tetragon Unit Region) As illustrated in <FIG>, the cross-sectional shape of each of the unit regions <NUM> in another different example may be formed by a regular tetragon. The regular tetragon is a regular polygon that can tessellate (realize a tessellation) with one type of the polygon. Each of the unit regions <NUM> is formed in the tubular or cylindrical shape by the side walls 31a, which define the regular tetragon in a plan view, and includes the hole 31b that extends in the vertical direction. The hole 31b allows saliva, heat, and the like to be transmitted to the upper jaw <NUM>.

The length L of each side of the unit region <NUM> is preferably, for example, <NUM> [mm] or more in terms of the passability of saliva, and preferably <NUM> [mm] or less in terms of the securing of strength. The thickness T of the side wall 31a may be set to a predetermined value (e.g., <NUM> [mm]). The ratio L/T of the thickness T to the length L is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and yet more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. The saliva easily passes when the ratio L/T of the thickness T to the length L is <NUM> or more. The side walls 31a that define the sides become difficult to buckle when the ratio L/T of the thickness T to the length L is <NUM> or less.

The orthodontic aligner <NUM> is additively manufactured by applying ultraviolet laser light to a photo-curing resin by using the three-dimensional modeling device based on three-dimensional data of the orthodontic aligner <NUM> previously generated by three-dimensional software. For example, a resin containing a radical polymerizable compound such as a meth(acrylic) monomer, a polymerizable monomer including a cationic polymerization compound such as an epoxy compound, and a photopolymerization initiator may be used as the photo-curing resin.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the orthodontic aligner <NUM> as configured above is worn to cover the tooth crown <NUM> in the upper jaw <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> wearing the orthodontic aligner <NUM> are straightened to a desired straightening position.

A plurality of the orthodontic aligners <NUM> is prepared to straighten the teeth <NUM> to the final desired straightening position step by step.

Note that the cross-sectional shape of the unit region <NUM> is not limited to a regular hexagon, a regular triangle, or a regular tetragon, and may be a regular polygon that can tessellate (realize the tessellation) with one type of the polygon (polygonal shape). Also, the cross-sectional shape of the unit region <NUM> may be a regular polygon that can realize the tessellation by following the shape of the upper jaw <NUM>.

(Effect of Dental Intraoral Device) The effect of the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>) according to the first embodiment is described below. The dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>) according to the first embodiment is a dental intraoral device that is worn within an oral cavity (upper jaw <NUM>) including a resin base portion <NUM> that follows a shape of the oral cavity (upper jaw <NUM>), wherein at least a part of the base portion <NUM> is formed into a mesh shape (<FIG>).

Providing the base portion <NUM> makes it is possible to disperse the force applied to the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner) and prevent stress concentration. Further, by forming the base portion <NUM> in a mesh shape, the thickness of the base portion <NUM> can be reduced while ensuring a predetermined strength. Thereby, the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>) ensures a predetermined strength and allows the oral cavity to open relatively wider while wearing the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>). This makes it easier to pronounce and feel the temperature of food, which improves the QOL (Quality of Life) of the wearer.

In addition, the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>) can be relatively light. Thereby, the feeling of the foreign object for the patient can be reduced, and the falling off of the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>) due to its weight can be inhibited. Further, the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>) improves the passability of saliva and is therefore effective in inhibiting intraoral drying, preventing ulcers and tooth decay resulting from drying, and accelerating wound healing. Patients with weak resistance of mucous membranes relative to mechanical irritation due to diabetes or the like may suffer ulcers and pain due to damage to the tissue due to the dental intraoral device having the base portion. However, the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>) according to the present disclosure can reduce the contact area with the patient and accordingly, alleviate such symptoms.

In the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>) according to the first embodiment, at least a part of the base portion <NUM> is formed by approximately regularly arranging the unit regions <NUM> having the holes 31b (bottom figure in <FIG>).

Thereby, the force applied to the base portion <NUM> can be isotropically dispersed to prevent stress concentration. Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of elastic deformation of the base portion <NUM> so as not to cause plastic deformation or fracture. As a result, the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>) can be easily attached to or detached from the oral cavity.

In the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>) according to the first embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the unit region <NUM> is formed by the regular polygon that can tessellate (realize the tessellation) with one type of the polygon (<FIG>).

Thereby, the base portion <NUM> is provided with the unit regions <NUM> having uniform shapes without gaps among them. Therefore, the base portion <NUM> can be made thinner while ensuring a predetermined strength to make the base portion supple, hard to break, and relatively lighter.

In the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>) according to the first embodiment, the length of each side of the unit region <NUM> is <NUM> or more (<FIG>).

This can make it easier for a resin to flow out from the holes 31b of the unit regions <NUM>, and avoid resin retention or the like when the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>) is manufactured by the three-dimensional modeling device.

A dental intraoral device according to a second embodiment differs from the dental intraoral device according to the first embodiment in that the configuration of a base portion is different from that of the base portion in the first embodiment.

(Configuration of Dental Intraoral Device) <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating unit regions of a base portion according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the dental intraoral device according to the second embodiment is described below. Note that parts that are the same as or equivalent to those that have been described in the first embodiment are described by using the same terms and the same reference signs.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a base portion <NUM> according to the second embodiment is formed into a mesh shape by approximately regularly arranging unit regions <NUM> having holes 131b.

Each of the unit regions <NUM> is formed by a regular hexahedron. The regular hexahedron is a polyhedron that can realize space-filling (fill a space) with one type of the polyhedron. In other words, the unit regions <NUM> are formed by the regular hexahedron that can fill a space having a predetermined thickness H along the shape of the upper jaw <NUM>. Each of the unit regions <NUM> is formed into a frame shape by a frame 131c that connects the sides of the hexahedron and includes openings or holes 131b formed through the surfaces. The hole 31b allows saliva, heat, and the like to be transmitted to the upper jaw <NUM>.

The unit regions <NUM> fill the space having the predetermined thickness H along the shape of the upper jaw <NUM> to form the base portion <NUM>.

A length L of each side of the unit region <NUM> may be in a range from <NUM> [mm] or more to <NUM> [mm] or less, for example. A width W of the frame 131c may be set to a predetermined value (e.g., <NUM> [mm]). A ratio L/W of the width W to the length L is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and yet more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. The saliva easily passes when the ratio L/W of the width W to the length L is <NUM> or more. The frame 131c that defines the sides becomes difficult to buckle when the ratio L/W of the width W to the length L is <NUM> or less.

(Effect of Dental Intraoral Device) The effect of the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>) according to the second embodiment is described below. In the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>) according to the second embodiment, each of the unit regions <NUM> is formed by the polyhedron that can realize the space-filling (fill the space) with one type of the polyhedron (<FIG>).

Thus, the base portion <NUM> can be provided with the unit regions <NUM> that have uniform shapes and are arranged without gaps. Thereby, the base portion <NUM> can be made thinner and lighter while ensuring a predetermined strength. As a result, wearing the orthodontic aligner <NUM> makes it easier to pronounce and feel the temperature of food, which improves the QOL (Quality of Life) of the wearer.

Note that other configurations and advantageous effects are approximately similar to those in the first embodiment described above, and the descriptions thereof are omitted.

A dental intraoral device according to a third embodiment differs from the dental intraoral device according to the first embodiment in that the configuration of a base portion is different from that of the base portion in the first embodiment.

(Configuration of Dental Intraoral Device) <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an orthodontic aligner according to the third embodiment and an upper jaw. The configuration of the dental intraoral device according to the third embodiment is described below. Note that parts that are the same as or equivalent to ones that have been described in the first and second embodiments are described by using the same terms or the same reference signs.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a front part <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> is formed by the unit regions <NUM> having higher rigidity than the unit regions <NUM> of the other parts of the base portion <NUM>. The front part <NUM> is a front-side portion of the base portion <NUM> of the orthodontic aligner <NUM> attached to the upper jaw <NUM>, that is a part of the base portion <NUM> close to the anterior teeth (front teeth) <NUM>. In other words, the front part <NUM> is a part of the base portion <NUM> close to the crown portions <NUM> covering the anterior teeth <NUM>. Note that <FIG> illustrates parts of the unit regions <NUM>, <NUM> in an enlarged view.

For example, the unit regions <NUM> of the front part <NUM> may be formed with smaller shapes than the unit regions <NUM> of the other parts to have higher rigidity than the unit regions <NUM>. More specifically, the length of each side of each unit region <NUM> of the front part <NUM> may be set to <NUM> [mm] while the length of each side of each unit region <NUM> of the other parts may be set to <NUM> [mm], for example.

Also, the thickness of each side wall of the unit region <NUM> of the front part <NUM> may be made thicker than that of each side wall of the unit region <NUM> of the other parts so that the rigidity of the unit region <NUM> becomes higher than that of the unit region <NUM>.

(Effect of Dental Intraoral Device) The effect of the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>) according to the third embodiment is described below. In the orthodontic aligner <NUM> according to the third embodiment, the front part <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> is formed by the unit regions <NUM> having higher rigidity than the unit regions <NUM> of the other parts of the base portion <NUM> (<FIG>).

By forming the unit regions <NUM> in the front part <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> having higher rigidity than the unit regions <NUM> of the other parts of the base portion <NUM>, for example, it is possible to increase the strength of the front part <NUM> to which larger stress is applied when attaching and detaching the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>).

For example, by forming the unit regions <NUM> of the front part <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> having a denser configuration than the unit regions <NUM> of the other parts of the base portion <NUM>, it is possible to increase the strength of the front part <NUM> to which the larger stress is applied when attaching and detaching the dental intraoral device (orthodontic aligner <NUM>). As a result, wearing the orthodontic aligner <NUM> according to the third embodiment makes it easier to pronounce and feel the temperature of food, which improves the QOL (Quality of Life) of the wearer.

Note that other configurations and advantageous effects are approximately similar to those in the first and second embodiments described above, and accordingly, the description thereof is omitted.

The dental intraoral device according to the present disclosure has been described above in accordance with the first to third embodiments. However, the specific configurations are not limited to the ones described in these embodiments, and design changes, additions, combinations of the embodiments, and the like are allowed without departing from the spirit of the invention according to each claim.

In the first to third embodiments, as an example of the three-dimensional modeling device, the stereolithography apparatus using the photo-curing resin that is cured by ultraviolet laser light has been shown. However, the three-dimensional modeling device may be a projection type that cures and laminates a photo-curing resin by utilizing the light of a projector, may be an inkjet type that cures and laminates a liquid photo-curing resin by jetting the resin and applying ultraviolet light thereto, may be a fused deposition modeling type that piles up a thermoplastic resin layer by layer, or may be a powder sintering type that applies high-output laser light to a powder material and sinters the material.

In the first and third embodiments, the base portion <NUM> is formed by one layer or stage of the unit regions. However, the base portion <NUM> may be formed by two layers or stages of the unit regions as illustrated in <FIG> or may be formed by three or more layers or stages of the unit regions.

In the first and third embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the unit region <NUM> is the regular polygon that can tessellate (realize the tessellation) with one type of the polygon (polygonal shape). However, the cross-sectional shape of the unit region may be a polygon that can tessellate with one type of the polygon (polygonal shape).

For example, the polygon that can tessellate (realize the tessellation) with one type of the polygon may be a parallelogram as illustrated in <FIG>. Alternatively, the polygon that can tessellate with one type of the polygon may be a parallelogram that is formed by combining two congruent triangles as illustrated in <FIG>. Alternatively, the polygon that can tessellate with one type of the polygon may be a parallel hexagon as illustrated in <FIG>. Alternatively, the polygon that can tessellate with one type of the polygon may be a parallel hexagon formed by combining two congruent quadrangles as illustrated in <FIG>. Alternatively, the polygon that can tessellate with one type of the polygon may be a parallel hexagon formed by combining two congruent pentagons as illustrated in <FIG>. Alternatively, the polygon that can tessellate with one type of the polygon may be a pentagon that can tessellate as illustrated in <FIG>.

Moreover, a polygon that can tessellate (realize the tessellation) with two or more types of polygons may be a regular polygon that is an Archimedes' tessellation shape. For example, the polygon that can tessellate with two or more types of polygons may be a shape formed by eight regular triangles and one regular hexagon, as illustrated in <FIG>.

A polygon that can tessellate (realize the tessellation) preferably a combination of one or more of a triangle, a quadrangle, a pentagon, a regular polygon, and a parallel hexagon. The polygon that can tessellate may be more preferably a combination of one or more of the regular polygon, the parallelogram, and the parallel hexagon. The polygon that can tessellate may be yet more preferably a combination of one or more of the regular triangle, the regular tetragon, and the regular hexagon. The improvement of the symmetry of the unit region makes it difficult for a given load to concentrate and makes it difficult for plastic deformation and breakage to be caused. Particularly, in the regular triangle, the regular tetragon, and the regular hexagon, a given load is isotropically distributed, and thus plastic deformation and breakage are significantly inhibited.

In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the unit region may be formed by a regular polygon that can tessellate (realize the tessellation), may be formed by a polygon that can tessellate, or may be formed by a figure that can tessellate.

In the second embodiment, the unit region <NUM> is the regular hexagon (Archimedes' regular quadratic prism) that can realize the space-filling (fill the space) with one type of the polyhedron. However, the unit region may be a uniform polyhedron that can realize the space-filling with one type of the polyhedron.

The uniform polyhedron that can realize the space-filling (fill the space) with one type of the polyhedron may be, for example, an Archimedes' regular triangular prism, Archimedes' regular hexagonal prism, a truncated octahedron, a rhombic dodecahedron, or the like.

The unit region may be a polyhedron that can realize the space-filling (fill the space) with one type of the polyhedron. The polyhedron that can realize the space-filling with one type of the polyhedron may be, for example, a gyrobifastigium (Johnson solid J26) or the like.

The unit region may be a uniform polyhedron that can realize the space-filling (fill the space) by two or more types of the polyhedron. The uniform polyhedron that can realize the space-filling by two or more types of the polyhedron may be, for example, a uniform polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron and a regular octahedron, a uniform polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron and a truncated tetrahedron, a uniform polyhedron that consists of a regular octahedron and a truncated hexahedron, a uniform polyhedron that consists of a regular octahedron and a cuboctahedron, or a uniform polyhedron that consists of a rhombitruncated cuboctahedron and a regular octagonal prism.

Alternatively, the uniform polyhedron that can realize the space-filling (fill the space) by two or more types of the polyhedron may be, for example, a uniform polyhedron that consists of a truncated tetrahedron, a truncated octahedron, and a cuboctahedron, a uniform polyhedron that consists of a truncated tetrahedron, a truncated hexahedron, and a rhombitruncated cuboctahedron, a uniform polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron, a cube, and a rhombicuboctahedron, a uniform polyhedron that consists of a cube, a cuboctahedron, and a rhombicuboctahedron, or a uniform polyhedron that consists of a cube, a truncated octahedron, and a rhombitruncated cuboctahedron.

Alternatively, a uniform polyhedron that can realize the space-filling (fill the space) by two or more types of the polyhedron may be, for example, a combination of a cube, a truncated hexahedron, a rhombitruncated cuboctahedron, and a regular octagonal prism, or a combination of various types of equilateral rhombic polyhedrons.

The unit region may be a polyhedron that can realize the space-filling (fill the space) by two or more types of the polyhedron. The polyhedron that can realize the space-filling by two or more types of the polyhedron may be, for example, a polyhedron that consists of Johnson solid J1 (square pyramid) and Johnson solid J3 (triangular cupola), a polyhedron that consists of Johnson solid J1 (square pyramid) and Johnson solid J7 (elongated triangular pyramid), a polyhedron that consists of Johnson solid J1 and Johnson solid J27 (triangular orthobicupola), a polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron and Johnson solid J1, a polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron and Johnson solid J4 (square cupola), a polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron and Johnson solid J8 (elongated square pyramid), a polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron and Johnson solid J28 (square orthobicupola), a polyhedron that consists of a regular octahedron and Johnson solid J3, a polyhedron that consists of a regular octahedron and Johnson solid J7 (elongated triangular pyramid), a polyhedron that consists of a regular octahedron and Johnson solid J12 (triangular bipyramid), a polyhedron that consists of a truncated tetrahedron and Johnson solid J12, a polyhedron that consists of a truncated hexahedron and Johnson solid J1, or a polyhedron that consists of a cuboctahedron and Johnson solid J1.

Moreover, the polyhedron that can realize the space-filling (fill the space) by two or more types of the polyhedron may be, for example, a polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron, Johnson solid J1, and Johnson solid J18 (elongated triangular cupola), a polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron, Johnson solid J1, and Johnson solid J35 (elongated triangular orthobicupola), a polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron, Johnson solid J1, and Johnson solid J36 (elongated triangular gyrobicupola), a polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron, Johnson solid J1, and Johnson solid J15 (elongated square bipyramid), a polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron, a regular hexahedron, and Johnson solid J28, a polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron, a regular octahedron, and Johnson solid J15, a polyhedron that consists of a regular hexahedron, a regular dodecahedron, and Johnson solid J91 (bilunabirotunda), a polyhedron that consists of a regular hexahedron, a cuboctahedron, and Johnson solid J4, a polyhedron that consists of a regular hexahedron, a cuboctahedron, and Johnson solid J19 (elongated square cupola), a polyhedron that consists of a regular hexahedron, a cuboctahedron, and Johnson solid J28, a polyhedron that consists of a regular hexahedron, a regular tetrahedron, and Johnson solid J19, a polyhedron that consists of a regular octahedron, Johnson solid J1, and Johnson solid J3, or a polyhedron that consists of a regular octahedron, Johnson solid J1, and Johnson solid J7.

Moreover, the polyhedron that can realize the space-filling (fill the space) by two or more types of the polyhedron may be, for example, a polyhedron that consists of one or a combination of a regular tetrahedron, a regular hexahedron, and a cuboctahedron [Johnson solid J28 and Johnson solid J29 (square gyrobicupola)], a polyhedron that consists of one or a combination of a regular tetrahedron and Johnson solid J1 [a regular hexahedron, Johnson solid J8, and Johnson solid J15] and one or a combination of [Johnson solid J28 and Johnson solid J29], a polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron, a regular hexahedron, a cuboctahedron, and Johnson solid J37 (elongated square gyrobicupola), a polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron, a regular hexahedron, Johnson solid J1, and Johnson solid J8, a polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron, a regular octahedron, Johnson solid J1, and Johnson solid J15, a polyhedron that consists of a regular tetrahedron, Johnson solid J8, Johnson solid J15, and Johnson solid J19, a polyhedron that consists of one or a combination of a regular tetrahedron, Johnson solid J1, and Johnson solid J28 [a regular hexahedron, Johnson solid J8, and Johnson solid J15], a polyhedron that consists of one or a combination of a regular tetrahedron, Johnson solid J1, and Johnson solid J37 [a regular hexahedron, Johnson solid J8, and Johnson solid J15], a polyhedron that consists of one or a combination of a regular tetrahedron, a regular hexahedron, Johnson solid J1, and Johnson solid J19 [Johnson solid J8 and Johnson solid J15], or a polyhedron that consists of one or a combination of a regular tetrahedron, Johnson solid J1, and Johnson solid J4 [a regular hexahedron, Johnson solid J8 and Johnson solid J15].

The polyhedron that can realize the space-filling (fill the space) may be preferably a combination of one or more of a regular polyhedron, a semi-regular polyhedron, a regular prism, a regular antiprism, and a Johnson solid. The polyhedron that can realize the space-filling may be more preferably a combination of one or more of equilateral rhombic polyhedrons such as a regular polyhedron, a cuboctahedron, a regular polygonal prism, and a rhombic dodecahedron, a parallelepiped, a truncated octahedron, a parallelohedron such as an elongated rhombic dodecahedron, a rhombicuboctahedron, and a rhombitruncated cuboctahedron. The polyhedron that can realize the space-filling may be yet more preferably a combination of one or more of a regular tetrahedron, a regular hexahedron (cube), a regular octahedron, a regular triangular prism, a regular quadrangular prism (cuboid), a regular hexagonal prism, a truncated octahedron, a rhombic dodecahedron, and an elongated rhombic dodecahedron.

The improvement of the symmetry of the unit region makes it difficult for a given load to concentrate and makes it difficult for plastic deformation and breakage to be caused. Particularly, in the regular tetrahedron, a regular hexahedron (cube), a regular octahedron, a regular triangular prism, a regular quadrangular prism (cuboid), a regular hexagonal prism, a truncated octahedron, a rhombic dodecahedron, and an elongated rhombic dodecahedron, a given load is isotropically distributed, and thus plastic deformation and breakage are significantly inhibited.

In other words, the unit region may be formed by a uniform polyhedron that can realize the space-filling (fill the space), may be formed by a polyhedron that can realize the space-filling, or may be formed by a solid that can realize the space-filling.

In the first to third embodiments, the base portion <NUM> is entirely formed into the mesh shape by approximately regularly arranging the unit regions <NUM>, <NUM> having the holes 31b, 131b. However, the base portion may be partially formed into the mesh shape by approximately regularly arranging the unit regions having the holes. The shape of the hole is not particularly limited but is preferably highly symmetrical. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the hole may be a circle, a regular triangle, a regular tetragon, a regular pentagon, a regular hexagon, or any other regular polygon. The cross-sectional shape of the hole is more preferably a circle, a regular triangle, a regular tetragon, or a regular hexagon. The cross-sectional shape of the hole is yet more preferably a circle since the circle has no notch that may be an origin of breaking is formed.

In the first to third embodiments, the sides that define each unit region are straight lines. However, the sides that define each unit region may be curved lines as long as the effects of the present disclosure are not maintained. For example, a curvature radius R is preferably equal to or more than <NUM> times the length L of the side of the unit region, more preferably equal to or more than <NUM> times, and yet more preferably equal to or more than <NUM> times. The upper limit of the curvature radius R is not particularly limited but may be, for example, equal to or less than <NUM> times the length L of the side of the unit region.

In the first to third embodiments, the side walls are solid. However, a part of the side wall may have a hole. Although not particularly limited, the shape of the hole is preferably highly symmetrical. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the hole may be a circle, a regular triangle, a regular tetragon, a regular pentagon, a regular hexagon, or any other regular polygon. The cross-sectional shape of the hole is more preferably a circle, a regular triangle, a regular tetragon, or a regular hexagon. The cross-sectional shape of the hole is yet more preferably a circle since the circle has no notch that may be an origin of breaking is formed.

In the first to third embodiments, a reinforcing structure is not provided between side walls. However, as illustrated in <FIG>, a reinforcing structure such as braces <NUM> may be provided between the side walls 31a.

In the first to third embodiments, the base portion <NUM> covers all of the gingiva, the hard palate, and the soft palate. However, the base portion may cover the gingiva and the hard palate or may cover only the gingiva. The base portion may cover any one or more of the gingiva, the hard palate, and the soft palate.

In the first to third embodiments, the dental intraoral device according to the present disclosure is applied to the orthodontic aligner <NUM> to be worn within the oral cavity to cover the teeth <NUM> of the upper jaw <NUM>. However, the dental intraoral device according to the present disclosure may also be applied to an orthodontic aligner to be worn within the oral cavity to cover lower-jaw teeth.

In the first to third embodiments, the dental intraoral device according to the present disclosure is applied to the orthodontic aligner. However, the dental intraoral device according to the present disclosure is not limited to the orthodontic aligner and may be applied to a device or the like to be worn to cover teeth, such as an orthodontic retainer, a dental intraoral device for gnashing prevention, an oral appliance for the treatment of sleep apnea syndrome, a dental intraoral device for whitening, a mouth guard for sports, and a denture device (a complete denture, a partial denture).

In the case that the denture base used for the denture and/or the oral appliance (OA) for treatment of sleep apnea syndrome, the thickness of the base portion may be in a range from <NUM> [mm] or more to <NUM> [mm] or less. The thickness of the base portion may be preferably <NUM> [mm] or less, more preferably <NUM> [mm] or less, and yet more preferably <NUM> [mm] or less.

Claim 1:
An orthodontic aligner (<NUM>) that is wearable in an oral cavity, comprising:
crown portions (<NUM>) that are formed in a recessed groove shape to cover tooth crowns (<NUM>), and
a resin base portion (<NUM>) that is configured to connect palatal-side edges of the crown portions (<NUM>),
wherein the base portion (<NUM>) is formed to follow the shape of an upper jaw (<NUM>) and has a predetermined thickness (H),
wherein the base portion (<NUM>) is formed into a mesh shape by approximately regularly arranging unit regions (<NUM>) including holes (31b), and
wherein the thickness (H) of the base portion (<NUM>) is in a range from <NUM> or more to <NUM> or less, and
wherein a ratio L/T of a thickness T of the side wall (31a) of the unit region (<NUM>) to a length L of each side of the unit region (<NUM>) is <NUM> to <NUM>.