A Modular Dental Tool for Holding Back Lips, Cheeks, and Tongue

A specialized dental device that keeps a patient's mouth open and clear by holding back the lips, cheeks, and tongue using a snap-fit, adjustable system.

What it covers

This device helps dentists keep a patient's mouth clear during procedures by managing soft tissues that usually get in the way. It features a circular lip retractor and two arch-shaped arms that push the cheeks outward. The most distinct part is the tongue retractor, which is a separate piece that attaches to the cheek arms using a strap. This strap slides into a channel on the arms and is held in place by a snap-fit mechanism, allowing the dentist to adjust the tongue's position precisely.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover dental retractors that lack a removable tongue-retraction component.
• —Does not cover systems that use adhesives or suction rather than a mechanical snap-fit channel to secure the tongue retractor.
• —Does not cover retractors that do not include a circumferentially continuous annular body for the lips.

The clever bit

The use of a channel with an over-hanging lip on the cheek arms allows the tongue retractor to be both removable and adjustable, solving the problem of a 'one-size-fits-all' tool that often fails to accommodate different mouth sizes.

Why it matters

Managing soft tissue is a major challenge in dentistry, especially during procedures like bonding or scanning where moisture and tongue movement cause errors. By providing a modular, adjustable system, this device aims to improve visibility and reduce the need for an assistant to manually hold tissues back.

Real-world examples

• 1.Dental photography kits
• 2.Orthodontic bonding procedures
• 3.Intraoral scanning setups