# 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. - **Patent:** US 12409012 - **Original title:** Dental device - **Owner:** Individual - **Granted:** 2025 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** mechanical, consumer_electronics ## What it does 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 does NOT 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. ## Real-world examples 1. Dental photography kits 2. Orthodontic bonding procedures 3. Intraoral scanning setups ## 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. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does A Modular Dental Tool for Holding Back Lips, Cheeks, and Tongue cover? 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. ### Who owns patent US 12409012? Individual owns this patent, granted in 2025. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on September 9, 2045, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? 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. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover dental retractors that lack a removable tongue-retraction component. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12409012/raptor-chamber-pressure **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US12409012 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [Customizing Surgical Dissectors Using 3D Printing](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10959744/surgical-dissectors-and-manufacturing-techniques) — This patent describes a surgical tool's working tip, called an end effector, which has two jaws whose gripping features can be custom-made using 3D printing for specific surgical needs. - [A Durable Dock for Devices with a Specially Protected Connector](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12737006/dock-with-isolated-dock-connector-and-methods-of-making-and-using) — This patent describes a dock for electronic devices that features a unique, layered connector designed for improved durability and protection, using both rigid plastic and a flexible elastomeric sleeve. - [How Curved Anchors Secure Heart Valve Repair Devices](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734029/ventricular-anchors-for-valve-repair-and-replacement-devices) — This patent describes a prosthetic assembly for heart valve repair that uses a central spacer and two curved anchors designed to secure the device within the heart's ventricle. - [How a Robotic Surgical Tool Clamps Tissue Manually and Automatically](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11786761/ultrasonic-robotic-tool-actuation) — This patent describes a surgical tool for robotic operations that can clamp tissue using a motor-driven yoke, but also allows a surgeon to manually control the clamping action. - [Testing and Calibrating Surgical Instrument Tips with Built-in Alignment Features](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733950/end-effector-assembly-instrument-system-and-method-facilitating-testing) — This patent describes a special design for the tip of a surgical tool, called an end effector, that includes features to help correctly position it for testing and calibration.