MODIFIED SINGLE HAND USABLE CHECK RETRACTOR - EASEGRIP CHEEK RETRACTOR

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Modified Single-Hand Usable Cheek Retractor is a dental tool designed to improve the efficiency, ergonomics, and comfort of dental procedures. This invention allows dental professionals to retract a patient's cheek with om: hand, freeing the other hand for various tasks. Its ergonomic design reduces strain on practitioners while maximizing patient comfort through the use of biocompatible, flexible materials. The retractor provides clear visibility and access to the oral cavity, making it suitable for a wide range of procedures, including cleanings, orthodontic adjustments, restorative treatments, and surgeries. Additionally, the device is easy to sterilize, durable, and cost-effective, offering a practical solution for dental practices and oral surgery. The versatile nature of the retractor also makes it applicable in pediatric dentistry, dental photography, and educational settings, contributing to enhanced procedural outcomes and advancements in dental care technology

Specification

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Modified single hand usable cheek retractor- Easegrip cheek retractor
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to devices, specifically a modified single-hand usable cheek
retractor. This device is designed to enhance the efficiency and ease of dental procedures by
allowing dental professionals to retract a patient's cheek using only one hand. The invention ·
focuses on improving patient comfort and reducing the physical strain on dental practitioners.
It is particularly useful in procedures that require clear visibility and access to the oral cavity,
such as examinations, cleanings, fillings, and orthodontic adjustments. By incorporating
ergonomic and functional design features, this modified cheek retractor aims to streamline
dental procedures, minimize discomfort for patients, and improve overall procedural outcomes.
The invention also addresses the need for more versatile and user-friendly dental tools m
clinical settings, contributing to advancements in dental care technology and practice.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When undergoing a dental procedure, it is obviously necessary 'for a patient to maintain an
opened-mouth position to allow the· dental professional access to the mouth. Frequently,
however, the patient cannot maintain such a position for the duration of the procedure because
of muscle fatigue, or, simply cannot expose those areas of his mouth that are the subject of the
procedure, especially if unconscious. Accordingly, a variety of devices have been created to
assist in maintaining a lip and cheek retracted and opened--mouth position
In the practice of dentistry, it is known to. keep the lips and cheeks of a patient at a distance
from his teeth in order to better examine the condition of the teeth or mucous membranes or in
order to take a photographic picture of the entire dental arch, either in the upper or lower jaw.
In fact, an oral examination concerns the examination of the inside of the mouth and includes
the inspection of the upper and lower teeth on all their visible faces; vestibular, lingual or palatal
and on their triturating or incisal surfaces. The oral examination also covers the mucous
membranes; that of the palate, the tongue, the gums on their vestibular, lingual or palatal
surfaces and the mucous membrane covering the inside of the cheeks and lips.
The other area of dentistry in which lip and/or cheek retractors are used concerns the protection
of the patient's mucous membranes during a dental procedure; in particular during surgical
operations, when using bleaching products or when performing procedures that must be carried
out without saliva such as composite fillings or bonding veneers. One of the most common
types of cheek retractor is called "Bishop Retractor". It is a surgical instrument grasped by a
surgeon who holds the patient's cheek with one hand while performing surgery with the other
hand
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
In the above-mentioned context, it is the objective of the invention to develop a modified single
hand usable cheek retractor to retract a patient's cheek using only one hand.
The primary objective of the present invention, a modified single-hand usable cheek retractor,
is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of dental and orthodontic procedures. This
objective is achieved through several specific goals:
I. Enhanced Usability:
o Design a cheek retractor that can be easily operated with one hand, allowing
dental professionals to use their other hand for various tasks. This enhances the
practitioner's dexterity and efficiency during procedures.
2. Improved Ergonomics:
o Develop an ergonomic design that reduces physical strain on dental
professionals. The retractor should be comfortable to hold and use, minimizing
hand fatigue during prolonged procedures.
3. Increased Patient Comfort:
o Ensure that the retractor is designed to maximize patient comfort. The device
should gently retract the cheek without causing discomfort or injury, making
dental visits more pleasant for patients.
4. Enhanced Visibility and Access:
o Provide clear visibility and access to the oral cavity. The retractor should
effectively hold the cheek away from the teeth and gums, allowing the
practitioner to perform precise and thorough examinations, cleanings, and
treatments.
5. Versatility:
o Create a versatile tool that can be used in a wide range of dental and orthodontic
procedures. The retractor should be suitable for use in examinations, cleanings,
restorative treatments, orthodontic adjustments, and other dental interventions.
6. Cost-Effectiveness:
o Develop a cost-effective solution that is accessible to a broad range of dental
practices. The retractor should be affordable without compromising on quality
and functionality. By addressing these objectives, the modified single-hand
usable cheek retractor aims to advance dental care practices, improving both the
practitioner and patient experience
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a modified single-hand usable cheek retractor, designed to
enhance the efficiency, ergonomics, and comfort of dental and orthodontic procedures.
Traditional cheek retractors often require the use of both hands or assistance from additional
personnel, leading to inefficiencies and potential discomfort for both the practitioner and the
patient. This invention addresses these issues by providing a retractor that can be easily operated
with one hand, thereby freeing the other hand for various tasks and improving overall
procedural efficiency.
The cheek retractor features a main body with an ergonomic grip, ensuring ease of use and
reducing hand fatigue during extended procedures. The retraction arm, extending from the main
body, is contoured to fit the natural curvature of the patient's cheek, made from biocompatible,
flexible materials to maximize patient comfort.
The device is a user centric clean design, facilitating thorough cleaning and sterilization, thus
maintaining high hygiene standards. This invention aims to provide a cost-effective, durable,
and versatile solution for dental professionals, ultimately enhancing both the practitioner and
patient experience in dental care
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAMS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure,
illustrate an exemplary embodiment and, together with the description, explain the disclosed
embodiment.
Some embodiments of the system and methods of an embodiment of the present subject are
now described, by way of example only, and concerning the accompanying figures, in which:
Figure I: cheek retractor featuring an elevated cylindrical structure for finger gripping
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While the present invention is described herein by way of example, using various embodiments
and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is neither
intended to be limited to the embodiment of drawing nor drawings described nor designed to
represent the scale of the various components. Further, some features that may form a part of
the invention may not be illustrated with specific figures for ease of illustration, and such
omissions do not limit the embodiment outlined in any way. The drawings and a detailed
description are not intended to restrict the invention to the form disclosed. Still, on the contrary,
the story covers all modification/s, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and
scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The headings are used for
organisational purposes only and are not meant to limit the size of the description or the claims.
As used throughout this specification, the word "may" be used in a permissive sense (i.e.,
meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning, must).
Further, the words "an" or "a" mean "at least one", and the word "plurality" means one more
unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are
solely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope.
Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and
variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed after that,
equivalents and any other subject matter not recited, and is not supposed to exclude any other
additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered
synonymous with the words "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any
discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the
specification solely to provide a context for the present invention. In this disclosure, whenever
an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is
also understood that it contemplates the same component or group of features with transitional
words "consisting essentially of, "consisting", "selected from the group comprising",
"including", or "is" preceding the recitation of the element or group of elements and vice versa.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that
the present invention is not limited in its application to the details outlined in the following
description or exemplified by the examples.
The invention is capable of other embodiments or being practised or carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are
for description and should not be regarded as limiting. Unless otherwise defined, all technical
and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs .
Besides, the descriptions, materials, methods, and examples are illustrative and not limited.
Methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice
or test the present invention. The comprehensive explanation combined with the accompanying .
illustrations offers a lucid comprehension of the innovation. Those knowledgeable in the
relevant field will recognize that the disclosed invention's concept and components allow for
various modifications and combinations, which should also be considered as a part of this
disclosure.
The new modified single hand usable cheek retractor designed ergonomically to cater the
requirements of the dentist, leading to a good quality of dental treatment [Figure 1]. The
retractor consists of raised hollow cylindrical shaped holder for finger grip measuring height
varying from Smm- 40mm and diameter of Smm- 25mm ·
The sizes vary depending upon the type of cheek retractor such as adult cheek retractor and
pediatric cheek retractor.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The modified single-hand usable cheek retractor has substantial industrial applicability,
particularly in the fields of dentistry. Its design addresses several practical challenges faced by
dental professionals and brings value to clinical settings. Below are the areas of industrial
applicability for the invention:
L Dental Practices
The primary application of this cheek retractor is within dental clinics and practices where
efficiency, patient comfort, and procedural effectiveness are key. The device allows dental
practitioners to use one hand for cheek retraction, freeing the other hand for complex dental
procedures such as:
• Examinations
• Cleanings and polishing
• Restorative treatments
• Orthodontic adjustments (e.g., braces installation or tightening)
2. Oral Surgery
The invention is also beneficial during surgical procedures that involve the oral cavity.
Surgeons often need to keep the cheek away from the surgical site to improve visibility and
access. The single-hand operation allows for precise retraction, leaving the other hand free for
surgical instruments. Specific procedures include:
• Biopsies
• Surgical corrections (e.g., gum surgery)
3. Orthodontic Clinics
In orthodontic settings, where routine adjustments and installations of brackets, bands, and
wires are common, the cheek retractor simplifies the process. The ability to operate the retractor
with one hand is particularly helpful for:
• Placement and removal of orthodontic devices
• Adjusting retainers and other oral appliances
4. Pediatric Dentistry
In pediatric dental practices, maintaining a child's comfort during treatment is crucial. This
device, with its biocompatible, flexible materials and contoured design, helps to reduce
discomfort, making it particularly suitable for use in pediatric dental procedures.
5. Dental Photography and Imaging
The retractor provides clear access to the full dental arch and oral cavity, making it useful for
dental photography or during procedures that require digital imaging (e.g., X-rays or intraoral
scans). The enhanced visibility afforded by the device facilitates accurate capture of images for
diagnostics and patient records.
6. Dental Training and Education
The cheek retractor can be applied in dental schools and training centres where students are
learning various procedures. The ease of use of this device can help trainees focus on fine motor
skills with instruments without being distracted by the need for cheek retraction assistance.
7. Dental Tool Manufacturing
From an industrial production perspective, this cheek retractor can be manufactured efficiently
using materials such as lightweight metals or medical-grade plastics. Its simple, ergonomic
design makes it easy to produce at scale, contributing to the development of cost-effective
dental tools for a broad market.
The ability to sterilize and reuse the tool after each procedure makes it an environmentally
friendly option compared to single-use tools, adding to its industrial and economic viability.
CLOSING STATEMENT:
In conclusion, the Modified Single-Hand Usable Cheek Retractor presents a significant
advancement in dental tools, addressing the need for enhanced efficiency, ergonomics, and
patient comfort in dental and orthodontic procedures. By allowing single-hand operation, this
invention improves procedural dexterity for practitioners, ensuring clear visibility and access
to the oral cavity while minimizing physical strain. The ergonomic design, biocompatible
materials, and ease of sterilization contribute to a versatile, cost-effective solution that benefits
both dental professionals and patients. The innovation aligns with industry standards and
modem dental practices, offering substantial industrial applicability across dental, orthodontic,
surgical, and educational settings. This cheek retractor is poised to streamline dental
procedures, contributing to improved outcomes and advancing the quality of patient care.
Through this invention, dental professionals are provided with a tool that is practical, durable,
and efficient, ensuring a better experience for both practitioner and patient alike, and setting a
new benchmark in the development of user-centric dental instruments.

CLAIMS
I. A Single-Hand Usable Cheek Retractor, Comprising A main body with an ergonomic
grip designed for single-hand operation.
2. A retraction arm extending from the main body, featuring a contoured shape to fit the
natural curvature of a patient's cheek.
3. A mechanism integrated within the main body allowing adjustable retraction force and
position, providing flexibility for different oral anatomies.
4. The Cheek Retractor According to Claim I, Wherein The retraction arm is made from
a biocompatible, flexible material to ensure patient comfort and safety.
5. The Cheek Retractor According to Claim I, Wherein The ergonomic grip includes a
non-slip surface to enhance control and stability during use.
6. The Cheek Retractor According to Claim I, Wherein The main body is composed of a
lightweight, durable material, providing ease of use and long-term durability.
7. The Cheek Retractor According to Claim I, Further Comprising, A mechanism to
distribute the retraction force evenly across the retraction arm, ensuring consistent and
gentle retraction of the cheek.
8. A single-handed cheek retractor design minimizes the risk of cross-contamination.
9. A single-handed cheek retractor is designed for patient use without the need for
external assistance
1 o. A single-handed cheek retractor will help in reducing the working time of the operator

Documents