Hokkaido University Research Profiles

Japanese
Life Sciences

Application of Adhesive Gels to Intraoral Devices

Innovation for maintaining intraoral devices with adhesive gel

Intraoral appliances used in dentistry need to be clasped or otherwise attached to the teeth to remain in place. This research involves the development of prototype intraoral floor appliances (e.g., palatal obturator) that are attached to the skin or mucosal side of a polycarbonate frame using PCDME or other types of adhesive gel.

Content of research

When an intraoral appliance in this study is used as a palatal obturator, it does not require a clasp, unlike conventional palatal obturators (Fig. 1), because the adhesive gel can be fixed by contact with the oral mucosa. As a result, gingivitis caused by the clasp can be reduced; interference with the sideways growth of the row of teeth can be avoided; it can be comfortably worn without a sense of tightness or pressure; and it is safe to put on and take off the palatal obturator without damaging the oral cavity. It can also be worn before the teeth have erupted, allowing language training to begin at an early stage. The gel can also be thinly spread on the thin frame, and a uniform thickness can be obtained. This reduces the sense of discomfort when wearing the product and ensures a larger oral space, which is effective for language training by expanding the area where the tongue can move.

  • Polycarbonate board attached with PCDME gel

  • Polycarbonate plate glued to the fingers with PCDME gel

  • Palatal obturator mounted on a silicone dentition model.

  • Palatal mucosal surface of a polycarbonate palatal obturator attached with PCDME gel.

Potential for social implementation

  • ・Palatal obturator
  • ・Hotz plate
  • ・Orthodontic floor appliances
  • ・Dentures
  • ・Mouthguard

Appealing points to industry and local governments

This research and development project is conducted in collaboration with the Laboratory of Soft and Wet Matter, Advanced Interdisciplinary Research Division, Graduate School of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University. If this device is put to practical use, it will considerably reduce the burden on cleft palate patients and is expected to make a significant contribution to speech therapy. This material can also be applied to the mucosal surface of the floor of dentures, etc., and we believe that it can be used innovatively in the dental field.

Intellectual property related to this research

特願2014-219234  「口腔内装置及び口腔内装置の作製方法」
2022/5/27Released