Placement device for installing a pellet-retention device onto a tooth

Abstract

A placement device for placing a dental bracket designed to receive a medicament-releasing pellet onto a tooth of a patient. According to one embodiment, the placement device includes a body and a protrusion disposed on the body. The protrusion is sized and configured so as to releasably attach to the socket of a dental bracket used to receive and retain a medicament-releasing pellet. The protrusion may be male, or alternatively, may include a female cavity designed to receive a socket of a dental bracket.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/793,145, filed Mar. 4, 2004. The foregoing U.S. application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for installation of a dental bracket for the slow release of a medicament, particularly but not exclusively fluoride for the improved treatment and/or prevention of dental caries.

[0004] 2. The Relevant Technology

[0005] Dental caries consist of demineralization of a tooth caused by bacteria. In the early stages of caries a white spot develops on the tooth and if the disease is not halted and reversed, the enamel surface breaks down to form a lesion. This can then lead to decay and eventually, a fractured or pitted tooth. It is well known that development of dental caries may be reduced by means of various factors, such as diet and oral hygiene measures, anti-microbial treatments and the provision of fluoride to the teeth.

[0006] Current methods for administering fluoride include the fluoridation of drinking water, the ingestion of fluoride tablets, the incorporation of fluoride into mouth washes, dentifrices and foods, the topical application of fluoride solutions, gels and varnishes, and recently, the incorporation of fluoride in dental materials and special devices. These have a variable effect on caries which is unpredictable on an individual basis and is dependent on patient compliance in following the prescribed regimen.

[0007] Evidence supports the concept of frequent applications of relatively low concentrations of fluoride ions for the elimination of caries. A sustained and controlled release delivery system could help to achieve this goal. At least three general approaches have been reported for the application of sustained and controlled slow releasing systems: (1) a sustained release ingested tablet or capsule (Masuhara et al. 1985); (2) incorporation of fluoride into dental cements (McClean & Wilson); and (3) an intra-oral device attached to the teeth (Minth et al. 1983). However, each of these existing technologies has been difficult to use, unpredictable, susceptible to damage, an irritant to surrounding tissue, or unacceptable to the patient.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to a placement device for installing a dental bracket designed to receive a medicament-releasing pellet onto a tooth of a patient.

[0009] The placement device includes a body sized and configured to be at least partially inserted into a person's mouth, and a protrusion disposed on the body. The protrusion is sized and configured to releasably attach to a socket of a dental bracket.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the body comprises an elongate handle, and the protrusion is located near an end of the handle. According to one embodiment, the protrusion is male so as to mate within a correspondingly-sized and shaped female socket of a dental bracket. The male protrusion may have any of various shapes corresponding to the shape of the medicament-releasing pellet to be received by the dental bracket socket. For example, the male protrusion may be spherical, circular, ellipsoidal, loaf-shaped, bar-shaped, or any other shape.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the protrusion includes a female cavity capable of receiving the socket of a dental bracket. The socket of the dental bracket may be one of various shapes configured to receive a medicament-releasing pellet that may be spherical, circular, ellipsoidal, loaf-shaped, bar-shaped, or any other shape. The female cavity of the protrusion has a shape and size configured to receive the correspondingly shaped socket.

[0012] The socket of a dental bracket may be either flexible or rigid. It may be preferable to use a placement device having a male protrusion with a dental bracket having a flexible socket and to use a placement device having a protrusion with a female cavity with a rigid socket.

[0013] The placement device may be formed of any biocompatible material, such as a biocompatible metal (e.g., stainless steel or nickel-titanium) or plastic. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the placement device may be formed of a transparent plastic material.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the placement device may be attachable to a dental curing light. Such an embodiment may provide additional convenience and ease of use when using the placement device to place a dental bracket and bonding the bracket to a patient's tooth with a light curable adhesive resin.

[0015] These and other benefits, advantages and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order that the manner in which the above recited and other benefits, advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary dental bracket having a base and a socket;

[0018] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary placement device;

[0019] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the placement device of FIG. 2A holding the dental bracket of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of an alternative placement device and dental bracket;

[0021] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of an alternative placement device and dental bracket;

[0022] FIG. 2E is a perspective view of an alternative placement device and dental bracket;

[0023] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an alternative pellet bracket placement device;

[0024] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the placement device of FIG. 3A holding the dental bracket of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative placement device comprising a lens attachment for a dental curing light;

[0026] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the dental bracket of FIG. 1 being positioned and bonded to a patient's tooth using the placement device illustrated in FIG. 2A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] I. Introduction

[0028] A detailed description of the invention will now be provided with specific reference to Figures illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated that like structures will be provided with like reference designations. To provide context for interpreting the scope of the invention, certain terms used throughout the application will now be defined.

[0029] II. Exemplary Dental Bracket and Medicament-Releasing Pellet

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary medicament release kit 100, which includes a medicament-releasing pellet 102 and a dental bracket 104. The bracket includes a base 106, and a socket 108. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the medicament release kit 100 with the pellet 102 separate from the bracket 104. In use when the bracket 104 is installed onto a patient's tooth, the pellet 102 is received within socket 108.

[0031] The medicament-releasing pellet 102 seen in FIG. 1 has a spherical shape, although any of various other shapes, such as ellipsoidal, loaf-shaped, bar-shaped, or any other shape may be used. The medicament-releasing pellet contains a medicament (e.g., fluoride) that is slowly released into the patient's body over a period of time. The pellet may be formed of amorphous or crystalline glass, light or chemically curable resins, thermoplastics, or other materials. Thermoplastics or curable resins may be desirable pellet forming materials where the medicament decomposes or is otherwise destroyed at high temperatures.

[0032] The dental bracket 104 includes a base 106 and a socket 108. The base 106 is configured to be bonded to the surface of a patient's tooth. According to one embodiment, the base 106 is bonded to a tooth with a chemical cure or light cure adhesive resin. The socket 108 may be formed of a rigid or flexible material. A flexible material may hold the pellet 102 securely, while also allowing the pellet 102 to be easily removed, when desired.

[0033] III. Exemplary Bracket Placement Device

[0034] FIG. 2A illustrates a device 200 for placing a dental bracket (e.g., bracket 104) onto the tooth of a patient. Device 200 includes a body 202 and a protrusion 204 disposed on the body 202. The body 202 is sized and configured to be at least partially inserted into a person's mouth. The protrusion 204 is sized and configured so as to releasably attach to a socket of a dental bracket used to receive and retain a medicament-releasing pellet. In the illustrated embodiment, body comprises an elongate handle, and the protrusion 204 is formed near an end of the body 202.

[0035] The protrusion 204 illustrated in FIG. 2A is male, and configured to mate within the socket of a dental bracket (e.g., socket 108 of dental bracket 104). The protrusion 204 is configured to have an outside surface configured to mate within the socket of a dental bracket. As mentioned above, sockets may be configured to receive pellets which are spherical, ellipsoidal, loaf-shaped, bar-shaped, or any other shape. Accordingly, the protrusion 204 may be spherical, ellipsoidal, loaf-shaped, bar-shaped, or any other shape that is configured to mate with the socket of the dental bracket. Embodiments of such protrusions are illustrated in FIGS. 2C-2E. A protrusion which mates within the socket of a dental bracket preferably is used with a dental bracket having a flexible socket. The protrusion 204 may be flexible or rigid, as desired. FIG. 2B illustrates device 200 with protrusion 204 mated within socket 108 of dental bracket 104.

[0036] As shown, the pellet 102 may be provided as attached to the body 202 by rubber cement or other adhesive that allows removal of the pellet when desired.

[0037] FIG. 2C illustrates a device 200a including a body 202a and a protrusion 204a. Pellet 102a may be provided as attached to the body 202a by rubber cement or other adhesive that allows removal of the pellet when desired. The protrusion 204a is mated within the socket 108a of dental bracket 104a. Protrusion 204a, pellet 102a, and the hollow defined by socket 108a are substantially ellipsoidal.

[0038] FIG. 2D illustrates a device 200b including a body 202b and a protrusion 204b. Pellet 102b may be provided as attached to the body 202b by rubber cement or other adhesive that allows removal of the pellet when desired. The protrusion 204b is mated within the socket 108b of dental bracket 104b. Protrusion 204b, pellet 102b, and the hollow defined by socket 108b are substantially bar-shaped.

[0039] FIG. 2E illustrates a device 200c including a body 202c and a protrusion 204c. Pellet 102c may be provided as attached to the body 202c by rubber cement or other adhesive that allows removal of the pellet when desired. The protrusion 204c is mated within the socket 108c of dental bracket 104c. Protrusion 204c, pellet 102c, and the hollow defined by socket 108c are substantially loaf-shaped.

[0040] FIG. 3A illustrates an alternative device 300 having a body 302 and a protrusion 304 that is configured to releasably attach to a socket of a dental bracket (e.g., socket 108 of dental bracket 104). The protrusion 304 includes a female cavity 306 that is sized and configured to receive a socket (e.g., socket 108). The cavity 306 may be configured to receive a spherical, ellipsoidal, loaf-shaped, bar-shaped, or other shaped socket. A protrusion which includes a female cavity 306 that receives a socket of a dental bracket preferably is used with a dental bracket having a rigid socket. The protrusion 304 and cavity 306 may be flexible or rigid, as desired. Protrusion 304 may optionally have a plurality of prongs that can be flexed or manipulated, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, making insertion and removal of the dental bracket 104 easier. FIG. 3B illustrates device 300 with socket 108 of dental bracket 104 received within cavity 306 of protrusion 304.

[0041] The device (e.g., device 200 or 300) may be formed of any biocompatible material, such as, a biocompatible metal (e.g., stainless steel or nickel-titanium) or plastic. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the device is formed of a material transparent to curing light wavelengths. This allows the user to hold the dental bracket in place and cure a light curable adhesive resin through the transparent portion of the device.

[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a pellet bracket placement device 400 that is a lens attachment to a dental curing light 410. Device 400 includes a body 402 and a protrusion 404 on the body sized and configured so as to be releasably attach to the socket of a dental bracket used to receive and retain a medicament-releasing pellet. Such a lens attachment 400 may be removably attachable adjacent to a light source of a dental curing light. Light generated by the dental curing light 410 is directed through the body 402, exiting through and around protrusion 404, which is transparent to curing light wavelengths. This allows a dental practitioner to attach the dental bracket to protrusion 404, manipulate the body 402 by manipulating dental curing light 410, and to light cure the dental bracket to the patient's tooth in the location desired. Although protrusion 404 is illustrated as male, a protrusion including a female cavity could alternatively be used.

[0043] IV. Exemplary Method of Use

[0044] The medicament release kit may be attached to a patient's tooth, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate attachment of the kit 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 using the placement device illustrated in FIG. 2A, although other embodiments may similarly be used. The dental practitioner attaches the protrusion 204 of the placement device 200 (as seen in FIG. 2B) to the socket 108 of the dental bracket so as to be coupled with to the placement device 200. The dental practitioner then positions the dental bracket onto the surface of tooth 512. The base 106 of the dental bracket is bonded to the tooth 512. This may be done with any suitable adhesive, e.g., a chemical or light curable adhesive resin. FIG. 5A illustrates use of a dental curing light 513 to cure a light curable adhesive resin, bonding the dental bracket 104 to the tooth 512.

[0045] In one embodiment, the bonding side of the base 106 may have the first part of a two-part chemical cure adhesive resin pre-applied. In another embodiment, the bonding side may have a light activated resin pre-applied. Pre-applying either adhesive aids the dental practitioner in ease of use and placement. With the adhesive in place (whether pre-applied or applied by the dental practitioner), the dental bracket is positioned onto the tooth. The base 106 provides sufficient surface area for bonding to the tooth 512. According to one embodiment, the base 106 is sufficiently curved and flexible so as to tightly fit the contour of the patient's tooth. Once the dental bracket is bonded to the tooth, the medicament-releasing pellet 102 may be installed in the socket 108. The medicament-releasing pellet 102 may be held within the socket 108 by a friction fit, or by placing a bead of silicone resin 514 between the socket 108 and the pellet 102. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, it is preferable to bond the device to the patient's first upper molar, although other positions could be used. In addition, it may sometimes be desirable to install more than one device within the patient's mouth, for example, one device may be attached to each of the upper and lower first molars.

[0046] The medicament release kit provides a bracket which may be installed by a dental practitioner, and which is intended to remain installed in the patient's mouth over a long period of time (e.g., up to 20 years). The medicament-releasing pellet is intended to provide slow release of a medicament (e.g., fluoride) over a period between about 6 months and about 2 years, after which time the pellet may be removed and replaced, either at home or at a dentist's office.

[0047] It will also be appreciated that the present claimed invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A placement device for placing a dental bracket designed to receive a medicament-releasing pellet onto a tooth, comprising: a body sized and configured to be at least partially inserted into a person's mouth; and a protrusion disposed on the body sized and configured so as to releasably attach to a socket of a dental bracket used to receive and retain a medicament-releasing pellet.

2. A placement device as recited in claim 1, wherein the body comprises an elongate handle, wherein the protrusion is at an end of the elongate handle.

3. A placement device as recited in claim 1, wherein the protrusion is male so as to mate within a correspondingly-sized and shaped female socket of a dental bracket.

4. A placement device as recited in claim 1, wherein the protrusion includes a female cavity so as to receive therein the socket of a dental bracket.

5. A placement device as recited in claim 1, wherein the placement device comprises a lens attachment for a dental curing light.

6. A placement device as recited in claim 5, wherein the lens attachment is removably attachable adjacent to a light source of a dental curing light.

7. A placement device as recited in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the placement device is transparent so as to allow light emitted by a dental curing light to pass through the placement device so as to cure an adhesive used to bond a dental bracket to a patient's tooth.

8. A placement device as recited in claim 1, wherein the protrusion is substantially spherical.

9. A placement device as recited in claim 1, wherein the protrusion is substantially circular.

10. A placement device as recited in claim 1, wherein the protrusion is substantially ellipsoidal.

11. A placement device as recited in claim 1, wherein the protrusion is substantially bar-shaped.

12. A placement device as recited in claim 1, wherein the protrusion is substantially loaf-shaped.

13. A placement device as recited in claim 1, wherein the protrusion has a plurality of prongs that can be flexed or manipulated to at least partially enclose a socket of a dental bracket.

14. A placement device for placing a dental bracket designed to receive a medicament-releasing pellet onto a tooth, comprising: an elongate handle, sized and configured to be at least partially inserted into a person's mouth; a substantially spherical protrusion disposed at an end of the elongate handle, the protrusion being sized and configured so as to releasably attach to a socket of a dental bracket used to receive and retain a medicament-releasing pellet

15. A method of using a pellet bracket placement device, comprising the steps of: providing a placement device as recited in claim 1; attaching the protrusion of the placement device to a socket of a dental bracket, so that the dental bracket is releasably coupled to the placement device; positioning the dental bracket onto a surface of a tooth; and bonding the dental bracket to the tooth.

16. A method as recited in claim 15, wherein the dental bracket is bonded to the tooth with a light curable adhesive resin.

17. A method as recited in claim 15, wherein the dental bracket is bonded to the tooth with a chemical cure adhesive resin.

18. A method as recited in claim 15, further comprising removing the placement device from the dental bracket.