U.S. patent application number 12/711797 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-17 for device having activated textured surfaces for treating oral tissue.
Invention is credited to Dmitri Boutoussov, Jeffrey W. Jones, Andrew I. Kimmel, Ioana M. Rizoiu.
Application Number | 20100151407 12/711797 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37452908 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100151407 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rizoiu; Ioana M. ; et
al. |
June 17, 2010 |
DEVICE HAVING ACTIVATED TEXTURED SURFACES FOR TREATING ORAL
TISSUE
Abstract
Mouthpieces having activated textured surfaces that can be
implemented using repetitive movement mechanisms and energy (e.g.,
electromagnetic radiation) emitting sources are disclosed. The
mouthpieces may be used to provide detection, treatment and
management of conditions including tooth discoloration and
periodontal disease. Implementations can include a low-profile
mouthpiece or a mouthpiece covering only front sides of the upper
and lower teeth. Other combinations may include full-mouth
implementations suitable for simultaneously covering part or all of
a patient's upper and lower rows of teeth. The activated textured
surfaces may include a surface topography consisting of
bristles.
Inventors: |
Rizoiu; Ioana M.; (San
Clemente, CA) ; Boutoussov; Dmitri; (Dana Point,
CA) ; Jones; Jeffrey W.; (Robertson, WY) ;
Kimmel; Andrew I.; (San Clemente, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STOUT, UXA, BUYAN & MULLINS LLP
4 VENTURE, SUITE 300
IRVINE
CA
92618
US
|
Family ID: |
37452908 |
Appl. No.: |
12/711797 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11441788 |
May 25, 2006 |
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12711797 |
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11590603 |
Oct 30, 2006 |
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11441788 |
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10624847 |
Jul 22, 2003 |
7144249 |
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11590603 |
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09991533 |
Nov 15, 2001 |
6616447 |
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10624847 |
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60684418 |
May 25, 2005 |
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60703962 |
Jul 29, 2005 |
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60739273 |
Nov 23, 2005 |
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60249015 |
Nov 15, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 2005/063 20130101;
A61N 2005/0606 20130101; A61C 19/063 20130101; A61C 17/22 20130101;
A61C 19/06 20130101; A61C 17/20 20130101; A61C 17/3481 20130101;
A61C 19/066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/29 |
International
Class: |
A61C 3/00 20060101
A61C003/00 |
Claims
1. A dental device for exposing teeth to electromagnetic radiation,
comprising: a carrier having a planar shape with opposing planar
sides at least one of which is structured and suitable to be
applied to at least one tooth; a microprocessor; and at least one
source in communication with the microprocessor and oriented to
emit electromagnetic radiation from the source toward the
tooth.
2. The dental device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the source is
a light emitting diode or an optical fiber panel.
3. The dental device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the source is
an electrochemiluminescent material.
4. The dental device as set forth in claim 1, the microprocessor
being programmable by a user to vary at least one of an intensity,
distribution and duration of electromagnetic radiation emitted from
the source.
5. The dental device as set forth in claim 1, the dental device
being configured to treat a surface of the tooth, whereby the
carrier is configured to overlay and contact the surface.
6. The dental device as set forth in claim 1, the carrier having a
substantially uniform thickness.
7. The dental device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a
dentifrice, the dentifrice containing one or more of an agent
having one or more of cleaning, sterilizing and whitening
properties, and an agent that is at least partially activated by
the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the source.
8. The dental device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the carrier
is dimensioned with a planar shape to treat surfaces of the tooth
by overlaying and contacting them.
9. The dental device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a
dentifrice, wherein the dentifrice comprises an anti-caries
agent.
10. The dental device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a
dentifrice, wherein the dentifrice comprises one or more of a
peroxy compound, an oxidoreductase agent, an antibacterial agent,
an anti-caries agent, an anti-plaque agent or plaque control
activator, an anti-tartar agent, a desensitizing agent, an etching
agent, a photosensitizer or photodynamic therapy photosensitizer,
and a whitening agent.
11. A dental device operable by a user for exposing teeth to
electromagnetic radiation during a treatment, the dental device
comprising: a carrier constructed with a planar shape, opposing
surfaces and a substantially uniform thickness therebetween to be
applied to at least one tooth surface to be treated; at least one
source attached to the carrier and oriented to emit electromagnetic
radiation from the source toward the tooth surface; and a
programmable microprocessor coupled to the carrier and configured
to control an intensity and time of exposure of the at least one
source.
12. The dental device as set forth in claim 11, wherein the dental
device is configured to notify the user upon an occurrence of one
or more of a completion of the treatment or an expiration of a
treatment time.
13. The dental device as set forth in claim 11, wherein the carrier
is a dental tray.
14. The dental device as set forth in claim 11, wherein the carrier
is a dental tape.
15. The dental device as set forth in claim 11, the programmable
microprocessor being configurable by a user to control one or more
of a light, wavelength, brightness, power, or duration of emission
parameter of operation of the source.
16. The dental device as set forth in claim 15, the programmable
microprocessor being configured for varying at least one of an
intensity, distribution and duration of electromagnetic radiation
emitted from the source.
17. The dental device as set forth in claim 11, further comprising
one or more of a transparent panel and a diffuser panel disposed
over the source.
18. The dental device as set forth in claim 11, further comprising
a reflective panel disposed between the source and the carrier.
19. The dental device as set forth in claim 11, wherein: the dental
device further comprises a dentifrice, the dentifrice containing an
agent, which has one or more of cleaning, anti-caries, sterilizing
and whitening properties and which is at least partially activated
by the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the source; and the
carrier is constructed to contact substantially all of the tooth
surface to be treated.
20. The dental device as set forth in claim 11, further comprising
a dentifrice, wherein the dentifrice comprises one or more of a
peroxy compound, an oxidoreductase agent, an antibacterial agent,
an anti-caries agent, an anti-plaque agent or plaque control
activator, an anti-tartar agent, a desensitizing agent, an etching
agent, a photosensitizer or photodynamic therapy photosensitizer,
and a whitening agent.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/441,788 (Att. Docket BI9878P), filed May 25, 2006 and
entitled DEVICE HAVING ACTIVATED TEXTURED SURFACES FOR TREATING
ORAL TISSUE, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/684,418 (Att. Docket BI9878PR), filed May 25,
2005 and entitled TISSUE TREATMENT DEVICE HAVING ACTIVATED TEXTURED
SURFACES, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/703,962 (Att. Docket
BI9890PR), filed Jul. 29, 2005 and entitled TISSUE TREATMENT DEVICE
HAVING ACTIVATED TEXTURED SURFACES, and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/739,273 (Att. Docket BI9934PR), filed Nov. 23,
2005 and entitled TISSUE TREATMENT DEVICE HAVING ACTIVATED TEXTURED
SURFACES, the entire contents of all which are hereby incorporated
by reference. This application is also a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/590,603 (Att. Docket BI9322CON2), filed
Oct. 30, 2006 and entitled DEVICE FOR DENTAL CARE AND WHITENING,
which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/624,847
(Att. Docket BI9322CON), filed Jul. 22, 2003 and entitled DEVICE
FOR DENTAL CARE AND WHITENING, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,144,249,
which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/991,533
(Att. Docket BI9322P), filed Nov. 15, 2001 and entitled DEVICE FOR
DENTAL CARE AND WHITENING, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,447, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/249,015
(Att. Docket BI9322PR), filed Nov. 15, 2000 and entitled DEVICE FOR
DENTAL CARE AND WHITENING, the entire contents of all which are
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0002] This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No.
11/074,452 (Att. Docket BI9546CON), filed Mar. 8, 2005 and entitled
RADIATION EMITTING APPARATUS WITH SPATIALLY CONTROLLABLE OUTPUT
ENERGY DISTRIBUTIONS, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,657, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/229,374 (Att. Docket
BI9546P), filed Aug. 26, 2002 and entitled RADIATION EMITTING
APPARATUS WITH SPATIALLY CONTROLLABLE OUTPUT ENERGY DISTRIBUTIONS,
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,658, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/314,858 (Att. Docket BI9546PR),
filed Aug. 24, 2001 and entitled HANDPIECE AND GEL COMBINATION, the
entire contents of all which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various mouth trays have existed in the prior art, including
mouth trays having or used with light-emitting elements for
facilitating treatments such as tooth whitening procedures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Carriers, such as a mouthpieces or tongue wraps, coupled
with activated textured surfaces that can be implemented using one
or more of, for example, a repetitive movement mechanism and an
energy (e.g., electromagnetic radiation) emitting source, are
provided. The carriers may comprise one or more of an oral tray, an
oral band or insert, an oral tape or wrap, any known orthodontic
structure (e.g., braces), other similar structure, and combinations
thereof, and may be used to provide detection, treatment and/or
management of various conditions including, for example, tooth
discoloration, tissue damage, periodontal disease, tumorous growth,
pain, halitosis and bronchitis. One combination may comprise, for
example, a low-profile oral mouthpiece or, as another example, a
mouthpiece covering only front sides (e.g., frontal in-view
surfaces facing the front of the mouth) of the upper and lower
teeth. Other combinations may comprise, for example, full-mouth
oral trays suitable for simultaneously covering portions, or all,
of a patient's upper and lower rows of teeth. The activated
textured surface may include a surface topography comprising
bristles.
[0005] While the apparatus and method has or will be described for
the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it
is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly
formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily
limited in any way by the construction of "means" or "steps"
limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning
and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the
judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims
are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full
statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112.
[0006] Any feature or combination of features described herein are
included within the scope of the present invention provided that
the features included in any such combination are not mutually
inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this
specification, and the knowledge of one skilled in the art. In
addition, any feature or combination of features may be
specifically excluded from any embodiment of the present invention.
For purposes of summarizing the present invention, certain aspects,
advantages and novel features of the present invention are
described. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily
all such aspects, advantages or features will be embodied in any
particular implementation of the present invention. Additional
advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the
following detailed description and claims that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an oral device in accordance
with the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 1A is a top plan view of the device illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0009] FIG. 1B is a top plan view of the device illustrated in FIG.
1, showing light emitting diodes spaced relatively close
together.
[0010] FIG. 1C is a top plan view of the device illustrated in FIG.
1 without a transparent panel covering light emitting diodes.
[0011] FIG. 1D is a portion of a top plan view of the device
illustrated in FIG. 1 showing a transparent panel, light emitting
diodes, and a light source panel.
[0012] FIG. 1E is a portion along box 1E of FIG. 1A showing a
transparent panel, light emitting diodes, a light source panel, and
a reflective panel.
[0013] FIG. 1F is similar to FIG. 1E but showing two transparent
panels, light emitting diodes, a light source panel, and a
reflective panel.
[0014] FIG. 1G is similar to FIG. 1F showing a diffuser panel
disposed between one transparent panel and the light emitting
diodes.
[0015] FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1D without the transparent panel,
and showing the use of side mounted contacts.
[0016] FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 showing surface mounted
contacts.
[0017] FIG. 4A is similar to FIG. 1 depicting a perspective view of
the device of the invention having a fiber optic bundle and an
internal electromagnetic radiation source.
[0018] FIG. 4B is similar to FIG. 4A illustrating an embodiment of
the device of the invention in which the electromagnetic radiation
source is externally located.
[0019] FIG. 4C is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 4A
depicting a transparent panel, a diffuser, an optical fiber panel,
and a reflective panel.
[0020] FIG. 4D is similar to FIG. 4C but depicting a transparent
panel, an optical fiber panel, a light source panel, and a
reflective panel.
[0021] FIG. 4E is a portion of a top plan view of the device of the
invention depicting a transparent panel and an optical fiber
panel.
[0022] FIG. 4F is a portion of a top plan view of the device of the
invention depicting a transparent panel, an optical fiber panel,
and a reflective panel.
[0023] FIG. 4G is a portion along the box 4G of FIG. 4C depicting a
transparent panel, a diffuser panel, an optical fiber panel, and a
reflective panel.
[0024] FIG. 4H is a portion of a top plan view of the device of the
invention depicting two transparent panels, a diffuser panel, an
optical fiber panel, and a reflective panel.
[0025] FIG. 4I is a portion along the box 4I of FIG. 4D depicting a
transparent panel, an optical fiber panel, a light source panel,
and a reflective panel.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device of the invention
having a dentifrice cartridge connected to the device.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device of the invention
having an aspirator connected to the device.
[0028] FIG. 7A is a side elevational view of the device of the
invention in which the device is an oral band or oral tape disposed
on teeth.
[0029] FIG. 7B is a sectional view along line 7B-7B of FIG. 7A.
[0030] FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic illustrations of
tongue-treatment embodiments.
[0031] FIGS. 9-13D depict additional embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same or similar reference numbers are used in the drawings and the
description to refer to the same or like parts. It should be noted
that the drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise
scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of
convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as, top,
bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear,
and front, are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. Such
directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the
invention in any manner.
[0033] Although the disclosure herein refers to certain illustrated
embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are
presented by way of example and not by way of limitation. The
intent of the following detailed description, although discussing
exemplary embodiments, is to be construed to cover all
modifications, alternatives, and equivalents of the embodiments as
may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by
the claims. It is to be understood and appreciated that the process
steps and structures described or incorporated by reference herein
do not cover a complete process flow for the implementations
described herein. The present invention may be practiced in
conjunction with various medical devices that are conventionally
used in the art, and only so much of the commonly practiced method
steps are included herein as are necessary to provide an
understanding of the present invention.
[0034] Any feature or combination of features described herein are
included within the scope of the present invention provided that
the features included in any such combination are not mutually
inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this
specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0035] Although the disclosure herein refers to the use of a device
having activated textured surfaces for treating tissue (i.e., hard
and soft) surfaces of the oral cavity, the device and process of
the present invention are not limited to such uses. Devices of the
present invention may be used, or modified for use, for any medical
purpose that may benefit from the application of automated movement
of textured surfaces on or within tissues of the body.
[0036] The device of the present invention generally can include a
carrier, such as a mouthpiece or tongue wrap, coupled with an
activated textured surface that can be implemented using one or
more of, for example, a repetitive movement mechanism and an energy
(e.g., electromagnetic radiation) source.
[0037] The carrier may comprise one or more of an oral tray, an
oral band or insert, an oral tape or wrap, any known orthodontic
structure (e.g., braces), other similar structure, and combinations
thereof. Implementations of the device for treating oral tissue,
which can comprise a carrier constructed to be applied in proximity
to at least one oral tissue within the mouth, can comprise the
device being provided in a package. The carrier may be used to
provide detection, treatment and/or management of sundry conditions
including, for example, tooth discoloration, tissue damage,
periodontal disease, tumorous growth, pain, halitosis, and
bronchitis. One combination may comprise, for example, a
low-profile oral tray or, as another example, a tray covering only
back sides (e.g., frontal out-of-view surfaces facing the back of
the mouth) of the lower teeth, wherein, in accordance with one
exemplary implementation, the tray includes orthodontic hardware
for straightening or otherwise affecting a position of a plurality
of teeth. Other combinations may comprise, for example, full-mouth
oral trays suitable for simultaneously covering portions (e.g.,
frontal in-view surfaces facing the front of the mouth), or all, of
a patient's upper and lower rows of teeth. In a few exemplary
embodiments, the carrier may comprise shapes such as those depicted
in FIGS. 1-7B or those shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.
[0038] The activated textured surface may include a surface
topography comprising one or more of corrugations, bristles,
protuberances, pits, other surfaces known to those skilled in the
art to be suitable for facilitating agitation, cleaning or other
surface treatments, and combinations thereof. Surface topographies
of or analogous to one or more of sponges, fabrics, brushes, steel
wool, toothbrushes, other cleaning or wiping surfaces, and
combinations thereof, may be implemented using various known
materials. For example, surface topographies of household cleaning,
wiping, or scrubbing pads comprising, for example, one or more of
rayon/polypropylene fabrics or sponges, polyester fabrics and
polyester knits may be implemented using the same or different
materials. Textured surfaces may comprise, as other examples,
silicon or rubber base materials with surface topographies defined
by one or more of plastic, silicon, hardened durometer rubber or
stainless steel protuberances or indentations.
[0039] The repetitive movement mechanism may comprise one or more
of a surface disrupting mechanism, a mechanical movement mechanism,
other implementations for activating (e.g., facilitating repetitive
movement of) the textured surface, and combinations thereof. In
certain embodiments, the textured surface can be activated using,
for example, an element for imparting movement forces to the
textured surface. The element may facilitate oscillating or
acoustics (e.g., ultrasonic) motion by way of, for example,
motorized or vibrating devices. Motorized devices may comprise, for
example, electromechanical devices powered by batteries or power
chords, and vibrating devices may comprise, for example,
water-powered or piezoelectric implementations formed on or within
the carrier. In other embodiments, movement from an external
source, such as a hand of a user, a tool, or other implementations
that can be coupled (e.g., attached or placed into contact) with
the carrier to facilitate (e.g., transfer) movement of or to the
textured surface, may be implemented.
[0040] An energy (e.g., electromagnetic radiation) source may be
used, solely or in combination with a movement mechanism, to
activate the textured surface. In certain implementations, the
energy source can comprise at least one light source and can be
disposed on the carrier or routed to the carrier via, for example,
a fiber optic. In typical embodiments, the light source can be
configured to emit one or more of coherent or non-coherent light at
a single or multiple wavelengths (e.g., visible, infrared, etc.),
and can comprise one or more of a light emitting diode, an optical
fiber panel, an electrochemiluminescent material, an optical fiber
bundle, and combinations thereof.
[0041] The energy source may comprise any known implementation for
emitting treatment doses of energy (e.g., electromagnetic energy)
toward one or more of the textured surface and the tissue surface.
According to one embodiment, the energy may be delivered, in whole
or in part, as magnetism (e.g., from magnets within, or
electrically activated within, the carrier) for implementing, for
example, magnetic therapy. In certain embodiments, the energy may
comprise one or more of a, current, voltage, acoustics (e.g.,
sonic) or vibrational energy (e.g., using vibrations, ultrasound or
other acoustic means), electromagnetic as discussed above,
reactionary energy (e.g., energy resulting from chemical
reactions).
[0042] As used herein, the term "treatment doses" is intended to
refer to quantities and concentrations of electromagnetic energy
that are sufficient to effectuate desired chemical (e.g., enhancing
a reaction time) or other (e.g., ablation) reactions on the
textured surface or tissue surface and/or to cause one or more
therapeutic or other intended effects (e.g., greater circulation or
pain reduction) on or in the tissue of the tissue surface. In
certain implementations, low-level light therapy (LLLT) may be
beneficially applied to tissues using (e.g., via light transmitted
from) the carrier. Treatment power densities may be relatively low,
being similar, for example, to power densities used in treatments
of, e.g., tennis elbow, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or
tendonitis, and in representative embodiments having
characteristics less than the following: a power density at the
surface of the tissue being treated of about 1.47 W/cm.sup.2, a
power density within the tissue of about 0.39 W/cm.sup.2, a dose of
energy of about 23.6 J/cm.sup.2 (for a 60 second laser exposure),
and/or an energy of about 9 J within and about 33.5 J at the
surface of the tissue being treated. In an embodiment wherein the
carrier comprises an orthodontic structure (e.g., braces), an
electromagnetic radiation source may be incorporated to implement
LLLT and reduce pain experienced by the patient from the
orthodontic structure. The LLLT may originate from an
electromagnetic radiation source disposed on or within the carrier
as described herein and/or disposed separate and apart from the
carrier, and may be implemented continuously or at predetermined
periods of time (e.g., at times when the orthodontic structure is
tightened) for predetermined durations.
[0043] According to embodiments wherein a dentifrice is used in
combination with the electromagnetic radiation source, the
dentifrice may comprise, for example, a reactive agent (e.g., a
peroxy compound), and a wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation
source may be selected to correspond to that agent in order to
effectuate a desired reaction or result (e.g., enhanced tooth
whitening). In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation source
is selected to emit green light, which has been found by the
present inventors to potentially interact more favorably or
stronger than other colors, such as red, with a hydrogen peroxide
based dentifrice.
[0044] In modified embodiments, part or all of the carrier (e.g.,
mouthpiece) can comprise a light-emitting compound such as an
electrochemiluminescent material or other "glow-in-the-dark" type
material, which may be implanted into the carrier in various
locations and formations or which may be integrally formed with
part or all of a material of the carrier. Additionally, or
alternatively, part or all of the carrier may be formed of a
transparent material.
[0045] The electromagnetic radiation may or may not be combined
with a dentifrice, such as a paste, gel, cream, or powder, and may
facilitate oral treatments including one or more of, for example
cleaning or reducing bacteria on or in hard or soft tissue,
promoting blood circulation or healing of tissue, inhibiting
caries, whitening teeth, preventing tooth demineralization, etching
tooth enamel or dentin, and other similar methods.
[0046] As used herein, electromagnetic radiation or electromagnetic
energy refers to monochromatic or polychromatic radiation or
energy. In a preferred embodiment, electromagnetic radiation refers
to light radiation or light energy. The electromagnetic radiation
can be delivered, for example, in treatment doses to, for example,
increases a therapeutic or other effect on the tissue. In one
example, a reaction rate of photosensitive agents, such as teeth
whitening agents, can be enhanced. In accordance with one aspect of
the present invention, the electromagnetic radiation may be
substantially free from ultraviolet radiation. In addition, the
wavelengths of the electromagnetic radiation may be provided
between approximately 300 and 990 nanometers, or up to about 1
micron. Suitable means that may be used to generate the
electromagnetic radiation, in addition to those mentioned, may
include, for example, a semiconductor laser that generates
monochromatic electromagnetic radiation or a light emitting diode
(LED) that emits polychromatic, or alternatively, monochromatic,
electromagnetic radiation. A non-limiting example of a laser source
may comprise a Nd:YAG laser, although various other lasers having
various wavelengths in the UV, visible and IR spectrum, for
example, may be implemented individually or in combinations.
[0047] The movement mechanism may be implemented with (e.g.,
simultaneously or intermittently) or without the electromagnetic
radiation and/or dentifrice, and may enhance or alter any of the
actions or effects described herein and/or may provide other
actions or effects to the tissue being treated. Actions or effects
that may be imparted can include, as a few examples, one or more of
(a) cleaning or massaging of soft tissue such as the gums or
tongue, (b) promotion of cleaning (e.g., removal of bacteria,
tarter, calculus or plaque) or whitening of hard tissues, (c)
surface agitation, (d) an enhanced reactive effect (e.g., enhanced
oxidation of a peroxide cleaning agent on teeth), (e) enhance
circulation or other properties of tissue, (f) render tissue more
receptive to other treatments (such as may occur with low level
light therapy (LLLP), (g) enhance an absorption of tissues to
topographical additives (e.g., anesthetics or medicines), (h)
enhanced halitosis detection (e.g., greater air circulation which
may aid in speed or precision of halitosis detection or treatment)
or treatment (e.g., augmented cleaning effects).
[0048] In the context of promoting cleaning of hard tissues, such
as teeth, through, for example, the removal of bacteria, tarter,
calculus and/or plaque, a carrier may be provided in the form of a
mouthpiece having activated (e.g., moving and/or energized)
textured surfaces (e.g., bristles) for automatically cleaning
(e.g., brushing) a user's teeth. Upon insertion and/or activation
of the mouthpiece, either at a home or in a clinic, a user's teeth
can be brushed and/or cleaned alone or in conjunction with, for
example, a tooth-whitening procedure or implement as described
herein.
[0049] One embodiment can comprise a vibrating mouthpiece or mouth
tray that brushes the user's teeth with little, and in certain
implementations, substantially no, effort on the part of the user
following insertion and activation of the mouthpiece. Such
energized teeth-cleaning mouthpieces may provide advantages,
including the feature that according to certain implementations
once placed in the mouth, the user does not have to move the
mouthpiece around like a manual tooth brush; in fact, even a
conventional power brush will typically require manual motion and
moving around the mouth on the part of the user during the entire
brushing procedure.
[0050] The energized mouthpiece of the present invention, thus, may
result in greater compliance with patients, since, for example,
according to certain exemplary implementations, once placed it the
mouth, the device can be left there until, for example, it beeps,
and/or shuts off.
[0051] Furthermore, any electronic input/output device or
functionality described herein may be operable with the energized
mouthpiece so that, for example, a memo pad or to-do list may be
played to the user while he or she is operating the energized
mouthpiece in lieu of brushing wherein the user has both hands free
and available for other tasks during the cleaning procedure. A
tooth-brushing and/or cleaning mouthpiece as described herein may
be implemented by a user as an alternative to, or as an addition
to, use of a toothbrush by the user to clean his or her teeth.
[0052] In addition to, or as an alternative to, bristles, the
mouthpiece may comprise any other textured surface and/or energy
source as described herein, in any permutation or combination, such
as, for example, vibrational or acoustics (e.g., sonic) based
cleaning structures and functionalities, or other motion or energy
structures and functionalities, provided on or within or in
conjunction with the mouthpiece. Dentifrices for use with the
energized mouthpiece may comprise gels or pastes, such as are known
to those skilled in the art and as are described herein. Moreover,
circulating, or moving fluid, may be provided or facilitated within
the mouthpiece for promoting or promoting one or more different
effects, such as cleaning, whitening, rinsing, and the like.
[0053] The device of the invention may also be provided with a
circuit, and/or microprocessor (e.g., computer chip), for
controlling, for example, one or more of any characteristic or
functionality of the electromagnetic radiation source and/or the
movement mechanism in accordance with, for example, desired or
predetermined procedural steps or patient protocols or needs.
Moreover, the circuit may be configured to control, for example,
one or more of any characteristic of an electronic input/output
device and a detector, either or both of which may be used in
combination with (e.g., coupled to) the carrier.
[0054] The electronic input/output device may comprise, for
example, one or more of an audio playback and/or recording system
and a video playback and/or recording system. In certain
implementations, the detector may comprise one or more of an
impedance, current, or microvoltage detector, a magnetic detector,
a sonar (e.g., using vibration ultrasound, or other acoustic
energy) detector, an optical (e.g., using light scattering)
detector, a visualization device (e.g., a single frame or video
camera), and a gas detector. The detector can be used for detecting
tissue conditions, such as, for example, in the case of oral
applications, dental caries, periodontal disease, bronchitis,
tumorous growth, or halitosis.
[0055] According to an aspect of the present invention, a detector
may be used in combination with the carrier to detect conditions of
tissues contacted by or disposed in a vicinity (e.g., a relatively
close proximity) of the carrier. The detector may or may not be
operatively coupled to (e.g., in physical or data communication
with) the carrier. In exemplary embodiments, the detector may be
coupled to or disposed on the electromagnetic radiation source
(e.g., at or near an output end of a laser). In accordance with
certain implementations, the detector may be disposed within or on
an exposed surface of the carrier. In exemplary embodiments, the
detector may be molded within the carrier. For instance, a detector
for discerning at least one condition of a tissue (e.g., tooth or
gingiva), by for example detecting one or more of a
resistance/current/microvoltage, magnetic, acoustics (e.g., sonic),
and optical response of the tissue, may be embedded within the
carrier. In certain embodiments, the detector may be operatively
coupled to the carrier but disposed neither within nor on a surface
of the carrier. For example, the detector may employ one or more of
visualization (e.g., an integral or stand-alone video camera),
impedance, current or potential, magnetism, sonar and optical
implementations to facilitate detection, discernment or collection
of information (e.g., visual information in the case of a camera)
regarding tissue conditions or tissue locations, such as, for
example, plaque, calculus (tartar) or caries on a target (e.g.,
user's teeth or gingival).
[0056] According to alternative embodiments, the detector may
comprise a gas detector, implemented alone or in combination with
any of the preceding detectors, structures and implementations, and
configured to facilitate detection, discernment or collection of
airborne-agent information (e.g., by sampling air near a target
tissue for the presence of predetermined items or chemicals as
known in the art) regarding tissue conditions or tissue locations,
such as, for example, halitosis on a user's teeth, after which, for
example, a carrier may be loaded with a dentifrice (e.g.,
comprising an antiseptic or cleaning agent) in a manor similar to
that previously discussed in order to address the condition.
[0057] Architectures and signal processing protocols for
implementing impedance, current, potential, magnetic, acoustics
(e.g., sonic), optical, and airborne-agent data and signals to
discern properties (e.g., the presence of treatable conditions) of
targets (e.g., tissues) are known to those skilled in the art and
are incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, the
visualization device can comprise an intraoral video camera such as
that manufactured by RFSYSTEMlab of Nagano, Japan and described at
www.rfsystemlab.com. The intraoral video camera may be constructed
with one or more light sources having wavelengths and associated
circuitry designed to elucidate (e.g., visually differentiate) one
or more tissue conditions. Light sources having one or a plurality
of wavelengths, when directed on tissue within an oral cavity alone
or in combination with a coloring agent applied to the tissue, may
operate to facilitate an identification of a tissue condition, such
as caries.
[0058] In connection with (e.g., following a detection of) a
treatable condition (e.g., a presence of plaque, calculus or
caries) on or in a vicinity of a target (e.g., tissue), a treatment
implementation may be configured (e.g., equipped, activated or
programmed) on, within, or in connection/communication with the
carrier, or apart from the carrier. The treatment implementation
may comprise, for example, an implementation for application to the
target and may comprise one or more of an activated textured
surface, a chemical (e.g., an organic enzyme), fluid, acoustics
(e.g., ultrasound), air-abrasion, and laser energy. For instance,
in the case of a treatment condition comprising a presence of
plaque on a tooth, the treatment implementation may comprise an
oscillating and/or vibrating textured (e.g., bristled) surface, a
chemical plaque remover within a dentifrice and/or a plaque-remover
implementation utilizing one or more of acoustics (e.g.,
ultrasound), air-abrasion, or laser energy. The treatment
implementation may be configured, in whole or in part, at a time of
manufacture or assembly of the carrier, or otherwise before
detection of the treatable condition, and/or at a time after
detection of the treatable condition. Moreover, the configuring may
be based upon one or more predetermined criteria and/or based upon
information corresponding to the detection of the treatable
condition. Furthermore, the treatment implementation may be
configured to be applied relatively evenly over the target, or may
be configured to be applied in such a manor as to provide greater
concentrations of treatment (e.g., plaque-removal action) in
certain locations such as, for example, locations detected (e.g.,
visually observed) or otherwise discerned or determined to contain
the treatable condition. In other embodiments, the treatment
implementation may comprise one or more of (a) any of preceding
treatment implementations, and (b) one or more of a textured
surface (which may or may not be part of a carrier and which can be
activated), chemical, fluid, acoustics (e.g., ultrasound),
air-abrasion, and laser energy that can be applied, in whole or in
part, to the target using (at least in part) structures or methods
other than the carrier, such as via a hand of a user. Thus, the
treatment implementation may be applied to the target using one or
more of a carrier and an implementation other than the carrier such
as by way of a hand of a user.
[0059] According to exemplary embodiments, a detector (e.g., an
optical detector) of the carrier may discern a tissue condition
(e.g., a cut on a user's tongue), after which a treatment (e.g.,
LLLT) may be directed onto the tissue as previously described. The
treatment may be preceded by one or more of (a) a prompt by the
electronic input/output device (e.g., via a speaker and/or display
disposed on a carrier charging and/or disinfecting station, the
carrier, a carrier component (e.g., an electronic input/output
device in communication with the carrier), or a stand-alone
component (e.g., a visualization device separate from the
carrier)), and (b) a confirmation input by the user. Alternatively,
the treatment may be initiated (e.g., automatically) without any
prompt and/or user input.
[0060] In other embodiments, following detection, discernment or
collection of information regarding conditions or locations of a
tissue area of interest, iterative processes may be used to treat
the tissue area of interest. For example, location information of a
tissue condition may be collected and communicated to the user via
the input/output device, followed by the performance of treatments
as discussed above, followed by one or more repetitions of the
preceding collection, communication, and treatment steps. In
certain embodiments, following detection, discernment or collection
of information regarding conditions or locations of a tissue area
of interest, iterative processes may be used to facilitate further
detection, discernment or collection of information regarding the
conditions or locations of the tissue area of interest. For
example, in a simple implementation, a speaker as described above
may issue an audible indication (e.g., beep) when a detector is
passed over an area likely to contain a treatable condition,
thereby signaling such information to the user and/or signaling to
the user that additional detection of the area may be warranted.
According to an instance wherein the detector implements one or
more of impedance, current, potential, magnetic, acoustic (e.g.,
sonic), light, visual and gas detection and comprises a wand
movable by a hand of a user over oral tissue surfaces, the audible
indication may signal to the user that additional detection of the
area may be warranted in which case the user may move the wand back
to a vicinity where the wand was positioned when the audible
indication was issued. In certain embodiments, another audible
indication may be issued when the wand is positioned back over the
area and/or to signal, once again, to the user that additional
detection of the area may be warranted in which case the user may
again move the wand back over a vicinity where the wand was
positioned when the most recent audible indication was issued.
[0061] According to one aspect of the present invention, the
electronic input/output device can be configured to provide an
indication (e.g., an audible or visual text message or an alarm)
that a treatable condition should be brought to the attention of a
professional (e.g., a dentist), such as in the case of detection of
an advanced caries, periodontal disease, halitosis, or tumorous
condition. For example, a scale of threshold levels may be
programmed into the electronic input/output device for providing
guidance (e.g., via audible or visual tones and/or worded messages)
to the user on whether a detected treatable condition may or should
be treated by the user at home and/or whether the condition should
be brought to the attention of a professional.
[0062] According to other implementations, the electronic
input/output device may comprise additional functionality and a
user interface (e.g., one or more of a speaker, display and keys)
for accessing such functionality, disposed on one or more of a
carrier charging and/or disinfecting station, the carrier, a
carrier component (e.g., an electronic input/output device in
communication with the carrier), or a stand-alone component (e.g.,
an electronic input/output device separate from the carrier).
[0063] In embodiments utilizing a display (e.g., as part of a
carrier charging and/or disinfecting station), the display may be
part of or further comprise (e.g., be interchangeable with) a
makeup mirror. For example, a 2-sided rotatable panel may comprise
a makeup mirror on a first side and the display on a second side.
In embodiments utilizing a speaker and/or a display (e.g., as part
of a carrier charging and/or disinfecting station), the display may
further or alternatively comprise a telephone and/or videophone
functionality.
[0064] Other embodiments utilizing a speaker and/or a display
(e.g., as part of a carrier charging and/or disinfecting station)
may be programmed to indicate user information such as a
prerecorded voice segment or photo of a user. In embodiments
comprising multiple implements (e.g., carriers), the speaker and/or
a display may be programmed to indicate a unique prerecorded voice
segment, text message, or photo (e.g., captured with a
visualization device) of the user who owns the implement currently
removed from the device (e.g., carrier charging and/or disinfecting
station). Thus, the voice segment, text message, or photo generated
by the speaker or display upon removal by a user of his or her
implement can provide a verification that the removed implement
does indeed belong to the user.
[0065] The additional functionality may comprise an ability to play
audio and/or visual information, such as vocabulary or foreign
language lessons, music, news, or other prerecorded or real-time
content.
[0066] In certain embodiments, content may be recorded into the
electronic input/output device by the user (e.g., in the form of a
memo recorded by the user the preceding evening), and in other
implementations playback of the content may be performed according
to a duration set by a user-defined timer. For example, in one
instance language lessons may be played by the device for a
predetermined or user-selected period (e.g., 2 minutes) with each
use of the device, whereby the user may endeavor to perform an oral
procedure (e.g., wear the carrier, or perform brushing or flossing)
for the playback period (e.g., 2 minutes).
[0067] The electronic input/output device may be configured to
interface (e.g., via wireless, USB, RJ11, RJ45, and other ports)
with other computer components, such as personal digital assistants
(PDAs), personal computers, handheld and other portable media
playback devices, using communication protocols known to those
skilled in the art, such as Internet, Ethernet, BlueTooth.RTM.,
etc. Typical embodiments may comprise, for example, MP3 playing
capabilities, email applications and calendar applications. Data
concerning any of the above-discussed processes thus may by
electronically transferred (e.g., via email) to and from the
electronic input/output device. For instance, upon a determination
that a treatable condition should be brought to the attention of a
professional (e.g., a dentist), such as in the case of detection of
an advanced caries or halitosis condition, the electronic
input/output device can either automatically or under user control
forward relevant information to the professional.
[0068] Referring more particularly to the illustrated embodiments,
FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a carrier having any of the
structures and functionalities as described above, and illustrated
in the context of an oral device 10. As illustrated in FIG. 1, oral
device 10 comprises an oral tray 12 configured to fit over a
person's teeth. For example, oral tray 12, as shown, may fit over a
person's upper teeth. Oral tray 12 may be generic or custom
designed. The oral tray will fit within a person's mouth, and may
cover all of the upper or lower teeth or a portion thereof. In
typical embodiments, one oral tray may fit over both the upper and
lower teeth, such as a mouth guard typically worn by athletes. In
the illustrated embodiment, oral tray 12 includes a tooth bed 14
positioned between an outer sidewall 16 and an inner sidewall 18.
Teeth are intended to be placed into tooth bed 14. Outer sidewall
16 will accordingly be disposed between the outer surface of the
teeth and a subject's cheeks, and inner sidewall 18 will be
disposed between the inner surface of the subject's teeth and the
mouth cavity.
[0069] The carriers (e.g., oral trays) of the present invention may
be manufactured from any suitable material including rubbers and
plastics, such as polyethylenes, polypropylenes, and ethyl vinyl
acetates. The carriers may be manufactured using, for example,
conventional methods used in the manufacture of dental trays. For
example, a custom oral tray may be formed by making an impression
of a subject's teeth, and may be vacuum or thermoformed over the
impression. As shown in FIG. 1A, oral tray 12 can includes an
electromagnetic radiation source 20, such as plurality of LEDs 22.
LEDs 22 are perimetrically disposed along the interior of the outer
sidewall of the oral tray so that energy emitted from the LEDs will
be emitted toward the outer surface of a subject's teeth. In the
illustrated embodiment, LEDs 22 are attached to light source panel
24. Thus, LEDs 22 can be provided as a strip or array of LEDs
embedded, molded, mounted, potted, or otherwise bonded on or within
the carrier (e.g., tray). The LED array may include side-mounted
LEDs (FIG. 2), surface-mounted LEDs (FIG. 3), or a combination of
surface- and side-mounted LEDs. An example of one suitable LED is
the publicly available 1005 Series of LEDs from Marktech
Optoelectronics (Latham, N.Y., USA).
[0070] Although LEDs are illustrated as the electromagnetic
radiation source in FIGS. 1-3, other electromagnetic radiation
sources may also be used with any of the carriers described herein.
Examples of other electromagnetic radiation sources include, but
are not limited to one or more of, heat emitting elements, LEDs,
lasers or laser diodes, arc lamps, incandescent lamps, halogen
lamps, neon lamps, and fluorescent sources. The electromagnetic
radiation sources may emit electromagnetic radiation from, for
example, ultraviolet to visible to infra-red light. In one
embodiment, infra-red spectral energy may be implemented.
[0071] LEDs 22 may be covered by a relatively clear or transparent
material. The transparent material may be provided as a transparent
panel 28 disposed between LEDs 22 and the outer surface of the
teeth, as shown in FIG. 1A. However, the transparent material may
also be the surface of the oral tray, and not comprise a separate
transparent panel, as shown in FIG. 1C. The transparent material
can be flexible and moldable so that the panel may conform to the
curvatures of a person's mouth. The transparent material can be
constructed to emit most of the light from the electromagnetic
radiation source to the teeth surface. One example of a suitable
transparent material is moldable, flexible plastic. Transparent
panel 28 may be molded, embedded, or attached to the oral tray over
light source panel 24. Transparent panel 28 may also protect the
LEDs from damage. In addition, a clear resin 26 may be provided
between transparent panel 28 and LEDs 22 to provide additional
support and protection.
[0072] The light sources, such as LEDs 22, may be provided at
predetermined distances, for example, one LED per tooth, or may be
provided relatively close together, such as illustrated in FIG. 1B.
The particular spacings of LEDs 22 can be determined and chosen to
optimize the desired treatment (e.g., whitening or cleaning) to be
provided by the carrier and/or electromagnetic radiation emitted
from the LEDs.
[0073] FIG. 1D depicts a portion of a carrier (e.g., oral tray 22)
in which the carrier includes a light source panel 24 covered by a
transparent panel 28. The effectiveness and efficiency of the
emitted electromagnetic radiation may be enhanced by adding a
reflector, such as reflective panel 34, positioned against the
non-illuminated side of light source panel 24 (e.g., FIGS. 1E to
1G). Any suitable reflector may be used including mirrors and
foils. The reflector can be made of a material that causes most, if
not all, of the light to be reflected back toward the tooth
surface. FIG. 1F shows a portion of a carrier having one
transparent panel 28 over light source panel 24, and another
transparent panel 28 positioned under reflective panel 34. This
additional transparent panel may provide additional protection and
structure to the light source panel. In FIG. 1G, a diffuser panel
32 is shown disposed between the light emitting side of light
source panel 24 and transparent panel 28. Diffuser panel 32 can act
to diffuse the light and provide a more uniform emission of light
toward the tooth surface. In addition, diffuser panel 32 may be a
polarizer causing a separation of wavelengths of light, especially
in devices employing polychromatic light sources.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 2, when side-mounted LEDs are utilized,
contacts 30 can extend into light source panel 24. When
surface-mounted LEDs are utilized (FIG. 3), contacts 30 can be
provided on the surface of light source panel 24. FIG. 4A
illustrates oral device 10, such as an oral tray 12, which includes
electromagnetic radiation source 20. In the illustrated embodiment,
electromagnetic radiation source 20 is internally disposed within
oral tray 12. The illustrated embodiment also includes an optical
fiber bundle 44 extending into electromagnetic radiation source 20.
FIG. 4B illustrates an oral device 10 similar to the oral device of
FIG. 4A, except that the electromagnetic radiation source is
externally positioned with respect to oral tray 12. Accordingly,
optical fiber bundle 44 is disposed between electromagnetic
radiation source 20 and oral tray 12. Optical fiber bundle 44 acts
to direct light from an energy source to one or more optical
fibers.
[0075] The oral devices of FIGS. 4A and 4B utilize a light source
panel 24 which comprises one or more layers of optical fibers 42
(FIGS. 4C and 4D) or fiber optic pipes. The optical fibers may be
woven together. Multiple layers may provide more efficient use of
the energy from the electromagnetic radiation source, and may
enhance the brightness and uniformity of the light emitted from the
light source panel to the target tissue area (e.g., the dentifrice
and teeth). The panel of woven optical fibers may be molded or
embedded in the oral tray. In another example, light may be emitted
from a single side of the panel with a relatively high intensity,
and a reflective panel may be provided attached to the outer layer
of woven optical fibers. Similarly to the embodiment of FIG. 1, a
diffuser panel may be provided to increase the uniformity of the
light on the tooth surface. One example of a suitable optical fiber
panel is the Lumitex.RTM. panel (Lumitex, Inc. Strongsville, Ohio,
USA), as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,751, entitled LIGHT
EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0076] FIG. 4E illustrates one device of the invention in which an
optical fiber panel 42 is covered by transparent panel 28. FIG. 4F
shows a similar device, but one that includes reflective panel 34.
FIG. 4G shows a portion along box 4G of FIG. 4C in which diffuser
panel 32 is disposed between transparent panel 28, and optical
fiber panel 42. FIG. 4H is similar to FIG. 4G showing an additional
transparent panel 28 below reflective panel 34. FIG. 4I is taken
along the box 4I of FIG. 4D, illustrating a light source panel 24
below optical fiber panel 28.
[0077] FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic illustrations of
tongue-treatment embodiments. In FIG. 8A, the tongue-treatment
embodiment comprises a stand-alone tongue cleaner 82 having a
shaped, brushed or otherwise textured surface 84 that may comprise
various degrees of hardness. The surface or surfaces 84 operate at
least in part to form a cavity or wrap for accommodating a tongue
86 of a patient and, further, operate to contact the tongue for
cleaning thereof. The tongue cleaner 82 can comprise one or motion
devices, such as oscillation or ultrasonic devices, for causing the
tongue cleaner to move in one or more of the directions of the
double-headed arrows shown in the figure. FIG. 8B shows tongue
cleaner assembly 92 that is integrated with a mouth tray. As such,
implementations of the device for treating oral tissue can be
provided in a package. This tongue cleaner assembly 92 may comprise
a shaped, bristled or otherwise textured surface 94 that may
comprise various degrees of hardness. The surface 94 operates to
contact a tongue 96 of a patient for cleaning thereof. The tongue
cleaner assembly 92 comprises a cavity 98 for accommodating teeth
100 and a light source 102 within the cavity 98 for irradiating the
teeth 100.
[0078] FIGS. 9-13D depict modified embodiments of carriers and
related structures provided with activated (e.g., moving and
light-emitting) textured surfaces for automatically cleaning (e.g.,
brushing) or whitening a user's teeth. Upon insertion and
activation of the carrier, either at a home or in a clinic, a
user's teeth can be treated (e.g., whitened and/or cleaned). The
illustrated embodiments comprise vibrating carriers that treat
(e.g., agitate and whiten) the user's teeth with little to no
effort on the part of the user following insertion and activation
of the carrier.
[0079] Interior wall surfaces of the vibrating carriers on which,
for example, the textured surfaces can formed, as presently
embodied, can comprise one or more of the above-mentioned
electromagnetic radiation sources (e.g., optical fiber panels 42)
for performing any of the functions described herein. The
electromagnetic radiation sources may be externally powered and
supplied and/or powered or supplied from one or more sources of
electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light) or other power (e.g.,
batteries) within, for example, a driver region (e.g., a driver
box, discussed below) of the vibrating carrier.
[0080] The activated textured surfaces influence (e.g., contact)
tissues to be treated (e.g., teeth) of the user following insertion
of the vibrating mouthpiece into the user's mouth and activation,
to enable, for example, vibration of and light-emission from, the
activated textured surfaces for facilitating treatment. In the
illustrated embodiment, the activated textured surfaces are secured
to or are formed with interior wall surfaces of the vibrating
carriers in locations designed or intended to come into contact
with or otherwise treat tissues (e.g., hard or soft) in need of
treatment within the user's mouth upon insertion of the vibrating
mouthpiece into the user's mouth.
[0081] According to the illustrated embodiments, the activated
textured surfaces comprise bristles. Typical embodiments include
bristles formed and secured to the interior wall surfaces using any
of a variety of manufacturing techniques known to those skilled in
the art. The interior wall surfaces can have bristles flush mounted
and/or integrally formed into the interior wall surfaces to extend
away from the interior wall surfaces of the vibrating mouthpiece
using manufacturing techniques known to those skilled in the art.
For example, the bristles can be over-molded into the interior wall
surfaces of the vibrating mouthpiece. The bristles typically will
be fabricated to extend normally from the interior wall surfaces as
shown. In an illustrated embodiment, the vibrating mouthpiece can
comprise at least one transparent wall (e.g., the interior wall
surfaces for holding the bristles). The bristles may comprise
transparent structures in one embodiment, and in typical
embodiments the bristles have lengths shorter than (e.g., 25% as
long as) those found on typical toothbrushes. According to an
aspect, the dentifrice may be layered. A first layer of the
dentifrice may comprise a first active ingredient; a second layer
of the dentifrice may comprise a second active ingredient. The
dentifrice can be arranged so that the second layer is positioned
furthest away from the electromagnetic radiation source. The
activated textured surface can comprise bristles of a first height
and bristles of a second height greater than the first height.
Bristles of a second height can be constructed to direct
electromagnetic energy through a first layer of the dentifrice and
into a second layer of the dentifrice. Furthermore, the bristles of
the second height can be constructed to output a greater power.
Also, distal ends of the bristles of the second height can extend
at least partially through the first layer.
[0082] As illustrated in FIGS. 9-13D, the vibrating carrier can be
provided in the form of a vibrating mouthpiece configured to fit
over at least a portion of a person's teeth. For example, the
vibrating carrier as shown can fit over a person's front upper and
lower teeth for treatment (e.g., whitening) thereof. The vibrating
carrier may be generic or custom designed, or may be moldable
(e.g., bendable by way of upper and lower moving arms, which may
comprise a bendable metal as known in the art). In typical
embodiments, one vibrating carrier may fit over both the upper and
lower teeth.
[0083] A perspective view of such a vibrating carrier in the form
of a vibrating mouthpiece 103, which can be constructed to have any
one or more of the structures and functionalities (e.g., emitting
light) as described above, is shown in FIG. 9. It is noted that the
embodiment shown can comprise a size to accommodate front teeth 105
of the user or to accommodate all or substantially all of the
user's teeth, or just a top or bottom part of a row of either of
the mentioned sets of teeth 105. Moreover, the vibrating mouthpiece
103 can be bent (e.g., by way of upper and lower moving arms
comprising a bendable metal) to match the curvatures of a user's
mouth and teeth.
[0084] The top, bottom, back and two sides of the pocket or housing
101 in FIG. 9 can all comprise solid walls. All five of these sides
fit into the user's mouth, as do the bristles 107. The front side
of this housing 101, on the other hand, facing into the page of the
drawing or in a direction away from the direction of the bristles
107, is preferably open. While currently depicted with a
rectangular shape, other shapes and sizes may be implemented as
well.
[0085] FIG. 10A is a side-elevation view as taken from a direction
of the line 10A-10A' of FIG. 9, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view
of the same assembly. The views of the housing 101 in FIGS. 10A and
10B span through the open side of the housing 101 and to the solid
back side of the housing 101. In other words, the view of FIG. 9
shows the back or closed side of the housing or pocket 101, and
FIGS. 10A and 10B show the open side or opening of the housing or
pocket 101. The teeth 105 and rows of bristles 107 shown in FIG.
10A would of course be located behind the shown front surface of
the vibrating mouthpiece 103 (e.g., within the user's mouth). Also
depicted in FIGS. 10A and 10B are upper and lower grooves 104.
Since the upper and lower grooves 104 illustrated in FIGS. 10A and
10B are disposed within the front surface of the vibrating
mouthpiece 103, they are viewable from the direction of the arrows
10-10' of FIG. 9.
[0086] FIGS. 11A and 11B depict a front assembly and a driver
region (e.g., box), which is discussed in more detail below. In
FIG. 11A, the front assembly is oriented directly in front of the
driver box so that the only part of the driver box that can be seen
are two ears, discussed below, on left and right sides of the
driver box. The front assembly comprises upper and lower moving
arms. These upper and lower moving arms correspond (e.g., are
complementarily shaped) to and fit into the upper and lower grooves
104 within the front surface of the vibrating mouthpiece 103. With
regard to the front assembly, it can include, and is depicted in
these two figures as comprising, for example, a generally planar
and slightly-curved (e.g., arched) shape. An outer surface (e.g.,
the surface shown in FIG. 11A and shown to the right in FIGS. 13A
and 13B) of the front assembly can further be formed integrally
with, or removably connected to, the upper and lower moving arms,
which may be embodied as elongated structures as shown in the
figures. The generally planar and slightly-curved member further
may be formed to contain driven pads 106 (e.g., metal and/or
magnetic), which communicate with driver pads 108, as discussed
below.
[0087] The upper and lower moving arms can be powered by a motor or
other motion imparting implement, to thereby provide mechanical
forces to the corresponding upper and lower grooves 104, which
motion, in turn, can be transferred to the bristles 107. In the
illustrated embodiments, the motion imparting implement is powered
by electromotive forces, such as inductive couplings and/or driver
(e.g., magnetic) pads 108 for communicating with the driven pads
106. The driver pads 108 can be positioned within the housing 101
and supplied power by batteries 109 also positioned within the
housing 101. The motion imparting implement can comprise the driver
box and the front assembly (of which the upper and lower moving
arms are a part).
[0088] As shown, the driver box fits into the housing 101 and also
accommodates the front assembly (of which the upper and lower
moving arms are a part). While depicted with a rectangular shape,
other shapes and sizes of driver boxes may be implemented as well.
Regarding the fitting of the driver box into the housing 101, the
driver box may comprise, for example, top, bottom, left, right and
back sides for contacting and resting against the corresponding
top, bottom, left, right and back sides of the housing 101. As with
the design of the housing 101, the front side of the driver box can
be open. Regarding the accommodation by the driver box of the front
assembly (containing the upper and lower moving arms), in the
illustrated embodiment, left and right sides of the driver box can
comprise a coupler which operates to position and hold the front
assembly to the driver box.
[0089] According to certain illustrated embodiments, the coupler
also can operate to allow the front assembly to move relative to
the driver box. For example, the coupler can comprise structure for
allowing the front assembly to rock or pivot and/or can comprise
structure for allowing the front assembly to slide or move in a
linear direction, relative to the driver box. In certain
implementations, such as those shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 13A
and 13D, the coupler can comprise ears having apertures 110 for
forming an axis that allows the front assembly to pivot about the
axis and/or, as exemplified in FIG. 13B, can comprise ears having
slots 112 forming a track for movement of the front assembly along
the track. Pivoting movement of the front assembly relative to the
driver box may be effectuated by movement of one or more of the
upper and lower moving arms, and, similarly, translation movement
of the front assembly can be effectuated by corresponding movements
of one or more of the upper and lower moving arms.
[0090] FIG. 12A shows a cross-sectional view of the
bristle-containing portion of the vibrating mouthpiece 103 shown in
FIG. 10A, wherein the cross-sectional view is taken along the line
12A-12A' of FIG. 10A. The view of FIG. 12A shows the housing 101,
bristles 107, the front surface, and the upper and lower grooves
104. This view further shows a pair of flex joints (e.g., grooves)
disposed above and below the upper and lower grooves 104. As
depicted in FIG. 12A, upon insertion of the vibrating mouthpiece
103 into a user's mouth, the user can bite down on the upper and
lower sides of the housing 101 to align his or her teeth with the
bristles 107.
[0091] FIGS. 13A and 13B show cross-sectional views of the front
assembly and driver box of FIG. 11A. The views of these figures are
taken from a direction of the line 13-13' of FIG. 11A. In
particular implementations of the present invention, the coupler
may comprise a plurality of couplers. Regarding each coupler, which
is typically formed as a part of the driver box, the coupler may
comprise, for example, two or more ears as depicted in the group of
FIGS. 11A, 11B, 13A and 13B. The ears of FIG. 13A, for example, may
be formed as extensions of the left and right sides of the driver
box, and, further, may comprise apertures for accommodating pins of
the front assembly. The ears of FIG. 13B, for example, may be
formed as extensions of the left and right sides of the driver box
and may comprise apertures, recesses or tracks for accommodating
pins or other extensions of the front assembly.
[0092] In other implementations, each of the ears of FIGS. 13A and
13B is formed to comprise one or more bumps or other protuberances
for fitting around and contacting the outer surface of the front
assembly, to thereby secure the front assembly to the driver box.
The pins of the front assembly in these implementations can be
optional. According to further implementations, each of the ears of
FIGS. 13A and 13B can be formed to comprise one or more
indentations, and the corresponding outer surfaces of the front
assembly can be formed to have one or more complementarily-shaped
protuberances or other suitable structures for fitting into the
indentations, to thereby allow the front assembly to be secured to
the driver box.
[0093] FIGS. 10C and 11C are side-elevation views taken from a
direction of the line 10-10' of FIG. 9, according to an embodiment
wherein bristles 107 are applied to teeth in addition to just the
front top and front bottom teeth. More particularly, the structures
of these figures, along with those of FIGS. 13C and 13D, are
designed to apply bristles 107 to back surfaces of teeth, as well,
and, accordingly, may be suitable for purposes in addition to or
other than, for example, cosmetic (e.g., whitening) purposes. For
example, such structures may be implemented to effectuate brushing
of, for example, all of a user's gum lines. In such embodiments,
the components used to drive the bristles 107 for treating outer
surfaces of teeth as described above are duplicated to drive
bristles 107 for treating inner surfaces of the teeth. Furthermore,
in certain implementations of these embodiments, the housing 101
may be extended to one of the two edges of the vibrating mouthpiece
103 (e.g., extended to the right edge of the vibrating mouthpiece
103 as indicated in FIG. 10C wherein the two "x" marks indicate
center areas of the vibrating mouthpiece), and the one open side of
the housing 101 may be formed on the right side rather than on the
back side of the housing 101, whereby the front assembly is then
inserted through the open right side and slid into a center
position (e.g., centered on the "x" marks).
[0094] The structures of FIG. 12B correspond to an oral-tray type
of embodiment wherein additional bristles 107 are disposed on
surfaces of the vibrating mouthpiece 103 to effectuate treatment
(e.g., brushing) of grinding surfaces of the user's teeth.
According to certain implementations, the parts of the vibrating
mouthpiece 103 shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C can be disposable,
and the parts shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C can be sterilizable
and reusable.
[0095] In using the foregoing devices of the invention, a treatment
implementation can be placed or formed on the bristles or in the
oral tray. According to embodiments wherein the treatment
implementation comprises a dentifrice, the tray with dentifrice
applied thereto (e.g., placed in the tooth bed of the oral tray)
can be fit over the upper or lower teeth, and an electromagnetic
radiation source can then be activated while the tray is kept in
the mouth for a predetermined duration. The dentifrice may
typically contain one or more active ingredients depending on the
particular application. As a few examples, the dentifrice may
include one or more of the following compounds: peroxy compounds
(such as, hydrogen peroxide and/or carbamide peroxide),
oxidoreductase agents (such as laccases, oxidases, and/or
peroxidases), antibacterial agents (such as chlorhexidine
digluconate, hexetidine, alexidine, quarternary ammonium and
water-soluble sources of certain metal ions such as zinc, copper,
silver, and stannous), anti-caries agents (such as fluoride),
anti-plaque agents or plaque control activators, anti-tartar
agents, desensitizing agents, etching agents (such as phosphoric
acid), photosensitizers and photodynamic therapy photosensitizers,
whitening agents, or pigments. The dentifrice may additionally or
alternatively be conditioned (e.g., flavored) and comprise, in
whole or in part and in any combination with the preceding
ingredients, any of the ingredients as described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,350,123, entitled FLUID CONDITIONING SYSTEM, the contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0096] The oral tray of the invention may also include one or more
attachments to deliver, for example, a dentifrice from a cartridge
50 through a cartridge channel 52 directly into the tray (FIG. 5).
The same attachment, or a different attachment, can be used,
additionally or alternatively, for connecting an aspirator 60 to
aspirate the dentifrice and/or other fluids through aspirator
channel 62 from the oral tray in connection with the performance of
a procedure (cf. FIG. 6).
[0097] In other particular embodiments of the invention, the oral
trays may include separate compartments to be aligned with a
subject's gum line. Such compartments may serve to contain an
isolating gel that protects the gums from contact with the active
ingredients of the dentifrice. The isolating gel may also include a
thermal insulator that may help prevent heat transfer from the tray
and/or the dentifrice to the gums. In addition, the oral tray may
be structured to accept gel only on the side of the teeth requiring
treatment, for example, the front side. The oral tray may include
two or more sub-trays inside the main tray that provide selective
treatment on different groups of teeth at the same time. For
example, one sub-tray may be used for a fluoride treatment of the
back molars, and another sub-tray may be used for whitening the
front teeth. The compartments may, for example, permit selective
procedures to be performed on desired regions of the teeth or
mouth, and/or may help protect sensitive areas of the mouth. Thus,
the device of the invention may include one or more compartments to
customize the application of the device. The selective targeting of
areas by the sub-trays, and/or by other means, may be based on or
determined by, at least in part, information acquired from a
detector or detectors as previously described.
[0098] The carrier (e.g., oral tray) may also be constructed to
emit heat. This may be in addition to, or instead of, the
electromagnetic radiation source. For example, a dry chemical
heat-emitting material may be incorporated or added to the oral
tray. The emission of heat may be activated after the user places
the tray on his teeth and the user starts biting down on the tray.
One example of a suitable chemical is sodium acetate trihydrate. In
certain embodiments, the heat source is incorporated into the
carrier so that the subject using the carrier does not ingest the
heat source.
[0099] FIG. 7A depicts a carrier embodied as another oral device
10, which is formed as an oral band or oral tape 72 attached to a
person's oral tissue (e.g., teeth). In modified embodiments, the
oral device may comprise an oral band, tape or wrap applied on or
around one or more of a tongue, gums and teeth of a user. In the
illustrated embodiment, oral tape 72 comprises a plurality of
intersecting lines. The cross-section along line 7B-7B is shown in
FIG. 7B. Oral tape 72 can include an electromagnetic radiation
source 20 and/or may also include one or more compartments 50
containing a dentifrice with an active ingredient sensitive, for
example, to activation (via, e.g., one or more of a repetitive
movement mechanism and an electromagnetic radiation source as
described previously). In an illustrative embodiment, the
activation is achieved with electromagnetic radiation. Each tooth
of the subject may be covered by one or more of the compartments. A
protective layer 74 may be provided over compartments 50 to prevent
leakage of the dentifrice from the compartments. Protective layer
74 may be peeled off before applying the tape to the tissue (e.g.,
teeth). Alternatively, the protective layer may be made of a
material subject to degradation by enzymes contained in a subject's
mouth, where the enzymes dissolve the protective layer and thereby
permit the dentifrice to be applied to the tissue. The
electromagnetic radiation source may comprise a thin layer of woven
optical fibers (e.g., Lumitrex), similar to that discussed above, a
thin layer of LEDs, or even an organic or polymeric thin-film of
luminescent material.
[0100] Examples of potential compounds or agents used in organic or
polymeric thin-film luminescence include, but are not limited to,
end-capped oligothiophenes, tris-chelated polypyridyl ruthenium
(II) complexes, polyphenylenes, doped tris-8-(hydroxyquinoline)
aluminum, indium tin oxides, polyfluorenes, vinylene-bridged
triphenylamine dimers, rhodamine 6G, bicarbazyles,
1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-1,3-butadiene-doped polymeric Langmuir-Blodgett
films, inorganic CdSe nanocrystals, carbazole-substituted
polyacetylenes
[0101] The electromagnetic radiation source may be powered by any
suitable means that can cause electromagnetic radiation to be
emitted from the source or sources. For example, the carrier
electromagnetic radiation source may include one or more batteries,
or an electrical power cord plugged into an electrical outlet.
Batteries may be embedded in the carrier or may be disposed
externally to the carrier. Oral tape, for example, may be provided
with batteries placed within the tape and/or may be capable of
being charged using a charging device.
[0102] In addition to being configured to control, for example, one
or more of any characteristic or functionality of the
electromagnetic radiation source, movement mechanism, electronic
input/output device, and/or detector(s), the circuit and/or
microprocessor may be programmable to further effectuate or
optimize treatment protocols. For example, in a context of
tooth-whitening, the programmable microprocessor may control
parameters such as light, wavelength, brightness, power, or
duration of emission, wherein such parameters may be programmed as
presets, or may be operated manually by the user. The user may
control the speed of whitening by selecting the wavelength, the
brightness, the power, and the time of exposure. For in-office
procedures, a clinician may decide the specific parameters suited
for the patient. For out of office procedures, such as home use,
the user may select one of the preset programs. As a particular
example, a program may provide a higher light intensity for a
relatively short duration. In addition, the oral device may include
a sensor device that, through software control, informs the user
when the process is completed or the treatment time has
expired.
[0103] Thus, the oral device of the invention may be relatively
easy to use, and may provide fast and effective treatment over
conventional devices. The oral device of the invention may provide,
for example, one or more of selective treatment for specific tissue
(e.g., tooth) surfaces, better alignment, and a more controlled,
uniform treatment. The device further may reduce tissue (e.g.,
tooth) sensitivity. In the context of tooth whitening, for example,
the device may require less time for wearing the device, may
provide means for treating teeth or a portion of teeth locally,
and/or may reduce discomfort associated with whitening agents
contacting the teeth for a relatively extended period of time.
[0104] The above-described embodiments have been provided by way of
example, and the present invention is not limited to these
examples. Multiple variations and modification to the disclosed
embodiments will occur, to the extent not mutually exclusive, to
those skilled in the art upon consideration of the foregoing
description. Additionally, other combinations, omissions,
substitutions and modifications will be apparent to the skilled
artisan in view of the disclosure herein. Accordingly, it is
intended that the present invention not be limited by the disclosed
embodiments, but be defined by reference to any appended additional
disclosure in claims format.
* * * * *
References