Oral cavity treatment device

Abstract

An oral treatment device may include a mouthpiece and a power cord extending from the mouthpiece to a plug. The power cord may be coupled to an electronic device, such as a telephone or computer, to provide power to the oral treatment device. The mouthpiece may include a lamp having a light emitter on a flexible sheet and a lens member covering the lamp. The light emitters may be disposed in staggered rows to ensure sufficient tooth coverage during use. The lens may include bite protrusions positioned on opposite ends of the lens. The lens can be very flexibly adapted to any oral cavity shape. There may be a control unit having a power button and a processor that is located closer to the plug along the power line than to the mouthpiece for improved comfort.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 337,247, filed on May 2, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] A frequently heard complaint from consumers who have invested in a whitening treatment, including a LED tray kit, is that the process did not meet their expectations for whitening results. A number of reasons, either alone or in combination, may explain this disappointment. It may be that the peroxide-containing formulation used was not effective enough, was too irritating, or was too painful. It may be that the light tray itself was too uncomfortable, too heavy, too hard, or caused excessive salivation. All of these may result in a lack of procedural compliance with the treatment instructions and, therefore, the potential failure to achieve the whitening goal. This may result in the user returning to the treatment at some point in the future only after the memory of the uncomfortable sensation has faded. The present invention relates to oral treatment devices and related methods that address the shortcomings of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an oral treatment device, which may include an oral piece and a power cord extending from the oral piece to a plug. The power cord can be connected to an electronic device, such as a telephone or computer, to provide power to the oral treatment device. The oral piece may include a lamp and a lens member covering the lamp, the lamp having a light emitter on a flexible sheet. The light emitters may be arranged in staggered rows to ensure adequate tooth coverage during use. The lens may include an occlusal protrusion positioned on opposite ends of the lens. The lens can be very flexible to adapt to any oral shape. There may be a control unit having a power button and a processor, the control unit being located along the power cord closer to the plug than to the oral piece to improve comfort.

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention may be an oral treatment device, comprising an oral piece, the oral piece comprising: a lamp and a lens member covering the front surface of a flexible sheet, the lamp comprising: a flexible sheet having a first side edge, a second side edge, and a top edge and a bottom edge each extending between the first side edge and the second side edge, and a plurality of light emitters connected to the flexible sheet, the plurality of light emitters comprising a first row of light emitters, the first row of light emitters being positioned adjacent to the top edge of the flexible sheet and being arranged in a spaced-apart manner in a direction between the first side edge and the second side edge of the flexible sheet, the first row of light emitters comprising a first light emitter positioned adjacent to the first side edge of the flexible sheet, a second light emitter positioned adjacent to the second side edge of the flexible sheet, and a plurality of center light emitters located between the first light emitter and the second light emitter, the first light emitter and the second light emitter intersecting with a first axis extending between the first side edge and the second side edge of the flexible sheet, and wherein each of the center light emitters is located between the top edge of the flexible sheet and the first axis without intersecting with the first axis.

[0006] In another aspect, the present invention may be an oral treatment device, comprising an oral piece, the oral piece comprising: a lamp and a lens member covering the front surface of a flexible sheet, the lamp comprising a flexible sheet having a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge and a bottom edge, and a plurality of light emitters connected to the flexible sheet, the plurality of light emitters comprising a first row of light emitters, the first row of light emitters being adjacent to the top edge of the flexible sheet and arranged in a spaced-apart manner in a direction between the first side edge and the second side edge of the flexible sheet, each light emitter in the first row of light emitters being staggered in a direction between the top edge and the bottom edge of the flexible sheet relative to each adjacent light emitter in the first row of light emitters.

[0007] In yet another aspect, the present invention may be an oral treatment device, comprising: an oral piece, the oral piece comprising a lens component and a lamp having a plurality of light emitters, the lamp being connected to the lens component so that light emitted by the plurality of light emitters passes through the lens component; a power cord, the power cord comprising a first end in contact with the lamp and a second end comprising a plug, the plug being configured to be inserted into a power supply for supplying power to the plurality of light emitters; a control unit, the control power supply comprising at least one actuator and a processor, wherein when the plurality of light emitters are powered on, the plurality of light emitters are configured to emit light for a predetermined duration; and wherein before the plurality of light emitters are powered on, at least one actuator is activated to cause the processor to switch between a plurality of modes, the predetermined duration being different for each of the plurality of modes.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the present invention may be a method for whitening teeth, the method comprising: selecting a teeth whitening composition from a plurality of teeth whitening compositions having different weight percentages of active ingredients; applying the teeth whitening composition to the teeth of a user; selecting the brightness at which a plurality of light emitters of an oral treatment device will emit light when activated; selecting the duration for which a plurality of light emitters of the oral treatment device will emit light when activated; positioning an oral piece of the oral treatment device in the user's mouth; and activating the oral treatment device so that the plurality of light emitters emit light onto the user's teeth pre-coated with the teeth whitening composition.

[0009] In yet another aspect, the present invention may be an oral treatment device, comprising an oral piece, the oral piece comprising: a lamp comprising a flexible sheet having a front surface and a plurality of light emitters located on the front surface of the flexible sheet; and a lens member, the lens member covering the front surface of the flexible sheet and being transparent so that light emitted by the plurality of light emitters passes through the lens member, the lens member comprising: a front surface having a vertical center line; a first bite protrusion, the first bite protrusion extending from the front surface of the lens member on a first side of the vertical center line and having a first maximum width; and a second bite protrusion, the second bite protrusion extending from the front surface of the lens member on a second side of the vertical center line and having a second maximum width, an exposed portion of the front surface of the lens member located between the first bite protrusion and the second bite protrusion being free of any additional bite protrusions and having a third width greater than each of the first maximum width and the second maximum width.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention may be an oral treatment device, comprising: an oral piece, the oral piece comprising: a lamp, the lamp comprising a flexible sheet having a front surface and a plurality of light emitters protruding from the front surface of the flexible sheet, and a lens member covering the front surface of the flexible sheet; and a power cord extending from the oral piece, the power cord comprising a plug for engaging a socket to power the plurality of light emitters, the power cord having a certain length; and a control unit connected to the power cord, the control unit comprising an actuator and a processor for powering the plurality of light emitters according to a treatment scheme, the control unit being positioned closer to the plug of the power cord than to the oral piece.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the present invention may be an oral treatment device, comprising: a support member, the support member comprising a support panel having a front surface and a rear surface and a protrusion extending from the rear surface to a distal end, a channel extending from a first opening in the front surface of the support panel to a second opening in the distal end of the protrusion, the support member comprising a first connecting element; a strain relief member disposed in the channel, the strain relief member comprising a second connecting element, the second connecting element engaging with the first connecting element of the support member to couple the strain relief member to the support member, the strain relief member comprising a front surface, a rear surface, a through hole extending from the front surface to the rear surface, and at least one protruding from the front surface. a protrusion; a lamp comprising a flexible sheet having a front surface, a rear surface and at least one hole extending between the front surface and the rear surface, and a plurality of light emitters coupled to the front surface of the flexible sheet, the rear surface of the lamp abutting the front surface of the support panel of the support member, and at least one protrusion of the strain relief member protruding through at least one hole in the flexible sheet of the lamp; and a power cord comprising a first end having a contact element for engaging the lamp and a second end comprising a plug, the first end of the power cord being positioned within the through hole of the strain relief member and being prevented from being pulled through the through hole of the strain relief member in a first direction due to contact between the power cord and the abutting surfaces of the strain relief member.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the present invention may be an oral treatment device, comprising: an oral piece, the oral piece comprising: a lamp, the lamp comprising a flexible sheet having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of light emitters protruding from the front surface of the flexible sheet; a support member covering the rear surface of the flexible sheet, the support member having an exposed rear surface; and a lens member covering the front surface of the flexible sheet, the lens member having an exposed front surface; and a power cord extending from the oral piece, the power cord comprising a plug for engaging a socket of an electronic device to power the plurality of light emitters; wherein the oral piece comprises a first side portion, a second side portion, and a center portion between the first side portion and the second side portion; and wherein the oral piece is flexible so that each of the first side portion and the second side portion is configured to: be folded relative to the center portion in a first direction so that the exposed front surfaces of the lens member along the first side portion and the second side portion contact the exposed front surface of the lens member along the center portion; and be folded relative to the center portion in a second direction so that the exposed rear surfaces of the support member along the first side portion and the second side portion contact the exposed rear surface of the support member along the center portion.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the present invention may be an oral treatment device, comprising: an oral piece, the oral piece comprising: a lamp, the lamp comprising a flexible sheet having a front surface and a plurality of light emitters located on the front surface of the flexible sheet; and a lens member, the lens member covering the front surface of the flexible sheet and being transparent so that light emitted by the plurality of light emitters passes through the lens member, the lens member comprising: a front surface having a vertical center line, a first bite protrusion extending from the front surface of the lens member on a first side of the vertical center line, the first bite protrusion having a first side edge opposite to the second side edge, and a second bite protrusion extending from the front surface of the lens member on a second side of the vertical center line, the second bite protrusion having a first side edge opposite to the second side edge, the front surface of the lens member The exposed portion between the first bite protrusion and the second bite protrusion does not have any additional bite protrusions; wherein the side edge axis intersects with the second side edge of the first bite protrusion and the second side edge of the second bite protrusion; and wherein when a first external force is applied to the second side edge of the first bite protrusion and the second side edge of the second bite protrusion along the side edge axis, the second side edge of the first bite protrusion and the second side edge of the second bite protrusion are separated by a first distance; and wherein when a second external force is applied to the second side edge of the first bite protrusion and the second side edge of the second bite protrusion along the side edge axis, the second side edge of the first bite protrusion and the second side edge of the second bite protrusion are separated by a second distance; and wherein the first external force is zero; and wherein when the second external force is less than about 1.5N, the second distance is about 5mm smaller than the first distance.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention may be an oral treatment device, comprising: an arched oral piece including a lamp, wherein when the arched oral piece is in a normal state, there is a first distance between a first side edge and a second side edge of the arched oral piece; and the arched oral piece is configured to be bent so that when an external compression force less than or equal to approximately 1.5N is applied to the first side edge and the second side edge, the first distance is reduced by at least 5mm.

[0015] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an oral treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2Its cover is removed Figure 1 A perspective view of an oral treatment device;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an oral treatment device;

[0020] Figure 4 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of ;

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A close-up of region V;

[0022] Figure 6 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a light of an oral treatment device;

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A front view of the lamp;

[0025] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a lens component of an oral treatment device;

[0026] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 a rear perspective view of a lens member;

[0027] Fig.11 is shown inserted into the electronic device Figure 1 A diagram of a power cord of an oral treatment device;

[0028] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A diagram in which an oral piece of an oral treatment device is located within an oral cavity of a user;

[0029] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Shows Figure 1 Mode adjustment elements of the oral treatment device; and

[0030] Fig.14 An oral treatment device in a test device according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0032] The description of the illustrative embodiments according to the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are considered to be part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is intended only for convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Relative terms such as "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top" and "bottom" and their derivatives (e.g., "horizontally", "downwardly", "upwardly", etc.) should be interpreted as referring to the orientation as described at the time or as shown in the accompanying drawings under discussion. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, these relative terms are only for convenience of description and do not require the device to be constructed or operated in a specific orientation. Unless otherwise clearly described, terms such as "attachment", "attachment", "connection", "connection", "interconnection" and similar terms refer to the relationship in which the structural members are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other through intermediate structural members, and the attachment or relationship in which the two are movable or rigid. In addition, the features and benefits of the present invention are explained by referring to exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments showing some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims.

[0033] First refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, an oral treatment device 1000 will be described according to one embodiment of the present invention. The oral treatment device 1000 can be configured to be used in the oral cavity of a user to emit electromagnetic radiation or light onto the user's teeth and / or gums to perform or enhance treatment thereon. In one embodiment, the oral treatment device 1000 can be used in conjunction with a tooth whitening preparation that can be applied to the teeth prior to enhancement with the oral treatment device 1000. A specific tooth whitening composition that can be used in conjunction with the oral treatment device 1000 is described in U.S. Patent No. 11,040,002. However, in some embodiments, the oral treatment device 1000 can be used alone (i.e., without first coating the teeth with a tooth whitening composition), and in other embodiments, the oral treatment device 1000 can be used after the user coats the teeth with any tooth whitening composition (such as, but not limited to, those containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). The tooth whitening composition that can be used in conjunction with the oral treatment device 1000 to whiten teeth is not limited to the specific formulations described in U.S. Patent No. 11,040,002, and any whitening formulation that is now known or later discovered and can benefit from light treatment after being applied to the teeth can be used. In addition, other formulations that can similarly benefit from light treatment after the formulation is applied to the teeth, such as anti-allergic formulations, fresh breath formulations, etc. can be used with the oral treatment device 1000. An additional example composition is a composition containing monoperoxide sulfate, which is an oxidizing agent that reacts positively with the light emitted from the device. In addition, vitamin C compounds that act as reducing agents for stain removal can also be used. Finally, the oral care treatment device 1000 can emit light of about 410nm, which can have antibacterial benefits.

[0034] The oral treatment device 1000 generally includes an oral piece 100, a power cord 300, and a control unit 400. The oral piece 100 is the portion of the oral treatment device 1000 that is placed in the user's oral cavity during the treatment process. The power cord 300 extends from the oral piece 100 and terminates at a plug 301, which can be inserted into a socket of a device including a power supply for supplying power to the oral piece 100, as described herein. The oral treatment device 1000 does not have its own power supply, but is instead inserted into a socket of another device (which can be an electronic device such as a smart phone, a laptop, a computer, a television, a mobile power supply, an electronic device docking base, etc., or can be a power outlet). Therefore, when the plug 301 is engaged with the socket of the electronic device, the other device supplies power to the oral piece 100 and any electronic components thereof (e.g., a light emitter as described herein). In an exemplary embodiment, the plug 301 is a USB-C plug. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the plug 301 can adopt any structural form required to enable the power cord 300 to be electrically connected to the electronic device. Thus, the plug may be USB Type A, USB Type B, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB Mini, USB Micro, USB Micro B, USB Type C, a standard plug for interfacing with any type of power outlet depending on geographic location, and the like.

[0035] The control unit 400 is positioned along the power cord 300. As described below, the control unit 400 can be positioned along the power cord 300 closer to the plug 301 rather than the oral piece 100. This can improve the comfort of the user during use by not positioning the weight of the control unit 400 too close to the oral piece 100. In this way, the user will not feel the weight of the control unit 400 during use, making it easier to keep the oral piece 100 in the oral cavity for a longer period of time. The entire oral treatment device 1000 can have a very low weight. The weight of the oral treatment device 1000 can be 10g to 50g, more specifically 15g to 30g, and more specifically 15g to 25g. This enhances the comfort of the oral treatment device 1000 when in use because the user does not carry too much weight in his or her mouth during use.

[0036] The control unit 400 includes a housing 401 having an outer surface 402 and an inner surface 404, which defines a cavity 405 (the inner surface 404 and the cavity 405 are Figure 3 and Figure 4). At least one actuator 403 is positioned along the outer surface 402 of the housing 401. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one actuator 403 is a depressible button that can be used to power on and off the oral treatment device 1000, and can also be used to change the operating mode of the oral treatment device 1000, as described in more detail below. The present invention is not limited to all embodiments, and the at least one actuator 403 can be a sliding switch, a conductive switch, a clickable switch, or other embodiments in other embodiments. In addition, although a single actuator 403 is depicted in the accompanying drawings, more than one actuator can be used in other embodiments, each actuator performing a different function (e.g., on / off and mode selection). The housing 401 may include a display on its outer surface 402 for visually displaying information to a user. In a number of different embodiments, the display can display images, text, symbols, light indicators, etc.

[0037] Although at least one actuator 403 can be used to power on and off the oral treatment device 1000, it may not function unless the plug 301 of the power cord 300 is electrically connected to an electronic device, such as any of the types of devices described above. This is because, as described herein, the oral treatment device 1000 does not include its own power source. This is to keep the cost of the oral treatment device 1000 low, eliminate the need to replace batteries, and keep the oral treatment device 1000 very lightweight. Therefore, activating the actuator 403 without the plug 301 being electrically connected to the electronic device will not cause any power to the device. However, when the plug 301 is electrically connected to the electronic device, activating the actuator 403 will change the operating mode and / or power on / off the device, as further described herein below.

[0038] exist Figure 1 , the cover 500 is shown positioned above the oral piece 100. The cover 500 encloses the oral piece 100 to protect it from damage and prevent bacteria, etc. from covering the oral piece 100 during the time of non-use. Therefore, when not in use, the oral piece 100 can be enclosed in the cover 500. The cover 500 can be removed from the oral piece 100 to allow the oral piece 100 to be inserted into the mouth or oral cavity of the user for treatment. The cover 500 can be a single component that opens and closes at a hinge (e.g., a living hinge). Alternatively, the cover 500 can be formed by two separate cover portions that can be snapped together and separated from each other by the user. Although specific structural shapes are shown in the drawings, in other embodiments, the cover 500 can have other shapes as long as it is suitable for its function as described herein. In some embodiments, the cover 500 can also be completely omitted so that the oral treatment device 1000 may not include the cover 500.

[0039] Go to Figures 3 to 6 , the oral treatment device 1000 will be described in more detail. The oral piece 100 includes a support member 110, a lamp 160, and a lens member 200, which are firmly and generally non-detachably connected together, so that the oral piece 100 is a single integral part of the oral treatment device 1000. That is, although the support member 100, the lamp 160, and the lens member 200 are independent components, due to the assembly of the oral piece 100, the various components cannot be separated from each other, and there is no scratching or otherwise damaging one or more of the various components. The support member 110 and the lens member 200 can be combined together during the manufacturing process, so that one of the support member 110 and the lens member 200 can be injection molded onto the other to produce a bond between the materials. Alternatively, the lens member 200 and the support member 110 can be adhesively bonded to each other by applying an adhesive material to the interface surface (or portion thereof) of the lens member 200 and the support member 110. The support member 110 and the lens member 200 may also have engaging edges and surfaces that interlock the two components together after manufacturing to create a mechanical interlock between the two components, such as Figure 5 Best shown in and further described below.

[0040] The support member 110 includes a support panel 111 having a front surface 112 and a rear surface 113. The support member 110 also includes a protrusion 114 extending from the rear surface 113 of the support panel 111 to a distal end 115. The front surface 112 of the support panel 111 may be slightly concave. In other embodiments, the front surface 112 of the support panel 111 may be flat / planar without being concave, and the support panel 111 may be bent during use due to its flexibility. The support member 110 may be formed of an elastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer) having a low Shore A hardness, which provides a high degree of flexibility for the support member 110. The support member 110 may be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore A hardness of 30 to 40, more specifically about 35. This is similar to the Shore A hardness of a rubber band, which means that the support member 110 is quite flexible. The thickness of the support member may be 0.5 mm to 2 mm, which increases flexibility. One example of a material that may be used to form support member 110 is sold by Teknor Apex MD-10118NAT or MD-10108NAT.

[0041] As described above, the protrusion 114 protrudes from the rear surface 113 of the support panel 111, which is convex in the exemplary embodiment, but may be flat in other embodiments. The protrusion 114 may have a tubular shape and may be conical so that its diameter gradually decreases from the support panel 111 to the distal end 115. In all embodiments, the specific shape of the protrusion 114 is not a limitation of the present invention, and the protrusion 114 may take other shapes, such as having a polygonal cross-sectional shape instead of a circular cross-sectional shape as in the exemplary embodiment.

[0042] The support member 110 may include a channel 116 extending from a first opening 117 in the front surface 112 of the support panel 111 to a second opening 118 in the distal end 115 of the protrusion 114. The channel 116 may be configured to receive and accommodate a portion of the power cord 300 while maintaining one end of the power cord 300 in contact with the lamp 160 so that power can be supplied to the light emitter of the lamp 160, as further described herein.

[0043] The support member 110 includes a first connection element 119 to facilitate coupling of the strain relief member 250 thereto, as further described below. In an exemplary embodiment, the first connection element 119 includes one or more apertures formed through the protrusion 114 of the support member 110, which can receive a protrusion of the strain relief member 250 and / or engage with a protrusion of the strain relief member 250 to couple the strain relief member 250 thereto. The cover 500 can include a snap-fit ​​connector 120 that snap-fits to the strain relief member 250 to facilitate coupling between the cover 500 and the oral treatment device 1000 when the cover 500 is coupled to the oral treatment device 1000. The snap-fit ​​connector 120 of the cover 500 can include a first snap-fit ​​arm and a second snap-fit ​​arm 121 separated by a gap. When the cover 500 closes the mouthpiece 100, the portion of the mouthpiece 100 where the strain relief member 250 is exposed through the aperture of the first connecting element 119 of the support member 110 is nested in the gap between the snap-fit ​​arms 121. The snap-fit ​​arms 121 may be projections or recesses that engage recesses or projections of the portion of the strain relief member 250 that is exposed through the aperture of the first connecting element 119 of the support member 110, such as Figure 4 Best shown.

[0044] The lamp 160 generally includes a flexible sheet 161 and a plurality of light emitters 164. The flexible sheet 161 has a front surface 162 and a rear surface 163. The front surface 162 may be slightly concave, and the rear surface 163 may be slightly convex. Alternatively, the front and rear surfaces may be flat / planar so that they are concave and concave to correspond to the dental arch only when the user bends during use. The flexible sheet 161 may be a flexible printed circuit board (PCB). The flexible sheet 161 is capable of flexing, bending, etc. in response to a force applied thereto. Therefore, when the oral piece 100 is placed in the user's mouth, the user can bend / flex the entire oral piece 10 to match the user's dental arch curve.

[0045] A plurality of light emitters 164 are connected to the flexible sheet 161 and positioned along the front surface 162 of the flexible sheet 161. The plurality of light emitters 164 can be light emitting diodes (LEDs). However, the present invention is not so limited in all embodiments, and in other embodiments, the plurality of light emitters 164 can be other types of light sources. In one embodiment, the light emitter 164 can be formed as a printed light emitting diode, such as those manufactured by NthDegree. The plurality of light emitters 164 can include a plurality of independent light emitters positioned in a spaced manner along the front surface 162 of the flexible sheet 161. In some embodiments, the plurality of light emitters 164 can protrude from the front surface 162 of the flexible sheet 161. Although not shown, there can be electrical contacts on the rear surface 163 of the flexible sheet 161, so that the power from the power supply of the external device can be transmitted to the plurality of light emitters 164 through the power cord 300. That is, the exposed electrical conductors 302 of the power cord 300 can be in direct contact with the electrical contacts on the rear surface 163 of the flexible sheet 161. The electrical contacts on the rear surface 163 of the flexible sheet 161 can in turn be electrically connected to each of the light emitters 164 (directly to some and indirectly to the rest, or directly to all) to transmit power to the light emitters 164 so that they can be powered to emit light during the treatment regimen. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Additional details are provided regarding lamp 160 .

[0046] The lens member 200 is configured to cover the lamp 160 so that the front surface 162 of the flexible sheet 161 and the light emitter 164 are not exposed to the natural environment or the user's oral cavity during use. Instead, as discussed herein, the lamp 160 is sandwiched between the lens member 200 and the support member 110. Therefore, the lens member 200 and the support member 110 can be combined together to create an airtight sealed cavity, within which the lamp 160 is positioned so that the user's saliva and other contaminants cannot enter the cavity and cannot damage the lamp 160 and other electronic components of the oral treatment device 1000. The lens member 200 is preferably formed of a thermoplastic elastomer, and can be formed of the same thermoplastic elastomer as the support member 110 (the same material construction, although it may not be the same color). Therefore, the lens member 200 can have a Shore A hardness of 30 to 40, and more specifically about 35.

[0047] Thus, the lens member 200, the light 160, and the support panel 111 of the support member 110 are very flexible, and the entire mouthpiece 100 can be easily bent to fit the contour / curvature of a particular user's dental arch. This flexibility of the mouthpiece 100 allows almost anyone to comfortably use the mouthpiece 100, regardless of the particular curvature of that person's dental arch. To illustrate the flexibility of the mouthpiece 100, refer to Figure 2 , it is envisioned that the mouthpiece 100 includes a first side portion 101, a second side portion 102, and a center portion 103 positioned between the first side portion and the second side portion. The first side portion 101 and the second side portion 102 can be bent or folded relative to the center portion 103 to such an extent that the front surface 201 of the lens member 200 along the first side portion 101 and the second side portion 102 can contact the front surface 201 of the lens member 200 along the center portion 103. The bite protrusions 210, 230 of the lens member 200 described below may hinder such bending / folding, but the bite protrusions 210, 230 can also be bent out of the way to allow such contact. The first side portion 101 and the second side portion 102 can also be bent / bent backward relative to the center portion 103 so that the rear surface 113 of the support member 110 along the first side portion 101 and the second side portion 102 can contact the rear surface 113 of the support member 110 along the center portion 103. Thus, the first and second side portions 101, 102 can be folded approximately 180° (plus or minus 10°) in either direction relative to the center portion 103. This is an incredible amount of flexibility, which allows the mouthpiece 100 to easily conform to the contours of almost anyone's oral arch.

[0048] The lens member 200 can be formed of a transparent thermoplastic elastomer. In other words, the lens member 200 can be transparent. Therefore, any light emitted by the light emitter 164 will easily pass through the lens member 200 and reach the user's teeth. The lens member 200 is completely transparent for the light emitted by the light emitter 164 (the light can be a wavelength of 390nm to 430nm, more specifically 400nm to 420nm, and more specifically about 410nm light, which approximately means plus or minus 5nm in this article). It is worth noting that if so desired, the support member 110 can be formed of an opaque color (e.g., white, red, green, blue, black, etc.), or the support member 110 can also be transparent. However, there may be no requirement for the support member 110 to be transparent, because the light emitted by the light emitter 164 is not intended to be transmitted through the support member 110. In some embodiments, the support member 110 can be transparent so that the light is emitted through to provide an aesthetic effect. Lens member 200 may include facets on its front and / or rear surfaces to help disperse light emitted by light emitter 164 .

[0049] Lens member 200 includes front surface 201 and rear surface 202. Front surface 201 may be concave, and rear surface 202 may be convex. Of course, as with other components of mouthpiece 100, in other embodiments, front surface 201 and rear surface 202 may be flat / planar, and the curvature may only be achieved when the device is placed in the user's mouth. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown and mentioned above, the lens member 200 may include a first engaging protrusion 210 and a second engaging protrusion 230 extending from the front surface 201 of the lens member 200 in a spaced-apart manner. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Additional details regarding the first snap-fit ​​protrusion 210 and the second snap-fit ​​protrusion 230 are provided.

[0050] The oral treatment device 1000 also includes a strain relief member 250 (mentioned above) and a double-sided adhesive panel 270. The strain relief member 250 is positioned within the channel 116 of the support member 110 to lock the power cord 300 in place and prevent the power cord 300 from being detached from the oral device 100. The strain relief member 250 includes a second connection element 251 that engages the first connection element 119 of the support member 110 to lock the strain relief member 250 to the support member 110 within the channel 116. In an exemplary embodiment, the second connection element 251 is a protrusion that extends into / nests into the small hole of the first connection element 119 to lock the strain relief member 250 in place. Therefore, the second connection element 251 of the strain relief member 250 can be exposed through the small hole of the first connection element 119 of the support member 110. The strain relief member 250 can be formed of a hard plastic material (ABS, polypropylene, or similar hard plastic), metal, or other rigid material.

[0051] The strain relief member 250 may include a front surface 252, a rear surface 253, and a through hole 254 extending from the front surface 252 to the rear surface 253. The strain relief member 250 includes at least one protrusion 255 protruding from the front surface 252. In the exemplary embodiment, there are two protrusions 255, but in other embodiments there may be only one or more than two. Figure 6 (and in addition Figure 7 and Figure 8 ), lamp 160 includes at least one hole 165. In an exemplary embodiment, lamp 160 includes two holes 165. In an exemplary embodiment, protrusion 255 of strain relief member 250 extends into and through hole 165 in lamp 160. Thus, since strain relief member 250 is fixed in place within channel 116 and is fixed / immovable relative to support member 110, engagement of protrusion 255 of strain relief member 250 with hole 165 in lamp 160 serves to hold lamp 160 in place and prevent lamp 160 from moving within the space between support member 110 and lens member 200.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens member 200 also includes at least one blind hole 245 formed in the rear surface 202, which is aligned with the protrusion 255 of the strain relief member 250 and the hole 165 in the lamp 160 when the mouthpiece 100 is assembled. The protrusion 255 of the strain relief member 250 can extend through the hole 165 in the lamp 160, and the distal portion of the protrusion 255 of the strain relief member 250 can be nested in the blind hole 245 in the lens member 200. Fig.10Further shown in FIG. 2 is a blind hole 245 in the rear surface 202 of the lens member 200 .

[0053] The strain relief member 250 is nested within the channel 116 of the support member 110, and the front surface 252 of the strain relief member 250 is substantially flush (plus or minus 0.5 mm) with the front surface 112 of the support panel 111 of the support member 110. A double-sided adhesive panel 270 can be positioned between the front surface 252 of the strain relief member 250 and the rear surface 163 of the flexible sheet 161 of the lamp 160 to further secure the attachment of the various components. However, in some embodiments, the double-sided adhesive panel 270 can be omitted.

[0054] like Figure 5 2, the strain relief member 250 includes an inner surface 256 that defines a through hole 254. The inner surface 256 of the strain relief member 250 includes a flange 257 that faces upward toward the front surface 252. The power cord 300 includes an extension collar 310 that is positioned about the body of the power cord 300 adjacent to the power conductor 302. The extension collar 310 can be coupled to the body of the power cord 300 so that the body of the power cord cannot slide or otherwise move relative to the extension collar 310. The extension collar 310 includes a shoulder 311 that faces away from the power conductor 302 and toward the plug 301.

[0055] When the oral treatment device 1000 is assembled, the extension collar 310 of the power cord 300 is nested in the through hole 254 of the strain relief member 250. In addition, the shoulder 311 of the extension collar 310 abuts against the flange 257 of the inner surface 256 of the strain relief member 250. Therefore, due to the abutment of the shoulder 311 and the flange 257, the power cord 250 cannot be pulled through the through hole 254 relative to the strain relief member 250 in the direction of the plug 301. The only way to remove the power cord 250 will be to detach the strain relief member 250 from the support member 210. However, if Figure 5 1, the strain relief member 250 and the support panel 211 of the support member 210 have engagement elements and surfaces (including the first connection element 119 and the second connection element 251, and possibly other engagement surfaces) that prevent the strain relief member 250 from separating from the support panel 211 of the support member 210. Thus, this engagement / abutment / match between the surfaces serves to hold the power cord 300 in place, with the electrical conductors 302 contacting the electrical contacts on the rear surface of the lamp 160. It is possible that the power cord 300 may be able to move / slide relative to the support member 110 in a direction away from the plug 301. However, as described herein, the lens member 200 prevents significant movement of the power cord 300 in this direction due to the bonding or other attachment of the lens member 200 to the support member 110.

[0056] The oral treatment device 1000 can be assembled in the following sequence. First, the strain relief member 250 is positioned within the channel 116 of the support member 210. This can be achieved by sliding the strain relief member 250 from the opening 117 in the front surface 112 of the support panel 111 into the channel 116, or by injection molding the support member 110 directly onto and around the strain relief member 250. Next, the power cord 300 (or a portion thereof) is slid through the through hole 254 of the strain relief member 250 in a direction moving from the front surface 112 of the support panel 111 to the rear surface 113 of the support panel 111 until the shoulder 311 abuts the flange 257. Next, the adhesive panel 270 can be adhered to the front surface 252 of the strain relief member 250 (although this step can be omitted). Next, the lamp 160 can be positioned with its rear surface 163 abutting the front surface 112 of the support panel 111. The adhesive panel 270 can be used to hold the lamp 160 in this position. The lamp 160 may be positioned so that the electrical conductor 302 of the power cord 300 contacts the electrical contact point on the rear surface 163 of the lamp 160. Finally, the lens member 200 may be injection molded onto the lamp 160 and the support panel 111 to form the mouthpiece 100. At this point, the lamp 160 is sandwiched between the support panel 111 and the lens member 200, and the power cord 300 is locked in place, with a portion of the power cord 300 positioned within the channel 116 and another portion of the power cord 300 protruding from the distal end 115 of the protrusion 114 of the support member 110. Alternatively, the lens member 200 may be formed separately and then bonded / attached to the support member 110 using an adhesive or the like.

[0057] like Figure 3 , the power cord 300 may include a first wire portion 303 and a second wire portion 304, wherein the control unit 400 is positioned between the first wire portion 303 and the second wire portion 304. The first wire portion 303 extends from a first end 305 to a second end 306, and the second wire portion 303 extends from a first end 307 to a second end 308. The first end 305 of the first wire portion 302 includes an electrical conductor 302. The second end 306 of the first wire portion 302 is coupled to a proximal end 406 of the control unit 402. The second end 308 of the second wire portion 303 includes a plug 301. The first end 307 of the second wire portion 303 is coupled to a distal end 407 of the control unit 402.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the first wire portion 303 has a first length measured from the first end 305 to the second end 306, and the second wire portion 304 has a second length measured from the first end 307 to the second end 308. The first length can be greater than the second length. In some embodiments, the first length can be at least twice the second length. In some embodiments, the power cord 300 can have a certain length, and the control unit 400 can be positioned along the distal third of the length of the power cord 300. The length of the power cord 300 can be 30 inches to 40 inches, and more specifically 32 inches to 36 inches. In such an embodiment, the control unit 400 can be positioned no more than 15 inches from the plug 301. In other embodiments, the control unit 400 can be positioned no more than 12 inches from the plug 301. In some embodiments, the control unit 400 can be positioned 8 inches to 12 inches from the plug 301. Therefore, the control unit 400 is positioned closer to the second end 308 of the second wire portion 304 than the first end 305 relative to the first wire portion 303. Alternatively, as described above, the control unit 400 is positioned closer to the plug 301 than to the mouthpiece 100. This ensures that the user does not support the weight of the control unit 400 when the mouthpiece 100 is in the user's mouth, which may occur if the control unit 400 is closer to the mouthpiece 100 than to the plug 301.

[0059] The control unit 400 includes an actuator 403 and other circuits and / or electronic components operably coupled to the actuator 403 and positioned within the cavity 405 of the housing 401. The actuator 403 may include or be operably coupled to a switch 408 positioned on a printed circuit board 409. In addition, the control unit 400 may include a processor 406 and a timer 407 operably coupled together and coupled to the switch 408. Additional electronic components that may be necessary for the operation and function of the oral treatment device 1000 may also be included on the printed circuit board 409 housed within the cavity 405 of the housing 401. The processor 406 and the timer 407 may be positioned on the printed circuit board 409. Thus, when the power cord 300 is plugged in and the user activates the actuator 403, the processor may cause the light emitter 164 of the lamp 160 to emit for a predetermined time period as determined by the timer 407. In some embodiments, the predetermined time period may be preset, and in other embodiments, it may be adjustable. That is, for a particular teeth whitening session, the user may be able to adjust or otherwise change the on-time of the light emitter 164. This will be discussed below with reference to Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Discuss in more detail.

[0060] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the lamp 160 will be further described. As noted, the lamp 160 includes a flexible sheet 161 and a plurality of light emitters 164. The flexible sheet 161 includes a front surface 162 and a rear surface 163, and the plurality of light emitters 164 are positioned on the front surface 162. The plurality of light emitters 164 can protrude from the front surface 162. The flexible sheet 161 also includes at least one hole 165 extending from the front surface 162 to the rear surface 163. Two of the holes 165 in the exemplary embodiment are present for receiving the two protrusions 255 of the strain relief member 250 as discussed above.

[0061] The flexible sheet 161 includes a first side edge 166, a second side edge 167, a top edge 168, and a bottom edge 169. The top edge 168 and the bottom edge 169 each extend between the first side edge 166 and the second side edge 167. The flexible sheet 161 includes a longitudinal axis AA extending between the first side edge 166 and the second side edge 167 at a position equidistant from the top edge 168 and the bottom edge 169. The flexible sheet 161 also includes a vertical centerline BB extending between the top edge 168 and the bottom edge 169 of the flexible sheet 161 at a position equidistant from the first side edge 166 and the second side edge 167 of the vertical sheet 161. The plurality of light emitters 164 include: a first row of light emitters 170, which are positioned adjacent to the top edge 168 of the flexible sheet 161 between the longitudinal axis AA of the flexible sheet 161 and the top edge 168; and a second row of light emitters 180, which are positioned adjacent to the bottom edge 169 of the flexible sheet 161 between the longitudinal axis AA of the flexible sheet 161 and the bottom edge 169.

[0062] The light emitters 164 of the first row 170 are staggered relative to each other in a direction between the top edge 168 and the bottom edge 169 of the flexible sheet 161. That is, each of the light emitters 164 of the first row 170 is staggered relative to each of the light emitters 164 of the first row 170 adjacent thereto in the direction of the top edge 168 / bottom edge 169 of the flexible sheet 161. Thus, no two adjacent light emitters 164 in the first row 170 are completely aligned on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis AA. Furthermore, moving inwardly from the first side 166 and the second side 167 toward the vertical axis BB, the distance between the light emitters 164 of the first row 170 and the longitudinal axis AA does not continuously increase. Conversely, moving from the first side edge 166 and the second side edge 167 toward the vertical axis BB, the distance between some adjacent light emitters 164 of the first row 170 and the longitudinal axis AA increases, and moving from the first side edge 166 and the second side edge 167 toward the vertical axis BB, the distance between some adjacent light emitters 164 of the first row 170 and the longitudinal axis AA decreases.

[0063] The light emitters 164 of the second row 180 are staggered relative to each other in a direction between the top edge 168 and the bottom edge 169 of the flexible sheet 161. That is, each of the light emitters 164 of the second row 180 is staggered relative to each of the light emitters 164 of the second row 180 adjacent thereto in the direction of the top edge 168 / bottom edge 169 of the flexible sheet 161. Thus, no two adjacent light emitters 164 in the second row 180 are completely aligned on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis AA. Furthermore, moving inwardly from the first side 166 and the second side 167 toward the vertical axis BB, the distance between the light emitters 164 in the second row 180 and the longitudinal axis AA does not continuously increase. Conversely, moving from the first side edge 166 and the second side edge 167 toward the vertical axis BB, the distance between some adjacent light emitters 164 in the second row 180 and the longitudinal axis AA increases, and moving from the first side edge 166 and the second side edge 167 toward the vertical axis BB, the distance between some adjacent light emitters 164 in the second row 180 and the longitudinal axis AA decreases.

[0064] The light emitters 164 of the first row 170 include a first light emitter 171 positioned closest to the first side edge 166 of the flexible sheet 161, a second light emitter 172 positioned closest to the second side edge 167 of the flexible sheet 161, and a plurality of center light emitters positioned between the first light emitter 171 and the second light emitter 172. The first light emitters 171 and the second light emitters 172 of the first row 170 are aligned on a first axis CC parallel to the longitudinal axis AA and intersect the first axis CC parallel to the longitudinal axis AA. Each of the center light emitters positioned between the first light emitter 171 and the second light emitter 172 is positioned between the first axis CC and the top 168 of the flexible sheet 161 without intersecting the third axis CC.

[0065] Moving inwardly from the first side edge 166 in a direction toward the vertical axis BB, the center light emitters of the first row 170 may include a third light emitter 173 adjacent to the first light emitter 171, a fifth light emitter 175 adjacent to the third light emitter 173, and a seventh light emitter 177 adjacent to the fifth light emitter 175. Furthermore, moving inwardly from the second side edge 167 in a direction toward the vertical axis BB, the center light emitters of the first row 170 include a fourth light emitter 174 adjacent to the second light emitter 172, a sixth light emitter 176 adjacent to the fourth light emitter 174, and an eighth light emitter 178 adjacent to the sixth light emitter 176. Finally, in an exemplary embodiment, a ninth light emitter 179 is present between the seventh light emitter 177 and the eighth light emitter 178.

[0066] A second axis DD parallel to the longitudinal axis AA may intersect the third light emitter 173 and the fourth light emitter 174 and the seventh light emitter 177 and the eighth light emitter 178, wherein the fifth light emitter 175, the sixth light emitter 176, and the ninth light emitter 179 are positioned between the second axis DD and the top edge 168 of the flexible sheet 161. Although the second axis DD may intersect the third light emitter 173, the fourth light emitter 174, the seventh light emitter 177, and the eighth light emitter 178, these light emitters may not be fully aligned. Instead, the third light emitter 173 and the fourth light emitter 174 may be fully aligned, and the seventh light emitter 177 and the eighth light emitter 178 may be fully aligned, but the seventh light emitter 177 and the eighth light emitter 178 may be positioned further away from the longitudinal axis AA than the third light emitter 173 and the fourth light emitter 174. Finally, a third axis EE parallel to the longitudinal axis AA can intersect the fifth light emitter 175, the sixth light emitter 176, and the ninth light emitter 179. The fifth light emitter 175 and the sixth light emitter 176 can be aligned, and the ninth light emitter 179 can be offset / staggered relative to the fifth light emitter 175 and the sixth light emitter 176 in the direction of the top edge 168 of the flexible sheet 161.

[0067] In other words, the first light emitter 171 and the second light emitter 172 are positioned a first distance D1 from the longitudinal axis AA, the third light emitter 173 and the fourth light emitter 174 are positioned a second distance D2 from the longitudinal axis AA, the fifth light emitter 175 and the sixth light emitter 176 are positioned a third distance D3 from the longitudinal axis AA, the seventh light emitter 177 and the eighth light emitter 178 are positioned a fourth distance D4 from the longitudinal axis AA, and the ninth light emitter 179 is positioned a fifth distance D5 from the longitudinal axis AA. The fifth distance D5 may be greater than the third distance D3, the third distance D3 may be greater than the fourth distance D4, the fourth distance D4 may be greater than the second distance D2, and the second distance D2 may be greater than the first distance D1.

[0068] Therefore, the distance between the longitudinal axis AA and the light emitters 164 of the first row 170 does not continuously increase moving from the first side edge 166 or the second side edge 167 toward the vertical centerline BB. Instead, the distance measured from the longitudinal axis AA to the light emitters 164 of the first row 170 increases between at least one adjacent pair of light emitters 164 of the first row 170 and decreases between at least one adjacent pair of light emitters 164 of the first row 170 moving in a direction from the first side edge 166 of the flexible sheet 161 toward the vertical centerline BB of the flexible sheet 161 and moving in a direction from the second side edge 167 of the flexible sheet 161 toward the vertical centerline BB of the flexible sheet 161. For example, moving in the direction from the first side edge 161 toward the vertical center line BB, the distance from the longitudinal axis AA increases from the first light emitter 171 to the third light emitter 173 adjacent to the first light emitter 171, but the distance decreases from the fifth light emitter 175 to the seventh light emitter 177 adjacent to the fifth light emitter 175 when moving in the direction from the first side edge 166 toward the vertical center line BB.

[0069] The light emitters 164 of the second row 180 can be arranged in exactly the same relative manner as the light emitters of the first row 170. That is, each of the light emitters 164 of the second row 180 can be staggered relative to each of the light emitters 164 of an adjacent one of the second rows 180 in the direction between the top edge 168 and the bottom edge 169 of the flexible sheet 161. In addition, the distance from the longitudinal axis AA to the light emitters 164 of the second row 180 does not continuously increase moving from the first side edge 166 to the vertical centerline BB or from the second side edge 167 to the vertical centerline BB. Instead, the distance from the longitudinal axis AA to the light emitters 164 of the second row 180 increases between at least one pair of light emitters 164 and decreases between at least one pair of light emitters 164 moving in either direction toward the vertical centerline BB.

[0070] Moving inwardly from the first side edge 166 and the second side edge 167 inwardly toward the vertical axis BB, the light emitters of the second row 180 include a tenth light emitter 181 adjacent to the first side edge 166 of the flexible sheet 161 and an eleventh light emitter 182 adjacent to the second side edge 167 of the flexible sheet 161. The tenth light emitter 181 and the eleventh light emitter 182 can be positioned a sixth distance D6 from the longitudinal axis AA. The light emitters of the second row 180 include a twelfth light emitter 183 adjacent to the tenth light emitter 181 and a thirteenth light emitter 184 adjacent to the eleventh light emitter 182. The twelfth light emitter 183 and the thirteenth light emitter 184 can be positioned a seventh distance D7 from the longitudinal axis AA. The light emitters of the second row 180 include a fourteenth light emitter 185 adjacent to the twelfth light emitter 183 and a fifteenth light emitter 186 adjacent to the thirteenth light emitter 184. The fourteenth light emitter 185 and the fifteenth light emitter 186 may be positioned an eighth distance D8 from the longitudinal axis AA. The light emitters of the second row 180 include a sixteenth light emitter 187 adjacent to the fourteenth light emitter 185 and a seventeenth light emitter 188 adjacent to the fifteenth light emitter 186. The sixteenth light emitter 187 and the seventeenth light emitter 188 may be positioned a ninth distance D9 from the longitudinal axis AA. The light emitters of the second row 180 include an eighteenth light emitter 189 between the sixteenth light emitter 187 and the seventeenth light emitter 188. The eighteenth light emitter 189 may be positioned a tenth distance D10 from the longitudinal axis AA. The tenth distance D10 may be greater than the eighth distance D8, the eighth distance D8 may be greater than the ninth distance D9, the ninth distance D9 may be greater than the seventh distance D7, and the seventh distance D7 may be greater than the sixth distance D6.

[0071] Although there are eighteen light emitters 164 in the exemplary embodiment, the invention is not so limited in all embodiments, and in other embodiments, a smaller or greater number of light emitters 164 may be used. Furthermore, if a different number of light emitters is used, this may result in modifications to the specific positioning of the light emitters along the flexible sheet 161 and relative to each other. Thus, in some embodiments, variations in the number and positioning of light emitters may be possible.

[0072] The positioning of the light emitters 164 of the first row 170 and the second row 180 in this staggered arrangement can optimize the coverage of the teeth with the light emitted by the light emitters 164 during the teeth whitening treatment step. Of course, slight variations from the specific differences in the distance and staggering of the various light emitters 164 can fall within the scope of the invention claimed herein. In all embodiments, the present invention is not limited by the specific distances, spacings, etc. between the light emitters 164 and each other and between the light emitters 164 and the longitudinal axis AA.

[0073] Light emitter 164 can be configured to emit light at a wavelength of 390nm to 430nm, more specifically 400nm to 420nm, and still more specifically about 410nm (about in this context means plus or minus 5nm). In some embodiments, the wavelength of light emitted from light emitter 164 can be exactly 410nm.

[0074] Reference Figure 5 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , the lens member 200 will be further described. As described above, the lens member 200 is formed of a very flexible thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore A hardness in the range of 30 to 40). In addition, the lens member 200 may be transparent so that light emitted from the light emitter 164 passes through the lens member 200 to treat the tooth.

[0075] The lens member 200 includes a front surface 201, a rear surface 202, a first side edge 203, a second side edge 204, a top edge 205, and a bottom edge 206. The lens member 200 includes a vertical centerline ZZ extending between the top edge 204 and the bottom edge 205 at a position equidistant from the first side edge 201 and the second side edge 202. The lens member 200 includes a first bite protrusion 210 positioned on a first side of the vertical centerline ZZ and a second bite protrusion 230 positioned on a second side of the vertical centerline ZZ. The first bite protrusion 210 and the second bite protrusion 230 each protrude or extend from the front surface 201 and are configured to be held between the top / bottom teeth of the user. The first bite protrusion 210 protrudes from the front surface 201 adjacent to the first side edge 203, and the second bite protrusion 230 protrudes from the front surface 201 adjacent to the second side edge 204. The first and second snap protrusions 210 and 230 are spaced apart from each other along the width of the lens member 200 in a direction between the first and second side edges 203 and 204. In fact, the gap between the first and second snap protrusions 210 and 230 may be greater than their widths.

[0076] That is, the first bite protrusion 210 has a first maximum width W1 measured in the direction between the first side edge 203 and the second side edge 204 of the lens member 200, and the second bite protrusion 210 has a second maximum width W2 measured in the direction between the first side edge 203 and the second side edge 204 of the lens member 200. The first maximum width W1 and the second maximum width W2 can be the same, although this is not required in all embodiments. In addition, the exposed portion of the front surface 201 of the lens member 200 is positioned between the first bite protrusion 210 and the second bite protrusion 230, wherein the exposed portion of the front surface 201 does not contain or has any protrusion thereon. That is, there is no bite protrusion protruding from the front surface 201 in the area between the first bite protrusion 210 and the second bite protrusion 230. Thus, the first bite protrusion 210 and the second bite protrusion 230 are spaced apart by a distance W3, which is a third width of an exposed portion of the front surface 201 of the lens member 200 positioned between the first bite protrusion 210 and the second bite protrusion 230. The distance W3 is greater than each of the first maximum width W1 and the second maximum width W2. More specifically, the distance W3 may be greater than the sum of the first width W1 and the second width W2. Therefore, more than half of the width of the front surface 201 of the lens member 200 does not have any bite protrusion thereon.

[0077] In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the exposed portion of the front surface 201 extending between the first and second engaging protrusions 210 and 230 may be 35 mm to 40 mm.

[0078] The first engaging protrusion 210 includes a distal edge 211, a first side edge 212 extending from the front surface 201 to the distal edge 211, and a second side edge 213 extending from the front surface 201 to the distal edge 211. The first side edge 212 is the edge of the first engaging protrusion 210 that is closest to the vertical centerline ZZ of the lens member 200. The first side edge 212 can be straight. The second side edge 213 of the first engaging protrusion 210 can be circular and can extend to / connect with the first side edge 203. The distal edge 211 of the first engaging protrusion 210 can be straight. When the first side edge 212 of the first engaging protrusion 210 extends from the distal edge 211 toward the front surface 201 of the lens member 200, it can be oriented at an obtuse angle relative to the distal edge 211. Alternatively, the first side edge 212 can be perpendicular to the distal edge 211.

[0079] The second bite protrusion 230 includes a distal edge 231, a first side edge 232 extending from the front surface 201 to the distal edge 231, and a second side edge 233 extending from the front surface 201 to the distal edge 231. The first side edge 232 is the edge of the second bite protrusion 230 that is closest to the vertical centerline ZZ of the lens member 200. The first side edge 232 can be straight. The second side edge 233 of the second bite protrusion 230 can be circular and can extend to / connect with the second side edge 204. The distal edge 231 of the second bite protrusion 230 can be straight. When the first side edge 232 of the second bite protrusion 230 extends from the distal edge 231 toward the front surface 201 of the lens member 200, it can be oriented at an obtuse angle relative to the distal edge 231. Alternatively, the first side edge 232 can be perpendicular to the distal edge 231.

[0080] The first side edge 212 of the first snapping protrusion 210 and the second side edge 232 of the second snapping protrusion 230 may diverge from each other as the distance from the distal end 211 of the first snapping protrusion and the distal end 231 of the second snapping protrusion 230 to the front surface 201 of the lens member 200 increases. In addition, the distal end 211 of the first snapping protrusion 210 and the distal end 231 of the second snapping protrusion 230 may be straight and located in a common plane. In an exemplary embodiment, the first snapping protrusion 210 and the second snapping protrusion 230 have a constant thickness. In other embodiments, the thickness of the first snapping protrusion 210 and the second snapping protrusion 230 may gradually decrease as moving from the distal ends 211, 231 toward the front surface 201 of the lens member 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the top and bottom surfaces of the first snapping protrusion 210 and the second snapping protrusion 230 are flat / planar. In other embodiments, the top surface and / or bottom surface of the first and second biting protrusions 210, 230 may be straight, but angled, wavy, undulating, or include some type of texture, protrusions, etc. to increase friction with the teeth and the user's ability to clamp the biting protrusions 210, 230 between the teeth during use.

[0081] The lens member 200 may include a side edge axis WW. The side edge axis WW may intersect the second side edge 213 of the first snapping protrusion 210 and the second side edge 233 of the second snapping protrusion 230. The side edge axis WW may intersect the first side edge 212 of the first snapping protrusion 210 and the first side edge 232 of the second snapping protrusion 230. The side edge axis WW may intersect the distance W3 positioned between the first snapping protrusion 210 and the second snapping protrusion 230 and separating the first snapping protrusion 210 and the second snapping protrusion 230. The second side edge 213 of the first snapping protrusion 210 and the second side edge 233 of the second snapping protrusion 230 may be offset from each other by the side edge distance DX.

[0082] When a first external force is applied to the second side edge 213 of the first bite protrusion 210 and the second side edge 233 of the second bite protrusion 230 along the side edge axis WW, where the first external force can be 0.0N (zero force), the second side edge 213 of the first bite protrusion 210 and the second side edge 233 of the second bite protrusion 230 can be separated by a first side edge distance DX.

[0083] When a second external force is applied to the second side edge 213 and the second side edge 233 of the first and second bite protrusions 210 and 230 along the side edge axis WW, the second side edge 213 and the second side edge 233 of the first and second bite protrusions 210 and 230 may be separated by a second side edge distance DX.

[0084] In some embodiments, when the second external force is less than about 1.5N, the second side edge distance can be about 5mm less than the first side edge distance. More specifically, in some embodiments, when the second external force is about 0.97N, the second side edge distance can be about 5mm smaller than the first side edge distance. In some embodiments, when the second external force is less than about 2.5N, the second side edge distance can be about 10mm smaller than the first side edge distance. More specifically, in some embodiments, when the second external force is about 1.35N, the second side edge distance can be about 10mm smaller than the first side edge distance. In some embodiments, when the second external force is less than about 3.5N, the second side edge distance can be about 15mm smaller than the first side edge distance. More specifically, in some embodiments, when the second external force is about 1.58N, the second side edge distance can be about 15mm smaller than the first side edge distance. In some embodiments, when the second external force is less than about 4.5N, the second side edge distance can be about 20mm smaller than the first side edge distance. More specifically, in some embodiments, when the second external force is about 1.84N, the second side edge distance may be about 20mm smaller than the first side edge distance. In some embodiments, when the second external force is less than about 5.5N, the second side edge distance may be about 25mm smaller than the first side edge distance. More specifically, in some embodiments, when the second external force is about 2.54N, the second side edge distance may be about 25mm smaller than the first side edge distance. As used herein, the term about may be equal to the provided numerical value plus or minus 5% of the value.

[0085] In some embodiments, the bite protrusions 210, 230 can be omitted. However, it has been found that including such bite protrusions 210, 230 has advantages for many users during the teeth whitening process. In particular, when the bite protrusions 210, 230 are omitted, the user may overlap the top teeth with the bottom teeth during use of the oral treatment device 1000, which may produce shadow areas along the bottom teeth covered by the top teeth. These bottom teeth may then not receive light from the light emitter as effectively as other teeth, which may cause these covered / shaded bottom teeth to obtain poor whitening results relative to other teeth. The bite protrusions 210, 230 can prompt the user to keep the top teeth and the bottom teeth slightly apart so that the top teeth do not cover the bottom teeth (or vice versa, depending on the bite of the particular person) and there are no shadows. This ensures consistent coverage of all teeth with light emitted by the light emitter 164.

[0086] Furthermore, by having separate bite protrusions 210, 230, rather than a single bite plate that extends continuously from one end of the lens member 200 to the other, additional advantages are achieved. In particular, users have indicated that with a single bite plate, they are more likely to drool during use of the device, which can cause discomfort. The bite protrusions 210, 230 described and illustrated herein can reduce drooling by the user during use of the device.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens member 200 has a height measured between the top end 205 and the bottom end 206 at the vertical centerline ZZ, which is intentionally selected for user comfort. The height can fall within the range of 20mm to 25mm, more specifically 21mm to 24mm, and still more specifically 22mm to 23mm. For some users, depending on the mouth size, the user's top and bottom (upper and lower) lip frenulum may bottom out on the top end 205 and bottom end 206 of the lens member 200 without the user's teeth engaging the occlusal protrusions 210, 230. In any case, the height of the lens member 200 has been specifically selected to maximize comfort while ensuring adequate and complete coverage of all teeth desired to be whitened.

[0088] The rear surface 202 of the lens member 200 includes a recessed area 240 and an annular flange 241 surrounding the recessed area 240. The lens member 200 includes a plurality of recesses 242 formed in the rear surface 202 within the recessed area 240. Each of the recesses 242 is configured to accommodate one of the light emitters 164 of the lamp 160 when the oral treatment device 1000 is assembled. Figure 6 Perhaps best shown are some of the light emitters 164 nested within the recessed areas 242. The lens member 200 also includes blind holes 245 in the rear surface 202 along the recessed areas 240. As described above, Figure 6 , the blind hole 245 is configured to receive the protrusion 255 of the strain relief member 250 when the oral treatment device 1000 is assembled. Neither the dimple 242 nor the blind hole 245 extends through the entire thickness of the lens member 200. That is, neither the dimple 242 nor the blind hole 245 extends to the front surface 201 of the lens member 200.

[0089] like Figure 52, the lens member 200 and the support panel 211 of the support member 210 have engaging surfaces that cooperate to help maintain the bond between the two components. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens member 200 includes a V-shaped protrusion 248 that nests within a V-shaped notch 249 in the peripheral edge of the support panel 211. In other embodiments, the lens member 200 may include a notch and the support panel 211 may include a protrusion. In addition, the shapes of the notch 249 and the protrusion 248 may be modified from the shapes shown in the figures while still achieving an interlocking engagement between the components.

[0090] Reference Fig.11 , the oral treatment device 1000 is shown as being connected to the electronic device 600. Specifically, the plug 301 of the power cord 300 is inserted into the socket of the electronic device 600, so that power can be supplied from the electronic device 600 to the oral treatment device 1000 to power the light emitter 164 as described herein. With the plug 301 of the power cord 300 inserted into the socket of the electronic device 600, the user can actuate the actuator 403 on the control unit 400 to start the treatment activity. The actuation of the actuator 403 can cause the light emitter 164 to illuminate for a predetermined period of time, as determined by a timer, a processor, etc. of the control unit 400. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 600 is a smart phone. As discussed above, the present invention is not so limited in all embodiments, and the electronic device 600 can take other forms, such as any type of device or power supply source described above.

[0091] Reference Fig.12 , the plug 301 of the power cord 300 is inserted into the electronic device 600, and the oral piece 100 of the oral treatment device 1000 is positioned in the oral cavity of the user. Then the user starts the actuator 403 to start the treatment scheme. As discussed herein, actuating the actuator 403 can cause the light emitter 164 to emit light for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time can be 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, or any other desired period of time. As mentioned above, the length of the power cord 300 is 30 inches to 40 inches, or 32 inches to 36 inches. This length should be enough to enable the user to keep their phone in the back pocket of their pants while positioning the oral piece 100 in their mouth.

[0092] Reference Fig.13A and Fig. 13B, an exemplary embodiment of a control unit 700 is shown. The control unit 700 is identical to the control unit 400 described above, except for the differences specifically described herein. Therefore, the control unit 700 includes a housing 702 having an outer surface 702 and an actuator 703 positioned along the outer surface 702. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator 703 is a depressible button. The control unit 700 also includes a processor, a timer, and any other electronic devices required for the correct operation and functionality of the device as described herein. The processor, timer and other electronic devices can be positioned inside the housing 701.

[0093] In this embodiment, the outer surface 702 includes a display 710. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the display 710 includes a plurality of visual indicators 711a-711d that can be illuminated to provide a visual indication of a particular selected operating mode associated with use of the oral treatment device 1000. Fig.13A In , only one of the visual indicators 711a is illuminated, while in Fig. 13B In the embodiment, all four of the visual indicators 711a to 711d are illuminated. Although there are four visual indicators 711a to 711d in the exemplary embodiment, there may be fewer in other embodiments. The number of visual indicators 711a to 711d may correspond to and match the number of possible modes that the user selects between.

[0094] In order to switch the device between the described modes, the user can start the actuator 703 for a first time period. That is, before starting the treatment plan, the user will quickly press the actuator 703 to change the mode of operation. Then, the user can start the actuator 703 for a second time period (longer time period) to start the treatment plan associated with the selected mode. In an alternative embodiment, the control unit 700 can include two actuators. In such an embodiment, the actuation of the first in the actuator can switch between the described modes, and the actuation of the second in the actuator can power on / off the device to start the treatment plan.

[0095] In some embodiments, different modes are associated with different treatment times for treatment schemes. A plurality of modes may include a first mode in which a plurality of light emitters are powered for a first predetermined period of time, a second mode in which a plurality of light emitters are powered for a second predetermined period of time, and a third mode in which a plurality of light emitters are powered for a third predetermined period of time, the first predetermined period of time, the second predetermined period of time, and the third predetermined period of time being preset and different from each other. For example, in the first mode, the treatment time may be 5 minutes, in the second mode, the treatment time may be 10 minutes, in the third mode, the treatment time may be 15 minutes, and in the fourth mode, the treatment time may be 30 minutes. Of course, other set times may be associated with each of the modes, and the set times mentioned herein are exemplary. For example, in an alternative embodiment, different times may be 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and 20 minutes. Therefore, the mode selection provides the user with a choice of the "lighting on" time for a given treatment activity, and the user may change the "lighting on" time from activity to activity.

[0096] There may be an opportunity where the user has more time available for a more extended whitening treatment with the expectation of a faster whitening result. Therefore, the mode selection provides a trigger option for the switch / timer controller to extend the time that the light emitter 164 remains on, thereby extending the effect of its energy on the applied formula, resulting in an accelerated whitening result. In vitro testing on stained bovine teeth showed that for a 5-minute 'light-on' time, the number of treatments required to deliver a given visible whitening result was 11 times, while when the timer extended the 'light-on' time to 10 minutes, the number of treatments decreased to 8 treatments, when extended to 15 minutes, it decreased to 5 treatments, and when extended to 30 minutes, it decreased to 3 treatments. Providing this level of user flexibility actually provides a customizable whitening experience. The oral treatment device 1000 described herein is comfortable, conformable and flexible, which enables this customization by ensuring that, unlike many more rigid or heavier devices, even extended 'in the mouth' use time is comfortable enough to ensure compliance, thereby ensuring a better chance of delivery for the consumer's whitening expectations.

[0097] In addition, the feature of personalizing the "lighting on" time for a given activity can form only one aspect of the user's customized features. The variable of the "lighting on" time can be used in combination with the selection of the peroxide level in the tooth whitening formula applied to the teeth before the light treatment. In some embodiments, there can be a dedicated software application ("app") used together with the oral treatment device 1000. Using this application, the user can highlight the date of future events (e.g., a wedding within a week, an interview next Tuesday, a date for the upcoming weekend), and the application can recommend specific recipes, lighting on time and power output to achieve the user's whitening goals within the user's time frame. Note that in addition to adjusting the lighting on time, the control unit 700 can also allow the brightness or power of the light of a specific wavelength emitted by the light emitter 164 to be adjusted. This can help maximize the speed of achieving whitening results.

[0098] Thus, a personalized approach may require three elements of about three or four settings: illumination on time (3 or 4 different preset time periods), LED power setting (3 or 4 different levels), and selection of peroxide level (3 or four different levels or weight percentages). While some people want to achieve maximum whitening benefits in the shortest amount of time, this is not a goal for all users. Conversely, for others, it is desirable to achieve maximum whitening while maintaining comfort. Concerns associated with whitening discomfort can be alleviated by selecting a lower peroxide level, but a longer illumination on time, and an increased power output, perhaps in conjunction with an increased number of treatments.

[0099] In one embodiment, the oral piece 100 can be configured to be molded to individual needs of the end user. In particular, the oral piece 100 of the oral treatment device 1000 can be formed of a material that can be molded when heated and then retains its molded shape when cooled from the heated state. Thus, the user can place the oral piece 100 in a hot fluid (e.g., hot water) and then position the oral piece 100 in the user's mouth. When heated and then placed in the user's mouth, the oral piece 100 can be molded and / or adapted to the user's bite. After this is completed, the user can remove the oral piece 100 from his or her mouth and allow the oral piece 100 to cool. After cooling, the oral piece 100 can retain its molded shape based on the user's bite and other oral features.

[0100] As noted, in this embodiment, the oral treatment device 1000 includes a power cord 300 attached to the oral piece 100. This is different from conventional sports mouthguards that have custom molding capabilities. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to not immerse the power cord 300 in hot water while immersing the oral piece 100 in hot water to prevent damage to the wires of the power cord 300. In some embodiments, techniques, processes and / or structures may be available and used to immerse the oral piece 100 in hot water for a desired period of time without otherwise immersing the power cord 300. In some embodiments, when immersing the oral piece 100 in hot water, care should be taken to avoid immersing the control unit 400 in hot water, as doing so may damage the electronics of the control unit 400 and render the device inoperable.

[0101] The invention described herein may be directed to a method for whitening teeth. The method may include the following steps: selecting a teeth whitening composition from a plurality of teeth whitening compositions having different weight percentages of active ingredients; applying the teeth whitening composition to the teeth of a user; selecting the brightness at which a plurality of light emitters of an oral treatment device will emit light when activated; selecting the duration for which a plurality of light emitters of the oral treatment device will emit light when activated; positioning the oral piece of the oral treatment device in the oral cavity of the user; and activating the oral treatment device so that the plurality of light emitters emit light onto the user's teeth pre-coated with the teeth whitening composition.

[0102] In some embodiments, the user can simply apply the teeth whitening composition to the teeth without selecting the teeth whitening composition from a plurality of teeth whitening compositions having different weight percentages of active ingredients. In some embodiments, the user may not be able to adjust the brightness of the light emitter, but may only be able to select the duration of the light emitter emitting light during the treatment activity. Therefore, in various different embodiments of the present invention described herein, any of the steps determined above can be omitted from the method of whitening teeth.

[0103] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing individual values ​​and each value within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the endpoint of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict between the limitations in the present disclosure and the limitations of the cited references, the present disclosure shall prevail.

[0104] Example

[0105] A number of oral treatment devices, including those of the present invention, were subjected to a series of tests to test the mechanical strength and the associated flexibility and resulting comfort with respect to the user.

[0106] Reference Fig.14, the test arrangement of the oral treatment device 1000 including the lens 200 and the comparative oral treatment devices will be discussed in further detail. Each oral treatment device is positioned in a compression tester 10, which includes a load cell 11 having an upper sample holder 12 and a lower sample holder 13. During testing, each oral treatment device is positioned between the upper sample holder 12 and the lower sample holder 13 so that the second side edge 213 of the first bite protrusion 210 contacts the upper sample holder 12, and the second side edge 233 of the second bite protrusion 230 contacts the lower sample holder 13.

[0107] After correct positioning, the load unit 11 applies a controlled load to the oral treatment device, causing the upper sample holder 12 to move closer to the lower sample holder 13 , thereby compressing the oral treatment device 1000 along the side edge axis WW of the lens 200 .

[0108] Each oral treatment device 1000 was subjected to controlled load displacement cycles (i.e., deformations) of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, and 25 mm. The amount of force (measured in Newtons) required for each displacement cycle was then recorded, as described in Table 1 below, such as "load distance" or "distance under load".

[0109] Table 1

[0110] Cycle 1 (5mm) Cycle 2 (10mm) Cycle 3 (15mm) Cycle 4 (20mm) Cycle 5 (25mm) Example 1 0.97N 1.35N 1.58N 1.84N 2.54N Comparative Example 1 2.09N 3.65N 5.73N 7.68N 9.88N Comparative Example 2 1.78N 2.76N 3.84N 4.86N 5.94N Comparative Example 3 1.8N 3.2N 4.79N 6.11N 7.1N Comparative Example 4 2.27N 4.14N 6.53N 8.6N 10.2N Comparative Example 5 2.16N 3.98N 6.23N 8.35N 10.11N Comparative Example 6 13.62N 29.3N 58.26N 90.15N 197N

[0111] As demonstrated by Table 1, the oral treatment device 1000 of the present invention (i.e., Example 1) is able to undergo displacement cycles with an amount of force significantly lower than that required for Comparative Examples 1 to 6. Specifically, the force required for displacement of Example 1 is an order of magnitude less than each of Comparative Examples 4 to 6. The lower force required to achieve the same displacement cycle of Example 1 reflects the high degree of flexibility of the oral piece of the oral treatment device 1000 of the present invention as compared to the relatively more rigid oral care treatment devices of Comparative Examples 1 to 6.

[0112] In addition, the oral treatment devices of Example 1 and Comparative Example 6 were then tested for comfort by users with large mouth sizes - with a passing rating assigned to oral comfort that did not cause any gum pain or excessive effort to maintain the treatment in the oral cavity for a period of time. The results of the comparison are set forth below in Table 2 below.

[0113] Table 2

[0114] Example 1 Comparative Example 6 Oral comfort pass fail

[0115] As evidenced by Table 2, the oral treatment devices of the present invention yielded a pass rating, while the oral treatment device of Comparative Example 6 yielded a fail rating - further indicating that the high degree of flexibility of the oral treatment devices of the present invention results in an unexpected improvement over relatively more rigid prior oral treatment devices.

[0116] Although the present invention has been described with respect to specific examples (including currently preferred modes for carrying out the present invention), it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are many variations and permutations of the above-described systems and techniques. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the present invention should be broadly interpreted as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An oral treatment device, comprising: An oral cavity part, the oral cavity part comprising: A lamp, the lamp comprising: a flexible sheet having a first side edge, a second side edge, and a top edge and a bottom edge each extending between the first side edge and the second side edge; and a plurality of light emitters connected to the flexible sheet, the plurality of light emitters comprising a first row of light emitters, the first row of light emitters being positioned adjacent to the top edge of the flexible sheet and being arranged in a spaced-apart manner in a direction between the first side edge and the second side edge of the flexible sheet, the first row of light emitters comprising a first light emitter positioned adjacent to the first side edge of the flexible sheet, a second light emitter positioned adjacent to the second side edge of the flexible sheet, and a plurality of center light emitters located between the first light emitter and the second light emitter, the first light emitter and the second light emitter intersecting a first axis extending between the first side edge and the second side edge of the flexible sheet, and wherein each of the center light emitters is located between the top edge of the flexible sheet and the first axis without intersecting the first axis; and A lens member covers the front surface of the flexible sheet.

2. The oral treatment device of claim 1, wherein none of the plurality of light emitters is located between the first light emitter and the first side edge of the flexible sheet or between the second light emitter and the second side edge of the flexible sheet.

3. The oral treatment device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a second axis, which is parallel to the first axis and is located between the top edge of the flexible sheet and the first axis, the second axis intersecting a third light emitter adjacent to the first light emitter and a fourth light emitter adjacent to the second light emitter, and wherein at least one of the plurality of center light emitters located between the third light emitter and the fourth light emitter is positioned between the top edge of the flexible sheet and the second axis.

4. The oral treatment device according to claim 3, further comprising a fifth light emitter adjacent to the third light emitter, a sixth light emitter adjacent to the fourth light emitter, a seventh light emitter adjacent to the fifth light emitter, and an eighth light emitter adjacent to the sixth light emitter, wherein the second axis intersects the third light emitter, the fourth light emitter, the seventh light emitter, and the eighth light emitter, and wherein the fifth light emitter and the sixth light emitter are located between the top edge of the flexible sheet and the second axis.

5. An oral treatment device according to claim 4, wherein the third light emitter and the fourth light emitter are aligned in the direction between the top edge and the bottom edge of the flexible sheet, and wherein the seventh light emitter and the eighth light emitter are aligned in the direction between the top edge and the bottom edge of the flexible sheet, and relative to the third light emitter and the fourth light emitter, the seventh light emitter and the eighth light emitter are staggered in the direction between the top edge and the bottom edge of the flexible sheet.

6. The oral treatment device according to claim 4 or claim 5, further comprising a ninth light emitter located between the seventh light emitter and the eighth light emitter, and wherein a third axis parallel to the first axis and the second axis and located between the top end of the flexible sheet and the second axis intersects with the fifth light emitter, the sixth light emitter and the ninth light emitter.

7. An oral treatment device according to claim 6, wherein the fifth light emitter and the sixth light emitter are aligned in the direction between the top edge and the bottom edge of the flexible sheet, and wherein the ninth light emitter is staggered in the direction between the top edge and the bottom edge of the flexible sheet relative to the fifth light emitter and the sixth light emitter.

8. An oral treatment device according to claims 1 to 8, wherein the flexible sheet has a longitudinal axis extending between the first side edge and the second side edge and equidistantly located between the top edge and the bottom edge, wherein the first light emitter and the second light emitter are spaced a first distance relative to the longitudinal axis, and wherein each of the plurality of center light emitters is positioned at a distance from the longitudinal axis greater than the first distance.

9. The oral treatment device according to claim 8, further includes a third light emitter adjacent to the first light emitter, a fourth light emitter adjacent to the second light emitter, a fifth light emitter adjacent to the third light emitter, and a sixth light emitter adjacent to the fourth light emitter, the third light emitter and the fourth light emitter are spaced a second distance from the longitudinal axis, and the fifth light emitter and the sixth light emitter are spaced a third distance from the longitudinal axis, the third distance is greater than the second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance.

10. The oral treatment device according to claim 9 further includes a seventh light emitter adjacent to the fifth light emitter and an eighth light emitter adjacent to the sixth light emitter, the seventh light emitter and the eighth light emitter being positioned at a fourth distance from the longitudinal axis, the fourth distance being greater than the second distance and less than the third distance.

11. The oral treatment device of claim 10, further comprising a ninth light emitter located between the seventh light emitter and the eighth light emitter, the ninth light emitter being positioned a fifth distance from the longitudinal axis, the fifth distance being greater than the third distance.

12. An oral treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the plurality of light emitters include a second row of light emitters, the second row of light emitters being arranged in a spaced-apart manner in a direction between the first side edge and the second side edge of the flexible sheet, the first row of light emitters being adjacent to the top end of the flexible sheet, and the second row of light emitters being adjacent to the bottom end of the flexible sheet.

13. The oral treatment device of claim 12, wherein the flexible sheet has a longitudinal axis extending between the first side edge and the second side edge and equidistantly located between the top edge and the bottom edge, and wherein the second row of light emitters comprises: a tenth light emitter adjacent the first side edge of the flexible sheet and an eleventh light emitter adjacent the second side edge of the flexible sheet, the tenth light emitter and the eleventh light emitter being positioned a sixth distance from the longitudinal axis; a twelfth light emitter adjacent to the tenth light emitter and a thirteenth light emitter adjacent to the eleventh light emitter, the twelfth light emitter and the thirteenth light emitter being positioned a seventh distance from the longitudinal axis; a fourteenth light emitter adjacent to the twelfth light emitter and a fifteenth light emitter adjacent to the thirteenth light emitter, the fourteenth light emitter and the fifteenth light emitter being positioned an eighth distance from the longitudinal axis; a sixteenth light emitter adjacent to the fourteenth light emitter and a seventeenth light emitter adjacent to the fifteenth light emitter, the sixteenth light emitter and the seventeenth light emitter being positioned a ninth distance from the longitudinal axis; an eighteenth light emitter between the sixteenth light emitter and the seventeenth light emitter, the eighteenth light emitter being positioned a tenth distance from the longitudinal axis; as well as The tenth distance is greater than the eighth distance, the eighth distance is greater than the ninth distance, the ninth distance is greater than the seventh distance, and the seventh distance is greater than the sixth distance.

14. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a power cord extending from the oral piece, the power cord comprising a plug for engaging a socket to power the plurality of light emitters.

15. An oral treatment device, comprising: An oral cavity part, the oral cavity part comprising: a lamp comprising a flexible sheet having a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; and a plurality of light emitters coupled to the flexible sheet, the plurality of light emitters comprising a first row of light emitters adjacent to the top edge of the flexible sheet and arranged in a spaced-apart manner in a direction between the first side edge and the second side edge of the flexible sheet, each light emitter in the first row of light emitters being staggered in a direction between the top edge and the bottom edge of the flexible sheet relative to each adjacent light emitter in the first row of light emitters; and A lens member covers the front surface of the flexible sheet.

16. An oral treatment device according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of light emitters further comprises a second row of light emitters, the second row of light emitters being arranged in a spaced-apart manner in a direction between the first edge and the second edge of the flexible sheet, the second row of light emitters being adjacent to the bottom edge of the flexible sheet, each light emitter in the second row of light emitters being staggered in a direction between the top edge and the bottom edge of the flexible sheet relative to each adjacent light emitter in the second row of light emitters.

17. An oral treatment device according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the flexible sheet includes a longitudinal axis and a vertical center line, the longitudinal axis extending between the first side edge and the second side edge of the flexible sheet at a position equidistant from the top edge and the bottom edge of the flexible sheet, the vertical center line extending between the top edge and the bottom edge of the flexible sheet at a position equidistant from the first side edge and the second side edge of the flexible sheet, and wherein when moving in a direction from the first side edge of the flexible sheet toward the vertical center line of the flexible sheet and in a direction from the second side edge of the flexible sheet toward the vertical center line of the flexible sheet, the distance measured from the longitudinal axis to the light emitters in the first row increases between at least one pair of adjacent light emitters in the first row, and decreases between at least one pair of adjacent light emitters in the first row.

18. An oral treatment device, comprising: a mouthpiece including a lens member and a light having a plurality of light emitters, the light coupled to the lens member such that light emitted by the plurality of light emitters passes through the lens member; a power cord including a first end that contacts the lamp and a second end that includes a plug configured to be inserted into a power source for supplying power to the plurality of light emitters; a control unit comprising at least one actuator and a processor, wherein upon powering the plurality of light emitters, the plurality of light emitters are configured to emit light for a predetermined duration; as well as Wherein prior to energizing the plurality of light emitters, activating the at least one actuator causes the processor to switch between a plurality of modes, the predetermined duration being different for each of the plurality of modes.

19. The oral treatment device of claim 18, wherein the plurality of modes comprises: A first mode, wherein the plurality of light emitters are powered on for a first predetermined time period; a second mode, wherein the plurality of light emitters are powered on for a second predetermined time period; and a third mode, wherein the plurality of light emitters are powered on for a third predetermined time period, wherein the first predetermined time period, the second predetermined time period and the third predetermined time period are preset and different from each other.

20. An oral treatment device according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein actuating the at least one actuator in a first manner causes the processor to switch between the plurality of modes, and wherein actuating the at least one actuator in a second manner causes the processor to energize the plurality of light emitters for the predetermined duration associated with a selected mode among the plurality of modes.

21. An oral treatment device according to claim 20, wherein actuating the at least one actuator in the first manner includes actuating the at least one actuator for a first time period, and actuating the at least one actuator in the second manner includes actuating the at least one actuator for a second time period different from the first time period.

22. The oral treatment device of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the at least one actuator comprises: a mode selection actuator for switching between the plurality of modes; and an activation actuator for energizing the plurality of light emitters for the predetermined duration associated with a selected mode of the plurality of modes.

23. The oral treatment device according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the control unit further comprises a brightness selection adjuster configured to adjust the brightness of the light emitted by the plurality of light emitters.

24. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the control unit is positioned closer to the second end of the power cord than to the first end of the power cord.

25. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the control unit comprises a housing defining a cavity, the processor being located within the cavity, and wherein the at least one actuator comprises a button located on the housing.

26. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the control unit further comprises a display including a visual indicator for indicating a selected mode of the plurality of modes.

27. An oral treatment device according to any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the power cord comprises a first wire portion and a second wire portion, the first wire portion extending from the first end of the power cord to the proximal end of the control unit, the second wire portion extending from the distal end of the control unit to the second end of the power cord, the first wire portion of the power cord having a greater length than the second wire portion of the power cord.

28. A method for whitening teeth, comprising: selecting a teeth whitening composition from a plurality of teeth whitening compositions having different weight percentages of active ingredients; applying the tooth whitening composition to the teeth of a user; selecting the brightness at which the plurality of light emitters of the oral treatment device will emit light when activated; selecting a duration for which the plurality of light emitters of the oral treatment device will emit light when activated; positioning an oral piece of the oral treatment device in the user's oral cavity; as well as The oral treatment device is activated so that the plurality of light emitters emit light onto the teeth of the user pre-coated with the tooth whitening composition.

29. An oral treatment device, comprising: An oral cavity part, the oral cavity part comprising: a lamp comprising a flexible sheet having a front surface and a plurality of light emitters located on the front surface of the flexible sheet; and A lens member, which covers the front surface of the flexible sheet and is transparent so that light emitted by the plurality of light emitters passes through the lens member, the lens member comprising: a front surface having a vertical center line; a first bite protrusion, which extends from the front surface of the lens member on a first side of the vertical center line and has a first maximum width; and a second bite protrusion, which extends from the front surface of the lens member on a second side of the vertical center line and has a second maximum width, an exposed portion of the front surface of the lens member located between the first bite protrusion and the second bite protrusion does not have any additional bite protrusions and has a third width greater than each of the first maximum width and the second maximum width.

30. The oral treatment device of claim 29, wherein the third width is greater than the sum of the first width and the second width.

31. An oral treatment device according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the oral piece includes a first side and a second side, each of the first maximum width and the second maximum width and the third width being measured in a direction between the first side and the second side.

32. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein a radius of curvature of at least a portion of the exposed portion of the front surface of the lens member is 35 mm to 40 mm.

33. An oral treatment device according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the first biting protrusion includes a distal edge and a first side edge, the first side edge being closest to the vertical center line and extending from the front surface of the lens member to the distal edge of the first biting protrusion, wherein the second biting protrusion includes a distal edge and a first side edge, the first side edge being closest to the vertical center line and extending from the front surface of the lens member to the distal edge of the second biting protrusion, and the first side edges of the first biting protrusion and the second biting protrusion are straight.

34. The oral treatment device of claim 33, wherein the first side edges of the first and second bite protrusions diverge from each other as the distance from the front surface of the lens member to the distal edges of the first and second bite platforms increases.

35. An oral treatment device according to claim 33 or claim 34, wherein the distal edges of the first and second bite projections are linear and lie in a common plane.

36. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein each of the first and second bite projections has a constant thickness.

37. An oral treatment device according to any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein the thickness of each of the first and second bite protrusions gradually decreases as moving in a direction from the distal ends of the first and second bite protrusions to the front surface of the lens member.

38. An oral treatment device according to any one of claims 29 to 36, wherein the lens member includes a rear surface opposite to the front surface, the rear surface includes a plurality of pits that do not extend through the front surface of the lens member, and each of the plurality of light emitters is nested in one of the pits.

39. The oral treatment device according to claim 38 further includes an annular flange protruding from the rear surface of the lens member, so that the recessed area of ​​the lens member where the multiple pits are positioned is recessed relative to the outer surface of the annular flange, and the lamp is arranged in the recessed area of ​​the lens member.

40. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 29 to 39, wherein each of the first and second bite projections comprises a planar top surface, a planar bottom surface, and a linear distal edge.

41. An oral treatment device, comprising: An oral cavity part, the oral cavity part comprising: a lamp comprising a flexible sheet having a front surface and a plurality of light emitters protruding from the front surface of the flexible sheet; and a lens member covering the front surface of the flexible sheet; and a power cord extending from the mouthpiece, the power cord including a plug for engaging a socket to power the plurality of light emitters, the power cord having a length; and A control unit is coupled to the power cord, the control unit comprising an actuator and a processor for powering the plurality of light emitters according to a processing scheme, the control unit being positioned closer to the plug of the power cord than to the mouthpiece.

42. An oral treatment device according to claim 41, wherein the power cord includes a first wire portion and a second wire portion, the first wire portion includes a first end in contact with the lamp and a second end connected to the proximal end of the control unit, the second wire portion includes a first end connected to the distal end of the control unit and a second end including the plug, and the first wire portion of the power cord has a greater length than the second wire portion of the power cord.

43. The oral treatment device of claim 42, wherein the first wire portion has a first length and the second wire portion has a second length, the first length being at least twice the first second length.

44. The oral treatment device of claim 42 or claim 43, wherein the first end of the power cord comprises an electrical contact element that contacts an electrical contact element of the lamp.

45. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the control unit is located along a distal third of the power cord.

46. ​​The oral treatment device of any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein the power cord is 30 inches to 40 inches in length.

47. The oral treatment device of claim 46, wherein the power cord has a length of 32 inches to 36 inches.

48. An oral treatment device according to claim 46 or claim 47, wherein the control unit is positioned no more than 15 inches from the plug.

49. An oral treatment device, comprising: a support member comprising a support panel having a front surface and a rear surface and a projection extending from the rear surface to a distal end, a channel extending from a first opening in the front surface of the support panel to a second opening in the distal end of the projection, the support member comprising a first connection element; a strain relief member disposed within the channel, the strain relief member comprising a second connection element that engages with the first connection element of the support member to couple the strain relief member to the support member, the strain relief member comprising a front surface, a rear surface, a through hole extending from the front surface to the rear surface, and at least one protrusion protruding from the front surface; a lamp comprising a flexible sheet having a front surface, a rear surface, and at least one hole extending between the front and rear surfaces, and a plurality of light emitters coupled to the front surface of the flexible sheet, the rear surface of the lamp abutting the front surface of the support panel of the support member, and the at least one protrusion of the strain relief member protruding through the at least one hole in the flexible sheet of the lamp; as well as a power cord including a first end having a contact element for engaging the lamp and a second end including a plug, the first end of the power cord being positioned within the through hole of the strain relief member and being prevented from being pulled through the through hole of the strain relief member in a first direction due to contact between abutment surfaces of the power cord and the strain relief member.

50. The oral treatment device of claim 49, further comprising a lens member covering the front surface of the flexible sheet of the light, the lens member preventing the power cord from being pushed through the through hole of the strain relief member in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

51. An oral treatment device according to claim 50, wherein the plurality of light emitters protrude from the front surface of the flexible sheet of the lamp, the lens member includes a rear surface having a plurality of pits and at least one blind hole, wherein each of the light emitters is nested in one of the pits, and the protrusion of the strain relief member is nested in the blind hole.

52. The oral treatment device of claim 51, wherein the lens member includes a front surface opposite the rear surface, and wherein none of the plurality of recesses and the at least one blind hole extends to the front surface of the lens member.

53. The oral treatment device according to claim 52 further includes a first biting protrusion extending from the front surface of the lens member and a second biting protrusion extending from the front surface of the lens member, and the first biting protrusion and the second biting protrusion are separated by an exposed portion of the front surface of the lens member.

54. The oral treatment device of claim 52, wherein the first biting protrusion has a first width, the second biting protrusion has a second width, and the exposed portion of the front surface of the lens member has a third width, the third width being greater than the sum of the first width and the second width.

55. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 49 to 54, further comprising an adhesive member positioned between the strain relief member and the light to bond the light to the strain relief member.

56. An oral treatment device, comprising: An oral cavity part, the oral cavity part comprising: a lamp comprising a flexible sheet having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of light emitters protruding from the front surface of the flexible sheet; a supporting member covering the rear surface of the flexible sheet, the supporting member having an exposed rear surface; and a lens member covering the front surface of the flexible sheet, the lens member having an exposed front surface; and a power cord extending from the mouthpiece, the power cord including a plug for engaging a receptacle of an electronic device to power the plurality of light emitters; wherein the mouthpiece comprises a first side portion, a second side portion, and a center portion between the first side portion and the second side portion; and The oral piece is flexible so that each of the first side and the second side is configured to: be folded relative to the center portion in a first direction so that the lens member contacts the exposed front surface of the lens member along the center portion along the exposed front surface of the first side and the second side; and be folded relative to the center portion in a second direction so that the support member contacts the exposed rear surface of the support member along the center portion along the exposed rear surface of the first side and the second side.

57. The oral treatment device according to claim 56 further includes a control unit connected to the power cord, the control unit including an actuator and a processor for powering the multiple light emitters according to a treatment scheme, and the control unit is positioned closer to the plug of the power cord rather than the oral piece.

58. The oral treatment device of claim 56 or 57, wherein the support member and the lens member are each formed of a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore A hardness of 30 to 40.

59. An oral treatment device, comprising: An oral cavity part, the oral cavity part comprising: a lamp comprising a flexible sheet having a front surface and a plurality of light emitters located on the front surface of the flexible sheet; and a lens member covering the front surface of the flexible sheet and being transparent so that the light emitted by the plurality of light emitters passes through the lens member, the lens member comprising: A front surface having a vertical centerline, a first engaging protrusion extending from the front surface of the lens member on a first side of the vertical centerline, the first engaging protrusion having a first side edge opposite to a second side edge, and a second engaging protrusion extending from the front surface of the lens member on a second side of the vertical centerline, the second engaging protrusion having a first side edge opposite to a second side edge, An exposed portion of the front surface of the lens member between the first and second engaging protrusions is free of any additional engaging protrusions; wherein a side edge axis intersects the second side edge of the first engaging protrusion and the second side edge of the second engaging protrusion; and wherein when a first external force is applied to the second side edge of the first engaging protrusion and the second side edge of the second engaging protrusion along the side edge axis, the second side edge of the first engaging protrusion and the second side edge of the second engaging protrusion are separated by a first distance; and wherein when a second external force is applied to the second side edge of the first engaging protrusion and the second side edge of the second engaging protrusion along the side edge axis, the second side edge of the first engaging protrusion and the second side edge of the second engaging protrusion are separated by a second distance; and wherein the first external force is zero; and When the second external force is less than about 1.5N, the second distance is about 5mm smaller than the first distance.

60. The oral treatment device of claim 59, wherein when the second external force is approximately 0.97 N, the second distance is approximately 5 mm smaller than the first distance.

61. The oral treatment device of claim 59 or claim 60, wherein when the second external force is less than about 2.5N, the second distance is about 10 mm smaller than the first distance.

62. The oral treatment device of claim 61, wherein when the second external force is approximately 1.35 N, the second distance is approximately 10 mm smaller than the first distance.

63. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 59 to 62, wherein when the second external force is less than about 3.5 N, the second distance is about 15 mm smaller than the first distance.

64. The oral treatment device of claim 63, wherein when the second external force is approximately 1.58 N, the second distance is approximately 15 mm smaller than the first distance.

65. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 59 to 64, wherein when the second external force is less than about 4.5 N, the second distance is about 20 mm smaller than the first distance.

66. The oral treatment device of claim 65, wherein when the second external force is approximately 1.84 N, the second distance is approximately 20 mm smaller than the first distance.

67. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 59 to 66, wherein when the second external force is less than about 5.5 N, the second distance is about 25 mm smaller than the first distance.

68. The oral treatment device of claim 67, wherein when the second external force is approximately 2.54 N, the second distance is approximately 25 mm smaller than the first distance.

69. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 59 to 68, wherein the first side edge of the first biting projection faces the first side edge of the second biting projection.

70. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 59 to 69, wherein the second side edge of the first bite projection faces away from the second side edge of the second bite projection.

71. An oral treatment device, comprising: An arcuate mouthpiece including a lamp, wherein when the arcuate mouthpiece is in a normal state, a first distance exists between a first side edge and a second side edge of the arcuate mouthpiece; as well as The arcuate mouth piece is configured to bend such that when an external compressive force of less than or equal to about 1.5 N is applied to the first side edge and the second side edge, the first distance decreases by at least 5 mm.

72. The oral treatment device of claim 71, wherein when the external compressive force is approximately 0.97N, the first distance decreases by approximately 5 mm.

73. The oral treatment device of claim 71 or claim 72, wherein when the external compressive force is less than or equal to about 2.5N, the first distance decreases by about 10mm.

74. The oral treatment device of claim 73, wherein when the external compressive force is approximately 1.35N, the first distance decreases by approximately 10 mm.

75. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 71 to 74, wherein when the external compressive force is less than or equal to approximately 3.5 N, the first distance decreases by at least 15 mm.

76. The oral treatment device of claim 75, wherein when the external compressive force is approximately 1.58N, the first distance decreases by approximately 15mm.

77. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 71 to 76, wherein when the external compressive force is less than or equal to approximately 4.5 N, the first distance decreases by at least 20 mm.

78. The oral treatment device of claim 77, wherein when the external compressive force is approximately 1.84N, the first distance decreases by approximately 20mm.

79. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 71 to 78, wherein when the external compressive force is less than or equal to approximately 5.5 N, the first distance decreases by at least 25 mm.

80. The oral treatment device of claim 79, wherein when the external compressive force is approximately 2.54N, the first distance decreases by approximately 25mm.

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