Oral treatment device

Abstract

An oral treatment device that emits light onto the surface of the teeth of a user is disclosed. In one aspect, an oral treatment device includes an intraoral mouthpiece, the intraoral mouthpiece including: a lamp support structure; a first lamp and a second lamp; each of the first and second lamps is mounted to the lamp support surface, thereby forming a lamp assembly; and a lamp holding member coupled to the lamp support structure. In one embodiment, the oral treatment device may be a tooth whitening device.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with the application number "202110942202.8" and the invention title "Oral Treatment Device". The Chinese patent application "202110942202.8" is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with the filing date of December 19, 2016, the application number "201680074893.1", and the invention title "Oral Treatment Device". Background Art

[0002] Oral treatments such as teeth whitening are becoming increasingly popular. Both dentists and patients are looking for techniques that are convenient and comfortable. Typically, to whiten a user's teeth, a composition containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth and allowed to remain in contact with the teeth to be bleached for a period of time. Current systems can be used to have the user apply radiation or light to the surface of the teeth pre-coated with a whitening composition to enhance the effectiveness of the whitening composition. However, for one or more reasons, such as the need for complex head-mounted gear, the need to be hand-held, or the need for furniture-like mounted lights, currently available systems are both bulky and rigid and undesirable. Specifically, current systems are unable to emit radiation or light onto the user's pre-coated teeth in a uniform and effective manner to cover the entire tooth surface. Accordingly, there is a need for a teeth whitening device that can effectively emit radiation or light onto the user's teeth. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, the present invention can relate to a teeth whitening system that emits electromagnetic radiation (such as light) onto the surface of a user's teeth.

[0004] In one aspect, the present invention can be an oral treatment device that includes an intraoral oral piece, the intraoral oral piece including: a lamp support structure that includes a lamp support surface having a concave curvature and a front surface having a convex curvature, the lamp support structure being formed of a first material; a lamp that includes a flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface, and a plurality of light emitters embedded within the flexible sheet body, the light generated by the light emitters being emitted from the rear surface of the flexible sheet body; the lamp being mounted to the lamp support surface of the lamp support structure such that the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp presents a concave curvature, thereby forming a lamp assembly, the lamp being operatively coupled to a control circuit having a power source; and a protective member overmolded onto the lamp assembly, the protective member being formed of an elastomeric material having a hardness less than the hardness of the first material.

[0005] In another aspect, the present invention can be an oral treatment device that includes an intraoral oral piece, and the intraoral oral piece includes: a lamp support structure that includes a lamp support surface; a first lamp and a second lamp, each of the first lamp and the second lamp including a plurality of light emitters that emit light from the rear surface of the lamp; each of the first lamp and the second lamp is mounted to the lamp support surface, thereby forming a lamp assembly, and each of the first lamp and the second lamp is operatively coupled to a control circuit having a power source; and a lamp holding member coupled to the lamp support structure, with the lower portion of the first lamp and the upper portion of the second lamp being held between the lamp holding member and the lamp support surface of the lamp support structure.

[0006] In yet another aspect, the present invention can be an oral treatment device that includes an intraoral oral piece, and the intraoral oral piece includes: a lamp support surface; a first electrical contact element and a second electrical contact element electrically coupled to a control circuit having a power source, the first electrical contact element including a first contact surface, the second electrical contact element including a second contact surface, and each of the first contact surface of the first electrical contact element and the second contact surface of the second electrical contact element forms a part of the lamp support surface; a lamp that includes a plurality of light emitters that emit light from the rear surface of the lamp, and a first electrical contact piece and a second electrical contact piece, the first electrical contact piece having a first contact surface that forms a first part of the front surface of the lamp, the second electrical contact piece having a second contact surface that forms a second part of the front surface of the lamp; and the lamp is mounted to the lamp support surface such that: (1) the first contact surface of the first electrical contact piece of the lamp contacts the first contact surface of the first electrical contact element; and (2) the second contact surface of the second electrical contact piece of the lamp contacts the second contact surface of the second electrical contact element.

[0007] In still another aspect, the present invention can be an oral treatment device that includes a control circuit having a power source, and an intraoral oral piece, and the intraoral oral piece includes: a first electrical conductor configured to have a first electric charge, a second electrical conductor configured to have a second electric charge opposite to the first electric charge, and a third electrical conductor configured to have the first electric charge; a first lamp and a second lamp, each of the first lamp and the second lamp including: a plurality of light emitters configured to generate light; and a first electrical contact piece and a second electrical contact piece; the first lamp is positioned above the second lamp; and the first electrical conductor electrically couples the power source to the first electrical contact piece of the first lamp, the third electrical conductor electrically couples the power source to the first electrical contact piece of the third lamp, and the second electrical conductor couples the power source to each of the second electrical contact pieces of the first lamp and the second lamp.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the present invention can be an oral treatment device that includes an intraoral oral piece, and the intraoral oral piece includes: a lamp support structure having an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge; a lamp including a plurality of light emitters configured to generate light emitted from the lamp, the lamp being mounted to the lamp support structure to form a lamp assembly, the lamp being operatively coupled to a control circuit having a power source; and a protective member coupled to the lamp assembly, the protective member being formed of an elastomeric material, the protective member including a first wing portion extending beyond the first side edge of the lamp support structure and a second wing portion extending beyond the second side edge of the lamp support structure, the first wing portion and the second wing portion forming a flexible distal portion of the intraoral oral piece.

[0009] In still another aspect, the present invention can be an oral treatment device that includes an intraoral oral piece, and the intraoral oral piece includes: a lamp including a flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes embedded in the flexible sheet body, the light generated by the light-emitting diodes being emitted from the rear surface of the flexible sheet body, the lamp being operatively coupled to a control circuit having a power source; and the flexible sheet body includes a flexible lens plate formed of a biocompatible material, the flexible lens plate having a front surface and a rear surface, and the plurality of light-emitting diodes are printed on the front surface of the flexible lens plate, the rear surface of the flexible lens plate forming the rear surface of the flexible sheet body; and the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp has a concave curvature and is exposed to form a light-emitting surface of the oral piece.

[0010] In yet even another aspect, the present invention can be an oral treatment device that includes an intraoral oral piece, and the intraoral oral piece includes: a first light-emitting surface configured to emit light onto the upper teeth of a user, the first light-emitting surface having a concave curvature; a second light-emitting surface configured to emit light onto the lower teeth of the user, the second light-emitting surface having a concave curvature; the first light-emitting surface and the second light-emitting surface are located on opposite sides of a horizontal reference plane; the first light-emitting surface is inclined such that a first acute angle is formed between the first light-emitting surface and the horizontal reference plane; and the second light-emitting surface is inclined such that a second acute angle is formed between the second light-emitting surface and the horizontal reference plane.

[0011] Other applicable fields of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. 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

[0012] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1Rear perspective view of a tooth whitening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 is Figure 1 Top view of the tooth whitening device;

[0015] Figure 3 is Figure 1 Front perspective view of the tooth whitening device;

[0016] Figure 4 is Figure 1 Rear view of the tooth whitening device;

[0017] Figure 5 is Figure 1 Front view of the tooth whitening device;

[0018] Figure 6 is Figure 1 Exploded view of the tooth whitening device, obtained from the front perspective view of the tooth whitening device;

[0019] Figure 7 is Figure 1 Exploded view of the tooth whitening device, obtained from the rear perspective view of the tooth whitening device;

[0020] Figure 8 is Figure 1 Bottom perspective view of the upper housing of the tooth whitening device;

[0021] Figure 9 is Figure 1 Top perspective view of the lower housing of the tooth whitening device;

[0022] Figure 10 is Figure 1 Front perspective view of the electrical contact component of the tooth whitening device;

[0023] Figure 11 is Figure 1 Rear perspective view of the electrical contact component of the tooth whitening device;

[0024] Figure 12 is Figure 1 Rear perspective view of the anchoring component of the tooth whitening device;

[0025] Figure 13 is Figure 1 Front perspective view of the anchoring component of the tooth whitening device;

[0026] Figure 14 is Figure 1 Rear perspective view of the curved support plate of the tooth whitening device;

[0027] Figure 15Yes Figure 1 Front perspective view of the curved support plate of the teeth whitening device;

[0028] Figure 16 Yes Figure 1 Rear view of the curved support plate of the teeth whitening device;

[0029] Figure 17 Yes Figure 1 Rear perspective view of the first flexible lamp and the second flexible lamp of the teeth whitening device;

[0030] Figure 18 Yes Figure 1 Front perspective view of the first flexible lamp and the second flexible lamp of the teeth whitening device;

[0031] Figure 19 Is taken along the line of sight XIX of Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the first flexible lamp and the second flexible lamp of the teeth whitening device;

[0032] Figure 20 Yes Figure 1 Rear perspective view of the lamp holding member of the teeth whitening device;

[0033] Figure 21 Yes Figure 1 Front perspective view of the lamp holding member of the teeth whitening device;

[0034] Figure 22 Yes Figure 1 Front perspective view of the protective member of the teeth whitening device;

[0035] Figure 23 Yes Figure 1 Rear perspective view of the protective member of the teeth whitening device;

[0036] Figure 24 Yes Figure 1 Rear view of the protective member of the teeth whitening device;

[0037] Figure 25 Is along Figure 2 The line of sight XXIV of Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the teeth whitening device;

[0038] Figure 26 Is along Figure 4 The line of sight XXV of Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the teeth whitening device;

[0039] Figure 27 Is along Figure 4 The line of sight XXVI of Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the teeth whitening device;

[0040] Figure 28 is a rear perspective view of the curved support plate;

[0041] Figure 29 is Figure 28 a rear perspective view of the curved support plate of , to which an anchoring member is coupled to form a lamp support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 30 is Figure 29 a rear perspective view of the lamp support structure of , to which a first flexible lamp and a second flexible lamp are mounted on a lamp support surface thereof, thereby forming a lamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 31 is Figure 30 a rear perspective view of the lamp assembly of , to which a lamp holding member is coupled;

[0044] Figure 32 is Figure 31 a rear perspective view of the lamp assembly of , to which a protective member has been overmolded to form an oral piece;

[0045] Figure 33 is Figure 32 a rear perspective view of the oral piece of , which is positioned such that an anchoring element cooperates with a lower part of a housing;

[0046] Figure 34 is Figure 32 a rear perspective view of the oral piece of , to which an upper part of the housing has been added, thereby completing the assembly of the Figure 1 tooth whitening device;

[0047] Figure 35 is Figure 1 a rear perspective view of the tooth whitening device of , in which a light emitter is activated to generate light; and

[0048] Figure 36 is Figure 35 a rear view of the tooth whitening device of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0050] The description of illustrative embodiments in accordance with the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered a part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is intended for convenience of description only and is in no way limiting of the scope of the invention. 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 construed to refer to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings as later described or as discussed. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the device be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless expressly so stated. Terms such as "attached", "affixed", "connected", "coupled", "interconnected" and like terms refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, and to both attachable or relationship where both may be movable or immovable, unless otherwise expressly described to the contrary. Additionally, the features and advantages of the invention are illustrated by reference to the embodiments shown. Accordingly, the invention is clearly not limited to such exemplary embodiments showing some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other feature combinations.

[0051] In addition, it should be noted that although the oral treatment device of the present invention is described herein as a teeth whitening device, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in certain embodiments, the oral treatment device of the present invention may be configured to emit light for other oral treatment purposes, including but not limited to: enhancing oral tissue healing, antibacterial purposes, treating tooth sensitivity, disinfection, cleaning, and combinations thereof. In such other embodiments, the characteristics of the light emitted by the oral treatment device of the present invention will be selected to achieve the desired treatment, such as wavelength, intensity, power, light density, and / or other characteristics. In still other embodiments, the benefits of the oral treatment device may be determined by oral care materials used in combination therewith. For example, in certain embodiments, the oral care treatment device may be used in combination with other oral care materials, including but not limited to: antibacterial agents, anti-sensitivity agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-adhesion agents, plaque indicators, flavoring agents, sensates, breath fresheners, gingival health agents, and colorants. Examples of such agents include metal ion agents (such as stannous ion agents, copper ion agents, zinc ion agents, silver ion agents), triclosan, triclosan monophosphate, chlorhexidine, alexidine, hexetidine, sanguinarine, benzalkonium chloride, salicylanilide, domiphen bromide, cetylpyridinium chloride, tetradecylpyridinium chloride, N-tetradecyl-4-ethylpyridinium chloride (TDEPC), octenidine, dimoprolol, octopirox, nisin, essential oils, furanones, bacteriocins, flavans, flavonoids, folic acid, vitamins, minerals, hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, sodium percarbonate, PVP-H2O2, polymer-bonded peroxides, potassium nitrate, occlusives, bioactive glass, spermate, spermidine bicarbonate, bacalin, polyphenols, ethyl pyruvate, guanidinoethyl disulfide, calculus prevention agents, anti-stain components, phosphates, polyvinylphosphonic acid, PVM / MA copolymers, enzymes, glucose oxidase, papain, ficin, ethyl lauroyl arginate, menthol, carvone, and anethole, various different flavoring aldehydes, esters, and alcohols, spearmint oil, peppermint oil, wintergreen oil, sassafras oil, clove oil, sage oil, eucalyptus oil, marjoram oil, cinnamon oil, lemon oil, lime oil, grapefruit oil, and / or orange oil.

[0052] See also Figures 1 to 5, a tooth whitening device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. As will be described in more detail below, the tooth whitening device 100 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the form of light, which contributes to tooth whitening. In some embodiments, the tooth whitening device 100 itself can be used to whiten the teeth of a user by simply generating light that irradiates the facial surface of the user's teeth. However, in certain other embodiments, the tooth whitening device 100 can be used in combination with a tooth whitening composition. Suitable tooth whitening compositions include, but are not limited to, hydrogen peroxide compositions, carbamide peroxide compositions, calcium peroxide compositions, sodium perborate compositions, combinations thereof, or any other oral care material known to be capable of or found to be capable of whitening teeth. In such embodiments, the tooth whitening composition can be applied directly to the desired surface (such as the facial surface) of the user's teeth or to the tooth whitening device 100 itself. Regardless of the manner of application, the tooth whitening composition contacts the user's teeth, and the light emitted from the tooth whitening device 100 simultaneously passes through the tooth whitening composition to irradiate the teeth.

[0053] In addition, although in the illustrated embodiment the present invention is shown with light being emitted from the tooth whitening system 100 to contact the buccal surface of the teeth, in other embodiments, the tooth whitening system 100 can be configured to alternatively emit light to the lingual surface, incisal surface, and / or occlusal surface of the teeth and / or in addition to emitting light to the buccal surface of the teeth. In such embodiments, the lamp can be positioned within the occlusal plate and / or in the rear wall of the mouthguard opposite the lingual surface of the teeth.

[0054] The tooth whitening system 100 generally includes an oral piece 101 and a housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the oral piece 101 is sized and shaped such that it can be inserted into the user's mouth during use and can thus be considered substantially an intraoral component. In contrast, the housing 102 is sized, shaped, and oriented such that it protrudes from the user's mouth during use of the tooth whitening system 100 and can thus be considered substantially an extraoral component. In one embodiment, the housing 102 and the oral piece are configured such that the tooth whitening system 100 is a self - contained, hands - free device that can be placed in the mouth and supported in the user's mouth using only the person's teeth.

[0055] The housing 102 and the oral piece 101 are coupled together such that the oral piece 101 extends from the housing 102 in a direction generally opposite to the direction of the light emitted from the oral piece 101. The oral piece 101 (which can be formed of multiple components as discussed below) generally includes a body that includes an arched wall 104 and an occlusal platform 105 that extends horizontally from the arched wall 104. The curvature of the arched wall 104 generally corresponds to the dental arch of the human dentition.

[0056] The arched wall 104 includes a first light-emitting surface 106 above the occlusal platform 105 and a second light-emitting surface 107 below the occlusal platform 105. The first light-emitting surface 106 has a concave curvature and is configured to emit light onto the user's upper teeth. The second light-emitting surface 107 also has a concave curvature and is configured to emit light onto the user's lower teeth. In the illustrated embodiment, the light emitted by the first light-emitting surface 106 and the second light-emitting surface 107 is generated by a first flexible lamp and a second flexible lamp, respectively, the details of which will be described below in connection with Figures 6 to 7 and Figures 17 to 19 described in more detail. However, in other embodiments, the light emitted by the first light-emitting surface 106 and the second light-emitting surface 107 may be generated by other light sources that are embedded in the arched wall 104 and / or transmitted to the first light-emitting surface 106 and the second light-emitting surface 107 using light guide technology or other suitable techniques. As will be discussed in more detail below, when the tooth whitening system 100 is in use, the first light-emitting surface 106 and the second light-emitting surface 107 are positioned and oriented within the oral piece 101 to be in close proximity to the user's upper teeth and lower teeth and have an optimal orientation relative to the user's upper teeth and lower teeth.

[0057] The arched wall 104 and the occlusal platform 105 together form a first groove 108 and a second groove 109 for receiving the user's teeth during tooth whitening. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper portion of the arched wall 104 includes the first light-emitting surface 106 and extends upward from the upper surface of the occlusal platform 105, thereby forming the first groove 108. The lower portion of the arched wall 104 includes the second light-emitting surface 107 and extends downward from the lower surface of the occlusal platform 105, thereby forming the second groove 109. During use, the oral piece 101 is inserted into the user's mouth such that the occlusal platform 105 is wedged or clamped between the user's upper teeth and lower teeth. When positioned in this way, the first light-emitting surface 106 is adjacent to the facial surface of the user's upper teeth, and its curvature is such that the first light-emitting surface 106 generally corresponds to at least the front portion of the upper tooth arch. Similarly, the second light-emitting surface 107 is adjacent to the facial surface of the user's lower teeth, and its curvature is such that the second light-emitting surface 107 generally corresponds to at least the front portion of the lower tooth arch.

[0058] However, it should be noted that in certain embodiments of the present invention, the oral piece 101 can be designed in such a way that the occlusal platform 105 is omitted. In one such embodiment, the first light-emitting surface 106 and the second light-emitting surface 107 can be maintained as separate and distinct light-emitting regions, each of which emits light only onto the facial surfaces of the upper teeth and the lower teeth, respectively. In another such embodiment, the first light-emitting surface 106 and the second light-emitting surface 107 can be combined into a single light-emitting region that emits light onto the facial surfaces of both the upper teeth and the lower teeth. In another embodiment, the occlusal platform 105 can be omitted, and a single light-emitting surface that emits light only onto the facial surface of the upper teeth or the lower teeth at any given time can be provided. In yet another embodiment, the occlusal platform 105 can be included, and only one of the first light-emitting surface and the second light-emitting surface can be provided. In still another embodiment, the oral piece 101 can be made into two separable components, one of which includes the first light-emitting surface 106 for emitting light onto the upper teeth, and the other of which includes the second light-emitting surface 107 for emitting light onto the lower teeth of the user.

[0059] In certain embodiments, the oral piece 101 (including all components of the oral piece that contact the oral cavity) is formed of a biocompatible material, such as a food-grade polymer. Suitable biocompatible materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene (PE), silicone, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and other plastics. Of course, all embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and other materials can also be used to construct the oral piece 101 and its various components. In certain embodiments, the oral piece 101 or at least a portion thereof can be formed of an elastomeric material. This will be described in more detail below.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 contains a control circuit 200 (see Figure 25 ). The control circuit 200 generally includes a properly programmed processor, a storage device, a power supply 201, a timer, and an actuator 202, and other components that are operatively coupled together. The control circuit 200 is in turn operatively electrically coupled to each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B such that the control circuit 200 can control their operation.

[0061] A properly programmed processor can be any suitable microprocessor-based programmable logic controller, personal computer, etc., which has a memory for storing various instructions to control the operation of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B. The processor is programmed with an algorithm to receive data from various other electronic components and sensors, analyze the data, and cause these electronic components to operate in a desired or predetermined manner based on instructions stored in a storage device or the integrated storage area of the processor.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 201 is operatively electrically coupled to the processor and the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B such that electrical energy can be provided to all three, thereby powering all three. The power source 201 can be one or more batteries, battery cells, printed batteries, rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, or a control circuit for storing electrical energy. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the power source can be omitted, and instead, the electronic components of the teeth whitening device 100 can be powered by a plug coupled to a power supply (such as a wall socket). Although not shown herein, the teeth whitening device 100 can be part of a larger system that includes a docking station with charging capabilities. In one such embodiment, the teeth whitening device 100 is part of a system that includes a docking station with a charging circuit configured to charge a rechargeable battery of the teeth whitening device 100 by inductive charging.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 202 is a depressible button. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the actuator 202 can be any type of device that energizes and / or de-energizes one or more of the electronic components stored within the housing 102 upon actuation. For example, the actuator 202 can be a slide switch, a touchpad, a knob, or any other component that causes the teeth whitening device 100 to function as described herein upon actuation. In other embodiments, the actuator 202 can be a sensor or other device that is automatically activated when the oral piece 101 of the teeth whitening device is inserted into the oral cavity, such as a temperature sensor, a saliva-activated water-activated sensor, a proximity sensor, a humidity sensor, or any other suitable sensor or switch.

[0064] The actuator 202 is operatively coupled to the processor such that upon pressing or otherwise actuating the actuator 202, the processor initiates the operation of the teeth whitening system 100, as described in more detail below.

[0065] Now refer simultaneously to Figures 6 to 7, the tooth whitening device 100 is shown in a disassembled state. It can be seen that in the illustrated embodiment, the oral piece 101 of the tooth whitening device 100 is a multi-component structure that generally includes a curved support plate 400, an anchoring component 500, an electrical contact component 50, a first flexible lamp S00A and a second flexible lamp S00B, a lamp holding component 600, and a protective component 700. In other embodiments, one or more of the foregoing components may be omitted, and in even further embodiments, the oral piece 101 may include only a single component to which at least one of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B is mounted, as discussed below. The first flexible lamp 300A and the second flexible lamp 300B may be electrically coupled to the control circuit 200 in series or in parallel.

[0066] Now referring simultaneously to Figures 6 to 9 and Figures 24 to 26 , the housing 102 generally includes an upper portion 150 and a lower portion 151. The upper portion 150 and the lower portion 151 of the housing 150 form an internal chamber 109 when joined, and the electronic components of the control circuit 200 are disposed in this internal chamber. When assembling the tooth whitening device 100, the internal chamber 109 is sealed to prevent water and other fluids from entering. The housing 102 may be formed of any suitable material, including hard plastics such as PP, or any other hard plastic material described herein. If desired, an elastomeric material (such as a thermoplastic elastomer) may be overmolded onto the upper portion 150 and the lower portion 151 of the housing 102. Such overmolding may be used to seal the interface between the upper portion 150 and the lower portion 151 of the housing 102 and / or to provide a gripping surface for the user.

[0067] The housing 101 extends from a proximal end 110 to a distal end 111. The distal end 111 is configured to have the oral piece 101 coupled thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end 111 of the housing is expanded and has an opening 113 through which the oral piece 101 extends for mounting to the housing 102. The opening 113 is defined by a closed geometric edge 118 of the distal end 111 of the housing 102. The opening 113 forms a passage leading to the mounting chamber 119. The mounting chamber 119 terminates at a housing wall 114. The housing wall 114 separates the mounting chamber 119 of the housing 102 from the internal chamber 109 of the housing 102. The housing wall 114 includes a first anchoring hole 115, a second anchoring hole 116, and an electrical connection hole 117. The housing wall 114 is formed by the combination of an upper wall portion 114A that is part of the upper portion 150 of the housing 102 and a lower wall portion 114B that is part of the lower portion 151 of the housing 102.

[0068] As will be described in more detail below, the first anchoring holes 115 and the second anchoring holes 116 provide features through which the anchoring elements 521A and 521B of the oral piece 101 extend, thereby allowing the anchoring elements 521A and 521B to mechanically cooperate with the housing 101 to fix the oral piece 110 to the housing 102. Additionally, the electrical connection holes 117 form a passage leading from the mounting chamber 119 to the internal chamber 109, such that electrical conductors (discussed in more detail below) can extend therethrough for electrically coupling the control circuit 200 to the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B, thus providing a mechanism by which electrical power from the power source 201 can be supplied to the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B.

[0069] Now refer to Figures 10 to 11 , which illustrate an electrical contact member 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As will be described in more detail below, the electrical contact member 50 is mounted within the oral piece 101 and is configured to supply the necessary electrical energy from the power source 201 to each of the flexible lamps 300A and 300B such that the flexible lamps 300A and 300B can be activated.

[0070] The electrical contact member 50 generally includes a monolithic base structure 51 formed of a dielectric material. The base structure 51 includes a base section 52 and a first tab 53A, a second tab 53B, and a third tab 53C extending from the base section 52. Each of the first tab 53A, the second tab 53B, and the third tab 53C is substantially elongated and extends parallel to each other in a spaced-apart manner. Each of the first tab 53A, the second tab 53B, and the third tab 53C is provided with a conductive material, thereby transforming each of the first tab 53A, the second tab 53B, and the third tab 53C into a first electrical contact element 54A, a second electrical contact element 54B, and a third electrical contact element 54C, respectively. The conductive material can be in the form of a metal coating, an embedded metal trace, an embedded wire, or a combination thereof.

[0071] In one embodiment, each of the first electrical contact element 54A, the second electrical contact element 54B, and the third electrical contact element 54C is electrically isolated from each other. In another embodiment, the first electrical contact element 54A and the third electrical contact element 54C can be electrically connected since they carry the same charge when coupled to the control circuit 200. However, in such an embodiment, the first electrical contact element 54A and the third electrical contact element 54C will still be electrically isolated from the second electrical contact element 54B, which carries a charge opposite to that carried by the first electrical contact element 54A and the third electrical contact element 54C when coupled to the control circuit 200.

[0072] The first electrical contact element 54A includes a first contact surface 55A. The second electrical contact element 54B includes a second contact surface 55B. The third electrical contact element 54C includes a third contact surface 55C. In the illustrated embodiment, the second contact surface 55B is a stepped surface including a first portion 56A and a second portion 56B that are horizontally offset from each other. As discussed below, the first portion 56A of the second contact surface 55B contacts the second electrical contact 312A of the first flexible lamp 300A, while the second portion 56B of the second contact surface 55B contacts the second electrical contact 312B of the second flexible lamp 300B. On the other hand, the first contact surface 55A only contacts the first electrical contact 311A of the first flexible lamp 300A, and the third contact surface 55C only contacts the first electrical contact 311B of the second flexible lamp 300B. In other embodiments, the second contact surface 55B may not be stepped and may be designed to contact only a single electrical contact of either the first lamp 300A or the second lamp 300B.

[0073] It should be further noted that in certain embodiments, the first electrical contact element 54A, the second electrical contact element 54B, and the third electrical contact element 54C may be separate and distinct structures. In one such embodiment, each of the first electrical contact element 54A, the second electrical contact element 54B, and the third electrical contact element 54C may be a tab that is individually mounted within the oral appliance. In still other embodiments, electrical energy may be supplied to the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B through simple electrical conductors such as wires and / or traces embedded within the oral appliance 101. In such an embodiment (as with the embodiment shown above), the first electrical conductor is configured to have a first charge, the second electrical conductor is configured to have a second charge opposite to the first charge, and the third electrical conductor is configured to have the first charge.

[0074] Now referring simultaneously to Figures 12 to 13 and Figure 24 , which show an anchoring member 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The anchoring member 500 generally includes a curved plate section 510 and an anchoring section 520. The anchoring section 520 projects from the front surface 511 of the curved plate section 510. The curved plate section 510 also includes a rear surface 512, which forms part of the lamp mounting surface when the anchoring member 500 and the curved support plate 400 are assembled, as discussed below. The rear surface 512 of the curved plate section 510 has a concave curvature. In one embodiment, the concave curvature of the curved plate section 510 is selected to generally correspond to the dental arch of the user's dentition, specifically to the foremost part of the dental arch.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the rear surface 512 of the curved plate section 510 is a stepped surface that includes a first surface portion 512A, a second surface portion 512B, and a support surface portion 513 that extends between the first surface portion 512A and the second surface portion 512B. As discussed in more detail below, the first surface portion 512A and the second surface portion 512B are horizontally offset from each other such that the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B can be mounted within the oral appliance 101 with a desired amount of offset and an inclined orientation.

[0076] As discussed in more detail below, the anchoring portion 520 of the anchoring member provides a mechanism by which the oral appliance 101 can be mounted to the housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the anchoring portion 520 includes a first anchoring element 521A and a second anchoring element 521B. In other embodiments, a single anchoring element can be utilized to secure the oral appliance 101 to the housing 102. Each of the anchoring elements 521A and 521B is shown as a peg member having a shank portion 522A - B and a head portion 523A - B. For each of the anchoring elements 521A and 521B, the head portion 523A - B has an increased cross - section compared to the shank portion 522A - B, thereby forming a flange (or shoulder) at the end of the shank portion 522A - B. As will be described in more detail below, this flange (or shoulder) facilitates the mechanical engagement of the anchoring elements 521A and 521B with the housing wall 114.

[0077] The curved plate section 510 of the anchoring member 500 further includes a central aperture 530. The central aperture 530 provides a passage through the curved plate section 510 through which the second electrical contact element 54B extends during the assembly of the oral appliance 101. The curved plate section 510 also includes a first locking aperture 531A and a second locking aperture 531B for receiving snap - fit tabs 630A and 630B (discussed in more detail below) of the lamp holding member 600. The locking apertures 531A and 531B are positioned along the horizontal centerline of the anchoring member 500 which, in the illustrated embodiment, extends along the support surface portion 513.

[0078] The anchoring member 500 further includes a first lamp retaining feature 535A and a second lamp retaining feature 535B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first lamp retaining feature 535A and the second lamp retaining feature 535B are in the form of angled ridges projecting from the upper edge 536 and the lower edge 537 of the curved plate section 510, respectively. As described below, the first retaining feature 535A is provided to engage the edge of the first flexible lamp 300A, and the second retaining feature 535B is provided to engage the edge of the second flexible lamp 300B. In some embodiments where the oral appliance may include only a single flexible lamp, the anchoring member 500 may be shaped such that the first lamp retaining feature 535A and the second lamp retaining feature 535B engage opposite edges of the same flexible lamp. Additionally, in some embodiments, the rear surface 512 may not be stepped, but rather a continuous smooth surface.

[0079] The anchoring member 500 also includes a plurality of ridges 540A-D projecting from the front surface 511 of the curved plate section 510. When the anchoring member 500 is coupled with the curved support plate 400 to jointly form the lamp support structure 1000 (see Figure 28 ), the ridges 540A-D provide a mechanism for ensuring proper alignment and coupling of the anchoring member with the curved support plate. In some embodiments, the anchoring member 500 is formed of a rigid material such as PP.

[0080] Now referring simultaneously to Figures 14 to 16 , they illustrate a curved support plate 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The curved support plate 400, in combination with the anchoring member 500, provides a lamp support structure 1000 that provides a degree of structural rigidity to the oral appliance 101 to support the flexible lamps 300A-B, particularly during the manufacturing process. The curved support plate 400 is a thin curved plate structure having a front surface 401 and a rear surface 402. In some embodiments, the curved support plate 400 is formed of a rigid material such as hard plastic (e.g., PP).

[0081] As discussed in more detail below, the rear surface 402 of the curved support plate 400 forms a part of the lamp support surface 1001. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear surface 402 of the curved support plate 400 and the rear surface 512 of the anchoring member 500 jointly define the lamp support surface 1001 to which each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B is mounted. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the anchoring member 500 or the curved support plate 400 may be omitted such that the lamp support structure 1000 is formed only by the other of the anchoring member 500 or the curved support plate 400. In still other embodiments, the lamp support structure 1001 may simply be a member having a curved lamp support surface.

[0082] The rear surface 402 of the curved support plate 400 has a concave curvature which, in some embodiments, generally corresponds to the dental arch of the user's dentition. On the other hand, the front surface 401 of the curved support plate 400 has a convex curvature. In one embodiment, the concave curvature of the rear surface 402 matches the convex curvature of the front surface 401 such that the curved support plate has a generally constant thickness along its length.

[0083] The curved support plate 400 includes a central hole 403 extending therethrough. The central hole 403 is provided to allow the anchoring portion 520 of the anchoring member 500 to project from the front surface 401 of the curved support plate 400 when the curved support plate 400 and the anchoring member 500 are coupled together. The front surface 402 of the curved support plate 400 further includes a plurality of recesses 404A-D formed therein. Each of the recesses 404A-D includes a bottom plate 405A-D and a cell wall 406A-D. Slots 407A-D are respectively provided in each of the cell walls 406A-D, forming a passage between the recesses 404A-D and the central hole 403. As discussed below, the slots 407A-D allow molten thermoplastic elastomer to flow into the recesses 404A-D during the injection overmolding of the protective member 700, thereby forming elastomeric pad portions 770A-D in the recesses 404A-D.

[0084] The curved support plate 400 further includes lamp alignment features for maintaining the flexible lamps 300A-B in their selected positions relative to the curved support plate 400. As shown, the lamp alignment features include a first rib 421A and a second rib 421B projecting from the rear surface 402 of the curved support plate 400. It can be seen that each of the first rib 421A and the second rib 421B includes two U-shaped rib segments which are designed to engage the corners of the first flexible lamp 300A and the second flexible lamp 300B. Although the lamp alignment features are shown as two ribs, the lamp alignment features can take a variety of structures such as, but not limited to, posts, notches, tabs, overhangs, and combinations thereof.

[0085] The curved support plate 400 further includes a plurality of holes 422A-D provided for mating with a plurality of ridges 540A-D of the anchoring member 500 when the curved support plate 400 and the anchoring member 500 are coupled together. The holes 422A-D are located on tabs 423-D extending into the central hole 403. In other embodiments, the holes 422A-D can be located at other positions on the curved support plate 400.

[0086] Now referring simultaneously to Figures 17 to 19 which show the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B according to the present invention. Although Figure 19Only a cross-section of the first lamp 30A is shown, but it should be understood that the second lamp 300B has the same laminated structure as the first lamp 300A.

[0087] Each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B includes a flexible sheet body 301A-B. As shown, the flexible sheet body 301A-B of each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B is an elongate sheet that is flexible enough such that it can be bent from a planar state into a shape having a contour curvature that generally corresponds to the shape of the dental arch of a user's dentition. In one embodiment, when no bending force is applied to the lamps 300A and 300B, the flexible sheet body 301A-B of each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B is in a planar state.

[0088] The flexible sheet body 301A-B of each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B generally includes a front surface 302A-B and a rear surface 303A-B. Each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B also includes a plurality of light emitters 304A-B embedded within the flexible sheet body 301A-B, and light generated by these light emitters is emitted from the rear surface 303A-B of the flexible sheet body 301A-B (see also Figures 34 to 35 ). In one embodiment, the light emitted by the plurality of light emitters 304A-B has a wavelength in the range of 375 nm to 520 nm. In another embodiment, the light emitted by the plurality of light emitters 304A-B has a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 430 nm. In yet another embodiment, the light emitted by the plurality of light emitters 304A-B has a wavelength in the range of 405 nm to 415 nm.

[0089] The flexible sheet body 301A - B of each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B includes an upper edge 305A - B, a lower edge 306A - B, a first side edge 307A - B, and a second side edge 308A - B. The flexible sheet body 301A - B of each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B also has a length measured from the first side edge 307A - B to the second side edge 308A - B. The flexible sheet body 301A - B of each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B is a laminated structure generally including a flexible lens plate 309A - B, a flexible reflective layer 310A - B, and a first electrical contact 311A - B and a second electrical contact 312A - B. A plurality of light emitters 304A - B are disposed between the flexible lens plate 309A - B and the flexible reflective layer 310A - B. As mentioned below, in certain embodiments, the plurality of light emitters 340A - B can be directly printed onto the flexible lens plate 309A - B. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the flexible reflective layer 310A - B can also be printed onto the flexible lens plate 309A - B after the plurality of light emitters 340A - B.

[0090] In one embodiment, the flexible lens plate 309A - B of the flexible sheet body 301A - B of each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B has a rear surface 313A - B and a front surface 314A - B. The rear surface 313A - B of the flexible lens plate 309A - B forms the rear surface 303A - B of the flexible sheet body 301A - B of each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B. The flexible lens plate 309A - B can be formed of a transparent biocompatible material such as transparent PET. In one embodiment, the plurality of light emitters 304A - B are light - emitting diodes (“LEDs”) printed onto the front surface 314A - B of the flexible lens plate 309A - B of the flexible sheet body 301A - B of each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B. In one such embodiment, these LEDs can be printed onto the front surface 314A - B with a conductive ink 315A - B.

[0091] Via a conductive ink formulation that can be printed into any shape to best conform to tooth and jaw structures, printed LEDs can be formed by depositing micro-LED chips, which is an ideal practice for optimizing efficacy. Specifically, in some embodiments, gallium nitride can be used to form the LEDs, which can then be mixed with resins and binders to form an ink, and a standard screen printing press can be used to deposit the resulting ink onto the desired surface. Although printed LEDs are described herein, in certain embodiments, the plurality of light emitters 304A-B can be any type of light source, particularly solid-state light sources, which can include LEDs, OLEDs, HBLEDs, electroluminescent elements, etc. In certain other embodiments, the plurality of light emitters 304A-B can be printed inorganic LEDs, conventional micro-LEDs surface-mounted to a flexible substrate / circuit, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), or electroluminescent elements. In still other embodiments, the plurality of light emitters 304A-B can be any of the LEDs mentioned herein, which are mounted to a rigid substrate rather than a flexible substrate.

[0092] For each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B, the first electrical contact 311A-B has a first contact surface 316A-B that forms a first portion of the front surface 302A-B of the flexible sheet body 301A-B. Similarly, for each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B, the second electrical contact 312A-B has a second contact surface 317A-B that forms a second portion of the front surface 302A-B of the flexible sheet body 301A-B.

[0093] As shown, for each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B, each of the first electrical contact 311A-B and the second electrical contact 312A-B is in the form of an elongate strip that extends the entire length of the lamp 300A-B. For the first lamp 300A (the upper lamp in the oral piece 101), the first electrical contact 311A is adjacent to the upper edge 305A, while the second electrical contact 312A is adjacent to the lower edge 306A. For the second lamp 300B (the lower lamp in the oral piece 101), the first electrical contact 311B is adjacent to the lower edge 306B, while the second electrical contact 312B is adjacent to the upper edge 305B. For each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B, the first electrical contact 311A-B extends generally parallel to the second electrical contact 312A-B.

[0094] In one embodiment, the illumination area (i.e., the area including the rear surfaces 303A-B of the plurality of light emitters 304A-B) of each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B is in the range of 6 cm 2 to 11 cm 2 and more preferably in the range of 7 cm 2 to 10 cm2 within a range, and most preferably within 8 cm 2 to 9 cm 2 within a range. The height of the irradiation area can be within 0.5 cm 2 to 3 cm 2 within a range, and more preferably within 0.5 cm 2 to 2 cm 2 within a range, where 1 cm 2 is most preferred. The length of the irradiation area can be within a range of 6 cm to 11 cm, more preferably within a range of 7 cm to 10 cm, and most preferably within a range of 8 cm to 9 cm.

[0095] Now refer simultaneously to Figures 20 to 21 , which show a lamp holding member 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As will be discussed in more detail below, the lamp holding member 600 is used to hold the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B to the lamp support surface 1001 during the assembly of the oral piece (and during the injection molding of the protective member 700 onto the lamp assembly 2000). In one embodiment, the lamp holding member 600 is formed of a rigid material such as hard plastic. Suitable hard plastics include, but are not limited to, polymers and copolymers of the following substances: ethylene (polyethylene), propylene (polypropylene), butadiene, polyamide, cellulose, SAN, acrylic, ABS, vinyl compounds, and polyester (such as polyethylene terephthalate), or other well-known thermoplastics used in the manufacture of oral hygiene devices.

[0096] The lamp holding member 600 generally includes a lamp engaging portion 610 and a plate portion 620. The lamp engaging portion 610 includes a first arcuate surface 611 that contacts the lower portion of the first lamp 300A and a second arcuate surface 612 that contacts the upper portion of the second lamp 300B. It can be seen that since the lamps 300A and 300B are supported on the lamp support surface 1001 in a horizontally staggered manner in one embodiment, the first arcuate surface 611 and the second arcuate surface 612 of the lamp holding member 600 are also horizontally staggered from each other in some embodiments.

[0097] The lamp retaining member 600 further includes a locking feature that locks the lamp retaining member 600 to the anchoring member 500 to ensure that the lamps 300A - B are compressed between the two members and / or held in place. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking feature of the lamp retaining member 600 includes a first locking tab 630A and a second locking tab 630B, which are configured to snap - lock to the anchoring member 500. More specifically, the lamp retaining member 600 is coupled to the anchoring member by inserting the first locking tab 630A and the second locking tab 630B through the locking holes 531A and 531B of the anchoring member 500. During insertion, the chamfered surfaces 631A and 631B of the first locking tab 630A and the second locking tab 630B contact the rear surface 512 of the curved plate section 510 of the anchoring member 500 and flex the first locking tab 630A and the second locking tab 630B. Once fully inserted through the locking holes 531A and 531B of the anchoring member 500, the first locking tab 630A and the second locking tab 630B snap back to their normal state, causing the locking surfaces 632A and 632B of the first locking tab 630A and the second locking tab 630B to mate and mechanically engage with the edge portions of the curved plate section 510 of the anchoring member 500, which edge portions define the locking holes 531A and 531B of the anchoring member 500.

[0098] It can be seen that the plate portion 620 is a flat - plate structure that extends horizontally from the lamp - engaging section 610. When assembling the oral piece 101, the plate portion 620 of the lamp retaining member 600 extends horizontally from the lamp - supporting surface 1001 (see Figure 30 ). As will be described in further detail below, in certain embodiments, when the oral piece is fully assembled, the lamp retaining member 600 is embedded in the occlusal platform of the oral piece 101. In addition to holding the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B to the lamp - supporting surface 1001, the lamp retaining member 600 also helps to maintain the proper contour of the arched wall 104 of the oral piece 101.

[0099] In certain embodiments, the lamp retaining member 600 can be omitted altogether. In such embodiments, the function of the lamp retaining member 600 can be performed by the protective member. In other embodiments, the lamp retaining member 600 can be integrated into the lamp - supporting structure. In another embodiment, the lamp - supporting structure can include a plate portion that is similar to the plate portion 620 that projects from the lamp - supporting surface.

[0100] Now referring simultaneously to Figures 22 to 24, which illustrate a protective component 700 according to the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective component 700 is a one-piece integrally formed component. In one embodiment, the protective component 700 is formed of a material that is comfortable for a user when the oral piece 101 is inserted into the oral cavity. In one such embodiment, the hardness value of the material forming the protective component 700 is less than the hardness value of one (or more) of the materials forming the lamp support structure 1000 (in the illustrated embodiment, the lamp support structure 1000 is formed by a combination of the anchoring component 500 and the curved support plate 400, but may be a single component in other embodiments). To this end, in one embodiment, the protective component 700 is formed of an elastomeric material. Suitable elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic elastomers, rubbers, silicones, or other biocompatible elastic materials suitable for oral hygiene devices (including thermosetting elastomers, etc.).

[0101] The protective component 700 generally includes a wall portion 750 and a bite platform portion 760. The bite platform portion 760 extends horizontally from the wall portion 750. The wall portion 750 can conceptually be divided into an upper wall portion 751 and a lower wall portion 752. In embodiments including the bite platform portion 760, the bite platform portion 760 is located between the upper wall portion 751 and the lower wall portion 752. In other embodiments, the bite platform portion 760 may be omitted.

[0102] The wall portion 750 includes a central portion 710 and a first wing portion 720A and a second wing portion 720B. The central portion 710 is in an arcuate shape, and its curvature corresponds to the front portion of the dental arch of the human dentition. The first wing portion 720A and the second wing portion 720B extend from opposite sides of the central portion 710 and are located on these opposite sides, thereby generally continuing the curvature corresponding to the dental arch of the human dentition. As will be discussed in more detail below, in certain embodiments, the first wing portion 720A and the second wing portion 720B are formed entirely of an elastomeric material to ensure flexibility and thus comfort for the user. In certain such embodiments, the first wing portion 720A and the second wing portion 720B retain their flexible nature because the lamp support structure 1000 does not extend into the first wing portion 720A and the second wing portion 720B, but is only located in the central portion 710.

[0103] The central portion 710 includes a first frame portion 711 and a second frame portion 712. More specifically, the upper wall portion 751 includes the first frame portion 711, and the lower wall portion 752 includes the second frame portion 712. The first frame portion 711 includes a closed geometric edge 713 that defines a first window 714 through which the rear surface 303A of the first lamp 300A remains exposed when the oral component 101 is assembled. The second frame portion 712 includes a closed geometric edge 715 that defines a second window 716 through which the rear surface 303B of the second lamp 300B remains exposed when the oral component 101 is assembled. As will be discussed in more detail below, when the oral component 101 is assembled, the first frame portion 711 seals the perimeter of the rear surface 303A of the first lamp 300A, and the second frame portion 712 seals the perimeter of the rear surface 303B of the second lamp 300B.

[0104] The protective member 700 also includes a plurality of pad portions 770A-D. When the oral component is assembled, the plurality of pad portions 770A-D are respectively disposed in a plurality of recesses 404A-D of the curved support plate 400. Allowing the molten elastomeric material to flow into these recesses to form the plurality of pad portions 770A-D helps to equalize the pressure on the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B during the injection molding process in which the protective member 700 is overmolded onto the lamp support structure 1000. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pad portion 770A and the second pad portion 770B are located within the first window 714, and the third pad portion 770C and the fourth pad portion 770D are located within the second window 716. The first pad portion 770A and the second pad portion 770B are respectively located in the first recess 404A and the second recess 404B, and contact not only the bottom plates 405A and 405B of the first recess 404A and the second recess 404B, but also the front surface 312A of the first lamp 300A. The third pad portion 770C and the fourth pad portion 770D are respectively located in the third recess 404C and the fourth recess 404D, and contact not only the bottom plates 405C and 405D of the third recess 404C and the fourth recess 404D, but also the front surface 312B of the second lamp 300B.

[0105] Now refer to Figures 25 to 34 , the assembly process of the teeth whitening device 100 will be described in conjunction with the discussion of the teeth whitening device 100 in the assembled state. From Figure 28Begin by first providing a curved support plate 400. In one embodiment, the curved support plate 400 is formed from a first material such as rigid plastic using injection molding or other suitable processes. Suitable rigid plastics include, but are not limited to, polymers and copolymers of the following substances: ethylene (polyethylene), propylene (polypropylene), butadiene, polyamide, cellulose, SAN, acrylic, ABS, vinyl compounds, polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate), and polycarbonate (or blends thereof), or other well-known thermoplastics used in the manufacture of oral hygiene devices. In other embodiments, the first material may be another suitable rigid material that can adequately support and protect the flexible lights 300A - B during the injection molding process (discussed below) of the protective member 700.

[0106] Now refer to Figure 25 and Figure 29 , an anchoring member 500 is provided and coupled to the curved support plate 400, thereby forming a light support structure 1000. Since the light support structure 1000 is formed by the combination of the anchoring member 500 and the curved support plate 400, it should be noted that for the purposes of this patent, it can be said that the light support structure 1000 includes various features of any one of the components as described above for Figures 12 to 13 as well as Figures 14 to 16 the components described.

[0107] When coupling the anchoring member 500 to the curved support plate 400, the anchoring section 510 of the anchoring member 500 is inserted through the central hole 403 of the curved support plate 400. As the anchoring section 510 passes through the central hole 403, a plurality of ridges 540A - D protruding from the front surface 511 of the anchoring member 500 respectively enter a plurality of holes 422A - D of the curved support plate 400, thereby ensuring proper relative alignment and mating between the anchoring member 500 and the curved support plate 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical contact member 50 was previously installed on the anchoring member 500 before being installed on the curved support plate 400. Thus, in Figure 29 , the electrical contact member 50 has been installed and integrated into the light support structure 1000.

[0108] Although the light support structure 1000 is formed by the combination of the anchoring member 400 and the curved support plate 500 in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the light support structure 1000 can be a single-piece structure formed integrally. In still other embodiments, more than two components can be used to form the light support structure 1000.

[0109] The lamp support structure 1000 includes a lamp support surface 1001 (which in the illustrated embodiment is formed by a combination of the rear surfaces 402, 512 of the curved support plate 400 and the anchoring member 500). The lamp support surface 1001 has a concave curvature which, in one embodiment, generally corresponds to the dental arch of the human dentition. The lamp support structure 1000 also includes a front surface 1002 (which in the illustrated embodiment is formed by a combination of the front surfaces 401, 511 of the curved support plate 400 and the anchoring member 500). Thus, the lamp support structure 1000 includes a curved plate section 1010 having a first thickness measured from the front surface 1002 to the lamp support surface 1001. In one embodiment, each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B has a second thickness measured from the rear surface 303A-B of the flexible sheet body 301A-B to the front surface 302A-B of the flexible sheet body 301A-B. In one embodiment, the ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness is in the range of 0.5 to 2.5.

[0110] The lamp support structure 1000 includes an upper curved edge 1003, a lower curved edge 1004, a first side edge 1005 extending between the upper curved edge 1003 and the lower curved edge 1004, and a second side edge 1006 extending between the upper curved edge and the lower curved edge. The anchoring elements 521A-B project from the front surface 1002 of the lamp support structure 1000. The lamp support structure 1000 also includes lamp alignment features 421A-B, lamp retention features 535A-B, and recesses 405A-D formed in the lamp support surface 1001, as described in more detail above in connection with Figures 12 to 13 and Figures 14 to 16 more particularly described.

[0111] The electrical contact member 50 is mounted to the lamp support structure 1000 such that electrical coupling of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B can be readily achieved. Specifically, the electrical contact member 50 is mounted to the lamp support structure 1000 such that: (1) the first contact surface 55A of the first electrical contact element 54A forms part of the lamp support surface 1001; (2) the second contact surface 55B of the second electrical contact element 54B forms part of the lamp support surface 1001; and (3) the third contact surface 55C of the third electrical contact element 54C forms part of the lamp support surface 1001. In one embodiment, the first contact surface 55A, the second contact surface 55B, and the third contact surface 55C of the electrical contact member 50 are substantially flush with the remainder of the lamp support surface 1001. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first contact surface 55A, the second contact surface 55B, and the third contact surface 55C of the electrical contact member 50 is (horizontally) located in the central portion of the lamp support structure, wherein the second contact surface 55B of the second electrical contact element 54B is (vertically) centered, and the first contact surface 55A of the first electrical contact element 54A is located adjacent to the upper curved edge 1003, and the third contact surface 55C of the third electrical contact element 54C is located adjacent to the lower curved edge 1004.

[0112] It can be seen that the lamp support structure 1000 is a stepped surface in the central region, and the support surface portion 513 forms a step between the upper surface portion 512A and the lower surface portion 512B that are horizontally offset from each other. Conceptually, the upper surface portion 512A can be considered as the first upright plate portion of the lamp support surface 1001, and the lower surface portion 512B can be considered as the second upright plate portion of the lamp support surface 1001. In the illustrated embodiment, the second contact surface 55B is also a stepped surface including a first portion 56A and a second portion 56B that are horizontally offset from each other. The first portion 56A of the second contact surface 55B is surface-aligned with the upper surface portion 512A, and the second portion 56B of the second contact surface 55B is surface-aligned with the lower surface portion 512B.

[0113] Now referring simultaneously to Figures 25 to 26 and Figure 30 , once the lamp support structure 1000 is provided, the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B are mounted to the lamp support surface 1001 of the lamp support structure 1000, thereby forming the lamp assembly 2000. Since the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B are flexible, the lamps 300A and 300B flex to assume the curvature of the lamp mounting surface 1001, thereby causing the rear surfaces 313A of the flexible sheet bodies 301A of the first lamp 300A and the rear surfaces 313B of the flexible sheet bodies 301B of the second lamp 300B to assume a concave curvature. The first lamp 300A is mounted above the second lamp 300B.

[0114] On the front surfaces 302A-B of the flexible sheet bodies 301A-B of the lamps 300A-B, surface contact occurs between the first electrical contact members 311A-B and the second electrical contact members 312A-B of the lamps 300A-B and the contact surfaces 55A of the first electrical contact element 54A, the contact surfaces 55B of the second electrical contact element 54B, and the contact surfaces 55C of the third electrical contact element 54C. Specifically, the first contact surface 55A of the first electrical contact element 54A makes surface contact with the first electrical contact member 311A of the first lamp 300A. The third contact surface 55C of the third electrical contact element 54C makes surface contact with the first electrical contact member 311B of the second lamp 300B. With respect to the second electrical contact element 54B, a first portion 56A of the second contact surface 55B contacts the second electrical contact member 112A of the first flexible lamp 300A, and a second portion 56B of the second contact surface 55B contacts the second electrical contact member 112B of the second flexible lamp 300B. In one embodiment, the surface contact between these contact surfaces is sufficient to achieve the desired electrical coupling, and thus the electrical coupling is achieved only through surface contact. In another embodiment, these contact surfaces can be welded together to increase reliability.

[0115] As can be seen from Figure 30 it, the electrical contact component 50 has a portion 75 protruding from the front surface 1002 of the lamp support structure 1000 near the anchoring elements 521A-B. The portion 75 includes the exposed portions of each of the first electrical conductor 54A, the second electrical conductor 54B, and the third electrical conductor 54C to facilitate coupling to a control circuit 200 (discussed below).

[0116] The proper positioning of the flexible lamps 300A - B to the lamp support structure 100 (and maintaining the proper position of these flexible lamps) is achieved by the lamp alignment features 421A - B and the lamp retention features 535A - B. As discussed in more detail above, the lamp alignment features include a first rib 421A and a second rib 421B protruding from the lamp support surface 1001. It can be seen that the second rib 421A engages the first and second corners of the flexible sheet bodies 301A and 301B of each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B, while the second rib 421B engages the third and fourth corners of the flexible sheet bodies 301A and 301B of each of the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B. Additionally, a first lamp retention feature 535A and a second lamp retention feature 535B also protrude from the lamp support surface, where the first retention feature 535A engages the upper edge 305A of the first flexible lamp 300A, and the second retention feature 535B engages the lower edge 306B of the second flexible lamp 300B. It can also be seen that the first retention feature 535A extends through a notch 375A formed in the upper edge 305A of the first flexible lamp 300A, and the second retention feature 535B extends through a notch 375B formed in the lower edge 306B of the second flexible lamp 300B.

[0117] Now referring simultaneously to Figure 25 、 Figure 27 and Figure 31 Once the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B are in place against the lamp support surface 1001, the lamp retention member 600 is aligned with and coupled to the lamp support structure 1000. Specifically, the lamp retention member 600 is aligned with the lamp support structure 1000 such that the first locking tab 630A and the second locking tab 630B are aligned with the locking holes 531A and 531B of the lamp support structure 1000. The lamp retention member 600 is moved towards the lamp support surface 1001 such that the first locking tab 630A and the second locking tab 630B are inserted through the locking holes 531A and 531B of the anchoring member 500. During insertion, the chamfered surfaces 631A and 631B of the first locking tab 630A and the second locking tab 630B contact the lamp support surface 1001 and flex the first locking tab 630A and the second locking tab 630B. Once fully inserted through the locking holes 531A and 531B, the first locking tab 630A and the second locking tab 630B snap back to their normal state, thereby causing the locking surfaces 632A and 632B of the first locking tab 630A and the second locking tab 630B to mate with and mechanically engage the front surface 1002 of the lamp support structure 1000.

[0118] During this process, the first arcuate surface 611 of the lamp holder member 600 contacts the lower portion of the first lamp 300A, while the second arcuate surface 612 of the lamp holder member 600 contacts the upper portion of the second lamp 300B. Accordingly, the lamps 300A-B are pressed against the lamp support surface 1001. In one embodiment, the lower portion of the first lamp 300A may be compressed between the lamp holder member 600 and the lamp support surface 1001, while the upper portion of the second lamp 300B is compressed between the lamp holder member 600 and the lamp support surface 1001.

[0119] Now referring simultaneously to Figures 25 to 27 and Figure 32 , once the lamp assembly 2000 is fully assembled (as Figure 31 shown), the protective member 700 is overmolded onto the lamp assembly 2000, thereby forming the oral piece 101. As discussed above, the protective member 700 includes a first frame portion 711 and a second frame portion 712. The first frame portion 711 includes a closed geometric edge 713 that defines a first window 714 through which the rear surface 303A of the first lamp 300A remains exposed. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the rear surface 303A of the first lamp 300A (which is also the rear surface 313A of the flexible lens plate 309A) also serves as the first light-emitting surface 106. Similarly, the second frame portion 712 includes a closed geometric edge 715 that defines a second window 716 through which the rear surface 303B of the second lamp 300B remains exposed when the oral piece 101 is assembled. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the rear surface 303B of the second lamp 300B (which is also the rear surface 313B of the flexible lens plate 309B) also serves as the second light-emitting surface 107.

[0120] The first frame portion 711 forms an annular seal around the periphery of the rear surface 303A of the first lamp 300A. The second frame portion 712 forms an annular seal around the periphery of the rear surface 303B of the second lamp 300B. Additionally, during the overmolding process of forming the protective member 700, the molten elastomeric material flows into the recesses 405A-D of the lamp support surface 1001, thereby forming the pad portions 770A-D. Allowing the molten elastomeric material to flow into the recesses 405A-D to form the plurality of pad portions 770A-D helps to equalize the pressure on the first lamp 300A and the second lamp 300B during the injection molding process in which the protective member 700 is overmolded onto the lamp support structure 1000. The first pad portion 770A and the second pad portion 770B are respectively located within the first recess 404A and the second recess 404B, and not only contact the bottom plates 405A of the first recess 404A and 405B of the second recess 404B, but also contact the front surface 312A of the first lamp 300A. The third pad portion 770C and the fourth pad portion 770D are respectively located within the third recess 404C and the fourth recess 404D, and not only contact the bottom plates 405C of the third recess 404C and 405D of the fourth recess 404D, but also contact the front surface 312B of the second lamp 300B.

[0121] As can be best seen in Figure 26 the protective member 700 also includes a first wing portion 720A that extends beyond the first side edge 1005 of the lamp support structure 100 and a second wing portion 720B that extends beyond the second side edge 1006 of the lamp support structure 1000. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wing portion 720A and the second wing portion 720B are formed entirely of elastomeric material, thereby providing flexibility at the end of the oral appliance 101 to provide comfort to the user. The lamp support structure 1000 does not extend into the first wing portion 720A and the second wing portion 720B. However, it can be seen that at least a portion of the front surface 1002 of the lamp support structure 1000 remains exposed once the protective member 700 is formed.

[0122] Now referring simultaneously to Figure 27 and Figures 33 to 34Once the oral piece 101 is formed, it is coupled to the housing 102, thereby fixing the oral piece 101 to the housing 102 and sealing all the electronic components. Specifically, the control circuit 200 is disposed at an appropriate position in the lower portion 151 of the housing 102. The oral piece 101 is positioned such that the anchoring elements 521A, 521B are located above the first open slot 198A and the second open slot 198B formed in the lower section of the housing wall 114. The position of the oral piece 101 is lowered such that the anchoring elements 521A, 521B enter the first open slot 198A and the second open slot 198B, wherein the post portions 522A-B extend through the first open slot 198A and the second open slot 198B, and the heads 523A-B cover opposite sides of the housing wall 114. Then the upper portion 150 of the housing 102 is positioned on top of the lower portion 151 of the housing 102. The upper portion 150 includes an upper section of the housing wall, which also includes open slots that, after being coupled to the lower portion 151, complete the housing wall 114 and form the first anchoring hole 116 and the second anchoring hole 117.

[0123] Now referring separately to Figure 25 , in certain embodiments, the oral piece 101 is designed such that the first light-emitting surface 106 and the second light-emitting surface 107 are located on opposite sides of the horizontal reference plane H-H. The first light-emitting surface 106 is inclined such that a first acute angle θ1 is formed between the first light-emitting surface 106 and the horizontal reference plane H-H. The second light-emitting surface 107 is inclined such that a second acute angle θ2 is formed between the second light-emitting surface 107 and the horizontal reference plane H-H.

[0124] The bite platform 105 extends from the first light-emitting surface 106 and the second light-emitting surface 107 along the horizontal reference plane H-H. In one embodiment, the first acute angle θ1 and the second acute angle θ2 are different from each other. In another embodiment, the first acute angle θ1 and the second acute angle θ2 are the same. Each of the first acute angle θ1 and the second acute angle θ2 is in the range of 75° to 89°.

[0125] It can be seen that the lower edge 306A of the first lamp 300A is horizontally offset relative to the upper edge 305B of the second lamp 300B. Additionally, the first lamp 200A and the second lamp 200B are horizontally offset from each other such that, when measured along the reference plane H-H, the first lamp 300A is closer to the housing 102 than the second lamp 300B. In certain embodiments, the body of the oral piece 101 can be formed from a single piece that includes a lamp support surface to which the first lamp and / or the second lamp is mounted.

[0126] As used throughout, ranges are used as a shorthand for describing each and every value within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the range endpoint. Additionally, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict between the definitions in this disclosure and the definitions of the cited references, the definitions in this disclosure shall control.

[0127] Although the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including the presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that there are numerous variations and permutations of the systems and techniques described above. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth herein.

[0128] The present invention also includes, for example, the following technical solutions:

[0129] 1. An oral treatment device, comprising:

[0130] An intraoral oral component, the intraoral oral component comprising:

[0131] A lamp support structure, the lamp support structure including a lamp support surface having a concave curvature and a front surface having a convex curvature, the lamp support structure being formed of a first material;

[0132] A lamp, the lamp including: a flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface, and a plurality of light emitters embedded within the flexible sheet body, light generated by the plurality of light emitters being emitted from the rear surface of the flexible sheet body;

[0133] The lamp is mounted to the lamp support surface of the lamp support structure such that the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp presents a concave curvature, thereby forming a lamp assembly, the lamp being operatively coupled to a control circuit having a power source; and

[0134] A protective member overmolded onto the lamp assembly, the protective member being formed of an elastomeric material having a hardness less than the hardness of the first material.

[0135] 2. The oral treatment device according to item 1, wherein the lamp support structure includes lamp alignment features that maintain the lamp in a selected position relative to the lamp support structure.

[0136] 3. The oral treatment device according to item 2, wherein the lamp alignment features include: a first rib protruding from the lamp support surface, the first rib engaging a first corner and a second corner of the flexible sheet body of the lamp; and a second rib protruding from the lamp support surface, the second rib engaging a third corner and a fourth corner of the flexible sheet body of the lamp.

[0137] 4. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the lamp support structure further includes at least one recess formed in the lamp support surface of the lamp support structure; and wherein the protective member includes a pad portion in the recess, the pad portion contacting the bottom plate of the recess and the front surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp.

[0138] 5. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the protective member is an integrally formed single piece of the elastomeric material.

[0139] 6. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the protective member includes a frame portion that seals the perimeter of the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp, and the frame portion of the protective member defines a window through which the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp remains exposed.

[0140] 7. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the lamp support structure includes an upper curved edge, a lower curved edge, a first side edge extending between the upper curved edge and the lower curved edge, and a second side edge extending between the upper curved edge and the lower curved edge; and wherein the protective member further includes a first wing portion extending beyond the first side edge of the lamp support structure and a second wing portion extending beyond the second side edge of the lamp support structure.

[0141] 8. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the lamp support structure includes a curved plate section having a first thickness measured from the lamp support surface to the front surface of the lamp support structure; wherein the lamp has a second thickness measured from the rear surface of the flexible sheet body to the front surface of the flexible sheet body; and wherein the ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness is in the range of 0.5 to 2.5.

[0142] 9. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein at least a portion of the front surface of the lamp support structure remains exposed.

[0143] 10. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 9, further comprising:

[0144] a housing that houses the control circuit; and

[0145] an intraoral oral piece that is coupled to the housing and extends from the housing; and

[0146] Wherein the lamp support structure includes an anchoring element extending from the front surface of the lamp support structure, and the anchoring element cooperates with the housing to fix the oral appliance in the mouth to the housing.

[0147] 11. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the lamp support structure includes an anchoring member and a curved support plate that are joined together to jointly define the lamp support structure.

[0148] 12. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the lamp support structure further includes a lamp retention feature that engages the upper or lower edge of the lamp.

[0149] 13. The oral treatment device according to item 12, wherein the lamp retention feature extends through a notch in the upper or lower edge of the lamp.

[0150] 14. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the flexible sheet body of the lamp includes a flexible lens plate having a front surface and a rear surface; and wherein the plurality of light emitters are light emitting diodes printed on the front surface of the flexible lens plate, and the rear surface of the lens plate forms the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp.

[0151] 15. The oral treatment device according to item 14, wherein the light emitted by the light emitting diode has a wavelength in the range of 375 nm to 520 nm.

[0152] 16. The oral treatment device according to item 15, wherein the light emitted by the light emitting diode has a wavelength in the range of 405 nm to 415 nm.

[0153] 17. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 1 to 16, wherein the flexible sheet body of the lamp includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact for supplying electrical energy from the power source to the plurality of light emitters, and each of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact has a contact surface that forms a part of the front surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp.

[0154] 18. The oral treatment device according to item 17, wherein the first electrical contact is an elongated strip extending along the length of the lamp adjacent to the upper edge of the lamp, and the second electrical contact is an elongated strip extending along the length of the lamp adjacent to the lower edge of the lamp; and wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are electrically isolated from each other.

[0155] 19. An oral treatment device, comprising:

[0156] An intraoral oral component, the intraoral oral component comprising:

[0157] A lamp support structure, the lamp support structure including a lamp support surface;

[0158] A first lamp and a second lamp, each of the first lamp and the second lamp including a plurality of light emitters, light generated by the plurality of light emitters being emitted from a rear surface of the lamp;

[0159] Each of the first lamp and the second lamp is mounted to the lamp support surface, thereby forming a lamp assembly, each of the first lamp and the second lamp being operatively coupled to a control circuit having a power source; and

[0160] A lamp holding member coupled to the lamp support structure, a lower portion of the first lamp and an upper portion of the second lamp being held between the lamp holding member and the lamp support surface of the lamp support structure.

[0161] 20. The oral treatment device according to item 19, further comprising:

[0162] Each of the first lamp and the second lamp includes:

[0163] A flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface of the flexible sheet body forming the rear surface of the lamp; and

[0164] The plurality of light emitters embedded in the flexible sheet body; and

[0165] Wherein each of the first lamp and the second lamp is mounted to the lamp support surface such that the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of each of the first lamp and the second lamp exhibits a concave curvature; and

[0166] Wherein a lower portion of the flexible sheet body of the first lamp and an upper portion of the flexible sheet body of the second lamp are held between the lamp holding member and the lamp support surface of the lamp support structure.

[0167] 21. The oral treatment device according to item 20, wherein the lamp holding member includes a first arched surface in contact with the lower portion of the flexible sheet body of the first lamp and a second arched surface in contact with the upper portion of the flexible sheet body of the second lamp.

[0168] 22. The oral treatment device according to item 21, wherein the first arched surface and the second arched surface of the lamp holding member are horizontally offset from each other.

[0169] 23. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 20 to 22, wherein for each of the first lamp and the second lamp, the flexible sheet body includes a flexible lens plate and a flexible reflective layer, the plurality of light emitters are disposed between the flexible lens plate and the flexible reflective layer, and wherein a rear surface of the flexible lens plate forms the rear surface of the flexible sheet body.

[0170] 24. The oral treatment device according to item 23, wherein for each of the first lamp and the second lamp, the flexible sheet body includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact for supplying electrical energy from the power source to the plurality of light emitters, and each of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact has a contact surface that forms a part of the front surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp.

[0171] 25. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 23 to 24, wherein the plurality of light emitters are light emitting diodes printed on a front surface of the flexible lens plate.

[0172] 26. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 20 to 25, wherein the intraoral oral piece further includes:

[0173] A protective member coupled to the lamp assembly, the protective member including:

[0174] A first frame portion defining a first window, through which the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the first lamp is exposed;

[0175] A second frame portion defining a second window, through which the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the second lamp is exposed; and

[0176] A bite platform portion located between the first lamp and the second lamp, into which the lamp holding member is embedded.

[0177] 27. The oral treatment device according to item 26, wherein the lamp support structure includes a plurality of recesses formed in the lamp support surface; and wherein the protective member includes a pad portion filling each of the recesses.

[0178] 28. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 26 to 27, wherein the protective member is an integrally formed monolithic elastomeric material.

[0179] 29. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 19 to 28, wherein the lamp holding member is snap - locked to the lamp support structure.

[0180] 30. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 19 to 29, wherein the lamp holding member includes a plate portion extending horizontally from the lamp support surface.

[0181] 31. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 19 to 30, further comprising:

[0182] a housing that houses the control circuit; and

[0183] an intraoral oral member coupled to and extending from the housing; and

[0184] wherein the lamp support structure includes an anchoring element extending from the front surface of the lamp support structure, and the anchoring element cooperates with the housing to fix the lamp assembly to the housing.

[0185] 32. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 19 to 31, wherein the lamp support structure includes lamp alignment features that maintain the first lamp and the second lamp in a selected position relative to the lamp support structure.

[0186] 33. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 19 to 32, wherein the lamp support structure includes an upper curved edge, a lower curved edge, a first side edge extending between the upper curved edge and the lower curved edge, and a second side edge extending between the upper curved edge and the lower curved edge; and wherein the protective member further includes a first wing portion extending beyond the first side edge of the lamp support structure and a second wing portion extending beyond the second side edge of the lamp support structure.

[0187] 34. An oral treatment device, comprising:

[0188] an intraoral oral member, the intraoral oral member including:

[0189] a lamp support surface;

[0190] a first electrical contact element and a second electrical contact element electrically coupled to a control circuit having a power source, the first electrical contact element including a first contact surface, the second electrical contact element including a second contact surface, and each of the first contact surface of the first electrical contact element and the second contact surface of the second electrical contact element forms a part of the lamp support surface;

[0191] a lamp, the lamp including: a plurality of light emitters that emit light from the rear surface of the lamp; and a first electrical contact member and a second electrical contact member, the first electrical contact member having a first contact surface that forms a first part of the front surface of the lamp, and the second electrical contact member having a second contact surface that forms a second part of the front surface of the lamp; and

[0192] The lamp is mounted to the lamp support surface such that: (1) the first contact surface of the first electrical contact of the lamp contacts the first contact surface of the first electrical contact element; and (2) the second contact surface of the second electrical contact of the lamp contacts the second contact surface of the second electrical contact element.

[0193] 35. The oral treatment device according to item 34, further comprising:

[0194] A lamp, the lamp comprising:

[0195] A flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface of the flexible sheet body forming the rear surface of the lamp, and the front surface of the flexible sheet body forming the front surface of the lamp; and

[0196] A plurality of light emitters embedded within the flexible sheet body; and

[0197] Wherein the lamp is mounted to the lamp support surface such that the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp presents a concave curvature.

[0198] 36. The oral treatment device according to item 35, wherein each of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact of the lamp is in the form of an elongate strip that extends from a first side edge of the lamp along the length of the flexible lamp body to a second side edge of the lamp.

[0199] 37. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 35 to 36, wherein the lamp includes an upper edge and a lower edge, the first electrical contact of the lamp is adjacent to the upper edge of the lamp, and the second electrical contact of the lamp is adjacent to the lower edge of the lamp.

[0200] 38. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 35 to 38, wherein the portion of the lamp support surface formed by the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the first contact element and the second contact element is located in a central portion of the lamp support surface.

[0201] 39. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 35 to 38, wherein the lamp support surface has a concave curvature.

[0202] 40. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 35 to 39, wherein the intraoral oral piece includes a protective member, the protective member including a frame portion defining a window, and the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp is exposed through the window.

[0203] 41. The oral treatment device according to item 40, wherein the frame portion of the protective member seals the periphery of the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp.

[0204] 42. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 40 to 41, wherein the intraoral oral member further includes a lamp support structure, the lamp support structure includes the lamp support surface, the lamp support structure and the lamp together form a lamp assembly, and the protective member is an integrally formed monolithic elastomeric material overmolded onto the lamp assembly.

[0205] 43. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 41 to 42, wherein the protective member holds the lamp such that: (1) the first contact surface of the first electrical contact of the lamp makes surface contact with the first contact surface of the first electrical contact element; (2) the second contact surface of the second electrical contact of the lamp makes surface contact with the second contact surface of the second electrical contact element.

[0206] 44. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 35 to 43 further includes:

[0207] a housing that houses the control circuit, and the intraoral oral member that is coupled to and extends from the housing; and

[0208] wherein the intraoral oral member further includes:

[0209] an anchoring element that cooperates with the housing to fix the lamp assembly to the housing; and

[0210] an electrical contact member that includes the first electrical contact element, the second electrical contact element, and a base section that extends from the front surface of the oral member, the base section including exposed portions of the first electrical contact element and the second electrical contact element for electrical coupling to the control circuit.

[0211] 45. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 35 to 43, wherein the flexible sheet body of the lamp includes a flexible lens plate having a front surface and a rear surface; and wherein the plurality of light emitters are light emitting diodes printed on the front surface of the flexible lens plate, and the rear surface of the lens plate forms the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp.

[0212] 46. The oral treatment device according to item 45, wherein the flexible sheet body of the lamp further includes a flexible reflective layer, and the plurality of light emitters are disposed between the flexible lens plate and the flexible reflective layer.

[0213] 47. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 45 to 46, wherein the light-emitting diode is printed onto the front surface of the flexible lens plate using conductive ink.

[0214] 48. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 45 to 47, wherein the flexible lens plate is formed of a biocompatible material.

[0215] 49. An oral treatment device, comprising:

[0216] A control circuit having a power source; and

[0217] An intraoral oral component, the intraoral oral component comprising:

[0218] A first electrical conductor configured to have a first charge, a second electrical conductor configured to have a second charge opposite to the first charge, and a third electrical conductor configured to have the first charge:

[0219] A first lamp and a second lamp, each of the first lamp and the second lamp comprising:

[0220] A plurality of light emitters configured to generate light; and

[0221] A first electrical contact and a second electrical contact;

[0222] The first lamp is positioned above the second lamp; and

[0223] The first electrical conductor electrically couples the power source to the first electrical contact of the first lamp, the third electrical conductor electrically couples the power source to the first electrical contact of the third lamp, and the second electrical conductor couples the power source to each of the second electrical contacts of the first lamp and the second lamp.

[0224] 50. The oral treatment device according to item 49, wherein each of the first lamp and the second lamp further comprises: a flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface; the plurality of light emitters are embedded within the flexible sheet body such that light generated by the plurality of light emitters is emitted from the rear surface of the flexible sheet body; and wherein the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of each of the first lamp and the second lamp has a concave curvature.

[0225] 51. The oral treatment device according to item 50, wherein the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of each of the first lamp and the second lamp remains exposed; and wherein for each of the first lamp and the second lamp, each of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact forms a part of the front surface of the flexible sheet body.

[0226] 52. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 50 to 51, wherein for each of the first lamp and the second lamp, each of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is a strip of conductive tape.

[0227] 53. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 50 to 52, wherein the flexible sheet body of each of the first lamp and the second lamp has a length extending from a first side edge to a second side edge; and wherein for each of the first lamp and the second lamp, each of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is in the form of an elongated strip extending the length of the flexible sheet body.

[0228] 54. The oral treatment device according to item 53, wherein for each of the first lamp and the second lamp, the flexible sheet body has an upper edge extending from the first side edge to the second side edge and a lower edge extending from the first side edge to the second side edge; wherein for the first lamp, the first electrical contact is adjacent to the upper edge of the flexible sheet body, and the second electrical contact is adjacent to the lower edge of the flexible sheet body; and wherein for the second lamp, the first electrical contact is adjacent to the lower edge of the flexible sheet body, and the second electrical contact is adjacent to the upper edge of the flexible sheet body.

[0229] 55. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 50 to 54, wherein the intraoral oral piece further includes an electrical contact component, the electrical contact component including the first electrical conductor, the second electrical conductor, and the third electrical conductor.

[0230] 56. The oral treatment device according to item 55, wherein the electrical contact component includes a base section, and each of the first electrical conductor, the second electrical conductor, and the third electrical conductor extends from the base section.

[0231] 57. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 55 to 56, wherein each of the first electrical conductor, the second electrical conductor, and the third electrical conductor includes elongated tabs that are parallel to and spaced apart from each other.

[0232] 58. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 55 to 57, wherein the electrical contact component includes an integrally formed monolithic structure formed of a dielectric material; and wherein each of the first electrical conductor, the second electrical conductor, and the third electrical conductor is formed of a conductive material applied to the monolithic structure.

[0233] 59. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 55 to 58, further comprising:

[0234] A housing that houses the control circuit, and an oral component within the mouthpiece that is coupled to and extends from the housing; and

[0235] wherein the oral component within the mouthpiece further comprises:

[0236] An anchoring element that cooperates with the housing to fix the oral component to the housing; and

[0237] wherein the electrical contact member extends from the front surface of the oral component and has exposed portions for electrically coupling each of the first electrical conductor, the second electrical conductor, and the third electrical conductor to the power source.

[0238] 60. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 55 to 59, wherein the oral component within the mouthpiece further comprises a protective component, and the protective component comprises: a first frame portion defining a first window, through which the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the first lamp is exposed; and a second frame portion defining a second window, through which the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the second lamp is exposed.

[0239] 61. The oral treatment device according to item 60, wherein the first frame portion of the protective component seals the periphery of the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the first lamp; and wherein the second frame portion of the protective component seals the periphery of the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the second lamp.

[0240] 62. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 60 to 61, wherein the oral component within the mouthpiece further comprises a lamp support structure, and the lamp support structure comprises a lamp support surface having a concave curvature, to which the first lamp and the second lamp are mounted, thereby forming a lamp assembly.

[0241] 63. The oral treatment device according to item 62, wherein the protective component is an integrally formed monolithic elastomeric material overmolded onto the lamp assembly.

[0242] 64. An oral treatment device, comprising:

[0243] An oral component within the mouthpiece, and the oral component within the mouthpiece comprises:

[0244] A lamp support structure having an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge;

[0245] A lamp including a plurality of light emitters configured to generate light emitted from the lamp, the lamp being mounted to a lamp support structure to form a lamp assembly, the lamp being operably coupled to a control circuit having a power source; and

[0246] A protective member coupled to the lamp assembly, the protective member being formed of an elastomeric material, the protective member including a first wing portion extending beyond the first side edge of the lamp support structure and a second wing portion extending beyond the second side edge of the lamp support structure, the first wing portion and the second wing portion forming a flexible distal portion of an oral member within the oral cavity.

[0247] 65. The oral treatment device according to item 64, wherein the lamp further includes: a flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface; the plurality of light emitters being embedded within the flexible sheet body such that light generated by the plurality of light emitters is emitted from the rear surface of the flexible sheet body; and wherein the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp has a concave curvature.

[0248] 66. The oral treatment device according to item 65, wherein the protective member includes a frame portion defining a window, and the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp is exposed through the window.

[0249] 67. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 64 to 66, wherein the protective member is an integrally formed monolithic piece of the elastomeric material.

[0250] 68. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 64 to 67, wherein each of the first wing portion and the second wing portion consists of only the elastomeric material.

[0251] 69. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 64 to 68, wherein the protective member includes an arcuate occlusal platform portion extending horizontally from the lamp, the arcuate occlusal platform portion having a first distal edge and a second distal edge, the first wing portion extending beyond the first distal edge of the occlusal platform, and the second wing portion extending beyond the second distal edge of the occlusal platform.

[0252] 70. An oral treatment device, comprising:

[0253] An oral member within the oral cavity, the oral member within the oral cavity including:

[0254] A lamp, the lamp including: a flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface; and a plurality of light emitting diodes embedded within the flexible sheet body, light generated by the plurality of light emitting diodes being emitted from the rear surface of the flexible sheet body, the lamp being operably coupled to a control circuit having a power source; and

[0255] The flexible sheet body includes: a flexible lens plate formed of a biocompatible material, the flexible lens plate having a front surface and a rear surface; and the plurality of light emitting diodes are printed on the front surface of the flexible lens plate, and the rear surface of the flexible lens plate forms the rear surface of the flexible sheet body; and

[0256] The rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp has a concave curvature and is exposed to form the light emitting surface of the oral piece.

[0257] 71. The oral treatment device according to item 70, wherein the oral piece in the mouth includes a protective component, the protective component includes a frame portion defining a window, and the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp is exposed through the window.

[0258] 72. The oral treatment device according to item 71, wherein the frame portion of the protective component seals the periphery of the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp.

[0259] 73. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 71 to 72, wherein the oral piece in the mouth further includes a lamp support structure, the lamp support structure includes a lamp support surface to which the lamp is mounted, thereby forming a lamp assembly; the protective component is an integrally molded monolithic elastomeric material overmolded onto the lamp assembly.

[0260] 74. The oral treatment device according to item 73, wherein the lamp support structure is formed of a hard plastic.

[0261] 75. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 70 to 74, wherein the lamp includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact; each of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact of the lamp is in the form of an elongated strip that extends from a first side edge of the lamp along the length of the flexible lamp body to a second side edge of the lamp.

[0262] 76. The oral treatment device according to item 75, wherein the lamp includes an upper edge and a lower edge, the first electrical contact is adjacent to the upper edge, and the second electrical contact is adjacent to the lower edge.

[0263] 77. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 75 to 76, wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact of the lamp extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0264] 78. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 70 to 77, wherein the flexible sheet body of the lamp includes a reflective layer.

[0265] 79. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 70 to 78, wherein the light-emitting diode is printed onto the front surface of the flexible lens plate using conductive ink.

[0266] 80. An oral treatment device, comprising:

[0267] An intraoral oral piece, the intraoral oral piece comprising:

[0268] A first light-emitting surface configured to emit light onto the upper teeth of the user, the first light-emitting surface having a concave curvature;

[0269] A second light-emitting surface configured to emit light onto the lower teeth of the user, the second light-emitting surface having a concave curvature;

[0270] The first light-emitting surface and the second light-emitting surface are located on opposite sides of a horizontal reference plane;

[0271] The first light-emitting surface is inclined such that a first acute angle is formed between the first light-emitting surface and the horizontal reference plane;

[0272] And the second light-emitting surface is inclined such that a second acute angle is formed between the second light-emitting surface and the horizontal reference plane.

[0273] 81. The oral treatment device according to item 80, further comprising:

[0274] The intraoral oral piece includes a first lamp and a second lamp, the first lamp and the second lamp being operatively coupled to a control circuit having a power source;

[0275] Each of the first lamp and the second lamp includes:

[0276] A flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface; and

[0277] A plurality of light emitters embedded within the flexible sheet body, light generated by the plurality of light emitters being emitted from the rear surface of the flexible sheet body;

[0278] The first light-emitting surface is the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the first lamp; and

[0279] The second light-emitting surface is the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the second lamp.

[0280] 82. The oral treatment device according to item 81, wherein for each of the first lamp and the second lamp, the flexible sheet body includes a flexible lens plate having a front surface and a rear surface; and wherein the plurality of light emitters are light emitting diodes printed on the front surface of the flexible lens plate, and the rear surface of the lens plate forms the rear surface of the flexible sheet body.

[0281] 83. The oral treatment device according to item 82, wherein the flexible lens plate is formed of a biocompatible material.

[0282] 84. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 81 to 83, wherein the intraoral oral piece further comprises:

[0283] a lamp support structure, the lamp support structure including a lamp support surface having a concave curvature; and

[0284] each of the first lamp and the second lamp is mounted on the lamp support surface such that the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of each of the first lamp and the second lamp presents a concave curvature, thereby forming a lamp assembly.

[0285] 85. The oral treatment device according to item 84, wherein the lamp support surface is a stepped surface having a first vertical plate portion, a support surface portion, and a second vertical plate portion, the first lamp is mounted on the first vertical plate portion and the second lamp is mounted on the second vertical plate portion, thereby forming a lamp assembly.

[0286] 86. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 84 to 85, wherein the intraoral oral piece further comprises a protective member coupled to the lamp assembly, the protective member including: a first frame portion defining a first window, through which the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the first lamp is exposed; and a second frame portion defining a second window, through which the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the second lamp is exposed.

[0287] 87. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 80 to 86, wherein the intraoral oral piece further comprises a bite platform extending from the first light emitting surface and the second light emitting surface along the horizontal reference plane.

[0288] 88. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 80 to 87, wherein the first acute angle and the second acute angle are different.

[0289] 89. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 80 to 87, wherein the first acute angle and the second acute angle are the same.

[0290] 90. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 81 to 86, wherein each of the first lamp and the second lamp includes a first side edge, a second side edge, an upper edge, and a lower edge; and wherein the lower edge of the first lamp is horizontally offset relative to the upper edge of the second lamp.

[0291] 91. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 81 to 86 and 90, wherein the first lamp and the second lamp are horizontally offset from each other such that, when measured along the reference plane, the first lamp is closer to the housing than the second lamp.

[0292] 92. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 80 to 91, wherein each of the first acute angle and the second acute angle is an angle excluding the end values.

[0293] 93. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 80 to 92, wherein each of the first acute angle and the second acute angle is in the range of 75° to 89°.

[0294] 94. The oral treatment device according to any one of items 80 to 93, wherein each of the first light-emitting surface and the second light-emitting surface is flat in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane.

Claims

1. An oral treatment device, comprising: an intraoral oral component, the intraoral oral component comprising: a lamp support structure, the lamp support structure comprising a lamp support surface; a first lamp and a second lamp, each of the first lamp and the second lamp comprising a plurality of light emitters, the light generated by the plurality of light emitters being emitted from the rear surface of the lamp; each of the first lamp and the second lamp being mounted to the lamp support surface, thereby forming a lamp assembly, each of the first lamp and the second lamp being operatively coupled to a control circuit having a power source; and a lamp holding member coupled to the lamp support structure, a lower portion of the first lamp and an upper portion of the second lamp being held between the lamp holding member and the lamp support surface of the lamp support structure.

2. The oral treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising: each of the first lamp and the second lamp comprising: a flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface of the flexible sheet body forming the rear surface of the lamp; and the plurality of light emitters embedded within the flexible sheet body; and wherein each of the first lamp and the second lamp is mounted to the lamp support surface such that the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of each of the first lamp and the second lamp exhibits a concave curvature; and wherein a lower portion of the flexible sheet body of the first lamp and an upper portion of the flexible sheet body of the second lamp are held between the lamp holding member and the lamp support surface of the lamp support structure.

3. The oral treatment device according to claim 2, wherein the lamp holding member comprises a first arched surface in contact with the lower portion of the flexible sheet body of the first lamp and a second arched surface in contact with the upper portion of the flexible sheet body of the second lamp.

4. The oral treatment device according to claim 3, wherein the first arched surface and the second arched surface of the lamp holding member are horizontally offset from each other.

5. The oral treatment device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein for each of the first lamp and the second lamp, the flexible sheet body comprises a flexible lens plate and a flexible reflective layer, the plurality of light emitters being disposed between the flexible lens plate and the flexible reflective layer, and wherein the rear surface of the flexible lens plate forms the rear surface of the flexible sheet body; and wherein for each of the first lamp and the second lamp, the flexible sheet body comprises a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact for supplying electrical energy from the power source to the plurality of light emitters, each of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact having a contact surface forming a part of the front surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp.

6. The oral treatment device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of light emitters are light emitting diodes printed on the front surface of the flexible lens plate.

7. The oral treatment device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the intraoral oral component further comprises: A protective component coupled to the lamp assembly, the protective component comprising: A first frame portion defining a first window, a rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the first lamp being exposed through the first window; A second frame portion defining a second window, a rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the second lamp being exposed through the second window; and An engaging platform portion located between the first lamp and the second lamp, the lamp holding component being embedded in the engaging platform portion.

8. The oral treatment device according to claim 7, wherein the lamp support structure includes a plurality of recesses formed in the lamp support surface; and wherein the protective component includes a pad portion filling each of the recesses.

9. The oral treatment device according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the protective component is an integrally formed monolithic elastomeric material.

10. The oral treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lamp holding component includes a plate portion extending horizontally from the lamp support surface.

11. The oral treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: A housing accommodating the control circuit; and An intraoral oral component coupled to and extending from the housing; and wherein the lamp support structure includes an anchoring element extending from a front surface of the lamp support structure, the anchoring element cooperating with the housing to fix the lamp assembly to the housing.

12. The oral treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the lamp support structure includes lamp alignment features that maintain the first lamp and the second lamp in selected positions relative to the lamp support structure.

13. The oral treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lamp support structure includes an upper curved edge, a lower curved edge, a first side edge extending between the upper curved edge and the lower curved edge, and a second side edge extending between the upper curved edge and the lower curved edge; and wherein the protective component further includes a first wing portion extending beyond the first side edge of the lamp support structure and a second wing portion extending beyond the second side edge of the lamp support structure.

14. An oral treatment device, comprising: A control circuit having a power source; and An intraoral oral component, the intraoral oral component including: A first electrical conductor configured to have a first charge, a second electrical conductor configured to have a second charge opposite to the first charge, and a third electrical conductor configured to have the first charge; A first lamp and a second lamp, each of the first lamp and the second lamp including: A plurality of light emitters configured to generate light; and A first electrical contact and a second electrical contact; The first lamp is positioned above the second lamp; and The first electrical conductor electrically couples the power source to the first electrical contact of the first lamp, the third electrical conductor electrically couples the power source to the first electrical contact of the third lamp, and the second electrical conductor couples the power source to each of the second electrical contact of the first lamp and the second electrical contact of the second lamp.

15. An oral treatment device, comprising: an intraoral oral component, the intraoral oral component comprising: a lamp support structure having an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge; a lamp including a plurality of light emitters configured to generate light emitted from the lamp, the lamp being mounted to the lamp support structure to form a lamp assembly, the lamp being operatively coupled to a control circuit having a power source; and a protective component coupled to the lamp assembly, the protective component being formed of an elastomeric material, the protective component including a first wing portion extending beyond the first side edge of the lamp support structure and a second wing portion extending beyond the second side edge of the lamp support structure, the first wing portion and the second wing portion forming a flexible distal portion of the intraoral oral component.

16. An oral treatment device, comprising: an intraoral oral component, the intraoral oral component comprising: a lamp including a flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface; and a plurality of light emitting diodes embedded in the flexible sheet body, the light generated by the plurality of light emitting diodes being emitted from the rear surface of the flexible sheet body, the lamp being operatively coupled to a control circuit having a power source; and the flexible sheet body includes: a flexible lens plate formed of a biocompatible material, the flexible lens plate having a front surface and a rear surface; and the plurality of light emitting diodes are printed on the front surface of the flexible lens plate, the rear surface of the flexible lens plate forming the rear surface of the flexible sheet body; and the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp has a concave curvature and is exposed to form a light emitting surface of the oral component.

17. An oral treatment device, comprising: an intraoral oral component, the intraoral oral component comprising: a first light emitting surface configured to emit light onto the upper teeth of a user, the first light emitting surface having a concave curvature; a second light emitting surface configured to emit light onto the lower teeth of a user, the second light emitting surface having a concave curvature; the first light emitting surface and the second light emitting surface are located on opposite sides of a horizontal reference plane; the first light emitting surface is inclined such that a first acute angle is formed between the first light emitting surface and the horizontal reference plane; and the second light emitting surface is inclined such that a second acute angle is formed between the second light emitting surface and the horizontal reference plane.

Images